Hakko FX-888DX
A precise, proven bench station for hobby and repair work at a fair price. Pick a cartridge station instead if you solder heavy joints often.
Amazon $124.35$124.35
The Hakko FX-888DX is the better soldering station overall, rated 3.2 to 2.7. The Hakko FX-888DX leads on value, power and features. The Thermaltronics TMT-9000S-1 wins on warranty. The Hakko FX-888DX costs $274.65 less ($124.35 vs $399).
Prices were last checked November 9, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Thermaltronics TMT-9000S-1
A drop-in Metcal MX-500 replacement for shops already invested in that tip range. Newcomers get more flexibility from an adjustable cartridge station.
Amazon $399$399
Which should you buy?
- Choose the Hakko FX-888DX for value ($1.91 per watt ($124.35, 65 W) vs $9.97 per watt ($399, 40 W)), power (65 W iron vs 40 W iron) and features (preset temperatures, ESD safe, settings lock, calibration vs cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby).
- Choose the Thermaltronics TMT-9000S-1 for warranty (4-year warranty vs 1-year warranty).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every soldering stations soldering station; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hakko FX-888DX | Thermaltronics TMT-9000S-1 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.7/5 |
| Value 25% | 42 $1.91 per watt ($124.35, 65 W) | 0 $9.97 per watt ($399, 40 W) |
| Power 25% | 30 65 W iron | 0 40 W iron |
| Top temperature 10% | 80 up to 480 °C | 50 temperature is set by the tip cartridge (neutral score used) |
| Stability 10% | 100 ±1 °C at idle | 98 ±1.1 °C at idle |
| Features 20% | 55 preset temperatures, ESD safe, settings lock, calibration | 45 cartridge tips, auto sleep or standby |
| Warranty 10% | 25 1-year warranty | 100 4-year warranty |
Specifications
| Hakko FX-888DX | Thermaltronics TMT-9000S-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Soldering iron | ||
| Iron power | 65 W | 40 W |
| Station power | 100 W | - |
| Temperature range | 50-480 °C (122-896 °F) | - |
| Idle stability | ±1 °C | ±1.1 °C |
| Tip system | Hakko T18 | Thermaltronics M Series cartridge |
| Tips included | Yes | Yes |
| Features | ||
| Display | LED | LCD |
| Ports | 1 | 2 |
| ESD safe | Yes | - |
| Auto sleep or standby | No | Yes |
| Preset temperatures | 5 | None |
| Calibration | Yes | No |
| Settings lock | Yes | - |
| Build | ||
| Weight | 2.6 lb | 7.7 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | 4 years |