Top 7 Best Cheap TIG Welders Tested for 2023

Last updated on November 20th, 2023

You are worried about expensive TIG welders however, you want to buy one model. TIG machines include spectacular hidden functions that others do not have, and TIG welding is a major step up from simple welding expertise. You can scrutinize the low-cost welder according to your budget and requirements.

The best cheap TIG welder should satisfy the requirements of the buyer, who wants the machine to be responsive, stable, and reliable. Our professional and expert welders tested fifteen different tig units and we finalized these welders based on the machine’s performance on different materials, customer feedback, and the manufacturer’s reputation in the market.

Comparison Table 

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FACTS	PRICE
	Yeswelder TIG 205 DS	Dual voltage Good for thin metals Temperature control	Check Price
	Hitbox TIG Welder	TIG pulse function IGBT Technology Digital TIG torch	Check Price
	Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH	Dual voltage Versatile unit 35% duty cycle	Check Price
	Suncoo TIG Welder	Automatic dual voltage Low welding noise MOSFET inverter	Check Price
	HZXVOGEN TIG Welder	Powerful Dc TIG Digital ammeters Pulse function	Check Price
	Amico TIG 160 DC	Weld TIG/Stick Flawless weld Dual voltage	Check Price
	Sungoldpower Aluminum Welder	Arc stability Powerful Welder Overload protection	Check Price

7 Best Cheap TIG Welders Tested in 2023

1. Yeswelder TIG 205 DS

This machine has given a tough time to its competitors since its launching, the reason is that Yeswelder 205 DS is using multiple IGBT inverters, resulting in a massive increase in duty cycle.

Its HF arc start gives a fine start and it is stable, which is a plus point. Experts know the importance of hf start, which we often see in advanced machines. Let’s look at the performance!

We welded two metals of the hydraulic press by using finger control and here is the result of it.

The machine was running smoothly and consistently without any error. The unit provides non-contact arc initiation that reduces tungsten.

The unit features excellent arc stability, 15-200 amps adjustment, automatic temperature control, over/under voltage protection, current, and load protection. Its foot pedal is not variable; it is just on/off. Its amperage control works fine but reaction time is a little bit slow.

On 220v, my team observed a 60% duty cycle in trials at 200-205 amps and 110v 60% at 165 amps. If you’re a newbie or learner, it could be an ideal unit for you.

The company back this GTAW unit with full technical support. You can buy it from Amazon or other sellers, the price may vary due to shipping charges.

2. Hitbox TIG Welder

Many folks complain about the Chinese product’s reliability and productivity, but we didn’t find any fault. According to its function, its results were flawless.

It’s a dual voltage multi-function welder, which can be used in TIG welding and manual arc welding. It uses an advanced compact IGBT inverter.

I welded 8″ mild steel coupons together at 85 amps on 110v. I haven’t used any type of filler rod. The very best thing about the machine is that it uses a high-frequency arc start instead of a lift or scratch start.

I will add, it’s a good unit for home. Arc was stable and the unit runs very nicely throughout the process.

We used the TIG, great work, no problem overall but the torch is a little bulky when you need a light touch. And the stick part also works fine; you will be surprised to see the bead result.

This Hitbox welder allows you to weld 0.3-0.5 mm or 5/16 inch steel at its total rating. The inverter enables it to reach up to 100 kHz frequency. Another worth noting is that it uses IGBT technology.

The unit features a hf arc start, 2t/4T function, a gas inlet at front, and large capacitance. Its 4T function helps in the long run and fits for medium thickness plate welding, whereas the 2T function is ideal for thin plate welding.

It is suitable for different materials like steel, stainless steel, and carbon steel, as the unit is only DC, so it can’t weld aluminum. The company offers 24/7 technical customer support.

3. Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH

There’s a reason that 160 STH is many people’s pick for the best cheap TIG welder: it’s versatile, it’s affordable, its result is excellent, and it uses the IGBT Infineon modules inverter technology.

You can switch between TIG and Arc welding; this unit comes from a brand that is well known for its design and durability.

Amperes control your heat, when you’re welding on thick metal, you’ve high amps. When you’re welding on thinner metal, you’ve low amps, the unit’s amperes vary from 10 to 160 amperes. The company does not provide a foot pedal, you have to purchase it.

The welder is optimized in such a way that it provides 80-90% efficiency that’s quite good. Its post flow goes from zero to 25 seconds, giving a 35% duty cycle at 165 amps. Other features include: hf and lift start, smooth DC arc, adjustable post flow control, and many more.

Ease of use makes it compatible for both experts and hobbyists. It is fit for backyards, mobile welding shops, and home use.

4. Suncoo TIG Welder

If you want to pick a well-structured, well-balanced, and economical welder, the Suncoo TIG unit is a good choice. The prominent feature of the unit is a stable welding current which results in low welding noise.

A high-frequency arc start improves the tungsten life and very easy to start the arc. In my opinion, any machine with a hf start is perfect for welding, one can disagree, but it’s proven.

The orange color unit was tested at 220v, 60-hertz frequency, on stainless steel. The result was flawless, and no issue was observed.

Remember, you can’t weld aluminum with this unit, so don’t buy it if you’re planning for just aluminum. You can change the mode between TIG and Stick by just pressing the button.

The company has installed MOSFET inverter technology instead of IGBT technology, which is also an advanced electrical circuit design and saves energy.

The device features: dual voltage, led amperage display, high quality and stable arc, 60% duty cycle for 200A, proven 85% efficiency, and automatic compensation for power fluctuation.

The unit is excellent for high-altitude and outdoor work, as well as interior and exterior fitting. Its portability allows you to carry it with you wherever you go, and it is effortless to set up and operate. The company offers a return policy instead of a warranty, so read the return policy carefully before buying.

5. HZXVOGEN TIG Welder

The unit full of advanced features is here. Its surprising feature is the Tig pulse function, through which one can weld thinner metals, and the pulse function protects metal from burning. This cheap welder is popular due to its impressive features and components, which are discussed below.

For lightweight metals, its spot mode function protects the material and delivers the best result. The high-frequency arc start initiates the arc without coming into contact with the material, and its hf start is according to the user’s expectation.

I did a dc TIG on stainless steel 308 at 60 amps, downslope 1 sec, end current 5 amps, post-flow 3 seconds, and pre-flow 0.5 sec. You can see its result in the image.

Its TIG torch is quite helpful with four adjustable buttons. According to my experience, the hf arc start of the Hzxvogen welder is relatively better than the Everlast 140ST. It can be a wrong observation, but I have noticed it many times while working in the lab.

The eye-catching features of the unit are spot mode function, multi-function design, pulse function, 60% duty cycle, 2T/4T control buttons, and digital ammeters.

Apart from other units in this price range, the company offers a 1-year warranty and full technical support.

6. Amico TIG 160 DC

Cheap doesn’t mean that the product is outdated. Maybe one or two extra features are not added so that anyone who can’t afford an expensive machine could buy it at a low price.

Amico 160 is a low-cost dual input 120/240 that can be plugged into any power supply. It can do accurate DC stick welding.

It is an IGBT Dc inverter-powered welder, which helps in precise and accurate welding. Amico 160 has a 60% duty cycle at 220 amperes, which is quite impressive at this price.

The unit is capable of welding 3/8″ stainless steel, alloy, and mild steel. In trials, spatters were almost non-existent, and the machine was delivering flawless results.

Its fan helps the machine keep things cool in the long run, which could be a reason for a good duty cycle. It is fit for outdoor work, and you don’t need a certified electrician for the power supply.

The company offers a return policy instead of a warranty for this product, so read the terms and conditions carefully.

7. Sungoldpower Aluminum Welder

It’s the lowest price welder on this list and a suitable unit for little projects. To boost machine reliability, IGBT inverter technology is combined with a unique control system. Its anti-sticking feature helps to eliminate the hassle of welding.

The machine uses the lift TIG function, when a tungsten electrode comes into contact with a metal piece, the lift electric arc prevents the tungsten electrode from becoming polluted.

The unit can weld all types of steel and cast iron. It can provide industrial-grade power of 110 or 220 volts (adaptor included) in a compact device.

Overall, this small welder is good for beginners and learners who want to learn TIG. Sungold unit is ideal for homes and farms for medium-level projects.

Unfortunately, Torch is not included in the package, you have to buy it on your own. Company is not providing a warranty, only a return policy.

Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Cheap TIG Welder in 2023

You wish to buy the best cheap TIG welder, so you must consider some crucial points in mind. First of all, clear your requirements. Remember, in low-cost machines, there are limited functions, and you have to compromise on this. This does not indicate that these are ineffective; they are the best in the town. Here are some factors to consider:

Quality of Machine 

For TIG welding, quality is an exclusive element, depending on a machine’s ability. Always pick a machine that gives a quality result, you will ask how one can judge quality before buying? The answer is the manufacturer’s reputation in the market and user reviews. Above mentioned reviews are the best in the town.

Metal Thickness 

For thin metals, a unit that can perform at low amperage is a good choice. TIG is famous for its results over thin metals.

Arc Start

There are two common types of arc starts. With a high-frequency start, an arc is initiated without touching the metal and, by lift start, the arc is initiated with a light touch on the piece.

High-frequency arc start and lift arc start are the best ones. Most of the machines in the market are using these two arc starts, few are using old arc methods like scratch start but it’s an old technique. Buy a machine only with Hf arc start or lift tig arc start.

Duty Cycle

It is the ratio of total running time out of ten minutes. 60% means the unit can run 6 minutes continuously and 4 minutes off the time.

For the duty cycle, the more, the better. These all are cheap, so the duty cycle is almost the same. You can check according to your requirements. For professionals, 40-60% of the duty cycle in machines is enough; for newcomers, even 20% of the duty cycle is good.

Foot Pedal

A foot pedal is a tool for controlling the amperes high and low; it works similarly to an automobile accelerator in that the more you press, the faster the car moves. If it is not in the product box, buy it on your own.

Warranty

A warranty shows the manufacturer’s trust in the product. The above-reviewed machines are without warranty due to their low price but the company offers a one-month return policy. Read the terms and conditions carefully.

Buyers Reviews

Feedback helps you to understand the quality of the product in real life. Specs do not define the quality of a machine, you can judge its performance by user feedback. Most people buy products from Amazon and post reviews about them to help others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Detailed reviews of products are given, but you’re still confused about the best cheap TIG welder, so here are my three recommended products.

Everlast Powerarc 161 STH – excellent unit with the least budget
Yeswelder TIG 205 DS – attractive choice for everyone especially beginners 
HZXVOGEN Welder – great for lightweight metals in this price bracket