Sometimes, it’s necessary to shut our dogs away, whether this is because of dog-shy guests, traveling, or a calming time out. Crates give your dog a special, safe place to call their own. Proper training can also teach them to see their new bedroom as a place to be calm, helping with hyperactive outbursts—although they’re no substitute for regular exercise.
These reviews are the best dog crates available this year. There are simple designs, like the metal wire crates with dividers, or styles that double as furniture for tight spaces. Hopefully, you’ll find one that will help you match your budget.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2023
Image Product Details
Best Overall
Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Collapsible
Available in six sizes
Easy to clean
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Best Value
Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel
Two sizes available
Pink or blue options
Carry handle
Check Price
Premium Choice
Frisco “Broadway” Dog Crate Credenza & Mat Kit
Available in black or white
Two crate mates are included
Easy assembly
Check Price
MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate
Easy to clean
Collapsible design
Included divider panel
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EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
No tools required
Three mesh doors
Five sizes
Check Price
The 12 Best Dog Crates
With six sizes available from XS (22 x 13 x 15 inches) to XL (48 x 30 x 32 inches), the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is our best overall dog crate. An included divider panel allows you to expand the size of the crate as your puppy grows, saving you from having to buy an adult-sized crate when they’re fully grown.
Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 30 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Coated steel
Breed Size: Large
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This design is collapsible for easy storage and features adjustable handles to make traveling with it easy. It’s also easy to clean with the plastic base pan and no tools are required for the construction.
The metal wire construction isn’t one of the sturdiest options and can bend under pressure, especially if your dog suffers from separation anxiety or gets scared.
Pros
Collapsible
Available in six sizes
Easy to clean
No tools required
Two doors
Adjustable handles
Portable
Divider panel
Cons
The metal wire can bend under pressure
If you travel a lot and need a space for your small dog to stay safe, the Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel can double as a crate and a carrier. As our best dog crate for the money, it comes in 19 or 24 inches with a choice of blue or pink.
Collapsible
Available in six sizes
Easy to clean
No tools required
Two doors
Adjustable handles
Portable
Divider panel
- Collapsible
- Available in six sizes
- Easy to clean
- No tools required
- Two doors
- Adjustable handles
- Portable
- Divider panel
The metal wire can bend under pressure
- The metal wire can bend under pressure
Dimensions: 24 x 16.5 x 14.5 inches
Weight: 43 pounds
Material: Plastic
Breed Size: Small
The design features a front and top door for easy access, a sturdy carry handle, and the two halves can be stacked inside each other for easy storage. Made from 95% pre-consumer recycled plastic, it’s easy to clean.
Primarily designed as a carrier, this option is too small for larger dog breeds. The plastic construction can be weakened by age and sun exposure and isn’t as durable as metal crates.
Pros
Two sizes available
Pink or blue options
Carry handle
Two doors
95% pre-consumer recycled plastic
Easy to clean
Can be used for travel
Multiple ventilation holes
Cons
Too small for large dog breeds
Plastic
For smaller households with little free space, the Frisco “Broadway” Dog Crate Credenza & Mat Kit doubles as a table. Constructed using wood with steel bars, this dog crate gives your puppy somewhere safe to call their own while allowing you to use the top to store books or other items that might not have a home. It’s easy to assemble and collapsible for times when you need the extra space.
Two sizes available
Pink or blue options
Carry handle
Two doors
95% pre-consumer recycled plastic
Easy to clean
Can be used for travel
Multiple ventilation holes
- Two sizes available
- Pink or blue options
- Carry handle
- Two doors
- 95% pre-consumer recycled plastic
- Easy to clean
- Can be used for travel
- Multiple ventilation holes
Too small for large dog breeds
Plastic
- Too small for large dog breeds
- Plastic
Dimensions: 5 x 24.5 x 30 inches
Weight: 5 x 24.5 x 30 inches
Material: Wood, steel
Breed Size: Small, medium
Sold in black or white, the Broadway comes with two crate mats to make your dog’s napping spot as comfortable as possible.
Several owners have complained about the metal bars bending under pressure when their dog chews on them or gets frightened. The Frisco Broadway is also the most expensive item on this list.
Pros
Available in black or white
Two crate mates are included
Easy assembly
Wooden construction with metal bars
Collapsible
Doubles as furniture
Cons
Expensive
Metal bars can bend under pressure
The MidWest iCrate Fold & Carry Single Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate gives you plenty of size options for your dog, whether they’re a small or large breed. With seven sizes available, from XXS to XL, most breed sizes are a good match. It even includes a removable divider panel you can use to slowly expand the crate as your puppy grows, allowing you to keep the same setup for your adult pooch.
Available in black or white
Two crate mates are included
Easy assembly
Wooden construction with metal bars
Collapsible
Doubles as furniture
- Available in black or white
- Two crate mates are included
- Easy assembly
- Wooden construction with metal bars
- Collapsible
- Doubles as furniture
Expensive
Metal bars can bend under pressure
- Expensive
- Metal bars can bend under pressure
Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 19 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Coated metal, plastic
Breed Size: Small
An easy-to-clean plastic tray is included and can be kept in the crate even when it’s flat-packed for easy storage or travel. There are no tools required for assembly.
Like other wire crates, the metal can bend under pressure and may not hold up to hyperactive or scared dogs. The included plastic tray has also been known to crack and cause injuries.
Pros
Easy to clean
Collapsible design
Included divider panel
Seven sizes available
No tools required
Cons
Metal wire can bend under pressure
Plastic tray can crack
Lightweight to make traveling easy, the EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate includes locking zippers, a collapsible design, a carry case, and fleece bedding for your puppy. It’s sold in five sizes with a choice between 11 colors to match all personalities and your existing décor.
Easy to clean
Collapsible design
Included divider panel
Seven sizes available
No tools required
- Easy to clean
- Collapsible design
- Included divider panel
- Seven sizes available
- No tools required
Metal wire can bend under pressure
Plastic tray can crack
- Metal wire can bend under pressure
- Plastic tray can crack
Dimensions: 24 x 18 x 21 inches
Weight: 7 pounds
Material: Nylon, mesh
Breed Size: Small
The nylon and mesh construction, along with the included bedding, are all machine washable to help you keep your puppy’s favorite spot clean from food and water spills or puppy-related accidents. Three doors also give your dog plenty of access points to make introducing their new crate a less daunting sight for canines who aren’t crate trained.
While the construction does include lightweight steel as part of the framework, the general construction is too weak to stand up to overly excited or fearful dogs. Some dogs can figure out how to use the zippers and escape.
Pros
No tools required
Three mesh doors
Five sizes
11 colors
Locking zippers
Carry case and fleece bed included
Machine washable
Cons
Not secure enough to keep some dogs contained
Weak construction
Metal crates can be an eyesore and the sleek, wooden construction of the Merry Products 2-in-1 Configurable Furniture Style Dog Crate & Gate is an aesthetically pleasing alternative. Its multipurpose design doubles as both a crate and a gate so you can give your dog their own space, whether it’s in a small corner or a cordoned-off room. With no tools required for assembly, it’s easy to switch between setups.
No tools required
Three mesh doors
Five sizes
11 colors
Locking zippers
Carry case and fleece bed included
Machine washable
- No tools required
- Three mesh doors
- Five sizes
- 11 colors
- Locking zippers
- Carry case and fleece bed included
- Machine washable
Not secure enough to keep some dogs contained
Weak construction
- Not secure enough to keep some dogs contained
- Weak construction
Dimensions: 8 x 27.91 x 31.5 inches
Weight: 22 pounds
Material: Wood
Breed Size: Large
The wooden design features steel bars for greater stability, although hyperactive dogs can bend them if they push hard enough. Merry Products is also expensive and there is no locking mechanism to keep the removable lid in place for the crate set up.
Pros
Multi-functional design
Doubles as a crate and a gate
No tools required
Easy to clean plastic tray
Steel bars
Cons
Expensive
No locking mechanism on the lid
Weak construction
The SP Travel Kennel Dog Carrier gives you an easy way to get your dog on a plane or give them a safe spot to nap in. IATA airline approved, this design includes food and water dishes, live animal stickers, tie-down straps, sturdy metal fastenings, and a built-in moat for spillages. Sold in four sizes for a variety of breeds, the medium, large, and extra-large options also come with removable wheels to allow for easy portability.
Multi-functional design
Doubles as a crate and a gate
No tools required
Easy to clean plastic tray
Steel bars
- Multi-functional design
- Doubles as a crate and a gate
- No tools required
- Easy to clean plastic tray
- Steel bars
Expensive
No locking mechanism on the lid
Weak construction
- Expensive
- No locking mechanism on the lid
- Weak construction
Dimensions: 5 x 23.75 x 26.75 inches
Weight: 20 pounds
Material: Polyester
Breed Size: Large
Some assembly is required, and the instructions can be difficult to follow. The wheels aren’t lockable and should be removed during longer journeys for safety reasons. SP Travel Kennel is also too small for larger dog breeds.
Pros
IATA Airline approved
Available in four sizes
Built-in moat
Wheels included for larger sizes
Removable wheels
Cons
Difficult to put together
Too small for larger dog breeds
The wheels aren’t lockable
Lightweight to make traveling easy, the Frisco Indoor & Outdoor 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog & Small Pet Crate is made with a metal framework and mesh for extra ventilation. The collapsible design and carry handle allow for easy storage and portability when your dog isn’t using it. There are no tools required for assembly.
IATA Airline approved
Available in four sizes
Built-in moat
Wheels included for larger sizes
Removable wheels
- IATA Airline approved
- Available in four sizes
- Built-in moat
- Wheels included for larger sizes
- Removable wheels
Difficult to put together
Too small for larger dog breeds
The wheels aren’t lockable
- Difficult to put together
- Too small for larger dog breeds
- The wheels aren’t lockable
Dimensions: 36 x 24 x 24 inches
Weight: 41 pounds
Material: Mesh, steel
Breed Size: Medium, large
Containing a water-resistant base and three zippered doors for easy accessibility, it’s suitable for camping trips or home use. It’s also available in five sizes for a range of dog breeds and either green or gray to match your preferences.
Some dogs can figure out how to use the zipper and the design isn’t chew-proof to prevent escapes for canines who can’t open the locked zip. The design itself can be difficult to assemble and isn’t durable enough for long-term use.
Pros
Collapsible design
Lightweight
No tools required
Three zippered doors
Water-resistant base
Metal frame
Five sizes
Two colors
Cons
Difficult to assemble
Not chew-proof
Some dogs can figure out how to use the zipper
Doesn’t last long
The Merry Products Slide Aside Single Door Furniture Style Dog Crate & End Table doubles as a useful surface to add to your living room décor. Able to hold up to 300 pounds in weight, this end table crate gives your dog a place to call their own while giving you usable space in smaller homes. You can choose whether to have a hinged door or a sliding one and the white or black options allow you to match a variety of home aesthetics.
Collapsible design
Lightweight
No tools required
Three zippered doors
Water-resistant base
Metal frame
Five sizes
Two colors
- Collapsible design
- Lightweight
- No tools required
- Three zippered doors
- Water-resistant base
- Metal frame
- Five sizes
- Two colors
Difficult to assemble
Not chew-proof
Some dogs can figure out how to use the zipper
Doesn’t last long
- Difficult to assemble
- Not chew-proof
- Some dogs can figure out how to use the zipper
- Doesn’t last long
Dimensions: 43 x 21.65 x 23.5 inches
Weight: 84 pounds
Material: Wood, steel
Breed Size: Medium
This Merry Products option isn’t suitable for all dog breeds as it’s only available in one size and might be too big or too small for some dogs. Due to the wooden construction, it isn’t resistant to chewing and isn’t heavy-duty enough to hold hyper or stronger dogs. It’s also difficult to assemble and expensive.
Pros
Available in white or black
Doubles as a side table
The door can swing on hinges or slide
The top can hold up to 300 pounds
Cons
Expensive
Only one size is available
Not chew-proof
Not heavy-duty
Difficult to assemble
For families with giant dogs, the Frisco XX-Large Heavy Duty Double Door Wire Dog Crate offers plenty of space for our biggest friends. With the same plastic tray—removable and easy to clean—as other wire crates, this size option keeps your puppy safe, especially when you have guests over who might be intimidated by their size. The front and only door is secured with three latches for extra security and the wire framework has a protective finish.
Available in white or black
Doubles as a side table
The door can swing on hinges or slide
The top can hold up to 300 pounds
- Available in white or black
- Doubles as a side table
- The door can swing on hinges or slide
- The top can hold up to 300 pounds
Expensive
Only one size is available
Not chew-proof
Not heavy-duty
Difficult to assemble
- Expensive
- Only one size is available
- Not chew-proof
- Not heavy-duty
- Difficult to assemble
Dimensions: 54 x 36.5 x 44.75
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Coated steel
Breed Size: Giant
Along with being expensive, the assembly instructions can be difficult to understand. The crate itself can be damaged during shipping, making it more difficult to put together, and the edges can be sharp in places. It’s also one of the more expensive options on this list.
Pros
Big enough for giant dog breeds
Easy to clean
The front door is secured with three latches
Protective finish
No tools required
Cons
Instructions are difficult to understand
Expensive
Can be damaged during shipping
Wire edges can be sharp
Collapsible for easy storage or travel, the Firstrax Noz2Noz Sof-Krate N2 Series 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is lightweight and washable. All four sizes suit a range of dog breeds from small, medium, medium-large, to large. They feature top, front, and side doors along with heavy-duty zippers for security. The design also includes rounded corners to protect your furniture or walls the crate is pushed up against.
Big enough for giant dog breeds
Easy to clean
The front door is secured with three latches
Protective finish
No tools required
- Big enough for giant dog breeds
- Easy to clean
- The front door is secured with three latches
- Protective finish
- No tools required
Instructions are difficult to understand
Expensive
Can be damaged during shipping
Wire edges can be sharp
- Instructions are difficult to understand
- Expensive
- Can be damaged during shipping
- Wire edges can be sharp
Dimensions: 42 x 28 x 32 inches
Weight: 57 pounds
Material: Mesh, steel
Breed Size: Large
Unlike plastic or metal wire crates, the Firstax isn’t recommended for crate training and is only suitable for dogs who are already familiar with crates. Due to the soft construction, it isn’t heavy-duty enough to withstand escape attempts or chewing. There are also no replacement covers available.
Pros
Top, front, and side doors
Lightweight
Washable
Heavy-duty zippers
Rounded corners
Collapsible
Four sizes
Cons
Not recommended for crate training
Not heavy duty
Not chew-proof
Replacement covers aren’t available
- Petmate Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate
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Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 16 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Nylon, mesh
Breed Size: Toy
Our cute toy breeds need a home too and the Petmate Single Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate is a collapsible and portable option for our smallest friends. Made with water-resistant, heavy-duty nylon and mesh, the Petmate includes storage pockets for your canine’s essentials whenever you’re on the go. The Petmate is small enough to keep your cat cozy too.
Top, front, and side doors
Lightweight
Washable
Heavy-duty zippers
Rounded corners
Collapsible
Four sizes
- Top, front, and side doors
- Lightweight
- Washable
- Heavy-duty zippers
- Rounded corners
- Collapsible
- Four sizes
Not recommended for crate training
Not heavy duty
Not chew-proof
Replacement covers aren’t available
- Not recommended for crate training
- Not heavy duty
- Not chew-proof
- Replacement covers aren’t available
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Dimensions: 18 x 14 x 16 inches
Weight: 5 pounds
Material: Nylon, mesh
Breed Size: Toy
It’s also useful on camping trips outdoors with the climate control window covers and the included ground stakes for extra stability. For particularly messy puppies, the sleeping mat is machine washable.
There’s only one size available and is unsuitable for dogs who aren’t toy breeds. It’s also not heavy-duty enough to contain over-excited dogs or ones who know how to open zippered doors.
Pros
Portable
Water-resistant
Heavy-duty material
Climate control window covers
Storage pockets
Includes four ground stakes for stability outside
Can be used for cats
Machine washable sleep mat
Cons
Too small for large dog breeds
Only one size is available
Some dogs can open the zip doors
Won’t hold hyperactive or scared pets
Buyer’s Guide – How to Purchase the Best Dog Crate
Among all the things to consider when buying a crate for your dog, there are several things new dog owners might not think of. This section will highlight the most important features for you to remember to keep your dog as safe as possible.
Portable
Water-resistant
Heavy-duty material
Climate control window covers
Storage pockets
Includes four ground stakes for stability outside
Can be used for cats
Machine washable sleep mat
- Portable
- Water-resistant
- Heavy-duty material
- Climate control window covers
- Storage pockets
- Includes four ground stakes for stability outside
- Can be used for cats
- Machine washable sleep mat
Too small for large dog breeds
Only one size is available
Some dogs can open the zip doors
Won’t hold hyperactive or scared pets
- Too small for large dog breeds
- Only one size is available
- Some dogs can open the zip doors
- Won’t hold hyperactive or scared pets
What to Look for in a Dog Crate
Size
The first thing you should consider is the size, shape, and weight of your dog. The crate you choose needs to have enough room to allow your dog to fit comfortably, they won’t enjoy being penned in somewhere too small for them. Consider how big your dog is and make sure there’s plenty of room in the crate for them to lie down, stand up, and turn around.
You can’t get away with just buying a generic large breed crate for small dogs either. While they’ll definitely fit, they’ll need a smaller crate to feel completely safe in their new bedroom. Too much empty space will be just as uncomfortable as too little.
Divider
If you’re short on funds, buying more than one crate can eat into your bank account. They can all be on the expensive side and your new puppy will grow faster than you expect. Dividers are included in many of the metal wire crates you can buy. They allow you to increase the size of the crate as your puppy grows, therefore keeping the same structure for longer.
Removable Tray
Accidents happen and a removable tray will allow you to easily clean up any messes in the crate. Your puppy should never be left in their crate for extended periods though and an easy to clean tray shouldn’t be an excuse to leave your dog locked in all day.
Crate Training
Dogs are naturally wary of new situations. If you’ve never crate trained your dog, they’re going to be cautious about their new den, no matter how comfortable you make it. Crate training is necessary if you want your dog to spend any amount of time in their bedroom. You need to show them the space is somewhere they can be safe, even when the door’s shut.
For this reason, it’s important to consider whether your dog is familiar with crates or not. If they aren’t, choose an option that will allow you to properly crate train them without scaring them away. Crates with multiple doors you can leave open for a few days to let your best friend adjust are a great way to introduce your dog to the new space.
Final Thoughts
A puppy-friendly and simple dog crate is the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate. As our best overall choice, it combines portability with an easy-to-clean structure. Smaller breeds and budgets can benefit from the compact Frisco Two Door Top Load Plastic Dog & Cat Kennel whether you’re traveling or short on space.
These reviews were our 12 choices for the best dog crates for staying at home or on the go. We hope they helped you find one to keep your puppy safe when you’re away or traveling.
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
