Best Dog Crates 2026: Wire vs Plastic vs Soft-Sided Compared

Crate training is one of the most effective tools for housebreaking, managing anxiety, and providing your dog with a safe space. But the wrong crate can make training harder or even dangerous. Here is how the three crate types compare on published specifications, and how to choose the right one.

Why Crate Training Works

Dogs are den animals. In the wild, canines seek enclosed spaces for safety and rest. A properly sized crate mimics this den instinct, giving your dog a place that feels secure. Crate training is recommended by the ASPCA, AKC, and virtually every professional dog trainer.

Benefits of crate training:

Important: A crate is NOT a punishment tool. Never use it as time-out or lock your dog in for extended periods. Maximum crate time: 4-6 hours for adults, 2-3 hours for puppies.

Wire Crates — Best for Home Use

Best Overall: MidWest iCrate

The MidWest iCrate is one of the most widely sold wire crates. The double-door design (front and side) provides flexible placement options, and the divider panel lets you adjust the interior size as your puppy grows.

Why it wins:

Wire crate pros: Maximum ventilation, full visibility, foldable, divider panels available, affordable, most size options

Wire crate cons: Heavy, not airline-approved, dogs can see everything (may increase anxiety in some dogs), can be noisy

Plastic Crates — Best for Travel

Best for Air Travel: Petmate Sky Kennel

The Petmate Sky Kennel meets IATA requirements for airline travel. The reinforced shell, secure locking system, and ventilation holes on all sides make it the standard for air cargo.

Best for Car Travel: Gunner G1 Kennel

If you're serious about car safety, the Gunner G1 is the only crate crash-tested for dogs. The double-wall roto-molded construction can withstand extreme impacts. It is by far the most expensive crate on the market, but it's genuinely the safest option for car travel.

Plastic crate pros: Airline-approved, cozy den-like feel, weather-resistant, lightweight, less visual stimulation (calming for anxious dogs)

Plastic crate cons: Less ventilation, can't fold flat, limited visibility, harder to clean

Soft-Sided Crates — Best for Calm Dogs & Travel

Best Soft Crate: EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate

For well-trained, calm dogs who need a portable crate for events, travel, or temporary use, soft crates are unbeatable for convenience. The EliteField sets up in seconds, weighs under 10 lbs, and has three zippered doors.

Soft crate pros: Ultra-lightweight, folds into carrying case, quiet, comfortable, multiple entry points

Soft crate cons: NOT for chewers or escape artists (they'll destroy it in minutes), not secure, not airline-approved, harder to clean

Sizing Your Crate

The crate should be just big enough for your dog to:

Too big = housebreaking problems. If a puppy can sleep on one side and pee on the other, the crate is too large. Use a divider panel.

Size guide:

Crate Training 101 (Quick Guide)

Day 1-3: Door open. Toss treats inside. Let dog explore voluntarily. Feed meals inside crate. Never force.

Day 4-7: Close door briefly while dog eats. Open before they finish. Gradually extend closed-door time to 5 minutes.

Week 2: Close door for 10-15 minutes while you're in the room. Ignore whining. Open when quiet.

Week 3: Leave the room briefly with dog in crate. Start with 1 minute, build to 30 minutes.

Week 4+: Begin leaving the house with dog crated. Start with 30 minutes, build to 2-4 hours.

Critical rules:

Crate Accessories Worth Buying

Common Crate Training Mistakes

The Bottom Line

The MidWest iCrate is the best choice for most dog owners — affordable, versatile, and available in every size. Use a plastic crate for airline travel, and soft crates only for calm, well-trained dogs in low-stress situations. Proper crate training takes patience but pays dividends for your dog's entire life.