Mig Welder

M etal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is the most popular welding method, as it is faster and produces less of a mess than its TIG and stick alternatives. MIG welders have gained their popularity due to their power and ability to fuse metals at a fast pace, a quality that made them the number one tool in mass production. Moreover, they are easy to use even by beginners, as they deliver great quality without requiring complicated steps to be followed.

When it comes to prices, the range is pretty broad, reflecting their power output, the length of the duty cycle or the thickness of the materials they can weld. However, there is a model for every pocket and we’ve made sure our top includes a great variety of welders, all performant and durable, so you can make a well-informed choice.

Top 14 Mig Welders Compared

Photo	Product Name	Output (amp.)	Material Thickness(in.)	Duty Cycle	Wire Range	Price
Best Overall	1. Lincoln Electric K4195-1	210	5/16, 3/16	40% at @ 100 amp.	0.030″-0.045″
	2. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N	175	1/4	20% @175 A	0.025″- 0.030″	Check Price
Our Choice	3. Hobart 500554	25-190	5/16	30% @130 A	0.030”	Check Price
	4. Hobart 500559	25-140	1/4	20% @90 A	0.030”	Check Price
	5. REBOOT MIG-175	30-170	1/8	85%	0.025″-0.030″	Check Price
	6. Eastwood MIG 135 WELDER	25-135	1/4, 3/16	20% @ 90 A	Solid: 0.023”-0.030”, Stainless: 0.023”-0.030”, Flux Cored: 0.030”-0.035”
	7. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V	200	3/8	60%	N/A	Check Price
	8. Lincoln Electric K2278-1	35-88	1/8	20%	0.035”
	9. Forney 261	140	1/4	30% @90 A	0.030″	Check Price
	10. Goplus MIG 130	130	N/A	15% at @150 amp.	0.030″
Budget Pick	11. SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150	80-150	1/4	15%	0.030” – 0.035”	Check Price
	12. Display4top MIG 130 PLUS	30-120	N/A	35%	0.035”	Check Price
	13. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130	50-120	3/5	15%	N/A	Check Price
	14. Super Deal MIG 130	130	3/8	10-35%	0.023” to 0.035”	Check Price

1. Lincoln Electric K4195-1

If you are looking for precision, power and quality results, you can never go wrong with a Lincoln. Welding has become easier than ever with this model that is not only strong and fast, ready to handle stainless steel and aluminum, but highly-versatile due to the compact structure that allows you to carry it around your garage, use it outside or transport it to another location. Not to mention that it weighs only 40 pounds, so you shouldn’t have any problem picking it up.

Top-Notch Technology

It’s hard to obtain professional results if you don’t use the proper tool, and everybody agrees that high-quality results are directly connected to power and precision. K4195-1 comes with one of the strongest motors in its class, able to produce an outstanding output of 210 amperes. Thus, it allows you to weld through stainless steel that is as thick as 5/16 inches, and 3/16-inch aluminum, so if you have a big project coming that requires working with multiple types of metals, it might be exactly what you need. Besides that, the duty cycle is 40% around 100 amperes and the wires range between 0.030” and 0.045”, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and advanced users.

Durable Structure

Apart from being compact, with a length of 29 inches, a width of 10.5 inches, and a height of only 6 inches, it comes with a strong case, designed to protect the mechanism inside. All-metal and coated in a red finish to protect it against corrosion and rust, it is resistant against bumps and scratches. Moreover, everything is included, so the job can start as soon as possible, and by this, we mean the gun, input cables, clamp, cable, gas regulator, hose, spindle adaptor, and many other useful accessories.

Intuitive Control Panel

It was designed for professionals, but keeping in mind that beginners might need it too. Therefore, the control panel is provided with push-and-turn knobs, and everything is explained through colorful charts, so you can easily figure out where everything goes and how every function should be handled. Worthy to mention as well are the dual voltage inputs that allow you to use it either with a 120-volt outlet or with a 230-volt one.

---

2. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N

Check the Price

Welding should be fast and precise and, even more important, should hold, so if you are planning to do some quality work, a powerful welder, equipped with everything it needs to get going in only ten minutes, is always a wise choice. LOTOS BC-QJA8-561N comes with an 8-foot solid torch and a 6-foot power cable that allow you to move freely around your working space. Designed to be used with flux core, it can fuse almost any type of metal, starting from aluminum to steel and stainless steel. Plus, it has a great duty cycle of 60% around the 60A range and 20% when it works at full capacity, which is more than enough for performant welding sessions.

You will get the power of 175 amperes that can strongly melt and fuse 18 gauge – 1/4” steel ranging from mild to stainless. Moreover, it includes a 10-foot 4-inch long spool gun, 1 lb. aluminum wire with a diameter of 0.9 mm and a 4-prong end connection that can be used with 3/16” aluminum, allowing you the freedom to work with different metal types and sizes.

Apart from the wire feed spool gun, which is a great bonus, as it is usually sold separately, the package includes all the necessary accessories to ensure your protection during welding. This means a face shield, to keep sparks away, an argon regulator, gas hose, clamp cable, and 0.025”-0.030” range wires. Plus, you get a set of cleaning brushes to help you keep the torch and spool gun in great shape after every utilization, and the consumables required for first-time use, so you couldn’t dream about a more easy assembly process.

If you are just discovering the mysteries of the welding technology, this model has just the right design to assist you in every learning step. Precise and easy to maintain, and with an amperage that can vary between 35 and 175, it can be used both for small projects and extended welding works. Furthermore, it is covered by a 1-year warranty and the manufacturer offers you the possibility to return it within 30 days if you consider it is not really what you needed.

---

3. Hobart 500554

Check the Price

Hobart has made itself a name on the welder market due to its highly versatile and effective products, and this model surely isn’t an exception. Able to produce an output of 190 ampers, it will fuse 24 gauge to 5/16 inches thick metals ranging from aluminum to stainless steel. This makes it perfect for extended DIY projects like auto or marine repair, outdoor equipment or metal sculpture welding. The spool gun is the one that allows you to fuse aluminum and you will find it extremely practical as it plugs in directly, without requiring any additional control box. With 7 voltage selections, it puts you in control of output settings and provides increased wire speeding feed and arc performance.

The duty cycle is 30% at around 130 ampers, surpassing many models in its class and ensuring the efficiency of the welding. Furthermore, the whole machine is ready for use in just a few minutes, as instructions are easy to understand and well-explained in the manual that comes with it. It only needs a 230V wall outlet, as all the other accessories are already included and by this we mean a 10-foot MIG gun, a gas hose, gauge regulator, contact tips, 8-inch spool adapter, and many others.

---

4. Hobart 500559

Check the Price

Portability is what makes this product popular, along with its outstanding power and control functions, all incorporated in a compact, easy-to-install machine. It weighs only 57 pounds, considerably less than its big brother 500554 and allows you to set the output by choosing one of the 5 temperature settings. Therefore, you will get the best performance no matter if you are fusing aluminum, copper, brass, iron or titanium alloys. Moreover, it offers a broad amperage range going from 25 to 140, able to weld 24 gauge up to 1/4 inches in mild steel.

Although this model doesn’t include any safety equipment like welding helmet, gloves or a jacket, it comes with a multitude of accessories and a great set-up guide, that allow you to get it ready for welding in no more than 15 minutes. The package includes a 10-foot MIG gun, a gauge regulator, gas hose, contact tips, 0.030-inch flux-core wires, and an 8-inch spool adapter.

You will also appreciate the top-notch arc performance, which can fill craters and operate smoothly on all materials, no matter if they are thicker or thinner. The duty cycle is 20% at 90 amps which is more than enough for well-done works on variate projects such as exhaust systems, outdoor equipment, trailer frames, or auto body panels.

---

5. REBOOT MIG-175

Check the Price

Reboot put all its craft and knowledge in this impressive machine which is able to perform a 60% duty cycle at 170 A and an 100% at 120 A. Performance is the best word to describe this welder that uses gas with 1kg and 5kg welding wires to fuse a multitude of metals like mild steel, aluminum or stainless steel with a thickness of 0.8 mm. up to 1 mm. You can also use it with 1 kg or 5 kg flux-cored wires if you wish to weld steel without using gas. Good to know, this welder went through multiple quality tests like Life Test, Welding Test, and QC Test and passed them without a problem.

Compact and weighing no more than 35.7 pounds, it offers the necessary portability required for projects that are too big to fit in your garage, being perfect for truck or marine repairs. With an output range of 30 to 170 amps, it can do some serious work and deliver long-lasting results. Furthermore, it is perfect for home use as the sound it produces is below the audio range.

---

6. Eastwood MIG 135 WELDER

Perfect for auto body restoration or metal crafts, this welder is a great choice for home use, as it features a strong motor, able to produce a variable output between 25 and 135 amperes, and can easily weld mild and stainless steel up to 24 gauge. It can also accommodate solid core wires and flux core wires, so you won’t have any problem welding metals as thick as 3/16 inches and 1/4 inches respectively. Moreover, if you need to fuse aluminum, you can add the optional spool gun. Gas regulator and gauges are included for easier maneuverability and better control.

The control panel is intuitive and easy to use, featuring 2 knobs, one for voltage and the other for wire-speed adjustment. Furthermore, an on/off switch is available for safety purposes. With a duty cycle of 20% @ 90 A, it allows you to do some serious work before a break is required. The package includes an 8-foot ground cable, clamps, and a Tweco-style torch and you can use wires with the following diameters: stainless – 0.023”-0.030”, solid – 0.023”-0.030” and flux-cored – 0.030”-0.035”. Besides that, it comes at a great price and is backed by a generous 3-year warranty for parts and labor.

---

7. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V

Check the Price

Need a welder that can handle multiple jobs without exceeding your budget? We’ve found it. Mophorn MIG 200 Amp 220V will not only provide 200 A MIG welding but MAG, ARC, and MMA, as it has these useful functions incorporated in its design. Plus, it delivers outstanding results, due to its advanced inverter technology that includes an electronic reactor circuit built to control the short electric transition and blend transition. Able to fuse metals that are 0.8 mm thick or more, it can be used both at home for metal decorations, auto and outdoor equipment repairs, or industrially for machinery manufacturing, iron processing or in the construction field.

With an output range of 40 to 200 A, it equals and even surpasses more expensive models in terms of power and efficiency. The duty cycle is 35% for MIG and 60% for MMA technology. Furthermore, although it is equipped with an 110V-shaped plug, it can be safely used with higher voltage as long as this doesn’t exceed 220V. Other important specs are the wire diameter, which goes between 0.8 and 1mm., the usable electrode length – between 1.6 and 4 mm, and the power factor of 0.93.

The accessories and protection equipment that are included in the package, namely the mask, brush, 3m 15AK torch, the electrode holder and the ground cable, are nothing but a big bonus. It also comes with a manual that explains every function and help you set it up in just a few minutes.

---

8. Lincoln Electric K2278-1

Compact and lightweight, with a practical handle included, this unit will easily fit in any garage or workshop. The control panel is easy to read and use, so it will make a perfect first welding machine for a beginner, especially as it comes with the work lead, work clamp, gun, and cable already assembled. Furthermore, it plugs into a regular 115 V outlet, so no adapters are required, and includes all the necessary equipment for a safe and efficient job, namely a hand shield, a spool, flux-cored wire electrode, and a chipping hammer or brush.

The motor generates a variable output of 35 to 88 amperes, turning it into a versatile machine that can weld up to 1/8-inch mild steel. For safety purposes, a cold contractor feature is available and it is designed to keep the wire electrically cold until you press the gun trigger. Furthermore, the duty cycle is 20% @ 70 amperes, providing excellent efficiency. Worthy to mention is the 1-year warranty on parts and labor that will cover a large number of mishaps and manufacturing flaws.

---

9. Forney 261

Check the Price

This is another portable model with a lightweight and compact design that can be used in many locations for different types of projects. No matter if welding is your profession or a hobby, if you are an experienced craftsman or a beginner, you will find this tool incredibly easy to use, as it already includes most of the accessories like an 8’ MIG gun, a ground clamp, a handle with torch lamp and an adapter, to get you going as soon as possible. The case is made entirely of metal and can hold 2 to 10-pound rolls of wire, offering the necessary sturdiness for daily use and transportation.

Furthermore, when it comes to power, the 140 amperes output won’t disappoint you as it allows the fusing of up to 1⁄4 steel plates. The duty cycle reaches 30% around 90A and the machinery needs only 120V to get going. Moreover, it operates with 0.30” or 0.35” flux core wires and includes wire speed and voltage control that allows you to run it using the perfect power for any kind of material or project design.

---

10. Goplus MIG 130

The sturdy heavy-duty stainless steel case and the compact design make Goplus MIG 130 one of the most popular choices among beginners. The reliability is increased by the durable paint layer that covers the case to maintain it in good shape and prevent the emergence of rust spots. It features a power output of 130 amperes and can weld through thinner metals, so it would make a good choice for projects that don’t require heavy-duty welding. However, the duty cycle is 15% around 105 amperes, so you will be able to do a pretty nice job.

The package includes all the necessary accessories for setup and protection during welding. Apart from the welding machine, you will get a gun, welding wire, metal tip, ground cord, wire brush, and a mask to protect you from sparks. Moreover, safety is increased by the automatic thermal safety protection that shuts the process down every time it detects overheating. Two air vents are built-in to provide proper ventilation and lower the temperature. Plus, the torch is provided with an on/off control to reduce the risk of accidents to a minimum.

---

11. SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150

Check the Price

Looking for a gasless welder that can fuse iron, steel, and other metals without overheating? Let us introduce you to SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150, a powerful and versatile tool that allows you to do some quality projects both indoors and outdoors, as it doesn’t depend on a gas tank. Plus it requires a low power input of 110-volt, which is the average value for households, so you won’t need an adapter to run it.

When it comes to safety, this model is provided with everything it needs to avoid overheating or high bursts of heat that can provoke accidents. It features the thermal overheating protection function that shuts it down whenever it gets too hot. Moreover, you won’t be able to use it until it gets cool enough to perform safely and this is the moment when it will restart automatically. Another element that usually produces accidents is the torch, but not with this welder, as it includes an on/off switch. Plus, you can adjust the heat output by choosing a value between 80 and 150 amperes.

Weighing only 39.5 pounds, it can be transported wherever there’s a project waiting for it. And the package includes multiple accessories that will prove more than useful for your welding jobs, namely an earth clamp, torch, replacement contact tips, face mask and the 0.030”-0.035” flux-cored wires, so you can easily weld metals that are up to 1/4-inch thick.

---

12. Display4top MIG 130 PLUS

Check the Price

With this model, you won’t get only a high 130-amper output and a great duty cycle which hovers around 35%, but a sturdy stainless steel case, specially designed to increase lifespan and protect the whole mechanism against external factors. Plus, it is covered with quality red paint that will keep it in good shape and prevent rust and corrosion for many years to come. And, since we are talking about protection, we should mention the safety features as well, namely the overload safety protection, which monitors the temperature and shuts the whole assemble down whenever the risk of overheating reaches a critical point, and the internal cooling system, which consists of a performant fan, designed to keep heat at a safe level.

The package includes multiple accessories like a ground clamp, protection mask, cleaning brush and other small replacement parts that make it easier to operate and maintain. Moreover, it can be used outdoors for large projects, as it doesn’t require a gas tank, to weld a great variety of metals such as aluminum, carbon steel or stainless steel.

---

13. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130

Check the Price

If your projects consist mostly of welding light gauge steel or thinner materials, there’s no reason to spend a fortune on a heavy-duty welder when you can do your job and get quality, long-lasting results with a less-expensive model, designed to handle lighter jobs. VIVOHOME Portable MIG 130 features an output of 50 to 120A and 4 control buttons that allow you to adjust heat and welding speed. Thus, you will be able to fuse thin steel and aluminum or go a bit heavier by using the 0.8”-0.9” flux-cored wires on thicker steel.

Great for beginners, it features a control panel on the back of the case that is easy to understand and intuitive. Just by looking, you will know where the wires go and how to control every single switch or knob. Plus, it comes with overheat protection and a built-in fan for a more performant use. Besides the actual welding machine, you will also find in the package a welding gun, a grounding clamp, a brush, and a helmet, plus many other small accessories. Small and rather light, it will fit in your garage, truck, car or even motorcycle. Moreover, it needs an average voltage of 110, so you can plug it in any socket, without purchasing an additional adapter.

---

14. Super Deal MIG 130

Check the Price

Assembly can be a hassle, but not with this model, which is ready to do some serious welding the minute you get it out of the box. Provided with an intuitive control panel, you will figure out fast where the wires go and how to use the control buttons. Furthermore, you will appreciate its portable design, which allows it to be easily transported and stored, and the sturdiness of the case, which is made entirely of treated high-class PVC.

The waveform control technology allows you to select the inductance according to different material specifications for more precise and durable welding. You can use the control panel to choose between 4 current flow settings, ranging between 35 and 120 amperes. Plus, the duty cycle is pretty good, hovering at 10% at 105 amperes and 35% at 60 amperes, values that can easily handle general repairing work. The package also includes a copper tip that prevents build-ups on the gun, a face shield mask, a wire brush, and a ground clamp.

---

Conclusion

To summarize, there’s a MIG welder for every craftsman, equipped with great functions and many accessories that extend its action to a multitude of metals. Moreover, the prices are variate and reflect the power and efficiency of every model, so you can choose exactly what you need for your projects.

Therefore, if you are planning to use the welder for extended works that require the fusing of thick metals, you should check out Lincoln Electric K4195-1, which features an outstanding output of 210 amperes. Moreover, it allows you to weld aluminum, and comes with many useful accessories that provide protection and increase your productivity. In the same efficiency range, Hobart 500554 brings quality and 7 voltage selections that allow you to control the heat output and get the best welding for any kind of material.

Another qualitative model is SUNGOLDPOWER MIG-150, which comes with many safety features and great heat output, all at a very attractive price. Plus, it is small, allowing you to easily transport it to every job site where a great project awaits.