10 Best Pen Style Soldering Irons 2025 in the United States

The X-Tronic 3020-XTS Soldering Iron Station is a robust and versatile tool designed for advanced to expert users. With 75 watts of power, it heats up quickly, reaching temperatures between 200°C and 480°C (392°F to 896°F) in less than 30 seconds. This makes it ideal for tasks requiring precise and consistent heat. The temperature control is sophisticated, featuring a Centigrade to Fahrenheit toggle and PID technology for accurate temperature maintenance. The ergonomic grip ensures comfort during prolonged use, and the 40-inch pliable cord provides flexibility without tangling, enhancing usability.

The kit includes five extra tips of various sizes, making it adaptable to different soldering needs, and the additional tools like tweezers and a solder sucker add great value. However, the unit's weight of 2.09 pounds might make portable use slightly cumbersome. It requires a standard power outlet, limiting on-the-go usage. The 10-minute sleep timer and ESD safety features add a layer of security and longevity to the product.

The X-Tronic 3020-XTS is an excellent choice for users looking for a reliable and comprehensive soldering solution, though it may be overkill for beginners or those who need a highly portable option.

The X-Tronic 3060-PRO is a comprehensive 75W soldering iron station kit designed for both advanced users and beginners. It includes a variety of accessories such as five extra tips, a mini magnifying lamp, helping hands, a solder sucker, tweezers, and a roll of solder, making it a versatile choice for various soldering tasks. The 60W soldering iron heats up quickly with a temperature range of 194°F to 896°F, offering precise control with its three preset memory functions and PID technology for stable temperatures.

The LED readout provides clear temperature readings in both Celsius and Fahrenheit, enhancing usability. The ergonomic grip ensures comfort during prolonged use, and the anti-static design is a plus for delicate electronic work. However, it is AC-powered only and lacks battery portability, which might limit its use in remote or outdoor settings. Additionally, while it is feature-rich, some beginners may find the numerous functions a bit overwhelming initially.

The unit comes with a reassuring 3-year warranty and lifetime support from X-Tronic's experienced technicians. Despite its high-quality build and extensive features, users should be cautious of potential lead exposure, as indicated by the product warning. This kit is highly recommended for those who need a reliable and comprehensive tool for precise and varied soldering projects, especially in a stationary workspace.

The X-Tronic SX-90 Platinum Series is an 85W precision micro soldering iron station that stands out for its high power output and fast heating capabilities. With its 3-second warm-up time to 300°C, it’s a great fit for users who need quick and efficient soldering. The inclusion of three different C210 compatible cartridges (conical, bent conical, knife/chisel) enhances its versatility, allowing for various soldering tasks.

The temperature range of 200°C to 500°C covers most soldering needs, and the temperature stability of ±1.0°C ensures consistent performance. The ergonomic precision handpiece and silicone mat with tool holders make the soldering process more comfortable and organized. Features like the programmable temperature presets, quick-change cartridge remover, and temperature kicker bar add convenience and efficiency to the user experience. However, it is AC powered and operates on 110V only, which may limit its use in regions that require 220V.

While it is marketed as suitable for both professionals and beginners, its numerous features might be overwhelming for absolute beginners. The product also includes a range of accessories like a solder sucker, desoldering wick, tweezers, and more, which are handy additions for comprehensive soldering tasks. The unit is designed to be ESD safe and anti-static, which is beneficial for delicate electronic work. Despite its extensive functionality, the warning about chemical exposure, including lead, is a notable concern for health-conscious users. Additionally, the product’s weight (6.58 pounds) suggests it’s more suited for stationary use rather than portability. In summary, the X-Tronic SX-90 is a powerful and feature-rich soldering iron station ideal for advanced users and professionals looking for precision and efficiency in their soldering projects.