Frank Wilson
Senior Editor
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding stands out because it allows greater operational control over the weld than any other competing welding technique. Moreover, TIG welder can weld more types of metals than any other welding process. It also produces high-quality clean welds with no spatter or smoke.
Below, we’ve reviewed the best TIG welder brands like AHP Alpha, Miller Electric, Hobart, Lincoln Electric and Everlast. After thoroughly assessing the pros and cons of each option, we put together a list of our favorite 10 models for certain categories along with our best choice overall.
If you’re in need of a new TIG welder for welding jobs for work or home, take a look at what we came up with. One of them is sure to meet your needs.
How to Choose Which TIG Welder To Buy?
Buying a new TIG welder doesn't take as much time or research as you might expect. With our helpful TIG welder buying guide, you can see the most important features before you start shopping.
Price
Setting a budget before you shop can help you decide how much you want to spend on a TIG welder. Don't ignore the products that are a little more expensive though. You might find that you can get a better welder for just $20 or $50 more.
Affordable TIG welders cost less than $200 and include the Amico TIG 225. SUNGOLDPOWER also makes a nice welder for less than $250. You can easily find some solid TIG welders for around $300 or less.
Pulse Rate
For pulsed welding, you'll want to look at the pulse rate of the machine. While older machines produce around 4,000 to 4,500 pulses per second, newer welders can produce up to 5,000 pulses every second.
Pulsed welding is helpful when working with thin pieces of metal that might break with standard welding. It reduces the heat that touches the metal to keep it from breaking. TIG welders with a higher pulse rating give you more control and produce a stronger weld.
Foot Pedal
With TIG welders, you'll often want to look for one with an included foot pedal because you need both hands to control the weld. You keep one hand on the torch and the other on the filler rod. With the foot pedal, you can control the welder when you cannot touch it.
The best foot pedals have a natural angle to the ground that won't cause any pain or discomfort in your foot. You should also look for one that is responsive and will respond instantly when you adjust your foot.
Air-Cooled or Water-Cooled
TIG welders also come with features called either water-cooled or air-cooled, which explains how the welder cools itself as it reaches a high temperature. Air-cooled models use the temperature of the surrounding air and can run hot. This will keep you from working in tight spots because the heat penetrates your work gear.
With a water-cooled TIG welder, you can more easily handle the extreme temperatures. These TIG machines come with a tiny head that can get into small spaces. Some who buy air-cooled welders later wish that they invested in water-cooled models.
Amperage Range
Another feature to consider is the amperage range of the TIG welder. You generally want a wide range that can help you in different situations and applications. A smaller range can limit where you can use the TIG welder and make it impossible to use in on some welding jobs.
A good range is usually between five amps and more than 200 amps. This lets you weld aluminum pieces of up to 1/4-inch thick and handle stainless steel of 20 gauges or more. With the best TIG welder, you may not need any other machines for your work.
Our Favorite TIG Welder
10 Best TIG Welder Reviews
1. AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG Welder - Top Pick
60% @ 200A
Duty Cycle
110 - 220V
Input Voltage
10A - 200A
Amperage Range
38 lbs
Net Weight
19" x 23" x 23"
Dimension(H,W,L)
3 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a no-nonsense TIG welder that can do more for you. It is generally used for welding aluminum and stainless steel, but it is also definitely on par with, if not better than other welders when welding other types of metals. You can work with the AHP 200X for home repairs, as your hobbyist welding machine or in your small welding business.
It’s an AC/DC welder that runs on 110 or 220 volts power output.
The great thing about AlphaTIG 200X TIG welder is, it has achieve to reach maximum productivity with thinner gauge materials. Many welding units fail badly on that area. This TIG welder machine also works great with thick gauge materials.
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X TIG Welder can produce precise and thin welds and can handle 3/8" steel and 1/4" aluminum. Moreover, it comes with a new tig torch and can weld 6013 and 7018.
It also enables you to be in control at all times as you weld with both hands and the convenient foot pedal. With enhanced control, you can produce even better welds than normal.
The AHP may not be the lightest, but it is conveniently portable at 38 pounds with dimensions of 19 x 23 x 12 inches. With a 3-year warranty, it’s very much worth the price tag.
Find out more about AHP AlphaTIG 200X full review.
2. SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp - Best Value
60% @ 200A
Duty Cycle
110V/220V
Input Voltage
65A - 200A
Amperage Range
22 lbs
Net Weight
13" x 5.5" x 10"
Dimension(H,W,L)
1 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
When choosing a value TIG welder, consider this SUNGOLDPOWER welder that works on most forms of metal, including stainless steel, copper, aluminum, steel and brass. It has a portable design that gives you the freedom to go anywhere you want and comes with a guarantee that it will start quickly every time you use it.
With the built-in fan cooling system, you don't need to worry about the welder overheating. It has a dual voltage for using the welder with both 110V and 220V power source. This is one of the few welders in the affordable price range that can handle both MMA and TIG welding.
We also like the display on the front of the welder with LED. Every time that you adjust the welder, you can see the changes you made on that display.
As a welder you must enhance your welding terminology as it will be a great help in your line of work and improve your skills. Skills are essentials for every type of welding techniques where a lot methods for steel applications are accounted for.
3. Miller Maxstar 150 STL TIG Welder - Best for Professionals
35% @ 100A
Duty Cycle
115 - 230V
Input Voltage
5 - 150A
Amperage Range
13.7 lbs
Net Weight
9" x 5.5" x 13.25"
Dimension(H,W,L)
3 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
If you're looking for the TIG welding machine with awesome functionality, the Miller Electric Maxstar 150 STL should be one of your best choices. This TIG Machine is definitely impressive and is designed for versatility and performance. It can be used on a range of metals and is characterized by dual functionalities that allow you to switch between Stick and TIG applications.
The most astounding feature of this model is its remarkable portability because it makes use of DC inverter. Its weight is barely 13.7 pounds, allowing you to carry it to various welding locations with ease.
The Miller TIG Welder, DC, also comes with a shoulder strap for convenient transport. Moreover, its dimensions are 13.2 x 5.5 x 9 inches. Compared to the AHP AlphaTIG 200X, it is very small and can be easily tucked away for storage in your home workshop.
Another feature that makes this TIG welder a sure winner is its thermal overload protection. It makes the unit highly durable and cost-effective to use because its fan automatically reduces its power consumption and heat.
You can use this unit either with 115V or 230V, which adds great flexibility for your home or on-location use. If you’re looking for a portable TIG welder that is packed with power, consider choosing the Maxstar.
4. Hobart 50051 EZ-TIG 165i TIG Welder - Top Choice for Aluminum
20% @ 165A
Duty Cycle
230V
Input Voltage
10 - 165A
Amperage Range
50 lbs
Net Weight
17" x 9.8" x 23.8"
Dimension(H,W,L)
3 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
If you are looking for an easy-to-use TIG welder, try this Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i. It comes with an easy-to-use interface. You simply need to power it up and select the material on which you are going to use it. Once you have set the range of the material thickness, you’ll be ready to start.
One of its most impressive features is its Fan-On-Demand function. This feature allows you to run the fan only when it is needed, thus enabling you to reduce the debris and dust that the unit draws in.
The Hobart 500551 EZ-TIG 165i can weld 22 gauge up to 3/16" and it can function both ways using AC (for aluminum) and DC. It also features an HF start to permit non-contact arc start that eliminates tungsten or other material contamination.
The Hobart EZ TIG also features Infinite Amperage Control that provides a wider operating range and finer control of the weld. It is easy to set up. You simply need to plug it into a 220 volt outlet, connect the shielding gas, and select the material and thickness.
It is also lightweight because it features an inverter-based design and comes with two carrying handles for great portability. The Hobart weighs around 50 pounds and its dimensions are 17 x 9.8 x 23.8 inches. It’s our best choice for working with aluminum.
5. Lincoln Electric TIG 225 TIG-Welder - Top Choice for Beginners
40% @ 130A
Duty Cycle
208 - 230V
Input Voltage
5-230A
Amperage Range
261 lbs
Net Weight
31" x 19.8" x 38"
Dimension(H,W,L)
3 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
The Lincoln Electric Precision TIG Welder is a powerhouse TIG welder that is reliable, very efficient and easy to use. It can make you look like an expert even if you are just a beginner. Although this TIG machine is quite expensive compared to other TIG welders, you can be assured that you will get a magnificent product out of it.
This Lincoln TIG welder model shines when it comes to the important parameters and features. It is also designed for great efficiency and performance. Using this unit, you can easily switch from TIG and stick welding and back again.
The Precision TIG Welder features MicroStar Technology, which allows the delivery of a low amperage start and awesome stability throughout the welding session. This allows for greater versatility and exceptional flexibility.
It also features AC auto balance functionality to provide optimized penetration and cleaning. This functionality makes for excellent weld aluminum.
You can select from 5 to 230 amps, which guarantees that you'll be able to utilize the exact amount of power needed to achieve your objective. Overall, this TIG welder is a good choice for beginners that will continue to serve you well as you advance in your welding skills.
If you are new in welding, you can also read our TIG welding process 101 guide.
6. Everlast PowerTig 255EXT TIG Welder - Top Choice for AC/DC
60% @ 250A
Duty Cycle
240V
Input Voltage
5A-250A
Amperage Range
65 lbs
Net Weight
24" x 9" x 17"
Dimension(H,W,L)
5 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
The Everlast PowerTig 255EXT comes with a smooth and stable start with its exclusive "Easy Start" five-amp start for AC and DC low amp operation. It’s lightweight and portable and can be used in most welding settings. It also comes with fully adjustable weld parameters for 2t/4t remote operation.
The Everlast PowerTig 255EXT features High Pulse Frequency capability that can reduce overall heat input to produce premium weld quality sans any burning or warping. It also comes with a 12 ft. Economy WP 18 series tig torch with DINSE 35/70 style connectors with a quick-connect gas fitting for easy setup.
This AC/DC TIG machine also features a built-in 240V receptacle that is specifically designed for utilization with the Everlast PowerCool 300 Water cooler.
Its expanded cleaning range offers greater adjustability compared to other types of TIG welders, giving this unit an optimum welding performance. It also has a digital display so that you can set the amperage precisely for your needs.
Its Arc Force Control for use in stick welding also helps to reduce spatter and improve both its performance and arc quality.
Buying this also gives you a welding kit for you to be prepared for everything you need on your project.
Hop over to this Everlast PowerTig 250EX full review.
7. Miller Syncrowave 250DX TIG Welder - Premium Choice
60% @ 200 Amp
Duty Cycle
220/230/240V
Input Voltage
30A - 310A
Amperage Range
400 lbs
Net Weight
33" x 22" x 25"
Dimension(H,W,L)
3 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
The Miller Electric Syncrowave 250DX TIG welder isn’t something you’re going to buy as an individual owner.
Why is it so costly? It’s proven itself to be a reliable and efficient TIG welder time and again even in the most demanding applications. It is designed and constructed for optimal reliability and efficiency. It is also very durable for factory use.
The Syncrowave 250DX is both a TIG and stick welder with Squarewave technology. Miller developed Squarewave in 1976. It provides awesome arc stability, especially when welding aluminum. It also prevents arc rectification and handily eliminates tungsten erosion.
This premium Miller Electric TIG welder machine provides remarkable balance control that allows you to adjust its balance to provide added oxide removal functionality. The benefit is less cleaning afterwards. It also features Synchro Start technology that allows you to choose from Soft, Hot TIG, or Standard starts according to the needed lead lengths, application, and tungsten size.
Besides that, Miller Electric TIG machine features a digital welding meter that displays both amperage and voltage for quickly viewing your preset and actual values. This leads to greater accuracy and repeatability of the welding procedure.
The Last Procedure Recall feature simplifies change using a single switch from aluminum TIG, stainless steel TIG, and stick welding.
Lastly, it features an Adaptive Hot Start that ensures good arc strikes without any sticking. This function allows for deep penetration of E6010 and smooth E7018. You can move this 585-pound beast around fairly easily on its large casters.
8. Everlast PowerPro 256S TIG Welding Machine
60% @ 250A
Duty Cycle
220/240V
Input Voltage
5A-250A
Amperage Range
93 lbs
Net Weight
18" x 10" x 25"
Dimension(H,W,L)
5 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
If you're searching for the TIG welder that is packed with a tone of features you should check out the Everlast PowerPro 256S. It is very futuristic in its design, extremely easy to use and convenient to operate and transport. It weighs around 93 pounds and has dimensions of 22 x 17 x 9 inches.
You can also set this welder from a TIG and stick welder to a plasma cutter. The Everlast PowerPro 256S makes use of inverter-based technology that allows for a minimal use of electricity. That makes this a very cost-effective model to run. It also has a low amperage cycle.
However, its most remarkable feature is its current overload indicator. This indicator will signal whenever the duty cycle is exceeding its limits. It also features multiple rows of pulse flow and post flow readings that makes this a true power pack unit.
It also features a stable arc with its smooth arc start and user-friendly selector switches. Without a doubt, Everlast PowerPro 256S is a great tig machine choice for hobbyist or professional use.
TIG welding tips can help you improve on your work and look like a professional.
9. Amico TIG 225 Inverter TIG Welder - Top Choice Under $300
60% @ 220A
Duty Cycle
115V/230V
Input Voltage
20A - 200A
Amperage Range
27 lbs
Net Weight
16" x 6.5" x 12"
Dimension(H,W,L)
1 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
Our top choice for a TIG welder below $300 is this 225 model from Amico, which is a 2-in-1 model that can handle both TIG and stick welding. Compatible with both 115V and 230V outlets, it can work in most of the places that you do. You may find that it works better when used at a higher voltage though.
The inverter technology that Amico designed gives you more stability and control over the arc. That arc creates light and solid welds that will not come apart. It weighs only 16 pounds and can go to any job site where you need to work.
Included in the packaging is a torch gun designed for TIG welding. You also get a gas hose, cord adapter, electrode holder, ground clamp and work cable.
10. EVERLAST PowerARC 160STH TIG Welder - Top Portable Choice
35% @ 160A
Duty Cycle
110v/220v
Input Voltage
5A - 250A
Amperage Range
36.9 lbs
Net Weight
20" x 12.5" x 13"
Dimension(H,W,L)
5 Year
Warranty
Pros
What We Think:
Another suitable option for those looking for an affordable TIG welder is this PowerARC model that comes with an electrode holder and a work clamp. That clamp has a 10-foot long cable that lets you move freely as you work. You also get a TIG torch with a 25-foot long cord too.
With the dual voltage option, you can flick a switch and change between using the welder with 110V and 220V outlets. Weighing in at nearly 36.9 pounds, it's heavier than other portable welders but still easy to carry.
If you're unhappy with this welder, you can use the 30-day money-back guarantee to get a refund. It also comes with a five-year warranty that covers all parts and the labor costs.
Related Articles:
FINAL WINNER
AHP AlphaTIG 200X
Pros
Finding the perfect TIG welder can be an easy task once you determine your primary use. The key is to make sure that you don’t buy less than what you need while also not overspending. You want a welder that will last, be easy to use, and help you achieve the best performance while not costing more than it needs to. Partnering it with one of the top welding helmets also completes your setup.
From our list of the ten best TIG welders on the market today, we handpicked the AHP AlphaTIG 200 X as our TOP CHOICE because of its no-nonsense features. We’ve considered it to be better than other available TIG welders at hand because of its remarkable usability, ease of control, foot pedal, dual power, flow regulator, onboard fan, and easy portability.
The AHP AlphaTIG 200X, as mentioned above, is ideal for welding aluminum and stainless steel. It is known for its high efficiency with thinner gauge materials, while it also fares well with thick materials. This TIG machine is also known to produce thin and precise welds, and it can both weld 6013 and 7018.
Moreover, it allows for the use of both hands while welding so that you never risk losing control of the process. With regards to portability, even though The AlphaTIG is not the most portable, it does not fall far behind. At 38 pounds with dimensions of 19 x 23 x 12 inches, you can take it anywhere.
And, of course, it provides all of these features for less, making it the smartest choice for your money.
Check it out if you are looking for top reviews of welding helmets for TIG. A roundup of the top MIG welders on the market and the absolutely reliable plasma cutters you can find today.