Best Dog Crates for Every Size 2026

Choosing the right dog crate is one of the most important decisions you'll make as a pet owner. A properly sized crate becomes your dog's safe haven — a place to rest, decompress, and feel secure. But with wire, plastic, soft-sided, and furniture-style options on the market, finding the perfect fit can feel overwhelming.

We tested and compared the most popular dog crates across every category to help you find the right one for your dog's size, temperament, and your living space. Whether you're crate training a puppy or upgrading for an adult dog, these four crates cover every need and budget.

🏆Our #1 Pick: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

The #1 best-selling dog crate on Amazon — reliable, well-built, and available in every size from Chihuahua to Great Dane.

How to Choose the Right Crate Size

Getting the size right is critical. A crate that's too small is uncomfortable; too large and it undermines house training. Here's how to measure:

• Measure your dog from nose to tail base — add 2-4 inches for the ideal crate length
• Measure from floor to top of head (sitting) — add 2-4 inches for height
• Your dog should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
• For puppies, buy an adult-sized crate with a divider panel to adjust as they grow
• When in doubt, size up — you can always make a large crate smaller with a divider

Detailed Product Reviews

1. Best Overall: MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate

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Why we love it: The #1 best-selling dog crate on Amazon — reliable, well-built, and available in every size from Chihuahua to Great Dane.

What makes it stand out:

• Available in 6 sizes (XS to XXL) to fit virtually any breed
• Single or double door options for flexible placement in your home
• Folds flat for easy storage and transport — sets up in seconds
• Includes a divider panel for growing puppies — only buy one crate
• Leak-proof plastic pan protects your floors from accidents

Pros:

• Perfect size range for any dog
• Includes divider for puppies
• Folds completely flat
• Very affordable for the quality

Cons:

• Plastic tray can slide if not secured
• Wire can be noisy with restless dogs

Best for: First-time crate buyers, Puppy owners who need a grow-with-me crate

Price: $58.05

2. Best Premium: Diggs Revol Dog Crate

Diggs Revol Dog Crate

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Why we love it: The Tesla of dog crates — collapsible, beautifully designed, with baby-industry safety standards that put traditional crates to shame.

What makes it stand out:

• Collapses to just 8 inches flat — the easiest crate to store and travel with
• Built to baby-industry safety standards with no sharp edges or pinch points
• Smooth, rounded wire construction looks beautiful in any room
• Diamond-mesh design provides 360° visibility for less anxious dogs
• Garage-style door slides up to save floor space when open

Pros:

• Stunning modern design
• Collapses incredibly flat
• Safest crate on the market
• Excellent ventilation and visibility

Cons:

• Premium price point
• Only available in 3 sizes

Best for: Design-conscious pet owners, Small spaces and apartment living

Price: $399.00

🏆🏆 Still Our Top Pick

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate — the perfect crate for any dog, any size, any budget

3. Best Budget: Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate

Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate

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Why we love it: The unbeatable budget pick — solid wire construction with a divider panel at a price that can't be touched.

What makes it stand out:

• Lowest price for a full-featured wire crate — hard to beat this value
• Includes divider panel for puppy training at no extra cost
• Double door design (front and side) for flexible room placement
• Folds flat with no tools for easy storage
• Removable plastic tray slides out for quick cleaning

Pros:

• Best price on the market
• Includes divider panel
• Double door access
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• Wire gauge is thinner than premium brands
• Latch mechanism is basic

Best for: Budget-conscious pet owners, Secondary or backup crate needs

Price: $38.52

4. Best Soft-Sided: EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate

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Why we love it: The best soft-sided crate for travel and indoor use — lightweight, 3-door access, and folds down to a carrying case.

What makes it stand out:

• Three mesh doors (front, side, top) for maximum access and airflow
• Weighs just a fraction of wire crates — perfect for travel
• Folds completely flat and includes a carrying bag and fleece bed
• Strong steel tube frame provides structure without the weight
• Mesh panels give excellent ventilation and visibility

Pros:

• Ultra-lightweight and portable
• Includes carrying bag and fleece bed
• Three access doors
• Great for travel and events

Cons:

• Not suitable for heavy chewers or escape artists
• Less durable than wire for permanent use

Best for: Travel and car rides, Well-behaved dogs who need a cozy den

Price: $79.99

Wire vs Plastic vs Soft-Sided: Which Type Is Best?

Each crate type has distinct advantages depending on your situation:

• Wire crates offer the best ventilation and visibility — ideal for home use and crate training
• Plastic crates provide a more enclosed, den-like feel — great for anxious dogs and airline travel
• Soft-sided crates are the lightest and most portable — perfect for travel but not for chewers
• Furniture-style crates double as end tables — best for owners who want their crate to blend in
• For puppies, wire crates with dividers are the most practical since you can adjust as they grow

Crate Training Tips for Success

The crate itself is only half the equation — how you introduce it matters just as much:

• Never use the crate as punishment — it should always be a positive, safe space
• Start with the door open and treats inside to build positive associations
• Feed meals in the crate to create a routine your dog looks forward to
• Gradually increase crate time — start with minutes, not hours
• Place the crate in a room where the family spends time — dogs don't like being isolated
• Cover wire crates with a blanket for a cozier, den-like atmosphere
• Provide a safe chew toy or stuffed Kong to keep your dog occupied

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can a dog stay in a crate?

Adult dogs shouldn't be crated for more than 6-8 hours at a time. Puppies need more frequent breaks — a general rule is their age in months plus one equals the maximum hours (a 3-month puppy can hold it for about 4 hours). Always provide exercise and bathroom breaks before and after crating.

Should I crate my dog at night?

Yes, crating at night is perfectly fine and actually helps most dogs sleep better. Place the crate in or near your bedroom so your dog doesn't feel isolated. Most dogs naturally settle into a nighttime crate routine within a few days when introduced properly.

What if my dog cries in the crate?

Crying usually means the crate was introduced too quickly. Go back to basics: feed meals inside, toss in high-value treats, and only close the door for short periods while you're in the room. If your dog is genuinely distressed (drooling, injuring themselves trying to escape), consult a trainer — this may indicate separation anxiety rather than a crate training issue.

🏆🏆 Ready to Find the Perfect Crate?

MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate — trusted by millions of pet owners and available in every size.

Our Verdict

The MidWest Homes for Pets iCrate is our top pick for most dog owners — it covers every size, includes a divider for puppies, and delivers excellent quality at $58.05. It's the crate we recommend to every new puppy parent.

If budget is your top priority, the Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate at $38.52 gets the job done without breaking the bank. For design lovers willing to invest, the Diggs Revol Dog Crate at $399.00 is genuinely beautiful and collapses to nothing. And for travel, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is unmatched in portability.