No matter whether it’s DIY projects or professional touches, MIG welding is just unbeatable.
Yes, you heard that right. MIG is literally a versatile welding method that has several practical applications.
What is the best part of mig welder?
Plain and simple!
Just look at the application of MIG welding. It can be used on all thicknesses of aluminum, on steels, on stainless steel mig welding, and even on nickel, etc. Meanwhile, it is mostly used in manufacturing as well as in commercial fabrication settings.
And what’s a worse part?
A bit pricey!!!!!
But if you consider productivity and speed, definitely it worths buying. MIG welding was first introduced during World War II as a portable, fast process to create durable joints. Thus, today, it is widely used in many factory and shop applications and welding enthusiasts.
Stay along with this best budget MIG welder review article to get all teeny tiny detail about best MIG welder.
Let’s get this show on the road.
Before start MIG welding, select the best budget welding helmet for mig. Safe your head and face.
Best Mig Welders Comparision Table
Budget-friendly
Lotos 175AMP mig welder
Key points
- Warranty: 1 year
- Duty cycle: 30% @ 135A
- Current: DC
- Free Spool Gun, Mask, Regulator
Our Best Pick
Handler 190 by hobart – 230V
Key points
- Warranty: 2 years
- Voltage: 220/230/240 V
- Duty cycle: 30% @ 130 Amps
- Current: DC
- Wire Feed Speed: 40 IPM 740 IPM
All-Rounder
140 mig welder – 115V
Key points
- Warranty: 3 years
- Duty cycle: 20% @ 90 A
- Current: DC
- Wire Feed Speed: 40 IPM 700 IPM
What Is The Best MIG welder?
Before anything else, you should have a clear idea of MIG welder.
MIG refers to metal inert gas. In fact, the technical name of MIG is gas metal arc welding, and the slang name is wire welding. (Read about mig welding gas)
MIG welding is actually an arc welding method in which a continuous wire electrode is fed by a welding gun, joining the two materials together.
Have you wondered why it’s so popular or what is MIG welding used for?
The MIG process enables the artist, home-hobbyist, farmer/rancher, DIY or motorsports enthusiast welder suit most types of maintenance/repair welds and fabrication on material from 24-gauge to 1/2-inch thick.
But you know what else?
When it comes to flexibility, most people turn to MIG welding just because they’ve thought that it’s a simple process to learn.
Honestly speaking, it’s not quite that simple. But it is true that most people become comfortable with MIG welders just by following some easy basic advice.
RELATED: TIG Welder Reviews
The Good, The Bad and The Ugly of Mig Welding
Before buying the machine, let’s see the real deal of mig welder and welding so that you can take the decision.
Advantages of MIG Welding
- Much faster
- High-quality welds
- Only produce minor weld spatter
- MIG welding is more versatile, can be used with a wide variety of alloys and metals
- The MIG process can be operated in various ways, including fully and semi-automatic
- Even a starter can operate the machine
Disadvantages of MIG Welding
- A bit pricey
- Not so great for outdoor welding
- Took more time for metal preparation
- Only allow a limited position
Related article: Best flux core welders review
10 Best Budget Mig Welders That Probably You Wouldn’t Want To Miss-Cheap Mig Welder
Love to weld?
Here is some good MIG welder review that you can grab your hands on at a modest price. Let’s see the Mig welder comparison review.
In a hurry? Feel free to check our quick navigation:
- Hobart Handler 190 Mig Welder – MIG Welder For Beginner
- LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder – Best 220v MIG Welder
- Forney MIG Welder Start-Up Kit – Best 120v MIG Welder
- Hobart Handler 140 Mig Welder – Best MIG Welder For Home Use
- Lincoln Electric K2185-1 Handy MIG Welder – Best Professional MIG Welder
- Goplus Mig 130 Welder
- Sungold Power Mig Welder
- Hitbox 200 AMP Mig Welder
- Super Deal Pro Commercial Mig 130
- Forney Easy Weld 261 – Good Cheap Mig Welder
Best Mig Welder Under $1000
Do you freeze in the tracks, Higher Price, Better Product?
Can’t blame!
Most of the cases it’s true. If you are one of them to whom budget won’t be a great problem, then this part is for you. Personally, I also think that a great product worth some extra bucks.
Let’s get STARTED…
1. Hobart Handler 190 Mig Welder – Best MIG Welder for Beginner
If you are looking for a low-cost option to work with aluminum, 190 Hobart MIG welders could be a really good choice.
Why am I saying this?
This welder has an amazing feature of the SpoolRunner 100 spool gun, which helps to eliminate the feeding problem of aluminum wire.
Yes, it’s true!
My impression
Built with quality in mind, the Hobart welders 190 is an Operates off 230 volts with industrial PERFORMANCE. Each item is manufactured and designed in Troy, OH USA.
What’s included in the Box?
Details
- 10 ft. MIG gun
- Built-in gas valve
- Dual gauge regulator
- Gas hose, Work cable & clamp
- 10-ft power cord, 030 contact tips
- 8-inch spool adapter
- Owner’s manual/set-up guide
The best thing about this big machine is it’s easy to set and can adjust for different materials. The Hobart Handler 190 is backed by the company’s 5/3/1 Industrial Warranty.
Hobart 190 vs. 210, which one is right for you?
The Hobart 210 machine is the more versatile welding tool that can work fine on both voltages.
Wow Feature of Hobart MIG welder
7 voltage selections, infinite wire control, and enhanced magnetics offer fine control of the output parameters with less spatter. The handler 190 control by infinite wire speed.
The simple design handler 190 easy to use beginner to advance welder. Generator powered welder you can use this welder anywhere with your generator. (Read more about welder generators)
What I like most
- Improved arc performance.
- Dual groove.
- 7 voltage selections.
- 30% duty cycle.
What could be better?
- The spool is not satisfactory.
Related article: Best portable welder
2. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder – Best 220v MIG Welder
If you are an amateur, it’s not the machine for you.
Don’t even DARE!
It is capable enough to weld aluminum with the spool gun. This lotos welder is counted as one of the best professional MIG welders on the market right now.
Why am I saying this?
Its transformer technology was established to be trustworthy and durable.
Technical Details
- Voltage: 220 volts
- Power Source: Dc
- Material: Metal
- Weight: 85.0 pounds
- Warranty: 1 Year
- 30-day refund
- Spool Gun Include
- Thermal overload protection
My impression
Gosh, such as welding capacity!
- Aluminum: 3/8″ or Thinner
- Mild/Stainless Steel: 1/4″
It’s a multi-use tool, suitable for mild welding steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and other metal material. The durable top-quality aluminum wire offers a better welding experience.
What about the wire range?
It’s 0.6-0.8mm wire range for solid steel and 0.8-0.9mm for flux-cored. It handles incorporates resettable overload security to assure a long operating life.
Wow Feature of LOTOS MIG175
Buy with confidence — lotos Offer 100% Satisfaction and 1 Year Limited Warranty for their products.
What I like most
- Spool Gun Included.
- Aluminum Wire Feeder.
- Most versatile welders.
- Setup quickly.
What could be better?
- Heaviest power supply.
- Entry-level units.
3. Forney 309 140-Amp MIG Welder – Best 120v MIG Welder
Fed up with hunting craigslist ads that actually well for nothing?
Then this is the perfect welder for you!
Believe it or not, it encourages doing it yourself. Forney has been dominating this industry for over eight decades.
Who should buy this?
The Forney 309 140-Amp MIG Welder is full of features that make this welder apart from the rest of the others.
Technical Details
- Weight: 62 pounds
- Voltage: 120 volts
- Warranty: 5/3/1 warranty against manufacturer defects
- Size: 140-Amp
- Color: Green
- Material: Metal
- Power Source: Corded-Electric
My impression
It’s true, Forney isn’t as giant as Lincoln, but this welder ensures as top-grade welds. Undoubtedly it is a solid piece of kit.
At only 62lbs, it’s not too bulky and can be carried easily by using the handle on top. Still, it’s going to be quite bulky for some as its transformer design might be convenient to place on a wheeled cart.
Still not CONVINCED?
The Forney kit has a 120V input power, which means it’s perfectly designed for household use not only that it is capable of Flux-cored welding and MIG.
What about output?
The output is from 30A-140A with a decent duty cycle of 35%, which is a fair amount and even better than some 140 welders
Wow feature of Forney MIG Welder
There are 4 separate voltage settings for its transformer which maximize in 1/16 inch increments from up to 1/4 inch in the highest setting.
What I like most
- Smooth/ stable arc.
- Easy access.
- Torch wrap included.
- Euro type connector.
What could be better?
- Not great for heavy duty projects.
- Poor quality flux core.
Best Cheap Mig Welder Under $500
Do you FEEL you’re banging your head against a wall just to find the best MIG welder under 400 or 500?
Quite LEGIT!
It’s won’t to so easy to find a reliable one on this range. Let me help you to find the right one for you, even at a tight budget.
Have a look.
Related article: Best welder generators
1. Hobart Handler 140 Cheap Mig Welder – Best MIG Welder for Home Use
Are you looking, MIG welder?
A cool choice for the smartest welder!
Yes, you heard that right.
Just a few minutes for arrangement and you are ready to weld, quickest tool even for the first time welder. A weld set-up guide is included on the inside of the cover to set your welder properly.
Technical Details
- Weight: 65 pounds
- Material: Steel
- Installation Method: MIG-welding
- Warranty: 5-year limited warranty
- Shipping Weight: 65 pounds
My impression
Great for DIY welding projects!
No matter what welding it is, it could be a cool gadget for autobody panels, mower decks, exhaust systems, tool carts, trailer frames & hitches, gun/bow racks, lawn and garden equipment.
I just love it!
Now let’s talk about its technical part. It welds 24 gauges, operates off 115 volts, runs by 25 to 140 output amperage when it comes to duty cycle, its satisfactory – 20% at 90 amps.
If you compare Hobart 140 vs Lincoln 140, this Hobart 140 is damn good in all consideration.
Wow feature of Hobart 140 welder
Built with a proven cast aluminum drive system along with a heavy-duty work clamp – this handler 140 amp MIG welder is absolutely a wire welding package with superior performance.
What I like most
- Manufacturers limited warranty.
- Quick set up.
- No extra kit required.
- Easy to transport.
What could be better?
- Poor system for Speed adjustment.
- Only recommended for the small job.
2. Lincoln Electric K2185 – Best Budget Welder – Best Professional MIG Welder
Dare to try your hand at challenging wire welding?
Lincoln Electric has got the welder for you. Yes, this portable compact and lightweight wire feed is extremely user-friendly. It’s great for hobby projects/ home repair on light gauge around most households.
Technical Details
- Weight: 26 pounds
- Color: Red
- Material: Metal
- Warranty: Manufacturer Warranty
- Shipping Weight: 51.2 pounds
- Voltage: 115 volts
My impression
Before anything else, allow me to discuss the technical part. Its wire feed speed adjustment help you weld mild steel, from 24 to 1/8″ thick. It needs to be Plugged into 20 amp outlet, household 115V.
But wait that’s not all!
It comes with a spool of self-shielded, contact tips, flux-cored wire, and chipping hammer, you can use your MIG® to weld with flux-cored wire, gasless too. As a result, it’s easy to get started as practically everything you need to weld is in the box.
Wow feature of Lincoln electric MIG welder
Cold contactor safety helps to keep welding wire“cold” until the gun trigger is manually pressed. We can run with this machine with flux core wire.
What I like most
- Long life expectancy.
- Portable.
- Lightweight construction.
- Included wire feed welder.
What could be better?
- Flux core is quite annoying, so the auto-darkening mask is a must.
- Takes hell amount of time on set up.
3. Goplus MIG 130 Welder
It looks like a solid mig from the specs – loads of duty cycle.
This will surely surprise you what you can do with Goplus 130 Welder unless you’re directly trying to weld automotive applications.
Technical details
- Voltage: 110V/60HZ
- Max output: 15%
- AMP: 105
- Material: Steel Frame and Plastic Handle
- Welding gun: 65-inch
- Dimension: 13.4″ x 7.3″x 11.4″
My impression
If you notice the stats and specs for the MIG, you’ll discover that this is a multifunctional, well-rounded machine that can tackle a wide range of projects.
No doubt about it.
The 110V/60HZ voltage with an impressive cord with the length up to 72.5 inches allows you to weld sheet metal, tubing, and similar materials effortlessly. But make sure the metals are clean.
Mini size yet practical, it’s gonna ensure a professional finish. This stuff is ideal for welding thin steel and iron, good enough for home DIY and any repairing work.
But remember this:
Before using this welder, make sure you take enough to prep the surface of the materials. From my experience I notice, there isn’t decent power available to push anything out of the way.
Wow feature of goplus mig 130 welder flux core wire automatic feed welding machine
The four levels of flow settings is a big plus. However, this machine includes an adjustable rotary knob. The ten levels of wire feeding speeds allow you to choose whatever you want.
What I like most
- Multifunctional Control Panel.
- Adjustable heating system.
- Long-last life-span.
What could be better?
- The mask is a joke.
4. Sungold Power MIG Welder
A portable MIG machine is almost difficult to trace.
Don’t even try to deny.
Most tools in this category hanker after weigh upwards of 80 Ibs. That’s not the case with the SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG. Coming in at just 33 pounds, this welder is definitely one of the portable go-to welders that you can use for various work.
How?
The Dual Voltage 110V/220V welder allows you to try MIG/MAG/ MMA/ ARC multifunction welding.
Technical details
- Voltage: 110V/220V
- Flux Cored range: 0.03~ 0.039 in
- Rated Duty Cycle: 60%
- Power source: DC
- Net weight: 48 lbs
- Dimension: 19.6X9.4X14.9 (inch)
My impression
First and foremost, it comes with everything you need! Want to see what’s you gonna get? Check this out:
- MIG/ARC welding
- MIG Torch
- Flux-cored wire
- 47’’ cable
- Electrode holder
- Mask and Brush / Drive roll
- Gas nozzles
The transformer technology has been proven to be reliable and durable. Welding stainless and aluminum is such a pleasant experience for me.
And you know what?
This beast can provide industrial type power on both 110 and 220v. The top-notch transformer and full-bridge circuit board ensure more stable working and longer working life.
So what’s not to like?
If you have more outdoor projects like rusty metal, repairs, farm or road equipment, and maintenance, then this would be your reliable weapon.
Wow feature of SUNGOLDPOWER 200Amp MIG
Adjustable wire feed speed allows you to control it to fit your application and different thicknesses.
What I like most
- Spool gun connection.
- Simple to operate.
- Little spatter.
What could be better?
- No setting charts.
5. Hitbox 200 Amp MIG Welder
Size is good; so far, it welded flawlessly.
For the price and functionality of this machine, I have been awed the thickness of steel it can produce. This welder can be used with an extra power generator. That means convenient for beginners.
Technical details
- Input voltage: AV220V
- Max OCV: 60V
- Frequency: 50/60HZ
- Power factor: 0.73
- Post flow time: 1.0±0.5
- Duty Cycle: 30%@200A
- Wire diameter: 0.8/1.0mm
- Wire feed speed: 3-18m/min
- Applicable thickness: Over 0.8mm
My Impression
I absolutely love the fact that how Capable this machine is for the 5kg-15kg roll of welding wire. In the meantime, this one can touch 100% duty cycle when using 0.8mm wire.
While the maximum rod diameter for welding is up to 4.0mm, this can be multifunctional welder with TIG, MIG, and ARC function.
And guess what?
This hitbox is able to offer definitely a nice welding seam.
Let me say this straight:
Along with vast functionality and high expectations of the capacities, the price range is still in economy Class. When you tend to try a 1kg welding wire, I recommend taking off the wire feeding shaft.
Read more: Review of Amico welders
Wow Feature of hitbox mig welder
This stuff contents all the necessary accessories. That means ready to be used right from the box.
What I like most
- 4 in 1 Multifunction MIG Welding Machine.
- Lightweight.
- More portable.
What could be better?
- The volt lock up procedure is non-adjustable.
6. Super Deal Pro Commercial MIG 130
Let’s be honest:
This machine may not be the world’s best mig machine, but for the price, it is a great deal. But it’s pretty sure; super deal Welder is a top of the line household welder.
Here is why:
User-friendly interface allows anyone to set-up a snap, surprisingly easy to access. So , handle big projects with confidence.
Technical details
- Voltage: 110 V / 60 Hz
- Type: Single Phase
- Duty Cycle: 10% at 105AMP
- Welding Current: 50-120 AMP
- Max open voltage: 37V
- Weldable wires: 0.023” to 0.035”
My Impression
“Fits in everywhere”
Yes, you heard that right.
The relatively small size is superb for convenient storage. This portability feature allows the user to tackle a bigger project that will require constant repositioning.
You can keep it on the shelf, in your toolbox, garage, or in the back of your car or anywhere you want. That’s not all; the carrying handle makes it more handy and compact.
Still not convinced?
Equipped with metal tip, this machine is sturdier. The copper tip protects from slags when you are welding. The soft key control panel is fully digitalized and offers a clear overview at all times. The best part, the display is readily accessible and super simple to operate. This display reduces the risk of operating errors.
Wow Feature of super deal pro mig 130
Features thermal overload protection to help protect you and your welder.
What I like most
- Comes with Welding Face Mask.
- Step-regulated.
- Uses convenient Flux.
What could be better?
- Poor ground clamp.
7. Forney Easy Weld 261 – Good Cheap Mig Welder
A good, basic mig welder uses 0.30, flux core wire.
Lightweight 19 lbs, you can easily move it to any Do-It-Yourself, Repair, Metal Fabrication Maintenance, and Hobbyist project.
Technical details
- Color: Green
- Size: 120V
- Power Source: AC
- Weight: 6.6 pounds
- Cord Length: 6 Feet
- Material: Metal
- Measurement System: Metric
My Impression
The forney easy weld 140 mp is the lightest welder we came across. That’s why I love this so much, especially when I have outdoor projects.
The wire feed speed control and infinite voltage allow you to dial in the perfect weld! I would rather say it’s an ideal entry-level welder.RUGGED case, meant to last the day to day. Another great thing, it’s decent enough to tackle 2 and 10-pound rolls of wire.
A word of caution: Gasless/flux-core welding only.
Wow Feature of forney easy weld
POWERFUL enough allows Up to 140 Amp output to weld mild steel up to 1/4 on the plate.
What I like most
- Backed by a 1-year warranty.
- All metal case.
- Value for money.
What could be better?
- Create a lot of porosity.
Can MIG Welder Weld Aluminum?
It’s the question you secretly dread, right?
Listen:
The skill level of the welder, fit-up/positions, joint types, — as well as the power supply — all have a great influence on the weldability of the aluminum.
Does it make any sense?
Aluminum in the pure form is the comparatively soft metal that has various uses, which actually requires many alloys to increase its strength.
Despite these major issues, when it comes to aluminum MIG welding isn’t that difficult when you are using the right tools and maintaining the proper procedures.
How To Use MIG Welder?
Step 1: Take a clear idea about the background of MIG and how it works.
Step 2: safety comes first. So arrange the safety gear.
Step 3: Prepare for the welding.
Step 4: Set up the beads.
Step 5: Welding the metal together.
Step 6: Grind down the weld.
Wrapping Up and Decision Time
Based on our research and testing, your choice of the best MIG welder will ultimately depend on your job nature and preference. But no wonder budget is a great concern.
With that in mind, we tried to pick the best of the best MIG welder from the market at a modest price range. Each of the welders enters our list for their great performance.
From the Best Budget Welder list, Hobart handler 190 MIG welder (Click for details) is our personal favorite and we highly recommend it. This is literally a solid little MIG welder that does an amazing job in portable situations.
Happy welding!
Related product reviews
I really agree with your words that “whether it’s DIY projects or professional touches, MIG welding is just unbeatable”. This MIG welder does a really great task in cutting aluminum and steel and cuts both aluminum and steel within a quick span of time which make this welder really popular in the industry. Another great thing about this MIG welder is even a starter can use this very easily which make this machine so much popular. I have checked all the list of MIG welder they are really great products. So thanks for sharing such an informative article with us. I think every visitor will find your article useful as you have described each and every single point about Mig welder.
I read this article in full as I understand it has been specific to beginners as well as it is separated by a voltage.you mentioned that there is a need for professionals. Youhave written pretty well here how to use a MIG Welder.