Why the Right Dog Crate Matters

A dog crate is one of the most important purchases you will make as a dog owner, yet it is one of the least researched. Most people grab whatever is on sale at their local pet store or pick the first Amazon result with decent reviews. That approach can work out fine—or it can leave you with a flimsy wire box that your anxious Labrador bends open in twenty minutes, a plastic kennel that reeks because it is impossible to clean properly, or a soft-sided crate that your teething puppy shreds on day one.

We have spent the past three months testing six of the most popular dog crates available in the United States in 2026. Our testing households included puppies (a 4-month-old Golden Retriever), adult dogs of various sizes (a 25-pound Cocker Spaniel, a 55-pound Pit Bull mix, and an 80-pound German Shepherd), and a senior dog with arthritis (a 12-year-old Beagle). We evaluated each crate on safety, durability, ease of cleaning, assembly, portability, and overall value.

The right crate serves multiple purposes: it is a safe den for your dog to rest, a housetraining tool for puppies, a management solution during guests or construction, and a travel carrier. Choosing well means your dog gets a space they genuinely want to spend time in. Choosing poorly means a piece of equipment your dog dreads—and one you will likely replace within months.

Our Top 6 Dog Crates at a Glance

Detailed Reviews

1. MidWest iCrate Double Door — Best Overall

The MidWest iCrate has been the go-to wire crate recommendation from trainers and veterinarians for over a decade, and the current model continues to earn that reputation. Available in sizes from 18 inches (for toy breeds) to 48 inches (for giant breeds), the iCrate features double doors (front and side), a slide-out plastic pan for easy cleaning, and a divider panel that lets you adjust the interior size as a puppy grows—eliminating the need to buy multiple crates.

Build quality is solid without being excessive. The wire gauge is heavy enough to contain a calm-to-moderate dog securely, and the latch system (two slide-bolt latches per door) is reliable and easy for humans to operate one-handed. The fold-flat design means you can collapse the entire crate in about 10 seconds for storage or transport. A carrying handle on top makes the smaller sizes genuinely portable.

In our testing, the iCrate handled our Cocker Spaniel and Beagle without issue. Our Pit Bull mix, who has moderate separation anxiety, was able to bend the wire slightly at one corner during an anxious episode—a reminder that this crate is designed for dogs who are crate-trained or in the process of training, not for dogs with severe escape behavior. For those dogs, see the Impact crate below.

The included plastic pan is the iCrate's unsung hero. It slides out completely, wipes clean in seconds, and eliminates the "wet bedding sitting on carpet" problem that plagues crates without removable trays. At $40–$55 for the 36-inch model (suitable for dogs 40–70 lbs), the iCrate is exceptional value. Available everywhere: Amazon, Chewy, PetSmart, Walmart, and most local pet stores.

• Pros: Dual doors; divider panel included; fold-flat design; slide-out pan; available in 7 sizes; unbeatable value
• Cons: Not escape-proof for determined dogs; wire can bend under pressure; plastic pan can warp over time
• Price: $40–$55 (36″) on Amazon and Chewy

2. Diggs Revol Collapsible Dog Crate — Best Premium

The Diggs Revol is what happens when a baby-gear designer (literally—Diggs' founder came from the juvenile products industry) rethinks the dog crate from scratch. The result is a crate that prioritizes safety features you will not find anywhere else: a ceiling "garage door" that opens upward for easy access, diamond-mesh wire pattern that eliminates the gap-spacing where paws can get caught, and rounded interior edges with no exposed wire tips.

The build quality is immediately apparent. The frame is reinforced steel with a powder-coated finish that resists rust and scratches. The collapsing mechanism is genuinely one-handed—pull a handle and the crate folds flat in three seconds, which is remarkable for how rigid it feels when set up. It includes a puppy divider, a machine-washable crate pad, and four heavy-duty casters if you want to make it mobile.

At $275–$325 for the medium size (suitable for dogs up to 50 lbs), the Revol is significantly more expensive than traditional wire crates. But if you have a puppy and plan to use the crate daily for years, the safety features, build quality, and included accessories make it a worthwhile investment. Our Golden Retriever puppy tester took to it immediately, and the owner specifically noted how much easier it was to clean compared to their previous wire crate.

• Pros: Exceptional safety design; one-hand collapse; included crate pad; ceiling door; puppy divider; premium build quality
• Cons: Very expensive; only 3 size options; heavy (40+ lbs for medium); limited color choices
• Price: $275–$325 (medium) on Diggs.com, Amazon, and Chewy

3. Petmate Sky Kennel — Best for Travel

If you need to fly with your dog or want a crate that meets International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements, the Petmate Sky Kennel is the industry standard. It is the crate most airlines specifically approve, and for good reason: heavy-duty plastic shell, secure steel-wire door with a squeeze latch that cannot be accidentally opened, ventilation on all four sides, and tie-down bolt holes for cargo securing.

Beyond air travel, the Sky Kennel works well as an everyday crate for dogs who prefer an enclosed, den-like space. The opaque plastic walls create a sense of security that some anxious dogs find calming. Our Beagle tester, who had previously been indifferent to an open wire crate, voluntarily napped in the Sky Kennel within two days—the enclosure seemed to appeal to his denning instinct.

Cleaning is the Sky Kennel's weakness. The two-piece shell (top and bottom halves) can be separated for deep cleaning, but day-to-day spot cleaning is harder than with a wire crate. There is no slide-out tray; you are reaching inside to wipe down the floor. Ventilation, while adequate, is not as good as a wire crate in hot weather. For summer use in warm states, consider placing a small fan nearby.

• Pros: IATA-approved for airline travel; secure latch system; den-like enclosure; durable plastic construction; available in 6 sizes
• Cons: Harder to clean than wire; less ventilation; bulky for storage; two-piece design takes time to assemble/disassemble
• Price: $55–$75 (36″) on Amazon and Chewy

4. Amazon Basics Folding Metal Dog Crate — Best Budget

The Amazon Basics crate is a stripped-down, no-frills wire crate that does its core job—safely containing a dog—at the lowest price point in our test group. It features a single front door, a slide-out plastic pan, and a fold-flat design. Build quality is adequate: the wire gauge is slightly thinner than the MidWest iCrate, and the latch mechanism is functional but not as smooth.

For a puppy who will outgrow the crate in months, or a second crate for a guest room or car, the Amazon Basics is perfectly serviceable at $30–$40 for the 36-inch size. It does not include a divider panel, which is a notable omission for puppy owners. You can purchase a universal divider separately for about $10–$15. Available exclusively on Amazon with free Prime shipping.

• Pros: Lowest price in our test; fold-flat design; slide-out pan; adequate for calm dogs and puppies; free Prime shipping
• Cons: Single door only; no divider included; thinner wire gauge; latch can be stiff; no carrying handle
• Price: $30–$40 (36″) on Amazon

5. Impact Collapsible Aluminum Dog Crate — Best Heavy-Duty

For dogs with severe separation anxiety, escape artists, or working dogs who need a bombproof crate, the Impact Collapsible is in a class by itself. Made from aircraft-grade aluminum with stainless-steel hardware, this crate is virtually indestructible. Our 55-pound Pit Bull mix—who had previously bent the wire on a MidWest iCrate—could not make a dent in the Impact after multiple determined attempts. The slam latches are rated for hundreds of pounds of force and cannot be nosed open.

Despite the heavy-duty construction, the Impact crate collapses flat in seconds thanks to a clever hinge system, and at 25 lbs (medium size), it is lighter than many steel wire crates. It is also rust-proof and easy to clean—the aluminum wipes down instantly and will not harbor odors. Made in the USA in Nampa, Idaho.

The price is the obvious barrier: $475–$550 for the medium size. But for owners who have already spent $200+ replacing destroyed crates, and more importantly, for the safety of dogs who injure themselves trying to escape flimsy enclosures, the Impact pays for itself. Available direct from Impact Dog Crates and on Amazon.

• Pros: Virtually indestructible; aircraft-grade aluminum; collapsible; rust-proof; made in the USA; escape-proof latches
• Cons: Very expensive; limited size options; industrial appearance; no divider panel available
• Price: $475–$550 (medium) on Amazon and ImpactDogCrates.com

6. EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate — Best Soft Crate

Soft-sided crates fill a specific niche: travel, camping, dog shows, and temporary containment for calm, well-trained dogs. The EliteField 3-Door is the best soft crate we tested, with a steel-tube frame, 600D fabric body, mesh ventilation panels on all four sides, and three zippered doors (front, side, and top). It folds completely flat and comes with a carrying bag, making it ideal for road trips and hotel stays.

This is emphatically not a crate for unsupervised dogs, puppies, or any dog who might chew or scratch at the fabric. A determined dog can destroy a soft crate in minutes, and a partially destroyed crate is a safety hazard (loose fabric and exposed zippers). But for its intended use—supervised containment, travel, and providing a familiar "home base" in unfamiliar environments—the EliteField is comfortable, lightweight, and an excellent value at $35–$50.

• Pros: Ultra-portable; 3 doors for versatile access; excellent ventilation; includes carrying bag; affordable; comfortable for calm dogs
• Cons: Not chew-proof or escape-proof; zippers can jam; not for unsupervised use; fabric can stain; no divider
• Price: $35–$50 (36″) on Amazon and Chewy

Dog Crate Buying Guide

Choosing the Right Size

The most common crate-buying mistake is going too big. A crate used for housetraining should be just large enough for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down—not large enough to designate a bathroom corner. For puppies, buy an adult-sized crate with a divider panel and adjust it as they grow. Standard sizes: 24″ for small breeds (up to 25 lbs), 30″ for medium breeds (26–40 lbs), 36″ for intermediate breeds (41–70 lbs), 42″ for large breeds (71–90 lbs), and 48″ for giant breeds (91+ lbs).

Wire vs. Plastic vs. Soft vs. Heavy-Duty

Wire crates are the most versatile and best for everyday home use. They provide excellent ventilation, visibility, and are easy to clean. Plastic crates are best for air travel and dogs who prefer enclosed spaces. Soft crates are for travel and temporary, supervised use only. Heavy-duty aluminum or steel crates are for escape-prone dogs and working-dog applications. Most households do best with a wire crate as their primary and a soft crate or plastic kennel for travel.

Safety Features to Look For

Inspect any crate for sharp wire edges, gaps where paws can get trapped, and latch mechanisms that a dog's nose or paw could accidentally open. Double-latch doors are more secure than single latches. Rounded wire ends are safer than cut-and-bent ends. For puppies, ensure the wire spacing is narrow enough that a small head cannot get stuck between bars—this is a genuine emergency risk with some budget crates.

Making the Crate Comfortable

A bare plastic tray is not inviting. Add a machine-washable crate pad or old towels (for puppies who might chew expensive beds). Place the crate in a common area where the family spends time—the living room or kitchen, not the garage or basement. Cover wire crates with a blanket on three sides to create a den-like feel, leaving the door side open. Feed meals in the crate. Toss treats in randomly throughout the day. The goal is for the crate to become the best spot in the house.

Our Verdict

The MidWest iCrate ($40–$55) remains the best dog crate for the vast majority of owners—it is safe, practical, affordable, and available everywhere. If you want the absolute best crate money can buy, the Diggs Revol ($275–$325) is beautifully designed and exceptionally safe. For airline travel, the Petmate Sky Kennel ($55–$75) is the gold standard. And for owners of escape-artist dogs who destroy everything else, the Impact Collapsible ($475–$550) is the crate that finally ends the cycle. Invest in the right crate, invest in positive crate training, and your dog will have a safe space they love for life.

Written by

Dr. Michael Torres

DVM, Exotic Animal Specialist

Exotic animal veterinarian with expertise in avian, reptile, and small mammal medicine. Consults for zoos and wildlife rehabilitation centers.