10 Best Metal Detectors For Beaches 2026 in the United States

The MINELAB Equinox 900 is a versatile metal detector well-suited for beach hunting thanks to its full waterproof capability up to 16 feet, allowing you to search underwater confidently. It uses multi-frequency technology operating at 5 kHz, which helps in detecting a variety of metals, including gold and silver, making it adaptable for different ground conditions found on beaches. The detector offers four modes—Park, Field, Beach, and Gold—so you can easily adjust settings depending on the environment and target type.

With a 27.94 cm coil, it strikes a good balance between depth and target separation, helping you find small items like coins or jewelry without missing bigger treasures. The device also has a high-resolution target ID (119 segments), making it easier to distinguish between trash and valuable finds, supported by audio feedback and included wireless headphones for clear signals. The Equinox 900 is lightweight at 2.8 pounds and features a collapsible carbon-fiber shaft that packs down to 24 inches, making it very portable and comfortable for long detecting sessions. Its ground balance and sensitivity settings are adjustable, which helps in managing mineralized or salty beach grounds to reduce false signals.

One minor drawback is that it runs on a single 9V battery, which may not last as long during extended use compared to rechargeable options. Also, while the 5 kHz frequency is versatile, some specialized detectors offer higher frequencies for extremely small gold nuggets. The Equinox 900 stands out as an excellent choice for beach treasure hunters who want a flexible, waterproof detector with advanced features and good portability. It is particularly beneficial for those looking to explore both land and underwater environments without switching devices.

The MINELAB MANTICORE metal detector stands out with its Multi-IQ+ technology, offering a powerful performance that surpasses traditional models. This advanced technology operates at 12 KHz, enabling effective detection across various terrains.

The detector's waterproof capability is impressive, allowing it to function up to 16 ft underwater, making it ideal for beach and surf conditions. Additionally, the advanced target ID system enhances discrimination, helping users distinguish valuable finds from trash with greater accuracy.

This is further supported by customizable audio controls and a 2D target ID map, enriching the detection experience.

The MINELAB Equinox 800 is a versatile metal detector well suited for beachcombers, featuring a full waterproof design that allows searching underwater up to 10 feet deep without worry. Its standout feature is the Multi-IQ technology, which runs five frequencies simultaneously, improving detection of all metal types and adapting well to different soils and salty beach conditions. The detector offers four preset search modes, including a dedicated Beach mode, making it easier to focus on targets or adjust for ground mineralization. It also has an adjustable ground balance and discrimination settings to help separate valuable finds from trash, which is essential on trashy shorelines. The 11-inch Double-D coil provides a good balance of coverage and sensitivity to small items like coins or jewelry. Weighing just under 3 pounds, it is light enough for long sessions and comfortable handling, with a slim design and extendable shaft for adjusting height.

Battery life is strong at around 12 hours, enough for a full day at the beach. The operating frequency of 5 kHz is suitable for general use but may not be as sensitive to very small gold nuggets as higher frequency detectors. Including wireless headphones is a nice touch for clear audio alerts without cables. The Equinox 800 is a feature-rich, user-friendly choice for beach metal detecting that balances power, comfort, and adaptability, making it an excellent pick for hobbyists looking to explore both dry and wet beach environments.