Comparison
Antex XS25 vs Antex CS18
Last verified 2026-08-09
Both are simple, fixed-temperature UK-made pencil irons from the same range. The difference is wattage and tip gauge, not features.
| Antex XS25 | Antex CS18 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | ~£25–30 | ~£20–25 |
| Power | 25W | 18W |
| Fixed temperature | ~370°C | ~390°C |
| Best suited to | General light electronics | Fine, small-component work |
Verdict
Buy the XS25 as a general-purpose iron — the extra wattage gives more headroom for everyday joints. Buy the CS18 specifically if your work is mostly fine, delicate soldering where a lighter touch matters more than recovery speed.
See the full field in our best soldering stations & irons guide.