Getting a reliable aquarium heater with adequate function is super important if you have fish who enjoy toasty water temperatures. For these sorts of tanks, there are so many options on the market—but how many of them will really hold up?
To cut out all the questioning, we did the hard work for you. We’ve rounded up 8 of the best heaters we could find—and we’re so excited to tell you about them. Check out these reviews!
A Quick Comparison of Our Winners (2023)
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Penn Plax Cascade Heat Preset
Fully submersible
Full temperature control
Saltwater and freshwater compatible
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Best Value
Sungrow Aquarium Heater
Ideal for betta fish
Terrific for small tanks
Durable materials
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Premium Choice
Cobalt Aquatics Electric Neo
Shutoff feature
.5 degree.5-degree precision
Compatible with a variety of setups
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Lifegard Preset Quartz Glass Heater
Useful accessories included
Heat monitoring thermal sensor
Versatile placement
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Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater
Excellent range
Covers all necessities
Easily recalibrated
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The 8 Best Aquarium Heaters
Penn Plax Cascade Heat Preset is the best overall aquarium heater. We think you might agree. It comes in both 150 and 200 watts, depending on your tank size. Though it is limited, they work for most setups.
Brand: Penn Plax
Watts: 150, 200
Submergibility: Submersible
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This nifty gadget maintains your aquarium’s temperature within 1° accuracy. You can count on it to regulate the exact water temperature to keep your fish completely comfortable and safe.
This aquarium heater is ultra programmable. You can put it at any temperature you desire without issue. However, it comes on a preset of 76°, which you will have to change depending on the aquatic life you keep.
The heater itself is fully submersible and compatible with both fresh and saltwater tanks. It comes fully equipped with dual suction cups to place it anywhere. You can put it vertically or horizontally.
However, this one isn’t for small tanks as there are no low-wattage options.
Pros
Fully submersible
Full temperature control
Saltwater and freshwater compatible
Cons
No low-wattage options
If you’re a penny pincher always looking for a steal of a deal, we recommend the SunGrow Aquarium Heater. It might be a little small and only suitable for specific setups, but it’s the best aquarium heater for the money.
Fully submersible
Full temperature control
Saltwater and freshwater compatible
- Fully submersible
- Full temperature control
- Saltwater and freshwater compatible
No low-wattage options
- No low-wattage options
Brand SunGrow
Watts 10
Submergibility Submersible
This aquarium heater is specifically made for smaller tanks, so it won’t be compatible with all setups. Since betta fish require tropical temperatures, this is specifically designed for these types of aquatic life. Also, it is super compatible with tiny turtles who like heated waters, too.
There is a limited range of heat here, And it is only compatible with rooms that are 68 to 75 degrees. When you set it up, it is preset to 75°F, but it is slightly adjustable.
We can’t stress enough that this aquarium heater is unsuitable for homes below the temperatures we mentioned, so we recommend keeping it away from vents and other drafty spaces.
We really loved the materials here. It is made out of a thick polymer and plastic that is incredibly durable and withstands full submersion.
Pros
Ideal for betta fish
Terrific for small tanks
Durable materials
Cons
Unsuitable for tanks over 10 gallons
Ideal for betta fish
Terrific for small tanks
Durable materials
- Ideal for betta fish
- Terrific for small tanks
- Durable materials
Unsuitable for tanks over 10 gallons
- Unsuitable for tanks over 10 gallons
It covers all you need to know about the ideal tank setup, tank size, substrate, ornaments, plants, and so much more!
Cobalt Aquatics Electric Neo Heater might be a little pricey, but it may be just what you’re looking for. Some perks make it very worth your attention, even if you first think it’s out of your price range. Hear us out.
Brand: Cobalt Aquatics
Watts: 25, 50, 75, 100
Submergibility: Submersible
This electronic aquarium heater is entirely submersible, touting excellent features. And it’s compatible with freshwater, saltwater, and even terrariums. So, you don’t have to keep it in a single tank if you choose to switch hobbies.
It has an incredibly advanced reading that is plus or minus .5 degrees—which is highly accurate. We also found it very pleasing that it has a circuit that will shut off if it detects the tank is getting too hot. This protects all aquatic life, which we find of utmost importance.
We can’t help but rave about this thermostat. It did the job exactly as it claimed to do. The thermostat has a shatterproof case for optimal durability, and there is an LED light system that helps you read the thermometer accurately every time.
However, it is relatively more expensive than most of the other thermometers on the market. Ultimately, you can decide if this is worth a few extra dollars in your own set up.
Pros
Shutoff feature
5-degree precision
Compatible with a variety of setups
Cons
Pricey
We loved the Lifegard Preset Quartz Glass Heater because it’s efficient. This aquarium heater maintains a temperature of 78 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. It doesn’t change in temperature like some of the other options. However, if you have a tropical tank, it might just be what you are looking for.
Shutoff feature
5-degree precision
Compatible with a variety of setups
- Shutoff feature
- 5-degree precision
- Compatible with a variety of setups
Pricey
- Pricey
Brand: Lifegard
Watts: 25, 50, 100, 200
Submergibility: Submersible
This heater has a thermal sensor that detects if the mechanism is overheating. If it senses an increase in temperature, it will automatically shut down to prevent damage to your aquatic life.
It comes with suction cups and mounting brackets to fit your setup perfectly. We love how versatile it is, being able to fit anywhere you want to put it. The accessories are easy to include and ideal for keeping the heater in place.
There are quite a few wattage options ranging from 20 to 200 watts of power, so you can buy one for virtually any setup.
Pros
Useful accessories included
Heat monitoring thermal sensor
Versatile placement
Cons
One temperature only
We really appreciate the versatility of the Eheim Jager Aquarium Thermostat Heater. This thermostat heater has a wide range of temperature options available, making it extremely compatible with practically any setup. You can adjust temperatures between 64 and a whopping 95 degrees.
Useful accessories included
Heat monitoring thermal sensor
Versatile placement
- Useful accessories included
- Heat monitoring thermal sensor
- Versatile placement
One temperature only
- One temperature only
Brand: Eheim Jager
Watts: 50, 75
Submergibility: Submersible
This heater has all of the basic features you could want for your aquarium. It has an automatic shutoff if things start going awry and it is completely submersible, made of safe materials that will protect all those who dwell therein.
Recalibration is a breeze, as you can set it to any temperature you like within 35 degrees of each other.
We noticed that the temperature fluctuates at times, making it slightly inconsistent. So, we do not recommend this option for very sensitive fish.
Pros
Excellent range
Covers all necessities
Easily recalibrated
Cons
Slightly inconsistent
- Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater
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Brand: Orlushy
Watts: 100, 150, 200, 300, 500
Submergibility: Submersible
The Orlushy Submersible Aquarium Heater definitely deserves some attention. This is a very affordable heater that gets the job done. It comes in several different voltages all the way up to 500 W. So, if you have a tropical setup that is quite large, this could quite possibly heat the entire tank with ease.
Excellent range
Covers all necessities
Easily recalibrated
- Excellent range
- Covers all necessities
- Easily recalibrated
Slightly inconsistent
- Slightly inconsistent
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Brand: Orlushy
Watts: 100, 150, 200, 300, 500
Submergibility: Submersible
Because of its favorable price, it won’t break the bank either. So, this aquarium heater is very affordable on most budgets.
Our favorite thing about this product was the fact that it has a 6 foot long power cord attached. This is much longer than some of the others that we had the pleasure of reviewing. This feature made it easier for homes with a bit of space and between their aquarium and an available outlet.
In addition, it comes with an extra thermometer so you can monitor both sides of the tank, ensuring it always stays at the appropriate temperature.
Our only bugaboo is that it claims it has a 21° degree range, and we only can confirm roughly 15.
Pros
Long power cord
Extra thermometer included
Many wattage options
Cons
Not as versatile as advertised
- Petbank Aquarium Heater
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Brand: Petbank
Watts: 25, 50, 100, 150
Submergibility: Submersible
The Petbank Aquarium Heater is a pretty nifty gadget. It has a sleek appearance with a digital temperature reading that is moderately accurate. It comes in four different wattage options to choose the one that is suitable for your setup.
Long power cord
Extra thermometer included
Many wattage options
- Long power cord
- Extra thermometer included
- Many wattage options
Not as versatile as advertised
- Not as versatile as advertised
Brand: Petbank
Watts: 25, 50, 100, 150
Submergibility: Submersible
This heater comes with a remote so that you can turn the temperature up and down as needed. The design itself is fully submersible. Once you remove it from a water source, it immediately shuts off the LED screen display.
We like the company’s safety precautions when they produce this aquarium heater. Inside of this component it has an anti collision plastic sheath on the outside and a shatterproof quartz tube on the inside—both of which ensure the safety of both your tank life and the product itself.
This product contains an intelligent strip control that reads the aquarium temperatures between 64 and 91 degrees. It even has a feature that will monitor the heating rod inside in real-time to let you know when it’s time for a change.
This isn’t as durable as some similar products and we have to admit that it didn’t stay totally functional all the time. So, we have to give a thumbs down on accuracy.
Pros
Plenty of safety features
LED display
Communicates in real-time
Cons
Accuracy issues
We really enjoyed what the Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater had to offer. This fully submersible aquarium heater has an electronic thermostat; it’s probably its best feature.
Plenty of safety features
LED display
Communicates in real-time
- Plenty of safety features
- LED display
- Communicates in real-time
Accuracy issues
- Accuracy issues
Brand: Tetra
Watts: 25, 50, 100, 200
Submergibility: Submersible
Not only does it tell you when the temperature is all set, it also lets you know if it’s still warming up. Green means go, in this case! However, it stays at a solid 78 degrees with no wiggle room.
Inside it has silicone carbide crystals that help with the heat distribution throughout the tank.
We have to give a thumbs up to the marketing on this product. Sometimes you have to dig for information about how many gallons are suitable for what wattage. This has all of the information directly on the front of the package to take out the guesswork for you.
Pros
Easy to understand packaging
Made for tropical fish
Contains silicone carbide crystals
Cons
Only one temperature option
Buyer’s Guide: How to Select the Best Aquarium Heaters
For the health and livelihood of your tank, you need a heater that will be dependable at all times. Once hiccup can have dire consequences in some cases. So, here are some feature factors to consider.
Easy to understand packaging
Made for tropical fish
Contains silicone carbide crystals
- Easy to understand packaging
- Made for tropical fish
- Contains silicone carbide crystals
Only one temperature option
- Only one temperature option
Power
Depending on your aquarium size, you will need a particular kind of wattage. Typically, these wattage types range from 10 to 200 W, which is primarily based on the size of your overall aquarium and not necessarily the heat output. We need to make sure that you buy an aquarium heater that is sufficient to heat the whole tank without dropping the temperature.
Function
Buying an aquarium heater that doesn’t work accurately will be a literal nightmare. Depending on how sensitive the fish are to their environment, you can lose an entire fish tank if the heater malfunctions.
Submergibility
Most of the aquarium heaters you will find on the market are fully submersible, but not all. If you have a preference, it’s important to read the product description to ensure you’re getting exactly what you need. It usually is in the product description, but sometimes you have to look in the specs to be able to know for sure.
Features
Certain features make heaters more attractive, like well-made heater cores and tough outer materials built to last. Be sure to check all the specs of your particular favorite before purchasing.
Some options have LED lights to display the temperature or shatterproof casing for optimal ease and safety—the list goes on. You just have to find a product with the best features for your setup.
Conclusion
Our favorite remains the same when it comes to everything you can consider for an aquarium heater—the Penn Plax Cascade Heat Preset. This heater has many different wattage options, range of temperature, and durability on its side. We don’t think that you’re going to have a problem with any setup, fresh or saltwater. But only you can decide if that’s also your number one pick off our list.
If affordability appeals more to you, and you have a small setup, we still have to recommend the SunGrow Aquarium Heater. This heater is made for smaller tanks that suit betta fish and some aquatic turtles. It completely gets the job done in the right circumstances, even though it won’t work for bigger setups.
We understand that everyone’s needs will be different, so we can’t tell you precisely what to purchase. We know that we have covered at least one product that might fit the bill based on your circumstances. Remember to use all of our tips and tricks on purchasing to ensure that your aquarium life stays safe and lives in the appropriate temperature for the species.
Featured Image Credit: Huy Phan, Unsplash
