For your convenience, we rounded up ten products we think will work for most hamsters. Some might fit certain needs more than others, so be sure to check out our reviews for positive and negative feedback—then, you can choose what’s right for your peppy cutie. 
A Glance at Our Winners in 2024
| Image | Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall
|
|
Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Run & Hide |
|
Check Price |
Best Value
|
|
TieLishor Hamster Wheel |
|
Check Price |
Premium Choice
|
|
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Small Animal Exercise Wheel |
|
Check Price |
|
Niteangel Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel |
|
Check Price | |
|
MEWOOFUN Hamster Wheel |
|
Check Price |
The 10 Best Hamster Wheels
1. Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Run & Hide
| Type: | Saucer |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Measurements: | 7.75 x 8 x 6 inches |
The Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Run & Hide is our best overall hamster wheel choice. It is the safest option we found, which is very well-made and multi-purpose. We all know how much our hamsters love hideouts—and this one has a little place to stow away right underneath! Double whammy!
The entire design is constructed to make the running silent. It’s incredibly annoying for some to hear a wheel going all night long in constant motion. This wheel is very peaceful, so you don’t have to worry about any household disruptions.
Spoon tracks tend to hurt your hamster’s feet. This isn’t one of them. This material is level and safe for your little guy to go full speed ahead with no stopping. You can use this for various hamster sizes, whether you have a small dwarf hamster or a large teddy bear hamster.
It checks all of the boxes, including being crafted from 100% pet-safe materials. Your little guy or gal can explore the space and get lots of exercise without leaving the enclosure.
2. TieLishor Hamster Wheel – Best Value
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Measurements: | 7 inches |
The TieLishor Hamster Wheel is an excellent option for hamsters, coming in two charming gender-specific colors: blue or pink. We recommend this particular option for smaller hamster breeds and consider it the best hamster wheel for the money.
This particular brand has updated its design to ensure silent running. It has new enclosed bearings for a quieter experience. You can adjust the height as needed to match the needs of your particular hamster.
In addition to having a spiffy new running wheel, your hamster will also get a ball additionally. Then your hamster can have fun running in and out of the enclosure while still being safe.
Our only complaint is that the design has to be completely flat and away from any walls of the cage to be completely silent. If you have it set up properly, it is a very quiet design that will help you sleep more at night.
3. Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Small Animal Exercise Wheel – Premium Choice
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Measurements: | 10 x 9 x 3.375 inches |
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Small Animal Exercise Wheel might be one of the most expensive options, but it is certainly one of the best. This exercise wheel is an upright addition with the sole purpose of silence—no more constant clanking from the cage.
The internal components contain a dual ball bearing design that allows the wheel to rotate without making any annoying noises. It has a textured surface inside the wheel to create traction for your hamsters’ tiny paws.
The design lacks a center axle and attempts to reduce risks of entanglement or injury. It comes in three different sizes so that you can purchase it according to your hamster’s overall size and needs. There are also four colors and three sizes on the website.
Even though it is quietly constructed as advertised, it could be made from more quality materials. The plastic is a bit flimsy, so we’re not sure how long the life of this product actually is. Consider that when purchasing this item.
4. Niteangel Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Acrylic |
| Measurements: | 10 x 5 x 5 inches |
If you have a tiny hamster breed, or juvenile hamster, we recommend the Niteangel Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel. It is a clear, quiet exercise piece that is both efficient and attractive. It is designed to match the needs of smaller hamster breeds along with other similar-sized rodents.
This particular design stands on its own, coming with a wide base that fits snugly onto the floor of the enclosure. The wheel is made of clear acrylic, so it won’t be an eyesore in any cage. It blends right in with the environment without the use of bright colors and dyes.
This particular wheel has an adjustable height, so you can put it where your hamster feels most comfortable. It comes in two sizes, depending on the size of your hamster. We love that it is so easy to clean. You simply wipe it down to keep it looking fresh.
The only thing we could find that we would want to mention is that the material can scratch and crack quite easily. With normal use, this shouldn’t be a problem. But it might not be long-lasting if there are any drops or heavy handling.
5. MEWOOFUN Hamster Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Wood, acrylic |
| Measurements: | 8.7 inches |
The MEWOOFUN Hamster Wheel is an adorable addition to any cage space. This freestanding wheel is very attractive, with acrylic material for the wheel itself and a wooden base. The background creates a cute little flower for some springy vibes and visual fun.
This particular wheel is recommended for dwarf and Syrian hamsters. It has a flat runway design with raised groove flooring that mimics ground running for a more natural feel.
It is a freestanding design that is completely adjustable. You can match the needs of your hamster. The base has a grip so your hamster won’t slip. We can’t speak for our hamster, but they seem to like it just fine.
Assembly is a little tricky here. It took some time to get it set up correctly. However, eventually, everything came together just fine. It is a bit heavier than some similar products, so if you worry about tipping, you might need to reinforce it.
6. Antiai Hamster Exercise Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Plastic, wood |
| Measurements: | 9 x 9 x 6 inches |
Your hamster would enjoy the Antiai Hamster Exercise Wheel. It is an attractive design that definitely gives your hamster something to do – and more!
Not only does it come with a sturdy wheel that your hamster can go ham on, it also comes with accessories as well. In addition to a wooden and plastic wheel, you get a seesaw, squared molar block, bell roller, and apple tree branches. So it’s certainly worth the buy.
The wheel has dual ball bearings in place to ensure a silent glide. Because it is a gentle slope running wheel, it can buffer or slow down depending on your hamster’s needs. It has a seamless track, so you won’t have to worry about your little one tripping up.
You can also adjust the base to accommodate the height of your hamster. Ultimately, we think this is an excellent little entertainment set that will keep your little guy busy for hours—and you certainly get your money’s worth.
7. Niteangel Wooden Hamster Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Wood |
| Measurements: | 10.2 x 5.5 x 11 inches |
We enjoyed the Niteangel Wooden Hamster Wheel. It is made of all-natural materials and looks pretty spiffy in the cage, too. We think you’ll enjoy the aesthetics and functionality of this product.
The wheel is designed to create a back-friendly experience, not putting strain on the spine. We tried out the medium size, but it also comes in small and large, depending on your needs. Make sure to check out each measurement to purchase correctly for your hamster breed.
It runs smoothly with very little noise, thanks to the dual bearings that keep the wheel in place. The base is non-tipping, so your hamster can run freely without you worrying about them knocking it over.
This particular wheel is made of both poplar and oak wood which are both very hard wooden options. The company markets this product as being gnaw-resistant. However, the wood material is harder to thoroughly clean.
8. Petest Hamster Exercise Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Measurements: | 8.3 inches |
The Petest Hamster Exercise Wheel is an honorable mention. It has a very straightforward assembly with a 2-inch adjustable height to get the right fit for your hamster.
You can select between three colors: blue, green, or purple. The wheel sits on a wide plastic base that is completely flat to the ground to prevent entrapment or tipping. This particular wheel can stay free standing, or you can attach it to the enclosure.
The only thing we found that was questionable is that it has a slight wobble to it. This wobbling stops when you attach it directly to the enclosure. However, it still stays relatively silent, although it makes some slight noise.
Ultimately, it’s a setup that will certainly give your hamster lots of in-home entertainment. However, we do question the longevity of the product over an extended period of time.
9. PETSTAY Hamster Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Plastic |
| Measurements: | 10.2 inches |
The PETSTAY Hamster Wheel is a suitable addition to your hamster enclosure. It has a basic upright design that is efficient for the job.
It has a novel ball bearing for silent rotation, so you don’t have to listen to the clanging of little feet. It is completely adjustable up to 3 inches so you can create the ideal height. There is a gentle bump at 1-inch intervals to make running a more effortless experience. That’s very slight and not a cause for any tripping.
Both the assembly and setup are pretty simple with this particular hamster wheel. It is made of an acrylic material that cleans up easily. The acrylic is also too resistant to prevent destructiveness.
However, it did make more noise than some of the other options we reviewed. It is also a slightly flimsier material.
10. Prevue Pet Products Wire Mesh Hamster Wheel
| Type: | Upright |
| Materials: | Metal, wire |
| Measurements: | 8 inches |
The Prevue Pet Products Wire Mesh Hamster Wheel is a classic addition to the list that may remind you of wheels from years ago. However, it isn’t the most silent option. The design still stands, creating a sturdy freestanding design.
It is built of a wire mesh that prevents tail tangling. There is no place for your hamster to get wedged or caught. However, the wire mesh might be more challenging on the feet than similar products.
This particular design is available in four assorted colors, but you can’t choose which one you get. It’s the luck of the draw. This is a basic hamster wheel that promotes exercise with no fancy bells or whistles.
If you’re looking for a basic hamster wheel that does the trick, this is definitely one you should consider. However, remember that if you’re looking for a silent wheel that doesn’t make any noise, this is not the option you want to go with.
Buyer’s Guide: Buying the Best Hamster Wheels
Buying a hamster wheel might seem like a mindless task. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Hamster wheels can be very dangerous if they are poorly constructed. They are also sometimes a pretty hefty investment, and you’ll want to be sure it works as it’s intended to.
There can be a lot of misconceptions about the best products for smaller pets. That is why you have to be careful when purchasing items for your hamsters, even if marketed products are geared towards a certain species.
Safety of Hamster Wheels
Hamster wheels can be very dangerous. Our little hamsters are very tender creatures that can get hurt very easily. It’s crucial that we’re only purchasing completely safe items.
This can be extremely complicated since so many items are marketed towards small pets, like hamsters, when it’s really not a smart product for the species. That is why it is crucial to do your research and read many reviews!
If a customer has had a bad experience with the product, they are almost always likely to leave feedback, so you can use better judgment when you’re purchasing yourself. Several things can make a wheel dangerous for hamsters.
For example, your hamster can get tangled, trapped, or tipped over on a design that isn’t built correctly. Sometimes this might result in a simple fix, but other times it can be downright dangerous and even cause unnecessary death.
Materials
Most hamster wheels are made out of some type of plastic. However, they can also have acrylic or wooden construction. Material is important when it comes to the longevity of the product. It’s also important to read reviews to see how they describe the material upon arrival.
A specific item might look well constructed, but once you get it, it might be less than sturdy or even unsafe for your hamster. To avoid returns, or spending time on the phone with customer service, read all you can about the materials beforehand.
Design
The design really matters. A poorly constructed hamster wheel can result in something as simple as a lack of proper performance or something as serious as injury.
Saucer
These days, saucers are the ideal construction for hamster wheels. That is because it allows your hamster to run freely on the wheel without being enclosed to prevent the risk of getting caught up in any spokes or mechanisms.
That isn’t to say that all saucer hamster wheels are mechanically sound. Some of them have poor construction that breaks or isn’t as durable.
Upright Wheel
Upright wheels are the classic hamster wheel. While there are plenty of designs that are definitely sufficient for the job, there have been a lot of hazardous designs that have really hurt hamsters in the past.
Some attach directly to the cage while others stand on their own. Many of these designs are produced to stay silent. After all, it isn’t very pleasant to hear your hamster’s wheel running at 3:00 AM on the work night.
Grip
Your hamster’s feet are pretty good at gripping on their own. However, some wheels have a grippy surface on the wheel itself to help your hamster pick up momentum. Depending on the specific material, this aspect is only sometimes necessary, but it is helpful in certain circumstances.
A particular wheel made of wire mesh or a harsh material can cause medical conditions like bumblefoot. So always be careful about the material you choose and consider the frequency your tiny hamster tends to use the wheel.
Ease of Cleaning
Your hamster’s wheel is going to get downright messy, period. They’re going to do their business in and around it, and that’s entirely to be expected. We recommend getting a hamster wheel that is relatively easy to clean.
Certain materials are harder to clean than others. For example, wood is a porous material that will be harder to remove urine and feces from. However, solid material like plastic or acrylic will be easier to wipe down.
In addition to the material, assembly is important here. You won’t want a complicated wheel that is hard to take apart and assemble.
Conclusion
Oxbow Animal Health Enriched Life Run & Hide remains our favorite of all the awesome products we tried. We love the open concept with the hideout underneath. It provides a multi-purpose option that is worth the money.
If you’re looking for the biggest bang for your buck, we recommend the TieLishor Hamster Wheel. We think it’s an excellent product for the price. However, we recommend this wheel for smaller hamsters, so buy at your own discretion.
Exotic Nutrition Silent Runner Small Animal Exercise Wheel might be a tad more expensive than some other selections, but it’s still a terrific price considering its functionality.
Ultimately, we hope our reviews lead you to a fantastic product you can purchase today!
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Featured Image Credit: Johannes Menge, Shutterstock
