Every dog owner eventually faces the crate question. Whether you just brought home a wriggling puppy or your adult dog needs a safe space to call their own, a good crate is one of the most valuable tools you can invest in. The good news? You do not need to spend a fortune to get a quality kennel. There are excellent dog crates under 100 dollars that offer durability, safety, and comfort without draining your wallet.
In this guide, we break down the different crate types, explain how to pick the right size, and recommend five specific models that deliver real value for the price. Let us find the right crate for your dog and your budget.
Why Every Dog Needs a Crate
A crate is not a cage. When used correctly, it becomes your dog’s personal den, a place they voluntarily retreat to for rest and security. Crate training taps into a dog’s natural instinct to seek out small, enclosed spaces for safety.
The benefits go well beyond having a cozy spot. Crates keep your dog safe when you cannot directly supervise them, preventing destructive chewing, accidental poisonings, and other household hazards. They are essential for house training, since dogs naturally avoid soiling their sleeping area. And when it comes to travel, whether by car or airline, a crate keeps your dog secure and reduces anxiety during the journey.
Veterinarians and professional trainers consistently recommend crate training as one of the most effective tools for raising a well-adjusted dog. The key is making the crate a positive space, never a punishment, and choosing one that fits your dog’s size and your lifestyle.
Crate Types: Which One Is Right for You?
Not all crates are created equal. The right type depends on your dog’s temperament, your living situation, and how you plan to use it. Here are the four main categories.
Wire Crates
Wire crates are the most common and versatile option. They offer excellent ventilation, fold flat for storage, and typically include a removable plastic pan for easy cleaning. Most come with a divider panel so you can adjust the interior space as your puppy grows. They work well for home use and short trips but are not airline approved.
Soft-Sided Crates
Lightweight and portable, soft-sided crates are ideal for travel, camping, and indoor use with calm, non-destructive dogs. Made from fabric over a flexible frame, they set up and break down in seconds. However, they are not suitable for dogs who chew, dig, or suffer from separation anxiety, as the fabric walls can be torn.
Furniture-Style Crates
Designed to blend into your home decor, furniture-style crates double as end tables, nightstands, or console tables. They feature wooden or engineered-wood exteriors with metal grilles inside. These are the most attractive option but tend to cost more and weigh significantly more than wire crates. They are best for small to medium dogs and owners who want the crate to enhance their living space.
Plastic Crates
Also known as travel or airline crates, plastic crates have solid walls on the sides and top with a wire door and ventilation slots. They are required for air travel and offer more privacy and a den-like feel than wire crates. The downside is less visibility and ventilation, and they do not fold flat for storage.
How to Choose the Right Size Crate
Getting the right size is critical. A crate that is too small is uncomfortable and stressful. One that is too large defeats the purpose of house training, since your dog can eliminate in one corner and sleep in another.
Measure your dog from the tip of their nose to the base of their tail while standing, then add 2 to 4 inches. For height, measure from the floor to the top of their head while sitting, and add 2 to 4 inches. Your dog should be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
If you have a growing puppy, look for a crate that comes with a divider panel. This lets you buy a crate sized for your dog’s adult weight and block off the excess space until they grow into it. Most manufacturers list their crates by the weight range and breed size they accommodate, so use those guidelines as a starting point.
5 Best Budget Dog Crates Under 100 Dollars
These five picks cover every crate type and budget level. Every one of them comes in under the 100 dollar mark while delivering solid build quality and real-world reliability.
1. Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate (35 to 50 Dollars)
If you want a no-frills wire crate that simply works, the Amazon Basics Foldable Metal Wire Dog Crate is hard to beat for the price. It features a fold-and-carry design, a removable plastic pan, and a secure single-door latch. The black epoxy coating resists rust and scratching, and the included divider panel makes it suitable for puppies that are still growing.
Available in five sizes from 18 to 48 inches, this crate covers toy breeds up to large dogs. It is not the heaviest-duty wire crate on the market, but for most household dogs, it provides everything you need at a price that leaves room in the budget for bedding and toys.
2. MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate (40 to 60 Dollars)
The MidWest iCrate Folding Metal Dog Crate has been a best-seller for years, and for good reason. It offers a double-door design (side and end) for flexible placement, a durable plastic pan with an edge that prevents leaks, and rounded corners for safety. The included divider panel and rubber feet are thoughtful touches that set it apart from basic models.
MidWest has been making pet products for decades, and their customer service and warranty support reflect that experience. This crate hits the sweet spot between price and features, making it the best overall value on this list.
3. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate (50 to 75 Dollars)
For travel and light indoor use, the EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate is a standout. It features three entry points (top, front, and side), which makes getting your dog in and out much easier than single-door designs. The lightweight steel tube frame folds down into a compact carrying bag, and the polyester fabric is water-resistant and machine-washable.
This crate is available in a range of colors and sizes from 24 to 48 inches. It sets up in under a minute with no tools required. Keep in mind that soft crates are best for calm dogs, not escape artists or heavy chewers.
4. Unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate End Table (70 to 95 Dollars)
If you want a crate that actually looks good in your living room, the Unipaws Furniture Style Dog Crate End Table is an excellent choice. The engineered wood top and stylish design let it double as a functional side table, and the sturdy metal bars keep your dog safely contained. It includes a removable tray for easy cleaning and a cushion for comfort.
This crate is available in multiple finishes including grey, espresso, and natural wood tones. It works best for small to medium dogs up to about 40 pounds. The trade-off for the attractive design is weight and lack of portability, but if the crate is staying in one spot, that is hardly a drawback.
5. Amazon Basics Furniture Style Dog Crate (80 to 99 Dollars)
The Amazon Basics Furniture Style Dog Crate offers a slightly more affordable wooden crate option compared to premium brands. It features a solid wood composite exterior with decorative louvered panels and a secure latch. The flat top functions as a table surface, and the interior includes a removable plastic tray.
This model suits small to medium dogs and comes in a neutral finish that works with most decor styles. Assembly is required but straightforward with included hardware and instructions. For dog owners who want the furniture look without paying designer prices, this is a practical pick.
Budget Crate Buying Tips: What to Look For and What to Skip
Shopping for a crate on a budget does not mean settling for low quality. Here is how to make every dollar count.
Do look for: a removable pan or tray for cleaning, a divider panel if you have a puppy, secure latches that your dog cannot open, and rubber feet or floor protectors to prevent scratches. Fold-flat designs add real value if you need to store the crate between uses.
Do skip: crates with thin-gauge wire that bends easily, models with push-button latches that can be accidentally opened, and any crate without a floor tray. Also avoid buying a crate that is too large for a puppy without a divider, as it undermines house training.
Shop by size, not brand name. Many budget crates from Amazon Basics or MidWest use the same manufacturing standards as name-brand models that cost twice as much. The key specification is wire gauge and door latch quality, not the label on the side.
Check prices in multiple sizes. If your dog falls on the boundary between sizes, compare the price of both. Smaller crates are often significantly cheaper, and a slightly snugger fit is better for training than excess space.
Bottom Line
A quality dog crate does not have to cost a fortune. Whether you need a simple wire kennel for under 50 dollars, a portable soft crate for travel, or an attractive furniture-style piece that blends into your home, there are reliable options well under the 100 dollar mark. The Amazon Basics and MidWest wire crates offer the best pure value, the EliteField soft crate is the travel champion, and the Unipaws and Amazon Basics furniture models prove that style and budget can coexist.
Measure your dog carefully, match the crate type to your lifestyle, and invest the savings in a comfortable bed, training treats, or toys that make the crate a place your dog actually wants to be.