Best Handheld Metal Detectors of 2025

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Handheld metal detectors are portable devices that can detect metal objects in various settings. They are commonly used in security and law enforcement to scan individuals for weapons, but they can also be used for treasure hunting, archaeology, and construction. These detectors typically emit an audible tone or vibration when metal is detected, and some models even display the type and depth of the metal. Handheld metal detectors are lightweight, easy to use, and can be powered by batteries or rechargeable batteries. They are a useful tool for anyone who needs to locate metal objects quickly and efficiently.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Handheld Metal Detectors
PANCKY Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer
The PANCKY Pinpointer Metal Detector is designed for precision treasure hunting. With adjustable sensitivity, you can easily locate metal items like coins and jewelry, detecting at different depths for better accuracy. It features a comprehensive upgrade that ensures minimal interference, while offering 360-degree detection and alerts through sound and vibration. This device is fully waterproof (IP68 rated), allowing you to use it in any weather conditions, including underwater explorations in lakes and rivers. The built-in LED light makes it convenient for detecting in low-light environments, enhancing your treasure hunting experience.
Dmyond Metal Detector Pinpointer
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.
Pyle Secure Scan Metal Detector Wand
The Pyle Metal Detector Wand offers high sensitivity to detect even the smallest hidden metal objects, making it ideal for various security and safety scenarios. You can easily use it at indoor or outdoor events, ensuring a thorough search for metal items. The built-in LED lights provide a clear alert when metal is detected, so you won’t miss anything important. Additionally, you can choose between sound or vibration alerts based on your environment, giving you flexibility and convenience during operations.
SUNPOW Waterproof Metal Detector Pinpointer for Adults & Kids
The SUNPOW Metal Detector Pinpointer is a fully waterproof handheld wand with 360-degree detection sensitivity, capable of locating small targets accurately and quickly, even up to 4.5 inches underground. It offers 4 upgrade signals to alert the user of metal detected, with LED light, beep beep, vibration, and signal strength displayed on the LCD screen. It has 3 easy operation modes, sound and vibration, sound only, and vibration only, and features an upgraded DSP chip for improved search range and sensitivity, making it highly efficient in detecting various metals with strong anti-interference. Suitable for use in any weather and location.
SUNPOW OTMD12 Metal Detector Pinpointer
The SUNPOW Pinpointer Wand is designed for efficient metal detection, featuring 360° scanning and a 3.5-inch depth capability to help you locate metals with precision. Its user-friendly design allows you to operate it easily with a single button, while sound and vibration alerts guide you straight to your target. The wand is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for on-the-go adventures. Additionally, its IP68 waterproof rating means you can explore various environments, from beaches to grassy fields, without worry.
Handheld Metal Detector Wand
The RANSENERS Handheld Metal Detector Wand has strong sensitivity and can detect small hidden metal objects. It features both sound and vibration modes, with adjustable sensitivity for different needs. It is powered by one 9V battery or rechargeable battery and has a comfortable handle grip with a belt clip for easy portability. It is suitable for various occasions such as security, indoor/outdoor events, airports, schools, train stations and sports events.
NATOTINORCH Handheld Metal Detector Wand
The NATOTINORCH Handheld Metal Detector Wand is a high-sensitivity security detector wand that can quickly detect various electronic and metal products, weapons, and knives. It has an adjustable sensitivity level, sound and vibration alarm modes, and can be powered by a 9V battery or rechargeable battery. It is easy to carry with a holster clip and can be widely used in airports, stations, docks, and other places where safe metal detection is required.
SUNPOW NXGD01 Rechargeable Pinpointer
The SUNPOW Pinpointer is designed for both adults and kids, offering a convenient rechargeable battery for uninterrupted treasure hunting. With its high sensitivity and 360° scanning ability, you can quickly locate various metals like gold and copper up to 6 inches deep. It features four feedback modes, allowing you to tailor your detection experience to match your surroundings. Plus, the large LCD screen and intuitive buttons make it easy to operate, ensuring you can select the right settings without hassle.
EDKORS Handheld Metal Detector Wand
The EDKORS Metal Detector Wand is designed for versatile security checks and detection of hidden metal objects. You can choose between sound or vibration alerts, making it easy to use in various environments. The built-in LED light ensures visibility when detecting metals, enhancing your safety measures. Powered by a standard 9V battery, this tool is portable and comes with a convenient belt clip for easy carrying. Whether you are checking for prohibited items at a school or searching for nails in wood, this wand provides reliable detection capabilities that you can trust.
Metal Detector Pinpointer with LCD Display and Waterproof Feature
Equipped with an upgraded back-lit LCD screen, LED light and high detection sensitivity, this handheld pinpointer metal detector is perfect for treasure hunting in various locations like rivers, oceans, parks, and forests. It is IP68 fully waterproof and has three optional modes for different occasions. It can detect various metal objects, such as coins, gold, silver, relics, and jewelry. Easy to operate for adults and children, it is a perfect gift for holidays and birthdays. The package includes a holster, hanging wire, 9V battery, and an English user manual.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How deep do handheld metal detectors go?
The depth that a handheld metal detector can effectively detect an object is approximately the same as the distance of the detector's coil size. For example, a detector with an 8" coil can detect a small coin-sized object at a depth of around 8 inches, give or take.
2. What are the disadvantages of handheld metal detectors?
Handheld metal detectors have a few disadvantages. They can sometimes give false alarms if a person is carrying a metal object like a phone, watch, or toy, causing unnecessary panic. They may also interfere with personal devices such as magnetic recording gadgets like CDs or cassettes.
3. Are handheld metal detectors any good?
Yes, handheld metal detectors and pinpointers are a good choice. They are easy to use, portable, and lightweight. They can be more efficient at identifying targets compared to heavier metal detecting devices. Additionally, you can combine a pinpointer with your regular metal detector for enhanced accuracy.
4. How deep can a cheap metal detector detect?
As a general rule, a budget metal detector can detect objects up to approximately 6 inches deep. A good mid-range detector can detect objects up to about 10-12 inches deep, while a high-end hobby detector can detect objects up to around 16 inches deep.
5. What is better than a metal detector?
If you need to locate objects that are deeper than what a metal detector can reach, magnetic locators are a better option. Magnetic locators can cover a broader range from the tip of the device to the object you're trying to locate, making them more functional than metal detectors.
During our handheld metal detector research, we found 24 handheld metal detector products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 52,236 customer reviews through our big data system to write the handheld metal detectors list. We found that most customers choose handheld metal detectors with an average price of $33.13.
The handheld metal detectors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of handheld metal detectors, including PANCKY, Dmyond, Pyle, SUNPOW, R RANSENERS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 90 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

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.