Hakko
Hakko FX-888DX
$129.95Cheaper
Best Soldering Stations · head-to-head
Hakko FX-888DX vs Metcal PS-900
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Hakko FX-888DX is cheaper at $129.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Metcal
Metcal PS-900
$352
Which is better: the Hakko FX-888DX or Metcal PS-900?
On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Hakko FX-888DX is the cheaper at $129.95.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Hakko FX-888DX | Metcal PS-900 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $129.95 | $352 |
| Brand | Hakko | Metcal |
| Released | — | — |
| Power watts | 65 | 60 |
| Temp range celsius | 50 to 480 | — |
| Temp stability celsius | 1 | — |
| Heat up time sec | — | — |
| Display type | digital-lcd | none |
| Tip series | T18 | SxV |
| Channels | 1 | 1 |
| Power source | ac-mains | ac-mains |
| Esd safe | Yes | Yes |
| Sleep mode | — | No |
| Weight grams | — | — |
Sources — Hakko FX-888DX: hakko.com (verified 2026-07-13). Metcal PS-900: metcal.com (verified 2026-07-13).
What's the difference between the Hakko FX-888DX and Metcal PS-900?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.
- Power watts: Hakko FX-888DX 65 vs Metcal PS-900 60
- Display type: Hakko FX-888DX digital-lcd vs Metcal PS-900 none
- Tip series: Hakko FX-888DX T18 vs Metcal PS-900 SxV
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Hakko FX-888DX
Only one whitelisted tester, Wirecutter, hands-on tested this exact model, naming the FX-888DX its upgrade pick. It praises the fast 30-second heat-up to 700 °F, quick temperature rebound between joints, and sturdy heavy modular build (separate stand and station), while flagging the basic wedge-style included tip and rampant counterfeits at online retailers. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Fast ~30-second heat-up to 700 °F with quick temperature rebound between joints; Sturdy, heavy build with a modular separate stand and station; Comfortable, cool-to-touch pen-like handle and convenient knob interface.
Flagged: Included wedge-style tip is not as versatile as others; Counterfeits are rampant at online retailers like Amazon; Worth the ~$70 premium over the cheaper top pick only if you solder frequently.
Metcal PS-900
No sourced tester review yet.