Could you imagine having to constantly adjust the temperature in your house to prevent yourself from getting ill or dying? Reptiles are interesting pets to keep, but cold-blooded animals must have a reliable heat source to keep their body temperatures regulated. Snakes and reptiles don’t have the luxury of self-regulating bodies that help them warm-up or cool down whenever their environment isn’t just right. One of the safest objects for you to keep your terrarium warm is heating pads. It can be a tedious challenge to find one that is reliable and comes with features that makes owning a pet reptile easier than it has to be. We have compiled a list of reviews that are going to help show you which heating pads are the best that the market has to offer this year.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites of 2023
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
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iPower Reptile Heating Pad |
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Best Value
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Fluker's Ultra Heat Mat |
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Premium Choice
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iPower Terrarium Reptile Heating Pad |
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| Best for Snakes |
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Exo Terra Ultra-Thin Terrarium Mat |
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| Best for Reptiles |
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Zilla Heat Mats Terrarium Heater |
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The 7 Best Heating Pads for Snakes & Reptiles
1. iPower Reptile Heating Pad – Best Overall
| Size: | 8×12 inches |
| Material: | PTC |
| Power: | 16 watts |
iPower is one of the best overall heating pads for snakes and reptiles because it is designed specifically for small reptiles. There are over four different sizes to choose from, with the option of a thermostat for an increased price. With 16 watts of power and a 6-foot power cord, there is no reason that this mat couldn’t work for most standard terrariums. It uses adhesive paper that is easy to apply to the side of the tank that helps it remain in contact with the glass and evenly distribute heat. Unfortunately, this also means once it is stuck on, there isn’t a good way to remove it.
For this iPower model, it is easy to plug into all regular sockets, and the PTC material is easy to clean and built for heat distribution. We recommend it for lizards, geckos, snakes, and turtles.
2. Fluker’s Ultra-Deluxe Premium Heat Mat – Best Value
| Size: | 11×11 inches |
| Material: | Chloroprene |
| Power: | 12 watts |
Fluker’s makes a wonderful heat mat that is safe for all amphibians and reptiles, deeming it the best heating pad for snakes and reptiles for the money. For a low price, you’re given durable construction and good heat distribution that is safe for all animals. It is easy to mount on either the bottom or side of your enclosure, while some products only let you choose one or the other. There are also multiple sizes so that you can adjust them to fit different enclosures.
The downfall of this product is that you have to use your own adhesive, like duct tape or electrical tape, to keep it in place. Aside from that, it produces a nice amount of heat that can break through even thick substrate layers.
3. iPower Terrarium Reptile Heating Pad – Premium Choice
| Size: | 8×12 inches |
| Material: | PTC |
| Power: | 16 watts |
This upgraded iPower terrarium heating pad is a little pricey, but that’s because it comes with a built-in digital thermostat that regulates temperatures between 40°F to 108°F. This pad is operated by a plug and has LED lights that let you know when it is on and working properly. It also contains insulation and a heat film that helps the warmth spread more uniformly across the mat.
This reptile heating pad is easy to use and waterproof, so there won’t be any catastrophic accidents. Unfortunately, there isn’t a size large enough for tanks above 40 gallons. There have also been several reports that the thermostat isn’t 100% accurate at times.
4. Exo Terra Ultra-Thin Terrarium Mat – Best Heating Mats for Snakes
| Size: | 8×12 inches |
| Material: | PTC |
| Power: | Varies |
Exo Terra is an excellent mat if you have a terrarium with a pet snake inside. This brand allows you to choose between different wattages and is possible to mount on either the side or bottom of the enclosures. It is also good as a main or secondary heating source. The heat transfers well from the pad to the tank and the adhesive stays put nicely. You will have to buy a thermostat separately, but overall, this is a safe and trusted product to use.
5. Zilla Heat Mats Reptile Terrarium Heater – Best Heating Mats for Reptiles
| Size: | 6×8 inches |
| Material: | Carbon fiber |
| Power: | 8 watts |
The Zilla terrarium heater for reptiles is a smart choice if you have smaller animals in your enclosure. The lower power isn’t ideal for large tanks, but it does save energy and has enough heat for 10 or 20-gallon tanks. The small pad size is easy to travel with or store, but it is probably best suited for small reptiles or arachnids instead of larger animals.
6. Vivosun Reptile Heating Pad
| Size: | 8×12 inches |
| Material: | N/A |
| Power: | 16 watts |
Vivosun is a professional-grade brand that is suited for tanks up to 40 gallons. It comes with a thermostat and is designed to keep tanks warm without raising your electric bill. The adhesive is also strong, so make sure you have it exactly where you want it before you stick it into place. Mount this pad on any side of the tank that is glass material.
7. Sequoia Reptile Under Tank Heating Pad
| Size: | 11×11 inches |
| Material: | N/A |
| Power: | 14 watts |
One special feature of the Sequoia reptile heating pad is that it has a temperature control switch with an automatic shut-off if the tank gets too hot. It is moisture-proof which makes it easy to clean, and the 14-watt power source keeps the energy low. Unfortunately, this pad is only able to be mounted underneath a tank. You cannot put it in water because it is not completely waterproof. It also doesn’t come with adhesive and is more expensive than some better mats that are available.
Buyer’s Guide
Picking out the perfect heating pad is crucial to the health of your snakes and reptiles. Before you pick one based on the reviews, make sure that the product is going to work for your setup.
Size
Size is crucial when it comes to buying a heating pad. Start by measuring your tank to see which pad is going to fit. The bigger a pad is, the more heat it is going to distribute into the tank. Mats that are too big are going to make it unbearably hot for your pets, and ones that are too small won’t get warm at all. In general, a 10 or 20-gallon tank does best with a pad that is six to eight inches long. A 30 or 40-gallon tank does better with ones that are 8 to 12 inches.
Wattage
Wattage is another vital factor for you to consider. This impacts the heat the pad emits. Mini tanks might only need 4 watts, but larger ones could require up to 24 watts. Consider the size of your terrarium to figure out which wattage is going to make it the comfiest.
Materials
High-quality materials keep the pads from becoming a safety hazard. If the mat’s material isn’t meant to withstand prolonged warmth, then it’s best to just avoid buying it altogether. Choose products that are insulated and wrapped in rubber to keep your pets safe. Some products send an adhering layer that works as an insulator instead.
Conclusion
Finding products that are of good quality without breaking out banks can be a challenge. You want the best for your snakes and reptiles, but you also don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on top-of-the-line brands. These heating pad reviews have shown us that the best overall heating pad comes from iPower, while the best heating pad for the money comes from Fluker’s ultra-deluxe premium heating pad. Now that you’ve seen the best products on the market making the right decision for your home setup should be a breeze.
Featured Image Credit: TShaKopy, Shutterstock
