Selecting a welding machine as a beginner can be daunting because thousands of welders are on the market.
Finding the right machine at the right price to accomplish your goals is hard enough. Finding one that’s simple to operate as a beginner welder makes the process more difficult.
Fortunately, many welding machine manufacturers produce entry-level welders designed with the newbie in mind.
This list contains six beginner-friendly welders that suit your situation and budget.
Before Buying A Welder: Choose Your Process
Before choosing a welder, you should know what welding process/es you’re going to use.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different processes and what they are good for.
| Type | Difficulty | Benefits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIG | Moderate | Easy to learn, versatile, rapid production | Equipment repair, fabrication, fast work |
| Flux Core | Easy | Cheap, easy to learn, no gas, high volume | DIY, wind, sheet metal, fabrication, repairs |
| Stick | Hard | Cheap, most materials, fast | Wind, rusty steel, high strength |
| TIG | Hard | Precision, strong, heat control, beauty | Exposed welds, bodywork, aviation |
Most welders are capable of more than one process, for example MIG welders are also flux-core welders.
Multi-process welders give new welders the benefit of three or more processes in one unit.
If you’re still unsure on what process is right for you, read my how to choose a welder guide here.
Quick Look at The Best Beginner Welders
- Best MIG Welder for Beginners: Eastwood MIG 180
- Best Multi-process Welder for Beginners: YesWelder MIG-205DS
- Best Stick Welder for Beginners: ARCCAPTAIN ARC200
- Best Flux-core Welder for Beginners: Lincoln Electric 90i FC
- Best Welder & Plasma Cutter Combo for Beginners: YesWelder FIRSTESS MP200
- Best TIG Welder for Beginners: PRIMEWELD TIG225X
Note: While there are many welders on the market, these welders are chosen for their build quality, value, and overall user satisfaction. I decided to leave out bigger brand names as they do not represent value for most beginner welders.
6 Best Welders For Beginners Reviewed
Here’s a list of the best beginner welders that will have you welding in no time.
1. Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder
Best MIG welder for beginners
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
The Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder is easy to use, affordable, and powerful enough to handle most light welding jobs up to 5/16” thick. If you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or DIYer, this MIG welder is a fantastic choice.
| Weight | 25.3 lbs (11.5 kg) |
| Price range | $$ |
| Input voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Processes | GMAW, FCAW |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | DC |
| Control type | Analog |
| Max amperage output | 180 Amps |
| Screen type | None |
| Synergic Control? | No |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | No |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-year |
The Eastwood 180 Amp MIG Welder is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, entry-level MIG welder. Lightweight and portable, it’s a good option if you need to move the welding machine from place to place.
This Eastwood is a great alternative to the Hobart 210, offering more features and value while still being about half the price.
The controls are simple to operate, but the unit does lack a digital display. Instead, the markings around the knobs show you the voltage and wire speed settings.
If you’re welding a lot of aluminum, you’ll need the optional spool gun, available as an add-on package. You can weld up to ¼” thick aluminum using the spool gun.
The machine can run MIG or a self-shielding flux core, including the regulator and hose for connecting an external gas bottle. This machine has plenty of power to weld steel up to 5/16” thick or as thin as 24 gauge.
The included welding gun and ground cable are shorter, which may be an issue if you’re welding larger projects.
If you don’t need a 240-volt MIG welder or don’t have that voltage available, the Eastwood 140 MIG Welder is another option that will save you about $140.
Pros
- Excellent entry-level MIG welder
- Great alternative to the expensive Hobart 210
- Simple controls
- Lightweight enough to carry around easily
- Welding gun is a Tweco style, which makes finding consumables for it easier
- Includes gas regulator and hose
- Can be used for self-shielding flux core
- Can weld aluminum with optional spool gun
- Will weld steel up to 5/16” thick
Cons
- No pre/post flow controls
- No digital display
- Need to buy a separate spool gun if you want to weld aluminum regularly
- Low duty cycle
- Cables may be too short for some
2. YesWelder MIG-205DS Multi-Process MIG Welder
Best multi-process welder for beginners
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
For such a small and low-cost unit, the YesWelder MIG-205DS has many great features. It’s easy to use and an excellent option for a budget-friendly welding machine that covers multiple common welding processes.
| Weight | 23 lbs |
| Price range | $$ |
| Input voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Processes | GMAW, SMAW, GTAW, FCAW |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | DC |
| Control type | Analog |
| Max amperage output | 200 amps GMAW/FCAW180 amps SMAW/GTAW |
| Screen type | Digital |
| Synergic Control? | Yes |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | No |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | Yes |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
If you’re looking for a low-cost, multi-process welding machine that covers, then the Yeswelder MIG-205DS is worth considering. The presets make setting up the welder easy but allow for fine adjustments and tweaking.
The machine is small and light enough to carry almost anywhere, and the included cables are 10 feet long, which is enough to handle most welding jobs.
The MIG-205DS is capable of DC TIG welding, which will let you TIG weld steel and stainless steel but not aluminum.
It lacks a gas regulator and TIG torch, and if you want to get the most out of this welder, you’ll need to buy these separately. Another disadvantage is that this welder is incompatible with a spool gun, so you won’t be welding aluminum with this machine.
This machine does not output the 200A as claimed and restricted just like most cheap welders, but if you need more power or are welding aluminum, you should look toward the MIG-250PRO.
It’s worth noting that many users report that this welder tends to run a little hot, so you’ll likely be adjusting the settings a bit lower to get the best welds.
Pros
- Excellent value for those wanting to try different processes
- Can weld GMAW/FCAW/SMAW out of the box
- Adjustable inductance
- Dual voltage
- With the purchase of a TIG torch, you can weld lift start DC GTAW
Cons
- Doesn’t include a gas regulator
- Not able to TIG weld aluminum
- Can only use lift arc DC GTAW; there is no option to use a foot pedal
- Doesn’t include any consumables
- Does not max out at 200A as claimed and is restricted
3. ARCCAPTAIN 200A Stick Welder
Best stick welder for beginners
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
The ARC200 is a low-cost and portable SMAW/GTAW welding machine with many features, making it excellent for beginner welders. If you’re looking for a low-cost but effective stick welder, the ARC200 is a fantastic option.
| Weight | 13.42 lbs |
| Price range | $ |
| Input voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Processes | SMAW, GTAW |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | DC |
| Control type | Analog |
| Max amperage output | 200 Amps |
| Screen type | Digital |
| Synergic Control? | Yes |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | No |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | No |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
The ARCCAPTAIN ARC200 is straightforward for beginner welders to set up and use due to the synergic controls and large digital display. It also has features like hot start, arc force, and anti-stick, which help ensure you get the best possible welds.
The machine itself is very lightweight and has a small size, making it easy to carry around. The included shoulder strap makes moving it from place to place even easier. The cables are long enough for most welding jobs but don’t include a TIG torch.
If you want to TIG weld with it, you’ll need to buy a TIG torch, a gas regulator, and a hose. You can TIG weld steel and stainless steel with this machine, but it doesn’t support AC TIG welding, so aluminum welding is off the table.
For anyone who’s starting out in welding and doesn’t need spool guns or a wire feeder, this is a good option to consider. Just bear in mind it does not output 200A as claimed, which is nothing surprising from a cheaper stick welder.
Pros
- Excellent value for a entry-level stick welder
- Dual voltage
- Very portable
- Includes a shoulder strap
- Large digital display
- Pretty good at 6010 rods, but not perfect
Cons
- Doesn’t include a TIG torch
- Does not output 200A as claimed – More like 160A on 240V
- Can not TIG weld aluminum
- UL & CSA certificates could not be verified
- Not an actual synergic machine as stick machines only have an amperage setting
4. Lincoln Electric 90i FC
Best flux core welder for beginners
WeldGuru Rating: 3.5/5
If you’re a homeowner, hobbyist, or DIYer looking for a small flux core welder or don’t have 240-volt power, the Lincoln Electric 90i FC is a great option.
| Weight | 15 lbs |
| Price range | $ |
| Input voltage/s | 120V |
| Processes | FCAW |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | DC |
| Control type | Analog |
| Max amperage output | 120 Amps |
| Screen type | None |
| Synergic Control? | No |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | No |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | No |
| Warranty | 1 Year |
One thing that sets this welder apart from others on this list is that it’s made by Lincoln Electric, a well-respected and popular brand. The Lincoln 90i FC is a brand new addition to their product line, and although the 90i FC is light on features, it welds up to ¼” thick steel using only 120-volt input.
The 90i FC can only run a self-shielding flux core, but if you want to MIG weld, this model has another variant with a gas regulator.
The 90i FC doesn’t have the features of more expensive wire feeders, which makes it less forgiving for beginners. You’ll have to spend some time practicing to get good at using this welder, but once you learn how it works, it’ll do most small welding jobs with ease.
The 90i FC is an excellent value from a reputable company, and if you need a small welder for simple welding jobs around the home, it’s a great option.
Pros
- Super portable, easy to carry and move around
- Comes with a carry strap
- Simple controls
- Can weld steel up to ¼” thick
- Excellent value for big brand name
- From a well-respected brand in the welding industry
- Also available in an FCAW/GMAW variant.
Cons
- FCAW only
- No digital display
- Ground clamp cable is four feet shorter than the welding gun cable
- Power cord is only 6 feet long
- Only 120 Volt input
5. YesWelder FIRSTESS MP200 5-in-1 Welder & Cutter
Best welder & plasma cutter combo
WeldGuru Rating: 4/5
The MP200 is a multi-process welding machine that’s a great option for people who do a lot of fabrication. With it, you can cut your material with the plasma cutter and weld it with any process you wish.
| Weight | 41 lbs |
| Price range | $$$$ |
| Input voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Processes | GMAW, FCAW, SMAW, GTAW, PAC |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | DC |
| Control type | Digital |
| Max amperage output | 200A GMAW/FCAW/GTAW/SMAW 40A Plasma Cutting |
| Screen type | LCD |
| Synergic Control? | Yes |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | No |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 year |
The Yeswelder MP200 is a jack-of-all-trades welding machine with enough power for most smaller welding jobs. Out of the box, you can weld stick, MIG, TIG, and flux core with the bonus of an included plasma cutter.
An important point to note is that you’ll need an air compressor to deliver 9-12CFM @ 78 PSI to use the plasma cutter.
The MP200 has many advanced features that make setting up the welder simple and intuitive for people learning to weld. Although the machine handles a lot of the setup for you, there’s still the option to adjust the settings yourself for some fine-tuning.
One major downside to this machine is that it’s incapable of welding aluminum. There’s no AC TIG or spool gun option, so if you need to do any aluminum welding, this machine will not be for you (full MP200 review here).
The machine welds well across all the included processes, but TIG welding is DC lift start only. Since it doesn’t have high-frequency, low amp starting, or a foot pedal, your TIG welds will not be as nice as those done with a dedicated TIG machine.
Pros
- Dual voltage
- A true all-in-one fabrication machine with a plasma cutter included
- Lots of advanced features
- Can set up to ten presets for welding settings
- Plasma cutter cuts well up to ¼” thick
- Nice digital LCD display
Cons
- DC GTAW only so it can’t TIG aluminum
- GTAW is lift start only
- Can’t connect a spool gun
- Plasma cutter requires an air compressor
6. PRIMEWELD TIG225X AC/DC TIG Welder
Best TIG welder for beginners
WeldGuru Rating: 4.5/5
If you’re interested in TIG welding aluminum or want more control over your TIG welds, the TIG225X is a great choice. For a machine jam-packed with so many features, its price makes it a great value.
| Weight | 41 lbs |
| Price range | $$$ |
| Input voltage/s | 120/240V |
| Processes | GTAW, SMAW |
| Power Source | Inverter |
| Current | AC/DC |
| Control type | Analog |
| Max amperage output | 225A GTAW 180A SMAW |
| Screen type | Digital |
| Synergic Control? | No |
| Pre/Post Flow Control? | Yes |
| 2T / 4T Mode? | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 Year |
The Primeweld TIG225X does what most TIG welders on this list do not. It’s an AC and DC welder, meaning you can TIG weld aluminum or magnesium in addition to steel or stainless steel.
Out of the box, this welder has everything you need to get started in TIG welding, with the bonus of a stick welding electrode holder.
The front face of this welder will be a bit intimidating for the beginner welder due to the massive number of knobs. These knobs allow you to control every aspect of the welding cycle.
Learning how these adjustments affect the weld will take practice, but if you’re serious about TIG welding, you’ll want these options available (full TIG225X review here).
Other welders on this list only use DC lift arcs, which can contaminate the weld area. The TIG225X uses a high-frequency start, which will limit this potential contamination.
Weighing in at 41 pounds, this welder is light enough to move around but a little heavy for lugging over long distances.
Pros
- An advanced TIG welder for the aspiring pro
- Includes foot pedal
- AC and DC TIG welding
- High-frequency start
- Pre and post-flow adjustments
- Easy to move around
- Includes an electrode holder for stick welding
- Pulse welding options and adjustments for TIG
- Can connect a water cooler
Cons
- A steeper learning curve to use
- No welding setting presets
- No advanced features to adjust the machine settings for you
- Only has one digital display that displays the amperage but nothing else
A Beginners Buying Guide
For any beginner who’s looking for a new welder, there are several things you need to ask yourself before making a decision.
How Much Should A Beginner Spend on A Welder?
The best approach to buying a welder as a beginner is to aim for the highest quality within your budget.
Opinions vary: some advise getting the cheapest machine to account for beginner mistakes, while others suggest investing in a quality welder with advanced features for long-term growth.
Quickly summarizing the types of welding can also help guide your decision.
- Flux core welding is beginner-friendly and affordable.
- Stick welding is cheaper but requires more skill and offers versatility.
- MIG welders will cost more than both flux core and stick welders with the consumables needed.
- TIG welders are usually the most expensive. Especially is you need AC/DC capabilities.
- Multi-process welders provide a balance, allowing for easy learning and future growth.
In short, your best bet is a machine that can adapt to your evolving skills without breaking the bank.
What Processes Interest You?
You should concentrate and practice repeatedly in one process, for the most part, until your skills are well developed in that process so you can transfer that knowledge to other processes.
Many machines will do gas MIG and flux core, so there’s a built-in upgrade path.
Interestingly, many stick welders are to run basic TIG welds, so there is another upgrade bath here.
Wrapping It Up
The Eastwood MIG 180 is my best beginner MIG welder. It gives you everything you need to start MIG welding, with the option of adding a spool gun. It has plenty of options and power to weld steel and aluminum while still being beginner-friendly. See more Recommended MIG Welders here.
The ARCCAPTAIN ARC200 is the best beginner stick welder. It’s the new kid on the block with impressive features for this price point. The synergic settings, plus the easy-to-use control panel, make it ideal for beginners.
The Yeswelder MP200 is truly the best beginner multi-process welder. It’ll give you all the popular welding processes with the bonus of a plasma cutter, a rare find. If you’re interested in doing a lot of fabrication, this machine has everything you need to start a garage fabrication shop.
The Lincoln 90i FC is the best beginner flux core welder. It’s a no-frills, simple but solid flux core welding machine. It’s a great option for anyone who wants a flux core welder that gets the job done, is portable, and doesn’t break the bank.
The Primeweld TIG225X is one of the most popular beginner TIG welders. It gives you the most versatility, many options, and great value for your dollars. This welder will give you everything you need to get started and the features you’ll look for as you gain more TIG welding experience.