Herbert Miller
Are you a professional welder engaged in welding projects regularly? Then, you might be familiar with the risks associated with infrared light and UV rays. Without the safety gears, you may damage your eyes. According to OSHA guidelines, you have to wear welding helmets and other protective gear to ensure safety at the job site.
When you start working on metal, you need proper face and eye protection with a welder. With a special welding helmet on the head, your job will be safer and easier. The best quality welding helmets have lightweight designs and have high tech features.
It would be painful and costly when you have chosen the wrong helmet. To save you from purchasing the wrong product, we have picked the best welding helmets and reviewed them thoroughly.
We have focused on a number of questions to find the right product for you. Does the helmet save you from the flying sparks? Does it have good shade variability to manage bright outdoor and dark indoor conditions? We have made several other considerations before reviewing a product.
Disclaimer – This article may contain affiliate links, this means that at no cost to you, we may receive a small commission for qualifying purchases.
Best overall
3M Speedglas Welding Helmet
- 2.8 by 4.2 in. viewing window
- Sensitivity is adjustable
- Includes grinding and torch modes
- Padded front headband
Premium choice
Lincoln Welding Helmet 3350
- 12.5 sq. inch viewing window
- 4C Lens Technology
- 1/1/1/1 Optical Clarity
- Solar-powered system
Best budget
Antra Wide Shade Range 4/5-9/9-13
- Auto-darkening lens
- Interference Suppression Technologies
- 4 arc sensors
- Super-fast switching time
We know that it is too difficult to find the right welding helmet from a myriad of options available in the market. That’s why we have picked the top welding helmets for you.
1. 3M Speedglas Welding Helmet
3M was the first to manufacture the technologically advanced auto-darkening welding helmet. We have selected this product as the best pick in our list for its superb viewing quality and safety features. The auto-darkening filtration system is capable of giving a response within 0.1 milliseconds. It will identify your welding arc automatically to let the model become darkened for the safety of your eyes.
With a 3M Speedglas helmet, you will get ultimate protection from UV and infrared rays. Windows on either side of your helmet help with better the peripheral view. However, the filters of these windows are adjustable in five ways to darken and lighten each side.
Moreover, flexible crown straps ensure better weight distribution and stability. There is a snap adjustable to nine helmet angles. To make the product more ergonomic, manufacturers have also added a swivel-mounted ratchet system for perfect tightening. Ensure that your head size is about 50 to 64 cm to fit this helmet.
Pros
- Good viewing area
- Padded headband for consistent pressure distribution
- Mimic your natural head shape
- Best for any type of welding project
- A vent to reduce humidity heat, and fogging
- Multiple combinations and adjustments ensure a tailored fit
Cons
- The solar-power cell is absent.
2. Lincoln Welding Helmet 3350
We have chosen it as the premium product in our list due to its highly reliable design and sophisticated features. This helmet delivers the highest optical rating and has big lenses for a considerable field of view. The high-sensitivity lens can work perfectly with a low amp TIG.
The innovatively designed helmet can differentiate the welding arc from the sun. It will never flash while you are engaged in outdoor working. Lincoln has upgraded its ADF circuitry to minimize energy consumption and prolong battery life.
The high-tech 4C lens technology optimizes your visibility and reduces the green-tinted glow. The viewing zone is 3.74″ by 3.34,” and thus, you can see everything without moving your head around.
Besides, the sensors prevent you from facing issues like blind spots. The auto-darkening system helps in darkening with 1/25000th of a second. What’s more, the sensitivity settings can range between DIN5 and DIN13. Besides, as the helmet has a ventilation system, the consistent airflow gives you the ultimate comfort.
Pros
- Special technology to prevent eye strain
- Ensure optimal visibility and better control
- A pivot style headgear
- A wide viewing area
- A knob to adjust fitting
Cons
- Slightly heavy
3. Antra Wide Shade Range Welding Helmet
When you have a limited budget to buy your welding helmet, it is the right choice for you. Without compromising quality, you will get the best protection for your eyes. The low-priced helmet with a solar-powered feature maintains battery levels.
The shade levels are variable ranging from 5 to 13. You can work in almost any light condition. Another notable part of this helmet is its interference suppression technology that prevents any wrong triggering from other light sources.
To ensure the best performance, manufacturers have added 4 high-end arc sensors that help you with responsive detection capabilities. Besides, there are controlling units to provide fast switching time. The interface is easily operable. You can choose the Grind Mode to prevent the lens from responding to arc. It is easy to switch to the Weld Mode at any time. Wear this helmet to minimize dangerous radiant bypass. The auto shading is also accurate, causing no eye stress.
Pros
- Lightweight and comfortable helmet
- No need to flip up and flip down the hood
- Full coverage of face and neck
- Battery indicator
- A button for a Quick Darkening test
Cons
- Shorter lifespan
4. ESAB 0700000800 Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet
ESAB has created a revolutionary technology to create a high-impact resistant design for this welding helmet. The viewing area is 3.93 by 2.36 in, and it provides high visibility. At the top of this helmet, you can find a button to let you choose the Grind Mode based on your needs.
The auto-darkening helmet has True Color lenses, and it will make you feel that you have not put on anything. ESAB Sentinel A50 has gained the trust of welders with its Optical Class Rating (1/1/1/2), and thus, you will enjoy a high optical clarity. Besides, the LCD touch screen has additional buttons for better settings. The shade selector lets you adjust the shade from 9 to 13.
Another interesting feature is the memory settings, and thus, every time you make an adjustment, the helmet will memorize it.
Pros
- Durable shell ensuring a lasting design
- Easy-to-replace lens
- Comfortable headgear
- Unique touchscreen display
Cons
- Too much heat can warp the lense.
5. DEKOPRO Welding Helmet Auto Darkening Solar Powered Hood
Although DEKOPRO has introduced a variety of welding helmets, we have chosen it as the best auto-darkening model. This special feature saves your eyes, and it can switch from normal condition to the dark one with 1/25000 second. The automatic dimming enables you to adjust to diverse work environments. The battery-powered auto-darkening filter has a solar cell. Most users have found the battery life lasting for 5000 hours.
You may adjust the shades easily. However, there is also an option of altering the delay time and sensitivity level. The lens provides you with a clean and wide viewing zone. You can see any object clearly.
In terms of ergonomics, DEKOPRO has won the heart of users. The rotatable helmet with a round shape and a headband never makes you feel discomfort. You can tailor fit the helmet based on your personal preference.
Pros
- Cause no pressure on your head
- The best protection for your eyes
- High-definition filter to prevent obstruction to your view
- Lasting battery life up to 5000 hours
Cons
- Need some time for adjustment
6. iMeshbean Pro Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet
It is another flawlessly designed welding helmet with an auto-darkening technology. You can wear it during both welding and grinding activities.
The funky design represents jagged teeth and pink gum surrounding the faceplate. The filter shade found on the front side ensures eye protection from UV and infrared rays. While dealing with TIG, arc, MIG, and plasma cutting processes, you can put on this helmet.
You do not need to use batteries, as the helmet receives power from sun rays. The system can absorb sunlight automatically to get the needed power. However, it may also obtain power from lights generated during your welding session.
As iMeshbean has created an auto-darkening helmet, it becomes darkened after detecting an arc. The system can show its response within 1/30,000 of a second.
Pros
- Lightning-fast reaction
- The shade control is adjustable
- Ratchet head-strap is easy to fit
- Best for users of any head shape
- Replaceable backup battery
Cons
- Must have better shade adjustment
7. Optrel VegaView 2.5 Welding Helmet
The lightweight and perfectly designed Optrel VegaView 2.5 can become your companion during the regular welding and grinding activities. You will not feel pain on your shoulders and neck while wearing these helmets for long hours.
Manufacturers have used a special true-color technology, and that’s why you will see HD colors before beginning the welding process. The shades are adjustable from 8 to 12.
Optrel has made its product stand out due to the 2.5 mode. In the light state mode, the industry standard is to provide a 4.0-shade level. However, this standard makes the view dark, and you cannot inspect your welds. To solve this problem, Optrel has dropped the level to 2.5, and thus, you will find 23% transmission of light.
The sensor slide comes with an analog control dial helping you to adjust the sensitivity. We think that it is better than digital controls. Most of the controls are on the interior side. Only Shade adjuster, Sensitivity controls, and Grind Mode are on the outer side to make them easily accessible.
Pros
- Super comfortable helmet
- Correct the vision without the need to wear glasses
- Innovative optics technology
- Designed for overhead welding work
Cons
- Knobs are cheap
8. Hobart 770756 Impact Variable Auto-Dark Welding Helmet
Hobart has earned fame for its uniquely designed welder helmet. Made of polyamide material, Hobart 770756, ensures high durability. The viewing area is about 7.05 in², and it is larger compared to that of other standard helmets. You will have no struggle in viewing objects. Moreover, the lens will not become foggy while you are dealing with the welding process.
The auto-darkening lens remains mostly at the light shade level 3, and you can find it varying with your continuous usage. This automatic darkening system works at a rate of 1/25,000 second. The darker shades range between 8 and 13. However, due to the shade changing nature of the helmet, you must store it in some dark place.
Manufacturers have designed the helmet in a way that the sensitivity level is adjustable up to any level. While most other helmets have 2 sensors, Hobart has included 3. Use these arch sensors to control this level.
There is a high-quality lithium-ion battery used for the helmet. Moreover, you will not feel discomfort while wearing the helmet. You can tighten the hinges and solve the nagging issue.
Pros
- Super strong to resist impact
- Comfortable design, causing no neck strain
- Automatic switching of shades
- Grind Mode and easy to shut-off
Cons
- The viewing window is not uniform.
9. Miller Electric Digital Elite Welding Helmet
With a large viewing area of 9 square inches, Miller Electric’s Digital Elite is best for professional welders and beginners. This lightweight helmet does not stress your neck and head. It presents you with 4 operating modes- Grind Mode, Weld Mode, X-Mode, and Cut mode. Based on the situation, you can pick the right mode. The unique X-Mode detects your weld electromagnetically.
Besides, the auto-darkening lens gives you a better view without risking your eyes. Furthermore, the solar-assisted battery can last up to 3,000 hours and work under all environmental conditions.
Overall, we have found Miller’s Digital Elite hood a highly durable product, and manufacturers have designed it following the ANSI standards.
Pros
- Highly adjustable headgear
- Big screen
- Simple digital controls
- Automatic on/off saves battery life
- Outside and inside cover lenses
Cons
- Some difficulties to adjust the hood.
10. Jackson Safety 46131 Welding Helmet
As an ultra-lightweight product, Jackson Safety Insight is a quality headwear for welders. The viewing zone has a dimension of 3.93″ by 2.36″, and it never obstructs your views during your welding session. The auto-darkening technology with 4 dimming sensors has made this mask highly functional. The filter can switch between light and dark state.
Moreover, controls are user-friendly with proper positioning to minimize the blockage potential at the time of welding. The best fact is that Jackson Safety has offered a universal size, and thus, the helmet fits everyone regardless of head shape.
While checking the shade variability, we have found that it ranges from 9 to 13. The helmet can make delay and sensitivity adjustments for a variety of tasks. Thus, it can adapt to any work environment by altering the lens shade.
View Latest PricePros
- High-quality optics
- Good interior setup
- CSA compliant
- Enough sensitivity adjustment
Cons
- Must have more coverage
Welding helmet buyers guide
You have already read reviews of some quality welding helmets. Now, which one is the right welding helmet for your needs? To find the answer, you need to check out these factors.
Type of lens
While some helmets have a fixed lens, others include a variable lens. The fixed lens is one lens with no alteration while we weld. Conversely, with variable lenses, you will have adjustable shades. In most cases, welding helmets have lenses ranging between 5 shades.
Some helmets also have a cheater lens, a small magnifying lens in the window for the enlargement of your views.
Comfort and ergonomics
It is the biggest factor, as you need to wear a helmet for years. The best manufacturers try to use lightweight materials while maintaining durability. Moreover, there are knobs and straps for adjustments. When you feel that the headgear is getting loose, you may use those adjustments.
However, you must check out the knob size and placement. We think that it is better to choose knobs on the outer side to access them easily. Besides, knob size is important, as it is hard to grip it with your padded gloves.
Sensors
At least 2 sensors are essential when you purchase auto-darkening welding helmets. The better quality products have 4 sensors with them. The presence of more sensors ensures easy detection of flashes and arcs and flashes.
Grind Mode
While using grinders, you need facial protection from dust. The Grind Mode button keeps your masks to their lowest settings.
Auto-darkening
In modern welding helmets, you will not miss out on this technology. Auto-darkening refers to the automatic welding light detection capability. The system blocks the light and makes adjustments. After the welding tasks are over, you will find your lens returning to the lightest setting.
Shade Variability-
When you are dealing with high amperage welding tasks under the direct sun rays, your lens must be dark to provide protection. Arc flash can damage your eyes. Thus, you need to buy helmets with a high shade variability level.
The dimension of the viewing window
When you put on a helmet with a small viewing lens, you may find issues with your peripheral vision. Some premium models have a viewing space of about 12 square inches. With the large viewing window, you will feel comfortable in managing your welding tasks.
Summing up
There is a diverse selection of welding helmets from different brands. We have gone through the genuine user reviews to pick every product. We think that our comprehensive analysis of every welding helmet will enable you to make your purchase decision.
We have focused on the functionalities, shade variability, and price rates to compare these products for welding enthusiasts. Our list includes high to low-priced products to help buyers of different budgets.
