Which Garrett Metal Detector Should You Buy? Current Models Compared

Garrett’s Current Detectors at a Glance

Every model above has a new Amazon listing (checked October 29, 2026). The ACE 300 link is a bundle listing with a carry bag and coil cover; Garrett’s plain ACE 300 was not available as a single new listing that day.

The ACE Series: Garrett’s Entry Line

Garrett publishes an ACE comparison with the specifications side by side, and it is the easiest way to see what each step buys.

• ACE 200: 6.5 kHz fixed, a 6.5 x 9 inch concentric coil, three search modes (Coins, Jewelry and Zero-Disc), four sensitivity levels, digital Target ID and a weight of 2.75 lbs. Garrett calls it “lightweight and easy to learn.”
• ACE 250: 6.5 kHz, a 6.5 x 9 inch concentric coil, five search modes plus pinpoint, adjustable notch discrimination and eight sensitivity/depth adjustments. Garrett’s comparison lists no digital Target ID for the 250, which is the main thing to know before choosing it over the ACE 200.
• ACE 300: 8 kHz adjustable, a 7 x 10 inch concentric coil, five search modes plus pinpoint, four iron discrimination segments and digital Target ID. Garrett describes it as “a powerful performer at a bargain price.”
• ACE 400: 10 kHz adjustable and an 8.5 x 11 inch DD coil. Garrett calls it the top of the ACE family, with a “new Iron Audio feature, a powerful DD coil, a higher frequency, and volume control headphones.”

Per Garrett’s comparison, all four use four AA batteries, include no headphones, weigh between 2.7 and 2.9 lbs, and carry the same three-year warranty. Our reviews of the ACE 300 and ACE 400 go deeper, and our budget metal detector list puts the ACE 200 and ACE 300 next to other lower-cost options.

ACE Apex: The Budget Multi-Frequency Route

Garrett calls the ACE Apex “the pinnacle of multi-frequency detection flexibility.” It lists frequency options of 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz plus multi-frequency and Multi-Salt, a 6 x 11 inch DD Viper coil (described as fully waterproof), built-in Z-Lynk wireless, a built-in rechargeable battery rated at about 15 hours and Iron Audio. One practical limit: Garrett says Apex coils are not compatible with older ACE detectors, and older ACE coils do not fit the Apex.

See the ACE Apex review and our comparisons of the Apex and AT Pro and the ACE 300 and Apex .

Vortex: Waterproof Multi-Frequency

Garrett lists all three Vortex models as submersible to 16 feet (5 meters) with built-in Z-Lynk wireless.

• VX5: the entry Vortex, with 13 kHz and multi-frequency, a single-tier Target ID display, four search modes and a fixed recovery speed.
• VX7: adds 5 kHz, Multi-Salt for saltwater, Beach mode, a two-tier Target ID display and a two-setting recovery speed. Garrett describes it as “more power and robust salt mode.” It is the pick in our beach list .
• VX9: the professional model, with 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz plus multi-frequency and Multi-Salt, a three-tier Target ID display, seven search modes and a three-setting recovery speed.

Our Vortex review has more on the platform.

AT Series: Waterproof Single-Frequency

The AT line is Garrett’s all-terrain VLF family. Garrett lists the AT Pro as submersible to 10 feet with an 8.5 x 11 inch DD coil, standard and Pro (proportional) audio modes and MS-2 headphones included. The AT Max is “Garrett’s most powerful all terrain, single-frequency detector,” with a 13.6 kHz operating frequency, a section on maximum detection depth, True All Metal mode and wireless CS-3 headphones included. Read our AT Pro review , AT Max review and AT Pro vs AT Max comparison .

Gold: Goldmaster 24k, AT Gold and Axiom

The Goldmaster 24k is a 48 kHz VLF with Garrett’s XGB automatic ground balance, a maximum weight of 3.4 lbs and wired headphones included. The AT Gold is listed with a 5 x 8 inch DD coil and fresh-water use to 10 feet. The Axiom and Axiom Lite are Garrett’s pulse induction platform for gold prospecting and highly mineralized ground. Our best gold metal detectors list compares the Goldmaster 24k and AT Gold with other makers, and the Axiom review covers the pulse induction line.

How to Choose

1. Start with water. Garrett publishes whole-detector water ratings for the Vortex line (16 feet) and the AT series (10 feet). For the ACE 200 and the Apex it describes the coil, so check the page before wetting any other control box.
2. Choose single frequency or multi-frequency. The ACE 200, 250, 300 and 400 and the AT line are single-frequency choices (with the ACE 300 and 400 adjustable). The Apex and Vortex are multi-frequency.
3. Decide how much control you want. The ACE 200 asks the least of you. The ACE 300 and 400 add discrimination and target ID control, and the VX9 gives the most.
4. Check the headphones. The AT Pro and AT Max include headphones; Garrett’s comparison lists none in the box for the ACE series. Our best metal detecting headphones list covers Garrett’s wired and wireless options.

Final Recommendation

Choose the ACE 200 for the simplest start and the ACE 300 for more control without leaving the ACE line. Choose the Apex if you want multi-frequency detection on dry or shallow ground, the VX7 if salt water is in the plan, and the AT Pro or AT Max if you want a waterproof single-frequency detector with a proven layout. Garrett’s own page says the ACE series is “a straightforward first detector” while Vortex is for “beginners who want a longer-term platform.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Garrett metal detector is best for a beginner?

Garrett’s own beginner page lists the ACE 200, ACE 250, ACE 300, ACE Apex and Vortex VX5. The ACE 200 is the simplest and lowest-cost; the ACE 300 adds more search modes and target ID control; the Apex and VX5 are the multi-frequency routes for buyers who want room to grow.

Which Garrett metal detector is waterproof?

Garrett lists the Vortex VX5, VX7 and VX9 as submersible to 16 feet (5 meters) and the AT Pro, AT Max and AT Gold to 10 feet. The ACE series and ACE Apex are described with waterproof or submersible coils, so check Garrett’s page before putting a control box in the water.

Which Garrett detector has the most depth?

Garrett’s AT Max page has a section called Maximum Detection Depth and says the AT Max surpasses other Garrett AT detectors. Garrett does not publish one depth figure that applies to every ground and target. See our best metal detectors for depth .

What is the difference between the ACE Apex and the Vortex?

Both are multi-frequency. The Apex is built around a 6 x 11 inch DD coil and built-in Z-Lynk wireless, while the Vortex line is submersible to 16 feet and steps up from the VX5 to the VX7 (Multi-Salt) and VX9 (full control).

Sources: Garrett ACE 300 page with the ACE specification comparison , ACE 200 , ACE 250 , ACE Apex , Vortex VX5 , Vortex VX9 (with the Vortex comparison) , AT Pro , AT Max , AT Gold , Goldmaster 24k , Axiom Lite , and Garrett’s beginner , intermediate , advanced and underwater pages.