Is welding your hobby or occupation? Getting the best welding helmet may provide you with much needed security when using a welding machine. A good and sturdy helmet will ensure that you carry out your task without stress and effectively. Since you’ve to wear a welding helmet for long hours and in great heat, it should be comfortable enough to sustain you through the hours. Furthermore, it should protect you from flying particles and secure your eyes from ultraviolet light.

Our Recommend Top 3 Welding Helmet Comparison Table

ImagesWelding HelmetWhat We Like
(2023 Editor's Pick)
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Welding Helmet, Shade 3 and 8-12, Black
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  • Best for both MIG & TIG welding

  • Powerful AAA with extended 20000 hour s battery life

  • Medium price
  • (Cheap Price Choice)
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    Antra AH6-260-0000 Solar Power Auto Darkening Welding Helmet Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13 with Grinding 6+1 Extra lens covers Stable for TIG MIG MMA Plasma
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  • Affordable auto darkening welding helmet with Solar-Lithium powered battery

  • Lightweight design reduces neck and head stress

  • Low price
  • (Professionals Pick)
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    Welding Helmet, Black, 3350 Series
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  • 4C Lens technology offers clearest view in both light and dark

  • Wide 12.5 sq. inch viewing area

  • Slightly High Priced
  • Summary of Contents

    Factors to consider when buying the best welding helmet

    The best helmet is the one with auto darkening feature. It should as well meet the safety standard and be very fitting on the head. But since there are many brands to choose from, selecting the best can be somehow tricky. From now henceforth, you don’t need to worry about how to pick the best welding helmet for the price as this review will guide you perfectly.


    SAVE TIME: Directly Go Our Recommend Top 15 Welding Helmet list


    Welding helmet largest viewing area?

    Viewing size- If you want to have a wider view of your welding works, then a bigger viewing screen will be ideal for you. For beginners in welding, they should have a clear and large view for them to perform well. Other welding helmets come with side screens for better viewing when welding.

    Related: Get a list of good plasma cutter.

    Auto shade welding helmet or Fixed shade welding helmet?

    Fixed or variable shade– The welding helmet come with either a fixed or variables shade. A fixed shade can perform various types of welding at a standard lens of 10. This kind of shade gives the same protection despite what amps the light brings out.  When it comes to variable shade, their lens has auto darkening filters (ADF).

    This feature is set off when the arc sensors detect very bright light, and in the process activating the filter and darkening the lens to the suitable shade. For great protection and a good view of the welding works, the auto shade is the best.

    Solar powered welding helmet VS Battery powered welding helmet!

    Type of batteries- There are two commonly used power sources for welding helmets. They can be battery powered or solar powered. Helmets with the auto darkening filter mostly contain 3 main power choices that include; battery, solar and a combination of the two. Solar powered helmets need to be charged more often and don’t need replacement. For battery powered helmets, they come ready for use out of the box. When using this kind of power source, you should set aside spare batteries in case they run out.

    Best auto darkening welding lens?

    Reaction time of the lens- This is the rate at which the helmet changes from light to the dark mode or dark to light mode. If the number is small, the rate of switching will be faster and the better your eyes will be secured. This number is very vital as a large number will mean delay and hurt into the eyes. This may bring discomfort to the eye.

    Pick a helmet with a small lens reaction time. Are auto darkening welding helmets safe? Although there is some debate I will say it safe to use.

    0 or 1 or 2 or 4 sensor welding helmet?

    Number of arc sensors- These sensors take charge of the darkening of the lens on the outside surrounding. The best helmets usually have 3 sensors above, while low quality helmets contain 1 or 2 sensors.

    Control & Adjustment of welding helmet!

    External VS internal controls- Helmets with shade and delay controls located inside them are not very convenient to use as you’re required to remove the helmet to change the settings. Helmets with external controls are very easy to use as the controls are located on the shell of the helmet or come with a separate remote control. With an external control, you don’t have to remove the helmet make adjustments.

    Lightweight welding helmet?

    Weight- This is a very vital feature when selecting a helmet. Since you will be required to work for longer hours wearing this gear, a helmet should be lightweight to reduce strain on the neck or head and offer you great comfort as you work. Therefore, ensure it weighs less to have a great experience when operating your duties.

    Comfortable latest top rated welding helmets?

    Comfort- The helmet should fit you properly and be stable on your head. In addition, it should be adjusted easily to allow you to change as you work. With the latest technology, current helmets come with sophisticated features that make wearing it to be more comfortable and fun.

    High quality welding helmets setting!

    Adjustable sensitivity and delay settings- The best welding helmet will certainly have adjustable sensitivity and delay controls. The sensitivity relates to how bright the arc requires for it to switch on the auto darkening filter feature. The delay control is the time required for the lens to remain dark after the arc is finished. If the arc is very bright, it’s advisable to get a helmet with a longer delay.

    Welding safety helmet standard?

    Safety standards- Another great factor to consider when picking a helmet is to observe whether it meets the national safety standards. The most common and basic standard that every helmet should meet is the ANSI Z87.1-2010.

    The stringent tests ensure that the helmet meets all the specs advertised, secures from radiation, ideal adjusting speed and offers great safety. The best helmets meet this standard and others which makes them good for use when welding.

    Best cheap welding helmet?

    Budget- As you prepare to acquire a new helmet, ensure it’s within your range or set a budget. Narrow down the best welding helmet with amazing features within your price range. Don’t go for the very lowly priced as they may not be the best. With a good budget, sacrifice a little bit to get the best helmet in the market. There are all kinds of welding helmets at different prices but those with outstanding features come at a bit higher price. If you want a durable and highly protective helmet, break the bank to get value for money.

    Warranty!

    Warranty– Check out some welding helmets that come with a warranty. A warranty assures you of the quality of the product and in case of any defect, they will replace them for you. Most of the helmet manufacturers provide 2 years warranty with some offering up to 5 years.

    Related: If you love motorcycle then check here motorcycle helmet reviews.

    Importance of using the best welding helmets auto darkening

    Ways of keeping your helmet clean and safe for use

    1. When cleaning the helmet only use the recommended products from the manufacturer by reading the manual clearly.
    2. Always examine your welding helmet before use. A small crack on the lenses or any other part of the helmet can cause havoc to you. So, discover such defects and repair immediately before use.
    3. Store your helmet and other protective gear safely. It can be in a backpack or drawer away from reach to children.
    4. Replace or restore any damaged part for the great performance of the helmet. Get in touch with the manufacturer to ensure you receive the ideal replacement parts.
    5. Set aside welding lenses for emergencies. You ever know when the lens will break down, thus having a spare with you is vital.

    Our Recommend Top 15 Best Welding Helmet reviews

    When choosing a helmet, it is greatly suggested that you pick the top welding helmet for great comfort, and protection as you carry out your welding duties. Different helmet brands come with different features that you should check out before coming up with your choice.

    With our thorough research and testing of different quality helmets on the market, we’ve come up with the list of the best welding helmets for you. So, you don’t need to try different helmets in order to land the best. Read through our reviews and choose a helmet that meets your needs and demands.

    The top 15 reviews below comprise some of the top welding helmets in the market at a very good cost with excellent features.

    Best auto darkening welding helmet – Antra AH6 review (Our top pick)

    Antra AH6 is a greatly designed product with distinctive features. The top quality welding helmet is powered by solar which is a good option for the battery as it doesn’t require replacement. As well, this top rated welding helmet has an auto-darkening feature that protects your eyes from UV light when working. For a great view ad use when welding, the helmet has a large viewing screen with 4 premium different sensors for better performance.

    In addition, the helmet is shade variable and covers welding types such as usual welding and plasma cutting. Also, this Antra AH6 has a cheater lens/magnifying lens that matches the design for better protection of the eye. For more protection, it has a step-less delay and a sensitivity knob adjustable. This type of helmet is desirable for Plasma, Arc, Mig, and Tig  applications.
    Auto darkening welding helmetCheck Price

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    Best Solar powered auto darkening welding helmet – Instapark welding helmet review

    When it comes to the best welding helmet for the money, the Instapark ADF is the ideal choice. It is powered by solar and can be recharged when the power runs out. The auto darkening feature provides great protection to the eyes from harsh light exposed to them during welding. Also, it has an adjustable shade range of 9 to 13 making it suitable for use in different angles and positions.

    This is a highly safe helmet as it meets several standards which include; ANSI Z87.1, GS, CSA Z94.3, and CE among others. Moreover, the helmet has a wide viewing area for easy operation when welding. Other features include improved optics to provide maximum optical clarity so as to reduce eye fatigue. This helmet is perfectly suited for uses such as; metal inert gas, arc welding, and tungsten inert gas.
    Instapark welding helmet reviewCheck Price

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    Top welding helmets – Miller auto darkening welding helmet reviews

    Miller is one of the top welding helmet brands in the market currently. It creates a very safe and high quality helmet that has proven to be very efficient in use. The black colored Miller electric welding helmet is solar powered and doesn’t need to purchase a new battery when it runs out. Also, it uses a battery and you can decide to either power it with battery or solar.

    The helmet is lightweight and very comfortable to function with it during welding. It has a good viewing area and comes with 2 arc sensors for added eye protection. It has a great switching speed of 1/10, 000 sec which doesn’t damage the eye at all. Other features include the auto darkening filter which protects the eye from UV and other harmful lights.
    Miller auto darkening welding helmet reviewsCheck Price

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    Cool welding helmets design – Lincoln welding helmet reviews

    Lincoln is a well established brand in the market that produces high quality and protective welding helmets. It has a wide range of models to pick from with the Lincoln electric Viking 3350 being one of them. This helmet has one of the largest viewing areas and can be a great fit for both beginners and pros in welding. As well, it has one of the best optical clarity that enables you to see clearly work being undertaken. This Lincoln Electric VIKING has a pivot style headgear created for amazing comfort and fit on your head.

    It is one of the best protective helmets as it comprises the 4c lens technology that secures your eyes from UV and other harmful lights. With its lightweight, you can use this helmet for long hours without getting fatigued.
    Lincoln welding helmet reviewsCheck Price

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    Jackson welding helmet review – Best rated auto darkening welding helmets

    Jackson Safety is one of the featured packed helmets. It is sturdily constructed with a high density plastic shell that that secures the user’s face and head. Furthermore, it is lightweight for great comfort and uses for long hours without getting fatigued. This is one of the highly rated helmets when it comes to offering the best protection. It has the best EN379 ratings for optical clarity, angular dependence, diffusion of light, and fluctuation of luminous transmittance.

    In addition, it comes with a variable shade of 9 to 13 to give the eyes greater protection when welding. For ease of use, it has 3 headgear adjustments to suit different forms of welding. The Jackson safety ADF welding helmet has a sensitivity and delays controls to suit different welding environments and types of welding. The helmet comes with a balder technology that makes it perform outstandingly. With a super angle view, you can count on this helmet to deliver high protection and a great view as you weld.
    Jackson welding helmet reviewCheck Price

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    Lincoln Electric 3350 Series Welding Helmet

    The Lincoln electric 3350 welding helmet is one of the best professional welding helmets on the market. This helmet features a top-rated lens and 4 arc sensors. As a result, this means that the shade will not flicker in case there are any obstructions. In addition, it has a wide view with an optical rating of 1/1/1/1. Other top features of this helmet include internal shade, delay control, and sensitivity. You can as well adjust the shade across two shades, which are 5 to 8 and 9 to 13. With a 3-year warranty and outstanding features, this is a great helmet for professional welders.

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    3M Speedglass Welding Helmet 9100

    The 3M speedglass welding helmet is another high-quality ADF helmet suitable for professional welders as well as DIYers. It features an auto-darkening filter that reacts in just 0.1 milliseconds and will automatically detect a welding arc and force the molten to darken. This helps to keep your eyes safe and thus you’re able to work quicker and more efficiently.

    Moreover, the helmet comes with windows on each side, designed to heighten your peripheral view and protect against UV rays and infrared radiation. On top of that, it is very comfortable and suitable for people who work for longer hours.

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    Jackson Safety Insight ADF Helmet

    Jackson Safety is one of the top welding helmet brands on the market. They offer high-quality and exceptional welding helmets. The Jackson safety insight welding helmet will allow you to do your job efficiently and safely. It features smart filters that allow the welder to easily adapt to different working surroundings by allowing them to control the shade of the lens and by providing adjustments for sensitivity from ambient lighting sources.

    Moreover, the helmet has a large viewing area that allows the welder to get the job done perfectly. Other features like the 4 sensors, sensitivity and delay adjustments, and easy to use digital sensors make using this helmet to be easy.

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    Antra AH6-260-000 Solar Power ADF Helmet

    If you’re tight on the budget but still want a quality helmet that will protect your eyes and skin, then the Antra AH6 is a great option for you. The Antra AH6 solar power helmet comes with features of high-end helmets but at a lower price. It is lightweight making it suitable for wearing for long hours. It has an optical clarity of 1/2/1/2, which is not bad for its price. The shade selection range for the Antra AH6-260 is from 5 to 9 and 9 to 13. In addition, it has a light shade of 4. With 4 arc sensors, autotest, and solar-powered operation with battery assist, this is a wonderful helmet for different types of welding.

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    Esab SENTINEL A50 ADF Helmet

    The Esab Sentinel A50 welding helmet is an outstanding ADF helmet with amazing features. It is sleekly designed to provide a comfortable fit and has a large viewing area. Thanks to its infinitely-adjustable 5 point headgear. In addition, the low-profile design, central pivot point allows for maximum head clearance while the helmet is in the up position.

    The excellent color touchscreen control panel comes with 8 separate memory settings that allow you to set it to your preference. In case you want to change the front cover lens, you can do so in only 10 seconds without having to remove the helmet. With such features, this is a great helmet to spend your money on.

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    Tacklife Pro Welding Helmet

    The Tacklife pro welding helmet is a simple but excellent helmet for DIYers, professionals as well as startup welders. The helmet has an optical class of 1/1/1/1, which provides your eyes with the best protection. In addition, it has a wide shade range of 3/4 – 8 and 9 – 13. It has a large viewing area that enables welders to do their job efficiently with 4 premium sensors. Also, it has a quick response time of fewer than 1/25000 seconds. Above all, it is lightweight and comfortable. With a 24-month warranty, this is a reliable helmet for TIG, MIG, MAG, arc-air gouging, plasma beam cutting, etc.

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    Miller Electric ADF Helmet

    If you’re a professional welder who requires a lightweight and comfortable auto-darkening filter helmet, then this is the best choice for you. The Miller electric ADF welding helmet is one of the lightest and most comfortable helmets on the market. It only weighs 2.8 pounds, which means that you can wear it for long hours. The large viewing area allows you to complete the tasks accurately and fast.

    Furthermore, the lithium batteries included in the purchase provide you with hours of power. You can as well adjust the settings to suit your job. Other amazing features include delay control, low battery indicator, 4 arc sensors, and excellent switching time of 1/20, 000 seconds.

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    DEKOPRO Solar Powered Welding Helmet

    The Dekopro solar powered welding helmet is sturdily and compactly designed to provide an excellent fit to the welder. The helmet comes with a standard 3.85-inch by 3.15-inch clear vision viewing area. This allows the welder to see clearly. Additionally, it has a manual adjustment that allows you to choose an accurate shade, sensitivity, and delay. Also, you can adjust the headgear to your perfect fit. The auto-darkening filter allows the welder to change from light to dark in 1/25000s seconds. At such a great price, the welder gets to protect his eyes and face from UV and IR radiation.

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    Jackson Safety BH3 ADF Welding Helmet

    For those who are ready to spend in order to get the best welding helmet, the Jackson Safety BH3 is a great option. This helmet doesn’t come with lots of features but its features are of the best quality. For instance, it has an auto-darkening filter with balder technology that provides the user with the clearest vision than any other welding helmet on the market. In addition, it has the industry’s best warranty for 5-years.

    Besides, the Jackson Safety BH3 ADF welding helmet has the best EN379 rating of 1/1/1/1 for optical clarity, the variation of luminous transmittance, diffusion of light and angular dependence. It also has a variable shade range from 9 to 13 to assist shield and protect the welder’s eyes from radiant energy during welding. Definitely, this is a top welding helmet ideal for professional welders.

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    Instapark ADF Series GX990T Welding Helmet

    The Instapark ADF series welding helmet is another great budget welding helmet for DIYers as well as professionals welders. At such a friendly price, the cartridge’s optical rating is high on 1/1/1/2. In addition, it has a grind mode and a sensitivity of 0.06 milliseconds. This means that it’s extremely fast. Moreover, the Instapark ADF series has convenient external controls and adjustments for sensitivity, dark state, and delay without taking off the helmet. However, it is also very heavy.

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    What features should I look for in the best welding helmet?

    Summary

    A great welding helmet may be the difference between securing your eyes from UV light and other dangers that might happen while working. Get the best welding helmet that covers most of your face and head and meets all the safety standards. It should as well be lightweight and comfortable enough to last you long hours of work. With so many brands in the market, acquire one with the features that you desire and within your budget. Our guidelines above can be of great help in deciding what kind of welding helmet you want. Read it carefully to make an informed purchase.

    Welding helmets play an important role in welding workshops as they provide protection to the eyes, face, neck, and whole head. The helmet prevents welding flash burns, infrared rays, ultraviolet rays, and heat from damaging the user.

    The rays from welding points can cause damage to different parts of the body such as hurting the skin and eye retina. If there is advanced damage to the retina, this can lead to blindness and other eye complications. As a result, if you’re TIG, arc/stick, or MIG welder, then you need one of the best welding helmets on the market.

    A welding helmet comes with padding inside, adjustable straps, and an ergonomic design that minimizes fatigue and helps you to be comfortable while working. Additionally, the helmet features a window space that allows you to see through as you work.

    If it’s your first time looking for a welding helmet or you’re fed up with your previous helmet and want a more reliable and comfortable helmet, then we’ve got you covered. This list features helmets that have been tested and proven to not only offer protection but as well as comfort to the user.

    FAQs

    What is welding?

    Welding is the procedure of combining two similar materials by heating both until the ends become molten. The filler material is then added into the molten material and the two ends are combined or welded together to create one piece when cool. Weld joints are normally as strong as the base metals being joined.

    What is the importance of wearing a welding helmet?

    A quality helmet is very vital when performing any form of welding. The welding helmet protects the user from the radiation produced by welding arc, and from debris and heat effect. Also, welding with great optical clarity adds to the quality of the welds, as they enable the welder to see the weld puddle very distinctly.

    How much do I need to spend to get a quality welding helmet?

    A welding helmet is a very important accessory for welders. If you’re a professional welder who spends most of the time welding, then you need a high-quality helmet that you can rely on. A quality helmet will offer great visibility, comfort, and safety. But if you want a helmet for one-time projects at home, a low-cost welding helmet is just good for you.

    Which helmet should I choose between one with a fixed shade and one with a variable shade?

    Auto-darkening helmets usually come with variable or fixed shade adjustable lenses. The variable shade lens is suitable where you need to weld more than one type of material, thickness, and process. In order to secure your eyes from different degrees of brightness, you’ll have to adjust the shade of the lens very well. On the other hand, fixed shade lenses are ideal especially if you’re welding a single type of material like steel with the same procedure.

    Which one is a better, internal or external control?

    Internal control helmets have their shade and delay controls inside the helmet, which is somehow challenging as you have to remove the helmet in order to make adjustments. On the other hand, external controls are based on either the external shell of the helmet or on a separate remote control. This is more convenient as it enables you to make adjustments without removing the helmet. So, a helmet with external control is the best option.

    Which helmet should I buy – fixed shade or variable shade?

    The shade numbers of the lens indicate the ability of the lens to filter light. A shade level is chosen with regard to the welding process and amperage. This is because every person’s eyes are different; the shade level as well depends on the welder’s eyes and age.

    Variable shades are the best as they have an auto-darkening feature that improves your comfort level and convenience. You simply adjust the lens to suit the application you’re working on. But they are very expensive. On the other hand, the fixed lens is cheaper and you have to remove the helmet in order to check the quality of the weld. In addition, you will be forced to put the torch in position before putting on the helmet.

    How much do I need to spend to get a quality welding helmet?

    This depends on a number of things. If you’re a professional who is going to use the helmet for an extended period of time, then you need a quality and comfortable welding helmet. But if you’re a DIYer who will only use the helmet for a few minutes or hours, then a simple helmet is great for you. All the same, having a quality helmet will provide you with better visibility, safety, comfort, and adaptability.

    What are the different types of welding?

    Before you purchase a welding helmet, it is vital that you know the type of welding that you’re going to engage in so that you can get the right welding helmet for the job. There are various types of welding and the most popular include MIG or gas welding, arc or stick welding, gas tungsten arc (TIG) welding, plasma cutters, and oxygen and arc cutting.

    I hope you have gotten your answer after reading this Best Welding Helmet. You can comment below for more information.

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