Let Us Help You Find the Best Metal Detector For Gold Under One Thousand Dollars

Gold detectors allow you to become real life treasure hunters. Using sophisticated search coils, these devices can detect metals with conductive surfaces in the ground. From nuggets to jewelry and coins, you can find a variety of valuable items using a good quality metal detector.

Garrett AT Gold Waterproof Metal Detector with Headphones and ProPointer AT PinPointer	Our favorite for 2020
Garrett 1140680 AT Gold Metal Detector	A very close runner-up
Fisher Gold Bug Metal Detector	Great and affordable

We’re going to help you find the right gold detector. When comparing each model, keep the following points in mind:

• Detection Modes: Most good quality gold detectors feature two modes: true all metal and discrimination. Discrimination mode will differentiate between different types of metals or alloys, which can be helpful if you’re only looking for one specific type of metal (i.e. gold). Ideally, you want a detector that offers these two modes simply because it can make your prospecting more successful and less time-consuming.
• Frequency: How strong is the frequency generated from the search coil? The higher the frequency, the better the detection. Detectors with very high frequencies can pick up on even the tiniest of gold nuggets in the ground. While that sounds great, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right tools and patience to find those tiny gold nuggets.
• Search Coil: What size is the search coil on the detector, and is if waterproof? A waterproof coil will allow you to prospect along rivers and streams, which can be advantageous. A larger search coil will also let you cover a greater area at one time, so you cover more ground quickly.
• Ease of Use: Is the metal detector easy to use? Not all models are user-friendly, so if you’re a beginner, you may want a model that’s easy to pick up and get going.

Reviews – The Best Metal Detector for Gold and Coins in 2020

Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector with Accessories – This Garrett AT Gold metal detector kit is the complete package, and includes everything serious users need to get started.

The AT Gold is an all-terrain metal detector that’s waterproof up to 10 feet, and features a 5×8 DD search coil. Along with the metal detector itself, the kit also includes a Garrett Pro Pinpointer, a pair of Mastersound headphones and a set of batteries.

Slight motion is required for detection, meaning you’ll need to keep the head moving to locate objects. The detector can pick up on even tiny gold nuggets.

The AT Gold detector features automatic and manual Ground Balance, and a Ground Balance Window to help you find the best prospecting areas.

An all metal setting is available as well as two discrimination modes, which allow the detector to ignore trash.

If you’re looking for a complete metal detector kit for serious users, the Garrett AT Gold kit is the right choice.

Garrett AT Gold Metal Detector – The Garrett AT Gold metal detector is similar to the previous model, but does not come with any extra accessories – aside from a pair of headphones.

The detector features a 5 x 8 PROformance submersible search coil, so you can search for gold and metal in lakes, rivers and streams. The search coil is waterproof up to ten feet, although it is not recommended for saltwater use.

The 18kHz frequency allows for more advanced detection of jewelry, coins, relics and gold nuggets. The true all metal mode also allows for prospecting all types of terrains.

If you’re looking for a good quality metal detector but don’t need any extra accessories, the AT Gold is a great choice.

Fisher Gold Bug – The Fisher Gold Bug is an advanced metal detector with a variety of features that allow you to customize the settings according to your terrain. Ergonomically designed and extremely lightweight, this metal detector is a great option for both experienced and new users.

Gain and threshold adjustments are available, and the detector also has 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphone jacks built-in.

The Gold Bug has two search modes: discriminate and all-metal. It also has a large LCD screen with a numeric target identification display. A depth readout, large target alert and running signal strength alert provide you with all the information you need for successful prospecting.

No-motion pinpoint and a two-tone VCO make this detector one of the best on the market.

Fisher Gold Bug Pro – The Fisher Gold Bug Pro is the more advanced version of the Gold Bug, and is best suited for the most serious users.

The Gold Bug Pro can find even the tiniest of gold nuggets and even in highly mineralized soil. This detector also features the first variable tone discrimination system in the industry and a computerized grab.

Users can control the threshold and gain, and two modes are offered: discrimination and all metal. Continuous ground condition readouts allow you to prospect without interruption.

The ground phase value indicates the mineralization type, and the Pro also has a static pinpoint as well as a depth indicator.

White’s Goldmaster GMT – White’s Goldmaster GMT is an advanced gold metal detector with auto ground balance and a host of other features that make prospecting more pleasurable and fun.

The ergonomic design of the detector makes it easy to use for extended periods of time. The advanced detection system ignores harsh ground typically found in gold-rich areas, so you find nuggets and coins with greater ease.

You’ll also appreciate the iron target analyzer, which makes hunting even easier.

The 48kHz operating frequency is the absolute best gold detection. The Goldmaster also has a waterproof search coil that allows you to prospect along rivers and streams.

Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose the Right Gold Detector Under 1,000 for You

A good metal detector is easy to use and can pick up on even small gold nuggets. We’ve shared some of the top models on the market and we’ve also discussed some important things to consider when you compare models. Here are some other important factors to keep in mind when you shop for a gold detector.

• Quality: Of course, you want a detector that’s of high quality. Opting for a model from a top metal detector brand is one way to ensure quality. Another way is to check user reviews to see what other buyers are saying. Negative reviews are a red flag and may be an indication that you should consider another model instead.
• Accessories: Some metal detectors also come with extra accessories that help make prospecting easier, such as a Pinpointer or a nice pair of headphones. If these extra accessories are important to you, look for a kit that comes with everything you need.
• Comfort: Prospecting can be a long adventure, so it’s important to have a detector that’s comfortable to hold and lightweight. Detectors that are ergonomically designed are the best option, and will allow you to use the device for longer without feeling fatigued.
• Cost: The price of the detector is another important consideration. You’re looking in the under $1,000 price range, so you already have a good idea of how much you’re going to spend. But don’t let cost be the only consideration. Remember, a good quality detector won’t be cheap, so be prepared to spend several hundred dollars on your device.