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10 Best Saltwater Metal Detector 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

MINELAB X-Terra PRO Waterproof Treasure Metal Detector for Adults (3 Detect Modes)

The MINELAB X-Terra PRO Waterproof Treasure Metal Detector is a solid choice for both beginners and more experienced users looking for a versatile and reliable metal detector. One of its standout features is the PRO-SWITCH technology, which allows you to switch frequencies to detect various types of metals deeply and accurately in different environments. This makes it highly adaptable, whether you're searching in a park, field, or beach. Its waterproof capabilities allow submersion up to 16 feet, making it ideal for finding treasures in both wet and dry conditions, like at the beach or in shallow water bodies.

With three detect modes—Park, Field, and Beach—you can easily tailor the device to your specific searching conditions and targets, whether it's coins, jewelry, or artifacts. Audio control features include options for distinguishing between trash and treasure and gauging the size and depth of a target, compatible with both wireless and wired headphones for convenience. Weighing only 2.9 lbs, the X-Terra PRO is lightweight and compact, facilitating prolonged use without causing fatigue. It packs down to 25 inches, fitting easily into most backpacks, which makes it highly portable.

While the detector is lightweight, it requires a lithium polymer battery, which is included, but it may require frequent recharging depending on the length of usage. Another minor drawback could be its reliance on an LCD display, which might be challenging to read under direct sunlight despite the backlit feature. The build quality using plastic is practical but might not feel as premium as other materials. Despite these minor limitations, the X-Terra PRO offers a strong blend of performance, ease of use, and versatility, making it a top choice for treasure hunters of all skill levels.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Operating Frequency
Multiple frequency options allow you to adjust settings for different types of soil and targets, ensuring you don’t miss hidden treasures.
Ground Balance
The advanced ground balancing system minimizes the effects of mineralized soil, providing more accurate readings.
Waterproofing
The waterproof coil is a huge bonus, making it suitable for various terrains, including shallow water.
Discrimination
Advanced features like adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes make this detector stand out.
Sensitivity
Advanced features like adjustable sensitivity controls, notch discrimination, and customizable search modes make this detector stand out.
Weight and Ergonomics
Engineered to perfection, its lightweight but sturdy design makes it comfortable for extended use without causing fatigue.
#2

MINELAB Equinox 900 Multi-Frequency Collapsible Metal Detector for Adults with EQX 11" & 6” Waterproof Double-D Coils (Option for 6 Single Frequencies, 4 Detect Modes, Wireless Headphones Included)

The MINELAB Equinox 900 is a well-rounded metal detector particularly suited for saltwater environments. Its standout feature is the simultaneous multi-frequency technology, allowing users to select from six frequencies or utilize five frequencies at once. This capability enhances its effectiveness in different soil and metal conditions, making it versatile for both land and underwater treasure hunting.

Waterproofing is another major strength, with an impressive capability to be submerged up to 16 feet. This makes it an excellent choice for beachcombers or those looking to explore rivers and lakes. The four detection modes (Park, Field, Beach, and Gold) cater to various searching needs, helping users focus on specific types of targets.

The detector is also designed with user comfort in mind. Weighing only 2.8 lbs, it’s lightweight and portable, ideal for long treasure hunts without causing fatigue. The collapsible design makes it easy to store and transport. In terms of usability, the accurate target identification and audio control features help differentiate valuable finds from junk, which is crucial, especially in areas with mixed signals like sandy beaches. The MINELAB Equinox 900 is a strong choice for those serious about metal detecting in saltwater, combining advanced technology with user-friendly design.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Ground Balance
The noise canceling and ground balancing features are impressive, allowing for customization to meet specific needs and preferences.
Waterproofing
Handles water and salt water exceptionally well, making it ideal for beach hunts.
Weight and Ergonomics
Great weight and balance, making it easy to use for long periods without fatigue.
#3

Garrett at Pro Metal Detector – Waterproof to 10ft, Proportional Audio, Iron Audio, Fast Recovery, Digital Target ID, Includes MS-2 Headphones

The Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector is a solid choice for those who need a versatile and reliable metal detector for saltwater environments. One of its standout features is its ability to ground balance in saltwater, making it ideal for beach hunts. The device is waterproof up to 10 feet, ensuring it can handle shallow dives and wet conditions without issues. The proportional audio and Tone Roll Audio are beneficial for distinguishing between different types of metals, which is a handy feature for more experienced users.

Its Iron Audio capability further enhances discrimination by allowing users to hear discriminated iron and adjust the mid-tone signal range, which can save time by avoiding unwanted targets. However, the product has some drawbacks. The Garrett AT Pro requires batteries, which some may find inconvenient, and the waterproof headphones needed for full submersion are sold separately. At a weight of approximately 1.37 kilograms, it is relatively lightweight, but prolonged use may still lead to some fatigue.

The included MS-2 headphones are an added bonus for land use, but investing in additional waterproof headphones is necessary for complete underwater exploration. With a solid customer rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars and being well-regarded within its category, the Garrett AT Pro is a reliable metal detector for hobbyists and more advanced users alike.

Customer Highlights

A summary of real customer reviews to highlight what shoppers are saying!
Ground Balance
Ground balancing each time before use is crucial for optimal performance.
Waterproofing
Ensure the battery door is securely closed when using in water to prevent damage.
Discrimination
Selective discrimination is excellent in trashy areas, making it easy to ignore unwanted targets.
Sensitivity
The Garrett AT Pro finds even the smallest objects like bee bee pellets and .22 rifle shells, demonstrating its impressive sensitivity.
Weight and Ergonomics
Comfortable to hold, better than 'straight arm' types.

Buying Guide for the Best Saltwater Metal Detector

Choosing the right saltwater metal detector can be a bit overwhelming, but with the right knowledge, you can find the perfect one for your needs. Saltwater metal detectors are specifically designed to handle the challenging conditions of saltwater environments, such as beaches and underwater. When selecting a saltwater metal detector, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure you get the best performance and value for your specific use case. Here are the key specs you should focus on and how to navigate them to make an informed decision.
Operating FrequencyThe operating frequency of a metal detector refers to the number of electronic waves it sends into the ground per second. This spec is important because it affects the detector's sensitivity and depth capabilities. Lower frequencies (1-4 kHz) are better for detecting larger, deeper objects, while higher frequencies (15-30 kHz) are more sensitive to smaller, shallow objects. For saltwater environments, a mid-range frequency (5-15 kHz) is often ideal as it balances depth and sensitivity, making it suitable for finding a variety of items like coins, jewelry, and relics.
Ground BalanceGround balance is a feature that helps the metal detector distinguish between valuable metal objects and the naturally occurring minerals in the ground, which is crucial in saltwater environments where mineralization is high. There are three types of ground balance: preset, manual, and automatic. Preset ground balance is fixed and cannot be adjusted, which might not be ideal for varying conditions. Manual ground balance allows you to adjust the settings yourself, providing more control. Automatic ground balance adjusts itself to the ground conditions, offering convenience and ease of use. For saltwater detecting, automatic or manual ground balance is recommended to handle the changing mineral content effectively.
WaterproofingWaterproofing is essential for a saltwater metal detector as it ensures the device can be submerged in water without damage. This spec is important because it determines how deep you can use the detector underwater. Some detectors are only water-resistant, meaning they can handle splashes but not full submersion. Fully waterproof detectors can be submerged to various depths, typically ranging from a few feet to over 200 feet. If you plan to detect in shallow water or on the beach, a detector with a waterproof coil may suffice. However, for diving or deeper water detecting, a fully waterproof detector is necessary.
DiscriminationDiscrimination is the metal detector's ability to differentiate between different types of metals. This spec is important because it helps you avoid digging up unwanted items like bottle caps and nails. Discrimination settings can be adjusted to ignore certain types of metals and focus on more valuable targets. Basic discrimination allows you to filter out iron, while more advanced discrimination can differentiate between various types of metals like gold, silver, and aluminum. For saltwater detecting, having a detector with good discrimination capabilities can save you time and effort by focusing on valuable finds.
SensitivitySensitivity refers to the metal detector's ability to detect small or deep objects. This spec is important because higher sensitivity can help you find smaller or deeper targets, but it can also make the detector more prone to interference from mineralization and saltwater. Sensitivity settings can usually be adjusted to balance detection depth and stability. For saltwater environments, it's important to find a detector with adjustable sensitivity so you can fine-tune it to reduce false signals while still detecting valuable items.
Weight and ErgonomicsWeight and ergonomics refer to how heavy and comfortable the metal detector is to use. This spec is important because detecting can be a physically demanding activity, and a heavy or poorly designed detector can cause fatigue and discomfort. Lighter detectors are easier to handle, especially for extended periods, while ergonomic designs with adjustable shafts and comfortable grips can enhance your overall experience. When choosing a saltwater metal detector, consider how long you plan to use it and select a model that feels comfortable and manageable for your needs.

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