Best metal detector for a beginner

When it comes to finding one of the best metal detectors for a beginner, there’s a wide range of models to choose from and it may be daunting for someone new that’s just trying to start out this new hobby.

I’ve been there, sadly, thru trial & error and I know that it may be quite hard to pick the right metal detector that will fit your needs so I created a small summary to help you out.

Best metal detector for a beginner
Going out in the park to metal detect on a sunny day it’s my source of happiness.

Not long ago I was a novice as well, I was lucky that I picked the right detector from the start, but I was just lucky and due to that I had a pleasant experience.

In my list that I’ll share below, I picked only well-known metal detectors based on a big variety of reviews. The whole goal of this is to help you choose the best metal detector for a freshman.

Best metal detector for a beginner

I would recommend using either Garrett Ace 150 or the successor, the 250 model which is a little more superior and it has more features. They may seem a little over the budget that you probably had in mind, they are in the $$$ range, but they are way above the no-name brands that you may find in the lower range and that’s for a reason.

Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector
Garrett ACE 150
Garrett Ace 250 Review
Garrett ACE 250

Some of the features of those models that make a difference are:

  • higher depth detection
  • different modes for metal detection, for example, modes to find only coins and avoid cans
  • frequency variation to separate some metals from the others
  • noise reduction settings
  • the capability of adding headphones, which you may not consider yet, but it’s a big improvement

In case you are looking to see more metal detectors, check out my curated list of best metal detectors for this year.

Steve

I’m one of the founders of this blog. A 32 yr old from Lincolnshire & proud father of 3 beautiful children. My first metal detector was a garret ace 150 but I am currently using the Garrett ace 400i. My best find was a roman coin. Feel free to ask me any questions.

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Chuck - December 11, 2020

Steve, I’m thinking about buying the Fisher F22. I’m new to the hobby. Would you buy the Fisher over the garrett 300 or bounty Hunter 3300. Thank you

Reply
    Steve - December 26, 2020

    Hi Chuck,
    I’ll pick Fisher F22/Garrett 300 if I could find any of them, both will get the job done.

    Reply
Paul Barratt - January 17, 2021

Hi Steve thinking about getting the Garrett for my 7 yr old son, is it suitable for a junior?

Reply
    Steve - January 21, 2021

    Hi Paul,
    I think it’s not a good choice for your son, usually, the Garrett I recommend for 12+.

    Reply
Amir - April 17, 2021

You can’t beat a Minelab Gold Monster 1000. Excellent machine and easy to use. Also, at $800.00 bucks very affordable. As Arthur said, look at Bill Southerns posts. He’s the man! He also has a forum where you can gain lots of knowledge about this machine. Good hunting!

Reply
Richard Lewis - November 29, 2022

Hi Steve,
Which metal detector would you recommend for a 7 year old?
Many thanks
Richard

Reply
John Diggins - March 18, 2023

Hi, I got into metal detecting about 40 yrs ago. I had a cheap and nasty metal detector that didn’t really work too well but I still enjoyed detecting.
Now 40 yrs on, and wanting to take up metal detecting again, now that I can afford a really decent detector, am I wrong to go straight for a CTX 3030?

Reply
    Steve - March 31, 2023

    Hi John, Yes, don’t just any longer, go for a high-end detector to see what it’s like.

    Reply
Jake - July 6, 2023

Hello, what would be a good metal detector for a beginner. Thanks

Reply
Ian Gretton - January 24, 2024

Hi Steve hope you don’t mind me asking I am new too metal detecting and am just unsure about which detector to buy and where I can metal detect as reading online it’s abit confusing I am in Nottingham and just unsure where I can go do you recommend any places thanks for your time ian

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