Minelab Metal Detector Reviews
Our Top Pick
Minelab GPZ 7000
- Full-color LCD
- Waterproof Super-D smart search coil
- Intelligent GPS integration system
- Advanced technology reduces audio lag time
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Minelab is synonymous with the finest metal detectors in the world. Producing precision-engineered detectors in Australia, the brand has been supplying explorers and treasure hunters with the highest-quality metal detectors for more than 3 decades. Its exacting standards meet military-specifications, and armed forces worldwide use these detectors to find mines in warzones.
Minelab sees rugged terrain, mineralized soils, sands, and deep water as challenges. Each metal detector is made from rugged materials that withstand the elements, and is equipped with the latest technology. Happy customers report finding nuggets where other detectorists have already passed over the land and missed the find.
While Minelab is based in Australia, its distribution network spans the globe. The 50-strong research and development team takes feedback from its distributors worldwide who hear customer reports firsthand, and consistently produce the best and most responsive detectors on the market.
For a world-leading metal detector brand, look no further than Minelab.
Easy Navigation
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Best Overall Minelab Metal Detector 
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Minelab GPZ 7000
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for Value 
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Minelab Go Find 66
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for the Beach 
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Minelab CTX 3030
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for Small Nuggets 
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Minelab Equinox 800
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for Beginners 
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Minelab X-Terra 705
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for Easy Set-Up 
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Minelab Vanquish 540
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for Gold 
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Minelab Gold Monster 1000
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Best Minelab Metal Detector for the Range of Features 
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Minelab GPX 5000
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Best Underwater Minelab Metal Detector 
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Minelab Excalibur 2
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Minelab Metal Detectors
Best Overall Minelab Metal Detector
Minelab GPZ 7000
Specifications
- Weight: 7.32 lbs. Dimensions: 35” x 16” x 8”
- Accessories: Search coil, headphones, field guides
- Zero Voltage Transmission (ZVT) technology
- Waterproof: No
- No depth indication functionality
- Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Best for gold, artifacts, and coins
Minelab promotes its GPZ 7000 model as the future of metal detecting, and we’re finding it hard to disagree. While the price tag is high, we can say that it represents excellent value for money. If you are traversing grounds where you’ve hunted before, take this detector over the area again, and you may turn up undiscovered finds because it can search for deep, small nuggets.
The interchangeable underwater and land handles provide improved grip, and the audio transmission has a lag time of under 10 milliseconds. The U-Blox GPS system matches time and location data with your detector settings, so you don’t search the same area twice.
The enhanced noise immunity technology cancels unnecessary chatter, and wireless technology means you can search without troublesome cables and wires. For your comfort, the headphones are interchangeable, allowing you to wear your most comfortable set. The waterproof search coil means you can search in depths of up to 3 ft.
Pros
- Finds deeper, larger gold nuggets
- Variable search modes
- Precision ground balance
Cons
- Expensive, so best for advanced and professional detectorists
Best Minelab Metal Detector for Value
Minelab Go Find 66
Specifications
- Weight: 2.3 lbs. Dimensions: 22.5” x 7.25” x 4.25”
- Accessories: Earbuds, digging tool
- VLF single-frequency operating at 7.8 kHz
- Waterproof: Search coil only
- Depth indication feature included
- 4 AA non-rechargeable batteries. Average runtime of 15-20 hours
- Best for coins and artifacts
Metal detectors don’t have to be expensive, and we were pleasantly surprised to find features on this model that you usually find on more expensive detectors. The Smartphone Pro app allows you to record your favorite hunting spots on Google Maps, and even listen to your music playlists through the headphones.
We love the ability to share favorite locations with fellow detectorists through the app. The GO-FIND feature uses LED lights to identify if you’ve found treasure or trash, so you only dig when you need to. The adjustable shaft helps to find your most comfortable carrying position, and it collapses for easy transportation.
For personalization, peel and press the included camouflage skins, and instantly blend into your search environment. The large search coil excels when hunting for treasure deep underground, and the pinpoint locator provides accurate information about the precise position of your find. The generous number of included accessories make this a value-packed choice.
Pros
- Adjustable shaft for carrying comfort and easy transportation
- Pinpoint mode for improving the accuracy of find location
- Comes with a 2-year limited warranty
Cons
- Search coils are not interchangeable
Best Minelab Metal Detector for the Beach
Minelab CTX 3030
Specifications
- Weight: 5.2 lbs. Dimensions: 33.75” x 12.13” x 5.38”
- Accessories: USB cable, AC wall charger, wireless headphone module
- VLF multiple frequency between 1.5-100 kHz
- Waterproof up to 10 ft.
- Numerical depth indicator
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with average 25-30 hours runtime
- Best for coins, gold, and artifacts
Beach metal detecting means highly magnetic sand, variable degrees of mineralized terrain, saltwater, and potential damage to your battery. Minelab tackles these issues with vigor, and the intelligent O-ring design prevents sand from compromising battery integrity.
During testing, the full-color LCD provided instant clear, informative feedback on targets, even when searching at depths up to 10ft underwater. The exceptional range of frequencies allow you to search with high and low settings, ideal for switching between shallow and deep hunting, or large and small targets.
The ergonomic design places the weight of the frame behind the armrest, removing strain from your forearms. You can adjust the armrest to suit your frame, which aids with good posture and reduced tiredness or injury.
The target trace, and target separation functions simplify identification, alerting you to only the finds you are hunting. Programmable tone ID settings give clear indications for find characteristics, saving wasted digging time, and eliminating junk finds.
Pros
- Suitable for searches on multiple-terrains
- 10 customizable search modes
- Backlit LCD for low-light conditions
Cons
- A relatively heavy metal detector
Best Minelab Metal Detector for Small Nuggets
Minelab Equinox 800
Specifications
- Weight: 2.96 lbs. Dimensions: 26.5” x 12.5” x 5”
- Accessories: Wireless audio module, wireless headphones with hardshell case
- VLF with multiple frequencies
- Waterproof up to 10 ft.
- Depth indication feature
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an average runtime of 12 hours
- Best for gold, relics, coins, the beach
If you search by ear or have hearing problems, you’ll enjoy the ability to shift non-ferrous tones and volumes. Complementing that ability, the Equinox 800 has wireless capability, and we found no lapse in signal transference from coil to headphones.
The advanced options were responsive and triggered increased sensitivity, giving hits for shallow and deep targets. However, we did notice it was difficult to separate targets at low settings. Switching between the 4 detection modes is straightforward, and moving between high and low frequencies contributed to more effective searches.
With 50 target ID segments, eliminating junk finds is easy so that you can concentrate on valuable finds. The automatic ground balance negates highly-mineralized soil effects, helping to find nuggets that other detectors may miss.
The rechargeable long-life lithium-ion battery is environmentally-friendly and saves money over the long-term. We found the backlit LED display was excellent in low-light conditions so that you can hunt long into the evening.
Pros
- 8 custom search modes
- Programmable target IDs
- Automatic and manual ground balance adjustments
Cons
- Some users found materials to be poor quality
Best Minelab Metal Detector for Beginners
Minelab X-Terra 705
Specifications
- Weight: 2.9 lbs. Dimensions: 23.3” x 11.5” x 3”
- Accessories: Coil cover, armrest strap
- VLF triple-frequency detector
- Waterproof: Search coil only
- Depth indication feature
- 4 AA non-rechargeable batteries, average lifespan of 20-25 hours
- Best for gold, coins, and artifacts
User reviews are almost universally positive for this beginner metal detector from Minelab. The easy set-up meant we could start searching almost right out of the box, and the impressive battery runtime of up to 25 hours meant we never had to worry about losing power.
The large backlit LCD was easy to read, and we found the menu was presented in a simple and efficient format. Although it is a beginner model, we could hunt coins, artifacts, and golds using a range of configurations without difficulty. The lightweight design meant we could search for a long period without our arms tiring, contributing to a pleasant day of detecting.
The multiple search frequencies help when detecting at varying depths, and the interchangeable search coils mean you can experiment with various setups. Adjustable threshold and discrimination settings add to this versatile metal detector’s flexibility, allowing beginners to find their most effective positions for finding valuable treasure.
Pros
- Adjustable threshold and sensitivity
- Lightweight design reduces arm strain
- Visual and audio low battery alerts
Cons
- Wireless headphones would have completed the package
Best Minelab Metal Detector for Easy Set-Up
Minelab Vanquish 540
Specifications
- Weight: 2.8 lbs. Extended length: 57”
- Accessories: Rain cover, armrest strap
- VLF multi-frequency detector
- Waterproof: Search coils only up to 3.3 ft.
- Depth indication functionality
- 4 rechargeable AA batteries with an average runtime of 11 hours
- Best for gold and artifacts
If you want to start searching as soon as your metal detector arrives, this model is easy to set up. The handy getting started guide and included rain cover were all we needed to begin our hunt, although there is also a useful V12 skid plate. The 5 target tones were loud and clear, even among background noise, and we moved easily between the 10 volume settings.
Multi-IQ technology provides the advantages of multiple detectors in one machine, finding silver, jewelry, coins, artifacts, and gold in various terrains. When you identify your preferred settings, save them using the custom find mode. Set the iron-bias mode low or high depending on your needs, and eliminate junk finds.
For searches in low-light conditions, we found the red backlit LED screen clearly displayed the relevant information, and the automatic ground balance adapted well to mineralized soils and sands. Although not fully-submersible, this detector is a terrific addition to the market.
Pros
- Programmable target ID function
- Red-backlight is ideal for evening searches
- Bluetooth audio system
Cons
- A search flashlight would’ve topped it all off
Best Minelab Metal Detector for Gold
Minelab Gold Monster 1000
Specifications
- Weight: 2.94 lbs. Dimensions: 21” x 10” 5.5”
- Accessories: Rechargeable battery, search coils, digging tool
- VLF single frequency set at 45.5 kHz
- Waterproof: Search coils only
- Depth indication feature
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with an average runtime of 20-25 hours
- Best for gold
We love this metal detector’s convenience, which uses data to determine the chances of your find being gold. If you don’t want to waste time digging up junk, this may be the right choice for you. The adjustable threshold and discrimination contribute to the sensitivity, while the automatic ground tracking helps to locate all-important gold finds.
Not a one-trick pony, switch to the all-metal mode, and search for other precious materials. Use the interchangeable search coils to search deeper, and the depth indicator function helps to improve find location accuracy.
You’ll know before digging if you have the right tools for that depth of soil or sand. The long-life rechargeable battery system is one of the best available, lasting an incredible 20-25 hours so that you can search for extended periods.
While it’s unusual not to have a backlit display and a hindrance for searching in low-light conditions, we feel it would be unfair to hold that one omission against an all-around excellent metal detector.
Pros
- Rainproof control box
- Gold chance indicator for target identification
- Fast processor for improved results
Cons
- Would have liked to see programmable target IDs
Best Minelab Metal Detector for the Range of Features
Minelab GPX 5000
Specifications
- Weight: 5.3 lbs. Dimensions: 34” x 12” x 5”
- Accessories: Bungee cord, trash pouch, and finds pouch
- Multiple pulse induction technology
- Waterproof: No
- Depth indicator function
- Rechargeable lithium-ion battery with a runtime of 25-30 hours
- Best for coins, gold, and artifacts
Even though we test metal detectors every day, it’s rare to come across one with the enormous range of features on this model. There are 6 variable search modes, including deep, general, pinpoint, and various custom modes to eliminate junk finds.
The adjustable volume levels are sufficient for hearing faint tones, and although we were disappointed the headphones aren’t Bluetooth-compatible, at least they are interchangeable.
The pulse induction technology is ideal for searching in sandy, highly-mineralized areas, and we recommend it for use around salt lakes and beaches. The dual-voltage technology (DVT) works in conjunction with the Smart Electronic Timing Alignment (SETA), increasing your chances of finding buried treasure. Multiple users report finding both large and small sub-gram nuggets, and after some practice, even relatively new beginners can learn to operate the impressive array of controls.
The generous range of accessories includes a complete set-up kit, and there is an armrest strap and a harness assembly for maximum comfort.
Pros
- Discrimination control eliminates junk finds
- 6 variable search modes
- Volume control for hearing faint signals
Cons
- No vibration mode when locating finds
Best Underwater Minelab Metal Detector
Minelab Excalibur 2
Specifications
- Weight: 5.1 lbs Dimensions: 34” x 12.25” x 5.25”
- Accessories: Finds pouch, recharge adapter
- VLF multi-frequency with a range between 1.5-25.5 kHz
- Waterproof up to 200 ft.
- No depth indication feature
- 8 rechargeable AA batteries with an average runtime of 20-25 hours
- Best for underwater, coins, and artifacts
Eliminate signals using the unique iron mask discrimination system, allowing you to find coins and jewelry near iron junk. With a broad range of 17 frequencies between 1.5-25.5 kHz, we found this model identified gold, silver, and other precious metals. We know from experience that many other detectors would pass these finds by because they are lying close to an iron nail.
The Excalibur II is unmatched for underwater searches. Operational at depths of up to 200 ft., it’s possible to discover shipwrecks and other valuables claimed by the ocean. However, step back onto dry land to continue your search because it works just as well in the park or in a field as it does underwater.
The adjustable armrest is comfortable and useful since this model is one of the heavier metal detectors at just over 5 lbs. A low audio alarm alerted us when we needed to recharge the battery. However, this happens rarely because the runtime averages over 20 hours per charge.
Pros
- Pinpoint setting for increased accuracy
- Hard-wire headphone jack
- Iron mask discrimination technology
Cons
- A search flashlight would be useful when underwater
Conclusion
Minelab metal detectors search deeper than its rivals and are sensitive enough to find sub-gram nuggets or elusive retirement gold nuggets. There is a model for any detectorist, from the new beginner to the experienced professional, and there is a detector for any scenario.
The customer service support is unparalleled, and the lengthy warranties provide welcome peace of mind. To invest in the best, buy a Minelab Metal detector.
To read similar articles about more brands on the market, check out out article. Also check out our detailed reviews of popular metal detectors that we think worthy of their praise and also their pitfalls so you can make a well informed buying decision.