Top 6 Best TIG Welder under $1000 in 2023 Tested

Last updated on November 20th, 2023

If you’re on a limited budget and need to get something done quickly under $1000, we’ve compiled a list of options for you. Some of these are the newest models targeted toward a more budgeted audience. Other units are a few years old and still performing very well. You’ve plenty of options to select the best TIG welder under $1000.

We’ve featured compact, reliable, responsive, and quick start welders, and where possible, we’ve ensured our picks have included Ac output welders so that you can get everything within a budget. Go through the complete list, these are the best TIG welder under $1000 in the market.

We all know prices are changing daily, so we will update the list from time to time, but right now, these are the finest options for your buck in 2023

Top 6 Best TIG Welders Under $1000 Comparison

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FACTS	PRICE
TOP PICK	AHP AlphaTIG 200X	Updated model LCD screen Rapid set feature	Check Price
FAVORITE CHOICE	Eastwood TIG 200	Square wave  Updated unit Generator friendly	Check Price
	Lotos TIG 200	Dual voltage Simple settings 1-year warranty	Check Price
BUDGET PICK	HZXVOGEN TIG Welder	Tig pulse function Spot mode 60% duty cycle	Check Price
	Everlast Powerarc 161 STH	Powerful Dc TIG Digital inverter Adjustable arc	Check Price
	Primeweld TIG 225X	Latest Inverter Digital Display Dual Voltage	Check Price

6 Best TIG Welders under $1000 Reviews in 2023

1. AHP AlphaTIG 200X

Ahp has released the TIG 200X II version with massive and advanced changes. After the update, it became popular because of its rapid set function, small size, and fully controlled LCD screen. These features are unique and make welding very easy and precise.

I tried a Dc TIG with E3 tungsten on 3/16” material, and the rapid set recommended 150 amps with a foot pedal. With 332 tungsten electrode on 14 gauge aluminum material, the rapid set suggested 85 amps at 220v.

The arc was a little bit unstable, but the overall result was pleasing. Now, you can realize the worth of this feature. Here is its another result on aluminum metal.

The rapid-set feature gives the option of base metal and its thickness. After selecting the metal, it provides the actual value of amperes for working on that material, and it’s not a constant value; you can change the amperes. Its 2T/4T function helps in the conditions where the foot pedal may not be helpful.

Users complain about the foot pedal, but I haven’t had any comfort issues with it. The amperage control was excellent and precise. You can weld thin metals quickly with a pulse, and the pulse feature is available in both ac and dc modes. Another new thing is the 110/220v outlet in the back that was not in the previous version.

Here is another result on aluminum metal and you can clearly see the cleaning action and weld quality.

The essential features of the unit are 20-80 Ac balance, high frequency TIG start, 200 amps on 240v, pulse frequency, 2T/4T function , and IGBT technology.

The bottom line is that it’s the best welding unit under a thousand bucks with plenty of advanced and latest functionalities. The tools that are required for welding are included in the package. Other than that, the unit is backed with 3 years warranty and customer support is available for any query regarding unit.

2. Eastwood TIG 200

Eastwood updated the unit in July 2021, and now it has exactly everything you need for excellent welding, and the main aspect is that its setup is not complex.

The unit is originated in such a way that it’s suitable for both experts and novice welders. Eastwood 200 does not use IGBT technology; it’s a square wave inverter-based unit for accurate welding.

In a recent update, the square wave power source is improved for more excellent results on the aluminum surface. The company has changed the typical foot pedal to rocker-style pedal. TIG torch is updated to flex head with has lens. I have used this updated unit and found no issues.

Whether you’re building a fuel tank or patch panels on your project, this unit will get the job done. Users want a flexible foot pedal, and Eastwood has provided the rocker-style pedal with a knob.

Set the maximum amperage, and you can vary the power. Its high-frequency start helps users get precise and neat welding results. Just like in this picture, we’ve made the welding cart for the unit.

It doesn’t have a pulse feature so that you can clean and penetrate with the clearance knob. It can weld up ¼” in both aluminum and steel at an amperage range of 10 to 200 amps on thicker metals.

It requires 7200 running watts to operate on a generator. One minor drawback is that the 4T option is not included. It has a duty cycle of 60% at 190 amps, and for an increase in duty cycle, turn down the amperage output control. A nice feature of the unit is its ability to run off at 110v.

The apparatus and all other components are of top quality with no errors. It uses a standard Wp-17 torch that uses common consumables and accepts common cups. The company offers a 3-year warranty with free customer technical support.

3. Lotos TIG 200

An old reliable machine that is still the best TIG welder under $1000. Its square-wave inverter assists in the accurate welding of metals like aluminum and stainless steel. A nice thing is that the unit doesn’t require a bunch of settings to operate. Everything is mentioned on the front panel of the device, just set your parameters and start welding.

The clearance effect or Ac balance is tricky but very helpful, and I observed that ‘-3’ EN is a good number. This feature is always found in high-quality and expensive machines.

Its accurate foot pedal is ideal for more job flexibility. It includes an amperage control knob on the side that can be adjusted high and low.

Working on thin metals may be challenging due to the lack of a pulse function, but it is possible with a few tricks. Hf start helps the worker get a precise weld on metals like aluminum, steel, and stainless steel. Its advanced cooling system cools the machine in the long run.

Those who are thinking about its result and work on aluminum can look at this. It’s done by on of our tig welding expert.

Few specs are Automatic dual voltage, welding heat control, square wave inverter, high-frequency start, and fixed frequency 50/60 Hz.

The package includes all necessary components for working. It is an ideal unit for beginners, weekend guys, and hobbyists. Moreover, this product has a one-year warranty with free technical customer support. Mostly, it’s available at discounted rates on online marketplaces.

4. HZXVOGEN TIG Welder

Another affordable unit on the list, because of its impressive qualities, such a unit can’t be left out. The unit has two pattern names; we are reviewing the TIG200P. The unit comes up with high-quality components and manufacturing materials.

I tried DC Tig on a stainless steel 308 at 60 amps with down-slope 1 sec, post-flow 0.5 sec and up-slope 1.5 sec. It was an excellent result overall. The image below shows the clear result of this dc tig welder and all modes such as spot, pulse, and tig are tested.

TIG200P has the latest technology, including a TIG torch with four control buttons and complete DC TIG adjustments instead of its small size.

TIG pulse function is a surprising feature in this machine. It is excellent for handling sensitive lightweight metal tasks. You can easily weld thinner metals and high heat-sensitive metals without burning or harming them. Another feature which is mainly found in expensive machines is ‘Spot Mode’.

Some of the main functions it has are 2T/4T control, spot mode, 60% duty cycle, easy-to-read digital ammeters, and over/Low protection on voltage and current. While Tig welding, you can get a maximum of 120 amps on 110V and 200 amperes on 220V.

It is a equally beneficial for experts and beginners. Companies do not offer a warranty in this price range, but TIG200P has a one-year warranty and free customer support.

5. Everlast Powerarc 161 STH

The Everlast 161 STH is for you if you want a little portable machine in your garage or small shops. The company has inaugurated a new feature called ‘live arc’, a little bit different from manual torch start. In the live arc, you have power all time and you don’t need a valve torch.

The stated unit is an updated version of 160 STH, and some advanced features are added to it. It’s another best TIG welder under $1000.

To check its 2T/4T functions, I welded a piece of steel at 120 amps. On the foot pedal, 120 was maximum amperage, as you all know, the pedal can adjust the amperes, performance was overall good, high-frequency arc start was stable and smooth.

Keep in mind that you must purchase your own pedal; the company does not offer it.

The unique thing is the pulse function which you can use by just pressing the button. Usually, I don’t mess with the pulse, but some people use it for heat control and other stuff.

One drawback of the machine is that Due to the machine’s DC output, welding aluminum is not possible, but steel welding can be quickly done by it. Here is the result:

The unit features hf start, 2T/4T buttons control, pre/post flow, VRD, digital IGBT inverter, downslope and more. The device has a simple pulse function, which sets it apart from other variants in this price range.

It’s a product that suits everyone, whether they are an expert or novice. The company offers three years warranty and free technical support to customers. Finally, I will say it’s the best small tig welder you can buy at this price.

6. Primeweld TIG 225X

Primeweld 225X is such a great welder in our eyes, it even came top place in the best aluminum tig welder guide. It has a bunch of external dials which sometimes cause problems for beginners. The welder uses a pulse function that works brilliantly with steel, aluminum, and thin metals.

Users’ main concern is the foot pedal and 225X came up with the amazing pedal that quickly controls the heat to bring the stunning tacks. The 200 Hz pulse frequency assists the unit to clean weld puddles with only one side of the AC cycle. Moreover, a digital display shows you the values of your data.  

We have been using 225X for the last three years and it’s been noticed that it offers a 100% duty cycle at 100-110 amperes. With the high-frequency start, it can weld mild steel pieces up to ¾ inch and ¼ inch aluminum pieces. Are you worried about anything else? Thanks to its manufacturers, they have optimized it to deliver the best results. 

It uses the perfect inverter technology with PWM that uses IGBT technology that quickly converts the AC power supply into usable output voltages. In addition, you will get the three years warranty with the company’s full technical support. Check complete Primeweld TIG 225X Review. 

Buying Guide – Choosing the Best TIG Welder under $1000

In a saturated market, you should know a product’s necessary features required to start high-quality work. These points are:

Input and Output Power

It is suggested that you should opt for a dual voltage welder so you have more variety. If you’re working outdoors, a double input voltage unit could be beneficial.

Ac output is required for aluminum welding, and for other metals like stainless steel, carbon, and mild steel, Dc output is enough.

Pulse Feature

Thin metals are heat sensitive, more heat can burn them. The Pulse feature prevents thin materials from burning. It increases the weld quality, weld penetration, and speed of welding.

Foot Pedal

It allows users to control amperage levels high and low. You can replace it with a high-quality pedal if you’re not satisfied with the provided stuff.

Other Welding Options

A TIG welder having extra options like stick welding is a plus point. We welders called them a ‘versatile unit’, but it’s not compulsory. Purchase the item in accordance with your requirements.

Warranty

If a cheaper unit has one year warranty, it’s enough. For slightly expensive models, companies mainly offer 1-3 years warranty which is the best.

Customer Reviews

For better analysis and understanding of the real aspects of any machine, user feedback is key. You will quickly get an idea that how machine works out of the box.

Frequently Asked Questions:

We use TIG welders to weld aluminum, stainless steel, copper, bronze, chrome, and nickel alloys. For welding thinner workpieces, tig welding is the ideal process because it protects the metal from burning.

A shielding gas (argon)is used to weld, and it maintains the arc stability and protects the metal from oxidation.

The weld joints made through the tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) is the strongest among all processes because of its accurate and precise joints on metals.

Conclusion:

You can find top machines in this range. If you’re looking for medium-level machines, you can consider them. If you are looking for top-level industrial machines, unfortunately, these are not for you. From my experience, I found that these two are the best TIG welder under $1000.

Ahp AlphaTIG 200X – ideal for experts

HZXVOGEN TIG Welder – good for beginners

PrimeWeld TIG 225X – best for all