Metal detecting is a popular hobby for history fanatics, and with the thrill of finding undiscovered artefacts at any moment it’s no wonder why.
If you’re looking for the next big find, it’s vital that you have a detector that is both effective and reliable.
In this article, we will look at the best metal detectors on the market today, analysing the best options at different price points.
Best Options At A Glance
Compare The Best Metal Detectors At A Glance
Compare the top metal detectors at a glance. We’ve highlighted the most important specs such as size, special features, and “best for” use cases so you can quickly spot the right option for your needs.
| 🪙 Metal Detector | 💷 Price Tier | ⚖️ Weight | 🌊 Waterproof Rating | ⭐ Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DR.ÖTEK MTXR | £ | 907 g | IP68 | Complete detection kit with adjustable sensitivity |
| Nokta Makro Simplex+ | ££ | 1.2 kg | IP68 (2m) | Preset modes for beach, park & field use |
| Garrett ACE 400i | £££ | 1.32 kg | Weather resistant | IRON AUDIO target discrimination |
| Garrett ACE APEX HP | ££££ | ~1.3 kg | Weather resistant | Apex Audio with rechargeable battery |
Product Summaries
DR.ÖTEK MTXR Metal Detector
- Brand - DR.ÖTEK
- Dimensions - 55.5 x 27.3 x 12.8 cm
- Weight - 907 g
- Material - Premium ABS Plastic
- Special Feature - IP68 Rated
Firstly we have the DR.ÖTEK MTXR Metal Detector. It’s currently selling for £103/$140 on Amazon.
Similarly to the MTXE, the MTXR is really versatile. The stem length is adjustable, with a range of 108-136cm. This makes this detector suitable for adults of different heights, but also kids as well.
The sensitivity of the detector is also adjustable. With the 5-level sensitivity settings, you can adjust the detector to counteract interference factors and find your targets faster. This allows you to spend far less time detecting and more time finding exciting precious metals and artefacts.
DR.ÖTEK MTXR kit also includes a premium headset, a heavy-duty digger shovel and a multipurpose carrying bag. This makes it ideal if you’re looking for a complete set to take on the move.
If you’re in the market for a comprehensive metal detection kit that’s extremely versatile, this MTXR set is an ideal option.
Buy the DR.ÖTEK MTXR Metal Detector from Amazon for only £103/$140:
Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector
- Brand - Nokta
- Dimensions - 57.6 x 29.6 x 13 cm
- Weight - 1.2 kg
- Material - Metal
- Special Feature - Preset Modes
Next we have the Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector. It’s currently selling for £266/$361 on Amazon.
The Nokta Makro Simplex+ is a really impressive metal detector. It’s an ideal choice for those who want a lightweight and upgradeable metal detector, as it only weighs 1.2 kg (which is less than half of the weight of the 2.8 kg Vistreck detector).
It can also be used in a variety of environments and conditions. The Makro Simplex+ has an IP68 waterproof rating, meaning that it’s more than capable of tackling beaches and marshland. Not only that, but it is capable of operating in salt water or fresh water up to a depth of 2 meters!
Similarly to some of the other detectors on this list, the Simplex+ comes with a variety of modes. These modes include Metal, Parks, Plain and Beach, giving you a lot more control over how your detector operates.
If you’re looking for a lightweight detector that can operate in almost any environment, the Makro Simplex+ from Nokta is a great choice.
Buy the Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector from Amazon for only £266/$361:
Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector
- Brand - Garrett
- Dimensions - 99.1 x 27.9 x 12.7 cm
- Weight - 1.32 kg
- Material - Metal
- Special Feature - IRON AUDIO
Finally we have the Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector. It’s currently selling for £376/$510 on Amazon.
The Garrett ACE 400i detector is aa direct evolution of one of the most purchased leisure detection devices in France and around the world – the Garrett Euro ACE.
This detector has visual discrimination via its large LCD screen, as well as audio discrimination through its multi-tone functionality. The ACE 400i metal detector will therefore sound sharp for the most conductive targets, medium for targets with medium conductivity, and deep for ferrous targets.
As with the high-end Garrett AT Pro model, the ACE 400i detector has IRON AUDIO. Once you press the IRON AUDIO button, the detection of any excluded ferrous metals will trigger a sound to alert you, making the detection process as easy as can be.
If you’re looking for a slightly higher-end detector, the ACE 400i might be the one for you.
Buy the Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector from Amazon for only £376/$510:
Garrett ACE APEX HP Metal Detector
- Brand - Garrett
- Dimensions - aprx. 99 x 28 x 12 cm
- Weight - aprx. 1.3 kg
- Material - Metal
- Special Feature - Apex Audio
Finally we have the Garrett ACE APEX HP Metal Detector. It’s currently selling for £476/$645 on Amazon.
The ACE APEX HP is a really impressive, and it’s definitely a step up from the more reasonably priced ACE 400i.
One impressive stat is the battery life. The built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides approximately 15 hours of use, depending on your detection setting. Charging is easy using the included micro-USB cable.
Similarly to the 400i the ACE APEX has IRON AUDIO, but it also has Apex audio. The Apex target audio provides the simplicity of binary audio (found on existing ACE detectors) with the additional benefits of subtle proportional audio for faint targets. Five distinct audio tones provide more accurate target identification than other Garrett detectors.
If you’re looking for the best metal detector on Amazon, the ACE APEX HP might be just that.
Buy the Garrett ACE APEX HP Metal Detector from Amazon for only £476/$645:
Metal Detector Feature Comparison
The best metal detectors balance depth detection, target discrimination, and usability for finding coins, jewellery, relics, and buried metal in different environments. The table below highlights the most important features to compare before buying a metal detector in the UK.
| ⚙️ Metal Detector Feature | 📖 Why It Matters | ✅ Recommended Spec | 🎯 Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🌊 Waterproof Rating | Waterproof detectors can safely operate on beaches, wet ground, and shallow water. | IP68 or fully submersible | Beach & river detecting |
| 📡 Detection Technology | Different technologies suit different environments and targets. | VLF for beginners, PI for depth | Coins, relics & gold hunting |
| 🎯 Target Discrimination | Helps separate valuable metals from junk targets like nails or foil. | Adjustable discrimination modes | Cleaner & faster detecting |
| 🔊 Audio Identification | Different tones help identify target types before digging. | Multi-tone audio system | More accurate target detection |
| ⚖️ Weight | Lighter detectors reduce fatigue during longer sessions. | Under 1.5 kg ideal | Extended treasure hunting |
| 📏 Adjustable Shaft Length | Improves comfort and usability for different heights. | Telescopic adjustable stem | Adults & children |
| 🔋 Battery System | Rechargeable batteries reduce ongoing costs and improve convenience. | Rechargeable lithium battery | Frequent use |
| 🏖️ Preset Search Modes | Preset modes optimise performance for beaches, parks, and fields. | Beach, park & relic modes | Different terrains |
| 📶 Frequency Type | Higher frequencies detect smaller items better, while lower frequencies improve depth. | Multi-frequency preferred | Versatile detecting |
| 🏕️ Intended Use | Some detectors are designed for beginners, while others suit serious hobbyists. | Match detector to terrain & targets | Better overall performance |
FAQs
Our overall favourite is the Garrett ACE APEX HP Metal Detector. Garrett are a household name in the metal detecting industry, and the ACE APEX definitely lives up to the name. The APEX is equipped with six different detection modes, 5 tone audible target ID, and an impressive lithium battery that can provide around 15 hours of use depending on your settings. As described by Garrett, it’s the pinnacle of affordable metal detection.
The DR.ÖTEK MTXE Metal Detector is one of the best budget metal detectors on the market. You can currently find it for as low as £140/$173 on Amazon, and it’s impressively well-equipped for the price point. It has 6 different detection modes including 3 classic modes and 3 terrain modes, and it offers the user loads of adjustment for optimal ease of use.
Garrett have become a household name in the metal detecting industry. Their ACE line in particular has earned some well-deserved praise, with models like the Garrett ACE 400i Metal Detector offering a great balance of cost and performance for beginners.
Some other great brands include Nokta, Minelab and XP. The Nokta Makro Simplex+ Metal Detector is an excellent metal detector if you’re looking for something around the £300/$370 range.
In the UK, you always need to get the landowner’s permission to both detect on an area of land as well as to keep anything that you find. It’s worth double checking that the person you ask is actually the landowner as opposed to a tenant, as a tenant is unable to give you the required permission to detect and keep your findings.
Thanks for reading our article – if you’re interested in metal detectors, you might want to take a look at our article covering the Best Metal Detector Headphones UK.
Feel free to leave a comment below if you have any thoughts or queries that you’d like us to take a look at – we’d be happy to help.
