If you’re looking for a cheap metal detector, take a look at the best budget metal detectors for beginners.
There are so many options on the market when it comes to buying cheap metal detectors that we don’t know where to start. The first move we must make to select which metal detector is best for us is to decide on a budget. Many newbies decide they want to start with a low-budget, cheap metal detector and go from there. Although they are pigeonholed as cheap metal detectors, these budget metal detectors for beginners can offer great quality and performance. It all depends on what you want to search for and in what environment. If you are just getting started in the world of metal detecting, these affordable options are perfect.
As a beginner, you may not want all the secondary features that some of the higher-end machines have. On the other hand, you will surely want a detector that works well and will find the treasures that you have in your head. Both newbies and those who have been in the hobby for a long time can benefit from recommendations.
Different metal detectors have their good and not so good points. There is no perfect detector that includes all features, since as we said before, all users are different, looking for different things and in different environments. In essence, metal detecting is easy. Just move the search coil over the ground and dig when it beeps.
Why buy a metal detector?
Metal detectors have a number of uses in the daily life of human beings. Some of them are used for professional purposes (Security Guards), but the vast majority of metal detectors are purchased by daytime treasure hunters.
If you want to look for treasures at the edge of the beach, submerge them in shallow waters in search of coins, if you want to find a skeleton in your garden and become an amateur archaeologist or if you simply want to find that wedding ring that fell in the garden and you never found, you must buy this device.
How to choose a metal detector?
The difficulty in finding a metal detector lies in a large number of existing models, in addition to the different and numerous ways to use it, either as a hobby or as a professional tool. To help you in your search, here are some necessary criteria before making the purchase:
Discrimination
This is the set of filters that will guide your search. Eliminates some of the unwanted targets (debris, for example) based on their level of intensity.
Power
The frequency of a detector is calculated in kilohertz (kHz). This allows you to know how many waves the detector sends into the ground. The higher the signal, the less likely to find unwanted objects. Normally, the average frequency of these devices is between 6 and 15 kHz. If it has a higher value, it is ideal for the search for gold.
Versatility
You can use it on all types of surfaces (except in water). Most of the models present difficulties in mineralized terrain or on wet sand.
The type of detector
There are two types. The VLF (pulse induction) and the VLF (Very Low Frequency). The first is more powerful (and expensive) and is often used for professional purposes, such as customs, to search for gold.
Weight
A detector weighs on average between 1-3 kg. The weight is essential so as not to tire the arms too quickly during use, as well as to allow comfortable maneuverability.
Autonomy
On the ground, there is no possibility to recharge the metal detector. Therefore, you should carefully check the autonomy, depending on the use you want to give it. If you will use it several days a week, a model whose autonomy is close to 30 hours is recommended. For irregular use (one day or another), a 10-hour model will be more than enough.
Ease of use
Some models are more complex than others. If you’ve never used a metal detector before, be sure to look for a model with an instruction manual and easy-to-setup features.
What is the best cheap metal detector for beginners?
Are you thinking of buying the best metal detector? And you still don’t know which one to choose? We present the top 7 best metal detectors on the market on offer and best valued by thousands of users. Find your best option here.
Also, see the best smart home security systems.
SUNPOW Metal Detector Pinpointer
The SUNPOW Pinpointer Metal Detector is a 360° portable waterproof device with LED light and a 9V battery, ideal for treasure hunting both on dry land and underwater. Thanks to its 360-degree probe and three alarm modes (vibration, audio and both), this metal detector can detect metals at any angle, extending the detection range and reducing target loss.
The completely waterproof design allows you to use it in any weather or heavy rain, and even immerse it in water up to 3 meters deep. This feature makes it particularly suitable for searching for hidden treasures in lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans.
The device features high sensitivity, which can quickly and accurately display metal objects up to 12cm underground depth. It is therefore a versatile and high-performance tool, suitable for both children and adults who are passionate about treasure hunting.
The simple one-button operation allows you to turn on the device and change modes with ease, making it accessible even to the little ones. The length and weight of the metal detector are only 27cm and 340g respectively, making it an ideal choice for gifts, such as Christmas or birthday gifts.
Pros
- 360-degree probe design helps expand your detection area
- Decent unit for less than $40
- Cycling through the modes is fast and easy
- Waterproof build prevents water damage
- Good size so it’s easy to fit in narrow areas
Cons
- Color (for someone)
- Insubstantial design
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Garrett Pro-Pointer
The Garrett Pro Pointer is a high-quality device, ideal for metal detecting enthusiasts and anyone looking for a reliable and accurate pinpointer. This tool features an ergonomic design and a vibrant orange color that makes it easily identifiable during field research.
One of the main features of the Garrett Pro Pointer is the patented proportional audio/vibrational pulse, which indicates located objects intuitively and immediately. Thanks to this feature, you will be able to pinpoint the location of metal objects hidden in the ground or underwater with precision.
It features a unique push-button adjustment, which enables quick adjustment and avoids time-consuming adjustment of sensitive settings. Additionally, the device is waterproof down to 6 meters, allowing you to reach previously unattainable placement depths.
Among the other technical features, we find a practical LED flashlight to illuminate dark areas, a scraper blade to easily remove soil and a pointed tip to facilitate the search for metal objects. The device can be used in a 360° position, giving you full coverage of the search area.
Pros
- Submersible (any weather)
- Lightweight
- Z-Lynk wireless technology
- Flashlight
- Lost alarm
- Automatic power-off
Cons
- Absence of inch markings on the probe
- Only available in orange color
- Not quite visible in the dark
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hazlewolke Waterproof Metal Detector
The Hazlewolke Metal Detector is a waterproof metal detector, ideal for adults and children who enjoy outdoor adventures. This device features a 7.5-inch search ring and weighs only 1 kg, making it extremely lightweight and portable.
The Hazlewolke metal detector offers five modes to give you endless exploration fun. One of the main features of this metal detector is its lightweight design. Weighing just over 1 kg, it’s suitable for both children and adults, making it perfect for hiking and exploring. The length of the rod is adjustable and the arm holder has been added to minimize the burden and ensure comfortable use.
The waterproof coil of the Hazlewolke metal detector allows you to use it in shallow water, seaside and other wet places, giving you the ability to enjoy the adventure with your kids. This product is also a great gift idea for special occasions like Christmas and Thanksgiving.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Different sound tones for different metals
- Simplified interface
- Detects objects up to 2 feet underground
Cons
- Not ideal for meteorite hunting
- No coil protector or headphones included
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Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker
This metal detector is certainly among the best products currently on the market, first of all for its value for money. It is among the cheapest and guarantees the finding of objects. This device has a very elegant design and has an adjustable height.
It is simple to use and handle because it is very light. This metal detector can detect many types of metals, on different types of terrain, such as wetlands and beaches. It is powered by two 9V batteries. It has two signaling modes: Discrimination Mode and Motion All-Metal.
Pros
- Highly sensitive and accurate
- Three different modes of operation
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Target strength meter
- Simple interface
Cons
- No pinpointing feature
- Limited discrimination range
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Quest X10
In the price range in which it is positioned, it is one of the most complete models according to all the functions it incorporates. It has 4 search modes, one of them is customizable, where the user can adjust the detector according to his particular search needs.
It has a volume control, very useful when the user is detecting places where the sound of the speaker could disturb the environment or the user himself. The device incorporates a digital display, with light on the screen and a flashlight at the back of the control box. Something that other models in this price range do not have.
The Ground Balance function is very important to adjust the detector to different types of terrain and make it as stable as possible. Its coil is double D, another feature that the rest of the models in this price range on the market do not have. This achieves better target separation and higher signal amplification.
Pros
- Affordable
- Very lightweight
- A bunch of additional settings
- Pinpoint included
- Flashlight included
- Perfect for coins and relics
- DD coil
Cons
- Not waterproof (rainproof is the maximum you can count on)
- No compatible accessories
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Kuman KW30S Pin Pointer Metal Detector
This metal detector is a metal pinpointer with high sensitivity. You can work on the sand, the grass, on the ground. It can detect various types of metal objects, such as coins, gold, silver, relics, jewelry, etc. It is versatile and easy to use, small and useful. The pinpointer is powered by a 9V alkaline battery, with low battery indication. Single-button operation, allows the user to quickly activate the detection, without having to go through multiple sensitivity settings.
+ PROS
- Small size pinpointer with a case, makes it ultra-portable and convenient.
- High sensitivity for better detection of small targets, can work indoors, outdoors, in sand, grass or on the ground.
- Three levels of sensitivity with different LED indicators of light, audio and vibration alert.
- 60 ° lateral detection area.
– CONS
- Good for the entry-level, but not for professionals.
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Also, read our selection of the best Android stud finder apps for free.
Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector
The Garrett Ace 150 metal detector is ideal for you to start searching for metals thanks to its simple controls and easy handling.
In addition, the Garrett Ace 150 metal detector is an economical, affordable, but high-quality metal detector that has exclusive technology from the manufacturer that will quickly identify your targets, whether they are iron or precious metals.
With 3 depth indicators and 3 search modes: all metal, jewels and coins. Any earphone with a 1/4″ jack can be inserted into the metal detecting device.
+ PROS
- Perfect device to start at an unbeatable price
- Easy handling and good depth
- Low weight is ideal for children
– CONS
- Don’t expect miracles in discrimination
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Minelab X-TERRA 305
Metal detectors are tools that, in their two main uses, are designed to offer adequate and fun results even. Whether you want to search for hobbies metals or for professional reasons, you can find simple and lightweight models that offer adequate performance in that search. Models such as the X-Terra 305, which thanks to its 12 segments and its wide range of coils are able to find all types of metals in the field easily.
The Vflex technology of this product is capable of sweeping the ground finding from small coins or scraps of metal to pieces of greater size and importance. This system also allows to you establish the depth of the object, as well as to classify it, so that we know what exactly we have under our feet, counting on an almost automated start-up system that balances and activates the product with little intervention of the user.
+ PROS
- It allows you to detect virtually any type of metal without having to worry about setting it up.
- The screen system tells you both the characteristics of the finding and the estimated measure to be able to find it.
- It’s a lightweight device.
- The automatic balance system makes starting up as simple as turning it on and starting to search.
– CONS
- You have to buy the headphones and the battery separately.
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In conclusion
The detection of metals is a relatively unusual hobby, but very fun. There are always stories in the news about people discovering old coins or Viking relics, and sometimes they make a lot of money auctioning off these treasures. Even if what you find is not particularly valuable, it’s still fun to find something interesting like a bullet casing. Using a metal detector is also very useful if you have ever lost something in your backyard, such as a wedding ring or even a cell phone. Instead of looking for hours on hands and knees, a metal detector can find what it lost very quickly.
Also, see the best smart home alarm systems.
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