These top 3 dog crates cover three different needs: a simple everyday wire crate, a premium collapsible crate, and a plastic travel kennel. MidWest is the practical home option, Amazon Basics is the budget-friendly choice, and Petmate is better for travel or dogs who prefer a more enclosed den.
The MidWest iCrate is the classic wire dog crate most families picture when they think of crate training. It folds down, gives your dog good visibility, and includes practical features like a divider panel, plastic pan, and secure slide-bolt latch design.
Amazon Basics Crate
The Amazon Basics Metal Wire Dog Crate is the budget-friendly wire crate option. It has the same general style most people expect from a basic home dog crate: a foldable metal frame, removable tray, and simple black wire design. It is a good fit for buyers who want a practical crate without paying extra for a premium brand.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
The Petmate Ultra Vari is the enclosed plastic kennel option. It has a sturdy plastic shell, metal door, side ventilation, easy-open squeeze latch, interior floor moat, and tie-down holes on larger sizes for travel security.
Ideal for:
MidWest iCrate
Puppies, crate training, everyday home use, and families who want a simple crate with good airflow and visibility.
Amazon Basics Crate
Budget buyers, basic home use, crate training, puppies, and families who want a simple crate from Amazon.
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Travel, car rides, vet trips, dogs who like a more enclosed den, and owners who prefer a plastic kennel over an open wire crate.
Pros:
MidWest iCrate
– Classic wire crate design
– Good airflow and visibility
– Divider panel helps with growing puppies
– Folds down for storage
– Plastic tray is easier to clean
– Double-door versions are flexible for room placement
– Usually a strong value
Amazon Basics Crate
– Cheaper than name-brand crates
– Foldable wire design
– Removable tray
– Simple black look
– Easy to find on Amazon
– Good for basic crate training
– Multiple size options
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
– More enclosed and den-like
– Better for travel than most wire crates
– Sturdy plastic shell
– Side ventilation
– Metal door
– Easier to wipe out than fabric crates
– Good for dogs who feel exposed in wire crates
Cons:
MidWest iCrate
– Not the nicest-looking crate
– Can rattle or feel noisy
– Not ideal for escape-prone dogs
– Wire design feels less cozy without a cover
– Takes up more space
Amazon Basics Crate
– Not as established as MidWest for dog crates
– Basic appearance
– May feel less premium
– Not ideal for escape-prone dogs
– Wire crates can rattle
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
– Less visibility than wire crates
– Bulkier to store
– Not as open or airy
– Larger sizes can be harder to carry
– More cramped
Midwest iCrate
Amazon Basics Crate
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
Everyday home use
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Crate training
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Travel use
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Easy to clean
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Airflow/visibility
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Cozy den feel
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Easy storage
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Brand trust
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Price
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Summary
The MidWest iCrate is the familiar name-brand wire crate for everyday home use and crate training. The Amazon Basics Crate is the better budget option for shoppers who want something simple and easy to buy on Amazon. The Petmate Ultra Vari is the better fit for travel, car rides, and dogs who like a more enclosed den-style crate.
