9 Best Headphones for Metal Detecting (October 2026)

The best headphones for metal detecting include the Garrett Metal Detectors MS-2 Headphones for compatible Garrett detectors, the Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Metal Detector Headphones for Bounty Hunter detectors, and the PROHEAR 037 Bluetooth 6.0 Hearing Protection Headphones for Bluetooth and cable flexibility.

On this page (7 sections)

1. How we chose headphones for metal detecting
2. The best headphones for metal detecting
3. How do you choose between wired and wireless detector headphones?
4. What connection should you check before buying?
5. What makes detector audio clear and comfortable?
6. Are hearing protection earmuffs a good fit for detecting?
7. Which metal detecting headphones should you choose?

The best headphones for metal detecting are the ones that match your detector’s output and let you hear target tones clearly and comfortably. For compatible Garrett models, the MS-2 offers a wired connection and volume control; for the Nokta Legend, consider the low-latency Bluetooth headphones made for it.

Headphones can make faint audio easier to hear and reduce sound leaking to people nearby. The main choice is not simply wired versus wireless: you need a compatible connection, useful sound controls and a fit you can wear throughout a search.

Our guide to detector parts and tools covers other useful gear. If you’re comparing a specific brand, see our guides to Garrett metal detector headphones and Bounty Hunter metal detector headphones.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for compatible Garrett detectors

   Garrett Metal Detectors MS-2 Headphones

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for Bounty Hunter detectors

   Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Metal Detector Headphones

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for Bluetooth and cable flexibility

   PROHEAR 037 Bluetooth 6.0 Hearing Protection Headphones

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   Nokta Makro Bluetooth Low Latency Headphones

   Best for the Nokta Legend
   Check it
5. 5

   PROHEAR 027 AM FM Radio Headphones

   Best for wired audio and hearing protection
   Check it
6. 6

   ZOHAN AM/FM Radio Headphone with Digital Display

   Best for radio listening between signals
   Check it
7. 7

   Bounty Hunter Metal Detector Binaural Headphone HEAD-PL

   Best for a detachable cable
   Check it
8. 8

   ISOtunes Link Bluetooth Earmuffs

   Best for wireless audio off the detector
   Check it
9. 9

   Garrett Clearsound Easy Stow Headphones

   Best for a lightweight corded option
   Check it

How we chose headphones for metal detecting

We compared the listed connection types, detector compatibility, available sound controls, comfort details and other features that may matter during a search. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you’re shopping for.

A detector-specific fit matters most. The Garrett MS-2 names several compatible Garrett models, the Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL excludes the Junior, and Nokta’s Bluetooth model is made for The Legend.

Several general-purpose hearing protection earmuffs offer a 3.5 mm cable, but that does not confirm they work with every detector. Check the detector’s audio output and manual before using an AUX or Bluetooth headset.

The best headphones for metal detecting

The picks below cover detector-specific wired models, a low-latency wireless option and general-purpose earmuffs with cable or Bluetooth connections. Choose by confirmed compatibility first, then weigh comfort and convenience.

1

Garrett Metal Detectors MS-2 Headphones: Best for compatible Garrett detectors

9.7/10Our score

• 1/4 in right-angle stereo plug
• Volume control
• 10 ft reinforced coiled cable
• 8 ohm speaker impedance

A wired option with volume control and a long coiled cable for several Garrett models. Check your detector's socket before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Volume control
• Long coiled cable
• Compatible with several Garrett models

Cons

• Wired connection
• 1/4 in plug may not fit every detector

The Garrett MS-2 is the strongest fit for several Garrett detectors because its compatibility information names the AT Pro, AT Pro International, AT Max, AT Gold, ATX and Sea Hunter. It uses a 1/4 in right-angle stereo plug, so check that your detector has the matching socket.

Its reinforced 10 ft coiled cable gives you room to move without leaving a long straight cord loose. A built-in volume control lets you adjust the signal level at the headphones, and the over-ear pads and comfortable headband support extended wear.

Garrett specifies an 8 ohm speaker impedance. If you use a Garrett model outside the listed compatible group, confirm fit with its manual before ordering.

Choose it for a named compatible Garrett detector and a wired setup. For brand-specific alternatives, compare our Garrett headphone compatibility guide and best Garrett AT Pro headphones.

2

Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Metal Detector Headphones: Best for Bounty Hunter detectors

9.6/10Our score

• 1/4 in stereo plug
• Padded earcups
• Retractable cable
• Volume control

These wired headphones are designed for most Bounty Hunter detectors, except the Junior. Their padded earcups and volume control suit straightforward detector use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Made for most Bounty Hunter detectors
• Padded earcups
• Volume control

Cons

• Not for the Bounty Hunter Junior
• Requires a 1/4 in socket

The Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL is built for most Bounty Hunter detectors, with the Junior excluded. Its 1/4 in stereo plug provides a clear compatibility check: confirm that your model has the matching jack.

The padded earcups and over-ear fit are useful if you prefer a familiar headset over small earbuds. A retractable cable helps manage slack, and the volume control makes it easier to set the level at the headset.

Bounty Hunter says using headphones can help extend detector battery life by avoiding the speaker. That benefit depends on your detector and how you use it.

Choose this for a compatible Bounty Hunter model other than the Junior. See our full guide to Bounty Hunter metal detector headphones if you want to compare more options.

3

PROHEAR 037 Bluetooth 6.0 Hearing Protection Headphones: Best for Bluetooth and cable flexibility

9.5/10Our score

• Bluetooth connection
• 3.5 mm connector and cable
• Rechargeable 1100 mAh battery
• Comfortable headband and ear pads

These hearing protection earmuffs offer Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm cable. The cable gives you a wired option, but confirm your detector's output and whether its audio works with this headset.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Bluetooth and 3.5 mm cable options
• Rechargeable battery
• Padded headband and ear pads

Cons

• Not described as detector-specific
• Detector compatibility needs checking

The PROHEAR 037 offers both Bluetooth and a 3.5 mm audio cable, giving you wired and wireless connection options. It is general-purpose hearing protection, so confirm that the detector supports the connection you plan to use before relying on it for target tones.

Its rechargeable 1100 mAh battery supports Bluetooth use, while the included cable gives you an alternative when your detector has a matching audio output. The padded headband and soft ear pads are designed for longer wear, and the earmuffs have controls that can be adjusted while wearing gloves.

PROHEAR gives an 80 ft wireless range and 30 dB SNR for hearing protection. Those features describe its phone and work use, not guaranteed compatibility or response speed with a metal detector.

Choose it if you want one headset with Bluetooth and a cable option. For detector-specific wireless choices, compare our guide to best wireless headphones for metal detectors.

4

Nokta Makro Bluetooth Low Latency Headphones: Best for the Nokta Legend

9.4/10Our score

• Bluetooth wireless connection
• aptX Low Latency
• Compatible with Nokta The Legend

Made for The Legend, these wireless headphones use aptX Low Latency. Choose them when you want to avoid a cable and your detector supports this connection.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Made for The Legend
• Low-latency Bluetooth

Cons

• Detector-specific compatibility
• No wired jack

Nokta’s Bluetooth Low Latency Headphones are made for The Legend, which makes them the clearest wireless match in this roundup. They use aptX Low Latency to provide faster audio response than standard Bluetooth, according to Nokta’s product description.

The wireless connection avoids a cable between the headphones and detector. The main limitation is compatibility: the listed fit is specifically for The Legend, so do not assume they work with other Nokta models.

If you own a Legend, compare the options in our best Nokta Legend headphones guide and read about Nokta metal detector headphones.

Choose these when you have The Legend and want wireless audio designed for detecting. For other wireless setups, check detector support before buying.

5

PROHEAR 027 AM FM Radio Headphones: Best for wired audio and hearing protection

9.1/10Our score

• 3.5 mm AUX port
• 25 dB NRR
• 85 dB volume limit
• Padded headband and ear cushions

These earmuffs combine an AUX input with hearing protection features. Match the 3.5 mm connection to your detector's audio output before buying.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• 3.5 mm AUX input
• Padded headband and cushions
• Volume limit and hearing protection rating

Cons

• Uses 2 AA batteries
• Detector compatibility needs checking

The PROHEAR 027 combines hearing protection earmuffs with an AUX input and AM/FM radio. Its 3.5 mm AUX port may work with a detector that has a matching output, but confirm that the detector sends target audio through that connection.

The padded headband and ear cushions are built for comfort, and the headset has a stated 25 dB NRR with an 85 dB volume limit. Its AUX, AM and FM modes use 2 AA batteries, which are not included.

This is a general-purpose headset for noisy work environments, rather than a detector-specific model. Check the detector manual before choosing it for signal listening.

Choose it if you need an AUX connection and hearing protection earmuffs. Consider whether the radio features and battery requirement suit your detecting setup.

6

ZOHAN AM/FM Radio Headphone with Digital Display: Best for radio listening between signals

9.0/10Our score

• Digital AM/FM tuning
• 3.5 mm AUX jack
• 25 dB NRR
• Replaceable snap-in ear cushions

These radio earmuffs include an AUX jack, so they may suit a detector with a matching output. Check compatibility and whether radio functions fit your detecting needs.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• AUX jack
• Digital radio display
• Replaceable ear cushions

Cons

• Radio features may be unnecessary for detecting
• Requires 2 AA batteries

The ZOHAN AM/FM radio earmuffs include a 3.5 mm AUX jack, digital radio tuning and hearing protection. They may be an option for a detector with a compatible audio output, but their radio functions do not guarantee detector compatibility.

The wider, padded headband and replaceable snap-in ear cushions are practical details for longer sessions. They run on 2 AA batteries, and the digital display shows radio information.

Because the ZOHAN is designed as a radio hearing protector, check how its AUX input handles detector audio and whether its fit lets you hear the tones you need. The exact model details matter more than its general audio features.

Choose it if radio listening between signals is useful and your detector connection matches. Skip it if you want a simple detector-specific headset.

7

Bounty Hunter Metal Detector Binaural Headphone HEAD-PL: Best for a detachable cable

8.9/10Our score

• Wired connection
• Detachable cable
• Over-ear fit

This Bounty Hunter binaural model has a detachable cable. Confirm the plug type and detector fit before choosing it, since those details determine whether it will connect.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Detachable cable
• Over-ear design

Cons

• Plug type is not specified here
• Compatibility needs checking

The Bounty Hunter binaural HEAD-PL is a wired over-ear option with a detachable cable. That feature can make cable replacement or storage easier, but the connector type is not specified here, so verify it before buying.

Bounty Hunter describes the headphones as helping you hear faint signals and extend battery life by reducing use of the detector speaker. Those benefits depend on the detector connection and normal use.

This model suits buyers who want a traditional wired headset and already know it fits their detector. If you have a Bounty Hunter detector, compare it with the more clearly specified HEAD-PL model for Bounty Hunter detectors.

Choose it only after confirming both plug type and model compatibility. The detachable cable is useful, but it does not replace those checks.

8

ISOtunes Link Bluetooth Earmuffs: Best for wireless audio off the detector

8.7/10Our score

• Bluetooth 5.0
• 25 dB NRR
• Padded headband and memory foam cushions
• No headphone jack

These Bluetooth hearing protection earmuffs are designed for phone audio and calls. They have no headphone jack, so use them for detector signals only if your detector supports compatible Bluetooth audio.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Wireless Bluetooth
• Padded headband and memory foam cushions
• Hearing protection rating

Cons

• No headphone jack
• Detector compatibility needs checking

The ISOtunes Link earmuffs connect by Bluetooth and have no headphone jack. They are designed for wireless audio and calls, so detector use depends on your detector supporting compatible Bluetooth audio with a suitable response.

A padded headband and memory foam cushions address comfort, while the 25 dB NRR and 85 dB audio limit are aimed at hearing protection. The rechargeable battery is rated for up to 50 hours of audio, with optional AAA backup.

These work earmuffs may suit someone who already uses Bluetooth audio for other tasks. For metal detecting, verify the exact detector and headset connection before counting on them for target signals.

Choose them for wireless versatility when your detector is confirmed compatible. If not, a wired detector headset is the safer match.

9

Garrett Clearsound Easy Stow Headphones: Best for a lightweight corded option

7.9/10Our score

• Corded electric power
• 82 in extended length
• 100 g item weight
• IP65 rating

This corded Garrett model weighs 100 g and extends to 82 in. Check its connector and your detector's compatibility before choosing it.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Lightweight at 100 g
• 82 in extended length

Cons

• Plug type is not specified here
• Compatibility needs checking

The Garrett Clearsound Easy Stow is a corded option with an 82 in extended length and a stated weight of 100 g. Those details may appeal if you want a light headset with room to move around the detector.

The available connector type and compatible detector models are not specified here. Confirm both before buying, especially if you are comparing it with the Garrett MS-2, which has a defined 1/4 in plug and named compatible detectors.

Choose it when its connector and fit are confirmed for your Garrett detector. If you want clearer compatibility details, the MS-2 is the more straightforward pick in this roundup.

How do you choose between wired and wireless detector headphones?

Wired headphones are usually the simpler choice when their plug matches your detector. They need no wireless pairing, but cable length and slack can affect comfort while moving.

Wireless headphones remove the cable, but only if your detector supports the headset’s wireless system. Latency matters because a delay between a target response and what you hear can make signals harder to interpret, so detector-specific low-latency options are worth considering.

A Bluetooth headset made for phones is not automatically suitable for a detector. Check the detector manual for supported headphone types, wireless protocols and any required pairing steps.

What connection should you check before buying?

Check the detector’s headphone jack or wireless support before choosing a headset. A 1/4 in plug and a 3.5 mm AUX connection are different sizes, and even a physical match does not always confirm that the detector routes audio as expected.

Garrett MS-2 and Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL use 1/4 in plugs. PROHEAR 037 includes a 3.5 mm cable, while PROHEAR 027 and ZOHAN have AUX inputs.

Confirm the exact detector model and connection in its manual.

Brand-specific compatibility can narrow the search. Read about Minelab metal detector headphones and Fisher metal detector headphones before choosing a general-purpose headset.

What makes detector audio clear and comfortable?

A clear fit depends on your detector’s tone output, the headset connection and how well the earcups sit over your ears. Volume control can help you set a useful listening level, while padded earcups and an adjustable headband can make longer sessions more comfortable.

Over-ear earmuffs may also reduce outside noise, but strong isolation can make it harder to hear people or surroundings. Keep awareness of nearby people, vehicles and changing conditions while detecting.

The target tone is only part of how you decide what to dig. Our guide explains what conductivity means in metal detecting and how it relates to target signals.

Are hearing protection earmuffs a good fit for detecting?

Hearing protection earmuffs can work for detecting if they connect properly and let you hear target tones. Some have AUX cables or Bluetooth, but work features such as radio, noise reduction and phone calls do not confirm detector compatibility.

PROHEAR and ZOHAN models offer wired AUX connections, while PROHEAR 037 and ISOtunes Link offer Bluetooth. Match the connection to your detector and consider whether the volume limit or noise isolation suits the sounds you need to hear.

Which metal detecting headphones should you choose?

Choose Garrett MS-2 if you have one of its named compatible Garrett models and want a 1/4 in wired headset with volume control. Pick Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL for a compatible Bounty Hunter detector, excluding Junior, or the Nokta low-latency headphones for The Legend.

If you want Bluetooth or hearing protection, confirm detector support before choosing general-purpose earmuffs. Then consider comfort, cable management and whether the controls are easy to use while detecting.

If you're weighing the cost of gear against time in the field, read is metal detecting worth it before adding accessories. For model-specific choices, compare Minelab Manticore headphones, Manticore wireless headphones and X-Terra Pro wireless headphones.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for compatible Garrett detectors

   Garrett Metal Detectors MS-2 Headphones

   9.7/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for Bounty Hunter detectors

   Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL Metal Detector Headphones

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for Bluetooth and cable flexibility

   PROHEAR 037 Bluetooth 6.0 Hearing Protection Headphones

   9.5/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What headphones work with a metal detector?

Headphones work with a metal detector when the plug or wireless connection matches the detector’s audio output. Check the detector manual for its jack size and supported wireless systems.

A matching plug shape alone may not confirm compatibility, so use the detector model’s guidance when available.

Are wireless headphones good for metal detecting?

Wireless headphones can reduce cable snagging, but the detector must support a compatible wireless system and respond quickly enough for target signals. Low-latency headphones made for a specific detector can help avoid delay.

If compatibility is unclear, wired headphones with the correct plug are the simpler option.

Do metal detecting headphones need volume control?

Volume control lets you adjust signal level at the headphones without changing your detector settings. It can be useful when faint tones and louder alerts need different listening levels.

Check whether the control is on the headset or the detector, and keep volume comfortable during long sessions.

Can I use hearing protection earmuffs with a metal detector?

Some earmuffs include an AUX cable or Bluetooth and may connect to a detector with a matching output. PROHEAR 037 and PROHEAR 027 include cable options, but compatibility depends on the detector.

Confirm the connection and audio behavior before relying on work earmuffs for target signals.

Why do detector headphones use a 1/4 inch plug?

Some detector headphones use a 1/4 in stereo plug, including the Garrett MS-2 and Bounty Hunter HEAD-PL. Other detectors and headsets may use different connectors.

Check your detector's manual before buying, and use only an adapter that preserves the connection and audio functions you need.