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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 by1,105
Discrimination
Sensitivity
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
141 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 by1,105
Discrimination
Sensitivity
Weight and Ergonomics

Most important from
141 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

Nokta Makro Invenio Standard Pack Smart Metal Detector and 3D Imaging System

Rating
8.8
Operating Frequency
Waterproof Capability
Discrimination

Most important from
1 reviews

Operating Frequency
Capable of detecting very deep caches and underground cavities, it outperforms typical beach metal detectors.
Waterproof Capability
The IP67 waterproof rating ensures reliable performance in wet beach conditions and shallow water searches.
Discrimination
The advanced 3D imaging and AI-driven target identification deliver exceptional precision in locating deep and complex targets.
Weight and Ergonomics
At 40 pounds, its weight demands commitment and strength, making it better suited for dedicated treasure hunters than casual beach users.

The Nokta Makro Invenio Standard Pack is a highly advanced metal detector with a unique 3D imaging system and AI-driven target identification, making it stand out for serious treasure hunters. It excels at detecting very deep targets, including caches, relics, and even underground cavities, which is beyond what most beach detectors offer. It has a waterproof rating of IP67, so it can handle wet beach environments and shallow water use safely.

The device offers multiple search modes and supports 17 languages, adding versatility and user-friendliness. The detector is quite heavy at 40 pounds, which may be cumbersome for long beach sessions or for users wanting something lightweight and easy to carry over sand.

While the Invenio is powerful and precise, it is more suited to dedicated treasure hunters willing to manage its size and weight rather than casual beach users looking for a lightweight, straightforward detector.

Rating
8.8
Operating Frequency
Waterproof Capability
Discrimination

Most important from
1 reviews

Operating Frequency
Capable of detecting very deep caches and underground cavities, it outperforms typical beach metal detectors.
Waterproof Capability
The IP67 waterproof rating ensures reliable performance in wet beach conditions and shallow water searches.
Discrimination
The advanced 3D imaging and AI-driven target identification deliver exceptional precision in locating deep and complex targets.
Weight and Ergonomics
At 40 pounds, its weight demands commitment and strength, making it better suited for dedicated treasure hunters than casual beach users.
#3

MINELAB Equinox 900 Multi-Frequency Collapsible Metal Detector for Adults with EQX 11" & 6” Waterproof Double-D Coils (Option for 6 Single Frequencies, 4 Detect Modes, Wireless Headphones Included)

Rating
8.5
Ground Balance
Waterproof Capability
Coil Size and Type

Most important from
1249 reviews

Ground Balance
This detector is highly effective at noise canceling and ground balancing, and it performs exceptionally well in water and saltwater environments.
Waterproof Capability
This detector is highly effective at noise canceling and ground balancing, and it performs exceptionally well in water and saltwater environments.
Coil Size and Type
To avoid potential issues with the coil ears, consider using a coil ear brace for added sturdiness.
Weight and Ergonomics
The machine's weight and balance are great, and it’s user-friendly even for those returning to the hobby after a break.

The MINELAB Equinox 900 is designed to excel in beach metal detecting, making it a solid choice for treasure hunters who enjoy searching both above and below water. One of its standout features is its simultaneous multi-frequency capability, which allows users to switch between six single frequencies or use five frequencies at once. This versatility is particularly beneficial when searching for various types of metals in different soil conditions, ensuring you don't miss any potential treasures.

The fully waterproof design is another major strength, enabling users to submerge the detector up to 16 feet (5 meters). This makes it perfect for beachgoers eager to search in wet sand or shallow waters. Additionally, with four distinct operating modes—Park, Field, Beach, and Gold—it caters to a range of detecting environments, enhancing its usability.

Considering the weight, the Equinox 900 is quite portable, weighing only 2.8 lbs (1.2 kg). Its collapsible design makes it easy to transport and store, which is a significant plus for those looking to travel with their gear. The device's learning curve may be a drawback for beginners. While the features are impressive, the variety of settings might overwhelm those new to metal detecting. Additionally, while the built-in features like the flashlight and handgrip vibration are useful, some users may find the battery life could be improved during extended outings. The MINELAB Equinox 900 is an excellent choice for serious treasure hunters, particularly for beach settings, though it may require a bit of practice to fully master all its functionalities.

Rating
8.5
Ground Balance
Waterproof Capability
Coil Size and Type

Most important from
1249 reviews

Ground Balance
This detector is highly effective at noise canceling and ground balancing, and it performs exceptionally well in water and saltwater environments.
Waterproof Capability
This detector is highly effective at noise canceling and ground balancing, and it performs exceptionally well in water and saltwater environments.
Coil Size and Type
To avoid potential issues with the coil ears, consider using a coil ear brace for added sturdiness.
Weight and Ergonomics
The machine's weight and balance are great, and it’s user-friendly even for those returning to the hobby after a break.

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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