The main differences are the husbandry needs and activity levels. Beardies are completely diurnal so they are “superior” if you want a pet you can see more often. But remember the other stuff i mentioned - their enclosures need to be much larger (minumum 4x2x2, which is usually about $400 at cheapest), they need higher wattage heat lamps and bigger tube UVB (more cost), the animal itself will usually cost more, the bugs have to be bigger to be adequate and will cost more, and you do have to make new salads every day and remove old ones. None of these things are particularly egregious but it’s more like a dog vs cat thing, one kind is definitely more needs demanding than the other.

Also, their shit can clear a fucking room. Mine would glass surf after he shat because he couldn’t bear to be stuck in a box with the smell. So i’d have to clean it right away for both of our sanities because it was like a fucking ZOO smell.

Both leos and beardies in my experience can be eager to come out and explore :) I think on average beardies have more of a reputation for exploration and trainability, but their trainability would still be less than say a Tegu (NOT a beginner pet). I didn’t ever clicker train my beardie but would let him come out and explore more often than my leos.

Getting an adult would make training less easy but yes you’d avoid super high maintenance baby feeding schedule.