6 Best Waterproof Metal Detectors (October 2026)
The best waterproof metal detectors include the Minelab X-Terra PRO for adjustable beach searches, the SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector for a portable beach kit, and the Minelab Vanquish 360 for automatic frequency operation.
On this page (4 sections)
The best waterproof metal detector for most beach and shallow-water hunts is the Minelab X-Terra PRO, with two Beach modes and IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft. The SAKOBS and X-Terra Voyager offer waterproof coils, but that does not establish whole-detector protection.
We compared six waterproof metal detectors by water protection, search modes, portability and included gear. If you're choosing specifically for shore hunts, see our guide to the best metal detectors for the beach and these beach metal detecting tips.
Our picks at a glance
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How we chose waterproof metal detectors
Whole-detector protection and clear depth limits were the main factors in our waterproof metal detector picks. We also considered Beach modes, weight, shaft storage and included gear.
A waterproof coil alone does not make the whole detector submersible. For the difference between coil and control-box protection, read what waterproof means on a metal detector.
Our score weighs specs and features against what you're shopping for. The X-Terra PRO leads for its two Beach modes and 30 discrimination segments, while coil-only protection limits several other picks.
| Product | Best for | Waterproofing | Packed length | Search modes | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab X-Terra PRO | adjustable beach searches | IP68, to 16 ft | 25 in | 2 Park, 2 Field and 2 Beach | 9.1 |
| SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector | a portable beach kit | IP68 coil; whole-detector submersion unconfirmed | All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer | 8.8 | |
| Minelab Vanquish 360 | automatic frequency operation | IP68, to 16 ft | Park, Beach and All Metal | 8.4 | |
| Minelab X-Terra Voyager | an included starter kit | Waterproof coil; whole-detector submersion unconfirmed | All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn | 7.8 | |
| Nokta Simplex Ultra | a retractable carbon-fiber shaft | 16 ft claim conflicts with IP65 specification; confirm before immersion | 7.7 | ||
| BOXTREN 12-inch IP68 detector | a large coil and included gear | IP68 coil; control box is splash-proof only | All-Metal, Disc, Notch, Memory and Pinpoint | 7.2 |
The 6 best waterproof metal detectors in detail
The Minelab X-Terra PRO ranks first with IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft, two Beach modes and 30 discrimination segments. The BOXTREN ranks sixth and offers a waterproof coil, but its splash-proof control box must stay above water.
1. Minelab X-Terra PRO waterproof metal detector
Minelab X-Terra PRO
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Park, Field and Beach modes
- Packs down to 25 in
- 30 discrimination segments
Two Beach modes and IP68 waterproofing to 16 ft make this the top pick for searches across land, wet sand and shallow water.
Pros
- Six search modes across three terrain types
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- 30 discrimination segments
Cons
- Requires choosing terrain modes and frequency settings
- Three-piece shaft rather than a foldable frame
The Minelab X-Terra PRO suits beach searches that move between land and shallow water. It is rated IP68 to 16 ft and has two pre-programmed Beach modes, alongside two Park and two Field modes.
The control pod has a flashlight, red backlight display and backlit keypad, and the handgrip vibrates. Those features give you lighting and vibration cues for low-light searches.
Thirty discrimination segments let you control which targets to accept or ignore. PRO-SWITCH technology lets you switch frequencies, and the three-piece shaft packs down to 25 in.
Choose the X-Terra PRO if you want a stated immersion depth and separate modes for parks, fields and beaches. For a closer look at its features and tradeoffs, read our Minelab X-Terra PRO review.
2. SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector
SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector
- 11-inch IP68 waterproof coil
- Foldable frame, adjusts from 26 to 47 in
- 2.7 lb
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
A foldable frame and included backpack, headphones and shovel suit beach trips where you want a portable kit.
Pros
- 11-inch IP68 coil for wet sand and shallow water
- Foldable frame with 26 to 47 in adjustment
- Includes a backpack, headphones and shovel
Cons
- Whole-detector submersion is not confirmed
- SAKOBS's 12.8 in depth claim depends on suitable conditions
The SAKOBS 11-inch foldable detector suits beach trips where portability and included accessories matter. Its 11-inch IP68 DD coil is intended for wet sand and shallow water, while the frame adjusts from 26 to 47 in and weighs 2.7 lb.
It offers All Metal, Disc, Jewelry and Pinpointer modes, plus a backlit LCD target ID display. SAKOBS claims detection up to 12.8 in under suitable conditions, so don't expect that depth for every target.
A backpack, headphones and digging shovel come with the kit. Keep the control unit above water because whole-detector immersion is not confirmed.
3. Minelab Vanquish 360
Minelab Vanquish 360
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Park, Beach and All Metal modes
- 2.6 lb
- Up to 10 hours of run time
Automatic Multi-IQ and three search modes suit trips that move between parks and beaches without manual frequency switching.
Pros
- IP68 waterproof to 16 ft
- Light 2.6 lb weight
- Rechargeable battery with up to 10 hours of run time
Cons
- No separate Field mode
- 10 x 7 in coil is smaller than the 11- and 12-inch options here
The Minelab Vanquish 360 suits you if you want a 2.6 lb detector with automatic Multi-IQ. It has Park, Beach and All Metal modes, plus IP68 waterproofing with submersion to 16 ft.
The included V10X 10 x 7 in Double-D coil is waterproof. Minelab states that the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers up to 10 hours of continuous run time.
Multi-IQ removes the need to switch frequencies manually as you move between search areas. Choose the X-Terra PRO if you want separate Field modes and 30 discrimination segments.
4. Minelab X-Terra Voyager
Minelab X-Terra Voyager
- 11-inch waterproof coil
- Four search modes
- 2.8 lb
- Backpack, headphones and shovel included
The 11-inch waterproof coil and included backpack, headphones and shovel make this a ready-to-carry kit for parks, fields and beaches.
Pros
- 11-inch waterproof coil
- Four search modes and seven discrimination segments
- Includes a backpack, headphones and shovel
Cons
- No confirmed whole-detector submersion depth
- Seven discrimination segments versus the X-Terra PRO's 30
The Minelab X-Terra Voyager suits land and beach searches where an 11-inch waterproof coil meets your needs. Keep the control unit above water because whole-detector immersion is not confirmed.
Four modes cover All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn, with seven discrimination segments and a pinpoint mode. Large target ID numbers give you information before digging, and the detector weighs 2.8 lb.
The kit includes headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack. Pick it if those extras matter; for underwater searches, choose a detector with confirmed whole-unit protection and follow its depth limit.
5. Nokta Simplex Ultra
Nokta Simplex Ultra
- Carbon-fiber shaft
- Retracts to 25 in
- 11-inch search coil
- USB firmware updates via PC
A carbon-fiber shaft that retracts to 25 in gives this detector a compact storage option between hunts.
Pros
- Retracts to 25 in for storage
- Carbon-fiber shaft
- Supports USB firmware updates via PC
Cons
- Bluetooth headphones are not included
- Conflicting water-protection information needs confirmation before immersion
The Nokta Simplex Ultra suits you if compact storage and a carbon-fiber shaft matter. Its shaft retracts to 25 in, and it comes with an 11-inch search coil.
Nokta describes it as waterproof to 16 ft, but an IP65 specification conflicts with that immersion claim. Get the exact model's water-use instructions confirmed before taking it underwater.
Bluetooth headphones are not included, and firmware updates use a USB connection to a PC. Choose this model for its retractable shaft, with underwater use dependent on resolving the protection conflict.
6. BOXTREN 12-inch IP68 detector
BOXTREN 12-inch IP68 detector
- 12-inch IP68 waterproof coil
- Five detection modes
- Foldable, adjusts from 20 to 53 in
- Headphones, shovel and backpack included
The 12-inch IP68 coil and included headphones, shovel and backpack suit beach searches where you want a larger coil and a gear kit.
Pros
- 12-inch IP68 waterproof coil
- Folds and adjusts from 20 to 53 in
- Includes headphones, a shovel and a backpack
Cons
- Control box must stay above water
- Splash-proof control box needs protection from immersion
The BOXTREN 12-inch IP68 detector suits coil-only shallow-water searches with included gear. It has All-Metal, Disc, Notch, Memory and Pinpoint modes, plus a foldable frame that adjusts from 20 to 53 in.
Its control box is splash-proof only and must not be immersed. Use the waterproof coil in shallow water while keeping the control box above the surface.
The backlit LCD shows target ID, depth and battery status. Headphones, a shovel and a backpack come with the kit, but underwater searches require a different model with whole-detector protection.
What should you check before buying a waterproof metal detector?
Check whether protection covers the whole detector or just the coil. If you plan to put the control box underwater, confirm whole-unit immersion instructions and a depth limit.
Beach modes are another feature to compare for shore hunting. The X-Terra PRO has two Beach modes, while the Vanquish 360 has Park, Beach and All Metal modes.
Weight and packed length help you compare carrying options. The Vanquish 360 weighs 2.6 lb, the SAKOBS weighs 2.7 lb, and both the X-Terra PRO and Simplex Ultra pack down to 25 in.
Which waterproof metal detector fits your kind of hunt?
Choose the Minelab X-Terra PRO for IP68 protection to 16 ft, two Beach modes and 30 discrimination segments. Choose the Vanquish 360 for automatic Multi-IQ, a 2.6 lb weight and up to 10 hours of run time.
Pick the SAKOBS for a foldable beach kit, or the Voyager for its included gear and waterproof coil. The BOXTREN offers a 12-inch coil with a control box that must stay above water.
Before your first trip, review how to use a metal detector on your first hunt to plan your setup and search routine.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
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Frequently asked questions
Can you submerge a waterproof metal detector?
Only submerge a detector when its manufacturer confirms whole-detector protection and gives a depth limit. A waterproof coil does not establish that the control box can go underwater.
Check the exact model's instructions, keep unprotected parts above water, and stay within the stated depth.
What does IP68 mean on a metal detector?
An IP68 label alone does not give you a usable depth limit or confirm that every part can go underwater. Check which parts it covers and follow the model's stated immersion instructions.
Our guide to what waterproof means on a metal detector explains coil and control-box protection.
Can you use a waterproof metal detector on wet sand?
Yes, choose a model intended for wet sand or beach searches, such as the SAKOBS with its 11-inch IP68 coil. Water protection and search settings are separate considerations.
Keep the control box above water unless whole-detector immersion is confirmed, and use any Beach mode according to the instructions.
Which waterproof metal detector is easiest to carry?
The Minelab Vanquish 360 is a light option at 2.6 lb, while the SAKOBS weighs 2.7 lb and has a foldable frame with 26 to 47 in length adjustment. For carrying accessories together, the SAKOBS includes a backpack, headphones and a shovel.
