Welding market is flooded with so many options that a customer gets puzzled how to select the best budget MIG welder. We compared seven MIG welders from reliable manufacturers and studied their features, pros and cons in detail.
So, what is the best budget MIG welder? You can select your best budget MIG welder, which is suitable for you in terms of your welding requirements, budget and durability. We recommend Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I MIG Welder to our customers because it is Amazon’s number 1 best seller in welding products. Nearly all the customers who reviewed this product on Amazon were satisfied with the product’s features and welding quality.
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The Test Winner After 27 Hours Of Research:
HOW WE DECIDED
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# Table of Contents
Top 07 Best Budget MIG Welders Comparison Table












What Are The Best Budget MIG Welder?
Here are some of the best budget MIG welder we found:
1. Best MIG Welder Under $300: Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I MIG Welder, 120 V, Green
2. Best MIG Welder Under $600: LOTOS MIG 175 AMP MIG Welder
3. Best MIG Welder Under $1000:
Hobart Handler 190 MIG, 230 V | Harbor freight MIG welder
4. Best MIG Welder Under $400: SUNGOLDPOWER 200 Amp MIG DC Welder 110/220V
5. Best MIG Welder Under $700:
Lotos 200A CDC 200A AC/DC 110/220V MIG Welder
6. Best MIG Welder Under $1500:
LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2697-1 Easy 140 MIG Wire Feed Welder
7. Best MIG Welder Under $500: 2019 Everlast 140 MIG Welder 110/120 Volts FLUX 140AMP
1. Best MIG Welder Under $300: Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-I MIG Welder, 120 V, Green
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 120 V
- Rated Output: 140 A
- Amperage Range: 30 – 140 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: Gasless/ Flux core welding
- Weld Thickness Range: 24 gauge up to ¼”
- Weldable Materials: Steel
Stainless steel - Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 30% @ 90 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: 0.30
- Wire Feed Speed: infinite
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: No
- Product Dimensions: 16.75” x 8.125” x 12”
- Weight: 19 lbs
- What’s Include: 8’ MIG gun, handle with torch wrap, 20A- 15 A adapter, 8’ ground clamp.
Forney Easy weld is a perfect light-duty welding machine suitable for a learner or a hobbyist. It is a compact size, lightweight and easy to carry MIG welding machine. It can produce beautiful welds for artistic and delicate do it your self welding projects. It works great for domestic repair and maintenance, metal fabrication and hobbyist projects.
This welder from FORNEY INDUSTRIES INC welds through a 0.30 flux core wire. The 140 Amp output allows welding up to ¼" thickness of mild steel. The unlimited voltage and wire feed speed control maximize the users grip over the quality and speed of the welding process.
Enclosed with high quality all-metal case, it can accommodate 2-10 lbs rolls of wire. The machine includes the following parts and consumables: 8' MIG gun, 8' ground clamp, 20A-15A adapter, and handle with torch wrap.
Its dimensions are 16.75” x 8.125” x 12” and weight around 19 lbs, makes this welder portable and easy to handle. Designed for gasless flux core welding, this welder is ranked Amazon number 1 best seller in MIG Welding Equipment. It comes with a 12 months warranty.
Pros
Cons
2. Best MIG Welder Under $600: LOTOS MIG 175 AMP Mig Welder
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 220 V
- Rated Output: 175 A
- Amperage Range: 10 – 175 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: Flux-core/ Aluminum gas shielded welding
- Weld Thickness Range: Steel: 18 gauge up to ¼” Aluminum up to 3/16”
- Weldable Materials: Stainless steel / mild steel / aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 20% @ 175 A / 60 % @ 60 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: 0.035
- Wire Feed Speed: provided
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: No
- Product Dimensions: 18” x 12.5” x 10.5”
- Weight: 85 lbs
- What’s Include: Spool gun, MIG torch, Ground clamp cable, Argon Regulator, Gas Hose, Contact tips, wire and mask for welding.
This smart MIG welder from LOTOS Technology can weld steel, aluminum, stainless steel and other metals through flux-core and gas shielded welding.
It gives a 20% duty cycle at 175 amps. The duty cycle increases up to 30% on 135 amps. It further increases up to 60% if the welder is used at 60 amp output.
It features wire feed motor functionality. The machine can handle 4” to 8” wire spools.
The package includes the welding machine, LOTOS Mig 175 and spool gun has a 0.9 mm aluminum wire. The MIG wire weighs 2 lbs and is 0.8 mm thick. The product contains a US Standard Argon Regulator with a connector hose and all consumables required for welding.
The lengths of spool gun cable and Mig gun cable are 10.3 ft and 8.6 ft respectively. The cable with ground clamp is 8.6 ft long, while power cable's length is 6 feet. Extension cords can be used for additional length.
It requires a 220-240 V wall outlet with 24 amp circuits to operate. It can not work on a 110-120 V power supply.
The parts are standard and easily available. The manufacturer warranty for this product and its components is three years.
It can give variable output DC from 30 amp to 175 amp depending upon the welding metal thickness. The MIG torch is comfortable and easy to operate. Ideal flux core wire is 0.035
The LOTOS MIG 75 gives a constant and deep weld penetration for beautiful welds through the wire feed motor function. With the right gas supply, it can cut a 1/8" aluminum plate or gauge. The machine has a three minutes built in timer provided for the release of gas.
The welder is not easy to carry because of its 8 feet long connection wire. The gas hose is 5 feet long and can not be moved around freely. Other accessories included in the package are user instructions manual, welding mask and a metal cleaning kit.
Pros
Cons
3. Best MIG Welder Under $1000: Hobart Handler 190 MIG, 230 V | Harbor freight mig welder
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 230 V
- Rated Output: 130 A
- Amperage Range: 25 – 190 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: Flux-core and MIG welding
- Weld Thickness Range: Steel: 24 gauge up to 5/16”
- Weldable Materials: Steel / aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 30% @ 130 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: 0.030
- Wire Feed Speed: infinite
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: No
- Product Dimensions: 24.2” x 13.3” x 18.7”
- Weight: 78 lbs
- What’s Include: Spool gun, MIG torch, Ground clamp, Tips.
The Hobart 500554 Handler weight is 78 pounds. The dimensions are 24.2 x 13.3 x 18.7 inches. It can weld on 7 different voltage selections. It can yield 25 to 190 amps output. It features infinite wire feed speed control for unmatched arc performance and spatter control. It gives 30 % duty cycle @ 130 amps. It works on 230 V power input and 20.5 amps. It can easily handle steel thickness up to ¼”. It has a spooler which makes it easy to use on Aluminum.
The package contains everything required to start welding. It comprise of a 0.030 flux core wire, gauge for argon carbon dioxide tank, metal thickness gauge and two 0.030 contact tips.
You should order few spare tips for convenience.
It comes with a 240 V, 50 amp, and NEMA 6-50 male plug. The manufacturer’s warranty is five years.
The Spool Runner 100 spool gun makes it an economical and convenient choice for welding aluminum. The spool gun is easy to attach and helps to manage the soft aluminum wires. It features three grooves, two for solid wires and one for flux core wire.
Pros
Cons
4. Best MIG Welder Under $400: SUNGOLDPOWER 200 Amp MIG DC Welder 110/220V
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 110 / 220 V
- Rated Output: 200 A
- Amperage Range: 20 – 200 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: MIG MAG ARC MMA
- Weld Thickness Range: Steel and Aluminum: 5/16”
- Weldable Materials: Stainless steel / mild steel / aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 25 % @ 160 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: 0.6 - 1.0
- Wire Feed Speed: adjustable
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: Yes
- Product Dimensions: 19.6” x 9.4” x 14.9”
- Weight: 44 lbs
- What’s Include: Argon regulator, foot paddle,
This multi purpose welder from SUNGOLDPOWER TECHNOLOGIES is a multifunction device that can work as a MIG, MAG, ARC and MMA welder. It features wire fire speed adjustment for clean and convenient welding.
This welder comes with a selector switch which allows switching the MIG gun for the spool gun. This allows aluminum welding but the package doesn’t come with spool gun.
This machine can operate on both Gas- shielded MIG welding and Gas- less flux-cored welding. It includes 0.6 – 1.0 mm Flux Core Wire and a Solid Core Wire. It can generate up to 200 amp output. It uses the same adapter on the 110 V or 220 V available voltage.
Weight of spool is 1kg and 5kg; this welding machine is suitable for use in heavy duty outdoor work like construction and bridges, farming equipment and road equipment. It works well on steel, iron, carbon steel, aluminum and stainless steel.
An excellent quality circuit board enhances stability and durability. Fan cooling function provides instant cooling to save the parts from damage.
The arc is easy to initiate and produces less spatter. Machine weight is 22 kg or 48 lbs. product dimensions are 19.6 x 9.4 x 14.9 inches.
Pros
Cons
5. Best MIG Welder Under $700: Lotos 200A CDC 200A AC/DC 110/220V MIG Welder
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 110 / 220 V
- Rated Output: 200 A
- Amperage Range: 10 – 200 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: TIG
ARC stick - Weld Thickness Range: Steel and Aluminum: 3/8”
- Weldable Materials: Stainless steel / Mild steel / aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 60 % @ 160 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: NA
- Wire Feed Speed: Not available
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: No
- Product Dimensions: 28” x 13” x 17”
- Weight: 58 lbs
- What’s Include: Power supply, voltage converter, Argon regulator, foot pedal, consumables.
This welder is a specialist in welding fine and delicate aluminum and can produce output current up to 200 amp AC/DC Current. You can use it on any thin gauge materials like stainless steel, aluminum or mild steel.
The ARC is easy to start and remains stable throughout the process, which results in a deep and beautiful weld. You can easily adjust the striking Arc current to improve the Arc starting function.
The product weighs about 58 pounds or 26 kg and the dimensions are 28 x 13 x 17 inches. It uses Argon gas as a regulator and can weld with different acid or basic electrodes.
The precise foot pedal allows greater control over the heating process. The power efficiency of this welder is 80%. It features a PAPST Advanced cooling system to ensure efficient cooling of the welder to prevent damage to the machine.
It features automatic dual voltage adaptability which allows it to function at 110/120 V and 220/240 V with a 50/60 Hz power.
It can weld up to 3/8” (9.5 mm) into stainless steel, aluminum and mild steel.
This machine works on a 60% duty cycle; this means a break of 10 minutes is enough after 6 minutes of working.
The package includes a foot pedal, round clamp, a pigtail converter 110 V/ 220 V, a TIG torch with MMA/ stick, a ground clamp, an instruction manual and a set of consumables.
Pros
Cons
6. Best MIG Welder Under $1500: LINCOLN ELECTRIC CO K2697-1 Easy 140 MIG Wire Feed Welder
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 120 V
- Rated Output: 150 A
- Amperage Range: 10 – 160 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: Flux-core and MIG welding
- Weld Thickness Range: Steel and Aluminum 24 gauge up to 3/16” – 5/16”
- Weldable Materials: Stainless steel / gauge steel / aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 30 % @ 130 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: NA
- Wire Feed Speed: Not available
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: No
- Product Dimensions: 20” x 15” x 16”
- Weight: 62 lbs
- What’s Include: Spools of wire, welding gloves and helmet, wire brushes.
This welder from LINCOLN ELECTRIC can also perform Flux and MIG welding. You can easily set it up for your welding requirements if you are welding thicker steel, set up Gas less flux-cored welding. For thinner metals like stainless steel, thin gauge steel or aluminum, Gas shielded MIG welding is more practical.
A spool gun is essential for welding aluminum. This welder can efficiently weld 24 gauge sheet metal up to 3/16” by MIG. To weld a 5/16" steel, you will require Lincoln Electric Inner shield wires.
Works on a 120 V input connection. Welding output range is 30 – 140 amp depending on the welding requirement.
The product dimensions are 20 x 15 x 16 inches. It weighs about 62 pounds.
A package of Lincoln MIG 140 contains all essential parts that are required to start welding. These include two spools of wire, leather gloves, welding shield helmet, welding shirt and wire brushes.
The machine features high conductivity due to its brass to brass gun connection. The arc is smooth, firm and produces minimal spatter.
A flux core wire within the package allows gasless flux core welding. For the other cable, you will require a C-25 Gas bottle readily available on welding stores.
The drive system is adjustable and the chance of wire tangling or damaging is less. A cast aluminum gearbox provides additional drive torque and lessens operation sounds. For identification of variable wire thickness, an easy-turn numeric drive tension indicator works
Pros
Cons
7. Best MIG Welder Under $500: 2019 Everlast 140 MIG Welder 110/120 Volts FLUX 140AMP
Salient Feature
- Input voltage: 110 / 120 V
- Rated Output: 135 A
- Amperage Range: 10 – 140 amp
- Processes Recommended/ Multi Uses: Flux-core
- Weld Thickness Range: Steel and Aluminum: 24 gauge up to 3/8”
- Weldable Materials: Steel and Aluminum
- Duty Cycle/ performance Description: 20 % @ 90 A
- MIG welding wire diameter: NA
- Wire Feed Speed: infinite
- Built-in IGBT [Y/N]: Yes
- Product Dimensions: 17” x 8” x 14”
- Weight: 25 lbs
- What’s Include: MIG gun, Argon / CO2 regulator, work clamp, essential consumables.
Inverter MIG welders from Everlast are low in cost but high in performance. The new model power i-MIG 140E functions on a 120 V power connection. The modern inverter technology increases the output voltage capacity and duty cycle than transformer-based MIG welders.
This welder comes with an in-built IGBT inverter. The maximum output capacity is 135 A. It can be used with 4 inch and 8-inch spools of wire. The product dimensions are 17 x 8 x 14 inches, and it weighs 25 pounds.
For welding aluminum a spool gun which is called Tweco Style Gun has to be installed. It gives a duty cycle of 35 % when working on full capacity.
Pros
Cons
Click Here To See The 110V MIG Welder Buyers Guide
Which factors appraise a MIG welder’s price?
The following factors determine the price of a MIG welder:
- Reliability of the manufacturer or the Brand Name.
- Input Voltage and output Amperage.
- The quality of the weld.
- Welding capacity of a welder on certain metals.
- The durability of the consumables.
- Intended use.
How to choose the best Budget, MIG welder?
Are you looking for a MIG welder because your old one is no more usable? Or you want an upgraded model? Or you may have some unfinished work in your garage or workshop. When you start searching for the market or online, you will find a wide variety of available MIG welders.
How will you know which MIG welder is best suitable for your needs? Here are some points you must consider before buying your best budget MIG welder.
Budget:
- If you spend $1000 on a welding machine, you can get a decent one. But selecting best MIG welder with a limited budget is however a challenge. You can buy a MIG welder at a low price, but it may last only for a few days.
- The most crucial factor while buying a welder is the durability in comparison to the price.
- If you have a budget of around $500 - $700 you can buy from a reliable manufacturer.
- Calculate the additional cost of welding Aluminum. Aluminum welding requires a spool gun which most of the manufacturers do not provide with the welder. Therefore, it may increase your budget up to $200.
Durability:
- Whether you are selecting a higher price MIG welder or a cheaper one, it is better to buy from the reliable manufacturers. Budget-friendly machines from reputable manufacturers may last longer than expensive machines of unknown brands. It is essential to study reviews regarding the life of consumables of each product before making a decision. Replacing consumables often will increase the total cost of welding.
- Consumables include tips, torches, wires and many others.
Versatility:
- If you have to work on projects that require different types of welding processes, you will need a multi-tasking welder that can perform MIG, TIG and stick welding. Some brands launch welders that combine MIG and TIG welding capacity. Buying a versatile welding machine will save money and provide easy portability.
- Mig / Flux Cored Welding: Mig is the abbreviation of Metal Inert Gas welding. It uses metal with gas to produce an arc. Flux core welding does not require gas to initiate an arc.
- TIG Welding: TIG is the short form of Tungsten Inert Gas welding. It joins two metals by using long rods.
- Stick Welding: Stick welding requires more intense heat as compared to TIG and MIG welding.
Project Type (Where to use)
- Light duty MIG welders are sufficient for projects that require welding thin metals. They are most suitable for hobby projects and domestic repair and maintenance.
- Most of the shops and industries have a 220 V power supply provision for welding equipment. In that case, the ideal choice is a heavy-duty 220 V MIG welder.
- Some welders work in the field and carry the welder with them. So, the welder should be a dual voltage that can be shifted on different voltage input if required. Some modern welders with automatic voltage switching feature, and adapt themselves with the available voltage. They are best for completing projects which require easy portability and variable voltage connections.
Voltage
- Most of the household and hobby projects do not require a 230 volt MIG welder. They are well accomplished with a simple 115 - 120-volt input voltage and a simple three-pin household plug. A MIG welder connected to plug outlet grounded at 20 – 30 amps can produce efficient results.
- But working on a 120-volt input means limited output capacity. If you have to work on metals thicker than ¼" in the routine, you will require a welder with 230-volt input electric current. Choose the welding voltage according to your welding projects, because once bought you cannot change its input requirements.
Spool Gun
- Cable reach and accessibility: you should choose the spool gun according to the length of cable.
- Feeding performance: the feeding performance of a spool gun depends on its wire tension settings. For better performance and consistent arc in your aluminum welding project, select a spool gun with dual wire tension settings.
- Durability: chose a spool gun which has a durable motor and drive design. It will reduce maintenance and replacement costs.
- Easy to use: The gun handle should allow wire feed speed adjustment. It should also provide reversible drive rolls. The gun should feature a quick change and a single turn contact tip. A gun with these features can give high performance with convenience.
- Spool canister: the spool canister should allow rotation up to 180 degrees for enhanced flexibility.
- Gun Access: the head tube of the gun should be easy to rotate to access the problematic spots during welding. It will allow a consistent current transfer and prevent leaks.
Safety Features:
- There is a wide range of hazards that can be caused by MIG welding. These include incidents related to fire and electricity.
- A welder should be able to handle short circuits. When a short circuit is about to happen, the welder will alter the voltage to prevent it. It is necessary to avoid it because a short circuit not only creates spatter but also changes the weld pool.
- The MIG welder should be able to subside thermal overload efficiently.
Weight:
The welders which are suitable to work on higher voltage and produce higher amperage are heavier in weight. If the job requires portability of the welder, then the weight should be considered thoroughly before making a decision.
Conclusion
Consider the type of intended work, durability and reliability of a welder before purchasing. The best budget MIG welder should produce clean welds without producing much spatter. Select the welder with appropriate voltage input and required output current. The type and thickness of metal will determine your welder selection. The welder must feature the kind of welding most suitable for your projects, be it a MIG, TIG or stick welding.
FAQ
What Is The Best Cheap MIG Welder?
LOTOS technologies produce the best cheap MIG welders. They provide a variety of welders for variable metal thickness and other welding requirements. Manufactured in the US, the LOTOS welders are low on budget and high on performance.
What Is The Best MIG Welder For A Beginner?
The best MIG welder for a beginner is Forney Easy weld 261. It is suitable for light-duty domestic or hobby projects. It is easy to set, operate and carry. It comes with an instruction manual that explains all essential steps clearly. It is the top bestseller on Amazon among the MIG welders. Thus we can say that this is the best welder for beginners in the welding field.
What’s The Best MIG Welder For Home Use?
The welders which adapt to lower voltage input are suitable for home use. Most of the electric boards on home walls supply 110 – 120 V. Therefore we can recommend Everlast MIG 140 or Lincoln Easy MIG 140. Both are reasonable in terms of price but excellent in welding performance.
What Welder Should A Beginner Buy?
A beginner should buy light-duty welders which operate on a lower voltage. These welders produce low output amperage for welding thinner metals. The welder should be simple and easy to operate. Enhanced safety features are a bonus point.
Is TIG Stronger Than MIG?
A simple statement is not enough to declare that TIG is more durable than MIG. Both are different processes intended for various purposes. According to malleability, MIG is somewhat harder than TIG. If we take two pieces of metal, weld one with TIG and the other with MIG, then we subject both to hammering, the metal with MIG will break while the one with TIG welding will endure the hammering.
What Is A Good Cheap Stick Welder?
In previous years, it was challenging to find a low-cost welding machine with efficient welding outcomes. The cheaper ones failed to produce cost-effective welding in terms of durability and working efficiency. In short, their performance was terrible. With the development of most modern technology in the previous few years, it is now possible to find a decent stick welder at a cheap price. Most medium-price welding machines can weld thick or thin metals with speed and neatness.
What Is The Best Professional MIG Welder?
After completing 27 Hrs. we recommend Hobart Handler 190 MIG, 230 V | Harbor freight MIG welder is one of the best professional welders.
What Is The Best MIG Welder For Aluminum?
LOTOS MIG 175 AMP MIG Welder Is the best MIG welder for aluminum. It comes with a weld thickness range for Aluminum up to 3/16”.
Last Updated on July 27, 2022 by weldinghubs