download the finder app! App

Best metal detectors in Australia

Our editorial team read hundreds of customer reviews to find the 8 best metal detectors available in Australia.

Avatar
Marc Bonne
Updated
Fact checked

We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!

The best metal detectors in Australia

How did we pick this list?

In order to develop this list our team searched Amazon Australia for the highest ranked and best selling metal detectors and read hundreds of customer reviews.

More detail on methodology below.

Best overall metal detector: Garrett AT MAX Metal Detector with MS-3

  • Can be used in water
  • Has a backlit screen
  • Can take time to learn all its features
  • Expensive
Price (RRP): $1,722
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Our team of experts have chosen the Garrett AT MAX Metal Detector with MS-3 as the best overall metal detector. It has an average rating of 4.8/5 stars from more than 95 Amazon customers.

This device is designed to be waterproof to 3 metres and is equipped with an LED Backlit screen, having a frequency of 13.6Hz and a high resolution to 175 pts. Wireless Z-Lynk MS-3 headphones are included in order for you to hear sounds directly from your headphones and the device also has 8 sensitivity adjustment options.

Best metal detector for gold: Garrett 1140680 AT Gold Metal Detector

  • Affordable price for a gold metal detector
  • Includes headphones
  • Customers say it sometimes skips readings
  • Headphones are not waterproof
Price (RRP): $1,186
Amazon Price: From $980.19
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

The Garrett 1140680 AT Gold Metal Detector is our top pick for detecting gold, with a 4.3 out of 5-star rating from more than 50 Amazon customers.

This metal detector includes a pair of Garett MasterSound headphones and a double-D submersible search coil. It can be used to detect gold nuggets, coins, jewellery and relics and is suitable for use in shallow freshwater.

Best metal detector for beginners: NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC PRO Series Metal Detector

  • Easy to use
  • Lightweight and portable
  • Not the most durable option
  • Some customers complained about its depth capabilities
Price (RRP): $249
Amazon Price: From $292.35
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

The National Geographic Pro Series Metal Detector is our top pick for beginners. The product has more than 690 Amazon reviews with 63% of customers giving it 5/5 stars.

This metal detector can be used to find buried treasure like gold, jewellery and coins. It's compact so seems good to carry and transport while travelling. It is also equipped with professional features which include three detection modes, four sensitivity levels and a pinpoint location feature.

Best budget metal detector: KKmoon High Performance Metal Detector MD3010II

  • Adjustable height
  • Customers say its good value for money
  • Construction might not be to the same level as others
  • Not as many features as more premium options
Price (RRP): $129
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

The KKmoon High Performance Metal Detector MD3010II is our pick for the best budget metal detector. The device can detect all sorts of objects especially gold and silver jewellery as well as coins. However, you can also change the settings to prevent it from responding to certain objects.

It has an LCD analogue display and comes with headphones which allow you to hear a unique tone when an object is detected. Furthermore, you can use it in shallow water as it has a waterproof search coil.

Best mid-range metal detector: Nokta Makro Simplex Waterproof Detector with 11-inch Coil

  • Suitable for beginners
  • Offers extreme depth
  • Some customers had issues with accuracy
  • A few users had trouble hearing the alert tone
Price (RRP): $462
Amazon Price: From $475.00
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best mid-range option is the Nokta Makro Simplex Waterproof Detector with 11" Coil. It has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and 80% of users have rated it 5 out of 5.

The Nokta Makro Simplex waterproof detector is suitable for searching for coins, jewellery or artifacts on both dry ground and in the water. It also comes with headphones.

Best premium metal detector: Garrett ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade Metal Detector

  • Easy to store and transport
  • Offers maximum detection
  • Headphones are not waterproof
  • Expensive
Price (RRP): $3,738
Amazon Price: From $3,659.36
Buy at Amazon
Buy at eBay

Why we chose it

The Garrett ATX Pulse Induction Military Grade Metal Detector is our top pick in the premium metal detector category. It has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon with 70% of customers giving it a perfect 5 stars.

The Garrett ATX has advanced pulse induction technology for extreme gold sensitivity, a new coil design and mil-spec design. It also comes with headphones.

Best metal detector for kids: DR.ÖTEK Easy to Operate Metal Detector for Kids

  • Helps children learn about local geography
  • Lightweight and easy to use
  • Some users had issues with its gold detection ability
  • A few customers said it was more of a novelty toy rather than a metal detector
Price (RRP): $140
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

Our pick for the best metal detectors for kids is the DR.ÖTEK Easy to Operate Metal Detector for Kids. It has a 4.4 out of 5 star rating from more than 220 Amazon reviewers.

This metal detector is suitable for searching objects in parks, beaches and public lands and due to its unique disc mode, the LED will flash different colours for different objects. The device is also equipped with a waterproof coil that will allow its use underwater and an adjustable buzzer.

Best metal detector for the beach: MOSTON Metal Detector for Adults High-Accuracy Metal Detector

  • Lightweight
  • Users say it's very accurate
  • Customers say some parts are not very sturdy
  • Can't be tested indoors
Price (RRP): $160
Amazon Price: Check site for current pricing
Buy at Amazon

Why we chose it

The MOSTON Metal Detector for Adults High-Accuracy Metal Detector is our pick for the best metal detector for the beach. The Moston Metal detector can detect items such as buried keys and coins up to 8 inches deep.

It has seven variable sensitivity levels and claims to have high efficiency. This detector comes with a full scale of tools including a shovel. It also has a waterproof coil so it can locate treasure in shallow water.

Amazon prices last updated on 16 September, 2021 at 07:01 pm

Methodology

  • For this article our team identified the best metal detectors in Australia by reading hundreds of customer reviews (as of October 2020).
  • The products on this list are chosen by our editorial team and are not selected based on commercial relationships.

More guides on Finder

Ask an Expert

You are about to post a question on finder.com.au:

  • Do not enter personal information (eg. surname, phone number, bank details) as your question will be made public
  • finder.com.au is a financial comparison and information service, not a bank or product provider
  • We cannot provide you with personal advice or recommendations
  • Your answer might already be waiting – check previous questions below to see if yours has already been asked

Finder only provides general advice and factual information, so consider your own circumstances, or seek advice before you decide to act on our content. By submitting a question, you're accepting our Terms of Use, Disclaimer & Privacy Policy and Privacy & Cookies Policy.
Go to site