The Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC is the better plasma cutter overall, rated 3.8 to 3.6. The Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC leads on duty cycle and cut. The Hypertherm Powermax 33 XP wins on value. The Hypertherm Powermax 33 XP costs $1,401 less ($1,384 vs $2,785).
A professional 45 A cutter for fabrication shops and farms with a 240 V circuit that cut 5/8 in steel regularly. Pick it for long consumable life and easy setup, not low price.
Amazon $2,940 Welder Supply $2,785A compact, dual voltage cutter for home shops and repair work that cut up to 1/2 in steel. It costs more than import brands but brings Hypertherm consumable life and a six year warranty.
Amazon $1,595 Welder Supply $1,384Prices 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.
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every up to 45 A plasma cutter; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC | Hypertherm Powermax 33 XP |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.8/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Value 30% | 20 $4,456 per inch of rated cut ($2,785, 5/8 in) | 35 $2,768 per inch of rated cut ($1,384, 1/2 in) |
| Cut 20% | 75 5/8 in rated cut on mild steel | 50 1/2 in rated cut on mild steel |
| Duty cycle 15% | 75 50% at full output (45 A) | 38 35% at full output (33 A) |
| Pilot arc 10% | 100 pilot arc | 100 pilot arc |
| Warranty 25% | 100 6-year warranty on the machine | 100 6-year warranty on the machine |
| Hypertherm Powermax 45 SYNC | Hypertherm Powermax 33 XP | |
|---|---|---|
| Cutting | ||
| Input voltage | 240 V | 120/240 V |
| Maximum output | 45 A | 33 A |
| Rated cut, mild steel | 5/8 in | 1/2 in |
| Sever cut, mild steel | 1 1/8 in | 3/4 in |
| Rated duty cycle | 50% at 45 A, 40 °C | 35% at 33 A, 40 °C |
| Pilot arc | Yes | Yes |
| Air and build | ||
| Air supply | 6.7 cfm, 90 psi | 4 cfm, 80 psi |
| CNC port | No | - |
| Weight | 31 lb | 21.4 lb |
| Warranty | 6 years | 6 years |
| Released | 2024-05-01 | 2026-03-17 |
