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10 Best Child Metal Detector 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit for Kids - Kids Metal Detector with 7.4" Waterproof Coil & Trowel, Lightweight Gold Detector, Beach Detecting, Gift for Boys & Girls

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Weight
Ease of Use
Audio and Visual Indicators

Most important from
919 reviews

Weight
The metal detector is lightweight and perfectly sized to keep kids engaged without fatigue.
Ease of Use
Easy assembly and intuitive use make it ideal for young beginners starting their treasure hunting adventures.
Audio and Visual Indicators
The detector reliably signals finds with clear audio and LED alerts, making discovery exciting and straightforward.
Durability
Durable design and included digging tools encourage outdoor exploration and hands-on learning.

The National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit is designed specifically for kids, making it a great choice for young treasure hunters. It’s lightweight at just about 2.77 pounds, which means children can handle it comfortably without getting tired quickly. The adjustable shaft ensures it fits kids of different heights, adding to its ease of use. The detector features a 7.4-inch waterproof coil that can detect objects up to 4 inches deep, which is good for basic metal detecting at the beach or in the backyard. When metal is found, kids get both audio and LED signals, making it simple to understand without confusion.

Durability seems solid enough for kids, especially with an included heavy-duty trowel for digging. The IP68 rating suggests good water resistance, which is useful for outdoor exploring. The included learning guide adds educational value, helping kids engage with science while having fun.

The detection depth and discrimination are basic, so it may not be suitable for more serious hobbyists or older children looking for advanced features. This kit provides a well-rounded, user-friendly experience that encourages outdoor activity and learning for younger kids starting out.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,221
Weight
Ease of Use
Audio and Visual Indicators

Most important from
919 reviews

Weight
The metal detector is lightweight and perfectly sized to keep kids engaged without fatigue.
Ease of Use
Easy assembly and intuitive use make it ideal for young beginners starting their treasure hunting adventures.
Audio and Visual Indicators
The detector reliably signals finds with clear audio and LED alerts, making discovery exciting and straightforward.
Durability
Durable design and included digging tools encourage outdoor exploration and hands-on learning.
#2

MINELAB X-Terra Elite Expedition, Waterproof, All Terrain Treasure Metal Detector, Multi-IQ Precision Targeting, Included V8X Coil, V12X Coil, ML85 Headphones, Charging Cable & PRO-FIND 40 Pinpointer

The MINELAB X-Terra Elite Expedition metal detector is a high-performance device that offers several features making it suitable for various terrains, including fields, beaches, and even underwater. One of its notable strengths is its precision targeting provided by the Multi-IQ multi-frequency technology, which helps in identifying different types of metals with high accuracy. The device is also fully waterproof up to 16 feet, making it ideal for treasure hunting in wet environments.

It includes high-performance audio features and wireless headphones, enhancing the user experience by providing clear audio cues on the depth and size of detected objects. The inclusion of a PRO-FIND 40 Pinpointer, designed to reduce interference with other metal detectors, adds to the ease of pinpointing the exact location of treasures. Weighing just 2.9 pounds, it is relatively lightweight, which is beneficial for children or younger users. However, the package dimensions and the advanced features might make it slightly challenging for very young children to handle without supervision. The adjustable shaft can be tailored to different user heights, adding to its versatility and ease of use.

The device's durability, supported by its waterproof nature and robust build, ensures long-term use even in rugged conditions. This metal detector is particularly well-suited for older children and teens who are serious about treasure hunting and can handle a more sophisticated device.

#3

MINELAB X-Terra (3. X-Terra Pro)

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Use
Discrimination

Most important from
1486 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight but sturdy design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods without causing fatigue.
Ease of Use
The X-Terra PRO offers a superb balance of power, versatility, and ease of use.
Discrimination
Adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes provide a wealth of features for serious metal detecting.
Audio and Visual Indicators
The LCD screen is really good, and the red backlight is sharp, with a flashlight mode that helps at night.

The MINELAB X-Terra PRO Waterproof Treasure Metal Detector boasts a range of features that make it a robust option for more serious treasure hunting. Weighing in at only 2.9 lbs (1.3 kg), it is lightweight and easy to handle, which is crucial for long detecting sessions, and it's adjustable, making it adaptable to users of different heights. The adjustable shaft is beneficial for growing children, ensuring comfort during use. The detection depth and discrimination capabilities are impressive due to the Pro-Switch Technology, which allows for frequency switching to detect various metals deeply and accurately in different environments.

The device is fully waterproof up to 16 feet (5 meters), adding an exciting dimension to treasure hunting in wet environments, which might be appealing for adventurous children. Durability is enhanced with its robust design and high IP68 rating, indicating it can withstand harsh conditions. The audio control with different tone options aids in distinguishing between types of metals, and the visual indicators like the backlit keypad and built-in flashlight are useful for low-light conditions.

For those looking for a high-performance metal detector for older children or family use, the MINELAB X-Terra PRO is a solid choice, but it might be overkill for casual, young hobbyists.

Rating
9.4
Weight
Ease of Use
Discrimination

Most important from
1486 reviews

Weight
Its lightweight but sturdy design makes it comfortable to use for extended periods without causing fatigue.
Ease of Use
The X-Terra PRO offers a superb balance of power, versatility, and ease of use.
Discrimination
Adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes provide a wealth of features for serious metal detecting.
Audio and Visual Indicators
The LCD screen is really good, and the red backlight is sharp, with a flashlight mode that helps at night.

Buying Guide for the Best Child Metal Detector

Choosing the right metal detector for a child can be a fun and educational experience. It's important to find a model that is easy to use, lightweight, and safe for children. The right metal detector can spark a child's interest in history, science, and the outdoors. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a metal detector for a child.
WeightWeight is a crucial factor because a metal detector that is too heavy can be difficult for a child to handle and may cause fatigue quickly. Lightweight models, typically under 2 pounds, are ideal for younger children as they are easier to carry and maneuver. For older children, a slightly heavier model may be acceptable, but it should still be comfortable for them to use for extended periods.
Adjustable ShaftAn adjustable shaft allows the metal detector to be resized to fit the child's height, ensuring comfort and ease of use. This feature is important because it ensures that the detector can grow with the child, providing a better user experience. Look for models with a wide range of adjustability to accommodate different heights and ensure the child can use the detector comfortably.
Ease of UseEase of use is essential for a child's metal detector. Simple controls and a user-friendly interface will make the experience more enjoyable and less frustrating. Look for models with straightforward buttons and clear instructions. Some detectors have preset modes that make it easier for children to start detecting without needing to adjust complex settings.
Detection DepthDetection depth refers to how deep the metal detector can sense objects underground. For children, a detection depth of 6-8 inches is usually sufficient. This depth allows them to find interesting items without needing to dig too deep, which can be tiring and potentially unsafe. More advanced models may offer greater depth, but for beginners, a moderate depth is ideal.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the ability of the metal detector to distinguish between different types of metals. This feature is important because it helps reduce the number of false positives, such as detecting trash instead of valuable items. For children, a basic level of discrimination is usually enough to make the experience enjoyable. Look for models that can differentiate between common metals like iron, aluminum, and more valuable metals like silver and gold.
DurabilityDurability is key when selecting a metal detector for a child, as it needs to withstand rough handling and outdoor conditions. Look for models made from sturdy materials that can endure drops and bumps. Water-resistant or waterproof models are also a good choice, as they allow for use in various environments, including wet grass or shallow water.
Audio and Visual IndicatorsAudio and visual indicators help the user know when a metal object has been detected. For children, clear and loud audio signals, along with visual cues like LED lights or a display screen, can make the detecting process more engaging and easier to understand. Ensure the model you choose has easily interpretable indicators to keep the child motivated and excited about their finds.

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