10 Best Garrett Metal Detectors 2025 in the United States

The Garrett ACE 300 Metal Detector is a solid choice for both beginners and intermediate users looking to explore metal detection. It operates at a good frequency suitable for finding a variety of targets, and its discrimination feature helps in filtering out unwanted metals, making your search more efficient. With a waterproof search coil, you can comfortably use it in shallow waters, which adds to its versatility. The 7" x 10" search coil size is a nice balance, allowing for good coverage while still being manageable.

The detector boasts a user-friendly LCD display with target identification and depth indicator features, which can significantly aid in understanding what you’ve found and how deep it is. The adjustable length makes it suitable for users of different heights, enhancing its ergonomic design. However, at 5.13 pounds, it may feel a bit heavy during extended use, especially for younger or older users.

Battery life is commendable, lasting about 25 hours on just 4 AAA batteries, so you can enjoy long detection sessions without frequent replacements. The included accessories, like the volume control headphones and environmental cover, provide good value and enhance the user experience. The ACE 300 is capable, but it might not meet the expectations of advanced users who require more specialized features. Its lack of advanced ground balance settings may limit its effectiveness on highly mineralized terrains.

The Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector is a solid choice for hobbyists interested in gold prospecting and general metal detection. Operating at a frequency of 18 kHz, it is particularly effective at finding smaller targets like gold nuggets while providing reliable discrimination to minimize junk signals. This feature makes it user-friendly as it helps users distinguish valuable items from unwanted metals.

One of the standout strengths of this detector is its waterproof design, rated IP54, allowing for use in various environments, including streams and beaches. The included headphones enhance the experience by providing clear audio cues without disturbing others. Additionally, the ProPointer at PinPointer helps users zero in on their targets, making retrieval much easier.

On the ergonomic side, the adjustable length and relatively light weight (6.19 pounds) make it comfortable for extended use. The LCD display provides a straightforward interface for target identification and depth indication, which is beneficial for beginners and experienced users alike. However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. First, the AT Gold has only two programs, which may limit advanced users seeking more versatility in settings. The depth indicator can sometimes be less accurate in mineralized ground, which could affect the depth readings for certain targets. Lastly, while the design is generally user-friendly, some users might find the learning curve steep, particularly if they are new to metal detecting.

The Garrett AT PRO Metal Detector, paired with the Pro-Pointer AT Underwater Pinpointer, is a solid choice for both beginners and experienced treasure hunters. One of its standout features is the operating frequency of 15 kHz, which effectively balances sensitivity to both smaller and larger targets. The discrimination feature allows users to filter out unwanted metals, making it easier to focus on valuable finds. The adjustable length and ergonomic design enhance comfort during extended hunts, especially with its 6.5-pound weight being manageable for most users.

The waterproof design (IP54 rating) means it can be used in wet conditions, adding versatility for those who wish to explore beaches or riverbeds. The depth indicator and target identification features help users understand how deep a target is and what type of metal it might be, which is incredibly useful when deciding whether to dig.

There are some drawbacks. While it has a good range of features, some users might find the learning curve a bit steep, especially if they are entirely new to metal detecting. The need for 4 AA batteries may also be inconvenient for those looking for a rechargeable option. Additionally, the depth of the search coil could be a limitation for those seeking deeper detection capabilities in more challenging environments.