Best Metal Detector Under 100: Top 3 Picks

If you’re looking for the best metal detector under 100 dollars and you don’t want a piece of junk, we’ve got you covered.

There’s nothing wrong with a tight budget when shopping for a new metal detector. And if you’re looking to get the best metal detector for under $100, you’re either a beginner yourself or buying for a young kid to test their interest level.

To help you with making a decision, we’ve compiled a list of our top 3 best metal detectors under 100 dollars, and even reviewed 2 alternatives that just missed the cut.

So here they are!

At a Glance: Our Top 3

The best metal detector under 100 dollars is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV, in our opinion.

It offers the user an easy-use experience and is great for hunting any metal under the sun.

To learn more about each of these metal detectors and what makes them a great steal, as well as a look at our two alternates, keep reading!

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV: Our Pick

The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is our pick for the best metal detector under 100 dollars because it gives you everything you’ll need to get started and expand upon a craft that is full of adventure!

Looking for a metal detector that can handle any environment and keeps working no matter the conditions?

Well, for under $100 you couldn’t ask for much more than what the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV gives you.

With its motion all-metal mode, 2-tone audio capabilities, and discrimination features, you’ll be able to find what you’re looking for and then some! The preset ground balance will be sure to get you running even in the most highly mineralized areas.

Furthermore, you’ll be cherry-picking targets as fast as the pros because of the DISC/NOTCH control knob. With some practice, you’ll be tuning it to pick up only the metals you want, while ignoring all the junk you always seem to find.

Get ready to find a whole lot of treasures, because this metal detector can reach larger items buried up to 2 feet deep! But don’t worry. If it’s coins you’re after, expect to pick up some pretty strong signals at an average of 6 inches.

Plus, with its 6.6 kHz frequency and 8-inch waterproof search coil, you’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for, no matter where you are.

Some other nice addition to the Tracker IV is the design made for your comfort. It offers a padded armrest, adjustable shaft for adults or kids, and a cushioned handgrip for longer hours of detecting.

But it can’t all be sunshine and rainbows, right?

While I love this machine and think it’s a great option, especially when considering the price, it lacks some features that more advanced models have, such as an LCD screen and pinpoint function.

Additionally, false signals are more likely if you’re not careful when using the device. And if you’re buying this to get your little kiddo out there in the field with you, be aware that the adjustable stem only goes so far.

Therefore, it’s probably not the best choice for kids under 8 years old. But for adults looking to gift themselves a new hobby, you won’t be disappointed.

The Verdict: Yes, there are some drawbacks. But for the number of features and functionality you get with the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV (not to mention the price!), this was a no-brainer for our pick as the best metal detector under 100 dollars.

OMMO Metal Detector: Runner Up

The OMMO metal detector doesn’t come from one of the top brands or is even most widely used by detectorists, but this feature-packed detector is clearly deserving of our runner-up position.

Looking for a fun and easy way to find hidden treasures? Look no further than the OMMO metal detector!

With its ability to detect large objects up to 3 feet away and small coins as deep as 8 inches, this nifty little device is perfect for uncovering all sorts of buried goodies. Plus, with three different search modes and a pinpoint feature (that the Tracker IV doesn’t have), you’ll be able to track down whatever you’re looking for in no time flat.

Best of all, the large back-lit LCD screen makes it easy to see what you’re doing, even in low light conditions.

And with target identification along with a discrimination and sensitivity combo feature, you’ll be sure to find exactly what you’re looking for, without digging up a bunch of junk in the process.

The addition of headphones and a digging tool just further solidifies its position on our list. It’s hard for us to believe that this great bundle is offered at a price below 100 dollars.

Just like the Bounty Hunter, the OMMO metal detector is built with comfort in mind. It has a padded handle and comfortable armrest that allows the detectorist to go on hunting for hours.

Now for the downside.

Listen, I think this detector is a steal! But you don’t have the benefit of the best metal detector brands behind the machine. This means you may experience some drop-off in other areas.

For instance, some customers complain about the accuracy of this device giving you more misses than hits. Overall, I didn’t find this to be the case, but the stories are out there.

Also, the OMMO metal detector is a little heavier than comparable models, and the headphones are nothing to write home about.

The Verdict: Even with the negative reviews some have given, this metal detector is insane for the price! It offers a lot of features you’ll want, and even some that our best metal detector under 100 dollars didn’t have. It’s certainly deserving of your consideration.

Bounty Hunter Gold Digger: Best for Gold

If gold is your intended target, the Gold Digger is for you. Even if you want an all-around metal detector, you’ll still have trouble finding a better option at a cheaper price.

If budget is your biggest concern, look no further than the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger. It’s our most affordable option and you don’t need to worry about performance. Sacrificing power for a few bucks doesn’t come into the equation with this lightweight detector.

With its detection depth ranging from 6 inches to 2 feet, you’ll be amazed at all the gold, brass, and silver you’ll uncover in your hunts.

The Gold Digger has a built-in automatic ground balance feature and a trash eliminator control to ignore all those iron and aluminum cans.

It’s designed to be easy to operate for the beginning detectorist and you’ll find that this is one of the best starter metal detectors available.

The control box has just 2 knobs to adjust, the power knob and the sensitivity control. The sensitivity meter is all you have to read when interpreting your signals.

While there is a built-in speaker, this purchase would include a set of headphones to fit the 1/8″ audio jack on your metal detector.

Finally, you have 2 search modes, an adjustable handle, a 7-inch search coil, and is ideal for any age beginner.

Yes, this is the best-priced metal detector on our list and a great option for gold, but there are some clean drawbacks we shouldn’t ignore.

For starters, the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is lacking in a lot of extras that you get on other models. For example, there is no visual display screen, no pinpointing feature, and most noticeably, the search coil is not waterproof.

It is water-resistant. The difference is that you can search all day in the rain, but if you’re thinking of testing your luck underwater or even slightly submerged, you’ll most likely regret it.

The Verdict: With the price and reliability that the Gold Digger offers, there was no way we could keep it off our top 3 best metal detectors under $100. But, if you’re willing to spend a little more, it couldn’t hurt to get some extra features.

Bounty Hunter Quick Silver: Top Alternative

Didn’t fall in love with our top 3 options? Well, how about the Bounty Hunter Quick Silver?

The Bounty Hunter Quick Silver has all the functions of the Tracker IV and more!

It comes loaded with a detection depth of anywhere between 8 inches and 3 feet, depending on the size of your object, an automatic ground balance, one-touch sensitivity control, and a 5-year warranty.

What’s better is that the Quick Silver comes with a visual LCD display with preset visual status indicators for easy alerts. The Bounty Hunter Tracker IV doesn’t even have that.

So why isn’t the Bounty Hunter Quick Silver our top pick for the best metal detector under 100 dollars?

Well, that is because it usually costs more than $100. Right now (at the time of this publish date), the Quick Silver is on sale and is being offered for less than $100.

Eventually, this will most likely not be the case and return to its normal price of around $150.

If and when it does go back up, we still think it’s a great option to consider if you’re willing to up your budget slightly.

RM RICOMAX GC-1003 (for kids): Best Youth Alternative

Maybe you’re looking for a metal detector specifically for your little one. Are you trying to get the family involved in some outdoor activities?

If that’s the case, we’ve got an option specifically for the younger detectorists to start learning the craft.

The RICOMAX is not for adults. But if you’re a kid or buying for a kid, there isn’t a better option to start learning at a young age.

The LCD display is designed to help the little novice understand what the metal detector is doing without overwhelming them with too many options.

It has an adjustable shaft for continued use as they grow, and comes with some cool extras to get your kiddo excited.

With your purchase, you not only get the metal detector but you also get a carry bag, a sand shovel, and a small rake.

Finally, the RM RICOMAX comes with a waterproof coil so your little adventurer can tag along when you’re hunting in riverbeds and at the shoreline of your beach.

If you’re shopping for the kids, this could be the best option to get them excited about family time again.

FAQs Related to The Best Metal Detector Under 100

I hope you found yourself a great metal detector for under 100 dollars from the information provided above.

But if you’re still unsure or have more questions, keep reading and hopefully, we have the answers you need.

What Is the Best Inexpensive Metal Detector for Gold?

The best inexpensive metal detector for gold is the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger.

As we mentioned above, the Gold Digger is specifically designed for gold prospecting with features like a discrimination control to eliminate iron and other junk metals.

It also has an automatic ground balance to help adjust for mineral content in the soil which can interfere with your gold signals.

With a retail price of less than $100, the Bounty Hunter Gold Digger is one of the best gold detectors on the market.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a metal detector for finding gold, don’t forget to check out our review of the best metal detectors for finding gold.

How Much Does a Really Good Metal Detector Cost?

The cost of a really good metal detector will vary depending on your needs. There is no set price as your hunting intention may be different than someone else.

As we covered in another article about cheap vs expensive metal detectors, usually a buyer will fit somewhere into 3 price ranges.

These price ranges are metal detectors under $500, between $500 and $1,000, and over $1,000.

To learn more about the specifics of each price range, be sure to read our article on the subject.

If you are open to spending a bit more to get the most you can from your adventures, consider the comparison below.

You’ll find the best metal detector under 1000, the best metal detector under 300, and the best metal detector under 200 dollars. Either choice would give you some extra power to make that money back in no time!

What Is the Best Beginner Metal Detector Under $100?

In our opinion, the best beginner metal detector under $100 is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV.

As we discussed previously above, the Tracker IV offers functionality, optimal performance, and reliability at an affordable cost.

It’s easy to use and a great machine to learn the ebbs and flow of metal detecting.

The best part about the Tracker IV is that it can be used for a variety of applications and in different types of terrain.

You’re not limited to one area or one type of detecting with this machine.

We think it’s the best option for beginners, but don’t let the price tag fool you. It’s a great model to grow with and an attractive offer for the experienced user for a backup metal detector in their inventory.

If you are willing to be open-minded with your budget, we suggest reading our Best Metal Detector for Beginners guide to get familiar with your options.

How to Choose a Metal Detector for Under $100?

The best way to choose a metal detector for under $100 is to consider asking yourself some questions to determine how you will use it.

We cover this in more detail in another post, but some of the questions to help narrow down your choice include:

• What are you looking to find?
• How often will you be using the metal detector?
• Where will you be metal detecting?
• What is your experience level with metal detecting?

What Are the Limitations of A Metal Detector Due to The Price?

The limitations of a metal detector chosen for a lower price include a lack of features needed for more serious detecting, shorter battery life, less power for detection depth, and more.

A lower cost doesn’t always equal a lesser model. However, a common trait with most metal detectors at a lower cost is a less robust feature set.

This is often due to the need to keep the overall cost of goods down to stay competitive in the market.

What Are the Must-Have Features in A Metal Detector Under $100?

The must-have features in a metal detector under $100 are completely individual-based. It’s all dependent on how you plan on using the metal detector.

That being said, there are some features that are almost universally desired among every detectorist, no matter the cost of the metal detector.

These features include automatic ground balance, discrimination, sensitivity control, and if possible, a target identification option.

Many metal detectors will come with these features, but you won’t always find them when your budget is so limited.

What’s the Difference Between a Very Low-Frequency Metal Detector and A Multi-Frequency Metal Detector?

The difference between a very low frequency (VLF) metal detector and a multi-frequency metal detector (MI) is the number of frequencies the metal detector is capable of using simultaneously to detect targets.

To learn more about these frequencies, you should head over to our article on how metal detectors work, to get a better understanding.

Each type of frequency metal detector has its pros and cons, but traditionally, multi-frequency metal detectors are considered to be a more powerful option.

Of course, the pulse induction metal detectors will give you the greatest depth. But you’ll lose a bit of your sensitivity control.

However, if you’re looking to spend under $100, you’ll most likely be looking at very low frequency (VLF) metal detectors rather than multi-frequency metal detectors.

Final Thoughts

I really hope that this review has helped narrow down your search and find an excellent metal detector at an affordable price.

Our pick for the best metal detector under 100 dollars is the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV.

While there are other suitable alternatives, the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV gives you all the power that a mid-level metal detector offers, at a much more appealing price.

No matter if you are a beginner metal detectorist or shopping for the kids, any of these metal detectors we covered would be a perfect fit. You just have to ask yourself those important questions to figure out which one is best for you.

Good luck!

And until next time…