The 10 Best MIG Welder Under 500 of 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a welding process that uses a continuous wire electrode and a shielding gas to join two or more metal pieces together. MIG welding is one of the most widely used welding techniques in the automotive, construction, and metal fabrication industries.

MIG welders are the tools used to perform MIG welding. They come in different shapes and sizes, but all MIG welders share some common features. A MIG welder typically consists of a power source, a wire feed unit, a welding gun, and a gas cylinder.

The power source of a MIG welder is responsible for converting electrical energy into heat energy, which is used to melt the wire electrode and the metal pieces being joined. The wire feed unit supplies the wire electrode to the welding gun at a consistent speed. The welding gun is the tool that directs the welding arc onto the metal pieces being joined. Finally, the gas cylinder provides the shielding gas that protects the welding arc from the surrounding air.

MIG welding is popular among welders because of its versatility and ease of use. MIG welding can join various metals, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. It is also a fast welding technique, allowing for high productivity in manufacturing and repair processes.

When choosing a MIG welder, there are several factors to consider.

The first factor is the power source. MIG welders can be powered by either AC or DC electricity, and some models can switch between the two. DC-powered MIG welders are more versatile and can be used to weld a wider range of metals than AC-powered welders.

Another factor to consider is the wire feed unit. Some MIG welders have built-in wire feed units, while others require a separate wire feeder. Built-in wire feed units are more convenient but can be more expensive. Separate wire feeders are more affordable but require more setup time.

The welding gun is also an important factor to consider. Welding guns come in different sizes and shapes, and some models have ergonomic designs for improved comfort and control. It is important to choose a welding gun that is comfortable to hold and easy to use.

Finally, the gas cylinder is another factor to consider. MIG welders require a shielding gas, usually a mixture of carbon dioxide and argon. Gas cylinders come in different sizes, and the size of the cylinder will determine how long the welding process can continue before the gas needs to be refilled.

In conclusion, MIG welding is a versatile and widely used welding technique that requires a MIG welder. When choosing a MIG welder, it is important to consider factors such as the power source, wire feed unit, welding gun, and gas cylinder. With the right MIG welder, a welder can perform high-quality welds on a wide range of metals with ease and efficiency.

Best MIG welder under 500? You have come to the right place; after researching the online market, we have compiled a list of 10 brands that will help you to select the perfect one you need.

These days Gas Metal Arc Welding is the most common type of welding because of its efficiency.

But Metal Inert Gas welding, or MIG welding, is the most popular type of (GMAW).

It is very efficient and fast, and you don’t need any prior experience to learn it.

You only need a box of the MIG and follow simple steps, and you are good to go.

With the MIG, you can have the best type of productivity with this welding tool.

However, there are so many types of MIGs in the market that come with different capacities and different prices.

A Quick Comparison of Best MIG Welder Under 500

What is the Best MIG Welder Under 500 To buy?

From our research, Hobart is top quality MIG welder under 500. Normally, a quality MIG welder is the most expensive but this one is affordable.

The question of which MIG is the best to buy should be a question you can answer.

You should be able to select the best MIG according to your need.

If you work long, then the MIG with a higher duty cycle should be fine. If you only want to do small welds, you should get something that meets your needs.

In the same way, if you need something more heavy-duty, you can look at some of the heavy-duty collections and make your choice. You should be the one deciding what you want and what you do not want.

But if you are searching for something good as a first-timer without having any idea of what to look out for, then you should buy by brands that offer a good warranty and are versatile.

Why we chose Hobart as The Best MIG Welder Under 500?

Hobart has all the necessary functions that need to be; most MIG welder is not durable as Hobart. Another important consideration is low cost.

Is the Gas MIG better than the Electric MIG?

The answer to this question is NO. A good MIG, regardless of the type of operation it uses, should be able to cover your welding need. It doesn’t matter if it uses gas or flux core, or electricity, it should be able to handle the task very neatly.

Some say a particular MIG is better, but that is merely by preferences. If you buy a good brand, you should have the same effect, but if you buy a not-so-good brand, you might join others in this debate.

On the other hand, you might feel a bit taken by the number of MIGs that you might not know which one to buy.

Not to worry, we have compiled a list of some of the best MIGs in the Market and will give you a quick run-through so that you can make your choice.

MIG and TIG welders are the most popular a welding job. You can check out our review of best TIG welder on another article.

We would like to mention that this list is not exhaustive, and no brand whatsoever directly influenced our choice. We chose just by quality and customer satisfaction.

Main Facts of Buying The Best MIG Welder Under 500

We have been talking about features and features that the best MIGs have.

Now, it’s time for us to look into some of the essential components or things in general for you to look out for when choosing a particular MIG.

We have gathered a few things we consider important when you want to get a welding MIG.

01. Power

The power with which a particular MIG run is very important. You should be able to identify the type of power you use the most and choose in that regard.

In the same way, you should be able to know if a 110v MIG is suitable for you or a 220v instead.

If you feel you will be using both interchangeably, you might consider getting a MIG with a multi-plug voltage system.

The best you should think of is to get a powerful output MIG. Even if you only do small welds, there might be a time you have to take on something larger.

02. Ease of use

The best thing you should look for in MIGs is how easy they are to be set up and used.

Most MIGs that do not get recognition to have a poor design and have a lot of steps you have to go through before achieving the result.

Excellent MIGs these days have helped to cut down all those problems and have created a simple solution that can be followed for your MIG to start within just 10 minutes and you can get out it to use.

03. Affordability

You might see a MIG and be attracted to it by the number of features and versatility it can provide you with, but your funds are insufficient to get it.

You should be able to save up to get the MIG of your choice, or you can search for an alternative that you can use to complete your welds.

The only issue you might be faced with is how to ensure you do not buy a terrible MIG in the name of buying a cheap one.

As a guide, we have given you some of the best; you can search out other cheaper models of the brands we have selected in this guide.

04. Portability

You should or should not worry about the portability of a particular MIG.

If you care about the lightweight design and want something you can always carry about to work and the garage, then portability might be an issue.

But portability might not be an issue if you only want to get a MIG that is efficient without minding how heavy it is.

The issue is that you are meant to choose depending on what you are really searching for.

But ideally, a good MIG should be portable so that you can easily carry it about, or lend to s friend.

05. Versatile

When we talk about versatility, we are simply talking about how well you are able to use a single MIG to perform one type of welding.

That said, regardless of purchasing a MIG welding tool, you should still be able to perform an aluminum welding or wire feed flux with the same MIG.

That is when it qualifies as versatile. Let’s not forget that a good MIG can also be used to achieve the same result, whether gas or electric.

06. Spool gun

For those of us planning on doing some aluminum welding with our MIGs, it is very important for us to use a welder with the ability to attach a spool gun.

If you do not look for this feature on your MIG, you will be disappointed when you eventually buy them.

Make sure you keep an eye out for a MIG that offers the spool gun.

And if you like a particular welder that doesn’t have a spool gun, you can purchase a spool gun and attach it.

For easy usage, it would be preferable for you to buy a quick-release spool gun.

07. Duty cycle

You need to look out for the spool cycle when you are ready to buy a welder.

The duty cycle explains how long you can use your welder without stopping.

If you are looking at always welding for long hours, you need a welder with a high duty cycle.

Ideally, the duty cycle is represented in percentages. The percentage is depicted in a ten minutes period.

For instance, if your welder says it has a 50% duty cycle, what this means is that you can use the welder for 5 minutes straight before the welder overheats,

after using it for five minutes, you can then leave it to cool for another 5 minutes, thereby completing the ten minutes cycle.

If you want to use it for longer, look for the welder with a higher duty cycle option.

The higher the duty cycle, the longer it can be used, while the lower the duty cycle, the lesser the amount of time it can be used.

08. The type of brand

Another thing you need to really look out for is the brand. Many brands have made the MI, but only a few have done it properly, and have gained the heart of the customers.

So you should buy recognized brands.

Not all brands will last for a long time, but some have passed the test of durability over and over again.

Some examples of excellent brands are Lincoln, Hobart, Everlast, and also Miller; these brands will make your buy worth it.

09. Warranty

This is also something you need to pay attention to. Not many people pay attention to the warranty on the MIG they purchase.

Do not be so bent on buying a cheap MIG that you end up buying one without a low warranty.

This is not to say that there are no good welders from brands not well-known, but if you need to buy, make sure you review them thoroughly.

Some of the brands that offer a very good warranty are Longevity and Hobart; their warranty lasts up to five years.

This gives you extra confidence when you purchase, but you really might not need to use the warranty because of the quality of their product.

Top 10 Best MIG Welder Under 500 Reviews 2021

01. Hobart 500559 Handler 140 MIG Welder – best budget mig welder

 

The Hobart 500559 is no doubt one of the easiest and the most portable MIGs available out there. It also comes in a design that allows it to do an excellent job while still being portable and compact.

The Hobart MIG is a good brand that can be used by newbies as well as professional; its design allows for features that can be understood by both.

Hobart has always been a very good name for welding tools, and this particular model is not an exception.

“For a MIG that can be used by both professionals and newbies alike, you can expect the price to be a little bit above average. It is a bit overpriced as you would expect, but it is worth the amount.”

It operates with a power of 230v as well as 115 volts. All you need to do is switch the plug, and you are ready.

Once you are ready to set it up, you will have no stress as it can be set up very quickly for any material thickness, and wire.

Just think about any welding you need to perform on your car, or house, this amazing box will deliver an incredible out of the box experience for you.

Pros

• Comes with protection against short circuit
• Wire drive is made of industrial cast-aluminum
• Thermal overload that can reset itself
• You can make a selection between 7 voltages

Cons

• A bit overpriced
• Needs you to have a 230v receptacle

02. Lincoln Electric K2185-1 – Handy MIG Welder

 

Highlighted Features

• Wire Speed is 0 to 300 IPM
• Range of Ampere is 35 to 88A
• The voltage of Input is 110, 115, and 120
• One input phase
• Works with DC current
• Also comes with an aluminum spool gun

The second MIG on our list of the best MIGs this 2019 is the Lincoln Electric MIG. The best thing about this MIG, which could also be a downside, is that it can be connected to a power outlet and then be used to work immediately.

You should understand that most MIGs need to use gas during the welding process because it is an essential property, but then again, it is not essential when it comes to this brand of MIG.

You can use the Lincoln MIG without Gas. A special type of welding called the Flux core welding is the technique this MIG uses in operating. In this technique, a gun is fed by hollow wire electrodes.

“What you might not enjoy about this MIG is the fact that it runs on electricity. When there is a power outage, you might be forced to look for other alternatives.”

The welding is also very easy to do, and setting up the MIG is equally simple. It can be used to weld material with a thickness of 1/8 inches and as light as a 24-gauge metal.

You can adjust the voltage speed with the four different voltage control and weld materials of varying thicknesses.

What you have when you get a box of this MIG is a strong wire spool, gas nozzle, gas regulator, cable, gun, contact tips, hose, and other essential things.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Can be set up quickly and easily
• Very portable and handy

Cons

• It doesn’t use a higher voltage like 230 and 240
• It uses just electricity

03. Hobart Handler 210 – Power MVP MIG Welder

 

Highlighted Features

• Wire Speed is 0 to 300 IPM
• Range of Ampere is 35 to 150A
• The voltage of Input is 115 and 230 interchangeably
• One input phase
• Works with DC current
• Also comes with an aluminum drive system

When we speak about MIGs and what to look for in a good MIG, power is one of those many things. Power is very vital when you want to select your ideal MIG.

This MIG has the ability to switch between two voltages. You can use a power of 115v at an ampere of 90 and can also switch to 230v at an ampere of 150.

So, it is a great buy when you need to go back and forth on the voltages depending on your choice. And the best thing is that it is very easy to switch between both voltages, just a simple switch of the plug.

“You might not enjoy the fact that it doesn’t use gas. This totally depends on your needs, as some would prefer gas, it would seem like a disadvantage, but those who don’t mind will.”

Now for versatility, there are 11 presets that you can adjust your voltage to ensure maximum efficiency. Hobart is a much-known brand when it comes to quality MIGs. And so, they keep coming up with very easy designs that also offer great usefulness.

The Hobart welding MIG also uses flux-core wires; the wires can be used in place of shield gas.

In the same manner, it is very easy to switch between spool welding and regular welding, by just the flip of a switch. The simplicity makes it quite easy for beginners and experts to use it.

Pros

• Comes with aluminum
• It is excellent for both experts and beginners
• Can be used to weld thicker steel up to 3/8 inches
• Drive system is made of cast aluminum

Cons

• It is a bit more expensive than the others
• It doesn’t use flux welding

04. Forney Easy Weld 261, 140 FC-i MIG Welder

 

Highlighted Features

• Flux-core wires
• Very lightweight
• The output of 140 ampere
• Comes with an adapter of 15A-20A
• 120-volt input

Forney is another very good brand for Best MIG Welder Under 500. It comes with flux core cables of two types, 0.30 or 0.35 inches. It can be used to create a perfect weld with the infinite voltage and the speed of the wire feed.

It doesn’t matter if you are a first-timer or a professional. With its powerful ampere output of 140, you can use mild steel of ¼ inches.

When it comes to weight and heaviness, you can expect a very lightweight box as this box of MIG is only about 19lbs, so much power from a MIG this powerful.

“The fact that really doesn’t weld through a lot of thickness is something you might not enjoy. It has a limiting range, and if you want something with more capacity, this might not be the MIG for you.”

Sometimes, you might be a little clumsy and have the MIG fall off your hand at intervals, but you have nothing to worry about as it comes with a very strong and rugged casing. It’s casing also enables you to roll in a lot of wires.

With this welding tool, you can do many things, practice, and use it for a project, handle a simple DIY project, and have excellent results. Also, you will get an 8 inches gun and ground clamp.

Pros

• It is lightweight
• It comes with a portable casing
• Features flux wires

Cons

• It has a limited range
• The output is only 140

05. Hobart 500554 Handler 190 MIG Welder 230V – Most Versatile MIG

 

Highlighted Features

• The output range of 25 to 190 amperes
• It has a selection of 7 different voltages
• Can weld steel material of 24 g.a to 5/6 inches
• Operates with a power of 230v

As we mentioned earlier, Hobart is the top producer of welding MIGs. The Hobart 500554 is a very powerful MIG, it looks very portable, and in fact, it is, it hives off so much energy and power when used to weld.

It is a complete powerhouse of a MIG. It is easy to use and can be carried along anywhere it is needed.

It also features a very compact design, which makes it pack all the functions together into a small unit, yet has the power to deliver all the power to make a perfect weld. The design is loved by both beginners and professionals alike.

“It uses gas, and once the gas valve is faulty, you will no longer be able to use it. You need to be very careful when you are using this MIG, so you do burn things by accident and also by turning the valve on too much.”

It comes with a built-in gas solenoid and a regulator to help control the dual gauge on the MIG.

The spatter and bead appearance have also been enhanced to make sure you have a little cleaning to handle after finishing every job. With the voltage control setting, you can switch the voltage within 5 different positions.

Furthermore, you can easily switch between 115v and 240v depending on the nature of the job and requirements. Enjoy excellent welding power as you can weld steel materials from 24 gauge and up to 5/16 inches. Its versatility is what makes it excellent for use on virtually any material.

Pros

• It is very portable
• It is easy to operate
• Comes with voltage control of 5 positions

Cons

• Uses gas alone
• You will need to change the entire valve when it is broken

06. LOTOS MIG175 175AMP Mig Welder – Best Aluminum MIG

 

Highlighted Features

• One input phase
• The voltage of 200 or 240 V
• Automatic dual frequency
• Easy to set up
• The efficiency of 80%

When it comes to your top choice for the best MIG that can work on aluminum, then the LOTOs MIG 175 is your best choice. It is equally very versatile when you take a look at the case and the strength you can see from the feel that it is very strong.

One thing that makes LOTOS stand different from a lot of other brands is their transformer. The transformer of this MIG was made to function with advanced technology.

If you care to know about the wire-feed motor, then you should buy this MIG because it has a design that is made to give it the 80% efficiency it has.

“What you might not like about this MIG is that it is not as portable as the others. It weighs about 2-4 times other MIGs in its category. Notwithstanding, it gives you the right power to finish any welding task you want.”

With this MIG, you can weld aluminum. Again, the technology with which the transformer was made ensures that it is stable during operation, and it ensures the durability of the MIG simultaneously.

It is very easy to use, you can get it up and running in only ten minutes, and you are ready to fire up any metallic material. Coupled with the operation of this MIG is resettable overload protection; this way, you can avoid failure during a surge or set a threshold it was going to work with.

Pros

• Very easy to use
• Can switch automatically between 50 and 60 HZ
• It has a spool gun set down already

Cons

• It creates noise when in use
• It is heavy

07. Lincoln Electric Power MIG 210 – The Best Choice For Stick Welders

 

Highlighted Features

• Lightweight MIG
• The dual voltage of 120 and 240 volts respectively
• Easy setup guide
• Flux core
• One phase MIG
• Runs on DC current
• Wire-speed is 50 to 500

Merely looking at the composition of the case of this MIG, you can tell that it is a very strong one. It features a steel metal body, carefully designed yet still maintaining its lightweight quality.

If you need to run a home or shop welding quickly, this might be the ideal MIG for the job. This MIG is versatile and offers you the ability to connect it to a power outlet.

With this MIG, you can supply power between 120v and 230v depending on the nature of the job you wish to perform. When it comes to having an excellent core technology, with an efficient arc action, this is the best MIG to do the job.

“If you followed the review from the beginning, you will notice that we stated it could only be used for small welding in your home and in your shop. It is not suited for major work.”

A quality of a good MIG is its ability to be used and understood by both beginners and experts. You can also trust the design of the Lincoln MIG to provide such ease of use.

All you need to do is to follow the instructions laid down for you, and you will be ready to weld in no time. The best part of this MIG is that it can be used for Tig or stick welding. If you wish to learn, practice, or improve your tig or stick welding skill, then is your ideal welding MIG.

Pros

• Just plug it, and it starts working
• Lightweight – weighs 40lbs
• Simple setting to help you learn quick

Cons

• It is made for simple jobs
• Can’t be used when there is a power outage

08. 2017 Everlast mig140 MIG welder – Inverter Style MIG

 

Highlighted Features

• Has a total weight of 30 lbs
• It has an ampere range from 25 to 140
• It is a one-phase MIG
• The input voltage of the MIG is 120volts
• Durable components

Of all the Best MIG Welder Under 500 we have been speaking about today, the Everlast MIG is the most stylish and distinctly designed MIG.

Merely looking at it, you would notice that it’s designed in the form of an inverter.

This design looking compact and simple can send a very high ampere output when in use compared to other MIGs in its category.

Using this MIG gives you no stress as it features a more efficient duty cycle. You gain better control of your welding operation with this MIG.

You can control both the speed and the voltage by pressing the buttons by the side. Switching from normal MIG welding mode to stick welding is also very easy.

“Unlike other MIGs with a standard form of measurement, this MIG only uses a metric measurement which means not many people will be able to take an accurate reading if they do not know metrics.”

For a MIG at this range, it offers much more than others in its category. There is a special control in it that helps to set the wire length once you start it every time.

The standard drive roll is something you can feed with 0.23 inches up until a 0.30-inch wire. With this MIG, you can use a 4-inch and an 8-inch wire pool. The amount of output you can expect from this MIG is 140 ampere.

Pros

• Can run with 120v
• Very easy to operate
• Easy to understand and setup
• Comes with standard drive rolls
• Design ensures durability

Cons

• It comes with a metric measurement
• It does not support the miller tips

09. Forney Easy Weld 299 125FC – Argon-Based MIG

 

Highlighted Features

• Gives an output of 125 ampere
• Has an input of 120 volt
• Works without gas
• Has a touch wrap
• Lightweight
• Also comes with wire spools

Forney is a well-known brand when it comes to making excellent MIGs. This Forney Easy Weld 299 is one of those great MIGs made by them.

Instead of having to keep looking for gas and set up the MIG to weld, you can be saved all that trouble and stress, all you need to do is to get it plugged, and you are ready to set up your MIG.

It is an ideal MIG for both home and garage use. Those just learning to do MIG welding will find this very useful. For ease of use, you can remove or add your torch wrap when in use and when not in use.

“It really doesn’t come with as much versatility as the rest of the MIGs. You can expect it only to have two power switches.”

Without the need to set up any gas, you can use this MIG right away, fire up with electricity. I can be used to weld materials that range from 24 gauge to ¼ inches.

Remember as we have said from the beginning, this is a flux core MIG that doesn’t need any form of gas to work with, you plug in it, and you will be welding almost immediately.

Pros

• The wires are designed to load very quickly
• It features a very compact design
• You can adjust the feed speed

Cons

• It only has two power settings
• Can be used for minimal work

10. Miller Electric MIG Flux Core – The Most Minimalistic MIG

 

Highlighted Features

• Has a weight of 51 lbs
• It is a one-phase MIG
• The wire feed speed is from 15 to 360 IPM
• The range of ampere is from 30 to 140
• Has a manual and automatic mode

Despite the fact that the millermatic MIGs are known to have a very straight-to-the-point design, it doesn’t make them any less powerful. The brand is known and accepted because of the level of quality they ensure their products possess.

It is a must-have, especially if you want something little but offers you a great amount of power. It is easy to operate; you don’t need to know too much to get it up and to run.

It comes with an automatic setting feature that adjusts the setting of the MIG to the accurate parameter for the job.

“If you need to weld a material made of aluminum, you will need to purchase a separate spool gun to get the task done.”

You can also switch it back to the manual mode, which gives you more flexibility when it comes to welding. Its essential build is made of aluminum, and the wire drive also makes for easy use.

It was designed to give your MIG box protection again shirt circuiting too; this would help your MIG last for a longer period.

The maximum power output of this MIG is 140 ampere, and it can weld materials that are up to 3/16 inches thick.

Pros

• You can switch between manual and automatic mode
• Very easy to use
• Can set parameters by itself

Cons

• It is a bit overpriced compared to the others
• You need to buy a spool gun separately for aluminum materials

FAQ’s About Best MIG Welder Under 500

Q: Do all MIG welders come with a spool gun?

A: the answer is no. Specific brands introduce the spool gun in their welder but not all. If you will be welding aluminum frequently, you need to pay attention to buying a MIG with a spool gun.

If you still like to purchase a MIG, you like but don’t have a spool gun; you can buy it later and add it to your MIG.

Instead of being constrained to a MIG welder you do not like just because it has a spool gun, you can purchase the one you like without it and attach a quick-release spool gun to it.

Q: What happens if I use the MIG welder more than the specified duty cycle?

A: the duty cycles are to be followed duly. It is wrong for you to use your MIG welder more than the specified duty cycle. The reason is that you can damage the components of the MIG when it overheats.

So you need to learn to stay within the specified duty cycle. If you need to weld for a longer period of time, then you need to purchase a MIG that has a higher duty cycle, this way, you are guaranteed that your welder will last longer.

One thing you need to know, however, is that some MIG welders come with overheating protection.

These types of MIGs allow you to work over the stated duty cycle.

But you also need to be careful to not overdo things. Try to look closely at the specification provided.

Good MIGs come with cooling fans that can help cool the heat away but never use your MIG above its capacity.

In conclusion, there are so many MIGs, but we have successfully reviewed the top choice MIGs.

The quality and customer satisfaction influenced this list. We believe it should no longer be a tough choice for you when purchasing a MIG.

Always remember to choose based on your needs; what you need the MIG welder for is far different from what your neighbor needs. You can ask around to get recommendations but follow your needs.

In some cases, you might have to buy based on budget, and in some cases, you might have to save up until you can buy the best MIG for your job. Make sure you pay close attention to all the information given in this guide.

Even if you do not know what you really want to decide on, the information provided here will enlighten you on the types of MIG, and which of them is most appropriate.

Conclusion

Finally, always take advantage of the testimonials and reviews provided by others; this will guide you in making a firm decision for yourself choosing the Best MIG Welder Under 500.

If you must buy cheap MIG welders, make sure it is from a well-known brand, but do not expect versatility and all those extra features — just a good return for your money.