Something small and practical that fits in your pocket?
It’s a good thing you’re here because we will break down everything you need to know about mini metal detectors. We will cover the prices, features and all other information you need to know before you get your own miniature metal detector for all your treasure hunting needs.
These devices are ideal if you always want to have one near you, in case you want to search for jewelry, coins or other metal objects. They aren’t heavy and their small dimensions makes them portable and convenient for use.
What Is Their Purpose?
Small hand held metal detectors are also used for security checks in airports, schools, on indoor or outdoor events, in factories and other facilities. These lightweight models are the best for these purposes because the security guard can hold it for a long time without getting tired or set it on the belts.
How To Use Them?
Often they are easily operated with one button. Sometimes there is a three-way switch that allows you to choose which alert mode you prefer. All small models will have probes that have 360° side scan and therefore wide detection area. Despite their size, these devices can have high sensitivity ranges and detect even the smallest metals.
What To Watch Out For When Buying One?
When buying it, pay attention if the probe is waterproof because this allows you to do a search for metals underwater or at the beach. If buying one for security checks, focus on sensitivity range of probe and detection area for certain metal objects because mostly these ranges are concluded with tests on specific metals such as pins, handguns, knives etc.
If you want to know more, here we present to you 5 models that are some of the most popular on the market. We will describe their technical specifications, mechanism, design and other information that are important to know before buying one.
5 Best Small & Mini Metal Detectors
Best Small Metal Detector
Quimat Metal Detector Pinpointer
This mini metal detector is 11.3 inches long and 2 inches wide and high. Its size is very practical because you can put in the backpack or hold it on the belt and carry it everywhere with you. The belt holster and retractable hanging wire are included in the package.
It’s also very lightweight because it weighs approximately 4.77 ounces so it won’t be heavy for you to carry it. This device can be used to detect a wide range of metals such as silver, gold, coins, jewelry and other. But, take notice that 302, 304 and 316 types stainless steel isn’t easy to detect.
The probe of this device has 360°detection area and detection range is up to 2 inches deep. When you are approaching the metal, the device will alert you with audio sounds, vibrations and LED indicator lights. You can search for metal even underwater, but pay attention that you only submerge the probe or device will malfunction.
The operation is easy because there is only one button to push. All settings are automatically set so you can start searching for treasures without having to adjust it. There are three sensitivity level with different LED indicators light, audio and vibrate alert.
The device is powered with one 9V alkaline battery which isn’t rechargeable so it has to be replaced. The battery isn’t included. The system suspends the operation after detecting the same target for about 10 seconds and in that way it saves the battery’s power.
Best Mini Metal Detector For Gold
Pyle Pro Pinpointer Metal Detector
This very small metal detector also has a waterproof marine grade IP68 probe which you can submerge in the water so you can search for the treasure underwater and underground. It’s also great for treasure hunting at beaches because it’s adjusted to high mineralization of soil.
There is one button for turning the device on or off. It detects iron, gold, silver, coins, and jewelry. The built-in speaker will produce audio and vibration sounds as you are closer to the metal object. The system also has 4 levels colored LED indicator. Its sensitivity range is approximately 1.4 inches deep. Maximal static current is 20mA and operating frequency is about 12KHz.
The device is operated with one 9V alkaline battery which is not rechargeable and it isn’t included in the package. The low battery indicator will alert you when is time to change it. The system has an automatic power-off function which saves battery power.
Its length is 10.8 inches, width is 2.6 inches and height is 2.2 inches. This small metal detector is very practical because its portable and you can carry it everywhere with you. It weighs only 0.75 pounds so you won’t even notice that you have it with you.
Best Handheld Mini Metal Detector
Kuman KW32 Pin pointer
This model has a three-way switch that can be used to turn on the device or change between vibrate and sound mode. There is a three-color indicator. Green color indicates that the devices are turned on, yellow indicates under-voltage of the system and red one alerts when you are closer to the metal.
It detects gold, silver, iron, jewelry, coins. It’s also great for detecting larger metal objects so it’s widely used for safety check-in stations, schools, court, factories and else. The probe isn’t waterproof as the one of the previous model, but it has large detecting area, fast detecting speed, and high sensitivity.
Sensitivity can be adjusted if you need. The adjuster hole is hidden beneath the sticker. You have to use small straight-shaped screwdriver which is included in the package. Rotate the hole with a screwdriver in the counterclockwise direction until you hear the sound. Then you have to rotate it clockwise until no sound is heard. Rotate it for another half a circle and then sensitivity is adjusted.
The optimal temperature range for best performance of the device is between 32°F and 149°F. Detection ranges are different based on the object’s structure and size. Based on tests, the range for pin has 0.39 to 1.18 inches deep range, the handgun has 3.94 inches, six inches dagger has 4.72 inches and 0.79 inches big steel ball has 2.36 inches deep range.
The practical size and weight make it portable and convenient for long outdoor walks in forest, beach or other. Its length is 14.6 inches, width is 1.1 inches and height is 3 inches. It weighs only 7.2 ounces so it also has a lightweight design. This small metal detector’s working frequency is 22KHz and maximal standby current is 8MA. System’s working voltage is approximately 12V and power consumption is about 270MW. The device requires a rechargeable 9V alkaline battery which is included in the package.
Best Metal Detector For Small Gold Nuggets
Garrett 1140900 Metal Detector
When going treasure hunting, this mini metal detector will be an ideal device for you. Its very lightweight and small so you can carry it with you in the backpack and you won’t even notice you have it. You can always have it with you and use it when you need it.
It’s 9 inches long, 2.5 inches wide and high making it the smallest metal detector. It weighs 9 ounces so it’s very easy to carry. Device is available only in orange color. The device is fully waterproof and it can be submerged up to 10ft deep. The orange color makes it more visible in the water.
The operation with it is very easy so it can be used by both kids and adults. There is one button for turning it on and you can start searching for coins, jewelry, gold, silver and other metal objects. If you press the button fast, the device instantly tunes out environment or narrows detection field for more accurate pinpointing of larger objects.
All settings are automatically set. The adaptation to high mineralisation levels will allow you to do beach treasure hunting. System has three sensitivity levels. Probe has 360° side scan which allows large detection area. When you are approaching to metal target, the device will alert you with audio and vibration sound.
There is LED flashlight that helps you do the searching when isn’t enough light outside. Device requires a 9V battery which is included in the package. Also, the package includes belt holster which is very practical if you don’t want to carry a backpack.
Best Small Metal Detector Wand
Pyle PMD38 Metal Detector
Probe has high sensitivity and detects even the smallest hidden metal objects. It recognizes a wide range of metals: gold, silver, iron and other so it can detect hidden weapon, knives or other dangerous metal objects. Therefore, this mini metal detector is used for a security check at airports, at events, factories, schools etc. But, it can also be used for searching lost metal objects in your house or backyard.
The sensitivity range is adjustable. Detection range depends on the metal object’s size and structure so for the pin is about 4 inches while for 20mm steel ball is 2.7 inches deep. When the probe is approached to certain metal objects it can alert you in two way: sound or vibration.
You can choose between these two detection alerts. LED light indicator is also activated when you are near the metal object. Device is very convenient for carrying it on the belt because it’s very small and therefore portable.
This small metal detector is 16 inches long, 3.3 inches wide and 1.7 inches high. It weighs only 1.1 pounds so its not heavy and comfortable handle grip makes it easy to use for a longer period of time. Package includes the belt clip.
It requires a 9V alkaline rechargeable battery. This model has an indicator of low battery so when is time to recharge it, the device will produce automatic continuous sound or vibration alert. Its power consumption is 270mW. The optimal temperature range for best performance is between -20°F to 90°F. Operating frequency is 22KHz.
Conclusion: The Best Mini Metal Detector
According to the mini metal detector reviews above, I recommend you the Pyle model because it is very small, light, easy to use and is fully waterproof making it very simple to use with very few necessary precautions. If you are more interested in underground metal detectors, check out my post about the best underground metal detectors. However if you prefer to accessorize more, take a look at my post about the best metal detector headphones. If you still haven’t found what you were looking for, see my post about the best metal detectors on the market.
