Independently researched Buying Guide
Best Metal Detectors Under $400
Under $400 now includes current Multi-IQ, Garrett Multi-Flex, fully waterproof single-frequency machines and two-coil promotions. Package contents can matter more than a $20 difference, so compare the exact SKU.
Bottom line
Vanquish 560 is the easiest $399 Multi-IQ package; Apex wins for adjustable land control
Vanquish 560 is officially $399, Garrett Apex is $384.99, X-Terra Pro is currently $294.99, and Simplex Ultra usually stays below the ceiling with 5 m waterproofing and richer controls than Simplex Lite.
Decision table
Four options with different reasons to buy
| Product | Best fit | Verified differentiator | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab Vanquish 560 | Switch-on-and-go land and wet-sand use | Official US price $399; Multi-IQ; 119-ID generation | Control housing is not submersible |
| Garrett ACE Apex | Coins, relics and shallow-water coil use | $384.99; Multi-Flex; six modes | Weatherproof housing is not submersible |
| Minelab X-Terra Pro | Freshwater and buyers wanting room to tune | Current $294.99; 5 m; four selectable frequencies | Not simultaneous multi-frequency |
| Nokta Simplex Ultra | Freshwater and detailed entry-level control | 15 kHz; 5 m; 1.2 kg; Bluetooth | Wet salt remains its main compromise |
Specific recommendations
Choose by use case—not one universal winner
Minelab Vanquish 560
Switch-on-and-go land and wet-sand use.
- Official US price $399; Multi-IQ; 119-ID generation
- Main caution: Control housing is not submersible
Garrett ACE Apex
Coins, relics and shallow-water coil use.
- $384.99; Multi-Flex; six modes
- Main caution: Weatherproof housing is not submersible
Minelab X-Terra Pro
Freshwater and buyers wanting room to tune.
- Current $294.99; 5 m; four selectable frequencies
- Main caution: Not simultaneous multi-frequency
Nokta Simplex Ultra
Freshwater and detailed entry-level control.
- 15 kHz; 5 m; 1.2 kg; Bluetooth
- Main caution: Wet salt remains its main compromise
Decision analysis
What actually changes the purchase
Vanquish 560 is new-generation simplicity. Minelab’s current 560 sits at $399 with Multi-IQ and the broader 119-position ID family. It still protects only the coil from immersion.
Apex is weatherproof, not a dive detector. Garrett’s Multi-Flex and frequency choices are useful, but a rain-resistant housing should not be treated as submersible.
X-Terra Pro is cheaper because architecture differs from Elite. Pro uses selectable single frequencies; Elite at $479 adds automatic Multi-IQ and is the stronger salt-beach proposition.
Verify before ordering
- Exact current model and package contents
- Waterproof rating and approved accessories
- Authorized seller, warranty and returns
Do not assume
- A price ceiling is a spending target
- A waterproof coil means a waterproof detector
- Target ID can eliminate ambiguous digging
FAQ
Seven questions specific to this purchase
What is the official US price of Vanquish 560?
Minelab listed it at $399 on August 15, 2026.
Is Garrett Apex fully waterproof?
No. Garrett describes the housing as weatherproof; the search coil is waterproof.
Why is X-Terra Pro cheaper than X-Terra Elite?
Pro uses one selectable frequency at a time, while Elite adds simultaneous Multi-IQ and different control capability.
Does Simplex Ultra work in freshwater?
Yes. Its 5 m waterproof construction and 15 kHz platform suit freshwater use.
Which option is best for wet ocean sand?
Vanquish 560’s Multi-IQ is the safer architecture here, while keeping the control box dry.
Are headphones included at these prices?
Package contents vary. Confirm the exact detector SKU, headphones, coil, charger and seller bundle.
Should I exceed $400 for X-Terra Elite?
If regular wet-salt use or full waterproof Multi-IQ matters, the $479 Elite can be a rational step up.
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Compare the exact package before ordering
Confirm current price, included accessories and regional warranty.
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