The #1 Best Reptile Thermostat

A thermostat is the single most critical piece of equipment for anyone who keeps reptiles. Why? Because reptiles thrive within a specific temperature range, and a thermostat helps you manage your terrarium temperature.

As a reptile’s body temperature decreases, they move less, their digestion slows down, and their immune system stops functioning correctly. Too much exposure to cold makes it harder for reptiles to fight off secondary infections. Exposure to severe and prolonged cold can be fatal.

Reptiles need heat, but too much heat is as harmful as too much cold. You may know that the most common cause of premature fatality in reptiles is overheating. 

In this review we look at the best reptile thermostats available on the market, so you have what you need to keep your reptiles in that perfect temperature range to keep them active and healthy.

A-Z-Animals Top Picks for Reptile Thermostats

1. Overall Best: Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Reptile Terrarium Thermostat

In our review, the overall best reptile thermostat is the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Reptile Terrarium Thermostat for its simple-to-use interface and accurate temperature maintenance.

This digital thermostat can turn on cooling devices (up to 150 watts) or heating devices (up to 600 watts) in your reptile habitat, depending on if you select cool or heat mode. It controls a range of temperatures from 50 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

The Zoo Med ReptiTemp has a remote temperature sensor with a six-foot cable so you can place the sensor exactly where it needs to be. Plus, the built-in memory stores your last settings, so if there is a temporary power outage it comes on with the same settings and keeps your reptile friends comfortable and safe.

This thermostat also alerts you to extremely high or low temperatures with a flashing alarm and sound. It’s a simple, easy-to-use, and reliable digital reptile thermostat.

The only drawback to this product is that you have to cycle through every temperature setting to start over if you want to lower the temperature.

Pros and Cons of the Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Reptile Terrarium Thermostat

Overall Best

Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Reptile Terrarium Thermostat

• Can be used for cooling or heating devices
• Features a remote temperature sensor
• Very reliable digital thermostat
• Comes with an alarm for extreme temperatures

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2. Best Value: BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller

A reptile thermostat doesn’t need to break the bank, and that’s why we recommend the BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller.

This digital thermostat controller can display temperatures in either Fahrenheit or Celsius. Place the temperature probe on the heat source you want to manage, set the temperature, and you are ready to go. 

The controller has power indicator lights, so you don’t have to turn on the lights to verify that it is working. Plus, the display is bright and easy to read.

You have six feet of cord between the temperature probe and the grounded plug. Depending on the placement of the terrarium in your home, you should have no problem placing the probe exactly on or close to the heating element and have access to power.

However, this thermostat controller is not waterproof. Also, some customers have reported that it does not always give a completely accurate reading, although it is usually with one or two degrees.

Pros and Cons of the BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller

Best Value

BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller

• Work in either Fahrenheit or Celsius
• Display is bright and easy to read
• Very well tested for quality and safety
• Easy to use

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3. Best for Hanging Display: VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller

If you prefer to hang your thermostat on the wall then we recommend the VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller.

This thermostat temperature controller regulates and maintains your desired temperature between 40 and 108 ºF. It comes with a sensor probe so you can reliably track your terrarium’s temperature.

The set-up is simple, with three buttons on the front of the display to set your temperature range. Plus, the unit is made of extra-fortified plastic to withstand harsh conditions.

This thermostat comes with a hanging tab and wall mount for ease of use and access. The angled socket is designed to keep cords untangled and neat. The manufacturer says it is compatibility and safety guaranteed and can be used with any heat mat.

Again, the only issue with this product is that it is only accurate to within a degree of the desired temperature.

Pros and Cons of the VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller

Best for Hanging Display

VIVOSUN Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Temperature Controller

• Comes with a sensor probe
• Made of extra-fortified plastic
• Comes with a hanging tab
• Can be used with any heat mat

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4. Best for Remote Monitoring: Inkbird WiFi Reptile Thermostat Temperature Controller

Being able to monitor the temperature of your terrarium remotely is always a bonus, which is why we suggest the Inkbird WiFi Reptile Thermostat Temperature Controller.

This WiFi reptile thermostat has two probes and controls the temperature of your mat remotely. Once you set up the device, you can remotely monitor the temperature via the Inkbird app. The app will even alert you if there are probe errors or the temperature gets too high or low. The two different temperature probes work individually. This means that you can use it for different locations within a terrarium or in two side-by-side terrariums.

However, the max wattage on each outlet is 250W. Also, some users have reported that it can be difficult to set up on the app.

Pros and Cons of the Inkbird WiFi Reptile Thermostat Temperature Controller

Best for Remote Monitoring

Inkbird WiFi Reptile Thermostat Temperature Controller

• Controls the temperature remotely
• The app will alert you of errors
• Can use the two different temperature probes separately
• Reports available on the app

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5. Best Waterproof Sensor: Pymeter Digital Temperature Controller Dual Probe Reptile Thermostat

As the best waterproof option we suggest the Pymeter Digital Temperature Controller Dual Probe Reptile Thermostat.

This digital temperature controller is the only one on this list that states the probes are waterproof. You can use it in a fish tank or a humid terrarium without worrying about damaging the probes.

It has two probes that can manage either heating or cooling independently. The unit comes with a high and low temperature alarm. It also has a temperature difference alarm in the event only one of the probes malfunctions. Plus, it automatically stores your settings so that it in the event of a power outage it will switch back on to the settings that were last used.

This dual-probe controller is easy to use and has a clear, easy-to-read LED display. However, some customers have reported that the instructions for the initial set up are a little confusing.

Pros and Cons of the Pymeter Digital Temperature Controller Dual Probe Reptile Thermostat

Best Waterproof Sensor

Pymeter Digital Temperature Controller Dual Probe Reptile Thermostat

• The probes are waterproof
• Comes with a high and low temperature alarm
• Easy to set up and use
• Enhanced functions

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

Your reptiles cannot maintain a comfortable temperature on their own. Depending on where you live, they need heat or cooling in their terrarium to stay healthy and happy. A thermostat enables you to create an environment where they can thrive.

When you are shopping for a thermostat, it’s important to know what you need. Some questions to ask include:

• Do you need more than one probe? 
• Do you need a display that hangs easily, or do you have a place for it to rest? 
• Are you away from home a lot — would a remote app be helpful?
• Do you need a waterproof probe due to the high humidity in your terrarium?

The answers to these questions will direct you to the best reptile thermostat for you.

The Different Types of Reptile Thermostats: Pros and Cons Compared

Reptile thermostats are separate from heating and cooling units. They provide a digital display and temperature control for the heating and cooling mechanisms you already use in your terrarium. For that reason, they are pretty simple, and there aren’t many distinguishing factors between the different types. However, they do vary in manufacturing quality, single versus dual probe, and waterproof or not.

Here are some pros and cons of each type.

Manufacturing Quality

Some units come with guarantees. Some manufacturers state they use more durable plastic or have tested the units for durability and reliability. Since it’s a fairly simple mechanism, less robust manufacturing quality isn’t a deal killer, but you will have to replace the unit more often. 

Single or Dual Probe

A single probe will measure and regulate the temperature of the spot where you place it. Dual probes can help you regulate two different temperatures independently. If you are planning on purchasing multiple units because you have several terrariums, dual probes might simplify the process and save you some money.

Waterproof

Most terrarium thermostats are not waterproof, which means they can rust or stop working if exposed to too much water. A waterproof probe is most often used for a fish tank rather than a terrarium. Still, if you have a moist environment or a very humid terrarium, a waterproof probe might work better or for a longer period.