Starting your welding journey often begins with a limited budget. Every welder dreams of a machine that performs well without emptying their wallet. The good news is that today’s affordable MIG welders can deliver impressive results if you pick the right one.
Budget MIG welders were once known for low power and inconsistent arcs. But modern inverter technology has made compact and cost-effective machines far more reliable. Now you can get smooth welds, stable arcs, and quality finishes without paying premium prices.
Whether you are working on auto repairs, small metal projects, or light fabrication, a budget MIG welder can handle it all. These machines are portable, easy to use, and perfect for learning the fundamentals of welding. They make it simple to practice techniques without wasting material or time.
Many first-time buyers fear that “cheap” means poor quality. In reality, several brands now produce affordable MIG welders with advanced features like adjustable wire feed speed, thermal overload protection, and dual voltage options. These features make a big difference for long-term performance.
Even professional welders keep a compact MIG welder for quick repairs and on-the-go jobs. It’s the kind of machine you can carry anywhere and set up in minutes. With the right welder, you can get reliable performance for years without spending a fortune.
In this guide, you’ll discover the 5 best cheap MIG welders that strike the perfect balance between performance and affordability. Each option is chosen for its power output, duty cycle, build quality, and user-friendly design—so you can weld better while staying within budget.
Our Top 5 Cheap Mig Welder Recommendations at a Glance
| Image | Product | Rating | Links |
|---|---|---|---|
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AZZUNO MIG Welder | 9.0/10 | Check Price |
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FEMEROL MIG Welder | 9.1/10 | Check Price |
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HONE MIG Welder 110V | 9.2/10 | Check Price |
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GZ GUOZHI 140A MIG Welder | 8.7/10 | Check Price |
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BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder | 8.9/10 | Check Price |
Top 5 Cheap Mig Welder Detailed Reviews
1. AZZUNO MIG Welder
Rating: 9.2/10
The AZZUNO MIG Welder,Flux Core Welder Machine 110V 130Amp, Gasless MIG Welding Machine IGBT Inverter Welder Portable Wire Feed Welder (110V) is a fantastic tool for anyone looking to get into welding. It’s designed to be user-friendly, making it a great option for beginners and hobbyists.
What We Like:
- It’s super easy to use! The machine has knobs to control voltage and wire speed. It even has a special “synergic control” that automatically adjusts these settings for you when you change the amperage or metal thickness. This means even if you’ve never welded before, you can pick it up quickly.
- This welder is powerful enough to weld metal plates up to 3.0mm thick. It also has safety features like overload and overheating protection, so you can weld with confidence. It’s built to handle common 2.2-pound wire spools.
- It’s really portable. Weighing only 8.6 lbs, it’s lightweight and has a comfortable handle. You can easily carry it to different work locations.
- This welder works on many different types of metal. It’s perfect for home projects, DIY crafts, and for people just starting out with welding.
- The package includes everything you need to get started: the welding machine, a MIG torch, a ground clamp, a brush and hammer, a 1lb spool of flux-cored wire, and extra contact tips.
What Could Be Improved:
- While it’s great for thinner materials, it might not be powerful enough for very thick or heavy-duty welding jobs.
- The included wire is only 1lb, which is a good starting point, but you’ll likely need to buy more wire for larger projects.
This AZZUNO MIG Welder is a solid choice for beginners and DIYers looking for an affordable and easy-to-use welding solution. It offers a great combination of portability, power, and safety features for its price point.
2. FEMEROL MIG Welder
Rating: 8.5/10
The FEMEROL MIG Welder is a 2-in-1 welding machine that’s great for many projects. It can do both Flux Core Gasless MIG and Stick welding. This makes it super versatile for different jobs around the house or workshop. It’s designed to be easy for beginners to use, but experienced welders will find it useful too. You can weld different metals and alloys with it. It’s perfect for home users, DIY fans, and anyone who needs to do repairs outdoors or on the farm.
What We Like:
- It’s a 2-in-1 welder, so you can do Flux Core MIG and Stick welding.
- The synergic control makes it easy for beginners. It matches the wire speed and voltage for you.
- You can also manually adjust settings if you’re an experienced welder.
- It’s powerful enough to weld metal up to 4.0mm thick.
- It has safety features like overload and overheating protection.
- The package includes almost everything you need to start welding right away.
- It’s very portable, weighing only 9 lbs, and has a comfortable handle.
- It comes with a two-year guarantee.
What Could Be Improved:
- The included flux cored wire is a small roll (0.5kg), so you might need to buy more for bigger jobs.
- While it’s good for beginners, advanced users might want more fine-tuning control.
This FEMEROL welder is a solid choice for many welding needs. Its ease of use and portability make it a great addition to any home or small workshop.
3. HONE MIG Welder 110V
Rating: 9.1/10
The HONE MIG Welder 110V is a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine that handles MIG, Stick, and Lift TIG welding. It’s designed for ease of use, even for beginners, and packs a punch with its 140 Amp output. This machine is great for various projects around the house or even for some light professional work.
What We Like:
- Synergic MIG Control: It automatically matches wire speed and voltage when you choose your flux core wire size (.030/.035 inch). This makes it super simple to get good welds without a lot of guessing.
- Smart Stick Welder: Features like Hot-start and Arc-force help you start your arc quickly and keep it steady. It works well with many common Stick welding rods.
- Easy Lift TIG Function: You can start TIG welds just by touching the tungsten to your metal and lifting. No need to scratch the rod, making TIG welding much more accessible.
- Safe and Stable Operation: Built-in safety features like anti-stick, voltage fluctuation compensation, and protection against over current, overheating, and short circuits keep you and the machine safe.
- Portable and Versatile: It’s lightweight (only 10.1 lbs) and easy to carry. It can weld different types of steel and cast iron, making it perfect for outdoor repairs, farm work, or home DIY projects.
What Could Be Improved:
- Limited TIG Functionality: While it has Lift TIG, it’s not a full-featured TIG welder. It’s best for basic TIG tasks.
- 110V Power Limitation: Being a 110V machine means it’s best suited for thinner materials. Thicker metals might require more passes or a higher amperage welder.
- Gasless MIG Only: The description specifies “Gasless Wire Welder,” meaning it primarily uses flux core wire. For cleaner MIG welds on certain metals, a machine that can also use shielding gas would be better.
This HONE welder is a solid choice for DIY enthusiasts and those needing a portable, multi-function welding solution for common tasks. It simplifies welding processes, making it a great entry-level or secondary machine.
4. GZ GUOZHI 140A MIG Welder
Rating: 8.7/10
The GZ GUOZHI 140A MIG Welder is a versatile 3-in-1 welding machine. It handles Flux MIG, ARC, and Lift TIG welding. This 110V welder is designed for ease of use and portability, making it suitable for various welding tasks.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, offering Flux MIG, ARC, and Lift TIG functions.
- Synergic control makes it easy to use, even for beginners. The machine automatically adjusts voltage and wire speed when you change the amperage.
- It has a wide voltage range (90V-140V), so it’s not easily affected by voltage changes.
- The welder can handle 2-pound spools of Flux-Core wire and works with .03″ and .035″ wire sizes.
- It includes safety features like over-heating, over-current, over-voltage, and over-loading protection for safe operation.
- Its small size and light weight make it very portable for outdoor jobs or working at heights.
- The package includes all the essential accessories like an electrode holder, earth clamp, and MIG gun.
What Could Be Improved:
- To use the Lift TIG function for stainless steel, you need to buy a TIG lift torch separately.
- The description mentions it can weld at minus 15 degrees, but specific details on performance in extreme cold are limited.
This GZ GUOZHI welder offers a lot of features for its price. It’s a solid option for DIYers and professionals needing a portable, multi-process machine.
5. BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder
Rating: 8.7/10
The BILT HARD 135A 3-in-1 IGBT Inverter Welder is a versatile tool for any DIYer or professional. It handles Flux Core MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding, all from a standard 110V outlet. This machine is designed for ease of use and reliable results.
What We Like:
- It’s a 3-in-1 welder, so you can do Flux Core MIG, Lift TIG, and Stick welding.
- The synergic control makes it easy for beginners. It automatically sets things up for you.
- The LED display shows you everything, like voltage and wire speed. You can also fine-tune your settings.
- It comes with everything you need to start welding right away, including a helmet and gloves.
- Safety features like auto shutdown protect the machine and the user.
What Could Be Improved:
- The TIG torch is not included with the machine. You will need to buy it separately if you want to TIG weld.
This BILT HARD welder is a great all-around choice for many projects. Its user-friendly design and included accessories make it a fantastic value.
Your Guide to Finding a Cheap Mig Welder
Are you looking to start welding or tackle some DIY projects without breaking the bank? A cheap MIG welder can be a fantastic tool. MIG welding is a great way to join metal pieces together. It’s often easier to learn than other welding methods. This guide will help you find a good, affordable MIG welder.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a cheap MIG welder, keep these important features in mind:
- Amperage Range: This tells you how much power the welder has. A higher amperage means you can weld thicker metal. For most home projects, a range of 100-150 amps is a good starting point.
- Duty Cycle: This is how long the welder can run before it needs to cool down. A higher duty cycle is better if you plan to weld for long periods. Look for at least a 20% duty cycle at a typical amperage (like 100 amps).
- Wire Feed Speed Control: This lets you adjust how fast the welding wire comes out. Good control helps you make smooth, consistent welds.
- Voltage Settings: Some welders offer different voltage settings. This helps you fine-tune your weld for different metal thicknesses.
- Portability: If you need to move your welder around your workshop or job site, look for one that’s lightweight and has a handle.
- Included Accessories: Some welders come with everything you need to start, like a welding gun, ground clamp, and even some wire.
2. Important Materials for Welding
MIG welders work best with certain types of metal. Most cheap MIG welders are designed for:
- Mild Steel: This is the most common type of steel. It’s used in cars, furniture, and many other projects. Your new welder will likely handle mild steel well.
- Stainless Steel: This is a stronger, rust-resistant steel. Some MIG welders can weld stainless steel, but it might require specific settings or wire.
- Aluminum: Welding aluminum can be trickier. Many entry-level MIG welders are not ideal for aluminum. If you need to weld aluminum, you might need a welder with a spool gun or a more advanced machine.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all cheap MIG welders are created equal. Here’s what makes a difference:
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Solid Build Quality: Even cheap welders should feel sturdy. A well-made casing protects the internal parts.
- Good Heat Dissipation: Welders can get hot. Good ventilation or cooling systems help prevent overheating.
- Consistent Power Output: The welder should deliver steady power for smooth welds.
- Easy-to-Understand Controls: Simple dials and clear markings make the welder easier to use.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Flimsy Construction: A welder that feels cheap and plasticky might not last long.
- Inconsistent Wire Feed: If the wire sputters or jams, it makes welding difficult and the welds look bad.
- Overheating Issues: If the welder shuts off too quickly, you can’t get much work done.
- Poor Weld Quality: Some cheap welders just don’t produce clean, strong welds, no matter how good you are.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A cheap MIG welder is perfect for:
- Beginners: MIG welding is one of the easier welding types to learn. A simple, affordable machine is a great way to start.
- Home DIY Projects: Fix fences, build small shelves, or work on car repairs.
- Hobbyists: If you enjoy tinkering and building things in your garage.
- Light Fabrication: For projects that don’t require heavy-duty welding.
The user experience should be straightforward. You should be able to set it up quickly and start welding without too much confusion. Look for welders with clear instructions and online tutorials if you’re new to welding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature in a cheap MIG welder?
A: The amperage range is usually the most important feature because it determines how thick of metal you can weld.
Q: Can I weld thick metal with a cheap MIG welder?
A: Most cheap MIG welders are best for thinner metals, typically 1/8 inch or less. Thicker metals require more power.
Q: Do I need gas for a MIG welder?
A: Some MIG welders are “flux-cored” and don’t need gas. Others use a gas (like C25) to shield the weld. Gas-less flux-cored welding is often easier for beginners and cheaper to start.
Q: What kind of wire should I use?
A: For mild steel, you’ll likely use solid wire with gas or flux-cored wire without gas. The wire size depends on the metal thickness you’re welding.
Q: How long will a cheap MIG welder last?
A: It depends on how well it’s made and how you use it. With proper care, even a cheap welder can last for many projects.
Q: Are cheap MIG welders hard to learn?
A: MIG welding is generally considered one of the easier welding methods to learn. Many cheap welders have simple controls.
Q: What safety gear do I need?
A: You absolutely need a welding helmet with a dark lens, welding gloves, and protective clothing like a leather jacket or flame-resistant work clothes.
Q: Can I use a cheap MIG welder for professional work?
A: Cheap MIG welders are usually best for hobby and DIY use. For professional work, you’d typically need a more powerful and reliable machine.
Q: What is a good duty cycle for a beginner?
A: A duty cycle of 20% at 100 amps is usually sufficient for most home and hobby projects.
Q: Where can I find cheap MIG welders?
A: You can find them at big box hardware stores, online retailers like Amazon or eBay, and sometimes at specialized welding supply stores.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m Darrell Julian, the founder, lead writer, and hands-on welding enthusiast behind ArcWeldingPro.com. With more than 15 years of real-world welding experience, I created this platform to share what I’ve learned in the field, in the shop, and in the heat of the arc.
