Best Gold Metal Detector Reviews 2019
Do you want to find gold nuggets with your metal detector?
Although some dealers tell you that you can find nuggets with most detectors, this is not the case.
You can find gold coins, but nuggets are a different thing.
So, how do you know what the best metal detector for gold is? Lots of research.
There are so many gold metal detectors to choose from that it can become overwhelming.
Why do You Need a Specialised Gold Metal Detector?
Gold nuggets are usually found in areas where the ground is highly mineralised.
Using a cheaper metal detector in areas like this will cause it to act erratically.
Also, most gold nuggets that are found today are very small.
This makes finding them even more difficult.
Keep reading to learn about our top 10 picks.
We have included short descriptions of each of the best metal detectors for gold.
These are followed by tips on “how to choose the best metal detector for gold”.
To sum up we listed our top picks in order of our favourite to least favourite and included in-depth descriptions of their features.
Below is a list of the top 10 best metal detectors for gold:
We have done the research for you to make your decision a little easier. Check out our top 10 list of gold metal detectors. Selecting the best gold detector on the market comes down to your own personal preferences. When choosing your metal detector price is important, but don’t let it be your deciding factor. Make sure that you take into account all of the features and read gold detectors reviews.
Best Gold Metal Detectors for Beginners
1. Fisher Gold Bug
The Fisher Gold Bug is the best cheap metal detector for gold. It is economically priced, so you won’t have as large of an upfront investment as you would with other models.
This gold metal detector is super sensitive and can differentiate between different types of metal.
A nice feature that this gold metal detector has is the no-motion pinpoint. This allows you to hold it directly over an area and pinpoint the target before you ever start digging. Most detectors do not include this feature. For their pinpoint function to work you do not need to move the metal detector around.
2. Tesoro Lobo Super TRAQ
The Tesoro Lobo Super TRAQ metal detector has a large elliptical wide-scan 10” search coil. This allows for better penetration, and you will be able to cover areas faster.
You can choose between alkaline, normal and black sand ground-balancing. This feature is very handy when you know what type of soil you are on. Finding out the soil type before you search the area will help tremendously.
3. Garrett AT Gold
This model is a little pricey compared to the other beginner models, but it is waterproof. This is a great feature to have if you are planning on searching at the beach.
It was designed to work in all types of terrains and find small gold nuggets. It is a little heavy so make sure that it won’t be too heavy for you to maneuver for long periods of time.
It is equipped with pinpoint mode which makes digging and finding your target easier.
Best Intermediate Gold Metal Detectors
1. Fisher Gold Bug 2
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 is one of the best metal detectors for gold. It is easy to use, lightweight and can be hip or chest mounted. This gold metal detector is very durable and can take a lot of wear.
With this model, you can choose between two different search coils, or get them both.
This best metal detector for gold is great for finding buried treasure. Its only drawback is that it has issues with depth when searching highly mineralised soil.
2. Garrett ATX
The Garrett ATX is one of the best metal detectors for gold nuggets. It can find gold up to 18” deep under the right circumstances. It is also waterproof.
The main downfalls of this machine are the weight and the price tag. It does have a very nice feature that allows it to fold down for easy storage and travel.
3. Minelab Gold Moster 1000
The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is easy to use allows you to just turn it on a go. It comes with 2 different size coils for different terrains.
This model has a high-frequency which makes it one of the best metal detectors for gold. Having a high-frequency gold metal detector allows you to more easily pinpoint the gold and skip over the false readings from the mineralised soil.
Best Professional Gold Metal Detectors
4. Fisher Gold Bug Pro
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is at the top of our best metal detector for gold list. Many hunters consider it to be the best metal detector for gold.
The standard search coil on this machine is a 5” DD waterproof coil, but you can upgrade it to an 11” DD waterproof search coil.
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro features a fully computerised real-time ground balancing system. The machine is able to calibrate itself and specifies what minerals are already in the soil.
5. Minelab GPZ 7000
The Minelab GPZ 7000 uses Zero Voltage Transmission which takes metal detecting to the next level. This model is very pricey and comes with a $7999.00 price tag.
It has a waterproof coil, but the whole machine is not waterproof. It seems that have issues with wet ground that is full of salt or alkali.
This machine is very heavy. It weighs 7.32 lbs.
This best metal detector for gold can detect objects extra deep. It uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
6. Garrett AT Max
Another gold metal detector at the top of our best metal detector for gold list is the Garrett AT Max. This metal detector has most of the features that can be found on the AT Pro and the AT Gold, however, it includes even more.
This top of the line gold metal detector features Z-Lync wireless technology that is stronger than Bluetooth. It also has an additional button that allows for easier use.
7. Minelab GPX 5000
The Minelab GPX 5000 gold metal detector is a serious piece of equipment. It is easy to use and is great at locating all types of treasures in many different types of conditions.
The main issue with this best metal detector for gold is its price tag of $3999. It also weighs over 5 lbs, so it can get quite tiring using it.
A nice feature that this metal detector has is it is equipped with 6 preset modes that can also be customised and renamed.
Things to Considering Before Making Your Final Decision
There are several best metal detectors for gold to choose from. Each brand and model offers different features. Before you invest in a gold metal detector take into consideration the following:
• Are you only interested in Finding Gold?
Most of the best metal detectors for beginners are all-purpose but aren’t the greatest at finding gold nuggets. This means if you are serious about finding nuggets you need a specialised gold metal detector. If you also want to find other types of treasures such as coins, jewellery and relics purchase a machine that can easily locate all types of metal.
• Experience of Use
If you are a beginner it might be a little difficult to learn some of the more advanced options that are available on the top of the line detectors. Don’t purchase a machine that is going to frustrate you. You want to buy one that is going to be fun to use and not overly complicated.
• Your Budget
The best metal detectors for gold can get quite pricey. Know your budget before you look for a machine. These gold metal detectors are an investment. If you are new to metal detecting you don’t have to purchase the most expensive best metal detector for gold or the least expensive. Before you make your final decision make sure that you check out the best metal detector for gold nuggets reviews.
• Length of the Metal Detector
Most detectors are adjustable in length. Make sure that the one that you purchase is going to be the correct length for you. Having one that is too short will cause you to bend over and hurt your back, and if it’s too long it will be difficult to handle.
• Where Will You Be Using It
It’s important that you purchase a waterproof detector if you are planning on taking your new gold metal detector to the beach. Most metal detectors are not waterproof or only have a waterproof coil. These machines are not cheap, and you don’t want to ruin it by getting it wet.
• How Often Are You Going To Use It?
If you are planning on making a large investment, you will want to take into consideration how often you will be using it. If you are looking into purchasing the best metal detector for gold, you will be spending quite a bit of money. If you think that you are only going to go hunting a few times a year, you will probably want to go with a cheaper model. On the other hand, if you are an avid hunter, you will want to make the investment and purchase a top of the line machine.
The Best Metal Detectors for Gold Ranked Best to Worst
When purchasing a gold metal detector there are some important things that you need to consider. We have broken down some of the important specifications to make the decision easier for you. We have also included our reviews for our list of best metal detectors for gold.
The Fisher Gold Bug is a very reasonably priced best metal detector for gold. It is economically priced, so you won’t have as large of an upfront investment as you would with other models.
This best metal detector for gold is super sensitive and can differentiate between different types of metal. It comes with a 5” search coil, but can be upgraded to a larger coil.
This gold metal detector has two search modes. The first one is for everything and the second one is for gold hunting.
If you are not sure what best metal detector for gold to buy, this one might be a good option. It is great for beginners, reasonably priced, easy to use and it can locate silver, coins and jewellery as well.
It can locate items that are buried for 6 to 10” in depth. It needs one 9V battery to operate.
Features include:
Weight – 2.5 lbs.
2 Tone Audio Authentication
5” Water Resistant Search Coil
Auto Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Pinpoint Mode
LCD Screen
Average Price – $499.00
The Tesoro Lobo Super TRAQ gold metal detector is a fairly simple metal detector to use. The knobs and switches are all located on the front for easy access.
This gold metal detector is equipped with a large elliptical wide-scan 10” search coil. This allows for better penetration, and you will be able to cover areas faster.
You can choose between alkaline, normal and black sand ground-balancing. This feature is very handy when you know what type of soil you are on. Finding out the soil type before you search the area will help tremendously.
This machine can find buried items up to 12” deep. It requires 8 AA batteries to operate.
Features Include:
3.5 lbs
1 Tone Audio Identification
10” Waterproof Search Coil
Analog Switch Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
42” to 52” Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
Pinpoint Mode
Average Price – $679.00
This best metal detector for gold is great for beginners. It is an entry-level machine that is completely waterproof. It is lightweight and is easy to use.
It was designed to work in all terrains and find tiny gold nuggets. The 5” x 8” DD coil is big enough to find gold without wasting a bunch of time.
The ground balance can be set to automatic or manual. This feature helps you search in soil that is highly mineralised.
The pinpoint mode comes in handy once you found a signal. Just hold the machine steady over the area and pinpoint the exact location.
Depending on the soil this gold metal detector and find gold up to 12” underground. It requires 4 AA batteries to work.
Features Include:
3.00 lbs
Multiple Audio Identification
5” x 8” Waterproof Search Coil
Manual Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $684.00
The Fisher Gold Bug 2 was designed to find gold nuggets. It is the highest frequency best metal detector for gold on the market. It is lightweight and tough. It was designed to be used in all types of terrain. It can be mounted to the hip or chest which makes searching easier in rough terrain.
You can choose between a 6.5” elliptical coil, the 10” elliptical coil or both.
This gold metal detector can find gold nuggets and flakes. Its only drawback is that it has poor depth in mineralised ground. It can find gold up to 11” underground. It requires 2 – 9V batteries to operate.
Features Include:
2.5 – 3.0 lbs.
Multiple Audio Identification
Elliptical Waterproof Search Coil
Manual Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Sensitivity Adjustment
Adjustable Length
Average Price – $749.00
5. Garrett ATX
The Garrett ATX is a great intermediate gold metal detector, but it comes with a hefty price. It is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 feet. This makes the model suitable for hunting on the beach. However, the headphones are not submersible.
It has a collapsible/folding design that makes it easier to travel with. This machine is heavy and can wear you out easily.
This gold metal detector has 3 search coils that you can choose from. The standard coil is 10” x 12”.
It is equipped with 13 sensitivity settings and 25 discrimination modes. This allows you to narrow down your search tremendously.
This model can find gold buried from 12” to 18” underground depending on its size. It uses 8 AA batteries.
Features:
5.5 lbs.
VCO/Iron Audio Identification
10” x 12” or 15” x 20” Search Coil
Manual Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length from 20” to 68”
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LED Light
Average Price – $2120.75
The Minelab Gold Monster 1000 is easy to use and is fully adjustable, yet it is fully automated. This allows you to just turn it on a go.
It comes standard with 2 coils, a 10” x 6” double D coil and a 5” double D coil. They are each suited for different types of terrains.
Hauling this best metal detector for gold around is easy. It is easily disassembled in a few simple steps.
The Minelab Gold Metal 1000 has a 45 kHz frequency which is good for locating gold. It makes it easier to pinpoint its location without dealing with false alarms.
This best metal detector for gold comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. When making your purchase it is a good idea to grab an extra battery while you are at it.
Features Include:
Approx. 3 lbs With Large Search Coil
5” or 10” x 6” Search Coil
Automatic Ground Balance
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $799.00
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is top of the line, and to many hunters is considered the best metal detector for gold. It can also locate other metals, so you only need one machine.
This gold metal detector comes with a standard 5” DD waterproof search coil, but you also have the option of purchasing an 11” DD waterproof search coil.
The multitoned audio is fairly accurate, but it does take some getting used to.
It is equipped with a visual ID which helps to pinpoint the exact location of your find.
The Fisher Gold Bug Pro features a fully computerised real-time ground balancing system. The machine is able to calibrate itself and specifies what minerals are already in the soil.
This gold metal detector can locate gold buried up to approximately 10” in depth. It requires 1 – 9V battery to operate.
Features:
2.5 lbs.
2 Tone Audio Identification
5” or 11” Waterproof Search Coil
Manual or Automatic Ground Balance
Headphone Jack
Adjustable Length
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $549.00
The Minelab GPZ 7000 uses a new Zero Voltage Transmission which makes it our best metal detector for gold. This technology was developed by Minelab and is taking the metal detecting hobby to the next level. If you are interested in taking advantage of this new technology, it will not be cheap. This model comes in at $7999.00.
For the price, you would think that the machine would be waterproof, but it is not. However, the search coil is waterproof. The gold metal detector does have issues dealing with wet ground that is full of salt or alkali.
This machine is heavy. It weighs in at 7.32 lbs. Using it for very long periods of time can tire you out and cause back pain.
This best metal detector for gold can detect objects extra deep. It uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Features:
7.32 lbs
14” x 13” Super DD Waterproof Search Coil
Automatic and Manual Ground Balance
Wireless Headphones
Adjustable Length
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $7999.00
The Garrett AT Max is a very nice gold metal detector. It has most of the features that can be found on the AT Pro and the AT Gold, however, it includes even more.
This top of the line gold metal detector features Z-Lync wireless technology that allows you to use your headphones wirelessly.
It also has an additional button that allows you to use and adjust different functions with just one hand.
It also features an upgraded handgrip that will make your hunting experience more enjoyable.
This model features enhanced detection depth, so you should see a substantial increase in your depth detection. It requires 4 AA batteries to operate.
Features:
3 lbs
3 Tone Audio Identification
8.5” x 11” Waterproof Search Coil
Headphone Jack
Manual Ground Balance
Adjustable Length
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
Graphic Target Identification
Average Price – $722.45
10. Minelab GPX 5000
The Minelab GPX 5000 gold metal detector is for serious hunters. This gold metal detector is in a league of its own and rates second in our best metal detector for gold list. It is geared towards professionals that have a lot of experience.
It is easy to use and is excellent at detecting all types of metals. It is customizable and can find treasures in almost any condition.
It is equipped with 6 preset search modes that makes searching much easier. All of these modes can be modified and renamed.
This metal detector can detect objects extra deep. It uses a Li-ion rechargeable battery.
Features:
5.3 lbs
Audio Adjustments
11” Double-D Coil & 15” x 12” Monoloop Coil
Adjustable Length
Automatic Ground Balance
Pinpoint Mode
Sensitivity Adjustment
LCD Screen
Average Price – $3999.00