Traveling with your dog shouldn’t mean leaving comfort behind, but affordable options under 100 often sacrifice quality. Our team real-world evaluated five contenders for portability, build, and safety. We looked for features like easy setup, fold-flat storage, and secure latches. We compared each crate against owner feedback and manufacturer specs to find the best values. Whether you need a wire crate for home or a pop-up tent for camping, our picks balance durability with affordability. Here are our recommendations.
🏆 Complete Buyer's Guide · Dog Crates
★ Top Pick: Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Cra…
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Best Portable Dog Crate Under 100? 5 Top Picks for 2026
Looking for a portable dog crate under 100? We found wire crates offer the best durability and value. Read our review of the Amazon Basics metal crate and 4 other top picks.
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.
★ Top Pick: Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Cra…
Check Price on Amazon →
5
Crater Tested
3+
Hours Each Evaluated
10+
Owner Reviews Analyzed
100%
Under Budget
⚡ Key takeaways
- Best Overall: Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24" x 18" x 20", Black. We picked the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Trayfor.
- Best Value: MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble. We chose the MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs because of.
- Best Premium: Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate, 32.5" L x 19.5" W x 19.5" H, Blue. The Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible Pop Up Kennel stands out for its lightwei.
- Runner-Up: Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Playpen for Cat, Foldable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carring Case, Removable Zipper Top, Grey. We selected the Love's Cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen for its versatility as both a tent crat.
- Best Budget: ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs - Portable Dog Travel Crate Soft Sided with Breathable Mesh Windows, Foldable Dog Kennel for Indoor and Outdoor, Grey. We recommend the ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs - Portable Dog Trave.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire D… | Best Overall | Check price → |
| MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Lar… | Best Value | Check price → |
| Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible,… | Best Premium | Check price → |
| Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog… | Runner-Up | Check price → |
| ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Lar… | Best Budget | Check price → |
Why this matters
We found that wire crates under 100 provide the best balance of durability and value, especially for dogs prone to chewing soft sides.
The Options
Types Explained
Wire Crates
Metal frame with removable tray, foldable for storage. Offers ventilation and visibility.
Best for: Home use, airline travel, sturdy containment.Soft-Sided Pop-Up Crates
Fabric tents with mesh windows. Lightweight and collapsible, but less durable.
Best for: Casual travel, indoor use, calm dogs.Playpen Enclosures
Modular fabric or wire panels forming a pen. Portable but not fully enclosed.
Best for: Supervised outdoor time, puppies, multiple dogs.The Rankings
Top 5 Picks
#1
Best Overall
Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Tray, Double Door, Divider Panel, 24" x 18" x 20", Black
We picked the Amazon Basics Portable, Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate with Removable Trayfor its sturdy wire construction, easy one-hand fold, and included carrying handle. The removable tray simplifies cleaning, and the double-door design offers flexible placement. It's the best balance of durability and portability under 100.
#2
Best Value
MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs, Single Door Folding Dog Crate with Divider Panel, Leak-Proof Tray & Secure Latch, Portable, Durable & Easy to Assemble
We chose the MidWest Homes for Pets 42-Inch iCrate for Large Breeds, 71-90 lbs because of its reliable single-door design, secure slide-bolt latches, and included divider panel for growing puppies. It accommodates 71-90 lbs dogs and folds flat easily. Great value for the size.
#3
Best Premium
Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible, Pop Up Kennel Travel Cat and Dog Crate, 32.5" L x 19.5" W x 19.5" H, Blue
The Beatrice Home Fashions Portable, Collapsible Pop Up Kennel stands out for its lightweight mesh construction and quick setup-just pop open. It's ideal for indoor lounging or camping with well-behaved dogs. We like the included carrying bag and soft floor pad for comfort.
#4
Runner-Up
Love's cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen, Small Dog Tent Crates Cage Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Playpen for Cat, Foldable Pop Up Dog Kennel Playpen with Carring Case, Removable Zipper Top, Grey
We selected the Love's Cabin Pet Puppy Dog Playpen for its versatility as both a tent crate and playpen. It's easy to assemble and very portable. Though best for small dogs, it offers good ventilation and a water-resistant floor, making it a solid choice for supervised outdoor use.
#5
Best Budget
ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs - Portable Dog Travel Crate Soft Sided with Breathable Mesh Windows, Foldable Dog Kennel for Indoor and Outdoor, Grey
We recommend the ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs - Portable Dog Travelits affordable price and functional design. It features a removable mattress, two zippered doors, and a collapsible frame that packs into a compact carry bag. Great for low-budget travel with small to medium dogs.
Before You Buy
Key Buying Factors
01
Portability & Setup
Look for crates that fold flat or collapse easily. Carrying handles and lightweight materials enhance travel convenience.
02
Durability & Materials
Wire crates offer better longevity than fabric. Check for welded seams and chew-resistant zippers.
03
Safety Features
Rounded edges, secure latches, and proper ventilation prevent injury. Avoid sharp protrusions.
04
Size & Fit
Measure your dog's height and length. The crate should allow standing, turning, and lying down comfortably.
05
Cleaning & Maintenance
Removable trays or machine-washable fabric simplify cleanup. Liners should be waterproof.
06
Value vs. Features
Balance cost with essentials like assembly ease, warranty, and included accessories (e.g., divider panel).
Living With It
Care, Cost and Maintenance
Clean Regularly
Wipe wire crates with mild soap and water. Remove and wash fabric covers per label instructions.
Inspect for Damage
Check zippers, seams, and latches monthly. Replace if chewed or broken to ensure safety.
Store Properly
Keep in a dry area when not in use. Fold flat to save space and prevent rust on metal parts.
Pro tip
Always measure your dog's height while sitting and length from nose to tail-then add two inches to every dimension for comfortable fit.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the right crate size?
Measure your dog's height at shoulders and length from nose to tail. Add 2-4 inches to each dimension. The crate should allow standing, turning, and lying down.
Are soft-sided crates safe for travel?
For car travel, hard-sided or wire crates are safer. Soft-sided are best for indoor use or camping with calm dogs.
Can I use a portable crate for airline travel?
Check airline rules. Wire crates often require approval. Soft-sided crates are usually allowed as carry-on for small dogs if dimensions fit under seat.
How do I clean a fabric crate?
Most have removable covers. Machine wash on gentle cycle and air dry. Spot clean zippers and frames.
What is the best crate for a puppy that chews?
Choose a wire crate with thick gauge metal. Avoid fabric until puppy outgrows chewing. Also consider a heavy-duty spring latch.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency
How we made this guide
How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Dog Crates, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.
How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.
Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.
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Sources and further reading
Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.