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10 Best Metal Detectors For Beaches 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MINELAB MANTICORE High-Power Multi-IQ+ Waterproof Metal Detector for Adults with Advanced Target ID (11" Double-D Coil Included)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Discrimination
Sensitivity
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
160 reviews

Discrimination
This machine is very good at picking good targets out of the trash, even in areas previously covered with other detectors.
Sensitivity
The Manticore offers more sensitivity, a better screen, more hunt modes, and extensive customizations.
Weight and Ergonomics
Ergonomically and in actual capabilities, the Manticore is in another class compared to other detectors.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,339
Discrimination
Sensitivity
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
160 reviews

Discrimination
This machine is very good at picking good targets out of the trash, even in areas previously covered with other detectors.
Sensitivity
The Manticore offers more sensitivity, a better screen, more hunt modes, and extensive customizations.
Weight and Ergonomics
Ergonomically and in actual capabilities, the Manticore is in another class compared to other detectors.
#2

Garrett Vortex VX9 - Made in The USA - Metal Detector for Adults - MD-MF Tech - Waterproof to 16 ft, 8.5” x 11” Searchcoil, 7 Frequency Options, Three-Tiered Target ID Scales - Weighs 2.9 Pounds

The Garrett Vortex VX9 is a versatile metal detector designed with beach use in mind, offering a range of features that cater to various terrain conditions. Its waterproof capability up to 16 feet is a major strength, making it ideal for searching in lakes, streams, and ocean environments. The lightweight design at 2.9 pounds enhances portability and ease of use, which is beneficial for extended treasure hunting sessions. The VX9's adjustable length and ergonomic build further contribute to user comfort, especially when covering large areas.

A notable highlight is the VX9's multiple frequency options, ranging from 5 kHz to 25 kHz, which allow users to fine-tune the detector to suit different ground conditions and target preferences. This flexibility is particularly useful in adapting to varied mineralization levels encountered at the beach. Additionally, the high-resolution ground balance system aids in effective detection even in challenging soil conditions like saltwater.

The device's intuitive controls simplify operation, letting users easily modify settings such as sensitivity and discrimination. This, combined with the three-tiered target ID scales, enhances the detector's ability to differentiate between valuable metals and less desirable items. However, one limitation is the operating frequency, which is listed as 7 kHz, possibly suggesting a less focused approach when compared to models specifically tuned for higher or lower frequencies for specific metal types. Also, while the VX9's built-in battery offers up to 15 hours of life, users should consider the need for regular recharging, especially on longer outings. The Garrett Vortex VX9 is a solid choice for beach metal detecting, offering robust features for diverse conditions, although users should be mindful of specific frequency settings based on their treasure hunting goals.

#3

Gbnryg Professional Metal Detector for Adults,12" IP68 Waterproof Search Coil with LCD Backlight,5 Modes Gold Detector,Advanced DSP Chip&High Accuracy System for Beach/Gold Hunting

Rating
9.1
Waterproof Capability
Discrimination
Sensitivity

Most important from
1028 reviews

Waterproof Capability
The large, sturdy coil and waterproof feature add to its durability and versatility for beach use.
Discrimination
It has multiple settings, including the ability to silence unwanted metals and focus on jewelry, enhancing its usability.
Sensitivity
The pinpoint mode effectively detects the exact location of potential treasures, making it very efficient.
Coil Size and Type
The large, sturdy coil and waterproof feature add to its durability and versatility for beach use.
Weight and Ergonomics
The metal detector is lightweight and easy to use, making it a solid choice for beginners and kids.

The Gbnryg Metal Detector for Adults Professional is equipped with several features that make it well-suited for beach metal detecting. It operates at a frequency of 9 KHz, which is effective for detecting various metals. The ground balance feature helps minimize false signals due to mineralization in the soil, and the IP68 waterproof rating allows you to search in shallow waters without worry. Its 12-inch coil covers a larger area with each sweep, improving search efficiency.

Additionally, the upgraded DSP chip enhances detection accuracy and stability, capable of locating coins up to 15 inches underground. The detector offers five modes, including an all-metal mode, discrimination mode, memory mode, jewelry mode, and pinpoint mode, catering to different detection needs and preferences. This makes it versatile for locating coins, artifacts, jewelry, and gold. The lightweight design at 2.8 pounds, adjustable length, and ergonomic features like silicone buttons and elbow support make it comfortable for prolonged use.

However, the controller is not waterproof, so care is needed to avoid submerging it. The kit includes useful accessories like batteries, headphones, a digger, and a backpack, which are beneficial for beginners. While its sensitivity adjustments and volume control enhance usability, the device could be overwhelming for those new to metal detecting due to its multiple modes and settings.

Rating
9.1
Waterproof Capability
Discrimination
Sensitivity

Most important from
1028 reviews

Waterproof Capability
The large, sturdy coil and waterproof feature add to its durability and versatility for beach use.
Discrimination
It has multiple settings, including the ability to silence unwanted metals and focus on jewelry, enhancing its usability.
Sensitivity
The pinpoint mode effectively detects the exact location of potential treasures, making it very efficient.
Coil Size and Type
The large, sturdy coil and waterproof feature add to its durability and versatility for beach use.
Weight and Ergonomics
The metal detector is lightweight and easy to use, making it a solid choice for beginners and kids.

Buying Guide for the Best Metal Detectors For Beaches

Choosing the right metal detector for beach use can be a fun and rewarding experience. The key is to understand the different features and specifications that will best suit your needs. Beaches present unique challenges such as saltwater, sand, and varying ground conditions, so it's important to select a metal detector that can handle these environments effectively. Here are some key specifications to consider when picking a metal detector for beach use, along with explanations to help you make an informed decision.
Operating FrequencyOperating frequency refers to the number of times a metal detector's coil pulses per second. This is important because different frequencies are better suited for detecting different types of metals. Lower frequencies (1-4 kHz) are better for detecting larger, more conductive metals like silver, while higher frequencies (15-100 kHz) are better for smaller, less conductive metals like gold. For beach use, a mid-range frequency (5-15 kHz) is often ideal as it provides a good balance for detecting a variety of metals in wet and dry sand.
Ground BalanceGround balance is a feature that helps the metal detector distinguish between valuable targets and the minerals in the ground. This is particularly important on beaches where the mineral content can vary greatly, especially in wet sand and saltwater. There are three types of ground balance: preset, manual, and automatic. Preset is the simplest but least flexible, manual allows for fine-tuning, and automatic adjusts on the fly. For beach use, automatic ground balance is often the best choice as it adapts to changing conditions without requiring constant adjustments.
Waterproof CapabilityWaterproof capability indicates whether the metal detector can be submerged in water and to what depth. This is crucial for beach use, especially if you plan to search in shallow water or along the shoreline. Some detectors are only water-resistant, meaning they can handle splashes but not submersion. Fully waterproof detectors can be submerged and are ideal for beach hunting. Consider how deep you plan to search and choose a detector that matches those needs.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the ability of a metal detector to distinguish between different types of metals. This is important to avoid digging up unwanted items like bottle caps and nails. Detectors with good discrimination settings allow you to filter out junk and focus on valuable targets. Look for a detector with adjustable discrimination settings so you can fine-tune it based on the types of targets you are searching for.
SensitivitySensitivity refers to the metal detector's ability to detect small or deep targets. Higher sensitivity settings can detect smaller or deeper objects but may also pick up more ground noise and false signals. For beach use, it's important to find a balance. Too high sensitivity can make the detector unstable in mineralized sand, while too low sensitivity might miss valuable targets. Adjustable sensitivity settings are ideal so you can adapt to different beach conditions.
Coil Size and TypeThe coil is the part of the metal detector that sends and receives signals. Coil size and type affect the detector's depth and coverage area. Larger coils cover more ground and detect deeper targets but can be less sensitive to small objects. Smaller coils are more precise and better for detecting small items but cover less area. For beach use, a medium-sized coil (8-11 inches) is often a good compromise, providing a balance between depth, sensitivity, and coverage.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight and ergonomics refer to how comfortable the metal detector is to use over extended periods. Beach hunting can involve a lot of walking and swinging the detector, so it's important to choose one that is lightweight and has a comfortable grip. Adjustable shafts and padded armrests can also enhance comfort. Consider how long you plan to use the detector in one session and choose a model that feels comfortable to you.

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