Consider upgrading to one of our Circuit Specialists soldering stations, which have a number of advantages over corded soldering irons including adjustable temperature and responsive current control, interchangeable irons and soldering iron tips, and more power in a smaller package. Plus, a soldering station iron is smaller than a traditional corded iron, making it comfortable to hold for longer periods of time. 

Our traditional and lead-free soldering stations feature ceramic heating elements up to 75 watts, easy-to-read displays, and rugged aluminum iron holders. We also offer combination hot-air rework/soldering stations to save you time and money.

What is a Soldering Station?

Soldering stations are multifunctional workstations for soldering electronic components. These stations usually have one or more soldering tools connected to a unit or station with built-in temperature displays and controls. Soldering stations offer features you couldn’t get with a soldering iron or soldering tool alone.

Soldering stations may come with one or more of the following features:

• Soldering Iron or Soldering Gun (often comes with multiple nozzles)
• Hot air gun or wand for reworking PCB board components
• Desoldering iron or solder sucker for melting and removing solder
• Smoke absorber to protect users from toxic soldering fumes
• Vacuum pick-up wand to conveniently pick up small components
• Temperature Control to adjust and select the desired temperature
• LCD or LED Digital Display for temperature readout
• Programmable Settings so you can save preferred temperature and other settings
• Automatic shut-off that detects lack of movement and will turn off your soldering iron
• Tip cleaning accessories to tin and clean your soldering iron tips

Soldering Station vs. Soldering Kit

Soldering kits is a catch-all term for different types of soldering equipment that are conveniently packaged and sold together. Soldering stations might be considered a soldering kit because it includes multiple types of soldering equipment in one package. 

However, soldering stations include a separate unit or “station” that connects to soldering irons and other soldering tools. This separate unit provides features beyond what a typical soldering iron or soldering tool could provide, like temperature control, a digital temperature display, and programmable settings. 

Best Soldering Stations

Looking for a soldering station to complete your workbench? Check out some of our top-sellers and fan favorites:

Best Budget Soldering Station: 75 Watt Soldering Station with LED Digital Display - CSI-STATION 75D

You might be able to find soldering stations in the $50 to $70 range, especially if it’s an analog or used station. 

Though a tad pricier than used or analog models, we recommend the affordable CSI-Station75D Soldering Station because of the included LED digital display and wattage, which are essential for most circuit board soldering. If you’re planning on using lead-free solder, you will need a soldering station in the 75-watt range. 

If you could do without the digital display, this same 75-watt soldering station comes in a model without an LED. The powerful station can handle lead-free solder despite its modest cost. Check out CSI-Station 75 for more information.

Bonus: The station also comes with a soldering iron holder made from aluminum. The tip of the iron is grounded to prevent static charge build-up to protect static-sensitive devices.

Best Overall Soldering Station: 75W Soldering Station & Solder Tip Cleaner - BNDL150

An all-around fantastic soldering station is the BNDSL150 75W Soldering Station. 

The soldering kit comes with everything you need for soldering, including a solder tip cleaner, 10 soldering tips (including a conical tip!), and a roll of solder wire. 

Like our budget-friendly pick, this station also offers 75 watts (ideal for lead-free soldering), temperature control, and LCD screen. 

However, the BNDSL150 takes it one step further by offering bonus safety features, like automatic shutdown, sleep mode, and programmable temperature settings. The feature-packed station provides all the soldering essentials and more, all under $100.

Best Beginner Hot Air Rework Station: Microprocessor Controlled Hot Air Rework Station with Vacuum Pickup - CSI825A

While technically still soldering stations, hot air rework stations are unique because of the hot air wand which can remove and rework solder. Because it relies on heated air, hot air soldering is a non-contact soldering style. These stations can be used for both soldering and desoldering and are usually more powerful than standard soldering irons or stations.

The CSI825A is one such powerhouse rework station. The 320-watt station includes a hot air wand with temperature ranges from 100°C to 480°C / 212°F to 896°F. The microprocessor-controlled machine can be monitored by a user-friendly front panel. Plus, the interface has an actual mechanical vacuum gauge light—a practical and steampunk addition you don’t get with many modern stations.

Bonus: The rework station also includes an air-controlled pick-up tool (vacuum pick-up wand) for quick and secure removal of IC’s and other components without damaging them.

Ultimate Soldering Station: 4-in-1 Compact Rework Station with Digital Display - CSI948D-2

Another rework soldering station, the CSI948D-2 is the ultimate soldering station splurge for anyone looking to up their soldering skills and projects. 

The 725-Watt station features a 650-watt hot air gun, 75-watt desoldering gun, 60-watt soldering iron, and a convenient vacuum pick-up wand for SMT component parts. The modern interface offers LED digital display and programmable settings.

Bonus: Did we mention all the included soldering accessories? Your purchase also comes with desoldering gun cleaning accessories, a soldering iron holder, and multiple hot air gun nozzles. This will ensure that you can start working on your project as soon as the unit arrives. 

How to Choose a Soldering Station

Analog vs. Digital

Digital soldering stations offer real-time temperature readings that display on built-in LCD or LED screens. Conversely, analog soldering stations don’t offer digital displays or provide precise measurements.

Analog stations can be a cost-effective way to start soldering, but if you’re soldering components on PCBs, we recommend avoiding analog stations because you won't be able to confirm the temperature at the tip before soldering. 

Anti-Static (ESD-Safe) vs. Non Anti-Static

ESD-Safe soldering stations are grounded stations that are designed to protect against static, or electrostatic discharge (ESD). ESD-safe soldering stations will be more expensive than non-ESD safe stations. 

However, if you’re working with integrated circuits or most new electronic devices and circuit boards, then you’ll want an anti-static station. Otherwise, your projects run the risk of damage from static charges.

Wattage (Also: Lead Free vs. Lead Solder)

To understand what wattage your soldering station needs, it’s important to know what kind of projects you plan on using the station for. 

If you intend to only use lead solder, then you might be fine getting away with a 50-watt or 60-watt station because leaded solder doesn’t require as much heat to melt. However, lead-free solder requires hotter temperatures, so you’ll need at least a 70-watt station.