This article lists some of the best metal detectors under 200 budget. These are all the best metal detectors for money.

A metal detector is an electronic device that is used to locate the presence of metal in any specific area. This instrument has been used worldwide for years to detect valuable relics, underground mines, and armed weapons buried inside the ground. It is also used for archaeology, security checks, geophysical prospecting, and detection of foreign bodies in the food or reinforcing bars for the in the walls and floor during construction.

Things to consider before buying a metal detector

There are different factors that need to be taken into account before the purchase of a metal detector. These are:

• Frequency

The frequency of a metal detector determines the ability of the device to detect the presence of targets. A high-frequency detector can locate smaller objects with ease, whereas low-frequency detectors are more sensitive to larger objects and greater depths. 

• Ground Balance

Ground balance determines the depths of the ground, which are mineralized. Such grounds contain minerals and salts that make detection difficult because they respond similarly to the magnetic field produced by the metal detector. Ground balance removes the effect of these minerals that try to mask the buried targets. Three types of ground balancing are Manual Ground Balance, Automatic Ground Balance, and Tracking Ground Balance.

• Discrimination

Discrimination is the ability to distinguish between various types of targets. It identifies the goals based on specific properties like ferrous and conductivity. This helps us save our time, not digging up for junk objects. There are different types of discrimination. Some of them are an iron reject, notch discriminations, variable discrimination, and smart find. 

Some of the other factors to be kept in mind while making the purchase are the depth factor, ground mineralization, target orientation, target size, target material, and target shape.

List of Top 17 Best Metal Detectors Under $200

Bounty Hunter TK4 Tracker IV Metal Detector – Best Metal Detector Under 200

The Bounty Hunter TK4 comes with notch distinguisher, which allows you to notch in and out any metal. This helps distinguish between the wanted and unwanted objects. It can detect objects buried about 3 feet under the ground. TK4 is an ideal metal detector to search for treasures within extreme ground conditions, which means that it takes into consideration the mineral balance and soil condition and adjusts according to it.

Some of the features are as following:

• Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
• Motion All-Metal mode, Discrimination mode, and 2-Tone audio mode.
• Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
• Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
• 6.7 kHz operating frequency
• Rugged metal detector ideal for detecting treasure in extreme ground conditions
• Preset ground balance neutralizes response to mineral content in the ground
• Disc/notch control distinguishes between targets and unwanted metals
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Bounty Hunter SS2 Sharpshooter II

Bounty Hunter SS2 gives a great deal for just $104. It includes an LCD with easy to use touch buttons. The display even shows what kind of metal has been detected. This helps when you are in search of a particular type of metal. One of the best things about SS2 is that it is completely submersible and has various modes. What distinguishes between the type of object being detected, i.e., a coin, jewelry, or any other type of object. It can detect objects buried up to five feet under the ground. Another one of its features is ground balancing, which lets the settings change automatically depending on the ground. 

Some of the features are as following:

• Metal detector with extensive features is an excellent purchase for advanced users
• Visual reference lets you determine whether you’ve found silver, gold, iron, or another metal
• Easy-to-read LCD with touchpad makes controlling the detector a cinch
• Requires two 9-volt alkaline batteries (sold separately)
• Ships in Certified Frustration-Free Packaging

Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D. Metal Detector

Another best metal detector under 200 for juniors. Bounty Hunter is one of the cheapest metal detectors that come with discrimination control. That lets you avoid digging up unwanted objects of metal, thus saving up the time and effort to do so. The coil installed is 8” and is waterproof for a few inches, which means that you cannot use it under deeper water. Moreover, the sensitivity of Bounty Hunter is quite good; one can locate big metal objects for up to five feet deep. Only a very few metal detectors within this price range have this ability.

Some of the features are as following:

• Three target ID categories
• Graphic target depth indicator
• Discrimination control to eliminate unwanted items
• Battery life indicator
• Lightweight, ergonomic design

Garrett Ace 250 Metal Detector

Garrett Ace is one of the most reasonable and reliable metal detectors one can find under $200. This device comes with low sensitivity and allows you to use it without any complications. The Ace includes a two-tone indicator that helps you work with or without the headphones, whatever suits you. The LCD control box of the Ace 250 has pre installed settings for everyday metal objects such as jewelry, coins, and all metal.

Moreover, it comes with a waterproof search coil and shaft that lets you locate metallic objects under shallow water. All parts of this device are waterproof except the LCD screen. Combined with a beautiful yellow design and other features, this device is the best choice for a beginner treasure hunter.

Some of the features are as following: 

• Electronic Pinpointing which involves locating the target precisely and speed recovery
• Five Search Modes, as mentioned earlier. It lets you select pre-set discrimination pattern or create your own Continuous Coin Depth Indicator that to determine target depth
• Battery Condition Indicator which enables you to view battery life continually 
• Interchangeable ACE series search coils are also available
• Expanded Target ID Legend and Pushbutton Controls that has an easy-to-read legend above the large LCD screen 
• Other features: 3-piece travel/storage, disassembles to 24″; adjustable arm cuff; quarter-inch (1/4″) size headphone jack.

National Geographic Pro Series Metal Detector

This device is one of the most reliable deals you can get under $200. Anyone can use it, be it a beginner or a treasure hunting expert. This has various modes and options for different detection and sensitivity levels. This helps distinguish between the type of objects being detected, saving you time and effort for digging up the unwanted objects. 

Here are some of the most popular and efficient features of the product:

• You can use it to find the treasure underground and have the thrill of finding cool artifacts like Gold, Coins, Jewelry, Tools, etc.
• Nat Geo pro is quite simple to use. Thus, people of all ages can use it regardless of the skill set they possess.
• The product comes with a large waterproof 10-inch coil, which, despite being huge, is lightweight.
• It also has a pinpoint location, three detection modes, and four highly accurate sensitivity levels to help users differentiate garbage from treasure.
• Pro Series Metal Detector comes with a two-year warranty as claimed by National Geographic.

Fisher F4 Metal Detector

This is another model by fisher. This can be used by anyone interested in treasure hunting. Fisher F4 is a better version of fisher’s prior models. It comes with ground-balancing, audio tones and number readouts, and visuals for targeting. It even filters out the unwanted trash that is buried under the ground. However, this model is not water-proof, which might cause you a problem if you plan to search underwater, deep, and shallow alike. 

Following are some of the features for this device:

• High deep seeking autotune with manual ground balance and visual target id by category
• Numeric 0-99 readout, 11 segments digital target id and four tone audio ID
• One-touch notch and one-touch pinpoint with numeric depth readout
• 11” Bi-Axial Search Coil
• Recommended for coin shooting, relic hunting, beach hunting
• Easy-to-use metal detector ideal for relic hunters and beachcombers
• 11-segment visual target ID helps differentiate trash from treasure
• 4-tone audio ID; 2-digit numeric target ID with 0 to 99 range
• Notch control lets you ignore select trash categories; 11-inch bi-axial search coil
• All-Metal and Discrimination modes; weighs 2.6 pounds; 5-year limited warranty

Fisher F4 is one of the best metal detectors under $200 budget.

Fisher F22

Fisher metal detectors have an excellent reputation, mainly because these are well-built and sturdy. It is a professional weatherproof metal detector, which is the best option if you are going for a treasure-hunting expedition in an area where the weather is unpredictable. It works on an AA battery and can detect objects up to 9 inches deep. The depth and the location of the object are indicated on the screen, which works due to sensitivity levels installed in it.

Following are some of the features for this device:

• For detecting coins, jewelry, and artifacts
• Features pinpoint mode
• Ten adjustable sensitivity levels
• Weather-resistant
• Detects metals up to 9 inches deep

Handmade Metal Detector MD3030 Quick Shooter Lightweight Professional Detectors Underground Treasure Hunter LCD Display Gold and Jewelry Hunting Under Shallow Water

MD3030, as the name suggests, is a professional lightweight metal detector used for treasure hunting on grounds and shallow waters. Like most of the other metal detectors, this, too, has an LCD screen that enables the user to see the depth of the target, battery status, and type of metal object detected. The device itself is effortless to use, and the control buttons are quite self-explanatory, as well. It is one of the best budget metal detectors under 200 in 2020.

Some of the features are as following:

• Because of the high sensitivity of MD3030 detector, it can help users to search for coins, artifacts, relics, gold, jewelry, and silver underground.
• The full LCD Display of the device displays the types of metal beneath the surface, their depth, the battery life remaining, range of disc & notch, and the level of sensitivity. 
• It also has special features for sensitivity & Depth Adjustment
• Easy to use with simple operations and easy push-button controls.
• Comes with a waterproof dial that can be used for metal detectors in shallow water

Metal Defender MD-3010II Metal Detector Gold Digger Light Hunter Deep Sensitive LCD Display

Metal defender MD-3010II has an advantage over the other metal detectors as it displays the object detected on it the LCD screen. Moreover, it has different types of audio tones for various purposes. So, you will know that when the specific target has been located without having to look at the screen. Moreover, one can filter out particular unwanted objects. This device has waterproof coils and thus can be used under shallow waters.  

Some of the features are as following:

• The full LCD screen shows all the detected objects so that you can easily decide if it’s worth your time or not.
• For every different type of material underground, it produces a unique tone. Just keep your ears alert to hear the right tone to save your time.
• Battery’s condition can be continuously be monitored using the battery indicator.
• Waterproof Search Coil – lets you use the detector in the shallow water.
• You can even set the detector in a way to overlook certain types of material and not to respond to them.

Minelab GO-FIND 40 Metal Detector

Minelab Go-Find 40 Metal detector is an easy-to-use device that can be used by anyone. It is powered by a battery and has a decent interface. The metal value indicates the type of object founded. This means that this metal detector does not tell what purpose the target is precisely but lets you know about the metal type. If that is enough for you, the Go-Find 40 is the device for you.

Some of the features are as following:

• It enables users to retract the detector with a simple button to suit people of all ages.
• It also allows users to select the target type through a single button. 
• It comes with an easy to use and intuitive user interface.
• It also produces distinct tones for different materials: high sound for high-value metals and low tone for iron-based materials. 
• It has different lights of indicators to indicate different materials. For example, green LEDs show non-iron metal, whereas Red LEDs mean the target is iron. 

Bounty Hunter DISC11 Discovery 1100 Metal Detector

Bounty Hunter Disc 11 Discovery 1100 metal detector comes with various options for depth, sensitivity, metal types, and target identification. It, too, has the audio feedback tones that can help you look for your treasure with or without light. It can detect objects buried about 6 inches under the ground. Lastly, this machine is easy to use and comes with a user-friendly interface and push-buttons. 

Some of the features are as following:

• Discriminating metal detector gives a unique sound for different types of metals
• 3 Mode metal detectors
• 3-Segment target identification
• 4-segment depth display
• Detects coin-sized objects 6″ deep; larger objects up to 2.’
• Push-button discrimination and one-touch depth control
• 3 Tone audio feedback

Whites XVenture Metal Detector GEARED UP Bundle

Whites XVenture metal detector geared up bundle is a whole package that comes with all the things, be it headphones, a digging trowel, or an apron. It comes with preset settings for different objects and ground-balancing. Moreover, you can adjust the length of the metal detector according to the need, and the coil that it comes with is waterproof. Thus, one can use it for shallow waters as well. 

Some of the features are as following:

• White’s XVenture Metal Detector with Water Proof Search Coil, StarLite Headphones, Digging Trowel, Apron, Magnifier, and a Two-Year Warranty.
• Adjustable Length
• 3 Presets for Ground Balance
• LED Type Display
• Search Modes: Pinpoint, Coin, and Jewelry

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV – Best Metal Detector Under $200 budget

Bounty Hunter Tracker IV is a sturdy metal detector suitable for use in unpredictable weather and ground conditions. It has all the preset options for ground balance, notch control, discrimination mode, and audio tones. These help you filter out the unwanted objects and locate specific targets.

Some of the features are as following:

• Bounty Hunter is an ideal equipment to go for metal hunting in rough ground conditions. 
• It comes with discriminator mode to differentiate between metals, motion All-Metal mode, and 2-Tone audio mode to inform the user about the material through sound.
• Disc/notch control distinguishes between essential and useless metals
• It operates at 6.7 kHz frequency which adds to its accuracy.

Teknetics Alpha Hobby Metal Detector

Teknetics Alpha Hobby Metal Detector is easy to use the device that has almost all the features required in a metal detector. It has options for the notch, sensitivity, and discrimination by categories. This has read-out audio that helps you know about the depth without having to keep an eye on the screen. However, this device does not come with graphic visualization of the object found.

Some of the features are as following:

• Numerical Depth Readout
• Multiple Notches Selectable by Categories
• Adjustable Sensitivity
• Intuitive Menu System
• Discrimination by Categories

Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector

Teknetics Delta 4000 Metal Detector comes with an LCD screen that is super easy to navigate through. It has options for target depths, discrimination modes, and tone audios. Moreover, this model has a great battery life, so you would not have problems with your treasure hunting expedition.

Some of the features are as following:

• This easy to use metal detector ideal for relic hunting, gold prospecting, coin shooting, etc.
• Its full LCD screen makes it quite convenient for users to manage everything from there.
• Its unique feature of running depth quickly indicates the bottom of the target which ranges from 0 to 8 inches
• It comes with 3 distinct tones to differentiate between targets
• It’s run life is for up to 25 hours on a single 9-volt battery, and it operates at 7.8 kHz frequency

Garrett ACE 200 Metal Detector with Waterproof Search Coil and Treasure Sound Headphone

Garrett ACE 200 comes with a complete package of headphones and batteries. The digital target ID and audio gives accurate detection and readings. Moreover, this metal detector has a waterproof coil, which means that you can use it in shallow waters. 

Some of the features are as following:

• This metal detector comes with a 6.5″ x 9″ Coil, which, despite being huge, is waterproof. 
• It also has its own Garrett Treasure Sound Headphones, Batteries, Two-Year Warranty, and a detailed Instruction Manual.
• New Includes Pulse-Width Modulation audio: sharper, more responsive sound.
• Its new Camlocks provide increased stem stability.
• Despite the compact size, it delivers incredible performance despite being an affordable price metal detector.

RM Ricomax Metal Detector – High-Accuracy Metal Finder with LCD Display, Discrimination Mode, Distinctive Audio Prompt, 10” Waterproof Search Coil for Underwater Metal Detecting, Metal Detector with P/P Function

This metal detector by RM Ricomax is one of the best investment options mainly because it has all the options available for sensitivity, discrimination mode, target range, volume level, and audio. The LCD screen shows you the target and depth levels, making the process more accurate.  

Some of the features are as following:

• The search coil of the device is undoubtedly its highlight. The 10-inch large Search Coil makes the machine very efficient.  
• The device also comes with the right Discrimination Mode. This means it can distinguish between metals of different times before they gave output out. It is capable of detecting iron, aluminum, silver, gold, and other essential metals. 
• The waterproof stem and coil of the metal detector further enable you to use it underwater to hunt metal.
• By just setting the target range (up to 7.1″ inches deep) or removing the metal you don’t want. It can genuinely search for needed minerals.
• The huge LCD of the device shows the battery life, detection mode, volume level as well as sensitivity level.
• Like all advanced metal detectors, it also comes with pinpoint location and distinctive audio sound for different metals.
• It comes with a Lifetime Warranty that keeps you covered for life

Note: You can check the prices of the models mentioned above on Amazon (links have been provided). The models were under the suggested price when the article was written. Since there is always a chance of a change in price, we make no guarantees that the models will be sold at the same rate as written above.