Soldering irons are handheld tools used by electricians, engineers, jewelers, metal smiths, hobbyists, and DIY enthusiasts for a wide range of applications, but especially for coupling wires and (re)connecting electronic components on PCBs. Here are the best soldering irons for most of your needs.
X-Tronic 3020-XTS Soldering Iron Station
What to Look for in a Soldering Iron
While all soldering irons are expected to get hot, and sometimes very hot, here are other key factors to consider when looking for the best soldering irons to buy.
Assuming you already knowhow to use a soldering iron, the next thing to consider is what types of projects you intend to use it for. This can help youdecide the right wattage, temperature, and budget for your soldering projects, for instance.
The wattage of a soldering iron gives you an idea of how quickly it heats up and cools down and is a key determinant. Usually, the higher the wattage, the faster it heats up and the longer it retains heat. The irons in this roundup range from 60 to 88 watts.
Additionally, it’s important to consider temperature control. Soldering irons with temperature control allows for temperature adjustments to suit different projects. Conversely, soldering irons without temperature control may only be used for a limited number of tasks.
With removable tips, you’re able to change your soldering tips when they become worn, damaged, or oxidized, unlike soldering irons with fixed tips. Tips need replacing when they become defective or when cleaning and tinning become less effective.
So, watch out for wattage, temperature, and tip when shopping for good soldering irons. All the soldering irons discussed here come with ample wattage, temperature control, and removable tips. They’re also ergonomic, with anti-skid and heat-resistant handles.
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Lightweight and smart open-source soldering iron
No auto-off function
Rated 88 watts with rapid warm-up and removable tip
No station/stand
Temperature control function with OLED display
USB-powered with auto standby function
ThePinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron(version 2) by PINE64 is arguably one of the best soldering irons available. It features a stainless steel core in a polycarbonate shell and weighs only 28 grams. Rated 88 watts, it reaches operating temperature in just 6 seconds and has a temperature range of 212-752 degrees Fahrenheit.
Temperature adjustment buttons and a 0.69-inch OLED display make for easy readouts. The Pinecil is powered by a USB-C port (with PD and QC 3.0 support) or a barrel DC jack and won’t start heating until you press the + button, even when plugged in. It also has an auto-standby function in case you forget to disconnect, and cools down pretty fast.
Pinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron (Version 2)
The Pinecil Smart Mini Portable Soldering Iron (version 2) is a top-rated open-source temperature-control soldering iron that is lightweight and fast heating.
Budget-friendly soldering iron with 22 soldering accessories
No off switch
Rated 60 watts, suitable for a wide variety of jobs
Not battery-powered, supports only 110V AC input
Temperature control with heat-resistant and anti-skid handle
Five replacement tips included in the kit
Even though the Pinecil 2 is often discounted, it’s still not the most affordable soldering iron in this roundup. For our budget-friendly pick, we have thePlusivo Soldering Iron Kit. This 23-in-1 kit features a ton of accessories, including a wire cutter, desoldering pump, tweezers, and even a mini PCB and carrying bag.
It also comes with essentials like a soldering iron stand and holder for safe placement, a sponge for cleaning, as well as replaceable iron tips. Rated 60 watts, it also features a temperature control knob that ranges from 392 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit making it ideal for a wide variety of use cases. With everything it offers and an affordable price tag, this is an absolute steal.
Plusivo Soldering Iron Kit
The Plusivo Soldering Iron Kit is a robust 23-in-1 soldering kit that is both budget-friendly and practical for various soldering projects.
Easy to use, beginner-friendly, and well-priced
110V AC input only, not battery-powered
12 essential soldering accessories to get you started
60 watts of power for different soldering projects
Temperature control with manual on/off switch
If you’re new to soldering and want a soldering iron that’s beginner-friendly, go for theMEAKEST Premium Soldering Iron Kit. This well-built and well-packaged soldering iron kit comes with 12 of the most essential soldering accessories you need to get started.
This includes a 60-watt soldering iron with a fast-warming ceramic heater, solder suckers and tweezers, solder wire, soldering paste, an iron stand, and five replacement tips, all in a classy carrying case. It comes with temperature control covering 392 to 842 degrees Fahrenheit and a convenient on/off switch to manage power consumption and improve safety.
Meakest Premium Soldering Iron Kit
The MEAKEST Premium Soldering Iron Kit comes with multiple accessories, small tips, and temperature control, making it ideal for people who work with circuit boards.
Cordless soldering iron with 45-minute runtime per charge
No LCD temperature readout
Large temperature range with temperature control
No station
Compatible with other CRAFTSMAN’s V20 range of products
Additional sponge
If you prefer a cordless soldering iron that won’t tie you to the mains and offers more flexibility and mobility, we recommend theCRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Soldering Iron. This powerful soldering iron comes with a four-inch cord for extra mobility and flexibility, so you don’t have to drag a cord along to the worksite.
Powered by a 20-volt battery, it has a peak runtime of 45 minutes per charge and is compatible with CRAFTSMAN’s V20 range of batteries and chargers (sold separately). It comes with temperature control spanning 400 to 900 degrees Fahrenheit and is suitable for different purposes, including electrical, wood burning, or metal works.
Craftsman V20 Cordless Soldering Iron
Enjoy more flexibility and mobility with the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Soldering Iron which comes with a battery that delivers up to 45 minutes of runtime per charge.
Full-fledged 75-watt soldering station
Only available in 110V AC input
Two helping hands to prop up PCBs
Requires some space
Wide temperature range with temperature control
10-minute sleep timer when not in use
If you prefer a full-fledged soldering station, theX-Tronic 3020-XTS Soldering Stationis for you. It is easily one of the best soldering stations on the market for all skill levels. This handy 75-watt soldering station (60 watts for iron and 15 watts for soldering iron motherboard) features two helping hands to prop up PCBs while you solder away with ease.
It has a temperature control range of 194 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit and a Centigrade to Fahrenheit toggle switch with a blue LED readout on the temperature display. The iron warms up pretty quickly, features a 10-minute sleep timer when not in use, and comes with accessories like a silicone mat, side mount solder roll holder, brass sponge tip cleaner, and wet sponge.
The X-Tronic 3020-XTS Soldering Iron Station is one of the best full-fledged soldering stations that caters to users of all levels. It comes with a powerful iron and sundry essential soldering accessories.
FAQ
How hot does a soldering iron get?
Solder melts at 365 degrees Fahrenheit, therefore, a good soldering iron should be able to top this. The soldering irons in this roundup range from 192 to 896 degrees Fahrenheit.
What do you use a soldering iron for?
A soldering iron can be used for several purposes and by different professionals, including DIY-ers and hobbyists. For instance, electricians can use soldering irons to repair electronics and electrical equipment, while jewelers use them to decorate jewelry.
Are soldering iron tips interchangeable?
Not all soldering irons come with removable tips. However, the soldering irons in this roundup all have removable tips. Some even come with up to five free replacement tips. Soldering iron tips need to be changed when they become worn, degraded, or oxidized. With replaceable tips, you don’t have to worry about the expense of buying a new soldering iron every time.
How do I clean a soldering iron?
Cleaning a soldering iron is easy and allows you to get rid of solder on the tips. First, make sure that the soldering iron is off and cool. It’s best to wait an hour or more after use. Then use a damp cloth or rubbing alcohol to wipe it down until it is solder-free.
