If you’re on a budget of not more than $200 and you want to have the best metal detector on the market, you have come to the right place. With the many metal detectors flooded in the marketplace, getting the best metal detector under 200 can be an uphill task.
However, to get the best metal detector in your budget range, we have reviewed the 10 best metal detectors under $200. All these are reliable metal detectors from reputable brands and a high rating from reviewers, thus can deliver you the best detecting experience at this price range.
Now the question is, which one is the best option for you? This whole depends on where you plan to detect and how much experience you have. For instance, if you are a newbie, you don’t need a detector with too many features. What you need is a simple device that will allow you to kick start your detecting experience. So, let’s get started!
IN THIS POST
- 1 10 Best Metal Detector Under $200
- 1.1 1. Garrett Ace 200 Metal Detector
- 1.2 2. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
- 1.3 3. Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector
- 1.4 4. Minelab GO-FIND 40 Metal Detector
- 1.5 5. COINMASTER 83 White’s Coinmaster with Waterproof
- 1.6 6. Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver Metal Detector
- 1.7 7. NALANDA 40M Underwater Metal Detector
- 1.8 8. Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector
- 1.9 9. DR.ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector
- 1.10 10. Fisher F11 with 11DD Coil Combo
- 2 What to Look for When Buying the Best Metal Detector Under $200
- 3 FAQs
- 4 Conclusion
10 Best Metal Detector Under $200
1. Garrett Ace 200 Metal Detector
It comes with an extendable frequency of between 42 to 51 inches so that you can extend to your ideal length for a better detecting experience. It operates at a frequency of 6.5 kHz, making it great for monument and jewelry hunting.
The ACE 200 comes with three types of search modes that come in handy at honing your coin and jewelry hunting. With the Zero discrimination mode, you will hunt all kinds of metals detectable by a metal detector. The four sensitivity adjustments provide you with flexibility, especially when hunting relics in areas with high ground mineralization.
The Pulse-width modulation audio gives you a flawless sound notification that helps you differentiate the various targets. Depending on the metal you detect, you will receive three audio tones – High, Medium, and Low.
The ACE 200 is equipped with a 6.5 by 9 –inch search coil that is the right size for serious relic hunting. This coil size doesn’t lose depth whenever you are hunting your targets. The search coil is waterproof for use on land and in water.
Manufacturer Specification
- Search Coil: 6.5 X 9 –inches Mono coil
- Headphone: No headphones
- Battery: 4x AA batteries
- Weight: Less than 3 Pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight making it easy to use
- Three searches modes and Cam locks
- Four sensitivity adjustment
- High responsive audio tones
What We Don’t Like
- No adjustable ground balance
- The weak frequency for coins and jewelry
2. Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector
The F22 comes with a Pinpointing feature. Activate the Pinpoint feature by pressing the PP dedicated push-button to determine the exact location of your target. The audio tone will signify target detection at the loudest sound, while the depth indicator reflects the smallest illumination segment.
It comes with an Iron Audio, a feature that is not common on the entry-level unit. Also known as FeTone, the audio features allow you to adjust the volume of ferrous targets. From settings 10-20, the iron audio strength will vary from silent to maximum but non-ferrous targets that always remain at the maximum volume 10-20. Settings 1-10, iron signals will be as loud as non-ferrous signals.
The F22 comes in an ultra-lightweight design that makes it incredible on the hunting ground. With the collapsible dimensions and adjustable shaft, the detector only becomes versatile in treasure hunting.
Manufacturer Specification
- Search coil: 9-Inch Triangulated Concentric Elliptical Waterproof Searchcoil
- Headphone: None
- Battery: 2x AA Batteries
- Weight: 3 Pounds
What We Like
- Weatherproof all-purpose detector
- Visual target ID by category
- The long battery life of 25-30 hours
- Adjustable iron audio
What We Don’t Like
- Preset ground balance
3. Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector
It comes with a Notch feature that allows the choice of target categories. Therefore, you will effectively perform selective hunting while you avoid trash. The real-time and depth bar graph enables you to get crucial knowledge about the ground you are hunting and the real depths of the detected nuggets.
The Delta 4000’s monster LCD is a user-friendly detector that allows easy control for a better hunting experience. The 9V rechargeable will deliver you up to 25 hours of detecting in a single charge. Coupled with the lightweight design and ergonomic armrest, you will have long periods of hunting.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search coil: 8-Inch Waterproof Open-face Searchcoil
- Headphone: 1/4 –inch Headphone Jack compatible
- Battery: 1x 9V Battery
- Weight: 2.6 Pounds
What We Like
- Long-life battery
- Lightweight for easy carrying and long hours of use
- Large intuitive LCD screen
What We Don’t Like
- Detects only a foot deep
- Not great at finding silver nuggets
4. Minelab GO-FIND 40 Metal Detector
It features a lightweight design that allows easy carry and swings around as you hunt your treasure. With a weight of just 2.3 pounds, the detector will rest easy on your arms regardless of how long you do your hunting. Moreover, it is a retracting detector for easy storing in your trunk without eating much space.
It comes with a bigger 10-inch search coil that will make your ground search faster. With the color codes, the metal detector becomes more user-friendly. The green LED shows that non-iron metals are detected, meaning your intended targets are detected. The red LED will show an iron target that you want to pass because it could be a simple nail.
It comes with a new feature of Google map that allows pointing and saving treasure location on your mobile phone. However, the main drawback of this that the coil is waterproof while the control box isn’t. Therefore, avoid using it in rain or underwater.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search Coil: 10-inch search coil
- Headphone: None
- Battery: 4 AA Batteries
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
What We Like
- Simple to use
- Great value for money
- Exceptional discrimination level
- Wireless audio system
What We Don’t Like
- It does not work on water or wetland
- Doesn’t detect deep into the ground
5. COINMASTER 83 White’s Coinmaster with Waterproof
The COINMASTER 48 comes with a target ID that helps to identify the type of target detected. As such, you will know the kind of target before you start digging it out. Moreover, it provides sound signals to determine the depth of the target. Visual Display Indicator (VDI) is another great feature that shows the number as per the received signal from a target underground.
The 5 range of discrimination makes the detector more versatile for most hunters. You can choose from the 5 signal ranges to focus your selective hunting on a particular metal. The discrimination feature can also receive a suspicious signal from the ground.
It comes with a 9-inch waterproof spider coil making it great for hunting on wetland and in shallow water. With the depth reading feature, you will always be aware of how deep the object is before digging.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search coil: 9-Inch Waterproof Spider Coil
- Headphone: None
- Battery: 2x 9V battery
- Weight: 2.5 Pounds
What We Like
- Target ID feature
- Great battery backup
- Has 5 ranges of discrimination
- Waterproof coil for hunting in wetland
What We Don’t Like
- Less sensitive in some ground conditions
6. Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver Metal Detector
The display visual doesn’t feature any numerical target ID but split the metal detected into four categories. With this, you can easily discriminate three of the four categories and toggle back to the all-metal mode. Once you eliminate a metal segment, an X will pop on the screen under the rejected metal type.
The Hunter QSI comes with three audio tones that denote different kinds of targets. However, they are not connected innately to the discrimination patterns displayed on the LCD screen. They come in low, medium, and high tones. The low-tone doesn’t necessarily mean you have detected iron or a junk target. It can be gold as well!
It comes with a headphone jack that allows you to use headphones instead of a volume control like most metal detectors do at this price point. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with headphones, but you can shop for one with volume control.
Manufacturer Specification
- Search coil: 8-Inch Waterproof Search Coil
- Battery: 2x 9V Alkaline Batteries
- Headphones: 1/4-inch headphone jack
- Weight: 2 Pounds
What We Like
- One-touch sensitivity control
- Push-button discrimination
- Large easy to view LCD
What We Don’t Like
- Preset ground balance
7. NALANDA 40M Underwater Metal Detector
It features 3 all-metal search modes, varying levels of discrimination set with the knob, and the pinpoint. There are two knobs on the control box with on/off for set and sensitivity. The other is for Mode Switch. It also allows adjustment for sensitivity while the ground balance comes preset.
Weight isn’t an issue for the NALANDA 40M. Most of the time, it will be underwater. However, it comes with a flashlight or backlight that helps with visibility when hunting underwater. Another feature of this metal detector is that it comes with waterproof headphones that it comes with.
Manufacturer Specification
- Search coil: 8.5-Inch Waterproof coil
- Headphone: Waterproof headphone
- Battery: 1x 9V Battery
- Weight: 5.49 Pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable Sensitivity
- Has 3 search modes
- LED target ID
- Pinpoint
What We Don’t Like
- No backlight
8. Garrett Ace 150 Metal Detector
It features three hunting modes. These are all-metal, coins, and jewelry that allow exceptional performance in various conditions. With the target ID, you will get accurate identification of your targets. It comes with VLF circuitry and operating at 65kHz frequency, which comes in handy when hunting jewelry and coins.
It is fitted with a semi-elliptical interchangeable 6.5 X 9 –inch waterproof search coil that is a perfect fit for a detector under $200. The interchangeable coil, target ID, and visual depth systems make your option to hunting treasures wide open.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search coil: 9-Inch Waterproof search coil
- Headphone: Headphones 1/4-Inch Jack
- Battery: 4-AA batteries
- Weight: 2.75 Pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable shaft length
- Waterproof Coil
- VLF circuitry type
- Has three hunting modes
What We Don’t Like
- It doesn’t have a backlight on the LCD
- Too loud without the headphone
9. DR.ÖTEK Lightweight Metal Detector
It features a large LCD screen that is easy to read. Moreover, it is has a backlight for easy hunting in the dark with greater flexibility. The 3 display modes allow easy identification of the kind of metals you are detecting. The LCD screen displays a digital image and sound with multiple customization settings.
The detector is equipped with a 9.8 – Inch wide search coil that is powerful enough to detect the smallest coin buried up to 10-inches underground. It can detect larger items at even greater depths. Besides, it comes with adjustable sensitivity. It is easy to fine-tune for objects and conditions with 5-grade sensitivity control.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search coil: 9.8 – Inch wide search coil
- Headphones: Headphone Jack
- Battery: 1 9V Battery
- Weight: 4.34 Pounds
What We Like
- Adjustable sensitivity
- 5 Operation modes
- LCD Display
- Pinpoint function
What we Don’t Like
- Control box not waterproof
10. Fisher F11 with 11DD Coil Combo
It features a lightweight design that of 2.3 pounds of weight. That will make your swinging around during hunting easy and convenient, especially in long hunting expeditions. The 9-segment visual target identification will come in handy to save you plenty of time and frustrations. The feature will help you weed out junk signals while you focus on the real targets.
It comes with four-tone audio identification that offers an easy way to distinguish between metals. With six levels of sensitivity control, you will have more control when hunting on the mineralized ground.
Manufacturer Specifications
- Search Coil: 11 – Inch Concentric Elliptical Waterproof Search coil
- Headphone: None
- Battery: 1x 9V battery
- Weight: 2.3 Pounds
What We Like
- Lightweight for easy carrying and use
- All-purpose detector with 3 Modes of Operation
- 6 Levels of sensitivity and volume adjustability
What We Don’t Like
- LCD not backlight
What to Look for When Buying the Best Metal Detector Under $200
Often, metal detectors under $200 look more similar with almost identical features save for the color. Therefore, it can be difficult for most individuals to distinguish which one is the best from the rest. For that reason, this guide endeavors to help when buying a metal detector under this price range.
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Budget
With a budget of less than $200, you can still find a high-quality metal detector that can serve you well in your detecting expedition. A high-quality adult metal detector can cost you between $100 – $200. For a child or a young teenager, you can get a good model even under $100. However, any model around $100 and $150 can deliver an even better detecting experience.
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Types of Display
Different metal detectors under and around $100 come with an analog interface. They use a needle that is linked directly to a signal’s strength. The closer the target is to the search coil, the higher its conductivity is, and the louder the tone will be. As such, you will receive a strong response from the needle.
However, metal detectors around $200 often feature a digital display. It may or may not feature a numerical target ID program. However, the visual display will most likely display target depth indicators, discrimination segments, battery life indicators, and sensitivity meters.
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Adjustable Shaft
Almost all metal detectors come with adjustable shafts or rods. One way to determine if the metal detector is a real adult detector or a kid’s detector is to check the maximum extended length is. Adult metal detectors come to extend up to 40-inches, and the taller you are, the longer you can extend the shaft. On the other hand, kid detectors can be adjustable from 20 to 40 inches.
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Adjustable Sensitivity
Metal detectors should come with adjustable sensitivity or be limited to three levels. That is because changing sensitivity will help you detect different targets at different depths. It can also be helpful when hunting in low to moderately mineralized grounds.
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Preset Ground Balance
A metal detector under $200 will come with a preset ground balance, factory-set for average soil conditions. Therefore, it will detect just fine in the field and grounds with little mineral interference. So if you intend to hunt in areas of high minerals like salt, the detector will become noisy with false signals.
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Light-Duty Build Quality
Metal detectors under $200 come lightweight with some weight of up to 1 pound. Although they are made lightweight ensure that you pick a well-balanced one. A nose-heavy or top-heavy detector can take a toll on you, while a poor-balanced one can affect correct swinging and detection.
FAQs
Q: What is the best metal detector under $200?
A: The best metal detector under $200 is the one that comes with a digital display showing a numerical target ID scale. Moreover, it will feature adjustable sensitivity, a certain level of discrimination, a headphone jack, balanced built, and long battery life. However, not all detectors at this price point come with all these features will be the best. Unfortunately, it will come with a preset ground balance, which is a standard feature for detectors under this price point.
Q: What is the best metal detector for a beginner?
A: Several things determine what is the best detector for the beginner. However, the best metal detector for a beginner may be determined by whether the user has had any experience with metal detectors, whether the user is a child or teenager, or adult. Regardless, the best metal detector is one the beginner will use with ease and has all the essential features. besides, it should help the user develop metal detecting skills without a hassle.
Conclusion
We hope that this list of 10 best metal detectors under $200 will help you choose your entry-level detector without making a dent in your pocket. Whichever metal detector you select to buy, you can rest assured it will deliver you the best experience. All the best in your treasure hunting!
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