Hakko FX971 vs FX972: Which Soldering Station Is Right for You?
Hakko FX971 vs FX972: Which Soldering Station Is Right for You?
The Hakko FX971 and FX972 are both ESD-safe bench soldering stations built for professional electronics assembly, but they serve different needs. The FX971 is a compact 100W single-port station ideal for most bench soldering tasks, while the FX972 is a 200W dual-port station designed for operators who need to switch between multiple handpieces or run two irons simultaneously. Both connect to Hakko Control Software and share the same FX-9701 handpiece — but the FX972 requires Software V4 or higher, while the FX971 works with V3 or higher.
The FX971-010 is priced at $330.00 and the FX972-010 is priced at $680.00 — both currently on sale at MTE Solutions.
Specifications
| Specification | Hakko FX971-010 | Hakko FX972-010 |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 100W, 120V | 200W, 120V |
| Temperature Range | 50°–450°C (120°–850°F) | 50°–500°C (120°–940°F)* |
| Temperature Stability | ±3°C (±5°F) | ±3°C (±5°F) |
| Output Voltage | 24V | 24V |
| Ports | 1 | 2 |
| Handpiece Options | Standard + Micro | Up to 8 handpieces |
| Included Handpiece | FX-9701 | FX-9701 |
| Included Holder | FH-215 | FH-215 (via FX972-011) |
| Compatible Tips | 60+ sizes and shapes | 60+ sizes and shapes |
| Hakko Control Software | V3 or higher | V4 or higher |
| Dimensions | 93 × 126 × 133 mm | 126 × 151 × 149 mm |
| Weight (station) | 2.6 lb (1.2 kg) | 6.2 lb (2.8 kg) |
| Country of Origin | Malaysia | Malaysia |
| Tips Included | No | No |
| Price | $330.00 | $680.00 |
*FX972 temperature range varies with handpiece selected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between the Hakko FX971 and FX972?
The FX971 is a single-port 100W station suited for standard bench soldering. The FX972 is a dual-port 200W station that supports up to 8 different handpieces, making it better suited for rework-heavy environments or operators who need to switch between iron types frequently.
Are the FX971 and FX972 compatible with the same tips?
Yes. Both stations use the same FX-9701 handpiece and are compatible with the same 60+ Hakko tip sizes and shapes. Tips are not included with either station and must be purchased separately.
What version of Hakko Control Software do I need?
The FX971 requires Hakko Control Software V3 or higher. The FX972 requires V4 or higher. Make sure your software version matches before purchasing.
Does the FX972 replace the FX971?
No — they serve different use cases. The FX971 replaces the FX951 and is the right choice for most single-operator bench setups. The FX972 is designed for operators who need dual-port capability or access to a wider range of handpieces, combining the best features of the FM-203 and FX-971.
Shop both stations at MTE Solutions: Hakko FX971-010 | Hakko FX972-010
