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Kids love to explore and get dirty. So, it’s no surprise that they also have a fascination with treasure hunting.
Whether you’re looking for a birthday present or want your kids to stay entertained during the summer break, chances are they’ll be happy with the gift of a metal detector.
Regardless of age, there is an appropriate metal detector out there for them.
The best metal detectors for kids will give them hours of enjoyment and teach them how valuable these treasures can be.
They will be able to find coins and other small pieces of history in their backyard or at the beach when on vacation!
So, you might be wondering what kind of metal detector would be best for your child?
When purchasing a device for a child, it is important to assess the child’s needs, how often they will use it, and their age.
Let’s take a closer look.
Best Metal Detectors for Children in 2024
Last update on 2024-12-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What To Look For In A Beginner Detector For Kids
It doesn’t matter if you’re a metal detector veteran or trying to learn about them for the first time; buying one can be frustrating.
Even though the most popular choice for metal detectors for kids belongs to the toy category, it doesn’t necessarily mean that this is the right choice.
The following are some key factors you need to take into account when choosing the right product for your child.
Age
Age is the most important factor to be considered when choosing a metal detector.
For the most part, metal detectors made for kids are designed to accommodate their age and their abilities. This makes them easy to use.
Advanced metal detectors come with numerous options and settings to make them more effective at treasure hunting.
Kids in the higher age groups might not have a problem using such detectors, but this might not be the case for younger kids.
Height
Choosing the incorrect height can cause a lot of inconveniences. There are many devices of varying lengths available so it’s important to choose wisely.
It is also possible that your child will outgrow the device eventually.
In this case, you may want to opt for a detector that has a height-adjustable feature. This feature will also come in handy if the detector is shared by lots of kids.
Older kids who are in their teens don’t have to worry about the height as they can use a standard height machine.
Weight
Just like height, the weights of devices can differ too. Typically, detectors made for kids weigh between 1.5 to 4lbs.
The weight of a detector affects its mobility as well as its usability.
Younger kids need devices that are light and easy to carry. You can buy a detector that weighs 4lbs for a kid, but if it’s lighter it’s even better.
Durability
Kids are naturally clumsy, and since the machine is going to be handled by a child, you need to choose a detector that has a strong body.
If your child’s gold detector breaks due to a fall, that would be extremely costly to replace. Buy one that is waterproof and made of metal.
Price
Parents often put a lot of thought into the price when choosing a detector for their kids.
Some parents feel buying a cheap detector is the sensible choice, as kids outgrow or break them eventually.
On the other hand, some parents try to buy detectors equipped with all the advanced technologies, so they don’t have to look for another detector anytime soon.
There are arguments on both sides, but it is good to keep in mind that the price of a metal detector should be decided based on whether or not the child has a good understanding of detectors.
What Is The Best Metal Detector For A Child?
Keeping the above factors and considerations in mind, I have combined a list of the best entry-level metal detectors suitable for kids.
Bounty Hunter Junior T.I.D
The reason the Bounty Hunter TID is on top of this list is because it has all the features found in devices designed for adults.
It comes with target identification & discrimination packed in the body. The most notable attribute from the Junior would have to be the control panel.
On the display, there are emojis that help kids understand the item detected by the machine.
This stops kids getting confused from the complex number ID system. The device can find metals that belong to the following categories, and each category has an emoji assigned to it.
- Non-Ferrous metals with high conductivity: Metals like silver coins, copper coins, and jewelry made of silver are depicted with a high-pitched tone and a smiley face emoji 🙂
- Low Conductivity Non-Ferrous: Once the machine identifies any metal falling into this category, you will see the emoji question mark appear on your screen. Meanwhile, the tone produced by the machine is medium-pitched. Since non-ferrous metals with low conductivity are used in many items like rings, jewelry, and trash items like bottle caps, foils, the question mark suits the category well.
- Ferrous: If the device is used in a place like a backyard where bolts and screws are common, it will continuously show the sad face emoji. Whereas the audio tone played for this category is low-pitched.
There’s nothing worse than watching your kid struggle with a machine twice his or her arm’s weight. This is why the Junior TID can be a great choice for kids.
The device weighs only 1.5 lbs and measures only 19-inches at the minimum.
The Junior T.I.D. has been designed to ensure that a kid does not face any inconvenience when using it.
Speaking of depth reach; as the Junior T.I.D. is designed for kids, it does not scan deeper than 5-inches. However, this depth is enough to locate coins and other small items.
An array of features make this Junior TID. one of the most versatile and reliable VLF detectors. The machine comes with a pre-set ground balance and a frequency output of 6.6kHz
The device has a discrimination feature that allows your kid to filter out targets that are not worth digging.
Pros:
- User-friendly
- It has an attractive appearance
- Comes with discrimination
- There are fun emojis for different kinds of metals
- The machine is very lightweight and has an ergonomic design
Cons:
- Sometimes the readings might not be accurate
Bounty Hunter Tracker IV
If you want to give your kid an upgrade from a kid’s detector, you can try the Bounty Hunter Tracker IV.
It is not as easy to use compared to the Junior TID as it has an analog display that can be difficult to understand.
The control panel contains two knobs, one for adjusting sensitivity and the other for discrimination.
Also, there is a display that shows the signal strength. It has very few features compared to the other higher priced models.
Though it is a simple device, there are numerous ways it can make treasure hunting easier.
The device has a sensitivity control feature that enables the users to learn about eliminating false signals while getting increased depth reach.
By just turning the discrimination knob, the machine can eliminate trash items like iron as well as lead from its detection pattern.
There are different operating modes in the machine that can make metal detection faster and convenient.
It has a ‘All Metal’ mode that ignores the configurations imposed by the discrimination mode, allowing it to find any target.
On the other hand, the discrimination mode helps kids create their detection pattern.
The Tracker IV comes with an automatic ground balance. This helps the machine detect metals in regions with considerable mineralization.
The Tracker IV avoids falsifying signals by adjusting the ground balance without a loss of sensitivity.
The device does have some disadvantages that you need to know before buying it.
With no target indicator, treasure hunting can be a little difficult because the user only gets a limited amount of information about the target.
Also, its signal strength indicator is less precise than the more pricey models.
Pros:
- Automatic Ground Balance
- Waterproof coil
- Three search modes
- Sensitivity meter
Cons:
- Signal strength is not accurate
Fisher F22
The Fisher F22 has multiple features that make it one of the best metal detectors for kids. It’s lightweight and has a number of settings that are not normally found with inexpensive models.
There are ten sensitivity levels and multiple hunting modes such as coins, artifacts, jewelry, and more.
These modes can help your kid get started fast. It also has a custom mode that allows your child to configure it and detect the target they want.
The Fisher F22 weighs around 2.3lbs, which is significantly less compared to the Tracker. It is also equipped with a nine inch search coil that gives it more depth reach.
Displayed on the machine is a digital screen that shows a two digit target ID, iron detection icon, depth indication, and the settings configured on the device.
It can be very helpful for kids as they can receive visual data about the item located.
There is a 4 tone audio target ID in the device that enables the user to identify the target by listening to the audio signals.
Speedier reactivity, improved sensitivity, and pinpointing mode, plus a notch discrimination system for even better control accompany this model.
Its comprehensive control panel might be difficult for kids to understand. Furthermore, its lack of ground balance makes it unsuitable for seasoned detectorists.
So, if your kid is somewhere in between, he or she will have no problem using this device.
Pros:
- Ten sensitivity levels
- Lightweight
- 2-digit target ID
- Sensitivity adjustment
Cons:
- It lacks Ground balance
- The control panel is quite extensive and hard to understand
Garrett ACE 200
Among Garrett’s wide range of treasure hunting products, there is one detector that is great for kids.
The Garrett’s ACE 200 detector is simple to use and offers all the qualities treasure hunters need.
There is a 6.5 kHz frequency on this machine, and it comes with a 6.5 x 9 inch waterproof search coil.
Due to this combination, the machine can find coins and relics with ease. It weighs only 2.75lbs which is a little heavier than the Fisher F22.
While it does not have as many features as most devices on this list, it does have some noteworthy features, including 3 search modes, four sensitivity settings, a depth indicator, and pulse width modulation.
Apart from these main features, it has a digital target ID shown on the display along with a low battery marker.
Using the Garrett ACE 200 is very easy. However, your kid will have to spend some time learning about its various features and abilities.
Unlike other expensive models from the company, the Garrett ACE 200 does not have a pinpointer.
However, you can buy a pinpointer from Garrett, which is extremely useful for locating metal buried underground.
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Three search modes
- Target ID and low battery indicator
Cons:
- Lacks pinpointing abilities
Tesoro Compadre
When you realize your child has become proficient with metal detectors but has been stuck using an entry-level device, you may want to consider buying the Tesoro Compadre detector.
This machine is designed for professionals, but most experienced detectorists prefer using this as a backup device.
Even though this metal detector comes at a low price, its ability to perform in different terrains is quite exceptional.
The Tesoro Compadre is a VLF detector that has a 12kHz frequency and uses an 8-inch concentric search coil.
It also has a smaller coil variant which is 5.75 inches and is lighter in weight.
Understanding the difference between the two variants is very important as it can affect your performance on the field massively.
The machine with a smaller coil offers increased sensitivity and can avoid interferences when hunting in a metal-rich area.
Whereas the large coil variant offers more depth but is not great at locating small-sized objects. Its large size also comes with a heavier weight which might be problematic for kids.
Some of its key features include 2 search modes, minimal rejection, and a discrimination setting.
The machine comes with an auto ground balance setting which is pretty common at this price range.
The Tesoro Compadre weighs around 2 lbs which is lighter than most detectors made for kids. Though it’s pretty lightweight, the machine is very durable and can endure hard usage.
It is a negative that there is no digital control panel, which makes it difficult to determine the depth and composition of an underground target.
Your child might also need some time to comprehend the different noises it makes. However, kids can easily use the one knob control.
Pros:
- Durable and lightweight
- Two search modes and discrimination setting
- Auto ground balance
Cons:
- Lacks digital control panel
Teknetics Digitek Detector
Most detectors on this list are either entry-level or close to it. However, this one is specifically designed for teenagers.
The Teknetic Digitek has almost all the features that are normally found in high-end models. However, it falls in the affordable price range and sports a light design.
It is similar to other machines on the list as it’s a VLF detector. The machine operates at a frequency of 7.69kHz; this enables the machine to find coins, relics, and other items.
However, It is not a good option to find gold.
The Teknetics Digitek boasts technologies such as notch, adjustable sensitivity, and discrimination settings.
Other features include: Nine Target ID classifications, depth indicator, 0 – 99 Target-ID numbers, 7-inch concentric coil.
This machine is the perfect way to ensure that your child does not outgrow the metal detector anytime soon.
It has an adjustable shaft that helps you increase or decrease the detector’s length as your kid grows taller.
Digitek has no setting for manual ground balance, which is fair considering its price. This does not affect its performance on normal terrain.
However, this makes the machine unsuitable for use on saltwater beaches.
You can use the machine to detect coins that are buried close to 8 inches deep.
The Teknetics Digitek will be a fantastic choice for tweens on a restricted budget and cannot afford to buy high-end detectors like Fisher F22.
Pros:
- Loaded with features
- Easy to use
- It has a depth reach of 8-inches
- Adjustable shaft
Cons:
- Not suitable for beaches
Questions Before Buying
What Is The Best Metal Detector For A Beginner?
The Fisher F22 is the best metal detector for a beginner. With an easy-to-use design and digital screen for information, this device is one of its kind at this price range.
Among its features are search modes, depth indicator, four-tone audio, target ID, and more. In addition to this, it is light and does not cause any pain after prolonged use.
Its most attractive feature is the price. The machine is priced reasonably and can be afforded by most detectorists.
Since it has many features, your kid will surely not outgrow it anytime soon.
How Much Does A Kid’s Metal Detector Cost?
Toy detectors that are solely created for kid’s use and come with few to no features come under $100.
These detectors fail most of the time and find valuable items that are closer to the surface.
However, a kid’s entry-level detector like the Fisher F22 falls in the high-end range and is priced around the $200 range
There are mid-range detectors too; the most popular among them is the Garrett ACE 200. Machines like these come in the price range of $150- $200.
What Can A Child Expect To Find With These Child Models?
All of the metal detectors mentioned above are great alternatives for kids of different age groups.
However, they are not entirely toy detectors and can detect everything. These machines can find gold, jewelry, coins, relics, and many other things buried underground.
The ability of a machine to detect metal targets depends on several key factors. Some of these factors include location, mineralization, detector configuration, and depth.
Apart from the detector’s ability to locate items, your kids also need to have the necessary information required to use a metal detector.
How Fast Will A Child Detector be Outgrown?
How quickly a children’s detector will be outgrown depends on your child’s age and enthusiasm for treasure hunting.
Some metal detectors come with alterable shafts that allow you to alter the length of the device as your kid matures.
Hence, it is also suitable to be shared among siblings.
And it isn’t just about the size, your kid might master all the components of an basic evel detector after using it for some time.
Therefore, it is better to find a detector that has a number of features.
It will not only give them more time to master all the components of the machine, but also help them learn treasure hunting better.