Kids' metal detector comparison

Father and son treasure hunting together with metal detectors

Kids & family

Metal detectors for kids and families

Lightweight entry-level detectors for treasure hunting together: three robust, easy-to-use models for young explorers aged about 8 and up – two of them grow with the child and suit parents too.

From approx. 8 years
880 g to 1.2 kg
€149 to €199

What matters in a kids' metal detector

Four points decide whether treasure hunting is fun – or whether the detector ends up in the corner after ten minutes.

Light weight
Children's arms tire quickly. Around 1 kg is the upper limit so that longer hunts are still enjoyable.
- Nokta Midi Hoard 880 g
- Quest X1 IDmaxX 950 g
- Nokta FINDX Pro 1.2 kg
A shaft that grows with the child
A shaft with a wide adjustment range adapts to the child – and can later be used by parents too.
- Nokta FINDX Pro 63–132 cm
- Quest X1 IDmaxX 80–130 cm*
- Nokta Midi Hoard 82–109 cm
Rechargeable battery instead of changing batteries
A USB rechargeable battery saves running costs and charges easily from any power bank – ideal for holidays and day trips.
- Quest X1 IDmaxX approx. 30 h
- Nokta FINDX Pro approx. 10–15 h
- Nokta Midi Hoard 2× AA, approx. 20 h
Ready for beach & water
Things get wet at the lake and on the beach. A waterproof search coil is a must, submersible electronics a bonus.
- Nokta FINDX Pro IP68, to 5 m
- Nokta Midi Hoard to 1 m
- Quest X1 IDmaxX Coil waterproof

* On the Quest X1 IDmaxX the middle section of the shaft can be removed – so it fits smaller children too.

The three kids' metal detectors compared

All figures according to the manufacturers – checked and selected by detectorists with over 30 years of field experience.

Longest battery life

Quest

Quest X1 IDmaxX

The lightweight for the whole family: battery for approx. 30 hours, LED coil light and a shaft that can be shortened for small children too.

Technology VLF, 12 kHz
Search coil 24 × 14 cm DD (Blade)
Waterproof Coil; unit splash-proof
Power supply USB battery, approx. 30 h
Weight 950 g
Shaft 80–130 cm
Search modes 3 (all metals, jewellery, coins)
Display Target ID 1–9, depth in 4 steps
Depth euro coin approx. 30 cm
Ideal for Kids from 8 & families

LED search coil light & pinpoint
Incl. carry bag and hand trowel

€189 incl. VAT

View Quest X1 IDmaxX

Fully submersible

Nokta

Nokta FINDX Pro

The all-rounder that grows with the child: four automatic search modes, backlit display and fully waterproof – parents enjoy using it too.

Technology VLF, 15 kHz
Search coil 28 cm DD (FX28)
Waterproof IP68, to 5 m
Power supply USB battery, approx. 10–15 h
Weight 1.2 kg
Shaft 63–132 cm
Search modes 4 (field, park, beach, jewellery)
Display Target ID 0–99, backlit
Depth euro coin approx. 25 cm
Ideal for Kids from 8, teens & parents

Automatic ground balance & pinpoint
Incl. headphones, digging knife and bag

€199 incl. VAT

View Nokta FINDX Pro

Lightest detector

Nokta

Nokta Midi Hoard

The true children's detector: only three buttons, picture symbols instead of numbers and, at 880 g, the lightest model in the comparison – with armrest and kickstand.

Technology VLF, 15 kHz
Search coil 18 cm concentric
Waterproof to 1 m
Power supply 2× AA, approx. 20 h
Weight 880 g
Shaft 82–109 cm
Search modes 2 (all metals, iron off)
Display Symbols, depth in 3 steps
Depth euro coin approx. 17 cm
Ideal for Kids aged 8–12

Only 3 buttons – instantly understandable
Incl. batteries and coil cover

€149 incl. VAT

View Nokta Midi Hoard

Technical data and detection depths according to the manufacturers. The actual depth depends on soil type, moisture and object size.

Frequently asked questions from parents

From what age is a metal detector suitable for children?

From about 8 years of age, children can handle a metal detector safely. What matters is a weight of around or below 1 kg and an adjustable shaft. For particularly small children, the Quest X1 IDmaxX is a good choice, as the middle section of its shaft can be removed.

Which metal detector is suitable for the whole family?

For children and adults to share, the Nokta FINDX Pro (shaft 63 to 132 cm, four search modes) and the Quest X1 IDmaxX (shaft 80 to 130 cm, three search modes) are both suitable. Both grow with the child and are comfortable for parents to use too. The Nokta Midi Hoard (shaft 82 to 109 cm), on the other hand, is purely a children's detector.

How deep can a kids' metal detector find a coin?

According to the manufacturers, the three detectors find a euro coin at a depth of about 17 cm (Nokta Midi Hoard), 25 cm (Nokta FINDX Pro) and 30 cm (Quest X1 IDmaxX). Depending on the detector, large metal objects are indicated at 70 to 100 cm. In practice, soil type and moisture affect these values.

Can you search in water with a kids' metal detector?

All three detectors have a waterproof search coil, so you can search in shallow water. According to the manufacturer, the Nokta FINDX Pro is fully submersible to IP68 down to 5 m, and the Nokta Midi Hoard is waterproof to 1 m. On the Quest X1 IDmaxX the control unit is only splash-proof and must not be submerged.

Where are children allowed to search with a metal detector?

Your own garden and land for which you have the owner's permission are ideal for getting started. On bathing beaches and in parks, the rules of the operator or local authority apply. Anyone searching specifically for archaeological finds in Germany needs a permit from the heritage authority, depending on the federal state, and finds of historical significance must be reported. Other countries have their own rules.

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Kids' metal detector comparison

Metal detectors for kids and families

What matters in a kids' metal detector

Light weight

A shaft that grows with the child

Rechargeable battery instead of changing batteries

Ready for beach & water