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Why Trust My Crate Reviews?
I don't just read spec sheets. I've spent the last three months testing 12 top-selling dog crates in my own home. (I track everything in a massive spreadsheet, having personally tested over 600 dog products since 2019). I evaluated durability, setup, and daily comfort.
My testing roster started with a 10-pound Dachshund I fostered. It ended with my 85-pound lab/pit mix, Benny. (With his hip dysplasia, he's my 9-year-old senior-gear expert, testing floor pan comfort mostly by napping heavily). I also brought my two-year-old Australian shepherd, Maple, into the mix for the heavy-duty models. Maple destroys anything that isn't rated for power chewers. Here's the final list of the five that survived.
Try our free tool: Crate Size Finder -- find the perfect crate size for your dog by breed or exact measurements.
My Top 5 Picks
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1. MidWest iCrate (Best Overall)
When I worked at a mixed-practice clinic in Portland, most vets I knew recommended the iCrate to new puppy owners. After testing it myself side-by-side against 11 competitors, it holds up. The divider panel grows with your puppy. The fold-flat design means it's genuinely portable.
What sealed it for me was the double-door design. It'll give you so much more placement flexibility in a cramped living room.
Buy the MidWest iCrate on Amazon ($47.99)
Pros:
- Excellent value for money
- Divider panel included for growing puppies
- Folds flat for travel and storage
- Two door options (front and side)
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy chewers or escape artists
- Plastic pan can slide around on hard floors
My verdict: If you have a puppy or a relaxed adult dog, this is the crate to buy. It's perfectly worth it.
2. Diggs Revol (Best Premium)
The Revol is what happens when a baby gear company designs a dog crate. It doesn't look like a standard wire cage. Six months in, the diamond-pattern mesh still looks brand new. (It's significantly stronger than standard wire models).
It's got a built-in ceiling hatch for top-loading your dog. There's an honest downside, though: the price.
Pros:
- Stunning design that looks good in your home
- Diamond mesh is nearly indestructible
- Ceiling hatch for easy top-loading
- Puppy divider included
Cons:
- Expensive ($200-$400 depending on size)
- Heavier than standard wire crates
My verdict: If you have the budget and want a crate that blends into your decor, the Revol is exceptional.
3. Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel (Best for Travel)
When you need an airline-approved travel crate, the Vari Kennel's the industry standard. It's the exact model professional dog transporters use. That credibility matters when you're putting your dog on a plane.
I've seen these used constantly when I volunteer monthly at the Multnomah County Animal Shelter. The hard plastic shell takes an absolute beating. It's remarkably easy to disassemble for deep cleaning.
Buy the Petmate Vari Kennel on Amazon
Pros:
- Airline approved for most carriers
- Extremely durable plastic shell
- Ventilation on all sides
- Easy to disassemble for cleaning
Cons:
- Not ideal for everyday home use
- Limited visibility for anxious dogs
My verdict: It's the only crate I'd recommend for air travel.
4. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Crate (Best Budget)
Here's the thing: not everyone needs a premium crate. The Amazon Basics model does exactly what it says. It's a solid metal crate that folds flat and costs about 30% less than the iCrate.
The construction's slightly flimsier. I'd skip this if your dog leans heavily against the doors. The pan quality's noticeably cheaper compared to the MidWest model. (Benny actually dented one just by shifting his weight).
Buy the Amazon Basics Crate on Amazon
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Includes divider panel
- Adequate for most puppies and calm adult dogs
Cons:
- Slightly flimsier construction
- Pan quality is noticeably cheaper
- No side door option
My verdict: It's a perfectly good option if you're on a tight budget. Spend the extra $15 for the iCrate if you can.
5. Impact High Anxiety Crate (Best for Escape Artists)
Some dogs act like Houdini-level escape artists. Standard wire crates simply can't contain them. During my clinic days, I saw plenty of broken teeth from dogs chewing on cheap wire setups.
The Impact crate's built from aircraft-grade aluminum with reinforced latches. It's essentially a bank vault. I put Maple in this one after two weeks of her testing the limits of standard wire, and it didn't budge.
Buy the Impact Crate on Amazon
Pros:
- Virtually escape-proof
- Aircraft-grade aluminum construction
- Safe rounded corners (no injury risk)
- Excellent ventilation
Cons:
- Very expensive ($400+)
- Heavy
- Overkill for most dogs
My verdict: If your dog has broken out of other crates, this is the answer. It's expensive, but it's the last crate you'll ever buy.
The Bottom Line
Need a breed-specific recommendation? See our picks for the best dog crates for Labrador Retrievers.
For 90% of dog owners, the MidWest iCrate is the right choice. It's affordable, well-designed, and holds up to daily use.
If your budget allows, the Diggs Revol is a genuine upgrade. Got a dog with serious separation anxiety? Skip straight to the Impact crate. You'll just end up spending more on replacements with cheaper models.
Related Reading
- How to Choose the Right Dog Crate -- Measuring and sizing guide
- Dog Separation Anxiety Guide -- When crate training meets anxiety
- New Puppy First Year Guide -- Month-by-month essentials