8 Best Metal Detector Starter Kits (November 2026)

The best metal detector starter kits include the MINELAB X-Terra Voyager Metal Detector Kit for for adult beginners, the Blue Marble National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit for young learners, and the SUNPOW Kids Metal Detector with Treasure Animation for playful family hunts.

On this page (7 sections)

1. The best metal detector starter kits for first hunts
2. Which metal detector starter kit is easiest to use?
3. Which starter kit is best for beaches and shallow water?
4. How should you set up a metal detector starter kit?
5. What digging tools should a starter kit include?
6. What can you find with a beginner metal detector?
7. Best metal detector starter kit: final choice

The best metal detector starter kit for most adults is the MINELAB X-Terra Voyager, because it pairs an 11 in waterproof coil with four search modes, target ID, pinpoint mode and useful accessories. Families can save setup work with a complete kids’ kit that includes digging tools and batteries.

A starter kit should do more than detect metal. It should fit the person using it, include enough recovery gear for a first outing and make the main controls easy to understand.

For a broader look at the best metal detectors for beginners, compare detector size and controls before choosing a bundle. If the detector will be shared by adults and children, our guide to the best beginner metal detectors for adults can help you focus on fit.

Our picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for adult beginners

   MINELAB X-Terra Voyager Metal Detector Kit for

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for young learners

   Blue Marble National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for playful family hunts

   SUNPOW Kids Metal Detector with Treasure Animation

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

4. 4

   DetectTrek Metal Detector for Kids

   Best for adjustable kids’ controls
   Check it
5. 5

   Consciot Metal Detector for Adults & Kids

   Best for shared family use
   Check it
6. 6

   xiutantxmd PRO-Z60 Metal Detector for Adults 16"

   Best for deeper-target claims
   Check it
7. 7

   Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Starter Bundle

   Best for ready-to-dig accessories
   Check it
8. 8

   SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults & Kids

   Best for simple four-mode use
   Check it

The best metal detector starter kits for first hunts

The best metal detector starter kit depends on who will use it and where you plan to search. Adult-focused models give you larger coils and longer shafts, while kids’ kits reduce weight and add simple controls or playful displays.

We compared the stated coils, controls, shaft ranges and included tools. Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for.

The scores help show the best fit for each use, not a guarantee of results in every soil type.

1

MINELAB X-Terra Voyager Metal Detector Kit for: Best for adult beginners

9.6/10Our score

• 11 in waterproof coil
• 4 search modes
• 7 discrimination segments
• Backpack, headphones and shovel included

The Voyager combines a full-size 11 in coil with straightforward controls and useful accessories. Its adjustable shaft collapses to 28.3 in for transport.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Large waterproof coil
• Four search modes
• Target ID and pinpoint mode
• Backpack included

Cons

• Battery powered
• Adult-focused shaft and kit design

The MINELAB X-Terra Voyager is the strongest all-around choice for an adult starting with a complete kit. Its 11 in waterproof coil gives it a larger search area than the smaller kids’ coils, which can help when you want to cover parks, fields or beaches with fewer passes.

Four search modes, including All Metal, Custom, Jewelry and Learn, give you room to start simply and adjust as you gain experience. The seven discrimination segments help you choose how much unwanted metal to filter, while the visual Target ID numbers give you information before you dig.

Pinpoint mode helps narrow a target location so you can dig smaller holes. The adjustable shaft collapses to 28.3 in, and the 2.8 lb detector comes with premium headphones, a collapsible shovel and a sturdy backpack.

Use the Voyager when you want a complete adult setup with room to grow. Its battery-powered design means you should plan for compatible replacement batteries before a long outing.

2

Blue Marble National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit: Best for young learners

9.6/10Our score

• 7.4 in waterproof coil
• Adjustable arm length
• Trowel and learning guide included
• Detects objects up to 4 in deep

This simple kit gives children a lightweight detector, a trowel and a full-color learning guide. The waterproof coil is suitable for shallow beach and outdoor searching.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Simple operation
• Adjustable design
• Trowel included
• Learning guide included

Cons

• Designed for kids
• Smaller coil than adult picks

The Blue Marble National Geographic kit is best for children ages 8 to 12 who need a simple introduction to detecting. The 7.4 in waterproof dual coil can detect objects up to 4 in deep, making it suited to shallow searching on beaches and in backyards.

Operation is straightforward for a first detector. When the detector finds metal, LED and audio alerts tell the child to investigate, so there are fewer controls to learn before the first hunt.

That clear feedback helps build confidence without asking a child to read numbers or change settings. A child can start with a simple sweep and listen for the response.

The adjustable arm length and comfort grip help children find a workable fit. A lighter detector is easier to swing for longer periods, which matters when a young user is still learning how to keep the coil level.

The kit also includes a heavy-duty trowel and a full-color learning guide. The trowel gives a child a proper tool for lifting soil, while the guide adds reading material about detecting and outdoor discovery.

Set the arm length before you head out so the coil can sweep close to the ground. Rinse the coil after wet sand use and store the detector dry.

Choose this kit when a young learner values simple feedback over advanced settings. Its smaller coil and child-focused design are less suitable if several adults want to use the same detector.

3

SUNPOW Kids Metal Detector with Treasure Animation: Best for playful family hunts

9.4/10Our score

• Animated LED treasure display
• 23.6–27.6 in adjustable stem
• Waterproof coil
• Shovel, rake, bag and 9V battery included

The MD20 uses one-button operation, animated treasure graphics and a lightweight adjustable stem to keep younger users engaged. The kit also includes basic digging and carry gear.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Very light
• Simple one-button use
• Animated display
• Shovel, rake and bag included

Cons

• Kids’ size range
• Control box must stay dry

The SUNPOW MD20 is a playful option for children ages 6 to 12. Its animated LED treasure display shows cartoon bones when metal is found, giving younger users a clear visual response during a backyard, park or beach hunt.

One-button operation keeps the first setup simple. The stem adjusts from 23.6 to 27.6 in, and the detector weighs about 1.2 lb, so it is easier for small arms to swing than heavier adult models.

That light weight is a real help on a long family outing. Children can sweep for a while without tiring as quickly, and the adjustable stem lets them grow into the detector as they get taller.

The sealed search coil handles water splashes, wet sand and muddy gardens, but the control box must stay dry. Keep the main unit out of puddles and streams even when the coil is in shallow water.

The kit includes a plastic shovel, rake, drawstring bag and 9V battery, with an average battery life of about 9 hours. The shovel and rake suit soft ground, while the bag keeps the small parts together for travel.

Pick the MD20 when keeping a child interested matters most. Its animated display and light weight are the main advantages, while adults looking for detailed target information should consider a more advanced model.

4

DetectTrek Metal Detector for Kids: Best for adjustable kids’ controls

9.3/10Our score

• 8 in waterproof coil
• 3 detection modes
• 30–41 in adjustable length
• Backpack, earphone, shovel, rake and 2 batteries included

DetectTrek adds three detection modes and an adjustable 30–41 in shaft to a complete kids’ kit. Its LCD backlight can help with visibility in bright or dim conditions.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Three detection modes
• Long adjustable shaft
• Complete accessory set
• 2 batteries included

Cons

• Control box is not waterproof
• Limited battery life for included batteries

The DetectTrek kit gives children ages 8 to 12 more control options than the simplest kids detectors. Its 3 detection modes can detect most metal, reject ferrous targets or filter some low-conductor non-ferrous targets.

Mode 1 is the broad choice for finding most metal objects. Mode 2 can reject iron targets, which may help a child spend less time digging small iron pieces.

Mode 3 filters some low-conductor non-ferrous targets. That setting can help focus a hunt on items such as copper and silver coins, though it is best learned with an adult nearby.

The 8 in waterproof coil can detect typical US coins up to 4 in underground in benign soil conditions. Keep the control box dry, even when searching around beaches, creeks or wet ground.

Its shaft adjusts from 30 to 41 in, and the LCD backlight can improve screen visibility in bright or dim conditions. The package includes a backpack, earphone, plastic shovel, rake and 2 9V batteries.

The included batteries have limited life, so keep spares available for longer sessions. Choose DetectTrek when a child is ready for basic discrimination controls and needs a kit with several accessories.

5

Consciot Metal Detector for Adults & Kids: Best for shared family use

9.0/10Our score

• 8 in waterproof coil
• All Metal and DISC modes
• 42.7–53.5 in adjustable length
• Bag, steel shovel, headphones and 2 batteries included

The Consciot is sized for adults and kids ages 8–12, making it a practical shared detector. Its two modes keep operation simple while the backlit display supports low-light use.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Adult and child length range
• Waterproof IP68 coil
• Headphones and shovel included
• Two detection modes

Cons

• Heavier at 4 lb
• Battery powered

The Consciot is a practical shared detector for adults and children ages 8 to 12. Its shaft adjusts from 42.7 to 53.5 in, giving different users a better chance of finding a comfortable height without moving to a separate detector.

That long range is the main reason to choose this model for a family. An adult can extend the stem for a full sweep, while a child can shorten it so the coil stays controlled.

The 8 in waterproof coil suits beaches, riversides, lakeshores, lawns and backyards. All Metal mode detects all targets, while DISC mode filters unwanted items, giving beginners a simple choice between broad searching and basic rejection.

Use All Metal when you want to learn what is in the ground. Switch to DISC when repeated trash signals slow the hunt and you want a cleaner set of targets.

A backlit LCD/LED display supports reading in low light. The kit includes a carrying bag, steel shovel, headphones and 2 high-capacity 9V batteries, so the main recovery and carry gear is covered.

At 4 lb, it is heavier than the other family-oriented choices here. Pick it when adult reach and shared use matter more than keeping the detector as light as possible.

6

xiutantxmd PRO-Z60 Metal Detector for Adults 16": Best for deeper-target claims

8.7/10Our score

• 19.2 kHz operating frequency
• 12 in Double-D waterproof coil
• Automatic and manual ground balance
• Pinpointer, headphones, backpack, shovel and 2 batteries included

The PRO-Z60 is aimed at adults who want a larger coil, ground balance and high-frequency operation. Its complete kit includes a handheld pinpointer and several recovery accessories.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Ground balance
• Large Double-D coil
• Backlit LCD
• Pinpointer included

Cons

• Main unit is not waterproof
• More controls than simple starter models

The xiutantxmd PRO-Z60 is aimed at adults who want deeper-target claims and more adjustment options in a starter bundle. It uses a 19.2 kHz operating frequency, a 12 in Double-D waterproof coil and automatic or manual ground balance.

The larger coil covers more ground than the 8 in family models. The brand says it can pinpoint a quarter at 16 in and has a maximum detection depth of 6 ft, but actual results depend on target size, soil and conditions.

The shaft adjusts from 25 to 53 in and collapses to 27 in. The kit includes a handheld pinpointer with holster, headphones, backpack, angle-adjustable digging shovel and 2 batteries.

The coil and wires can handle shallow-water detection, but the main unit and connection port are not waterproof. Choose PRO-Z60 when you want ground balance, a large coil and a pinpointer, and you are comfortable learning more controls.

7

Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector Starter Bundle: Best for ready-to-dig accessories

8.4/10Our score

• 6.5 x 9 in waterproof searchcoil
• Digital Target ID from 0 to 99
• Headphones, shovel, gloves and knee pads included
• 4 AA batteries included

The ACE 200 bundle focuses on simple operation and recovery comfort. It includes protective gloves, knee pads, a shovel, headphones and batteries for a ready-to-dig setup.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Simple controls
• Digital Target ID
• Recovery gear included
• Waterproof searchcoil

Cons

• Control box is not waterproof
• Smaller coil than several picks

The Garrett ACE 200 bundle is a simple adult and family option with recovery gear that supports longer digging sessions. Its 6.5 x 9 in waterproof PROformance searchcoil can be used in shallow water, streams or damp shoreline sand, while the control box must stay dry.

The detector uses touch-and-go operation, a Digital Target ID scale from 0 to 99 and audio tones. Those features help beginners compare target conductivity before deciding whether to dig.

Touch-and-go operation means a new user can start searching without learning a long menu. The Target ID and tones give more clues than a simple beep, while keeping the controls easy to follow.

The bundle includes headphones, a digging shovel, protective knee pads, safety gloves and 4 AA batteries. Headphones help in noisy places, and the gloves and knee pads make digging in hard or rough ground more comfortable.

Its adjustable stem and 2.7 lb weight make it manageable for many users. That balance suits adults who want a detector they can carry across a park or beach without strain.

Pick the ACE 200 when protective recovery gear matters as much as the detector. It has a smaller coil than the Voyager and PRO-Z60, but the included gloves and knee pads make the bundle feel ready for a full outing.

8

SUNPOW Metal Detector for Adults & Kids: Best for simple four-mode use

8.0/10Our score

• 4 detection modes
• 8 in waterproof coil
• Backlit LCD
• Shovel, headphones and 2 batteries included

The SUNPOW MD13 gives families four clearly named modes in a lightweight kit. Its adjustable stem and backlit display make it suitable for adults and kids ages 8–12.

See it on Amazon

Pros

• Four modes
• Lightweight
• Backlit LCD
• Headphones and shovel included

Cons

• Battery powered
• Control box should stay out of water

The SUNPOW MD13 is a lightweight family kit with four clearly named modes. All Metal searches broadly, Notch filters iron trash, Pinpoint narrows a target location and Memory focuses on selected valuable targets.

Those mode names make the first hunt easier to follow. A child can learn All Metal first, then try Notch when iron trash becomes a problem.

Pinpoint is useful once a signal is found. It helps narrow the spot before digging, which can keep holes smaller and make recovery faster.

Its 8 in waterproof coil suits shallow rivers, shorelines and wet sand when the main unit remains dry. The large backlit LCD displays target ID and depth, which can be easier to read in low light.

The adjustable stem works for adults and kids ages 8 to 12, while the detector weighs about 1.4 lb. That light build makes it easy to hand from one family member to another during a shared hunt.

The kit includes a digger shovel, comfortable headphones and 2 batteries. Headphones can help a user hear faint signals in a busy park, and the shovel covers basic digging needs.

Choose the MD13 when you want more modes than a basic kids detector without moving to a heavier adult model. Its lower score reflects the smaller coil and simpler overall kit compared with the higher-ranked picks.

Which metal detector starter kit is easiest to use?

The easiest metal detector starter kits use a small number of clear controls and give quick audio or screen feedback. The Blue Marble kit and SUNPOW MD20 are the simplest choices for children, while the Voyager keeps adult controls straightforward with four named modes.

Start with the best easy-to-use metal detectors if you want fewer adjustments. Simple controls reduce setup time, but they may offer less control over unwanted targets than a detector with discrimination or ground balance.

The Garrett ACE 200 also uses touch-and-go operation. Its Digital Target ID gives more information than an audio-only signal without requiring the full set of adjustments found on the PRO-Z60.

Which starter kit is best for beaches and shallow water?

For beach and shallow-water searching, choose a kit with a waterproof search coil and keep the control box dry unless full waterproofing is clearly stated. The Voyager, Garrett ACE 200, Consciot, DetectTrek, PRO-Z60 and SUNPOW kits all describe waterproof coils.

A waterproof coil is useful for wet sand and shallow water, but it does not remove the need for careful handling. The DetectTrek and Consciot both identify the search coil as waterproof while keeping the control box out of water.

Think of the coil as the part built for wet ground. The control box holds the electronics and should stay above splashes, waves and puddles.

Saltwater and mineralized sand can affect signals. Use the detector's discrimination or other available settings, sweep slowly and check targets from more than one direction before digging.

Slow sweeps give the detector more time to respond. Crossing a target from another angle can also help you judge its location before you dig.

Rinse sand and salt from the coil after a beach hunt. Dry the coil and cable, then store the kit so moisture does not sit on connectors.

Check local rules before searching a beach or park. Some areas limit digging, and shallow water searches should still follow local guidance.

Keep the search coil parallel to the ground for a steady signal. A level sweep is easier to read than a tilted or rushed pass.

How should you set up a metal detector starter kit?

Set up the shaft to a height that lets the search coil stay level while your arm remains relaxed. Attach the coil and cable securely, install the correct batteries, connect headphones if included and begin outdoors away from strong interference.

Keep the coil parallel to the ground as you sweep. Move slowly and overlap each pass, because a fast or uneven swing can make it harder to compare signals.

Use All Metal when you want the broadest search. Switch to DISC or Notch when you want to reject some unwanted metal, then use pinpoint mode when available to narrow the target before digging.

For beginners who want automatic adjustments, see the guide to beginner metal detectors with auto tune. Auto-tune features can reduce setup work, but you still need to learn the detector’s audio and display responses.

What digging tools should a starter kit include?

A starter kit should include at least one digging tool that matches the ground you plan to search. The Voyager includes a collapsible shovel, the Blue Marble kit includes a trowel and the Garrett bundle includes a digging shovel, gloves and knee pads.

The SUNPOW MD20 and DetectTrek kits include a plastic shovel and rake. The Consciot includes a steel shovel, and the PRO-Z60 includes an angle-adjustable digging shovel.

A trowel is a good fit for shallow targets in lawns and garden soil. It lets you lift a small plug and check the hole without making a large mess.

A shovel suits deeper digging in loose sand and soil. A collapsible or angle-adjustable shovel is easier to carry, while a steel shovel is better for firmer ground.

A rake can move loose surface material before you search. It is most useful on beaches and soft ground where debris covers the top layer.

Gloves and knee pads make digging safer and more comfortable. They help when you kneel on rough ground or pull roots and stones from a hole.

Headphones and a carry bag also matter in a starter kit. Headphones help you hear signals in noisy places, and a bag keeps tools together between hunts.

Match the tool to the place you will search most. A plastic shovel and rake suit a child on a beach, while an adult in a park may prefer a sturdier shovel.

Follow local rules, refill every hole and leave public areas as you found them. Clean mud and sand from tools after each outing and store them dry.

What can you find with a beginner metal detector?

Beginner metal detectors can locate metal objects such as coins, rings, jewelry and relics, but depth and target response vary with the object, soil, coil and detector settings. A target ID can guide your decision, but it cannot identify every object with certainty.

Small objects are often harder to find than large ones. A thin coin, a small ring and a large piece of scrap metal can each give a different signal.

Soil also changes what a detector can do. Dry sand, wet sand, clay and mineralized ground can all affect depth and stability.

Our guide to What Can You Find With a Metal Detector? explains common target types and realistic expectations. You can also read [What Is a Metal Detector Used For?

The Basics](/what-is-a-metal-detector-used-for/) before choosing between hobby searching, family activities and more focused detecting.

Coins are a common first find because they are metal and often lost in parks and beaches. Rings and jewelry can also be found, though small gold items may need careful settings and slow sweeps.

Relics and older items are possible in suitable places, but results depend on local history and access rules. Many sites do not allow digging, so always check permission before you search.

Trash is part of normal detecting. Nails, foil, pull tabs and other metal waste can produce signals that sound promising at first.

Target ID can help you sort likely trash from possible finds. It is a guide, not a guarantee, so you will still need to dig and check.

Pinpoint mode, when available, helps narrow a target before you dig. A smaller hole makes recovery easier and leaves less mark on the ground.

Set realistic expectations for a first hunt. Finding a few coins or a piece of jewelry is a good result, while learning how your detector sounds is also progress.

Best metal detector starter kit: final choice

The MINELAB X-Terra Voyager is the best metal detector starter kit for most adults because it combines a large 11 in waterproof coil, four modes, Target ID, pinpoint mode and useful accessories. Choose the Blue Marble or SUNPOW MD20 for younger children, the Consciot for shared family use and the PRO-Z60 for more advanced adult controls.

That adult choice works because the Voyager covers the main needs of a first serious kit. The coil suits parks, fields and beaches, and the modes give room to learn without a steep setup.

Kids kits should be judged by ease and fit first. A light detector with simple feedback is better for a young user than a heavier model with settings they will not use.

The Consciot suits a household that wants one detector for more than one person. Its long shaft range helps adults and older children share the same kit.

The PRO-Z60 suits adults who want ground balance and a larger coil. It asks for more learning, so it fits a user who is ready for extra controls.

The Garrett ACE 200 remains a sensible pick for recovery comfort. Gloves, knee pads and a shovel make longer digging sessions easier from the first day.

Prioritize fit, coil type, included recovery tools and waterproof boundaries before comparing extra features. A starter kit works best when the detector matches the person using it and the places you plan to search.

Check what is waterproof before a wet hunt. A waterproof coil helps at the shore, but the control box should stay dry unless the maker states otherwise.

Check battery type and carry gear before you buy. Batteries, headphones, a digging tool and a bag all affect how ready the kit is for a real outing.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

1. 1
   Best for adult beginners

   MINELAB X-Terra Voyager Metal Detector Kit for

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
2. 2
   Best for young learners

   Blue Marble National Geographic Starter Metal Detector Kit

   9.6/10 our score

   See it on Amazon
3. 3
   Best for playful family hunts

   SUNPOW Kids Metal Detector with Treasure Animation

   9.4/10 our score

   See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What should a metal detector starter kit include?

A useful metal detector starter kit should include the detector, a search coil, a power source and basic recovery gear. Headphones, a shovel or trowel and a carry bag can make the first outing easier.

Check the exact contents because kits vary.

The MINELAB includes headphones, a collapsible shovel and backpack, while the Garrett bundle adds gloves and knee pads.

What is the best metal detector starter kit for adults?

The MINELAB X-Terra Voyager is the strongest adult starter kit here because it combines an 11 in waterproof coil, four search modes, target ID, pinpoint mode, headphones, a shovel and a backpack.

The Garrett ACE 200 is another simple adult option, while the PRO-Z60 suits buyers who want ground balance and a larger coil.

Can kids use an adult metal detector?

Some adults-and-kids models have enough shaft adjustment for shared use, but a kids’ detector is often easier for younger users to swing. The Consciot adjusts from 42.7 to 53.5 in, while the SUNPOW MD20 is designed for ages 6–12 and weighs about 1.2 lb.

Choose by fit and weight before adding advanced controls.

Can a waterproof metal detector go underwater?

A waterproof search coil can usually handle shallow water, wet sand or splashes, but that does not make the control box waterproof. The PRO-Z60, Garrett ACE 200, DetectTrek and SUNPOW kits all require care around the main unit.

Keep the control box and connection points above the water unless the product specifically allows full immersion.

How do you choose a beginner metal detector?

Choose a beginner metal detector by user fit, coil size, controls and included recovery tools. A lighter kit with simple modes suits a child or casual family hunt, while an adult may prefer a larger coil, target ID and pinpoint mode.

Also check shaft length, battery type and which parts are waterproof before you buy.