10 Best Low Cost Metal Detector 2025 in the United States

The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for Adults Professional is a versatile and affordable option for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a range of features that enhance its usability and accuracy. The five detection modes, including Pinpoint, All Metal, Discrimination, Memory, and Jewelry, provide flexibility for different types of searches, with the Memory Mode being particularly useful for focusing on specific metals. The large, backlit LCD display is user-friendly and allows for easy reading in low light conditions, helping you identify the types of metals detected with more precision.

The 9.8-inch waterproof coil is a significant advantage, as it can detect coins up to 10 inches deep and larger objects even deeper, making it suitable for searches in shallow water. The adjustable stem, ranging from 42.7 to 53.5 inches, accommodates different heights, making it comfortable for both adults and kids to use. Additionally, the 5-level sensitivity adjustment helps minimize interference, enhancing the accuracy of your searches.

The inclusion of a premium headset, heavy-duty digger shovel, and carrying bag adds value and convenience, making it a thoughtful gift option. On the downside, the product requires batteries, which are not included, so you will need to purchase them separately. While the metal detector is robust in features, it may take some time for new users to fully understand and utilize all the settings and modes effectively. The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector offers great value with its advanced features, adjustable design, and user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for those looking to get into metal detecting without breaking the bank.

The GoGonova Kids Metal Detector is designed as a budget-friendly option suitable for both kids and adults, especially beginners interested in outdoor treasure hunting. It offers an 8-inch waterproof search coil that can detect metals about 8 inches underground, providing a decent detection depth for its price range. The detector includes two modes: All Metal Mode for detecting all metals and Discrimination Mode to filter out unwanted metals, which helps in focusing on specific targets. This feature is useful for beginners learning to distinguish different metals. The adjustable stem (39.3 to 51.3 inches) makes it comfortable for kids aged 8 to 12 as well as adults, and the armrest design adds to ease of use during longer hunts. The large, backlit LCD screen displays clear information, making it easier to identify metals even in low light, which is a plus for users who may explore at dusk or in shaded areas.

The device weighs just under 5 pounds, which is manageable but not ultra-light, so younger children might find it a bit tiring over extended use. While the coil is IP68 waterproof, allowing for use in shallow water like beaches or creeks, the control box itself is not waterproof, so caution is needed in wet conditions. The included accessories like a carry bag, shovel, earphones, and extra batteries add good value, though the shovel is only suitable for soft ground, not hard soil or rocky areas.

The detector’s sensitivity and discrimination capabilities are decent but not highly advanced; this is typical for low-cost models and may not satisfy users looking for professional-grade performance. The lack of a ground balance feature means it might struggle in mineralized soils or highly varied terrain, affecting detection accuracy. This metal detector represents a good choice for beginners and young explorers wanting a fun, easy-to-use device for casual outdoor treasure hunting but may not meet the needs of serious hobbyists or those requiring deeper or more precise detection.

The MINELAB Equinox 900 is a versatile and affordable metal detector packed with features suitable for both beginners and experienced metal detector enthusiasts. One of its standout features is the simultaneous multi-frequency technology, which allows for comprehensive detection across various types of metals and soils. This makes it highly flexible for different environments, from parks to beaches, and even underwater, as it is fully waterproof up to 16 feet (5 meters).

It offers 6 single frequencies for targeted searches and 4 detection modes tailored to specific areas like high-trash zones, fields, beaches, and gold prospecting, enhancing its usability in diverse scenarios. The accurate Target ID and superior audio control help distinguish between valuable finds and trash, aiding in more efficient searches. However, the complexity of these features might be a bit daunting for absolute beginners. Weighing only 2.8 pounds and featuring a collapsible design, it's portable and easy to handle for extended periods, which is a significant advantage.

The inclusion of wireless headphones and a built-in flashlight adds to its convenience, especially for nighttime searches. On the downside, the reliance on a battery may require users to keep extras handy during long treasure hunts. Despite its many strengths, the price point might be a bit high for those just looking for a casual metal detecting hobby. For anyone serious about metal detecting, the MINELAB Equinox 900 offers excellent value given its robust feature set and high adaptability.