I’ve put up the ideal list for you if you need the best welding helmets under $100 for little household projects or you simply want to start a new hobby but don’t want to spend a small fortune on the equipment needed.
Considering that auto-darkening welding helmets can cost up to $600, it may be difficult to choose whether the less expensive helmets are actually a good investment. And that makes sense because there are so many inexpensive welding helmets on the market, some of which are manufactured rather poorly and might cause catastrophic injury.
In order to protect your face and eyes from the numerous health risks associated with welding, you need to look for the best welding helmet within your price range. The welding helmet needs to be able to shield you from UV and IR radiation in addition to sparks, spatter, and flying metal debris.
The helmet should be made of durable plastic that complies with ANSI safety requirements. The shade of the welding lens can be either fixed or changeable. Depending on the welding process, auto-darkening helmets can often adjust shade levels from 5-8 and 9-13.
There are four different welding processes: flux-core, stick or MMA, MIG, and TIG welding. They all require a different shade level since they each use a different amount of amperage. Having a helmet that works for all welding processes is a huge advantage if you’re having trouble deciding which one is best for you.
Top 12 Best Welding Helmets Under $100
Now here we listed the best welding helmets under $100 on the following list.
9. Instapark ADF Series GX990T
Best Welding Helmets Under $100 Reviews
Here we wrote honest reviews of the best welding helmet under $100.
1. PRODEKO MZ980E
Key Features:
- 1/1/1/2 optical clarity
- True color technology
- 5-8/9-13 shade range
- Weighs less than 2 pounds
- DIN 4
This welding helmet has a stylish, solar-powered, auto-darkening screen with a sharp image. The PRODEKO MZ980E is a welding helmet under $100 and actually has all of these qualities.
The huge screen features a 12.5-inch viewing area and is rated as having 1/1/1/2 optical clarity. Furthermore, the display is in true color, which is usually a major bonus in my book. The truth is that once you’ve experienced true color, there is no going back.
The four arc sensors flip from light to dark in a fraction of a second and are extremely reliable. Standard 5-8/9-13 shade range with DIN 4 in the light state. There are no external controls, not even a grinding mode button, so you have to open the hood to select the shade or any other option.
The plastic may appear a little frail and thin, but it complies with ANSI Z87.1 safety standards, protecting your eyes, face, neck, and head from sparks and flying objects. However, the quality of the helmet is subpar. Despite being comfortable, it doesn’t appear to last very long. If it inevitably does break, you can change the helmet again or swap it out for better-quality headgear.
The fact PRODEKO MZ980E welding helmet weighs less than 2 pounds is another fantastic feature. The helmet’s shape allows it to fit in small locations, making it suitable for use in a variety of industries, including the auto sector.
Overall, PRODEKO MZ980E auto-darkening-welding helmet is really well crafted and reasonably priced. Don’t be afraid to contact Dekopro if you have any problems with the helmet because they offer excellent customer service.
Pros:
- Wide viewing area
- True color technology
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Good value for the money
- Excellent client service
Cons:
- No outside controls
- Headgear isn’t very reliable
2. YESWELDER EH-091XL
Key Features:
- Optical clarity shade of 1/1/1/1
- 4 arc sensors
- respond in 1/30,000 seconds
YESWELDER EH-091XL an auto-darkening welding helmet with as many functions and at such a low cost is difficult. With a 14.8″ viewing surface, the screen’s size is really striking but more important than just size is the fact that it features a True color display and an optical clarity grade of 1/1/1/1. The shade range is 4–13, and the lightest shade is 3.
The 4 arc sensors respond in 1/30,000 seconds, protecting your eyes. The external control dials, though, are my preferred feature. You may adjust the shade, sensitivity, and delay settings with the three dials. A grind mode switch is also there.
Unfortunately, all of these features are mounted on such feeble plastic, but something needs to lower the cost somehow. Although it feels rather flimsy and doesn’t seem like it can withstand much abuse, this welding helmet is still worthwhile even if it only lasts for a year.
The headwear is just another aspect that irritates me. Some welders state it broke after just a week or two because of its flimsiness, and a typical solution seems to be to buy Lincoln Electric headgear and just replace this one. It’s fortunate that they get along.
Despite this, the worst complaint I’ve heard is that some welders claim to get flashed even when their batteries are fully charged. Flashing is the worst possible experience; after all, it is the primary point of a welding helmet.
Fortunately, YESWELDER EH-091XL doesn’t seem to be a widespread problem, therefore only a few faulty helmets must be the cause. The fact that YESWELDER provides excellent customer service and would try their best to address your problem is a plus.
Pros:
- True color display
- Wide viewing area
- Four arc sensors
- Outside controls
- Good value for the money
Cons:
- Weak headgear
- Items of poor quality or defects have been reported
3. Tanox ADF-206U
Key Features:
- The optical clarity rating is 1/1/1/2
- Reaction time is 1/25,000 seconds
- The adjustable shade range of 5 to 13
- The fixed shade of 4
- Solar-powered
Tanox ADF-206U really is a good deal. You also receive an extra set of cover lenses, Tanox’s 16-inch welding gloves, and a very good auto-darkening welding helmet for the price, and all of these items are well worth the money.
Despite the lens’s small size, it has an optical rating of 1/1/1/2 and produces a highly clear image. Tanox ADF-206U helmet contains four arc sensors instead of the normal two found in lenses of this size, giving you peace of mind even from arcs that are not directly in front of you. With a reaction time of 1/25,000 seconds, they have excellent quickness of response.
The light state is a fixed shade of 4, while the dark state has an adjustable shade range of 5 to 13. Simply crank the dial on the outer left side of the helmet to adjust the shade. Turn that dial all the way to the right to enter grind mode. On the interior of the helmet, directly above the display, are the remaining controls.
Even though the plastic used to make this solar-powered welding helmet is weak and thin, it complies with ANSI Z87.1 and EN 379 safety standards to protect your face and neck from sparks and flying debris. Although I appreciate the style of this specific welding helmet, you can also get one here in plain black if you want.
Tanox ADF-206U helmet clearly focused on comfort when constructing this welding helmet, but not on the overall quality of the headgear. It broke within a month or two of moderate use, according to several welders. This seems to be a persistent problem with cheap welding helmets.
Pros:
- Lucid image
- Trustworthy sensors
- Dial for external shade/grind
- Lightweight and comfort
- Outstanding value for the money
Cons:
- Confined viewing area
- No true color
- Fragile headwear
4. Tekware X3
Key Features:
- The optical clarity grade of 1/1/1/2
- The adjustable shade range of 5 to 13
- The fixed shade of 4
- Respond in 1/10,000 sec
- Weight is 2.7 pounds
- True color technology
- 360-degree view
The Tekware X3 is one of the few auto-darkening welding helmets with a panoramic view that you can purchase for less than $100. The primary auto-darkening lens is 3.94′′ x 3.27′′ and has four arc sensors that respond in 1/10,000 sec, which is neither excellent nor bad.
The display has an optical clarity grade of 1/1/1/2 and displays true colors. The overall quality of the image is excellent because there is no green tint. The two side windows each include a separate arc sensor that, in the event of an arc, will cause the lens to darken. This welding helmet’s feature may be the coolest one.
The spectrum of shades is 5–13, with shade 4 denoting a light state. The side windows cannot be adjusted and are set to a preset shade of 5. Because it is located on the outer left side, you may operate the shade without lifting the hood. The switch is on the control board, which is directly above the monitor, so you must reach inside to switch between the welding and grinding modes.
Tekware X3 welding helmet is the heaviest on this list, weighing in at 2.7 pounds, thanks to the size of the primary lens and the two side windows. It becomes worse because the helmet is poorly designed, so it will take some time for your neck to develop the strength to support the weight.
The ratchet for changing the fit is not very strong and might break quite quickly, so it would be a good idea to just replace the headpiece with one made by a high-end manufacturer.
Pros:
- 360-degree view
- Side windows operate independently
- True color display
- Lucid image
- External control of the shade
Cons:
- Inadequate headgear
- A little heavy
5. YESWELDER LYG S400S
Key Features:
- Optical clarity grade of 1/1/1/2
- True color technology
- Reaction time of 1/10,000 sec
- Two side windows
When it comes to welding supplies, YESWELDER has swiftly established itself as a reliable name. When compiling a list of the top welding helmets available, it is nearly hard to leave out at least two from their extensive selection.
Two side windows on YESWELDER LYG S400S auto-darkening welding helmet offer a wide-angle vision. Although the front lens is fairly small, it offers a sharp image with true colors. There is no need to be concerned about blurriness because the optical rating is 1/1/1/2. There are only two arc sensors because of the size of the welding lens, and although their reaction time of 1/10,000th of a second is not the best, it is adequate.
Because the side windows don’t automatically dim, they provide a problem if you need to weld in a cramped area. Finding a larger golden lens and cutting it to size would be a fantastic answer to this problem, allowing you to use it in place of the original lenses.
The lack of external controls on YESWELDER LYG S400S welding helmet is another drawback. You need to remove your gloves and raise the hood before you can go from grinding to cutting.
All of YESWELDER’s welding helmets appear to share the same flaw: they are extremely affordable. The headgear has been known to shatter after only a few weeks, according to some welders.
Pros:
- 360-degree view
- True color display
- Clear image
- Outstanding value for the money
Cons:
- Side windows don’t automatically dim
- No outside controls
- Fragile headwear
6. Antra AH6-260-0000
Key Features:
- Shade range from 5 to 13
- 4 arc sensors
- Reaction time of 1/25,000th second
The price you actually pay is excellent value for Antra AH6 welding helmet. Despite the screen’s modest size and little green tint, which some welders find objectionable, it provides a very clear image. The clarity is outstanding throughout.
It has four extremely dependable arc sensors with a fantastic reaction time of 1/25,000th of a second. There is a shade 4 light state and a changeable shade that spans from 5 to 13. The fact that the controls for the shade and grinding mode are external means that you can use them without removing the helmet. The remaining controls are located inside the helmet, directly above the screen.
The Antra AH6 welding helmet is made of less-than-sturdy plastic than the majority of welding helmets under $100, yet it still performs better than most. But I regret not being able to say the same way about the headwear. Although quite comfortable, it is fragile and doesn’t seem to be very durable.
If wearing a hard hat is something you’re concerned about, this welding helmet can accommodate one. If necessary, it can also accommodate a magnifying or cheater lens. Additionally, you can select from a variety of designs based on your preferences.
Pros:
- Four arc sensors
- Dial for external shade/grind
- High value for the money
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Green hue
- Fragile headwear
7. Lincoln Electric K3419-1
Key Features:
- Shade has a range of 7–13
- External control dia
- Speedy reaction time
- Lightweight
The sole auto-darkening welding helmet made by Lincoln Electric that costs less than $100 is the helmet on this list with the fewest “modern” features.
Its tiny lens, measuring 3.82″x1.73″, and its green tint, which some welders find bothersome, shouldn’t be a deal-breaker because the picture is exceptionally clear. The control dial is exterior, the variable shade has a range of 7–13, and there is a grind mode, all of which are advantages. Inside the helmet, directly above the lens, are the controls for delay and sensitivity.
There are only two arc sensors in Lincoln Electric K3419-1welding helmet, but they are more than plenty for a lens of this size. The most crucial point is, that the sensors are trustworthy. Unless you run out of battery, they never appear to fail and have a speedy reaction time.
Another negative of this auto-darkening welding helmet is that it lacks a solar panel, necessitating regular battery purchases. Some batteries can survive for up to a year, but there are a few things to consider, such as how much time is spent actually welding, if the helmet is left on, etc.
There are no complaints about the comfort of this welding helmet because it is quite lightweight and the headgear fits perfectly. It is properly cushioned and has the ideal balance of rigidity and flexibility. The ratchet operates flawlessly and should last you a very long time.
Unfortunately, there is still a problem with Lincoln Electric K3419-1welding helmet some customers claim to have received faulty products. Marks on the safety lens and dented or twisted hoods are a few examples. When you open the package, be cautious, and if you discover any flaws, just get in touch with the seller.
Pros:
- Dial for external shade/grind mode
- Lightweight and comfort
- Robust and trustworthy
Cons:
- Green hue
- Confined viewing area
- Items with defects have been reported
Related Post: Lincoln Electric Viking 3350 Full Review
8. Monster & Master MM-WH-001
Key Features:
- Shade range of 5 to 13
- Reaction time is 1/10,000 sec
- Weighs 2.12 pounds
- True color display
Despite the strange brand name, Monster & Master MM-WH-001 welding helmet is quite good. Having said that, I do enjoy the name. The helmet has some outstanding features and a decent appearance.
The 12.8 square inches solar-powered lens has four arc sensors. However, their reaction speed is not very good at 1/10,000 sec. Even if it doesn’t seem like much of a difference compared to the other welding helmets on this list, your eyes will start to hurt after a long day of welding.
Although the true color is displayed, the clarity is not very good. Nowhere does the clarity rating appear, and there is presumably a purpose for that. Due to this and other factors, prolonged welding sessions may cause eye fatigue.
Monster & Master MM-WH-001 helmet has a fixed light state of shade 4 and a shade range of 5 to 13. On the outside of the left side of the helmet, the dial for adjusting the shade or switching to grinding is always accessible. From the interior of the helmet, users can adjust the sensitivity and delay settings.
The level of comfort this helmet offers is absolutely unexpected. The headpiece is cushioned, and the weight is evenly distributed. This is crucial since the MM-WH-001 is a heavy welding helmet that could seriously strain your neck. It weighs 2.12 pounds.
Welders have been describing a few persistent problems. The fit appears to be too tight for some, and the headpiece ratchet may eventually fail.
Pros:
- A sizable viewing area
- A comfortable helmet
- Dial for external shade/grind
Cons:
- The image is not very clear
- Better reaction time could be needed
- A little heavy
9. Instapark ADF Series GX990T
Key Features:
- 3.94 x 3.86 inches viewport
- Suitable for MIG, TIG and stick welding
- Darkening response time 1/30000 sec
- 4 arc sensors
- Solar powered
Instapark ADF Series GX990T helmet is ideal if you’re engaged in a demanding undertaking. This display’s maximum size is 15.2 inches. It does not, however, provide true colors like some of the other welding helmets on our list, and there is no information whatsoever about the optical clarity, albeit it does not appear to be a flawless 1/1/1/1. It does, however, have four arc sensors with a fantastic response time of 1/30,000th of a second.
This welding helmet also has external controls for the delay, sensitivity, and shade adjustments in addition to the enormous screen. A button allows you to convert between grind mode and the dark shade 5-8 and 9-13. It is slightly darker than what is offered by the majority of welding helmets because the light state is at shade 4, but that is not a significant concern.
The weight of Instapark ADF Series GX990T welding helmet shocks me; considering the sheer size of the lens, it weighs only about 1.5 pounds, which is really light. For a helmet at this price point, the quality of the headgear is excellent, and it’s also really comfortable. There is no skipping or ratcheting as the adjustable ratchet operates exactly as it should.
Pros:
- Enormous viewing area
- External controls
- Lightweight and comfortable
Cons:
- Not true colors
- Not very trustworthy
10. TOOLIOM TL 21800F
Key Features:
Let’s get this out of the way, I truly do appreciate TOOLIOM TL 21800F design since it does, in fact, resemble Darth Vader’s helmet. Fortunately, I appreciate this auto-darkening welding helmet for more reasons than just that.
External controls are, in my opinion, always a good thing. With such large dials, you can adjust the settings to your liking without taking off the helmet or even taking off your gloves, and this level of ease is crucial.
The lens on TOOLIOM TL 21800F auto-darkening welding helmet is another outstanding feature. The display’s actual colors are visible, and the viewing area is 14.45 square inches. The optical clarity grade is 1/1/1/2, which is good and shouldn’t strain your eyes. This is most crucial. The 1/10,000 sec response time, which might be decreased, is what might cause eye strain.
But that viewpoint is both a blessing and a curse. This adds weight to the welding helmet, making it 2.3 pounds, which will put considerable strain on your neck. The weight distribution is rather well distributed, so it shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Another area TOOLIOM has concentrated on is comfort. The back of the headgear has a soft, padded section that prevents the helmet from shifting. Although the adjusting gears may stab you, the front of the headpiece is also cushioned. This appears to be the situation for some users, at least.
Pros:
- A sizable viewing area
- Slick design
- True color
- Outside controls
- Four arc sensors
Cons:
- A little slow in reacting
- Inadequate reliability of headgear
- A little heavy
11. Safety Jackson 46129 – More than $100
Key Features:
- Viewing area of 3.94″ by 2.36
- 1/1/1/1 optical clarity
- True color
- Shade ranges are 9–13
- Weighs 2 pounds
The price of Safety Jackson 46129 welding helmet from Jackson Safety is a little bit higher, but because it’s a Jackson, you know you’re getting a sturdy helmet. Although the style is a little too straightforward for my tastes, it is slim and provides excellent facial protection.
Even though the display merely has a viewing area of 3.94″ by 2.36″, it has true color and flawless 1/1/1/1 optical clarity. It’s extremely unlikely that you will ever get flashed thanks to the four trustworthy arc sensors on the tiny display. Safety Jackson 46129 welding helmet is a good choice because it has one of the most crucial elements for eye protection.
Standard shade ranges are 9–13 for dark states and 3 for bright states. You may easily adjust the delay, sensitivity, and shade settings using the digital controls located under the hood. The inner location of the grind mode button prevents switching without taking the helmet off, which is a downside.
Although Safety Jackson 46129 helmet weighs 2 pounds, it is not the lightest welding helmet you can find. However, because of the headpiece, the weight is evenly distributed and won’t strain your neck. The helmet has a problem, despite being well-designed in that regard. One customer claims that the rear knob makes him feel like he is having hairs plucked out one by one because it is not manufactured very well. Such a problem can substantially divert attention from your task.
Pros:
- Four trustworthy arc sensors
- An image with true colors and is very clear
- Suitable for small spaces.
- Very durable
Cons:
- Lack of an external grind button;
- The headgear may have problems.
Related Post: Best Jackson Welding Helmet
12. Hobart 770890 – More than $100
Key Features:
- Optical clarity grade of 1/1/1/1
- True color technology
- Shade ranges from 9 to 13
- 4 arc sensor
- Weighs only 1.25 lbs
Although the auto-darkening welding helmet under $100, Hobart products are reliable. Since the helmet is made of polyamide nylon, it is incredibly tough and durable.
Even though the lens is 9.3 square inches in size, it is still rather big. Most importantly, there is no need to worry about eye fatigue because the optical clarity is 1/1/1/1. The display’s green tint is a minor flaw considering that the majority of the other helmets on this list have true color displays.
Hobart 770890 helmet’s shade ranges from 9 to 13, therefore using it for low amperage TIG welding isn’t really an option. Since the light level is set at shade 3, you can see your surroundings extremely clearly. The four arc sensors are extremely dependable and respond quickly, going from light to dark in a fraction of a second.
The fact that all the controls, including the grind/weld switch, are inside the welding helmet truly irritates me. Hobart 770890 helmet is really strong and comfortable, which is a plus. The sponge on the backside is incredibly soft but sturdy, and the front side is padded. There is no neck strain because this Hobart welding helmet weighs only 1.25 lbs overall.
Pros:
- Large viewing area
- Incredibly clear picture
- Robust and trustworthy
- Extremely comfortable and light
Cons:
- Not suitable for low-ampere welding
- Green hue
- No outside controls
Buyer’s Guide for Best Welding Helmet Under $100
You should think about a few broad aspects while selecting the best welding helmet under $100 for yourself. After all, you should take extra caution.
Watching Area
It largely depends on what you prefer. When the majority of individuals enjoy a wide field of vision, some people (particularly traditional welders) prefer a narrower perspective while wearing a helmet since it lets them concentrate on the welding alone.
Old-school welders only use the helmet while welding because they are accustomed to utilizing passive lens helmets rather than auto-darkening. They would only wear safety goggles for other tasks like grinding or cutting. They don’t shield the rest of your face or neck, which is a problem.
Any of these chores can now be completed without ever removing the helmet. You will have a complete picture of your surroundings if your viewing area is large, which is very helpful while working on bigger projects.
Camera Clarity
If you’ve ever worn someone else’s glasses, you must have observed how fast your eyes were fatigued and how, if you had continued to wear them, you undoubtedly would have developed a headache. You can get the same result by wearing a helmet with poor vision. This article from the Occupational Health & Safety magazine will help you understand this topic much better.
Based on four independent parameters, optical clarity is evaluated from 1 to 3, with 1 being the best. That explains the repeated use of “1/1/1/1” or “1/1/1/2” in the text. 1/1/1/2 is actually rather good. You won’t even notice the difference between that and 1/1/1/1 because it is so slight. However, your eyes may feel a little tired after many hours of welding.
Shade Palette
Most auto-darkening welding helmets these days have a shade range between 5-8 and 9-13. This implies that all of the various welding tasks can be completed with the same lens. You just need to choose the appropriate shade level for either low amp TIG welding or high amp arc welding, and your eyes will be protected.
Some helmets have a shade rating of 14, but only carbon arc welding calls for that dark of a shade.
Weight
Two pounds may not seem like a lot of weight, but your neck will feel the strain if you have to carry it around all day. Of course, the process can be irksome and fairly unpleasant, even though your neck will eventually develop the muscle to the point that you won’t feel it anymore.
You most likely won’t be able to tolerate wearing a helmet that weights more than 1 pound or so if you have neck issues brought on by an injury or even from using the incorrect pillow while you sleep. Before selecting whether to purchase a welding helmet, pay attention to its weight.
Comfort
A helmet may nevertheless feel unpleasant even if it is not particularly heavy. Weight distribution might in some circumstances be more significant than weight. The characteristics and adjustability options vary amongst different headgears. While some are a comfortable fit, others may seriously distract you from your task.
Imagine attempting to weld as someone repeatedly pokes you in the same location. You won’t most likely generate a weld of great quality. Taking your hair out one at a time while wearing a helmet could be another problem. It’s always a good idea to try on a helmet before purchasing it if you have the opportunity. Alternatively, if you shop online, you can use the trial time to try on the helmet and return it if you don’t like it.
If the rest of a helmet’s qualities appeal to you and you don’t want to change it just because of the headgear, you may simply purchase a more comfortable headgear to swap out the original.
Button for External Grind
This is crucial, in my opinion, especially for beginners who will undoubtedly make mistakes when welding and will therefore need to constantly grind and cut. Because of this, I believe it’s crucial to have the option of switching to grind mode by simply pressing a button or turning a dial without actually taking the helmet off.
Conclusion
There were a lot of helmets—specifically, twelve. So, before deciding which is the best welding helmet under $100 for you, a little memory refresher will serve you well.
For a number of factors, the DEKOPRO MZ980E is ranked first. To begin with, it offers a sizable viewing area and a display with natural colors and ideal clarity. This is the only welding helmet you will ever need because of the changeable shade, which makes it ideal for all sorts of welding.
Because it offers all the qualities of a high-end brand for a much lower cost, the YESWELDER EH-091XL is a close second. It might have been my first choice if it didn’t have the flashing problem.
The Tanox ADF-206U is a cheap helmet with lots of useful features. In total, the helmet will only cost you approximately $25 because you also receive a pair of 16″ welding gloves, which are worth about $20.
The Tekware X3 welding helmet, which costs less than $100, is a wonderful option if you’re searching for one with a panoramic view. Additionally, it has side windows that dim when they detect an arc and an extremely clear picture. Although its side windows aren’t automatically darkening, YESWELDER’s LYG S400S is a different choice to consider.
The Hobart 770890 most affordable model, yet it costs a little bit more than $100. However, because it is a Hobart, you can count on its welding helmet’s dependability and long shelf life.
Another well-known manufacturer with the best welding helmet under $100 is Lincoln Electric K3419-1 is a very dependable welding helmet with auto-darkening, although it is deficient in some characteristics compared to the other helmets on our list.
It is important to take the Monster & Master, MM-WH-001 welding helmet seriously since it has four arc sensors, a large viewing area, and a highly comfortable headgear. The helmet is not particularly dependable while being comfortable. It shattered after only a few weeks, according to some welders.
On this list, the Jackson Safety 46129 welding helmet is the most durable. It is made of far tougher plastic than what the other low-cost companies have to offer. It also has genuine colors and an image that is crystal clear. I also particularly enjoy the layout, which works well in small places.
The TOOLIOM, TL 21800F, however, is the best-looking helmet on this list thanks to its frightening Darth Vader style and functional air vent that prevents your display from fogging up.
FAQ
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.
.