Are you having trouble getting the best bearded dragon thermometer?
I had the same issue when I brought my first beardie home.
Beardies, like other reptiles, need optimal temperature and humidity levels for a comfortable life.
Here I’ll review the top options to make finding the right one easier, plus give you some great tips on how to choose the best one!
This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.
Top Thermometer for Bearded Dragons at a Glance
- Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 – Winner
- Reptizoo Digital Thermometer – Best for Ease of Use
- Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer & Humidity Gauge – Best Dual Function
- Fluker’s Digital Thermo-Hygrometer – Water Resistant Option
- SunGrow Reptile Digital Thermometer – The Stylish Option
Don’t have time? Here is a quick comparison of our favorites!
8 Best Bearded Dragon Thermometer – Review
Let’s jump into my top 8 bearded dragon thermometers. There are some fantastic options, so I hope you find the perfect one for you and your pet!
1. Etekcity Infrared Thermometer 1080 – Winner
A temperature gun is one of the better thermometers you can get for your beardie. A temp gun is easier to use than other kinds of thermometers.
It also makes more accurate readings faster. That’s why I chose this thermometer as the winner. The Etekcity infrared thermometer lets you determine temperature ranges by quickly passing it over the terrarium.
It isn’t the ease of use alone that had me loving this temp gun. Its digital display shows the reading as soon as you have it in the bearded dragon tank.
The thermometer’s LCD screen has a backlight. A backlit screen eases the burden of having to check readings in low-light conditions.
It works with 9 V batteries that could prove a little challenging to find. However, it has a low battery indicator to prevent any surprises regarding battery life. The single-button switch allows you to test different heat levels safely.
So if you think a heat lamp has emitted lots of heat, you can test that at a safe distance. The switch is also non-touch to boost safety. You don’t have to take the thermometer too close to the heat pads to get the temperature.
This temp gun is your best bet if you want to achieve an ambient temperature for your reptile. Note that you can’t use it to test your reptiles’ body temperatures. It is purely for checking external body temperatures.
Features and Attributes
- Laser Point switch design
- Single-button measurement
- Backlit LCD screen
- Low battery indicator
- Uses 9V battery
Benefits of Etekcity Temp Gun
- It targets quicker, thus offering faster readings
- The backlit display makes for more straightforward readings
- it has better accuracy than most other thermometers
- The infrared design makes it perfect for testing different temperature levels
Drawbacks of Etekcity Temp Gun
- It is difficult to change the battery without damaging it
- You can’t verify the accuracy of the thermometer
How it Compares to Others
This is the only temperature gun on my list. It targets faster, making it a fast temperature reader though it doesn’t help with gauging the humidity level.
Expert Tips
It works best with an in-tank stick-on thermometer that can read the humidity level. Therefore get one if you want to best use this laser light temp gun.
What Influencers Say About This
A Youtuber thinks the temp gun has better accuracy than most IR thermometers and is relatively easy to use for a beardie tank of any size.
- Wide Temperature Range: Measure an upgraded temperature range from -58°–1130°F / -50°–610°C and get your result in 500 ms; The display will also show the max temperature of the surface you’re measuring. Perfect heat gun for measuring
- Professional EMS Mode: The Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer has an emissivity range of 0.1–1.0 for precise readings across different surfaces and conditions; Adjust the emissivity by pressing and holding the Up and down buttons on the heat gun
- Non-Contact: 12:1 D:S, the Lasergrip can accurately measure targets from a distance, making it safer to measure dangerous objects; For the best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and the object of measurement should be approximately 14.17 in.
- Additional Functions: The Lasergrip has a backlit LCD screen with a unit conversion feature (°F/°C); It has an auto-off feature to extend battery life and a low battery indicator, so you will not accidentally run out of battery life.
- Versatile Design: Infrared technology allows you to measure the surface temperatures of various objects with temperatures above the boiling point and below the freezing point; Use it for cooking, ovens, A/C, refrigerators, soapmaking, pets’ beds, etc.
- Do Not Use on Humans: The Lasergrip is intended for use on inanimate objects only. Measuring the temperature of a human or animal is unsafe
- Storage Instructions: Store your Lasergrip in a ventilated or airtight environment at low temperatures. AVOID direct sunlight or direct source of heat, otherwise there is a high risk of the product surface being sticky
Read more about bearded dragon humidity!
2. Reptizoo Digital Thermometer – Best for Ease of Use
The next option to consider for maintaining the proper temperatures in a dragon enclosure is the Reptizoo digital thermometer. The temperatures will inevitably get high if you have ceramic heat emitters in your bearded terrarium.
That’s when this digital thermometer cum hygrometer comes into play.
I loved the three-in-one function of this thermometer. You can use it to test the temperature, humidity, and light cycles. The remote sensor for humidity testing makes it an easy-to-use thermometer.
That’s not forgetting the easy-to-read full-view LCD screen with a 24-hour time system. Also, you can look back on previous temperature measurements because it can save previous readings.
Add that to the one-button operation and the ability to switch between the desert and tropical mode. That gives you a near-perfect thermometer for your reptile tank.
If you have trouble setting it up, this video will help
Features and Attributes
- 3 in one design
- Integrated night and day temperatures
- Fullview LCD screen
- One button mode
- Inbuilt memory
Benefits of Reptizoo Thermometer
- The inbuilt memory makes it easier to track the level of temperatures
- Besides temperature, it can also test lighting and humidity range
- It has an easy-to-use design with alarm flashes for extreme measurements
- Easy to store plug-and-play design
Drawbacks of Reptizoo Thermometer
- Programming the thermometer can be challenging
- The instruction manual doesn’t help much in the installation
How it Compares to Others
This is a modern thermometer that holds its own against other thermometers. The three-in-one functions blow the other gadgets away and mark this one out as a modern thermometer.
Expert Tips
To avoid the low-temperature alarm at night, remove the thermometer from the bearded dragon tank and replace it in the morning.
What Influencers Say About This
A user said they loved the display, although they had to take some time to set it up.
Reptizoo Digital Thermometer – Best for Ease of Use
3. Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer & Humidity Gauge – Best Dual Function
The Zoo Med thermometer hygrometer is another device you can use to determine accurate temperature readings. What I loved about this thermometer and humidity gauge were the color-coded dials.
The dials make it easier to determine the optimal temperature in the terrarium since you can see them at a glance. You also won’t need to worry too much about battery life with this thermometer.
It doesn’t need any batteries, connections, or outlets. So you can use it straight out of the box. for that reason, you can use it for testing both day and nighttime temperatures.
Features and Attributes
- Velcro backing
- Dual Analog thermometer
- Color-Coded Dials
Benefits of Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer
- The color-coded dials make it easy to read
- The fuzzy fastener backing makes it easy to install
- Ideal for both humidity and temperature measurement
- No need for batteries and other connections
Drawbacks of Zoo Med Dual Analog Thermometer
- It lacks smart features for quick readings
- Ambient temp measurements can be inaccurate at times
How it Compares to Others
The Zoo Med dual analog thermometer is among the simplest to use. The color-coding makes it easy to read even inside the bearded dragon enclosure. But it lacks the smart features of other options on the list.
Expert Tips
While most bearded dragon owners would love this thermometer to be waterproof, it isn’t. So avoid using it in the bearded dragon enclosure if it gets misty.
What Influencers Say About This
A YouTuber termed this thermometer one of the cheapest to buy. It is reasonably accurate and makes monitoring the ambient temperature of your reptile’s terrarium easier.
- Allows precise monitoring of both the temperature and humidity of your terrarium from one unit
- Temperature and humidity levels are extremely important to the long term heath of your animals
- Velcro backing enables easy removal for cleaning or relocation
4. Fluker’s Digital Thermo-Hygrometer – Water Resistant Option
Fluker’s digital thermometer is a temp and humidity gauge. It has an easy-to-read digital display that’s also water-resistant. So you can use it in a terrarium likely to get misty.
While the perfect, accurate reading is a tough call for most thermometers, this gets quite close. Troubleshooting is also easy. Just press clear to reset the maximum and minimum temp and humidity levels.
This is a nice simple thermo-hygrometer to record any drop in temperature and humidity.
Features and Attributes
- Water-resistant
- Digital Display
- Inbuilt memory for max and min temps
Benefits of Flukers Digital Thermo-hygrometer
- It is water-resistant, making it more durable
- Simple and easy to use
- Inbuilt memory is ideal for recording measurements
- Gives daily accurate temperature readings
Drawbacks of Flukers Digital Thermo-hygrometer
- Its humidity testing is relatively inaccurate
- Though water-resistant, it isn’t waterproof
How it Compares to Others
This is another simple option to consider for temperature and humidity measurement. It has a digital display, not in other thermometers but still doesn’t measure up to the more sophisticated thermometer.
Expert Tips
This digital hygrometer thermometer has operating temperatures of 0 to 50 degrees celsius. Don’t use it to test a hot spot that could be well over 50 Celsius degrees.
What Influencers Say About This
A user said it works perfectly for temperatures though they had a minor issue with testing humidity levels.
- Measures Temperature and Humidity
- Helps to establish and maintain a consistent environment
- Easy to read digital display
5. SunGrow Reptile Digital Thermometer – The Stylish Option
Another way to test the temperature and level of humidity is with the Sungrow digital thermometer.
It is perfect for surface temperatures since its digital screen displays Celsius and Fahrenheit degrees with commendable accuracy.
Sungrow’s reptile thermometer is also relatively easy to install inside the bearded dragon cage. It won’t take you too long to have it set up in the cage and ready to go.
With the water-resilient remote sensor probe, you can use it even when the tank gets a bit misty. I know most people would prefer a waterproof probe. This one cant survive submerging in water.
Something else I loved was the stylish color. Okay, yellow might not be most people’s favorite, but this one will add some style to a juvenile dragon’s cage.
Features and Attributes
- Remote sensor probe
- Yellow color
- Unit of measurement: celsius and Fahrenheit
Benefits of Sungrow’s Digital Thermometer
- It is compact with a stylish yellow color
- Easy to operate and install
- Water-resistant temperature probe
- It can show Temperature changes in the tenths
Drawbacks of Sungrow’s Digital Thermometer
- Its battery life isn’t that impressive
- It is plastic and thus not so durable
How it Compares to Others
Sungrow’s thermometer scores highly in style and design. However, what stands out is the ability to measure even a tenth of surface temperature change. That makes it an excellent choice for reptiles.
Expert Tips
The remote sensor probe is water-resistant. But it isn’t waterproof. So avoid dipping it in liquids since the sensor will get damaged.
What Influencers Say About This
A user loved how reliable and easy to read the thermometer is. She also said because the thermometer reacts to minute temp changes, she can use it to determine the lowest temperature her pet can survive in.
- Helps Maintain Ideal Environment To Keep Reptiles Healthy --- While caring for your beloved reppies, temperature plays a quintessential role. Their tank temperature must not be so high to cause overheating. It shouldn’t also be too low as it may affect digestion. If unable to properly digest food, reptiles can be very sluggish and lethargic. Reptile Digital Thermometer by SunGrow allows you to closely monitor the right temperature to keep them in perfect health condition.
- Provides Accurate Temperature Measurement --- Cold-blooded animals like reptiles regulate their body temperature from external sources. It is important that a bearded dragon kept in captivity should be kept in an enclosure that can replicate the temperature it receives in the wild. This gadget can effectively give the precise measurement to help them feel comfortable in their new home.
- Easy To Read, Install And Operate --- This gadget features a digital screen that displays reading in both Fahrenheit and Celsius. It provides temperature measurement in decimal points and is easier to read than its mercury counterpart. To use, just open the battery cover and insert the LR44 button cell batteries (not included) with (+) positive side up. Pack also includes suction cups to help you conveniently attach it outside the terrarium.
- With Remote Sensor Probe --- This monitoring equipment has a water-resilient remote sensor probe which enables you to check temperature in both dry and wet substrates. Please note that the display unit should not be submerged as only the sensor is impervious to water.
- Compact And Stylish --- With a size of only 1.5” x 2.3” x 0.5”, this can be displayed anywhere in your tank without getting in the way of your pal’s view. The 39” long white wire helps in making it discreet. Stylish in its yellow color, it also adds up to the positive vibes of the surroundings.
6. Zilla Terrarium Digital Thermometer – Best Extra Features
This thermometer’s best feature is its ability to store digital data. It stores any recorded measurement it makes. You can go over it later and accurately determine humidity or temperature gradient.
Besides that feature, this thermometer also has a digital clock and calendar. If you love to plan out your pet reptile’s schedule, then the calendar will significantly help. This is a feature you won’t find in most thermometers.
It works with a 1.4V battery that could prove to be a long-life battery depending on your use. The probes can also quickly test high and low temperatures thanks to their impressive maneuverability.
If all you need is a digital thermometer, then this one is a nice choice at a pretty affordable price.
Features and Attributes
- Battery Powerd: AAA batteries
- Compact design
- Unit count: 1
- Plastic Material
Benefits of Zilla Thermometer
- Stores digital data for future reference
- Gives daily accurate readings
- It has flexible probes for easier maneuverability
- The back design makes it easy to prop it up in the tank
Drawbacks of Zilla Thermometer
- The digital display can be challenging to read from far
- It isn’t ideal for wet beardie tanks
How it Compares to Others
This is the only option on this list with a clock with an alarm and calendar. No other option can compare to it in that regard. If you need a unique option then this should be it.
Expert Tips
Since it doesn’t have a backlit screen, using it with a light source will make seeing the readings easier.
What Influencers Say About This
A user said the thermometer works better than analog thermometers and hygrometers. Though he had issues with the suction cup, she played around with it and finally fixed it.
- Precise digital readout for both temperature and humidity
- Clock with alarm and calendar
- Designed for fast, easy installation
- Digital data for optimal reptile health
- LR44, 1.5v battery is included
7. Exo Terra Thermometer for Reptile Terrarium– Budget Option
When buying anything on Amazon, always look out for one that’s Amazon’s choice. This is one such product, and its features prove it isn’t Amazon’s choice by accident.
The Exo Terra Thermometer comes with an adhesive dot to enable you easily mount it in the tank. It also boasts a clear analog dial screen that is much easier to read than most thermometers.
The Exo Terra thermometer also boasts a color-coded scale for easier readings. That also makes the thermometer quite stylish due to the many colors. It wouldn’t hurt trying this thermometer.
Features and Attributes
- Color-coded scale
- 1 Unit count
- Plastic outer material
- Adhesive stick-on pads
Benefits of Exo Terra Thermometer
- The adhesive doit helps stick onto the terrarium even in high humidity
- You don’t have to worry about battery life since it doesn’t need batteries
- It comes ta a reasonably reasonable price
- Clear and easy-to-read analog display
Drawbacks of Exo Terra Thermometer
- If badly removed, the adhesive loses strength
- It isn’t waterproof
How it Compares to Others
This is the cheapest thermometer you’ll get. But that has its downsides, like cheap parts and no humidity test.
Expert Tips
Use alcohol to clean the part of the terrarium on which you want to stick the thermometer. The adhesive will hold for longer that way.
What Influencers Say About This
A user called it an excellent little thermometer that does its job accurately. He said he loved the low price that’s lower than a McDonald’s and would recommend having several of this thermometer.
- Accurate Temperature Monitoring: The Exo Terra thermometer is ideal in monitoring your reptile terrarium temperature levels.
- Easy Installation: The thermometer is easy to mount on smooth surfaces with the adhesive dot on its back.
- Easy to Read: Clear analog dial display makes it easy to read immediately.
- Both Temperature Scales: Exo Terra Thermometer measures your terrarium air temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit.
8. Jlenoveg Digital Reptile Thermometer – Bonus
Wrapping up this list is yet another stylish-looking digital thermometer. Like a few other thermometers on this list, this too tests humidity and temperature.
What you’ll love most with this thermometer is the smart digital display. The display temp readings in Celsius and Fahrenheit while making it easy for you to operate the thermometer.
The thermometer has a simple, compact design that won’t impede your dragon’s view. It uses one LR44 battery, which doesn’t guarantee extended battery life but has a fairly average life.
The thermometer is also relatively easy to install. It has sticky adhesive pads for a firmer grip on the terrarium’s wall.
Features and Attributes
- Digital screen
- temp output in celsius and Fahrenheit
- Installation Sticky pads
- Battery-powered
- Unit count 1
Benefits of Jlenoveg Reptile Thermometer
- Has sticky pads for easy installation
- It monitors both humidity and temperature
- Clear, easy-to-read digital display
- it comes at an affordable price
Drawbacks of Jlenoveg Reptile Thermometer
- Battery life is terrible
- It breaks easily
How it Compares to Others
This thermo-hygrometer is much like the others. It doesn’t offer anything different worth looking out for. The sticky pads deserve an honorable mention, though.
Expert Tips
Avoid using it in humid tanks since it isn’t waterproof.
What Influencers Say About This
One user said the thermometer had the stickiest sticky pads he had ever seen. They held the weight of his pet without the thermometer falling off!
- Essential Reptile Thermometer Hygrometer: Monitor temperature and humidity of tanks with this easy to use thermometer hygrometer.
- Stylish Design: Stylish looking digital thermometer with hook for temperature and humidity monitoring. Easy to read, install and operate; this gadget features a digital screen that displays reading in both Fahrenheit and Celsius.
- Fantastic Value to Help Maintain Ideal Environment: While caring for your beloved reppies, temperature plays a quintessential role; When it comes to reptile tanks, we only offer the best quality and accuracy. Reptile Digital Thermometer allows you to closely monitor the right temperature
- Quality Guaranteed and Accurate Temperature Measurement: Our carefully sourced range of thermometer hygrometers are manufactured to the highest of standards our customers expect
- Exceptional Customer Service: With size of only 2.08” x 1.3” x 0.67”, this can be displayed anywhere in your tank without getting in the way of your pal’s view. With a wealth of experience our Thermometer World teams are here to help with any questions.
- Speciall Display Reptile Thermometer with Humidity Gauge: When the humidity is below 20%, it will display Lo%, when the humidity is about 95%, it will display Hi%. Pls don't keep it in a high humidity environment for a long time, it's not waterproof. C/F button is in the back of the reptile thermometer.
How to Choose the Best Bearded Dragon Thermometer
What to look for in the best bearded dragon thermometer? Is it the accuracy? or is the durability? What about the price?
While most people think the price of the thermometer should be reasonable, there are still some things you’ll need to consider beyond the obvious.
Here are a few essential questions to consider when getting a bearded dragon thermometer.
How Many Thermometers Do You Need?
This is a valid question for any dragon keeper since the sizes of terrariums vary. You’ll need several thermometers if you have a large terrarium with equally active dragons.
Veterinary doctor Rick Axelson advises a beardie owner to have two thermometers. (1) One should be at the cooler end and another at the hotter end next to the heat sources.
Knowing the number of thermometers you need will help you make a more informed choice.
Where Do You Live?
Different areas have different weather patterns. For example, some areas are more humid than others. This will affect the choice of thermometer you buy. For that reason, you’ll want a thermometer that can test both temperature and humidity.
The best thermometer for bearded dragons in these environments is one that is waterproof since it could get a little misty inside the terrarium.
What’s the Thermometer’s Power Source?
Most thermometers use a battery as their power source. While the battery life varies depending on use, it is best to consider getting a thermometer with a long-lasting battery.
How Accurate is the Thermometer?
The single best way to measure a thermometer’s usefulness is with its readings’ accuracy. A thermometer that gives off an inaccurate reading could have disastrous consequences for your pet beardie.
That’s why you must consider how accurate a thermometer will be before buying. Remember, you could be an inaccurate reading away from not providing optimal conditions.
What’s the Thermometers Unit of Reading?
The thermometer’s unit will depend on how each beardie owner prefers to read the results. Some thermometers give results in both Fahrenheit and Celsius degrees. It’s safe to go with the option that offers you a unit that is easy to understand.
How Do You Want to Read the Thermometer?
If the method of reading thermometer matters, you’ll want to get an infrared temp gun. Not only does it target and read faster, but you can also use it in plenty of other scenarios.
The other option is the thermometer with a probe. You need to insert the probe into the object to get the accurate temp reading. But then these kinds of thermometers struggle to read the ambient temperatures of an area.
Ambient area thermometers take their time to determine an area’s temperature. Therefore the best thermometer for bearded dragon is to go with an infrared temperature gun or probe.
FAQs
Is 120 degrees Fahrenheit too hot for a bearded dragon?
120 degrees Fahrenheit is too hot for a bearded dragon tank temp. Dr. Robert Ness says the ideal daytime temperature gradient should be 70 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. (2) It can drop to 70 to 75 Fahrenheit at night.
How Long Can Bearded Dragons Go Without Heat?
A beardie can go for a maximum of 24 hours without heat. Prolonged periods of low temperatures could cause digestion to slow down, and the animal could start hibernating. (3)
Can Bearded Dragons Die From Too Much Heat?
Yes. Bearded dragons can die from too much heat. Any other animal would die from excess heat, and beardies aren’t any different.
What should the temperature be for a bearded dragon?
The daytime temperature for a bearded dragon should be between 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conclusion
If you were struggling to get the best bearded dragon thermometer, I hope you now have a clearer idea of which one to choose.
To avoid dragon pet health issues, you must carefully monitor the temperature of their terrariums.
The best way to do that is to use the best thermometer to monitor and record the temperature.
- Wide Temperature Range: Measure an upgraded temperature range from -58°–1130°F / -50°–610°C and get your result in 500 ms; The display will also show the max temperature of the surface you’re measuring. Perfect heat gun for measuring
- Professional EMS Mode: The Lasergrip 1080 Infrared Thermometer has an emissivity range of 0.1–1.0 for precise readings across different surfaces and conditions; Adjust the emissivity by pressing and holding the Up and down buttons on the heat gun
- Non-Contact: 12:1 D:S, the Lasergrip can accurately measure targets from a distance, making it safer to measure dangerous objects; For the best accuracy, the distance between the thermometer and the object of measurement should be approximately 14.17 in.
- Additional Functions: The Lasergrip has a backlit LCD screen with a unit conversion feature (°F/°C); It has an auto-off feature to extend battery life and a low battery indicator, so you will not accidentally run out of battery life.
- Versatile Design: Infrared technology allows you to measure the surface temperatures of various objects with temperatures above the boiling point and below the freezing point; Use it for cooking, ovens, A/C, refrigerators, soapmaking, pets’ beds, etc.
- Do Not Use on Humans: The Lasergrip is intended for use on inanimate objects only. Measuring the temperature of a human or animal is unsafe
- Storage Instructions: Store your Lasergrip in a ventilated or airtight environment at low temperatures. AVOID direct sunlight or direct source of heat, otherwise there is a high risk of the product surface being sticky
Do you have better options for a thermometer for bearded dragons? Please share them in the comments, and we will add them to our list.
Resources
1. Bearded Dragons – Housing [Internet]. vca_corporate. Available from: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/bearded-dragons-housing
2. Ness Exotic Wellness Center. Bearded Dragon Care. Ness Exotic Wellness Center.
3. Bearded Dragon brumation [Internet]. Exoticdirect. Available from: https://www.exoticdirect.co.uk/news/bearded-dragon-brumation
Alina Hartley is a small-town girl with a ginormous love of bearded dragons. It all started with Winchester, a baby bearded who was abandoned at the shelter by his former owners because of a birth defect that caused one front leg to be shorter than the other. Alina originally went to the shelter looking for a guinea pig, but one look at Winchester and it was love at first sight. From that day on, Alina has dedicated her life to learning everything she can about bearded dragons. She loves helping new beardie parents start their incredible journey with these magnificent reptiles.
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