The 11 Best Metal Detectors for Gold Hunting in 2026

The Equinox 800 revolutionized detecting by making simultaneous multi-frequency affordable. It runs 5, 10, 15, and 20 kHz at once for consistent performance across target types and ground conditions. Eight customizable profiles let you dial in settings for coins, relics, beach, or gold—then save them for instant recall.

The ATX uses pulse induction technology that ignores ground mineralization—essential for gold prospecting and saltwater beaches. Military-spec construction survives harsh conditions, and the collapsible design packs into remote locations. Fully waterproof to 10 feet for underwater prospecting in rivers and streams.

Garrett combined their proven AT waterproof platform with an 18 kHz frequency tuned for gold prospecting. Fully submersible to 10 feet, it handles stream and river hunting where gold often settles. The True All-Metal mode provides maximum depth, while Iron Audio helps distinguish gold from mineralization noise.

The Gold Bug Pro's 19 kHz frequency hits the sweet spot for small gold and jewelry, while the Ground Grab feature makes balancing mineralized soil quick and simple. At just 2.5 lbs, it's one of the lightest gold detectors available. V-Break discrimination helps separate gold from iron trash in relic-strewn areas.

The original Gold Bug offers the core prospecting features of the Gold Bug Pro at a lower price point. The 19 kHz frequency provides good sensitivity to small gold, and the lightweight design minimizes fatigue on the goldfields. A solid entry into dedicated gold hunting.

Nokta's flagship Triple Score offers five single frequencies plus SMF multi-frequency for ultimate versatility. The large screen displays 2D target analysis similar to high-end Minelabs, while the included wireless headphones and 13x11" coil eliminate extra purchases. A complete package ready for serious detecting.

The Gold Monster 1000 simplifies gold prospecting with fully automatic operation—no ground balancing or sensitivity adjustments needed. Its 45 kHz frequency excels at finding small gold in mineralized soil, while the Gold Chance Indicator tells you when conditions favor gold detection. Perfect for prospectors who want to spend less time tweaking settings and more time finding gold.

The Gold Bug 2's legendary 71 kHz frequency makes it exceptionally sensitive to small gold—often detecting sub-gram pieces that lower-frequency detectors miss entirely. The hip-mount option reduces arm fatigue during long prospecting sessions, and the analog controls respond instantly without menu diving. A VLF workhorse for nugget hunters on a budget.

Garrett's entry into serious gold prospecting, the Axiom Lite uses Pulse Induction technology optimized for mineralized ground. The TERRA-SCAN dual-channel ground balance handles hot rocks and variable soils that trip up VLF detectors. Lightweight for a PI machine, making it suitable for long prospecting sessions.

The GPX 6000 cut the weight of serious gold prospecting nearly in half compared to the GPX 5000. GeoSense-PI technology automatically tracks ground changes, letting you focus on listening rather than adjusting. Two coils included—14" mono for depth and 11" DD for separation in trashy ground.

Minelab's flagship gold detector, the GPZ 7000 uses proprietary ZVT (Zero Voltage Transmission) technology that outperforms both VLF and traditional PI machines. The Super-D coil configuration reduces ground noise while maintaining sensitivity to sub-gram gold. Built-in GPS tracks your finds, and wireless audio keeps you tangle-free. At $9,500, it's an investment for serious prospectors who've already worked out their claims.