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Choosing the right all-round metal detector means balancing depth, weight, and waterproofing against your budget. This guide compares nine models that claim to cover parks, beaches, and fields. We cut through the spec sheets to see which ones actually deliver.
I’m Mo Maruf — the founder and writer behind The Tools Trunk. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Whether you’re chasing coins, relics, or gold, the all round metal detector on this list balances depth, weight, and waterproofing for real-world success.
Our Picks at a Glance
How To Choose The Best All Round Metal Detector
An all-round detector must find targets deep enough to dig, reject trash like nails and foil, and stay comfortable for hours of swinging. The models below achieve this with very different technology.
Frequency Is Your Lens On The Ground
Operating frequency (kHz) determines target sensitivity and depth. Lower frequencies around 7-13 kHz punch deeper and lock onto coins. Higher frequencies like 18-71 kHz are far more sensitive to tiny gold nuggets but sacrifice some depth on larger targets. A detector that switches frequencies or runs several at once offers true all-round versatility.
Waterproofing Sets Your Boundaries
An IP rating defines how much water exposure a detector can handle. A detector rated IP68 is fully submersible, so you can wade into the surf or hunt in heavy rain. A coil that’s waterproof but a control box that isn’t limits you to dry land. Decide where you’ll actually hunt before you pay for a rating you won’t use.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Best For | Frequency | Waterproof Rating | Weight | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Garrett AT Pro★ Best Overall | All-terrain beginners | 15 kHz | 10 ft Submersible | 1.37 kg | Amazon |
| Teknetics Delta 4000Best Value | Coin shooting on a budget | — | Coil only (IP54) | 2.3 lbs | Amazon |
| Nokta Findx ProPro Kit Pick | Complete kit value | — | IP68 (16 ft) | 1.2 kg | Amazon |
| Minelab X-Terra PRO | Multi-frequency tech | 7.69 kHz | IP68 (16 ft) | 2.9 lb | Amazon |
| CKG Treon | Gold prospecting | 18.75 kHz | IP68 (16 ft) | 5.8 lbs | Amazon |
| Nokta Triple Score PRO | Complete seasoned kit | Multi-frequency | IP68 (16ft) | 2.7 lbs | Amazon |
| Fisher Gold Bug 2 | Small gold hunting | 71 kHz | Coil only (IP44) | 2.9 lbs | Amazon |
| Garrett AT MAX Bundle | Wireless all-terrain kit | 13.6 kHz | 10 ft Submersible | 0.09 kg | Amazon |
| Minelab Manticore | Serious multi-frequency | 12 kHz | IP68 (16 ft) | 2340 g | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector
Our pick — over 4.5★ from 800+ verified ratings; the strongest balance of quality and price.
The rugged American classic that finds treasure in water and dirt alike
The Garrett AT Pro is the detector that grows with you. Its 40 levels of iron discrimination let you filter out rusty nails while hunting for coins, and the proportional audio gives you a detailed sound picture of what’s below. It’s famously deep-seeking, and the crowd favorite status—a 4.6-star reputation across 800-plus owners—backs up the hype.
What makes this an all-rounder is the 10-foot waterproof rating. You can wade into a river or hunt in the rain without a second thought. The MS-2 headphones are included, which boosts weak signals and blocks out wind noise, though buyers report the plastic build of those headphones feels cheap compared to the detector itself.
Assembly confuses a few first-timers, but the learning curve is short. Once you ground balance it for your soil, it will find tiny items like BBs and.22 shells, let alone the coins and relics you’re really after.
What wins people over
- Exceptional depth and target separation in trashy ground
- Fully submersible to 10 feet for water hunting
- Beginner-friendly yet advanced enough for pros
What to expect
- Included MS-2 headphones feel plasticky
- Assembly instructions could be clearer for novices
- Some units arrive with minor scratches
Reach for this if: you want one machine that handles parks, beaches, and rivers without compromise.
Look elsewhere if: you want a fully wireless audio setup from the start, since the bundled headphones are wired.
2. Teknetics Delta 4000
The budget coin shooter that outlasts machines three times its price
You get the most run time for your money with the Teknetics Delta 4000: its 25-hour battery lasts more than twice as long as the Nokta Findx Pro’s 12 hours (a 2.1x margin). Owners mention pulling 4 dimes and 12 cents on a single outing, calling it “great for coin hunting.” The 8-inch waterproof coil (the round search loop at the bottom) lets you poke around shallow water, but the control box is only rated IP54 (dust-tight and splash-proof), so keep it dry.
Its 2-digit target ID (00-99) and pinpoint button make it easy to learn what’s buried. One 15-year veteran called it the best in its price point, praising the accurate VDI readings and 8-9 inch depth. A 5-year parts and labor warranty backs the USA-made build.
The trade-off is sensitivity—some owner feedback calls it mixed—so very small or deeply buried targets can be missed. But for a detector that weighs just 2.3 pounds and runs on a single 9V battery, it’s a phenomenal starting point.
Why it’s a steal
- 25-hour runtime from one 9V battery
- Lightweight 2.3 lb swing for long hunts
- 5-year parts and labor warranty
Keep in mind
- Sensitivity can be inconsistent in heavy mineralized soil
- Not fully submersible—only the coil is waterproof
Who it beats: any similarly priced beginner machine on depth and battery stamina.
Who it doesn’t: serious gold prospectors who need high-frequency sensitivity.
3. Nokta Findx Pro
The featherweight that comes with everything you need to start digging today
The Nokta Findx Pro is the complete package. It ships with premium headphones, a 7.5-inch stainless steel digger with cutting teeth, and a large carrying bag—so you don’t spend extra on gear before your first hunt. At 1.2 kg, it’s 14% more lighter than the Garrett AT Pro’s 1.37 kg, making it a joy to swing for hours.
Its USB-rechargeable lithium battery gives 12 hours of use, and the IP68 rating means the whole unit is fully waterproof to 16 feet. The shaft retracts to 25 inches for easy transport. Customers note finding a lost ring in under two minutes in a backyard—the kind of instant win that hooks new hobbyists.
The depth detection gets mixed feedback, and the included headphones are basic. But for a beginner-focused machine with four modes (Field, Park, Jewelry, Beach), it’s hard to find a better-equipped entry point.
Kit highlights
- Complete kit: headphones, digger, and bag included
- Lightweight 1.2 kg with retractable 25-inch shaft
- IP68 fully submersible and USB rechargeable
Watch out for
- Depth detection can be inconsistent in some soils
- Bundled headphones are entry-level quality
Best for: families and beginners who want one box with every accessory included.
Consider alternatives: if you plan to hunt ultra-deep relics professionally, you’ll want a higher-end coil.
4. Minelab X-Terra PRO
Multi-frequency power with a flashlight and vibration for night hunts
The X-Terra PRO brings Minelab’s PRO-SWITCH engine to a mid-range price. You get six pre-programmed modes (2x Park, 2x Field, 2x Beach) so no terrain is off-limits, and the IP68 rating lets you submerge it to 16 feet. The control pod has a built-in flashlight and the handgrip vibrates on target—features that shine when the sun goes down.
It weighs just 2.9 lb and packs down to 25 inches, so it slips into a backpack for travel. With 30 discrimination segments, you have precise control over what you dig and what you ignore. Owners rave about its accuracy on deep targets, with one beginner reporting a 99% hit rate on items up to 6 inches deep.
The learning curve is steeper than some, and the 7.69 kHz frequency isn’t tune for tiny gold. But for coin and relic hunters who want advanced tech without flagship pricing, this is a standout.
Smart features
- Control pod flashlight and handgrip vibration
- Fully IP68 waterproof to 16 feet
- Packs down to 25 inches for travel
Challenges
- Steep learning curve for absolute beginners
- Lower frequency limits small gold detection
Choose this for: the best blend of multi-frequency tech, night-hunting features, and portability.
Skip if: you’re a strict gold prospector who needs high-kHz sensitivity.
5. CKG Treon
The high-frequency specialist that sniffs out small gold and jewelry
The CKG Treon is built for one thing: finding small gold. Its 18.75 kHz frequency is significantly higher than the Garrett AT Pro’s 15 kHz, giving it a sharp edge on tiny nuggets, coins, and jewelry. The 11-inch DD coil covers more ground per sweep, and with an IP68 rating, you can take it into the surf to 16 feet.
The 2500 mAh lithium-polymer battery delivers up to 20 hours of active work—plenty for full-day expeditions. Four modes (Coin & Treasure, Prospecting, All Metal, Pinpointer) let you switch tactics without re-configuring. Reviewers point out it’s a quality build that does “pretty much anything you want” at a price far below premium brands.
The catch is weight at 5.8 pounds, which is heavy compared to the 2.9 lb Minelab X-Terra PRO. The learning curve is also steep, and the wired headphones feel dated. But serious hunters call it a genuine value.
Gold-finding strengths
- 18.75 kHz frequency excels at small targets
- Up to 20 hours from the lithium-polymer battery
- Fully waterproof IP68 to 16 feet
Trade-offs
- Heavy 5.8 lb frame gets tiring on long hunts
- Steep learning curve for the advanced settings
Who it suits: prospectors hunting small gold who want a pro-spec frequency without flagship prices.
Who it doesn’t: anyone prioritizing a light swing weight for all-day comfort.
6. Nokta Triple Score PRO Pack
The seasoned hunter’s bundle that includes a pinpointer, digger, and cap
The Triple Score PRO Pack is the full kit for someone ready to take detecting seriously. It includes the Nokta Pointer, a premium digger, carrying bag, finds pouch, and a cap—everything you need beyond the detector itself. The carbon fiber shaft keeps the weight at just 2.7 lbs, so extended sessions don’t wreck your arm.
You can hunt all day without recharging: the built-in 3250 mAh lithium-polymer battery (a rechargeable power pack) delivers up to 12 hours per charge. Its IP68 rating (fully dust-tight and waterproof) means you can submerge the whole unit to 16 feet, so you can wade into lakes or streams. Multi-frequency operation (using several detection signals at once) lets it adapt to different terrains smoothly, and Bluetooth streams real-time data to compatible devices—a feature serious tech lovers will appreciate.
Owners call it the best detector they’ve ever owned for the price, praising its reliability after 18 months of heavy use in dirt, sand, and underwater. The battery life gets mixed feedback, so pack a power bank for marathon hunts.
Bundle advantages
- Includes pinpointer, digger, bag, pouch, and cap
- Lightweight carbon fiber shaft at 2.7 lbs
- Bluetooth connectivity for real-time data
Minor notes
- Battery life feedback is mixed—bring a power bank
- Headphones don’t come with a charger included
Reach for this if: you’re upgrading from a starter model and want every accessory in one box.
Look elsewhere if: battery endurance beyond 12 hours is your top priority.
7. Fisher Gold Bug 2
The 71 kHz specialist that finds gold specks others walk right over
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 is a legend among prospectors for one number: 71 kHz. That’s the highest frequency on this list and it’s what makes this machine so deadly on small gold nuggets in mineralized soil. It comes with both a 6-inch and 10-inch elliptical coil, so you can switch between precision in tight spots and wider coverage.
The manual 16-turn ground balance and three-position mineralization switch let you tune out black sand and hot rocks that fool other detectors. At 2.9 lbs with a hip-mountable control box, it’s designed for all-day comfort. The 30-hour battery life is a standout—the longest on this list.
The trade-off is clear: this is a gold specialist, not an all-rounder. Coins and relics aren’t its focus, and its IP44 rating (protected against splashes, not submersion) means only the coils are waterproof, not the control box. Some buyers also note the packaging wasn’t protective. But if you’re chasing gold in dry terrain, this is the one to pick over the Teknetics Delta 4000 for its depth on small targets.
Prospecting power
- Industry-leading 71 kHz frequency
- 30-hour battery life for long backcountry trips
- Two coils included for versatility
Limits
- Not fully waterproof—control box must stay dry
- Packaging can be basic; some parts shift in transit
Best for: dedicated gold prospectors in mineralized ground who want maximum sensitivity.
skip it if: you need a single machine for coins, relics, and beach hunting.
8. Garrett AT MAX Bundle
The wireless-ready workhorse that cuts the cord to audio and pinpointing
The AT MAX Bundle takes the famous Garrett AT series and adds Z-Lynk wireless technology. The MS-3 wireless headphones and Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk connect with near-zero delay, so you hear targets instantly without a cable snagging on brush. It’s a huge quality-of-life upgrade.
The 13.6 kHz frequency and enhanced electronics deliver superior depth, and the True All Metal Mode boost sensitivity when you need it. An iron audio feature lets you identify trash targets by sound so you can choose to skip them. The bundle even includes an AT MAX hat.
Some shoppers say static interference near other detectors on sandy beaches, though a frequency change often resolves it. The pinpoint scale can be hard to read in direct sunlight. But for those who want a proven all-terrain machine with modern wireless convenience, this delivers.
Wireless edge
- Near-zero delay Z-Lynk audio and pinpointing
- True All Metal Mode for maximum depth
- Iron audio helps you skip junk targets
Quirks
- Static interference possible near other detectors
- Pinpointer scale can be hard to see in sun
Who it’s for: hunters who hate tangled cables and want a complete wireless kit from a trusted brand.
Who should pass: those on a strict budget, since the wireless tech commands a premium.
9. Minelab Manticore
The “beast” that separates trash from treasure like nothing else on this list
The Manticore is Minelab’s flagship, powered by Multi-IQ+ technology that runs multiple frequencies simultaneously. That’s why owners call it “the beast”—it finds targets at 8-plus inches that previous detectors missed, even in trashy, mineralized ground. The advanced 2D target ID map shows you a visual picture of what’s below, not just a number.
It’s fully IP68 waterproof to 16 feet, so surf and river hunting are fair game. The 11-inch Double-D coil included gives wide coverage, and the shaft folds from 56.7 down to 24.8 inches for transport. With 10 search modes including All-Terrain, Beach, and Goldfield, it genuinely covers every scenario.
The price is the barrier—this is the most expensive detector here. And the learning curve for customizing ferrous limits and profiles is real. But for the serious detectorist who wants the best separation and depth available, this is the endgame.
Flagship power
- Multi-IQ+ simultaneous multi-frequency tech
- Advanced 2D target ID for precise identification
- 10 search modes covering all terrains
The price of greatness
- Premium price point is a major investment
- Extensive customization requires a learning curve
The mic-drop moment: if your budget allows, this is the last detector you’ll need to buy for years.
The single caveat: be prepared to invest time in learning its settings to open up its full potential.
Understanding the Specs
Operating Frequency (kHz)
This is the heartbeat of your detector. Lower frequencies (around 7-13 kHz) penetrate deeper and are better for larger coins and relics. Higher frequencies (18-71 kHz) are vastly more sensitive to small items like gold nuggets and fine jewelry. Multi-frequency machines run several at once, giving you the best of both worlds.
Waterproof Rating (IP)
The IP code tells you exactly how wet things can get. IP68 is the gold standard—fully submersible, so you can take it into the surf or a river. A lower rating like IP54 means only the coil is waterproof and the control box needs protection. Match the rating to where you realistically plan to hunt.
FAQ
What does a higher kHz frequency actually do for me?
Is a fully waterproof metal detector worth the extra cost?
How deep can an all-round metal detector actually find coins?
What is ground balancing and why does it matter?
How long does a metal detector battery last on a single charge?
What is a DD coil and should I care?
Is it worth buying a detector that comes with a full kit?
What is target ID and how do I use it?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
If you want one dependable pick, the all round metal detector winner is the Garrett AT Pro because it balances depth, waterproofing, and beginner-friendly controls in one proven package. If you want the best value for coin shooting, grab the Teknetics Delta 4000. And for serious hunters chasing the deepest, most accurate separation, the Minelab Manticore is the one to reach for.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement. Every pick is matched to a real buyer and a real use-case; we do not hands-on test units.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of August 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
As an Amazon Associate, The Tools Trunk earns from qualifying purchases. This does not affect which products we feature.