Welding helmet works as safety gear when you’re welding. Hence, if you’re looking for the best auto darkening welding helmet 2024, then let us assist you in making a choice.
Welding helmets are a valuable tool for welders. If you are a welder or you know to weld, then you might be familiar with the health hazards of welding. Its dangerous procedure emits harmful sparks, radiations, and hazardous airy particles that can cause harm to your body especially your eyes, face, and neck.
An auto darkening welding helmet is one that does not have a fixed shade. Therefore, you can use it for different processes of welding. It has sensors to detect the welding process taking place and it adjusts the shade of the welding helmet according to the requirement.
We have selected the best welding helmet. Hence, you can find the best auto-darkening welding helmet reviews below to select the most appropriate one according to your requirements.
Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 2024 – Comparison Table
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Overall Best
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Overall Best |
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Best for Optical clarity
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Best for Optical clarity |
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Best Premium
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Best Premium |
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Best Professional
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Best Professional |
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Best Durable
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Best Durable |
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Best Multifunctional
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Best Multifunctional |
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Best for Clear view
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Best for Clear view |
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Best Lightweight
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Best Lightweight |
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Best Budget
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Best Budget |
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Best Compact
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Best Compact |
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Best Auto Darkening Welding Helmet 2024 – Reviews
You can now get your best auto darkening welding helmet 2024 to protect your eyes from the UV rays produced during welding.
Therefore, to make the best decision, read out the best welding helmets auto darkening reviews so you can get a clear idea of what each welding helmet offers.
However, along with the best auto darkening welding helmet review; go through the buying guide to find out what you need to look out for in a welding helmet to fulfill your requirements.
1. Lincoln Electric 3350 Series – Overall Best
Lincoln Electric 3350 Series is a comfortable, productive, and this auto darkening welding helmet with dimensions of 12.6 × 10.6 × 10.4 inches. It has an optical clarity of 1/1/1/1 that enables to have a perfect view without any distortion.
Therefore, the view is enhanced by 3.74-inch × 3.34-inch (12.5 square inches) big viewing area and by 4C lens technology that lets the user have a clear view of the puddle. The 4 arc sensors detect the arc and darken automatically with the speed of 1/25,000 seconds.
It can be used for all sorts of welding functions as it has a 5-13 range of shades that changes automatically according to the requirement.
There are 6 contact points on the headgear to distribute weight and provide utmost comfort.
Furthermore, Lincoln Electric 3350 Series helmet is easy to adjust, has a flexible cushioned backpack, hard hat, and an external grind button that switches from weld to grind mode. The outside cover lens is of dimensions 4.5 x 5.25.
However, it works on a power source of two CR 2450 Battery of Lithium-ion along with a Solar Cell.
Additionally, the buyer will also receive a bandana and a bag. Lincoln is the best welding helmet and professionals like it because of its performance.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Lincoln Electric 3350 Series is the best auto dimming welding which provides clear view and comfort to the user. If you’re for such an easy-to-use auto darkening welding helmet, then Lincoln Electric 3350 Series could be your best choice.
2. ESAB Sentinel A50 – Best for Optical Clarity
ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet is a self darkening welding helmet with next-generation technology. It is of dimensions 21.65 x 13.78 x 13.78 inches.
It has an optical clarity of 1/1/1/2. However, to further make the view clearer, a viewing area of 3.93-inch x 2.36-inch is present.
Moreover, the 5 points adjustable headgear works to eliminate the pressure and fits comfortably without falling off or getting loose.
The touch screen control panel has 8 memory settings that work together to adjust delay, sensitivity, and shade that range from 5-13.
ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet has an external Grind button that activates shade 4 so that welder can stop welding to see the puddle clearly.
Furthermore, it has a hard hat adapter that could be used with ESAB hard hat. However, this best auto dimming welding helmet works on the power source of solar cell and two CR2450 lithium batteries. Indicators for warnings can light up when the battery power is low.
Although ESAB brand makes some of the best welding helmets, ESAB Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet is an ideal buy. You get excellent ergonomics and safety, it is possible to use automatic control for cutting and any form of welding, incredibly clear visibility, and a wide range of choices.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
ESAB Sentinel A50 is the best auto darkening welding helmet 2024 that has easy-to-use control panel. If you’re looking for a welding helmet that has these features, then ESAB Sentinel could be your preference.
3. Jackson Safety BH3 46157 Auto Darkening – Premium
Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening is a long-lasting, durable, and reliable welding helmet. The dimensions of this best welding helmet auto darkening are 12.5 × 10.1 × 10.1 inches.
The optical clarity rating of this welding helmet is 1/1/1/1. However, optical clarity along with viewing area of 2.70-inch × 3.80-inch allows the welder to see clearly while they’re working.
It has a high-density plastic shell that provides full coverage of the face, eyes, and neck and prevents the sparks to enter the shirts. However, the shade ranges from 9-13.
Furthermore, there are settings for sensitivity and delay adjustments. The 3 headgear adjustments and ratcheting dial work to adjust the size of the helmet so that it fits your head perfectly.
Additionally, Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening has an aerodynamic curved front plate that protects from heat being built-up, fog, and reflections. It has 2 arc sensors that detect arc and the screen darkens at the speed of 1/6667 seconds.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening is a top-notch welding helmet with balder technology. If you want to buy a best auto dimming welding helmet, then Jackson Safety is a good option.
4. 3M Speedglas 9100 Auto Darkening – Professional
3M Speedglas 9100 Auto-darkening Welding Helmet is the best auto dark welding helmet that works for 3 types of welding; Arc, MIG, and also use as TIG welding helmet.
The viewing area of the welding helmet has dimensions of 1.8-inch × 3.7-inch and side windows, to be left open or closed for better visibility.
It is typically safer to keep the windows closed while welding, as open ones, can cause high-amperage weld burns. The windows are an outstanding feature exclusive to this helmet whether you’re cutting, grinding, or trying to look around with your helmet on. Without any obstacle it gives 180-degree view.
It has 3 lens’ sensor that detects the arc and darkens automatically at the speed of 1/10000 seconds which protects your eyes and helps you to operate quickly and more accurately because you do not need to switch it yourself.
Moreover, 3M Speedglas 9100 Welding Helmet has different options for settings so you can adjust it as per your need. This best auto dark welding helmet protects the user from sparks, spatters, and rapid changes in brightness. Thus, it is best for beginners as well.
It even has an exhaust van to easily breathe through it preventing heat or fog. However, two Cr2030 3V lithium batteries are required to operate this welding helmet.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
3M Speedglas 9100 Auto-darkening Welding Helmet comes with a sliding window and provides amazing protection during welding. If you’re willing to buy a welding helmet having such features, then 3M Speedglas could be an option.
5. Hobart 770890 Inventor Welding Helmet – Durable
Hobart 770890 Inventor Welding Helmet has a helmet shell that is made up of polyamide nylon, solid Black color. The dimensions of this welding helmet are 11.8 × 14 × 12 inches.
Though, it is a lightweight helmet that comes with a wide viewing area of 9.3 square inches and magnifying cheater lens inside the hood that further increases the viewing area.
Moreover, this self darkening welding helmet has 4 arc sensors that auto darkens when it detects the arc. However, its lens is darkening rapidly while you start welding or grinding within 1/25000 second. Variable shade at light is 3 and on darken adjustment levels 9-13.
Hobart 770890 Inventor Welding Helmet is perfect for MIG, TIG and grind use, Grind mode prevents lens from darkening for visible grinding. This Hobart welding helmet has complete inner padding that makes it convenient for the welders who spend a lot of hours at their work place.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Hobart 770890 Inventor Welding Helmet is one of the best welding helmets auto darkening that is used professionally. If you’re a professional welder, then Hobart 770890 is the right option for you.
6. Miller 280045 Digital Infinity Welding Helmet – Multifunctional
Miller 280045 Digital infinity is the most versatile best auto darkening welding helmet with dimensions of 12 × 12 × 10 inches. Its weight is about 2.99 pounds.
The modes of this welding helmet include weld mode whose shade ranges from 8-13, cut mode whose shade ranges from 5-8, Grind mode whose shade is 3, and X-mode whose shade ranges from 8-13.
Moreover, the 13.4 square inches viewing area allows welders to see clearly what they’re welding. The 4 arc sensors present in the welding helmet detect arc rapidly and switches to dark automatically. However, it turns on or off automatically.
Miller 280045 Digital infinity uses clear light lens technology that allows the users to see the visible light which is never harmful to your eyes.
it is digital performance is a friend of the professionals due to its adjustable setting which is at a distance of a large button.
Therefore, one C lithium battery is required to make the welding helmet work possible.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Miller 280045 Digital infinity is the best auto dimming welding helmet that provides option of 4 different modes. If you want such a welding helmet, then Miller 280045 Digital infinity is the right one for you.
7. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening 1006.600 – Best for Clear View
Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet 1006.600 is a self darkening welding helmet that is most suitable for low amperage welding. It has dimensions of 14 × 14 × 10 inches.
It is light weighted and switching easily from TV to HD and convenient to wear. Its headgear is made-up of plastic.
It has a viewing area of dimensions 2-inch × 4-inch. Moreover, the shade ranges from 8-12 with Grind mode option available.
ADF filter is also present in this helmet which provide the protection and safety to face and eyes from bright light and arcs.
Therefore, 2.5 is the lightest shade at which the view is perfectly clear. However, Therefore, 2.5 is the lightest shade at which the view is perfectly clear. However, Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet 1006.600 uses two CR2032 batteries.
According to most welders, this is not a perfect choice at such a cost, their lens doesn’t perform in the right way. You’ll be able to see your work piece at a very short distance that can damage your eyes.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet 1006.600 is the best welding helmet auto darkening that provides clear view when in light state. However, if you’re willing to buy such type of welding helmet, then you can choose Optrel VegaView 2.5 Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet 1006.600.
8. Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweigh 46131 – Best Lightweight
Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweigh 46131 is a lightweight best auto darkening welding helmet having dimensions of 1 × 1 × 1 inches.
The 4 auto-dimming sensors present in this welding helmet detects the arc and the lens darkens with a speed of 1/15,000 seconds. Moreover, the shade ranges from 9-13 with comfortable headgear.
Furthermore, 3.93-inch x 2.36-inch viewing area provides welders with big screen to see through clearly.
One of Its best features is an ADF lens that is sufficiently strong to satisfy industry requirements. The ADF lens helps you to function in various conditions and during various welding processes.
The sensitivity and delay adjustments on digital interface let the user adjust according to the work and requirements easily.
Although this auto-darkening welding helmet is a little bit heavy (2 pounds) and the jawlines are too short that users get sparks on the neck easily, it’s too small for a respirator.
However, 2 lithium-ion batteries are required to power this best auto dimming welding helmet.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweigh 46131 is a best auto dimming welding helmet with digital controls. If you’re looking for such a welding helmet, then Jackson Safety Ultra-Lightweight 46131 could be an option.
9. Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet – Best Budget
Antra AH6-260-0000 welding helmet is one of the best auto darkening welding helmets that have a double-layered LCD shutter that dims automatically. The dimensions of this welding helmet are 9 × 9 × 12 inches.
The optical rating of this welding helmet is 1/1/1/2 that provides a clear view with the help of large viewing area of dimensions 3.86-inch × 1.73-inch.
Although, the 4 arc sensors detect the arc that are operated by a smart chip when in weld mode and the screen darkens at the speed of 1/25,000 seconds. However, the shade ranges from 4, 5-9, and 9-13.
The filtering glass is intended to keep against UV and IR radiations whether or not it is powered up.
In order to maintain the helmet convenient to carry for longer periods of time, there is enough ventilation and space, and can be carried in various weather conditions.
Furthermore, 2X CR2032 lithium battery is required to power the self darkening welding helmet. It also has a battery indicator that informs about the battery charging.
Therefore, it comes with one-year warranty, the Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 comes in a single color: black. While the weight of 17 ounces is an advantage.
Antra is available in reasonable price if you want to see more budget welding helmet so go through this best budget welding helmet reviews and guide.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Antra AH6-260-0000 welding helmet is a comfortable welding helmet that darkens automatically on welding. If you’re looking for the best welding helmet auto darkening with comfort and convenience, then Antra AH6-260-0000 could be a perfect choice.
10. DEKOPRO Auto Darkening – Best Compact
DEKOPRO Auto Darkening is a welding helmet that provides optimal eye protection. The dimensions of this welding helmet are 12 × 9 × 8 inches.
The optical clarity rating of this top rated auto darkening welding helmet is 1/1/1/2. Moreover, it has a viewing area of dimensions 3.85-inch × 3.15-inch.
When the arc is detected, screen darkens at the speed of 1/25000. However, at shade 16, the welder remains protected from UV and IR radiations.
DEKOPRO Auto Darkening welding helmet is perfect to be used by professionals as it allows to adjust sensitivity as well.
It is a solar-powered welding helmet that requires one lithium-ion battery to turn on. Additionally, Dekopro best auto darkening welding helmet is certified by ANSI Z87.1
Although, it is durable and its headgear is comfortable to wear. The only drawback of this helmet is replacement lenses are not included.
It is beginners welding helmet newbies like this helmet.
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
DEKOPRO Auto Darkening provides a clean view and can be adjusted manually. If you’re looking for such kind of best welding helmets auto darkening, then DEKOPRO Auto Darkening could be a smart choice.
Auto Darkening Welding Helmets – Buying Guides
The auto darkening welding helmet is there to provide protection to the user. However, you should consider the following factors before buying a best auto darkening welding helmet 2024.
Optical clarity
Auto darkening welding helmets have an optical class rating that defines the clarity it provides to the glass to see through it properly. There are four categories of auto-darkening helmets and they come in numbers like 1/1/1/1.
So, it is ideal to get a helmet that offers a high clarity rating of optical class as it enables you to work efficiently while viewing clearly through the glass of the helmet.
Arc sensors
They automatically sense the flashes and in response to the radiations or flashes, they darken the helmet to protect the welder. So, as a useful feature, it offers a lot to the user, and hence, it should be considered while choosing the helmet.
Different models have different numbers of arc sensors. If you want more protection, then more advanced models having 3 to 4 arc sensors are available. Models having 2 arc sensors are sufficient to provide enough protection but they do not significantly reduce the risk to catch the flashes.
Helmet viewing area
One more important feature that every welder should consider is the helmet viewing area. Some have large viewing areas that are 4″ x 3″ which is sufficient to see the workshop clearly, especially if your workshop is small. While others have small viewing areas measuring 3.5″ x 1.75″.
It depends upon your personal preference and workshop to select a helmet having a suitable viewing area.
Weight of the helmet
Most of the time of welders is spent in welding so they need a best auto darkening welding helmet that is lightweight and does not cause strain on the neck.
The heavyweight helmets are comfortable and cause fatigue to the user.
So, it is advisable to consider a helmet that does not cause fatigue. So with a lightweight and padded helmet, you can give efficient input to your work and hence, can perform well without tiring.
Sensitivity
Consider this feature especially when you are working in the low amperage and with a group of welders. So in both conditions, you need to increase the sensitivity if you are expecting a number of radiations.
For best welding helmet auto darkening, the brightness can be set to lowest level to trigger the darkening.
Power of the helmet
While choosing a helmet consider its power source. You can choose a helmet with solar power or a helmet that operates with the battery.
If you are considering a helmet that operates on the battery, then make sure to get a replaceable battery-powered helmet as it is a more effective option.
If you want auto-off features, then you can get these features in a solar-powered helmet that is a bit more expensive than the battery-powered ones.
Reaction time of lens
If you are a welder and spend most of your time welding then you should consider the best auto dimming welding helmet that has fast reaction time. Lens reaction time is the time required by the lens to convert from light to dark once the arc is generated.
With faster reaction time you can save your eyes from sparks and radiations.
Lens shades
There is a wide range of lens shades available. For those who frequently need to change the settings of their helmet, there is a great option to consider an auto darkening helmet that has a wide lens shade range.
9-13 lens shade is the average range that is normal for most of the welders, but for those who work in low amperage, the suitable lens range for them is 6-13 as in this range they can focus more on their work. While passive welding helmet has fixed lens shade
Safety
Safety is the main feature that a welder should consider while buying the welding helmet. If your desired model has standard safety levels and its safety is tested then it is the best helmet for you.
Consider those helmets that provide protection from UV rays, infrared rays, sparks, and temperature, etc.
Appearance
We know that the main purpose of getting a welding helmet is to provide protection to the user. But you should also consider its color, design, and appearance.
In the modern age, there are customized or personalized helmets available and you can get the benefits of personalization depending upon your preference.
Price
Lastly, never overlook the price of the helmet. Many high-end helmets are expensive and are equipped with many features. So, consider a model that meets your basic needs and provides essential features at a budget-friendly rate.
For affordable helmets, you can also see go through this post best budget welding helmets.
FAQS
Conclusion
We expect that reading this article would have been a great help for you in choosing the best auto darkening welding helmet 2024 which provides you face safety.
The best auto darkening welding helmet reviews were focused to provide sufficient information that is important to select the top rated welding helmet.
However, we would like to suggest a few welding helmets for you to help you make a better decision.
Lincoln Electric 3350 Series is overall best one that you will definitely enjoy its features.
Moreover, you can also go for 3M Speedglas 9100 Auto-darkening Welding Helmet, and Miller 280045 Digital infinity because of their unique features and multi-functionality. However, the last decision is always yours.
Hopefully, this article helped you to make the right decision.
With 8 years of experience a senior welding instructor and safety equipment researcher and writes articles, reviews and guidelines on helmets and other welding and safety gears at Welder Choice, and other written works have been published in various publications.
To ensure that you don’t experience the unfortunate consequences of purchasing the wrong welding helmet, we’ve put together reviews of the best welding helmets.