Minelab
Minelab MANTICORE
$1499
Released 2023
Best Metal Detectors · head-to-head
Minelab MANTICORE vs Garrett ACE Apex
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Garrett ACE Apex is cheaper at $580. Every spec and price links to its source.
Garrett
Garrett ACE Apex
$580Cheaper
Released 2020
Which is better: the Minelab MANTICORE or Garrett ACE Apex?
The Garrett ACE Apex wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Garrett ACE Apex is the cheaper at $580. The Garrett ACE Apex both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Minelab MANTICORE | Garrett ACE Apex |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1499 | $580 |
| Brand | Minelab | Garrett |
| Released | 2023 | 2020 |
| Operating frequency | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Multi-IQ+ | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 kHz + Multi-Frequency + Multi-Salt (Multi-Flex) |
| Max depth inches | — | — |
| Weight (lb) | 2.9 | 2.5 |
| Waterproof rating | IP68, 5 m (16 ft) | Coil and lower shaft submersible; control box rain-proof only |
| Battery life hours | — | — |
| Battery type | Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh | Internal Li-Ion rechargeable, mini-USB charging |
| Ground balance | Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual |
| Display type | Full Color LCD | Large edge-to-edge LCD with backlight |
| Coil size inches | 11 | 11 |
| Num search modes | 11 | — |
| Audio output | Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless | Built-in speaker, 1/8" headphone jack, Z-Lynk wireless compatible; 5-tone system |
| Shaft adjustable | Yes | Yes |
Sources — Minelab MANTICORE: usa.minelab.com (verified 2026-06-27). Garrett ACE Apex: metaldetectingworld.com (verified 2026-06-27).
What's the difference between the Minelab MANTICORE and Garrett ACE Apex?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (7 of 12). Matching specs are omitted.
- Operating frequency: Minelab MANTICORE 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Multi-IQ+ vs Garrett ACE Apex 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 kHz + Multi-Frequency + Multi-Salt (Multi-Flex)
- Weight (lb): Minelab MANTICORE 2.9 vs Garrett ACE Apex 2.5
- Waterproof rating: Minelab MANTICORE IP68, 5 m (16 ft) vs Garrett ACE Apex Coil and lower shaft submersible; control box rain-proof only
- Battery type: Minelab MANTICORE Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh vs Garrett ACE Apex Internal Li-Ion rechargeable, mini-USB charging
- Ground balance: Minelab MANTICORE Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual vs Garrett ACE Apex Auto / Manual
- Display type: Minelab MANTICORE Full Color LCD vs Garrett ACE Apex Large edge-to-edge LCD with backlight
- Audio output: Minelab MANTICORE Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless vs Garrett ACE Apex Built-in speaker, 1/8" headphone jack, Z-Lynk wireless compatible; 5-tone system