If you’re choosing between an Ackie Monitor and a Bearded Dragon, you’re not alone — both are popular among beginner to intermediate reptile keepers. While they share some similarities, these two lizards offer very different experiences in terms of care, behavior, and long-term commitment.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences to help you decide which reptile fits your lifestyle and goals.
🐉 Size and Appearance
| Species | Adult Size | Appearance |
|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 18–24 inches (45–60cm) | Broad body, spiny beard, calm eyes |
| Ackie Monitor | 16–28 inches (40–70cm) | Slender, long tail with spiny tip, sleek look |
Verdict: Similar size overall, but Ackies are more active and agile due to their build.
🏡 Enclosure Size and Setup
- Bearded Dragon: 4x2x2 ft (120x60x60 cm) enclosure for adults
- Ackie Monitor: Minimum 6x3x3 ft (180x90x90 cm), deeper substrate for digging
Verdict: Ackies need more space and deeper substrate, which can increase costs and maintenance.
🌡️ Heating and Lighting Needs
| Species | Basking Temp | UVB | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bearded Dragon | 95–105°F (35–40°C) | Moderate UVB | 30–40% |
| Ackie Monitor | 115–130°F (46–54°C) | High-output UVB | 40–60% with humid hide |
Verdict: Ackies require hotter basking temps and stronger UVB. Beardies are easier for beginners to set up.
🍽️ Diet and Feeding
- Bearded Dragon: Omnivore — insects + leafy greens, squash, fruits
- Ackie Monitor: Insectivore — mostly live insects (roaches, crickets, worms)
Verdict: Bearded dragons may be easier for plant-based additions, while Ackies have a more insect-heavy diet.
🧠 Behavior and Personality
- Bearded Dragon: Calm, laid-back, often enjoys being handled
- Ackie Monitor: Inquisitive, fast, alert, may tolerate short handling sessions
Verdict: Bearded dragons are easier to tame, but Ackies can be more entertaining to observe due to their activity.
🛠️ Cost and Maintenance
| Aspect | Bearded Dragon | Ackie Monitor |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Setup | $200–$400 | $400–$800+ |
| Food Cost | Moderate (greens + insects) | Higher (live insects only) |
| Daily Maintenance | Moderate | Higher (humidity, deep substrate) |
Verdict: Bearded dragons are more budget-friendly and require less intense maintenance.
✅ Summary: Which Should You Choose?
| Preference | Better Choice |
|---|---|
| Calm, handleable pet | Bearded Dragon |
| Active, intelligent reptile | Ackie Monitor |
| Smaller budget, simpler setup | Bearded Dragon |
| Long-term reptile project | Ackie Monitor |
🧠 Final Thoughts
Both Ackie Monitors and Bearded Dragons make excellent pets — but for different types of keepers. If you want a relaxed, social lizard that doesn’t mind sitting on your shoulder, the Bearded Dragon wins. If you enjoy creating elaborate enclosures and watching intelligent, active behavior, the Ackie Monitor might be the better fit.
Choose the species that best fits your lifestyle, space, and interest — and you’ll be rewarded with a deeply satisfying reptile-keeping experience.