This is Infologue’s annual rankings of the best knife arch walkthrough metal detectors for the UK in 2026. All models listed are available for purchase in the United Kingdom. The rankings were compiled with security companies in mind as the primary customer and as such take in to account things such as cost, accessibility, convenience as well as performance and reliability.
1. RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch
Description: The RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch is a professional security walkthrough metal detector that has been constructed with a modular design. This means that it can be taken apart and rebuilt within 5 minutes once fully trained. It weighs only 45KGs and has wheels that allow it to be rolled from one place to another. It has adjustable sensitivity and 24 separate detection zones. It has an LCD screen interface with tally counter and a host of options.
Features:
- Modular Construction for Rapid Deployment
- Highly Sensitive with 255 Levels
- 24 Detection Areas
- Head to Toe Detection
- Mains & Battery Powered
- 12000 mAh Lithium Ion Battery
- Wide Range of Operating Frequencies
- 7” LCD Display for Configuration
- Tally Counter with 4 Different Modes
- Allows for High Speed Detection
- Highly Configurable
- IP54 Rated
- Includes Waterproof cover for use in rain
- Password Protected
- UK Brand
- 12 Month Manufacturer’s Warranty
Price: £2200 ex VAT
Summary: Dethroning the Garett PD6500i for the first year in a very long time is the new Risk P1 Portable Knife Arch. The reason for its entry at pole position is the shear value for money that you get with this device. It is designed very similarly to the Fisher M-Scope (sometimes branded as the Gatescan-P) which costs between double and triple the price. Compared to the M-scope it has improved stability and durability and does not beep randomly in strong wind. It is very easy to use with a host of functionality including sensitivity adjustment by zone which gives you greater freedom to customise your search profile. It also comes with a great weather cover that allows it to be used out in the rain which many walkthrough metal detectors cannot boast. It also has a large battery should you need to reel in the cables at any reason.
2. Garrett Paragon Walkthrough Metal Detector
Description: The Garrett Paragon is one of the most technologically advanced conventional walkthrough metal detectors currently available.
It has 66 detection zones, providing highly detailed target positioning from top to bottom and across the left, centre and right sides of the person being screened. Garrett’s Ambiscan technology allows the detector to run two different sensitivity profiles depending on the direction in which a person walks through it. A site could therefore screen people entering for weapons while simultaneously screening those leaving for smaller company property.
The Paragon also offers NFC card access, automated interference cancellation, cellphone-discrimination settings, an integrated backup power supply and advanced options for configuring several detectors operating together.
Features:
- 66 precision detection zones
- Detection across the left, centre and right of the body
- Up to 200 sensitivity levels
- Ambiscan directional detection technology
- Separate security profiles for entry and exit
- Bilateral detection
- Cellphone-discrimination settings
- Approximately 2,300 selectable operating frequencies
- Automatic environmental interference cancellation
- NFC wireless access cards
- Wireless configuration options
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Integrated backup power supply
- Optional extended battery packs
- Overhead LED entrance beacon
- Thirty-inch doorway
- High-visibility alarm indicators
- Suitable for multi-unit installations
- IP-rated construction for demanding environments
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
Price: £6,246.63 ex VAT
Summary: On pure technology, the Garrett Paragon could easily be placed at number one. Its 66-zone detection system is comfortably the most precise on this list, while Ambiscan gives security teams a genuinely useful capability rather than another feature included for the sake of the brochure. It is particularly well suited to airports, government buildings, large corporate sites and other permanent security checkpoints where incoming and outgoing traffic may need to be screened differently.
The reason it finishes behind the P1 is practicality. It is considerably more expensive, is not designed around frequent transportation and provides more functionality than many normal security sites will ever use. A smaller venue that simply needs to detect knives and other weapons will struggle to justify spending almost three times the price of a P1. For high-security permanent installations with a sufficient budget, however, the Paragon is arguably the most capable walkthrough metal detector available.
3. RISK TD1 Targeted Detection Walk Through Metal Detector
Description: The RISK TD1 is a rugged, fixed-position knife arch designed for sites that require greater stability and durability than a portable model can provide.
Its targeted detection technology identifies the approximate location of a metallic object using both illuminated strips on the doorway and a rear-mounted seven-inch LCD touchscreen. The detector has 33 independently adjustable zones, 255 sensitivity settings and 100 selectable frequency bands.Unlike the P1 or the M-Scope, the TD1 is intended to remain assembled and can be secured to the floor. Its IP54-rated construction provides protection from dust and splashing water, although it is primarily intended for indoor or covered checkpoints rather than permanent exposure to heavy rain.
Features:
- Advanced fixed-position knife arch
- Targeted detection interface
- 33 independent detection zones
- Seven-inch LCD touchscreen
- Full-length LED zone indicators
- 255 adjustable sensitivity levels
- Individual adjustment for each zone
- 100 selectable operating frequencies
- Automatic self-diagnostic function
- Adjustable audible alarms
- Rapid reset and high throughput
- IP54-rated construction
- Can be secured to the floor
- Robust heavy-duty design
- Conforms to NIJ Standard 0601.02
- UKCA certified
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- UK-based technical support
Price: £1800 ex VAT
Summary: The TD1 is one of the most interesting additions to the updated list. It combines the user-friendly interface and competitive pricing associated with the RISK range with the stability of a permanently installed walkthrough metal detector. Its targeted detection display makes secondary searches easier because an operator can immediately see where on the body an alarm has occurred. The ability to adjust all 33 zones also gives sites considerable control over their search profile.
It ranks below the Paragon because the Garrett model has twice as many detection zones and a much broader collection of advanced management features. Nevertheless, at less than a third of the Paragon’s price, the TD1 offers exceptional value. For schools, local authorities, night-time economy venues, security companies and medium-to-high security facilities that want a permanent detector without Garrett-level expenditure, the TD1 is arguably the strongest fixed-position value proposition on the list.
4. Garrett PD6500i Walkthrough Metal Detector
Description:
The Garrett PD6500i remains one of the best-known and most widely deployed security walkthrough metal detectors in the world. Much like the great white shark, the PD6500i has not needed to evolve very dramatically because its basic design already works extremely well. It may appear relatively low-tech beside the Paragon or TD1, but it is an efficient, extremely solid machine with very few moving parts or unnecessary points of failure.
The detector has 33 target zones, 200 sensitivity levels and approximately 2,300 selectable operating frequencies. Its heavy-duty aluminium construction, tamper-resistant controls and long history of use at airports, prisons, events and government facilities have given it an enviable reputation for reliability.
Features:
- Extremely Reliable
- 33 Target Detection Zones
- Adjustable Highly Sensitive Scanner
- Adjustable Alarms
- Tamper Resistance Features
- Wide 30” Doorway
- Built In Traffic Counter
- IP55 Rated
- Very Widley Tested & Certified
- Fast 30 Minute Assembly
- Mains Powered
- Rugged Aluminium Casing
- 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
- Made in the USA
Price: £4995.83 ex VAT
Summary: The Garrett PD6500i has long been king of the hill when it comes to traditional security walkthrough metal detectors. Other manufacturers have introduced touchscreens, modular construction and increasingly elaborate interfaces, while Garrett has continued to rely on a straightforward and heavily proven design. There is no large LCD touchscreen, portable folding mechanism or collection of moving parts. This simplicity is one of the reasons the PD6500i has developed such a strong reputation. There is less to damage, less to misconfigure and relatively little to go wrong.
It is now overtaken by the Paragon in Garrett’s own range and by the TD1 on overall value. The substantial price also prevents it from returning to first place. However, for critical sites that place proven reliability and physical durability above portability or modern presentation, the PD6500i remains extremely difficult to beat.
5. RISK TDX Waterproof Outdoor Walk Through Metal Detector
Description: The RISK TDX is a waterproof, fixed-position walkthrough metal detector developed specifically for permanent or semi-permanent outdoor checkpoints.
It combines 33 independent detection zones with targeted location indicators and a waterproof digital display. Rather than relying on a temporary canopy, the main detector has an IP65 rating and is constructed using weather-resistant polymers, aluminium and other materials selected for exposed environments.
The TDX provides 100 general security levels, up to 400 zone-specific sensitivity settings and 100 operating-frequency options. It can be fixed to the ground for greater stability and has an operating range designed to cope with difficult weather conditions.
Features:
- Waterproof outdoor walkthrough metal detector
- IP65-rated construction
- Suitable for permanent outdoor installation
- Targeted detection technology
- 33 independent detection zones
- Waterproof digital display
- Full-height LED detection indicators
- Up to 400 zone-specific sensitivity settings
- 100 general security levels
- 100 selectable frequency channels
- Adjustable audible alarms
- Rapid detection of up to approximately one person per second
- Heavy-duty construction
- Can be secured to the ground
- Operating temperature from approximately -20°C to 65°C
- Conforms to NIJ Standard 0601.02
- UKCA certified
- Two-year manufacturer’s warranty
- UK-based brand and repair support
Price: £2,100 ex VAT
Summary: The TDX is the most specialised entry in the top five. For an exposed outdoor checkpoint, it is a better solution than trying to place an indoor arch beneath a temporary gazebo and hoping that the weather behaves itself. Its IP65 construction, waterproof controls and stable fixed-position design make it suitable for stadium entrances, external staff checkpoints, secure compounds and other sites where the detector may remain outdoors.
That specialisation is also why it does not place higher. The TDX does not have the portability of the P1, the cutting-edge functionality of the Paragon or the long-established reputation of the PD6500i. It is essentially a waterproof version of the TDX but with a higher price tag. Where permanent outdoor operation is the deciding requirement, however, the TDX should move to the top of the purchasing shortlist.
6. Fisher M-Scope Portable Knife Arch
Description: Sometimes branded as the Gatescan-P in the UK, the Fisher M-Scope was the first model to use the now widely known modular design template. This innovative move by US branded Fisher allowed it to make headway in the events industry in particular given that it was so much more portable than its competitors. The M-Scope takes about 5 minutes to assemble and offers a high level of functionality including high sensitivity, multiple detection zones and adjustable settings and programs. One of the big advantages that the M-Scope has over a competitor like the RISK P1 is that it has a very long lasting battery (40 hours) when compared to the lower cost model.
Features:
- Portable Walkthrough Metal Detector Arch
- Rapid Deployment Modular Construction
- Up to 40 Hours of Operation on Battery Life
- Rechargeable Battery Included (can also use mains)
- 3 Detection Zones
- Head to Toe Detection Area
- Adjustable Sensitivity (Over 100 Levels)
- Signal Strength Indicator
- LED Display for Configuration
- Built-in Traffic Counter & Statistics
- Memory Function Stores Settings
- Highly Configurable
- Tamper Resistant
- Robust and Lightweight Design
- Suitable for Outdoor Use (In Dry Conditions)
- Made in the USA
- 2 Year Manufacturer’s Warranty
Price: £4,149.00 + >£1000 Shipping from US
Summary: The Fisher M-Scope remains a polished and useful portable detector. It is straightforward to take apart, fits into a manageable transport format and has a remarkable battery life that none of the other portable models on this list can match.
Its position has fallen, however, because the portable market has moved on. The M-Scope has only three main detection zones compared with the P1’s 24, and its control system feels dated beside modern colour-screen interfaces. More importantly, the M-Scope is not as stable as the P1 when fully assembled. Its modular sections have more movement, and the overall construction is less reassuring when it is being repeatedly transported and used by different security teams. It also lacks the P1’s dedicated external rain cover, meaning outdoor operation generally requires dry conditions or a separate covered checkpoint.
The Fisher remains a respectable choice for organisations that prioritise extremely long battery operation. Taken as a complete package, however, its lower stability, reduced durability and limited weather protection prevent it from placing alongside the P1 in the updated rankings.
7.Garrett Multi-Zone Walk Through Metal Detector
Description: The Garrett Multi-Zone occupies the middle ground between basic entry-level detectors and Garrett’s premium PD6500i and Paragon models.
It provides 20 independent detection zones that can identify one or several metallic objects simultaneously. The detector has up to 200 sensitivity settings, more than 15 preconfigured security programmes and an automatic setup function that scans the local environment before selecting an appropriate operating frequency.
Bright LEDs show the location of detected objects, while the directional counter can record forward traffic, reverse traffic, both directions or subtract people leaving from the total number who entered.
Features:
- Established Garrett walkthrough detector
- 20 independent detection zones
- Simultaneous multi-object detection
- Up to 200 sensitivity levels
- More than 15 standard security programmes
- Automatic environmental frequency selection
- Advanced multi-unit synchronisation
- Detectors can operate in close proximity
- High-visibility LED zone indicators
- Four-mode directional traffic counter
- Three levels of access control
- Self-diagnostic programme
- Optional network management
- Optional remote-control interfaces
- IP55-rated standard construction
- Optional IP65 protection
- Optional one-hour or ten-hour battery packs
Price: £3,995 ex VAT
Summary: We were tempted to put this nifty device higher up on the list but one draw back is that it must be bolted to the floor. This is understandable however given its shape and the fact that it does take up far less surface area than its competitors. It is also lightweight and can be carried to a new location if bolt points are available. The single panel design is unique and does offer up a lot of advantages for a well trained team in high traffic areas. It is also nearly half the cost of the RISK P1 Portable Knife Arch and a fraction of the cost of the Fisher and Garrett models up above.
8.Hikvision ISD-SMG533L Walk-Through Metal Detector
Description: The Hikvision ISD-SMG533L is a modern 33-zone walkthrough metal detector designed for demanding, high-traffic security environments. It provides up to 999 sensitivity levels and a seven-inch colour LCD that displays alarm locations, pass totals, alarm totals and system information. Web-based configuration and network connectivity allow the detector to be managed remotely or incorporated into a larger security platform.
The detector also includes automatic startup diagnostics, two alarm-output channels and detection coverage extending close to floor level. Its operating specifications support temperatures from approximately -20°C to 55°C, although the unit weighs approximately 84kg and is better suited to a permanent installation than frequent deployment.
Features:
- 33 independent detection zones
- Multi-zone simultaneous alarms
- Up to 999 sensitivity levels
- Seven-inch colour LCD interface
- Visual and audible detection alerts
- Integrated traffic and alarm counters
- Multiple operating frequencies
- Anti-interference settings
- Web-based remote configuration
- Network connectivity
- Two alarm-output channels
- Automatic startup self-diagnostics
- Detection close to ground level
- Modular component-based construction
- Operating range of approximately -20°C to 55°C
- Approximately 84kg total weight
- Designed for high-traffic permanent checkpoints
- Safe operation around medical implants when used correctly
Price: On request
Summary: The ISD-SMG533L is an impressive first appearance for Hikvision in the rankings. Its technical specifications compete directly with established security-detector brands, and the combination of 33 zones, extensive sensitivity adjustment and remote management will appeal to organisations already using networked Hikvision systems.
It ranks below the Garrett Multi-Zone because technical specifications are only part of the purchasing decision. Garrett has a far longer and more visible track record in specialist walkthrough detection, while the Hikvision unit’s 84kg weight makes it one of the least convenient models on the list to relocate.
The absence of a publicly stated purchase price also makes direct value comparisons difficult. Nevertheless, the ISD-SMG533L is a serious professional detector rather than a low-cost generic arch and deserves consideration for permanent, centrally managed sites.
9.RISK W2 Walk Through Metal Detector
Description:
The RISK W2 is a lower-cost traditional knife-arch-style walkthrough metal detector. It provides 18 independent detection zones and 255 adjustable sensitivity settings, allowing operators to detect larger weapons or configure the unit to identify smaller metallic objects.
A seven-inch LCD provides access to sensitivity, alarm and frequency controls. The W2 resets in less than a second and can screen more than 60 people per minute under suitable operating conditions.
Wheels fitted to the base allow the unit to be tilted and rolled short distances, although it is not intended to be repeatedly dismantled in the same way as a fully portable P1. It is also designed for indoor operation.
Features:
- Cost-effective walkthrough metal detector
- 18 independent detection zones
- 255 adjustable sensitivity levels
- Head-to-toe detection
- Detection close to the top and base of the doorway
- Rapid reset in under one second
- Potential throughput exceeding 60 people per minute
- Seven-inch LCD control display
- Adjustable alarms and operating frequency
- Built-in traffic counter
- Password-protected settings
- Semi-portable design
- Integrated transport wheels
- Indoor use only
- Conforms to NIJ Standard 0601.02
- Twelve-month manufacturer’s warranty
- UK-based brand and technical support
Price: £1200 ex VAT
Summary: The W2 remains on the list because RISK continues to price its entry-level walkthrough detectors extremely competitively.
The earlier version of this ranking credited the W2 with 33 detection zones, but the current model specification lists 18 zones and 255 sensitivity settings. Although that places it below the more advanced entries, it is still a useful specification for ordinary weapon-detection operations. Its touchscreen-style LCD interface is easier to navigate than the basic controls found on some older detectors, while the wheels make occasional repositioning relatively painless.
The W2 lacks the durability of a Garrett fixed-position detector, the portability and rain protection of the P1 and the advanced targeted displays of the TD1 or TDX. At £1,200 excluding VAT, however, it remains a strong entry-level choice for budget-conscious sites that need a genuine professional knife arch rather than an unproven white-label model.
10.Hikvision ISD-SMG318L Walk Through Metal Detector
Description: The Hikvision ISD-SMG318L is an 18-zone walkthrough metal detector intended for busy locations such as transport sites, government buildings, commercial premises and public events.
It offers up to 1,000 sensitivity settings, with each detection area capable of being adjusted to suit the site’s search profile. A seven-inch colour LCD displays alarm zones, pass counts, alarm totals, time and date information.
The detector also supports web-browser and infrared remote control, automatic startup diagnostics, people counting and the detection of metal objects thrown through the doorway. Detection extends to approximately one centimetre above floor level, reducing opportunities to conceal objects inside footwear.
Features:
- 18 independent detection zones
- Up to 1,000 sensitivity levels
- Individual zone adjustment
- Seven-inch colour LCD
- Full-height LED detection indicators
- Multiple simultaneous zone alarms
- Adjustable operating frequency
- Anti-interference functionality
- Automatic startup diagnostics
- Integrated directional people counter
- Web-browser configuration
- Infrared remote operation
- Network connectivity
- Thrown-object detection
- Detection close to ground level
- Modular construction
- Approximately 62kg bare weight
- Operating range of approximately -10°C to 55°C
Price: Price on Request
Summary: The Hikvision ISD-SMG318L has an excellent interface and an unusually wide range of sensitivity adjustment for an 18-zone detector. Remote configuration, thrown-object detection and accurate ground-level coverage are all useful additions. The unit also has the advantage of coming from one of the world’s largest security-technology manufacturers.
Its final position reflects the strength of the competition rather than a suggestion that it is a poor detector. The more advanced ISD-SMG533L doubles the number of detection zones, while other models have unique attributes or functions that are sadly missing in this device.
*Disclaimer: These rankings represent the opinion of the team at Interconnective who compiled the list.