Top 5 Best-Selling Metal Detectors in the UK (2025): Full Buyer’s Guide & Comparison

At a glance: This definitive UK buyer’s guide compares the five detector ranges that dominate UK sales and forums in 2025 — Minelab X-Terra Pro, Nokta Legend, XP Deus II, Minelab Manticore, and the Garrett ACE Apex. We cover their features, how they perform in real British conditions (beaches, pasture, plough, parks and permissions), and practical buying advice.

Why these five?

The UK has unique detecting challenges: heavy iron contamination, varied soils, and salty beaches. These five machines are consistently the most popular across UK dealers and forums because they combine proven reliability, modern features, and strong after-sales support. They also span a realistic range of budgets, from entry-level affordability to cutting-edge flagships.

Quick comparison (core specs that affect finds)

Model

Tech

Waterproofing

Weight

In‑box coil

Minelab X‑Terra Pro

Selectable single‑freq (5/10/15 kHz; Beach 8 kHz)

Pod & coil to 5 m

~1.3 kg

12" DD (V12X)

Nokta Legend

SMF + single 4/10/15/20/40 kHz

Pod & coil to 5 m

~1.3 kg

12"×9" DD (LG30)

XP Deus II

FMF® multi‑freq

To 20 m (IP68)

from ~750 g

9", 11" or 13"×11"

Minelab Manticore

Multi‑IQ+

Pod & coil to 5 m

~1.3 kg

11" DD (M11)

Garrett ACE Apex

Multi‑Flex (5/10/15/20 kHz + Multi/Multi‑Salt)

Coil waterproof; pod rainproof

~1.13 kg

11"×6" DD Viper

1) Minelab X-Terra Pro — the waterproof all-rounder for beginners

Best for: Beginners wanting a modern, affordable, fully submersible detector that works across British sites.

Why it sells: Few detectors under £350 offer a waterproof control pod, multiple frequencies, and such ease of use. Its build quality feels closer to mid-range machines, and it’s light enough for long pasture sessions.

Strengths in UK ground:

• Pasture: 10 kHz Field mode balances depth and separation, perfect for hammered coins.

• Parks: 15 kHz handles small low conductors like jewellery.

• Beaches: Surprisingly stable in Beach mode compared with rivals at the same price.

Set-up tips: Start in Field 1, sensitivity high but stable, use 5 tones. On beaches, switch to Beach 1 and reduce sensitivity slightly if chatter occurs.

Limitations: Struggles on very mineralised wet sand compared with SMF machines like the Legend or Deus II.

2) Nokta Legend — the value-packed multi-frequency

Best for: Hobbyists who want a serious SMF machine without breaking £700.

Why it sells: It rivals £1,000+ machines in performance but costs far less. Features like iron filter, vibration, flashlight, and multiple search modes make it highly adaptable.

Strengths in UK ground:

• Salt beaches: Stable and accurate on wet sand, rivalling Minelab’s Multi-IQ.

• Pasture: Strong unmasking of coins in iron.

• Night hunts: Torch and vibration give practical advantages.

Set-up tips: Use Multi-1 on beaches, Field mode inland. Adjust recovery speed to balance separation and depth (5–6 for trashy sites, 3–4 for deep pasture).

Limitations: Heavier than the Deus II, menus can be complex for beginners.

3) XP Deus II — the ultra-light wireless flagship

Best for: Experienced detectorists wanting maximum flexibility, depth, and comfort.

Why it sells: At under 800 g, it’s the lightest serious detector. Fully wireless, modular, and waterproof to 20 m, with advanced programmes covering every condition.

Strengths in UK ground:

• Mineralised soil & black sand beaches: Superior stability and target IDs.

• Pasture: Superb separation reveals tiny hammered and Roman coins hidden in iron.

• Customisation: Almost every setting is adjustable, allowing advanced optimisation.

Set-up tips: Start with Sensitive FT for inland, Beach Sensitive for coastal. Use PWM audio for sharper response.

Limitations: High price point; can overwhelm new users.

4) Minelab Manticore — the power-packed successor to Equinox

Best for: Detectorists who want maximum power and advanced target ID features.

Why it sells: It takes the beloved Equinox platform and boosts it with Multi-IQ+, 50% more power, a 2D target graph, and enhanced ferrous limits. UK users value its stability on salty beaches and accuracy on deep hammered.

Strengths in UK ground:

• Wet beaches: Multi-IQ+ is extremely stable.

• Pasture: Excellent depth with clear iron handling.

• Permissions: Handles EMI around pylons better than many machines.

Set-up tips: All Terrain General for pasture; Beach Low Conductors for shoreline. Keep ferrous limits at default until confident.

Limitations: Expensive; learning curve for beginners.

5) Garrett ACE Apex — affordable Multi-Flex versatility

Best for: Mid-range buyers who want single and multi-frequency flexibility without premium pricing.

Why it sells: Garrett’s Multi-Flex allows you to run single frequencies (5, 10, 15, 20 kHz) or simultaneous multi, plus Multi-Salt for beaches. It’s rainproof, light, and ships with the versatile Viper coil.

Strengths in UK ground:

• Parks and permissions: Reliable target ID and light build make it good for casual inland hunting.

• Beaches: Multi-Salt mode improves wet sand performance.

• Flexibility: Frequency options let you target different finds (e.g. 20 kHz for small jewellery).

Set-up tips: Use Multi-Flex for general hunting, Multi-Salt at the coast. Adjust iron volume instead of rejecting iron completely.

Limitations: Control box is only rainproof; not suitable for rivers or deep wading.

Buying Guide & Checklist for UK Detectorists — Best Metal Detector UK 2025

When choosing among these five, ask:

1. Budget: Affordable all-rounder (X-Terra Pro), mid-range (Apex, Legend), or flagship (Deus II, Manticore)?

2. Sites: Pasture, plough, parks, or beaches? Wet salt needs SMF.

3. Waterproofing: Do you need a fully submersible control unit? If yes, avoid the Apex.

4. Weight: Long hunts? The Deus II is the lightest by far.

5. Upgrades: Do you want multiple coil options or packs? Legend and Deus II offer strong upgrade paths.

   
   

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best beginner metal detector in the UK? The Minelab X-Terra Pro is the best waterproof beginner detector. For those wanting SMF, the Nokta Legend offers long-term value.

What is the best metal detector for UK beaches? The Manticore and Deus II are top-tier for wet sand. The Apex is a good mid-budget option with Multi-Salt.

Which detector is best value for money? The Nokta Legend packs the most flagship features for under £700.

What’s the lightest metal detector available in the UK? The XP Deus II, starting around 750 g.

Are these detectors legal to use anywhere in the UK? No. You must have landowner permission and avoid scheduled monuments. Always follow the Portable Antiquities Scheme and Code of Practice for Responsible Detecting.

Conclusion

All five detectors — X-Terra Pro, Legend, Deus II, Manticore, and Apex — are top UK best-sellers because they genuinely work in British conditions.

• Beginners should consider the X-Terra Pro.

• Value hunters will love the Legend.

• Those seeking comfort and wireless design should choose Deus II.

• Beach and pasture professionals will thrive with the Manticore.

• Mid-range hobbyists wanting flexibility should look at the Apex.

Whichever you choose, these machines will put you in the best position to find history beneath UK soil.

Thank You

Thank you for reading our in-depth guide to the Top 5 Best-Selling Metal Detectors in the UK (2025). If you found this useful, please share it with fellow detectorists, friends, or on social media, it helps support the detecting community and keeps resources like this free for everyone.