These roundups group detectors and field gear by the problem they solve rather than by brand. For a first detector, start with the beginner picks , or with the backyard hunting roundup if the first search will be at home. The budget backyard practice roundup covers lower-cost detectors for beginners and for learning in the yard. Difficult ground is covered in the red clay and iron-rich soil roundup and the nails and bottle caps roundup , shorelines in the beach roundup , and shared use in the family roundup .

For recovery gear, see the best pinpointers , best digging tools , and the glove roundups for thorn protection and quick rinsing . Rankings are desk research from manufacturer documentation and retailer listings, not product testing, and some detectors listed may since have been discontinued, so confirm current availability. See how we research .

For specific jobs, see the best gold metal detectors , the best metal detectors for depth , and the best metal detecting headphones . Already leaning toward one brand? The Garrett lineup guide compares Garrett’s current models.

Buying a gift? See metal detector gifts for kids and beginners .