Minelab
Minelab MANTICORE
$1499
Released 2023
Best Metal Detectors · head-to-head
Minelab MANTICORE vs Nokta The Legend 2
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Nokta The Legend 2 is cheaper at $999. Every spec and price links to its source.
Nokta
Nokta The Legend 2
$999Cheaper
Released 2026
Which is better: the Minelab MANTICORE or Nokta The Legend 2?
The Nokta The Legend 2 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Nokta The Legend 2 is the cheaper at $999. The Nokta The Legend 2 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Minelab MANTICORE | Nokta The Legend 2 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $1499 | $999 |
| Brand | Minelab | Nokta |
| Released | 2023 | 2026 |
| Operating frequency | 5 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Multi-IQ+ | 4 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (3-freq) |
| Max depth inches | — | — |
| Weight (lb) | 2.9 | 2.6 |
| Waterproof rating | IP68, 5 m (16 ft) | IP68, 5 m (16 ft) |
| Battery life hours | — | — |
| Battery type | Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh | Internal Li-Ion 6700 mAh, USB rechargeable |
| Ground balance | Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual | Auto / Manual / Tracking |
| Display type | Full Color LCD | Custom LCD with backlight |
| Coil size inches | 11 | 11 |
| Num search modes | 11 | 5 |
| Audio output | Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless | Built-in speaker, wireless Bluetooth headphones included; 99 harmonic tones, adjustable pitch |
| Shaft adjustable | Yes | Yes |
Sources — Minelab MANTICORE: usa.minelab.com (verified 2026-06-27). Nokta The Legend 2: noktadetectors.com (verified 2026-06-27).
What's the difference between the Minelab MANTICORE and Nokta The Legend 2?
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 Nokta The Legend 2 4 / 10 / 15 / 20 / 40 kHz + Simultaneous Multi-Frequency (3-freq)
- Weight (lb): Minelab MANTICORE 2.9 vs Nokta The Legend 2 2.6
- Battery type: Minelab MANTICORE Internal Li-Ion 3.7 V / 6800 mAh vs Nokta The Legend 2 Internal Li-Ion 6700 mAh, USB rechargeable
- Ground balance: Minelab MANTICORE Auto / Continuous Auto / Manual vs Nokta The Legend 2 Auto / Manual / Tracking
- Display type: Minelab MANTICORE Full Color LCD vs Nokta The Legend 2 Custom LCD with backlight
- Num search modes: Minelab MANTICORE 11 vs Nokta The Legend 2 5
- Audio output: Minelab MANTICORE Built-in speaker, 3.5 mm wired, low-latency wireless vs Nokta The Legend 2 Built-in speaker, wireless Bluetooth headphones included; 99 harmonic tones, adjustable pitch