Best Underwater Metal Detectors: Reviews and Buying Guide

If you’re into finding jewelry and artifacts using detectors, you probably know how worthy it is to expand your field of detection into deep water. However, most metal detectors out there won’t work any deeper than a few inches underwater or even none at all!

Luckily, there are currently some metal detectors that are specifically designed to be used tens of feet underwater without breaking. If you’re looking for the best underwater metal detectors, you’re in for a treat!

In this article, we’ll walk you through a comprehensive guide to help you pick the best underwater metal detector for your needs. So without further ado, let’s dive in!

Top 5 Underwater Metal Detectors Available on the Market

There are tons of metal detectors out there. However, only a few of them can be used underwater.

To help you make the most out of your investment, we’ve compiled a list of the best metal detectors that can actually be submerged fully underwater. Let’s have a brief overview of each one of them and see what they’ve got to offer!

1. Wedigout MD-750 Underwater Handheld Metal Detector

Kicking off the list with one of the all-round best metal detectors for finding relics underwater. The Wedigout Underwater Handheld Metal Detector is a well-priced model that functions quite well, especially underwater.

This metal detector is small enough to work easily underwater with a waterproof sealing that allows the pinpointer to work underwater for as deep as 100 feet.

The MD-750 works by pulse induction technology, which means that its range of detection is fully unaffected with the medium it’s used in. This means that you can use it to hunt for metals in both freshwater, saltwater, and even sandy landscapes!

The handheld compact design makes it extremely easy to use underwater when you can’t have much gear around.

The Wedigout MD-750 features a built-in microprocessor that gives you a steady and high level of sensitivity, which does a remarkable job when compared to its design and price range!

This microprocessor also tunes its sensitivity automatically to save you the hassle of adjustments and let you focus on picking up underwater treasures.

The metal detector works by vibration and lighting the LED indicator when it detects targets, so you won’t have to buy additional headphones for the job.

Pros

• High sensitivity and detection stability for its size and price
• Uses undisrupted pulse induction technology to hunt metals in different types of waters
• Eliminates the use of headgear with light and vibrations

Cons

• The battery compartment requires very tight sealing while replacing the battery packs

2. Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector

Next up we have one of the best VLF metal detectors out there that gives you an excellent performance to hunt anything from jewelry to coins and valuable metals.

If you want a highly professional metal detector that works well on the land and can also detect metals for as deep as 10 feet underwater, this one will do the trick!

The Garrett AT Pro is a super handy metal detector for people who are into metal detecting in water and river banks without fully diving underwater.

It operates at a super low frequency of about 15 kHz, which allows it to detect tiny jewelry and coins with relative ease.

Not only that, but it also comes with a manual ground balance that cancels out the minerals in seawater, allowing you to use it in all surfaces!

The 10-feet submersible metal detector is also surprisingly versatile, as it operates in various modes. You can choose to use the detector at “Standard” mode, which simplifies the audio signal, making it easier to pick by beginner relic hunters.

For more experienced users, they can use the “Pro” mode, which gives you much more detailed signal feedback to help you estimate the size and depth of your targets.

The device comes with Garrett MS-2 headphones, which adds more value to your purchase and saves you the hassle of buying one yourself. It also comes with batteries needed for operating the device immediately.

However, you should keep in mind that unlike the detector, the headphones included aren’t waterproof, so you have to buy those anyway for the underwater part.

Pros

• Excellent sensitivity level and rapid response time
• Versatile and operates at beginner-friendly and professional-level audio feedbacks
• Features a 2-year warranty for a worry-free purchase

Cons

• A bit pricey

3. Nokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector & Pinpointer

Sometimes, the most simple looking tools can surprise you with an amazing performance! This is exactly the case here with the Nokta PulseDive Underwater Metal Detector.

As the name suggests, this one works by pulse induction technology, which makes it suitable for use whether you’re hunting for metals in freshwater or saltwater environments.

The pulse induction also means that you should expect a pretty stable signal even on different soils, such as black sand.

The metal detector is rated IP68, which means that it’s able to operate underwater at a striking depth of up to 200 feet!

It comes with a built-in wireless module that operates with full compatibility with Nokta’s 2.4 GHz wireless headphones.

While the headphone isn’t included in the main package, you can still rely on vibrations and LED indicators to use the device, which makes it especially great for beginners who want to detect metals in very deep underwater environments.

The device also has a dive mode, which prevents the settings from being tampered with due to the pressure of the deep water by locking the keys.

The detector comes with a 4-inch coil that’s easily replaceable. The coil also comes with a protective hard-shell case to protect it from wear and tear.

Other users had mixed receptions regarding this metal detector, with many of them claiming that theirs broke after a few uses. However, the company offers a 2-year warranty which allows you to replace the metal detector if it breaks, so you don’t have to worry about that!

Pros

• Operates at up to 200 feet deep
• Key-locking feature to retain settings in deep waters
• Includes a 2-year warranty

Cons

• Doesn’t include the necessary headgear for operation

4. Kuman KW 30 Pinpointer Water Resistant Metal Detector

While metal detectors are super fun and useful, they can be quite expensive. If you’re on a strict budget, that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on the quality of the metal detector you use.

Luckily, with metal detectors like Kuman KW 30, you’ll be able to enjoy hunting for underwater treasures without breaking the bank!

This highly affordable metal detector operates through a 360-degree side scan detection area as well as a pinpointer tip that can help you detect every type of metal out there.

What’s great about this metal detector is that it can work in a wide variety of environments, whether it’s underwater, soil, or even sand!

Yet, you should know that the detector itself isn’t waterproof. Instead, you’ll have to use the waterproof case that comes along with the metal detector so that you can use it underwater.

It can alert you to the hunt using LED indicator lights, vibrations, and audible feedback buzzer. The device is surprisingly lightweight and portable, weighing only 0.2 lbs and operates at 12 kHz frequency.

Moreover, the KW 30 is easy to adjust and tune using only a single button, which allows you to narrow the field of searching and pinpoint your target for pinpoint accuracy. The ease of use makes it easy to use by both adults and kids!

Pros

• Ideal for buyers on a budget
• Can work in a wide variety of environments
• Easy to use and adjust with a push of a button

Cons

• Using the waterproof case might affect the sensitivity of the detector

5. Dr. ÖTEK IP68 Waterproof Metal Detector & Pinpointer

Last but not least, this waterproof metal detector from Dr. ÖTEK is also another inexpensive option that’s fit for both adults’ and kids’ usage.

Similar to the Kuman KW 30 it’s also rated IP68, which means it can be used and submerged underwater.

The good part here is, you won’t need to enclose the device in a waterproof casing before using it underwater, as the device itself is fully submersible to over 32 feet underwater.

It has a super portable design that allows you to detect objects around the device using the 360-degrees detection area then narrow down your search with the pinpointer tip.

The device uses 4 different levels of LED light indicators to alert you when it’s picking up a signal of a target.

One of the best things about this waterproof metal detector is that it comes ready with all the needed items for the device to work. For example, it features a 9-volt battery, which allows it to operate for a long time.

Also, it comes with a probe cover and a woven holster to make it even easier to store the metal detector whenever you need to use both hands.

The device comes with a 2-year warranty as well as energy-efficient features such as auto-shutoff after 5 minutes of inactivity.

Pros

• Affordable price tag
• Comes ready with necessary accessories
• Simple design that can be used even by kids

Cons

• Not as sensitive as other options on the list

Types of Underwater Metal Detectors

Before buying a metal detector, you should know that underwater water detectors are split into two types. Let’s check them out, so you can understand the differences between them.

Pulse Induction (PI) Metal Detectors

Pulse induction utilizes coils that propagate impulses between the detector and the target regardless of the medium.

In other words, these detectors can work in all types of waters whether they’re fresh or salty because they ignore the pulses coming from minerals in the water.

They’re great for beginners and for use in oceans and seas but they’re a bit more expensive than VLF metal detectors.

Very Low Frequency (VLF) Metal Detectors

As the name suggests, these metal detectors operate by sending out very low-frequency signals and detect the feedback of these signals when they hit metals.

This makes them extremely sensitive to all kinds of metals, which is a double-edged weapon. On one hand, they’re excellent at detecting metals with superior sensitivity. For that reason, they’re the detectors of choice in freshwater bodies like lakes and rivers.

On the other hand, they’re so sensitive that they’ll usually have a lot of background noise and chatter in the headphone when used in salty water like seas and oceans due to the minerals.

However, the most advanced VLF detectors will have a ground balance that will cancel out these noises.

What to Look for While Shopping for an Underwater Metal Detector

While buying an underwater metal detector, there are some aspects that are extremely critical to check before you make your decision. In the following section, we’ll discuss these buying points and the options you have.

Maximum Water Depth

Underwater metal detectors come in a wide variety of maximum allowed water depth levels. The deeper the metal detector can go, the more expensive it can be.

Also, some metal detectors focus on the water depth rather than pinpoint accuracy, so unless you need a metal detector that can go hundreds of feet into the water, you should spare this feature for an affordable or more accurate detector.

Detection Sensitivity

Detection sensitivity is one of the most critical aspects of a metal detector, especially if it’s used underwater where signals might be hindered by the water medium.

Sensitivity is usually linked to the size of the coil and the frequency of the vibrations and pulses the detection device sends.

As a rule of thumb, the bigger the search coil, the more sensitive it is, which allows you to sweep out larger areas in the bottom of the ocean in less time.

Portability

Underwater metal detectors tend to be a little bit heavier than the land metal detectors due to using special materials to seal the system.

For a beginner, it’s always recommended to opt for the new portable versions of underwater metal detectors, so you’re able to move around with relative ease.

Detection Alerts

Most land metal detectors work by transmitting noise into headphones whenever it detects metals.

However, not all headphones are waterproof and it’s quite difficult to hear the noise properly underwater. For that reason, many underwater detector brands use other means of target detection alerts.

Ideally, you should go for underwater metal detectors that come with an LED light indicator or vibration with various intensities to let you find items easily underwater.

FAQs

Can an underwater metal detector work on the land?

Most underwater metal detectors can work well on the land. However, full-scale underwater metal detectors can be too heavy to be used comfortably on the land due to the water-resistant materials used in them.

In other words, you can use them but they won’t be as easy to move around as you would want a metal detector to be.

If the land is your main area of work, you should invest in a land metal detector that can be submerged for about 10 to 13 feet, such as the Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector.

Can metal detectors find diamonds?

diamonds are originally made of carbon, so they have no metallic properties that the metal detector can pick.

However, since diamonds are usually found within gold rings, you might be able to find diamond rings using a metal detector!

What are the best places to use underwater metal detectors?

It’s not easy to predict the ideal spot to find valuable relics underwater. However, one of the best places to use underwater metal detectors is around the beaches, marine tourist spots, as well as crowded lakes and ponds.

A lot of people tend to lose their jewelry there. Also, tidal forces can help in unearthing some old relics, making them one of the best places to hunt treasures!

Are metal detectors profitable?

Using metal detectors can be anywhere for fairly worth your time to extremely profitable based on the kinds of items you find.

However, you should know that metal detecting requires a lot of scouting, researching, patience, and dedication to work, not to mention, a lot of luck!

Wrap Up

There you have it. A complete guide that walks you through everything you need to know in order to pick your ideal fit from the best underwater metal detectors available on the market.

As you can see, there are different options out there to choose from. However, we pick Wedigout MD-750 Underwater Metal Detector as the overall best option to go for.

The MD-750 is a well-priced metal detector that works up to 100 feet deep underwater using pulse induction, so it can work with great sensitivity and regardless of the amounts of minerals in the water!

However, if you’re looking for a powerful metal detector that can work flawlessly just about anywhere, you should opt for Garrett AT Pro Metal Detector.

Despite being a bit expensive, It has an unrivaled sensitivity and features a Standard and Pro modes, making it well worth its price!