Dog Crate Buying Guide 2026: How to Choose Without Overpaying
Picked from 2026's most-reviewed Amazon models
By Mubboo Editorial Team · Updated May 27, 2026 · 8 min read
At a Glance
- Price range
- $49.59 – $76.88
- Data
- 514,729 verified Amazon reviews across 6 finalists
- Best for
- Medium to large breeds (41-70 lbs)Small breeds (21-40 lbs)TravelCrate training
- Skip if
- You need a crate for a destructive chewer – consider a heavy-duty wire model
Types Explained
Wire Crate
Folding metal wire crate with leak-proof tray and divider panel. Offers good visibility and ventilation.
- Durable and chew-resistant
- Easy to clean
- Folds flat for storage
- Includes divider for puppy training
- Heavier than soft crates
- May be cold or drafty
- Not airline approved
Best for: Everyday indoor use and crate training
Example: MidWest iCrate 36-inch ($49.59)
Plastic Kennel
Hard-sided plastic carrier with top and front doors, airline-approved for cargo travel.
- Airline approved
- Securely encloses pet
- Easy to clean
- Good for car travel
- Limited size range
- Less ventilation than wire
- Heavier than soft crates
Best for: Travel and small pets under 15 lbs
Example: Petmate Two-Door Kennel 24-inch ($53.95)
Soft-Sided Crate
Fabric crate with mesh windows and zipper closures, sets up in seconds.
- Lightweight and portable
- Folds flat for storage
- Great for car travel
- Comfortable for pet
- Not chew-proof
- Zippers can break
- Limited durability
- Not for untrained dogs
Best for: Travel with crate-trained dogs
Example: Amazon Basics Soft Crate 36-inch ($76.88)
What Actually Matters
| Factor | Importance | Best brand |
|---|---|---|
Size & Weight Capacity Measure your dog's length and height; choose a crate where they can stand, turn, and lie down Most owners buy too small. Use the divider to adjust as puppy grows. | Must-have | MidWest Homes for Pets (multiple sizes 24" to 48") |
Material & Durability Wire (e-coat finish) for chewers; plastic for travel; soft for calm dogs Wire crates with e-coat resist rust and last years. | Must-have | MidWest Homes for Pets (wire) |
Door Type (Single vs Double) Double door if you plan to move crate between rooms Double door adds flexibility but not essential. | Nice-to-have | MidWest New World (double door) |
Portability Soft crates <10 lbs; wire crates 17-32 lbs If you travel frequently, consider a plastic or soft crate. | Nice-to-have | Petmate (plastic, 5.24 lbs) |
Price vs Features Under $50 gets you a basic wire crate; $50-$70 adds double doors or plastic; $70+ for soft or premium Avoid designer crates that can cost $100+ with no added function. | Must-have | MidWest (best value under $50) |
Brand Name Premium Some crates cost 2x as much for the same metal and tray. Stick with proven brands like MidWest or Petmate. | Marketing BS | — |
Budget Tiers & Top Picks
What to buy at each price point — and exactly where spending more stops paying off.
Budget (Under $50)
$49.59 – $49.99MidWest Homes for Pets 36-Inch iCrate
Stop paying more: Spending more than $50 on a basic wire crate rarely adds meaningful features. The MidWest iCrate gives you a divider, leak-proof tray, and tool-free assembly at the lowest price.
When to upgrade: If you need a larger size (42" for 71-90 lbs) or double doors, step up to the $65-72 tier.
Mid-Range ($50-$70)
$53.95 – $65.00Petmate Two-Door Plastic Kennel 24-Inch
Stop paying more: At $53.95, the Petmate offers airline approval and dual doors. Spending up to $65 gets you a large double-door wire crate (New World 42") if you need more space.
When to upgrade: If you need a larger dog crate for home, consider the New World 42" double door at $65.
Premium ($70+)
$71.99 – $76.88New World 42-Inch Single Door Crate
Stop paying more: Beyond $75, you're paying for soft-sided portability or slight design differences. The New World 42" single door is the best value for large dogs at $71.99.
When to upgrade: For travel, consider the Amazon Basics soft crate at $76.88 if your dog is crate-trained.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Buying a crate that's too small
Many owners underestimate adult dog size. A crate must allow the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. Use a divider panel if purchasing for a puppy.
Cost of getting it wrong: Replacing a too-small crate costs $50-$75 wasted.
Choosing a soft-sided crate for a destructive chewer
Soft crates are not chew-proof. Dogs with separation anxiety or strong jaws can tear through fabric or break zippers, leading to escape or injury.
Cost of getting it wrong: Damaged crate ($70) plus potential vet bills if dog ingests fabric.
Overpaying for designer crates with no added function
Some brands charge $100+ for the same metal wire and tray as the $50 MidWest. Stick with proven, high-review brands.
Cost of getting it wrong: Overpaying $30-$50 for equivalent quality.
Ignoring the tray (leak-proof vs non)
A leak-proof tray prevents accidents from seeping onto floors. Many cheap crates omit this, leading to stains and odors.
Cost of getting it wrong: Flooring damage or extra cleaning costs.
Find Your Match
What size is your dog?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I spend on a dog crate?
A good wire crate costs $50-$75. Under $50 gets you the popular MidWest iCrate with a divider. Above $75 often adds double doors or soft sides but not extra durability. Avoid designer crates over $100.
What size crate does my dog need?
Measure your dog from nose to tail and from floor to top of head. Add 2-4 inches. The crate should allow standing, turning, and lying down. Most owners buy too small — use a divider for puppies.
Should I get a wire or plastic crate?
Wire crates are best for home use: durable, good ventilation, foldable. Plastic crates are airline-approved and better for travel. Soft crates are portable but only for calm, crate-trained dogs.
Are soft-sided crates safe for dogs?
Only for well-trained adult dogs who don't chew or scratch. Soft crates are not chew-proof and the zippers can be broken. Use wire or plastic for puppies or destructive dogs.
What should I avoid when buying a dog crate?
Avoid crates without a leak-proof tray, sharp edges, or flimsy latches. Also skip overpriced designer crates that offer the same materials as mid-range options.
Do I need a divider panel?
Yes if you have a puppy. A divider lets you adjust the space as your dog grows, preventing potty accidents. The MidWest iCrate includes one; many larger crates do not.
What is the best crate for large breeds?
The New World 42-inch double door crate ($65) offers plenty of room for dogs up to 90 lbs. It has two doors for flexible placement and a leak-proof tray.
How we wrote this guide
Researched across 514,729+ verified Amazon reviews and 3 independent expert sources. Prices updated weekly from Amazon.
About this guide
Mubboo Editorial Team.