AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi
#9 in AC/DC TIGFull review
A step up in power from the 203Xi for welders who work thicker aluminum. Best for a fixed garage bench.
Amazon $715 AHP $695$695
The AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi rates 3.8 among AC/DC TIG TIG or stick welders; the ArcCaptain ARC250 rates 3.4 among stick ones. The ArcCaptain ARC250 costs $465.01 less ($229.99 vs $695).
ArcCaptain ARC250
#5 in StickFull review
A strong, cheap 230 V stick welder for farm and structural repairs, with lift TIG if you add a torch.
Amazon $229.99$229.99
Prices were last checked November 2, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Scores side by side
These two sit in different process classes (AC/DC TIG and stick), and each is scored against the reference points for its own class, so a rating says how well each does among its own process peers. How we rank explains each factor.
| Factor weight | AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi | ArcCaptain ARC250 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.4/5 |
| Value 30% | 73 $3.09 per amp ($695, 225 A maximum) | 65 $1.05 per amp ($229.99, 220 A maximum) |
| Duty cycle 20% | 38 35% at full output (225 A) | 100 60% at full output (220 A) |
| Features 25% | 100 high-frequency start, pulse, foot pedal in the box, dual voltage | 30 lift TIG |
| Warranty 25% | 50 3-year warranty on the machine | 25 2-year warranty on the machine |
Specifications
| AHP AlphaTIG 225Xi | ArcCaptain ARC250 | |
|---|---|---|
| Output | ||
| Processes | AC/DC TIG, stick | DC lift TIG, stick |
| Maximum output | 225 A | 220 A |
| Maximum on 120 V | 150 A | - |
| Duty cycle | 35% at 225 A | 60% at 220 A |
| Input | 120 V and 240 V | 240 V |
| Features | ||
| Pulse | Yes | No |
| Foot pedal in the box | Yes | No |
| TIG torch in the box | Yes | No |
| Weight | 50 lb | 11.5 lb |
| Warranty | 3 years | 2 years |