7 Best Metal Detectors Under $300 (October 2026)
The best metal detectors under 300 dollars include the Minelab X-Terra PRO for varied terrain, the SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector for a complete starter kit, and the Minelab Vanquish 360 for automatic frequency operation.
On this page (4 sections)
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is our top choice among the best metal detectors under 300 dollars because it offers Park, Field and Beach modes, frequency switching and IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft. We compared seven options for terrain, water use, portability, search modes and included gear.
The right pick depends on where you plan to hunt. For a broader look at the category, see our best metal detectors guide and metal detectors for adults.
Our picks at a glance
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Best for included field gearCheck it - 5
Best for a retractable carbon-fiber shaftCheck it - 6
Best for a large search coilCheck it - 7
Check itULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector
Best for a foldable design with batteries
How we chose the best metal detectors under 300 dollars
We prioritized terrain modes, water protection and portability, then compared pinpoint functions and accessories. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
The picks cover different uses, including full-detector waterproofing, coil-only water protection and bundled tools. Conflicting specifications need confirmation before you rely on them, especially for underwater use.
| Product | Best for | Search modes | Water rating | Packed length | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab X-Terra PRO | varied terrain | 2 Park, 2 Field and 2 Beach | IP68, to 16 ft | 25 in | 9.1 |
| SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector | a complete starter kit | All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer | IP68 coil | 8.8 | |
| Minelab Vanquish 360 | automatic frequency operation | Park, Beach and All Metal | IP68, to 16 ft | 8.4 | |
| Minelab X-Terra Voyager | included field gear | All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn | 7.8 | ||
| Nokta Simplex Ultra | a retractable carbon-fiber shaft | 7.7 | |||
| VVinRC 13-inch DD detector | a large search coil | All Metals, DISC and Pinpoint | 7.0 | ||
| ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector | a foldable design with batteries | All Metal, DISC, Notch and Pinpoint | IP68 coil, control box is not waterproof | 6.9 |
The best metal detectors under 300 dollars in detail
The Minelab X-Terra PRO leads because it combines six terrain presets, frequency switching and full waterproofing. The remaining picks offer other reasons to choose them, including bundled gear, automatic frequency operation, a compact shaft or a larger coil.
Minelab X-Terra PRO
- Park, Field and Beach modes
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Frequency switching
- Packs down to 25 in
Park, Field and Beach presets and full waterproofing make it an adaptable pick. Frequency switching and 30 discrimination segments give you more ways to adjust your search.
Pros
- Six terrain presets
- Waterproof to 16 ft
- 30 discrimination segments
Cons
- More search settings to learn than the Vanquish 360
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is the strongest fit if your hunts move between parks, fields and beaches. Its six preset search modes are split across those three terrain types, and frequency switching gives you another way to adjust the detector.
It has 30 discrimination segments, pinpoint mode and five audio modes. The large LCD, red backlight, backlit keypad, control pod flashlight and handgrip vibration provide several ways to see or notice signals.
Its three-piece shaft packs down to 25 in for transport. The detector is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft, giving it broader water protection than a waterproof coil alone.
Choose it if you want terrain presets and frequency control in one detector. If you mostly need a beginner setup, our metal detector guide for adults compares other options for getting started.
SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector
- 11-inch IP68 waterproof DD coil
- 2.7 lb
- Four search modes
- Headphones, shovel and backpack included
This foldable detector comes with headphones, a digging shovel and a carrying backpack. The coil is waterproof, and the detector weighs 2.7 lb.
Pros
- Headphones, shovel and backpack included
- Foldable design
- Four search modes
Cons
- Full-detector waterproofing is not confirmed
The SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector suits beginners who want several accessories together. It comes with headphones, a digging shovel and a carrying backpack.
Its 11-inch IP68 waterproof DD coil supports searches around wet sand and shallow-water edges. Keep the control box out of water because full-detector waterproofing is not confirmed.
The detector weighs 2.7 lb and adjusts from 26 to 47 in. Four modes cover All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer, and the backlit LCD shows target ID.
This is a practical match if portability and included gear are priorities. For beach hunting, also read our beach metal detecting tips.
Minelab Vanquish 360
- Park, Beach and All Metal modes
- Multi-IQ technology
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Up to 10 hours of run time
Multi-IQ technology works without manual frequency switching, and the detector weighs 2.6 lb. Minelab claims up to 10 hours of continuous run time.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology
- Waterproof to 16 ft
- Rechargeable battery
Cons
- Fewer search presets than the X-Terra PRO
The Minelab Vanquish 360 suits someone who wants Multi-IQ technology without manual frequency switching. Its Park, Beach and All Metal modes cover several common search settings.
It is IP68 waterproof to 16 ft and weighs 2.6 lb. The included V10X 10 x 7 in Double-D coil is waterproof.
The built-in lithium-ion battery is rechargeable, and Minelab claims up to 10 hours of continuous run time. Streamlined controls and fully automatic operation suit readers who prefer fewer adjustments.
Pick the Vanquish 360 for low weight and automatic frequency operation. If you are choosing between Minelab and Nokta, our X-Terra PRO vs Simplex Ultra comparison looks at the tradeoffs.
Minelab X-Terra Voyager
- 11-inch waterproof coil
- Four search modes
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
- 2.8 lb
The Voyager comes with headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack. Four modes and numerical Target ID give you several ways to tailor a search.
Pros
- Headphones, shovel and backpack included
- Four search modes
- Numerical Target ID
Cons
- Full-detector waterproofing is not confirmed
The Minelab X-Terra Voyager suits readers who want accessories bundled with a Minelab detector. The kit includes headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack.
Its four modes are All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn. Numerical Target ID and seven discrimination segments help you choose which signals to pursue, while pinpoint mode helps narrow the target location before digging.
The 11-inch coil is waterproof, but full-detector waterproofing is not confirmed. The detector weighs 2.8 lb and collapses to 28.3 in for storage or transport.
Choose the Voyager if you want an accessory kit and numerical target information. For help with setup and technique, follow our guide on how to use a metal detector.
Nokta Simplex Ultra
- Carbon-fiber shaft
- Retracts to 25 in
- 11-inch search coil
- USB firmware updates through a PC
The Simplex Ultra pairs a carbon-fiber shaft with a compact 25-inch retracted length. Firmware updates are available through USB on a PC.
Pros
- Carbon-fiber shaft
- Retracts to 25 in
- USB firmware updates
Cons
- Bluetooth headphones are not included
- Conflicting water-protection specifications
The Nokta Simplex Ultra stands out for its carbon-fiber shaft and 25-inch retracted length. Those features suit readers who want a compact detector for storage or transport.
It has an 11-inch search coil, and firmware updates are available through USB on a PC. Bluetooth headphones are not included.
Nokta advertises waterproofing to 16 ft, but an IP65 specification conflicts with that claim. Confirm water protection with Nokta before submerging it.
Choose this pick for its shaft construction and compact storage length. See our metal detector accessories guide for help deciding what gear is useful beyond the detector itself.
VVinRC 13-inch DD detector
- 13-inch waterproof DD coil
- All Metals, DISC and Pinpoint modes
- Backlit LCD
- Adjustable stem
The 13-inch DD coil is the largest in this group. Its three modes include a dedicated pinpoint setting.
Pros
- Largest coil in this group
- Backlit LCD
- Adjustable stem
Cons
- IP54 detector rating does not support full submersion
The VVinRC 13-inch DD detector has the largest coil in this roundup. VVinRC says the larger DD coil helps cover more ground with each sweep.
Three modes cover All Metals, DISC and Pinpoint. The backlit LCD displays target information, and the stem adjusts from 39.37 to 49.21 in.
Its IP54 detector rating does not support full submersion, even though the search coil is waterproof. Keep the control unit dry.
Choose it if a large coil is your main priority for open-ground searches. Its pinpoint function stays active after one press of the P/P button, so you don't need to hold it down.
ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector
- Foldable design
- 11-inch IP68 waterproof coil
- Four modes
- 2.4 lb
The Pro300 folds for storage and weighs 2.4 lb. Its kit includes headphones, a shovel, a carrying bag and two 9V batteries.
Pros
- Foldable design
- 2.4 lb weight
- Two batteries included
Cons
- Control box is not waterproof
The ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector suits readers who want a foldable kit weighing 2.4 lb. It comes with headphones, a foldable shovel, a carrying bag and two 9V batteries.
Its 11-inch IP68 waterproof DD coil supports searches around wet ground. The control box is not waterproof and must stay dry.
Four modes cover All Metal, DISC, Notch and Pinpoint, with nine target metal types. The adjustable stem extends from 22 to 60 in, giving you a wide length range.
This is a useful option if you want a foldable kit for trips to parks or beaches. For a different budget level, compare it with our best metal detectors under 200 dollars.
What matters most in a metal detector under 300 dollars?
Match water protection and search modes to your hunting ground, then compare weight and included gear. For trips on foot, folded length can matter as much as the accessories in the box.
Does waterproofing cover the whole detector?
The Minelab X-Terra PRO and Minelab Vanquish 360 have IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft. The SAKOBS and Voyager have waterproof coils without confirmed full-detector waterproofing, while ULHUND expressly excludes its control box.
The Simplex Ultra has conflicting water-protection specifications that need confirmation before submersion. The VVinRC's IP54 detector rating also does not support full submersion; read what waterproof means on a metal detector for more guidance.
Which search modes do budget metal detectors offer?
Search modes let you choose a terrain or target setting. The X-Terra PRO provides two presets each for Park, Field and Beach, while the Voyager and SAKOBS include Jewelry modes.
Pinpoint mode appears on several picks and helps narrow down where to dig after a signal. If finding coins is your main goal, our metal detectors for coins guide covers that use case.
Should you choose a kit or a standalone detector?
Choose an accessory kit if you need headphones, a shovel and a carrying bag together. SAKOBS and Voyager include those items, while ULHUND also includes two 9V batteries.
Compare the detector's features alongside the included gear. The X-Terra PRO offers frequency switching, the Vanquish 360 has Multi-IQ, and the Simplex Ultra has a carbon-fiber shaft and USB firmware updates.
How much should weight and storage matter?
Compare both carrying weight and packed length if you'll walk to your search area. The ULHUND weighs 2.4 lb, the Vanquish 360 weighs 2.6 lb, SAKOBS weighs 2.7 lb, and the Voyager weighs 2.8 lb.
The Simplex Ultra retracts to 25 in, and the X-Terra PRO packs down to the same length. The Voyager collapses to 28.3 in, so compare those lengths with your backpack or storage space.
Which metal detector under 300 dollars should you choose?
Choose the Minelab X-Terra PRO for terrain presets, frequency switching and full waterproofing. Pick the Minelab Vanquish 360 for Multi-IQ and a 2.6 lb weight, or the SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector and Minelab X-Terra Voyager if included gear is a priority.
Consider the ULHUND Pro300 11-inch detector for a foldable 2.4 lb kit, keeping its control box dry. Choose the VVinRC 13-inch DD detector for the largest coil here, or the Nokta Simplex Ultra for its compact carbon-fiber shaft.
Use those priorities to narrow your choice before comparing smaller features. See the best metal detectors guide for more options.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Which metal detector under 300 dollars is the best all-around pick?
The Minelab X-Terra PRO is our top choice in this group, with Park, Field and Beach modes, frequency switching and IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft. If you want included headphones, a shovel and a backpack, the Minelab X-Terra Voyager or SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector may suit you better.
Can I use a metal detector under 300 dollars at the beach?
Yes, several picks support beach use, but check which parts can get wet. The Minelab X-Terra PRO and Minelab Vanquish 360 are waterproof to 16 ft.
The SAKOBS and ULHUND coils are waterproof, but full-detector waterproofing is unconfirmed for SAKOBS, and ULHUND's control box must stay dry.
Is a larger coil always better?
No, coil size alone does not tell you which detector will suit your search. The VVinRC 13-inch DD detector has the largest coil here, which can help cover open ground.
Also compare search modes, adjustable length and water protection rather than choosing by coil diameter alone.
What should I check before buying a budget metal detector?
Match the detector to where you plan to search, then check its water protection, weight, search modes and included gear. For beach or shallow-water use, confirm whether waterproofing covers the whole detector or only the coil.
Also compare packed length if you plan to carry it in a backpack.
