The best metal detector headphones are the pair built for your detector’s audio connection, because the makers publish narrow compatibility lists. If you own a Garrett detector with built-in Z-Lynk wireless, get the Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones (Search Amazon for Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones ). Garrett lists a 17-millisecond audio delay, up to 30 hours per charge and 5.4 ounces.

Current Minelab owners should look at the ML105, owners of the older Equinox 600 or 800 at the ML 80, and Nokta owners at the Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones. For any detector with a standard 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch jack, the wired Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow is the simple choice. And for detecting underwater with a compatible Minelab, Minelab sells dedicated 3.5mm waterproof headphones.

None of these headphones has been used for this page. Specs and compatibility come from each maker’s product page or user manual. When this page was written, none of these models had an Amazon listing sold by Amazon.com or the maker’s own store, so every Amazon link here is a labeled search, and results may come from third-party sellers.

Quick comparison

Headphones Best for Connection Water rating Maker-listed detail
Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk (Search Amazon for Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones ) Garrett Z-Lynk detectors Z-Lynk 2.4 GHz wireless IP52, light rain 17 ms delay, up to 30 hours, 5.4 oz
Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow (Search Amazon for Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones ) Any detector with a standard jack Wired, 1/4-inch or 1/8-inch plug Land use only Coiled cord, 41 in. stretching to 82 in.
Minelab ML105 (Search Amazon for Minelab ML105 Wireless Headphones ) Manticore, Equinox 700/900, X-Terra Elite/Pro Low-latency wireless Not listed Minelab SKU 3011-0445
Minelab ML 80 (Search Amazon for Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones ) Equinox 600/800, Vanquish 540, GPX 6000 Bluetooth aptX Low Latency Not listed Case, audio cable and charging cable
Nokta BT Low Latency (Search Amazon for Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones ) Nokta detectors Bluetooth 5.0, aptX Low Latency Not waterproof 3.5 mm socket for wired use, 33 ft range
Minelab 3.5mm Waterproof (Search Amazon for Minelab Equinox 3.5mm Waterproof Headphones ) Underwater with listed Minelabs Wired, 3.5 mm Waterproof Minelab SKU 3011-0372

Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones: best for Garrett detectors

The Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones (Search Amazon for Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk Wireless Headphones ) have a Z-Lynk receiver built in. Garrett says they pair with any Z-Lynk wireless-enabled Garrett detector, such as the Vortex, AT Max, ACE Apex, Axiom, Axiom Lite and the Pro-Pointer AT Z-Lynk pinpointer. They also work with other detectors if you add Garrett’s optional Z-Lynk WT-1 Wireless Transmitter (Search Amazon for Garrett Z-Lynk WT-1 Wireless Transmitter ) to the detector.

Garrett’s specifications:

  • Audio delay: 17 milliseconds, which Garrett calls 6 times faster than Bluetooth.
  • Wireless: 2.4 GHz band frequency hopping, which Garrett says prevents crosstalk.
  • Battery: up to 30 hours of operation, recharging in 5 hours or less, with auto power off after 60 minutes of non-use.
  • Weather: IP52, protected against light rain. Water resistant, do not submerge.
  • Weight and warranty: 5.4 ounces, with a 2-year limited parts and labor warranty.

They also have volume control, padded ear cushions and ear cups that fold flat, and they come with a USB-C charging cable.

Choose them if your Garrett detector has Z-Lynk built in. Skip them if you hunt in the water, since Garrett says not to submerge them.

Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones: best simple wired pair

The Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones (Search Amazon for Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow Headphones ) come in two versions, one with a 1/4-inch phone plug and one with a 1/8-inch (3 mm) plug. Garrett says each works with any metal detector that has the matching headphone jack.

Garrett describes them as portable, affordable headphones with in-line volume control, padded ear cushions and a design that folds flat. The 41-inch (104 cm) coiled cord extends to 82 inches (208 cm). They are rated for land use only and are not submersible.

Choose them if you want a wired pair that works with most detectors and needs no charging. Check which plug your detector takes before you order. Skip them if you want wireless or plan to hunt in the water.

Minelab ML105: best for current Minelab detectors

The Minelab ML105 Wireless Low Latency Headphones (Search Amazon for Minelab ML105 Wireless Headphones ) are Minelab’s wireless headphones for its newer detectors. Minelab lists them as compatible with the Manticore, Equinox 700 and 900, X-Terra Elite and X-Terra Pro.

Minelab’s product page describes advanced wireless audio performance but does not publish battery life, weight or a water rating, so this page leaves those out.

Choose them if you own one of the five Minelab models above. Skip them if you own an Equinox 600 or 800, which Minelab does not list for the ML105.

Minelab ML 80: best for the Equinox 600 and 800

The Minelab ML 80 Wireless Bluetooth aptX Low Latency Headphones (Search Amazon for Minelab ML 80 Wireless Headphones ) cover Minelab’s earlier Bluetooth models. Minelab lists them as compatible with the Equinox 600 and 800, the Vanquish 540 and the GPX 6000.

They use Bluetooth aptX Low Latency, and Minelab says they come with a case, an audio cable and a charging cable.

Choose them if you own one of those four detectors. Skip them if you own a Manticore, Equinox 700 or 900, or X-Terra Pro or Elite. Minelab lists the ML105 for those.

Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones: best for Nokta detectors

The Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones (Search Amazon for Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones ) use aptX Low Latency, which Nokta says delivers faster and better quality audio than standard Bluetooth, for more precise and faster target responses. Nokta lists them as compatible with the Magnetar 9000, The Legend 2, Triple Score, The Legend, Simplex Ultra, AccuPOINT, Double Score and Score.

From Nokta’s user manual:

  • Style: over-ear, Bluetooth 5.0
  • Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Frequency range: 20 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Range: 10 meters (33 ft)
  • Battery: 1200 mAh rechargeable lithium polymer, not user-replaceable
  • Wired use: a 3.5 mm (1/8 inch) headphone socket

Nokta’s manual also says the headphones are not waterproof and should not be exposed to water or excess humidity.

Choose them if you own one of the Nokta models above. Skip them if you detect in the rain or surf.

Minelab 3.5mm Waterproof Headphones: best for underwater detecting

The Minelab 3.5mm Waterproof Headphones for Equinox (Search Amazon for Minelab Equinox 3.5mm Waterproof Headphones ) are wired headphones for detecting underwater. Minelab lists them as compatible with the Manticore, Equinox, X-Terra Elite and X-Terra Pro, among others.

Minelab’s product page does not publish a depth rating, cord length or weight.

Choose them if you detect underwater with one of the Minelab models listed above. Skip them if you hunt on land only, where the wireless picks are more convenient.

How to choose metal detector headphones

Start with your detector’s connection

Detectors differ in how headphones connect. Garrett’s ClearSound Easy Stow comes in 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch plug versions, and Garrett sells an adapter that lets headphones with a 1/4-inch plug work with its ACE Apex and Vortex detectors. Minelab also sells a 1/8-inch to 1/4-inch adapter cable for its Manticore, Equinox, X-Terra Elite, X-Terra Pro and GPX 6000. Check your detector’s jack or wireless system before you buy.

Wireless: match the system

The wireless picks here are tied to their makers’ own systems. Garrett’s CS-3 uses Z-Lynk, which Garrett rates at a 17-millisecond delay and says is 6 times faster than Bluetooth. Minelab’s ML 80 and Nokta’s BT headphones use aptX Low Latency Bluetooth, and Nokta says aptX Low Latency gives faster target responses than standard Bluetooth. Minelab sells the ML105 as low-latency wireless headphones for its newer detectors. In each case, the maker’s compatibility list is the deciding fact.

Water

Ratings vary widely. The Garrett CS-3 is IP52 for light rain and should not be submerged. The ClearSound Easy Stow is for land use only, and Nokta says its BT headphones are not waterproof. For underwater detecting, choose headphones the maker sells as waterproof, such as Minelab’s 3.5mm waterproof pair.

Volume and fit

Garrett says the CS-3’s volume control can enhance weak signals, and the Easy Stow has in-line volume control. For more on comfort, noise and fit, see what to look for in metal detecting headphones , the guide to headphone hiss, squeal and hum complaints , and entry-level vs pro detector headphones .

Final verdict

Buy the headphones your detector’s maker lists for it. That means the Garrett CS-3 Z-Lynk for Garrett Z-Lynk detectors, the Minelab ML105 for the Manticore, Equinox 700 and 900, and X-Terra Elite and Pro, the Minelab ML 80 for the Equinox 600 and 800, and the Nokta BT Low Latency Headphones for Nokta detectors. For a wired pair that fits most standard jacks, get the Garrett ClearSound Easy Stow. For underwater detecting with a compatible Minelab, get the Minelab 3.5mm Waterproof Headphones.

Sources