The 10 Best Reptile Terrariums

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This wiki has been updated 27 times since it was first published in October of 2016. While having a reptile for a friend can be a rewarding, low-maintenance way to enjoy pet ownership, it can be difficult to find a suitable home for snakes and lizards. These terrariums make it easy to feed and care for your pets, while also keeping them comfy and secure — because nothing can be more chilling than realizing your python is missing and lurking somewhere in your house. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.

1. Exo Terra AllGlass

2. Carolina Custom Cages Large

3. Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit

Editor's Notes

June 18, 2021:

No changes to this edition of the Wiki. We're still highly confident in our selections, particularly the Exo Terra AllGlass and Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit for small animals, and the Carolina Custom Cages Large and Carolina Custom Cages Extra-Long for larger ones. All of those are glass-walled with mesh tops, in addition to helpful features like raised bases and locking doors. Alternative solutions include the Zoo Med Reptibreeze, which is an all-mesh enclosure meant for warm climates, and the Exo Terra Breeding Box, which is ideal for short-term uses such as travel.

February 26, 2020:

If you’re looking for a sturdy home for your reptile, our list includes several models from two top brands, including the simple and secure Exo Terra AllGlass, the thoughtfully designed Exo Terra Nano, and the large and durable Carolina Custom Cages Large.

To provide an all-inclusive model that’s great for anyone just starting out, we added the Exo Terra Rainforest Habitat Kit in this update. In addition to the 12-by-18-by-12-inch glass terrarium (it’s also available in a larger size), it comes with a top lighting system, jungle vines and plants, a water dish, substrate, and a hygrometer for monitoring the humidity level. It also comes with an attractive rock background. The smaller size is suitable for small species of snakes, frogs, lizards, and geckos, as well as a temporary home for juvenile members of larger species. This model replaces the Zoo Med IguanArium, which some report is made with incorrectly drilled holes.

No matter which model you go with, be sure to read the instructions carefully regarding proper maintenance and care, as well as for which particular species it's designed. If you’re also considering taking in some furry friends, have a look at our list of best hamster cages and best rabbit hutches, all of which are designed to keep your beloved pets both comfortable and secure.

Special Honors

HR05 Reptile Cage This cage comes customized to your specifications, including the materials used. You can also choose to have it created as a glass terrarium. It’s an ideal size for iguanas, snakes, lizards, or a bearded dragon. Its handsome design makes it a great conversation piece for your home or office. The included hoods allow you to use all the available space without having to worry about your pets getting too close to the heating and lighting elements. Its panels are available in acrylic or glass, or an aluminum laminate that comes in your choice of colors that include Cambridge Cherry, English Oak, and Black Granite. customcages.com

4. Carolina Custom Cages Extra-Long

5. Exo Terra Nano

6. Tetra Deluxe

7. Zoo Med Reptibreeze

8. Zilla Vertical Tropical

9. Exo Terra Breeding Box

10. Zilla Fresh Air


Christopher Thomas
Last updated by Christopher Thomas

Building PCs, remodeling, and cooking since he was young, quasi-renowned trumpeter Christopher Thomas traveled the USA performing at and organizing shows from an early age. His work experiences led him to open a catering company, eventually becoming a sous chef in several fine LA restaurants. He enjoys all sorts of barely necessary gadgets, specialty computing, cutting-edge video games, and modern social policy. He has given talks on debunking pseudoscience, the Dunning-Kruger effect, culinary technique, and traveling. After two decades of product and market research, Chris has a keen sense of what people want to know and how to explain it clearly. He delights in parsing complex subjects for anyone who will listen -- because teaching is the best way to ensure that you understand things yourself.


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