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Our top picks
Short on time? Our top recommendation is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate.
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At a glance
The traits that separate these picks, side by side.
In depth
The 4 best, explained
Why each made the cut, where it falls short, and who should buy it.
MidWest Homes for Pets
Includes the divider panel most budget competitors charge extra for
- Typically $55 to $65
- Included divider panel
- Double door, leak-proof tray
- 36"L x 23"W x 25"H
✓ Pros
- Includes the divider panel most budget competitors charge extra for
- Over 34,000 ratings back up long-term reliability at this price
- Double door design usually costs more on other budget crates
✕ Cons
- Standard wire gauge, not for determined chewers
- Plastic tray is durable but not indestructible over years of use
SportPet Designs
The highlights are cheapest genuinely portable option in this price range and lightweight design suits buyers who move the crate often. One caveat, lighter wire gauge than the MidWest, best for calm and smaller dogs.
- Typically $65 to $80
- Lightweight folding wire construction
- Carrying handle
- Indoor and outdoor rated
✓ Pros
- Cheapest genuinely portable option in this price range
- Lightweight design suits buyers who move the crate often
- Quick setup and fold for occasional travel use
✕ Cons
- Lighter wire gauge than the MidWest, best for calm and smaller dogs
- Fewer size options than the iCrate lineup
- Smaller accessory ecosystem
MidWest
A small folding wire crate with two doors, a divider and a leak-proof pan for small breeds.
✓ Pros
- Double doors for flexible placement
- Divider panel for puppies
- Leak-proof plastic pan
- Folds flat with a carry handle
✕ Cons
- Only suits small breeds
- Wire crates are less den-like
- Some dogs learn to push the pan
MidWest
A medium folding crate with a divider panel, sized for dogs about 21 to 40 lb.
✓ Pros
- Divider grows with a puppy
- Folds flat for storage
- Secure slide-bolt latches
- Leak-proof pan
✕ Cons
- Single door limits placement
- Not for escape artists
- Pan can rattle
How we chose these picks
This shortlist is the product of research, not advertising. We cross-checked manufacturer specs against independent reviews and long-term owner feedback, then ranked by value for real use cases.
Mistakes buyers often make
- Buying on brand name alone instead of matching features to your actual use case.
- Overpaying for headline specs you'll never use, define must-haves first.
- Ignoring size — compatibility, and ongoing costs (filters, accessories, refills).
- Trusting star ratings without reading what owners compla in about after 6 months.
How to choose: the factors that matter
- Capacity and sizing — Measure your space and your actual use before falling for bigger-is-better. The right size is the one that fits your routine, not the spec sheet's maximum.
- Build quality and materials — Heavier-gauge materials, tight tolerances, and solid joints outlast thin, rattly construction. In reviews, look for longevity comments over first-impression praise.
- Ease of use and setup — Clear instructions, intuitive controls, and minimal assembly separate daily drivers from garage ornaments.
- Maintenance and cleaning — Whatever you buy will need cleaning. Removable, dishwasher-safe, or wipe-clean parts get maintained; fiddly ones get neglected.
- Warranty and support — A multi-year warranty signals the manufacturer expects it to last. Check what's actually covered, motors and frames matter more than accessories.
The bottom line
If you want the short answer: the top pick above suits most buyers, the value pick suits tight budgets, and the specialist picks suit specific needs. Match the pick to your use case, not to the hype.
FAQ
Common questions
What are the best dog crates under $80 right now?
Our top pick is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate (our top pick), because includes the divider panel most budget competitors charge extra for. The runner-up is the SportPet Designs Sport Pet Large Portable Kennel, followed by the MidWest LifeStages 24-Inch Double Door Dog Crate.
Is the MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate worth it?
For most buyers, yes. It ranks #1 in our dog crates under $80 research, though standard wire gauge, not for determined chewers.
Are budget dog crates under $80 safe for daily use?
Yes, for the majority of dogs. Standard wire crates in this price range, like the MidWest iCrate, are safe for dogs that aren't determined chewers or escape artists.
What do you give up buying a cheaper dog crate?
Mainly wire thickness and latch security. Budget crates use thinner wire gauge that can bend under sustained pressure from a large or anxious dog, and simpler single-point latches instead of the multi-point systems on heavier-duty models. For a calm dog under 70 pounds, neither tradeoff typically matters.
Does a cheap crate include a divider panel?
The MidWest iCrate includes one standard, which is one reason it's the best value in this price range. Some other budget crates sell the divider as a separate accessory, which erases part of the savings, so check before buying if you need one for a growing puppy.
Is it worth paying more than $80 for a dog crate?
It's worth it if your dog is large, anxious, a chewer, or has a history of bending wire or forcing latches.
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