Head-to-head · Updated August 5, 2026
Nokta Simplex+ vs Garrett Ace 400
In Nokta Simplex+ vs Garrett Ace 400, the Simplex+ wins for most buyers — it's fully waterproof to 10 feet, ships with wireless headphones and a rechargeable battery, and weighs half as much. The Ace 400 answers back with simpler operation and far better US parts and service.
These are the two machines most beginners end up choosing between, and the deciding question is simple: will you ever hunt in or near water?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through a link here I earn a small commission — at no extra cost to you. It pays for coil covers and gas money, and it never changes a verdict. Full disclosure.
01The two machines
Nokta Simplex+
Beginners and second-machine buyers who want waterproof capability — creeks, lakes, rain, and freshwater swim beaches.
See current priceGarrett Ace 400
A first detector for parks, fields, and dry ground — someone who wants to be finding coins the same day it arrives.
See current price02Side by side
| Spec | Simplex+ | Ace 400 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Single-frequency VLF | Single-frequency VLF |
| Frequency | 12 kHz | 10 kHz |
| Waterproof | Whole machine, 10 ft | Coil only |
| Weight | 2.9 lbs | 5.5 lbs |
| Ground balance | Auto + manual | Preset at factory |
| Headphones | Wireless, included | Wired, included |
| Battery | Built-in rechargeable | AA cells |
| US support | Limited | Excellent |
03The differences that matter
Waterproofing decides it for most people
The Simplex+ is submersible to 10 feet — creeks, freshwater beaches, and rainy days are all available. The Ace 400 waterproofs the coil only, so a downpour means a cover or a trip back to the car.
Neither handles wet salt sand well; both are single frequency. Waterproof means you can get it wet, not that it can hunt salt.
Weight, battery, and audio
2.9 lbs against 5.5 lbs is the most underrated difference here. The Simplex is also USB-rechargeable with wireless headphones included, where the Ace runs AAs and a cord.
The Ace's ground balance is fixed at the factory; the Simplex lets you adjust it, which is what keeps it working in bad soil.
Where the Ace 400 wins
Support. Garrett's US parts, service, and warranty network is the best in the hobby — coils and spares are on a shelf, not on a boat. Nokta's is thinner and slower.
The Ace is also marginally simpler, with fewer settings to misunderstand, and Iron Audio is genuinely useful in nail-heavy old sites.
04Who should buy which
Buy the Simplex+ if…
Buy the Nokta Simplex+ if water is anywhere in your plans, if you want wireless audio and a rechargeable battery included, or if you value a light machine for long hunts. It's more detector for the money.
See current priceBuy the Ace 400 if…
Buy the Garrett Ace 400 if you'll only ever hunt dry dirt and you want US-based support behind your purchase, or if Iron Audio for old trashy sites appeals to you.
See current priceThe verdict
The Simplex+ is the better buy for most beginners — more features, less weight, and waterproofing that opens up sites the Ace can't reach. Take the Ace 400 if support and simplicity outweigh that.
Read the full Simplex+ review →05FAQ
- Is the Nokta Simplex+ better than the Garrett Ace 400?
- For most buyers, yes — it's fully waterproof, lighter, rechargeable, and includes wireless headphones at a similar price. The Ace 400 is better if US parts availability and turn-on-and-go simplicity matter more to you.
- Which is better for the beach, the Simplex or the Ace 400?
- The Simplex, because it's actually waterproof. But both are single-frequency, so neither handles wet salt sand well — for that you need a multi-frequency machine like the Equinox 800.
- Which is easier for a complete beginner?
- The Ace 400 by a small margin — there's nothing to set. The Simplex+ works fine on its presets too, so the gap is smaller than it looks, and the Simplex has more room to grow into.
Keep reading
The full reviews
- Nokta Simplex+ review
Beginners and second-machine buyers who want waterproof capability — creeks, lakes, rain, and freshwater swim beaches.
- Garrett Ace 400 review
A first detector for parks, fields, and dry ground — someone who wants to be finding coins the same day it arrives.
Other comparisons
- Minelab Equinox 800 vs Garrett Ace 400
Head-to-head, spec by spec.
Buying guides
- Best Pinpointers for Metal Detecting
The best pinpointer for metal detecting is the Garrett Pro-Pointer AT — waterproof, adjustable, and hard to lose. Probes compared for dirt, water, and gold.
- Best Pinpointer Metal Detector for Gold
The best pinpointer for gold is the Falcon MD20 — a very high frequency probe that finds flakes in quartz standard pinpointers miss. Gold probes compared.
- Best Metal Detector for Kids
The best metal detector for kids is the Nokta Mini Hoard — light enough for a small child and capable enough to find real coins. Picks by age, from 5 to teenager.