Are you in the search of the best metal detector for gold? Do you know what factors to take into account when choosing one? What about reliable places to buy this type of machine? This post will answer all of these questions for you.
Here are the best metal detectors for gold you can buy in 2024:
- Best For Professionals: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
- Best For Extreme Ground Conditions: Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
- Ultra Accurate: RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
- Best For Beginners: Esright Metal Detector
- Most Durable: OMMO Metal Detector
- Lightweight: TACKLIFE Metal Detector
| 6 Best Metal Detectors For Gold | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Professionals | NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector | |
Best For Extreme Ground Conditions | Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector | |
Ultra Accurate | RM RICOMAX Metal Detector | |
Best For Beginners | Esright Metal Detector | |
Most Durable | OMMO Metal Detector | |
Lightweight | TACKLIFE Metal Detector | |
Best For Professionals: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector
- High detecting precision – built with advanced technology, three detection modes (including Pinpoint mode), & four sensitivity control options
- Perfect for travel & maneuvering – the weight of 2.3 pounds & collapsible construction
- Able to find deeper coins – depth adjustment up to 12”
- It slightly wasn’t balanced well
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector is a godsend for professionals who want something to help them find treasure at deeper depth with high accuracy.
It is built with three detection modes and four sensitivity control options that can find either all metals or only a certain type for you. It also features Pinpoint mode for increased detecting accuracy to distinguish between junk metal and treasure.
What we like the most is its lightness and portability that you can easily carry around or bring along on a trip. Besides, it is suitable for users of all ages.
| NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 7.5 x 4.5 x 22.5 inches |
Weight | 2.3 pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 12 inches |
Operating Frequency | 7.11 kHz |
Highlight Features | built with advanced technology, three detection modes (including Pinpoint mode), & four sensitivity control options the weight of 2.3 pounds & collapsible construction depth adjustment up to 12” |
The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector is an affordable yet functional option for professionals.
Best For Extreme Ground Conditions: Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
- Neutralize response to mineral content while detecting - Preset ground balance
- No loss of sensitivity when detecting in extreme ground conditions – Rugged design
- Out of juice fast
Next up is the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector.
It gives you three detecting modes: 2-Tone audio, Discrimination, and motion All-Metal.
It also avoids the most common problem of metal detecting: ground balance, all thanks to the notch/disc control.
Making it different from other counterparts at the same price tag is the rugged design with incredible detecting capability in extreme ground conditions with no loss of sensitivity control or operator adjustment to the circuitry.
| Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 28.25 x 10 x 6.25 inches |
Weight | 3.7 Pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 9" |
Operating Frequency | 6.6 kHz. |
Highlight Features | Preset ground balance Rugged design |
Simple and effective, the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector is our recommendation for extreme ground conditions
Ultra Accurate: RM RICOMAX Metal Detector
- Allow you to find treasure with high accuracy for time-saving on digging – an ultra-big, 10” search coil & three precise detecting modes
- Very easy to use – use a button to adjust detecting modes instead of knob & good user manual
- Extra convenience – include a carrying bag and a digging shovel in the package
- Hard to read the LCD screen when it’s in shadow or low light conditions
- The plastic ring feels slightly flimsy
If your top priority when seeking a metal detector for gold is accuracy, then the RM RICOMAX Metal Detector is a good buy.
Compared to other options, it has a bigger search coil (10 inches in diameter) for higher sensitivity control plus this coil is waterproof that you can use both underground and underwater.
It also gives you DISC, Distinctive Audio Prompt, and Pinpoint Function like most other metal detectors these days but what’s worth mentioning is that they’re adjusted by a button.
From our experience, adjusting a function by buttons is much easier than knob and dial. Easy-to-read manual instructions is another big bonus.
Aside from the metal detector, there is also a carrying bag and a digging shovel included in the package. What else to ask?
| RM RICOMAX Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 48 x 10 x 10 inches |
Weight | 2.31 pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 8" |
Operating Frequency | 6.6 kHz |
Highlight Features | an ultra-big, 10” search coil & three precise detecting modes use a button to adjust detecting modes instead of a knob & good user manual include a carrying bag and a digging shovel in the package |
If the idea of wasting money on a cheap metal detector that misleads between junk metals and treasure makes you not want to join any metal-detecting trip in the first place, the RM RICOMAX Metal Detector (with its decent accuracy) might be right up your alley.
Best For Beginners: Esright Metal Detector
- User-friendly & reduce fatigue on your shoulders during extended detecting trips - ergonomic design and the construction of ABS + aluminum
- Reliable – backed by a one-year warranty
- Perfect for users of most ages – adjustable stem
- The screen isn’t digital
- Wish the shovel was stronger
For beginners, an affordable, user-friendly metal detector might be what they need.
But this Esright model even gives you more than that: ergonomic design, waterproof search coil with three detecting modes, and a one-year warranty. The stem is adjustable from 42.5” to 52” to fit wider height ranges of users.
The weight of this metal detector is relatively lightweight thanks to the material combination of ABS and aluminum. So, during extended metal-detecting trips, your shoulders and arms won’t break.
It also offers a handy foldable shovel and a storage bag.
| Esright Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 22 x 11 x 5 inches |
Weight | 5.74 pounds |
Depth Adjustment | 9in-10in |
Highlight Features | ergonomic design materials: ABS + aluminum backed by a one-year warranty adjustable stem, from 42.5” to 52” |
The Esright Metal Detector is a fairly priced option for beginners to start their bounty hunts without breaking the bank
Most Durable: OMMO Metal Detector
- Easy to find different types of metal at the same time - various audio tone sounds
- Superior durability level & reliability – backed by a 2-year warranty
- Give you better control of the machine and comfort - ergonomic armrest structure
- The user manuals need improvement
This advanced metal detector is ideal for those enthusiasts who love to seek different types of metal at a time because it’s equipped with various audio tone sounds to remind you.
Similar to most other options in our list, it has PP, Disc, and All-Metal modes along with an adjustable stem and a waterproof coil.
But the thing that makes it stand out from the competition is its decent durability level, which is guaranteed by the manufacturer through a 2-year warranty. Other than that, its ergonomic armrest structure gives you better control during use.
| OMMO Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 17.68 x 13.7 x 5.47 inches |
Weight | 6.41 lbs. |
Depth Adjustment | 8" |
Operating Frequency | 6.4- 6.6kHz |
Highlight Features | various audio tone sounds backed by a 2-year warranty ergonomic armrest structure |
Built with durability in mind to stay with you for a lifetime, the OMMO Metal Detector becomes a precious pick on our list this year.
Lightweight: TACKLIFE Metal Detector
- Ideal for kids – an adjustable stem, the weight of 1.2 pounds, & features a lanyard
- Remind you whenever the battery range is low - Low battery indicator
- Easy reading the numbers in all lighting conditions – LCD display with backlit
- The symbols are confusing a little bit
TACKLIFE Metal Detector is a perfect present for any outdoor enthusiasts from 6 to 12 years old because of its lightness and easy-to-use design.
While weighing only 1.2 pounds, it comes with a lanyard at one end of the handle so kids can effortlessly carry it around plus the stem’s height is adjustable.
The unit features a 6.7”-diameter waterproof search coil using a 7.68kHz frequency to easily detect silver, gold, jewelry, relics, and coins with nice accuracy levels.
Regardless, there are other two good functions about this metal detector: 1) once low in battery range, it will remind you, and 2) its LCD display has a backlit for easy reading in all lighting conditions.
Last but not least, your purchase is backed by a 24-month guarantee by the manufacturer.
| TACKLIFE Metal Detector Specifications | |
|---|---|
Dimension | 21.7 x 8.9 x 6.8 inches |
Weight | 1.2 pounds |
Operating Frequency | 7.68 kHz |
Highlight Features | an adjustable stem, the weight of 1.2 pounds, & feature a lanyard Low battery indicator LCD display with backlit |
Lightweight, functional, and easy to use, the TACKLIFE Metal Detector is our proud choice for young outdoor enthusiasts.
How To Choose The Best Metal Detector For Gold?
Frequency
The frequency of a detector can fall between 3 and 70 kHz, but most detectors have frequencies ranging from 13 to 50 kHz. The remaining question is which frequency range you should go for.
The general rule is that the lower the frequency, the larger the nugget. That means lower-frequency detectors will find nuggets of larger sizes at greater depths but they can find nuggets of smaller sizes at shallow depths very well.
Meanwhile, higher-frequency detectors do a better job at finding small nuggets at a shallow depth and don’t perform as well when finding nuggets at greater depths.
The choice of frequency comes down to the particular area you’re searching and the discoveries prior to your search.
Coils
The rule for coils is simple: the larger the size, the larger nuggets, and greater depths. While smaller coils are suitable for smaller nuggets and shallow depths, they do better in rocky areas. Smaller coils are also better for highly mineralized ground.
Detector technology
When it comes to detecting technology, you need to choose between Very Low Frequency (VLF) and Pulse Induction (PI).
VLF is the technology used in metal detectors for coins, relics, and jewelry. These detectors broadcast at frequencies ranging from 3 to 70 kHz.
They have certain advantages over PI detectors: they are suitable for beginners, they are suitable if you need one detector for both gold and other metals like coins and jewelry relics.
They are also suitable for hunting small-medium nuggets at an 8-inch depth or less, for areas with a lot of trash and needs discrimination. Detectors with VLF are often cheaper than $2000.
On the other hand, PI detectors are often used for maximum depths in the mineral-rich ground. They broadcast pulses measured by the number of pulses per second. PI detectors have their own advantages.
This type of frequency is suitable for experienced gold hunters, for those who want a specialized machine for gold hunting.
These machines are also better for those who focus on larger nuggets and greater depths rather than smaller ones, working the best in the mineral-rich ground with less trash. Lastly, they cost more than $2000, so you need to have a deep pocket.
Discrimination
A detector’s discrimination is the thing that filters out gold and other stuff in the ground. Compared with PI detectors, VLF detectors discriminate better, making it a perfect choice for areas with lots of trash.
Which Brands Make The Best Metal Detector For Gold?
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO
This is a brand specializing in making professional metal detectors. Here, you will find high-quality models that deliver reliable performance and simple operation.
RM RICOMAX
With over 5 years of experience in the industry, this brand has a dedicated research and development team that works on cost-effective metal detectors. It offers both low and high-end products to meet everyone’s needs.
TACKLIFE
Focusing on quality, this brand offers metal detectors with great precision. It always has customers’ needs at heart to make sure you will get the machine you need.
FAQs
Can metal detectors detect gold?
Yes, they can, but you will be better off using detectors designed for hunting gold.
How do metal detectors detect gold?
They transmit an electromagnetic field to the ground then analyze the return signal. This electromagnetic field produces eddy currents in conductive materials. These currents create their own electromagnetic field that the detector will receive and analyze.
What is the difference between a metal detector and a gold detector?
Some of the differences include:
- Gold detectors have a higher frequency than metal detectors.
- The coil size of a gold detector is usually smaller than that of an average.
- In general, gold detectors don’t work at great depths, especially when they have a mono loop coil.
How deep can a metal detector go?
Depending on the mode, a metal detector can go from 5 centimeters to 35 centimeters deep.
Is bigger better when it comes to coils?
The answer to this question depends on the specific needs of the user. Generally speaking, a larger coil will be able to detect larger nuggets at greater depths and vice versa.
Conclusion
We hope that through this comprehensive guide on finding the best metal detector for gold, you have understood what a good gold detector should be like. There are a number of technical factors to consider, but as long as you follow our guide closely, you will be fine.
Eugene WilliamsHi, my name is Eugene, the ultimate home enthusiast! I write buying guides and ideas on how to create a warm and welcoming home. Join me on my journey to make everyday in your house a staycation in the comfort of your own space!
