Start with what you'll hunt and where. For a first machine, our beginner detector guide compares starter models by official specs, and ACE 300 vs ACE 400 breaks down Garrett's ACE starters. Beach and water hunters should check waterproof depth ratings, since some detectors only have a waterproof coil. Prospectors can compare gold detectors, and our Minelab lineup guide sorts out Vanquish, X-Terra, Equinox and Manticore. Head-to-heads: ACE 400 vs Vanquish 540, Equinox 700 vs 900, Vortex VX5 vs VX7 vs VX9 and Double Score vs Simplex Ultra. Every spec comes from the maker or the listing; we don't test detectors.
Gear guides
Garrett, Minelab, Nokta and Fisher starter detectors compared by frequency, waterproofing, Target ID and weight.
Frequency, coil, Iron Audio and weight from Garrett's specs, plus the ACE 200 and ACE Apex.
Vanquish, X-Terra, Equinox 900 and Manticore compared by frequency tech, waterproofing, coil and weight.
Official waterproof depth ratings compared, plus Garrett's beach tips and why saltwater is hard.
Why frequency matters for small gold, plus the Gold Monster 1000, AT Gold and Manticore compared.
Simplex Ultra vs Lite by coil, Bluetooth and features, from Nokta's specs.
Garrett's waterproof AT series compared: AT Pro, AT Max and AT Gold.
Kids' detectors compared by listed age, weight, coil and features.
A single-frequency classic against a multi-frequency rival, compared from official specs.
The two current Equinox models compared by frequencies, modes, coils and waterproofing.
Garrett's three Vortex models compared by frequencies, modes, waterproofing and upgrades.
Two waterproof Nokta detectors compared by frequency, battery, weight and what's included.