This is a curious world. You never know what could be just below the surface…literally. The earth’s surface hides tons of small treasures which are no more than a discovery and a dig away.
But how do you find these treasures in the first place? With a metal detector, that’s how. If you’re just getting started in your metal detecting journey, you’ll be best served by a beginner metal detector.
These metal detectors are a great deal cheaper than high-end detectors, allowing you to ease your way into the hobby without laying down a huge amount of money.
The question is: how do you find the right beginner metal detector for you? A good start would be by reading over this guide.
It’s filled with all of the information you could ever need on beginner metal detectors, and even provides a compilation of the 10 best on the market today.
Top 10 Best Beginner Metal Detector Comparison Table
| Picture | Name | Features | Rating (1-5) | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Deteknix Scuba Tector Underwater Waterproof Metal Detector up to 200ft / 60m | 10 hours of use Works 200 feet underwater Reasonably priced Auto shutoff feature | 2.5 | $$$ |
 | American Hawks Explorer II Metal Detector LCD Display Type of Object and Depth | Comfortable arm rest Fairly lightweight Offers good range | 3 | $$ |
 | Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector | Great for kids Very reasonably priced Solid construction quality | 3 | $ |
 | Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector | Tough aluminum construction Decent range for its price Arm prop for easy carrying | 3 | $ |
 | Bounty Hunter Quick Silver Metal Detector with Pin Pointer | Tough aluminum construction Comes with mini detector Equipped with arm support | 3 | $$ |
 | Treasure Cove TC-3050 Fast Action Digital Deluxe Metal Detector Set | Tough aluminum construction Distinguishes different metals Sports an arm support | 3.5 | $$ |
 | Metal Detectors Waterproof Metal Detector LCD Display by ForagerGO | Priced reasonably Comes with instructional book Sports arm support | 4 | $ |
 | Bounty Hunter QD2 Quick Draw II Metal Detector | Tough aluminum construction Equipped with arm support 4 detector modes Consistent for its price | 4.5 | $$$$ |
 | Fisher F75 Metal Detector | Tough aluminum construction Very consistent detection Has arm support | 4.5 | $$$$$ |
 | Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector | Durable and lightweight Reasonably priced Good gauging consistency Has arm support | 5 | $$ |
What Type of Beginner Metal Detectors Are There?
Beginner metal detectors come in all different types, sizes, and models, with each carrying its own benefits and drawbacks. These detectors are available in a number of different price ranges, typically range somewhere between $100.00 and $600.00. There are, however, both less expensive and more expensive models available.
Some detectors are designed to be used in water, making them perfect for searching in ponds, lakes, and the ocean. You can even take them down scuba diving with you so that you can search for hidden underwater treasures.
Other detectors are designed to be used solely in dry circumstances. These can be used along the beach, in the yard, or any other place where there isn’t much moisture present.
Before you make a purchase on a detector, it’s important to consider what you’ll use it for and where you’ll use it. Doing so will help you to find the best type of detector for your purposes.
Benefits of Best Beginner Metal Detector
Beginner metal detectors carry with them a number of useful benefits. For one, they’re a great deal cheaper than high-end detectors. In this way, they enable you to work your way into the hobby of metal detection without blowing a huge amount of money.
Once you have a detector in your possession, you open yourself up to a life of discovery and adventure. You can go essentially anywhere with your detector, scanning the ground in hopes of finding loose change and other metal items.
Metal detectors are also nice to have on hand in case you lose something valuable. For instance, if you drop your wedding ring in your yard, you can use your metal detector to find it more quickly. In this way, metal detectors can be huge money savers.
Downsides of Beginner Metal Detector
While beginner metal detectors certainly have their benefits, they also have some downsides. Because beginner metal detectors are typically not at the quality level of high-end detectors, they generally don’t function as well.
Not only are they usually less durable than high-end models, they usually possess less range and consistency as well. This isn’t to say that they’re bad products. Most beginner detectors will offer bare bones functionality that will at least get the job done.
But if you’re looking to make metal detecting a huge hobby of yours, you would be better suited by a higher-end model. These are almost always more expensive, but will offer functionality and durability which justify their prices.
10. Deteknix Scuba Tector Underwater Waterproof Metal Detector up to 200ft / 60m With LED, Vibration and Audio Alerts with Rechargeable Long Lasting Battery
Let’s begin our list of beginner metal detectors by reviewing the Deteknix Scuba Tector Metal Detector. Designed to be used underwater, it’s terrific for those who are looking to discover items while scuba diving.
This detector can be used up to 200 feet underwater, allowing it to be used everywhere from pools, to lakes, and the ocean. A handheld device, it’s small enough to carry along with you as you swim.
Making use of a rechargeable battery, it offers up to 10 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Put it all together and you get a very solid beginner metal detector; particular for those who are looking to search underwater.
Pros:
- 10 hours of use
- Works 200 feet underwater
- Reasonably priced
- Auto shutoff feature
Cons
- Lacks high-end consistency
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9. American Hawks Explorer II Metal Detector LCD Display Type of Object and Depth
A decent budget beginner metal detector is this one from American Hawks. While it doesn’t possess the underwater capabilities of the Deteknix reviewed above, it does offer solid dry-condition capabilities.
Equipped with an arm rest, it can be held in place easily, allowing you to use it over long periods of time. Made out of aluminum, it’s both lightweight and durable, capable of withstanding a decent amount of wear and tear.
Where it falters is in its detecting abilities. It tends to beep frequently, even at times when there is no metal present. It can, however, lead you to some valuable metal pieces. So it’s not a bad detector to get started with.
Pros:
- Comfortable arm rest
- Fairly lightweight
- Offers good range
Cons:
- Lacks high-end consistency
- Doesn’t operate underwater
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8. Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector
This next beginner metal detector is designed for use by kids. The Bounty Hunter BHJS Junior Metal Detector measures in at 22 inches in length, and is available for an extremely low price when compared to other detectors.
It’s made out of durable, yet lightweight aluminum which can be easily carried by a young child. Though it’s weather-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof. This means that it can withstand some moisture, but can not go underwater.
At its max, it can detect metal objects up to three feet deep in the ground. Altogether, this is a functional, but not great metal detector. It will, however, suffice for kids who are just looking to find hidden treasure in their backyards.
Pros:
- Great for kids
- Very reasonably priced
- Solid construction quality
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- A little inconsistent
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7. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector
Another decently priced beginner metal detector is the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. Available for around the same price as the Junior detector reviewed above, it offers fairly standard construction quality and functionality.
This detector can locate small pieces of metal up to 6 inches deep, and large pieces of metal up to 2 feet deep. For most purposes, this will suffice. You should be able to find small treasures in both your yard and at the beach.
With a comfortable arm prop, it’s very easy to hold in place. It’s made out of a tough aluminum that’s equipped to handle tons of wear and tear. While it’s nothing terrific, it’s good enough to get the job done; and for a low price at that.
Pros:
- Tough aluminum construction
- Decent range for its price
- Arm prop for easy carrying
Cons:
- Lacks high-end consistency
- Not waterproof
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6. Bounty Hunter QSIGWP Quick Silver Metal Detector with Pin Pointer
A solid middle of the road metal detector is the Bounty Hunter QSIGWP Quick Silver. Designed for use on dry land, it features adjustable length which allows it to be used by people of all different heights.
It’s equipped with an arm support, allowing for you to use it over long periods of time without getting inordinately tired. Made out of a lightweight, but tough aluminum, it’s built to last over years and years of use.
Equipped with an easy to read LCD screen, it gauges your distance to metal objects that you come across. Coming with this detector is a handheld detector which you can use to find delicately hidden items. All in all, this is a very solid metal detector.
Pros:
- Tough aluminum construction
- Comes with mini detector
- Equipped with arm support
Cons:
- Lacks high-end consistency
- Not waterproof
5. Treasure Cove TC-3050 Fast Action Digital Deluxe Metal Detector Set
Next up is the Treasure Cove TC-3050. Like the Bounty Hunter reviewed above, this one offers middle of the road value for a mid-level price. Capable of extending to a full 40 inches, it can be used by people of all heights.
This detector has three different detection modes, all picking up different intensities of metal items. It’s designed to distinguish iron from steel and silver from gold.
Sporting an arm rest, it’s very easy to hold up at all times. It can even strap onto your arm, allowing you to loosen up your grip when needed. To help you hear the sound of the monitor, this detector also comes with headphones. Overall, this is a good, but not great metal detector.
Pros:
- Tough aluminum construction
- Distinguishes different metals
- Sports an arm support
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Lacks high-end consistency
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4. Metal Detectors Waterproof Metal Detector LCD Display by ForagerGO
Our next detector is designed specifically for use by beginners. It even comes with a beginner’s guide to metal detecting. This should help you with everything from how to hold the detector, to where to look, and much more.
It’s capable of adjusting up to 42 inches in length, making it an appropriate length for users of all heights. Made out of tough, but lightweight aluminum, it can be held up with great ease. To help make this possible, it’s equipped with an arm support.
As far as detection capabilities go, it’s fairly standard. It will generally find anything up to about a foot deep. Available for a very reasonable price, it’s certainly worth a buy. It won’t accommodate expert detectors, but will be just fine for beginners.
Pros:
- Priced reasonably
- Comes with instructional book
- Sports arm support
Cons:
- Lacks high-end consistency
- Not waterproof
3. Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER Time Ranger Metal Detector
Another solid mid-level metal detector is the Bounty Hunter TIMERANGER. With similar quality to the detectors reviewed just above, it possesses an adjustable pole which can extend to a total of around 35 inches.
This detector is equipped with an arm rest, allowing you to use it for long periods of time without experience fatigue. Made out of tough aluminum and plastic, it’s designed to last through years and years of use.
Equipped with 4 different operation modes, it can be altered to gauge the existence of different types of metal. Overall, this is a solid beginner metal detector. It’s fairly consistent and can get the job done everywhere from the beach to the backyard.
Pros:
- Tough aluminum construction
- Equipped with arm support
- 4 detector modes
- Consistent for its price
Cons:
- Limited waterproof capability
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2. Fisher F75 Metal Detector
This next metal detector is a great deal more expensive than the others on our list, but offers construction and functionality that make it worth its price. In fact, its only true downside is its price, which is probably a bit much for most beginners.
It’s made out of a very durable, but lightweight aluminum that allows for hours and hours of continuous use. To make it even easier to support, it’s equipped with an arm support.
On a fresh pair of batteries, this detector can last for up to 40 hours of continuous use. Compared to the others on our list, it’s extremely consistent. Unfortunately, it’s not designed for underwater use.
Pros:
- Tough aluminum construction
- Very consistent detection
- Has arm support
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Limited waterproof capabilities
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1. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
Last on our list is the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector. Available for a very reasonable price, it offers the best bang for the buck of any metal detector on the market today.
This detector is made out of a heavy-duty aluminum that is equal parts durable and lightweight. For this reason, it can be held up and used for long periods of time. To help support it, it’s equipped with an arm support.
Sporting an all-metal mode and a discrimination mode, it’s designed to gauge different types of metals. While it’s not quite on the quality level of the Fisher detector reviewed above, the TK4 is terrific for its price.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight
- Reasonably priced
- Good gauging consistency
- Has arm support
Cons:
- Not waterproof
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Editor’s Choice of the Best Beginner Metal Detector
After some careful review, we’ve made our choice for the top beginner metal detector on the market: the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector. This detector is available for a very reasonable price, making it great for those who are looking to get their metal detecting feet wet.
Despite its low price, it still offers terrific overall functionality. Possessing decent range and consistency, it can definitely be used for finding coins and knickknacks at the beach or in your backyard. If you’re looking for a simple beginner model, this one will not disappoint you.
If you’re a fan of relaxing activities such as looking for hidden treasures, why not have a look at this review to include in leisure collection?
