6 Best Professional Metal Detectors (November 2026)
The best professional metal detectors include the MINELAB X-Terra Elite All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof for advanced all-terrain hunting, the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector for detailed audio feedback, and the MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof for switchable-frequency control.
On this page (4 sections)
The best professional metal detector for most experienced hobbyists is the MINELAB X-Terra Elite, because Multi-IQ technology, IP68 waterproofing, 6 search modes and 30 discrimination segments cover the needs of advanced park, field and beach hunting. The Garrett AT Pro is a strong alternative for detailed proportional audio, while the X-Terra PRO suits hunters who want switchable-frequency control.
This comparison focuses on advanced hobby detectors with fine controls, useful target information and practical handling. We compared the stated features, waterproof protection, search modes, discrimination controls, portability and included tools.
If you are still learning the difference between search modes and target response, start with what a metal detector is used for and then review what you can find with a metal detector.
Our picks at a glance
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1
Best for advanced all-terrain huntingMINELAB X-Terra Elite All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for switchable-frequency controlMINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
- 4
Check itGarrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Bundle
Best for target ID and recovery tools - 5
Check itBOXTREN Metal Detector for Adults
Best for a complete adjustable kit - 6
Check itULHUND Metal Detector for Adults
Best for lightweight portable searching
The best professional metal detectors for experienced hunters
The MINELAB X-Terra Elite leads for broad all-terrain control, while the Garrett AT Pro and MINELAB X-Terra PRO offer different ways to interpret and manage targets. The remaining picks trade some advanced control for portability, included tools or simpler setup.
Our score weighs specs, features and buyer feedback against what you're shopping for. Scores also consider how well each model fits the needs of someone searching for a professional metal detector with more control than a basic starter machine.
| Product | Best for | Waterproof rating | Weight | Search coil | Our score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MINELAB X-Terra Elite All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof | advanced all-terrain hunting | IP68 | 2.8 lb | 12 in | 9.7 |
| Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector | detailed audio feedback | 1.37 kg | 9.6 | ||
| MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof | switchable-frequency control | IP68 | 2.8 lb | 9.6 | |
| Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Bundle | target ID and recovery tools | IP54 | 8.9 | ||
| BOXTREN Metal Detector for Adults | a complete adjustable kit | 12 in | 8.6 | ||
| ULHUND Metal Detector for Adults | lightweight portable searching | 2.4 lb | 11 in | 8.5 |
MINELAB X-Terra Elite All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof: Best for advanced all-terrain hunting
- Multi-IQ technology
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 6 pre-programmed search modes
- 30 discrimination segments
Multi-IQ technology, 6 search modes and 30 discrimination segments give experienced hunters room to fine-tune searches across parks, fields and beaches.
Pros
- Multi-IQ technology
- 6 terrain-focused search modes
- Backlit controls and handgrip vibration
Cons
- The control range may take time to learn
- Battery-powered operation needs charging or battery planning
The MINELAB X-Terra Elite is the best professional metal detector here for hunters who want one machine for parks, fields and beaches. Multi-IQ technology combines multiple detection responses, while the 2 Park, 2 Field and 2 Beach modes give you a clear starting point for different ground types.
The detector has 30 discrimination segments, so you can decide more carefully which target ranges to accept or reject. Pinpoint mode helps narrow a target's location before digging, which can reduce unnecessary disturbance to the ground.
The IP68 rating supports fully waterproof use, and the 12 in search coil covers a broad sweep. The 2.8 lb weight and 3-piece shaft design also make it easier to carry between search areas.
Low-light details include a control pod flashlight, red backlight display, backlit keypad and handgrip vibration. Those controls may help when daylight fades, although you will still need time to learn how each adjustment changes the detector's response.
Choose the X-Terra Elite if you want the broadest combination of multi-frequency technology, terrain modes and discrimination control in this group.
Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector: Best for detailed audio feedback
- Waterproof to 10 ft
- Proportional Audio
- 40 iron discrimination levels
- MS-2 headphones included
The AT Pro combines proportional audio, tone roll and 40 iron discrimination levels for hunters who prefer using sound and target separation as part of their decision.
Pros
- Proportional Audio
- 40 iron discrimination levels
- MS-2 headphones included
Cons
- Waterproof depth is 10 ft
- The audio system rewards practice
The Garrett AT Pro is the best choice here for hunters who learn from sound as much as from the screen. Proportional Audio and Tone Roll provide more detail in the target response, which can help you judge conductivity and depth as you sweep.
Its 40 levels of iron discrimination give you fine control around iron debris. Fast recovery and target separation also matter in sites where several objects sit close together.
The AT Pro is waterproof to 10 ft, making it suitable for shallow water and wet environments. It includes MS-2 headphones, which can help you focus on weaker signals and reduce surrounding noise.
This detector uses an LCD display and has a listed weight of 1.37 kg. Its biggest trade-off is that its waterproof depth is lower than the fully waterproof MINELAB models in this roundup.
Pick the AT Pro if detailed audio is central to your hunting style and 10 ft of waterproof depth covers your usual locations.
MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof: Best for switchable-frequency control
- PRO-SWITCH technology
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 6 pre-programmed search modes
- 30 discrimination segments
PRO-SWITCH technology lets experienced users change frequencies, while the 6 search modes and 30 discrimination segments support more controlled setup.
Pros
- PRO-SWITCH technology
- IP68 waterproofing
- Control pod flashlight and handgrip vibration
Cons
- More controls require a learning period
- The stated operating frequency is 7.69 KHz
The MINELAB X-Terra PRO is the best professional metal detector for experienced users who want to switch frequencies. Its PRO-SWITCH technology lets you change frequencies to match the type of search you are planning.
Like the X-Terra Elite, it has 2 Park, 2 Field and 2 Beach modes, 30 discrimination segments and pinpoint mode. That gives you a structured way to begin, followed by room to adjust settings as you learn the ground.
The detector is IP68 waterproof and has a 12 in search coil. Its 2.8 lb weight and 3-piece shaft that packs down to 25 inches make it practical for travel and storage.
A control pod flashlight, red backlight display, backlit keypad and handgrip vibration support low-light searches. The stated operating frequency is 7.69 KHz, and the extra control over frequency may appeal to users who enjoy tuning a detector to the site.
Choose the X-Terra PRO over the Elite when frequency switching is more important to you than Multi-IQ technology.
Garrett ACE 400 Metal Detector Bundle: Best for target ID and recovery tools
- 0-99 digital target ID
- Iron Audio
- Electronic pinpointing
- PRO-POINTER AT and finders box included
The ACE 400 gives hunters a numeric 0-99 target ID, Iron Audio and electronic pinpointing, with a PRO-POINTER AT and finders box included in the bundle.
Pros
- 0-99 target ID scale
- 6 programs
- PRO-POINTER AT included
Cons
- IP54 protection is more limited than fully waterproof models
- The bundle's detector weight is 1.5 kg
The Garrett ACE 400 bundle is the best pick for target ID and recovery tools. Its 0-99 digital target ID scale gives you a numeric reference, while Iron Audio helps you hear iron trash before deciding whether to dig.
Electronic pinpointing uses a non-motion All-Metal Mode to help locate the target more precisely. That can make recovery easier when you have already decided that a signal is worth investigating.
The bundle includes a PRO-POINTER AT and a finders box. The PRO-POINTER AT is waterproof up to 20 ft, while the detector itself has an IP54 rating, so do not treat the complete bundle as fully submersible.
The ACE 400 has 6 programs, a 10 KHz operating frequency and a 27.94 cm search coil. Its 1.5 kg weight is reasonable for an adult detector, but the protection level is more limited than the IP68 options.
Choose it if a clear numeric target scale and included recovery accessories matter more than full waterproofing.
BOXTREN Metal Detector for Adults: Best for a complete adjustable kit
- 12 in IP68 DD coil
- 5 detection modes
- 20-53 in adjustable stem
- Headphones, shovel and backpack included
The BOXTREN combines a 12 in IP68 coil with 5 detection modes and a 20-53 in adjustable stem. Its kit includes headphones, a digging shovel and a carrying backpack.
Pros
- 5 detection modes
- Foldable design
- 2 AA batteries included
Cons
- The control box is not waterproof
- Its 12.8 in depth claim depends on conditions
The BOXTREN is the best professional-style kit for buyers who want adjustable sizing and several useful accessories in one setup. Its 12 in IP68 DD coil supports shallow-water searching, while the control box is splash-proof and must stay above water.
You get 5 detection modes: All-Metal, Disc, Notch, Memory and Pinpoint. The 20-53 in adjustable stem can fit different users, and the foldable design makes transport easier.
The backlit LCD shows target ID, depth and battery status. The kit includes professional over-ear headphones, a heavy-duty digging shovel, a carrying backpack and 2 AA batteries.
The detector's claimed depth is up to 12.8 inches under suitable conditions. Treat that as a stated capability, not a promise for every soil type or target.
Higher sensitivity can help with smaller or deeper objects, while lower sensitivity may reduce false signals in noisy ground.
Choose BOXTREN if you want a complete adjustable kit and expect to keep the control box out of water.
ULHUND Metal Detector for Adults: Best for lightweight portable searching
- 11 in IP68 DD coil
- 4 search modes
- 22-60 in adjustable stem
- Headphones, shovel, backpack and 2 high-capacity 9V batteries included
The ULHUND weighs 2.4 lb and folds into the included backpack. Its 11 in IP68 DD coil, 4 search modes and 22-60 in stem suit portable beach, park and yard searches.
Pros
- Lightweight 2.4 lb design
- Foldable control box and built-in cable
- 20-hour battery average life
Cons
- The control box is not waterproof
- It has 4 search modes rather than 5 or 6
The ULHUND is the best lightweight portable option in this group. At 2.4 lb, it is easy to carry between search areas, and the foldable control box and built-in cable fit into the included backpack.
Its 11 in IP68 DD coil is designed for wet grass, wet sand, shallow-water edges, riverbanks, parks and yards. The control box is not waterproof, so keep the main electronics dry.
The detector has 4 search modes and 9 target metal types. All Metal, DISC, Notch and Pinpoint modes let you move from broad searching to selective filtering and precise recovery.
The 22-60 in adjustable stem fits a wide range of user heights. The kit includes headphones, a foldable digging shovel, a carrying bag and 2 high-capacity 9V batteries.
Its stated battery average life is 20 hours.
Choose ULHUND if low weight, a wide stem range and easy packing matter more than having 5 or 6 search modes.
How should you choose a professional metal detector?
Choose a professional metal detector by matching its controls and waterproof protection to your main search locations. A detector with more settings is useful only when you understand what each control changes.
Which controls matter most on a professional metal detector?
Discrimination controls help you decide which target responses to accept or reject. The X-Terra Elite and X-Terra PRO each have 30 discrimination segments, while the Garrett AT Pro has 40 levels of iron discrimination.
Target ID provides another reference. The Garrett ACE 400 uses a 0-99 numeric scale, while the BOXTREN and ULHUND show target ID on backlit LCD displays.
Audio can be just as useful as a number. The AT Pro's Proportional Audio and Tone Roll are designed for hunters who want more information from the sound of a target response.
Pinpoint mode is useful across skill levels. It helps you narrow the target's position before digging, but it does not remove the need for careful recovery technique.
Is Multi-IQ or switchable frequency better?
Multi-IQ is the better fit if you want combined multi-frequency detection in one detector. The X-Terra Elite uses Multi-IQ and pairs it with 6 terrain modes.
Switchable frequency is the better fit if you want to choose a frequency for the conditions or search style. The X-Terra PRO uses PRO-SWITCH technology and has a stated operating frequency of 7.69 KHz.
Neither choice guarantees deeper finds. Soil minerals, target size, target orientation, coil movement and sensitivity settings all affect the response you hear or see.
For a closer comparison of advanced MINELAB options, read Minelab Manticore vs Equinox 800 and our Minelab Manticore metal detector reviews. If you already own an X-Terra or Manticore, our guide to the best settings for Minelab Manticore explains the same kind of adjustment process.
What waterproof protection do you need?
Choose full waterproofing when you plan to submerge the detector. The X-Terra Elite and X-Terra PRO are IP68 models, while the Garrett AT Pro is waterproof to 10 ft.
The BOXTREN and ULHUND have waterproof IP68 coils, but their control boxes are not waterproof. That makes them suitable for shallow-water coil work only when you keep the electronics above the water.
The ACE 400 has an IP54 rating, so it belongs in the dry-land category for this roundup. Its included PRO-POINTER AT is waterproof to 20 ft, but that separate accessory does not change the detector's own protection level.
Dry the detector after wet searches and follow the model's care instructions. Check seals, cable connections and control-box exposure before entering wet ground.
What else should you carry while detecting?
A digging tool, headphones and a way to carry the detector can make a longer search easier. The Garrett ACE 400, BOXTREN and ULHUND include different combinations of recovery and transport accessories.
Use headphones when you need to hear weak changes in tone or reduce outside noise. The Garrett AT Pro includes MS-2 headphones, while BOXTREN and ULHUND include headphones in their kits.
A pinpoint function helps you place the hole, but recovery still requires care. Dig a small plug, keep loose soil together and fill the hole after checking the target.
How do you set up a professional metal detector?
Start with a pre-programmed search mode, sweep over clean ground and then change one setting at a time. This approach makes it easier to understand whether a new signal comes from the target or from an adjustment.
Set the shaft so the search coil stays level during a comfortable sweep. The BOXTREN adjusts from 20 to 53 inches, and the ULHUND adjusts from 22 to 60 inches, so both offer more sizing range than a fixed setup.
Lower sensitivity when the detector gives repeated false signals. Increase it gradually after the response becomes stable, then use discrimination only when you understand which targets you may be filtering out.
Use pinpoint mode before digging when the detector offers it. After recovery, recheck the hole and the removed soil because a target can shift during digging or sit beside another metal object.
Before beach or water use, confirm which parts can be submerged. This is especially important for BOXTREN and ULHUND because their coils are waterproof but their control boxes are not.
Which professional metal detector should you buy?
The MINELAB X-Terra Elite is the best overall professional metal detector here for advanced hobbyists who want Multi-IQ technology, IP68 waterproofing and broad discrimination control. Pick the Garrett AT Pro for proportional audio and iron filtering, or choose the X-Terra PRO for switchable-frequency control.
Choose the Garrett ACE 400 when numeric target ID and included recovery accessories matter most. Choose BOXTREN for an adjustable complete kit, or ULHUND when low weight and foldable transport are your priorities.
Before you buy, match the waterproof rating to your search area and make sure the controls fit your experience. If you are comparing a lower-cost alternative, our VEVOR metal detector reviews and XP ORX metal detector reviews can help you consider other control layouts.
Our top 3 picks at a glance
-
1
Best for advanced all-terrain hunting
MINELAB X-Terra Elite All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.7/10 our score
See it on Amazon -
2
-
3
Best for switchable-frequency control
MINELAB X-Terra PRO All-Terrain Professional Fully Waterproof
9.6/10 our score
See it on Amazon
Frequently asked questions
What is the best professional metal detector for most hobbyists?
The MINELAB X-Terra Elite is the strongest overall choice here for experienced hobbyists who want Multi-IQ technology, IP68 waterproofing, 6 search modes and 30 discrimination segments.
Choose the Garrett AT Pro if proportional audio matters more, or the X-Terra PRO if switchable-frequency control is your priority.
What makes a metal detector professional?
A professional metal detector usually gives experienced users more control over target separation, discrimination, audio response, search modes or operating frequency.
Waterproofing, pinpoint mode, target ID and comfortable handling also matter because advanced searches often cover changing ground for long periods.
Is a professional metal detector worth it for a beginner?
It can be worth it if you want to learn detailed settings and expect to search regularly. The X-Terra Elite and X-Terra PRO include intuitive interfaces, LCD displays and pre-programmed modes that can shorten the learning curve.
A simpler detector may be easier if you only plan occasional backyard searches.
What waterproof rating should a professional metal detector have?
Choose the rating based on where you plan to search. IP68 coils on the BOXTREN and ULHUND support shallow-water work, but their control boxes are not waterproof.
The X-Terra Elite and X-Terra PRO are fully waterproof models, while the Garrett AT Pro is waterproof to 10 ft.
Do professional metal detectors find deeper targets?
Advanced controls can help you manage mineralized soil, iron trash and changing ground conditions, but depth depends on the target, coil, soil, settings and search technique.
A stated depth is not a guarantee for every site. Use pinpoint mode and adjust sensitivity carefully to reduce false signals.
