Gear guide
Metal detector headphones
Start with what your detector already has. Some ship with a pair, like the Equinox 900 with ML 85 wireless headphones. Others, like the Vortex VX9 with Z-Lynk wireless built in, have the radio inside the detector.
01
The picks
Two pairs from Nokta and Minelab, earbuds listed for Minelab models, two First Texas pairs, then two from other brands. Four of the seven listings were held by third-party sellers on Oct. 16, 2026.
1. Nokta Bluetooth headphones for the Legend
Nokta's low-latency Bluetooth pair, named for the Legend. The Legend box already holds Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones, so this is a spare or a replacement.
2. Minelab waterproof headphones for the SDC 2300
Minelab's pair for its SDC 2300, sold by a detecting dealer. Minelab lists SDC wired headphones in the box, so this is a spare or a replacement.
3. Zorvayne waterproof earbuds for Minelab
Earbuds sold under the Zorvayne name, not Minelab's. Its Amazon page names X-Terra, Manticore and "600/700/800/900 Series" models; confirm the fit with your detector.
4. Bounty Hunter HEAD‑PL headphones
Sold by First Texas for Bounty Hunter detectors, with a 1/4-inch stereo plug. The listing excludes the Junior.
5. Teknetics HEADT headphones
Made for Teknetics detectors, with volume controls; the title also names Bounty Hunter models.
6. Detectorpro Gray Ghost NDT headphones
Its listing names only the Gray Ghost NDT model, so check the cable and connector before you order.
7. Barska Winbest AF12274 headphones
Over-ear headphones; the listing gives no plug size and no detector. Check the connector against your detector before you order.
The frames show the facts each Amazon listing names, checked Oct. 17, 2026. We have no maker spec sheet on file for these products.
02
What comes with your detector
Headphones or wireless audio as each maker lists them. A detector with "None included" still needs a pair.
| Detector | Headphones or wireless audio |
|---|---|
| Minelab Manticore | ML 105 wireless headphones |
| Minelab Equinox 900 | ML 85 wireless headphones |
| Minelab X-Terra Pro | None included |
| Minelab Vanquish 540 | Wired headphones; Bluetooth aptX Low Latency built in |
| Minelab CTX 3030 | KOSS UR-30 wired headphones and WM 10 wireless module |
| Garrett ACE 400 | Headphones included |
| Garrett AT Max | CS-3 Z-Lynk wireless headphones |
| Garrett Vortex VX9 | Z-Lynk wireless built in |
| Nokta Legend | Bluetooth aptX Low Latency headphones |
| Nokta Gold Kruzer | 2.4 GHz wireless headphones (not waterproof) |
| Minelab SDC 2300 | SDC wired headphones |
Read on each maker's spec page, Oct. 16, 2026. Plug sizes are not in our tables, so check yours before buying a wired pair.
03
Wired or wireless
Cable-free audio comes in two forms. Some detectors pair with the maker's own set, such as the Manticore and its ML 105 wireless headphones. Others build a radio in, like Garrett's Z-Lynk wireless built in on the Vortex VX9.
Wired pairs need no charging. Minelab lists the CTX 3030 with KOSS UR-30 wired headphones and WM 10 wireless module, so the cable to the detector is optional.
Water is the other split. A detector's rating does not always cover what you wear on your ears. Nokta says the Gold Kruzer's supplied wireless headphones are not waterproof, even though the detector is. If you wade, pick a set whose listing says waterproof, such as the SDC 2300 pair.
04
Care in three steps
Wipe the pads
Wipe the ear pads with a damp cloth after a beach day, and let them dry before you pack them.
Coil the cable loosely
Loop the cable in wide turns rather than a tight wrap, and keep the contacts clean.
Charge before you go
Charge Bluetooth and radio sets the night before, and pack a corded pair as a spare.
05
Questions
Answered from the texts and listings on this page, checked Oct. 17, 2026.
Some do. Garrett lists headphones included for the ACE 400 and CS-3 Z-Lynk wireless headphones with the AT Max. Minelab lists None included for the X-Terra Pro.
A wired pair works if its connector matches your detector's socket, so check the size first. Bluetooth sets need a detector built for them, such as the Vanquish 540 with Bluetooth aptX Low Latency built in.
Not always. Nokta lists the Gold Kruzer's 2.4 GHz wireless headphones as not waterproof, while the detector itself is IP68. Look for a pair whose listing says waterproof if you hunt in the water.
06