Review · soldering iron
Pinecil V2
Published: · Updated:
Last verified 9 August 2026
Price
~£25–35
Power
up to 65W (USB-C PD)
Temp range
adjustable, digital
Brand
Pine64
The Pinecil V2 is an open-source, USB-C PD powered smart iron from Pine64 — widely regarded as the best-value digitally controlled iron on the market.
Strengths
- Runs from any USB-C PD charger or power bank — no dedicated PSU required
- Open-source firmware with active community development
- Digital temperature control and fast heat-up in a genuinely low price bracket
Trade-offs
- Needs a separately bought USB-C PD charger capable of enough wattage to hit full power
- Smaller grip than a traditional pencil iron — some users need to adjust technique
Verdict
The best-value digitally controlled iron available right now — if you already own a decent USB-C PD charger, there's very little reason to spend more for equivalent control.
Pinecil V2 wattage and USB-C PD explained
The Pinecil V2 rating of up to 65W (USB-C PD) describes a maximum, rather than guaranteed output from every charger. USB-C PD lets a device and power source agree on a supported power level. Check the power source's output details and the cable requirements. A USB-C socket alone does not confirm that enough power is available.
The heater draws power as needed to maintain the selected temperature. Joint size and tip contact still affect how quickly heat enters the work. The specifications this site has verified describe adjustable digital temperature control but do not give numerical temperature limits. Avoid filling that gap with a range taken from a different iron or product version.
Pinecil V2 price in the UK
The Pinecil V2 has a typical UK street price of ~£25–35, before any separately needed power source or bench supplies. This is a price guide rather than a confirmed offer from a named retailer. The specifications this site has verified do not give current UK stock.
Check the exact product version and package contents in the seller's offer. For a fair comparison with the Miniware TS101, include the items needed to use either iron for the same task. The Miniware TS101 has a typical UK street price of ~£55–65. Both list up to 65W (USB-C PD), so price alone does not imply a difference in listed maximum wattage.
Pinecil V2 FAQ
Q.What is the Pinecil V2 wattage?
The Pinecil V2 is listed at up to 65W (USB-C PD). Available output depends on a suitable power source.
Q.What is the Pinecil V2 price in the UK?
The Pinecil V2 has a typical UK street price of ~£25–35. Check the current offer and what the package includes.
Q.How does the Pinecil V2 compare with the TS101?
The Pinecil V2 and Miniware TS101 both list up to 65W (USB-C PD) and adjustable digital temperature control. Their typical UK street prices are ~£25–35 and ~£55–65 respectively, and the Miniware TS101 lists an OLED display.
See how the Pinecil V2 compares to the rest of the field in our full soldering iron comparison.