Guide · 6 min read
Minelab vs Garrett Metal Detector: Which Should You Buy?
Choose Garrett if you want a simple, tough detector at a good price, especially the ACE series. Choose Minelab if you want multi-frequency performance in wet or mineralised ground, and a longer 3-year warranty. For gold, the Equinox 800 and AT Gold are both excellent.
The two brands in one minute
- Garrett (USA) is a family company founded in Texas in 1964. It makes the ACE series, the AT all-terrain detectors and the Pro-Pointer pinpointer, as well as walk-through security detectors. In Pakistan the ACE series is probably the most common first detector.
- Minelab (Australia) was founded in 1985 and is best known for multi-frequency technology and gold detectors. Its current range (Vanquish, Equinox, Manticore) is built on Multi-IQ, which runs several frequencies at the same time.
Single frequency vs multi-frequency
This is the biggest real difference. Most Garrett ACE models run on one frequency: the ACE 300i at 8 kHz, for example. One frequency is simple and works very well for coins and jewelry in normal soil.
Minelab's Multi-IQ detectors transmit several frequencies at once. That keeps target ID more stable in mineralised soil, wet ground and salt water, and lets one machine find both small and large targets. Garrett's answer is Multi-Flex, found in the ACE Apex.
Model-by-model comparison
| Level | Garrett | Minelab | Our take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | ACE 200i, ACE 300i | Go-Find 66, Vanquish 440 | ACE 300i for simplicity; Vanquish 440 if you want multi-frequency from day one |
| Mid range | ACE 400i, ACE Apex | Vanquish 540, Equinox 600 | Close contest. Equinox 600 is fully waterproof; ACE Apex is lighter on the wallet |
| Gold & all terrain | AT Gold, AT Max | Equinox 800 | Equinox 800 is more versatile; AT Gold is a focused, rugged gold machine |
| Flagship | AT Max | Manticore | Manticore is the more powerful detector, for experienced users |
Garrett ACE 400i metal detector with frequency shift and iron audio for coins, relics and gold. Original Garrett in Lahore with warranty.
Rs. 325,000
Minelab Vanquish 540 with Multi-IQ multi-frequency for coins, jewelry and relics. Original Australian unit with warranty in Lahore.
Rs. 322,000
Garrett AT Gold waterproof gold detector for nuggets and artifacts, high-frequency all-terrain design. Original in Lahore with warranty. Price on WhatsApp.
Ask price on WhatsApp
Minelab Equinox 800 waterproof Multi-IQ detector with gold mode for gold, coins and beach. Original with warranty in Lahore. Price on WhatsApp.
Ask price on WhatsApp
Current prices (updated 29 September 2026)
| Garrett | Price | Minelab | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACE 200i | Rs. 195,000 | Vanquish 440 | Rs. 320,000 |
| ACE 300i | Rs. 235,000 | Vanquish 540 | Rs. 322,000 |
| ACE 400i | Rs. 325,000 | Manticore | Rs. 980,000 |
| ACE Apex | Rs. 375,000 |
Warranty and after-sales
On the models we sell, Garrett detectors carry a 2-year manufacturer warranty and Minelab's Vanquish and Equinox models carry 3 years. Both brands are only covered when you buy an original unit, so ask the seller for the warranty card and serial number. You can bring any detector bought from us to our Lahore, Islamabad or Karachi office for warranty service.
Which one should you choose?
Choose Garrett if…
- you want the simplest possible detector to learn on
- you mostly hunt coins and jewelry in parks and dry fields
- you want the lowest price for an original, branded detector
Choose Minelab if…
- you hunt in wet, rocky or mineralised ground, or on the beach
- you want one detector for coins and gold (Equinox 800)
- you prefer the longer 3-year warranty
Whichever brand you choose, add a pinpointer. The Garrett Pro-Pointer AT works with any detector, including Minelab, and cuts digging time a lot. Still not sure? Read our beginner's guide or see all Garrett and Minelab models.
Frequently asked questions
Is Minelab better than Garrett?
Not in every case. Minelab leads in multi-frequency technology, which helps in wet and mineralised ground. Garrett offers simpler, very good value detectors. For coins in dry ground, both perform well.
Which is better for gold, Minelab or Garrett?
Both make strong gold detectors. The Minelab Equinox 800 is the more versatile gold and all-round machine, while the Garrett AT Gold is a rugged, focused gold detector. For serious nugget hunting, Garrett also makes the Gold Master 24k.
Are original Minelab and Garrett detectors available in Lahore?
Yes. Lahore Detectors sells original Minelab and Garrett detectors with manufacturer warranty from its Bahria Town Lahore office, with delivery across Pakistan.
