Whether you are a professional welder or a hobbyist, a welding helmet is an essential part of your welding experience. A good helmet will protect not only your eyes but your face and head from potential sparks or impact. In addition to being a crucial element to welding, the right welding helmet can actually make your job easier.

Helmets have come a long way and top brands will offer welding helmet accessories like auto-darkening lenses, solar charging options, air filtration and added padding for comfort.

Welding helmets come in a wide range of prices, ranging from as low as $50 to well over $1000. On average we've found that welders will spend somewhere around $300-$400 on a good helmet. Professional welders who log long welding sessions typically don't hesitate to invest in a top of the line helmet for their protection and comfort.

What are the best welding helmets on the market?

Determining the best welding helmet comes down to evaluating a few key factors like quality, comfort and convenience. It's important to consider optical clarity (clear visibility), comfort, protection and other superior features like auto-darkening and lens responsiveness. Ultimately, the type of helmet that's best for you will come down to your specific needs and exploring the best deals available.

We've done the dirty work for you and reviewed high-quality welding helmets from top brands. Below are our top picks for the most popular welding helmets:

1. Miller OptX Laser Welding Helmet in Carbon Fiber: This is a light-weight, carbon fiber helmet designed specifically to protect against 1070 nm infrared laser light. This helmet is a must have for Laser Welding & includes a 10x10x10 inch viewing area.
2. Miller Digital Infinity Auto-Darkening welding Helmet, Clearlight 2.0: Not only is this helmet affordable, but fully loaded with extra features and advanced technology too. Its InfoTrack advanced lens technology actually tracks and displays your arc time and allows you to set alarms and timers. Miller came in strong with this Helmet adding digital controls, memory function and quick release cover lens. Its adjustable headgear offers extra cushion and an ergonomic design for the most support.
3. Optrel Helix Pure Air Quattro Welding Helmet: When we talk about the best welding helmets out there, there is no other than the Optrel Helix Helmet. This PAPR Welding and grinding helmet is designed for extreme performance with a protection level ranging from 4 to 14. With top of the line respiratory protection it has a built-in PURE Air system, which is an air-purifying respirator. It's continuously working to filter out harmful particles and provide clean breathing air. This helmet is a great investment if your budget allows and if you're going to be working in environments with fumes.
4. Washington Alloy Hyper-View Auto Darkening Welding Helmet: If you are just getting started on your welding journey or if you're looking for a cost-effective option, consider this Washington Alloy Helmet which features a digital, Auto-Darkening Filter and provides a full UV and arc ray protection. Its shell is made of durable impact resistant nylon and it's a good option for MIG, TIG, Stick, Plasma, Arc Cutting, Gas and Grinding work.
5. Miller Digital Elite Auto-Darkening Welding Helmet, Clearlight 2.0: This Miller Digital Elite helmet is fully packed with extra features like the ClearLight 2.0 Lens Technology, 3.0 Light State allowing you to keep your hood down, InfoTrack 2.0 for arc time tracking, AutoSense, Four Arc Sensors and Four Modes (Weld, cut, grind and X-mode) and more! Not only will you be able to select a fun design to match your style but the variable shade will allow you to customize the lens shade to your needs as well.

Check out this guide on how to best choose welding helmets and goggles that offer reliable performance. Online prices can vary so do your research to find the best online prices available at Arc-Zone.

How to pick out a good welding helmet?

Choosing the right welding helmet is a very personal thing that is also incredibly important. Selecting the best welding helmet for yourself will ensure safety and comfort. Use the below guide to help you through the process of finding a good helmet:

1. Decide the type of Welding Helmet you'll want:
• Auto Darkening Helmets: These are very versatile because of the ease of use and protection they offer. The lens on these helmets adjust easily to the brightness of the welding arc while you're working. Because they can be used during most types of welding, they are a top choice.
• Passive Helmet: These are the types of welding helmets that require you to lift the helmet to see clearly. They are usually used by beginner welders as they tend to be less expensive. We recommend you steer clear of these if you're going to be logging long hours welding.
2. Explore Lens Shades:
   For most welding processes you will want to have a lens share between 9 and 13. If you'll find yourself using multiple welding processes, an auto-darkening helmet will be a great choice as you'll get the flexibility to adjust the lens shade easily.
• Stick Welding: Usually requires a lens shade between 10-12.
• TIG Welding: Most commonly will need a lens shade of 11-13.
• MIG Welding: Preferred lens shade of 10-11.
3. Consider Lens Size:
   Lens size becomes important when you need better visibility on a job or if you are someone who will be wearing prescription glasses underneath your helmet.
• Standard Size: The lens is a bit smaller at about 2.5" x 4.25".
• Larger Lens (3.5"x 5.25" or 4.25"x 5.25") : You'll get a wider range of view, allowing you to see your work area easier and will require less repositioning of your head. An example of a time you may want a larger lens is during overhead welding.
4. Will you want Auto Darkening?
   If you find yourself on jobs where you need to move frequently between welding and actually inspecting the work, consider this feature upgrade! Having a helmet with an auto darkening feature completely eliminates the need to flip your helmet up and down, ultimately saving you time and offering the highest protection.
• Consider Auto Darkening response time: This is how quickly the lens on the helmet will darken once the welding arc is struck. For the best protection you'll want to opt for a low response time.
• What is considered a good response time? Typically a response time of about 1/25,000 of a second is typical incuded in top notch helmets.
5. Consider the Fit and Comfort of the Helmet:
   The best combination you'll want to explore will be a lightweight helmet with adjustable headgear!
• Weight: Choosing a lightweight helmet will help you avoid fatigue and neck strain. There is a happy medium though because you'll still want one that is sturdy enough to protect you.
• Adjustable headgear: For the most comfort look for a well padded helmet with adjustable headgear. This is especially important if you plan on wearing your helmet for longer periods of time.
6. Battery and Power Source:
   Ideally if you can find a helmet you love that offers both a battery option and a solar powered option, you'll be in good shape. The solar panel not only can power the helmet but it actually prolongs the life of the batteries themself.
• Solar Powered: Some nicer helmets come with solar panels that can actually recharge the batteries while you're in use which helps you extend the life of the batteries.
• Battery- Powered: These helmets use replaceable batteries or some offer rechargeable ones. Make sure you check the battery life of the helmet, especially if you are going to opt for an auto-darkening one.
7. Safety Considerations:
• Safety Rating: Ensure the helmet meets ANSI Z87.1 (for the U.S.) or EN379 (in Europe). These certifications are in place to help ensure the proper protection against UV/IR radiation is met.
• Flame Resistant Coating: Ensures the helmet is more resistant to heat and welding sparks. These coatings can help reduce the risk of your helmet catching on fire and ultimately offer a higher protection to the welder's face and neck.
• Impact-Resistant Shells: This refers to the outer layer of the helmet and it is designed to protect against high impacts such as falling objects, bumps or debris. Welders often find themselves in variable work conditions and this adds an extra layer of safety.
8. Explore Durability:
   Durability is an extremely important factor to consider when shopping for a new welding helmet. Welders are exposed to some very demanding and harsh environments. A good welding helmet should be able to withstand heat, spatter, sparks and impact.
   Most welding helmets are made from a high-strength thermoplastic or fiberglass. It's important to invest in something durable that can battle heat, impact and last a long time.
   In our opinion, a welding helmet is one of the most important investments you'll make on your welding journey.
   Let's explore some options:
• Nylon (Plastic): Welding helmets made from Nylon are lightweight and cost effective but they don't typically offer great durability or resistance to impact. Nylon welding helmets are a popular choice for those on the very start of their welding journey or welders working with a smaller budget.
• Polycarbonate: Offers a lightweight but impact resistant option. It's a top choice for many welding helmets because of the strength it offers while also avoiding being heavy.
• Fiberglass: Known for its high strength and resistance to heat, you can't go wrong with this option. Most high end and heavy duty welding helmets are found to be made of fiberglass.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): This material is a tough plastic that balances strength and weight with cost as well. It's going to be impact-resistant and protective but you'll find it to be heavier than other options. When looking at the heat resistance, it will get the job done but won't perform as well as fiberglass under high heat conditions.
• Carbon Fiber: High-strength, lightweight and very durable. Carbon Fiber helmets are the most elite due to the benefits of this material. You'll enjoy the lightest weight, most heat-resistant experience and see top durability and performance. These helmets will understandably run you a slightly bigger price tag, but most professional welders will agree that it's worth it!
• Polypropylene: A lightweight, tough and resistant material commonly used in welding helmets because it offers solid protection without breaking the bank. This is a great budget-friendly option often chosen by new welders.

What is the clearest welding helmet?

If you are looking for a helmet that offers superior clarity you'll want to check out the Miller Digital Infinity Series Helmet or the Optrel Crystal 2.0 Welding Helmet. Both of these welding helmets will bring you the clearest and most natural views. Their advanced features bring superb clarity while reducing distortion. There are some situations that will require welders to have this advanced clarity:

1. Fine Detail Work: If precision and detail are going to be important whileTIG welding, you will want to ensure you have the clearest visibility possible. In these situations, welds need to be extremely precise and if you don't have a clear lens you could lose control over the weld pool. The highest clarity rating available is going to be the 1/1/1/1.
2. Consistent Arc Control: If high quality welds are important for the job at hand, having the clearest lens available will allow you to see the arc more clearly. This will allow for ease of adjusting amperage, speed and angle. MIG welding or Stick welding are prime examples where having this consistent arc is critical.
3. Low-Visibility Conditions: If you know you are going to be in an environment with poor lighting, or in a tight space, you'll want to opt for the clearest lens available. Oftentimes when working in poor lighting the visual contrast between the weld pool and the material is very minimal, this makes visibility much more difficult.
4. Eye Fatigue: Welders can often experience strained eyes if working for an extended period of time. A high quality welding helmet with a clear lens shade will help reduce the eye fatigue sometimes experienced.
5. Specialized Materials: When working with reflective or dark materials, like aluminum, it becomes important to have a clear lens. The light from the arc can bounce off the material and actually create a glare. Ensuring you have a clear lens will help minimize this risk.

Frequently Asked Questions about Welding Helmets:

Is shade 10 or 11 better for welding?

This is a common question in the welding world and it really depends on several factors including the type of welding, the process and your personal preference. Both Shade 10 and 11 are common settings for arc welding but various situations can play a role in which one to choose.

Shade 10:

Shade 10 will provide you with protection from bright, medium-intensity arcs. It's best suited when welding on thicker materials or using higher amperage. When considering the cons of Shade 10, you'll want to know that it may be too dark for lower amperage jobs, where visibility is a must.

Shade 11:

Shade 11 is going to be preferred for stick welding, TIG welding and high-amperage jobs like flux-core welding. Its best use cases are for high-intensity arcs and high-amperage processes, like when welding thicker materials.

Shade 11 is going to provide better protection for very bright arcs and it is the usually top choice when working with stainless steel, aluminum or thick materials. When considering down falls of this shade, know that it may be too dark for lower amperage jobs and could make seeing the weld puddle more difficult.

We recommend giving both a try and seeing which shade gives you the right balance of visibility while also protecting your eyes. At the end of the day, it comes down to your preference!

What is the reaction time of an auto-darkening welding helmet?

Auto darkening helmets have become a popular choice among welders. Reaction time refers to how fast the lens will darken when light is detected from a welding arc. This feature becomes important because the lens needs to respond quickly to be able to protect your eyes from the harmful UV and IR radiation from the arc.

What good is an auto-darkening welding helmet if it's reaction time isn't fast enough to protect your eyes anyways?

Standard Reaction Times: Typically around 1/25,000 to 1/10,000 of a second.

Premium Reaction Times: High end models sometimes offer even faster response times of 1/50,000 of a second or better.

Why It Matters: A fast reaction time means less of a risk when it comes to eye damage. Choosing a helmet with a faster reaction time is especially important when TIG welding, where the arc is bright and the welder's exposure time can be very short. It just takes a fraction of a second to cause eye strain or injury.

What's most important when looking for the right welding helmet?

1. Eye Protection- Most important is going to be safety, so ensuring that the lens shade will protect your eyes. The bright light that comes from the welding arc can lead to eye strain, eye fatigue and eye damage if proper protection is not worn.
2. Comfort- It is critical that your welding helmet is comfortable so that you will actually want to wear it. Welders will wear their helmet for very long periods of time so you will want to invest in one you love. Consider different welding helmet accessories like adjustable head gear, auto darkening mask and low battery indicator. You'll also want to opt for a lightweight design and ensure the helmet is properly balanced.
3. Lens Clarity- Undoubtedly one of the most important factors in a good welding helmet is that you can see well out of it! Helmets with high optical clarity (1/1/1) will provide the best view while also reducing eye strain. This becomes incredibly important when using a welding process, like TIG welding.
4. Durability- It's on your head and protecting your face so you'll want to make sure it's durable. Welding exposes you to many risk factors and a good welding helmet is one important key factor to ensuring your safety. Opting for a durable material like fiberglass, polycarbonate or carbon fiber will give you top of the line protection.

Can you use the same helmet for different welding techniques?

Yes and most helmets are adjustable so they can be used in different types of processes. There are specific helmets that have features designed for TIG or MIG welding specifically. You'll want to consider an auto-darkening welding helmet that offers a variety of shade ranges for these scenarios.

When using the TIG welding processes, auto-darkening reaction time becomes an important factor to protect your eyes. TIG welding is also going to require a clearer lens for increased visibility in details.

High-amperage welding will require a helmet with a darker shade in order to protect your eyes. A lens shade of 11 or higher is recommended when working with high-amperage welding. When welding on heavy duty projects or in an industrial environment, some welders will even opt for a lens shade of 12 or 13 to ensure they are protected.

Long welding sessions will likely influence you to opt for something lighter weight and comfortable. If a helmet is too heavy it can cause strain on your neck muscles which can lead to long lasting discomfort. A general rule of thumb is to look for a helmet that is under 2 pounds for optimal comfort.

How long will a welding helmet usually last?

This varies greatly depending mostly on how much usage it has seen and how well its owner has cared for it. Like most things, the higher the quality of the welding helmet, the longer it should last. When investing in a new helmet you should also factor in lens and battery replacement. It's a good idea to set reminders on your phone or calendar to check battery life and review lens quality.

In most cases, we can expect a welding helmet to last for several years but it will require maintenance along the way. Make sure you have a designated area to store your helmet when not in use. Welding helmet storage bags are a great way to protect your investment and minimize the risk of scratches, dust or damage.

What are some tips to help me keep my helmet in great shape?

• Regularly clean your helmet's lens and shell.
• Keep up with maintenance. If you notice the lens becoming damaged, make sure to replace it.
• If you have an auto-darkening feature, regularly check the batteries.
• Periodically check the head gear to make sure it isn't worn out. You can replace this to provide the best comfort and increase the lifespan of your helmet.
• Designate a storage area for your helmet or consider investing in a welding helmet storage bag for optimal protection.

I have prescription glasses, can I wear those under a welding helmet?

Yes, it is safe to wear glasses underneath your welding helmet and most popular welding helmets have plenty of space to allow for them. If you are shopping for a new helmet, it's a good idea to try on a few options to see which one fits best with your glasses. Some welders opt for a helmet that has a magnifying lens built in to put less strain on the eyes.

As you can see, a lot goes into picking the right welding helmet for your needs. Each welder has their unique set of needs but the good news is there is a large variety to choose from and once you identify what's most important to you, the options are endless.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many things to consider when evaluating which welding helmet is best for you but the key factors include comfort and eye protection. After all, you'll never want to wear your helmet if it isn't comfortable and the protection it offers is the reason you want it anyways. The best welding helmet for you will depend on your needs, type of welding you'll be doing and budget. We encourage you to buy from a reputable source like Arc-Zone for competitive prices and review warranty specs and reviews before purchasing.