5 Best Playpens for Bearded Dragons [Review Guide]

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Are you looking for the best playpen for bearded dragons? I was in the same position only a few months ago when my beardie was clearly getting bored of his tank.

So I decided to document my experience into a guide for other bearded dragons owners.

Read on, and learn everything needed to pick the perfect one for your beardie!

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Don’t have time? Check this comparison table of our top faves!

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Top 5 Playpens for Bearded Dragons Reviews – Top Picks

My research into this process led me to five high-quality options. Each of these playpens would have no problem being suitable for a beardie.

I based my research on certain redeemable qualities of these playpens. Here’s a quick look at the research metrics that I used to formulate our list:

• Materials used in the playpen’s construction
• Durability 
• Application Versatility 
• User-friendliness of the design
• Size and weight
• Provided accessories 
• Value of cost
• Each playpen’s assortment of features

But now, let’s see if one perfectly meshes your beardie’s specific needs. You’ll learn more about identifying those in the later buying guide!

#1 Winner: WINiPET 2-Door Soft-Sided Playpen

Bearded dragon owners should take a good look at WINiPET 2-Door Soft-Sided Playpen. It’s one of the more affordable options while still offering top-tier quality.

Finding another bargain like this wouldn’t be easy in the playpen marketplace. It’s also not only convenient for you as your beardie will feel secure in this protective playpen.

For instance, WiNiPet did a solid job ensuring they tested it against mother nature’s worst. It even comes with four stakes to provide your beardie extra protection outdoors.

This model’s zippered top cover and locking doors are also solid additions. It’ll offer ideal security for a beardie if he’s outside or inside while giving him proper ventilation.

Furthermore, it provides an endless selection of colors and sizes. All the colors look stellar, too, which is always a plus.

You won’t need to worry much about maintaining it, either. It has a known reputation for being simple to clean.

My only complaint with this playpen is its bottom isn’t removable. So your beardie won’t get to feel the grass on his toes like with other options.

Features & Attributes

• Constructed from polyester, synthetic fabric
• Eight color options
• Zipper off shade top cover
• Two zippered doors with locking capabilities
• Carrying bag
• Four ground stakes
• Accessory and water bottle pockets

Measurements

• 10 sizes from 30 x 30 x 17-in to 62 x 62 x 36-in

Pros of WINiPET 2-Door Soft-Sided Playpen

• A more affordable choice
• Excellent durability with windproof and waterproof capabilities
• Ideal security for indoor and outdoor use
• Numerous size and color options
• Easy to clean

Cons of WINiPET 2-Door Soft-Sided Playpen

• The bottom isn’t removable

How it Compares to Others

This playpen separates itself from other models in various areas. It offers a broader size/color selection, excellent durability, outstanding security features, and a more affordable price.

There isn’t much more you could ask for in a bearded dragon playpen.

Expert Tips

You’ll need to keep up-to-date with the cleaning as the bottom isn’t removable. Otherwise, it could get quite stinky in a short period.

WINiPET’s provided instructions recommend spot cleaning. Here’s a video of someone spot-cleaning various pet enclosures to offer some instruction.

What influencers say about this:

A chewy reviewer raved about its security and portability. It meshed perfectly with what they wanted in a playpen for their pet lizard.

Check other must haves for bearded dragons!

#2 Most Versatile Option: SlowTon Small Animals Playpen

The SlowTon Small Animals Playpen earns a place here for being incredibly versatile. Its lightweight design can be taken anywhere and offers enough room for most pets.

It would not have a problem offering your beardie ample space to exercise. Honestly, it’s hard to imagine any bearded dragon getting bored with this much space to roam.

Features & Attributes

• Constructed from breathable, scratch-proof mesh material
• Two available colors (Blue and Black)
• Detachable bottom
• Four zipper doors
• Lightweight, foldable design
• One storage bag
• Eight ground nails

Measurements

• 72.83″L x 37.01″W x 25.2″H
• 31 ounces

Pros of SlowTon Small Animals Playpen

• Ample roaming space
• Easy to transport with a lightweight design
• Suitable for various smaller pets (bearded dragons, chickens, ducks, etc.)
• Four convenient access points
• Simple to set up with all equipment included

Cons of SlowTon Small Animals Playpen

• Zipper quality isn’t the best
• Non-leak proof bottom
• Smaller doors make cleaning tricky

How it Compares to Others

Versatility is the product’s main standout trait. But it’s hard not to like its easy setup process and convenient access points.

You certainly won’t find yourself yelling at this product in frustration. Instead, it’s a nice change of pace from what you often see with these playpens.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use the detachable bottom as a sunshade cover outdoors. It’ll help protect your beardie against nature’s willy predators.

Check out the video on its ad page to get a better idea of using it. It’ll even show you how to use the ground nails correctly.

What influencers say about this:

One Amazon reviewer stated it’s an excellent enclosure to let their beardie run around unburdened outdoors.

#3 Easiest to Setup: Parkland Pet Portable Playpen

Parkland’s Pet Portable Playpen will make your life easier with its portable and durable design.

Your beardie will also love its top mesh cover, which allows them to bask in the sun’s rays without feeling unprotected.

Features & Attributes

• Made from Oxford-coated denier material
• Brown and white color scheme
• Stackable loops
• Zippered, mesh top cover and front door
• Foldable design
• No tools necessary for the setup

Measurements

• Small: 27″L x 27″W x 17″H
• Medium: 36″L x 36″W x 24″H
• Large: 48″L x 48″W x 24″H

Pros of the Parkland Pet Portable Playpen

• Top option for transporting
• Durable construction
• Setup only takes a few seconds
• Usable indoors and outdoors
• Promotes sun basking and protection with mesh top cover

Cons of the Parkland Pet Portable Playpen

• Only one color option
• Prone to blowing over in windy situations
• It folds too easily when pushed from the outside.

How it Compares to Others

You won’t find a playpen with a quicker and more simplified setup than this one. It’ll only take a few minutes to take it from being used to folding flat in the back of your car.

Expert Tips

Use the tabs around its base to stake (sold separately) the playpen into the ground outdoors.

What influencers say about this:

This reviewer loved the size options provided by the Parkland Pet Portable Playpen.

#4: Best for Safe Climbing: ESK Collection 48″ Bearded Dragon Playpen

Any beardie will love to climb the ESK Collection 48″ Bearded Dragon Playpen. Its durable side panels can hold up without ripping, encouraging safe climbing adventures.

Features & Attributes

• Four color options (Black, Red, Blue, and Pink)
• Carry bag included
• Closed mesh top
• Removable bottom
• Zippers on top and bottom mesh panels
• Side storage compartments
• Travel tote included

Measurements

• 45″ Diameter, x 24″ Height.

Pros of ESK Collection 48″ Bearded Dragon Playpen

• Excellent for bearded dragon climbing adventures
• Durable, secure construction
• Easy to maintain and clean with removable bottom
• Top-tier storage capabilities for toys and other equipment
• Promotes high visibility with all mesh sides and top cover

Cons of ESK Collection 48″ Bearded Dragon Playpen

• You must remove the top and bottom pieces to fit into the storage bag
• The folding process isn’t as seamless as other playpens
• A higher-price option

How it Compares to Others

Aside from the tough side panels, the storage compartments are an obvious highlight. It makes bringing your dragon’s water dish, toys, and other equipment much easier.

Expert Tips

Make sure to zip off the top and bottom panels when cleaning. It makes the entire process more manageable.

What Influencers say about this:

This reviewer adored the playpen’s zippered bottom and top panels:

#5 Most Secure Option: X-ZONE PET Portable Pet Playpen

The final option, X-ZONE PET Portable Pet Playpen, is the beardie playpen version of Fort Knox but with an adorable paint job.

Features & Attributes

• Built with 600D Oxford cloth fabric and mesh
• Three color options (Black, Blue, and Pink)
• Eight mesh panels
• Locking zippers on doors
• Side storage compartments
• Removable floor mat and top cover
• Foldable design

Measurements

• Small: 29″L x 29″W x 16″H
• Medium: 36″L x 36″W x 16″H
• Large: 45″L x 45″W x 20″H
• XL: 55″ D x 30″ H

Pros of X-ZONE PET Portable Pet Playpen

• Escape-proof for beardies via sturdy zippers and construction
• Outstanding ventilation with eight mesh panels
• Adorable design with a great color selection
• Suitable for multiple small animals (outdoors or indoors)
• Excellent storage capabilities for beardie accessories

Cons of X-ZONE PET Portable Pet Playpen

• A higher-price option
• Difficult folding process

How it Compares to Others

Every option on this list is secure, but this one takes it to another level. Its locking zippers on doors and reliable zipper quality is next level.

Expert Tips

Here’s an excellent video showing you how to fold it correctly. It’ll make the frustrating process a little easier.

What influencers say about this:

One Amazon reviewer described this playpen as a perfect bonding tool between their 10-year daughter and her bearded dragon.

Looking for the perfect bed for your bearded dragon? Check out our article on ‘bearded dragon bed‘ and discover the different types of bedding options available for your scaly friend.

How To Choose The Best Bearded Dragon Playpen?

Choosing the perfect bearded dragon playpen requires researching several considerations. But there’s no need to worry as I’ll walk you through each step.

These following discussions will ensure picking the suitable playpen becomes effortless. Your bearded dragon will soon be basking in the sun without any worries!

#1 Playpen and Beardie Size

Bearded dragons require some space to roam around in their playpens. So it’s vital to find one with enough space to give them sufficient exercise.

It’s one of the reasons that I shy away from recommending traditional beardie playpens. Instead, I find dog playpens more acceptable and safe for beardies.

These options provide more than enough for your dragon to strut their stuff. It can also be a godsend for a beardie fighting a recent turn into becoming overweight.

Given this info, the playpen and your beardie’s sizes are crucial considerations. I’d suggest measuring them beforehand to ensure you can get a suitable-sized one.

#2 Design

Most bearded dragon playpen manufacturers don’t seem to understand beardies. For instance, they make these products with meshed and no covered roofs.

This design is a non-starter for any bearded dragon. It’ll only invite your beardies to use their excellent climbing skills to escape these pens easily.

Furthermore, these uncovered playpens are unsafe outdoors. It leaves your beardie unprotected against its main predators, such as “snakes, birds,” and even owls (1).

So I recommend sticking with pet playpens with covered roofs. In these situations, mesh sides are more than appropriate, mainly because they let sun rays inside the pen.

#3 Intended Usage Location

Before buying one, you must understand where you intend to use the playpen. Otherwise, it becomes rather tricky to choose an acceptable option.

For example, pet owners who want an indoor playpen will need one with a floor covering. You’d be surprised by how much damage a beardie can cause without them.

But this floor covering doesn’t matter as much for outdoor models. Honestly, I’d recommend them, but it’s not as essential.

Meanwhile, strong construction and a covered roof are essential for outdoor playpens. It’s the way to protect them against predators, as owners can’t be on high alert at all times.

#4 Construction Quality

Beardie owners should never settle for a playpen made from inferior materials. Instead, they’ll need to research each option thoroughly to ensure its high quality.

My first suggestion for this research is to read customer reviews. These resources are endlessly helpful in determining a product’s overall quality.

After all, any product with a known defect will get destroyed in these posts. Buyers would be wise to use both positive and negative reviews to their advantage.

It makes determining what product offers top-tier quality much more manageable. Plus, I always have fun reading through them, as the reviewers can be pretty witty.

#5 Cost

Bearded dragon playpens are available at various prices. But, of course, the cost will be solely focused on what features each one provides.

For instance, a larger-sized model with a waterproof construction will have a higher price. It’s just the nature of every marketplace: top-tier features require top-dollar spending.

So beardie owners need to decide what features they value in their playpens. From there, their budget should reflect how those aspects raise the cost.

You then use this budget to manage this entire process effortlessly. I can’t tell you how many times a well-constructed budget has ensured I made a great purchase.

READ MORE: Bearded Dragon Harness and Leash

Why Do You Need a Bearded Dragon Playpen?

A well-constructed playpen can provide beardies with numerous benefits. But the main one is its ability to offer a secondary space outside its primary enclosures.

I don’t know about you, but staying in a single place for long periods makes me antsy. Your bearded dragon will feel similar if it’s in a tank 24/7.

So a bearded dragon playpen gives them a way to get out of this enclosure. In other words, it can relieve their boredom of exploring the same territory daily.

Owners can also rely on a playpen to provide their dragon with exercise. I often take advantage of this benefit whenever I feel like my beardie’s getting a little overweight (2).

In doing so, he can work off the extra weight while having fun. Nothing gets a beardie going more than a new area to explore.

You can even make this new area outdoors by using a closed-roof playpen. As a result, your dragon will enjoy nature while getting natural UVB light and heat from the sun (3).

Can Playpens Be Your Bearded Dragon’s Main Enclosure?

It’s a common mistake to think playpens are acceptable primary enclosures. But these products are just not meant for this purpose.

Instead, all bearded dragons will need a proper tank. Playpens are simply a way to give a little more excitement and exercise.

More importantly, playpens allow beardies to soak up the sun outdoors. You won’t need to rely on UVB lights like in their tanks.

One of my favorite things to do with my beardie is bring him outside while I’m swimming. He can soak up the rays in his covered playpen without getting snatched.

Playpens also come in handy when cleaning your beardie’s tank. It provides them a safe place to hang out while you’re making their main enclosure spotless.

But again, never assume these playpens can be full-time tanks. These products should only be considered secondary enclosures for adventures outside their typical habitats.

FAQs

Final Recommendation

The best playpen for bearded dragons should brighten up any beardie’s life. It’ll have no problem ensuring they don’t get too bored inside their tanks.

If I had to recommend one, WINiPET 2-Door Soft-Sided Playpen would be a clear choice. It offers everything a bearded dragon owner could want in a playpen. 

In any case, it’s time to use what you’ve learned and fit the perfect one to keep your dragon happy. But don’t forget to let us know your final decision in the comment section!

Resources:

1. StackPath [Internet]. geographyscout.com. [cited 2022 Dec 6]. Available from: https://geographyscout.com/animals/bearded-dragon/

2. Raiti P. Husbandry, Diseases, and Veterinary Care of the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps). Journal of Herpetological Medicine and Surgery [Internet]. 2012;22:117–31. Available from: https://meridian.allenpress.com/jhms/article/22/3-4/117/137217/Husbandry-Diseases-and-Veterinary-Care-of-the

3. Available from: https://reptileuvinfo.com/docs/ultraviolet-light-and-reptiles-amphibians.pdf