The 10 Best TIG Welders in 2020

The AHP AlphaTIG 200X is a versatile machine capable of handling welding on aluminum, stainless, mild steel, copper, and more. It has a TIG mode and stick mode, useful for experts and novice weekend warriors.

Functioning in DC/AC, there’s a range of frequency controls. It has three pulse settings, a flexible horse torch, and a metal foot pedal. There’s also a 2T/4T switch for various touch operations. With the amount of welding opportunities available, it’s the best AC/DC TIG welder for the money.

What Consumers Are Saying

Consumers enjoy the versatility allowed with the AlphaTIG 200X. The torch is lightweight as well as flexible for greater maneuverability.

It pushes out a good deal of power to handle basic jobs for professionals and hobbyists. The welding arc is smooth, and it’s quick and easy to setup. You may want to replace the foot pedal though. It lacks ergonomics, so it takes some getting used to.

Pros/Cons

The LTPDC2000D combines TIG welding, stick and arc welding, and plasma cutting all in one powerful, compact machine. Made from robust materials, this welder can easily manage to work with rough surfaces. The TIG is DC only though, so it won’t generally weld aluminum.

What Consumers Are Saying

According to TIG welder reviews, consumers enjoy the 3-in-1 aspect of this machine. It leaves the door open to perform a multitude of jobs.

They also enjoy the lack of mess made when using this. The cooling system also works well at keeping the machine from overheating. There are some complaints about a lack of customer service as well consumers believing the welding cables are too short for comfort.

Pros/Cons

The Square Wave TIG 200 is a premium TIG welder that maintains a user-friendly interface. Although it’s good for entry-level welders, there’s still enough power and advanced features used for professional work.

Its dual voltage allows it to plug in anywhere, and it runs on AC/DC as well as TIG and sticks modes for versatile welding jobs. The machine offers precision work, power for outdoor jobs, or penetration strength for thicker materials.

What Consumers Are Saying

Consumers praise the elastic torch head and the 12ft cord with high flexibility so you can move further from the machine.

They also enjoy the speed in which the arc between the material and tungsten forms, minimizing the risk of any contamination. Although the pulse function is appreciated too, adjustments are limited, which may lead to complications with finer works.

Pros/Cons

The PowerARC 160STH is a reliable machine in a small package. It has both inverter technology and IGBT Infineon Modules. You can use it in both a DC mode and a stick mode. The easy hot start cuts down on electrode sticking.

More versatility is seen in its HF start and lifts start so you can choose to use it with or without a pedal. The machine may be the best Everlast TIG welder as it offers a clean experience with an easy-to-adjust power range.

What Consumers Are Saying

Many enjoy the small build and shoulder strap for easier carrying, allowing you to take it wherever you need it.

The operation is smooth for seasoned welders to appreciate, while beginners won’t have much of a learning curve. There are low power consumption and great stability and pressure control. These factors have many agreeing it’s the best TIG welder under $500.

There isn’t an AC output though, which means your welding capabilities are limited.

Pros/Cons

The Lotos TIG200 is the best budget TIG welder that won’t sacrifice its performance. With dual voltage and TIG and stick modes, it’s versatile. This can handle mild steel, stainless, aluminum, and more. The square-inverter design grants more accuracy when wielding things like aluminum.

It has an easy arc start with stable welding, and it features a PASPT cooling system for reliability.

What Consumers Are Saying

One of the main points consumers enjoy the Lotos TIG200 is the user-friendly layout. Once you read the manual and understand the controls, it’s smooth to operate no matter your skill level. It’s flexible enough to work on various projects too.

There are complaints that the numbers on the digital display don’t line up with the control knob settings. So, you may want to fiddle around with it a bit to understand the discrepancies.

Pros/Cons

The Amico TIG-225 is a 2-in-1 machine that employs a TIG torch with a stick welder. It features automatic optimization for issues like voltage fluctuation so you can have an easier experience.

As a good starter TIG welder, this machine handles a number of tasks with versatile metals like steel, copper, brass, bronze, etc. It has a powerful startup system, a wide amperage range from 15 to 220 for welding thin and thick metals, and compatibility with 93% power factor so you don’t blow through energy.

What Consumers Are Saying

Many appreciate that this is the cheapest TIG welder that’s straightforward and flexible. It’s simple for beginners, and you can change between TIG welding and stick and arc welding with ease. The IGBT inverter is touted too alongside the arc stability offered.

If there’s anything holding you back, it’s the lack of a pulse mechanism, but that may only affect those of you who handle larger, more professional-quality projects.

Pros/Cons

As a 3-in-1 stick welder, TIG welder, and MIG welder, this gives you everything you need and more. Even though this design gives you options, it is just a DC TIG, so aluminum welding may be out of the question. Still, it’s a great machine for beginners with its easy setup, good control, and portability.

It’s the best TIG welder under $1100 that offers a multitude of options, a rugged build, and inverter tech for power adjustments.

What Consumers Are Saying

Consumers value the general ease of both setting this up and using it. They speak highly of the portability offered as well as the 15ft power cord that gives you more breathing room to set it up. There is talk about issues handling thicker metal without damaging the material, so this may be best for light duty work.

Pros/Cons

This Hobart EZ-TIG works well for various jobs like magnesium, stainless, steel, aluminum, and more. There’s just one knob to adjust, so as far as a TIG welding machine goes, there’s not much to play around with. You can still switch from AC to DC as well for different jobs, and the amperage range is broad.

It features a fan that only runs when needed, and there’s a quality inverter power source for consistent and stable arcs.

What Consumers Are Saying

There’s plenty of consumer talk about how uncomplicated the machine is to use overall. They enjoy the fan-on-demand aspect as that can help eliminate dust and dirt sucked into the machine.

Consumers also like the stability and cleanliness of the arc as well as the versatility offered. However, considering how expensive it is, there aren’t many features to truly justify the value. Also, this may not be easy to handle for those of you lacking in welding skills.

Pros/Cons

Miller Electric created the TIG Welder Diversion with everyone in mind. It’s professional quality sold at professional value, yet has a quality user interface so novice welders can make it work.

It has an easy-to-use remote foot control, and it can be used under various working environments and conditions. This is the best Miller TIG welder machine that’s quick to set up with dual voltage capabilities and a reliable fan-on-demand feature. There’s also an air-cooled torch that extends its durability.

What Consumers Are Saying

Consumers mention that in spite of its higher price point and professional-like build, there’s not much setup required so that beginners can use this just as well.

There’s a great, comfortable grip on the unit for reduced hand fatigue, which can help with longer jobs.It doesn’t work well though with thicker materials usually above 3/16in.

Pros/Cons

Even though the TIG225X is a primarily TIG machine, it features a stick welding mode too. It performs well on thinner metals, aluminum, and stainless steel. This has a flex head and a CK Superflex hose for more comfort and maneuverability.

Designed for modern welders, it has AC/DC voltage and 110V and 220V outputs. There’s a wide range of cleaning controls and pulse features for AC. For precise welding and control, you can use the upgraded foot pedal.

What Consumers Are Saying

Buyers agree that the company behind the TIG225X provides top-quality customer service in case anything goes wrong. Paired with the warranty, and you may get the most out of your purchase.

They say it’s an excellent TIG welder that’s comfortable to use, and it vents out well to keep it from overheating. Even with the manual though, it takes awhile to get used to the machine. It’s certainly not for beginners with minimal welding experience.

Pros/Cons

If you wish to place our reviews aside for a moment, there are a number of factors that you should consider when shopping for a quality TIG welder. These include features like the amperage range, AC/DC options, duty cycle, and more.

Amperage Range

This may be the most important aspect you consider as it determines the type of material you can work with.

Of course, there’s a chance you’ll have to get a more expensive machine with greater amperage, but you can find value-driven ones with a good range.

Consider the welding jobs you need to perform first, and from there, you can better narrow down your options.

Performance

Does your TIG welder of choice start easily? What about its stability at lower amperage? There should be good arc control and stability so that you can put out your best work, more so if you’re working on something delicate.

AC/DC

Not all TIG welding machines come with AC/DC settings, but if you find one that does, you’ll get greater versatility out of it. A machine with this output may also be the best TIG welder for aluminum since DC only typically can’t manage it.

Technology and Control

A good TIG welder for novice welders features digitization and automation functions. Meaning, they can shut down automatically in the event of high-temperatures.

There are cooling mechanisms in place too to prevent overheating. Also, technology like IGBT gives a machine more reliability and efficiency.

Take a look at the digital display as well, if there is one. This can help you keep a constant eye on your power, voltage, etc.

As far as control goes, many TIG welding machines use a foot pedal to help give you more precision. For the machine itself, some have cleaning control functions for AC settings as well as heat control. There are even ones made with pulse settings.

Ease of Use

How heavy is your TIG welder of choice? Anything too weighty may be difficult to move on your own. If you know you’ll be taking the machine elsewhere, consider something that weighs less than 80lbs. Also, examine the TIG torch and cord. Is the torch head flexible? This can provide you with various angles to work.

A good lengthy cord is useful as well in letting you move freely without sticking directly next to the machine.

The cord should have some elasticity too so you can stretch and not experience many arms and hand fatigue.

Duty Cycle

The duty cycle is generally how well the machine can handle continuous work before overheating and forcing you to stop working.

The duty cycle of your TIG welder is based largely on the amperage. A machine with a 20% duty cycle is on the lower spectrum, while 60% is obviously higher.

For smaller or easier tasks, a low duty cycle is just enough. However, if you’re managing a more intense project, then you need a higher duty cycle so the machine won’t overheat too fast.

Who should use TIG welders?

As long as it’s needed for your job at hand, anyone from beginners to professionals can use TIG welders. Of course, some are more user-friendly and geared toward novice users, but others focus on those of you who already have a good amount of welding skills.

Can all TIG welders handle aluminum projects?

The TIG welding process will only work with aluminum if it is listed with an AC power source. This is because AC is the only thing capable of handling the sensitivity of aluminum without damaging the material.

How important is the duty cycle?

The duty cycle determines how long your machine can go continuously for around 10 minutes. It’s vital in both a professional environment and when you just need a TIG welder for home use. Your specific task will tell you how long you need the machine to run.

Do all TIG welders come with TIG and stick welding options?

Unfortunately, not all TIG welders come with versatile options built-in. In this case, if you want to stick welding, you’ll have to purchase it separately.