The Best Hamster Wheels for All Sizes

Key Points

• The #1 Best Overall hamster wheel is the Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel.
• You should always ensure than the hamster wheel is at least eight inches in diameter. However, larger species such as Syrian hamsters should have a wheel with a diameter of at least 11 inches.
• The hamster wheel should have a sturdy design with a sturdy base to prevent it from tipping over. However, some designs are able to be attached to the bars of the cage. You should choose the most appropriate design for your hamster’s cage.

Hamster wheels are one of the most important essential items that should be added to a hamster’s cage. Wheels are a form of exercise for hamsters to keep them stimulated, and busy, and release energy. When setting up your hamster’s cage, it is important to make sure the wheel will be able to fit into the cage and be the right size so that your hamster’s back does not arch, which can cause discomfort and spinal issues.

Not every hamster wheel is created equal and there are so many different types, sizes, and brands to choose from. You want to ensure that the wheel you pick for your hamster has a suitable surface for them to run on and that it is large enough according to the size of your hamster’s species. A hamster wheel should be large enough that your hamster’s back does not arch or curve underneath the running axel.

If you are having difficulty choosing the right wheel for your hamster regardless of its size or if you want to replace an unsuitable wheel that you have already purchased for your hamster only to find that it is the wrong size and type, then this article will be beneficial for you!

A-Z Animals Top Picks for Hamster Wheels

#1 Best Overall: Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel

The Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel is the best overall hamster wheel we have reviewed in this article.

This wheel comes in three different sizes, such as an which makes it suitable for all types of hamster. The Niteangel wheel comes in a variety of colors from brown, pink, red, transparent, and blue which gives you plenty of options to choose from when it comes to choosing a color to match your hamster’s cage theme.

This wheel is adjustable and can either be placed with a stand in an enclosure that does not have bars, or it can be placed in a barred cage with the clip attached to the back. This wheel may be on the pricier side; however, the quality of this wheel is definitely worth it. It is made with dual ball bearings which makes it extremely quiet when your hamster runs on it, which is desirable if the sound of your hamster’s wheel keeps you up at night. The surface is made of strong acrylic that makes it easy to clean and wipe down if you have a hamster that urinates on the wheel.

Pros and Cons of the Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel

Best Overall

Niteangel Super-Silent Hamster Exercise Wheel

• Comes in a variety of colors and sizes
• Wheel is adjustable
• Extremely quiet when used
• Easy to clean

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2. Best on a Budget: Kaytee Comfort Small Animal Exercise Wheel

A good quality hamster wheel doesn’t need to cost the earth, which is why we recommend the Kaytee Comfort Small Animal Exercise Wheel as the most affordable option.

The wheel is a classic favorite amongst hamster owners for its affordability and quality. It has been specially designed to be quite silent when a hamster runs on it, but the wheel does start to get squeaky after it has been run on over time by hamsters, but the sound can easily be fixed by oiling the turning axel with a natural lubricant like coconut oil.

This wheel can either be left free-standing by the metal stand that is included, or it can be connected to the bars of a hamster cage. The color of this wheel can vary from purple, blue, and green, and sizing options include 8.5-inch, 12-inch, and 5.5-inch. However, the 5.5-inch is too small for hamsters so the 8.5- or 12-inch size option is recommended. This wheel is made of thick plastic and has ridges for your hamster to grip its feet on with a solid running surface.

Pros and Cons of the Kaytee Comfort Small Animal Exercise Wheel

Best on a Budget

Kaytee Comfort Small Animal Exercise Wheel

• High-quality wheel
• Designed to be quite silent
• Free-standing or connected to the cage
• Made of thick plastic

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3. Best for Size: Wodent Wheel Senior & Tail Shield Running Wheel

When it comes to a hamster wheel with the best size look no further than the Wodent Wheel Senior and Tail Shield Running Wheel.

The Wodent wheel looks slightly different than your average hamster wheel because it has an enclosed running surface with entrance holes. This makes it a good option for shy hamsters who want some privacy when running. The only downside to the design is that it is not the best option for hamsters who urinate on their wheel because you will have difficulty cleaning the wheel.

It comes with a sturdy metal stand and is made of thick plastic which makes it durable. The wheel’s diameter is 11 inches, which makes it suitable for all species of hamsters regardless of their size. The Wodent wheel is relatively silent and is the perfect size for small Syrian and dwarf hamsters. You may also like this design for Robovorski hamsters who have a reputation for running so fast that they fling themselves off this wheel, as the plastic covering helps prevent potential injuries.

Pros and Cons of the Wodent Wheel Senior & Tail Shield Running Wheel

Best for Size

Wodent Wheel Senior & Tail Shield Running Wheel for Small Pets

• Enclosed running surface
• Comes with a sturdy metal stand
• Made from durable plastic
• Relatively silent

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4. Best for Syrian Hamsters: Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

The Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel is the perfect wheel for Syrian hamsters.

Syrian hamsters are one of the largest species of domesticated hamsters which means that they need a large wheel to accommodate their size. This wheel has a 12-inch diameter (30.5 cm) and has a smooth, flat running surface that is comfortable on your hamsters’ feet. This hamster wheel’s large size makes it suitable for Syrian hamsters because it is large enough to allow them to run comfortably without their back arching. Although this wheel is slightly pricey, it is definitely worth the purchase because this is a durable wheel that is relatively silent and can easily be cleaned. The wheel includes a sturdy metal stand and the wheel itself is made from thick, durable plastic.

Pros and Cons of the Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

Best for Syrian Hamsters

Kaytee Silent Spinner Small Animal Exercise Wheel

• Good for large hamsters
• Smooth, flat running surface
• Very durable
• Can be cleaned easily

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5. Best for Dwarf Hamsters: Niteangel Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel

As the best option for dwarf hamsters we recommend the Niteangel Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel.

The Niteangel quiet hamster exercise wheel is best suited for dwarf hamsters because it has an eight-inch diameter. This allows small dwarf hamsters like Winter Whites and Campbell dwarfs (or hybrids) to run comfortably without their backs arching.

This wheel is very quiet and has double ball bearings to ensure that the wheel turns smoothly which makes it easy for small species of hamsters to run on without exerting too much energy to get the wheel spinning. The smooth-running surface has a soft cork pad to be gentle on your hamsters’ feet. The thickened base of this wheel helps keep the wheel stable if you are using it with the stand, but it can also be adjusted to be placed in a barred hamster’s cage by removing the adjustable base.

This wheel also has a plastic covering on the front with three entrance holes, which gives your dwarf hamster some privacy when running on the wheel and helps prevent them from being flung off the wheel if they run too fast.

The only drawback to this product is that the cork pad can be difficult to clean if the hamster urinates on it.

Pros and Cons of the Niteangel Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel

Best for Dwarf Hamsters

Niteangel Quiet Hamster Exercise Wheel

• Wheel is very quiet
• Soft cork pad is gentle on hamsters’ feet
• Comes with an adjustable base
• Features a plastic covering on the front

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6. Best Flying Saucer Wheel: Ware Flying Saucer Small Animal Exercise Wheel

For a unique way to exercise your pet check out the Ware Flying Saucer Small Animal Exercise Wheel which is the best flying saucer wheel.

This is a large flying saucer hamster wheel (also known as a hamster running disk). These types of wheels may not be the most space-saving design, however, they can be placed in large hamster enclosures. This type of hamster wheel looks like a standard hamster wheel laid on its back for a low running surface. This is a 12-inch (30.5 cm) flat wheel which makes it suitable for all species of hamster. It is made of thick plastic and comes in a variety of different colors. It is silent and makes a great solid running surface for hamsters who prefer to run on a flat wheel design.

Pros and Cons of the Ware Flying Saucer Small Animal Exercise Wheel

Best Flying Saucer Wheel

Ware Flying Saucer Small Animal Exercise Wheel

• A flat wheel
• Suitable for all hamsters
• Made of thick plastic
• Great solid running surface

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Choosing the Best: What to Look For

When choosing the best wheel for your hamster there are three factors you need to consider which include the size, material, and safety. Here is how to consider the best wheel for your hamster according to each of these factors:

Size

The size of the wheel is important and will depend on the species of hamster you are purchasing the wheel for. When it comes to choosing a wheel for smaller species of hamsters like dwarf and Robovorski hamsters, then a wheel between eight to 11 inches is suitable. Whereas Syrians being the largest domesticated hamster will need a wheel between 10 to 12 inches in size. Your hamster’s back should not arch when they run on the wheel because of the risk of spinal discomfort and injuries.

Material

Most hamster wheels are made of plastic, acrylic, or wood. It is best to stay away from hamster wheels that do not have a smooth, flat running surface because they can harm your hamsters’ feet and cause discomfort. Wooden wheels are a good option for hamsters that do not chew or urinate on the wheel, whereas plastic and acrylic wheels are easier to clean and more difficult for hamsters to chew on.

Safety

Safety is important when it comes to choosing a hamster wheel. Barred and mesh hamster wheels are considered to be unsuitable because your hamster may have trouble running on the wheel and the continuous injuries to their feet can put them at risk of developing bumblefoot. Some wheels may also have sharp edges, axels that stick out, and unstable bases. You want to look for a hamster wheel that has no spinning axel sticking out as it can put pressure on your hamster’s back when they are running. The wheel should either be securely attached to the bars of a cage or on a stand that will not tip over and put your hamster at risk of being trapped under the wheel.

The Different Types of Hamster Wheels: Pros and Cons Compared

• Solid hamster wheels: These are the safest and most common hamster wheels that come in a variety of different colors and sizes with a flat running surface.
• Mesh hamster wheels: Usually made of metal and are heavy but can be affordable.
• Barred hamster wheels: Made from metal and do not have a continuous running surface.
• Flying saucer/disk hamster wheels: Disk-shaped hamster wheel with a flat, continuous surface.
• Wooden Hamster Wheel: Made entirely from wood and ideal for natural-themed hamster enclosures.