Frilled Dragons and Bearded Dragons are two of the most popular pet lizards—both have unique looks and engaging personalities. But they differ greatly in care, temperament, and suitability for beginners. In this comparison guide, we’ll help you decide which lizard is best for you based on lifestyle, space, and experience.
🦎 1. Appearance and Size
| Feature | Frilled Dragon | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Average Length | 2–3 feet (with tail) | 18–24 inches |
| Notable Trait | Large frill around neck | Spiny “beard” that puffs up |
| Colors | Gray, brown, olive | Tan, yellow, orange, red |
Frilled Dragons look more “prehistoric” and dramatic, especially when they flare their frill. Beardies are chunkier and come in many colorful morphs.
🧠 2. Temperament and Handling
| Trait | Frilled Dragon | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Temperament | Skittish, can be shy | Docile, easy to tame |
| Handling | Needs time to trust | Great for handling, even by kids |
| Activity | Arboreal, more active climber | Ground-dwelling, mellow explorer |
Bearded Dragons are typically more people-friendly. Frilled Dragons may take longer to acclimate and can stress easily with excessive handling.
🏝️ 3. Habitat and Space Needs
| Feature | Frilled Dragon | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Tank Size (Adult) | 4x2x4 ft (tall enclosure) | 4x2x2 ft (long enclosure) |
| Habitat Style | Vertical (climbing branches, vines) | Horizontal (rocks, basking ledges) |
| Heating & UVB | High basking heat + UVB essential | High basking heat + UVB essential |
Frilled Dragons require more vertical space and humidity. Beardies are more forgiving and thrive in desert-style, drier setups.
🥩 4. Diet and Feeding Habits
| Diet Aspect | Frilled Dragon | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Main Diet | Insectivorous (crickets, roaches) | Omnivorous (insects + greens) |
| Feeding Frequency | Daily insects, occasional fruit | Insects 3–5x/week + daily veggies |
| Supplements Needed | Calcium + D3, multivitamins | Calcium + D3, multivitamins |
Beardies are easier to feed due to their love of greens and variety. Frilled Dragons can be picky and need more live feeders.
🧼 5. Overall Care Difficulty
| Factor | Frilled Dragon | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner Friendly | ❌ Moderate/Experienced keepers | ✅ Ideal for beginners |
| Humidity Management | Moderate humidity (50–70%) | Low humidity (30–40%) |
| Vet Availability | Less common knowledge | Well-known among exotic vets |
If you’re new to reptiles, the Bearded Dragon is a safer bet. Frilled Dragons are rewarding, but best kept by owners with prior experience.
🏁 Final Verdict
| Scenario | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| First-time reptile owner | Bearded Dragon |
| Looking for a dramatic, exotic look | Frilled Dragon |
| Small living space | Bearded Dragon |
| Comfortable with humidity & vertical tank | Frilled Dragon |
Both are amazing reptiles—Frilled Dragons are exotic showstoppers, while Bearded Dragons are lovable companions.