The UK's bestBeginner Metal Detectors2022 Review

If you’re after an excellent metal detector that won’t break the bank the Garrett ACE 250 is worth consideration. It’s a step up from Garrett’s entry-level ACE 150 with extra search functions and more technology.

The ACE 250 weighs 1.2 kg and is so well balanced it can be used for hours. Its weight is mostly in the control box at its handle, and the telescopic pole is easily adjustable to suit your height and ability to stretch.

The control box is powered by 4 x AA batteries and has plenty of technology, but not so much that it’s confusing for beginners.

It has pre-set factory modes so you can detect straight out-of-the-box. The pre-sets are all-metal, jewellery, and relics, plus a custom function for more when you’ve got more experience under your belt. The custom function means this detector suits not only newbies but more experienced detectorists attracted by its price tag too.

Some of its more advanced features are a discrimination mode that filters out trash such as drink cans, an elimination button that stops it picking up identified targets, and sensitivity to manage mineralized soil and trashy areas – all handy tech to have under your belt when you’re serious about finding precious metal.

Also included on the LED screen are a depth indicator and a battery life indicator along with a set of icons that show what the target most likely is before starting to dig.

One of the best features is Garrett’s top-of-the-range 6.5 x 9-inch PROformance coil that’s powerful enough to detect 15-20 cm into soil and waterproof for shallow freshwater searches too. You won’t need to upgrade this coil in a rush.

A step up on the Garrett ACE 150 that justifies the extra cash is an internal pinpointer. Pinpointers narrow down the dig area and really help contain the mess, so it’s great to see it on one of Garrett’s better value detectors.

On the downside, there’s no ground balancing so the machine may send out false signals on mineralized soils, and it isn’t backlit which makes seeing the screen difficult in bright sunlight.

Overall, Garrett’s ACE 250 is an excellent starter model for adult beginners and there’s enough tech to keep more experienced detectorists on a budget happy too.

Despite the lack of ground balancing, this is a machine that will unearth metal if it’s there to be found. It’s a good quality detector from a trusted brand and definitely worth consideration.

If you’re after a good-value purchase, this excellent find will help you in your search for buried treasure (at a reasonable price!). The Dr.ÖTEK MT-XR Metal Detector is one of the best value metal detectors out there. And, despite its lower price, it’s nice to see that the manufacturers haven’t scrimped on quality.

A particularly useful feature is the memory mode, where you can ‘show’ the MT-XR detector a certain type of metal, a silver ring, for example, and it will only search for that type of metal composition. This can help limit time wasted uncovering items that aren’t of interest to you.

With a 9.8” waterproof coil, this metal detector can be used in shallow water and is capable of locating coins up to 25 cm deep on dry land. Plus, the backlit LCD screen makes it easy to see what settings you’re using and use the metal detector after dusk; even some of the more expensive models don’t feature a backlit screen which can really hinder evening-time metal detecting.

At 1.8 kg the MT-XR doesn’t feel too heavy, and children can use it as well without difficulty. It’s a good choice for taking on camping trips and outdoor adventures because all the family can get enjoyment from this fun tool.

It’s also one of the best options for those wanting to get a feel for the hobby, and head out straight away to start finding different objects, without having to make a large investment.

Whilst it doesn’t have a rechargeable battery, it is powered by a single 9 V battery and one comes included. This does reduce the number of spares you need to carry around if you’re planning to be using this metal detector across several days.

One more thing to bear in mind is that this is not on the same level as the more expensive, professional machines – it’s suitable for those who are interested in starting this fun hobby, but it can give false readings sometimes. The MT-XR is a mid-to-low range metal detector with better features than the very cheapest models available.

If you’re looking for an entry-level detector that will help you explore metal detecting as a new hobby without breaking the bank, this Garrett EuroACE is the best metal detector for beginners. It also doesn’t have the steep price tag of more intricate models making it a perfect ‘first’ metal detector.

The Garrett EuroACE is simple to set up and use; you’ll be able to get started with your new hobby quickly, avoiding too much time-consuming research and preparation.

Operating at a frequency of 8.25 kHz, ideal for detecting small objects, this unit has been specifically designed for use in European conditions. Whereas some other metal detectors are designed with US terrain in mind, the EuroACE’s set up is better adapted to easy use in the UK.

With a weight of 1.2 kg, it’s a lightweight metal detector, and suited to prolonged use. It can even be taken apart to be carried in a rucksack too. It comes with a rain cover, coil cover and headphones, meaning beginners don’t need to source kit from different places.

Whilst this may not have all the fancy settings of the Equinox 800 or Garrett AT Pro, it also doesn’t have such a steep learning curve. So, if you’re after something which still offers some scope for improving your skills, but don’t want to over-complicate matters, the EuroACE could be a good way to go.

Of course, it does have its limitations, and its more difficult to get an accurate reading on wet sand with this model, but it’s also several hundred pounds cheaper than metal detectors which do this more accurately. Plus, in terms of readings on dry land, the Garrett EuroACE has a lot to offer.

No matter where you’re hoping to go searching, this Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector is one of the best metal detectors around. With ‘AT’ standing for ‘all terrain’, it can identify metal and assist in the discovery of great finds whether you’re in the garden, at the beach, or searching in shallow water.

Powerful enough to detect gold, the AT Pro uses Digital Target ID, ranging from 0 to 99, to estimate how potentially worthwhile an object is to dig up. When you locate an object, a number will be displayed on the screen. The higher the number, the more likely it is that an object is worth excavating. All this before even taking out your trowel!

With a standard mode for beginners, and a pro mode for when you become more experienced, you can head out as soon as you’ve inserted the batteries yet continue to improve your experience as you learn. It can take a little while to get used to the different sounds and what they mean, but many users find that after 10 – 50 hours they’ve got a much better understanding of how to get the most out of this metal detector.

Unlike some other models, this Garrett metal detector also has an iron mode; this is useful when working in areas with high quantities of iron because it helps discern between worthless iron (more likely to be nails and invaluable objects) and potentially-valuable finds.

All in all, this is a beginner-friendly metal detector which is also suitable for the avid-detectorist. Working well to limit the amount of ‘junk’ metal you dig up, it’s also waterproof up to 3 m and effective around fresh water.

One thing to be aware of: you may find that when using it at the beach, especially in the surf, it takes a bit more time to work out the best setting and discern between the different sounds because of the minerals in the water.

For detecting objects with a surprising degree of accuracy at impressive depths, the Minelab Equinox 800 Metal Detector is a popular model amongst amateurs and experts alike.

Able to work across multiple frequencies, this metal detector has many more adjustable settings to choose from than a single-frequency metal detector. However, if that’s all starting to sound a bit complicated, you can be safe in the knowledge that the default pre-sets also work well right out the box.

Using the different ID profiles provided, this metal detector can be optimized to search for specific items on various terrain; for example, it has a beach mode and can be tasked to find objects of high or mid conductivity as well as gold.

With a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, money doesn’t get wasted on buying spares. Plus, there’s no need to carry batteries around with you. The Equinox 800’s battery can last for around 12 hours and is recharged using a USB.

Suitable for use in the rain, the Equinox 800 is waterproof up to 3 m. It can also be used to search in shallow fresh or salt water, with the possibility of working marginally better than the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector around salt water thanks to the multi-frequency technology.

Weighing 1.34 kg, with a LCD screen that is backlit and can be read even in the dark, the Equinox 800 remains comfortable and user friendly. Its biggest shortcoming is its non-retractable shaft which can make transportation more difficult. This can be taken apart into three pieces, or replaced by separately purchasing an additional telescopic shaft.

Overall, I consider this to be the best metal detector for the UK market if you’re looking for a higher-end model to start you off.

For a high-quality, entry-level metal detector, the HOOMYA TX850 Metal Detector is accurate and easy to use.

It can be used straight out the box (as long as you have a 9 V battery ready to go – the battery doesn’t come included), and by using intuition alone you’ll be able to work out how to locate metal like iron. If you want to search for more valuable objects, it takes a bit of getting used to, but the manual is clear and well structured, making the HOOMYA metal detector easy to understand.

It has an 11” coil which is waterproof, allowing metal detecting to take place in shallow water and damp undergrowth; however, the likelihood of getting some false readings does increase in these areas.

As with most other metal detectors, this model can intelligently distinguish between metal types, removing low-value metals from its search if calibrated to do so. This feature saves time when it comes to detecting and excavating because it becomes clear when something is worth digging up.

With a relatively accurate pinpoint feature, object location is also easy to specify. By pressing the ‘pinpoint’ button, you can narrow down the exact position of the find.

In terms of comfort and portability, this metal detector is easy to carry around, coming with its own carry bag to aid transportation. The shaft can be adjusted, not only to help with carrying but also to make it suitable for users of different heights.

It does weigh 2.6 kg, which is over 1 kg heavier than some other models featured on this list, but it’s still quite comfortable to use; there is an arm strap and padded handle to improve comfort and stability.

If you’re looking for an introductory metal detector which is suitable for children (of around 10 years +), this DR.ÖTEK Pinpoint Metal Detector is a great tool for igniting interest in the hobby.

Like a lot of metal detectors, this model is still able to discern between different types of metal, meaning you don’t need to waste as much time digging up iron nails or bottle caps (if you don’t want to!). You’ll be able to get used to the different pitch sounds that various metals make, to know which you’re picking up with the metal detector.

Coming with a free folding spade, this metal detector is splash-proof, making it suitable for use at the beach or by the river. Bear in mind that it’s not waterproof though, so the coil shouldn’t be submerged.

With just three buttons on its control unit, the Dr.OTEK Metal Detector keeps things pleasantly simple – there is a power button, sensitivity button, and pinpoint button. The pinpoint button hones in on the exact location of the find, making it easier to locate when digging.

It requires 6 x AA batteries which is more than other disposable-battery powered metal detectors featured on this list – they tend to only need 4 x AA. However, with only basic, occasional use, these batteries should last for a long time. They don’t come included, so if you want to use this metal detector straight away you should make sure to buy some separately.