Welding could be hazardous if you don’t make use of proper accessories that come into play right at the time of doing welds or cutting. Not only does a welding mask help you protect your eyes from those radiations (like UV and IR), but it does a pretty good job in keeping your face and neck safe as well. There is no wondering that during the welding or grinding process, there is a more probability for the sparks and debris to be produced which can cause different severe illness to your eyes, face, etc. It doesn’t matter what sort of welding you’re involved in, the welding masks are designed in a way so that it can protect you in applications.
First things first – your entire body must be tremendously protected because that’s what matters most, the performance of the welding hood is taken into account later. A good welding hood is the one that is compatible with all types of welding applications or can be used be with TIG, MIG, Stick (MMA), Flux-cored welding. Another feature that needs to be noted down is the featured called auto-darkening filter (ADF). If you consider purchasing a Best welding mask with an ADF feature, you won’t be in need of turning it on and off.
To take safety to another level, you can also purchase welding gloves in addition to welding hoods (masks). Is that everything? Not really – there is more to it than just meets the eye like comfort, durability, affordability because not everyone is rich enough to buy the expensive welding masks. Don’t worry – we’ve you covered in that area as well – you will come across with the cheap (inexpensive) welding hoods to meet your monetary expectations.
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Best Welding Masks 2020 (Reviewed)
The best welding masks that we are reviewing here are beginners (and for the money) so that you can find them useful and right in accordance with your budget. Whether you decide to buy MIG welding mask or TIG welding mask, always be mindful of the astounding features because that’s what will give peace of mind. The optical clarity also matters when selecting the best welding hood for your commercial use or personal use. Furthermore, find a welding hood that is an auto-darkening welding helmet because that will save you loads of time.
Pay attention to whether or not the welding mask you are buying meets ANSI standards because this means that you are getting a welding mask that will provide you with more safety than a standard welding hood. Every single helmet that we have listed on this list of top welding hood includes the safest hoods (masks). The hood must also be lightweight because you don’t want to put too much strain on your head, neck, shoulders. Now, let’s begin reviewing starting from the 1st welding mask (hood) that has come among the Best Welding Masks list.
1. 3m Speedglas 9100 Welding Mask, Auto-darkening Filter (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.7 Out of 10 Ratings)
Don’t want to do the adjustment manually? It is time to pay attention to this auto-darkening welding mask that will give you the peace of mind as you don’t have to do anything – it changes from light to dark automatically as it senses the arc light. Produced by a most renowned company – 3M – it will never let you down while protecting you from all ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation.
Gone are the days when getting a clearer view out of the viewing window of welding mask used to be a pain in the neck, with today’s technology rocket science, it is no longer a rocket science – get optimum optical clarity and take the most out of the true colors when the welding process is on and off. Having some issues during installation for the very first time? Don’t worry, just go through the video published by the 3M for your satisfaction and convenience.
Now, let’s get our head around the features or specifications offered by this 3m Speedglas 9100 welding mask:
- Brand: 3M
- Model No.: 9100
- Type: Auto-darkening Welding Mask
- Weight: 2.09 Pounds (Lbs.)
- Color: Black
- Switching Speed (Reaction Time): .1 millisecond (1/10,000 sec.) once the arc is detected by the welding mask
- Great Optical Clarity
- Comes with the Ergonomic Design
- Features Dark Shade Filters: 5, 8 to 13
- Tuning: Sensitivity Adjustment
- Suitable for all weldings: TIG, MIG, Stick (MMA), Flux-cored
- Modes: Welding and Grinding Modes
- Features an Advanced Headgear
- Overall Sensors: 3
- Viewing Area: Height is 2.8 inches and 4.2 inches wide for the largest viewing
See more about this welding mask using the link we have added above.
2. Lincoln 3350 Welding Mask (Viking), For Sale, Auto-darkening Hood (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
Did you make a bad decision by buying an unreliable and costly welding mask in the past? Why pay more when you can get a great piece of welding mask from top companies (like Lincoln) without having to break the bank? It is packed with the perfectness that will give you the confidence to welding do your welds like a pro. The switching speed of this mask is so fast that it happens at the speed of light, and not to mention the viewing area. This welding hood from Lincoln has been developed with your comfort in mind – not only is it light but also it will have you covered if you are concerned about stability.
Professionals who have been spending their time doing weldings for over 30 years have fallen their head over heels in love with this welding mask because this is more than extraordinary and you will be surprised by the out-of-this-world features once you be familiar with its ins and outs. It is one of those best welding masks that are marked as highly-rated and well-priced taking the user-friendliness into consideration. To provide you with more visibility and clarity, it has been equipped with the 4C technology (for true colors during welding) and the optical clarity (i.e. 1/1/1/1) just makes it the best option while considering the price.
- Brand: Lincoln
- Model: 3350 Welding Mask
- Features Auto-darkening Filter (ADF) for time-saving
- Highly Comfortable
- Doesn’t have Waterproof Feature
- Advantageous for Summertime
- Comes with Optical Clarity
- Also Includes a Bag
- Weight: 3.2 Pounds
- Material: Plastic
- Size: Universally application – one size fits all (Adjustable)
- Battery Type: Solar Cells
- Lens Shades: 5 to 13
- Viewing Area: 3.74″ x 3.34″
- Series: 741
- Astounding reaction time: 1/25, 000 sec
- TIG Amperage Rating: 2A
- Total Arc Sensors: 4
- Both Welding and Grinding Modes available
- ADF Controls: Knobs
Buying parts of this helmet or another one has never been easier – buy any part you are running out of from the same website above. To get more of it, read the user manual.
3. Esab Sentinel A50 Welding Helmet with Auto-darkening Filter (Reviews)
(Our Rating)
(9.6 Out of 10 Ratings)
Wish to make your welding journey last for life? That’s a good thing, however, it is only possible if you avail yourself of the best accessories available today. Buying gears for a next-level welding experience takes time and courage because it is not an easy task to filter the welding masks and take out the reasonably priced, reliable, and durable mask (hood). That’s why we want to have your attention towards this automatic welding helmet that will give you level-headedness in the first place for the fact it has been rated as ‘Amazon’s Choice’ and we know it only happens if a product is meeting the requirements of the customer, among other needed aspects.
Purchasing a welding mask takes deep research because there are hundreds of companies selling different welding masks (hoods) and as a beginner, you may not have any idea what exactly to look for when buying a welding mask. That’s why we only listed those welding hoods that are for sale for the money.
Remember, it is hard to get a helmet that will feature all of the specifications available on earth – that’s not how it works – you will need to first understand what your work is i.e. why you want to buy purchase a welding mask. Some welding masks are designed for welding only, whereas, others, on the other hand, are intended for grinding usage. What you have to do is choose a welding mask that meets both of these requirements – one that is suitable for both grinding and welding.
- Brand: Esab
- Model: A50 Automatic Welding Mask
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Best fit for both Welding and Welding applications
- Features True-lens Technology that will help you see realistic colors of the object during welding or grinding
- Larger viewing area: 3.93 x 2.36 in. (100 x 60 mm)
- Comes with a control panel with a backlighting capability that will have you covered even in the low-light environments
- Advanced touch-screen panel (color) along with 8 different memory settings
- Easy to use – don’t have to read user manual every once in a while
- Lightweight: 1.4 Pounds
- Power Source: 2 Lithium Metal Batteries (Included)
- Usage: Commercial and Personal
- Extremely Comfortable and Compact
- Value for Money: Inexpensive Welding Mask
If you buy this welding mask, your welding experience will be blessed like never before.
4. Antra AH6-260-0000 Auto-darkening Welding Mask (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.8 Out of 10 Ratings)
Is it possible to get the best cheap welding helmet under $100? Not just 100 dollars, you can get one under $50. What is more, this would the cheapest auto-darkening welding mask and the good news is that it comes from Antra which has been developing welding accessories for a long time. There is no need to worry if your task requires different weldings like TIG, MIG, MMA (Stick) or Plasma because Antra AH6-260 is a perfect fit for all applications.
No more getting stuck in the short viewing window – get a larger viewing area of 3. 86 inches x 1. 73 inches even with this cheapest auto-darkening welding mask. The weight of this welding mask is 12 inches that will also help you cover the neck area. On top of that, it is capable of adding cheater lenses or magnifying lenses. There’s a step-less knob for adjusting the sensitivity and delay. Along with that, you will also get the variable shades in this top-class welding hood.
Still craving for more? Let’s see what the specifications are:
- Designed by Antra
- It is an auto-darkening welding mask
- Equipped with the smart chip controlled 4 (four) premium sensors
- Perfectly suitable for TIG, MIG, MMA, and Plasma applications
- Extended Viewing Area: 3. 86″X1. 73″
- Adjustable Knob for Sensitivity and Delay
- Lightweight: weighs only 1 pound (lbs.) i.e. 455 grams
- Powerful upgrade from goggles and fixed-shade glasses
- Dominant solar cell + 2 replaceable batteries
- Fully Automatic (Auto Turn On/Off)
- Easy to switch between grinding and welding
- Cheater Lens Compatibility
- Reaction Time (Switching Speed): 0.00004 (1/25,000) Seconds
- Takes only .1 to 1 seconds to turn from light to dark
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Lens Shades: 4/5-9/9-13
- Suitable for all types of welding
Still feeling confused? Let’s take you to the ‘Reviews’ page to help you understand this welding mask better.
5. Miller Digital Elite Welding Mask with ClearLight Lens (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
If you need to satisfy both your budget and requirements at the same time (in the first place), the Miller ‘281000’ is the perfect fit for your needs as it won’t disappoint you in any way, be it performance, stability, durability, warranty. It won’t be a problem wearying this welding mask as it only weighs 1 pound which is considered as good as it could get. It can be used for different purposes as there are three (3) modes in this welding hood: welding, grinding and cutting.
Furthermore, it comes with an X-mode that will assist you in getting rid of sunlight interference. Also, there will be no more hidden/cavity welds nor will there be any low-amperage lens opening. This welding mask is tremendously comfortable and easy to use. It is backed by a 3-year warranty which means if something happens your welding mask, you will be in safe hands. The helmet (mask) comes with a bag, 5 outside lens, and 2 inside lens.
Let’s find out if it is a great pick to meet your personal and commercial welding needs by being aware of the ins and outs of this welding mask (hood):
- Manufactured by Miller
- Model No.: 281000
- Series: Digital Elite Series
- Features ClearLight Lens Technology
- Features an Auto-darkening Filter (aka ADF) for automatic operation (will turn on automatically as it detects the arc light)
- Comes with X-mode, Grind mode, Cut mode, and Weld mode
- Optical Clarity: 1/1/1/2
- Shades: Weld (Shades 8-13), Grind (Shade 3), Cut (Shades 5-8)
- Accessories: Mask, Bag, Inside and Outside Lenses
- Batteries: 1 C Battery (Included)
- Weight: 18 oz. (510 g)
- Battery Type: Lithium-Ion
- Switching Speed: 1/20,000 sec.
- TIP Rating: 5 Amps and Below
- Viewing Area: 9.22 square inches (59.48 square centimeters)
- Backed by a 3-year warranty
- Sensitivity and Delay Control: 0.1 to 1.0 second
- Battery Life: 3000 hours
- Meets ANSI standards
- Total Arc Sensors: 4 (Four)
6. Optrel Panoramaxx 2.5, Auto-darkening Welding Mask (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.6 Out of 10 Ratings)
If you need welding with rechargeable batteries, this Optrel Panoramaxx Welding Helmet is one of the best welding masks (hoods) that you can buy today. It has a unique design and allows the person to place their nose to fit into the nose cutouts to experience optimal placing. The maintenance of this welding mask is almost zero and it is super easy to wear in both summer and winter seasons.
Since it is an auto-pilot welding mask, you won’t be required to control the lightening manually as it will automatically darken (i.e. from light to dark) without requiring your effort or having you to take your mask (hood) off. The price of this hood is also reasonable (inexpensive) which would be a great option for those who are looking for the cheapest welding masks (Hoods) to meet their budget expectations. It features a true-color view for more visibility and crystal-clear vision to any welder using it. To deliver the perfect regulation of ADF, multi-sensor technology has been embedded into this welding mask that will give you super-smooth switching speed.
- Produced by Optrel
- Model: Panoramaxx 2.5 Welding Mask
- Comes with the Auto-darkening Filter (ADF)
- Lightweight: 1.16 Pound (530 gram)
- Multi-sensor Technology: 5-sensor Array
- Auto-pilot Welding Mask (Hood)
- Value for Money
- Highly Comfortable
- Viewing Screen Size: 5”x2”
- Comes with a magnifying lens
- Accessories Included: Bag, 2 Front lenses, Charging Cable (no wall adaptor), Nose Pad
- Manual shades can also be used (if you don’t want to use automatic one)
- Reasonably Priced: Inexpensive
- Power Source: Solar Cell, Lithium-polymer Battery
To comprehend this welding mask (hood) in detail, you definitely should read the Optrel Panoramaxx 2.5 reviews that we have linked to above. The mask is available for sale above, see what accessories you will get with this hood and whether the parts are replaceable and you can easily buy them online.
7. Tanox Auto Darkening Welding Helmet, ADF-206S (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
Are you dreaming of taking your welding experience to the next level? If affirmative, you will need to bring home a welding mask that is lightweight and as comfortable as imaginable. The optical clarity delivered by this helmet 1/1/1/2 which is as good it gets. Insofar the switching speed of mask matters, it is 1/25,000 second which is considered to be the best reaction time and the hood will turn from light to dark in a very fast way. The shades of the lenses are also adjustable – choose whatever filter you want to go with during the welding or grinding mode. The design is compatible – use cheater lens/magnifying lens.
No matter what the job is, it is capable of tackling every welding, be it MIG, TIG, Stick (MMA), Plasma cutting, electrodes shielding, microplasma cutting, or arc-air gouging. It adds an extra layer to the protection because it comes with the 1 pair of 16-inch double-layered leather gloves. There are a total of 4 arc sensors that are installed on this welding hood. The battery is replaceable that gives you another advantage because there are times when battery replacement is required. This is one of those best welding masks that can be used for different purposes (in dissimilar industries).
- Brand: Tanox
- Model No.: ADF-206S
- Features Auto-darkening Filter (ADF)
- Total Arc Sensors: 4 (Four)
- Auto Turn On/Off: Yes
- Power Source: Solar-powered and Battery-powered
- Lightweight: Weighs only
- Suitable for Commercial (Professional) and Personal Use
- Backed by a 2-year warranty
- Low Amperage TIG: >5A
- Includes: Helmet, Gloves (16 inches), extra Internal and External lens covers, User Manual
- Replaceable Batteries: Yes
- Meets ANSI Z87.1 and EN379 technical standards
- Viewing Area: 3.86” x 2.4”
- Alarm for Low Volume
- Digital Control for Sensitivity and Shades
The Tanox welding helmet is a cheap welding mask as compared with masks given on this list. It gets a high rating from the users who have bought it because not only is it cheaper, it also covers all of those features that a welder is on the lookout for.
8. Instapark ADF Series GX990T Solar Powered Auto Darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.9 Out of 10 Ratings)
Presenting Instapark ADF series welding mask that is as fascinating as you imagine in your dreams. With the largest viewing screen, it will allow you to get more visibility and precise look at the object you are working on. The advanced features allow you to control sensitivity, delay, and adjustment for the dark state without having to take off the mask (hood). It allows you to get your hands to a variety of shades available to choose the shade you are after for your welding or grinding modes. Yes, you heard it right – it also features grinding mode.
If the voltage is low, the indicator will keep you informed of that so you can always be aware of the situations that could lead to danger. Get switched from light to dark at the speed of light. To increase the efficiency in the reaction timing, a total of 4 arc sensors have been deployed in this welding mask. Whether it is IR or UV radiation coming from the material you are welding, your eyes and face will always be safe with this exceptional/best welding mask (hood).
Let’s find out if this is the ultimate choice for you:
- Brand: Instapark
- Model Number: GX990T
- Series: ADF Series
- Viewing Area: 3.94″ X 3.86″
- Total Arc Sensors: 4
- Dark State: Variable, 5 to 9/9 to 13
- Reaction Time: 1/30,000s (light to dark)
- Also features grinding mode
- Low Voltage Indicator
- Dark to Light: 0.1 – 1.0 second, continuous adjustment
- Overall Weight: 1.5 Pounds (Lbs.)
- Color: Blue
- Meets ANSI and CSA standards
- Power: Solar-powered Mask
- Comes with a Bag
Though this is a great piece of welding hood, be mindful of what is included in the warranty and what’s not. If you are looking for the best welding mask for the money, this is it!
9. Jackson Safety 46131 Welding Helmet, Auto-darkening (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.7 Out of 10 Ratings)
This one is from Jackson Safety whose primary concern is your safety that they keep it seriously so that you can always be safe and sound no matter what type of welding you get involved in. It is up to you which mode you would like to choose i.e. grinding mode or welding mode. It is easy to adapt to any environment where you work, thanks to the auto-darkening filter (ADF) brought to life by Jackson Safety in this welding mask (hood). You have full control over the shade adjustment – go with the one that you think is highly suitable based on the current environment.
- Brand: Jackson Safety
- Model: 46131
- Auto-darkening Filter (ADF)
- Shades: 9 to 13
- Viewing Area: 9.27 sq. in.
- Weighs 2 Pounds
- Color: Black
- Material: Nylon
- Battery Type: Lithium
- Modes: Grind and Welding Modes
- Very Lightweight
- Highly Comfortable
- Value for Money
10. Jackson Safety 46101, Insight, Auto-darkening Welding Helmet (Review)
(Our Rating)
(9.7 Out of 10 Ratings)
This is another best welding mask from Jackson Safety that automatically turns on and off as soon as it detects an arc. All of this happens at the speed of time, thanks to the superfast switching speed of this hood. You will get the variable shades – 9-13 and the eye-catching viewing area of 3.93” x 2.36” which will remove all obstacles-free view in all types of welding and grinding. It comes with the digital controls so that you can effortlessly get to be familiar with it (as we are all aware of the digital technologies nowadays).
Four independent sensors have been positioned into this welding mask (hood) for giving you improved reaction time (switching speed). It also houses adjustment for delay and sensitivity to take care of different tasks. The best thing about this welding mask is that it has both grinding and welding modes to meet your professional and professional requirements in the first place.
- Brand: Jackson Safety
- Model: 46101
- Auto-darkening Helmet (with ADF)
- Modes: Grind and Weld
- Comfortable
- Lightweight – Compact
- Supports Lithium Battery
- Weight: 2 Pounds (Ultra-light shell)
- Material: Nylon
- Features Easy to use Digital Controls
- 4 Independent Sensors
- Variable Shades: 9 to 13
- Viewing Area: 3.93 x 2.36 inches
- Sensitivity and Delay Adjustments
Best Welding Masks 2020 Complete Reviews
There you have it – the Best Welding Masks to keep you satisfied both professionally and personally. You can use these masks (hoods) at home or on the job site. Although our team has given our rating, we still recommend that you read customers’ reviews to get the most out of the specifications (so as to get your head around the pros and cons) of each welding hood. If anything is confusing, you can either read the manual from the links provided or reach out to our experts who will be more than happy to help you!