Best Metal Detectors in 2025 Under $500
Comparing Metal Detectors Under $500
Welcome, fellow treasure hunters and pirates alike! Whether you're new to the hobby or a seasoned scalawag on a budget, you don’t need to break the bank to find a metal detector that’s worth its weight in gold—or at least worth finding some.
I've spent countless hours scouring reviews, field-testing, and digging (literally) to uncover the best metal detectors under $500 for 2025.
Photo credit: Pepi Stojanovski - Unsplash
Spoiler alert: There’s one detector on this list that I have crowned as the ultimate bang for your buck. So let’s dig in and see how these metal detectors compare!
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1. Nokta Simplex+
Rating: ★★★★½
Photo credit - Nokta Metal Detectors
Why It’s Great in 2025
The Nokta Simplex+ continues to be a crowd favorite for a reason: simplicity and performance. It’s waterproof up to 10 feet (yep, it’s a submarine) and has an intuitive interface that even my goldfish could figure out.
Special Features
Fully Waterproof: Submersible up to 10 feet, perfect for underwater detecting.
Built-in Rechargeable Battery: Long battery life and eco-friendly charging.
Wireless Headphones (Optional): Freedom of movement while detecting.
What It Does Well
It handles coins, relics, and jewelry hunting like a champ. Plus, it’s rugged enough for rough terrain without being heavy.
What People Say
Users rave about how it offers high-end features at a mid-range price. Many also love its out-of-the-box readiness.
Pros
Waterproof design
Affordable for its features
Great depth detection
Cons
Limited customizable features
Not the best for highly mineralized soil
2. Garrett ACE 400
Rating: ★★★★½
Photo credit - NetworkHardwares.com
Why It’s Great in 2025
The Garrett ACE 400 has been around for years, but its reliable performance keeps it in the game. It's perfect for beginners and intermediate detectorists who want a balance of features without a steep learning curve.
Special Features
Iron Audio: Helps distinguish between trash and treasure.
Digital Target ID: Displays target values for precise identification.
Frequency Adjustment: Reduces interference in busy detecting environments.
What It Does Well
I love that it’s a breeze to use for coin-shooting, relic hunting, and even some beach detecting.
What People Say
Many reviewers love its accurate target identification and lightweight build, making it a favorite for long hunts.
Pros
Beginner-friendly
Accurate target identification
Affordable
American made & reliable brand name
Cons
Limited waterproofing (control box isn’t waterproof)
No wireless headphones
3. Minelab Vanquish 440
Rating: ★★★★☆
Photo Credit - Minelab Metal Detectors
Why It’s Great in 2025
Minelab's Vanquish 440 brings Multi-IQ technology (detecting multiple frequencies simultaneously) to the budget-friendly market. It’s ideal for all terrains and conditions.
Special Features
Multi-IQ Technology: Simultaneously operates on multiple frequencies for maximum performance.
10” Waterproof Coil: Great for shallow water detecting.
Compact Design: Lightweight and easy to transport.
What It Does Well
I would say that the Minelab Vanquish 440 excels at separating targets, even in junk-filled areas. Beaches, parks, fields—you name it, this detector can handle it. Minelab technology is one of the best in the business, but that tends to come with a price.
What People Say
The praise is all about its versatility. Reviewers are impressed by how well it performs in different environments without constant adjustments.
Pros
Versatile for all terrains
Advanced Multi-IQ tech
Lightweight
Cons
No manual ground balance
Control box isn’t waterproof
4. Minelab X-Terra Pro
Rating: ★★★★½
Photo credit: Minelab Metal Detectors
Why It’s Great in 2025
The Minelab X-Terra Pro is a game-changer for metal detectors under $500. With multi-frequency capabilities and a fully waterproof design, it’s versatile enough for various terrains and weather conditions. It’s perfect for hobbyists who want a detector that grows with them. It is a fantastic option for those who want professional-grade performance without the professional-grade price.
Special Features
Waterproof Design: Fully submersible up to 16 feet, making it ideal for rivers, lakes, and beach detecting.
Multi-Frequency Operation: Allows for better target detection by simultaneously detecting different metal types.
Audio and Vibration Alerts: Provides clear feedback even in noisy environments or underwater.
Rechargeable Battery: No need for AA batteries—just plug it in and go.
What It Does Well
The X-Terra Pro excels in versatility. Whether you’re detecting on saltwater beaches, mineralized soils, or casual fields, this detector adapts seamlessly. Its sensitivity and depth detection rival detectors in much higher price ranges.
What People Say
Users love the X-Terra Pro’s reliability and ease of use, particularly its straightforward setup and lightweight design. Many rave about its ability to find targets in wet sand, a common weak point for other detectors in this price range.
Pros
Fully waterproof for underwater hunts
Multi-frequency tech for enhanced accuracy
Rechargeable battery for convenience
Excellent for both beginners and advanced users
Cons
Target ID can be slightly unstable in challenging conditions
Limited coil options compared to competitors
5. Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro
Rating: ★★★★☆
Photo credit - Elmara at lovecpokladu.cz
Why It’s Great in 2025
The Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro is perfect for those who want a step up without blowing their budget. It’s packed with features that are usually reserved for pricier models.
Special Features
Dual Ground Balancing Modes: Automatic and manual options for adaptability.
Expanded Depth Indicator: Precise depth readings for efficient digging.
Notch Discrimination: Filters out specific types of unwanted metals.
What It Does Well
I would consider the Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro to be a fairly versatile metal detector for its class. Overall for what you are getting, it’s a depth powerhouse and is great for relic hunters or those digging deep targets.
What People Say
Reviewers frequently praise the Time Ranger Pro for its reliability and performance in various terrains. Users especially appreciate its depth detection and customizable settings, which cater to both beginners and more experienced detectorists.
Pros
Excellent depth detection
Customizable ground balance
Affordable for advanced features
Cons
Steeper learning curve for beginners
Slightly heavier than others
The Ultimate Best Value Under $500: Minelab X-Terra Pro
After comparing these 5 metal detectors that are all under $500, the Minelab X-Terra Pro emerges as the best value in 2025.
Photo credit - Kellyco Detectors
1. Versatility Across Terrains
The X-Terra Pro is fully waterproof (up to 16 feet) and features multi-frequency operation, making it capable of handling diverse environments, including saltwater beaches, mineralized soils, and shallow water. Other detectors, like the Ace 400 and Time Ranger Pro, lack full waterproofing or multi-frequency functionality, limiting their versatility.
2. Advanced Features for the Price
The X-Terra Pro includes features like adjustable audio/vibration alerts and a rechargeable battery, both of which provide significant convenience and value. These features are often found in more expensive models. While the Nokta Simplex+ offers similar waterproofing and wireless capabilities, it lacks multi-frequency operation, which enhances detection accuracy and depth.
3. Ease of Use for All Levels
The X-Terra Pro’s user-friendly interface caters to beginners, while its advanced features, like precision ground balancing and accurate depth detection, make it appealing to experienced detectorists. The Garrett Ace 400 and Bounty Hunter Time Ranger Pro are user-friendly as well, but they lack the same depth of adaptability for diverse scenarios.
4. Competitive Performance
With exceptional target separation, reliable depth detection, and a lightweight design, the X-Terra Pro competes with higher-end detectors. Although the Minelab Vanquish 440 offers impressive performance with Multi-IQ technology, it isn’t fully waterproof, which limits its versatility.
5. Price-to-Performance Ratio
At under $500, the X-Terra Pro delivers a high level of functionality, competing with detectors well above its price range. The other options, while excellent in their own right, either lack certain features (like waterproofing or multi-frequency tech) or require compromises in terrain adaptability.
Overall Thoughts
The Minelab X-Terra Pro’s combination of advanced features, technology, versatility, and affordability makes it a smart investment for hobbyists of all experience levels. Whether you’re coin hunting in a park or wading into a river for relics, the X-Terra Pro is the detector you’ll want by your side.
Old coins found from an old farm homesite: Photo credit - Ace Covey
Honorable Mentions
Nokta Simplex+: A close runner-up for its waterproofing and user-friendly design. It’s ideal for beginners who don’t need multi-frequency capabilities.
Minelab Vanquish 440: Excellent for dry-land and beach hunting with Multi-IQ but lacks waterproofing for full submersion.
In Conclusion
If you’re ready to uncover treasure without emptying your wallet, the Minelab X-Terra Pro is the detector to beat this year. But hey, don’t just take my word for it—grab one to try for yourself and start your next treasure hunting adventure today!
More Metal Detecting Deals
Looking for a metal detector that is even more budget friendly? See what treasure you can find for under $300 and have money left over for an accessory from my recommendations page!
“So go out there and remember to “Swing4TheRing!””
