Independently researched Buying Guide
Best Metal Detectors Under $750
At $750, buyers can choose a light modern Equinox, a two-coil X-Terra package, Garrett Multi-Salt or a feature-rich Nokta bundle. Spending near the ceiling should buy a specific advantage—not just more accessories.
Bottom line
Equinox 700 is the balanced $649 detector; Elite Expedition wins package value
Equinox 700 is currently $649 and weighs about 1.27 kg. X-Terra Elite Expedition is $599 with two coils and ML85 audio. Garrett VX7 adds Multi-Salt at $534.99; Triple Score Pro Pack is the control-and-bundle alternative.
Decision table
Four options with different jobs
| Product | Best fit | Verified differentiator | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab Equinox 700 | Coins, fields, beaches and long sessions | $649 sale; Multi-IQ; carbon shaft; 5 m | No Gold mode and only three recovery levels |
| X-Terra Elite Expedition | Buyers needing small coil and wireless audio | $599; V12X+V8X; ML85; Multi-IQ | Larger package than base Elite |
| Garrett Vortex VX7 | Garrett users and frequent saltwater hunters | $534.99; Multi-Salt; 5 m; two-tier ID | Less control and ID detail than VX9 |
| Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack | Control-focused value buyers | SMF; two coils; headphones; 1.2 kg | 60-ID platform and retailer pricing vary |
Specific recommendations
Choose by use case—not one universal winner
Minelab Equinox 700
Coins, fields, beaches and long sessions.
- $649 sale; Multi-IQ; carbon shaft; 5 m
- Main caution: No Gold mode and only three recovery levels
X-Terra Elite Expedition
Buyers needing small coil and wireless audio.
- $599; V12X+V8X; ML85; Multi-IQ
- Main caution: Larger package than base Elite
Garrett Vortex VX7
Garrett users and frequent saltwater hunters.
- $534.99; Multi-Salt; 5 m; two-tier ID
- Main caution: Less control and ID detail than VX9
Nokta Triple Score Pro Pack
Control-focused value buyers.
- SMF; two coils; headphones; 1.2 kg
- Main caution: 60-ID platform and retailer pricing vary
Decision analysis
What actually changes the result
Equinox 700 earns its price through the complete chassis. It combines Multi-IQ, 5 m waterproofing and a compact carbon shaft, not simply additional menu items.
Elite Expedition may be cheaper after accessories. The included V8X and ML85 would otherwise be separate purchases. Buyers who will never use a small coil should not pay for it.
Garrett’s model boundary matters. VX5 lacks Multi-Salt; VX7 adds it. That makes VX7 the first Vortex tier this guide can recommend for regular ocean saltwater.
FAQ
Seven questions specific to this page
Is Equinox 700 currently below $750?
Minelab listed it at $649 sale pricing on August 15, 2026.
What does Elite Expedition add over base Elite?
A V8X small coil and ML85 wireless headphones alongside the V12X.
Why choose Vortex VX7 instead of VX5?
VX7 adds Multi-Salt, which Garrett recommends for frequent saltwater beach hunting.
Does Equinox 700 include a small coil?
No. Its standard package uses EQX11; Equinox 900 includes EQX06 as well.
Is Triple Score easier than Legend 2?
It is designed around a streamlined Score interface while retaining multiple tones, recovery and profiles.
Should tax count against the $750 ceiling?
Yes for a real spending cap; displayed manufacturer prices generally exclude tax.
Which package is best with no existing accessories?
Elite Expedition is unusually complete because it includes two coils and wireless headphones.
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