10 Best Gold Metal Detectors 2025 in the UK

The DR.ÖTEK Metal Detector is a solid choice for both beginners and enthusiasts looking to find gold and other metals. It offers five detection modes, including a special Memory Mode that lets you focus on specific metals, which can improve your chances of locating valuable finds. The large backlit LCD screen is easy to read in daylight or low light, and the detector provides clear digital and sound signals to help identify different metals. Its adjustable stem (up to 136 cm) fits users of various heights comfortably, and with five sensitivity levels, you can adjust it to reduce interference and detect targets faster.

The 25cm waterproof coil is a plus for searching in shallow water and can detect coins buried up to about 25 cm deep. Weighing just 1 kg, it’s light enough to carry for hours without fatigue, and it comes with handy accessories like a headset, digging shovel, and carrying bag, which adds value. While the detector is waterproof at the coil level, the rest of the unit isn’t, so care is needed in wet conditions. Battery life is good at around 30 hours, but remember you will need to buy batteries separately.

This metal detector offers a balanced set of features for treasure hunting at a reasonable price, making it suitable for hobbyists and casual prospectors who want a versatile and user-friendly tool.

The Minelab X-Terra Voyager is a solid choice for both adults and children interested in metal detecting, including gold hunting. It’s designed with ease of use in mind, featuring simple controls and automatic settings that help beginners quickly get started. Its discrimination feature with 3 target tones allows users to separate valuable finds from trash, which is helpful when searching in mixed-metal areas. The detector includes a pinpoint mode, boosting accuracy when identifying targets, which is important for digging precisely where gold might be. The waterproof coil enables use in wet conditions, expanding where you can search.

The coil size balances coverage and sensitivity well, and ground balance and sensitivity adjustments are included, though they may be less customizable for different soil types or very small gold nuggets. On the ergonomic side, the detector is lightweight (about 2.8 pounds) and compact with an adjustable length suitable for various users, making it comfortable for extended use. The included accessories—a collapsible shovel, headphones, and carrying case—add good value for beginners. However, the device relies on 9V batteries, which might require frequent replacements during long sessions.

This detector serves as a user-friendly, portable kit ideal for beginners or families exploring metal detecting. It covers essential features for gold hunting, while those seeking deeper or more technical detection might prefer higher-end models with advanced ground balancing and sensitivity controls.