Speaking of metal detectors, it’s the small differences between models that can make a huge difference overall. Some products perform excellently on relic hunts while others work well on detecting and distinguishing different kinds of coins. A few of them can even find gold.
After putting in 30 hours of researching and 80 hours of testing 14 different models, here are our final picks of the six most accurate metal detectors.
Here are the most accurate metal detectors you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Relic Hunting: Fisher F22
- Best For Beginners: SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector
- Best For Beach: RM RICOMAX GC-1037
- Best For Gold: Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
- Best For Coins: Sakobs Professional Metal Detector
- Ultra-Light: Quest X10 Metal Detector
| 6 Most Accurate Metal Detectors | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Relic Hunting | Fisher F22 | |
Best For Beginners | SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector | |
Best For Beach | RM RICOMAX GC-1037 | |
Best For Gold | Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector | |
Best For Coins | Sakobs Professional Metal Detector | |
Ultra-Light | Quest X10 Metal Detector | |
Best For Relic Hunting: Fisher F22
- Best for relic hunting - 10 sensitivity level adjustments, four operation modes, & discrimination feature
- Allow for setting your own tones - Fe-Tone adjustable iron audio
- User-friendly - non-volatile memory saves settings
- Some screws are prone to coming loose
- Not for low tides, wet sand beach, and saltwater
The Fisher F22 has 10 sensitivity level adjustments and four operation modes, including relic mode. While it has super-fast retune speed and can perfectly discriminate out the trash, like iron from treasures, we find it is more sensitive at relic mode (compared to coin mode or jewelry mode).
We also like the depth reading - it can detect items at 6”-8” deep, or up to 9” in the right soil conditions.
The metal detector is also built to allow you to set your own tones plus it has non-volatile memory saves settings for ease of use.
| Fisher F22 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 22 x 8 x 5 inches |
Weight | 3 Pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 4 modes |
Operating Frequency | 7.69 kHz |
Highlight Features | 10 sensitivity level adjustments, four operation modes, & discrimination feature Fe-Tone adjustable iron audio non-volatile memory saves settings |
Designed to give great target separation, superfast return speed, and various pre-set modes, the Fisher F22 is decent for relic hunting.
Best For Beginners: SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector
- Easy to assemble or disassemble
- Straightforward & Easy to use – loud sound, large number readout, including a bag and a shovel, and the all-metal features
- Accurate - Upgraded DSP Chip
- A rechargeable battery would be helpful
- Hard to use at night - no backlight display
The SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector is a breeze to assemble or disassemble. You can follow the manufacturer’s instructions – which are well-written – or reference tutorial videos if you need something more visual.
It is also straightforward, easy to use, and accurate. The sound is loud and the number readout is large.
Unlike other metal detectors at the same pricing, this one distinguishes treasury items, such as coins, jewelry, and metallic items from trash pretty well at a depth of 8.7”. The pointing features and the all-metal features work great.
We do appreciate that it comes with a bag and shovel, so you can start out your adventure right then.
| SUNPOW Professional Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 24.4 x 11.4 x 6.3 inches |
Weight | 6.85 Pounds |
Depth Adjustment | Up to 8.7 inches |
Operating Frequency | 6.2-6.8KHz |
Highlight Features | Easy to assemble or disassemble the loud sound, large number readout, included a bag and a shovel, and the all-metal features Upgraded DSP Chip |
SUNPOW has a reputation for making high-quality detectors at a highly competitive price and the Upgraded OT-MD02 is one of them. It also has a great setup for beginners to intermediate metal hunters.
Best For Beach: RM RICOMAX GC-1037
- Able to resist saltwater, beach sand, and more – waterproof IP68 rating, a plastic-shielded search coil, and a rust-free aluminum shaft
- Strong anti-interference - 3.5mm headset jack
- Easy to keep it working constantly - powered by two 9V batteries
- The price doesn’t include the batteries, meaning that you have to buy them separately
The RM RICOMAX GC-1037 is a waterproof IP68 rated unit – which is deemed to bear sand, dirt, and dust, along with the capability of submersion up to a max depth of 5 feet underwater for 30 minutes. It features a rust-free aluminum shaft and a plastic-shielded search coil.
It’s also easy to maintain.
Making it more ideal for the beach is the added 3.5mm headset jack, which is compatible with conventional headsets to keep you not being distracted by the crowd noise.
This model is powered by two 9V batteries (sold separately), which also comes in handy for beach relic hunters.
| RM RICOMAX GC-1037 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 48 x 10 x 10 inches |
Weight | 2.31 pounds. |
Highlight Features | waterproof IP68 rating, a plastic-shielded search coil, and a rust-free aluminum shaft 3.5mm headset jack powered by two 9V batteries |
Out of a bunch, the RM RICOMAX GC-1037 is our favorite pick for the beach because of its accuracy, great waterproof properties, and low maintenance.
Best For Gold: Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector
- Able to find gold (and other low and medium-conductivity items) - new higher operating frequency
- Great stability - New Camlocks Stem
- Deliver advanced control and tracking - upgraded iron audio & Digital Target ID
- Wish the plastic parts were sturdier
The Garrett ACE 400 truly can detect gold and it is the most affordable gold detector on the market (excluding that marketing mumbo jumbo).
Built with a new higher operating frequency – 10kHz, it gives stronger sensitivity to be capable of detecting low and medium-conductivity items, such as gold.
It is also upgraded to the Digital Target ID to help you easily determine the target information you’re scanning through before deciding to dig or not. And, the new iron audio allows you to replace the mid-tone signal range.
Your wrists and arms will also thank you for choosing this model because the whole design is very well-balanced with great stability, due to the New Camlocks Stem.
| Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 22 x 14 x 6 inches |
Weight | 3 pounds |
Operating Frequency | 10 kHz |
Highlight Features | new higher operating frequency New Camlocks Stem upgraded iron audio & Digital Target ID |
If you’re a serious relic hunter who aims to find gold, the Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector is a reliable and budget-friendly option
Best For Coins: Sakobs Professional Metal Detector
- Able to detect and discriminate different coins - more effective & accurate discrimination function
- Help you find deeper hidden coins – depth ranges of up to 11”
- Eliminate false alarms - Ground Balance function
- A bit heavy
The Sakobs Professional Metal Detector stands out from the competition for featuring a more effective & accurate discrimination function. It can accurately detect and distinguish quarter, penny, dime, and especially rare coins.
The depth is also more than other counterparts - up to 11”, allowing you to find more hidden treasure.
The Ground Balance button works precisely to eliminate false alarms from harder soil conditions.
| Sakobs Professional Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 28 x 11 x 6 inches |
Weight | 7.8 Pounds |
Depth Adjustment | up to 11 inches |
Highlight Features | more effective & accurate discrimination function depth ranges of up to 11” Ground Balance function |
If you’re a coin collector, the Sakobs Professional Metal Detector will be your best assistant to find more treasure faster and more effectively.
Ultra-Light: Quest X10 Metal Detector
- Very lightweight for less fatigued & more control - 2.14 pounds of weight
- Durable - rugged ABS and dust-resistant, waterproof soft TPE materials
- Perfect for night use - LCD backlit display screen and flashlight feature
- No complaint
The Quest X10 Metal Detector has a great balance of lightness and durability because it is mainly made of rugged ABS and high-quality soft TPE material with excellent dust and water resistance.
The total weight of this unit is just 2.14 pounds, equivalent to 970 grams – which is feather-light and suitable for long-hour treasure hunts. To optimize your force, it is innovatively T-style designed for even weight distribution.
We also appreciate that it has an LCD backlit display screen and flashlight feature for night use.
The waterproof TurboD Blade Coil makes it work with more accuracy in a faster time than the concentric coil while the price is wallet-friendly.
| Quest X10 Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 21.7 x 6 x 3.9 inches |
Weight | 2.14 Pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 9 inches |
Operating Frequency | 13khz |
Highlight Features | 2.14 pounds of weight rugged ABS and dust-resistant, waterproof soft TPE materials LCD backlit display screen and flashlight feature |
The Quest X10 is an ultralight yet durable metal detector that you can trust, and it works decently in long-hour relic hunts.
How To Choose The Most Accurate Metal Detector?
Sensitivity
This feature refers to the ability of a metal detector to detect conductive materials from a specific distance. Each sensitivity level is perfect for certain applications, so it is important to determine what you’d like to detect – a relic, coins, gold, or jewelry – and the desired depth.
Take note that the required sensitivity level might need to be changed due to the mineral content in the search area.
Find a metal detector with adjustable sensitivity levels is better for you to hunt on different soil conditions.
Discrimination & Target identification
Discrimination is a function that helps a metal detector distinguish between various material types (such as between bottle caps and coins), and it affects the accuracy of the tool.
Meanwhile, target identification boosts that function to the next level. It can tell you exactly what the object is (usually distinguishing between coins of different denominations, gold, jewelry, and junk) within a certain range.
Note: Discrimination function might not come in handy for relic hunters.
Ground Balance
Only some metal detectors have a ground balance feature – which helps reduce false alarms due to interference of metals and metal alloys in the soil on the tool’s ability to locate conductive materials.
There are four types of ground balance:
Multiple ground balance – the feature that allows for either manually or automatically setting the ground balance level.
Manual ground balance – the feature that allows you to change the ground balance level due to the desired target
Preset ground balance – the feature that allows you to choose between pre-programmed settings to adjust the ground balance level due to your needs and desired target.
Automatic ground balance - the feature that automatically adjusts the ground balance level to detect and adjust for interference.
Which Brands Make The Most Accurate Metal Detector?
Fisher Lab
In metal detection, this is one of the most trustworthy names. It was established in 1931 and through the years, they have developed a wide range of lines using their own technology and innovation – which is the reason for their outstandingly quality products.
Garrett
Founded in 1964, Garrett is another reliable brand in manufacturing metal detectors and selling them at highly competitive prices. They also set a new standard on unparalleled customer satisfaction.
Quest
Quest was set up by a group of professional and experienced detectorists. They are dedicated to providing metal detectors and related accessories that use cutting-edge technology.
FAQs
Are cheap metal detectors any good?
Yes, they are. Low-budget, cheap metal detectors are made mostly for beginners but rest assured, they can give great performance and quality.
Are Garrett metal detectors any good?
Yes, they are. Garrett metal detectors are deemed some of the best picks for people who intend to get into the hobby due to their top-notch quality, accuracy, and performance.
Is Minelab better than Garrett?
While they are both well-known metal detector manufacturers, their products are aimed at different groups of users.
Minelab metal detectors are mostly for pro relic hunters while Garrett’s are well-loved by beginners and intermediate-level relic hunters.
How deep can a metal detector detect?
A metal detector mostly can detect objects from 4” to 8”. While some specialized models can go deep to 65’ underground - especially in ideal conditions, the mid-range ones can reach 12” to 18”.
Can you find diamonds with a metal detector?
No, you can’t. Diamonds don’t contain metal. But if you want to find diamond rings, a metal detector can help you.
Conclusion
Purchasing the most accurate metal detector is a challenging yet fun task. It is an essential piece of gear that will make or break your relic hunting game. Whether it’s the ease of use, decent discrimination function, or weatherproofing, we have got the best options to help you find the right one.
