Buying guide · Use case
Best Soldering Iron UK
Published: · Updated:
Last verified 9 August 2026
UK buyers choosing a soldering iron are usually weighing a simple fixed-temperature pencil iron against a digital smart iron, at very different price points.
Our pick
~£25–30 · 25W
UK-made, 25W fixed-temperature pencil iron that's been a familiar bench tool in the UK for decades, at a genuinely low price.
Also consider
~£25–35 · up to 65W (USB-C PD)
For a similar price, a digital smart iron with adjustable temperature and USB-C PD power, if you want control the Antex's fixed temperature doesn't offer.
The Antex XS25 and CS18 have been standard UK bench irons for years: simple, fixed-temperature pencil irons with no digital display, sold and repaired through UK stockists. They're a sensible pick for light, occasional electronics work where you don't need to dial in an exact temperature.
If the work varies across different wire gauges and components, a digital iron with adjustable temperature avoids the compromise a fixed-temp iron makes. The Pinecil V2 covers that at a similar price to the Antex irons.
Soldering iron prices in the UK
UK soldering iron prices need to be compared with the cost of the complete working setup. The Antex XS25 has a typical UK street price of ~£25–30. The Pinecil V2 has a typical UK street price of ~£25–35. These are typical price ranges, so check the current seller's offer before buying.
For the Pinecil V2, include a suitable USB-C PD power source in the budget if one is not already available. Also check what the offer includes, rather than assuming a stand, cable or solder comes with the iron. A low iron price can still lead to a higher starting cost. Compare the total for the tools needed to begin the same job.
Choosing a soldering iron for the joint size
Choosing a soldering iron starts with the joints to be made, because tip contact and heat recovery affect how quickly solder flows. The Antex XS25 is listed at 25W and ~370°C (fixed). The Antex CS18 is listed at 18W and ~390°C (fixed). The higher fixed temperature on the Antex CS18 does not mean the iron has more power for larger joints.
A clean, tinned tip transfers heat better than an oxidised surface. Choose a compatible tip shape that can touch the joint properly without crowding nearby parts. For larger joints, a slow result can reflect limited heat recovery rather than a need for a hotter setting. Check the exact model compatibility before buying replacement tips, as this site has not verified Antex tip part numbers.
See the full spec comparison in our best soldering stations & irons guide.