The MidWest iCrate Double Door is the best dog crate for most homes, the Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Crate is the best budget pick, and the Petmate Sky Kennel is the best choice for travel. The best dog crates give your dog room to stand, turn around, and lie down, and they stay secure when you leave the room. A crate that is too big, too flimsy, or hard to clean often ends up unused, so our picks cover puppies, large breeds, road trips, and tight budgets.
We compared maker size charts, safety features, materials, and owner feedback on Amazon to build this list. Each pick has a clear best use and an honest drawback. You will also find a simple dog crate size guide and a short types of dog crates comparison, so you can buy the right one the first time.
Dog Crate Comparison Table
| Product Name | Best For | Key Feature | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate, 36 Inch | Most homes, medium to large dogs | Two doors, divider panel, leak proof pan | Check Price |
| Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Double Door, 36 Inch | Budget buyers and first time owners | Double door with divider and removable tray | Check Price |
| MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate, 42 Inch | Large and tall dogs | Roomy size with Paw Block latch security | Check Price |
| Petmate Sky Kennel, 28 Inch | Car and air travel | Hard shell with wire doors and 360 degree airflow | Check Price |
| Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate | Calm dogs, hotels, and short trips | Lightweight fabric with mesh panels | Check Price |
Best Dog Crates Reviewed
MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate, 36 Inch
The MidWest iCrate 36 Inch is a folding wire crate made for medium to large dogs, roughly 41 to 70 pounds. It has two doors, a divider panel, and a plastic pan that slides out for quick cleanup. Setup takes seconds with no tools, and it folds flat for storage or car trips. Rounded corner clips and a Paw Block on the latch add safety for curious paws.
★ Why We Picked ItA trusted brand with a tool free setup and a divider that grows with your puppy.
Pros
- Divider panel, two doors, easy cleaning, and folds flat.
Cons
- Heavy for its size, and strong chewers or escape artists may need a tougher crate.
Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Tray, Double Door, 36 Inch
The Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate measures 36 by 23 by 25 inches and suits medium dogs. It has two doors, a divider, and a removable tray that makes cleaning simple. The slide bolt latches keep doors closed, and the crate folds flat when you are done. It is a low cost way to start crate training.
★ Why We Picked ItIt gives you the core features of pricier crates at a friendlier price.
Pros
- Double door, divider panel, removable tray, and easy to store.
Cons
- The wire feels lighter than premium crates, so heavy chewers should look elsewhere.
MidWest iCrate Double Door Dog Crate, 42 Inch
The MidWest iCrate 42 Inch is sized for large breeds, about 70 to 90 pounds, with enough height for a tall dog to stand and turn. It keeps the same two door layout, divider, and leak proof pan as the smaller sizes. Folding it flat helps, because this size takes up a lot of floor space. Pair it with one of the best dog beds for large dogs to keep joints comfortable.
★ Why We Picked ItRoomy interior and the same trusted latch design as the smaller iCrate.
Pros
- Space for big dogs, two doors, divider included, and folds flat.
Cons
- Bulky and heavy to move, and it needs plenty of floor space.
Petmate Sky Kennel, 28 Inch
The Petmate Sky Kennel is a hard plastic travel crate with wire doors and vents on all sides. The 28 inch size fits dogs around 20 to 30 pounds. It meets most airline cargo requirements, but rules differ, so check with your airline first. Small dogs may fly in the cabin, so compare it with an airline approved dog carrier too.
★ Why We Picked ItA travel ready shell that also works as a calm, cozy den at home.
Pros
- Strong shell, good airflow, and travel stickers and a clip on bowl are included.
Cons
- A determined chewer can scratch through the plastic, and it holds more heat than wire.
Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate
The Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate has a fabric body with zip doors, built for calm dogs on the go. It is light, folds small, and works for hotel stays and visits. Mesh panels let air flow while your dog can still see out. Dogs that chew should stay in a metal crate with a chew proof dog bed for downtime instead.
★ Why We Picked ItLight and easy to carry, ideal for short trips with a relaxed dog.
Pros
- Very light, folds small, and easy to store.
Cons
- Not safe for chewers, diggers, or anxious dogs, and seams are harder to clean.
What size dog crate does your dog need?
Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with only a little extra space. A crate that is too large can make house training harder.
- Measure your dog from nose to the base of the tail, and measure standing height.
- MidWest sizing is a handy guide: 24 inch for 12 to 20 pounds, 30 inch for 26 to 40 pounds, 36 inch for 41 to 70 pounds, 42 inch for 70 to 90 pounds, and 48 inch for 90 to 110 pounds.
- Other brands vary a little, so always check the size chart on the listing.
- Buying for a puppy? Choose the adult size and use the divider panel. Our list of things you need for a dog covers bowls, pads, and other crate extras.
What are the types of dog crates and how do they compare?
The main types are wire, plastic, soft, and furniture style crates, and wire crates suit most homes. Here is how they compare in daily use.
- Wire crates: Best airflow and visibility, fold flat, and easy to clean. Best for home training.
- Plastic crates: Cozy and enclosed, and better for car and air travel. Airflow is lower than wire.
- Soft crates: Lightest and easiest to carry, but only for calm dogs that do not chew or dig.
- Furniture style crates: Look nice in a living room and cost more. Wood can be damaged by chewers.
How long can a dog stay in a crate?
A dog should stay in a crate only for short, planned stretches, never as all day care. Puppies need breaks much more often than adult dogs.
- Take your dog out for exercise and a bathroom break before and after crate time.
- Burn off energy first. The best interactive dog toys for aggressive chewers work well before a calm rest period.
- If you work long hours, arrange a dog walker or a pet friendly space instead of a crate.
How to Choose the Best Dog Crates for Your Home
- Size: Match the crate to your dog’s adult size, and use a divider for puppies.
- Material quality: Look for thick wire, a sturdy pan, and smooth welds with no sharp points.
- Safety features: Choose secure latches and rounded corners. Remove collars and leashes before crating.
- Durability: Strong chewers and escape artists need heavier gauge metal, not fabric or thin plastic.
- Cleaning and maintenance: A slide out tray and wipeable surfaces save time. Wash the pan and bedding often.
- Age suitability: Puppies need dividers, seniors need low door thresholds, and adult dogs need full height.
- Indoor vs outdoor use: Most crates are for indoor use. Never leave a crated dog in a parked car or in direct sun.
Best Dog Crates FAQ
What are the best dog crates for puppies?
A wire crate with a divider panel, such as the MidWest iCrate, is one of the best dog crates for puppies. You can shrink the space now and expand it as your puppy grows.
What size dog crate do I need?
Pick a crate where your dog can stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Use nose to tail base length and standing height, then compare them to the size chart.
Is a wire or plastic dog crate better?
Wire is better for home use because of airflow and easy folding. Plastic is better for travel because the shell feels more enclosed and sturdy.
Can I fly with one of the best dog crates?
Only if the crate meets your airline’s rules. Hard sided kennels like the Petmate Sky Kennel meet most cargo requirements, but confirm first. Our guide on how to fly with a dog walks through the steps.
Final Verdict: Which Dog Crate Should You Buy?
- Best overall: MidWest iCrate Double Door, 36 Inch. It balances safety, size range, and easy cleaning.
- Best budget option: Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate. Solid features at a lower cost.
- Best premium option: MidWest iCrate Double Door, 42 Inch. More space and stronger presence for big dogs.
- Best beginner friendly option: MidWest iCrate Double Door, 36 Inch. The divider and tool free setup make training simple.
- Best for travel: Petmate Sky Kennel. A hard shell built for road and air trips.
