Best Metal Detectors for Gold of 2026

Bryan Hicks Avatar
Bryan Hicks
Last Updated: Jan 11, 2026

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Metal detectors for gold are a popular tool among treasure hunters and prospectors. These detectors are specifically designed to locate gold nuggets and flakes in the soil or water. They use advanced technology to detect even the smallest traces of gold, making it easier for the user to find valuable pieces. Some metal detectors for gold also come with features such as adjustable sensitivity, discrimination, and ground balance, allowing the user to customize their search to their specific needs. Whether you're a seasoned prospector or a beginner, a metal detector for gold can greatly increase your chances of striking it rich.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

National Geographic Kids Metal Detector Kit Cover #TOP 1
National Geographic Kids Metal Detector Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.8
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Metal Detector Cover #TOP 2
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Metal Detector
ftb score rating icon 9.7
GreenRex Professional Waterproof Metal Detector Cover #TOP 3
GreenRex Professional Waterproof Metal Detector
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Metal Detectors for Gold

#TOP 1

National Geographic Kids Metal Detector Kit

NGSTARTDET
Multicolor
One Size
National Geographic Kids Metal Detector Kit Cover
National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit for Kids - Kids Metal Detector with 7.4" Waterproof Coil & Trowel, Lightweight Gold Detector, Beach Detecting, Gift for Boys & Girls

The Blue Marble Kids Detector is an exciting tool for young treasure hunters. With its waterproof 7.4" dual coil, you can search for hidden treasures at the beach, detecting objects buried up to 4" deep. Its user-friendly design allows kids to easily turn it on and receive LED and audio alerts when metal is found, making treasure hunting engaging and fun. The adjustable arm ensures a comfortable fit, while its lightweight build means you can explore for hours without fatigue. Plus, the included trowel and Learning Guide enhance the experience by making digging and learning about metal detecting easy and enjoyable.

What We Like
Easy to use
Great for kids
Durable and long-lasting
Fun outdoor activity
Good value for price
#TOP 2

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Metal Detector

NGJRDET4
Black
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Metal Detector Cover
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Metal Detector for Kids - 7.4" Waterproof Metal Detector Coil, Lightweight Gold Detector with Pinpoint Function & LCD Display, Beach Metal Detector (Amazon Exclusive)

The NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Detector is an excellent choice for young treasure hunters. Its waterproof 7.4" dual coil can detect objects buried up to 6" deep, making it ideal for beach adventures. With an easy-to-read LCD screen and a simple setup, you'll quickly get started on your treasure hunt. The pinpoint function enhances your digging efficiency by helping you locate targets with precision after scanning a larger area. Additionally, the lightweight design ensures that kids can comfortably carry it throughout the day, making treasure hunting a fun and engaging outdoor activity.

What We Like
Fun outdoor activity
Great gift for kids
Easy height adjustment
Good value for money
Detects metal effectively

GreenRex Professional Waterproof Metal Detector

REX8-Ultral
GreenRex Professional Waterproof Metal Detector Cover
Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Waterproof Pinpoint, High Accuracy Gold and Silver Detection, Underwater and Beach Use, 10'' IP68 Coil, Bigger LCD, New Advanced DSP Chip, Black

The GreenRex Waterproof Metal Detector offers five specialized detection modes, helping you quickly find coins, jewelry, or specific metals with ease. It features a large, backlit LCD screen and simple controls, making it user-friendly even in low-light conditions. The adjustable length and arm support mean it fits comfortably for both adults and kids, while five sensitivity settings let you adapt to different terrains. Plus, its waterproof coil lets you search in shallow water like beaches or rivers, expanding where you can explore. This detector combines convenience and versatility to enhance your treasure hunting experience.

What We Like
Lightweight and comfortable
Easy to assemble and use
Impressive sensitivity and accuracy
Sturdy, durable construction
Great value for price
#TOP 4

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector

Bounty Hunter
Black
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector Cover
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector – All-Terrain Gold, Silver, Coin & Relic Finder with 8" Waterproof Coil, 3 Detection Modes – for Adults & Kids – Made in USA

The Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector is a rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions. It has Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode. It also has preset ground balance to neutralize response to mineral content in the ground, and Disc/notch control to distinguish between targets and unwanted metals. It ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging.

What We Like
Easy to use
Good sensitivity
Durable and waterproof
Affordable price
Fun for hobbyists

GoGonova Kids Waterproof Metal Detector

GT33002-GT33002-US-1
Orange
GoGonova Kids Waterproof Metal Detector Cover
Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, GoGonova Kids Metal Detector, Waterproof Metal Detectors with High Accuracy Lightweight 8" Search Coil, All Metal & Disc Modes for Junior & Youth Gold Detector

The GoGonova Kids Detector is designed for treasure hunting enthusiasts of all ages. Its two operational modes, All Metal and Disc Mode, help you easily locate various types of metals while allowing you to ignore unwanted ones. The adjustable stem accommodates users from 39.3 to 51.3 inches, making it perfect for both kids and adults. With a user-friendly LCD display, you'll find it easy to navigate settings even in low light. Plus, the waterproof search coil lets you explore underwater, enhancing your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Easy to use
Great for children
Good price
Effective detection
Fun for families

DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector

DET-DROTEK-PRO
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector Cover
DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector for Adults Professional Gold Detector Kit with Higher Accuracy, Waterproof 10" IP68 Coil, Bigger LCD Display, 5 Modes, Advanced DSP Chip for Treasure Hunting, MTXR-Red

The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector is a great choice for both professionals and hobbyists. It features a large LCD display, a 9.8" wide search coil, adjustable stem and sensitivity, and comes with a premium headset, a heavy-duty digger shovel, and a multipurpose carrying bag. Customers have praised its accuracy, ease of assembly, and lightweight design, making it a great choice for travel, vacations, camping trips, and outings.

What We Like
High quality accessories
Easy to use
Good sensitivity
Excellent customer service
Great value for price

LOLARAN Metal Detector

GT1000
Black
LOLARAN Metal Detector Cover
LOLARAN Metal Detector for Adults Professional, Up to 20 Hours of Extended Runtime, Adjustable Retractable Foldable Metal Detector Waterproof High Accuracy Gold Detector, Backlit LCD Display

LOLARAN Metal Detector is a professional metal detector designed for adults. It features a rechargeable lithium battery that charges faster and lasts longer, allowing for more than 20 hours of continuous use. The metal detector is also equipped with a power bank charging function, ensuring uninterrupted outdoor detection. With its unique retractable foldable structure, the metal detector is compact and portable, making it easy to carry and store. It is lightweight and adjustable, suitable for both adults and kids. The metal detector offers 5 powerful modes for higher accuracy, including an all-metal mode, a reject unwanted metal types mode, a pinpointer mode for precise positioning, and an adjustable signal sensitivity mode. It also has a large backlit LCD display and a waterproof search coil, making it suitable for various detection environments. The metal detector comes with a metal detector backpack, shovel, headphones, charging cord, and user manual. It is perfect for treasure hunting, exploring with friends and family, and retrieving lost items. Ideal for outdoor activities and makes a great gift for birthdays and Christmas.

What We Like
Rechargeable lithium battery
Compact and portable design
5 powerful modes for higher accuracy

Dmyond Metal Detector Pinpointer

DJ0001-53
Orange
Dmyond Metal Detector Pinpointer Cover
Dmyond Metal Detector Pinpointer - Professional Waterproof Handheld Pin Pointer Wand - High Sensitivity 360° Detection - Search Treasure Pinpointing Finder Probe for Adults, Kids - Orange

The Dmyond Metal Detector Pinpointer is a lightweight, battery-powered device that helps you quickly and precisely locate metal objects in walls, sand, grass, or soil. It features a single button operation, LED light and sound alarm, and partial waterproof design. It is perfect for finding coins, gold, silver, relics, and jewelry.

What We Like
Strong sensitivity
Easy to use
Waterproof tip
Long battery life
Affordable price
#TOP 9

Gbnryg Waterproof Metal Detector

M55Z
M55Z&Green
Gbnryg Waterproof Metal Detector Cover
Gbnryg Professional Metal Detector for Adults,12" IP68 Waterproof Search Coil with LCD Backlight,5 Modes Gold Detector,Advanced DSP Chip&High Accuracy System for Beach/Gold Hunting

The Gbnryg Metal Detector is designed for both beginners and experienced users, making treasure hunting enjoyable for everyone. Its high-precision detection system covers a larger area quickly, ensuring you won’t miss any targets. With five different detection modes, you can easily find various metals, from coins to jewelry, without getting distracted by unwanted items. The user-friendly design features a larger backlit display and comfortable controls, making it easy to operate with one hand. Plus, the included treasure hunting kit equips you with everything you need for successful outdoor adventures.

What We Like
High-precision detection
Five versatile modes
User-friendly design
Complete treasure hunting kit
#TOP 10

SUNPOW MD13 Metal Detector

MD13-US
Black
SUNPOW MD13 Metal Detector Cover
SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults & Kids, Kids Metal Detector kit Waterproof for Gold Detecting, Stable Anti-Interference, Higher Accuracy, Bigger LCD Display, 4 Modes, 8" Search Coil, MD13

The SUNPOW Metal Detector offers a stable and precise detecting experience by minimizing interference from external signals, so you can trust the results. It features four versatile detection modes that let you find all metals, ignore unwanted ones, pinpoint exact locations, or focus on specific metals you’ve saved. The large LCD screen shows clear information, making it easy to read even in dim light, which helps you operate the device comfortably. Plus, its waterproof coil allows you to search in water like rivers and streams, expanding your treasure-hunting possibilities beyond dry land.

What We Like
Strong interference resistance
Four versatile detection modes
Large, easy-to-read LCD screen
Waterproof coil for water use
Buying Guide Image

The Best Metal Detectors for Gold to Buy Right Now

Price

This is the first factor that you need to think about. As you want to get the best value at a good price. That should be affordable and capable to find the discoveries effectively. Choosing the right type depends on individual needs. Then have a balanced view on your budget and what metals you would like to find. A basic level metal detector can be applicable can be applicable for beginners. On the other hand you want the highest level of value from the product. Make sure large investment is worthwhile before buying.

Waterproof

This is another important factor if you will use it in wet environment. A lot of metal detectors for gold have the waterproof feature. Some only have their coils in waterproof functions. Check the parameter value when buying the device. That ensures you can take it to find gold with less worries. Otherwise the use would be limited as sometimes you are not sure the wetness or moisture under in deep. And careless operation may cause issues or affect the lifetime.

Ground balance

When talking about ground balance, it means the natural mineralization level of the soil in search. In most cases it tends to affect the detectors work and give incorrect readings. The feature of ground balance make your work easy by analyzing the mineralization and filter out the interference factors.

Lightweight

A lightweight device helps you to move freely with less effort. You do not want to exhaust yourself on the hunting. Instead it provides fun and interest on the way. Then choose a light model which makes easy work. You will be happy when changing places to dig golden nuggets. Some products may include battery that makes it heavier to hold. But the benefit is that it provides power for longer.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity stands for its ability to identify and get through the depth for gold nuggets. The gold nuggets in most times are hidden deep in small pieces. A high level of sensitivity enables it to do a complete digging within range. Turn to a higher level if you do want to get every piece in a productive way.

Detecting depth

A metal detector for gold is able to go extremely deep for large nuggets. On the contrary it goes less depth for small nuggets. It can reach over one feet deep at most for considerable sized gold nuggets. While for smaller ones it is able to dig a depth of 1-2 inches around in common cases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What metal detector can detect gold?

The answer is YES, they all do. Some do it better than others. Some detectors like the Minelab Gold Monster or GPZ 7000 are specifically designed to find small gold pieces (which most naturally occurring gold is). When it comes to finding gold rings, just about any metal detector will work.

2. Can metal detectors detect only gold?

There is no such thing a a metal detector that only finds gold. There is a good explanation for this and that reason is because when you are metal detecting for gold, you want to dig everything.

3. What is the difference between a gold detector and a metal detector?

Gold is a metal, so a Metal Detector is capable of finding gold, and vice-versa, a Gold Detector is also capable of detecting various metals. Metal Detectors are primarily used by hobbyists who are looking to find a wide range of metals including, relics, artefacts, coins, jewellery including silver and gold.

Editor's Notes

During our metal detector for gold research, we found 24 metal detector for gold products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 128,892 customer reviews through our big data system to write the metal detectors for gold list. We found that most customers choose metal detectors for gold with an average price of $75.40.

The metal detectors for gold are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of metal detectors for gold, including Blue Marble, GreenRex, Bounty Hunter, gogonova, LOLARAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Bryan Hicks Avatar

Bryan Hicks is a professional gardener and a writer who lives in North Texas with his family and his dog. Bryan has spent more than half of his life surrounded by garden products. He has extensive experience in garden makeovers and maintenance and lawn care. His areas of expertise include outdoor decoration, gardening and garden design.