If you are starting your metal detecting hobby, you may want to start with an affordable metal detector but delivers excellent performance. And for $500 or less, you can find yourself a high-performing metal detector.
However, many metal detectors within this price are flooded on the market. As such, we took it upon ourselves to review some of the top-rated. So, without much ado, let’s start with the 10 best metal detectors under $500.
IN THIS POST
Best Metal Detectors Under $500
1. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro
It operates at a 19 kHz frequency that is higher than the previous version. The higher frequency allows the detector better target separation and improved finer tuning for gold prospecting. The 19 kHz is considered an all-purpose operating frequency making the metal detector perfect for small gold nuggets and relics.
The metal detector is fitted with an 11-inch waterproof DD searchcoil that delivers excellent ground coverage and sensitivity. The larger searchcoil is excellent at detecting large targets at extreme depths. However, with the 19 kHz, you won’t compromise the detection and sensitivity of small-sized targets. Moreover, the searchcoil detects better on mineralized ground conditions and separates better than concentric coils on previous models.
This detector comes with One Touch Computerized Ground Grab that allows you to match the internal ground balance setting to the ground balance phase. Even though numbers will vary, the performance will be enhanced regardless of some noise still heard. The Ground Grab also comes in handy when balancing on saltwater.
With the adjustable notch on this metal detector, you can adjust the notch out or notch in certain types of targets. This will narrow or widen the notch category for customization of hunting parameters.
Manufacturer Specifications
Searchcoil: 11-Inch Waterproof DD Searchcoil
Waterproof: Yes – searchcoil
Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion
Weight: 2.5 Pounds
What We Like
- Enhanced V-break
- Ground Grab
- Notch
- FeTone
- 19 kHz Operation Frequency
What We Don’t Like
- It is more of a copy-cut of the Fisher F19
2. Teknetics T2 Classic
The T2 Classic comes with a 13 kHz operating frequency that makes it an all-purpose detector. This operating frequency makes this metal detector populous during the African Gold Rush back in the days. Even at present, it is up to the task to do it all over again.
The detector comes with a manual and auto ground balance that makes this metal detector do a great job in detecting coins at depths of up to 15-inches deep into the ground. The auto function allows for computerized ground balance for a better detecting experience.
It comes with an adjustable gain and threshold for making custom adjustments, especially when hunting for relics. Moreover, the discrimination feature will allow you to discriminate trash and junk items while focusing on detecting a specific item. The pinpoint function will provide you a precise location of where the metal is.
The T2 Classic has multiple selectable tone options that allow maximum use of the detector. Even with the high-tech features, this metal detector can run up to 40 hours of a single battery charge. You can detect in any type of terrain without the worry of missing a target.
However, you should be cautious not to wet the battery and control box to wet ground as they are not waterproof.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch Bi-Axial Search Coil
- Waterproof: Yes –Searchcoil
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 3 Pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable settings
- Auto and manual ground balance
- Maximum depth detection
- Long battery life
What We Don’t Like
- Exposed control box
3. Garrett ACE 400
It has iron audio which is helpful when you are trying to avoid junk objects like washers and caps. The Iron Audio will produce a unique tone for iron targets instead of an audio alert that sounds like a coin. When the Iron Audio is activated, a trash object will produce an intermittent tone that sounds like rumbles.
The digital target ID helps you to identify targets detected. It is numerically labeled from 0-99. This corresponds to the list provided by Garrett for quick referencing.
The ACE 400 metal detector operates at a good frequency of 10kHz, which is higher than the 6 to 7 kHz offered by most of its competitors. Since the frequency is adjustable, you can alter it should you experience interference from other metal detectors or power lines. It can be helpful when hunting on the ground or when an unexpected situation calls for this feature.
The detector has 5 preset search modes including Custom, Zero Disc, Jewelry, Coins, and Relics. The Zero Disc enables you to listen to signals on all targets that are detected with zero discrimination. However, if you want to customize your detection mode, the Custom Mode will enable you to notch out an unwanted target while detecting the desired one.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 8.5 x 11 – Inch PROformance DD Waterproof Searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes – Searchcoil only
- Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion Battery
- Weight: 5.48 Pounds
What We Like
- Digital display
- 5 Search Modes
- Iron audio
- Target ID
What We Don’t Like
- Preset ground balance
4. Fisher F22
The F22 has a waterproof design that is perfect for detecting in the harshest ground conditions. It is resistant to weather, storms, snow, sleet, rain, and high wind. Regardless of being a waterproof detector, the F22 is not for underwater detection.
It comes with 4 modes of operation that include Coin, Jewelry, Custom, and Artifact modes. Coupled with a 9-Segment Visual and Numeric Target ID, you will separate trash from your focused treasure before you start digging.
The F22 metal detector features a 9-inch elliptical searchcoil that makes it easier for you to discriminate buried metal items you may want to find. With the pinpoint function, you will point out the precise location where the object is located. That way, you won’t have to guess where the item might be located, thereby cutting down the digging time.
The F22 features a large LCD screen that displays all the current settings and gives you a visual experience of controlling the detector. All the displayed information is easier to read owing to the large numeric figures shown. The metal detector operates on 2 AA batteries and weighs just 2.3 pounds. With the 5-year warranty, you can be sure to detect all-year-round with the worry of repairs.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 9-Inch Elliptical Searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes (Searchcoil and stem)
- Battery: 2 AA Batteries
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
What We Like
- 20 levels of sensitivity control
- Target ID
- 5-year warranty
- Waterproof
- 4 modes of operation
What We Don’t Like
- Requires a longer learning curve
5. SUNPOW High Accuracy Metal Detector
The SUNPOW has a larger LCD screen that displays the sensitivity level, volume, mode, target depth, and battery status. The LCD allows you to see all the running settings while allowing you to adjust different settings right on the screen.
The DISC Mode and unique audio will help detect the different types of metals like aluminum, bronze, iron, silver, and gold. With the All Metal mode, you can differentiate the type of metal you detect by the unique audio and ignore the junk metal. You can do this by setting the DISC range to enhance the detection efficiency.
The detector has a pinpoint function and high depth. The two features come in handy, especially after confirming the approximate range of the target detected. You can use the pinpoint to accurately locate your target before you embark on digging it out. The volume level and the display icon will help you determine the depth of the item.
The SUNPOW runs on two 9V alkaline batteries. For the batteries to last longer, you need to reduce the LCD screen light during the day. The adjustable stem makes the metal detector great for both kids and adults. The armrest is designed to provide a relaxing experience when treasure hunting.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Waterproof Searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes (searchcoil and stem)
- Battery: 2x 9V Batteries
- Weight: 5.49 Pounds
What We Like
- Pinpoint function
- Discrimination mode
- All-Metal mode
- Adjustable stem
- Waterproof searchoil and stem
What We Don’t Like
- Waterproof plastic used
6. Garrett ACE 300
It comes with five separate search modes that allow you to hunt for coins, relics, and jewelry. Moreover, it enables you to adjust the frequency of operation for ground mineralization and discriminate trash iron.
The ACE 300 comes with 8 eight sensitivity or depth adjustment that allows you to adjust the depth you may want to detect. The coin depth indicator will help you know the exact depth of the detected coin for easy and precise digging.
The rugged design of this detector makes it perfect for hunting in tough terrains without a hassle. With the Garrett ACE Environmental Cover-Up, your metal detector’s control box will be protected against mud and bad weather elements. The adjustable arm strap works to hold the metal detector tight to your arm while you swing it around.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch Proformance
- Waterproof: No
- Battery: 4x AA Batteries
- Weight: 2.8 Pounds
What We Like
- Submersible searchcoil
- Adjustable frequency
- Notch discrimination
- Pulse-width modulation
What We Don’t Like
- Not great at finding small jewelry
7. Nokta Makro Simplex
The Simplex comes with an auto and manual ground balance for easy hunting on mineralized grounds along the beaches. It also features a dedicated Beach search mode that makes the detector excellent for treasure hunting along the beaches. The iron volume feature allows adjusting of volume on iron targets without messing up with the discrimination or notch settings.
The detector comes with an LCD screen for a look at the current settings and when adjusting them. It has a vibration feature that you can utilize when underwater or for hard-of-hearing hobbyists. Regardless, you can effectively use this detector in different terrains and get the best performance out of it.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 11-Inch Waterproof Searchcoil
- Waterproof: Yes
- Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion Battery
- Weight: 2.9 Pounds
What We Like
- Ease to use
- Auto and manual ground balance
- Fully submersible up to 10 feet
- LCD screen display
What We Don’t Like
- Short battery life
8. Garrett ACE 250
The detector has a 9-inch PROformance submersible searchcoil that allows you to hunt in shallow waters and wet terrains without worry. The graphic Target ID cursor comes in handy, especially when determining the target you have beneath the ground.
The sensitivity control allows you to adjust the sensitivity to 8 levels of sensitivity for the various ground conditions you will engage in. Besides, the adjustable sensitivity enables you to have maximum depth detection regardless of the terrain.
With ACE 250, you can accept or reject notch for specific target detection while you ignore undesired items. Moreover, the electronic pinpoint allows you easy target recovery as it points out where precisely the target lies.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Searchcoil: 9-Inch PROformance submersible searchcoil
- Waterproof: No
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
- Weight: 2.64 Pounds
What We Like
- Continuous target depth indicator
- Graphic Target ID
- Electronic pinpoint for easy target recovery
- Sensitivity control
What We Don’t Like
- Not Waterproof
9. Whites TreasurePro Metal Detector
It has Tracking and Auto Ground Balance that gives you an advantage over detecting on the tough terrains like along the beach. Moreover, the TreasurePro features a dedicated Beach search mode that enables the detector to deliver excellent performance along the beach.
The detector comes with preset discrimination patterns for Jewelry and Coin Mode. The All-Metal, Pinpoint, and High Trash coupled with adjustable discrimination complete the search mode options. The 10-inch DD waterproof searchcoil will offer you rapid detection over the ground to cover more ground at a limited time.
The metal detector is equipped with a coin master 8 kHz operating frequency to deliver the best optimal settings for detecting various items. This will also expand your coin collections. Moreover, with the backlight, you are not limited to hunting during the day but also at night.
Manufacturer Specification
- Searchcoil: 10-Inch DD Waterproof Search Coil
- Waterproof: Yes (Searchcoil)
- Battery: 2x AA Batteries
- Weight: 3 Pounds
What We Like
- Automatic ground tracking
- Adjustable armrest
- Adjustable threshold volume and discrimination
- All-metal operation
What We Don’t Like
- Limited to coin master searchcoils
10. Garrett Ace Apex Metal Detector
With the ACE Apex, you got 5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz operating frequency that can be either used individually or together for multi-frequency mode. You can also combine some specific frequencies for Multi-Salt Mode. As such, you can take this metal detector to any terrain and still get the best performance.
It comes with a fascinating audible target ID with 5 tones that include low, low-medium, medium, medium-high, and high tone. With the five-tone modes, you can quickly get identification of the target IDs you are detecting underground. And all these work with the Digital Target ID scale of 0-99 displayed on the control box screen.
The detector has multiple adjustable settings such as 20 notch segments, 8 iron discrimination, and 8 sensitivity or depth adjustment settings. The backlight brightness and volume for both the control box and headphones are also adjustable. With the auto ground balance, you can attain the right amount of detection regardless of how much the ground is mineralized.
The ACE Apex is a waterproof metal detector to offer submersible capabilities. However, the control box is showerproof. Therefore, little rain won’t damage it. With the adjustable backlit screen, you can adjust the brightness for better hunting in the dark. The detector weighs 2.5 pounds, which is lightweight enough for detecting all day long without tiring.
Manufacturer Specifications
Searchcoil: 11-Inch DD Viper Searchcoil
Waterproof: Yes
Battery: 1 Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery
Weight: 2.5 Pounds
What We Like
- Multi-frequency
- Audible target ID
- Z-Lynk compatible
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like
- Requires searchcoil
What to Look for in a Metal Detector Under $500
When shopping for the best metal detector under $500, you should be aware of some of the pertinent factors to go home with the best metal detector. Before we look at the different factors to consider, let’s see who should buy a metal under $500.
Who should buy an under 500 metal detector?
Novice, teenagers, and young adults that are new to metal detecting can be better off buying a metal detector for under $200. However, an adult looking for metal detectors for their use can go for a starter detector of $300 price range.
To buy a metal detector worth $500 means you have some experience and you want to upgrade to a more advanced one from the one you have. Metal detectors within a range of $300 to $500 are deemed high-end of the entry-level market. Moreover, many are calibrated to find jewelry and coins.
VLF VS Multi-Frequency VS Pulse Induction
VLF is a single frequency metal detector and comes at the most affordable price. Moreover, they are the most common type of metal detector technology on the market. Multi-frequency technology, on the other hand, incorporates multiple frequencies that can be used simultaneously. However, they are a bit expensive compared to VLF.
Pulse Induction delivers maximum depth detection and probably the most expensive type of detecting technology in the market. Unfortunately, these types are not available for under the $500 price point.
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Intended Use
Metal detectors that cost under $500 are perfect for all-purpose hunting for coins, relics, and jewelry. However, they will come with additional features such as adjustable user settings. As such, you can be more particular about how you want your detector to perform in different terrain and for specific items.
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Jewelry and Coins
A metal detector with a frequency below 15 kHz will be perfect for coins. The majority of jewelry and coin metal detectors come with an operating frequency of about 6-7 kHz and are calibrated for hunting these types of targets.
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Gold Prospecting
Most gold hunting metal detecting doesn’t often come at this price range. So for gold prospecting, you need to increase your budget a bit to get a metal detector offering at least 20 kHz or higher. However, some gold detectors are multi-frequency, so if you get a multi-frequency detector, you can be sure to get the best experience in gold hunting adventure.
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Underwater
Dedicated underwater metal detectors don’t come with a digital display. They often come with a knob interface and LED light or vibration system. This way, it provides maximum waterproofness when detecting in water. An underwater metal detector can be rated to be waterproof from 40 to 200 feet.
Waterproof detectors are often rated for submersion up to 10 feet with exclusive connections for submersible capability. Besides, you will require wired waterproof headphones for clear hearing of signals.
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Relic or Artifact Hunting
Although many jewelry and coin metal detectors are great for relic hunting, you may want to get more performance and specific with the specs. Therefore, look for a metal detector with an operating frequency of 10-20 kHz, iron audio, adjustable threshold, and a large DD searchcoil. You can find these kinds of metal detectors under the $500 price range so you can find your best without a hassle.
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Beach Hunting
Black sand, wet, and dry sand have minerals that cause interference to the detection. As such, they generate false signals, noisy chatter, and inaccurate target IDs that may wear you out. For this reason, single VLF metal detectors are not best for beach hunting.
As such, you will want to have a multi-frequency or PI metal detector for maximum beach hunting performance. However, if you intend to hunt on the dry, white sand, then your VLF metal detector may do just fine. Nonetheless, the ground balancing feature is a must-have on the beach detector.
FAQs
Q: Which Metal Detector has the Best Depth?
A: Many features affect the depth the detector can reach. The frequency, size, and shape of the searchcoil will affect the depth of detection of a metal detector. Multi-frequency metal detectors gain a good depth owing to their different frequencies that work simultaneously.
But the Pulse Induction detector models have superiority in the mineralized ground but tend to be heavier and poor in discriminating. Moreover, they are costly. If you are looking for maximum depth, you have to pay for it.
Q: What is the best metal detector on the market under 500?
A: Certainly, there is no ‘best’ metal detector per se. Each metal is designed to detect a specific type of target on a particular terrain better than it can to other targets and different terrain. As such, no one metal detector is all-round in delivering maximum performance without trading off somewhere.
However, the question to ask yourself is, what do you want in a metal detector, and how much are you willing to stretch your budget. If you have a budget of $500, determine the terrain you intend to detect and your detecting skill. With that, you can be sure to find the best metal detector for you.
Conclusion
With a budget of $500, you can get a high-quality metal detector, especially if you want an entry-level metal detector. Besides, metal detectors that fall within this price range are mostly entry-level ones.
If you are a novice detectorist or a second buyer looking for an upgrade from your basic metal detector, then these are the detectors you need. Whichever metal detector you choose from the 10 best metal detectors under 500, you won’t regret the performance and experience you will get.
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