Tier 1.

In this group detectors cost up to 350 $ (300€). They are intent for beginners who are new to this hobby and don't want to invest much at the very beginning. I can assure you that those detectors will bring you finds and you get the most of your money invested. This is simply because 2 or 3 times more expensive machine won't bring you 2 to 3 times more finds. So here are the leaders of this price group.

Minelab X-Terra 305

Minelab has launched their X-Terra model range back in 2005 and is still popular among detectorists. It has  an adjustable ground balance that is rare in this price segment. Wide range of additional coils is availible for this machine, with good double D coil it will outperform any competitor in this segment. As it is very popular detector, aftermarket liquidity really good, so you will be able to sell this machine easily in case of going for upgrade.
​Check this X-Terra 305 Special Bundle sold on Amazon by Minelab.      ​
​

Nokta Simplex

 This metal detector is a 2019 revolution in its price segment. It has many features that can only be seen in the highest Tier 3 level expensive professional machines. 
Key advantages:
- fully waterproof IP68 rating up to 3m./10ft.
- possibility to add wireless headphones
- frequency shift!
- retractable shaft from 25 inches to 52 inches
​- backlit graphic display

This is the best you can get under the 300 US dollars. It is even difficult to recommend something else at this price point. You won't outgrow this machine in the first years of detecting hobby.

Bounty Hunter ​Land Ranger Pro

Recent price drops makes this machine one of the ''best bang for a buck'' choices. No doubt this model is popular in the US. 
11'' Double D search coil is known for depth and waterproofness. You can go underwater with this deep coil near river banks and shallow water.
All this backed by 5y manufacturer warranty. Display is easily readable but sadly not backlit, so you won't be able to continue searching in the dim or dark environment. But it is ok, that is something you don't see in this price group a lot.

Currently there is 50% off from release price on Amazon Land Ranger Pro I would say it is the best value for money out of three

Feature	Minelab X-Terra 305	Nokta Simplex	Bounty Hunter Land Ranger Pro
​Frequency	7kHz (18.75kHz upgadable)	12 kHz	7.69 kHz
Coil size and type	9 inch	11 inch Double D	11 inch Double D
VDI	12 segments (-4 to 44)​	0-99	1-99
Display	no backlight	Backlit	no backlight
Ground balance	Manual	Auto and Manual	Manual
Pinpoint mode	Yes	Yes	Yes
Waterproof	Coil only	Fully waterproof IP68 rating (3m./10ft.)	Coil only
​Tone ID	1/2/3 Tone/12 Multitone	3 Tones	4 Tones
Powered by	4 AA	Built-in Li-Po 2300mAh battery	9V
Weight	2.9 Lbs. / 1.3 kg​	2.9 Lbs./ 1.3 kg	2.5 Lbs. / 1,13kg