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Do you ever find yourself wondering about gold, artifacts, and other treasures that lay buried beneath your feet? Precious items have remained undiscovered for hundreds of years in the ground and could have belonged to long-lost travelers, native people, soldiers, or even kings. 

Now you have the opportunity to find these potentially valuable objects without having to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end metal detector. Whether you’re just getting started or are already a keen detectorist, these products may provide you with the capability to discover exactly what you’re looking for. You should also factor in the right accessories like a shovel, gloves, and pinpointer into your budget.

We’ve chosen a variety of metal detectors, covering a range of:

• Weights
• Frequencies
• Modes
• Experience levels (beginner, intermediate, expert) If you are a beginner, you will want to check out the best metal detectors for beginners as these have been hand-selected for those new to the hobby.

Deciding what makes a metal detector worth investing in often depends on the features. We’ve put together a list of the best detectors for under $100, explaining exactly why they will help jumpstart your adventures. In the US and Canada, you may find you need a permit to explore certain areas, so please make sure you check the laws of your local area to avoid trespassing on private land.

Canada: https://detectingschool.com/metal-detecting-in-canada/

US: http://www.mdhtalk.org/maps/fp-map-regulations.htm

To find the best metal detectors under $100, we analyzed customer Consumer Reports and listened to recommendations from experienced detectorists who own the product and have the knowledge of the particular features you need to get started. We then used fakespot to remove any products with high numbers of false reviews to pick the best possible choices for you.

Top 3 metal detectors for less than $100 in 2022:

Metal Detector

Budget Option Best Performance

Pros

Has all you need to look for gold for less than $150

Cheap unit good for beginners

Hard to beat this unit at less than $100

Great small unit for identifying metal in small areas

Cons

It’s not going to have the same performance but is great for those new to the hobby

Won’t feel as premium as higher priced models

Won’t be close to performance as higher priced units

Harder to use than a full size unit

Frequency

7.69 kHz Operating Frequency

Budget Option Best Performance

Pros

Has all you need to look for gold for less than $150

Cons

It’s not going to have the same performance but is great for those new to the hobby

Cheapest Possible

Pros

Cheap unit good for beginners

Cons

Won’t feel as premium as higher priced models

Frequency

7.69 kHz Operating Frequency

Best for Most People

Pros

Hard to beat this unit at less than $100

Cons

Won’t be close to performance as higher priced units

Great Pinpointer

Pros

Great small unit for identifying metal in small areas

Cons

Harder to use than a full size unit

The other metal detectors that we tested that are under $100:

1. Bounty Hunter Gold Digger

The Bounty Hunter Gold Digger was designed to be lightweight, weighing only 2.2 pounds, which is helpful for those that like to use it for prolonged periods. This helps in making sure that their arm doesn’t get tired from it. It is excellent for people of different heights because the stem of the sector can be adjusted from 34.5-inches to 45.5 inches, which is excellent for households who have different users with varying heights.

This is one of the lower-cost metal detectors for under $100, but it has a lot of features that make it a key purchase for any metal detective. It uses 2 9V alkaline batteries that are placed in an easy to access area, which is excellent if the batteries need to be changed on the go. One of the best things about this sector is that it is capable of detecting the presence of most types of metal, including silver, gold, aluminum, iron, and steel.

List of Features:

• Automatic tuned ground control
• Power and sensitivity control
• Trash eliminator control to eliminate undesirable targets
• All-metal mode for detecting all types of metal
• Headphones included
• 7-inch weather-resistant coil

What We Love:

• It can easily detect metals at least 8 inches under packed soil
• The provided arm brace does assist with keeping your wrist from getting strained from prolonged use
• It is adept at finding things in most terrains, including soil and snow

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• The included headphones are made from budget-cost materials and users recommend using a different pair for the best experience

Sale Bounty Hunter Gold Digger Metal Detector, One size, Grey

• The Gold Digger can be used anywhere to search for all kinds of valuable metal from gold coins to iron relics
• Motion all-metal mode and trash elimination control help you find only the treasure you want
• Identifies coin-size objects up to 6 inches deep underground, and senses larger items up to 2 feet deep
• Includes headphones for private searches in crowded places
• Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

2. Wedigout MD-4030 Pro Edition

The Wedigout MD-4030 is classified as a pro edition and it has several capabilities that help to set it apart from other models available on the market. This model comes with an arm cuff that helps to provide support and comfort. This model is also suitable for users of different heights because it has an adjustable stem, which is excellent for households that might have multiple users of the same detector.

It was designed to be easy to operate and it has different modes that will allow the user to narrow down the things that they want to detect. The target indicator is designed to be easy to read, even for beginners. This model comes with a headphone jack that will allow users to connect their favorite headphones to the metal detector directly, making it easier to hear when the detector is getting closer to buried metal underground.

List of Features:

• Two operation modes: All-metal and disc
• Adjustable volume
• Earphone jack available on the detector
• Easy-to-view meter and pointer
• Waterproof search coil
• Includes shovel for item extraction

What We Love:

• This detector has a very distinct sound that grows louder when getting close to a metal object
• It is easy to use, which makes it excellent for beginner metal detectives
• The headphones and shovel are an added bonus 

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• This metal detector only has a single pitch tone

Wedigout Metal Detector MD-4030 Pro Edition Hobby Explorer Waterproof Search Coil with Shovel

• The advantage: Using the new technology. It is widely applied ti detect underground metal objects. It is one of the most convenient and most sensitive metal detector. You deserve to have one.
• Applications: Detecting metal objects buried underground. Widely used in security check, treasure hunting, material check etc..
• Features: Two Operation Modes: All Metal, Disc；Volume – To adjust the volume level of speaker and headphone
• Details: Earphone Jack – Lets you connect headphones (not supplied) to the detector;View Meter and Pointer – The meter pointer swings to the right if metal is found.If you would like to see more details, please refer to our social video website.
• Package list: Kingdetector MD-4030 metal detector, shovel, camouflage bag, headphones, welcome guide. We promise that you can enjoy our worry-free 12-month warranty and friendly customer service.

3. Nokta Makro Mini Hoard

The Nokta Makro Mini Hoard is a metal detector that was designed specifically for children to use and learn how to use metal detectors properly. It was designed to encourage children to explore the world around them and even learn some history. It is made from high-quality materials that will not break easily and the LCD screen is easy to read. The metal detector has a retractable shaft that shifts down to 63 cm, which makes this model easy to transport and perfect for traveling to the beach or other vacation spots.

The Nokta Makro Mini Hoard metal detector is designed to be only 1.7 pounds, which is considered to be lightweight and compact. This makes it easier for kids to use because they can carry it more easily. Finally, this metal detector has two distinct audio tones that make it easier for kids to distinguish their findings and narrow down their target area.

List of Features:

• Fully submersible up to three meters in water
• Retractable shaft for easy transport
• Lightweight and compact design
• Custom LCD screen
• Auto shut-off and alarm
• Battery indicator

What We Love:

• This metal detector is designed specifically for children
• It has an easy to read LCD screen
• The lightweight design makes this metal detector easy to travel with

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• It is not designed for adults because it has a shorter stem

Nokta Makro Mini Hoard Kids Waterproof Metal Detector

• The world’s first waterproof kids detector series!
• In a world where technology is king and kids are more disconnected than ever from nature, here is a way to encourage kids to get outside. Nokta Makro’s Mini (and Midi) Hoard metal detectors encourage children to get outside to play, explore, and learn some history.
• Retractable Shaft – Shaft retracts down to 63 cm (25″). Great for easy transport.
• Lightweight (780gr / 1.7Ibs) – Lightweight and compact!
• Audio Tones: 2

4. Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver

The Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver comes with a five-year limited warranty, which covers anything from defects in materials and workmanship. It operates on two 9V alkaline batteries at a frequency of 6.6 kHz. The LCD screen is designed to be easy to view and it includes a low battery indicator that will give the user a fair warning when their batteries are about to give out.

The handgrip and armrest are padded, which helps to provide the user with comfort, allowing them to use the metal detector for longer. The user can use the depth select control to ensure that the metal detector is giving off a signal that is strong enough to reach the depth they require. Finally, this metal detector comes with the Bounty arc stand, which will help to prevent any damage happening to the detector when it is placed on the ground.

List of Features:

• Fully automatic ground balance
• Push-button discrimination control
• One-touch sensitivity control
• Four-segment digital target identification
• Three-tone audio identification
• Easy to view LCD display

What We Love:

• This metal detector has three-tone audio feedback that makes it easy to get accurate identification
• It has progressive discrimination settings
• It has an 8″ interchangeable waterproof coil

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• This metal detector doesn’t have any sort of volume control

Sale Bounty Hunter QSI Quick Silver Metal Detector, Black

• Squelch-tech fully automatic ground balance eliminates false signals
• Push button discrimination & 1-touch depth control
• 4-segment cigital target identification & 3-tone audio feedback for accurate identification of buried objects
• 8″ interchangeable waterproof coil
• Easy-view LCD display is readable at varying distances

5. TACKLIFE MMD02

The TACKLIFE MMD02 has an ergonomic design that is lightweight and has arm support to make it comfortable for the user to use the detector. It has a 3.55mm headphone jack that helps to support a clearer sound change, which means that users of all levels will be able to pick up on the different tone changes that happen when the detector gets closer to buried items. This metal detector also comes with a bag that makes it easy to carry while traveling or when storing it between uses.

The LCD screen shows various types of pictures that are cute and makes it easier to distinguish different prospects under the ground. The stem of the metal detector is adjustable and it can go between 24″ to 45″, which makes this metal detector suitable for kids and adults. It’s fun for the entire family. This model only weighs approximately four pounds, and on the LCD screen, there is also a low battery indicator, which means the user will always know when it is time to recharge or change out the batteries in the detector.

List of Features:

• Three audio tones with high accuracy
• Large LCD display screen
• IP68 search coil
• Has a 3.55mm headphone jack
• Capable of distinguishing between target and unwanted metals
• DISC mode to improve detection efficiency

What We Love:

• This metal detector has three audio targeting modes
• It has an LCD backlit screen
• It has in-depth prediction technology

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• This model does not have a ground balance feature

6. RM RICOMAX GC-1028

The RM RICOMAX GC-1028 metal detector was designed to be easy to use by users of all skill levels, which makes it an excellent choice for beginners or those who have had ample experience. This detector comes with a P/P function that will allow kids to pinpoint their targets accurately. The LCD screen will allow the user to see what type of metal that the detector is detecting simplistically. The detector makes a variety of tones depending on the type of metal it is detecting, making it easy to search for a particular type of metal.

Some of the metals that this metal detector is capable of finding include silver, iron, gold, aluminum, and bronze. It has a lightweight design, only weighing approximately 2.31 pounds, and it runs off of 2 9V batteries. It can be used in most areas and this includes the beach because it has a waterproof coil. Finally, RICOMAX provides excellent customer service in case a user has any issues or questions about how to operate the metal detector properly.

List of Features:

• True Disc mode
• Higher-sensitivity, waterproof search coil
• Intuitive LCD control box
• Pinpoint function
• Distinctive audio prompt
• Adjustable stem

What We Love:

• This metal detector comes with three switchable modes for accurate detection
• It has a headphone jack to help drown out any excess noise
• Highly accurate, making finding metals easier

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• The included instructions can be a little challenging to follow for some

RM RICOMAX Metal Detector for Adults & Kids – High-Accuracy Metal Detector Waterproof LCD Display [PP Function & DISC Mode & Distinctive Audio Prompt] 10 Inch Waterproof Search Coil (GC-1028) …

• TRUE DISCRIMINATION MODE – This metal detector can detect metals including iron, aluminum, gold, bronze, silver and their articles in all-metal mode. Just press the button, you can simply set the target range Up to 7.1’’ inches deep or eliminate the metal you don’t want. Then, you can accurately find the certain metal you want. The crossed frame is for items eliminated and two 9V alkaline batteries are required
• HIGHER SENSITIVE & WATERPROOF SEARCH COIL – The bigger the search coil is, the higher the sensitivity. The increased size of the search coil to 10 inches makes metal detecting MORE EFFICIENT. And the WATERPROOF stem and coil enable you to use our metal explorer underwater, especially suitable for outdoor activities, on the beach or in the stream. But it is should be noted that the control box is not waterproof
• MORE INTUITIVE LCD CONTROL BOX – A control box with LCD will simplify your metal detecting a lot. The detection mode, sensitivity level, battery condition, and volume level can be known at a glance. An arrow displayed below the target icon will clearly tell you detecting a object. The depth of the target is also displayed. Compared to the knob and dial, button and LCD are obviously more accurate and convenient
• P/P FUNCTION & DISTINCTIVE AUDIO PROMPT – There are distinctive audio tones in our metal detector for different types of metal. So after a period of time use, you can tell what type of metal you’ve detected just by audio tones. And the P/P function enables you to pinpoint a target accurately. Operating steps have been written in the manual which comes with the metal finder. All we have done is let you find the target more easily
• YOUR INVESTMENT IS FULLY GUARANTEED – We are confident that our metal detectors are manufactured under strict quality standards to give our customers the best experience. We offer a FREE REPLACEMENT POLICY without any costs from your side and LIFETIME WARRANTY, totally no risk for you! Any problems or questions just contact us via Amazon. We will do our best to provide perfect after-sale service for you

7. Minelab GO-FIND 11 

The Minelab GO-FIND 11 Metal Detector is designed to be simple to use, which makes it perfect for beginners in metal detecting. It is the ultimate introduction to detecting and it has easy-to-follow instructions. Unlike other metal detectors that have to be set up, this one comes with several preset find modes that will flash different icons on the LCD screen to show what has been found. This metal detector has a volume control that allows the user to adjust the volume to make it easier to hear the different sounds when getting close to something in the ground.

This model only weighs approximately three pounds and folds in on itself. This feature makes it easy for this metal detector to be taken with the user anywhere and it makes it more convenient to store, allowing it to take up less space. The actual stem of the metal detector can be adjusted to make it suitable for kids or adults, and this can add a fun and educational activity to any family outing.

List of Features:

• Ultra-lightweight design
• Collapsible body
• Two find modes
• 8-inch waterproof coil
• Three levels of sensitivity
• Three volume levels

What We Love:

• This metal detector has a simplistic design
• This metal detector doesn’t require any sort of assembly
• It uses four regular AA batteries as its power supply

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• This metal detector does not have a target ID

8. Bounty Hunter BHJS

Although the Bounty Hunter BHJS is designed with children in mind, it could still work as a starter detector for an adult if needed. Unlike some of the other detectors, this one is capable of finding metals in the ground between five inches and three feet deep, depending on the type of ground and the type of metal. This metal detector has an ergonomic design that is meant to be easy to handle and comfortable and easy for kids to carry and hold for long periods.

This metal detector uses batteries for its power source and it can be used in most areas, including the beach, because it has a weather-resistant coil. It comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers any manufacturer’s defects in the metal detector and it is capable of finding different types of metals. The user can even get an indication of what type of metal it is detecting before digging it up, which saves time. Finally, it has a discrimination control that helps to eliminate finding any sort of iron or other metals that might be unwanted.

List of Features:

• Target indicator that measures signal strength
• Discrimination control
• 6.5″ closed, weather-resistant coil
• Lightweight and ergonomic design
• Easy to use
• Backed by Bounty Hunter’s one-year warranty

What We Love:

• This metal detector comes with a 6.5″ closed weather resistant coil
• It is capable of detecting metals up to three feet deep in the ground
• It has a target indicator meter that measures single strength

We Don’t Like This as Much:

• It doesn’t have an extensive LCD screen display

FAQs About Metal Detectors under $100

Q: Can budget metal detectors under $100 detect gold?

A: The majority of metal detectors are capable of detecting gold, but that does not mean that they will. Most of the time, you can find out the type of metals that a metal detector can detect by reading its description and doing a little research on the model. Manufacturers will generally list the types of metals that can be detected by the model in the product description. Finally, many metal detectors that can detect gold have a higher-end frequency range that could cause them to be on the higher-price range scale.

Q: Do all metal detectors require the use of headphones?

A: Although all metal detectors do not require headphones to use, the majority of detectors will provide access to a headphone jack that will allow the user to use headphones to make their detection easier. After all, depending on where you are trying to use the metal detector, there may be a significant amount of noise surrounding the user, which can make it difficult to hear when you are getting close to something. Therefore, the use of headphones with the metal detector helps to make sure that the sounds it makes can be heard clearly with little to no feedback from outside noise.

Q: How deep can metal detectors detect metals?

A: The answer to this question varies between different metal detector models. It depends on various features from the frequency, power output, and type of coil that the metal detector comes with. Therefore, it is important to read the reviews and information on each metal detector you are considering to make sure that it will have the capabilities of reaching the depths that you require before making your final purchasing decision.

To Conclude:

There are many treasures waiting to be discovered on the beach, in the woods, or maybe even in your backyard and you don’t need to break the bank buying the right metal detector to find them. With metal detecting becoming an ever more popular pastime, the technology used in good devices can also now be found in budget metal detectors. So if you’re a beginner, a hobbyist, or want to find a great gift for others, there’s a metal detector here for all your hunting needs.

Here are our top three choices for cheap metal detectors under $100:

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Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links.