The 10 Best TIG Welders of 2023

Photo: AHP

When you’re welding thin metal pieces or your welding itself will add to the product’s final looks, then there’s no better way to do the job, than with a TIG welder.

Using a TIG welder offers you precise heat control and other features that you won’t get in a MIG welder. It’s also a more engaging experience because you’ll use both hands and a foot to TIG weld.

To make things easier for you, this TIG welders review looks at the top offers in the market and then shows you how to make the proper considerations when making your choice.

10 Best TIG Welders – Review

IMAGE	​PRODUCT	​FEATURES
	1. AHP AlphaTIG 200X (With Stick Function)	Simple & easy to use TIG welder 10 to 200-Amp range Offers a 60% duty cycle at 200 Amps Backed by a 3-year warranty
	2. Forney 324 (Compact 3-in-1)	3-in-1 MIG, TIG, and stick welder Simple and easy to use interface 190 Amps maximum output Backed by Forney’s 5/3/1 warranty
	3. Everlast PT2500 (With Extensive Controls)	TIG and stick welder Delivers power from 5 to 250 Amps Detailed and versatile control panel Comes with a 5-year warranty
	4. Lotos TIG200ACDC (With Automatic Dual Voltage)	Dual voltage TIG welder 10-200 Amps power output Great for TIG and stick welding Comes with a 1-year warranty
	5. Everlast 160STH (Compact, Lightweight & Dual Voltage)	Compact and lightweight TIG welder Compatible with 120 and 240 Volts Includes stick and TIG accessories Backed by a solid 5-year warranty
	6. Hobart 500551 (With Many Accessories)	TIG welder with AC and DC output Simple and easy to use interface Welds 22 gauge up to 3/16-inch materials Comes with a 3-year warranty
	7. Lincoln Electric K5126-1 (Powerful)	TIG and stick welder with accessories Features AC and DC output Includes functions for advanced users Includes a 3-year warranty
	8. Miller Electric 907627 (High-quality with Accessories)	High-quality and dependable welder Runs on 120 or 240 Volts and produces 10 to 180 Amps The package includes all necessary accessories Miller Electric backs it with a 3-year warranty
	9. Lincoln Electric K2535-2 (Industrial Grade)	Industrial-grade designed TIG welder Produces stable arcs and precise welds Also works for stick welding Covered by a 3-year warranty
	10. Longevity 200D (Affordable Double Voltage Stick & TIG Welder Kit)	TIG and stick welder with accessories 60% duty cycle at 200 Amps Offered at a low and attractive price Backed by a 1-year manufacturer warranty

1. AHP AlphaTIG 200X – Simple AC/DC TIG Welder with Stick Function

Photo: AHP

• Input Power: 110/220 Volts
• Output Range: 10-200 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 200 Amps, 100% at 150 Amps
• Weight: 69 pounds

Featuring an advanced IGBT inverter technology, this TIG welder offers you everything from multi-voltage compatibility to modulation of its pulses’ widths.

You can use it on 110 or 220-Volt outlets and it offers from 10 to 200 Amps. You can also set the Start Amps, Main Amps, and End Amps individually from 10 to 200 Amps. Plus you can modulate the pulses up to 200 times per second.

For cons, you’ll find TIG welders with lower than 10 Amps and higher than 200 Amps. However, 10-200 Amps is still perfect for the most welding jobs and this offer comes with everything you need, from a pedal to a torch, and all other cables.

Keep in mind that you can also use it for stick welding and AHP backs it with a 3-year warranty to make it one of the best TIG welding machines around.

Pros:

• Simple & easy to use interface
• Produces 10 to 200 Amps from 110 or 220 Volts
• 60% duty cycle at 200 Amps, 100% at 150 Amps
• Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• You’ll find TIG welders with over 200 Amps
• It’s a relatively heavy

2. Forney 324 – Compact 3-in-1 MIG TIG & Stick Multi-process Welder

Photo: Forney

• Input Power: 115/220 Volts
• Output Range: ~190 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 20% at 170 Amps
• Weight: 52 pounds

This Forney 324 3-in-1 welder is a unique and impressive offer that lets you TIG weld, MIG weld and stick weld using the same machine. It comes in an all-metal housing that’s rugged and durable.

Besides these features, it also features a simple and easy to use interface, making it one of the best TIG welders for beginners. It weighs just 52 pounds, works with both 115 and 220 Volts, and produces welding currents up to 190 Amps.

For downsides, you don’t get a pedal or MIG-welding tool in the package. You get other TIG and stick welding tools though, and a 5/3/1 warranty with 5-years for the transformer, 3 years for other components, and 1 year for cables and clamps.

Pros:

• 3-in-1 TIG, MIG, and stick welder
• Simple and easy-to-use interface
• Lightweight and portable design
• Backed by a 5/3/1 warranty

Cons:

• The package doesn’t include a pedal and MIG tools
• It lacks pulsing functions

3. Everlast PT2500 – Stick & TIG Welder with Extensive Controls

Photo: Everlast

• Input Power: 220, 240 Volts (3 phase)
• Output Range: 5-250 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 250 Amps
• Weight: 60 pounds

Everlast presents its top-grade welder here. It offers you the total package for TIG and stick-welding, plus you get a very detailed control surface.

You can run it on 220 Volts or 3-phase 240-Volt outlets. The welder produces currents from as low as 5 Amps for very thin materials, up to 250 Amps for thicker and heavier-duty stuff.

The many controls allow you to select Start and End Amps, and their timing. You can also set the frequency, Amps, and timing for the pulses, plus you can select DC or AC output.

One issue here is its price when compared to other offers. If you check its many features, however, and all the included accessories to work immediately, plus the manufacturer’s 5-year warranty, then it seems worth it.

Pros:

• TIG welder with stick welding option
• Delivers power from 5 to 250 Amps
• Features a detailed control panel
• Backed by a solid 5-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s a relatively costly TIG welder
• The display looks more complex than other welders

4. Lotos TIG200ACDC – AC/DC TIG Welder with Automatic Dual Voltage

Photo: Lotos

• Input Power: 110/220 Volts
• Output Range: 10-200 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 150 Amps
• Weight: 58 pounds

This Lotos offer is a perfect beginner welder for many reasons. First, it features DC and AC welding currents. Then, it features stick welding besides its TIG features.

You can hook it up to a 110 or 220-Volt outlet and it will automatically adjust. For output, you can set it anywhere between 10 and 200 Amps, as you need.

It works on aluminum, stainless steel, and other steel sheets. Its 200-Amps square-wave AC output makes it one of the best TIG welders for aluminum, while the HF start torch and pedal control give you the versatility and precision that you need to work on a vast range of materials.

What this option lacks is a pulse feature, but you can easily select the model with pulse features that allow you to set frequency, start Amps, slope, down-slope, etc.

More Detailed: Lotos TIG200ACDC Review

Pros:

• Dual voltage TIG welder
• Adjustable output power up to 200 Amps
• Produces DC and AC outputs
• Backed by a 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Cons:

• You must select another option if you want pulsing
• It offers no MIG option

5. Everlast 160STH – Compact & Lightweight Dual Voltage TIG Welder

Photo: Everlast

• Input Power: 120/240 Volts
• Output Range: 10-160 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 35% at 160 Amps
• Weight: 36.9 pounds

Everlast aims to offer you the best portable TIG welder in the market here. This welder features a compact and lightweight design at just 36.9 pounds.

It offers both TIG and stick-welding, although it only offers DC TIG welding. You can hook it up to either a 120 or 240-Volt outlet and adjust its output between 10 and 160 Amps.

For downsides, you don’t get a foot pedal in this package, so you must buy it additionally if you want it. There’s also no pulse feature.

On the brighter side, the package has everything you need for basic stick and TIG welding. It also offers a smooth arc, a digital display, a solid 5-year warranty, and the cheapest price on this list.

Pros:

• Compact and lightweight TIG welder
• Works on 120 and 240-Volt outlets
• An automatic arc control system
• Backed by Everlast’s 5-year warranty

Cons:

• No pulse/AC output features
• The package doesn’t include the foot pedal

6. Hobart 500551 – AC/DC TIG Welder with Many Accessories

Photo: Hobart

• Input Power: 230 Volts
• Output Range: 10-165 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 20% at 165 Amps
• Weight: 60 pounds

For an easy-to-use TIG welder, this Hobart 500551 offers you an interface that’s both unique and ingenious. Just power up the welder, select the material that you’re working on, then set its thickness, and that’s it.

There’s also a fan on-demand feature, which allows you to turn on the fan only when you need it. The welder works on 230 Volts and produces both AC and DC currents from 10 to 165 Amps and high-frequency starts.

Asides from this welder’s high price, also keep in mind that you only get a TIG welder here. So, it will neither stick- nor MIG-weld.

For more benefits, however, the package includes everything that you need for TIG welding, plus it comes with a 3-year warranty. You can also choose an option that includes a cart for about $100 extra.

More Detailed: Hobart 500551 Review

Pros:

• TIG welder with AC and DC output
• Simple and easy-to-use interface
• A fan on-demand feature for precise control
• Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• The price is relatively high
• It doesn’t offer MIG or stick welding

7. Lincoln Electric K5126-1 – Powerful AC/DC Stick TIG Welder Package

Photo: Lincoln Electric

• Input Power: 120/230 Volts
• Output Range: 10-200 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 25% at 125 Amps/120 Volts, 25% at 200 Amps & 230 Volts
• Weight: 73 pounds

Here’s another nice TIG welder for more advanced and expert welders. This one works with both 120 and 230-Volt outlets and will produce DC and AC welding outputs.

It offers stick welding besides TIG, and the package includes all the needed accessories for the two welding types, making it one of the best TIG welders. This includes a pedal, gas regulator and hose, ground clamp and cable, and an electrode holder for stick welding.

The user interface looks simple, but it’s not, especially for beginners. It takes time to understand all that it offers and to get used to its unique system.

You get a 25% duty cycle at 125 Amps using 120 Volts. With 230 Volts, you get a 25% duty cycle at 200 Amps or 60% at 130 Amps for TIG welding. Lincoln Electric backs it with a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• TIG and stick welding in one machine
• Features AC and DC outputs
• Works on 120 and 230-Volt outlets
• Backed by a 3-year warranty
• 25% duty cycle at 200 Amps & 230 Volts, 60% at 130 Amps & 230 Volts

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a simple control system
• It’s one of the costliest offers on this list

8. Miller Electric 907627 – High-quality TIG Welder with Accessories

Photo: Miller Electric

• Input Power: 120/240 Volts
• Output Range: 10-180 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 35% at 150 Amps
• Weight: 50 pounds

Featuring a very robust design, this Miller Electric 907627 TIG welder is perfect for working in many situations, including construction works, boat building, and many hobby jobs.

It features an AC and DC power delivery and can work on 120 and 240-Volt outlets. The package includes a regulator with flow gauge, all the cords, and a comfortable TIG torch, making this offer one of the best TIG welders for home use.

It only does TIG welding, however, and it’s the second-costliest offer in this list. But, what you get is a high-quality machine with a rugged design, optimized gas flow, and a 3-year manufacturer warranty.

Pros:

• High-quality and durable TIG welder
• Delivers 10 to 180 Amps from 120 or 240 Volts
• The package includes all necessary accessories
• Comes with a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It only does TIG welding
• It’s the second-costliest welder on this list

9. Lincoln Electric K2535-2 – Industrial Grade TIG Welder

Photo: Lincoln Electric

• Input Power: 208/230 Volts
• Output Range: 5-230 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 40% at 130 Amps
• Weight: 215 pounds

If you’re looking for the best TIG welder for commercial applications, then a closer look at this offer might be helpful. The Lincoln Electric K2535-2 is tough and offers expert features.

The interface is simple, easy to understand and to use. It offers AC and DC, plus stick welding capabilities. You get enhanced starting with arc stability and more precision welds.

Downsides include its excessive 215-pound weight, the heaviest in this review and the costliest. Quality has its price, anyway, and this package includes all the needed accessories and a 3-year warranty.

Pros:

• Solid welder with industrial-grade design
• Simple and easy-to-use interface
• Also offers stick welding
• Backed by a 3-year warranty

Cons:

• It’s very heavy at 215 pounds
• It’s also the costliest welder on this list

10. Longevity 200D – Affordable Double Voltage Stick & TIG Welder Kit

Photo: Longevity

• Input Power: 110/220 Volts
• Output Range: 5-200 Amps
• Duty Cycle: 60% at 150 Amps/110 Volts, 60% at 200 Amps/220 Volts
• Weight: 37 pounds

The Longevity 200D is a great budget TIG welder. With its rugged but compact design, it’s excellent for shop and on-site use. It has a 60% at 200 Amps duty cycle for 220 Volts, and 60% at 150 Amps at 110 Volts.

Featuring a 5-200 Amp output, you can use it for everything from thin to thicker materials, including steel, stainless steel, brass, and so on.

It features a digital Amp meter, timed gas post flow, stick welding, and many accessories, including a pedal, face mask, ground clamp, a 110/220-Volt adapter, and a chipping hammer. Longevity covers it with a 1-year warranty, making it one of the best TIG welder for the money.

Pros:

• TIG and stick welder with many accessories
• Offers a  60% at 150 Amps/110 Volts and 60% duty cycle at 200 Amps/220 Volts
• Comes at a low and attractive price
• Backed by Longevity’s 1-year warranty

Cons:

• There’s no AC output
• There’s also no pulsing

How to Buy the Best TIG Welder

Photo: millerwelds.com

The following paragraphs shed some light on the different and important parts of a TIG welder. By going through them, you’ll be in a better place to make a perfect choice.

1. Input Power

You’ll find TIG welders that either run on 230 Volts or 115 Volts, so you need to make sure you’re getting the right welder. This voltage is then stepped down to about 30 Volts using a transformer or an inverter.

Most of the modern TIG welders use an inverter anyway and this has many advantages, such as a lighter weight, easily creating high-frequency pulses, and better controls.

2. Duty Cycle

Every machine has its limitations, and this also goes for TIG welders. Given the enormous amounts of power used in TIG welding, the duty cycle is a feature to prevent the welder from getting too hot and damaging its components.

The duty cycle tells you for how many minutes you can use the welder at its maximum output in ten minutes before it will need some rest. It’s given in a percentage of the 10 minutes, such as 40% at 150 Amps, which means four minutes of use at 150 Amps before needing a rest to cool off.

3. Pulses & Pulsed Welding

The major advantage of TIG welders lies in the ability to control many aspects of the welding process, and this is where electric pulses and pulsed welding come in.

Pulsing makes it easy to focus the arc and to only deliver the needed amount of heat. Modern TIG welders produce up to 5,000 pulses per second. Pulsed welding is good for tough joints and thin materials, so you don’t burn through them.

4. Pedal

The pedal separates TIG welders from the rest. It’s used to fine-tune how much heat you are delivering to the welding process. Since the two hands are usually occupied when TIG welding, you’re usually left with the foot to control heat levels.

A good pedal is very responsive and shouldn’t have a too steep surface. You can buy a top of the line pedal for your welder if you don’t like the one it came with.

5. Digital Control & Display

This one is a personal choice. You can either go for a TIG welder with digital controls and display, or you can go for one with analog controls. It’s left for you here to find what best suits you since they both offer equally good controls.

6. Materials

You should know the materials you intend to work with and their thicknesses. This is so you can get the right TIG welder with the right amperage range.

If you’re welding very thin materials for instance, then you can keep an eye out for a welder with an amperage range as low as 5 or 10 Amps. If you’re welding 1/8-inch Aluminum, for instance, then you’ll need a welder with at least 200 Amps of top power.

7. AC & DC Power

TIG welders have two types of outputs: AC and DC outputs. AC stands for alternating current and is the same type that you get from your household electrical outlet. DC stands for direct current and is the same electricity that you’ll get from a battery or electronic device.

You should know this because Aluminum and Magnesium, which are both self-oxidizing soft metals are better welded using AC, while hard metals, such as steel and stainless steel are better with DC welds.

Read More: AC vs. DC Welding

8. Portability

This is another personal issue and is, therefore, left for you to decide. Whether or not you need a portable TIG welder depends on your needs. So you need to ask yourself if the welder will only sit in the shop or if you must take it to work on a site from time to time.

9. Warranty

TIG welder warranties mostly range from 1 to 3 years, with some companies offering longer warranties. With warranties, longer is better, but keep in mind that longer warranties also attract higher prices. So, you have to find your balance between quality, warranty, and price.

Conclusion

We’ve come to the end of this TIG welders review and you’ve seen the market’s top offers, including the budget and the top-of-the-line welders.

It’s left for you now to make your choice because you’re the one that knows the exact features that you want from a TIG welder and how much you’re ready to spend for it.