Herpstat 2 SpyderWeb
Herpstat 2 from Spyder Robotics is widely regarded as the professional choice for reptile and amphibian keepers because of its precision, dual-channel programmability and deep feature set (scheduling, alarms and remote monitoring via SpyderWeb). It holds its market-leader position by combining industrial-grade reliability and fine-grain control that advanced breeders need, while costing more upfront than simple thermostats like the Zoo Med or Inkbird but offering greater long-term value and redundancy compared with consumer-focused controllers.
Precision PID wizard
Networked command center
Precision PID wizard
Networked command center
Review Summary
"Viewed as a pro-grade, extremely reliable controller with deep programmability and robust multi-probe support; buyers praise its precision and customer support but note the steep price and learning curve. Generally regarded as the top choice for serious hobbyists and breeders who need fine control and redundancy."
Logs like a detective
Advanced multi-channel control for heaters, lighting, humidifiers and other devices.
Logs like a detective
Advanced multi-channel control for heaters, lighting, humidifiers and other devices.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Herpstat 2 from Spyder Robotics is widely regarded as the professional choice for reptile and amphibian keepers because of its precision, dual-channel programmability and deep feature set (scheduling, alarms and remote monitoring via SpyderWeb). It holds its market-leader position by combining industrial-grade reliability and fine-grain control that advanced breeders need, while costing more upfront than simple thermostats like the Zoo Med or Inkbird but offering greater long-term value and redundancy compared with consumer-focused controllers.
Precision PID wizard
Networked command center
Logs like a detective
Advanced multi-channel control for heaters, lighting, humidifiers and other devices.
Web-connected SpyderWeb platform offers real-time monitoring, remote programming and detailed data logging.
Precision PID wizard
Networked command center
Logs like a detective
Advanced multi-channel control for heaters, lighting, humidifiers and other devices.
Web-connected SpyderWeb platform offers real-time monitoring, remote programming and detailed data logging.
$700-1000 CAD
VE-300X2 Vivarium Electronics Thermostat
The VE-300X2 from Vivarium Electronics is a rugged, reptile-focused thermostat known for accurate temperature control and flexible day/night outputs tailored to vivarium use. It bridges the gap between entry-level units and full-featured systems — offering more specialized reptile control features and durability than budget controllers like the Inkbird, while remaining generally more affordable and simpler to program than premium platforms such as the Herpstat 2.
Smooth heat ramping
Industrial reliability
Smooth heat ramping
Industrial reliability
Review Summary
"Well-regarded professional thermostat known for rock-solid reliability and simple, accurate temperature control; users appreciate the durable hardware and straightforward operation but some find the feature set more utilitarian than flashy. Popular in zoos and serious collections for its consistency."
Keeper-trusted simplicity
Dual/expandable channel thermostat with independent day/night control for complex setups.
Keeper-trusted simplicity
Dual/expandable channel thermostat with independent day/night control for complex setups.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The VE-300X2 from Vivarium Electronics is a rugged, reptile-focused thermostat known for accurate temperature control and flexible day/night outputs tailored to vivarium use. It bridges the gap between entry-level units and full-featured systems — offering more specialized reptile control features and durability than budget controllers like the Inkbird, while remaining generally more affordable and simpler to program than premium platforms such as the Herpstat 2.
Smooth heat ramping
Industrial reliability
Keeper-trusted simplicity
Dual/expandable channel thermostat with independent day/night control for complex setups.
Precise PID-style regulation and user-programmable schedules for stable temperature management.
Smooth heat ramping
Industrial reliability
Keeper-trusted simplicity
Dual/expandable channel thermostat with independent day/night control for complex setups.
Precise PID-style regulation and user-programmable schedules for stable temperature management.
Microclimate EVO Connected
Microclimate EVO Connected is a modern, app-enabled climate controller designed for multi-sensor setups and remote monitoring, delivering easier cloud connectivity and automated scheduling for complex terraria. It stands out for its contemporary connectivity and modular sensor options, providing a tighter integration experience than basic digital thermostats (Zoo Med) and a more user-friendly remote interface than some professional-only controllers, though typically at a mid-to-high price point compared with bare-bones units.
App-savvy controller
Multi-channel maestro
App-savvy controller
Multi-channel maestro
Review Summary
"A modern, connected climate controller that reviewers like for its feature-rich interface and remote monitoring, though a minority report occasional connectivity/setup quirks. Overall praised for functionality and integration for those wanting smart control of vivaria."
Cloud logs forever
Integrated temperature and humidity control with a touchscreen interface and modular outputs.
Cloud logs forever
Integrated temperature and humidity control with a touchscreen interface and modular outputs.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Microclimate EVO Connected is a modern, app-enabled climate controller designed for multi-sensor setups and remote monitoring, delivering easier cloud connectivity and automated scheduling for complex terraria. It stands out for its contemporary connectivity and modular sensor options, providing a tighter integration experience than basic digital thermostats (Zoo Med) and a more user-friendly remote interface than some professional-only controllers, though typically at a mid-to-high price point compared with bare-bones units.
App-savvy controller
Multi-channel maestro
Cloud logs forever
Integrated temperature and humidity control with a touchscreen interface and modular outputs.
Cloud/app connectivity provides remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates.
App-savvy controller
Multi-channel maestro
Cloud logs forever
Integrated temperature and humidity control with a touchscreen interface and modular outputs.
Cloud/app connectivity provides remote monitoring, alerts and over-the-air updates.
$300-500 CAD
Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat
Zoo Med's ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat is an economical, user-friendly option targeted at beginners and simple single-zone setups, giving reliable on/off control for heat lamps and pads without a steep learning curve. It earns its place as the budget-friendly recommendation for basic reptile and amphibian enclosures, trading advanced programmability and multi-output capability for straightforward affordability and ease of use compared with professional systems like Herpstat or VE-300X2.
Plug-and-play ease
Budget-friendly bulwark
Plug-and-play ease
Budget-friendly bulwark
Review Summary
"An affordable, easy-to-use digital thermostat that owners like for basic temperature control and value; common criticisms are limited features, less precise control than higher-end units, and occasional durability issues over long-term use. Good entry-level option but not ideal for complex setups."
Straightforward controls
Simple single-stage digital thermostat designed for basic heating devices like heat mats or ceramic emitters.
Straightforward controls
Simple single-stage digital thermostat designed for basic heating devices like heat mats or ceramic emitters.
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Zoo Med's ReptiTemp Digital Thermostat is an economical, user-friendly option targeted at beginners and simple single-zone setups, giving reliable on/off control for heat lamps and pads without a steep learning curve. It earns its place as the budget-friendly recommendation for basic reptile and amphibian enclosures, trading advanced programmability and multi-output capability for straightforward affordability and ease of use compared with professional systems like Herpstat or VE-300X2.
Plug-and-play ease
Budget-friendly bulwark
Straightforward controls
Simple single-stage digital thermostat designed for basic heating devices like heat mats or ceramic emitters.
Straightforward setpoint control with automatic on/off cycling to maintain target temperature.
Plug-and-play ease
Budget-friendly bulwark
Straightforward controls
Simple single-stage digital thermostat designed for basic heating devices like heat mats or ceramic emitters.
Straightforward setpoint control with automatic on/off cycling to maintain target temperature.
$40-80 CAD
Inkbird ITC-306A WiFi Temperature Controller
The Inkbird ITC-306A WiFi controller offers low-cost, app-enabled temperature control with dual-relay functionality that makes it an attractive value pick for hobbyists wanting remote access without a large investment. It competes on price and simplicity — providing better connectivity than many basic thermostats and a cheaper gateway to smart control than professional systems — but lacks some reptile-specific features, redundancy and build-quality that higher-end controllers on this list provide.
Affordable Wi-Fi
Dual-outlet flexibility
Affordable Wi-Fi
Dual-outlet flexibility
Review Summary
"A budget-friendly WiFi temperature controller popular for its value and straightforward operation; users praise the price-to-performance ratio but some report build-quality concerns and occasional firmware/connectivity inconsistencies. Solid choice for hobbyists on a budget who accept some tradeoffs."
Hobbyist favorite
Dual-stage plug-and-play controller with built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature monitoring via mobile app.
Hobbyist favorite
Dual-stage plug-and-play controller with built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature monitoring via mobile app.
Time-Saving Convenience
Increased Safety & Security
Recreational Enjoyment
The Inkbird ITC-306A WiFi controller offers low-cost, app-enabled temperature control with dual-relay functionality that makes it an attractive value pick for hobbyists wanting remote access without a large investment. It competes on price and simplicity — providing better connectivity than many basic thermostats and a cheaper gateway to smart control than professional systems — but lacks some reptile-specific features, redundancy and build-quality that higher-end controllers on this list provide.
Affordable Wi-Fi
Dual-outlet flexibility
Hobbyist favorite
Dual-stage plug-and-play controller with built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature monitoring via mobile app.
Separate heating and cooling outlets, adjustable hysteresis and audible temperature alarms.
Affordable Wi-Fi
Dual-outlet flexibility
Hobbyist favorite
Dual-stage plug-and-play controller with built-in Wi-Fi for remote temperature monitoring via mobile app.
Separate heating and cooling outlets, adjustable hysteresis and audible temperature alarms.
$60-120 CAD