Best Security Metal Detectors of 2026
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Security metal detectors are essential tools used in various settings to ensure the safety and security of individuals. These devices are commonly found in airports, government buildings, schools, and other public places. They work by detecting metal objects on a person's body or belongings, alerting security personnel to any potential threats. There are different types of security metal detectors available, ranging from handheld models to walk-through gates. They are easy to use and provide a quick and efficient way to screen large numbers of people for weapons or other dangerous items. With the increasing need for security measures in today's world, security metal detectors have become a crucial part of many organizations' safety protocols.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Security Metal Detectors
OMMO Adjustable Kids Metal Detector
The OMMO Kids Metal Detector is designed to make treasure hunting fun and easy for children. If it doesn’t respond when you turn it on, simply place the search coil in an open space and switch it on again to reset the detector, ensuring smooth use. The playful puppy and bones animation on the LCD screen adds excitement to your child’s exploration, making every find more enjoyable. You can discover coins and other treasures buried up to 4 inches deep by sweeping the lightweight coil slowly and keeping it level. Plus, the adjustable stem lets you set the perfect height for your child, making it comfortable for kids of different sizes to use.
Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector
The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT Waterproof Pinpointing Metal Detector is fully waterproof up to 10 feet and comes in an orange color for added visibility underwater. It has maximum sensitivity with three levels to choose from for improved detection of nuggets and other small targets. The Quick button press allows for instant tuning out of the environment or narrowing of detection field for precise pinpointing of larger targets.
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Kids Metal Detector
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.
GreenRex Professional Waterproof Metal Detector
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.
Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector
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.
Franklin Sensors ProSensor M90 Stud Finder
The Franklin ProSensor M90 is designed to make locating studs a breeze. With nine sensors, you receive enhanced accuracy, allowing you to detect studs up to 1.5 inches deep without the hassle of calibration. Simply press and hold the button to start scanning anywhere, even over a stud. Unlike traditional stud finders, this model displays both the center and edges of studs simultaneously, making it easy to identify single and double studs as well as irregular configurations. Its durable design ensures reliability, making it a top choice for both consumers and professionals.
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.
GoGonova Kids Waterproof Metal 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.
JKUSS Metal Detector Pinpointer with LCD
The JKUSS Pinpointer Metal Detector is designed to make your treasure hunting easier and more efficient. Its lightweight, ergonomic design with a secure grip means you can comfortably carry and use it anywhere, whether at home or outdoors. The simple one-button operation paired with an LCD screen and LED light helps you quickly identify metal objects, even in low light. You’ll appreciate the 360° scanning ability and 3.5-inch detection depth, allowing you to find targets faster over larger areas. Plus, its waterproof probe lets you search underwater up to 50 feet deep, so you’re ready for adventures in lakes, rivers, or wet conditions without worry.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What metals Cannot be detected by a security metal detector?
Security metal detectors cannot detect certain metals like stainless steel, titanium, and ceramic ferrite magnets. These materials have properties that make them difficult to detect using standard metal detection technology.
2. Do security metal detectors work?
Yes, security metal detectors work by creating a magnetic field and detecting the reflection of that field caused by metal objects. When a metal object is present, such as a watch or belt buckle, the machine detects the return signal and produces a beeping noise to alert security personnel.
3. What do security metal detectors detect?
Security metal detectors can detect metals such as iron, nickel, cobalt, copper, brass, and aluminum. Different types of metal detectors use passive and active means to detect these metals. They are commonly used in walk-through metal detectors, categorized as single-zone or multiple-zone systems.
4. What can block a metal detector?
Metal detectors can be blocked or interfered with by electrically conductive minerals, soil minerals, and underground iron pipes. These materials can disrupt the signal of the metal detector, making it difficult to detect metal objects accurately.
5. What objects will set off a metal detector?
Various objects can set off a metal detector, including headbands, hair extensions, inhalers, miniature alcohol bottles, underwired bras, and aluminum wrappers. These objects contain metal components that can trigger the metal detector's alarm.
6. How deep do metal detectors detect?
The depth at which metal detectors can detect objects varies depending on the detector's specifications and the conditions. In general, most metal detectors can detect objects about 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) deep. Specialized detectors can reach depths of up to 65 feet (20 meters) under ideal conditions.
7. What sets off a walk-through metal detector?
A walk-through metal detector is set off when a person carrying a metal object passes through the arch. The metal object disturbs and reflects the pulsing magnetic field created by the detector. This disturbance is detected by the receiver coil, triggering an alert to indicate the presence of a metallic object.
During our security metal detector research, we found 24 security metal detector products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 136,716 customer reviews through our big data system to write the security metal detectors list. We found that most customers choose security metal detectors with an average price of $71.30.
The security metal detectors are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of security metal detectors, including OMMO, Garrett Metal Detectors, Blue Marble, GreenRex, Bounty Hunter. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 103 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.