Relic sites such as old homesites, camps and battlefields are full of iron, so the detector that sorts iron best is usually the best relic detector. The Garrett AT Pro is the proven all-terrain choice: Garrett lists 40 levels of iron discrimination and proportional audio that helps you judge a target’s size, shape and depth. The Minelab Manticore gives the most iron information on screen, the Garrett Vortex VX9 adds multi-frequency with iron and recovery controls, and the Garrett ACE Apex is the lower-cost frequency-choice option.

This is desk research from maker pages, not field testing. Price bands are what Amazon listings showed on November 7, 2026. Our relic recovery buying guide covers the features in more depth; this page names the detectors.

Picks at a Glance

Detector Iron handling (per the maker) Frequency Water (per the maker) Usual Amazon price band
Garrett AT Pro 40 levels of iron discrimination; proportional audio Single Submersible to 10 feet $400-500
Minelab Manticore 2D ID: 100 conductive and 50 ferrous segments Multi-IQ+ plus 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz IP68, to 5 m (16 ft) $1,400-1,500
Garrett Vortex VX9 Iron boundary (6 settings), high-resolution iron discrimination, 3-tier ID 5, 9, 13, 18, 25 kHz, Multi-Freq, Multi-Salt Fully waterproof to 16 ft (5 m) $500-600
Garrett ACE Apex Six detection modes plus pinpoint; five-tone audio 5, 10, 15, 20 kHz, Multi-Frequency, Multi-Salt Fully waterproof Viper coil $300-400

What Matters for Relics

  • Iron separation. A relic next to a nail can sound like iron. Fine iron discrimination, a ferrous ID scale and features that let you hear iron rather than silence it all help.
  • Recovery speed. A faster recovery speed separates targets close together, which matters more on a trashy homesite than raw depth.
  • Frequency. Garrett says lower frequencies generally favor larger, more conductive targets and higher frequencies smaller, less conductive ones. Relics range from large brass and lead to small buttons, so frequency choice or multi-frequency is useful.
  • Ground. Many relic areas have mineralized soil. Our red clay and iron-rich soil list covers detectors for that ground.

1. Garrett AT Pro: Best All-Terrain Relic Detector

Garrett lists 40 levels of high-resolution iron discrimination, proportional audio modes that let you hear subtle changes in a target’s response to judge its size, shape and depth, three standard audio modes for beginners, fast recovery speed and target separation, and submersion to 10 feet. This package includes Garrett’s MS-2 headphones.

It is single frequency, which limits it in salt water and heavily mineralized ground, but its iron discrimination and proportional audio are why relic hunters use it. Our AT Pro review and AT Pro vs AT Max comparison cover when it is worth the price. Check the AT Pro on Amazon .

Choose it for: Inland relic sites, creeks and wet ground on a mid-range budget.

2. Minelab Manticore: Most Iron Information

Minelab’s tech specs list Multi-IQ+ plus single frequencies of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz, All Terrain modes including Trash Reject, Low Conductors and High Conductors, a 2D ID with 100 conductive and 50 ferrous segments, Target IDs from 0 to 99 with ferrous indication, an IP68 rating to 5 m (16 ft), ML105 wireless headphones and a weight of 1.3 kg (2.9 lbs).

The 2D ID is the relic feature: it shows how ferrous and how conductive a target reads on separate scales, which helps with iron that reads like a good target. It is the most expensive pick here. Our Manticore review and Manticore vs Equinox 900 comparison cover the detail. Check the Manticore on Amazon .

Choose it for: Experienced relic hunters on iron-heavy sites.

3. Garrett Vortex VX9: Best Multi-Frequency Garrett for Relics

Garrett lists frequencies of 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz plus Multi-Freq and Multi-Salt, iron boundary and bottlecap reject with six settings each, high-resolution iron discrimination, three recovery speed settings, a 3-tier MD-MF Target ID, a Fast search mode and a fully waterproof rating to 16 ft (5 m).

It costs less than the Manticore and gives Garrett users multi-frequency with iron controls. It is also a pick on our waterproof detector list . See our Vortex VX9 review . Check the Vortex VX9 on Amazon .

Choose it for: Relic hunters who want multi-frequency and adjustable iron handling under $600.

4. Garrett ACE Apex: Lower-Cost Frequency Choice

Garrett lists single frequencies of 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt, six detection modes plus pinpoint, five-tone audio, built-in Z-Lynk wireless and a 6 x 11 inch DD Viper coil it calls fully waterproof, and says Multi-Flex makes the Apex ideal for coin shooting and relic hunting among other uses.

It is the cheapest way here to choose a frequency for the site. Garrett’s page gives no submersion rating for the whole detector, so keep the control box dry. It is also a pick in our under $500 list . Check the ACE Apex on Amazon .

Choose it for: A first serious relic detector with frequency choice.

Permission Comes First

On federal and Indian lands, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act sets permit requirements and criminal and civil penalties for unpermitted activities involving archaeological resources, according to the National Park Service . Relic hunting belongs on private land with the owner’s written permission, and state and local rules vary. Our parks and fields checklist covers the rest of the planning.

Final Recommendation

Buy the Garrett AT Pro for proven all-terrain relic hunting at a mid-range price. Step up to the Minelab Manticore for the most iron information, choose the Garrett Vortex VX9 for multi-frequency with iron controls under $600, and pick the Garrett ACE Apex if you want frequency choice for less.

FAQ

What is the best metal detector for relic hunting?

The Garrett AT Pro is the proven all-terrain choice: Garrett lists 40 levels of iron discrimination, proportional audio that helps judge a target’s size, shape and depth, and submersion to 10 feet. For the most iron information, the Minelab Manticore shows a 2D ID with separate ferrous and conductive scales.

Why does iron matter so much for relics?

Old homesites, camps and battlefields are full of nails and iron fragments, and iron can mask a nearby non-ferrous relic. Detectors with fine iron discrimination, a ferrous ID scale and a fast recovery speed help you hear a good target next to iron.

Is multi-frequency better for relics?

It helps in mineralized ground and on mixed targets. Garrett notes that lower frequencies generally favor larger, more conductive targets and higher frequencies smaller, less conductive ones, so a detector that runs several at once, or lets you choose, covers more relic types.

Can I hunt relics on public land?

Often not. On federal and Indian lands, the Archaeological Resources Protection Act sets permit requirements and criminal and civil penalties for unpermitted activities involving archaeological resources, per the National Park Service. Hunt private land with written permission and check state and local rules.

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