Garrett vs Minelab: Which Brand Fits You? (October 2026)

On this page (7 sections)

1. Garrett vs Minelab: which models are being compared?
2. Which detector is easiest to start with?
3. What do you get with each brand’s detector?
4. How do the coils compare for parks, fields and beaches?
5. Which detector gives you more target information?
6. How do the scores reflect each model’s fit?
7. Which model should you choose?

Choose Garrett for simple ACE 200 controls or the ACE 400’s target-control features, and Minelab for the Voyager’s 4 search modes and included gear. Compare these specific models, since the brand name alone doesn’t settle the choice.

This Garrett vs Minelab comparison looks at the Garrett ACE 400, Minelab X-Terra Voyager and Garrett ACE 200. The ACE 400 adds Iron Audio and adjustable frequency, the Voyager includes a kit of accessories, and the ACE 200 offers simple touch-and-go operation.

We compared their features, specs and included accessories to help you match a model to your plans.

Garrett vs Minelab: which models are being compared?

The ACE 400, X-Terra Voyager and ACE 200 offer different controls and included gear. The right fit depends on whether you value target-control features, mode choices or simplicity.

The ACE 400 has a 0-to-99 Target ID scale, along with Iron Audio, electronic pinpointing and adjustable frequency. Minelab’s Voyager has 4 search modes, 7 discrimination segments and an 11-inch waterproof coil.

The ACE 200 has simple touch-and-go operation, a digital Target ID scale from 0 to 99 and 3 programs. For a broader view of the brands, see our guide to Garrett, Minelab and other metal detector brands.

Which detector is easiest to start with?

The Garrett ACE 200 is the clearest choice if you want simple controls and fewer programs. Its touch-and-go operation and 3 programs give it a straightforward starting point.

It weighs 2.8 lb and has an adjustable stem and ergonomic grip. Its digital Target ID scale runs from 0 to 99, giving you a number to consider before you dig.

The Voyager also suits beginners, but its 4 modes give you more choices. You can select All Metal, Custom, Jewelry or Learn to set up a search.

The ACE 400 has 5 programs and features such as Iron Audio, electronic pinpointing and adjustable frequency. Those give you more tools to consider if you want to move beyond the ACE 200’s simpler approach.

If you’re still deciding what a first detector should offer, our guide to choosing a metal detector for beginners can help you set priorities.

Garrett ACE 200 or Minelab X-Terra Voyager for a first detector

Pick the ACE 200 for simple operation or the Voyager for its modes and included gear. Both weigh 2.8 lb.

The Voyager comes with headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack. Those extras reduce the need to find those items separately, while the ACE 200 package includes 4 AA batteries and an owner’s manual.

What do you get with each brand’s detector?

The Voyager includes headphones, a shovel and a backpack, making it the choice here if you want those accessories together. Its shovel is collapsible, and its shaft collapses to 28.3 inches for transport.

The ACE 400 includes a searchcoil cover to help shield its coil from scratches, rocks and debris. Choose it for its target-control features if those matter more to you than the Voyager’s accessory kit.

The ACE 200 package includes the detector, a 6.5 x 9 in searchcoil, 4 AA batteries and an owner’s manual. It’s made in the USA, and Garrett backs it with a 3-year limited factory warranty.

The included gear can matter if you want fewer separate purchases before your first hunt. For ideas on which add-ons earn their place, see our guide to metal detector accessories for adults.

How do the coils compare for parks, fields and beaches?

The Voyager has an 11-inch waterproof coil, while the ACE 200 has a 6.5 x 9 in waterproof coil. Check the ACE 400’s coil size before choosing it if coil dimensions are a deciding factor.

The Voyager is designed for beaches, parks and fields. Its adjustable shaft accommodates different user heights and collapses for transport between search areas.

The ACE 200 also suits searches in parks, beaches and backyards. Its waterproof coil can go in shallow water, streams or damp shoreline sand, but its control box is not waterproof.

A waterproof coil does not establish that the whole detector can be submerged. Keep the ACE 200’s control box dry and follow each detector’s manual for water-use limits.

Before taking either model near water, understand what waterproof means on a metal detector. For a beach-focused setup, see our beach metal detecting tips.

Which detector gives you more target information?

The ACE 400 offers Iron Audio alongside numeric Target ID, while the Voyager combines visual Target ID numbers with discrimination segments and pinpoint mode. The ACE 200 provides a numeric Target ID scale and audio tones.

The ACE 400 pairs its 0-to-99 Target ID scale with Iron Audio to help you hear iron trash before digging. Its electronic pinpointing helps locate a detected target, and adjustable frequency helps reduce interference from electrical sources or other detectors.

The Voyager has large visual Target ID numbers, 7 discrimination segments and a pinpoint mode. The segments let you filter unwanted targets, while pinpoint mode helps narrow where a target sits before recovery.

The ACE 200’s digital scale runs from 0 to 99 to indicate target conductivity. Its sharp audio tones give you another signal to consider before digging.

Choose the controls you want to use during a hunt: Iron Audio, discrimination segments or a simpler numeric display with tones. Our guide to what you can find with a metal detector covers common search goals.

How do the scores reflect each model’s fit?

The ACE 400 scores highest at 8, followed by the Voyager at 7.8 and the ACE 200 at 7.6. Our scores weigh specs and features against what you’re shopping for.

The ACE 400 scores 8 for its combination of Target ID, Iron Audio, electronic pinpointing and adjustable frequency. It suits you if those target-control tools are your priority.

The Voyager scores 7.8 for its 4 modes, 11-inch waterproof coil and included kit items. Its 7 discrimination segments and pinpoint mode add ways to refine a search.

The ACE 200 scores 7.6 for its beginner focus, simple operation and numeric Target ID. Its 3 programs offer fewer choices, and its control box needs to stay dry.

Which model should you choose?

Choose the Garrett ACE 400 if Iron Audio, electronic pinpointing and adjustable frequency matter most. Its 5 programs give it the highest program count among these models.

Choose the Minelab X-Terra Voyager if you want 4 search modes, an 11-inch waterproof coil and a kit with headphones, a shovel and a backpack. It brings those accessories together in one package.

Choose the Garrett ACE 200 if you want simple touch-and-go controls and a waterproof coil for shallow-water edges. Keep its control box dry.

For Garrett vs Minelab, let the controls and included gear settle your choice: ACE 400 for target-control features, Voyager for its accessory kit, or ACE 200 for simple operation. If you’re considering options beyond these brands, browse our best metal detectors for adults.

Frequently asked questions

Is Garrett or Minelab better for beginners?

Either brand has a beginner-friendly option here. The Garrett ACE 200 has simple touch-and-go operation and 3 programs, while the Minelab X-Terra Voyager has 4 search modes and includes a backpack, headphones and shovel.

Choose based on whether simple controls or an included accessory kit matters more to you.

Does the Garrett ACE 200 work in shallow water?

The Garrett ACE 200’s searchcoil can go in shallow water, but its control box must stay dry. Its 6.5 x 9 in waterproof coil can be submerged in streams or used on damp shoreline sand.

Follow the manual’s water-use instructions and keep the control box above water.

Which detector has more search modes?

The Garrett ACE 400 has the highest program count here, with 5 programs compared with the ACE 200’s 3. The Minelab X-Terra Voyager has 4 named search modes: All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn.

Counts alone don’t tell you which controls will suit your hunts.

Which brand includes more gear with these detectors?

The Minelab X-Terra Voyager includes headphones, a collapsible shovel and a backpack, making it the choice here for those accessories. The Garrett ACE 200 comes with its searchcoil, 4 AA batteries and an owner’s manual.

The Garrett ACE 400 includes a protective searchcoil cover.