What’s in a name anyway?
Well, a lot actually.
Listen up, Diggers.
Ever find yourself arguing the merits of a particular metal detector brand over another?
Of course, you have. Who hasn’t?
But here’s the secret about this debate. If the brand is worthy of an argument, it’s likely a brand deserving of a top spot on a ‘best of list’.
It’s like arguing over the better pizza. Pepperoni or cheese?
While you might prefer one, you aren’t going to turn either down if it’s sitting in front of you.
By the way…the answer is cheese, obviously.
In this post, I’ll break down the top 5 metal detector brands from an insider’s perspective.
You’ll learn about the history of each brand and what makes them unique.
Along with some other interesting tidbits.
So, let’s dig in!
Best Metal Detector Brands: Top 5
There are a lot of metal detector manufacturer’s out there. Some good. Some bad. And some really great companies that surged ahead of others to earn their place in the discussion.
You’ll find some ‘no doubt about it’ brand names on this list and perhaps one or two that have you scratching your head.
While there are some metal detector brands with a long and successful history, it doesn’t guarantee their ranking.
But we’ll get more into that later.
What you should know is that every one of these brands is a regular on “best of” lists.
Need a reliable metal detector for gold? Or a cheap detector for your young wannabe Digger?
Well, these are the metal detector brands you’ll find on that list.
I’ve scoured the reviews and breakdowns across the web. I’ve personally used or tested the more popular models these manufacturers have to offer.
And I promise you can’t go wrong with any of the brands I’m about to unveil.
So, without further ado…here are the top metal detector brands!
1. Minelab
No surprise here.
Minelab has been manufacturing top-of-the-line metal detectors since 1985, with the release of the Goldseekers 15000.
The metal detector brand originated in Adelaide, Australia. But with the growing trend of metal detecting and the need to provide a better product to detectorists around the glove, expansion was necessary.
This leader in the industry still calls Adelaide home. But their offices and distribution centers span the globe. From Ireland to Dubai. Asia to America. Their presence is felt among the metal detecting elite.
Minelab metal detectors are some of the most popular on the market and their products have a reputation for being durable, reliable, and packed with features.
While they might not be the cheapest option, you definitely get what you pay for with Minelab.
But don’t let that scare you off. Minelab has plenty of affordable metal detectors for the beginner or those looking for something more budget-friendly.
The Minelab engineers never cease to amaze.
If you aren’t impressed with the durability and performance of their military-grade design, check out this list of accomplishments.
- Developed the first automatic ground-tracking metal detector in 1987
- Launched the first-ever two-frequency detector in 1989
- Received the AusIndustry Innovation Prize, Telstra and Australian Governments’ Small Business of the Year Award, and was National Winner of the IBM Business Owner Award in the same year (1998)
- Won the City of West Torrens Business Award in 2000 for their economic contribution to the city
- Finalist for innovator of the year by SA CIMB and a recognized supplier for the Australian Department of Defence in 2002
- Received 7 additional awards and recognitions from 2005 to 2010
With the technological advances and regular firmware updates that Minelab offers, you shouldn’t doubt the company’s persistence in always moving the needle in this industry.
Here are the top five metal detectors that Garrett has to offer for each type of buyer:
| Image | Product Title | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Best All-Purpose Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Gold Nugget Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Underwater Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Cheapest Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco |
2. Garrett
Founded by Charles and Eleanor Garrett, Garrett Metal Detectors is as trusted a brand as Minelab.
This metal detector company has been around since 1964 and is based in Garland, Texas.
Charles Garrett got his start by selling metal detectors out of his garage.
But with a strong work ethic, business savvy, and pure grit, they were able to parlay that into what is now one of the most successful metal detector brands in the world.
Before developing his first metal detector, Charles Garrett was a skilled and inventive engineer. He developed technology used by NASA to take seismology readings on the moon in 1969.
In 1963, after trying his hand at metal detecting with devices on the market at that time, he comes away disappointed.
From there, he sets out to develop a better ground metal detector than what is currently offered.
While his first metal detector comes out in 1964, it was not until 1968 that he changed the metal detecting world for the better.
Garrett invents a particular coaxial search coil winding technology. This new tech is what eliminates oscillator drift.
Oscillator drift, also known as frequency drift, is a metal detector engineer’s worst nightmare. It results in false signals, lost targets, and general frustration among users.
Garrett’s new invention eliminated drift and allows detectorists to focus on the hunt and stop the need to constantly fiddle with the controls.
This technology is still used in metal detectors today and has become the industry standard. As a result, Garrett Metal Detectors have become the go-to metal detector brand for many people.
Garrett’s commitment to providing high-quality metal detectors at an affordable price is what has earned them a spot on this list.
Some currently popular models of Garrett metal detectors are found here:
| Image | Product Title | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Best All-Purpose Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Gold Nugget Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Underwater Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco |
3. Fisher
Fisher Labs is a metal detector company based in El Paso, Texas. It was founded in 1931 by Dr. Gerhard Fisher.
Dr. Fisher holds a special place in history because of his inventions. Patenting his creations like Geiger counters, voltage detectors, and radio communication systems.
He was a German immigrant, working in Los Angeles when he developed the aircraft radio direction finders.
Because of the interference pilots reported whenever passing a particular terrain, the idea and birth of the metallascope came to be.
By the mid to late 1930s metal detection was all the rage. Geologists, law enforcement, sawmills, and utility companies saw the benefit these handheld detectors provided.
I should mention that while Dr. Fisher held the first patented metal detector, the true inventor is up for debate.
Alexander Graham Bell invented a device in 1881 that many consider the first actual metal detector.
Getting back to Fisher Labs, the company was acquired by First Texas Holdings Corporation in 2006, 32 years after Gerhard Fisher retired.
Fisher continues to manufacture some of the best metal detectors today. With a balance of affordability and advanced technology, you’d be hard pressed to find a metal detectorist that hasn’t at least tried a Fisher.
Some of the most popular models are:
| Image | Product Title | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Best All-Purpose Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Gold Nugget Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Underwater Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco |
4. Bounty Hunter
Bounty Hunter is a metal detector brand that is part of First Texas Products, like our number 3 brand, Fisher. As such, the company has a long and rich history behind them.
Unfortunately, there is little information publicly available about Bounty Hunter as a manufacturer. I’ve reached out to a number of different people and have combed through filed patents and the internet as a whole.
While I found some general information about their beginnings, I was unable to verify their authenticity so I’ll keep those details off this article.
What I can tell you, is that Bounty Hunter is well-known for producing entry-level to medium-grade metal detectors that are consistently cheaper than other brands.
They are near infamous for their reliability despite not being jam-packed with all the bells and whistles.
Here are some of the more popular models that Bounty Hunter has to offer:
| Image | Product Title | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Best All-Purpose Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Gold Nugget Metal Detector  |
| Check at Amazon |
5. Nokta Makro
Nokta Makro is a metal detector brand based in Turkey with US offices in Virginia. The company was founded in 2003 as Nokta Detectors.
It wasn’t until 2014 when Nokta Detectors acquired Makro Detectors and formed the manufacturer we know and love today.
Nokta Makro metal detectors are some of the most advanced in terms of technology.
Because of their affordable prices, outstanding performance, and desirable features of each model, it’s no wonder this brand has risen to the top.
Their most popular model, the Simplex+, is on par in every category with the universally loved Minelab Equinox 800.
With the amount of funding that Nokta Makro puts into research and development, it won’t be long until their push themselves higher than other long-standing brands.
For a closer look, here are some more revered metal detectors by Nokta Makro:
| Image | Product Title | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Entry-Level Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Best All-Purpose Metal Detector  |
| Check at AmazonCheck at Kellyco | |
Gold Nugget Metal Detector  |
| Check at Amazon |
To all those “experts” shouting at the screen for White’s, XP, or Teknetics, I hear you.
These brands have been around for a long time and have their own legion of metal detecting fans.
I get it, I really do.
But this article is about the top metal detector brands, and not every metal detector brand deserves a spot on this list.
There are a number of criteria that a metal detector brand must meet in order to even be considered and, unfortunately, not every metal detector brand out there makes the cut.
I don’t just look over past products, pricing, and features. To give you the best list, I’m taking the averages of what is currently available by each brand.
Best Metal Detector Brands for Beginners
Since you’re asking about the top brands, let’s get into the specifics a bit.
What if you’re a beginner? Surely there are different options for you?
No, my friend. The best metal detector brands make quality equipment, no matter the experience level.
The best metal detector brands for beginners are the same 5 we’ve already discussed. These are Bounty Hunter, Fisher, Garrett, Nokta Makro, and Minelab.
The thing that sets these metal detector brands apart from the rest is that they offer a good balance of features and price.
You don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to get a metal detector that will let you have years of fun. Or letting you down as you learn.
Most of their entry-level models are built to be useful even years down the road. When you’re expanding your hunts into new terrains, you’ll have a metal detector that will match your experience level.
What Is the Best Name Brand Metal Detector?
This is a tricky one.
There are so many features and needs that go into choosing a metal detector. However, if you and I were to take all the models from the top 5 brands.
Then weigh the values of features, price, and functionality.
The best name-brand metal detector is the Minelab Equinox 800. The Nokta Makro Simplex came up just short in second place.
The Equinox 800 is an all-purpose metal detector that does everything well. It’s great for finding coins, jewelry, and even gold nuggets.
It’s made by Minelab, the best brand out there. And there is no shortage of Diggers with this model. So it’s been tried and tested beyond the limits.
The only real downside is the price.
This is why the Simplex is more of a 1B to the Equinox.
Ask me tomorrow and I might say the Simplex is the best. That’s how much I respect and love this machine.
FAQ’s About Metal Detector Brands
Don’t go yet. There’s more to discover about your favorite brand of detector.
Or maybe, we’ve got an answer for a question you haven’t thought to ask.
Is Barska a Good Brand for Metal Detector?
Barska is not a metal detector brand.
They’re an optics company that dabbles in metal detectors. They make a few models but they’re not focused on the metal detecting market.
If you’re looking to get the kiddos started or interested in detecting, I suppose it’ll do in a pinch.
They’re cheap and lightweight. But the build isn’t as impressive as similar models by more well-known brands.
Overall, I would not recommend Barska if you’re looking for your first or only metal detector.
There are much better options out there.
What Is the Best Garrett Metal Detector?
This is a difficult question to answer.
Garrett is such a popular metal detector brand that they have several models that are considered the best in their class.
The Garrett AT Pro is one of the best all-around metal detectors. It’s great for coins, jewelry, and even relics.
If you’re looking for a metal detector specifically for gold, the Garrett AT Gold is one of the best options.
It’s a bit more expensive but it’s worth it if you’re serious about finding gold.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, the Garrett ACE 400 is a great option. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of the more expensive models.
But it’s a great metal detector for the price.
So, what is the best Garrett metal detector? It depends on what you’re looking for. But all of their models are great metal detectors.
What Brand Is the Best Gold Detector?
There are a few metal detector brands that make great gold detectors.
Minelab is one of the best with its GPZ 7000 metal detector. It’s a bit pricey but it’s the best gold detector on the market.
The GPZ 7000 can find small nuggets of gold that other metal detectors would miss.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option, the Garrett AT Gold is a great choice.
It’s not as good as the GPZ 7000 but it’s still a great gold detector.
What Is Better Minelab or Garrett?
While you could argue for either brand, and it would be hard to outright prove you wrong, there is a definite answer.
Minelab is the better brand over Garrett.
Garrett has been around longer than Minelab, but with the innovation and performance you get with all the latest Minelab metal detector models, it’s hard to go against them.
Don’t believe me?
Go look and compare some of their best metal detectors.
I think you’d agree that Minelab comes out on top.
The Minelab Vanquish series vs the Garrett ACE series. Both are solid entry-level metal detectors.
But Minelab wins.
The Minelab Equinox series vs the Garrett AT series. Can’t go wrong choosing either for a more experienced Digger.
Still, Minelab wins.
With Minelab’s offering of multi-frequency technology, you won’t be able to deny the sheer upgrade in power.
Conclusion
There you have it.
A metal detector brand guide that should help you make a decision on your next purchase.
Or, if you’re like me, help solidify the brand of metal detector you’ve already chosen.
Remember, when it comes to metal detecting, the brand does matter.
A top brand gives you the comfort of performance, reliability, and trust in the machine you are using.
That’s why these metal detector brands rank the best.
- Minelab
- Garrett
- Fisher
- Bounty Hunter
- Nokta Makro
I hope you don’t get me confused though. There are plenty of metal detectors out there that aren’t in the top 5 brands. And many of them hold up well against the best of the best.
This list isn’t the end all be all. You will find diamonds in the rough.
If you do go with a metal detector, not from these 5 brands, just do your research before making a selection. After these 5 reliable brands, you’re going to roll the dice in most cases.
Well Diggers, that’s it for me.
I hope you enjoyed the article.
Until next time!
