Best Dog Crates in 2026: Top-Rated Wire, Steel, and Plastic Options
Editorially independent. This page may contain affiliate links and clearly-labeled paid placements — see our advertising disclosure. Paid placements never change the ranking order below. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. retailer links go to amazon.com (US).
We evaluated the top dog crates available in 2026 based on construction durability, safety certifications, and specific use-case suitability for training, anxiety, and travel. This guide helps owners choose between budget-friendly wire models, heavy-duty steel enclosures, and crash-tested plastic kennels.
How we ranked these
At a glance
| # | Product | Score | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | MidWest iCrate (Wire) | 9.2 | First-time owners and puppies requiring visibility and airflow for crate training |
| 2 | Impact High Anxiety Crate | 9.0 | Owners of powerful breeds or true escape artists with severe separation anxiety |
| 3 | Gunner G1 Kennel | 8.8 | Frequent travelers needing certified crash protection for small to medium dogs |
| 4 | Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel | 8.5 | Owners of 90–110 lb dogs requiring certified crash protection in a large size |
| 5 | MidWest iCrate Enhanced (Wire) | 8.3 | Owners of larger dogs needing a scalable, budget-friendly wire crate |
MidWest iCrate (Wire)
9.2- Includes a divider panel for puppy sizing to grow with the dog
- Features patented 'Paw Block' security latches to prevent bolt sliding
- Budget-friendly pricing starting at $70.01 for the 24-inch model
- Foldable design with a leak-proof tray included
- Wire construction may fail for anxious dogs that can bend bars, such as German Shepherds
- Lacks crash-test certification for vehicle travel
Best for: First-time owners and puppies requiring visibility and airflow for crate training
Impact High Anxiety Crate
9.0- Aircraft-grade aluminum walls are 62% thicker than standard collapsible models
- Marketed as 'escape-proof' with a dog-damage guarantee
- Rated #1 overall pick by CNN Underscored in March 2026
- High investment cost, with the 30-inch model priced at $871.99
- Not independently crash-tested by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS)
- No divider panel included for adjustable sizing
Best for: Owners of powerful breeds or true escape artists with severe separation anxiety
Gunner G1 Kennel
8.8- Center for Pet Safety (CPS) crash-test certified in Small, Medium, and Intermediate sizes
- Roto-molded plastic construction for high durability
- Ideal for safe car travel and frequent road trips
- The Large size is not CPS certified despite being marketed for travel
- Higher price point compared to non-certified plastic alternatives
Best for: Frequent travelers needing certified crash protection for small to medium dogs
Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel
8.5- CPS 5-star certified for crash safety
- Currently the only reviewed Large-size crate with CPS certification
- Supports dogs up to 110 lbs in the Large size
- Premium pricing at $699.99 for the Large size
- Limited size range compared to wire or steel options
Best for: Owners of 90–110 lb dogs requiring certified crash protection in a large size
MidWest iCrate Enhanced (Wire)
8.3- Available in 8 sizes, including a 48-inch model for larger breeds
- Includes 'Paw Block' security latches and a leak-proof tray
- Foldable design for easier storage and transport
- Higher cost for larger sizes, with the 48-inch model at $168.98
- Wire construction remains vulnerable to strong chewers or anxious large breeds
Best for: Owners of larger dogs needing a scalable, budget-friendly wire crate
How to choose
Choose the Impact High Anxiety Crate for powerful breeds or escape artists, as its aircraft-grade aluminum walls are 62% thicker than standard models. Avoid wire crates like the MidWest iCrate for anxious dogs that might bend the bars.
Select the Gunner G1 Kennel for small to medium dogs or the Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel for large dogs up to 110 lbs, as they are Center for Pet Safety crash-test certified. Wire and steel options lack this independent travel safety validation.
The MidWest iCrate is the best value for first-time owners and puppies, offering a budget-friendly price starting at $70.01 and a divider panel for growing dogs. It provides essential visibility and airflow for crate training without the high cost of premium materials.
Our verdict
The MidWest iCrate is the best overall choice for most owners due to its balance of affordability, puppy-friendly divider panels, and secure Paw Block latches. For severe anxiety or escape artists, the Impact High Anxiety Crate offers superior durability despite its higher price.
Frequently asked questions
Which dog crate is best for crash safety?
The Gunner G1 Kennel is CPS crash-test certified in Small, Medium, and Intermediate sizes, while the Lucky Duck Lucky Kennel is the only CPS-certified option available in a Large size.
Are wire crates suitable for anxious dogs?
Wire crates like the MidWest iCrate offer visibility and airflow, but they may fail for anxious dogs that can bend the wire, such as German Shepherds.
What is the most expensive dog crate option?
The Impact High Anxiety Crate is the most expensive, with the 30-inch model priced at $871.99, reflecting its aircraft-grade aluminum construction.
Do any crates include divider panels for puppies?
Yes, the MidWest iCrate includes a divider panel to allow the crate to grow with the dog, whereas the Impact High Anxiety Crate does not include a divider.
