Best Budget Welding Helmets – Reviews & Buying Guide 2023

Buying one of the best budget welding helmets can save a lot of your money, and you can still keep your eyes from harmful bright light and UV rays. Want to try welding as a hobby or want to experience it just for a few months? Well, then there is no need to spend lots of dollars on welding equipment. The most critical welding equipment is the welding helmet that protects you. While welding, there is a lot of exposure of your skin and face to UR and IR rays; a welding helmet ensures complete safety. Welding helmets can demand a lot of money.

There’s no need to get an expensive welding helmet if you are doing the welding as a hobby or a part-time job. However, you can not risk your safety either. Most budget welding helmets have lightweight, 2 Arc sensors, grind, cut and weld mode, adjustable headgear, and fulfill safety standards for TIG, MIG, and MMA as well. Therefore, we have tested some of the cheapest budget welding helmets and made the list of the best ones. These are some of the best protection providers without costing much money. Let’s jump right into it!

TOP PICKS

Best Budget Welding Helmets 2023

1. Antra AH6 Welding Helmet

Starting right off the bat with the best budget-friendly welding helmet coming with close to perfect optical clarity and auto-darkening lens. Antra AH6 has 1/1/1/2 visibility with a fixed shade 13 for IR/UV rays and a shade range of 4/5-9/9-13 for visible lights. The cool thing about this is that it weighs light, only 1 pound but covers your neck, face, and head fully. Being solar-powered, it works for a long time. Moreover, you get an indicator to see how much battery is left to ensure you are always set for welding. In addition to all that, it has 4 Arc sensors; however, it does not provide an accurate color view. You may also check: Best TIG Welding Helmet

That’s not all; Antra AH6 has adjustable headgear that perfectly fits different head sizes. Alongside, it has an automatic on and off option for convenience. Also, for extra comfort, it has external grind mode access. The delay and sensitivity settings are located on the welding helmet’s inner side. Lastly, the viewing area is not that large but focuses solely on welding material.

2. Yeswelder LYG-M800H

Yeswleder LYG-M800H is one of the best welding helmets because of its superior comfort and reliability due to accurate color technology, three different modes, shade 16, and cheating lens compatibility. This is an auto-darkening welding helmet, and the lens has a shade range of 9-13. The four arc sensor increases its value for its cost. 

It has adjustable delay sensors along with sensitivity settings that react quickly. This makes it usable in various welding types, including TIG, MIG, MMA, and plasma applications. You get an actual color view, and the lens minimizes the green color tint while protecting your eyes. Aside from that, the visibility area is perfect for all types of welding. 

Next, let us briefly tell you about the three modes it features, and you can switch between them only by one toggle. The three mods, namely, Cut, Weld, and Grind. The shade changes according to the mode that you set. Also, it features external settings, which makes it easy to switch between modes. Other than that, it has incredibly comfortable headgear that fits perfectly to head sizes. As it covers every part from your neck to your head, this is highly secure. Lastly, the Yeswleder manufacturers provide a storage bag, three replaceable lenses, and one lithium-ion battery for your ease. 

3. Hobart Welding Helmet

Presenting a minimalist design yet maximized performance, Hobart 770809 is the most popular choice that comes with a lightweight of 1.25 lbs. Most expensive on the list but still manages to be in a budget-friendly place. 

This makes this a worthy welding helmet with a large viewing area, real 1/1/1/1 visibility, four independent working Arc sensors, and lightweight. Moreover, it is made from Polyamide-Nylon, which is one of the most durable materials when it comes to welding. This welding helmet is made from premium quality material to ensure that the material does not bend or irritate your skin. When exposed to arc welding, it gives a green tint. 

This is an auto-darkening welding helmet with a shade range of 8-13 that can easily weld thin materials. In addition to all that, the headband is adjustable and is easy to wear even with gloves. You can rest assured when it comes to safety as Hobart 770809 meets all safety standards. This gives full coverage for your neck, face, and head without making you uncomfortable or tired.

4. Yeswelder EH-091XL Welding Helmet

Yeswelder EH-091XL is a heavy-duty helmet with a weight of 2.07 lbs and is highly recommended for DIYers or Hobbyists looking for the best budget welding helmet. You can switch to grind mode along with easily changing delay, shade, and sensitivity controls. Having all this on the outside of the welding helmet makes it highly advantageous for the welder. 

The most attractive thing about this model is its perfect optical clarity of 1/1/1/1 and low maintenance. It’s also compatible with various cheating lenses and has a large viewing range of Size 4 “X3.7” with 4 Premium Sensors. Keep in mind that it’s made up of plastic, so it may not be for long-term use and needs careful handling. Other than that, it is ideal and comes with four high-quality sensors. 

The switching speed is speedy of less than 1/30000 seconds. In addition to that, it has a fixed shade of 3, but it can change within the range of 4-13 depending on visible lights. It is solar-powered, and the battery is also long-lasting, with 3000 hours of average life. The view while welding is highly visible, and it reduces the green tint that is produced by traditional welding helmets. Lastly, the headgear is also cozy and lightweight and features an oversized cushion that keeps your head comfortable while working.

Pros 

5. DEKPRO Welding Helmet

DEKOPRO MZ225 auto-darkening hood welding helmet meets standards of ANSI safety and is highly recommended for industrial use. This means that it ensures total safety and has 1/2/1/2 optical clarity that minimizes strain on eyes while welding. As it is solar-powered, it is energy-effective and can work for up to 5000 hours. In addition to that, it comes with shade range 4/9-13 and shade 16 as resting shade. Considering the switching time, I was highly impressed by its speed, and it switches at a great speed of 1/25000 when exposed to UV or IR rays. 

Moreover, you get clear visibility along with easy-to-use sensitivity and delay control adjustments. The auto-darkening filter lens provides perfect shade from widespread different lights during welding all types of materials. This is the reason that this welding helmet is perfect for industrial use like repairing vehicles, cars, and in food industries as well. 

Moving onto the weight and design, it does not disappoint you and comes with a lightweight of 1.21 pounds. You can work for long hours and will not feel fatigued as it is light and well-padded on the neck. Along with that, you can easily adjust to different head sizes due to adjustable headgear. Lastly, the design is flashy with a big eagle image printed on it, so the fun-loving people really go crazy with this funky design.

6. Instapark ADF Welding Helmet

Although Instapark GX990T is one of the best budget welding helmets, it features expensive brand results. The helmet is famous for its largest viewing area, which is 3.94″ x 3.86″. This has 4 number shades; when turned off push, it has all from 5-13 shade range to 4 arc sensors. Even the reaction time is super quick of only 1/300000 seconds. You get full safety during all types of welding like TIG, MIG, and stick welding.

Furthermore, it is solar-powered, and you get amazing battery life that can last up to 4000 hours on average. Having all external control buttons set on the outside of the helmet provides extra comfort. This allows you to easily adjust sensitivity and delay settings or switch to grind mode without lifting the helmet. Talking about comfort, it has an internal padded material that gives protection as well, and I really felt it so comfortable that it didn’t fatigue me at all. 

Along with that, this welding helmet is highly adjustable as it has a detachable headband. What we love the most about Instapark GX990T is that it has a large viewing area and is lightweight. This is perfect for welders who prefer having a wide view during welding. When it comes to design, it has a flaming blue pattern with black color that gives a cool overall look. Inside the package, you also get a replaceable lens which is a plus feature.

Buying guide for the best budget welding helmets

If you are looking for the best budget welding helmets, you must consider the quality first. Obviously, the cheap does not always mean useless or crap; buying a budget helmet can not only save your retina from damage but also won’t be heavy on your wallets.

What makes a welding helmet a budget welding helmet?

Firstly, make sure that the price is within your limits. Usually, a budget welding helmet is something under a hundred dollars or less. No need to worry about your safety, as even budget welding helmets come with features that can protect your eyes, face, head, and neck. 

Viewing area:

The viewing area of the welding helmet means the area that you can see out of, basically the lens area. Large and narrow viewing areas protect your face overall. Welders who prefer focusing on small-scale welding areas can go for the narrow viewing areas. However, welders who prefer having an “all-around view” should opt for a large viewing area. 

Weight:

Welders who do a full-time job of welding need to look into the weight of the welding helmet. As you will be wearing a welding helmet throughout welding, make sure to get a lightweight welding helmet. Also, many budget welding helmets come with evenly distributed weight to make sure your neck does not feel fatigued! 

Comfort:

Let’s be real; we can never work to our full potential in uncomfortable workwear. Having a comfortable welding helmet will increase your potential for welding. Here are a few things to look into a welding helmet considering comfort:

• External grind mode: Having an external grind mode access takes away the manual work of taking the whole helmet off. It gets overall work done more quickly and effectively.
• Head fitting: What head fitting means is that the welding helmet should have headgear that can be adjusted to your head size. 
• Well-padded: Neck and head padded welding helmets offer extra comfort. 
• Maintenance: Make sure to get a welding helmet that’s easy to clean and maintain.
• Adjustability: Most welding helmets come with adjustable delay settings along with sensitivity settings. Do look into both to get the best budget welding helmet.

Types of welding helmets:

There are a few types of welding helmets based on various things. Firstly let us tell you types of welding helmets based on the lens:

• Types of welding helmets based on the lens:

There are two types of lens, namely passive lens and auto-darkening lens. Passive lenses are best for a single type of welding, while auto-darkening works well with all types of welding. Auto-darkening welding helmets feature shade range, adjustable sensitivity, and mini seconds switching time. 

• Types of welding helmets based on power source:

Based on power, one is a solar-powered welding helmet while the other is a battery-powered welding helmet. Some welding helmets come with both powering options.

• Types of welding helmets based on shade:

The last division of welding helmets is based on shades. First, we have fixed shade ones which are mostly passive welding helmets. These are good for only one material welding, and you may go blind if you use them on high Amp welding. The next type is variable shade; they adjust to different materials and protect eyes more cautiously. 

Safety:

The next and most important thing is that the welding helmet meets the safety standard of ANSI Z87.1. This means that the welding helmet should cover your neck, face, and head fully. Along with that, it should have lenses that protect your eyes from Ultraviolet rays and Infrared rays. And remember that the material of the welding helmet should be of high quality that does not bend when exposed to the welding arc. 

Shade range:

The shade range is associated with auto-darkening welding helmets. A standard auto-darkening welding helmet has a 5-13 shade range, which is perfect for all types of welding.

Optical clarity:

This is the difference between actual images and lens images. When working for long hours, your eyes will feel fatigued due to the difference. However, perfect 1/1/1/1 optical clarity doesn’t put stress or strain on eyes at all. We recommend getting 1/1/1/1 or 1/1/1/2 optical clarity welding helmets. 

Final words

We hope this helped you select the best budget welding helmets. We do not recommend the above-mentioned for industrial use as they are not professional-grade welding helmets. Aside from that, they can do low-scale TIG, MIG, and other weldings perfectly. Here are our top picks:

• Best Budget-Friendly Welding Helmet-Antra AH6: This takes the first place due to being certified safe by ANSI safety standards. Along with this, it is perfect for beginners and professionals and has a variety of shade ranges.
• Best Reliable Welding Helmet-Yeswelder LYG-M800H: Our second-best pick is this due to its amazing versatility. You can change modes and shades along with a long-lasting battery that makes it worth the money! 
• Best Industrial Welding Helmet-DEKPRO Welding Helmet: With perfectly covering your face and padded interiors, DEKPRO is in third place as our top picks. Its fast switching speed makes it highly secure and perfect for different types of welding. 

Faqs

1. What is the approximate life of welding helmets?

Solar-powered welding helmets can last for up to 10 years.

2. What is the least value that is needed to buy a welding helmet?

For a passive welding helmet, you need to have at least around fifteen dollars, and for an auto-darkening, hundred dollars are needed. 

3. Do the cheap welding helmet protect perfectly?

If the welding helmets fit the ANSI safety standards, even if it’s cheap, they will protect your vital face parts perfectly. 

4. Are five shade welding helmets good?

Yes, but we do not recommend using them for other types of welding except for low Amp stick welding.