Without a reliable welding helmet, can you think of accomplishing a welding task?
A welding helmet is a kind of product that works selflessly to keep you safe during a welding session.
But the fact is, if the welding helmet is unreliable, it will not be able to deliver proper safety to its user.
At this point, you should pick the best welding helmet that is made of premium quality materials, ensures comfortability, and confirms high visibility and clarity.
In this article, we have reviewed welding helmets that are the best in their industry.
So, let’s take a closer look.
OUR TOP 3 PICKS
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Top 10 Best Welding Helmet Review
The reviewed welding helmets in this article offer premium value in their categories. All of them are available with unique features to satisfy your requirements.
1. Hobart 770890 Auto-Dark Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Value-adding item.
- The outer shell is Polyamide made.
- Cost-effective.
The Hobart 770890 Auto-Dark Welding Helmet comes with a simple, sleek design. We all know welding tasks are tough and critical, but with this helmet, your welding session will be smoother for sure.
With the help of 4 arc sensors, darkness will be automatically adjusted in the helmet. Besides, its sensitivity level is adjustable.
You will also find a head strap with a helmet that is tailored with a convenient gel pad. The responsibility of the gel pad is to provide comfort while wearing it.
Its viewing area is 3.8” long and 1.7” wide. Since the viewing area is sufficient, you will not struggle to view your work during a welding session; moreover, the lens will not get unclear, and you will always have clear visibility throughout the viewing area.
The helmet features an auto-darkening lens that gets darkened accordingly to protect your eyes. Its response time is 1/25,000 seconds, which is efficient and competent enough to keep your eyes safe from harmful rays.
Also, when the light changes, the lens switch shades automatically.
Pros
- An adjustable lens in darkness.
- Compatible with any head size.
- Stylish strap.
Cons
- It’s not a wide lens.
2. Lincoln Viking 3350 Welding Helmet, 3350 Series
Key Features:
- Clarity rating: 1-1-1-1.
- 4C technology.
- Well-ventilated.
You will hardly find a welding helmet that comes with an extreme clarity rating of 1-1-1-1. The Lincoln Electric Welding Helmet, 3350 Series, Black, features the highest optical rating.
The helmet has become very popular among professionals and DIY enthusiasts because of its shorter switching period to darkening mode.
It switches within 1.25,000 seconds and obviously without creating any hassle. It is a solar-powered welding helmet. You can control the auto-darkening mode through a control knob.
4C technology makes the helmet a unique product among many welding helmets. With the help of its 4 arc sensors, the product darkens the lens without losing much time.
Moreover, fumes, hot air, and dangerous gasses stay away from the helmet due to its well-ventilated process.
Furthermore, regular welding helmets are bulky, and wearing them, you can’t work for an extended period. Impressively, using its adjustable suspension system, the weight gets distributed on the head.
It is a highly recommended welding helmet for professional use. Besides, it is backed by 3 years of warranty.
Pros
- It’s an exceptionally clear lens.
- Replaceable battery.
- 3 years of warranty.
Cons
- Frequent maintenance is necessary.
3. Miller Welding Helmet 28100
Key Features:
- 4 arc sensors.
- ClearLight Lens technology.
- Auto on/off.
Miller introduces the most upgraded and innovative technologies in the Miller Welding Helmet 28100 – Black. It is a suitable pick for all types of welding work.
“Contemporary technology” is the unique technology of the helmet. The purpose of this technology is to provide your natural tones of light by blocking all harmful rays like UV and IR. This way, welding quality gets improved.
The shell of the helmet is nylon-made. Also, its 4 arc sensors and advanced “X” mode counter maximum light interference.
It will be a great welder when you need to weld outside under heavy sunlight and complex light conditions. Moreover, it is powered by 2 Lithium-Ion batteries with a replaceable option. Also, the ratchet is fully adjustable.
Its viewing area is 9 square inches, which is one of the largest among all welding helmets available in the market.
Many customers appreciated its auto-darkening feature since it reacts very fast when the light condition goes from bright to dark. The lens remains protected from different impacts due to the sturdy shock-absorbing gasket.
Pros
- Comfortably adjust on any head size.
- Made of highly durable material.
- Comes with all advanced features.
Cons
- Irregular performance from the headgear.
4. Optrel Auto Darkening Welding Helmet VegaView 2.5
Key Features:
- Sensor slide.
- PAPR system.
- Optical rating: 1-1-1-1
The Optrel Auto Darkening Welding Helmet VegaView 2.5 is designed to be lightweight so that you can wear it for long hours without any hassle.
Moreover, providing the topmost safety and security to your eyes and face, the welding helmet comes with advanced safety features.
The welding helmet features first-class true color technology, and you will be able to experience true HD color before, after, and during a welding session.
It comes with a unique sensor slide feature, allowing its user to adjust the viewing area as needed. Your backside will always be protected; no matter whether it is dust, smoke, or any other type of debris, this filter will block everything that can damage your head and eyes. It is budget-friendly with a mountain air odor filter.
The best thing is you can adjust the shade between 8 – 12 different options. The welding mask is designed to provide you with many years of service.
If you face breathing problems wearing a mask during a welding session, without thinking twice, purchase the Optrel Auto Darkening Welding Helmet VegaView 2.5.
Pros
- Suitable for both welding and grinding tasks.
- Protects eyes and face skillfully.
- Easy to use.
Cons
- Over time, the item periodically flashes if you wear it outside.
5. Jackson Safety BH3 Auto Darkening Filter Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Balder technology.
- Clarity rating: 1-1-1-1.
- Viewing area: 3.8″ x 2.7″.
Durable, maximum possible clarity, premium quality, and many other features make the Jackson Balder Technology (46157) Auto Darkening Welding Helmet one of the best helmets in the market.
The most notable feature of the helmet is an extensive viewing area, which is 3.8″ x 2.7″. The large viewing area will allow you to weld out-of-position welding work, too.
Also, balder technology enables the unit to deliver premium quality visual clarity. It comes with an impressive 1-1-1-1 clarity rating.
The auto-darkening feature offers a wide shade range from 9 – 13. You will not only be able to adjust the shade but also adjust the delay and sensitivity, and you will become much more comfortable with this welding helmet.
Its response time is 0.00015 seconds; without doing it late, your eyes will be protected once the lens spots a sudden arc.
Moreover, the headgear comes with 3 adjustable options to deliver the best security and protection. Its cover plate in the headgear is curved. As a result, fumes can’t build up inside the helmet.
Pros
- Adjustable feature.
- Compatible with a wide range of applications.
- Solar-powered.
Cons
- Unavailability of grind mode.
6. ESAB 0700000800 Black Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Long lifespan.
- Adjustable clarity level.
- Halo headgear.
The design of the ESAB 0700000800 Black Welding Helmet is similar to a mask, and it is made of high-impact resistant nylon to provide consistent protection for a long period.
Without any trouble, you can quickly move around your head, wearing it. Also, if you require, you can open up the viewing area too.
With its “halo headgear,” you can fasten the hood comfortably. Also, during a welding session, it will never fall off your head accidentally.
The best feature is through an LCD screen inside the helmet; you can adjust the clarity level on the lens. The viewing area is also large enough to let you see the welding area and surroundings comfortably. When required, you will not face any hassle in replacing the lens.
Additionally, when the battery power is less, you will get a notification to place it for charging. Its eye-catching look and many exceptional features have received appreciation from both professionals and DIY lovers.
Pros
- Hassle-free movement while wearing the helmet.
- Wearable at any head size.
- Eye-catchy design.
Cons
- Expensive price tag.
7. 3M Speedglass Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Lithium-Ion battery life: 2000 hours.
- Quick response time.
- Comfortable fitting.
In terms of a response time of 0.1 milliseconds, no other welding mask can beat the 3M speed glass welding mask. Just after detecting any sudden arc, the hood responds immediately.
Also, the hood is available with side windows. It contains dark shade 5 filters so that you can have a better view of the peripheral sides.
It will protect your eyes from dangerous UV and infrared rays. Moreover, its prime responsibility is to provide comfort and safety during a welding session.
You can customize many other features, such as auto-darkening delay in the 3M speed glass welding hood. It comes with 3 arc sensors.
You will get prompt reactions from the arc sensors, as detection is impressively accurate in these sensors. An additional feature of the welding hood is it is available with a grinding mode that you will need to activate manually.
Its exhaust vents are another great feature. The exhaled air comes out through the exhaust vents to reduce the fog and heat.
Thus, you will get a more improved working environment inside the helmet. The welding helmet is compatible with many other welding processes like TIG, MIG, and Stick welding.
Pros
- Ergonomic design.
- Proper weight distribution.
- Easy access to the grinding mode.
Cons
- Poor packaging.
Best Welding Helmet Under $50
1. Antra AH-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Affordable.
- Lightweight.
- Adjustable lens.
Are you looking for a versatile welding helmet? The Antra AH-260-0000 Auto Darkening Welding Helmet will meet all your requirements, and in terms of performance, it is one of the best performers in the market.
It is only 1.9 lbs, comparatively lightweight than other welding helmets. For this reason, you can wear it for an extended period, and no strain will happen to your neck.
Polyamide nylon material is used to make the helmet. This material is durable and also ensures safety to its wearer.
During different environments, you can wear a welding helmet. Its excellent ventilation system works effectively and keeps the helmet area comfortable for its user.
Delay adjustments and sensitivity are pretty perfect in the helmet. The helmet not only provides safety to your head but also ensures that your neck remains safe from any impact.
Most users are picking the welding helmet because of its affordable price. Within the price range, it offers the best features. Furthermore, controlling the helmet is pretty straightforward since it has external buttons.
Pros
- Extreme switching speed.
- Excellent optical clarity: 1-1-1-2.
- Adjustable external knob.
Cons
- Flimsy construction.
2. DEKOPRO Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- Adjustment functions.
- Solar-powered and a Lithium-Ion battery.
- Viewing Area: 7 square inches.
This cool welding helmet Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet comes with an exceptional design that anyone will love at first sight.
“Auto-darkening filter” is the best feature of the welding hood. During an electric failure, the helmet will turn from light to dark within 1/25,0000 seconds. Also, the hood will save your eyes from UV and infrared rays. Its shade rating is 1-2-1-2, which makes it an ideal pick for safety.
The size of the viewing area is 7 square inches and offers clear visibility to its user. The helmet controls the shade of different working environments automatically.
It is a lightweight helmet that provides optimum comfort to its users. It contains adjustable headgear so that you can balance the weight as per your requirements.
It runs on a 210mAH Lithium-Ion battery. More importantly, the battery is solar-powered as well. Operating the helmet is not a complicated task since a user manual is also available with it. The mask is wallet-friendly and suitable for beginners.
Pros
- Perfect choice for a wide range of welding tasks.
- Battery life: 5000 hours.
- Provides a clear field of view.
Cons
- The solar-powered option doesn’t perform consistently.
3. YESWELDER Auto Darkening Welding Helmet
Key Features:
- True color lens technology.
- Fast darkening.
- Strong material-made welding helmet.
Are you tired of looking for a welding helmet that is perfect for TIG, MIG, and MMA? Don’t look further and purchase the YESWELDER Auto Darkening Welding Helmet.
So, what are the essential features of this best welding helmet for beginners? It is equipped with 2 arc sensors, and through its 3.93″ X 1.67″ extensive viewing, you can effortlessly get the true color of your working environment. It is lightweight; only 1.95 lbs means you will not feel any fatigue in your neck when using it for an extended period.
Its optical clarity rating is 1-1-1-2, which ensures clear visibility and less eye strain because it assists in reducing the traditional green tint in the viewing area. It is solar-powered and comes with a Lithium-Ion battery. 3000 hours of battery life will satisfy you for sure.
Since it is an auto-darkening helmet, its response time is also satisfying, which is ≤1/10000 S. It is designed to offer you excellent comfortability with its adjustable headgear. Its digital controlling system will let you control the unit smoothly, and even a beginner can control it without any problem.
Pros
- Easy to wear.
- Lightweight feature to ensure no discomfort while wearing for a long period.
- Digital controlling system.
Cons
- “Instruction manual” translated into the Chinese language.
Buying Guide | How To Pick The Best Welding Helmet?
The best welding helmet can make your welding session enjoyable. During a welding session, lots of lights get produced, and these lights can be harmful to the naked eye. Auto-darkening welding helmets can protect your eyes efficiently.
However, picking the best item is always a tricky task. This is why we have created this buying guide. This section contains information about factors that you need to keep in mind while picking the best welding helmet.
Shade types
Depending on the shade type, a person’s choice of welding helmet will vary. Two main types of shades are available in the market.
- Fixed Shade
Welding helmet that comes with fixed shade doesn’t have the ability of auto-darkening. You will always get dark shades in any light conditions.
Also, you will need to open the viewing area to inspect your welding work in a fixed-shade welding helmet. Moreover, since they will always give you dark shade, don’t forget to put a light source in the welding position to get a better view.
The only advantage of a fixed helmet is they are cheaper than other helmet types.
- Variable Shade
This type of hood is suitable for professionals and newbies. Following the auto-darkening feature, these helmets control their darkness level. As a result, you will always have excellent visibility. Even you can check the quality of the welding area without lifting the helmet’s viewing area.
Also, variable shade welding helmets are more comfortable than fixed shade welding helmets.
Lens Type
- Auto-darkening lenses
In response to different light conditions, auto-darkening helmets adjust their darkness automatically. Just after you start welding, they change themselves to darker. And once you finish welding, it will turn into clear visibility.
These types of lenses will allow you to accomplish a welding task comfortably.
- Passive darkness lenses
Characteristically, passive darkness lenses are vice-versa of auto-darkening lenses. Although they protect from UV and IR, they don’t adjust themselves depending on the light condition.
Fit
Welding helmets are available in different models and fits. Some welding helmets come with adjustable features, while others come with fixed options.
Fixed helmets are relatively cheaper, and they don’t provide much comfort compared to adjustable welding helmets. Adjustable welding helmets come with a strap and other features so that you can adjust them depending on your head size.
Additionally, the best welding helmet comes with a padding feature on the side and chin top areas. Cheap helmets don’t contain these types of padding options in them.
Price
Once you surf in the market, you will find different welding helmets with varying labels of price. Some are less than $100; some come with more than $1000.
First of all, you need to fix your budget, and you must not go beyond it.
Also, you must avoid purchasing poor and cheap quality welding helmets, balancing your price, quality, and project.
Wrap up
You can’t avoid taking safety precautions during a welding session. Undoubtedly, the best welding helmet will keep you safe from all types of hazardous rays and harmful impacts.
Also, they are comfortable to use in different working environments.
Overall, you must ensure your welding working environment is safe by picking the best product from the market.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best welding helmets:
What types of welding helmets are available?
The main types are passive, auto-darkening, and solar-powered auto-darkening welding helmets. Passive helmets have a fixed dark lens. Auto-darkening helmets electronically switch from light to dark when arc welding starts.
What should I consider when choosing a welding helmet?
Key factors are lens reaction speed, optical clarity, view size, adjustment capabilities, headgear comfort, weight, and extra features like grinding mode. Consider your welding process and amperage level, too.
How do I know if a lens has adequate UV/infrared protection?
Quality lenses meet industry standards for filtering UV/IR radiation. Check that the helmet has a rating of at least DIN 16 for UV protection and DIN 9-13 for IR shade levels.
What lens shade number do I need?
Lens shade depends on the welding process. The basic guidelines are shade 10 for MIG, shade 12 for TIG, and shade 14 for stick arc welding. Go darker for high-amp welding.
Do auto-darkening lenses need external grinding shields?
Quality auto-darkening lenses automatically switch to a grind mode when an arc is not detected. This makes external shields unnecessary.
How long do auto-darkening lens batteries last?
Auto-darkening helmets usually have lithium batteries that provide around 1500-3000 hours of use. Solar-assisted helmets extend battery life significantly.
What maintenance is required?
Keep lenses clean and replace worn headgear. Replace auto-darkening lenses if damaged or no longer darkening properly. Check and replace batteries periodically.
What is the lifespan of a welding helmet?
Theoretically, a welding helmet’s batteries last a minimum of 6 – 7 years. Replaceable batteries will deliver at least 3 years of service.
Poor-quality welding helmet batteries will start blinking and malfunctioning within 1- 2 months after the purchase. It would be best to purchase a solar-powered and replaceable battery-welding helmet.
Is welding terrible for the eyes?
If your eyes are unprotected, welding can lead you to blindness. Permanent damage and health problems can happen if you don’t use any eye protection during a welding session.
Can I use my welding helmet for grinding?
You can use it if your welding helmet is eligible to work with grinding. Few of our reviewed welding helmets are efficient enough for grinding and welding.
What is the best welding helmet for Tig?
Lincoln Electric 3350 – This helmet features four independent arc sensors and a large viewing size for optimal visibility on your weld. It has a solar-assisted battery system and adjustable shade from 9-13. The ratchet headgear provides a customized fit.