Short answer: buy the Nokta Simplex Ultra (part 11000625) if you want the whole detector to go underwater and you want to spend less. It is IP68 rated to 5 m (16 ft), weighs 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) and was listed under $300 when we checked. Buy the Garrett ACE Apex if you want frequency choice: it runs 5, 10, 15 or 20 kHz, simultaneous Multi-Frequency, or Multi-Salt for salt beaches. Only its coil and lower stem are submersible, though; the control box is rainproof only. Garrett lists the base package at $350 to $400.

This comparison is based on the manufacturers’ published specifications. Nobody at Metal Detecting Review has used either detector.

Spec comparison

Spec Nokta Simplex Ultra Garrett ACE Apex (Viper coil package)
Operating frequency Single 15 kHz, with frequency shift 5, 10, 15, 20 kHz, Multi-Frequency, Multi-Salt
Water protection Complete detector IP68, submersible to 5 m (16 ft) Coil and lower stem submersible; control box rainproof, “should never be submerged”
Stock coil 28 cm (11 in) round DD, SX28 6 x 11 in DD Viper (elliptical)
Weight 1.2 kg (2.6 lb) 2.5 lb
Power Built-in 2300 mAh lithium, USB charging Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion, about 15 hours, micro-USB
Search modes Field, Park, 4 Tone, 99 Tone, Beach, All Metal Zero, Coins, US Coins, Jewelry, Relics, Custom
Target ID 01 to 99 Digital target ID with 5-tone audio
Ground balance Automatic or manual 175-point high-resolution ground balance
Sensitivity steps 30 8
Wireless audio Bluetooth (headphones not included) Garrett Z-Lynk; not Bluetooth-compatible
Length 25 to 52 in, retracts to 25 in Adjustable aluminum shaft (length not published on the product page)
Warranty 3 years 3-year limited
Price band checked October 3, 2026 Under $300 $350 to $400 (Garrett)

The Apex’s 2.5 lb weight comes from Garrett’s launch announcement and the current Amazon listing; the current Garrett product page does not state a weight.

Where the two actually differ

Frequency. This is the biggest technical gap. The Simplex Ultra runs at one frequency, 15 kHz, and lets you shift it slightly to escape electrical interference. The ACE Apex lets you pick one of four single frequencies or run Multi-Frequency, and it adds a dedicated Multi-Salt setting for wet salt sand. The Simplex Ultra has a Beach mode, but it still runs at 15 kHz.

Water. The Simplex Ultra is rated as a complete unit: Nokta says IP68, submersible to 5 m and dust-tight. Garrett says the Apex is built to keep rain and blowing rain out of the housing, that the USB and headphone openings need their rubber covers in place, and that only the searchcoil and lower stem are fully submersible. If you plan to wade past knee depth or detect in the surf, the Simplex Ultra is the only one of the two built for it.

Coil. The Simplex Ultra ships with an 11-inch round DD coil; the Apex ships with a narrower 6 x 11 inch elliptical DD coil. Garrett’s coil guide says an elliptical coil is more maneuverable and covers well along its length, while a round coil has slightly more depth in non-mineralized soil. Nokta also sells a 9.5 x 6 in SX24 and a 13.5 x 12.5 in SX35 coil for the Simplex. Garrett’s FAQ notes that older ACE-series coils do not fit the Apex.

Audio and wireless. The Simplex Ultra has Bluetooth, but the Amazon listing states that Bluetooth headphones are not in the box. The Apex has Garrett’s Z-Lynk wireless built in. Garrett’s FAQ says it works with Z-Lynk products (or the WR-1 receiver for your own headphones) and cannot use Bluetooth headphones. Garrett also gives the Apex a 1/8-inch jack for wired headphones.

Controls. The Simplex Ultra exposes more audio adjustment than the Apex: recovery speed, tone break, tone frequency and tone volume, plus a 99-tone mode. The Apex keeps a simpler mode list but adds iron volume control and 20 pixels of notch discrimination.

Which one to buy

  • Beach, surf, creeks or diving: Simplex Ultra. It is the only one of the two rated to go fully underwater.
  • Dry-land parks and yards with a lot of trash: either works. The Apex’s narrow elliptical coil and selectable frequencies give you more to adjust; the Simplex Ultra costs less.
  • Wet salt sand without submerging the detector: Apex, for its Multi-Salt setting, as long as the control box stays above the water.
  • Tight budget: Simplex Ultra, at under $300 against $350 to $400 for the Apex base package when we checked.

For related matchups, see the Garrett ACE Apex review , Garrett ACE 400 vs Nokta Simplex Ultra and Garrett ACE Apex vs Nokta Legend .

Where to buy

Prices and package contents change. Check that the listing shows the coil and accessories you expect before you buy.

FAQ

Is the Nokta Simplex Ultra multi-frequency?

No. Nokta lists a single 15 kHz operating frequency with frequency shift for interference. The Garrett ACE Apex offers 5, 10, 15 and 20 kHz plus Multi-Frequency and Multi-Salt.

Can the Garrett ACE Apex go underwater?

Only the coil and lower stem. Garrett says the Viper coil and lower stem are fully submersible but the control box is built to keep out rain and should never be submerged. The Simplex Ultra is rated IP68 to 5 m (16 ft) as a complete detector.

Does the Garrett ACE Apex use AA batteries?

No. Garrett’s current product page and FAQ describe a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery rated for about 15 hours, charged by micro-USB. The Simplex Ultra also has a built-in 2300 mAh lithium battery.

Which one works with Bluetooth headphones?

The Simplex Ultra is Bluetooth enabled, though Bluetooth headphones are not in the standard box. The ACE Apex uses Garrett’s Z-Lynk wireless system, and Garrett’s FAQ says it cannot use Bluetooth headphones.

Sources