Best Small Aquarium Heaters of 2025

Janie Foster Avatar
Janie Foster
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Small aquarium heaters are a crucial component of any fish tank setup, providing a stable and comfortable environment for aquatic life. These heaters are designed to regulate the temperature of the water, ensuring that it stays within the optimal range for your fish and other aquatic creatures. They come in a range of sizes and styles, with options for both freshwater and saltwater tanks. Some models even include advanced features like digital temperature displays and automatic shut-off functions. Whether you're a seasoned aquarium owner or just starting out, a small aquarium heater is an essential tool for maintaining a healthy and thriving aquatic ecosystem.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W Cover #TOP 1
DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W
ftb score rating icon 9.8
PULACO Small Aquarium Betta Heater Cover #TOP 2
PULACO Small Aquarium Betta Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.7
AQUANEAT 25W Betta Fish Heater Cover #TOP 3
AQUANEAT 25W Betta Fish Heater
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Small Aquarium Heaters

DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W

DT-25A
Black
DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W Cover
DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W Small Fish Tank Heater 25 Watt with Free Thermometer Sticker

The DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater 25W is designed to create and maintain a perfect and comfortable water temperature for small fish tanks of 1 to 5 gallons. With precise and constant temperature, it keeps the temperature of the fish habitat in the best state at all times. It is the smallest 25W aquarium heater on the market, ensuring that it can fit perfectly in any small fish tank. Made of quartz glass material, this heater is explosion-proof and crack-proof, making it more sturdy and durable. It also comes with a one-year warranty and satisfaction guarantee.

What We Like
Precise and constant temperature
The smallest 25W aquarium heater on the market
Safe and durable with rubber sealing layer and quartz glass material
#TOP 2

PULACO Small Aquarium Betta Heater

25 Watt-Under 6 gallon
Black
PULACO Small Aquarium Betta Heater Cover
PULACO 25W Small Aquarium Submersible Betta Heater with Free Thermometer Strip, Under 6 Gallon Fish Tanks (Preset Temperature 78℉)

The PULACO Small Aquarium Betta Heater is a 25W heater that is perfect for small aquariums up to 6 gallons. It has a preset temperature of 78℉ and is very easy to install vertically or horizontally. Once plugged in, the heater automatically controls the temperature and keeps it constant at 78℉. It is important to fully submerge the heater in water and to use a water pump or filter to circulate the water while heating. The product comes with a 12-month warranty and 24-hour professional after-sales service.

What We Like
Quick and easy installation
Automatic temperature control at 78℉
Constant water temperature
Comes with a free thermometer strip
12-month warranty and 24-hour professional after-sales service
#TOP 3

AQUANEAT 25W Betta Fish Heater

AH-25
Black
AQUANEAT 25W Betta Fish Heater Cover
AQUANEAT Aquarium Heater, 25W Small Betta Fish Tank Heater, Mini Preset Water Thermostat with a Thermometer

The AQUANEAT Betta Heater is perfect for small aquariums ranging from 3 to 5.5 gallons. Its compact size of just 4.5 inches ensures it won’t take up much space or block your view of the tank. This heater comes preset to 78°F, an ideal temperature for Betta fish and other tropical species, making it easy to use—just plug it in and enjoy. You can easily monitor its operation with the indicator light that shows red when heating and green when at rest, allowing quick daily checks to keep your fish comfortable.

What We Like
Compact design
Preset temperature for convenience
Easy monitoring with indicator light
Includes thermometer strip
#TOP 4

DaToo 50W Mini Aquarium Heater

DaToo 50W Mini Aquarium Heater Cover
DaToo Small Aquarium Heater 50W Mini Fish Tank Heater 50 Watt Submersible with LED Temperature Display

The DaToo Mini Aquarium Heater is designed to keep your fish happy and healthy with its efficient heating capabilities. Its innovative three-point temperature control ensures precise and responsive adjustments, maintaining the ideal water temperature without the risk of overheating. The sturdy ABS shell and thicker quartz glass provide durability and safety, making it resistant to damage and able to effectively distribute heat throughout your tank. With a convenient real-time temperature display and easy external controls, you can quickly monitor and adjust the settings without disturbing your aquatic friends. This heater is perfect for freshwater and saltwater tanks ranging from 2 to 10 gallons.

What We Like
Accurate three-point temperature control
Durable and safe materials
Real-time temperature display
Easy external temperature adjustment

Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater

26447
Black
2-10 Gallon
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater With Electronic Thermostat, 50-Watt, 2-10 Gallon

The Tetra HT Submersible Aquarium Heater is an efficient device for maintaining the temperature of your aquarium. It comes with red and green indicator lights to keep you updated on the heating status and uses a built-in electronic thermostat to automatically maintain the water temperature at 78°F, which is ideal for most tropical fish. This heater is suitable for aquariums between 2 to 10 gallons, and its small footprint makes it easy to conceal behind plants or other décor. It is also fully submersible and can be installed vertically or horizontally. However, it is important to read all label information upon delivery and not to plug the heater into an electrical outlet until it is placed inside the aquarium.

What We Like
Easy to install and conceal behind plants or décor
Automatically maintains water temperature at 78°F, ideal for most tropical fish
Red and green indicator lights keep you updated on the heating status
Fully submersible and can be installed vertically or horizontally
Shuts off if an electrical short is detected for safety
#TOP 6

YOFOTHS Mini Aquarium Heater 10W

YOFOTHS Mini Aquarium Heater 10W Cover
YOFOTHS Adjustable Mini Aquarium Heater 0.5/1/2/3 Gallon Submersible Small Fish Tank Heater 10W/20W/30W Digital Display Thermostat External Temperature Controller (10W)

The YOFOTHS Mini Heater is an ideal choice for small fish tanks, measuring just 2.36 inches long. Its upgraded chip ensures accurate temperature sensing, helping to maintain the perfect environment for your aquatic pets. With its intelligent memory function, your preset temperature remains intact even after a power outage, providing peace of mind. Additionally, the overheating protection feature stops the heater if the water temperature exceeds 95°F, ensuring the safety of your fish. The external controller allows you to easily adjust settings without getting wet, making it convenient to use.

What We Like
Compact design
Accurate temperature control
Overheating safety feature
Easy external control
#TOP 7

Orlushy 25W Submersible Aquarium Heater

Orlushy 25W Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
Orlushy 25W Small Submersible Aquarium Heater, Constant Temperature Betta Fish Tank Heater of 78℉for 1-6 Gallons Freshwater & Saltwater Tanks

The Orlushy 25W Submersible Aquarium Heater is perfect for tanks between 1-6 gallons. Its compact size, durable materials, and easy-to-use features make it a great addition to your freshwater or saltwater tank. The automatic constant temperature heating system keeps your tank at a comfortable 78℉, and the stair shape heating technology saves energy and electricity. The ABS material outer shell and nickel-chromium heating wire provide safe and reliable operation, and the non-corrosive quartz glass ensures faster heating rates.

What We Like
Compact size perfect for 1-6 gallon tanks
Automatic constant temperature heating system saves energy
Durable materials ensure safe and reliable operation

YukiHalu Small Aquarium Heater

25W-5Gallon
YukiHalu Small Aquarium Heater Cover
YukiHalu Small Aquarium Heater 25/50/100/150W with Protective Cover, Mini Fish Tank Heater, External Controller, Temperature Adjustable, Digital Display, Used for 5/10/20/30 Gallons (25W-5Gallon)

The YukiHalu Mini Heater is a compact aquarium heater perfect for tanks up to 5 gallons. With precise temperature control from 64 to 93°F, it works in both saltwater and freshwater setups. The protective case ensures safety for your aquatic pets. Its thermostat maintains a steady temperature, reducing fluctuations to just 1°F. The external controller with a digital display makes it easy to adjust and read the temperature, with the added convenience of Fahrenheit or Celsius options. Plus, it has overheating and low-water protection for worry-free use.

What We Like
Compact Size
Precise Temperature Control
Easy Adjustment

YukiHalu Small Submersible Aquarium Heater

SC-06A025
Black
25 Watts
YukiHalu Small Submersible Aquarium Heater Cover
YukiHalu Small Submersible Aquarium Heater, Adjustable Mini Fish Tank Heater 25W 50W 100W 200W 300W with External Temperature Controller, LED Display, Used for 5/10/20/40/60 Gallons (25 Watts)

YukiHalu Small Submersible Aquarium Heater is a compact and adjustable mini fish tank heater with an external temperature controller and LED display. It is suitable for 1-5 gallons mini fish tanks and can accurately adjust temperatures from 64 to 93°F. The heater has advanced Intelligent Frequency Conversion Technology that automatically maintains a constant temperature with an accuracy of 1℉, and it has overheating and out-of-water protection. The external temperature controller allows temperature setting without getting hands wet, and the heater has a power-off memory function.

What We Like
Compact and adjustable for 1-5 gallons mini fish tanks
Advanced Intelligent Frequency Conversion Technology for 1℉ accuracy and 49% electricity bill reduction
Overheating and out-of-water protection for fish safety
#TOP 10

hygger Small Aquarium Heater

HG-031
Black
hygger Small Aquarium Heater Cover
hygger Small Aquarium Betta Heater, Submersible Fish Tank Heater 10W/25W/50W/100W with LED Digital Display, Suitable for Marine Saltwater and Freshwater up to 5/10/16/26 Gallon

The hygger Aquarium Heater offers excellent features for maintaining optimal temperatures in small fish tanks. With a temperature range of 59-93°F, this 10W heater is perfect for aquariums up to 5 gallons, ensuring your fish and turtles thrive. Constructed from durable quartz glass, it resists breakage and corrosion while protecting your aquatic pets from burns. The built-in protection against overheating and dry running provides peace of mind by stopping heat when temperatures rise too high or water levels drop. Its compact design takes up minimal space, making it ideal for nano tanks while delivering powerful performance.

What We Like
Compact size
Durable quartz construction
Overheating protection
Real-time temperature display
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does a small aquarium need a heater?

And, temperatures change much more quickly in a small tank than in a large one. Besides, tropical fish like betta need warm water to survive. It is for this reason that a heater is essential to your tiny tank, no matter how cramped it may be.

2. Does a 5 gallon aquarium need a heater?

If you've got a 5 gallon tank you don't need an overly expensive heater. They're only needed in bigger aquariums. In fact, some of them probably wouldn't even be able to fit in a 5 gallon tank, or would take up far too much space!

3. Does a 3 gallon tank need a heater?

Larger ones are used in larger tanks because they need to be more powerful to heat the extra water. A 3-gallon tank needs a small heater. A heater for this tank will be between 10-15 watts.

Editor's Notes

During our small aquarium heater research, we found 24 small aquarium heater products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 231,845 customer reviews through our big data system to write the small aquarium heaters list. We found that most customers choose small aquarium heaters with an average price of $16.51.

The small aquarium heaters are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of small aquarium heaters, including DaToo, PULACO, AQUANEAT, Tetra, YOFOTHS. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 599 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Janie Foster Avatar

Janie Foster is a writer & pet blogger from Los Angeles, she enjoys living with her two cats and three dogs. She owned her first dog 10 years ago and then started her personal blog to record her dog's daily life. Throughout her personal life, she has developed specialized knowledge in pet care, pet nutrition, feeding habits, and more.