Buying guide
Multi-frequency metal detectors
A multi-frequency detector transmits several frequencies at once, and many also let you pick a single frequency. For most hunters, start with an IP68 model such as the Equinox 900: Multi-IQ, or one of six single frequencies from 4 to 40 kHz.
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The picks
Seven multi-frequency detectors from four makers. Each frame shows three specs from the maker's page, marked when one is missing. Its button leads to an Amazon offer for that exact model.
1. Minelab Equinox 900
Multi-IQ plus six single frequencies from 4 to 40 kHz, in an IP68 body to 16 ft (5 m), at 2.8 lb.
Sold as a bundle: the listing names an EQX 15 coil and a case with the detector.
2. Minelab Manticore
Multi-IQ+ plus five single frequencies from 5 to 40 kHz, with a full color LCD and an IP68 rating to 16 ft (5 m).
Sold as a bundle: the listing names a PRO-FIND 40 pinpointer, an M9 coil and a backpack with the detector.
3. XP Deus II
A multi-frequency detector whose single-frequency setting adjusts across 4 to 45 kHz. XP rates it IP68 to 66 ft (20 m), the deepest rating here.
Sold as a bundle: the listing adds an MI-6 pinpointer to the detector and its 9-inch FMF coil.
4. Nokta Legend 2
Nokta's Legend 2 pairs its multi-frequency mode with 4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz as fixed choices, IP68 to 16 ft, at 2.6 lb.
5. Garrett Vortex VX9
Multi-frequency, or one of 5, 9, 13, 18 and 25 kHz, with the whole detector submersible to 16 ft (5 m).
6. Garrett ACE Apex
The ACE with Multi-Flex: multi-frequency or 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz. Garrett lists 15 hours of battery life and rates the Viper coil as fully waterproof, with no rating for the control box.
7. Minelab X-Terra Elite
Multi-IQ with one fixed frequency: Multi-IQ in Park, Field and Beach, or 15 kHz in Park and Field. IP68 to 16 ft, at 2.9 lb.
Sold as a bundle: the listing names a handheld carry bag with the detector.
02
Side by side
The same facts for every pick, read on each maker's page. Open a model for its full spec sheet.
| Model | Technology | Frequencies | Waterproofing | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minelab Equinox 900 | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ | 4-40 kHz4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.8 lb1.27 kg |
| Minelab Manticore | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ+ | 5-40 kHz5, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.9 lb1.3 kg |
| XP Deus II | Multi-frequency | 4-45 kHzAdjustable range | 66 ftDetector, IP68, 20 m | Not checked |
| Nokta Legend 2 | Multi-frequency | 4-40 kHz4, 10, 15, 20, 40 kHz | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.6 lb1.2 kg |
| Garrett Vortex VX9 | Multi-frequencyMD-MF | 5-25 kHz5, 9, 13, 18, 25 kHz | 16 ftDetector, 5 m | 3 lb (1.38 kg) in the comparison table2.9 lb in the page textGarrett publishes both. |
| Garrett ACE Apex | Multi-frequencyMulti-Flex | 5-20 kHz5, 10, 15, 20 kHz | CoilWaterproof part | Not published |
| Minelab X-Terra Elite | Multi-frequencyMulti-IQ | 15 kHzMulti, or this single frequency | 16 ftDetector, IP68, 5 m | 2.9 lb1.3 kg |
Facts from the pages of Minelab, XP, Nokta and Garrett, read Oct. 16, 2026.
03
How to choose
At once, or one at a time
Makers list the multi-frequency mode apart from the fixed frequencies. The Legend 2 offers 4, 10, 15, 20 and 40 kHz one at a time, like the first Legend, plus its multi-frequency mode. Read those values as choices, not as what runs together.
Water rating
Six of the seven are rated as a whole, most to 16 ft and the Deus II to 66 ft. On the ACE Apex, Garrett rates only the coil and states no rating for the control box.
Weight
Checked weights run from 2.6 lb on the Legend 2 to 2.9 or 3 lb on the Vortex VX9, whose page gives both. Garrett gives none for the ACE Apex, and we cite none for the Deus II.
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What to know before you buy
We promise no depth, multi-frequency or not. Depth depends on the target, the ground and the coil, as our depth guide explains.
We read the Deus II facts on XP's range page. We cite only those a detecting dealer's page confirms: the multi-frequency technology, the range and the water rating.
Four of the seven listings we link are bundles, and each frame says what comes with the detector. When we checked on Oct. 16, 2026, a detecting dealer held the Buy Box for four of the seven. Sellers we could not confirm as dealers held it for the Manticore, Vortex VX9 and ACE Apex.
Nokta's Score models are multi-frequency too. Of those, the Triple Score pairs its multi-frequency mode with 4, 15 and 20 kHz as fixed choices.
05
Questions
Answered from the makers' pages, read Oct. 16, 2026.
The makers here keep both. Each pick pairs a multi-frequency mode with fixed or adjustable frequencies, and the X-Terra Elite keeps 15 kHz as a choice in Park and Field.
XP rates the Deus II to 66 ft (20 m). Five others go to 16 ft: the Equinox 900, Manticore, Legend 2, Vortex VX9 and X-Terra Elite. Only the coil of the ACE Apex is rated.
In the multi-frequency mode, several frequencies transmit together, and each fixed frequency is a separate choice. Minelab lists the Manticore as Multi-IQ+ or one of five single frequencies.
06