10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr 2024)

To use on your treasure hunt, one of these low-cost detectors is worth considering for both quality and price.

S. M. Rosyida by S. M. Rosyida · updated on · price $212.45 - $499.00 · 533 views · 4 visitors liked products on this page

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Comparison Table

Product Image
1
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Simple To Use Detector
Bounty Hunter
2
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Excellent Several Features
Garrett
3
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Detector with Protective Cover
Garrett
4
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Ten Sensitivity Levels
Fisher
5
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Dust and Rainproof
Garrett
6
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Eight Sensitivity Settings
Garrett
7
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Underwater Detector
Nokta Makro
8
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Multi-Purpose Detector
Teknetics
9
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Multi-Frequency Modes
Garrett
10
10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr  2024): Fully Waterproof Detector
Fisher
Product Name Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector Ace 250 Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coi... ACE 300 Metal Detector F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector Ace 400 Metal Detector ACE 250 with Water-Proof Searchcoil and Headphones Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector T2 Classic Metal Detector ACE Apex Metal Detector F44 Metal Detector
2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0
Features Simple To Use Detector Excellent Several Features Detector with Protective Cover Ten Sensitivity Levels Dust and Rainproof Eight Sensitivity Settings Underwater Detector Multi-Purpose Detector Multi-Frequency Modes Fully Waterproof Detector
DIMENSIONS 45 x 8 x 14 inches 11.1 x 22.1 x 5.1 inches 22 x 11 x 6 inches 22 x 8 x 5 inches 22 x 15 x 6 inches 21.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches 22 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches 25.25 x 16 x 6 inches 22 x 11 x 5 inches 22 x 8 x 5 inches
WEIGHT 3 pounds 2.64 pounds 5.15 pounds 3 pounds 5.48 pounds 4.84 pounds 2.87 pounds 6.64 pounds 4 pounds 3.59 pounds
FREQUENCY 7.69 kHz n/a n/a 7.69 kHz 10 kHz n/a n/a n/a 5, 10, 15 and 20khz n/a
BATTERIES 1 9V batteries 4 AA batteries 4 AA batteries 2 AA Batteries 1 Lithium Metal batteries 4 AA batteries 1 Lithium Polymer batteries 4-AA Batteries 1 Lithium Polymer batteries 2 AA batteries
price $278.59 $212.45 $254.95 $220.24 $339.95 $233.65 $339.15 $499.00 $424.95 $309.00
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If you’re just starting out, you may be better off with a affordable metal detector. Fortunately, there are many brands of metal detecting equipment manufacturers throughout the globe, but we know that it may be tough to filter through everything to select the appropriate metal detector for beginning detectorists or hobby detectorists. Relax, our list of the Best Metal Detector Under 500 will come in handy. Yes, this list includes several low-cost detectors that are worth considering for their quality and capabilities; therefore, you should not hesitate to choose one.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

In case you don't know...

What is the Difference Between a Metal Detector and a Gold Detector?

Gold detectors are metal detectors that have particular parameters that are appropriate to their purpose or target type. The majority of metal detectors are multi-purpose devices designed to detect iron, coins, jewelry, antiquities, gold, silver, copper, and other metals. Additional features on gold detectors are often added to improve performance in detecting gold and canceling out mineral signals in gold-bearing areas. A gold detector often has higher frequencies, different ground balancing methods, and a higher price tag.

What type of detector technology is best for you?

There are two different kinds of detectors:
1. VLF: Very-Low-Frequency single-frequency detectors can provide the high frequencies required for gold detection while also providing reliable discrimination.
2. PI: Pulse Induction detectors are known for maximum depth detection in mineralized ground circumstances since they’re built to be resistant to a variety of minerals that can obstruct gold searching.

Can Metal Detectors Detect Gold?

Absolutely. The gold itself is the most important element in determining whether a metal detector can detect gold. If there’s a large nugget within 8″ of the surface, nearly any detector will locate it. The smallest nuggets, flakes, and lode deposits, on the other hand, will be the most difficult to locate and will need features that gold-specific detectors are equipped with to detect.

How do Metal Detectors Detect Gold?

Metal detectors detect gold in the same way as other metals are detected. VLF and Pulse Induction detectors operate in different ways, but they both provide the same results – auditory and/or visual evidence of a detected gold object. However, there are additional variables than detector technology that determine whether a metal detector can detect gold efficiently. This covers the ground conditions, the size of the gold, as well as the user technique and expertise.

10 Reviews: Best Metal Detector under 500 (Apr 2024)

Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Simple To Use Detector
https://www.amazon.com/

1.
Bounty Hunter
Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector

Simple To Use Detector

2  visitors like this
price from
$278.59
Our opinion:

The Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro Metal Detector is an excellent choice if you want a more complete metal detector with the highest level of precision and accuracy. The chic model is just 2.5 pounds, making it simple to use for extended periods of time. It includes a list of seven current modes. These modes detect the target’s frequency. The notch discrimination has been improved to disregard the bootless targets you encounter when hunting.

Promising review:

Get this one! If you want more machine for less money,get this one. You can find the same thing on other machines but pay more than $200 for the same thing.

by Daniel Martinez

DIMENSIONS 45 x 8 x 14 inches
WEIGHT 3 pounds
FREQUENCY 7.69 kHz
BATTERIES 1 9V batteries
Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil - Best Metal Detector under 500: Excellent Several Features
https://www.amazon.com/

2.
Garrett
Ace 250 Metal Detector with Submersible Search Coil

Excellent Several Features

price from
$212.45
Our opinion:

An improved device with several features The Garrett ACE 250 Metal Detector weighs just 1.2kgs, making it an ideal companion for your metal detecting hobby. It has a Graphic Target ID Cursor and a high-resolution LCD. With its high frequency of up to 6.5kHz capability, you can obtain more sensitivity for low and moderate conductivity targets. There are three search modes and eight sensitivity or depth adjustment options to make your hunt experience easier.

Promising review:

After much research we decided to purchase this model, my husband loves it!! It is much better than many models that are way more expensive. If you don't want to spend a thousand on a metal detector, then this is the one to get.

by Miss B Math Teacher

DIMENSIONS 11.1 x 22.1 x 5.1 inches
WEIGHT 2.64 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 4 AA batteries
Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Detector with Protective Cover
https://www.amazon.com/

3.
Garrett
ACE 300 Metal Detector

Detector with Protective Cover

price from
$254.95
Our opinion:

It comes with Garrett Clearsound headphones, which are one of the best models in the business’s range. They include inbuilt volume control and are good enough to be used as stereo headphones. Four AA batteries are provided in the package, and they are not generic. Furthermore, the last extra addition is a protective cover, which is utilized to keep rain and dust off the coil.

Promising review:

Out standing. Works great. Easy to use once you get the sounds and tones down it makes things simple. I was down in Tennessee and found some old civil war bullets on my brothers land one of which was about 7 " deep.

by Amazon Customer

DIMENSIONS 22 x 11 x 6 inches
WEIGHT 5.15 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 4 AA batteries
Fisher F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector  - Best Metal Detector under 500: Ten Sensitivity Levels
https://www.amazon.com/

4.
Fisher
F22 Weatherproof Metal Detector

Ten Sensitivity Levels

price from
$220.24
Our opinion:

The settings’ complexity makes this a good choice for intermediate and professional buyers. There are ten sensitivity levels to choose from, which should be more than enough to detect any precious metal on your list. It has the capability to identify metals 9 inches underground and enough filtering modifications to ensure that incorrect readings are never an issue. 

Promising review:

This is my first detector, I bought it 4-12-17, I did alot of research and comparing certain ones with this one,and read nothing but great reviews,I'm learning and with u-tube I don't see me having any problems,it was easy to put together and very light I'm so happy that I have it !

by Tommy

DIMENSIONS 22 x 8 x 5 inches
WEIGHT 3 pounds
FREQUENCY 7.69 kHz
BATTERIES 2 AA Batteries
Garrett Ace 400 Metal Detector  - Best Metal Detector under 500: Dust and Rainproof
https://www.amazon.com/

5.
Garrett
Ace 400 Metal Detector

Dust and Rainproof

price from
$339.95
Our opinion:

Next up is this detector, which includes headphones as well as batteries. The search coil is a large 8.511 inches in diameter, which allows you to cover a lot of ground with little effort. It’s also dust and rainproof, with optional dust and rainproof cover. When the device is turned off, the control panel has a similar protective covering that may be utilized.

Promising review:

I've probably spent 8 hours or so detecting with this in and around my neighborhood. So far the best of the best stuff I've found is a 1940 Walking Liberty silver half dollar and a 1932 14k gold class ring. Not too bad at all. Hands down, this is definitely a good detector!

by Brett Barney

DIMENSIONS 22 x 15 x 6 inches
WEIGHT 5.48 pounds
FREQUENCY 10 kHz
BATTERIES 1 Lithium Metal batteries
Garrett ACE 250 with Water-Proof Searchcoil and Headphones - Best Metal Detector under 500: Eight Sensitivity Settings
https://www.amazon.com/

6.
Garrett
ACE 250 with Water-Proof Searchcoil and Headphones

Eight Sensitivity Settings

price from
$233.65
Our opinion:

This detector has eight sensitivity settings that can be adjusted depending on the ground conditions. Within reach is a notch that acts as an on-the-fly filter, allowing you to accept or reject things you discover. You will get a significant edge while looking for various kinds of metals by utilizing the electronic pinpoint. Furthermore, the metal detector’s base material is acrylic, which is a wise choice since it kept the weight down.

Promising review:

Best money I ever spent... I have used several other detectors and none of them worked as perfect as this one.. WORTH EVER DOLLAR!!!

by treylee

DIMENSIONS 21.5 x 10.5 x 5 inches
WEIGHT 4.84 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 4 AA batteries
Nokta Makro Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Underwater Detector
https://www.amazon.com/

7.
Nokta Makro
Simplex+ WHP Waterproof Detector

Underwater Detector

2  visitors like this
price from
$339.15
Our opinion:

Across the line, the Simplex metal detector is a huge favorite. It’s waterproof up to 10 feet, has a digital display that can be viewed underwater and works with wireless waterproof headphones in the surf! In low-light or night conditions, you can also utilize the LCD backlight display. Use the vibration feature for underwater or for hard-of-hearing hobbyists.

Promising review:

Just got back into detecting. My old white xlt took a long time to learn, this thing is easy and it finds things my white missed. You get a lot for your$$$.

by RICHARD G.

DIMENSIONS 22 x 11.5 x 5.5 inches
WEIGHT 2.87 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
Teknetics T2 Classic Metal Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Multi-Purpose Detector
https://www.amazon.com/

8.
Teknetics
T2 Classic Metal Detector

Multi-Purpose Detector

price from
$499.00
Our opinion:

The T2 Teknetics is a multi-purpose detector. It has a frequency of 13 kHz, which is ideal for general use. The UI is extremely straightforward and simple to use, despite its many customizable options. The T2 can be ground balanced manually or automatically for automated correction. When looking for relics, you can modify the gain and threshold. Within 40 hours of a single battery cycle, you can distinguish, locate, and choose amongst various tone choices.

Promising review:

Beautiful Machine easy to handle lightweight. Simple controls with excellent depth. Finding revolutionary war relics in a place I’d been over many time with other machines.

by Den

DIMENSIONS 25.25 x 16 x 6 inches
WEIGHT 6.64 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 4-AA Batteries
Garrett ACE Apex Metal Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Multi-Frequency Modes
https://www.amazon.com/

9.
Garrett
ACE Apex Metal Detector

Multi-Frequency Modes

price from
$424.95
Our opinion:

It basically comes with six frequencies: 5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz, which may be utilized one at a time. The other two are multi-frequency modes that use a combination of all of them for Multi-Frequency and Multi-Frequency Salt modes.   With its proportional and binary blend, hybrid audio is new, and Garrett’s Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones let you listen to all the signals you’ll hear, no matter how faint or powerful they are.

Promising review:

The Apex has all the features as advertised. The website guidance is superb. I took notes, because that is me, but the display is self-evident. It clearly saves time digging up bottle caps, etc. Big picnics have lots of lost items, but sloppy people also drop litter. This detector found money (identified on display), metal pipes,(identified on display). On and on. Glad I have it.

by C. Orton

DIMENSIONS 22 x 11 x 5 inches
WEIGHT 4 pounds
FREQUENCY 5, 10, 15 and 20khz
BATTERIES 1 Lithium Polymer batteries
Fisher F44 Metal Detector - Best Metal Detector under 500: Fully Waterproof Detector
https://www.amazon.com/

10.
Fisher
F44 Metal Detector

Fully Waterproof Detector

price from
$309.00
Our opinion:

Fisher Lab’s machine is fully waterproof, so it can be used in the rain without causing any damage to the top electronics. You now have complete hunting freedom, rain or shine. The machine has a depth of up to 10 inches and can search for valuable items such as gold and silver using pinpoint and discriminating modes. To improve the precision of the search, there are ten sensitivity levels that you can use.

Promising review:

Very happy with this detector. Easy to use, like the ability to set up custom mode, with notches and and assignable tones for various targets. TID numbers and depth displays were accurate. Found silver dimes at 7" , silver quarters at 10" . Would definitely recommend.

by Yog-Sothoth

DIMENSIONS 22 x 8 x 5 inches
WEIGHT 3.59 pounds
FREQUENCY n/a
BATTERIES 2 AA batteries

Conclusion

It’s not simple to find gold with a conventional metal detector. Gold has a lower density than iron or copper. It also has a low conductivity rating, making it undetectable by a weaker system. And, since we’ve included some gold detector products in our list above, we hope you’ll have no trouble finding the gold as you wish. Good luck!

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