Do you dream about finding hidden treasures like I do? Then, becoming a metal-loving hobbyist might be the right thing for you.
However, you’re going to need the proper metal detector to get started because:
- They tell you the exact location of the item.
- They are specifically suited to the conditions synonymous with the hobby.
- They make the process fun when they do the job well.
Best Metal Detectors for 200 Dollars – My Top Picks
If you want to buy the right gear, you need a well-informed listing of the most optimal types of metal detectors. Here are my top picks under the $200 price point.
Top 10 Metal Detectors You Can Get With 200 Dollars or Less
1. Fisher Research Labs F11
The Fisher Research Labs F11 has several special features you might find useful for your metal hunt. Powered with a 9V battery, it has three functioning modes, a useful design, and a waterproof search engine.
| Pros | Cons |
| The three modes allow you to customize what you’re looking for | It’s not perfectly accurate, which is why it’s most useful if you only want to find large items |
| You can use it to find different kinds of desirable materials |
This model by Fisher has been tested by many customers, and lots of them agree that it’s user-friendly and handy if you have specific things to look for.
2. Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV
If you’re looking for a useful model, I suggest you check out Bounty Hunter’s TK4 Tracker IV. Besides the base metal detector, you can get a bundle with a bag, pinpointer, and other accessories.
The TK4 Tracker IV by Bounty Hunter works with movement, and it’s made to endure harsh weather. Here are some pros and cons:
| Pros | Cons |
| It distinguishes between metals and unwanted litter | It can give you some false positives if you don’t know how to set it up |
| It’s very balanced and effective | It’s tricky to use for some beginners, and can take them a couple of hours to understand the basics of it |
Here a video of unboxing and assembly the Tracker IV:
3. White’s Coinmaster
With White’s Coinmaster, you are going to see the relics appear on the screen. Apart from the indication, it also tells you how deep you need to dig. Here are the ups and downs to consider:
| Pros | Cons |
| If you set it up correctly on the pinpoint/all-metal setting, you are going to find objects almost instantly | It’s not always accurate. For example, it could indicate a specific material, only for you to find something else |
| The box is water-resistant | Beginners might have to spend extra time learning how to use it |
| The assembly process is easy for beginners |
NOTE: Garett announced acquisition of certain assets of White’s Electronics, and therefor, White's had announced the suspension of operations on June 18, 2020.
4. Garrett ACE 200
Just like other Garret Electronics metal detectors, the Garret ACE 200 can be your ally in finding the hidden treasures you may have in your backyard. Check out its pros and cons here:
| Pros | Cons |
| It has three search modes and four sensitivity modes | The coil is waterproof, but the display is not, so you must be careful around sources of moisture. |
| It has a depth indicator | |
| It comes with cam locks, a search coil, and even batteries! |
Users say that the ACE 200 is one of the best options on the market if you want to start the metal-detection hobby without spending more than $200. I’m inclined to agree as it’s accurate, discriminates properly, and includes everything you could wish for!
5. Teknetics Delta 4000
The Teknetics’ Delta 4000 is one of the easiest metal detectors to use that you are going to find on the market. I recommend it for those who are just learning and want to enjoy some success at the initial stage.
| Pros | Cons |
| It has a big LCD screen that it’s easy to read | It’s not waterproof |
| The battery lasts for more than 24 hours | |
| It discriminates well with all the metal modes | |
| It hits targets at more than 8 inches deep | |
| Beginners can learn how to use it quickly |
People who have used this mention that it’s very accurate, user-friendly, lightweight, and that the battery seems to last forever.
6. Tesoro Compadre
You might not know, but Tesoro metal detectors are very popular. The Compadre model offers a varied feature set – it can sense very small targets, it can find treasures even 6 inches deep, and it has a precise discrimination system. Here are some pros and cons I think you should consider:
| Pros | Cons |
| It has an unmatched discrimination ability, so it rarely overloads | You need to either have prior knowledge or do enough research before using it so you understand how it works |
| It’s extremely accurate | Its depth level isn’t as extensive as other models |
Most people who buy the Tesoro Compadre end up as happy clients. It’s a fantastic model that offers you a lot for an inexpensive price point.
7. Quest X5
The battery-powered Quest X5 is one of the most famous models in the $200 price range. This model is very handy, especially because it’s extremely lightweight, so you are not going to feel a sore arm after hours of looking around.
The unit is also famous with its users because of its endurance. The model can resist lots of different weather conditions because it’s meant for you to have uninterrupted search session. Thanks to a waterproof blade coil, you can even use it in the rain.
Sadly, some customers complain that the assembly instructions aren’t clear. Much of this is because the font size makes them difficult to read.
Therefore, this model is not as user-friendly as other metal detectors. Here are all the pros and cons in a nutshell:
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s lightweight | It’s not very user-friendly |
| It endures all types of weather conditions |
Here a short video about the X5 and X10 from Quest metal detectors:
8. Minelab Go-Find 40
Minelab is one of the most famous brands to look under to find different types of metal detectors. The Go-Find 40 is, by far, a perfect representation of everything the brand gives its customers.
| Pros | Cons |
| It discriminates well | Beginners must be very patient because they need to learn how to properly use it |
| It’s accurate | |
| It’s user-friendly |
The setup is not going to take longer than a couple of minutes, and after a bit of learning, you’re all set to start searching your surroundings efficiently!
9. Bounty Hunter Discovery 3300
The Discovery 3000 by Bounty Hunter is characterized by being a top option under $200. Here are some of the things to bear in mind if you’re thinking about getting one.
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s waterproof | You should be a serious hobbyist if you want to buy it because it’s not very easy to assemble |
| It can find objects up to three feet deep | |
| It has four operating modes |
If you buy the Bounty Hunter Discovery 3000, you can search objects for hours effectively. The battery lasts long and it’s lightweight, so your arm is not going to feel sore. However, you may take some time learning how to operate it.
Watch this instruction and how-to video about the Discovery 3300 to get more insights about it:
10. Treasure Cove TC-3020
Treasure Cove TC-3020 is another incredible model you can get with a $200 budget. With this one, you can easily find iron objects, thanks to its true discrimination mode and auto-control features. By using the intuitive LCD display, you can simplify your time finding treasures.
| Pros | Cons |
| It’s waterproof | Signals are not very strong |
| The readout screen is large and you can use it to find different metals | It can be difficult to calibrate for a beginner |
Here an instruction video of the Treasure Cove TC-3020:
Also, you could elaborate more with this review video on the TC-3020:
So, What Is the Best Metal Detector up to $200?
If you only have $200 to buy a metal detector, my best metal detectors list should be very helpful in helping you pick the best option.
Here are my suggestions under a few subcategories:
Best Metal Detector in the $200 Range
This one goes to the Garret ACE 200, which is a little under $20. Its build quality and feature set make it a great option.
Best Metal Detector under $200 Dollars
The best one in this category is the Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV, which is around $100. It can do the job perfectly and it’s ideal for people who don’t want to spend much money.
What’s the Best Entry-level Metal Detector?
In this area, I believe the Teknetics’ Delta 4000 is the best option. It’s extremely user-friendly, so it doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner.
Best Metal Detector under $200 for Coins
Here, the prize goes to the Compadre due to its discrimination skills and accuracy. What better unit to use to pinpoint coins?
Best Underwater Metal Detector under $200
The Discovery 3000 by Bounty Hunter is waterproof, so it’s my top pick in this category.
Best Beach Metal Detector under $200
If you’re going to the beach, I suggest the Go-Find 40, which is extremely accurate (even in sandy conditions), durable, and easy to use.
Wrapping Up
Becoming a metal-loving hobbyist is very fun, especially when you know which metal detector to buy based on your needs. Even though it takes a little time to learn and get into initially, it gets easier and more fun.
My best metal detector brands list should help you tremendously too! (you can find it here). Without knowing it, you are going to spend hours searching for hidden relics!
