The 5 Best Thermometers for Gecko Tanks

Are you sure that you picked up the right thermometer for your gecko tank? Or perhaps you think you’re good to go once you’ve picked up the absolute best heating devices and furnishings for your gecko tank? Thermometers will help you in ensuring your precious gecko’s safety and well-being.

Together with the Reptile Hero team and other experienced keepers, I tested out several ambient thermometers across different types of set-ups for gecko tanks. After all the data was sorted out, we finally narrowed it all down to the 5 best options!

The best ambient thermometer for gecko tanks is the Govee Indoor Smart Thermo-Hygrometer H5075.

Both reptile-specific and regular thermometers are included in this list. There’s one that you could pass down to your gecko-loving kids. Another with a waterproof probe. You’ve got plenty of good options here. Regardless of the number of reptiles you already have—or are planning to get—we’ve got a suggestion that may be perfect for you.

Stay until the very end to find out which thermometer is the best choice for your gecko’s tank!

Best Overall

This feature-packed thermometer is perfect for virtually any gecko tank setup. It even allows you to access the data your units collect with Bluetooth and the Govee Home app.

Govee (Amazon)

Best Value

Cheap doesn’t equal poorly made, and this thermometer is a testament to that. It is a nearly everlasting thermometer that doesn’t require any battery at all.

Exo Terra (Amazon)

Best for High Humidity

Want to make it rain in your tropical gecko’s tank? Well, this plain but practical little probed thermometer is up for the task.

Zoo Med (Amazon)

Our Top 5 Best Thermometers for Gecko Tanks

• Best Overall from Govee
• Best Value from Exo Terra
• Best for High Humidity from Zoo Med
• AikTryee
• ThermoPro

1. Govee Indoor Smart Thermo-Hygrometer H5075—Best Overall

Taking care of geckos while adhering to updated husbandry standards and practices is no cheap nor easy task. But modern digital thermometers that offer more in terms of functionality, will definitely help you keep the costs down. If you want a smart electronic thermometer without having to break the bank, then check out the Govee smart thermo-hygrometer!

Pros

1. Inexpensive

For a little over 20 bucks, you will get two units of this smart thermometer from Govee. With this, you’re all covered for one gecko tank.

2. Good Range

This can handle an operating temperature of 32–122ºF (0–50ºC), so you can safely use it inside tanks for geckos and most other reptiles. There is enough allowance for detecting possible underheating or overheating as well.

3. Long Battery Life

Govee H5075 is an electronic thermometer that requires 2 AAA batteries per unit. You will inevitably need to replace these. However, a single battery cell will only cost up to a dollar and last for up to 5 years. Moreover, this package deal already comes with 4 free batteries.

4. Large Detailed Display

The display screen is fairly large so keepers and breeders will have no problem reading all the information indicated. You won’t need to open any of the doors or even stand right in front of it—it’s that legible.

5. Hygrometer Function

Govee’s smart thermometer also doubles as a hygrometer. So you don’t have to worry about ordering a separate hygrometer.

6. Bluetooth Range

You can check on your device in real-time as long as you are within a 196 ft (60 m) range of the unit. So if you are working at home in a separate room during the day, you can simply open the Govee Home app during your break.

7. Additional Data

Aside from the minimum and maximum readings the smart thermometer detects in a day, you can view these on graphs.

Up to 2-years worth of data can be exported into a CSV file for free too! They also offer rolling 20-day cloud storage.

You can easily look over the changes in temperature and humidity in your gecko tanks.

8. Quick and Accurate

This thermometer refreshes every 2 seconds, so you can immediately be notified if the temperature goes outside your preset range for both temperature and humidity. Even better, you will be notified of the exact temperature reading.

What’s more is that both are highly accurate—with a ±0.54°F margin of error for temperature, and ±3%RH for humidity.

Cons

1. No Permanent Mounting

Unfortunately, you cannot permanently mount this to your gecko’s enclosure walls because you need to have access.

Then again, they are lightweight and considerably small. Hence, you will have no issue with placing these free-standing on the tank substrate or elevated above it with the hanging hole at the back of the units.

2. Not Waterproof

This specific model is not waterproof. But it can handle an operating humidity of up to 99%. This is well above the overall humidity requirement of most geckos, including tropical species.

Also, it still works perfectly after accidentally misting in the tank.

2. Exo Terra Analog Thermometer PT2465—Best Value

Some people still prefer the old-fashioned digital thermometer. They look for simplicity, practicality, and affordability. For some, the additional features are simply distracting and unnecessary. Can you relate to all that? Then go for a cheap but functional bimetallic thermometer like the Exo Terra Analog Thermometer PT2465.

Pros

1. Cost-Efficient

For just under 10 bucks, you could get one Exo Terra Analog Thermometer PT2465. There are no additional costs for replacement batteries either.

2. Unobtrusive

The Exo Terra PT2465 is very lightweight and compact. It will blend seamlessly into any gecko tank design you have or plan to set up.

3. Wide Range

It has a relatively wide temperature range of 0–120ºF (-20–50ºC) that can cover the thermal gradient needs of most pet geckos.

You could also keep an eye on tank temps during extreme weather events like blizzards and heatwaves with this pocket-sized thermometer.

4. No Battery Required

Unlike commonly used digital thermometers, this unit is an analog thermometer. No battery is required to keep it working, so it can literally last you a lifetime!

You could even use it across multiple different tanks easily or store it in case you go for upgrades in the future. It’s the perfect backup or emergency thermometer.

5. Can Handle Water

There is no specified IP rating but it can handle regular tank misting. Because it has no internal electronic components, water seeping into it won’t really negatively affect it.

Some people go as far as to use this in aquariums, but I would not advise you to do that.

Cons

1. Hard to Read Display

Exo Terra’s PT2465 analog thermometer has a basic display, with only Celsius and Fahrenheit scales on its face. As a result, the numbers and indicator lines are on the small side, which could make reading it difficult.

But the scales are color-coded. So once you’ve memorized the range for each color, it will be a lot easier to monitor the tank temps for your geckos.

2. Problematic Adhesives

The only way to mount this thermometer is by sticking it to your gecko’s enclosure walls.

Adhesives readily come with the product. However, this may cause accidents for your lovely pet reptiles. Plus, it isn’t that strong either—a common complaint among customers.

So instead, you could use some silicone or a suction cup to keep it in place.

3. No Extras

This unit does not come with any bonus features. But, considering the price, you still get a good product for what you paid for.

3. Zoo Med Digital Thermometer—Best for High Humidity

Although Zoo Med’s classic digital thermometer was first released over a decade ago, there’s a reason why it is still highly recommended in the community. More specifically, it’s the go-to thermometer for keepers and breeders with tropical gecko species and other reptiles that need really humid vivariums.

Pros

1. Super Affordable

For about 10 bucks, you can get this reliable little digital thermometer with a long corded probe. This is one of the most affordable probed thermometers you can buy that won’t break down and stop working after just a couple of days.

Every thermometer also comes complete with 2 suction cups and a button cell battery. However, there have been a couple of complaints about the missing batteries and suction cups.

2. Highly Portable

Just like the previous two thermometers, this unit from Zoo Med can easily fit in the palm of your hands. It’s small and light—you won’t have any trouble mounting it to the sides of a gecko vivarium. It won’t fall off from the weight either.

That said, if you have a gecko that loves jumping around its tank don’t install the main body internally. Such geckos will likely kick this off the wall.

3. Expansive Range

Considering both old and new thermometers for gecko tanks, this thermometer has one of the widest temperature ranges. To be more specific, it optimally works within -10–140ºF (-23–60ºC).

So if you are planning to introduce brumation for your geckos, you can do so with this thermometer. Aside from that, you can also use this for other reptiles that require higher tank temperatures.

4. Single Battery

Similar to the Govee H5075, this model is a digital thermometer. In short, it needs a battery to work. You will need spare LR44 batteries, in particular. But don’t worry! You won’t have to shell out your savings for that.

One button battery cell will only set you back by a dollar. Plus, good-quality LR44 batteries (here on Amazon) can last several years of continuous use. (Especially since the display takes up very little power.)

5. Waterproof Probe

Despite the main body having electronic components, the 39-inch (99.06-cm) sensor probe is completely waterproof. You can even submerge it into water features you have in naturalistic and bioactive gecko tank set-ups.

So if your gecko needs a humid tank, you can safely place the probe inside and even mist it directly. However, avoid getting the actual unit wet or you will risk destroying the inner elements. In case you do accidentally get it wet, let it completely dry out first—with the batteries taken out.

6. Simple Display

The modern display screen on this unit is small but easy to read. You can even switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit using the little slider in front, at the bottom of the LCD screen.

Cons

1. Limited Mounting Options

The only option you have for mounting this thermometer is by using the included suction cups. One is for the corded sensor probe, another is for the main body of the unit.

However, the suction is honestly not that strong or secure. So you may have to buy a replacement or find other alternatives for mounting it.

2. No Bonus Features

Like the analog thermometer from Exo Terra, this digital thermometer doesn’t have anything else to it. It’s just a regular probed thermometer.

However, Zoo Med does offer more updated and feature-packed—but more pricey—thermometers like this one on Amazon.

Want to learn how to choose the best ambient thermometer for your geckos?

There are 5 main factors that the Reptile Hero team and I took into consideration while narrowing down our list of recommended thermometers. Find out more about this in our detailed buyer’s guide for tank thermometers.

4. AikTryee Mini Thermometer Hygrometer

If you have more than one gecko tank to look after, then this package deal from AikTryee might be just what you need. One package comes with 4 individual mini thermometers, 2 button batteries each, plus 4 extra cells for back-up.

What makes this deal even better is that you get all of this for the price of one bigger digital thermometer. But of course, it’s not a perfect product. The margin of error for readings is ±2ºF for temperature and ±2%RH for humidity.

Product Features

• Dimensions: 1.89 x 0.62 x 1.14 inches (4.80 x 1.57 x 2.89 cm)
• Item Weight: 3.20 ounces ()
• Operating Temperature: -58–158ºF (-50–70ºC)
• Thermometer Type: Electronic or digital, works for approx. 8 months using 2 LR44 batteries
• Waterproofing: IP rating is not available, can work in environments that are 99% humid
• Information Display: Small modern display, only shows temp readings in Fahrenheit
• Mounting Options: Adhesive tape is included but not recommended
• Bonus Features: Hygrometer

5. ThermoPro Indoor Thermometer Hygrometer TP49

If you like the Govee H5075 but find the Bluetooth and mobile app unnecessary, then the ThermoPro TP49 might be right up your alley. Another perk is that this unit is a few dollars cheaper too.

Rest assured, you won’t be sacrificing anything in terms of accuracy. It even places second on our list in terms of accuracy for temperature readings, with a margin of error at only ±1.35ºF. Compared to the top thermometer, the refresh for TP49 is a bit slower. But only by a few seconds.

Product Features

• Dimensions: 2.18 x 0.62 x 2.62 inches (5.55 x 1.58 x 6.66 cm)
• Item Weight: 1.41 ounces (39.97 g)
• Operating Temperature: -22–140ºF (-30–60ºC)
• Thermometer Type: Electronic or digital, works for approx. 24 months using 1 AAA battery
• Waterproofing: IP rating is not available, can work in environments that are 99% humid
• Information Display: Easy-to-read modern display, select between Fahrenheit and Celsius temp readings
• Mounting Options: Hanging hole, magnet, and stand
• Bonus Features: Hygrometer

Why Do You Need Thermometers in Gecko Tanks?

Thermometers must be used in tanks in order to make sure that ectothermic animals like geckos and snakes stay within the appropriate thermal gradients, essential for their wellbeing. As such, gecko owners need thermometers to monitor the tank temperatures.

For example, leopard geckos require a thermal gradient of 70-80°F (21-27°C) on the cool end and 85-90°F (29-32°C) on the warm end of their enclosure.

A Quick Review: Geckos and most other reptiles are ectothermic animals. This means that they rely on their environment to heat up or cool down their bodies.

(Learn more about ectothermy in our article on why geckos feel cold.)

So besides providing quality heating elements like heat lamps, you must make sure that they don’t burn up to a crisp either. There’s a big difference between being warm and burning hot.

Share Your Suggestions!

Compared to the last reviews I did here with the entire team, we have more products on the shortlist. I will be doing this from now on to give you a bit more options. Of course, our goals and priorities stay the same—all with our precious little geckos in mind.

As such, I’ll still keep it a bit short so that no nuisance entries will be included. I want to continue providing you with good but quality options so we can all keep improving our care and husbandry.

To recap, Reptile Hero’s top 5 best thermometers for gecko tanks are:

• Best Overall from Govee
• Best Value from Exo Terra
• Best for High Humidity from Zoo Med
• AikTryee
• ThermoPro

Do you have a specific thermometer in mind that you think should be on our list? Then give us a shout here! You never know. Your favorite thermometer might have made it to our initial list.

Conclusion

Gecko keepers and breeders need to consider the 1) thermometer type, 2) waterproofing, 3) information display, 4) mounting options, and 5) bonus features of an ambient thermometer before purchasing one for their reptile’s tank.

The Govee Indoor Smart Thermo-Hygrometer H5075 is able to meet most of the aforementioned standards for gecko tank thermometers. As such, it is the most recommended for reptile keepers and breeders.