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Best Soldering Station Reviews 2020

Great tools determine great outputs. An excellent soldering station is what you need to get the best out of your soldering iron. To get the best soldering station, you will need to consider certain features and specifications. Since these features and specifications are crucial in making the right choice, we have carefully considered them in our research, and selected these five top soldering stations from reputable brands. These brands also have more soldering stations than the ones we have showcased here.
Overview
PROS
CONS
SPECS
Type
Size
Temperature
Power
Extras
Our Top Choice
Weller Digital Soldering Station
Weller Digital Soldering Station
Weller was founded by Carl Weller, who owns the patent for soldering stations. It plays a vital role in electronics manufacture around the world.
If you're looking for a soldering station with quick heat-up, this station goes from 0 to 5000F in about 40 seconds.
The tip that comes with the soldering station is wide, but you can easily find a replacement for it.
Digital
11.4 × 8.8 × 4.2 inches; 4 lbs
350°- 850°F
50 watts
Adjustable temperature controls
Best Value
HAKKO Digital Soldering Station
HAKKO Digital Soldering Station
HAKKO believes in delivering quality soldering products and a five-star customer support level. Its globally competitive products are tailored to meet individual clients’ needs.
It comes with a T18 series tip that minimizes oxidation. It has a password function for restricting settings change and a 30% improvement in heater output.
You can easily throw off the calibration if you use the wrong button.
Digital
10 × 7 × 10 inches; 2.6 lbs
392°- 896°F
70 watts
Preset mode, password function
X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Soldering Station
X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Soldering Station
X-TRONIC manufactures soldering stations and accessories. Its dedicated technical team handles pre-sales and post-sales enquiries and service.
It comes with a rework station, DC power supply, hot air gun, and soldering tips. It is stackable to allow more space on your workbench. It has a Centigrade to Fahrenheit switch.
It is a little pricey, but is good value for your money.
4 in 1
9.8 × 5.8 × 7.4 inches; 20 lbs
122 - 896°F
1000 watts
Magnifying lamp
Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station
Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station
Zeny seeks to offer exceptional customer service, low prices, and safe, fast delivery. It's a bestseller in most online marketplaces.
Its handle has an operation detecting sensor switch. The hot air gun holder is plastic to prevent electrocution, and it has an automatic cooling function.
The connection to the soldering unit may come loose, but this can easily be fixed.
2 in 1
11.4 × 8.7 × 7.9 inches; 6.3 lbs
212 - 896°F
700 watts
Dual LED digital display
AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station
AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station
AOYUE aims at becoming the leading manufacturer of soldering solutions worldwide through its uniquely tailored solutions for its clients.
It displays both set and actual temperature, and the soldering iron has an easy grip handle. It has a tip-to-ground resistance of below 2 ohms.
The connecting cord is a bit shorter than expected.
Digital
5.5 × 4.7 × 3.1 inches; 5.3 lbs
392 - 897° F
45 watts
Digital thermostat control

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Watch Our Soldering Station Review

How Do I Choose the Best Soldering Station?

For any soldering project you have, getting a soldering station is vital. It doesn’t matter if you are an engineer who does soldering all the time, or a DIY user. Soldering stations incorporate an electrical power supply, temperature control, and soldering heads with tip temperature sensors and circuitry. They can be used for little tasks or heavy-duty jobs. Based on application requirements, there are different types of soldering stations available in the market, including:
  • Contact soldering station:The most popular type of soldering station. Its power supply unit is built-in, and it separates the power circuit and the heating element. The power supply unit can also be used to adjust the heating element and to change the heating temperature.
  • Lead-free soldering station:Used to wire lead-free printed circuit boards (PCBs). Under normal conditions, it uses lead-free solder. Lots of developed nations are currently making regulations in favor of lead-free soldering, so this type of station might become more popular in the future. A lead-free station is reliable and efficient, but it requires extra heating in order to melt lead-free solder, and this affects the soldering tip. There are guidelines provided by manufacturers of lead-free stations to teach buyers the best way to use them.
  • Hot-air rework:Also known as a desoldering station. It is used to get components off PCBs and re-solder new ones. While they can be used for simple jobs, rework stations are designed to handle demanding jobs on PCB boards.
Most soldering stations come with stands for holding the soldering pencil when not in use. Some also have a wet sponge used for cleaning the surface of the soldering iron. These soldering station accessories can be purchased if the soldering station you got does not have them. This means spending extra money, so it is more affordable for you to go with one that has them. You should also consider the availability of these accessories before purchasing a soldering station. Most soldering stations require that you replace the tips after a while, so you don't want to be stuck with no options. Consider your budget before making a choice.

Since soldering technique is not hard to learn, soldering stations are no longer tools reserved for professionals. DIYers who prefer to fix things around them find these tools essential. Learners without any knowledge on how to fix a radio or even a remote can conveniently use a soldering station. Portability and convenience are factors to consider. You can increase your productivity by choosing a soldering station that can be moved from place to place. It has to be lightweight and compact for this to be possible.
Price
It will please you to know that soldering stations are not very expensive tools. They are quite affordable even if you have to increase your budget slightly to get a good one.

A good soldering station can be gotten for anywhere between $50 and $150. Several factors are responsible for this price range – brand, features, and quality. During our research, we did find cheap soldering stations, but we did not include them here. We believe that you should spend your money on a soldering station that will deliver the exact output you are looking for.
Features
The features of a soldering station are important factors to weigh, as they determine the level of output the station will give you. We have listed the basic features of a good soldering station. It is important to study them before making a purchase. They include:
  • Wattage
  • Heating
  • Tips
  • Temperature control
  • Warranty/brand
  • ESD safe design
Construction and Design
The wattage of a soldering station powers the soldering iron to heat an object. This wattage should not be high enough to burn things, or too low to complete a job properly. There is an acceptable range of wattage for soldering stations: 45 watts for inexperienced users, and 60 watts and above for professionals.

Due to technological advancements, manufacturers of soldering stations have found a way of incorporating temperature control into their models. The most popular method of temperature control is the thermostat. The thermostat of the soldering station switches power off or on automatically when the temperature reaches a set point. With this feature, your work gets a fine finish, due to proper control of your soldering tip temperature.

If you are planning to use the soldering station for a long while, consider a station with a replaceable tip. The tip of a soldering station wears out from usage, as a result of heating. You do not need to buy a new soldering station every time you need to replace a damaged tip. You can buy these tips beforehand and use them when the need arises. There are different tips for different types of soldering jobs. They include needle-point tips, screwdriver tips, tapered tips and chisel tips.
Performance and Ease of Use
Some soldering stations take a while before heating, and others heat up fast enough for you to use them almost immediately. The soldering stations that can heat up in four or five seconds are quite expensive. Another area of concern is the heating element the soldering station uses. Different heating elements have different attributes. Ceramic heating elements require replacement often. The three-wire irons may require that you change the pencil, while the “Cold Heat” method requires full replacement because it uses high voltage to create joints. These replacements will cost money.

Electrostatic discharge contributes to tool failures. Manufacturers have done a great job of handling this problem by designing stations that are completely ESD safe. Since most models are ESD safe, getting one will not be problematic. The ESD safe design should include external ports and connections that you will come in contact with when using the station.

A good soldering station is considered a long-term investment. Get a guarantee that if your station fails you, you won’t be lost. Most brands offer a generous warranty for their models. This warranty insures you from certain inconveniences, such as finding a way to fix the station if it breaks down. Leading soldering station brands provide the best quality soldering stations. Sticking with them will be wise.

What is the Best Soldering Station?

The right soldering station can make a world of difference in your soldering work. That is why we have gone to great lengths to enlighten you on what to have in mind when getting a good soldering station. We trust that our guide has accomplished that. Now, let us look at the various features and prices of the soldering stations we selected for this review.
Our Top Choice
Weller Digital Soldering Station
The Weller Digital Soldering Station is a digital read-out device with a temperature lockout probe and 50W soldering pencil. The analog version of this soldering station is available. Check out the Weller Analog Soldering Station, if that is what you want.

Weller Digital Soldering Station with Power Unit, Soldering Pencil & Stand with Sponge


Features
Weller Tools is an electronics tool company founded in 1945 as a family partnership. One of its founders, Carl Weller, patented the first soldering station in 1941. If you work in an electronics lab, there's a high probability that you have come across a Weller tool, because a good percentage of electronics manufacturers trust this company for their production needs. It is said that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak soldered the circuit boards of the first Apple computers themselves with Weller tools. This is proof that it is a brand you can trust for value, quality, and performance.

The Weller Digital Soldering Station is an upgrade from the analog WES51 version that includes a digital read-out. It has temperature lockout technology, which is electronically controlled to stay within the stipulated temperature range for a board or component being worked on. These are other features that make this soldering station good value for your money:
  • Heater and sensor design for quick heat-up and recovery
  • Wireless tip temperature calibration for different tip sizes and styles
  • Adjustable temperature dial from 350°F to 850°F; ±9°F
  • Automatic shut off after 90 minutes of inactivity
  • Comes with power unit, soldering pencil, sponge, and stand
  • Power unit is 60W while soldering pencil is 50W
  • It takes 40 seconds to go from 0 to 5000F
  • Temperature can be read in Celsius or Fahrenheit
  • ESD (Electro-static discharge) safe
  • Soldering tip is grounded to prevent accumulation of charges
  • Non-burnable silicone power cord
  • cUL and UL listed
  • Limited one-year warranty
If this is not your preferred soldering station, you can look at other options from Weller.
Best Value
HAKKO Digital Soldering Station
The HAKKO FX888D Soldering Station is a simple digital soldering station with preset temperatures and digital calibration. If you are looking for a more advanced soldering station with a 1.6 millimeter tip and auto shut off feature, the Hakko FX-951 Soldering Station has what you need.

HAKKO Blue/Yellow Digital Soldering Station with T18 Thermal Tips


Features
HAKKO Metal Industries began operation in 1952 as a forged metal and solder manufacturer. Over the last 60 years, it has grown to become a renowned manufacturer of quality soldering and desoldering tools. Its range of products includes soldering irons, soldering baths, desoldering tools, smoke absorbers, testers, and meters. HAKKO promises to not only meet its clients’ needs, but to anticipate and exceed them using its experience over the years. It ensures that while producing globally competitive products, the individual client’s expectation is not sacrificed.

The HAKKO FX888D Soldering Station is an excellent station for users transitioning from using soldering pens to soldering stations, because of its easy-to-use design. It is an upgraded version of the analog FX888, which was widely loved by its users. The upgrade became necessary after customers complained of unknowingly leaving the stations powered on because there was no power indicator.

This digital version comes with new features that include preset temperatures and digital calibration. It has an improved heater output of about 30% when compared with other conventional models. It uses the excellent heat-conductive T18 series tip which allows for great thermal recovery. This means that you can solder at a lower temperature, reducing the impact of heat on your workpiece. It also minimizes tip oxidation, thereby prolonging the life of your soldering tip.

This station has a password function that allows you to restrict settings change and prevent people from switching to selected modes. This function gives you maximum control of your workspace, since you can have up to five preset temperatures for different workpieces. It has a temperature range of 392°-896°F and total power consumption of 70 watts. It is compact and handy, measuring 10 × 7 × 10 inches in dimension and weighing only 2.6 pounds. This soldering station is available in HAKKO’s signature blue/yellow color, and in silver too.
If you don’t like this soldering station, browse the others by HAKKO.
X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Soldering Station
The X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Hot Air Rework and Soldering Station is armed with PID technology for industrial soldering. It's ESD safe and has 10 soldering tips. Would you prefer a rework station with a preheater? Consider the X-Tronic All In One Hot Air Rework Soldering Iron Station.

X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Hot Air Rework and Soldering Station with DC Power Supply, Test Meter, Soldering Tips, Hot Air Nozzles & Anti-Magnetic Tweezers


Features
X-TRONIC understands the results that can be achieved with the power of focus, because of its concentration on the manufacture of soldering workstations and accessories. Its product range includes dual soldering stations with two soldering irons, standalone soldering kits, and hot air rework stations, and these are exceptional products in the soldering market. It has a dedicated technical team that is charged with attending to pre-sales and post-sales enquiries and servicing your equipment.

The X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Hot Air Rework and Soldering Station is designed for industrial and commercial use. Its PID (proportional–integral–derivative) technology helps ensure that the error value between set temperature and desired temperature is eliminated. It has a Centigrade/Fahrenheit switch so you can read temperatures in both scales. The front panel and control knobs are made from aluminum and brushed aluminum respectively. It is digitally controlled by a dual core microcomputer processor, which provides stability, reliability, and durability. It is ESD (Electrostatic discharge) safe, and has a total power consumption of 1000 watts and a temperature range of 212°F - 896°F. It has a dimension of 7.40 x 5.75 x 9.80 inches and weighs 20 pounds. A complete kit includes:
  • One X-Tronic 8000 Series - Model #8080-XTS Hot Air Rework Station & DC Power Supply
  • 70-watt soldering iron, along with soldering iron stand and sponge
  • 500-watt hot air gun with side mount holder
  • 10 assorted soldering tips
  • Four hot air gun nozzles
  • Set of banana clip test leads
  • Extra soldering iron element
  • Extra hot air gun heating element
  • IC popper
  • Stainless steel (anti-magnetic/anti-static) pinpoint tweezers
  • Gootwick
  • 5X gooseneck magnifying lamp
This kit comes with a one-year 100% fix or replace warranty.
Yet to find the features you are looking out for? See the other soldering stations from XTRONIC.
Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station
The Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station has an intelligent self-detection function for safety. It automatically stops rotating when the temperature is below 700C. For a simpler soldering station with five additional tips, get the Zeny 937D PLUS SMD Soldering Hot Iron Station.

Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Hot Air Rework Soldering Iron Station with 4 Nozzles


Features
Zeny, which has been in business since 2009, has become a bestselling brand in most prominent online stores. It sells a wide range of items, including healthcare products, lawn and garden products, automotive products, and medical apparatuses. It aims at churning out the best goods at budget-friendly prices without compromising on quality and excellence. Its committed staff team ensures customers get the satisfaction they expect through exceptional customer service, low prices, and fast shipping.

The Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station is designed to suit both professional workers and amateur hobbyists with its PID technology that ensures temperature stability. Other features presented by this soldering station are:
  • Easily adjustable airflow with temperature control rotation
  • Automatically stops rotating when temperature goes below 158°F/700C
  • Intelligent self-detection feature helps with safe operation
  • Airflow temperature can start and shut off automatically or manually for convenience
  • International standard heater
  • Handle has sensor switch which activates operating mode when picked up and goes on standby mode when laid down
  • Alloy iron stand to help keep the iron away from flammable materials
  • Cooling function is automatic and helps to effectively prolong heater's life and protect hot air gun
  • ESD design of soldering iron protects sensitive components on your workpiece
  • High-quality resistance ensures durability
  • Air gun holder is plastic
  • Low noise and space-saving design
  • Suitable for soldering and desoldering PLCC, CHIP, SOIC, BGA, QFP, SMD, etc.
  • Suitable for heating, shrinking, paint drying, adhesive removal, thawing, warming and plastic welding
  • Package includes 2in1 soldering station unit, hot air gun, hot iron, iron stand, gun holder, IC extractor, four nozzles, and five tips
  • Temperature range of 212 - 896°F and power consumption of 700 watts
  • Dimension of 11.4 × 8.7 × 7.9 inches and weighs 6.3 pounds
If this is not the soldering station you need, check out other options from Zeny. You may find your station of choice.
AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station
The AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station comes with a spare ceramic heating element. It's compatible with 110V and 220V power input, and it has touch type panels. If you need a soldering station with a smoke absorber that also has a desoldering station, try the AOYUE 701A Plus Dual Function Digital Soldering Station.

AOYUE 937+ Digital ESD Safe Soldering Station with Spare Heating Element


Features
AOYUE International Limited began operation in 1997, when it served the communication industry. It has since metamorphosed into a brand that is to be trusted for quality soldering and reworking tools. It offers diverse repair products such as infrared systems, hot plate systems, reflow ovens and soldering irons that meet both individual and industrial demands.

The AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station has a digital display panel on its base station for reading the temperature. It features a closed loop temperature control that aids with precision soldering. There are other reasons we love this soldering station, including:
  • Electrostatic discharge safe, which makes the component you are working on safer
  • High-performance heater and removable tip design
  • Displays the actual and set temperature to ensure you are working with the right temperature
  • Easy grip soldering iron handle makes it easy to work for a long time without hand discomfort
  • Touch type panels for ease of operation
  • Compatible with both 110-volt and 220-volt input power
  • Long-life ceramic heating element
  • Digital thermostat control of ± 1° C
  • 24-volt output that prevents circuit damage
  • Tip-to-ground resistance of below 2 ohms and tip-to-ground potential of below 2mV
  • 45-watt power consumption and temperature range of 392-897° F
  • Its dimensions are 5.5 × 4.7 × 3.1 inches, and it weighs 5.3 pounds
  • One-year limited warranty
If you need a different soldering station than this, view the other options from AOYUE.

Get the Best Soldering Station of 2020!

Getting a good soldering station is no small feat. We believe that our review has given you all the necessary information to make an informed purchase. If you do not find the soldering station that suits you best, check out the other products from the brands we have selected for you.

Our Top Choice
Weller Digital Soldering Station
Weller Digital Soldering Station
Best Value
HAKKO Digital Soldering Station
HAKKO Digital Soldering Station
X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Soldering Station
X-TRONIC 4 in 1 Soldering Station
Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station
Zeny 2 in 1 SMD Soldering Station
AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station
AOYUE 937+ Digital Soldering Station

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