In order to meet the performance requirements of new direct connected electrolytic copper permanent cathode plate, the morphology, microstructure, tensile strength, conductivity and electrochemical corrosion resistance of Cu/3116 L dissimilar metal welded joint obtained by laser welding and argon tungsten arc welding were compared and analyzed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, energy disperse spectroscopy, electronic tensile testing machine, metal conductivity meter and electrochemical workstation. The results show that there is little difference in average tensile strength of the welded joints obtained by these two welding processes, and the conductivity and corrosion resistance of laser welded joints are better than those of TIG welded joints. Therefore, the direct connected electrolytic copper permanent cathode plate made by the laser welding has better overall performance.