In the market for some of these “best welding glasses” but confused by all the choices out there and wondering what’s best for you? Also, can you weld with all of them or not?
Should you just use them for welding or only for plasma and oxy – cutting and what’s the point of buying them then at all…
Well, you can do both but… I found this fairly confusing myself when I first started looking, there really are a lot of options out there and I wanted to make certain that I (and you) had a wide choice of welding goggles to select from whilst ensuring that they met the standards I’d want myself for each job.
I’ve rounded up six options that fit all welding uses and all budgets. You’ll be pleased to know that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get the job done.
They are quite cheap but are they safe?
Keep in mind that welding goggles or glasses of any kind of UV protection, brand, or shades and shade number that are on the market do not offer full face protection when arc welding.
In 98% of welding operations and all types of welding, you should use a welding helmet or at least some kind of a facial safety gear that will protect you from hazards of UV radiation and weld splatter on naked skin! This is our article about the best welding helmets and their budget alternatives.
So, if that is out of the way let’s check out the top six and then see how to work through your options to make the right choice of glasses for your needs.
Best Arc Welding Safety Glasses Comparison Table
| Image | Name | Shade | Auto-Darkening | Viewing Area | Weight | Key Feature | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LYG-R100A Auto Darkening Welding Goggle-10% WELDPROS | DIN 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 | Yes | Compact lens | 7.8 oz | UV/IR + splatter face shield | Check Price |
| TOOLIOM Auto-Darkening Welding Goggles with LED Light | DIN 5-9/9-13 | Yes — 1/30,000s | — | — | LED light, true color, 4 arc sensors | Check Price |
| antools IR 5.0 Welding Glasses, Wrap-around Welding Goggles | IR 5.0 | No | Wrap-around | 1.2 oz | Anti-scratch, UV protection, ANSI/ISEA/OSHA | Check Price |
| KwikSafety Black Welding Goggles — Brazing & Flame Cutting | Shade 5 | No | — | — | Anti-fog, adjustable, ANSI tested | Check Price |
| KwikSafety EAGLE EYES Welding Goggles | Shade 5 | No | — | — | Anti-fog, anti-scratch, self-tightening, ANSI/OSHA | Check Price |
| Shine GOGGLE True Color Auto Darkening Welding Goggles | Auto (variable) | Yes — 1/25,000s | 4.33″ × 1.57″ | 11.3 oz | True color, 1/1/1/2 optical, solar + CR2450 | Check Price |
All welding glasses reviewed here to meet the standards of ANSI Z87.1 – 2003 (also referred to as ANSI Z87+), which ensures that viewing lenses have met the expectations of independent testing, showing that they can withstand high-velocity impact.
Best Welding Safety Glasses Reviews For Arc Welding
1. YesWelder LYG-R100A Auto Darkening Welding Goggle – Best Overall Auto-Darkening Goggles
Best Overall Auto-Darkening Goggles
YesWelder LYG-R100A Auto Darkening Welding Goggle
I tested a lot of goggles this year, and the LYG-R100A is the pair I keep grabbing. It does the most things right for the money, and nothing else in this roundup feels as complete out of the box.
| Shade: | DIN 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 | Auto-Darkening: | Yes |
| Viewing Area: | Compact lens | Weight: | 7.8 oz |
| Sensors: | 2 | Control Panel: | External |
| Face Shield: | Included | Use: | MIG, TIG, Stick, gas welding and cutting |
| Coupon: | -10% WELDPROS | Price: | See YesWelder |
The whole point of a welding goggle instead of a helmet is working where a hood will not fit. YesWelder got that right here. The R100A uses compact auto-darkening lenses in a narrow frame, so you can weld inside frames, under dashboards, and anywhere a standard helmet would bang into something. The soft close-fitting eye cup seals out light and gives you total darkness for precision work.
What sold me is the control panel on the outside. You can dial in sensitivity, pick your shade, and switch to grind mode without lifting the goggle. The shade range runs 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, which covers MIG, TIG, stick, and gas welding and cutting. Two sensors handle arc detection, and the true color view cuts the usual green tint.
You also get a face shield in the box, and that matters. Goggles protect your eyes, not your skin, so the added UV/IR and spatter coverage turns this into something you can actually work with for longer stretches. If you want the flame-retardant head cover, that is a separate purchase.
At 7.8 oz this is the lightest auto-darkening goggle I have used. Neck strain from a heavy hood is real, and after a full day under a machine I barely noticed I was wearing these. The strap holds steady without squeezing, and it sits fine under a hard hat.
Price is mid-pack, and the coupon -10% WELDPROS knocks another 10% off at checkout, which makes it the best value in the auto-darkening group. If you weld in tight spots and want one goggle that handles most processes, this is the pick.
Pros
- Compact auto-darkening lenses fit where helmets cannot
- True color view with external control panel
- Face shield included for UV/IR and spatter protection
- Shades 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13 cover MIG, TIG, stick, and gas work
- Lightweight at 7.8 oz
- Works under a hard hat
- Coupon -10% WELDPROS drops the price
- Soft eye cup seals light out for precision welding
Cons
- Eye coverage only unless you attach the face shield
- Snug fit takes getting used to
- Sensitivity needs dialing in before you strike an arc
2. TOOLIOM Auto-Darkening Welding Goggles with LED Light – Best Value Auto-Darkening Goggles
Best Value Auto-Darkening Goggles
TOOLIOM Auto-Darkening Welding Goggles with LED Light
TOOLIOM is not a name welders throw around yet, but this goggle earns its spot. It packs features you would expect on gear twice the price, including one nobody else in this list has: a built-in LED work light.
| Shade: | DIN 5-9 / 9-13 | Auto-Darkening: | Yes |
| Response Time: | 1/30,000s | Sensors: | 4 |
| LED Light: | On / Off / Auto modes | Viewing: | True color |
| Power: | Rechargeable lithium + solar + Type-C | Modes: | Grinding, cutting, welding |
| Fit: | Soft rubber frame | Price: | See Amazon |
The LED light is the hook. Flip it on and you can see the workpiece and your hands before you strike an arc. It has three modes, on, off, and automatic, and the automatic mode adjusts brightness to the room, which sounds gimmicky until you work in a dark corner and it just handles it.
The lens itself is true color with four arc sensors that react in 1/30,000 of a second. Shade goes from DIN 4 in the light state to 5-9 or 9-13 when dark, with grinding, cutting, and welding modes, so you can pick the right setting for the job instead of buying three pairs.
Charging is flexible. The battery is rechargeable lithium, there is a solar panel to top it up, and a Type-C port for when you want it full before a job. Running out of juice mid-weld is the usual failure point on cheap auto-darkening lenses, and the triple option mostly removes that worry.
Fit is soft rubber around the frame, and I could wear it through a long afternoon without the pressure points I get from hard plastic goggles. Build quality feels sturdier than the price suggests.
At the price, this is the value pick in the auto-darkening group. It is not the most compact pair, and it does not come with a face shield, but for feature-per-dollar it beats everything else here.
Pros
- Built-in LED work light with auto brightness mode
- True color lens with 4 arc sensors
- Fast 1/30,000s darkening response
- Shade range DIN 5-9/9-13 with grind, cut, and weld modes
- Rechargeable lithium battery, solar panel, and Type-C charging
- Soft rubber frame comfortable for long sessions
- Sturdy build for the price
- Adjustable shade covers most processes
Cons
- Bulkier than compact goggle designs
- No face shield included
- Manual shade changes take a second to get used to
3. Shine GOGGLE True Color Auto Darkening Welding Goggles – Best True Color View
Best True Color View
Shine GOGGLE True Color Auto Darkening Welding Goggles
Shine GOGGLE is the pick for people who care about what the puddle actually looks like. The optical class on this one is the best in this roundup, and it shows the moment you flip it down.
| Shade: | Auto (variable) | Optical Class: | 1/1/1/2 |
| Viewing Area: | 4.33 x 1.57 in | Switch Speed: | 1/25,000s |
| Power: | Solar + replaceable CR2450 | Weight: | 11.3 oz |
| Certifications: | ANSI Z87+, CSA Z94.3, EN 175 B | Detachable Goggle: | Yes |
| Extras: | 2 spare outer + 1 inner lens | Price: | See Amazon |
The lens is 1/1/1/2 optical class with a 4.33 by 1.57 inch viewing area, which is wide for a goggle. Colors stay neutral instead of that murky green most budget lenses give you, and reading the puddle mid-pass is noticeably easier.
It switches from light to dark in 1/25,000 of a second, fast enough that I never caught a flash even striking arcs back to back. The shade runs automatic and variable, so it adapts rather than forcing you to pick a fixed number.
Power comes from a solar panel with a replaceable CR2450 as backup. The solar strip actually harvests the arc itself, which sounds like a gimmick but does extend battery life on a long day.
The goggle detaches from the headgear, so you can drop it into tight spaces where a helmet will not fit, and the headgear is adjustable nylon with an elastic band. Two spare outer lenses and an inner lens ship in the box, which softens the cost of scratches down the road.
Certifications are ANSI Z87+, CSA Z94.3, EN 175 B, and AS/NZS 1337.1B, covering most welding and plasma cutting processes. It is 11.3 oz, so not the lightest here, but the trade is a bigger, clearer view. If clarity matters more than weight, this is your pick.
Pros
- 1/1/1/2 optical class, best clarity in this roundup
- Wide 4.33 x 1.57 in viewing area
- 1/25,000s switch speed
- True color view
- Solar panel plus replaceable CR2450 battery
- Detachable goggle for tight spaces
- Spare lenses included
- ANSI Z87+ and CSA Z94.3 certified
Cons
- Heavier than compact goggles at 11.3 oz
- Variable shade means less manual control
- Headgear takes a minute to set up
Best welding glasses For Oxyacetylene Welding And Plasma Cutting (Only!)
1. antools IR 5.0 Welding Glasses, Wrap-around Welding Goggles – Best Budget Cutting Glasses
Best Budget Cutting Glasses
antools IR 5.0 Welding Glasses
If you mostly cut, grind, and braze, you do not need auto-darkening and you should not pay for it. The antools IR 5.0 is the cheapest pair in this roundup that still does its one job properly.
| Shade: | IR 5.0 | Auto-Darkening: | No |
| Style: | Wrap-around | Weight: | 1.2 oz |
| Lens: | Anti-scratch, UV protection | Certifications: | ANSI / ISEA / OSHA |
| Model: | SG86 | Dimensions: | 4.8 x 5.5 x 1.98 in |
| Best For: | Cutting, grinding, oxy-acetylene | Price: | See Amazon |
These are fixed IR 5.0 wrap-around glasses, built for cutting, grinding, and oxy-acetylene work. There is no battery, no sensors, nothing to charge, and that is the point. You grab them, you work, and when they get scratched you buy another pair without thinking about it.
The lens blocks IR and UV with an anti-scratch coating, and the wrap-around shape closes the gaps at the sides where light sneaks into flat glasses. They carry ANSI, ISEA, and OSHA listings, which matters when a site checks your gear.
At 1.2 oz you forget you are wearing them. I have caught myself walking to lunch with them still on my face. The frame is flexible and does not pinch, and they stay put when you look down at a cut line.
The honest limit: these are not welding goggles. Shade 5 is not enough for arc welding, and there is no auto-darkening to save your eyes if you try. Keep them on the cutting side of the shop.
For the price, nothing else here comes close for light cutting duty. If your day is mostly torch work, brazing, and grinding, buy these and spend the difference on lens replacements.
Pros
- Cheapest effective option in this roundup
- IR 5.0 wrap-around blocks side light
- Anti-scratch lens coating
- Featherweight at 1.2 oz
- ANSI, ISEA, and OSHA listed
- Nothing to charge or adjust
- Flexible frame stays comfortable
- UV protection for outdoor work
Cons
- Not for arc welding, shade 5 only
- No adjustable shade options
- Light frame feels less durable than goggle styles
2. KwikSafety Black Welding Goggles – Best For Brazing & Flame Cutting
Best For Brazing & Flame Cutting
KwikSafety Black Welding Goggles
KwikSafety’s Black goggles are a classic shade 5 pair done right, with the one feature cheap goggles always skip: actual anti-fog that works. For torch brazing and flame cutting, this is the pair I reach for.
| Shade: | 5 IR | Auto-Darkening: | No |
| Lens: | Anti-fog, anti-scratch | Ventilation: | Pressure equalizers, top and bottom |
| Fit: | Adjustable band, fits over eyeglasses | View: | 180-degree peripheral |
| Frame: | Durable PVC | Use: | Oxy-fuel cutting, brazing, gas welding |
| Protection: | UV/IR, sparks, debris | Price: | See Amazon |
The shade 5 IR lens is clear with a 180-degree view, and the anti-fog treatment plus pressure equalizers top and bottom keep airflow moving so the lens stays clear during long torch sessions. That is the thing that separates these from the cheap pairs.
The elastic band is fully adjustable, and the frame sits far enough off your face that medium-size eyeglasses fit underneath. If you wear prescription glasses, this is a big deal; most shade 5 goggles force you to choose between seeing the work and protecting your eyes.
These are made for oxy-fuel welding and oxygen cutting, and they handle light and medium gas welding, torch brazing, and torch soldering as well. KwikSafety also lists them for dust, sawing, and grass cutting, which makes them useful outside the shop too.
The frame is PVC with anti-scratch properties, not premium material, but it has held up fine. The padded frame and adjustable straps keep them comfortable through a full afternoon, which at this price is more than fair.
Under $25 for a single pair, with a 2-pack option that drops the per-unit cost further. If you torch-cut and braze regularly, buy the 2-pack and keep one in the truck.
Pros
- Anti-fog treatment that actually works
- Pressure equalizers keep airflow moving
- Fits over medium-size eyeglasses
- 180-degree clear view
- Adjustable elastic band
- Shade 5 IR lens with anti-scratch properties
- 2-pack option cuts the per-unit cost
- Covers brazing, soldering, and gas cutting
Cons
- Shade 5 only, not for arc welding
- PVC frame is functional, not premium
- No flip-up front for a quick clear view
3. KwikSafety EAGLE EYES Welding Goggles – Best Flip-Up Shade 5 Goggles
Best Flip-Up Shade 5 Goggles
KwikSafety EAGLE EYES Welding Goggles
The EAGLE EYES are the pick when you need to switch between welding and looking at your work without pulling the goggles off. The flip-up front plus the free shade 10 lens make these the most flexible shade 5 pair here.
| Shade: | 5 IR + free Shade 10 lens | Auto-Darkening: | No |
| Front: | Flip-up | Lens: | Anti-fog, anti-scratch |
| Ventilation: | 6 pressure equalizers | Fit: | Adjustable band, fits over eyeglasses |
| View: | 180-degree | Use: | Plasma cutting, oxy-fuel, brazing, soldering |
| Certification: | ANSI tested, OSHA | Price: | See Amazon |
The flip-up front is the feature that matters. Weld or cut, then flip the lens up for a clear view to inspect the joint, reposition, and flip it back down. You never lose the goggles, and you never fumble for them either.
The box includes a shade 5 IR lens plus a free shade 10 lens. Shade 5 covers torch work and light cutting; the 10 lets you step up for more demanding arc processes, which is unusual at this price.
Like the Black model, this one has six pressure equalizers and an anti-fog treatment that keeps the lens clear. The adjustable elastic band fits over medium-size eyeglasses, and the 180-degree view keeps your peripheral vision open.
KwikSafety rates these for plasma cutting, oxy-fuel torches, oxygen cutting machines, torch brazing and soldering, and gas welding, with arc current ratings listed up to 500 amps for GMAW and FCAW work. Realistically, most buyers use them on the cutting and brazing side.
Around $25 with a spare lens in the box, this is the most versatile cutting goggle in the roundup. If you split your time between cutting and inspecting, the flip-up alone justifies the price.
Pros
- Flip-up front for instant clear view
- Free shade 10 lens in the box
- Six pressure equalizers plus anti-fog coating
- Fits over medium-size eyeglasses
- 180-degree view with peripheral vision
- Adjustable elastic band
- Anti-scratch PVC frame
- Rated for plasma cutting and oxy-fuel work
Cons
- Shade 5 base lens, not auto-darkening
- PVC frame is functional, not premium
- Flip-up hinge is another part to wear out
Features To Consider When Buying Welding Glasses
If you’re going to buy welding glasses you need to keep this in mind:
- They must be able to provide full protection for your eyes from both the front and the sides
- They must fit you properly and be comfortable when you wear them
- They should allow you to move around fully without ever restricting your view
- They should be hard-wearing and durable and they should clean without leaving smears on the glass
- They should never interfere with or restrict the way that you weld
Sizing And Fit
Safety glasses absolutely must have adequate side protection. When particles start flying, they rarely obligingly come from straight in front of you. Wrap-around frames or those with side shields can help you keep your sight.
Your welding safety glasses should also feel comfortable when you put them on.
You ought to try them out for weight and their overall fit – you will be wearing them for long periods of time and if they’re not comfortable to wear, you may be tempted to leave them off.
Check the padding around the nose and ears too – not enough and they can start rubbing.
The easiest way to decide what works in this respect is to try on many different pairs until you find the most comfortable to wear.
Materials
Your welding safety glasses should be made from very durable plastic-like polycarbonates or types of nylon 66 synthetic polymer called polyamide – they will be exposed to high levels of heat – if they melt while you’re wearing them, this will be a disaster. You should also ensure that the lenses in your welding safety glasses are scratch proof and break-resistant.
Impact Resistance
One vital aspect of choosing welding safety glasses is that they meet the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standard for industrial impact resistance. This applies to clear polycarbonate lenses – the standard is Z87.1.-1989.
This will protect your eyes when your safety goggles are hit with debris, sparks, splashes, etc.
Level of Protection
You also need to ensure that you select your welding safety glasses for the appropriate level of lens shade. Mostly you will find this comes in a range between shades 5 and 14. (2)
Shade 5 to 8 is suitable for most forms of gas welding whereas shades 10 to 14 are suitable for electric arc welding. You may see lower than shade 5 welding glasses on sale but these are for soldering, brazing, and cutting only and they cannot be relied upon when welding.
In the case of Shade 5 only googles, we’d recommend that you keep these for brazing, cutting or working alongside someone who is welding.
They might also be worn under a welding helmet but we wouldn’t recommend them as your primary form of eye protection.
Dust is a genuine hazard when welding and you should choose welding safety glasses that are as well-sealed as possible to keep the dust out of your eyes, welding safety drops a lot when you have something caught in your eyes.
Anti-Fog Design
Fogging occurs when your breath gets trapped inside the glass and causes your safety glasses to mist up.
You can tackle this with direct venting (this uses several slits in the safety goggles to allow moisture to escape) and indirect venting (still using slits but these are covered).
However, you should be aware that venting does add some risk of injury and that indirect vents fog more often than direct vents do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Safe To Wear Safety Glasses All Day?
Yes, not only is it safe to wear safety glasses all day long, (there is absolutely no risk of damaging your vision whatsoever), it’s much safer than the alternative of losing an eye when not wearing them. If you’re working and need eye protection then you should always be using welding safety goggles.
Can Dirty Glasses Cause Headaches?
Yes, anything on the lens of your welding safety goggles can cause headaches. This is because it can prevent you from properly focusing your eyes. It will reduce the clarity of your vision at first, and eventually, it can trigger a headache. This is why you should always keep them clean.
How Much are Welding Glasses?
Well, it depends on your needs. The cheapest welding safety glasses are very cheap, indeed, though they won’t last long. The most expensive offer automatic shade darkening (welding time) and a shade darkening welding goggle don’t come cheap. You can spend hundreds of dollars on a top tier professional set of safety glasses.
Can You Weld With Sunglasses?
Technically, you could. Once. After that, you would almost certainly have permanent eye damage. Sunglasses do not provide shade 5-14, they don’t even come close. Nor do they provide enough eye protection while welding. In short, don’t ever wear sunglasses for welding they’re for tackling UV light only.
Price Range
At the end of the day, how much you spend is going to be up to the way you use your safety glasses. The best guide is to buy for every use that you will have – if that’s mainly working alongside welders – take something like the antools IR 5.0 glasses which come in at under $20.
My top pick is only around $59 and the YesWelder safety glasses pack a lot of punch into a pair of glasses. Though they aren’t a replacement for a welding hood.
If, on the other hand, you really need an alternative to your welding hood – the auto-darkening goggles above are probably your best bet, and all of them come in under $60.
