Top 5 Budget-Friendly Metal Detectors Under $500

Are you excited to start your metal detecting journey but don’t want to spend a fortune? Great news—you don’t have to! Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first detector or an experienced user wanting an affordable upgrade, there are several excellent metal detectors available under $500. In this guide, we’ll explore the top 5 budget-friendly metal detectors that offer great performance without breaking the bank.

All the products listed are available on ModernMetalDetectors.com and are some of the best sellers with top-rated features. 

1. Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector

Price: $339.99
Best For: Beginners to intermediate detectorists who want powerful features in a user-friendly package.

The Garrett ACE 400 is one of the most trusted names in the world of affordable metal detectors. It comes with an advanced 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance™ search coil that offers excellent depth and target coverage. The Iron Audio™ feature allows you to hear discriminated iron targets to avoid digging unwanted trash. With a clear digital target ID, electronic pinpointing, and adjustable frequency, this detector is a favorite for coin and relic hunters alike.

Key Features:

• 8.5" x 11" DD PROformance™ Search Coil
• Iron Audio™
• Digital Target ID
• Adjustable Frequency
• Electronic Pinpointing

Why It’s a Top Pick: The Garrett ACE 400 is known for its reliability, accuracy, and ease of use—perfect for those who want professional results at a mid-range price point.

 

2. Minelab X-Terra Pro Metal Detector

Price: $299.00
Best For: Intermediate users who want waterproof performance and excellent target separation.

The Minelab X-Terra Pro delivers exceptional features for its price. Powered by Multi-IQ technology, it performs well on multiple frequencies, offering superior depth and target separation. It's also waterproof up to 5 meters, making it a solid option for beach and shallow water detecting. Add to that a high-resolution target ID, adjustable audio threshold, and lightweight design, and you have a detector that punches well above its weight.

Key Features:

• Multi-IQ Technology
• Waterproof up to 5 Meters
• Lightweight & Ergonomic Design
• Adjustable Threshold and Volume Control
• High-Resolution Target ID

Why It’s a Top Pick: You get advanced technology, waterproof durability, and customization at a price that's hard to beat.

 

 

 

3. Nokta Simplex Ultra Metal Detector

Price: $299.00
Best For: Beach hunters and beginners who need simplicity, power, and waterproof capabilities.

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is one of the most popular entry-level waterproof detectors. It's fully submersible up to 5 meters, making it ideal for underwater or wet soil detecting. It also features a vibration mode for silent detecting, a backlit display and keypad, and wireless module compatibility. Best of all, it's firmware upgradable, ensuring you always have the latest software improvements.

Key Features:

• Fully Submersible up to 5 Meters
• Built-in Wireless Module
• Vibration Mode for Underwater Use
• LCD and Keypad Backlight
• Firmware Update Capability

Why It’s a Top Pick: For under $300, this model offers premium waterproofing and advanced features, making it an unbeatable choice for beach detecting.

 

 

 

 

4. Minelab X-Terra Elite Metal Detector

Price: $479.00

Best For:
Versatile treasure hunting on land and shallow water, ideal for users who want high performance in all terrains — from beaches to parks to relic fields.

Key Features:

• Powerful Multi-IQ technology for simultaneous multi-frequency detection
• Fully waterproof up to 5 meters
• 10x7" elliptical coil for increased ground coverage
• Lightweight and ergonomic design
• Wireless audio support with Bluetooth headphones
• Customizable search modes including Park, Field, and Beach

 

 

5. Fisher F19 Metal Detector with 10" Coil

Price: $299.00
Best For: Coin hunters and gold prospectors, especially in mineralized soil.

The Fisher F19 is a high-frequency detector that operates at 19 kHz, making it extremely sensitive to small targets such as gold nuggets and old coins. Its adjustable iron audio helps filter out junk, and notch discrimination allows you to focus only on the targets you want. With ground grab, ground balancing, and a backlight for night hunts, it’s one of the most precise detectors in this price range.

Key Features:

• 19 kHz Operating Frequency
• Adjustable Iron Audio
• Notch & Discrimination Settings
• Ground Grab Ground Balance
• Backlight for Low-Light Use

 

 

Why It’s a Top Pick: If you're hunting in mineral-rich soils or targeting small objects, the Fisher F19 offers precision and power for under $300.

 

Comparison Table:

 

Why Choose a Budget-Friendly Metal Detector?

 

Metal detecting is a fun sport that can lead to amazing finds, but it can also cost a lot of money. A lot of people who are new to the sport aren't sure if they should spend a lot of money on high-end detectors or if they can find a cheaper one that still works well. You don't have to spend a lot of money to get a good metal detector.

Picking a device that costs less than $500 has a number of benefits, including:

1. Cost-effective: 

If you're just starting out or don't plan to use the metal detector very often, choosing a cheaper choice saves you a lot of money. You can test the water without spending a lot of money up front and still have a monitor that works.

2. Simple to Use for Beginners:

Many cheap detectors are made to be easy to use, which makes them great for people who are just starting out. A lot of the time, they have simpler settings, screens that are easy to read, and search modes that are already set up, which makes it easier for new users to get started.

3. Features that are good enough for most uses:

There is a myth that cheap detectors don't work well, but many of them that cost less than $500 have features like target ID, ground balance, and different search modes. For coin hunting, relic hunting, or general treasure hunting, these traits are more than enough.

4. Portability and Convenience:

Most budget detectors are small and light, which makes them great for both short trips and long hunts. Their forms are often more ergonomic and less bulky, so they are comfortable to use for long periods of time.

5. Long-lasting and good value for money:

Many cheap models are made with long-lasting materials that can handle rough use, so they're a good buy for the long run. A good budget monitor can work well for years if you take care of it and keep it in good shape.

Tips for Choosing the Right Metal Detector for You

 

Before you buy a metal detector, make sure you follow these tips to get the most for your money:

1. Goal and Environment:

The first thing you should think about is what and where you want to find. Are you mostly looking in woods, parks, or beaches? Because different devices are made for different terrains, make sure you pick one that works well in the places you plan to explore. Choose a model that is fully waterproof or at least has a waterproof coil if you want to hunt on the beach, for example.

2. Weight and Comfort:

Because metal detecting lessons can last for a long time, it's important to pick a detector that is light and comfortable. Some models, like the Nokta Simplex Ultra and the Garrett ACE 400, are known for being light, which lets you play for longer periods of time without getting tired.

3. Adjustability and Depth:

Look for devices that let you change the search depth based on the type of target you want to find. Different detectors may be better for different types of treasure hunting. Some have a higher frequency that helps find smaller things like gold nuggets.

4. Name of the Target: 

Metal detectors with a digital target ID help you figure out what kind of metal you may be finding. This function is helpful because it keeps you from digging holes for things like trash or nails that you don't need to.

5. Flexibility with your budget:

It's important to stick to your budget, but think about what extra benefits might be worth the extra money. If you think you'll use your device in different weather, for example, a waterproof one could save you money in the long run.

6. Features that are easy for beginners:

If you're new to metal detecting, look for detectors with easy-to-use settings and pre-set search modes. These features will help you enjoy and make spotting easier, especially as you learn the ropes.

FAQs

1. Which metal detector is best for people who are just starting out?

If you're just starting out, the Nokta Simplex Ultra and Garrett ACE 400 are both great choices. These detectors are small, light, and simple to use. They have features that make them good for beginners, like automatic ground balance and target ID systems.

2. Are cheap devices just as good as expensive ones?

Yes, a lot of metal detectors that are easy on the wallet have features that work well for general metal detecting jobs like looking for coins and artifacts. Even though more advanced features may be available on more expensive detectors, cheaper ones are still very good for most users, especially those who are just starting out.

3. Do I need a metal detector that can be used in water?

It depends on where you want to find something. A waterproof detector like the Nokta Simplex Ultra is the best choice if you want to go hunting on beaches, rivers, or other wet places. But if you're only going to be using it in dry places like parks or fields, a device that isn't waterproof might work fine.

4. How far down can metal scanners look?

How deep a metal detector can find something relies on the target's size, the condition of the soil, and the frequency of the detector. Most of the time, a cheap detector can find things up to 6 to 8 inches deep. More advanced models, on the other hand, can dig deeper, especially when they're after bigger things like cash or relics.

5. Can I use a metal detector on any kind of ground?

There are types of dirt where metal detectors work better than others. Some, like the Minelab X-Terra Pro, let you change the ground balance to account for soils that are very mined. If you want to hunt on wet sand or at the beach, you might need a detector like the Nokta Simplex Ultra that is tailored to those circumstances.

6. How long does a metal detector's battery last?

The battery life of each device is different, but most will last between 8 and 20 hours on a single charge. For example, the Garrett ACE 400 runs on AA batteries and should last for about 15 to 20 hours of normal use.

7. What should I get to go with my metal detector?

A digging tool, headphones, a traveling bag, and extra batteries are all useful extras to think about getting. A sand scoop can be very useful for beach hunters. Many detectors, like the Fisher F19 and Minelab X-Terra Pro, come with extras that you can buy separately, like different coils that can help you dig deeper.

8. Can you go metal finding anywhere?

In many places, metal detecting is legal, but rules and laws change from place to place. As always, make sure you know the rules in your area and get permission before you search on private land. A lot of national parks and historical places don't let people metal detect, so always check the rules in your area.

 

Conclusion

Getting into metal detecting doesn’t mean you have to spend big. With these top 5 budget-friendly detectors under $500, you can enjoy powerful performance, waterproof designs, and advanced features—without overspending.

All the models listed are available on ModernMetalDetectors.com, making your next treasure-hunting tool just a click away!