Herpstat 2 SpyderWeb
Herpstat 2 by SpyderWeb is the market-leading choice for reptile and amphibian keepers who need lab-grade temperature control and flexible lighting schedules; its precise PID-style regulation, multi-output capability and advanced scheduling put it ahead of simpler units. Though it commands a premium compared with budget controllers like the Inkbird and BN-LINK, Herpstat’s telemetry and programmability deliver long-term reliability and fine-grained day/night lighting control that justify the higher upfront cost for serious keepers.
Pinpoint accuracy
SpyderWeb remote
Pinpoint accuracy
SpyderWeb remote
Review Summary
"Herpstat 2 SpyderWeb is widely praised for professional-grade temperature control, precise probes, and flexible scheduling; long-term users highlight its reliability and advanced features but note the steep price and learning curve. Overall it’s considered the gold standard for serious keepers. "
Modular geek-candy
Dual independent outlets with fully programmable timers for separate heat and lighting circuits
Modular geek-candy
Dual independent outlets with fully programmable timers for separate heat and lighting circuits
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Herpstat 2 by SpyderWeb is the market-leading choice for reptile and amphibian keepers who need lab-grade temperature control and flexible lighting schedules; its precise PID-style regulation, multi-output capability and advanced scheduling put it ahead of simpler units. Though it commands a premium compared with budget controllers like the Inkbird and BN-LINK, Herpstat’s telemetry and programmability deliver long-term reliability and fine-grained day/night lighting control that justify the higher upfront cost for serious keepers.
Pinpoint accuracy
SpyderWeb remote
Modular geek-candy
Dual independent outlets with fully programmable timers for separate heat and lighting circuits
High-precision temperature control with advanced algorithms and safety cutoff features
Pinpoint accuracy
SpyderWeb remote
Modular geek-candy
Dual independent outlets with fully programmable timers for separate heat and lighting circuits
High-precision temperature control with advanced algorithms and safety cutoff features
$350-500 CAD
Inkbird ITC-306T
The Inkbird ITC-306T is a cost-effective, user-friendly thermostat with integrated timer features that make it ideal for hobbyists who want dependable temperature control and basic day/night lighting automation without a big investment. It lacks the multi-zone logging and professional-level precision of the Herpstat but outperforms many entry-level models in build quality and value, offering a reliable middle ground between budget BN-LINK controllers and premium specialist units.
Budget-friendly
Plug-and-play charm
Budget-friendly
Plug-and-play charm
Review Summary
"The Inkbird ITC-306T is celebrated as a great value—simple to set up, reasonably accurate, and durable for routine reptile use; reviewers report occasional calibration drift or limited feature depth compared with premium units. It’s a dependable budget option for many hobbyists. "
Reliable safety
Two outlets for heating and cooling/light with independent control suitable for terrariums
Reliable safety
Two outlets for heating and cooling/light with independent control suitable for terrariums
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The Inkbird ITC-306T is a cost-effective, user-friendly thermostat with integrated timer features that make it ideal for hobbyists who want dependable temperature control and basic day/night lighting automation without a big investment. It lacks the multi-zone logging and professional-level precision of the Herpstat but outperforms many entry-level models in build quality and value, offering a reliable middle ground between budget BN-LINK controllers and premium specialist units.
Budget-friendly
Plug-and-play charm
Reliable safety
Two outlets for heating and cooling/light with independent control suitable for terrariums
Integrated day/night timer functions to automate lighting cycles
Budget-friendly
Plug-and-play charm
Reliable safety
Two outlets for heating and cooling/light with independent control suitable for terrariums
Integrated day/night timer functions to automate lighting cycles
Exo Terra Thermostat 600W with Day/Night Timer
Exo Terra’s 600W thermostat with built-in day/night timer is tailored to reptile enclosures, combining a straightforward thermostat with a dedicated lighting schedule to simplify lamp-based heating and photoperiod control. It provides a purpose-built, aquarium-friendly alternative to generic controllers — more integrated and easier to set up than some Inkbird or BN-LINK models, though it doesn’t match the advanced programmability or multi-output flexibility of the Herpstat or the dual-channel specificity of the VivTech SurStat.
Day/night cycling
600W capacity
Day/night cycling
600W capacity
Review Summary
"Exo Terra Thermostat 600W with Day/Night Timer gets credit for integrating timer functionality and being easy to use, but many long-term users mention inconsistent temperature accuracy and some reliability issues over time. It’s adequate for casual setups but not the most precise choice. "
Sunrise simulation
Rated for up to 600W to handle common reptile heating elements safely
Sunrise simulation
Rated for up to 600W to handle common reptile heating elements safely
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Exo Terra’s 600W thermostat with built-in day/night timer is tailored to reptile enclosures, combining a straightforward thermostat with a dedicated lighting schedule to simplify lamp-based heating and photoperiod control. It provides a purpose-built, aquarium-friendly alternative to generic controllers — more integrated and easier to set up than some Inkbird or BN-LINK models, though it doesn’t match the advanced programmability or multi-output flexibility of the Herpstat or the dual-channel specificity of the VivTech SurStat.
Day/night cycling
600W capacity
Sunrise simulation
Rated for up to 600W to handle common reptile heating elements safely
Built-in day/night timer for automated lighting schedules tailored to diurnal cycles
Day/night cycling
600W capacity
Sunrise simulation
Rated for up to 600W to handle common reptile heating elements safely
Built-in day/night timer for automated lighting schedules tailored to diurnal cycles
VivTech SurStat Dual Timer Thermostat
VivTech’s SurStat Dual Timer Thermostat stands out for dual-channel control and independent timers, making it a top choice for enclosures that require separate heat-mat and basking lamp schedules. It occupies a niche between single-output budget units and the feature-rich Herpstat by offering redundancy and tailored light/heat sequencing — a technical advantage for keepers running complex, multi-source lighting setups without investing in high-end data logging systems.
Dual-zone control
Independent timers
Dual-zone control
Independent timers
Review Summary
"VivTech SurStat Dual Timer Thermostat is appreciated for dual-sensor control, clear day/night scheduling, and good value; experienced keepers report solid day-to-day performance though the interface and documentation can feel basic. It’s a popular mid-range pick for controlled terrariums. "
Lab-grade precision
Dual independent timer channels to run separate lighting/heat schedules for complex setups
Lab-grade precision
Dual independent timer channels to run separate lighting/heat schedules for complex setups
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
VivTech’s SurStat Dual Timer Thermostat stands out for dual-channel control and independent timers, making it a top choice for enclosures that require separate heat-mat and basking lamp schedules. It occupies a niche between single-output budget units and the feature-rich Herpstat by offering redundancy and tailored light/heat sequencing — a technical advantage for keepers running complex, multi-source lighting setups without investing in high-end data logging systems.
Dual-zone control
Independent timers
Lab-grade precision
Dual independent timer channels to run separate lighting/heat schedules for complex setups
Accurate thermostat control with clear display and programmable setpoints
Dual-zone control
Independent timers
Lab-grade precision
Dual independent timer channels to run separate lighting/heat schedules for complex setups
Accurate thermostat control with clear display and programmable setpoints
$120-200 CAD
BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller with Timer
The BN-LINK digital heat mat controller with timer is an accessible, budget-oriented option for beginners who need a simple thermostat plus timer for under-tank heating and lamp scheduling. While it doesn’t offer the precision, multi-output flexibility, or specialist features of Herpstat, VivTech, or Exo Terra, its low price and plug-and-play simplicity make it an economical choice for small enclosures or secondary setups.
Affordable heat control
Simple digital timer
Affordable heat control
Simple digital timer
Review Summary
"BN-LINK Digital Heat Mat Thermostat Controller with Timer is commonly recommended for simple heat-mat setups thanks to its affordability and straightforward timer functions, but reviewers note plastic build quality and occasional long-term reliability concerns. It performs well for basic needs but lacks advanced precision. "
Pocket-sized helper
Compact digital controller optimized for heat mats with built-in timer options
Pocket-sized helper
Compact digital controller optimized for heat mats with built-in timer options
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The BN-LINK digital heat mat controller with timer is an accessible, budget-oriented option for beginners who need a simple thermostat plus timer for under-tank heating and lamp scheduling. While it doesn’t offer the precision, multi-output flexibility, or specialist features of Herpstat, VivTech, or Exo Terra, its low price and plug-and-play simplicity make it an economical choice for small enclosures or secondary setups.
Affordable heat control
Simple digital timer
Pocket-sized helper
Compact digital controller optimized for heat mats with built-in timer options
Affordable plug-and-play design with external temperature probe
Affordable heat control
Simple digital timer
Pocket-sized helper
Compact digital controller optimized for heat mats with built-in timer options
Affordable plug-and-play design with external temperature probe