Best 5 Metal Detectors (Under $300) in 2026 - Expert Reviews & Comparison

The 5 Best Metal Detectors (Under $300) in 2026

Expert Reviews & Comparison Guide for Beginners

by Goldminingtips Admin

Published: January 7, 2026

10 min read

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Premium Performance on a Budget

Searching for your first metal detector shouldn't mean compromising on features or performance. Today's sub-$300 models offer technology once reserved for premium detectors.

Whether you're starting a new hobby, seeking adventure, or hunting for treasure, these detectors deliver professional capabilities without breaking the bank.

What $300 Buys Today:

• ✓ Multi-frequency scanning for saltwater beaches
• ✓ Full waterproofing for underwater exploration
• ✓ Bluetooth connectivity & wireless headphones
• ✓ Advanced discrimination to filter trash
• ✓ Carbon fiber shafts for lightweight durability

The 5-Point Buying Checklist

Before choosing your detector, ensure it has these essential features:

✓ Water Resistance: Hunt beaches, rivers, or rainy fields. Look for "coil waterproof" or "fully submersible."

✓ Discrimination Controls: Skip bottle caps and nails by blocking iron signals.

✓ Adjustable Sensitivity: Boost depth in clean soil, reduce chatter in mineralized areas.

✓ Lightweight Design (<3 lbs): Swing for hours without fatigue.

✓ Pinpoint Mode: Locate targets precisely before digging.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Here's how the top contenders stack up:

Detector Model	Frequency	Waterproof	Weight	Key Features	Best For	Price
Minelab Vanquish 440	Multi-IQ (5 freq)	Coil Only	2.6 lbs	Multi-frequency, pinpoint, headphones included	All-terrain, beaches	$299
Nokta Simplex Ultra	15 kHz	Full Body (16 ft)	2.6 lbs	Bluetooth, vibration alerts, accessories included	Underwater/beach	$299
Nokta Simplex Ultra	15 kHz	Full Body (16 ft)	2.6 lbs	Bluetooth, vibration alerts, accessories included	Underwater/beach	$299
Garrett ACE 300	8 kHz (adjustable)	Coil Only	2.8 lbs	Digital Target ID, notch discrimination	Beginners, parks	$299
Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro	19 kHz	Coil Only	2.6 lbs	Tone control, iron audio, V-Break	Relic hunting	$147
Fisher F22	7.7 kHz	Weather-resistant	2.3 lbs	10 sensitivity levels, fast recovery	Rainy climates, relics	$227

Detailed Product Reviews

1. Minelab Vanquish 440

Best Overall Under $300

4.8/5

$299.00

Pros:

• Multi-frequency scanning
• Includes headphones & rain cover
• Lightweight design

Cons:

• Control box isn't waterproof

The only multi-frequency detector in this price range. Scans 5 frequencies simultaneously for superior performance in challenging conditions.

View on Amazon

2. Nokta Simplex Ultra

Best for Water & Durability

5/5

$299.00

Fully submersible to 16 ft with Bluetooth connectivity and premium accessories included.

View on Amazon

3. Garrett ACE 300

Easiest for Beginners

4.5/5

$299.00

Intuitive controls with digital target ID and Garrett's legendary reliability.

View on Amazon

4. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro

Best for Relic Hunting

4.5/5

$147

Metal Detector with 11" Waterproof DD Search Coil All-purpose treasure detector and also has a high sensitivity to detect small gold nuggets.

View on Amazon

Our #1 Recommendation

Minelab Vanquish 440

The best all-around detector under $300 for 2025

Its multi-frequency scanning conquers beaches, parks, and fields that stymie single-frequency models. For just $299, you get pro-tier tech, included accessories, and Minelab's warranty.

Get Our Top Pick

Alternative Recommendations:

For Snorkeling:

Choose the Nokta Simplex Ultra for full waterproofing to 16 feet.

For Relic Hunting:

The Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro offers superior depth for artifacts.

Essential Accessories (Under $50)

Pair your detector with these budget-friendly accessories:

Sand Scoop

Essential for beach hunting

$25

Buy Now

Pinpointer

Locate targets in holes faster

$45

Buy Now

Frequently Asked Questions

Can metal detectors under $300 find gold?

Yes! Models like the Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro (19 kHz) excel at finding small gold nuggets and jewelry. Higher frequency detectors are particularly sensitive to small gold targets.

Which waterproof detector is best for beginners?

The Nokta Simplex Ultra offers full waterproofing to 16ft with intuitive controls perfect for new divers. It includes all necessary accessories and has excellent durability.

How important is multi-frequency technology?

Multi-frequency detectors like the Minelab Vanquish 440 perform better in mineralized soil, saltwater beaches, and areas with high trash concentrations. They're more versatile than single-frequency models.

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The 5 Best Metal Detectors Under $300 in 2025

 

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    by Goldminingtips Admin

The 5 Best Metal Detectors Under $300 in 2025  

Plus Expert Tips for Beginners!

Searching for a metal detector can be difficult with so many options available. 

Whether you want to start metal detecting as a hobby, or as a passport to a new adventure, or even to find a large gold nugget, you want to buy a detector that has the best features that shall allow you to achieve what you want, within your budget. 

With so many options available, you certainly don’t need a fortune to start!

After carrying out some research,  we’ve curated the top 5 metal detectors under $300 that deliver pro-level performance without breaking the bank.  

$300 Detectors With High Performing Features 

Paying $300, or less, or a metal detector no longer means getting a flimsy toy. 

Today’s sub-$300 models pack features once reserved for top performing premium gear. These features can include:  

- Multi-frequency scanning for saltwater beach hunting;

- Full waterproofing for underwater exploration;

- Bluetooth connectivity; and 

- Discrimination modes to target gold, or other minerals, and filter trash.

Key Features to Look For (The 5-Point Checklist)  

Regardless of what you intend to search for, gold, treasure or ancient relics, you should ensure your detector has these essentials:  

1. Water Resistance 

   Why it matters: Hunt beaches, rivers, or rainy fields. Look for "coil waterproof" (standard) or "fully submersible" (best for diving).  

2. Discrimination Controls  

   Skip bottle caps and nails by blocking iron signals. Critical for places where you are likely to find trash. 

3. Adjustable Sensitivity

   Tuning options allow you to boost depth in clean soil, while reducing chatter in mineralized areas.  

4. Lightweight Design (< 3 lbs)  

   Easily portable and allows detectors to swing their detector for hours without fatigue. Carbon fiber shafts (like Nokta’s) excel here.

5. Pinpoint Mode  

   Allows detectors to locate targets precisely before digging—saves time and frustration!  

The Ultimate Comparison: Top 5 Detectors Under $300  

Here’s how the top contenders stack up:  

Top 5 Detectors Under $300

Detector Model	|  Frequency |	|  Coil |	| Size |	|  Weight  |	| Key Features |	| Best for |
Minelab Vanquish 440	Multi-IQ (5 freq)	Coil only	10" DD	2.6 lbs	Multi-frequency, pinpoint, headphones	All-terrain, beaches
Nokta Simplex Ultra	15 kHz	Full body (16 ft)	11" DD	2.6 lbs	Bluetooth, vibration, accessories	Underwater/beach
Garrett ACE 300	8 kHz (adjustable)	Coil only	7" x 10"	2.8 lbs	Digital Target ID, notch discrimination	Beginners, parks
Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro	19 kHz	Coil Only	11" DD	2.6 lbs	Tone control, iron audio, V-Break	Relic hunting
Fisher F22	7.7 kHz	Weather-resistant	9" concentric	2.3 lbs	10 sensitivity levels, fast recovery	Rainy climates, relics

Deep Dive: Reviews of Our Top 5 Picks  

1. Minelab Vanquish 440: Best Overall Under $300 

Why it wins:  

The only multi-frequency detector in this price range. Scans 5 frequencies simultaneously to handle mineralized sand, saltwater, and iron-laden soil with ease.  

- Pros: Includes headphones/rain cover, 10 sensitivity levels, lightweight.

- Cons: Control box isn’t waterproof (use in rain with cover)  

- Perfect for: Beachcombers and all-terrain hunters.

Learn more

2. Nokta Simplex Ultra: Best for Water & Durability ($299)

Why it shines:  

Fully submersible to 16 ft—ideal for snorkeling or creek hunting. Packed with extras: digging tool, carry bag, and vibration alerts for silent finds.

- Pros: Bluetooth enabled, 5 search modes, rugged carbon shaft  

- Cons: Steeper learning curve for settings  

- Perfect for: Underwater adventures and rugged terrain  

Learn more

3. Garrett ACE 300: Easiest for Beginners

Why beginners love it:  

Intuitive "Digital Target ID" screen shows likely metals (coin? ring?) before you dig. Notch discrimination filters 99% of trash.  

- Pros: Garrett’s legendary reliability, adjustable frequency  

- Cons: No Bluetooth, control box not waterproof  

- Perfect for: Park hunters and first-time users  

Learn more

4. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro ($147)

Why it’s unique:  

19 kHz frequency excels at finding small relics and gold nuggets deeper than rivals. Manual ground balance tames mineralized soils.

- Pros: Unbeatable depth, customizable tones  

- Cons: Basic display, uses 9V batteries  

- Perfect for: Gold prospectors and history buffs  

Learn more

5. Fisher F22: Best for Weather & Speed  ($227)

Why it stands out:  

Weather-resistant electronics keep you hunting in rain or mist. Lightning-fast recovery speed separates targets in trashy areas.  

- Pros: Lightest model (2.3 lbs), 10 sensitivity levels  

- Cons: Smaller coil, not for deep water  

- Perfect for: Rainy climates and relic-rich fields

Learn more

The Verdict: Our #1 Pick  

The Minelab Vanquish 440 is the best all-around detector under $300 for 2025.

Its multi-frequency scanning conquers beaches, parks, and fields that stymie single-frequency models. 

For just $299, you get pro-tier tech, included headphones, rain cover, and Minelab’s warranty. 

When to choose another:  

- Snorkeling? Grab the Nokta Simplex Ultra. 

- Relic or gold nugget hunting? The Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro digs deeper.  

Level Up Your Hunts (Under $50!)  

Pair your detector with:  

- Sand Scoop ($25): Essential for beach hunting.  Buy now 

- Pinpointer ($45): Probes locate targets in holes faster.  Buy now

- Knee Pads: Save your joints during long digs!  

> Got questions? Drop them below! 

Check out more metal detecting posts:

Metal Detecting Tips

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