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Home > Reptiles > 10 Best Reptile Terrariums in 2023 – Reviews & Top Picks

10 Best Reptile Terrariums in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

ball python in an enclosure

So much goes into properly housing a reptile. Not only do you need to find an enclosure that is suitable for your particular species, but it also needs to be safe, secure, and spacious enough to house the animal.

It can be a bit of a challenge narrowing down the options with so many terrariums on the market nowadays, so we are here to make your decision a bit easier.

These reviews of reptile terrariums are highly rated and supported by fellow reptile keepers.

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A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

Image Product Details
Best Overall
Winner
REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Tank Terrarium REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Tank Terrarium
  • Two sizes
  • Securely locking front doors
  • Great for all heating devices
  • Best Value
    Second place
    OIIBO Glass Reptile Terrarium Tank OIIBO Glass Reptile Terrarium Tank
  • Ideal for babies and small reptiles
  • Easy to assemble
  • Easy to clean
  • Premium Choice
    Third place
    Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium
  • Three sizes
  • Raised waterproof bottom
  • Front entry with secure locking mechanism
  • Best for Arboreal Species
    Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage
  • Ideal for arboreal reptiles
  • Corrosion-resistant material
  • Large front-door opening
  • Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit
  • Dual front doors
  • Secure lock
  • Easy to assemble
  • The 10 Best Reptile Terrariums

    1. REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Tank Terrarium — Best Overall

    REPTI ZOO Double Hinge Glass Reptile Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 35 gallon/36 x 18 x 12.6 inches, 50 gallon/36 x 18 x 18 inches
    Material: Glass, aluminum, metal

    The REPTI ZOO Reptile Glass Tank Terrarium is the best overall reptile terrarium. It comes in two different sizes, depending on your needs, and is constructed for quality using glass, aluminum, and metal. The screened top is durable and allows for ventilation and any necessary lighting to get through.

    The bottom is waterproof to prevent any water damage that can occur from more humid environments and is also raised so you can easily use a substrate heater underneath. Not only is it great for all types of heating devices, but it also features front doors that lock securely and make it easy for feeding, handling, and cleaning.

    This product is made with quality and has many convenient features that make it ideal for most pet reptiles. The only complaints we could find were that some people had trouble with assembly.

    Pros
    • Two sizes
    • Securely locking front doors
    • Great for all heating devices
    • Durable
    Cons
    • May be difficult to assemble

    2. OIIBO Glass Reptile Terrarium Tank — Best Value

    OiiBO Glass Reptile Tank Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Vertical
    Size: 15 gallon/20 x 12 x 14 inches
    Material: Glass, Plastic

    The OIIBO Glass Reptile Terrarium Tank is the best reptile terrarium for the money. It’s made for smaller species of reptiles, like small lizards and geckos, but it can be a great starter terrarium for babies before they graduate to a larger enclosure.

    This terrarium is easy to assemble and wipe clean. It features a removable mesh cover with different holes for air, lighting, tubes, or wires and slides open easily for feeding.  It also has a raised base to accommodate heating sources that are made from clear PVC. It’s great for burrowers, since you can layer as much substrate as needed.

    Another good thing about this terrarium is that it has a waterproof design, so it can safely hold water for semi-aquatic species. Overall, this is a good quality choice for beginners and those who have smaller reptiles, but those looking to house medium to large animals or those who prefer doors in front will need to look elsewhere.

    Pros
    • Ideal for babies and small reptiles
    • Easy to assemble
    • Easy to clean
    • Great for species that burrow
    • Great value for the price
    Cons
    • Not suitable for medium to large reptiles
    • Top entry only

    3. Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium — Premium Choice

    Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 30 x 12 x 12 inches, 36 x 18 x 18 inches, 48 x 18 x 18 inches
    Material: Glass, aluminum, metal

    The Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium is highly recommended by reptile keepers for many reasons. It may be a bit more on the expensive side, but considering the size and quality, it would be well worth it for any keeper, as it comes in three different sizes, including 30 inch, 36 inch, and 48 inch.

    The screen at the top allows for proper ventilation and will allow special lighting and/or heating devices to get their job done too. You can also use substrate heaters and any moisture-producing devices, since the bottom is both raised and waterproof.

    There is a secure locking mechanism, and the front doors can open independently, making feeding, cleaning, and handling much easier than top entry-only versions. Fellow reptile owners claim that it is easy to assemble, and it even features a stackable design, so if you have multiple animals, you can save space.

    Pros
    • Three sizes
    • Raised waterproof bottom
    • Front entry with secure locking mechanism
    • Easy to assemble
    • Stackable design
    Cons
    • High price tag

    4. Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage — Best for Arboreal Species

    Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Reptile Cage

    Habitat Type: Vertical
    Size: 24 x 24 x 48 inches
    Material: Plastic, aluminum

    A vertical terrarium may not be suitable for all reptiles but is a necessity for arboreal species. Zoo Med ReptiBreeze Open Air Screen Cage is great for chameleons, small iguanas, geckos, and other tree-dwelling animals because you can fill the terrarium with the proper décor to make them feel like they are in the treetops.

    The selling points include the large front door providing easy access to the enclosure and the bottom door that enables the substrate to be easily removed without disturbing the rest of the habitat. Zoo Med also states that it is designed with corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum.

    Like with many enclosures, it does need to be constructed at home, but it comes with all the necessary hardware and is fairly easy to assemble. Many reptile keepers say that it meets their needs and is worth the money, though there were some complaints that it wasn’t as sturdy as expected.

    Pros
    • Ideal for arboreal reptiles
    • Corrosion resistant material
    • Large front-door opening
    • Bottom door opening
    Cons
    • Lacks sturdiness
    • Not for terrestrial species

    5. Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

    Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 35 gallon/17.72 x 11.81 x 23.62 inches
    Material: Glass, stainless steel

    The Exo Terra Glass Natural Terrarium Kit makes a great choice for a terrarium and features a naturalistic backdrop that makes the enclosure more visually appealing. It has a waterproof bottom to prevent any type of moisture leakage, and it has dual doors that lock securely.

    The stainless-steel mesh cover is sturdy and allows for any lighting or heat lamps to get through, and there are closeable inlets for any wires or tubing from your accessories. This product is a bit on the pricey side considering the size, but many keepers recommend it for being well worth the money, easy to assemble, and easy to clean.

    The biggest downfall we could find were reports of broken glass, which can happen with anything constructed with glass, so it’s always best to be mindful when cleaning or opening and closing doors and always make sure it’s in a safe, secure location.

    Pros
    • Dual front doors
    • Secure lock
    • Easy to assemble
    • Easy to clean
    • Closable inlets for wires/tubes
    • Waterproof bottom
    Cons
    • Pricey for the size
    • Risk of broken glass

    6. OiiBO Full Glass Front Opening Reptile Tank Terrarium

    OiiBO Full Glass Front Opening Reptile Tank

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 24 gallon/24 x 18 x 12.6 inches, 34 gallon/24 x 18 x 18 inches, 35 gallon/36 x 18 x 12.6 inches
    Material: Glass, plastic

    The Oiibo Full Glass Front Opening Reptile Tank Terrarium has dual opening doors that open independently, which keepers love. It also features a removable mesh cover for plenty of ventilation and has inlets for accessories like wires, tubes, and lighting.

    It works well for semi-aquatic species that need more water in their environment with the waterproof base and watertight doors. The raised bottom allows for plenty of room for substrate heaters too. This pure white terrarium stands out from the traditional black varieties and comes in three different sizes.

    You can rest assured the secure locking mechanism will keep your scaly pal safe within its home. The only complaints we could find were regarding broken glass, which is a risk with anything made with glass.

    Pros
    • Three sizes
    • Dual opening doors
    • Secure locking mechanism
    • Waterproof base
    • Watertight doors
    • Raised bottom
    Cons
    • Risk of broken glass

    7. Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

    Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 35.9 x 17.9 x 18 inches
    Material: Tempered glass

    This Carolina Custom Cages Terrarium is a large enclosure, but you can find more sizes from this company. You can also choose from a variety of naturalistic backgrounds, making the habitat that much more interesting to look at.

    Not only is the setup incredibly easy, but the terrarium also has raised corners, a widescreen, and dual-hinged front doors with secure locks, making it ideal for most reptiles. The tempered glass is thick, reducing the risk of easy breakage, and the screen top securely snaps down, allowing for any top accessories to do their jobs.

    Fellow reptile keepers rave about how this product is well worth the money in just about every aspect, but like most terrariums with screen tops, it can lose humidity easily. One of the primary complaints is that the lock comes with a key, which is easy to misplace, leaving you unable to use the front doors.

    Pros
    • Durable construction
    • Wide mesh top
    • Comes in a variety of sizes
    • Customizable backgrounds available
    • Secure locking mechanism
    • Great value for the money
    Cons
    • Easy to lose tiny key for front door lock

    8. New Age Pet ECOFLEX Mojave Reptile Habitat

    New Age Pet ECOFLEX

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 36 x 18.15 x 18.19 inches
    Material: Wood fiber, plastic, glass

    The New Age Pet ECOFLEX Mojave Reptile Habitat is a unique, gray terrarium that comes in three sizes and can also be repainted any color of your choice with spray primer and paint. It’s reviewed as being easy to assemble with no tools needed, easy to clean, sturdy, and lightweight.

    It features vented side panels and a mesh screen top for setups that require UV and heat lamps. It’s important to note that this terrarium is made from ECOFLEX, which is a wood and plastic composite that is durable but cannot come into contact with heat lamps for safety reasons.

    The sliding glass doors on the front are removable and feature a secure lock to keep the reptiles safely within their habitat. There are some complaints of missing and broken parts upon arrival, but this does come with a 1-year limited manufacturer’s warranty. This is not a watertight enclosure like most terrariums, so this is not meant for those animals needing high humidity or a semi-aquatic environment.

    Pros
    • Three sizes
    • Can be painted
    • Easy to clean
    • Sturdy
    • Sliding glass doors with secure lock
    Cons
    • Not watertight
    • Heat lamps/UV lamps cannot touch ECOFLEX

    9. REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank

    REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Glass Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Horizontal
    Size: 34 gallon, 24 x 18 x 18 inches
    Material: Glass

    This REPTI ZOO Large Reptile Glass Terrarium Tank has a natural rocky foam background that makes the environment look appealing. The top screen provides ventilation and allows for the penetration of any lighting or heat lamps, while the bottom is raised for any need for a substrate heater.

    The front doors open independently, making feeding, handling, and cleaning much easier, and feature a lock-and-key mechanism to keep the enclosure secure. There is an adjustable cable port for accessories like thermometer probes, lighters, aerators, and more.

    The bottom of the terrarium has a deep water-tight area that can be used to layer substrate or install a water feature. The biggest issue we could find with this enclosure was breakage during shipment. You also need to be careful of snakes pushing their way through the screen top, so be extra vigilant with assembly.

    Pros
    • Front doors with lock and key
    • Natural rocky background
    • Cable port for accessories
    • Watertight raised base
    Cons
    • Some issues with top-screen security
    • Some products arrived broken

    10. Zilla Micro Habitat Terrarium

    Zilla Micro Habitat Terrarium

    Habitat Type: Horizontal or vertical
    Size: Small/4 x 8 x 4 inches, large/14 x 8 x 6 inches
    Material: Acrylic, plastic

    Last but not least, we have the Zilla Micro Habitat Terrarium. This setup is inexpensive, comes in sizes small and large, and can be bought as horizontal for terrestrial species or vertical for arboreal. We recommend the size large for any reptile, as the small size is best suited for insects or small arachnids.

    It is easy to assemble and has a stackable design if you have more than one animal needing to be housed. There is a molded base to hold substrate and water, and the clear walls are sturdy acrylic with a locking latch for security.

    It does disassemble easily too, so you can break it down and store it if it is no longer needed. This is a great option for small species and babies, but for medium to large reptiles, keepers will need to go a different route.

    Pros
    • Inexpensive
    • Easy to assemble and disassemble
    • Stackable design
    • Can be bought as a horizontal or vertical habitat
    Cons
    • Only suitable for small reptiles/babies

    new gecko divider

    Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Reptile Terrarium

    Things to Consider When Choosing a Reptile Terrarium

    Buying a reptile terrarium isn’t always as simple as it seems, so we’ve provided a quick guide on things to keep in mind when you are shopping for the perfect environment for your reptile.

    Species

    The most important aspect of providing a proper environment for your reptile is going to be based on what species they are. There are pet reptiles available that come from all over the world from different climates, habitat types, and various shapes and sizes.

    It’s very important that you research your species and understand their environmental needs so you can best mimic their natural wild lifestyle. Arboreal species that spend their time in the trees will need a taller enclosure that can house the branches and various plant life. Terrestrial species that don’t climb often do well in horizontal cages.

    If your species likes to burrow or needs a semi-aquatic environment, you’ll need an enclosure that can handle either layers of substrate or is watertight. If you have any questions about your species’ needs, check into their specific care requirements, reach out to your veterinarian, or even talk to a reputable reptile breeder for guidance.

    baby bearded dragon in an enclosure
    Image Credit: Natasha Potapova, Shutterstock

    Size

    Not only do you need to consider the size of your animal to ensure that they have plenty of space, but you may also have to buy more terrariums as they grow. Many baby and juvenile reptiles will do much better in a smaller space that makes them feel more secure, and keepers will provide larger habitats as they age and increase in size.

    Make sure you know how large your animal will get and provide them with a habitat with plenty of space, including enough room for any necessary accessories and décor they may need in the enclosure. There are all different sizes of terrariums out there, so it won’t be a hassle to find something that suits your needs.

    Temperature and Humidity Needs

    Each pet reptile will have specific temperature and humidity needs, and it is imperative that you keep the habitat within the recommended range for the sake of their health and longevity. You need to ensure your terrarium is designed so you can meet these needs safely and effectively.

    For those animals needing higher humidity, be mindful of the screen tops that enable moisture to escape more easily. For those needing UV light to survive, make sure the screen ventilation is high quality and can handle lights and/or heat lamps safely while enabling them to penetrate the enclosure.

    The same goes for substrate heaters; make sure your terrarium of choice can handle under-tank heating. It’s very important you have a terrarium that is convenient for keeping the environment at the correct temperature and humidity levels.

    young boy and woman looking into a reptile enclosure or terrarium
    Image Credit: Elizaveta Galitckaia, Shutterstock

    Features

    There are plenty of different features that can be part of a terrarium, such as screened or solid tops, built-in heat panels or lighting, front doors, specific locking mechanisms, raised bases, waterproof or watertight bases, and much more.

    Which features will be best for your situation will depend on what your animals need and what you prefer to have. Take some time to think about this before coming to a final decision; that way, you can narrow down your choices more easily.

    Price

    Terrariums will be one of, if not the most expensive, upfront costs of reptile ownership, and the larger the tank is, the more expensive it will be. You don’t want to settle for poor quality just to save a buck because it could ultimately cost you more in the long run. Keep an eye out for high-quality terrariums that fall within your budget and meet all your needs.

    new snake divider

    Conclusion

    Whether you decide on the REPTI ZOO Double Hinge Glass Reptile Terrarium, which makes for a sturdy overall choice that suits most keepers’ needs; the smaller but more budget-friendly OiiBO Glass Reptile Tank Terrarium, which is great for babies and small species; the Zilla QuickBuild Terrarium, which comes in various sizes and has multiple convenient features; or any other terrarium on the list, know that all have been given excellent reviews from fellow reptile keepers. Just make sure to get what best suits your species by following these tips and understanding your animal’s care requirements.


    Featured Image Credit: Brett Upshaw, Shutterstock

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