6 Best Metal Detector Pinpointers (October 2026)
The best metal detector pinpointers include the Minelab PRO-FIND 35 for tone ID and adjustable sensitivity, the DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer for underwater use with an LCD, and the SUNPOW pinpointer for simple 360° scanning.
On this page (5 sections)
The Minelab PRO-FIND 35 is the best pinpointer for detectorists who want ferrous tone ID and adjustable sensitivity. For a fully submersible option with an LCD, the DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer is a strong fit.
A handheld pinpointer helps narrow down where a target sits after your main detector signals an area. We compared these 6 models by their water protection, alerts, scanning features and controls.
If you're new to the tool, start with what a pinpointer is used for. For the role each tool plays, read metal detector vs pinpointer.
Our picks at a glance
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Check itDmyond rechargeable pinpointer
Best for rechargeable power and three alert modes - 5
Best for wet sand and river edgesCheck it - 6
Best for a visible signal barCheck it
How we chose the best pinpointer models
The best pinpointer for you depends on where you search and how you want to follow a signal. We compared water protection, target alerts, scanning coverage, sensitivity controls and included accessories.
We gave more weight to features that make a clear difference during target recovery. Water protection matters around wet sand or shallow water, while tone ID, interference cancellation and adjustable sensitivity offer more control over signals.
The Minelab PRO-FIND 35 leads because it combines ferrous tone ID with 5 sensitivity levels. Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for.
| Product | Best for | Water use | Target feedback | Sensitivity | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab PRO-FIND 35 | tone ID and adjustable sensitivity | Confirm before submersion: 10 ft claim conflicts with IP54 rating | Audio and vibration, plus ferrous tone ID | 5 levels | 8.6 |
| DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer | underwater use with an LCD | IP68-rated, fully submersible | LCD, audio and vibration | 8.1 | |
| SUNPOW pinpointer | simple 360° scanning | Waterproof tip and scale section | Sound and vibration | 7.7 | |
| Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer | rechargeable power and three alert modes | Confirm before submersion: conflicting IP6 and IP68 descriptions | LCD, audio, vibration and LED | 7.6 | |
| SAKOBS pinpointer | wet sand and river edges | IP68 waterproof design | Audio and vibration | 7.5 | |
| CKG 360-degree pinpointer | a visible signal bar | IP68-rated, submersible to 10 ft (3 m) | LCD signal bar, LED, sound and vibration | 7.2 |
The 6 best metal detector pinpointers in detail
The Minelab PRO-FIND 35 scores highest for its ferrous tone ID and 5 sensitivity levels. The remaining picks follow in score order, with options for LCD feedback, simple controls and rechargeable power.
Minelab PRO-FIND 35
- Ferrous tone ID with two responses
- 5 sensitivity levels
- Minelab claims waterproofing to 10 ft (3 m)
- Audio and vibration alerts
Ferrous tone ID and 5 sensitivity levels give you more control over how you narrow down a target. Audio and vibration intensify as the probe approaches metal.
Pros
- Two responses help distinguish ferrous from nonferrous targets
- 5 sensitivity levels
- Includes a flashlight, holster and lanyard
Cons
- Tone ID may matter less if you only want a basic target alert
- Conflicting water-protection information needs clarification before submersion
The Minelab PRO-FIND 35 is the pick for target feedback and sensitivity control. Its two tone responses help distinguish ferrous from nonferrous targets, and you can choose from 5 sensitivity levels to balance depth and noise.
Audio tones and vibrations intensify as the probe approaches a target. Minelab's Detector Interference Free technology is designed to reduce interference when the main detector is operating.
Minelab claims waterproofing to 10 ft (3 m), but an IP54 rating also appears in its specifications. Confirm the water protection with Minelab before submerging it.
A built-in flashlight, holster and lanyard are included. These give you a light for dark holes and carrying accessories for keeping the probe nearby.
Choose it if you want tone ID and adjustable sensitivity. If full submersion matters more, compare the DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer below.
DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer
- IP68-rated and fully submersible
- LCD with audio and vibration alerts
- 360° side scan
- One-touch interference cancellation
An LCD, 3 alert modes and IP68 water protection make this model a flexible choice for wet sand, rivers and general target recovery.
Pros
- Fully submersible IP68 design
- LCD, audio and vibration alerts
- One-touch interference cancellation
Cons
- Confirm the permitted submersion depth before underwater use
- Uses a replaceable 9V battery
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer suits underwater searches where you want an LCD. It's fully submersible and IP68-rated, with LCD, sound and vibration feedback to help you follow a signal.
Its 360° side-scan function searches around the probe, and one-touch signal cancellation is designed to reduce interference. A built-in LED adds light around a hole or in dim surroundings.
The kit includes a 9V battery, retractable hanging wire, belt loop and user manual. The anti-slip rubber grip gives you a textured surface to hold during a search.
Pick this model if visual feedback and full submersion are priorities. For a simpler single-button option, the SUNPOW pinpointer has sound and vibration alerts.
SUNPOW pinpointer
- 360° side scan
- Waterproof tip and scale section
- Sound and vibration alerts
- Single-button operation
Single-button operation and 360° side scanning keep the SUNPOW pinpointer simple to use when you're narrowing down a signal in soil, grass or wet sand.
Pros
- 360° side-scan capability
- Sound and vibration alerts
- Includes a 9V battery and carrying accessories
Cons
- Keep underwater use limited to the tip and scale section
- SUNPOW's claimed 3.5-inch detection depth can vary with the target
The SUNPOW pinpointer keeps the controls simple with one-button operation and sound plus vibration alerts. Its 360° side scan searches around the probe, and SUNPOW claims a detection depth of up to 3.5 inches.
Waterproof protection covers the tip and scale section. Keep water use limited to those parts unless SUNPOW confirms that full submersion is permitted.
A spring clip, belt loop and 9V battery are included. The single button and combined sound and vibration feedback may suit a beginner who wants fewer controls to learn.
Choose the SUNPOW pinpointer for straightforward controls and 360° scanning. If you want to avoid disposable batteries, the Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer is worth a look.
Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer
- 800mAh rechargeable battery
- Dmyond claims up to 12 hours per charge
- 3 alert modes
- LCD signal-strength display
A rechargeable battery and 3 alert modes set this model apart if you'd rather not carry a spare 9V battery. Dmyond says a charge can last up to 12 hours.
Pros
- 800mAh rechargeable battery with Type-C cable
- 3 alert modes
- LCD shows signal strength and battery level
Cons
- Conflicting water-protection information needs clarification before submersion
- Needs recharging when the built-in battery runs low
The Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer stands out for its 800mAh battery and 3 alert modes. Dmyond says it can run for up to 12 hours on a charge, and a Type-C cable is included.
An LCD displays signal strength, selected mode and battery level. You can choose audio, vibration with LED, or combined audio, vibration and LED alerts.
Dmyond gives conflicting IP6 and IP68 water-protection descriptions, alongside a claim of submersion to 10 ft. Confirm the rating with Dmyond before relying on it for underwater searches.
Pick this one if rechargeability and several alert modes matter most. For a conventional 9V battery and an IP68 design, compare the SAKOBS pinpointer.
SAKOBS pinpointer
- IP68 waterproof design
- 360° side scan
- Audio and vibration alerts
- One-touch operation
IP68 protection and 360° side scanning suit hunts around wet sand, mud and shallow water. Sound and vibration alerts give you options in different surroundings.
Pros
- IP68 waterproof design
- One-touch operation
- Includes a protective cover and 9V battery
Cons
- Uses a replaceable 9V battery
- Confirm the permitted submersion depth before underwater use
The SAKOBS pinpointer pairs 360° side scanning with an IP68 waterproof design. Its audio, vibration and combined alerts let you switch feedback to suit an open park, a noisy beach or a quieter search.
One-touch operation keeps the controls simple, and interference reduction is designed to limit random beeps from nearby metal or changing ground. The kit includes a protective cover, carrying accessories, a 9V battery and a user manual.
SAKOBS claims a detection distance of up to 3.1 inches under suitable conditions. For wet sand, mud, streams and river edges, follow the manual's water-use limits.
Choose the SAKOBS pinpointer for simple controls with both sound and vibration. The CKG 360-degree pinpointer adds an LCD signal bar and tip light if visual feedback is your priority.
CKG 360-degree pinpointer
- 360° sensing from tip and sides
- LCD signal bar and LED tip light
- Sound, vibration or combined alerts
- IP68-rated and submersible to 10 ft (3 m)
The LCD signal bar and LED tip light add visual cues as you locate a target. CKG says the pinpointer is submersible to 10 ft (3 m).
Pros
- LCD signal bar and LED tip light
- Sound, vibration or combined alert modes
- 360° sensing from tip and sides
Cons
- Heaviest of these picks at 10.56 oz
- Detection depth depends on target size
The CKG 360-degree pinpointer adds an LCD signal bar and LED tip light to its target alerts. It senses from the tip and all sides, and you can choose sound, vibration or both.
CKG rates the model IP68 and says it can be submerged to 10 ft (3 m). CKG's claimed detection depth varies by target size: about 3.5 inches on coins and up to 5 inches on larger metal.
The kit includes a belt holster, wrist lanyard and 9V battery. At 10.56 oz, it's the heaviest model in this group, so consider weight if you want a lighter tool in your pouch.
Pick the CKG 360-degree pinpointer if you want a visual signal bar and several alert options. For the higher-scoring mix of adjustable sensitivity and ferrous tone ID, choose the Minelab PRO-FIND 35.
Which pinpointer features matter for your search?
Water protection, alert style and controls are the main features to compare. Choose them based on where you hunt and how you prefer to follow a target signal.
Is a waterproof pinpointer worth choosing?
A waterproof pinpointer is useful if your searches may take you through wet sand, rain or shallow water. Check whether the whole tool can be submerged or only part of it, and follow the permitted depth.
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer has a fully submersible IP68 design. The SAKOBS pinpointer also has IP68 protection, while the SUNPOW pinpointer specifies waterproofing for its tip and scale section.
Are sound, vibration or LCD alerts better?
Sound and vibration suit different surroundings, while an LCD gives you a visual signal to follow. Models with selectable modes let you choose based on noise, light and personal preference.
The Minelab PRO-FIND 35 increases both audio tones and vibration as the probe approaches a target. The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer and CKG 360-degree pinpointer add screens, while the Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer displays signal strength and battery level.
Does 360° scanning matter?
A 360° side scan helps you search for metal around the probe rather than using only its tip. It can help narrow a signal within a hole or dug soil, though detection distance still depends on the target and conditions.
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer, SUNPOW pinpointer, SAKOBS pinpointer and CKG 360-degree pinpointer offer 360° scanning. Choose the Minelab PRO-FIND 35 if tone ID and adjustable sensitivity matter more to you.
Should you choose rechargeable power?
Rechargeable power reduces the need for disposable batteries, but you need time and a power source to recharge. Dmyond says the Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer's 800mAh battery runs for up to 12 hours per charge, and it includes a Type-C cable.
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer, SUNPOW pinpointer, SAKOBS pinpointer and CKG 360-degree pinpointer include 9V batteries. Choose based on whether you prefer charging between outings or carrying a replacement battery.
What else should you carry with a pinpointer?
A main metal detector and carrying accessories help complete a pinpointer setup. Your detector finds the search area, then the pinpointer helps narrow down the target.
If you still need a primary detector, browse our best metal detectors guide. Our metal detector accessories guide covers other useful gear for a hunt.
For a first outing, our guide to using a metal detector explains the search process. Pair it with a pinpointer when you're ready to recover targets more closely.
Which is the best pinpointer for you?
Choose the Minelab PRO-FIND 35 as your best pinpointer if ferrous tone ID and adjustable sensitivity lead your priorities. Choose the DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer if you want an LCD and a fully submersible design.
For simple 360° scanning, consider the SUNPOW pinpointer. Pick the Dmyond rechargeable pinpointer for rechargeable power and 3 alert modes.
The SAKOBS pinpointer suits wet sand and river-edge searches, while the CKG 360-degree pinpointer adds an LCD signal bar and tip light. For help fitting one into your setup, read what a pinpointer is used for.
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Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
What does a pinpointer do?
A pinpointer helps narrow down the location of a metal target after your main detector signals an area. Its handheld probe lets you search the dug soil or hole more closely, which can help you recover a coin or small object with less extra digging.
See our guide to what a pinpointer is used for.
Do you need a pinpointer with a metal detector?
You can detect without one, but a pinpointer can make target recovery easier after your detector finds a signal. It's a separate handheld tool for searching close to the target, rather than covering a wide area.
Our guide to metal detector vs pinpointer explains what each tool does.
Can you use a pinpointer underwater?
Some pinpointers allow full submersion, while others protect only part of the probe. Check the permitted depth and follow the manual before underwater use.
The DR.ÖTEK MT6 Pro pinpointer is fully submersible and IP68-rated, while CKG gives the CKG 360-degree pinpointer a 10 ft (3 m) submersion limit.
What features matter most in a pinpointer?
Start with the water protection you need, then compare alert types, scanning coverage and controls. Audio and vibration can help in different surroundings, while an LCD adds a visual signal.
Adjustable sensitivity or interference cancellation may help you manage signals from nearby metal or changing ground.
Can a pinpointer replace a metal detector?
No. A pinpointer helps narrow down a target after a larger detector finds the search area.
It's a companion tool for recovery, rather than a replacement for a detector built to scan a wider area.
For more gear ideas, see our metal detector accessories guide.
