Best Metal Detectors Under $300

Metal detecting is a fun activity that doesn't cost a lot of money. You can get many good detectors for less than $300 that work well and have all the features you need. This pricing range is a fantastic deal for both new users and anyone who wants a second machine for casual hunts. Garrett, Nokta, and Minelab have made user-friendly, high-tech models. These detectors work well for everything from shooting coins in the park to searching for old things in the woods, and they won't break the bank. This guide covers what to expect, what to consider before buying, and the best models for novices and experts.

What to Expect from Metal Detectors Under $300

Cheap metal detectors have gone a long way in terms of how they work and the technology they use. Entry-level models now come with capabilities that used to be exclusively available on high-end machines, such as several search modes, waterproof coils, iron discrimination, and target ID displays. You won't get the extreme depth or complex ground balance of professional detectors, but you can still find coins, jewelry, and artifacts with them. These detectors are made to be simple, so they are straightforward to learn how to use. You can consider them to be a good mix between performance and pricing. They have most of the important elements you need to identify useful things.

Factors to Consider Before Buying a Metal Detector Under $300

Detection Depth and Sensitivity

Your success depends a lot on how deep and sensitive you are. Detectors in this price range normally offer up to 6–10 inches of depth for coins or tiny relics, which is appropriate for everyday hunting. You may adjust the machine's sensitivity to targets to help you find things more easily. Find models that let you change the sensitivity so they can work with different types of soil and situations.

Coil Size and Type

The coil's size and shape impact how deep and far you can go. The most inexpensive detectors use DD or concentric coils that are 8 to 10 inches wide. Larger coils can find things deeper, but they could miss small ones. DD coils work better in mineralized soil. Waterproof coils provide an extra benefit in moist places.

Discrimination and Target ID

Discrimination settings help you identify valuable items while getting rid of junk. Target ID systems, which are commonly shown as numbers or tones, help you see what's going on below the surface. This feature cuts down on excessive digging and makes detection more fun for new users.

Weight and Ergonomics

During extended hunts, comfort is significant. Most detectors that cost less than $300 are light, usually between 2.5 and 3.5 pounds. The adjustable shafts, padded grips, and balanced designs make it easier to swing the detector for a long time. For kids or people who are new to the hobby, a machine that is well-balanced is quite vital.

Waterproof and Weather Resistant

Many affordable detectors feature waterproof search coils, enabling their use in shallow water or damp conditions. At this pricing point, the control box is rarely submersible, but the waterproof coil lets you detect more things. Always read the product information to make sure it is water-resistant.

Top 7 Best Metal Detectors Under $300 (2025 Edition)

Minelab Vanquish 440

The Vanquish 440 brings Minelab's Multi-IQ technology to budget users. It lets you detect several frequencies in a single package. It's easy for beginners to use, yet it has enough functionality to keep experienced enthusiasts happy. It works well in parks and on the beach since it has solid discrimination, a waterproof coil, and a pinpoint function. It is even more accurate because it has adjustable sensitivity and iron bias settings.

Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro

With an 11-inch DD coil and several settings, the Land Ranger Pro can go deep and do a lot of different things. It has a big backlit screen and can be adjusted for ground balance, so it may be used in many different places. The detector is light, simple to use, and great for long periods of time without getting tired.

Nokta FindX PRO

The FindX PRO is easy to use without losing any of its features. It has adjustable sensitivity, tone ID, and a waterproof coil, making it a great choice for detecting in cities or on dry sand beaches. It's a good choice for beginners because it has clear audio signals and an easy-to-use interface.

Minelab Vanquish 340

The Vanquish 340 is a simpler version of the 440. It has the same Multi-IQ technology but fewer settings, making it perfect for quick use. It's accurate, light, and has three preset modes that work well in most situations. Automatic ground balance makes sure that first-time users can utilize it without any problems.

Garrett ACE 250

The ACE 250 is a classic in the field of detecting and is still popular since it is reliable and easy to use. It has notch discrimination, several tones, and a pinpoint function. It's 6.5"x9" coil gives it significant depth, so it's a good all-around detector for coins, jewels, and artifacts.

Nokta Simplex ULTRA

The Simplex ULTRA is unique in that it can be fully waterproof up to 16 feet. It offers many frequencies, superior discrimination capabilities, and firmware updates, which are uncommon for this price range. It's a great choice for people who seek more advanced features without paying extra.

Garrett ACE 300

The ACE 300 is an upgrade over the ACE 250. It features a larger coil for enhanced coverage and improved target resolution. Users have more control and accuracy, especially in regions with a lot of rubbish, thanks to numeric target IDs, a depth indicator, and better audio tones.

Comparison Table of Best Metal Detectors Under $300

Best Uses for Metal Detectors Under $300

Coin and Jewelry Hunting

Budget detectors are great for finding coins and jewels in places like parks and playgrounds. They can swiftly find valuable things while ignoring most rubbish since they have good discrimination and accurate target IDs.

Relic and Artifact Hunting

These detectors are great for finding relics on old farms or in old fields. They can find old things like buttons, buckles, and bullets, which is fun and doesn't require expensive tools.

Beach and Park Metal Detecting

Cheap detectors work well on dry sand and grassy fields. Models like the Vanquish 440 and Simplex ULTRA are particularly effective, handling both casual beach outings and park searches with ease.

Beginner Hobby Detecting

These detectors are easy to learn and use, making them great for anyone who is new to the hobby. They are light and dependable, which makes them great for anyone who wants to try metal detecting without spending a lot of money.

Tips to Get the Most Out of a Budget Metal Detector

To get the best results, take the time to understand how to use your detector's tones and settings. Keep the coil low to the ground and move it slowly. Try different levels of discrimination to prevent trash targets, and change the sensitivity for tough soil conditions. After each use, clean and care for your detector to make sure it lasts a long time and works well every time.

FAQs 

Can a $300 metal detector find gold?

Yes, some cheap versions can find little gold jewelry or nuggets in shallow dirt, especially if the sensitivity settings are right.

Is it good for saltwater beaches?

Some detectors, like the Simplex ULTRA and the Vanquish 440, work well in both dry and damp sand. However, wet salt situations may be more difficult.

Garrett ACE 300 or Minelab Vanquish 440 – which is better?

The Vanquish works on multiple frequencies, while the ACE 300 is easy to use and separates targets well.

How deep can it detect?

Most detectors in this price range can find coins and tiny things that are 6 to 10 inches deep, depending on the kind of soil and the size of the target.

Conclusion

Getting into metal detecting doesn't require spending too much. These models are great for both beginners and amateurs because they are durable, easy to use, and perform well. You may find a wonderful alternative for around $300 that meets your demands, whether you want something simple and lightweight or something with a lot of features that is also waterproof. Pick your detector and start looking around—you never know what treasures are hiding just below the surface!