7 Best Kids Metal Detectors of 2024

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The Best Kids Metal Detectors

best metal detector for kids uk
  1. Garrett ACE 150 Metal Detector

  2. MYLEK XP PLUS All-Terrain Metal Detector Kit

  3. Hello-5ive Metal Detector for Kids

  4. DR.ÖTEK Pinpoint Metal Detector

  5. Voilamart Metal Detector

  6. Sakobs Metal Detector Pinpointer

  7. Amysports Kids Metal Detector

Kids Metal Detector Reviews

Editors Choice
  • It finds all kinds of buried metal – the most important factor!
  • Pre-programmed search modes mean instant kid-friendly detecting
  • Lots of quality technology for a low price
  • Top of the range PROformance coil that can be upgraded
  • Super lightweight with an easily adjustable telescopic pole for comfort

  • There’s no ground balancing so the detector may send out false signals on mineralsed ground
  • No backlighting so it’s difficult to see the screen on bright sunny days
  • The depth indicator sometimes struggles to identify the correct depth.

The Garrett ACE 150 is Garrett’s entry model, but it’s certainly not a toy. It’s a quality piece of detecting kit that suits children from late primary age into secondary school with enough detecting power and technology to keep an amateur adult happy too.

The 150 is lightweight at 1.2 kgs and its ergonomics are designed so the weight isn’t all at the tip. It’s easy to swing and won’t tire kids out quickly. Its telescopic pole is a great help because it personalizes the detector to your kid’s height and arm reach – all this makes it conformable and a pleasure to use.

Garrett-ACE-150-Metal-Detector-Review-ease-of-useThere’s only 3 buttons on the LED screen. The power button, the search modes, and the sensitivity. It’s more than enough to keep a kid enthused without confusing them.

The factory preset search modes are coins, all-metal, and jewellery – just select the mode you want and it’s time to head outside to detect with no manual required.

When you’ve got more experience the sensitivity button can really help enhance the search because it eliminates trash and focuses more on precious metals.

There’s a handy depth indicator that displays how far down you need to dig once a target is identified too, which is a great addition that means less digging and happier landowners. However, it can be a bit hit and miss.

On the downside, the 150 doesn’t have ground balancing so it might send out false signals on mineralised ground. You can combat this a bit with the sensitivity, but experienced detectorists will want adjustable ground balancing.

There’s also no battery life indicator so you’ll need to take a spare set, and the control box is not waterproof – however the search coil is. It’s fine to use in shallow freshwater but care is needed to keep the control box safe.

One final half gripe – there’s no internal pinpointer so you may find you’re digging bigger holes than necessary. However, for the price, you can’t expect everything!

Overall, this is a top-of-the-range metal detector for a good price. Garrett has not cheaped out on their entry-level model and used some, but not all, of their top technology. For example, its 6.5 x 9 inch PROformance search coil is the same as the more expensive models in their range.

It’s a great choice for older children who are capable of using its simple technology and want a step up from toy detectors, but it’s not suitable for very young children.

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Runner Up
  • Designed specifically for kids new to metal detecting so it's very easy to use
  • Bright and engaging - made from blue and silver materials
  • Adjustable stem means it can be used by children of different heights and ages
  • A great budget model for those new to the hobby
  • Comes with a shovel, rake and batteries included so it can be used straight away

  • Not overly sensitive so a good introductory choice for kids, but not for more experienced hobbyists
  • 9 V battery does not come included

A great value option for kids, the MYLEK XP PLUS All-Terrain Metal Detector is a good beginners model. It’s a relatively basic, lightweight detector with simple functions – ideal for getting children interested in what metallic treasures they can find lying around.

It also comes with a selection of accessories, which is why it’s one of the best metal detectors for kids if you’re after value for money. There’s a small 3-in-1 shovel/pick included, for excavating any treasure, and it also has a compass fixed to the end. Alongside this, the detector comes with headphones and a pouch bag that can attach to a belt for storing finds.

The inclusion of these accessories makes it a good all-inclusive buy, with the compass and excavation tools providing a good sense of adventure. Although it’s not the most powerful or effective metal detector featured here, it works well enough to get children interested. Metals can be sensed up to a depth of 10 – 15 cm.

With a waterproof search coil, measuring 16.5 cm, it can also be used to search for metal in shallow water such as streams and rivers. It’s therefore perfect for taking and holidays and camping trips, especially as the shaft can be split in two (by undoing a screw) in order to make it compact for transportation.

The screen has a simple display with a needle that moves at it senses metals. There are also two dials to adjust volume and discern between different metals as well as a low-battery indicator light to make it obvious when the power is running out.

Although the detector is relatively easy to use straight away (once you have provided a 9 V battery), taking the time to read and understand the instructions can make the experience more effective.

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Also Good
  • Very easy to operate with simple controls - perfect for kids new to metal detecting
  • Good option for children aged 5 - 10 years old
  • Can distinguish between different metals to allow children to eliminate anything they want to ignore
  • Depth indicator works well and ensures kids know how deep they should be digging
  • Adjustable stem means it can be used by children of varying heights

  • Sound is very loud and the volume is not adjustable
  • No pinpoint function so you may need to dig a large area to find the item

The Hello-5ive Metal Detector is a budget-friendly beginner option for kids. It has a simple analogue display, with two adjustable dials – one to turn it on and off, and the other to change which metals are being detected.

The casing is black and light blue, making it more visually appealing to children, and there is a small trowel and hand rake with a matching colour scheme. Out of the detectors featured on this page, it’s the best metal detector for children aged 5 – 10. It strikes a good balance between not being too childish, but not being as expensive or complicated as more premium models.

It can detect to a depth of approximately 5-10 cm, and the ‘eliminator’ dial allows some distinction to be made between different metals. This can be used to eliminate iron, nickel and zinc.

Suitable for children of different heights, the stem can be extended from 47 cm to 78 cm. Another benefit of this is that it’s easy to store a carry the detector, particularly useful if taking it on holiday or transporting it to the beach. The coil also folds up flush against the stem to make it more compact.

It can be used on different terrain, and doesn’t require the ground to be totally dry – the 17 cm coil is waterproof and can be used in shallow water like rivers and the sea shore.

Overall, this is a good metal detector to use for fun and to get children interested in the idea of hunting for different metals. It’s unlikely to turn up any great treasures, but it still functions well enough to give kids the thrill of uncovering different metallic items sitting below the ground’s surface.

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  • Adjustable sensitivity levels ensures it can be used by all the family
  • Comes with a folding shovel included
  • Pin point detector function is very accurate and a helpful extra feature
  • Easy to both assemble and use
  • Lightweight enough for kids to use without getting tired

  • Instruction manual is a little unclear
  • Construction doesn’t appear to be the most durable

If you want to get your children into metal detecting, the DR. OTEK Pinpoint Metal Detector is a great introductory tool. It’s suitable for ages 10 + and is a great way to ignite interest in the hobby.

Like a lot of metal detectors, this model can discern between different types of metal. Whilst kids probably won’t mind if they’re simply uncovering bottle caps at the start of their metal-detecting journey, it leaves room for them to learn and grow.

As they get more adept at using the detector, they’ll be able to appreciate that differently pitched ‘beeps’ indicate different metals (discerning between iron, mid-range metals, and silver).

The 21 cm coil can locate metals up to 18 cm below the ground, and has a pinpoint function to help identify exactly where they are.

With a folding spade included, and a belt-bag to carry it in, this DR.ÖTEK detector provides a full kit of parts, making it one of the best metal detectors for kids. The detector is splash-proof, and can be used on holidays at the beach or camping by the river, opening up a lot of possibilities for activities with the children.

Having said this, it’s worth bearing in mind that the metal detector is splash proof but not waterproof, so the coil shouldn’t be submerged.

With just three buttons on its control unit, and an easy-to-read LED display, the DR.OTEK Metal Detector keeps things simple. There’s an on/off button, pinpoint button, and sensitivity button.

Although it’s easy to go out and use this detector straight away with minimal instruction, getting the most out of its features will take a bit of time and getting used to.

6 x AA batteries are required, and they don’t come included. Although the batteries last a while with occasional use, it still needs more batteries than the majority of metal-detectors featured on this list.

All things considered, it’s an accurate and well-designed metal detector that will keep offering more to kids as they continue to learn how to use it.

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  • Simple, easy-to-use option for younger children
  • Search coil is waterproof so can be used at the beach or in shallow rivers
  • Weighs just 700 g and has an adjustable stem which makes it suitable for children of different ages
  • Folds up compact and flat to make it easy to carry
  • Small trowel included for digging up finds

  • Battery compartment is a little large for the battery so some customers have padded it out with sticky pads to stop battery disconnecting
  • Needs to be within 5 cm of item to detect it

If you often head out metal detecting and would like to take your children along with you, this Voilamart Metal Detector will be a great option for younger kids.

It has a simple, uncomplicated design which will appeal to children between the ages of approximately 5 to 10 years old. There are no settings to alter, just a simple on/off switch, meaning they can easily sweep the ground for any metal close to the surface.

The Voilamart Metal Detector will sense items up to a depth of 5 cm, and the search coil is waterproof so the detector can be used in shallow water as well – perfect for hunting in rivers and on the sea shore.

It’s one of the best metal detectors for kids who want a toy metal detector to play with, without any of the complications of having loads of adjustable settings etc. When compared with the AMYSPORTS Metal Detector (also featured on this page) the models are very similar; however, this Voilamart detector is slightly longer – it can be altered from 65 – 83 cm.

All of the external components are made from plastic, including the handle which is chunky, ergonomic, and rounded off to make it comfortable for children to hold. It’s easy to adjust the length of the stem as well, by loosening the plastic lock nut.

It also has a simple LCD display, which will create more interest for children, even though it’s mostly useful for displaying how much battery power is left rather than revealing anything useful about the location of any potential finds.

One small design floor is present, regarding the battery compartment. The detector requires 1 x 9 V battery (not included), but it’s a little small for the compartment. As a result, it can move around too much. Purchasing sticky pads or similar can help pad out the area and stop the battery from intermittently disconnecting.

Overall, this is a relatively ‘cheap and cheerful’ option, but it’s got enough going for it to provide fun, interest and adventure for little ones.

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  • Can be totally submerged in water with a waterproof rating of IP68
  • Able to indicate metal using vibration, useful in loud areas or areas where beeping would disturb others
  • Small and very easy to transport - 28 cm long
  • Lightweight at just 340 g, won't be tiring or awkward for children to use
  • Easy and straightforward to use with just one button

  • Limited depth detection of max. 5 cm
  • Harder to cover large areas
  • No 'elimination' function so will search for any metal instead of being able to choose which metals

For a different type of metal detector, this Sakobs Metal Detector Pinpointer offers a way to detect metals in the ground without using a large, upright unit.

It’s a small, handheld detector that measures 28 cm long and has a lot of versatile uses. If you think a larger unit may not be of interest to your child, they might enjoy using this different type of tool instead. It can be used on its side, to sweep over the ground and find any areas with metal present, and then vertically, in order to pinpoint the exact location of the metal.

Weighing just 340 g, it’s an extremely manageable unit, and can easily be carried in a backpack or pocket. It’s easier to transport than full-size metal detectors, which may appeal to some children, as well as their parents.

The pinpointer has a waterproof rating of IP68, meaning it’s able to be submerged in water. It can therefore be used when snorkelling or diving, as well as in rivers and streams. However, unlike a standard metal detector it has a relatively shallow detection depth of just 5 cm.

There are many ways that it differs from a standard metal detector, and it has less functions overall. For example, there’s no way to eliminate certain metals from the search (therefore, it will likely detect a lot of non-valuable iron, bottlecaps etc.).

Nevertheless, it’s the best metal detector for kids if they want a smaller, handheld model. It’s also extremely straightforward to use, with just a single button on the whole unit. Depending on how many times the button is pressed, the pinpointer will alert you to the presence of metal by either beeping, vibrating, or beeping and vibrating.

The vibration function is particularly useful if the detector is being used in an area where the beeping can’t be heard, or where beeping would be disruptive to others.

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  • Good, basic model suitable for ages 5+
  • Lightweight and easy for young kids to handle
  • Collapses down to 45 cm for easy transportation
  • Waterproof search coil means it can be used in the rain or by the sea
  • No settings to adjust so it's simple for young children to use

  • More of a 'toy' than a hobby item, only suitable for younger children
  • No battery included (requires 1 x 9 V)

Specifically designed for younger children, the AMYSPORTS Metal Detector is a lightweight tool that will give kids a reason to play outside and keep them entertained.

Suitable for children 5 + (under supervision), the detector’s height can be adjusted from 59.5 cm to 78.5 cm making it suitable for a mix of young ages. It’s also extremely lightweight, weighing 0.45 kg, and won’t wear children out if used for extended periods of time. This is good news because it’s the type of item that can be used wherever they go, in the garden, at the park, or when walking to the shops, and can help keep them entertained for hours.

It’s more of a ‘toy’ detector compared to many of the others models featured on this list. Although it has enough power to detect metals close to the surface of the ground, it’s not got the strength to uncover much buried treasure. However, it performs as you would expect for the price.

The coil is waterproof, so it can be used at the beach or near water without causing damage to the internal parts of the machine. It’s also easy to transport, so can be easily taken on holiday, or carried in your child’s backpack, folding up to measure just 45 cm.

There’s just one on/off switch resulting in an item that is intuitive for children to use, and all of the plastic components are moulded to have smooth edges and be comfortable for children to hold. It doesn’t have any settings to adjust, and can simply be used straight away to detect many different types of metal.

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Product Tester

To find you the best kids’ metal detectors, I tested a range of models, considering their ease of use, design, effectiveness, additional features, ease of transportation, and value for money. Here’s how I tested:

  • Ease of Use: As these metal detectors are for children, they need to be easy to use. Models with straightforward LED screens or adjustable dials were given the highest ratings, as these were simple enough for younger kids yet still entertaining for older children. I found that around 3 buttons and a couple of dials were the best to suit children of different ages. The instructions were also important when testing ease of use. Models with clear instructions or that were straightforward enough to not need instructions were given the best ratings.
  • Design: When I looked at the design, I considered whether the models were lightweight, made with high-quality parts, and came with helpful features to make them easier to use. Lightweight models (below 1.5kg) were given the best ratings, as these were manageable for kids to use for long periods. Metal detectors with a telescopic pole were given top ratings, as these were suitable for children of different heights and arm lengths, making the model more versatile. I also looked out for ergonomics – well-balanced metal detectors received higher ratings. 
  • Effectiveness: The features and their accuracy were the most important aspects of the metal detector’s effectiveness. Models with a combination of an accurate depth indicator of 10 cm +, a sensitivity button, an internal pinpointer, and eliminator settings were given the best marks, as these made the detector considerably easier to use. Models with waterproofing and a 6.5 x 9 inch PROformance search coil were given the best ratings of the bunch, as these were powerful enough to perform well and could be used in shallow water as well as dry conditions. 
  • Additional Features: Models with features above the norm were given top marks, as these could make the difference between a child being interested or bored. Any models with additional features like a 3-in-1 shovel, compass, headphones, a pouch bag, or batteries included were rated highest. 
  • Ease of Transportation: Metal detectors are used on the go, and if children are super keen, they might even take them on holiday or other adventures. For this reason, ease of transportation is important. Models with poles that split in two or that had foldable coils were given the best ratings, as these were easiest to move from one place to the next. 
  • Value for Money: When assessing value for money, I considered each metal detector’s features, design, effectiveness, and ease of use and transportation. Then, comparing this with their price point, I rated them on their value for money. Models that suited a wider range of children (from late primary to secondary school age) and that were still reasonably priced rated the best.

Becky's Smart Buying Tips

  1. Most likely, you’ll want to select a metal detector based on the age of your child. The following is good guidance to bear in mind, but of course – you know your child best!
  2. For children aged 4 – 9 years old, I recommend choosing a lightweight plastic metal detector with a weight of around 1kg. This will be comfortable for them to carry without getting tired. Look for a basic model with limited features – a simple on/off switch and a small display should be enough without overcomplicating matters.
  3. For children aged 10 and over, you can consider some additional functions. For this age bracket, I would advise looking for metal detectors with adjustable settings such as ‘sensitivity’ and ‘discrimination’. These will allow your kids to identify what metal they’ve found and choose whether to ignore certain metallic objects.
  4. The best metal detectors for kids will have a telescopic handle shaft, allowing you to adjust the detector’s length based on your child’s height. With children growing all the time, this is a great feature to look out for to make sure the detector doesn’t suddenly become redundant!
  5. If you want to search in shallow rivers or beach shorelines, look for metal detectors with a waterproof search coil. These can be used on wet days and in shallow water. 

With all this in mind, my top choice is the Garrett ACE 150. This entry-level metal detector is suitable for children aged around 9 and up. It has different search modes, which are useful without being too complicated, and it’s even a good choice for amateur adult detectorists!

How to Choose the Best Metal Detector for Kids

If you’re looking for a fun activity that’ll get the kids outdoors and away from TVs and phone screens, metal detecting is a great option to consider. It’s good exercise, fun and has the potential to be very educational.

Finding the best metal detector for kids can be tricky as it will depend on their age, engagement and patience. Too simple, and they’ll get bored, but too complex, and they’ll likely become frustrated.

The information below will help you find a metal detector that will give your child the best possible experience.

Benefits of Metal Detecting for Kids

Metal detecting is a fantastic hobby for almost anyone, and finding something unique or valuable is simply the icing on the cake.

Metal detecting can be a great hobby for the ‘technology-obsessed’ younger-generations to get involved with. It offers users the chance to explore and appreciate the great outdoors. Plus, it can create a reason to go on different outings with your children. You can enjoy metal detecting in the park near your home, or head to the beach or nearest river for a little hunt around. Metal detecting is also a great way for you and the kids to get to know the local area.

Most kids study history at school, and metal detecting is a great way to keep them engaged and interested – potentially leading to better grades! Metal detecting can help kids learn about history, geography and even biology. You and your child will likely enjoy spending time researching any old relics that you find.

Roaming the countryside with a metal detector in hand is also great exercise. It can help get kids outdoors and active, something many families struggle with especially in bad weather. Kneeling down to dig, carrying a metal detector and walking across beaches and fields can all boost physical fitness.

Finally, metal detecting is a great way to build a bond between parent and child. Spending time together is only going to be good for your relationship, and detecting with others can be great fun. You may even find other families with children who enjoy metal detecting – helping your child to make new friends and socialise!

Things to Look Out For

Metal detectors can range significantly in how complicated they are to use. Depending on the age of your child, and their interest in the hobby, there are certain features that you may wish to look out for/avoid.

Teenagers who have expressed an interest in the hobby will probably be better off getting a more complex metal detector, like one of the models on our ‘Best Metal Detectors For Beginners’ page.

Here are a list of the design features present on different detectors, to give you an idea of what’s available and which might best suit your child:

Lightweight plastic models

These are best for younger children, between the ages of 4 – 9 years old. They weigh less than 1 kg and are therefore more suitable for children to use and carry without getting tired. Older children (10 +) should be able to support heavier detectors, which can weigh between 1 – 2 kg.

Waterproof Search Coil

Not all metal detectors have a waterproof search coil, but it can help make the machine more robust. Not only does a waterproof search coil mean that the metal detector can be used when it’s raining (as long as the battery compartment is protected), it will also mean that the detector can be used in shallow water. This is useful if the detector will be used along the shoreline at the beach, or for searching in rivers.

Adjustable settings

Very basic metal detectors for kids have a singular on/off switch. These are the cheapest models available and will be most appropriate for 4 – 9-year-olds. As children get older, they will be able to better understand a metal detector with adjustable settings.

The most common adjustable settings to find on a metal detector are ‘sensitivity’ and ‘metal discrimination’.

Using metal discrimination, the metal detector can ‘discriminate’ between different types of metal. It will either use a variety of ‘beeps’ to alert you to which type of metal you have found, or actively ignore certain types of metal on request. This is useful, for example, if searching in an area with high iron-content in the ground, as the detector can ignore any iron findings.

Changing the ‘sensitivity’ can alter whether the metal detector finds smaller or larger pieces of metal. Higher sensitivity will mean the detector can detect smaller pieces of metal that are more abstractly shaped.

As you can see, models with these adjustable settings may be too complicated for younger children; however, as kids get older, they may wish to have more control over their finds – especially if they’re getting serious about the hobby. In these cases, a metal detector with adjustable settings will be more suitable. You may have to take some time to go over the instructions with your child.

Target ID

Metal detectors with target ID will often have an LCD display that can indicate which type of metal has been detected.

It will be able to suggest whether the find contains traces of iron, silver or gold (bear in mind that not all metal detectors can identify gold as they need to operate at a very low frequency, which not all detectors can do).

Having target ID makes it easier to anticipate what the find may be. If the target ID is shown clearly on the screen, it is also easier for children to interpret rather than requiring them to understand the different beeps of the detector.

Pinpointers

Pinpointers are handheld devices that can detect metal. Keen hobbyists often carry a pinpointer around with them, alongside their metal detector, in order to better identify the location of their find.

Nevertheless, pinpointers can be used on their own for metal detecting too. These tools are less than 30 cm long and are therefore very easy to hold and support. This makes them a good choice for children. They are not as powerful as upright metal detectors and may only detect to a depth of ~5 cm. However, they can help children get interested in metal detecting, and can also give younger children a ‘job’ to do if you are out metal detecting together.

Metal Detector Length

Perhaps one of the most important things when buying a metal detector for children is to make sure that it won’t be too big for them to use.

Full-size detectors tend to be extendable, but even their shortest length will be too long for a young child. Often, they range from approximately 90 – 120 cm.

Smaller detectors will tend to measure somewhere between 60 – 90 cm. To work out if the detector will be a good size for your child, you should measure from the ground to their wrist. This will give a good idea of roughly how long the detector needs to be. Bear in mind that the detector will be held at an angle, so it needs to be sightly longer than the vertical measurement from the floor to their hand.

Coil Size

As you shop for metal detectors, you will notice that they have differently sized search coils. The coil is the circular part of the detector that scans the ground.

A larger coil will cover more ground more in less time. It can also detect to a greater depth. If there are too many targets in the area, it may be a disadvantage to have a large coil, as it will constantly be picking up signals. Smaller coils are better at detecting items closer to the surface and can better pinpoint finds in area with high concentrations of ‘trash’ metal.

Standard coils for full-size detectors are approximately 20 cm in diameter. Decent metal detectors for kids will have a coil of around 17 cm.

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Kids Metal Detector FAQs

Metal detecting is a hobby for anyone and kids can enjoy it just as much as adults.

Of course, it’s important you purchase a metal detector suitable for the age of your child and that you take steps to keep them safe. Ensure your child is wearing comfy clothes, with water and snacks in case they need them.

Pick a familiar and safe location to start with, and ensure if they are venturing out alone that you know exactly where they are heading.

In the UK we have a system where valuable finds are recorded so that they can be enjoyed by the general public. This is called the Portable Antiquities Scheme and is run by the British Museum. A local-finds liaison officer records information about the items, and then the details are put online for everyone to study and enjoy.

You must report any of the following items:

  • Gold/silver
  • Groups of coins
  • An object over 300 years old
  • Something found on the same site as a previous Treasure find

Yes, but you need permission from the owner of the park. Often, this is the local council, so you’ll need to ask them first before you start metal detecting. This also applied to using a metal detector on farmland – you’ll have to get permission from the landowner and agree how and finds will be divided up.

Even beaches are owned by someone, be they privately owned or owned by the Crown Estate. So you need to get permission to use a metal detector in these areas too.

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