10 Best Welding Helmets for The Money – Top Picks & Reviews


Best-welding-helmet-for the-money

Are you looking for the best welding helmet for the money? Look no more we got you covered.

The most important element of welding is that of safety. Having the right personal protective equipment (PPE) can make a world of difference to your work, creating a safer and productive environment for you to operate in.

The central part of your PPE is your welding helmet – but how do you know what makes a good helmet?

You’ll need to pay close attention to the type of lens, any automatic features, and compliance with current safety standards to choose the right welding helmet for your needs.

Below you’ll find the top 10 best welding helmets and a guide on what to look for when shopping for a new helmet:

Top 10 Best welding helmets for the Money:

1. Hobart 770756

2. Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000

3. Lincoln 3350

4. Esab Sentinel A50

5. 3M Speedglas 9100

6. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Welding Helmet

7. Jackson Safety BH3 Welding Helmet

8. Miller Digital Elite Welding Helmet

9. YESWELDER Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

10. DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet

How Much Should You Spend On a Welding Helmet?

The cost of welding helmets can range from $15 to over $100, depending on the features. However, it is important to note that more expensive auto-darkening lenses can cost anywhere from $200-$300.

If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, there are some welding helmets available for under $100. For example, the YesWelder LYG-L500A is a budget-friendly auto-darkening welding helmet that offers impressive features such as true color and a 1/1/1/2 optical clarity rating.

Ultimately, the decision on how much to spend on a welding helmet will depend on personal preferences and requirements.

How Long Should a Welding Helmet Last?

The lifespan of a welding helmet can vary depending on the type of helmet and its power source. Battery-powered helmets with replaceable or rechargeable batteries can last for a long time, but the lifespan of non-replaceable battery helmets is around 7 years if not damaged.

Solar-powered helmets are lightweight, rechargeable with UV rays from the welding arc, and good for beginners. Hybrid helmets are the most advanced and have a longer lifespan. However, it is advisable to choose a helmet with a replaceable battery to extend its use.

Additionally, grinding sparks and particles can cause damage to the helmet’s visor and impact its clarity. Therefore, it is recommended to replace the visor every 2 weeks or more.

Our Overall #1 Rated Pick

In a Rush? Here you can find our Overall #1 Rated Pick.

The Hobart 770756 is the best welding helmet you can get for the money out there.

Our pick
Hobart Impact Welding Helmet

+ Excellent shade variability for any light conditions

+ Super comfortable with great ventilation

+ Affordable

+ Auto-darkening in 1/25,000 second

Check Availability On Amazon

Purchase: I really like the Hobart 770756. It’s not terribly expensive but gets amazing reviews. If you are interested in this, then just follow the link to Amazon where you can see current pricing.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at what makes a good welding helmet, and how you can choose which one is right for you.

Read also: How To Choose A Welding Helmet: What To Consider

1. Hobart 770756

This is our top choice of all welding helmets. This helmet is comprised of a durable polyamide shell and a variable-shade lens. This is also the best welding helmet for sensitive eyes.

Our pick
Hobart Impact Welding Helmet

+ Excellent shade variability for any light conditions

+ Super comfortable with great ventilation

+ Affordable

+ Auto-darkening in 1/25,000 second

Check Availability On Amazon

✔️ The lens can be automatically activated for easy operation and is fitted with controls to customize the helmet for different sensitivity levels, appropriate for varying levels of ambient light.

With a darkening speed 1/25,000 of a second, this function works rapidly so you can continue in your work without pesky interruptions.

Its final darkened shade is #8-13 and the lightest, with its brightest setting at #3 to offer you the greatest level of protection in all sorts of work scenarios.

✔️ Customers have had an overwhelmingly positive experience with the Hobart 770756.

Although some found the head strap a bit difficult to use initially, this problem was quickly solved by the multiple points of adjustment on the helmet and strap.

Overall, customers have appreciated this helmet as the best all-around for its value and most comfortable.

Purchase the top choice of welding helmets here.

PROSCONS
Controls are located inside the helmet, this can be very inconvenientControls are located inside of the helmet, this can be very inconvenient
Lightweight, yet extremely durableHead strap can be difficult is difficult to use at first
Wide range of lens shades from #8-13 to #3 

Summary

  • Top choice of welding helmets.
  • Highly capable helmet with rapid response speed (1/25,000 sec), adaptable at varying levels of ambient light and extremely adjustable with multiple adjustment points.
  • Customers are overwhelmingly happy with this unit, only wishing for external controls and a more intuitive head strap.

2. Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000

This is a great option for those shopping for a welding helmet on a budget.

Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000

+ Passive Filter with Permanent shade 13 to UV/IR, combined with double-layered auto dimming LCD shutter, providing sufficient and accurate shade range within 4/5-9/9-13 to visible lights

+ Full face neck coverage protecting welders from spatters and harmful radiant.

Check Today´s Price (Amazon.com)

The Antra Welding Helmet AH6-260-0000 is fitted with a smart chip to control the 4-sensor auto-darkening lens. This lens is highly responsive to the electric arcs of TIG, Plasma, MMA, and MIG applications.

It also features a unique UV/IR light filter for maximum eye protection, even when you do not have power.

✔️ This Antra helmet can be used for a wide variety of tasks including cutting, grinding, and welding and features certain shades for specific jobs.

For example, you can use the grinding feature with shade #4, and welding on any shades between 5-19 and 9-13.

To reduce the number of times you need to flip the hood up and down, lens darkening is fully automatic.

✔️ Customers have rated this product highly across the board, with only a few drawbacks. It is an excellent helmet dollar for dollar and has been commended for its comfort, lightweight design, and stability it offers the user.

This has also been demonstrated to be a beginner-friendly helmet.

Despite its slight drawbacks outlined below, this helmet is top-of-the-line.

If this helmet sounds like a perfect match for you, purchase it here.

PROSCONS
The lens is double-layered with an auto-dimming LCD shutter for the greatest levels of eye protectionMany customers have experienced issues with battery life over time
Minimal stress on the head and neck due to the lightweight designBattery issues lead to the risk of eye damage since the lens loses responsiveness
Highly sensitive arc sensors for dynamic protection against radiant bypassCan’t be used for overhead welding
Useful for multiple jobs including Plasma cutting, grinding, many types of welding, and automotive manufacture and repair 

Summary:

  • This is the perfect choice for shoppers on a budget.
  • Applicable to many different types of welding jobs (TIG, Plasma, MMA, MIG), also for cutting and grinding as well.
  • Customers have had great experiences with this helmet, particularly commending its lightweight design and comfort. It’s also a great model for beginners. There seem to be only slight issues with battery life and it cannot be used for overhead welding, unfortunately.

3. Lincoln 3350

For those shoppers who are capable of spending just a little bit more, the Lincoln Electric VIKING 3500 series is a great choice.

This helmet offers excellent optical clarity with quite a large viewing area (3.74” x 3.34”).

Lincoln 3350 Welding Helmet

+ Auto-Darkening Series: 741 Electromagnetic Sensor: No Power Source: Solar Switching Speed: 1/25, 000 sec. Item: Welding Helmet TIG AMP Rating: 2A

Check Today´s Price (Amazon.com)

✔️ It’s designed for maximum comfort as you work, so if you need a helmet that you can wear for long projects without getting aches in your neck or elsewhere, this is a perfect candidate.

The lens is auto-darkening and protects your eyes with shades from #5 to #13 and can respond at a rate of 1/25,000 of a second.

It is solar-powered and can be used for a variety of jobs including both welding and cutting (note that it has a TIG AMP rating of 2A).

✔️ Many customers have had great experiences with this Lincoln model. They’ve praised the color variation and ease of use, noting the clarity with which they can weld, even in darker shades.

It is also widely acclaimed for its incomparable auto-darkening feature and only has a few flaws in the size of the hood and harness comfort.

Find this incredible unit available for purchase here.

PROSCONS
X6 headgear distributes the weight of helmet for a painless experienceSome users have reported that the hood is not large enough to fit a welding respirator into
Has a very wide field of viewSome users have experienced significant discomfort with the harness
Solar-powered so you would never need to replace batteries or wait for inconveniently long charging times 

Summary:

  • This is certainly a high-end buy for shoppers who can afford to stretch their pockets just a bit more.
  • This helmet is designed for maximum comfort for long-term use while offering dynamic functionality with darkening between shades #5-13, automatically adjusting at the lightning-fast rate of 1/25,000 sec.
  • Customers have loved this unit with only minor issues concerning the size of the hood and discomfort with the harness. These complaints are outweighed by the wide range of color variations and clarity of the lens.

4. Esab Sentinel A50

The Esab Sentinel A50 is comprised of nylon that is high-impact resistant, offering the greatest protection to welders while remaining lightweight.

It is ergonomically designed with halo headgear, fitted with 5 points for adjustment to maximize comfort.

✔️ The low profile and central pivot point assist the user in maintaining balance while ensuring maximum clearance, even when the helmet is in the Up position.

There are 8 distinct memory settings, all of which are controlled externally via the touch-controlled screen panel. The helmet also features a hard hat adapter that is compatible with ESAB hard hats.

Customers have had a great experience with this welding helmet. Users have found this to be an excellent model for the price, highly intuitive to use, and a lightweight, comfortable option for welding.

There have only been a few concerns regarding the sensors and heat protection.

Fell in love with this helmet? Buy it here.

PROSCONS
Made of lightweight nylon, which still provides great protectionThe cover lens is not reliable protection against heat that is any less than 2 ft away
Multiple points of adjustment for the most comfortable fitSome users have experienced inconsistency with the sensor function
Touch-controlled, external screen panel eliminates the need to take the helmet on and off for use 
Designed with a hard hat adapter 

Summary:

  • This helmet is a great lightweight unit that offers reliable protection to the user without compromising quality. It is ergonomically designed for long-term use, with 8 externally controlled memory settings for the viewing panel.
  • This helmet is compatible with ESAB hard hats.
  • Customers have loved this helmet, especially in terms of price and user-friendliness, only having a few issues with inconsistencies in sensor functions and minimal heat protection.

5. 3M Speedglas 9100

This welding helmet is great for those that have experienced trouble with the optics of past protective wear.

✔️ The 3M Speedglas boasts renovated optics that allow the user to better perceive colors with a newly designed user interface for ease of use.

The panel is controlled externally, another huge plus that eliminates the need for the tedious process of taking your helmet off repeatedly for adjustments.

The helmet is auto-activated, so you can just grab it and go whenever you need it, no need to worry about powering it on and off yourself. The viewing area is approximately 2.8” x 4.2”, a comfortable size to work with.

✔️ The adjustable sensitivity for arc detection is quite handy as well, enabling you to use the helmet in a wide variety of work environments.

Overall, customers agree that this model is a great option for those looking for lightweight, comfortable helmets that still offer comparable protection and versatility to perhaps bulkier helmets.

It is an excellent helmet available at a highly affordable price point, one that has been repeatedly praised for its crystal clear optics and ease of use.

If this helmet matches all your current needs, purchase it here.

PROSCONS
Incredibly clear opticsThe viewing area is a bit on the small side
Side windows allow for peripheral vision, a huge bonus for many relatively hazardous work environmentsSome users have experienced malfunctions with the darkening feature
Auto-ON/OFF feature allows for the greatest ease of use 
External controls 

Summary:

  • This is an auto-activated helmet, one of the best features for those users who don’t want to be bothered with pesky ON/OFF or TEST buttons. Adjustments are controlled externally, also supporting the ease of use.
  • This helmet can be used in a wide variety of work environments with highly sensitive responsiveness to variations of welding arcs.
  • Customers have loved this welding helmet, especially for its crystal-clear optics and user-friendly controls. There have only been a few complaints regarding eventual malfunctions with auto-darkening, and some feel that the viewing panel is a bit small.

6. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Welding Helmet

The Optrel VegaView welding helmet is an incredible contender for the top 10. This is a perfect model for those looking for vivid color and extreme clarity.

The lens is 4 times brighter in its light state and grind mode than in traditional auto-darkening lenses, allowing for maximum awareness in your work environment – especially in dark areas.

✔️ The Optrel true-color view is a huge component of the visual experience and creates high levels of clarity as you work.

It features industry-standard shade levels between #8-12 and is incredibly lightweight at only 2lbs for maximum comfort for long-time use.

Customers have rated this helmet highly across the board, calling it a great model for the price, and offering maximum comfort with no head and neck pain due to its light weight.

✔️ Many have been happy with the fact that they can use this helmet for overhead welding, an application that not all helmets have. There are only a few slight drawbacks that left a few users’ needing more.

If you’re looking for high-quality optics at a great price, purchase this helmet here.

PROSCONS
Excellent optical experience, colors are vivid, enabling users to see finer details in their workpiecesSome users have reported inconsistencies in the functionality of the auto-dimmer
Can be used for overhead useMany customers experienced flashing of the helmet after only a few months of use
Lightweight, great for long-time use 

Summary:

  • This is a great helmet with its most notable feature being the excellence of the optical experience, especially provided by the lens being 4 times brighter in its light shade than standard auto-darkening lenses.
  • This is an extremely lightweight design, great for maximum comfort during extended use.
  • Customers have had positive experiences with this model, only taking issue with the eventual inconsistency of the auto-darkening feature and occasional flashing.

7. Jackson Safety BH3 Welding Helmet

Jackson Safety is a well-known company aimed at producing the safest, most effective PPE.

The ADF of the Jackson Safety BH3 helmet has been given the honor of being named the “Best in Class” for its optics with a rating of 1/1/1/1, courtesy of Balder Technology.

✔️ It meets EN379 standards, so you can be sure that you are getting the best bang for your buck with this helmet.

This helmet is a great fit for all types of welders, whether you are doing professional welding or are working as a hobbyist, this helmet will give you high-quality protection and clear visibility with every use.

It is fitted with an auto-darkening lens for ease of use and comprised of lightweight, high-density plastic that perfectly balances lightweight and maximum protection.

Customers have had very positive experiences with this Jackson Safety model, especially in terms of clarity and the ability to wear the helmet for extended periods.

Many have reported a lack of pains or cramps, even after as long as 10hr workdays.

✔️ The auto-darkening feature is highly responsive for many types of welding arcs and, along with the auto-activation function, this makes it an extremely easy model to use.

This helmet is available for you to purchase here.

PROSCONS
Auto-ON/OFF so you can grab it when you need it or set it and forget itMany users have reported flashing early on
The hood is relatively flexible, making it easy to get into tight spacesThe helmet may stop functioning entirely if a spark makes contact with the lens
The lightweight factor allows for users to operate this mask for extended periods 
Very clear optics are great for high visibility while you work 

Summary:

  • This is one of the best helmets available on the market, demonstrated by its “Best in Class” 1/1/1/1 rating. It meets EN379 standards, so you know you are getting an excellent unit for every dollar you spend.
  • Made of a lightweight yet dense plastic, this helmet is great for all types of users from hobbyists to professionals. The auto-darkening and auto-activation features assist users in creating the most streamlined working environment, eliminating the need for the user to interact with unnecessary controls.
  • Customers have loved this helmet, especially in terms of optics and wear-ability. Many show great appreciation for the automatic features as well. There were only a few concerns regarding malfunctions with the helmet in terms of flashing and shorting out after a short time.

8. Miller Digital Elite Welding Helmet

This helmet has a wide variety of applications, featuring four separate arc sensors with four modes including weld, grind, cut, and x-mode.

✔️ The four arc sensors make this helmet a formidable measure of protection for your eyes during many types of welding projects.

It also has a 5amps TIG rating, giving you high levels of protection against potential flames.

The Miller Digital Elite Auto-Darkening helmet is notable also due to its high-sensitivity controls, giving you the ability to precisely tailor the helmet to your needs.

The adjustable headband is another element that contributes to maximum comfort levels for the user, along with the spacious design (great for welders that need glasses!).

Customers have agreed that this helmet is an excellent model, completely worth its price.

✔️ Its comfortable design has won many over and protects against any neck pains and discomfort during extended use.

Only a handful of people have identified a few minor flaws with the helmet so overall, it has performed quite well.

Love the Miller welding helmet? Buy it here!

PROSCONS
The four separate arc sensors make this a highly versatile helmetSome users have experienced difficulty with keeping the helmet in position, instead of having it fall off many times throughout the day
Very lightweight with a comfortable headband, creating maximum comfort for extended useMay become stuck in darker shades
Meets the high-impact standard (ANSI Z87.-2003) 

Summary of the review:

  • This helmet features four distinct arc sensors for the highest level of sensitivity as you weld. Its features are highly unique as it offers specific protection against high heat given its 5amps TIG rating.
  • This is a very spacious design that is securely held against your head – particularly great for welders that must wear glasses.
  • Customers have felt quite positively about this helmet, the roomy, comfortable design offering users maximum comfort over long periods of use. There were only a few complaints regarding compromised security of the helmet due to the loose fit and it becoming stuck in the darker shades.

9. YESWELDER Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet

The YESWELDER Auto-Darkening welding helmet is a perfect choice for home welders and professionals alike.

It provides the greatest level of clarity using true-color technology and a large viewer (3.93” x 3.66”).

✔️ The viewing panel gives you a full range of vision while allowing you to see in vivid color, great for all types of work in a variety of work environments.

There are four different arc sensors to produce the highest level of responsiveness for all types of welding jobs.

This also allows for precise customization of the helmet depending on your project and immediate needs.

The headband is positioned upright so you don’t have to worry about it slipping throughout the day, allowing you to better concentrate on your work.

Customers have all determined this to be a great helmet, an incredible unit for the price.

✔️ Its lightweight design makes it the perfect helmet to use for long projects, something that many users have expressed gratitude for.

While some have reported minor issues, this remains one of the top contenders for best welding helmets on the market.

Up your levels of safety while you weld by purchasing this helmet here.

PROSCONS
Has shades from #3-13, providing a wide variety of applications for this helmetDoes not darken enough for all projects (i.e. when welding steel, remains too bright) – this can become hazardous
Clear optics and a large viewer give you the greatest level of awareness while you workSome users experienced the helmet falling during use, not being held in position reliably by the hinge system
Four highly sensitive sensors for maximum optical safety 

Summary of the review:

  • The YESWELDER is a great helmet for a high-quality optical experience. It provides vivid color along with a responsive auto-darkening feature so that you don’t have to compromise the clarity of vision for optical safety.
  • The darkening feature is highly responsive, given the four separate arc sensors.
  • Customers have loved this helmet, especially regarding its lightweight design and true-color technology. There have only been a few complaints in terms of the limitations of the auto-darkening feature and loosening of the fit over time.

10. DEKOPRO Welding-Helmet

This DEKOPRO welding helmet is a unique model for this lineup. It’s another solar-powered helmet with rapid responsiveness of 1/25,000 of a second.

✔️ The auto-darkening feature is extremely reliable and does not stop functioning if there were an electrical failure.

Instead, it maintains protection against UV/IR wavelengths with shade 16.

This model was given an incredible rating of 1/2/1/2 and meets both high impact (ANSIZ87.1-2010) and EN379/9-13 standards. The enhanced optics allow users to retain the greatest viewing capabilities while they work in a variety of environments.

This is accomplished with the light diffusion and transmittance technology, something that also allows users to see clearly from multiple angles.

✔️ Customers have been very pleased with their experience of the DEKOPRO welding helmet, many confirming that it is an excellent model, great value for the price.

Although users have said the headband could use a bit of improvement, it is still easily one of the most comfortable helmets on the market and does not fall short in terms of clarity and auto-darkening functions.

Purchase this high-quality helmet here.

PROSCONS
Compliant with both ANSIZ87.1-2010 and EN379/9-13 standardsThe headband, although comfortable, is not that durable and may need replacement within a few months
Incredibly high manufacture rating of 1/2/1/2Some users have reported that the viewing panel does not darken entirely, but remains either clear or green on the outer edges
Innovative technology provides the greatest optical experience 

Summary of the review:

  • This is the second solar-powered helmet on the list, yet that does not compromise the high quality of the model. This helmet has a rapid response rate of 1/25,000 sec, and, in addition to the auto-darkening feature, has added protection against the UV/IR wavelengths.
  • This is another helmet with compliance to the ANSIZ87.1-2010 and EN379/9-13 standards and a high rating of 1/2/1/2.
  • Customers have had a generally positive experience with this helmet, only taking issue with problems that arise with the headband after a few months and complications with the viewing panel.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Welding Helmet

If you’re in the market for a welding helmet, you’ve now seen just how many incredible models there are available for purchase.

Each of them seems to hold great value in terms of ease of use due to features such as auto-activation and auto-darkening, etc. but what else should you be looking for in a welding helmet?

Below are a few elements you need to consider when shopping for a welding helmet:

 Review current standards

Pay attention to when the helmet was manufactured vs. when you are purchasing it.

Depending on the year it was made, it may be so old that it no longer complies with current safety standards, specifically ANSI standards. Those that do will typically have met the following criteria:

  • Withstand high-velocity impacts
    • Offer 100% UV/IR filtering in every shade setting
    • Must maintain darkness shades even in extreme temperatures from a low of 23֯F and a maximum of 131֯F
    • Must meet adjustment speeds as advertised

 What type of lens does it have?

There are two main types of lenses:

  • Passive lens: These lenses are typically the least expensive with shades measured typically on a scale of #8-13, although that can vary. They are fixed in shade, and most often distributed as #10. Although they are cheaper, they may not be the best choice, especially for beginners due to the lack of versatility (in certain instances, working against the welder).
    • Auto-darkening lens: This feature was demonstrated extensively by many helmets featured on this list, and, despite the slightly higher price tag, is the better option for many types of welding work. Auto-darkening eliminates the need to repeatedly raise and lower your hood and significantly aids in improving workflow due to hands-free adjustments.

 Comfort of the helmet’s design

Consider what type of work you will be doing. Are you a hobbyist or are you purchasing the helmet for work?

This influences the length of time and frequency with which you will be using this helmet, so you must pay close attention to the spaciousness of the design, whether it is ergonomic, and what type of head strap it features.

 What is the weight of the helmet?

This will directly affect the level of comfort you experience when using your new helmet.

A helmet that is too heavy will be hazardous to your safety, as it may introduce strain and fatigue to your neck when used for extended periods.

Remember that there are many different applications for your helmet, but if welding is the primary use, you’ll want to go lighter.

 What type of battery does the helmet have?

You have the choice of purchasing a helmet that uses batteries or solar power (or a hybrid).

This doesn’t have too much weight on your direct experience with the helmet, although it may alter the setup time before your work (i.e., solar-powered helmets need to be left out to charge before operation).

Read also: How to Charge a Solar Welding Helmet?

Best Welding Helmet for the money FAQs

Let’s close out this page about welding helmets for the money with answers to some of your most frequently-asked questions about them!

Which is better: solar-powered or battery -operated?

The choice between a battery-operated helmet and one that is solar-rechargeable is typically left to personal preference.

The only notable difference between the two is that users find themselves getting “flashed” with battery-operated helmets more frequently than solar ones.

This is because low batteries can easily be confused with an idle helmet that is still dark.

What is the correct shade for maximum eye protection?

All helmets from reputable manufacturers will be constructed with filters for 100% protection from UV and IR wavelengths.

Though many people think the shade number directly relates to the level of protection, the shade number is just a representation of the darkness of a specific lens.

Since the shade is primarily geared toward providing a comfortable experience for the user, you can choose virtually any shade number and still achieve maximum protection.

What is the right way to store my helmet?

Always store your helmet in a dry environment, protected from extreme temperatures.

Your preferred storage location should never be outside of the general range of 14-120˚F.

Ideally, you should store it in its original packaging, or something that resembles it, somewhere that it will not be vulnerable to falling or being knocked over.

Related Reading:

 👉 10 Best TIG Welders for the Money – Top Picks

 👉 8 Best Welding Tables – Top Picks and Buying Guide

👉 10 Best Welders for Home Use (MIG, TIG, Stick)

👉 Are Auto-Darkening Welding Helmets Safe? What You Need To Know

👉 How to Properly Clean a Welding Helmet Lens – Fast and Easy

👉 How to Adjust an Auto Darkening Welding Helmet: A Quick Guide

David Harper

David is the Co-Founder and Senior Editor at weldingtroop.com. David's an experienced fitter and tuner/welder who's passionate about helping others develop in life through new skills and opportunities.

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