10 Best Saltwater Metal Detector 2025 in the United States

The Garrett Vortex VX9 is a versatile metal detector designed for all-terrain use, including saltwater environments. It features MD-MF technology, allowing for seven frequency options ranging from 5 to 25 kHz, which enhances its adaptability to various soil conditions and target types. Its high-resolution ground balance system is particularly beneficial in challenging terrains like highly mineralized soils or saltwater. Weighing just 2.9 pounds, the VX9 is lightweight and ergonomic, making it comfortable for prolonged use. It also collapses to a compact size for easy transport and storage.

One of the standout features is its waterproof capability up to 16 feet, making it ideal for underwater treasure hunts. The intuitive controls, including numerous customizable settings like sensitivity and iron discrimination, make it user-friendly even for those new to metal detecting. Additionally, the built-in lithium-ion battery offers up to 15 hours of use, with a USB-C port for easy recharging and firmware updates.

On the downside, while the lightweight design is a plus, some users may find the 8.5” x 11” searchcoil a bit small for covering large areas quickly. Also, the advanced features might present a learning curve for beginners. The Garrett Vortex VX9 is a solid choice for dedicated hobbyists and professionals looking for a reliable, adaptable, and easy-to-use metal detector for diverse environments, especially those involving water.

The Garrett ACE 400 is a solid choice for those interested in saltwater metal detecting, especially beginners and hobbyists. It operates at a frequency of 10 KHz, which offers a good balance for detecting a variety of targets including coins and relics, though it may not be as specialized for deep saltwater hunting as some higher-frequency models. The detector features adjustable frequency to reduce interference, which is helpful in crowded or electrically noisy areas. It also includes ground balance and discrimination capabilities, allowing you to filter out unwanted metals like iron, and the Iron Audio feature lets you hear iron trash before digging, saving time and effort.

With an IP54 rating, the device is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, making it suitable for beach use but not for underwater searching. Weighing about 5.5 pounds, it is somewhat heavier but still manageable for extended use, and it offers an adjustable shaft length for comfort. The electronic pinpointing function helps accurately locate targets, simplifying recovery. Battery life is around 5 hours, sufficient for casual outings, and the package includes useful accessories such as headphones and protective covers.

If you need a reliable, user-friendly metal detector that performs well on the beach and in saltwater conditions without submersion, the Garrett ACE 400 is a worthwhile option. For those planning serious underwater treasure hunting, a fully waterproof model would be more appropriate.

The MINELAB MANTICORE High-Power Multi-IQ+ Waterproof Metal Detector stands out in the saltwater category due to its robust Multi-IQ+ technology, offering 50% more power than traditional detectors. This makes it exceptionally capable of detecting metals across various frequencies simultaneously, enhancing its sensitivity and discrimination abilities. The advanced 2D target ID system helps users identify targets visually and audibly, providing a sophisticated level of discrimination that is particularly useful when searching in trash-laden environments like beaches.

Its waterproof capabilities are noteworthy, supporting submersion up to 16 feet (rated IP68), making it suitable for use in surf and seawater conditions. Additionally, it features multiple search modes tailored to different terrains, including specific settings for beach and goldfield searches, broadening its application scope.

Despite its power, the MANTICORE is designed with user comfort in mind, being lightweight and compact, which is beneficial for prolonged usage. Ergonomics are enhanced by its foldable design, reducing transport space and allowing for easy handling.

On the downside, while the operating frequency of 12 KHz is decent, those specifically targeting gold nuggets might find higher frequencies more effective. Also, at 7.1 pounds, it might be slightly heavier than some competitors, potentially impacting portability for some users.

In summary, this metal detector is well-suited for hobbyists and professionals looking for a high-performance, versatile machine in saltwater and diverse terrains, though the weight may be a consideration for those prioritizing ease of movement. Its advanced features and reliable waterproofing make it a strong contender for those serious about metal detecting in challenging environments.