9 Best Dog Crates for Puppies in 2026 - Reviews & Top Picks

When you potty train your pup, you need a crate to keep them safe and secure. Buying a puppy crate for the first time can be confusing. There are so many factors involved, including size and durability, that it's difficult to determine which model is ideal for your furry friend.

It’s important to know what you want from the crate so you’ll know what style to look for. Thankfully, we’ve done the hard work of researching the best brands available. Here is the list of our in-depth reviews of the best dog crates for puppies:

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites (Updated 2026)

Rating	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door	Includes a front and side door Durable steel construction Coated finish protects it from wear	Check Price
Best Value		Carlson Pet Foldable Pet Crate	Affordable & durable Single-latch door for quick access Removable plastic tray	Check Price
Premium Choice		Merry Products Dog Crate	Sleek design with wire crate benefits Can be used as a table Side-facing door	Check Price
		Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Puppy Crate	Lightweight and portable Canvas and mesh panels Simple to set up	Check Price
		MidWest Homes Puppy Crate	Easy to assemble Removable plastic pan Convenient handle on top	Check Price

The 9 Best Dog Crates for Puppies

1. Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Wire Dog Crate - Best Overall

The Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate is our pick for the best overall crate for puppies. It has a door on the front and one on the side to give you easy access to your pup. It’s ideal for a puppy because it has a divider you can adjust as they grow. 

Unlike other crate manufacturers, Frisco has seven sizes available, which makes its model perfect for practically any breed. It’s also easy to assemble and requires no tools. Since puppies are more likely to have accidents in their crates than adults, Frisco’s crate includes a removable plastic base that’s easy to clean.

The durable steel frame has a black electro-coat finish to protect it from corrosion and wear, and when you’re ready to pack it up, it folds down easily. Customers liked the durable construction and easy assembly, but some were disappointed that the latches weren’t durable as the frame.

Type: Wire folding

Dimensions: 7 sizes: From 18” L x 12” W x 14” H to 48” L x 30” W x 32” H

2. Carlson Pet Foldable Pet Crate - Best Value

If you’re looking for a high-quality crate for the best value, the Carlson Pet DS Foldable Metal Pet Crate is a great option. This model is made with steel for extra durability, which is necessary if your puppy tends to bite and scratch at everything. The front-facing door has a single bolt-style latch for quicker opening and closing of the crate.

It also has a removable plastic tray, and it's washable in case your puppy has an accident. While it may be a great puppy crate, the problem is the size. It’s smaller than our top pick and can only house dogs and puppies up to 25 pounds.

It also only has one door and a single bolt latch, so it’s not as secure. Other than these limitations, the Carlson Pet Foldable Metal Pet Crate is the best dog crate for puppies for the money compared to other models.

Type: Metal folding

Dimensions: 24” L x 18” W x 19” H

3. Merry Products Dog Crate - Premium Choice

The Merry Products Dog Crate is a premium model that gives you the benefits of a wire folding crate with the sleek look of a furniture crate. The panels and flat top are more aesthetically pleasing than a bare wire crate and can double as a coffee table. The door on this model is on the side rather than the front, so you can place the crate sideways against the wall.

It’s on the bigger side compared to other puppy-sized crates, which can be good and bad. While it may be roomier and allow for a more comfortable crate, there’s no divider to help with housebreaking your puppy. The door has only one latch, so it’s less secure than a traditional double-locking crate. The Zoovilla is a premium puppy crate with a fashionable design but is more expensive than our top 2 models.

Type: Furniture/Wire

Dimensions: 20.71″L x 27.20″W x 22.09″H

4. Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Puppy Crate

The Noz2Noz Soft-Krater Puppy Crate is a lightweight and portable soft-sided crate, an alternative to the traditional wire or plastic carrier style crates. The mesh panels provide a darker, quieter environment for your dog while still allowing you to see inside. This model is simple to set up with no heavy lifting or assembly required.

The Noz2Noz has some good benefits, but there are some concerns with it as well. One problem is that it’s usually too lightweight for rambunctious puppies that can turn it over or knock it down. The canvas material may not hold up to a dog with destructive habits such as chewing and scratching. This model may also be on the expensive side compared to other canvas and metal crates, but it does use high-quality materials. If your puppy or small dog is calm and needs a more den-like retreat, this crate can be an alternative to other types.

Type: Soft-Sided

Dimensions: 26”L x 18”W x 21”H

5. MidWest Homes Puppy Crate

The MidWest Homes Puppy Crate is a wire folding crate that is relatively easy to assemble, with a single door and bolt-latch. This model also has a plastic pan that can be removed for easy cleaning. There’s a convenient handle, so you can carry it a little easier when it’s set up. Like other wire crates, the MidWest has a divider for potty training your pup.

While it is a good crate, some models have more features for the same price. The single door can be inconvenient, depending on how it fits in your home or vehicle. Another problem is that it may not be as secure as a crate with multiple latches or locking mechanisms. The MidWest Puppy Crate is on the smaller side, so it is only suitable for a dog up to 25 pounds. If your puppy or small dog isn’t an escape artist, this crate may work.

Type: Wire Folding

Dimensions: 24”L x 18”W x 19”H

6. New World Folding Metal Dog Crate

The New World Folding Metal Dog Crate is a wire folding crate similar to other models, with one front-facing door and a single latch. It folds down for convenient storage and can fit in the trunk of most cars. It has a removable pan for convenient cleaning, but the plastic seems a little weaker compared to premium brands.

The plastic pan won't be durable enough if your dog chews on plastic or hard surfaces. It comes with a divider, which is important to have when you’re housebreaking your pup. The main problem with this crate is that the metal seems weak, and some determined dogs were able to bend the crate enough to escape. If your dog is small and not likely to test the crate’s limits, the New World Folding Metal Dog Crate could work.

Type: Wire folding

Dimensions: 24”L x 18”W x 19”H

• Also Read: Best Dog Crates with Dividers – Reviews & Top Picks

7. Amazon Basics - Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate

The Amazon Basics Durable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate is a small puppy crate that can be folded down for storage. This model has double-latch locks on both doors for a more secure crate. The AmazonBasics crate also comes with a plastic pan that is removable, but the plastic is not as durable as other models.

This crate comes with a metal divider that can be adjusted to increase the interior space. The handle on top of the crate may seem convenient, but it doesn’t feel stable and can break under too much weight. The biggest issue with the crate is the metal frame, which is too easy to bend and manipulate. 

If your puppy is an escape artist, we recommend trying the Frisco Fold and Carry crate for a more durable, secure enclosure.

Type: Wire Folding

Dimensions: 24” L x 18” W x 20” H

8. PRECISION PET Double Door Wire Dog Crate

The Petmate Double Door Wire Dog Crate is a wire crate that folds and assembles easily. This model features two doors but with one latch on each only. The latches are kind of hard to manipulate, which can make opening and closing the crate difficult.

The Petmate Dog Crate is made out of cheap metal that bends way too easily, so it’s not the best choice for stronger, bigger pups. The clamps holding the crate panels together are also low-quality and don’t line the panels up correctly. Lastly, this crate is more expensive than other models, so we recommend trying one of our top brands.

9. AmazonBasics Folding Soft Dog Crate

The Amazon Basics Folding Soft Dog Crate is a softer alternative to the more traditional wire crate. This soft crate is easy to set up and it’s lightweight, so it can be taken on the road with you. However, there are some issues with the AmazonBasics Folding Soft Crate that outweigh the benefits. 

This soft crate features small mesh “windows” instead of full-length mesh panels, which means there’s a serious lack of proper airflow and ventilation. Also, some dogs may not like having such limited visibility. 

The canvas and mesh material are flimsy and can be damaged by a hyper puppy, let alone a dog that loves to chew. 

Some customers complained about the zippers breaking, and if you have an energetic, large puppy and need a soft carrier, we recommend the Noz2Noz 663 Soft-Krater Puppy Crate (#4).

Type: Soft-Sided

Dimensions: 35.83" L x 24.02" W x 24.02" H

Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Best Dog Crates for Puppies

Buying a crate for your new puppy can be stressful, but there are ways to make crate shopping a smoother experience. Before buying your puppy’s crate, some factors may influence your decision.

Things to Consider

Crate’s purpose

The first thing to consider is the purpose of the crate, which can range between travel and housebreaking. Determining the purpose of your puppy’s crate will help narrow your choices.

Puppy size

The size of your puppy, and how fast they will grow, will determine the size of the crate you’ll need. Puppies grow quickly, so getting a small crate may not be the best decision. Consider how big your dog will get and if you need to buy a bigger crate later.

Temperament

Your puppy’s temperament is a significant factor in the design you select. If your dog is a destructive chewer or has separation anxiety, you’ll need a crate that is durable and escape-proof. Calmer pups may be able to have canvas-style crates or plastic carrier crates.

Types of Crates & What to Look for

There are several types of crates available, but not all crates are going to give you the benefits your puppy needs. This is especially important to remember if your puppy is a destructive chewer or an escape artist.

Metal

Metal wire folding crates are the most traditional and standard dog crates. Look for crates with high-quality metal and double-latch locks for extra security. Metal crates are best suited for rambunctious dogs that like to escape.

Plastic carrier

Plastic Carrier crates are portable plastic crates for small and medium-sized dogs. Make sure the plastic is durable with a locking metal door. Plastic carrier crates are good for travel and for small dogs needing a den-like space.

Soft-sided/Canvas

Soft-sided crates are lightweight and easy to assemble but just as easy to collapse by a hyper puppy. If you choose a canvas crate, make sure the canvas material is durable and the crate has proper ventilation. Soft-sided crates are usually better for adult dogs rather than puppies.

Our Dog Crates for Puppies Selection Process

When it comes to selecting products, Hepper has a committed team of writers and editors who work closely with licensed veterinarians to find the very best in today’s market. Together, they consider customer feedback, brand reputation, veterinary expertise, and whenever possible, hands-on testing. We aim to select and review the highest-quality products to help you make informed choices that meet both your and your pet’s needs.

Why Trust Hepper?

Since 2007, Hepper has been a trusted and growing online brand and resource with the edge of creating and retailing our own line of cat furniture, toys, and gear, and pet consumables, giving us valuable insights into how to choose dog crates for puppies. Our driven team of pet-loving writers, editors, and veterinarians is dedicated to empowering our readers to make the best decisions for their animal companions. Our priority lies in providing top-notch information and recommendations. Our team is genuinely invested in the health and well-being of all pets worldwide, believing that expert knowledge is crucial for achieving this goal.

In Conclusion

After carefully reviewing each crate, we found the Frisco Fold & Carry Double Door Collapsible Wire Dog Crate to be the best overall dog crate. It’s made of durable, coated steel and has two doors for convenience. For the best value, we recommend the Carlson Pet Foldable Metal Pet Crate. It’s affordable but doesn’t sacrifice on quality.

Hopefully, we have made it easier for you to find the right crate. We looked for the finest quality products to meet your needs. With some trial and error, you’ll find what will work best for your pup.

See also:

• Best Indoor Dog Potties – Reviews & Top Picks

• Dog Crate Alternatives For Dogs Who Hate Them