It depends on what you are planning on using it for. For the sake of flexibility, I would recommend getting one with temperature control. That way when working with small components you can get the temperature set lower so you don't burn electronic components. Then you can crank it up if need be as well. I don't think you have to spend a crazy amount of money to get this, probably less than $100. At that price point you will get a good quality tip as well. I have a fairly cheap soldering iron and it works for the things I typically use it for which is wiring guitars and speakers. However, in the future I plan on building a complete amplifier and at that point I think it would be worth it for me to upgrade to a temperature controlled iron. My two cents...