Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Metal Detectors

Minelab Vanquish 560 vs Nokta Simplex Ultra

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Minelab Vanquish 560 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.8 vs 4.6). The gap is mostly about casual detectorists who need full waterproofing and wireless audio for beach or wet conditions — read the strengths below before deciding.

Minelab Vanquish 560
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Metal Detectors
Minelab Vanquish 560
5 sources1 derived$399as of Oct 3

The Minelab Vanquish 560 leverages Multi-IQ technology and full five-meter waterproofing to deliver exceptional performance in wet sand and surf, allowing users to submerge the control box without fear of damage. AOL found that this capability opens up new coastal hunting grounds previously inaccessible due to moisture sensitivity, while its rechargeable internal battery eliminates the need for disposable cells. The detector supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek coils, a feature highlighted by crawfordsmd and paulcee.co.uk as a way to expand flexibility without upgrading the main unit. However, skill-school noted that the fixed five-tone audio system limits advanced tuning options for experienced users who prefer custom tone breaks or multi-tone configurations. Additionally, the lack of adjustable recovery speed restricts control over target separation in heavily cluttered environments, making this model best suited for casual detectorists and those prioritizing ease of use over granular manual adjustments.

Strengths
  • — Fully waterproof to 5 meters, allowing submersion of the control box and opening up beach or underwater hunting.
  • — Supports interchangeable Equinox and Coiltek search coils for flexibility without upgrading the main unit.
  • — Features a rechargeable internal battery that eliminates the need for disposable AA batteries.
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to a fixed five-tone audio system with no option for custom tone breaks or multi-tone tuning.
  • — Lacks adjustable recovery speed, restricting control over target separation in trashy environments.
Nokta Simplex Ultra
Ranked #4 in Best Metal Detectors
Nokta Simplex Ultra
4 sources$299as of Oct 3

The Nokta Simplex Ultra is a fully waterproof metal detector featuring an IP68 rating that allows complete submersion to 5 meters, paired with a lightweight carbon fiber shaft weighing just 1.2 kg for reduced fatigue during long sessions. Joan Allen praised its intuitive single-button interface and the expanded 0-99 target ID scale as essential tools for beginners navigating high-trash environments, while detectorformetal highlighted the effectiveness of its fixed 15 kHz frequency for coin shooting in parks. The device includes Bluetooth audio connectivity and a rechargeable battery providing 12 to 15 hours of runtime, offering significant convenience over older models requiring disposable cells. However, it is not optimized for hunting small gold nuggets or operating in highly mineralized ground where specialized high-frequency or Pulse Induction machines are required. This versatile all-around detector fits casual hunters and beginners seeking ease of use, while those targeting specific niche conditions should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — Fully waterproof to 5 meters (16 feet) with an IP68 rating, allowing submersion of the entire system including control box and coil.
  • — Lightweight carbon fiber shaft construction reduces fatigue during long sessions, weighing only 1.2 kg (2.6 lbs).
  • — Intuitive single-button interface allows beginners to start hunting in thirty seconds while retaining advanced settings for growth.
Watch-outs
  • — Not optimized for hunting small gold nuggets or highly mineralized ground where specialized high-frequency or Pulse Induction machines are required.
  • — Not suitable for extreme mineralization or specific targets requiring SMF technology

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Minelab Vanquish 560

The Vanquish 560 matches the Equinox 900 in having a fully waterproof control box and high target ID scale (-19 to 99), but it lacks the adjustable recovery speed found in more advanced models like the Nokta The Legend 2. Unlike the Simplex Ultra, which offers Bluetooth audio out of the box, the Vanquish 560 includes this connectivity as a key advantage over older non-Bluetooth units.

Specs side-by-side

SpecMinelab Vanquish 560Nokta Simplex Ultra
Waterproof Rating5 meters (16 feet)IP68 (5 meters)
Weight2.6 lb2.65 lb
Detection SystemMulti-IQ technologyVLF single frequency
Target ID Scale-19 to 9901 to 99
MaterialPlastic MetalCarbon Fiber
Search ModesPark, Field, BeachField, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, All Metal
Battery Life10 hours12-15 hours
FrequencyMulti-IQ15 kHz
Coil Size—28 cm / 11
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