Best MIG Welding Helmets – Reviews & Buying Guide 2023

Ever felt your eyes burning while MIG welding? We got the solution for that. You probably aren’t using a perfect shade welding helmet or suitable glasses. So the most important being your eyes, it’s essential to have a suitable welding helmet. Metal Insert Glass (MIG) welding covers a lot of welding in the automotive industry to construction. Being easy to learn, many welders do it in business or as a hobby. Finding the best MIG welding helmet is important as your safety comes first! 

For MIG welding, you need auto-darkening welding helmets as passive welding helmets aren’t cut out for it. The lowest Amp for MIG welding is 80 Amp which requires shade ten, and the highest is 500 Amp, in which 13 shades are needed. Therefore, having a welding helmet that has shade 10-13 is important for your protection. Lucky for you, you do not have to check each and every helmet as we have given the list of the best MIG welding helmets after comprehensive research and testing. Moreover, we have provided some information on how to choose the best MIG welding helmet as well. Without further delay, let us see which helmet is best for what!

TOP PICKS

ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet

ESAB Sentinel A50

  • Viewing Area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
  • Weight: 1.4 Pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4

 

Yeswelder Panoramic Welding helmet

Yeswelder Panoramic

  • Viewing Area: 10.4 square inches front and 9.2 square inches side
  • Weight: 2.2 Pounds
  • Arc sensors: 6

 

Miller digital Welding HelmetMiller digital

  • Viewing Area: 13.4 square inches
  • Weight: 2.99 Pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4

 

Contents

Best MIG Welding Helmets 2023

IMAGE
PRODUCT
DETAILS
PRICE

ESAB Sentinel A50

ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet
  • Viewing Area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
  • Weight: 1.4 Pounds 
  • Arc sensors: 4 

Miller digital

Miller digital Welding Helmet
  • Viewing Area: 13.4 square inches
  • Weight: 2.99 Pounds 
  • Arc sensors: 4

DEKOPRO Welding helmet

DEKOPRO Welding helmet
  • Viewing area: 3.85 x3.15 inches
  • Weight: 1.92 pounds 
  • Arc sensors: 4

3M Speedglas

3M Speedglas welding helmet
 
  • Viewing area: 4.2″ x 2.8″ 
  • Weight: 1 pound 
  • Arc sensors: 3

Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric welding helmet
  • Viewing Area: 9.3 square inch lens
  • Weight: 13.2 pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4 

Yeswelder Panoramic

Yeswelder Panoramic Welding helmet
  • Viewing Area: 10.4 square inches front and 9.2 square inches side 
  • Weight: 2.2 Pounds 
  • Arc sensors: 6

1. ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet

Best Reliable MIG Welding Helmet

★★★★★

ESAB Sentinel A50

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 3.93″ x 2.36″
  • Weight: 1.4 Pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4
  • Shade range: 5-13

ESAB Sentinel A50 is made of fine nylon material that gives high resistance to the welding arc. Firstly, its optical clarity is 1/1/1/2 and has a shade range of 5-13. Secondly, the use of true color lens technology gives a bluish tint instead of green. Thirdly, this is highly comfortable due to the five-point headgear that can be adjusted to all head sizes. 

While being comfortable, it is also simple to use. The control panel has eight memory settings. So you can set it before welding, giving you quick access when needed. Having a touchscreen control panel helps in various delay and sensitivity settings adjustments. Moreover, the large viewing area with four arc sensors provides high visibility while performing MIG welding various materials. You may Check this: Best Industrial MIG Welders

Furthermore, the grind mode access is on the external side, and you just have to push a button. All the other settings are inside this MIG helmet. Also, the design is eye-pleasing and balanced, so it does not put extra weight on your body. By balanced, we mean that it easily stays up when you are not welding and can adjust to the resting position quietly with ease. For extra safety, this helmet features hard hat adaptability as well. 

PROS:

  • Reliable
  • Durable
  • Adjustable headgear
  • True color lens technology
  • Great design

CONS:

  • Small to operate with gloves
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review: All in all, ESAB sentinel A50 gives me a clear view while welding. Although the design is traditional, the features are of advanced technology. The design makes it fit all head sizes; however, it is hard for me to operate the control panel while wearing gloves. Remember to pay attention straight to the material you weld as the lens is curved; it might not give a clear view in peripheral angle.

Related:


2. Miller digital Welding Helmet

Best value MIG welding helmet

★★★★★

Miller digital

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 13.4 square inches
  • Weight: 2.99 Pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4
  • Shade range: 3, 5-13

Featuring a wide viewing area, 1/1/1/2 optical clarity, 4 Arc sensors, and various shade ranges make Miller’s digital welding helmet highly valuable. It comes under the list of best MIG welding helmets because of its heavyweight of 2.99 pounds and shade range of 3, 5-13. Do not worry that the large viewing does not make it heavy. Moreover, this MIG welding helmet gives true color visibility as it comes with Clearlight lens technology. Talking about visibility, the lens of this welding helmet aims to reduce green tint and gives amazing clarity while welding. 

Being digital, it has push buttons to change in-between four modes, three being weld, cut, and grind. It features an X mode which gives you the perfect filter while welding, even in sunlight. The digital control panel also has delay settings, and I liked this feature the most as it keeps the work smooth. Also, the reaction speed is really fast, and it turns on/off automatically.

Moving on to the design, Miller 280045 is average in comfort, and it is heavily padded and can be adjusted according to the head. The design is said to be ergonomic, but it may not be highly comfortable for all welders. In addition to all that, this has auto-sense, which makes it easy to set sensitivity settings according to visible light. Lastly, the large push buttons and quick-release cover lens also make it easy to use. 

PROS:

  • X mode for outdoor MIG welding
  • Clearlight lens technology
  • Large viewing area
  • Auto-sense
  • Ergonomic design

CONS:

  • Not highly comfortable
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review I have worn a Miller helmet for the past 12 years because I stuck with what I know. This is a terrific helmet since it fits well, has a bright, clear vision, and lets you see everything. Superb in every way, this neighbourhood. I work as an iron worker in the union, and surprise, shock, I’ve dropped that thing way too many times, yet she functions flawlessly.

The screen is absurdly large & crystal clear. The liner is fantastic; you’ll need to experiment with it a little to learn how it can be altered, however, once you do, it’s fantastic. In fact, such Best Mig Welding Helmets also adjust in height, so if the tip of your head is indeed a big dome or flat for some reason, it will still fit.


3. DEKOPRO Welding helmet

Comfortable Mig welder

★★★★★

DEKOPRO Welding helmet

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 3.85 x3.15 inches
  • Weight: 1.92 pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4
  • Shade range: 4, 5 to13

The DEKOPRO is a top-rated MIG welding helmet that comes with a passive filter permanent shade that protects the welder’s eyes from UV rays. It has a large viewing area that lets welders do their work without any inconvenience. The full neck coverage protects the welder from any spatters and harmful radiations. Being a medium-weight heavy, it has a weight of 1.92 pounds and gives a strong build to the helmet. With the help of a double-layered auto-dimming LCD shutter, it provides a range of shades to visible light.

You can see at different angles while protecting yourself as you wear this MIG welding helmet. It is equipped with an LED digital display that shows different settings. The filter illumination is also quite decent as it switches from light to dark within 0.1 to 1 second. Also, it comes with interference suppressing technology that minimizes false triggering due to normal light. You can use it for various welding projects, including plasma cutting, wheel cutting, welding, fabrication, and other jobs related to radiation emissions.

It has an adjustable headband that fits quite perfectly and is stable, and the distance of the darkening lens can be adjusted to have perfect wear depending on different users. Furthermore, it improves weight distribution and doesn’t fall off while providing comfortable wear.

PROS:

  • Ultimate eye protection.
  • Clear and wide view.
  • Safe and comfortable wear.
  • Reliable.
  • Durable and sturdy.

CONS:

  • No external grind mode
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review It’s a beautiful, lightweight helmet with a wonderful viewing area. Also, the headgear harness enables you to adjust the window’s depth and forward position so you can still glance down without bending your head too far. I’ve been TIG welding a turbo kit together while wearing this helmet. It greatly improves visibility.

Unlike other, less expensive helmets, I haven’t been flash-banged. The only issue is that because every bush is made of plastic, no matter how tightly I fix it to fit, it will eventually come off and cover my eyes with the lenses. Strongly recommend such Best Mig Welding Helmets by Dekopro overall, but adjustments must be tight.


4. 3M Speedglas welding helmet

Best comfortable MIG welding helmet

★★★★★

3M Speedglas

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 4.2″ x 2.8″
  • Weight: 1 pounds
  • Arc sensors: 3
  • Shade range: 5, 8-13

The 3M Speedglas 9100xxi features an auto-darkening filter that shows more realistic colors while you are welding or cutting. Being as lightweight as 1 pound gives you a higher level of productivity, and you don’t feel tiresome. You can precisely cut or weld wearing this helmet due to natural-looking colors through the lens. It comes with external helmet controls that let you enable grinding and memory modes using the front panel of this helmet without the need to remove gloves.

You can set the memory modes according to your needs and requirements for auto-darkening filter settings and dark shades. It allows you to work by directly putting it on and using the last saved settings. The wide view of 2.8″ x 4.2″ combined with side windows ensures that you get a wide and clear view through the lens while you are wearing it. It is designed in such a way that it has comfortable wear as it is lightweight. You can adjust head straps to keep the helmet fixed on your face. The ventilation system of this welding helmet is quite good as it offers good airflow.

It ensures that the fumes don’t enter the hood while allowing you to breathe in, reducing fog and making it comfortable for long welding hours. The variable dark shades of 5,8 and 9-13 and light shades of 3 that can be changed using the external button helps you cut in different environments.

Pros 

PROS:

  • Good ventilation system.
  • Wide and clear view.
  • Two memory modes.
  • Front panel for controls.
  • Two adjustable head straps for comfortable and tight wear.

CONS:

  • Expensive
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review With the Speedglas 9100xxi, I upgraded. I’ve owned many 3M pipeliners, a Miller Digital Elite, a Lincoln Electric Viking 3350, and a Lincoln FGS Series. All of those have been helpful to me. The Speedglas, however, stands out. The side viewing screens are really great whenever it comes to security and just being able to see where you’re going, and the headpiece is lightweight and comfy.

The excellent cartridge is the xxi. The colours are vivid and accurate. When something comes to clarity, visibility whenever the arc is struck is on another level. The venting, though, is the most modest aspect that I never anticipated appreciating so much.


5. Lincoln Electric welding helmet

Best Durable MIG welding helmet

★★★★★

Lincoln Electric

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 9.3 square inch lens
  • Weight: 13.2 pounds
  • Arc sensors: 4
  • Shade range: 5-13

The Lincoln Viking 3350 comes with 4C lens technology that creates a clear and true-color view of arc and puddle, increasing the welding quality. This helps in reducing eye strain while MIG welding using this welding helmet. By providing consistent brightness and performance at different angles, it gets rid of blurriness and imperfections. It uses a 9.3 inches large auto-darkening lens that provides a wide view while protecting the welder’s eyes. 

The headgear is designed so that it evenly distributes the weight across six key contact points, improving balance and providing maximum comfort. This welding helmet can adjust to various amps as it has three modes, weld, cut, and grind. Moreover, it has an external grind mode button that lets you switch between grind and welding mode without the need to remove the helmet or gloves.  

One of the main things needed in MIG welding is quick reaction speed. Luckily, this welding helmet gives 1/25000 seconds reaction speed. Aside from that, it has a three years warranty which shows its longevity. Moreover, the weight is also heavy, so you may feel exhausted after long hours of welding. You can easily adjust the delay and sensitivity settings with an easy-to-use control panel. Also, it is solar-powered, and the battery can perform up to 5000 hours! 

PROS:

  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Perfect optical clarity
  • 4C Lens technology
  • Solar-powered

CONS:

  • Small viewing area
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review None of the hoods I’ve used—including those from Harbor Freight, Speedglas, and Miller—can compare to a helmet. This should feel that you’ve been welding blind until you switch from practically any of the various mainstream brand helmets into this one. It is easier to notice soapstone lines and the puddle’s edge due to the blue colour instead of greener tints.

The grind button is simple to locate and use without thicker stick welding gloves. The cushioning on the front and back makes it comfortable to wear the whole day. When you cinch it down further, keep it on when welding inside an awkward position. it didn’t collapse off or dig against your skull. A stunning piece of machinery.


6. Yeswelder Panoramic Welding helmet

Best Viewing MIG welding helmet

★★★★★

Yeswelder Panoramic

Specifications:

  • Viewing Area: 10.4 square inches front and 9.2 square inches side
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds
  • Arc sensors: 6
  • Shade range: 5-13

Well-suited for all types of welding like MIG, TIG, and MMA, Yeswelder panoramic is a unique welding helmet with a 180-degree view. Welders who want to use a cheating lens can easily replace the actual lens for enhanced vision. The visibility of the welding helmet itself is not bad as it has a perfect optical class for 1/1/1/1 along with a 5-13 shade range. 

Yeswelder comes with true color technology, a fast switching speed of 1/25000 seconds, side viewing windows, and anti-strong arc light. The number of arc sensors is divided as 4 in front and 1 for each side viewing area. All welding work is done more easily as you do not have to move your neck a lot. 

In addition to all this, the control panel is simple to use. The Control panel comes with all needed features like delay and sensitivity adjustments plus mode and shade settings. Lastly, this is one of the most comfortable welding helmets as it features an oversized cushioned neck rest. The headgear is also adjustable, which makes it easy to fit on your head.  

PROS:

  • Side viewing
  • Long-lasting battery
  • Adjustable headgear
  • Cushioned interior
  • Affordable
  • Fast switching speed

CONS:

  • No external grind mode
Why do I recommend it to you? – Personal review Even after battery replacement with a brand-new Panasonic battery three times, the battery test button consistently indicates that it is low. I previously wrote about this issue and got in touch with YesWeld. The choice was between receiving my funds back or getting a new helmet. Yes, I tried new batteries throughout this helmet as well.

I really like the fan since it does a terrific job of moving air around within the helmet. When I’m not welding, I tend to perspire a lot, which helps me stay cool & prevents my safety glasses from fogging up. I’ll just put up with this problem and do additional battery changes. Thus, I recommend Best Mig Welding Helmets from this brand for experts

Buying guide for the Best MIG Welding Helmets

There are two main things you need to make a note of when getting the best MIG welding Helmet. You have to see if the helmet plus the helmet lens are suitable for MIG welding. This is extremely important, or you might compromise your eyes and face safety. We have provided you with what to look for in the lens and the helmet for your ease. 

What to look for in the welding helmet for MIG welding?

Weight: 

The weight is the factor in welding helmets as it will be on your head the whole time while welding. Lightweight welding helmets provide comfort but make sure that the material is also durable. We recommend getting a welding helmet with a weight under 2 pounds as they give more comfort. 

Safety: 

You can know whether your welding helmet is safe or not by seeing if it fits ANSI safety standards. Many MIG welding helmets are certified by ANSI, so you need not worry about your safety. If the welding helmet is not certified, we recommend testing before using it in real welding. 

Cost:

There are various MIG welding helmets at a reasonable price. However, there are also expensive ones. The lens may be the same, but the material and construction of the welding helmets may vary. If you get expensive, make sure to see that material. 

Viewing area: 

The viewing area is the window that you look out of while welding. It’s like the view you get while welding. For MIG welding, we recommend getting a large viewing area as it helps in accurate welding. Some welding helmets come with a side-viewing area as well, which takes away the hustle of moving the neck sideways. 

What to look for in the welding helmet lens?

ADF lens:

In MIG welding, a variable auto-darkening filter lens is highly recommended. It provides more safety for your eyes and reduces the strain on your eyes while welding. The lens should have a 10-13 shade range, 1/1/1/1 or 1/1/1/2 optical clarity, and a true color view.  

Arc Sensors:

Having 3 or 4 arc sensors will give precise measurements and can deal with various visible lights. Once you are done setting the sensitivity level, the arc sensors work to give you a dark or light view. 2 arc sensors also work fine. However, 4 gives the best accurate view. 

Reaction speed:

The best way to make sure that you get perfect eye protection is by having a welding helmet with a fast switching speed. The expensive welding helmets have a fast reaction time of 1/20000 seconds. Whereas for MIG welding, a suitable reaction speed is 1/36000 seconds. 

Final words

We hope you have selected the best MIG welding helmet that will protect you from arc flash while welding. All the above-mentioned welding helmets are suitable for MIG welding. We also recommend using gloves while welding. Aside from that, we hope you make sure you are comfortable while wearing welding helmets. Plus, You should think about your tastes, as well as the helmet’s protection and longevity. Here are our top picks that give all that and standard safety as well.

  • Best reliable welding helmet-ESAB Sentinel A50 welding helmet: This takes the first place as it gives all that is standard for MIG welding. From large viewing areas to various shade ranges, this offers everything for your comfort. 
  • Best viewing MIG welding helmet-Yeswelder panoramic welding helmet: Second top pick is this due to the 180 viewing area. MIG welding requires lots of focus, and this welding helmet allows you to focus without staring at your eyes or neck! 
  • Best value welding helmet-Miller digital welding helmet: Last top pick is Miller digital welding helmet. Lots of welders complain of sensors being blocked outdoors while welding. However, Miller’s digital welding helmet gives X mode, which makes it possible to work outdoors as well! 

Faqs

  1. What is the best shade for MIG welding?

There’s no fixed shade, and it’s recommended to have shade 10 to 13 for MIG welding.

  1. What is the temperature of arc when MIG welding?

It’s hot at approximately 3000 Fahrenheit; therefore, gloves are needed. 

  1. Can I do MIG welding with shade 5?

The answer is no, as that will not protect your eyes, and your eyes might get burned. 

  1. What Is the Best Way to Tell If My Auto-Darkening Helmet Is Working?

A solar test is possible. Look directly at the sun while wearing your helmet. You’ll be able to see how your lens responds to the higher light intensity.