Picking the right hedgehog wheel is absolutely essential if you have one as a pet.
A lot of people look at hedgehogs and think that they’re cute and snuggly, but they’re surprised when they find out how active they can be.
Hedgehogs can run miles on their wheels when they’re awake, and there’s no denying that they love it!
But how do you find the best hedgehog wheel? Which ones are silent? What size should you get? It can all be kind of confusing especially since they look pretty much the same on the surface.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together this buyer guide that lays out all the best hedgehog exercise wheel options that you can buy right now. We’ve done our research and constantly improve this list as new products come out.
Check them out below!
1. Silent Runner Hedgehog Exercise Wheel By Exotic Nutrition
This is a very popular hedgehog wheel that’s been promoted and talked about on a number of sites. While we think that it’s a really great option, it’s not perfect.
- The axle-free design eliminates a dangerous center bar
- Innovative dual ball-bearings create a whisper-silent spin
- Wheel completely disassembles for deep cleaning
- Comes with cage attachment so you can mount it wherever you want
One of the main benefits this wheel offers is the axle-free build. This greatly improves the level of safety for your hedgehog when they’re inside running. Snags and catches are almost entirely removed with a design like this.
It’s also a completely silent hedgehog exercise wheel too. It’s not 100% silent, but about as close as it gets! For the price you’re paying, it’s really impressive.
The one thing we’re not a huge fan of is the openings on the side. While many hedgehogs can navigate this, it’s not foolproof. Sometimes when a hedgehog wants to leave their wheel, they want to do it NOW! These little openings can be a little confusing and can sometimes result in a little tumble upon exit.
This also adds an extra step when it comes to cleaning. Reaching inside this to clean isn’t possible, so you have to break it apart in order to give it a thorough scrub. If you’re looking to maximize speed and convenience, this might bother you after a while.
Pros:
- Fantastic axle-free design
- Extremely quiet (almost completely silent)
- Reasonably priced
- Comes with a stand or cage mount
Cons:
- The side openings can backfire at times
- Cleaning takes a little bit longer than other wheels
2. The 15-Inch Silent Hedgehog Wheel By Quality Cage Crafters
The 15-inch Silent Hedgehog Wheel by Quality Cage Crafters is the Lamborghini of wheels. If you buy this wheel it will probably be the last one you ever need to buy!
- Ultra heavy duty and built to last a lifetime
- Safe open wheel design
- Reliably mounts to all wire cages
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
The build quality of this product is impressive, to say the least. It’s made of a combination of metal and wood which not only make it extremely durable but anti-chew as well. A lot of the plastic-heavy wheels out there can often get nibbled on by hedgies, but you don’t have to worry about that with this wheel.
The ball bearing that this rotates on is extremely well-made and makes this a completely silent hedgehog wheel. If you’re someone who is looking for the quietest wheel on the market, this is the choice for you.
Another great benefit of this wheel is the money-back guarantee that the company offers. If you don’t like this wheel they will replace or refund you no questions asked. For a wheel of this price, we think that’s very fair.
The wide surface area of this hedgehog wheel is another thing we really like too. It gives your hedgehogs room to run comfortably without the risk of falling out!
Pros:
- Best wheel in terms of build quality by far
- Completely silent
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Cons:
- Expensive
3. Flying Saucer Hedgehog Exercise Wheel By Ware
This flying saucer hedgehog wheel features a unique design that we absolutely love. With a TON of positive feedback online, it’s obvious that plenty of hedgehog owners do too!
- Totally toe and tail safe exercise wheel
- Solid running surface is great for small pets
- Unique saucer design
Instead of the traditional covered wheel design, this hedgehog wheel is more open. The big advantage of this is that it keeps the feet and tails of your hedgie safe from getting caught or pinched while they run.
It’s also very convenient to clean because the large surface area is easy to scrub. You should be cleaning your hedgehog exercise wheels often, so the time you safe from a design like this really goes a long way.
It’s also rather quiet as well. While we wouldn’t classify this as totally silent, it should be more than enough for most owners.
The dimensions of this wheel are 7 x 7 x 4.5 inches and it weighs less than 4 ounces. This makes it easy to maneuver and fit into pretty much any cage setup.
Pros:
- The unique design adds a different look than a traditional wheel
- The saucer layout is very safe and will protect the tail and feet of your hedgehog
- One of the best-reviewed hedgehog wheels online
Cons:
- Plastic call fall apart faster than other materials
4. Silent Spinner Hedgehog Wheel By Kaytee
The Silent Spinner Hedgehog Wheel by Kaytee is a very strong value buy that’s been on the market for quite some time. It has a significant amount of online feedback with a pretty strong rating, and we know a handful of owners who use this.
- Specially designed for quiet spinning
- Encourages healthy exercise
- 12″ Diameter
- Easy to grip running surface
While it’s called the “silent spinner” it’s not truly 100% silent. It’s very close, but not perfect. If you’re looking for the quietest wheel available this isn’t it.
The build quality of this wheel really stood out to us though. For such a low-priced product you often see concessions being made with the foundation and materials. That’s not the case with this wheel, and we think it will last you quite a while if you decide to pick one up.
The plastic running surface is safe and not super slippery (a common issue with plastic). This is a good option if you’re trying to reduce the chance of your hedgie getting snagged or caught in their wheel at night.
Pros:
- Very affordable wheel
- Great build quality for the price
- Reasonably safe
Cons:
- The running surface is a little on the small side
- Not truly silent
5. Metal Hedgehog Exercise Wheel By Ware
This metal hedgehog wheel by Ware is a reliable and solid option if you’re on a budget. It will do the job and stay intact for long enough to get your money’s worth.
- Sturdy Powder Coated Metal Design is Chew Proof
- Completely Safe for Your Pets Tail and Feet
- Promotes Exercise Leading to a Happy and Healthy Pet
- Measures 8-3/4″ Width X 5″ Depth X 9-3/4″ Height
Despite the fact that this is a metal caged design it’s actually pretty safe. The chance of your hedgehog snagging their tails or feet in this exercise wheel is very low, which isn’t common for metal wheels like this.
The dimensions of this product are 12.5 x 11 x 7 which is a reasonable footprint given the amount of space your hedgehog has to run. Available surface area is something that a lot of people overlook when they look for the best hedgehog wheels, but this one passes with flying colors.
One of our concerns is the stand it sits on. It’s a little on the flimsy side and could definitely be knocked over by your hedgehog if they happened to be playing or burrowing nearby. This isn’t a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of.
Pros:
- Affordable option
- Safe for a metal design
Cons:
- Not very tip-proof
- Metal cage designs still aren’t as safe as a solid surface area
- A little noisy
6. Comfort Wheel By Mojetto
The Comfort Wheel by Mojetto is a product we really like for any owners who are looking to keep expenses low. It features a nice plastic surface area that greatly reduces the possibility that your hedgehog will injure itself.
- Can be free standing or attached to wire cage
- Encourage healthy exercise
- Ridges on running surface prevent slipping
- Available in assorted colors
It’s also priced very nicely. It’s hard to get an exercise wheel that does the job for cheaper than this. It’s definitely not going to blow you away or anything, but it’s a solid and serviceable product for sure.
It can be attached via a stand but also mounted directly to a wire cage which gives you some great options for how you want to utilize it. This flexibility is an underrated feature that we definitely appreciate.
Mojetto offers a wide variety of different colors if you’re an owner who likes to decorate a little bit too.
The big trade-off with this wheel is the noise it makes. It’s far from silent so if you’re someone who wants to keep things quiet this might not be the choice for you.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Safe plastic surface
Cons:
- A little noisy
- Not a very wide space for your hedgehog to run
7. Hedgehog Exercise Running Wheel By Mcage
This wheel by Mcage is an underrated product in our opinion. It has a very neat design that can be mounted on a cage or via its own stand. It’s also a very affordable wheel option as well which can help keep the overall cost of hedgehog ownership low.
- Can be free standing or attached to wire cage
- Designed to create minimal noise
- Low chance of pets snagging feet or tails
The one thing we like about this wheel is the solid plastic space that your hedgehog can run on. It might be a little on the slippery side, but overall it’s well-made and safe.
The one thing to look at is the six open lines in the sidewall of this wheel. While it’s unlikely, this is a spot where the tail of your hedgie could potentially get caught. Again, the chances of this happening are low but it’s worth knowing if you’re aiming for a 100% safe wheel.
A great benefit of using this wheel is how quiet it is. While it’s not completely silent, it’s pretty darn close. If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t make a bunch of noise, this wheel by Mcage is a good choice.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Low-noise
- Reasonably safe
Cons:
- The running surface seems a little slippery
- Spaces in the sidewall could potentially catch a hedgies tail
8. Large Comfort Wheel By Kaytee
The Large Comfort Wheel by Kaytee has been around for quite a while in the hedgehog community. This wheel is a favorite of ours and is very affordable even for the largest size option.
- Can be free standing or attached to wire cage
- Durable plastic build
- Easy to clean running surface
- Easy to maintain and keep quiet
The stand that comes with it feels a little bit flimsy and isn’t quite as flip-proof as we would like. In general though, this hedgehog wheel is pretty safe. The running surface is solid and not slippery with very few ways that your hedgie could get their feet or tails caught in something.
The dimensions of this wheel are 12 x 14 x 2 and it weighs just under one and a half pounds. This is a bit heavier than a lot of other products which makes us more confident about the durability.
We found this wheel to be pretty quiet. Anyone not looking for a completely silent option will likely be fine with the very low amount of noise this wheel creates when being used.
Pros:
- Great value for the money
- Solid safety features
- Durable build
- Pretty quiet
Cons:
- Not as top-proof as we would like
- The running surface could be a little wider
9. Wodent Wheel By Suncoast Sugar Gliders
The Wodent Wheel by Suncoast Sugar Gliders is a very underrated hedgehog wheel in our opinion. It does a lot of things very well and doesn’t break the bank (plus we think it looks pretty cool).
- Built to minimizer noise as much as possible
- Durable build that will last a long time
- Made in the USA
The build quality of this wheel really stands out when you get your hands on it. It’s made of high-quality materials and just feels sturdy. This isn’t something you have to worry about falling apart on you in a year. You’ll likely have this for quite a while.
It’s also very quiet. We would have to say it’s almost entirely silent but this is something that you have to measure over time. As the months go on and the miles accumulate things tend to get a little noisier. It’s very impressive out of the box though!
We’re not a massive fan of the closed wheel design due to the potential for falls on exit but it seems that hedgehogs have no issue entering this wheel.
Pros:
- Fantastic value for the money
- Almost entirely silent
- Sturdy and well-made
Cons:
- Closed wheel design
- Not a great cage mounting system
10. Pet Comfort Treadmill Wheel By Love
This is a very popular hedgehog wheel that has a number of features we like. It’s also very affordable and won’t blow open your budget!
- Wide stand minimizes tipping possibility
- Running surface is safe and free of openings that can snag
- Non-slip running surface
For an affordable wheel, it’s actually pretty sturdy. The build quality isn’t on the same level as some of the more expensive wheels on our list, but it’s no slouch either. While the stand is a little thin the width of it makes up for it and provides a fair amount of tip-resistance.
Thre’s a decent amount of space for your hedgehog to run without being too close to the edge. The plastic running surface is very well made and doesn’t have any noticeable areas where they could potentially injure themselves.
It’s also very quiet. We wouldn’t give it the title of a silent hedgehog wheel, but unless you’re super picky or a light sleeper you shouldn’t have any trouble with it.
Pros:
- Solid build quality
- Wide base to reduce the chance of a tip
- Safe running space
Cons:
- The way the stand attaches to the wheel itself is a little flimsy
- A little extra depth in the running space would be nice
11. The Whisper Wheel By Bio-Bubble
If you’re looking for a unique hedgehog wheel that gets the job done then you might want to consider this option from Bio-Bubble. It’s not a perfect wheel and there are a few features we’re not huge fans of, but it’s definitely serviceable.
- Whisper quiet
- Provides necessary exercise for your pet
- Easily cleanable with warm water and mild detergent
- Solid and durable design that will last a long time
We would recommend this for owners who want to decorate and spruce up their cages a little bit. This wheel stands out among all the others because of the unique and glitzy style.
We do like the running space as well but it’s a little slippery. We would love to see some pads or indents that provide some more traction in the next version.
One of the really nice things about this wheel is that it’s super easy to clean. All you need to do is grab a cloth and wipe it down! No disassembly is necessary.
Pros:
- Unique look
- Decent running surface
Cons:
- Mount is a little weak
- Slightly slippery
- Noisier than a lot of the other options on this list
Our Favorite
Our choice for the best hedgehog wheel is a tie based on your budget.
If you want to go all-out and get the best of the best, get the 15-inch Silent Hedgehog Wheel by Quality Cage Crafters. There’s nothing this beast can’t do, and you’ll be very happy with it for years to come.
If you’re looking for a more affordable option that still gets the job done, we’d recommend the Silent Runner Hedgehog Exercise Wheel By Exotic Nutrition. It’s affordable, reliable, and quiet. What else do you need?
What To Look For In A Good Wheel
As you can probably tell from reading our reviews above, there are a number of things you should look for when shopping for a hedgehog wheel.
Safety
Safety is always the most important thing to look at. If it can cause injury to your hedgehog, it’s not worth getting.
A common issue with poorly-made exercise wheels is their likelihood to snag or catch part of the animal that’s running on them. This could be their feet, tail, hair, anything.
This happens due to poor design choices that leave openings that access hinges or axles. This is why most of the best hedgehog cages on our list are all closed off with minimal openings for your animal to get caught in.
Build Quality
Just like anything you buy, a hedgehog wheel should be sturdy and able to function for a while. Even the more budget-oriented options should give you at least a year of solid service!
This is something that’s a bit harder to guage when shopping online. That’s why we made a point to talk about the build quality for each of the wheels on our list above.
This can impact safety as well because something that has the potential break down can easily cause harm to your pet in the right (or wrong) circumstances.
Noise
This is a big factor that many owners consider when getting a new cage. The reason why it’s so important for hedgehog wheels, in particular, is due to the fact that hedgehogs are nocturnal.
This means that while you’re off trying to get some sleep, your hedgie will be busy! They are known to run quite a lot at night which means they will definitely be getting good use out of the wheel.
If your wheel is super loud, that might cause a problem for you. This depends on how deep a sleeper you are, and how far away your bed is from their cage. In general though, noise is something that most owners would prefer not to have to worry about.
That’s why you see so many people looking for silent hedgehog wheels. While most wheels aren’t truly “silent” most of the wheels on our list are pretty darn close!
Ease Of Cleaning
This is a little less important than the other decision factors in our opinion but we still think it’s something that should be explored. You’ll want to clean your hedgehog wheels regularly, and if it’s a pain to do then it’s going to get old fast.
A lot of the best hedgehog wheels have easy to access surfaces that can quickly be scrubbed down. This will save you time and allow you to go on about your business.
Take Your Pick!
Now that you’ve seen the complete list of the very best hedgehog wheels for sale right now, it’s time for you to pick one!
We honestly think that you’ll be happy with any of the products on our list, but some might be a better fit for you than others. Take a look at all the pros and cons and then go for it!
If you have any questions about specific products on the list or different wheels you’re considering we’re more than happy to chat. We want to make sure this resource is as up to date and helpful as possible!