The best welding helmets, compared.
Top pick: ATOMPLAN AP-100L Best value: YESWELDER LYG-L600A – Class 1/1/1/2, a replaceable CR2450 and grind mode at about £37.04, for occasional MIG or stick. Updated October 2026.
A welding helmet here is a head-worn face shield with an auto-darkening filter: light enough to see the joint, then dark when the arc strikes. None is a passive lid, a pair of goggles, or a fume respirator. You are choosing shade range, sensor count, window size, and the four optical digits when a listing prints them. UK reviews matter where a filter stays light or the headgear ratchet fails. HSE expects welding eye protection to meet British and European standards. A printed switch time is the maker's claim, not a timed lab result. The [welding helmet buying guide](/hub/soldering-and-welding/welding-helmet/sub/welding-helmet-buying-guide) puts darkening first, then shade, sensors, view and marks. Passive filters, hand shields and air-fed visors are outside this table.
A welding helmet here is a head-worn face shield with an auto-darkening filter: light enough to see the joint, then dark when the arc strikes. None is a passive lid, a pair of goggles, or a fume respirator.
42 products checked · 58 hrs invested · +24,100 readers
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Personal buying guide
Question 1 of 2
What are you welding?
The ATOMPLAN AP-100L is the feature-led panoramic option, with a 4.53 x 3.23-inch main filter, fixed DIN 6 sides and work lights. It claims four sensors, 1/1/1/1 optics and DIN 5–9 and 9–13 ranges, while rechargeable USB-C packs avoid coin-cell changes. The 660 g stated weight is attractive for this layout. Its 4.7 average is based on only 46 reviews, far fewer than most products here. The side windows cannot change shade, and the listing names no EN 379 or EN 175 standard. It is the panoramic top pick when lighting and side awareness justify £109.99, but poor value for straightforward front-facing bench work.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Users who specifically need peripheral awareness, built-in lighting and rechargeable power.
Less suitable: Occasional straight-on welding or buyers who need a named EN standard in the listing.
Specifications
Common questions
Do the side windows darken?
No. The bullet calls them fixed DIN 6 side screens. A UK review says that shade cannot be changed.
Is a standard named?
No. The listing does not cite EN 379, EN 175, or ANSI.
How are the lights powered?
A separate 1000 mAh pack is claimed for the LEDs, with up to 17 hours on low, plus USB-C charging. The ADF uses a 500 mAh pack.
The YESWELDER LYG-L600A packages two sensors, a 92 x 42 mm view and a claimed 1/1/1/2 class for £37.04. It also provides grind mode, true colour, a replaceable CR2450 and adjustable 0.1–0.8-second delay. The 4.6 rating from 224 reviews is strong, though the sample is smaller than the DEKO or LESOLEIL pools. Its dark range is DIN 9–13 only, limiting adjustment for low-current TIG. One UK review says the darkening kept cutting out even after a battery change and control adjustments. It is our best-value entry pick for occasional MIG or stick, provided the individual unit passes every pre-use check.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Occasional garage MIG or stick welding with a serviceable battery and clear controls.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG or anyone unwilling to accept a relevant cutting-out report.
Specifications
Common questions
How many sensors and what shade?
Two sensors, view 92 x 42 mm, class 1/1/1/2, shade 4/9–13.
Is EN 379 named?
No. The bullet cites ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3, and EN ISO 16321.
What flashing complaint is in the reviews?
One UK review says darkening keeps cutting out and flashing them after a battery change and after toggling sensitivity and delay.
The LESOLEIL offers a 92 x 42 mm window, two sensors and DIN 9–13 adjustment for £33.38. Its 4.5 rating from 3,740 reviews gives it one of the largest review pools in this set. The view is explicitly blue-green rather than true colour, and the internal cell is described as non-removable. That sealed power arrangement is less serviceable when the battery eventually deteriorates. UK feedback also includes a filter that darkened briefly and then let the light back in, plus a later failure report. It can suit infrequent MIG or stick work after testing, but the failure signals and 9–13-only range make it a weak TIG choice.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Occasional MIG or stick welding where a narrow traditional-colour view is acceptable.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG, repairable long-term ownership or buyers concerned by filter failure reports.
Specifications
Common questions
Can you change the battery?
No. The bullet says the button cell is not removable, and that the solar panel only supplies power in sunlight rather than storing it.
Is the view true colour?
No. The bullet says the colour you see while welding is blue-green. Dark shade is DIN 9–13.
What failure do reviews describe?
One UK review says the filter darkens for about a second and then lets the light back in. Another says it later failed to work.
The TOOLIOM TL-31800H gives you a 3.94 x 3.66-inch window and four sensors for £54.14. Its claimed 1/1/1/2 class, DIN 5–9 and 9–13 ranges, and weld/cut/grind modes make it a meaningful step up from the narrow entry group. The 4.5 rating is based on 628 reviews. A replaceable lithium cell, solar assistance and Type-C connection broaden the power options, although the listing does not name an EN welding standard. Reviews mention a broken headband, a ratchet that would not hold the helmet up and one poor unit on arrival. It is our overall top pick for value-conscious regular garage work, with the headgear caveat checked before use.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Regular garage MIG, stick and general fabrication where a large view and four sensors justify the mid-band price.
Less suitable: Buyers needing proven low-amp TIG performance or consistently praised headgear.
Specifications
Common questions
What view and class are stated?
3.94 x 3.66 inches, four sensors, optical class 1/1/1/2, shade DIN 4 and 5–9/9–13.
Is a welding standard named?
No. The bullets do not cite EN 379, EN 175, or ANSI.
What headgear faults are in the reviews?
A broken headband, a ratchet that will not hold the helmet up, and one return for build quality on arrival.
This £29.90 kit combines an auto-darkening helmet with gloves and six replacement lenses, making the bundle more useful than its anonymous branding suggests. The helmet states two sensors, a 92.5 x 42.5 mm view and optical class 1/1/1/2. Its rating is 4.5 from 418 reviews. The dark range starts at DIN 9, so it offers less flexibility for a dim low-current TIG puddle than helmets with a 5–9 band. The listing does not name an EN standard, and the 1.12 kg attribute makes it one of the heavier entries if accurate. It is our bundle best value for a beginner who needs the accessories, but not for someone seeking documented low-amp performance.
Pros
Cons
Best for: A beginner who needs a basic helmet, spare lenses and gloves in one purchase.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG, all-day wear or buyers wanting established manufacturer documentation.
Specifications
Common questions
Is this only a helmet?
No. The title includes six replacement lenses and welding gloves. The helmet is still the core product.
What is the dark shade range?
DIN 9–13, from a DIN 4 light state, with two sensors and class 1/1/1/2.
Is a brand named?
No. The brand attribute is empty. The model line is UNIT*US*A810.
The MIGVAN H-22 pairs four sensors with DIN 5–9 and 9–13 bands and a large-screen description for £80.99. Its 4.4 rating from 812 reviews is one of the stronger upper-band samples. The listing claims true colour, yet a UK reviewer directly disputes that description. More seriously for TIG buyers, one review reports the filter flashing in and out on TIG and a resulting return, although another found TIG easier through the clear view. The listing gives no window dimensions or four-digit optical class, and it names only ANSI/CE rather than an EN identifier. The mixed evidence and high price make it difficult to prefer over better-specified mid-band models.
Pros
Cons
Best for: General welding where the buyer can verify the individual unit and values a large-screen layout.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG or buyers expecting fully specified optics at an upper-band price.
Specifications
Common questions
Is the optical class printed?
No. The bullet says optical-class technology and does not give four digits.
Does every review accept the true-colour claim?
No. The title says true colour. One UK review says it is not a true-colour mask.
What did TIG reviews report?
One reviewer returned it after it flashed in and out on TIG. Another said TIG was easier because the view was clear.
The YESWELDER LYG-M800H provides a broad 10 x 9.3 cm view, four sensors and claimed 1/1/1/2 optics at £58.89. Its DIN 5–9 and 9–13 ranges, grind mode and external controls make it versatile for mixed garage work. The 4.4 rating comes from 646 reviews. Feedback suggests that strong work lamps can trigger the filter early, while one TIG stainless user needed maximum sensitivity to prevent flashing. The listing cites ANSI, CSA and EN ISO 16321 but does not name EN 379 or EN 175. It is a strong large-view alternative to the TOOLIOM when the control layout suits you, but it is not a guaranteed low-current TIG lid.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Mixed MIG, stick, cutting and grinding where a large window and external controls matter.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG without a published amp floor or buyers requiring unambiguous weight and standard data.
Specifications
Common questions
Does the listing name EN 379?
No. The bullet cites ANSI Z87.1, CSA Z94.3, and EN ISO 16321. It does not name EN 379 or EN 175.
What shade range is stated?
The highlight says shade 4/5-9/9-13, with a 1/1/1/2 optical class and four sensors.
Why do two weights appear?
A bullet says 600 g. The item-weight attribute says 1.12 kg. Both figures are on the same listing.
The HITBOX Planet gives you a 3.54 x 1.57-inch window and both 5–9 and 9–13 dark ranges for £26.99. Its claimed 1/25000-second switch and adjustable delay look generous at this price, but the listing states neither the sensor count nor a four-digit optical class. The 4.4 rating comes from 615 reviews. More importantly, one UK review reports that it failed to darken twice on TIG, while another describes a non-working unit and sore eyes. That makes it a low-cost option for cautious occasional use after a successful pre-use check, not a TIG recommendation. Buyers wanting documented sensors or a named EN standard should look higher in the range.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Occasional straight-on MIG or stick work where price is the main constraint and the unit passes every pre-use check.
Less suitable: Low-current TIG, frequent fabrication or buyers requiring a stated optical class and UK-relevant standard.
Specifications
Common questions
How many arc sensors does the listing state?
None. The bullets do not give a sensor count or a four-digit optical class.
What viewing area is stated?
3.54 x 1.57 inches, with shade DIN 4 / 5–9 / 9–13 and a 1/25000 second switch claim.
Do UK reviews mention missed darkening?
Yes. One review says it failed to darken twice on TIG. Another says it did not work and left sore eyes.
The Magdron WH-1 offers a 3.94 x 3.66-inch view, four sensors and DIN 5–9 and 9–13 ranges at £79.98. It is the only listing in this set whose bullet explicitly prints EN379 CE, alongside ANSI and CSA wording. External shade, sensitivity, delay and weld/cut/grind controls are described in a UK review, and the box includes four spare lenses and a storage bag. Its 4.4 rating comes from 193 reviews, so the evidence base is moderate rather than large. The listing does not state a four-digit optical class, and the listed 1.11 kg weight is substantial. It is the documentation-led upper-band choice, but the mid-band models offer similar window size for less.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Buyers who prioritise a printed EN 379 line, external controls and included replacement lenses.
Less suitable: Budget buyers or anyone wanting a light helmet with a stated 1/1/1/1 class.
Specifications
Common questions
Does the listing state EN 379?
Yes, as EN379 CE in a bullet, with ANSI Z87.1 and CSA. There is no certificate number.
What is in the box?
The helmet, a storage bag, two inner lenses, and two outer lenses.
Where are the controls?
A UK review says shade, sensitivity, and delay sit on the outside, with a weld/cut/grind switch beside them.
The YESWELDER LYG-Q800D-ME combines a 10 x 8.2 cm main filter with fixed DIN 5 side windows for £69.34. Four sensors and a claimed 1/1/1/1 class make the specification attractive for users who value peripheral awareness. It is rated 4.4 from 122 reviews, and one review reports successful TIG and stick use. The side windows do not auto-darken, while the listing conflicts over whether the replaceable cell is a CR2450 or CR2430. Durability feedback includes breakage after a month and a college-use helmet falling apart after about a year. It suits a specific side-view need, but the headgear and battery ambiguity keep it behind the simpler mid-band top picks.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Fabrication where peripheral awareness is worth more than the lowest price.
Less suitable: Buyers prioritising simple maintenance, proven headgear durability or auto-darkening side windows.
Specifications
Common questions
Do the side windows auto-darken?
No. The bullet says a 10 x 8.2 cm view with side view at DIN 5, non auto-darkening, and four sensors.
Which battery does the listing state?
The bullet says a replaceable CR2450. The attribute says one CR2430, included. Both cell sizes are stated.
What breakage do reviews report?
One UK review says it broke after a month and fell on the head mid-weld. Another says a weekly college helmet fell apart after about a year.
The DEKO Mz224t is a £28.99 entry helmet with a 3.62 x 1.65-inch view, DIN 9–13 dark range and claimed 1/2/1/2 optical class. Its 4.3 rating from 3,675 reviews is substantial, although that review line is shared with the shiny-black DEKO ASIN and must not be counted twice. A CR2032 battery and solar assistance make the power arrangement more serviceable than a sealed cell. The narrow view and lack of a stated sensor count limit confidence for awkward positions. Reviews repeatedly mention the adjuster or ratchet failing or refusing to loosen. It is best value only for infrequent bench work where the headgear is checked carefully, not for regular TIG or daily fabrication.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Infrequent bench MIG or stick welding on a tight budget.
Less suitable: Regular use, low-current TIG or anyone prioritising durable headgear.
Specifications
Common questions
How does this differ from B0CQ1YPSD4?
This ASIN is model Mz224t, colour black, attribute weight 760 g, and lists a headband and manual. The other is shiny black at 650 g. Bullets and the 3,675-review line match.
What optical class is printed?
1/2/1/2, with shade DIN 4 / 9–13 and a 3.62 x 1.65 inch view.
Is EN 379 named?
No.
The shiny-black DEKO MZ provides a 3.62 x 1.65-inch view, DIN 9–13 adjustment and a claimed 1/2/1/2 class at £28.99. It shows 4.3 from 3,675 reviews, but those reviews overlap with the Mz224t listing rather than forming a second independent sample. The replaceable CR2032 and solar support are practical at this price. Its sensor count and UK-relevant welding standard are not stated in the bullets. UK feedback repeatedly describes the headgear knob or ratchet breaking, including after light use. Choose it only as a budget occasional lid after inspecting the headband, and skip it for low-current TIG or frequent work.
Pros
Cons
Best for: Occasional straight-on arc welding where a narrow window is acceptable.
Less suitable: Frequent welders, awkward positions and low-current TIG.
Specifications
Common questions
What optical class is printed?
1/2/1/2, with a 3.62 x 1.65 inch view and shade DIN 4 / 9–13.
Are the 3,675 reviews unique to this ASIN?
The listing shows the same 4.3 from 3,675 line and overlapping review text as ASIN B07DCSBWN5.
What headgear fault do reviews repeat?
The adjuster knob or ratchet breaks or will not loosen, including after light use.
We compared 12 auto-darkening welding helmet listings on amazon.co.uk, checked on 16 October 2026. The score is an editorial comparison score. It is not a laboratory timing test, and it does not turn a marketplace star rating into a safety certificate. Points come off for missed darkening or headgear failures in UK reviews, contradictory specifications, a sealed cell, a very small review sample, and missing safety-relevant details. A badge does not replace a pre-use check on the individual helmet. The weights below sum to 100.
Darkening specification and process range
25%Whether the listing states a light state and a dark range that matches MIG, stick, cutting or a lower TIG band. A printed switch time stays a maker's claim.
Sensor coverage, viewing area and controls
20%Sensor count, window size, and whether sensitivity, delay and grind mode are stated so you can set the helmet before you strike an arc.
Stated optical class and standards evidence
20%The four optical digits when printed, and whether the listing names a mark you can check. ANSI Z87.1 is recorded as a US mark, not as EN 379.
UK review rating, volume and relevant sentiment
20%The amazon.co.uk star line and review count, reduced when the same reviews are shared across two ASINs, the sample is small, or UK reviews describe a filter that stays light or broken headgear.
Price and included equipment
15%Shelf price in GBP on the checked listing, plus spare lenses, a replaceable cell or other kit contents the listing actually names.
Check that the filter darkens before you compare star ratings. Then read the shade range for your process, the sensor count, the window, and the marks the listing actually prints.
A welding helmet in this set is a head-worn face shield with an auto-darkening filter. It stays light enough to see the joint, then darkens when the arc strikes. The twelve amazon.co.uk listings checked on 16 October 2026 cost £26.99 to £109.99. All twelve are auto-darkening. None is a passive lid, a pair of goggles, or a fume respirator. Passive filters, hand shields and air-fed visors are outside this table. A standard shell does not filter fume. It has to darken before you weld.
Grind mode keeps the filter light so you can see the disc. If you strike an arc in that mode, the filter does not do the job you bought it for. Switch back to weld before you start, and stop if a pre-use check stays light.
Suitable for TIG on a title is not a minimum current. A 9–13-only lid with two sensors is a weak low-amp plan. Read the shade band, the sensor count, and whether UK reviews describe a flash.
DEKO shows 4.3 from 3,675 reviews on two ASINs that share one review line, and those reviews repeat a knob or ratchet that breaks or will not loosen. TOOLIOM reviews also mention headgear that will not hold. Stars do not cancel that pattern.
Light state on these listings is about DIN 3 to 4. Dark state for ordinary MIG and stick is often 9–13. A 5–9 band as well suits lower-current TIG and cutting. LESOLEIL, the unbranded kit, both DEKO lids and YESWELDER LYG-L600A state 9–13 only. HITBOX, TOOLIOM, YESWELDER LYG-M800H, Magdron, MIGVAN and ATOMPLAN state a 5–9 band as well. Four sensors are stated on TOOLIOM, both larger YESWELDER lids, Magdron, ATOMPLAN and MIGVAN. Two are stated on YESWELDER LYG-L600A, LESOLEIL and the kit.
Narrow windows in this set are about 92 × 42 mm. Large ones are about 100 × 93 mm. MIGVAN describes a large screen and does not state millimetres, so the table leaves that cell empty. Side glass on YESWELDER LYG-Q800D-ME is DIN 5 and does not auto-darken. ATOMPLAN's sides are fixed DIN 6. The four optical digits are a listing claim, not a lab sheet. 1/1/1/1 is claimed on ATOMPLAN and the side-view YESWELDER. 1/1/1/2 appears on TOOLIOM, both larger and the narrow YESWELDER, and the kit.
Three typical situations, each with a recommendation from this comparison.
You weld now and then at a bench and want a replaceable cell. YESWELDER LYG-L600A is about £37.04, with two sensors, class 1/1/1/2, grind mode and shade 9–13 on a 92 × 42 mm window. One UK review says darkening kept cutting out. It is a weak plan for low-current TIG.
You want a large window, four sensors and a 5–9 band as well as 9–13. TOOLIOM TL-31800H is about £54.14, class 1/1/1/2, with weld, cut and grind modes and 4.5 from 628 reviews. Reviews mention a broken headband. The listing does not name EN 379.
You need four sensors, a shade band below 9, and no pattern of flash reviews. Magdron WH-1 is about £79.98, with those bands, a 100 × 93 mm window, and EN379 CE printed in the bullet. It states no four-digit optical class. Suitable for TIG on a cheaper title is not an amp floor.
For regular garage MIG, stick and general fabrication, the top pick is the TOOLIOM TL-31800H at about £54.14: a 100 × 93 mm window, four sensors, class 1/1/1/2, and shade bands 5–9 and 9–13, with 4.5 from 628 reviews. Headgear complaints are in those reviews, and the listing does not name EN 379. For occasional MIG or stick, the best value is the YESWELDER LYG-L600A at about £37.04, with two sensors, class 1/1/1/2, a replaceable CR2450 and grind mode, on a 92 × 42 mm window and shade 9–13 only. One UK review reports darkening that cuts out. Neither score is a laboratory timing test, or a claim about every welding helmet on sale in Britain.
YESWELDER LYG-L600A
Class 1/1/1/2, a replaceable CR2450 and grind mode at about £37.04, for occasional MIG or stick.
Editorial
Peter F. is the editor for DIY & tools at productscompared.co.uk. Comparisons in this category are checked against amazon.co.uk listings, review evidence and public UK sources.
Guides on what to look for, how to use a product, and common mistakes.
Public UK sources and the amazon.co.uk listings in this set, checked on 16 October 2026.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices and review counts are from amazon.co.uk listings. We did not lab-test these helmets.
