Top 5 Metal Detectors for Beach Hunting in 2025

Beach metal detecting is one of the most rewarding hobbies for treasure hunters. Whether you're searching for lost jewelry, coins, or historical artifacts, the beach offers a unique opportunity for exciting discoveries. However, not all metal detectors are built to perform well on the beach—especially in wet sand and saltwater conditions, where mineralization can interfere with signals.

To help you make the right choice, we have researched and selected the top 5 best metal detectors for beach hunting in 2025. These detectors are ranked based on their waterproof capabilities, multi-frequency technology, depth detection, ease of use, and overall value.

1. Minelab Equinox 900 – Best Overall Beach Metal Detector

Many people think that the Minelab Equinox 900 is the best metal detector for both beach and underwater treasure hunts. It is great for finding gold, silver, and relics hidden deep in wet sand because it has multi-frequency technology, is waterproof, and separates targets very well.

 

Key Features:

Multi-IQ Technology: It works on multiple frequencies simultaneously, which lets it find a huge variety of metals very accurately.

Fully waterproof: it can be submerged up to 5 meters (16 feet) deep, which makes it great for hunting in small water and wet sand.

High-Speed Target Recovery: Finds important targets quickly while blocking out unwanted signals.

Advanced Target ID System: This gives accurate readings to help you decide if a thing is worth digging for.

Lightweight and ergonomic design: It only weighs 2.8 pounds (1.27 kg), so you can hunt for a long time without getting tired.

Why Choose the Minelab Equinox 900?

Excellent Performance on Wet Sand: The Equinox 900 works better in mineralized beach environments than other metal detectors, so you won't miss any important finds.

Deep Target Detection: Perfect for detecting small gold chains, rings, and coins buried deep in the sand.

Very flexible and easy to use: it can be used on beaches, in parks, in fields, and even for gold mining.

Accurate Target Separation: This feature helps you distinguish between valuable targets, iron trash, and bottle caps.

Best For:

• Beach hunters who want a waterproof metal detector that works well.
• There are people who are looking for gold, silver, and other expensive items.
• Both newbies and experts can use it because it has both basic and advanced features.

Specifications:

 

2. Minelab Excalibur II – Best for Underwater Treasure Hunting

The Minelab Excalibur II is the best mask for scuba diving or looking for wealth deep in the ocean. This metal detector is made to find metals while they are underwater, and it works well in saltwater. It gets rid of black sand and salt minerals that can mess up signals, so they are clear and strong.

 

Key Features:

Broadband Spectrum (BBS) Technology: This technology uses a range of frequencies (1.5 kHz to 25.5 kHz) to make it easier to find targets and see how deep they are.

Fully Waterproof: This item is fully waterproof and can be buried up to 200 feet (66 meters). This makes it perfect for treasure hunts in deep water or while scuba diving.

Better Ground Balance: It adjusts itself automatically to mineralized conditions, which stops false signs.

10" Slimline Double-D Coil: Gives you more depth and steadiness for hunting in wet sand and water.

Long Battery Life: This item has a NiMH battery pack that can be charged and used again and again. One charge lasts for up to 14 hours.

Why Choose the Minelab Excalibur II?

Perfect for Finding Things Underwater: The Excalibur II is different from other metal detectors because it is made to work in deep sea and saltwater.

Amazing Depth and Sensitivity: It can find small gold rings and other artifacts hidden under thick layers of sand and sediment.

Eliminates Saltwater Interference: It works well without the false signs that most VLF detectors have.

Built for Tough Conditions: It was made to be used in rough conditions underwater, which makes it a great choice for scuba dives and professional beach hunters.

Best For:

• Scuba divers who want to find wealth in deep water.
• People who go to the beach to look for lost jewelry and other items in the water.
• People who like to use metal detectors and often hunt in saltwater settings.

Specifications:

3. Nokta Makro Legend – Best Budget Multi-Frequency Detector

For those seeking a top-notch beach detector that won't break the bank, the Nokta Makro Legend is a great choice. With its simultaneous multi-frequency technology, this detector is one of the best low-cost options for high-end Minelab models like the Equinox series.

 

Key Features:

Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (SMF) Technology: This technology lets you tell targets apart better and find their depths more accurately.

Fully Waterproof: Not only is it waterproof, but it can also be buried up to 10 feet (3 meters), which makes it ideal for finding things in wet sand and mild water.

Iron Discrimination & Notch Filtering: Helps ignore unwanted junk targets, focusing only on valuable finds.

Adjustable Sensitivity and Recovery Speed: This feature lets users fine-tune their search to get better results.

Long Battery Life: Lithium-ion batteries can be charged and used again and again, and each charge lasts up to 20 hours.

Why Choose the Nokta Makro Legend?

Best Multi-Frequency Detector in the Budget Range: The best multi-frequency detector for the money offers high-end functions at a lower cost compared to other models.

Great for both beginners and experts: The interface is simple to use, but it still lets expert detectorists make advanced changes.

Lightweight and portable: It only weighs 3 pounds (1.3 kg), so you can use it for long periods without getting tired.

Versatile for Beach & Land Detecting: It's good for beach and land searching, parks, wet and dry sand, and relics.

Best For:

• Beginners seeking an affordable beach metal detector are the target audience.
  
  
• Treasure hunters who want a device that can be used on both land and beach.
  
  
• This detector is ideal for those who want a light, simple, and effective detector with great depth capabilities.

Specifications:

4. XP Deus II – Best High-End Beach Metal Detector

The XP Deus II is one of the best high-end metal detectors you can buy if you want the best equipment for beach metal detecting. It has lightning-fast processing, great depth sensing, and full waterproofing, making it the best detector on the market.

 

Key Features:

FMF (Fast Multi-Frequency) Technology: Works on frequencies ranging from 4 kHz to 45 kHz, allowing for very exact target detection.

Fully Waterproof: Because it's fully waterproof and can be submerged up to 20 meters (66 feet), you can use it to look for wealth both on the beach and in deep water.

Wireless Design: The coil, control unit, and headphones are all wireless so that the whole thing is as portable as possible.

Advanced Target Separation & Iron Discrimination: This feature helps you focus on valuable finds and avoid useless signals.

Comfortable and light: It only weighs 1.9 pounds (0.9 kg), which makes it one of the smallest high-performance metal detectors on the market.

Why Choose the XP Deus II?

Very light and comfortable: ideal for long-detecting workouts without making your arms tired.

The best depth and sensitivity in the business: it can find deep-buried riches that other detectors miss.

Wireless and customizable: The wireless coil and control box give you a choice and make things easier.

Advanced Features for Experts: Professional detectorists who want full power over their settings can make a lot of changes to them.

Best For:

• Professional treasure hunters who want the best results.
  
  
• Beach hunters require a multi-frequency monitor that is completely waterproof.
  
  
• There are people who like metal detecting and want lightweight, wireless devices.

Specifications:

5. Minelab X-Terra Pro Elite Expedition Pack – The Best Advanced Beach Metal Detector

The Minelab X-Terra Pro Elite Expedition Pack is made for metal detector fans who need a powerful tool for hunting on the beach and in shallow water. This detector is very accurate, has a fantastic deep range, and is sensitive on various terrains thanks to its advanced multi-IQ technology.

 

Key Features

Multi-IQ Technology: Works on multiple frequencies at the same time, so it can accurately find gold, silver, jewels, and other metals.

Fully waterproof: it can be submerged up to 5 meters (16 feet) deep, which makes it ideal for treasure digging on the beach, in wet sand, and shallow water.

Lightweight and comfortable: It only weighs 1.3 kg (2.2 lbs), so you can use it for long periods without getting tired.

Customizable Search Modes: Park, Beach, and Field search modes are customizable, so users can adapt to different detecting settings.

Pinpoint Mode: This mode helps you find objects more accurately so you can dig more efficiently.

Backlit LCD Screen: With this screen, you can see the target ID, depth, and battery life clearly in any light.

Rechargeable Battery: Lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge, so you can keep sensing for longer periods without stopping.

Adjustable Sensitivity and Target Discrimination: Get rid of unwanted messages and focus on finding valuable things.

Why Choose the Minelab X-Terra Pro Elite Expedition Pack

Better Multi-Frequency Detection: Compared to single-frequency detectors, it works better and is more flexible in a range of ground conditions.

Great for the beach and water finding: The waterproof design makes it work well in wet and flooded areas.

Easy to Use for All Skill Levels: Regardless of your experience level, this device's intuitive control layout ensures ease of use.

Compact & Portable: Great for camping, traveling, and other outdoor activities, making metal detection easier.

Durable & Long-Lasting: Made from high-quality materials that can handle rough use on different terrains.

Best For:

• Beach and shallow water detecting
  
• Treasure hunters looking for advanced multi-frequency detection
  
• Users who need a lightweight and easy-to-use detector
  
• Long detecting sessions with extended battery life
  
• Gold, coin, and relic hunters

Specifications:

 

Final Thoughts:

Each of these detectors has unique strengths, making them ideal for different types of treasure hunters.

The Minelab Equinox 900 is the best all-around metal detector for beach hunting, offering multi-frequency accuracy and waterproof durability.

The Minelab Excalibur II is the top choice for deep-water treasure hunting, perfect for scuba divers and professional beach hunters.

The Nokta Makro Legend is the best budget-friendly multi-frequency detector, offering great performance at an affordable price.

The XP Deus II is the ultimate high-end detector, offering the best depth, speed, and portability in its class.

Minelab X-Terra Pro Elite Expedition Pack – Best value-for-money detector with great features at an affordable price.

No matter your budget or experience level, there’s a perfect metal detector for your next beach adventure.

Ready to start treasure hunting? Pick the right metal detector for you and uncover hidden treasures today!