Best TIG Welder under $500 Tested for 2023 | Budget Picks

Last updated on November 20th, 2023

You don’t want to spend much on machines, most probably you’re a beginner, hobbyist or need a little unit for your shop or home. Tig welding is a high-level skill that can earn you a lot of money in the business world. Nowadays, you can buy a decent welder for under five hundred bucks due to tough competition in the market.

We’ve assembled a list of the welders that could satisfy the user requirements. All listed best TIG welder under $500 are responsive, durable, and most importantly 80% of users were happy with these units. We have evaluated these units on different metals, and we’ve picked the best from them based on their result and performance.

Prices are regularly changing, so we will update this product’s list over time, but right now, these are the most delicate products less than 500. Moreover, S7 TIG welder is the most selling welder in last two years under the 500 price bracket.

Comparison Table for the Best TIG Welders Under 500 in 2023

IMAGE	PRODUCT	FACTS	PRICE
OUR PICK	S7 TIG Welder	DC output Hf arc start Fixed frequency	Check Price
FAVORITE PICK	Suncoo TIG Welder	Dual voltage Stable current MOSFET	Check Price
PROFESSIONAL CHOICE	Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH	Smooth Dc arc Auto-arc feature 35% duty cycle	Check Price
BEST VALUE UNIT	HZXVOGEN TIG Welder	TIG pulse function Spot mode Best for outdoor	Check Price
	Everlast Powerarc 140ST	Simple machine Lift TIG function IGBT machine	Check Price
	Tooliom 200A TIG	Dual voltage Current protection 2 in 1 unit	Check Price

6 Best TIG Welders under $500 Tested and Compared in 2023

1. S7 TIG Welder – #1 Best TIG Welder Under $500 in 2023

A good choice for those who are looking for a little compact unit to enhance their skill level. S7 isn’t a very advanced welder, but it does its job very well and is a fine choice for homeowners. The unit produced only Dc output, so you can’t weld aluminum. But you can weld stainless steel and mild steel.

The impressive feature of the machine is the high-frequency arc start. HF arc start allows you to start an arc without touching the metal.

It is optimized in such a way that spatter and post-weld clean-up are almost non-existent. It works on 110v and 220v very fine.

The fixed input frequency of 50/60 Hz and 80% duty cycle help the machine in order to improve the performance and result of the welding machine.

Take the proper safety measures during work, sometimes arc produces harmful radiations. Remember the point that the S7 TIG welder can’t weld aluminum.

Such a unit is ideal for those who want to learn or implement new techniques for their exposure. The company does not offer any warranty, but it provides a return policy. It’s been in our workshop for the last four years and working smoothly, so don’t think much about the warranty.

2. Suncoo TIG Welder – Runner Up $500 TIG Welder

A very well-structured and inexpensive dual voltage welder with a digital display is easy to handle and produces precise results. An excellent feature of the unit is that the current is stable throughout the welding process. Due to accurate weld spatter is almost non-existent.

I tried it on mild steel, with 220v and 60 Hz frequency, and the result was clear and fine. A knob can adjust the current at the front panel.

As this is a Dc inverter welding machine, the company has inserted MOSFET technology into it. This technology helps devices to consume less power.

Users complain that the unit can not weld aluminum. Obviously, it will not because Ac output is required for aluminum welding, and the unit gives only Dc output.
It’s very easy to set up, fix the connections, and start welding. Its portability allows you to work outdoors.

Some important functions that can be considered are automatic dual voltage, 85% transfer efficiency, auto compensation for voltage fluctuation, and MOSFET inverter technology.

It is a durable and long-lasting machine and is best for small to medium projects. It comes with the necessary equipment for stick weld, but you have to buy a gas flow meter to start for tig. Unfortunately, it has no warranty, but the company offers a returnable policy.

3. Everlast PowerArc TIG 160 STH – Best Everlast TIG Welder Under 500

Pitched as a ‘hobbyists’ welder offering a lot of versatility, with a weight of 37 pounds approximately, this compact device has everything on a limited budget.

You don’t need a bundle of settings to initiate your arc. Every connection and button is displayed, fix the connections and start.

There’s an ‘auto arc’ feature that helps in the smoothness of the arc. One may start to lift Tig or Hf start, both features are top-notch and assist in a better arc start. The company does not provide the foot pedal but has all settings done, so you need a pedal and connect it.

For welding on thick metals, high amps are needed. Similarly, for thinner materials, low amperes are required. The machine’s current can go all the way up to 160 amps and 10 amps down. The device is unable to weld aluminum and will not do 6010 rods. Unfortunately, it’s not an aluminum TIG welder.

The company offers a 5 years warranty of parts and labor and 30 days money-back guarantee. I have seen the only machine for less than $500 that has a long-term warranty.

4. HZXVOGEN TIG Welder – Best $500 TIG Welder for the Money

HZXVOGEN has launched another high-grade TIG unit in the market at a very affordable price. The product has two types: Tig 200A and Tig 200P. We’re reviewing the Tig200P. Its easy-to-use functions and reliability allow new users to learn TIG welding in the best manner.

You will be amazed to see the pulse function in it. With the Tig pulse function, the current changes automatically, which allows users to weld thinner sheets and high heat-sensitive materials without harming them. For lightweight metals, its spot mode is best.

I worked on stainless steel and everything was perfect. The high-frequency start, 2T/4T function worked fine for me. Due to its dual voltage, it is the best choice for those willing to do outdoor projects. An advanced tig torch is included with four adjustment buttons to get a precise result.

A few of its important features are pulse function, spot mode, 2T/4T control switch, and digital ammeters. In my view, it is better than Everlast 140st because of the HF start.

It’s a great compact unit for experts and new users to work on small and medium-type projects in homes and shops. In the price range of this unit, companies do not offer a warranty, but this product has a 1-year warranty with free technical customer support.

5. Everlast Powerarc 140ST – Best $500 Home Use TIG Welder

A well-structured small little unit from Everlast has a respective fan base. It’s not an industrial or large-scale machine. It is as simple as you can use a normal power outlet for it. Although it is a small unit, the arc quality and stability are top-notch.

It’s an IGBT machine with an updated version of the transistor. The company has provided a Tig torch as users demand and added a little knob on the torch, and you can turn on argon gas by a knob.

I draw a bead on 16 gauge stainless steel at 90 amps with a 220v outlet, don’t forget to turn on the knob before starting.

As there’s no foot pedal, so for amperage control, you have to pull away from the torch. But the machine does a perfect job. You have to compromise on a few features in this price range.

If you’re thinking about welding aluminum, forget it, it’s not designed for that. I noticed that its duty cycle is not stable during heavy welding, but for medium or small scale welding, it gives a 35% duty cycle at rated amps.

On 110v, it only gives 80 amps, and the low end is 10 amps so you can do pretty good stuff. On 220v, you get 140 amps.

Salient specs of this unit are dual voltage capability, stable arc, lift TIG function, digital display for current setting, hot and auto arc start in stick mode.

It comes with all necessary components to start Dc TIG welding except the gas flow meter, and it’s optional. If you’re planning to TIG weld, then buy it. It uses a 17V series tig torch, the user’s favorite is Ck-17, but 17v is also suitable for working, we didn’t face any problem. The Everlast brand is known for its warranty, and this unit has a 5 years warranty.

6. Tooliom 200A TIG – Affordable $500 TIG Welder in 2023

If you’re worried about TIG welders being expensive, don’t be. It’s another best TIG welder under $500. The Tooliom has brilliant features to weld thin stuff. The Tooliom is a dual voltage unit with a high-frequency start.

A unit that can also weld other than TIG is a bit better than others. It’s a 2-in-1 device that can also be used as a stick welder. For me, it runs great at 90 amps on 3/32″ 7018. The arc was very stable and smooth, and it performs flawlessly.

I have seen many people that say it is a piece of crap without any valid reason. Upon asking, they answer that it’s a Chinese or Asian product.

My team didn’t notice any major drawbacks or issues while working on it. It has a few issues like a little bit of loud noise, and the foot pedal is not included in the package.

During welding, the user can take benefit from a digital current display and a current adjusting knob. It uses advanced inverter technology and hf arc start improves the tungsten life and metal contaminations. The unit includes over and under current/voltage protection.

Instead of a foot pedal, other tools are included in the package and most users are happy with its long power cord and ground cable.

Choosing the Best TIG Welder Under 500 in 2023

Somehow Less than $500 indirectly means a cheap TIG welder. It does not indicate that these products are outdated or useless in this era. Mainly listed machines have only dc output, some don’t have pulse feature. These all are tested and we like them for different reasons. Here are some points you can consider while buying a unit.

Types of Project

These units are for you if you’re looking for small or medium-level projects such as home use or garage shops. But for high-level projects or industrial-scale work, a high-level welder is required.

Multi-purpose Unit

You may also consider those units which have the capability to weld other than TIG. These are really very helpful in some cases.

Output of Machine

For welding on steel, stainless steel, mild steel, and copper, you only need Dc output. For aluminum, you need Ac output. Only units with dc output are listed in the guide, and units with ac outputs cost more than five hundred dollars.

Arc Start

There are two common types of arc starts, lift, and hf arc start. In a high-frequency start, the arc is initiated without touching the workpiece. In lift tig start, an arc is initiated with a slight touch on metal. Now, it’s up to you, which arc start you prefer.

Pulse feature

If you wish to work on thin metals, then a unit having a pulse feature is necessary. The pulse feature prevents metals from burning and increases the weld penetration and weld quality.

Warranty 

Most machines in this range do not provide a warranty. They only offer a return policy. According to me, at this price level, if a unit has a 1-year warranty, it’s enough. We have listed some devices with 5 years warranty.

Customer reviews

The best technique to check the result of the machine in real life is feedback from the users. It’s not tough to analyze users’ experience, just browse Amazon and get an idea about the device from the feedback of different buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion: What is the Best $500 TIG Welder in 2023?

You can perform many tasks with these machines. Every unit is designed according to users’ requirements. If you’re still confused about the best TIG welder under $500, here is my recommendation.

HZXVOGEN TIG Welder – Ideal for TIG Steel

Tooliom 200A TIG Welder – Cheapest Unit