Metal detector from Aliexpress - is it worth buying?

The first metal detectors were not used for fun and treasure hunting. They performed such a mundane task as searching the pockets of workers for parts, tools and products stolen from factories. This happened in the 20s of the last century in the USA. The devices were called metal detectors. From civilians they quickly migrated to the military category. And already during World War II, metal detectors were used to search for mines.

Only in the 60s did models appear that resembled modern metal detectors in their characteristics. Now they are used not only by the military, but also in the security sector, in food factories, in construction, and in mining. Archaeologists need them, but most often they are bought to search for “treasures”: ancient and modern coins, buckles, buttons, cufflinks, chains.

Such toys cost a lot. But if you want to save money, welcome to AliExpress. There are metal detectors for both beginner treasure hunters and experienced users. For this rating, we selected the best models with positive reviews. They are popular and in great demand on AliExpress.

The best compact metal detectors for beginners (pinpointers): budget up to 2500 rubles.

If you are choosing your first metal detector, pay attention to inexpensive compact models - pinpointers. They work in static mode and help to accurately locate metal objects, but cannot work at serious depths. Their sensitivity is limited to a few centimeters. These are the best devices for detecting small metal objects in a clod of earth, in a wall or in a dump. Their advantage is high accuracy in determining the occurrence of metal, the disadvantage is depth limitation (up to 5 cm).

The best Chinese metal detectors

KKMOON

Opens the top of the best Chinese metal detectors – KKMOON. This is an inexpensive Chinese metal detector. Its main advantages:

• Low price – about $30.
• Reliable packaging.
• Compact size.

At the same time, the search depth is lower than indicated in the technical specifications. This is a small Chinese metal detector with a coil with a diameter of 16 centimeters, a telescopic rod, which when assembled weighs less than 2 kilograms. Equipped with a discrimination system, it senses metal located at a depth of up to 130 centimeters. The coil is highly sensitive, which allows it to detect all types of metal. The control unit has three regulators:

• discrimination;
• sensitivity;
• volume.

There is a headphone jack, a battery charge indicator - two “crowns” of 9 volts each. The coil is waterproof - you can search in the rain or in a swamp.

Smart sensor AR944

The Smart sensor AR944 metal detector has:

• Good discrimination;
• 1.5 meters in depth;
• Easy setup.

Headphones included. The downside of this model is that the battery cannot be replaced or charged in the field. The price is around $80. The standard coil makes it possible to find objects measuring 3.5 centimeters or larger. You can walk at night - there is a flashlight mounted on the unit, but the light is so-so, and the Li-ion battery, which has 1200 mAh, drains. Controls:

• power key;
• charge indicator;
• coil sensitivity;
• “discrimination/ground balance”;
• sensitivity indicator;
• ferrous or non-ferrous metals.

There is a connector for charging and for headphones. Recommended for searching ferrous metals at a depth of up to 1.5 meters. Weighs 1.8 kilograms.

Tianxun TX-850

Quickly delivered to post-Soviet countries. It is possible to order additional options - headphones and a special backpack. Good discrimination and positioning accuracy. Intuitive interface. The price is about $140. Externally, the device resembles a Fisher Gold Bug. In fact, this is a fairly decent Chinese copy, and it costs about three times less than the original. The device weighs 1.4 kilograms and is equipped with an 11-inch DD coil in a waterproof case. Operates at frequencies up to 19 kHz, there is automatic soil balance adjustment. The device is easy to use:

• On/Off/Gain on/off, sensitivity adjustment (Disc from 1 to 100, All Metal – from 5 to 100 step 5);
• “Pinpoint” key for fine positioning of objects;
• arrows “left” - “right” – adjust parameters;
• Ground balance makes it possible to calibrate the soil for searching for precious metals.

There is a minimization of electrical interference from power lines, other metal detectors, a mobile phone, there is an audible signal of the depth and type of object. Powered by 9 volt battery.

Mileseey MD9020C

This is a highly sensitive model. Equipped with a backlit display and simple controls. The price is around $50. The device is at the semi-professional level, with a classy design, ergonomic. Six AA batteries make it possible to search for a long time. The model is highly sensitive, that is, you should not take it to the beach and vacation spots where there are traffic jams, beer cans, pieces of wire and other similar debris. If you professionally configure the discrimination, you can avoid scanning errors (nominal frequency is 6.6 kHz). Main areas of use:

• archeology;
• search for precious metals – gold, silver and non-ferrous metals;
• search for pipes and cables;
• scrap metal search.

Equipped with mechanical navigation buttons that can be pressed with gloves. Comes with instructions in Russian.

Acehe MD3010II

There are good reviews about the Chinese metal detector Acehe MD3010II: It determines the type of metal quite accurately. Easy to perform initial setup. When ordering on Aliexpress, it arrives on average in 2 weeks. It costs about $50, but this is without a discount, which can be up to 40 percent at some retailers. True, you will have to pay another delivery fee from 6 to 30 $. Please note that the instructions are in English only. Everything works automatically, Fuji 32 CPU components are made in Japan, waterproof design, the reel cord is located inside the rod. Other features include:

• operates at a frequency of –7.5 kHz;
• sees coins at a depth of up to 25 centimeters;
• equipped with a discriminator with reliable operation;
• you can connect headphones;
• there is a volume control;
• Blue LCD display.

The Acehe MD3010II control buttons are mechanical, meaning you can operate with gloves. Weighs 1.1 kilograms, powered by six AA batteries. The coil can be adjusted to scan the ground quickly and slowly. The maximum detection depth is 1.5 meters.

Tianxun MD-6350

An almost professional Chinese metal detector for $120-150. Among the advantages:

• the ability to fine-tune the coil for searching for precious metals;
• can work on any soil and salt water bodies;
• easy setup;
• reasonable price.

Taking a closer look at the Tianxun MD-6350, you realize that this is a copy of the Garrett Ace 350. By the way, due to its low price, it has become more popular than the original. Since the design and “brains” of the MD-6350 and Garrett Ace 350 are identical, and the copy has even more bells and whistles, many people prefer it. Well identifies small objects made of non-ferrous and precious metals, archaeological objects. The excellent PROformance 8.5×11” reel works in salt water bodies and on mineralized soil. The scanning field has an elongated and narrow shape, which contributes to a productive search. The device operates at a frequency of 8.25 kHz. There is discrimination, sensitivity adjustment, “target designation” mode and indication of metals by type. The delivery set includes headphones and a carrying case or not - check with the seller. There are devices in yellow and green designs.

Hoomya MD3500

The Hoomya MD3500 metal detector very accurately determines the type of metal - there are practically no false positives. The weight and size are a bit annoying. The price is around $70. The device is capable of scanning soil to a depth of up to 3 meters. The prototype of this product was the famous JJ Connect Adventure V1000. It is equipped with a powerful coil in a dust- and moisture-proof casing measuring 7.9”, operating at a frequency of 5.8 kHz. The aluminum rod is adjustable in length. The device weighs 2.5 kilograms, but it is comfortable to hold in your hand – the weight is almost not felt. The LCD screen provides prompts for fine-tuning your search. The following search modes are available:

• all metals;
• discrimination;
• night mode;
• sensitivity adjustment.

The volume is changed using a separate slider.

Kingdetector MD-5030

A very good model for the money: $40-80. Highly sensitive coil, discrimination, light weight! This is the best model for beginners, although it is also used by experienced diggers. The metal detector is easy to operate, with full functionality, and is equipped with a sensitive coil in a waterproof design. On the control panel there is a position “all metals”, as well as the ability to select a specific category of precious or copper (brass, bronze, aluminum). Powered by 2 elements of type 6F22 (Krona). In standby mode, current consumption is 40 mA. There is a Pinpoint button for accurately determining the depth of the find - the error is 1-2 centimeters when the scanning depth of the coil is 16 centimeters. An undeniable advantage is weight. It weighs less than a kilogram when loaded.

Hoomya TX-950

It features a very large sensitive coil protected by epoxy resin and economical battery life. Costs $140-200. Belongs to the segment of semi-professional models. A coil with a diameter of 11.5x15" provides a search depth of up to 40 centimeters. Does not react to foreign debris - foil, plugs, lids. Excellent for reconnaissance of areas with high penetration rates. Operates at a fixed frequency of 19 kHz. There are two discrimination modes, display backlight, volume adjustment, and depth sensitivity adjustment. There is a pinpoint option, which is important for this size of the coil.

Tianxun MD5008

Features include an additional high-capacity battery pack, plus two coils included in the kit. Simple analog control. It can scan objects at a depth of up to three meters, but it weighs almost three kilograms. Cost about $130. Standard coils come in sizes 10 and 17 inches. Powered by 8 AA batteries (enough for 3-4 hours of searching), or from a special battery pack with 8 D-type cells (about 20 hours of searching). There is no display as such; it is replaced by an analog sensitivity indicator. Adjustable using four potentiometers:

• tone – noise level threshold;
• sensitivity;
• discrimination;
• soil type.

Using the left switch you can select the “discrimination” and “all metal” modes. You need to work with large stereo headphones, this will help to catch the slightest vibrations. After turning on, the device should “warm up” for about 30 seconds. This is the most versatile Chinese metal detector that can be used for any purpose.

Which metal detector to buy in a crisis?

Since the prices of imported goods have increased significantly due to the crisis, metal detectors, including Chinese ones, have also become more expensive.

But don’t forget that Russia also makes excellent AKA metal detectors. This is exactly what I bought for myself after the Chinese one - AKA SOREX:

It was also a budget device, but it will give any tough American a head start, it’s a BEAST! I also bought it with a tricky rod, and this is how it could be folded:

I didn’t find the treasure, I found this old copper horse meat (most likely) - this is a decoration in a horse harness:

On the forum they said that it is 15th century, but it is unlikely to be of any value. I also found a couple of magazines with cartridges from a rifle from the First World War, a bayonet from a rifle, an American button from a century ago and a lot of other rubbish.

And traffic jams! Drunkards drink vodka even in deep forests; Soviet vodka jams are everywhere! Bastards...

Yes, if you want to buy an AKA metal detector, I can tell you how to buy cheaper through a dealer, write in the comments. Now another interesting experience.

Professional

The main difference between professional and amateur metal detectors is that they can detect objects made of certain metals. They are able to reflect the dimensions of objects and the depth of their location in the soil. The top professional metal detectors from Aliexpress in 2021 include models with wide functional characteristics. Their technical parameters make it possible to conduct search work regardless of the type of soil.

The best metal detectors for searching for coins, gold and ferrous metals: rating of good and powerful metal detectors by search depth and quality.

AR944M

pros

• Discrimination and ground balance functions
• Comfortable handle with armrest
• Up to 12 hours of continuous operation
• Charger included
• Battery charge status indication
• Flashlight

Minuses

• Low sensitivity to objects less than 3 cm in diameter
• Heavy
• Noisy

From 12,000 ₽

This waterproof device, which is used by professionals for effective metal detecting, is one of the top metal detectors. It detects objects with a minimum diameter of 3.5 cm at a depth of up to 1.5 m. The 30 cm coil diameter expands the detection limits. There is a function to exclude small objects from the search. For user convenience, the 3.8-inch display displays information about the location of the find, the sensitivity level of the metal detector, and battery charge.

MD9020C

pros

• Increased sensitivity and improved discriminator
• Backlit screen
• The wire does not interfere with work
• Waterproof reel
• Easy

Minuses

• Audio delay
• Errors in reaction to non-ferrous metals
• Problems when working in rainy weather

From 3,300 ₽

A low-cost, highly sensitive device with fine settings for detecting small metal objects at a depth of up to 1.5 m, ideal for experienced researchers. Thanks to 7 detection programs, it is suitable for professional detection of coins, bullets, tips made of different metals. The screen has indicators of the target and operating modes, which makes it easier to work with.

SmartSensor AS964

pros

• High quality build
• Simple settings
• Doesn't make unnecessary sounds
• Adapter for socket included

Minuses

• When working, do not make sudden movements with the coil.
• The wire is not hidden in the rod
• The block is not protected from moisture

From 9,200 ₽

This metal detector for professionals is designed to search for objects made of silver, gold, ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Light weight and an ergonomic handle with adjustable length make it easy to use. Packed in a protective case. Discrimination and ground balance functions improve accuracy. Information is displayed on an analog display. The kit includes a charger.

The best metal detector from AliExpress according to Ali Looker

AliLooker's Choice - TOP No. 1
SMART SENSOR AR944M is the best inexpensive metal detector for any type of ground search. Great for finding gold, silver, other jewelry and coins. Sensitivity can be adjusted to suit your needs. The maximum detection depth is up to 1.8 meters.

Buy on AliExpress

Which metal detector is better? The answer to this question depends on the needs of the user. We have selected a range of devices designed for a variety of tasks. All models from the list received positive customer ratings.

We present to you the TOP metal detectors from Aliexpress!