10 Best Cheap Tig Welders 2025 in the United States

The Lincoln Electric Square Wave 205 TIG Welder is a versatile and portable option suitable for those needing a reliable TIG welder on a budget. One strong point is its ability to weld aluminum well, thanks to adjustable AC Frequency and AC Balance controls that let you fine-tune the bead width and cleaning action. This gives more control over weld quality, especially on different thicknesses and dirty surfaces.

It doubles as a stick welder too, which is great if you want one machine for both precise TIG work and tougher outdoor jobs. The welder runs on either 120V or 230V power, making it flexible for various work environments, and its lightweight design (only 36 pounds) makes it easy to transport. Its multi-process capability and portability make it a solid choice for hobbyists or small-scale welders who don't need heavy industrial power.

This welder is a good pick if you want a compact, adaptable TIG welder that also handles stick welding, without needing to spend a lot.

The ARCCAPTAIN TIG Welder AC/DC 200Amp is a versatile and affordable multi-process welding machine that supports both AC and DC welding, making it suitable for a range of materials including aluminum, magnesium, stainless steel, and carbon steel. It includes advanced waveform options like pulse, square, and triangular waves to reduce heat distortion and improve weld quality, especially on thin metals. With a wide amperage range, it can handle metal thickness from very thin (0.5mm) to moderately thick (up to 10mm), covering most light to medium welding tasks.

The large LED display simplifies setting adjustments, and digital controls allow precise tuning of welding parameters. Weighing about 26.5 pounds, the unit offers decent portability for a TIG welder of this power. It supports foot pedal control, although the pedal is sold separately, which may be inconvenient for users wanting full control immediately. The high-frequency start feature aids easier arc starting. The machine comes with a 5-year service promise and useful accessories like a torch and ground clamp.

Made in China, the welder has received positive user feedback with some noting that its user interface can be complex initially. It is an excellent choice for hobbyists and beginners seeking a flexible machine that covers many welding methods without a high price. However, professionals requiring heavy-duty, continuous use might prefer a welder with a higher duty cycle and a more rugged build.

The ARCCAPTAIN 250A welder is a versatile 6-in-1 machine combining MIG (both gas and gasless), Lift TIG, Stick, Spot, and Spool Gun welding, making it attractive for users who want multiple welding processes in one unit. It offers a solid amperage range up to 250A, suitable for welding a variety of metals including mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The digital controls and synergic MIG mode help beginners get started quickly, while manual adjustments allow more experienced users to fine-tune settings. The machine runs on both 110V and 220V power, providing flexibility for different workshop setups.

For TIG welding, an extra purchase of the Lift TIG torch is required. The welder lacks AC capability, which is important for welding aluminum with TIG, limiting its TIG performance compared to dedicated TIG welders that support AC/DC. The machine weighs 20.5 pounds and has a compact size, making it fairly easy to move around. It does not include built-in foot pedal control or high-frequency start, features valuable for precise TIG welding control and arc starting without touching the tungsten.

Safety features and a large LED display enhance user-friendliness. This welder is a solid choice if you want an affordable, multi-process machine with decent power and beginner-friendly controls, but it may not meet the needs of users focused primarily on professional TIG welding, especially aluminum work requiring AC and high-frequency start.