7 Best Dog Crates Compared: I Tested Them All (2026 Review)
Key points
- I’ve tested over 10 different dog crates with my Alaskan Klee Kai over the past 3 years.
- Best overall: Impact Collapsible Crate for durability, everyday use and versatility.
- Best for anxious dogs: Impact High Anxiety Crate for security and damage guarantee.
- Best for travel: Gunner G1 Kennel for crash-safety testing and tie-down pins for security.
- Best for style: Fable Modern Dog Crate for furniture-style crate at a premium price.
Are you looking to invest in a new dog crate for your pup? If so, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed by the sheer number of options.
Quick verdict
The right dog crate depends on your dog’s personality, level of crate training, anxiety, and how you plan to use it. After lots of testing, the Impact Collapsible Dog Crate is still the one I’d choose for strength, portability, and how comfortable it made my Alaskan Klee Kai feel.
I share my home with two anxious Alaskan Klee Kai dogs called Copper and Skye. I’ve been searching for the best dog crate to keep them happy and safe.
I’ve reviewed most of the top dog crate manufacturers over the past five years in my quest to uncover the best dog crate for every scenario.
Admittedly, I may have a problem when it comes to acquiring new dog crates to test (and later gift to friends with dogs!).
In this article, I’ll share my top picks to help experienced or new dog owners find a new dog crate for their pup.
I’ll break down my ultimate dog crate comparison into sections to share my top picks, whether you need a dog crate for travel, an anxious dog, or outdoor use.
Show table of contents Hide table of contents
Best Dog Crate For Dogs With Separation Anxiety
The Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate worked wonders with my Alaskan Klee Kai dogs. They used to suffer from a lot of separation anxiety, but it has improved over the years.
Copper and Skye love the High Anxiety crate, which we’ve been using for three years. I believe the den-like feel has encouraged them to use it daily to relax.
We keep it in our living room so our Klee Kai have a safe den when they need a break from our daughter or visitors. It’s sat next to our sofa, and it’s become part of the furniture!
It’s a heavy crate, so it isn’t very portable despite military-grade handles. But we never planned to move it much, so that isn’t really an issue for us.
Pros
- Den-like feel: Copper and Skye loved being safe and secure inside the crate.
- Cover: The High Anxiety crate comes with a 10-year dog damage guarantee.
- Durability: I’ve used it daily for the past three years with no signs of wear.
Cons
- Price: The smallest version of the High Anxiety starts at over $1000.
- Set up: It takes over an hour to set up. I recommend getting someone to help.
- Lacks portability: High Anxiety is one of the heavier crates that I’ve tested.
Best Dog Crate For Travel
This is a tricky decision. I’ve tested a few options, but I’d recommend the Gunner G1 Kennel. It comes with tie-downs, and the crate has tie-down pins, making it easy to secure in your trunk. The G1 Kennel has passed crash-safety testing, unlike some of the other dog crates on this list.
The Center for Pet Safety has shown that many popular crates fail in crash simulations, which is why crash-tested models matter if you frequently drive with your dog. I felt peace of mind knowing the small and medium have passed crash-safety testing.
Ultimately, we want our dogs to be safe in an unforeseen accident. If you head to Gunner’s website, you can read some incredible testimonials of how the G1 Kennel fared in accidents.
Copper and Skye do like sharing a crate, but I reached out to Gunner, and they don’t recommend this. Keep that in mind if you have multiple dogs like me.
Pros
- Peace of mind: The small and medium sizes have passed crash-safety testing.
- Tie-down pins: The kennel is easy to secure using straps and pins.
- Handles: Kayak-style handles make it easier to move to the car.
Cons
- Price: The small version of the Gunner G1 Kennel starts at $550.
- Awkward to carry: Its bulky size and weight make it difficult to move.
- Storage: You can’t collapse the G1 Kennel and store it away when done.
Best Premium Collapsible Dog Crate
I love a collapsible dog crate. They’re extremely versatile! I’d recommend the Impact Collapsible Crate, which I’ve used for over three years.
I chose the Impact Collapsible Crate because my dogs preferred it. It’s sturdier, with ventilation holes and an easy-to-use steel-latch paddle door.
After comparing the Impact Collapsible Crate to the Revol, I found my dogs were nervous around the latter’s garage-style roof. While it has multiple entry points, my Klee Kai were always wary of it. That’s why we ended up using Impact more often.
I’ve used the Collapsible Crate a lot over the past three years, and it’s held up really well. It shows barely any signs of use, looks in great condition, and still functions perfectly when collapsed and reassembled.
Pros
- Collapses down: It’s easy to break down and store away after use.
- Door latch: The paddle-latch door is easy to use and convenient in a rush.
- Durable: I’ve used the crate daily over the past three years with no issues.
Cons
- Cost: The smallest version of the crate starts at around $760.
- Collapse speed: There are crates available that are easier to collapse.
- No dog-damage guarantee: You can buy it as an extra on Impact’s website.
Best Affordable Collapsible Dog Crate
The PAWD collapsible dog crate is a great option for pet owners who want an affordable, collapsible crate without sacrificing design or style.
Kindtail has designed the PAWD to be durable despite being made from plastic. You can collapse and reassemble it in less than five minutes. You don’t require any tools!
It has ample ventilation and is easy to clean. The PAWD is only available in small and medium, which are priced at $139.99 and $209.99, respectively.
I’ve included it as an affordable option for dog owners who would prefer not to shell out over $500 on a dog crate until their pup is crate-trained.
Pros
- Simple to collapse: The PAWD is quick to break down with some practice.
- Price: It costs less compared to other crates on the market.
- Smart design: It’s easy to store once broken down with parts self-contained.
Cons
- Plastic: Unlike other crates featured, the PAWD isn’t made of metal.
- Destructive dogs: This isn’t a good fit for dogs that are big chewers.
- Durability: It’s less durable when compared to metal dog crates.
Best Dog Crate For Modern Style
If I were to invest in a dog crate for my home in 2026, I’d get the Fable. It’s my favorite dog crate for its design. The Fable looks like a coffee table or end table.
Copper and Skye are crate-trained and love having a den to relax. So I wasn’t worried about my Alaskan Klee Kai dogs damaging the Fable.
If your dog is a big chewer and isn’t crate-trained, I wouldn’t recommend the Fable because this wooden crate starts at $799.
However, if your dog likes being crated and you want one with a beautiful design that will last your dog’s lifetime, the Fable is the choice I wish I had made sooner.
Pros
- Beautiful appearance: The Fable is my favorite crate from a design standpoint.
- Quality materials: The Fable is made from premium bentwood.
- Quiet mechanism: The garage-style door opens smoothly and quietly.
Cons
- Price: It’s the most expensive dog crate I’ve reviewed, starting at $799.
- No returns: You need to get your sizing correct because you can’t return it.
- Not chew-proof: The Fable isn’t suited for destructive dogs.
Best Dog Crate For Puppies
This is the crate I wish we owned when Copper and Skye were puppies. The Kindtail is collapsible, so it would have been perfect for taking on the road when we stayed in hotels or AirBnBs.
It’s easy to clean, toxin-free and paw-safe because my dogs couldn’t get their snouts or paws between the ventilation holes. You can leave the roof off to make a playpen, which I wish I had when Skye and Copper were puppies.
You could compare it to the modern modular dog crates, but I think it’s better value because it collapses and stores away, all for a lower price.
We love the PAWD crate’s design because it fits seamlessly into our home’s interior design. The only caveat: it’s not available in a large size. So make sure you choose the right size!
Best Dog Crate For Air Travel
Full disclosure: I haven’t personally tested the Airline Crate, unlike all the other crates mentioned in this guide. However, I have owned and used Impact crates since 2023, and I’ve flown two transatlantic flights with Copper and Skye.
Previously, I recommended the Impact Collapsible Crate with the airline rail attachments for air travel. However, when I updated this article in 2026, I learned that Impact no longer endorses their Collapsible crate for airline cargo travel.
But I did discover that Impact designed a new Airline Crate to meet IATA’s strict requirements. It’s constructed from welded aluminum, has ventilation on all four sides, no folding seams, and heavy-duty metal hardware to satisfy the high standards required for air cargo travel.
While I haven’t personally tested it out (I hope to in the future!), I can speak to the build quality, durability, and overall performance of Impact’s dog crates. They only have intermediate, large, and extra-large versions of this crate.
I do recommend pet owners double-check their specific airline’s live crate dimensions and cargo regulations before flying.
Pros
- Flying: Specifically designed for air travel.
- Welded design: There are no folding seams.
- Seamless: No need to attach integrated rails, unlike the Collapsible Crate.
Cons
- Price: It starts at $1000+ for the smallest version of the crate.
- Appearance: You can only buy the Airline Crate in gray.
- No small version: It isn’t a solution for pet parents with small dogs.
Best Dog Crate For Truck Bed
Pet owners can choose from the crates mentioned in this article when looking for a dog crate for their truck bed.
Disclaimer: I don’t own a truck, but I’ve done my research. There does appear to be a clear winner with truck drivers.
The Gunner G1 Kennel is the market leader for the best dog crate for truck beds, which is hardly surprising given the tie-down pins and durability of their product.
You could also consider Impact’s dog crates, but our research suggests Gunner is the market leader. I reviewed these two crates in this article.
Best Dog Crate For Tesla Model Y
I don’t own a truck, but I do own a Tesla Model Y! I’ve used all the crates mentioned in this article in my Tesla. The High Anxiety was a tight squeeze, but the rest fit comfortably.
I would recommend the G1 Kennel. It has tie-down pins that allow dog owners to secure it. The small and medium sizes have passed crash safety testing.
The G1 Kennel is sturdy but extremely heavy. It’s smaller than my Impact crates, which I like. It doesn’t obscure my view in the rear-view mirror like some of the other crates.
Best Dog Crate For Escape Artists
We’re almost there. If you’ve got a dog with separation anxiety or an expert escape artist, I’d recommend the High Anxiety Crate. Impact describes it as an escape-proof crate!
They offer a dog damage guarantee on this crate, which shows how confident they are it can withstand even the most anxious dogs.
Copper loves his High Anxiety Crate, and we’ll often find him chilling in there throughout the day. It’s the perfect Klee Kai cave to give them their space.
Best Dog Crate For Small Spaces
If you’re living in an apartment or small space and need a dog crate that combines comfort and style, I recommend the Fable Essential Crate.
It mirrors the style of the Fable Modern Crate, with a garage-style door and plenty of square ventilation windows running throughout the crate.
Copper and Skye enjoy using this lightweight crate, and I think it’s more stylish than some other lightweight crates, such as the Evolv or even the Pawd.
You do need to assemble this dog crate, which can take about 10 minutes. However, it can’t be collapsed, so keep that in mind.
Pros
- Price: It’s stylish like the Modern Crate but more affordable, starting at $299.
- Garage-style door: Like its more expensive sibling, it’s smooth to use.
- Portability: It’s easier to move than some of the more premium crates.
Cons
- Materials: It’s made from heavy-duty polymer, rather than metal or wood.
- Durability: I found it less durable than the Fable Modern Dog Crate.
- Assembly: You have to put it together, which can take some time.
Most Versatile Dog Crate
It’s a really difficult choice to pick the most versatile crate. There are plenty of reasons to select a few different crates on this list.
I’d give honorable mention to the PAWD if you have a toy or small-sized dog because it’s lightweight and portable.
But I’d ultimately crown Impact’s Collapsible Crate the most versatile because it can be used at home, in the car, and pretty much anywhere!
How We Picked The Best Dog Crates
We’ve either been sent or purchased all the dog crates featured in this ultimate dog crate comparison guide apart from the Impact Airline Dog Crate.
So we have firsthand experience with every dog crate mentioned, testing and using them in our daily lives with Skye and Copper.
Remember, the American Kennel Club recommends that dogs be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without excess space.
We also believe design and ventilation play a big part in dog crate selection, especially with our skittish Alaskan Klee Kai dogs.
Copper and Skye like to feel safe and secure in their dog crate, having that den-like feel that we mentioned earlier.
It’s also important that the dog crate is easy to use in a practical sense, whether that’s opening and closing the door, moving it, or collapsing it.
Dog Crate FAQ
The AKC recommends that your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably without excess space. We have completed transatlantic flights with Copper and Skye in the hold, and the airlines made sure our crates met the above criteria.
Dog crates are safe to use in your daily life with your pet, provided you follow the instructions and guidelines laid out by the crate manufacturer. We have used dog crates with our Klee Kai since we first got Skye in 2017. They play an important role in our lives, helping keep our Klee Kai calm, safe and secure.
You can find dog crates that work at home and in the car. For instance, the Gunner G1 Kennel is crash-safety tested. We have used the Gunner G1 Kennel for travel in our Tesla Model Y, and we keep it inside our home for Copper and Skye to use when we’re not on the road.
The answer depends on your dog, their level of crate training and their individual needs. It’ll also depend on your circumstances. Puppies need regular potty breaks, whereas an adult dog can stay in their crate longer.
My dogs have also thrived in dog crates that provide a den-like feel where they feel safe, protected and secure. The High Anxiety crate has been their favorite because it meets these criteria.
It is safe to leave your dog in a crate overnight provided they’ve completed crate training and feel comfortable in their crate. Make sure the crate is comfortable, properly sized, and associated with positive experiences. We previously would crate Skye and Copper at nighttime, but we don’t do this anymore because we allow them to sleep on the sofa.
Conclusion
So there we have it! We’ve reached the end of our ultimate dog crate comparison.
Hopefully, we’ve provided some quality suggestions to help dog owners in a variety of circumstances.
Over the past three years, the dog crate we’ve used most is the Impact High Anxiety Dog Crate.
The High Anxiety Crate has stayed in the same place in our living room next to our sofa, giving our Klee Kai a den to hang out.
I tend to use Gunner in the car for road trips or when I take the dogs with me on a hike. I feel at peace knowing they’re safe.
We added the Fable Modern Dog crate to our living space in late 2025, and it’s quickly become one of Copper and Skye’s favorite dog crates.
We find them there most days while we work. We also love the crate’s style, which matches our home’s interior.