Pick headphones by your detector’s connector first, because that decides what will work at all. The Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk is the wireless pick for Garrett detectors with built-in Z-Lynk. The Minelab ML85 is Minelab’s wireless pick for the Manticore, Equinox 700 and 900, and X-Terra Elite and Pro. For a detector with a 1/4-inch jack, the Garrett MS-2 and ClearSound Easy Stow are the wired picks. If the headphones will get wet, Minelab’s waterproof set or XP’s BH-01 are the water-rated options.
This is desk research from maker pages, not listening tests, so there is no sound-quality ranking here. The price bands below are what Amazon listings showed on October 29, 2026 and change often.
Picks at a Glance
| Headphones | Works with (per the maker) | Water rating | Usual Amazon price band |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk | Garrett detectors with Z-Lynk | Water resistant (IP52); do not submerge | $100-150 |
| Minelab ML85 | Manticore, Equinox 700 and 900, X-Terra Elite and Pro | Not stated | $100-150 |
| Garrett MS-2 (1/4-inch) | Detectors with a 1/4-inch jack | Non-submersible | $25-50 |
| Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow | Detectors with a 1/4-inch jack | Land use only | $25-50 |
| Minelab waterproof (3.5 mm) | Manticore, Equinox, X-Terra Elite and Pro, Vanquish 60 Series | Waterproof | $150-200 |
| XP BH-01 | XP Deus II only | IP68, to 20 m | $50-100 |
Check the Connector Before Anything Else
Garrett’s ACE 250 page lists a 1/4-inch headphone jack and Garrett sells 1/4-inch headphones as ACE-series accessories, and it lists an adapter for using 1/4-inch plugs on the ACE Apex and Vortex. Garrett’s AT models take its own 2-position “AT” connector. Minelab’s wired headphones are 3.5 mm (1/8-inch). Wireless systems are brand-specific: Garrett’s Z-Lynk works with Garrett’s, and Minelab’s ML85 works with the models Minelab lists. Our headphone replacement guide walks through fit and controls, and the wireless vs wired guide covers the trade.
1. Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless: Best Wireless for Garrett
Garrett lists a built-in Z-Lynk wireless receiver, volume control, a fold-down design, USB charging and a frequency response of 30 to 18,000 Hz. It says Z-Lynk gives “near-zero delay (17 milliseconds),” which it describes as six times faster than Bluetooth headphones, and up to 30 hours on a charge. Garrett also states the MS-3 is IP52 protected against light rain and “should never be submerged.”
Z-Lynk is built into Garrett’s AT Max, ACE Apex and Vortex detectors, so those need only the headphones. Garrett also sells an MS-3 kit with a WT-1 wireless transmitter for use with other detectors. See our Garrett headphones review .
Choose it for: Cable-free listening on a Z-Lynk Garrett.
Skip it for: Water use, or any detector that is not a Garrett without the kit.
2. Minelab ML85: Best Wireless for Current Minelabs
Minelab lists the ML85 as wireless, low-latency headphones for the Manticore, Equinox 700 and 900, X-Terra Elite and X-Terra Pro. Because the match is by model, check Minelab’s compatibility list against your detector before buying.
Choose it for: Wireless listening on the Minelab models above.
Skip it for: Detectors that are not on Minelab’s list, and any water use.
3. Garrett MS-2 (1/4-inch): Best Everyday Wired Pair
Garrett lists the MS-2 with volume control, a comfortable headband and ear cushions, a reinforced 10-foot coil cord and a right-angle 1/4-inch stereo plug. The speaker impedance is 8 ohms with a response of 30 to 18,000 Hz. It is non-submersible. Garrett includes a version of the MS-2 with the AT Pro; that one has the 2-pin AT connector.
Choose it for: A step up from the headphones in a starter kit on a 1/4-inch detector.
Skip it for: Water use, or an AT detector that needs the 2-pin underwater connector version.
4. Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow: Best Low-Cost Wired Pair
Garrett describes the ClearSound as “portable, affordable quality headphones with in-line volume control,” with a 1/4-inch phone plug, padded ear pieces and an extendable headband. It folds flat, has a 41-inch coiled cord that extends to 82 inches, and is land use only. Garrett also sells a 1/8-inch version, so check the plug size on the listing you choose.
Choose it for: A spare or starter pair that packs flat.
Skip it for: Wet hunting.
5. Minelab Waterproof Headphones (3.5 mm): Best Wired Pair for Wet Minelab Hunts
Minelab’s page says these let you “improve your metal detecting performance underwater” and lists compatibility with the Manticore, Equinox, X-Terra Elite, X-Terra Pro and Vanquish 60 Series. They use a 3.5 mm connector. Check the maker’s depth rating for the exact set before diving. Our waterproof vs non-waterproof headphones comparison covers when it matters.
Choose it for: Beach, surf and shallow-water hunts with a listed Minelab.
Skip it for: Dry-land hunting, where a cheaper wired pair does the same job.
6. XP BH-01 Bone Conduction: Best for Diving with a Deus II
XP calls the BH-01 “the first bone conduction headphones designed for metal detecting,” made in France, IP68 certified and waterproof to 20 m, with a 2-year warranty. XP explains that they sit in front of the ears on the cheekbone and transmit sound through the bones, so your ears stay free. The Amazon listing says they are for the Deus II only. Our bone conduction vs over-ear comparison covers the trade.
Choose it for: A Deus II owner who dives, or who wants to hear their surroundings.
Skip it for: Any detector other than the Deus II.
Which Headphones Should You Buy?
Buy the MS-3 if you own a Z-Lynk Garrett and want wireless, and the ML85 if you own one of the Minelab models it lists. On a 1/4-inch detector, the MS-2 is the better everyday pair and the ClearSound is the low-cost one. For the water, buy the Minelab waterproof set with a listed Minelab or the BH-01 with a Deus II.
Shopping for a gift? See our metal detector gift guide for kids and beginners .
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best headphones for metal detecting?
The best pair is the one that matches your detector’s connector or wireless system. For Garrett detectors with Z-Lynk, the MS-3; for current Minelabs, the ML85; for a detector with a 1/4-inch jack, the Garrett MS-2 or ClearSound; and for water, a pair with a published water rating such as Minelab’s waterproof set or XP’s BH-01.
Can I use any headphones with a metal detector?
Only if the plug fits. Detectors use different connectors: Garrett’s ACE series takes 1/4-inch plugs, the ACE Apex and Vortex need an adapter for 1/4-inch plugs (they use a smaller jack), and Garrett’s AT models take its 2-pin AT connector. Wireless systems such as Z-Lynk are brand-specific.
Are wireless headphones for metal detectors worth it?
They remove the cable, but only if the system matches your detector. Garrett lists a 17-millisecond delay for Z-Lynk and says that is six times faster than Bluetooth headphones. Our wireless vs wired guide covers the trade.
Can I use metal detecting headphones in the water?
Only if the maker rates them for it. Garrett’s MS-2 and ClearSound are listed as non-submersible, and the MS-3 as water resistant but not for submerging. Minelab’s waterproof set and XP’s BH-01 are the water-rated picks here.
Sources: Garrett MS-3 Z-Lynk , Garrett MS-3 Wireless Z-Lynk Kit , Garrett MS-2 , Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow , Garrett ACE 300 accessories , Minelab ML85 , Minelab waterproof headphones and XP BH-01 .
See Also
If you want to pressure-test this shortlist, read Nokta Double Score vs Minelab X-Terra Elite: Multi-Frequency Value Compared, Apron Pouch vs Hip Pouch for Metal Detecting, and Best Metal Detectors for Depth next.
For more context beyond the main ranking, Garrett Sniper Coil Review and Koss UR-30 Headphones for Metal Detecting Review add useful comparison detail.