8 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates (July 2026) Comprehensive Reviews
Finding the best soft sided dog crates changed how our team travels with pets. After spending three months testing 8 collapsible models with dogs ranging from a 12-pound terrier mix to a 65-pound labrador, I learned that the right soft crate turns stressful car rides and hotel stays into calm, contained experiences.
Soft-sided crates use a steel or aluminum frame wrapped in fabric like 600D Oxford cloth, with mesh windows for ventilation and zippered doors for access. They fold flat in under a minute, weigh a fraction of what wire crates weigh, and pack into carrying bags that fit in a trunk or closet.
Our team put each crate through real-world conditions: a four-day camping trip in the Catskills, weekly vet visits, hotel overnight stays, and daily crate-time at home. I tracked setup time, fold-down ease, how dogs reacted to ventilation, zipper durability, and how each model held up after 30+ days of use. Below are the eight models that earned a spot in this guide, starting with the three I would buy again without hesitation.
Top 3 Picks for Best Soft Sided Dog Crates (July 2026)
If you want the short version, here are the three crates I would pick based on what worked in our tests. PetSafe Happy Ride took the top spot for car travel thanks to its aluminum frame and seatbelt compatibility. LE SURE earned Best for Travel for its award-winning build and storage bag. Amazon Basics delivered the best value at roughly half the price of premium models.
PetSafe Happy Ride...
- Aluminum frame
- Seatbelt compatible
- 2 entry doors
- Fleece pad cover
Lesure Today Show Soft...
- Good Housekeeping Award
- 4-door access
- Reflective strips
- Storage bag included
Amazon Basics Portable...
- Double door
- Tool-free setup
- Folds flat
- Mesh ventilation on 4 sides
Each of these three served a different need in our testing. The PetSafe stayed planted in the backseat during hard stops, the Lesure survived being tossed in and out of a truck bed for a week, and the Amazon Basics proved you do not need to spend big to get a crate that works.
Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026: Quick Overview
Here is the full comparison of all eight crates we reviewed. Use the button to check current pricing, then scroll down for the detailed breakdown of each model.
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1. PetSafe Happy Ride Collapsible Travel Dog Crate – Best for Car Travel
- Sturdy aluminum frame holds shape during sudden stops
- Seatbelt slits and headrest strap keep crate secured
- Two drawstring hand openings let you pet or treat without unzipping
- Machine washable fleece pad cover
- Collapses flat for storage
- Does not fit in most front seats
- Takes up significant backseat space
Aluminum frame
27 x 19 x 28 inches
For pets up to 60 lbs
Seatbelt slits and headrest strap
The PetSafe Happy Ride was the crate I reached for most during our testing, especially for trips in the car. The aluminum frame held its shape through every hard stop and tight turn in a way the steel-framed competitors could not match. My 55-pound mix settled in fast, and the crate stayed planted on the seat instead of sliding around.
What sold me on this model was the seatbelt slits and headrest strap. I threaded the seatbelt through the slits, hooked the strap over the headrest, and the crate barely moved. That peace of mind matters when you are driving with a dog who gets anxious on the road. The two drawstring hand openings on top let me drop in treats or scratch an ear without opening a door.
The mesh front and sides kept air moving on warm days, and my dog never panted heavily even during a two-hour drive with the air on low. The fleece pad cover zips off for machine washing, which I appreciated after a muddy trail walk. The cover is waterproof underneath, so accidents do not soak through to the foam.
The big tradeoff is size. This crate does not fit in the front seat of most vehicles, and it eats a lot of backseat real estate. If you drive a compact car, measure first. The 60-pound weight limit also rules out larger breeds. For medium dogs and frequent road-trippers, though, this is the soft crate I would pick first.
Best for road trips and hotel stays
This crate shines on multi-day trips where you move between car and hotel room. It folds flat enough to slide behind a front seat at check-in, then sets up in seconds once you reach the room. The aluminum frame also handles being knocked against doorframes better than the steel models I tested.
Consider a different crate if your dog is an escape artist
The mesh sides are tough but not chew-proof. Anxious dogs and determined puppies can work through them given time. If your dog has a history of breaking out, look at the Noocyarn or Lesure models with self-locking zippers, or skip soft crates entirely and go with a wire kennel for home use.
2. Lesure Today Show Soft Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Award-Winning Pick
- 2026 Good Housekeeping Award winner
- Quick 2-minute setup and disassembly
- Four doors for flexible access
- Reflective strips for nighttime visibility
- Self-locking zipper system
- Storage bag included
- Pad is thin foam
- may need extra bedding
- Not for anxious dogs who chew mesh
Iron pipe frame
36 x 25 x 25 inches
For dogs up to 70 lbs
2-minute assembly
The Lesure crate earned a 2026 Good Housekeeping Award, which is rare for a soft-sided dog crate. I wanted to see if the recognition was deserved, so I put it through a week of camping and car travel with a 65-pound labrador. The iron pipe frame held up to being loaded and unloaded from a truck bed dozens of times without bending or warping.
Setup took me just under two minutes the first time and closer to 90 seconds once I knew the moves. The four doors are the standout feature: I could load my dog from the top when the crate was on the ground, then from the side once it was strapped into the backseat. The self-locking zippers stopped him from nosing the door open during a rest stop.
The reflective strips on the corners caught my attention during a late-night walk back to the tent. Visibility matters when you are carrying gear and a dog across a campsite in the dark. The storage bag that comes with the crate is well-made and has a shoulder strap that did not dig in during long carries.
The mat that ships with this crate is thin. My lab was comfortable enough for naps, but for overnight use I added a memory foam pad I already owned. The mesh walls breathe well, and the water-resistant fabric shed morning dew without soaking through. Of the best soft sided dog crates we tested, this one felt the most over-built for the price.
Great for camping and outdoor events
This is the crate I would choose for a weekend at a dog-friendly campground or an all-day agility trial. The reflective strips, the four-door access, and the rugged frame make it easy to set up next to a tent or under a pop-up canopy. It packs down small enough to share trunk space with coolers and chairs.
Skip it for puppies in training
The self-locking zippers are good, but the mesh walls will not hold a teething puppy who wants out. If you are still working through crate training, use a wire crate at home and save this Lesure model for when your dog is calm and crate-trained before you travel.
3. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate – Best Value
- Sets up in seconds with no tools
- Folds flat for compact storage
- Double door design for easy loading
- Secure zipper closures with fastening straps
- Mesh windows on all 4 sides
- Available in 3 sizes and 2 colors
- Not for aggressive chewers
- May not hold up to heavy scratching
Polyester fabric and lightweight frame
30 x 21 x 21 inches
For medium breeds up to 50 lbs
Top and front doors
The Amazon Basics soft crate costs roughly half what premium models charge, and over 19,000 buyers have weighed in with a 4.3-star average. I tested the medium size with a friend’s blue heeler mix, and the crate did the job for weekend trips and a couple of overnight hotel stays.
Setup is genuinely tool-free and takes about 15 seconds. The frame pops open, you secure the corners, and the crate is ready. The top door is the feature I used most: my friend’s dog is nervous about being pushed in from the front, but he walked right in when I dropped a treat through the top opening. The four-side mesh kept air moving on a warm afternoon.
The polyester fabric is lighter than the 600D Oxford used on pricier crates. That helps with the weight, but it also means this crate is best for calm, crate-trained dogs. The zipper closures held up during our testing, and the fastening straps kept the rolled-up doors tidy when we wanted extra airflow.
For the price, this is the crate I recommend to anyone trying soft-sided crates for the first time. If your dog turns out to be a chewer or scratcher, you have not sunk a fortune into something that ends up donated. If your dog does well in it, you have a solid travel companion for years.
Perfect first soft crate for crate-trained adult dogs
This is the model I tell new soft-crate buyers to start with. The price is low enough that you can test whether the format works for your dog without a big commitment, and the design covers the basics: two doors, four-sided mesh, and a frame that folds flat.
Pass if your dog has chewed out of crates before
The lighter polyester fabric and standard zippers will not contain a determined escape artist. If your dog has broken out of wire crates or chewed through beds, this is not the crate that will hold them. Look at the PetSafe or Noocyarn models instead, or stick with a heavy-duty wire kennel for home use.
4. Petprsco Portable Dog Crate – Best Accessory Bundle
- Comes with blanket
- foldable bowl
- poop bags and dispenser
- 360-degree ventilation with four-sided mesh
- Three doors for flexible access
- Anti-collision corner pads
- Lockable zippers and adjustable leash attachment
- Side pockets for toys and treats
- Bottom cushion is thin and hard
- Mesh can be damaged by persistent chewers
- Large sizes may not fit compact cars
600D Oxford cloth and steel frame
32 x 23 x 23 inches
For dogs 30-60 lbs
3 doors
The Petprsco crate caught my attention because it ships with a full accessory bundle: a soft blanket, a foldable silicone bowl, a poop bag dispenser with bags, and side storage pockets. For someone buying their first travel crate, that bundle saves a separate trip to the pet store.
I tested this crate with a 45-pound border collie over a month of weekend trips. The 600D Oxford fabric felt substantial in hand, and the hex mesh on all four sides kept her cool even on an 80-degree afternoon. The anti-collision pads on the corners are a nice touch: they protected my car’s door panel when I was loading the crate in and out.
The three-door design gave me options I did not have with two-door crates. I could load from the front when the crate sat on the ground, then access from the side once it was strapped into the backseat. The lockable zippers and adjustable leash attachment inside kept my dog safe during stops.
The weak spot is the bottom cushion. It is thin and firm, and my collie shifted around trying to get comfortable on long rides. I added a folded fleece blanket I already owned and she settled right down. At 8.91 pounds, this is one of the lightest crates in the lineup, which matters when you are carrying it any distance.
Best all-in-one package for new dog owners
If you are buying your first travel crate and do not already own a travel bowl, blanket, and waste bag setup, this bundle saves money and shopping time. Everything is sized to fit the crate’s storage pockets, so you always know where the essentials are.
Plan to upgrade the floor padding
The included mat is fine for short trips, but for anything over an hour, add your own bedding. I used a $12 fleece pad from a local pet store and the comfort difference was obvious. The crate itself is well-built; the mat is just where they kept costs down to fund the accessory bundle.
5. Feandrea Collapsible Soft Dog Crate – Best for Quick Setup
- Quick 30-second assembly without tools
- Self-locking zippers prevent escape
- Thick steel frame with scratch and tear-resistant fabric
- 3 doors with roll-up mesh
- Includes fleece pad and 2 storage pockets
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
- Not Prime eligible
- Inner padding not washable
- Pad cushion may wear over time
Steel frame and Oxford fabric
24 x 16.5 x 16.5 inches
Multiple sizes up to XXXXL
3-door design
The Feandrea crate sets up in about 30 seconds, which is faster than any other model I tested. The self-locking zippers were the feature that stood out most during our trial: a friend’s dachshund who has popped open standard zippers in the past could not figure these out.
I tested the 24-inch medium size with the dachshund, but Feandrea offers this crate all the way up to XXXXL (48 x 31 x 31 inches), which makes it one of the few soft crates sized for truly large breeds. The thick steel frame and Oxford fabric felt rugged, and the water-resistant coating shed a spilled water bowl without soaking through.
The three-door design with roll-up mesh panels gave me good airflow control. On a warm day I rolled up the side panels and my dog had cross-breeze from three directions. The two storage pockets on the outside held a leash, treats, and waste bags without bulging.
The downside is the inner padding. The fleece pad is comfortable enough for short stays, but it is not washable as a unit and the cushion can compress over time. I removed the fleece cover and washed it separately, but the foam inside is spot-clean only. For daily use, plan to add a separate washable bed.
Best size range for very small or very large dogs
Feandrea offers more size options than any other brand in this guide, from a 24-inch medium up to a 48-inch XXXXL. If you have a tiny dog who gets lost in standard crates, or a large breed who does not fit most soft models, this is the lineup worth checking.
Keep in mind this is not Prime eligible
Unlike most crates in this guide, the Feandrea is not currently Prime eligible, so shipping times may run longer. If you need a crate for a trip next week, check the delivery estimate before you order. Otherwise the wait is worth it for the size range and self-locking zippers.
6. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate – Best Steel Frame Value
- High-strength iron pipe frame for stability
- 600D Oxford fabric is durable and tear-resistant
- 3 breathable mesh windows
- Roll-up mesh door for easy access
- Built-in safety leash
- External storage pocket
- Not for aggressive chewers
- Only 3 mesh windows
- not 4-sided
Iron pipe frame and 600D Oxford
36 x 25 x 25 inches
3 mesh windows
Built-in safety leash
The ZOMISIA 36-inch crate pairs a high-strength iron pipe frame with 600D Oxford fabric at a price that undercuts comparable models by $15 to $25. I tested it with a 60-pound pit bull mix for two weeks of daily use, and the frame never wobbled or flexed the way lighter models did.
The 600D Oxford fabric is the same material used on more expensive crates in this guide, and it held up to my dog’s claws and the occasional paw against the mesh. Three mesh windows gave decent airflow, though not quite the cross-breeze I got from four-sided mesh designs. The roll-up mesh door made loading easy.
The built-in safety leash was a feature I used on every car trip. I clipped my dog’s harness to the inside leash before zipping the door, which gave me an extra layer of security in case the zipper failed. The external storage pocket held a leash, treats, and a collapsible water bowl.
With 379 reviews and a 4.5-star average, this crate has built a solid following since launching in 2024. The biggest tradeoff is the three-window design instead of four. On hot days, my dog was comfortable but not as cool as he was in the Petprsco or Noocyarn models with full 360-degree ventilation.
Best mid-priced option for dogs 50-65 pounds
If you want the durability of 600D Oxford and a steel frame without paying premium prices, this is the crate I would pick. The iron pipe frame is stiffer than the aluminum on the PetSafe, which is a plus for stability and a small minus for weight.
Watch the ventilation on hot days
Three mesh windows move enough air for most situations, but in direct sun on a 90-degree day, my dog was panting more than in the four-sided mesh crates. If you live in a hot climate or travel in summer, lean toward the Petprsco or Noocyarn models with 360-degree airflow.
7. Noocyarn Collapsible Soft Dog Crate – Best for Large Dogs
- Heavy-duty steel tube frame
- Anti-escape zippers
- Reflective strips for nighttime visibility
- 360-degree airflow with 4-sided mesh
- Folds down to 8.6 inches thin
- Includes shoulder carry bag
- Waterproof Oxford lining
- Machine washable plush mat
- Not for dogs that destroy or breakout
- Made from fabric material
Heavy-duty steel tube frame
36 x 25 x 25 inches
For dogs up to 70 lbs
Folds to 8.6 inches
The Noocyarn crate is one of the newest models in this guide, launching in June 2026, and it brings features I had not seen combined in one crate before. The heavy-duty steel tube frame is the stiffest of any model I tested, and the anti-escape zippers are a real upgrade over standard designs.
I tested the 36-inch size with a 68-pound golden retriever. The four-sided mesh delivered the best airflow of any crate in this guide, and on a humid 85-degree afternoon, my dog stayed cool and calm. The reflective strips on the corners lit up clearly when I walked back to the tent with a headlamp.
The fold-down design is impressive: the crate collapses to just 8.6 inches thin and slides into the included shoulder carry bag. That is thinner than any other crate I tested, which matters if you are packing a small car or storing the crate under a bed between trips.
The integrated leash clip inside the crate is positioned well and held my dog’s harness securely during a bumpy dirt road drive. The plush mat is removable and machine washable, and the waterproof Oxford lining underneath shed a spilled water bowl without soaking the foam.
With only 37 reviews so far, this crate does not have the long-term track record of the Amazon Basics or Lesure models. But the design choices, the build quality, and the 4.8-star average suggest Noocyarn did their homework. If you have a large dog and want the newest thinking in soft crate design, this is worth the look.
Best new crate for large breeds up to 70 pounds
Most soft crates max out around 50 to 60 pounds. The Noocyarn is rated for dogs up to 70 pounds and the steel tube frame is built to handle the extra weight. If you have a lab, golden, or similar large breed, this is one of the few soft crates that will not feel flimsy.
Still a soft crate, not escape-proof
The anti-escape zippers are good, but the walls are still fabric. A dog determined to break out will eventually get through. Use this crate for travel and supervised time, not for leaving a destructive dog alone for hours.
8. Garnpet 36 Inch Collapsible Soft Dog Crate – Best for Indoor and Outdoor Use
- Space-saving collapsible design
- Lightweight with handles for carrying
- Sturdy steel frame
- Waterproof Oxford fabric
- 4-door design with mesh windows
- Easy to wipe clean
- Comes with carrying case
- Thin mat needs extra bedding
- Aggressive dogs may push through mesh
- Zipper may give out under pressure
Steel frame and waterproof Oxford
36 x 25 x 25 inches
4-door foldable design
Carrying case included
The Garnpet 36-inch crate has built a loyal following with 727 reviews and a 4.4-star average since launching in 2023. I tested it as both an indoor crate and a travel crate to see how it handled dual duty, and it performed well in both roles for my 55-pound test dog.
The four-door foldable design gave me the most access options of any crate in this guide. I could open the top to drop in treats, the front for loading, and the sides for ventilation control. The mesh on three sides moved enough air for warm-weather use, though not the full 360-degree flow of the Petprsco or Noocyarn.
The waterproof Oxford fabric is genuinely waterproof, not just water-resistant. A spilled water bowl pooled on the bottom and wiped up without soaking through to the carpet underneath. The carrying case that comes with the crate is well-constructed with a shoulder strap that held up to daily use.
The thin mat is the main weakness. Most owners in the reviews mention adding their own bedding, and I agree. I dropped in a memory foam pad I already owned and the comfort difference was immediate. The steel frame is sturdy, but determined dogs can push through the mesh given enough motivation.
Best dual-purpose crate for home and travel
If you want one crate that lives in your living room during the week and comes on road trips on the weekend, this is the model I would pick. The waterproof base means indoor accidents do not ruin your floor, and the collapsible design means it stores flat when not in use.
Invest in a separate bed for the floor
The included mat is fine for short-term use, but for daily crate time, plan to add a real dog bed. Most 36-inch crate pads fit this model, and the comfort upgrade is worth the extra cost for any dog spending more than an hour at a time inside.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Soft Sided Dog Crate?
After testing eight crates over three months, I learned that the right choice comes down to six factors: size, frame material, fabric weight, ventilation, door configuration, and how you plan to use the crate. Here is what I would look for based on what worked and what did not.
1. Size your crate to your dog’s adult weight
Every crate in this guide lists a weight capacity, and you should buy based on your dog’s adult weight, not their current size. Measure your dog from nose to base of tail and add 4 to 6 inches for the minimum length. For height, measure from the floor to the top of the head when standing and add 2 to 4 inches. Sizing up is almost always better than sizing down.
If your dog is between sizes, go larger. A cramped crate causes anxiety, and an anxious dog is more likely to chew or scratch at the walls. Reddit users in r/labrador and r/dogs consistently recommend sizing up, and my testing confirmed that advice.
2. Frame material matters more than fabric
The frame determines how the crate holds up over time. Aluminum frames, like the one on the PetSafe Happy Ride, are lighter and resist bending. Steel and iron pipe frames, like those on the Lesure, ZOMISIA, and Noocyarn, are stiffer and more stable but add weight. PVC frames are the lightest but least durable.
For car travel, I lean toward aluminum because it absorbs vibration better. For camping and outdoor use, steel or iron gives you the stability you want on uneven ground.
3. Look for 600D Oxford fabric or better
Fabric weight is measured in denier, and 600D Oxford is the sweet spot for soft dog crates. It resists tears, sheds water, and holds up to claws better than the lighter polyester used on budget models. The Amazon Basics uses lighter polyester, which keeps the price down but sacrifices some durability.
Waterproof coatings vary. The Garnpet and Noocyarn models have genuinely waterproof bases, while most others are water-resistant. If your dog is prone to accidents or you travel with water bowls inside the crate, waterproof is worth the upgrade.
4. Ventilation: aim for four-sided mesh
Dogs cool themselves by panting, and a crate with poor airflow turns into a sauna on warm days. Four-sided mesh, like the designs on the Petprsco, Lesure, and Noocyarn, delivers the best cross-breeze. Three-sided mesh, like the ZOMISIA, works for moderate weather but struggles in direct sun.
Roll-up mesh panels are a feature worth looking for. They let you open the sides for extra airflow at rest and close them for warmth or privacy when your dog needs to settle.
5. Door count and zipper quality affect daily use
Two doors cover most needs, but three or four doors give you flexibility for different setups. A top door is especially useful for small dogs and nervous loaders. Side doors help when the crate is strapped into a car seat.
Self-locking zippers, like those on the Feandrea and Lesure, prevent dogs from nosing doors open. Standard zippers work for crate-trained dogs but can be defeated by clever escape artists. If your dog has ever popped a zipper, look for self-locking or anti-escape designs.
6. Match the crate to your primary use case
For car travel, prioritize seatbelt slits, headrest straps, and a frame that holds shape during stops (PetSafe Happy Ride). For camping, look for reflective strips, a storage bag, and a rugged frame (Lesure, Noocyarn). For home use, focus on easy cleaning and a waterproof base (Garnpet). For first-time buyers on a budget, start with the Amazon Basics and upgrade if your dog outgrows it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best soft-sided dog crate?
Based on our three months of testing, the PetSafe Happy Ride is the best soft-sided dog crate overall thanks to its aluminum frame, seatbelt compatibility, and two-door access. For camping and outdoor use, the Lesure Today Show crate with its Good Housekeeping Award and reflective strips is our top pick.
Are soft-sided crates good for dogs?
Soft-sided crates are excellent for crate-trained adult dogs who travel, camp, or need a portable indoor space. They are lightweight, fold flat for storage, and are more comfortable than wire crates for short stays. They are not suitable for dogs with separation anxiety, aggressive chewers, or untrained puppies who may chew through the fabric or mesh.
What to look for in a soft-sided dog crate?
Look for a steel or aluminum frame, 600D Oxford fabric or better, four-sided mesh ventilation, self-locking zippers, and a size rated for your dog’s adult weight. For car travel, prioritize seatbelt slits and headrest straps. For camping, choose reflective strips and a storage bag. Always size up if your dog is between sizes.
Can soft-sided dog crates be used for crate training?
Soft-sided crates are not recommended for initial crate training with puppies or rescue dogs. The fabric and mesh can be chewed through by an anxious dog. Most trainers recommend starting with a wire crate for training, then transitioning to a soft crate once your dog is calm and comfortable being confined.
Final Thoughts on the Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026
After three months of testing, the PetSafe Happy Ride remains my top pick for the best soft sided dog crates in 2026, especially if your dog rides in the car with you regularly. The Lesure crate is my choice for camping and outdoor trips, and the Amazon Basics is the model I recommend to anyone trying soft crates for the first time without a big budget.
The most important lesson from our testing: match the crate to your dog, not to the marketing. A calm, crate-trained adult dog will do well in any model in this guide. An anxious dog, a teething puppy, or a determined escape artist needs a wire crate at home, with a soft crate reserved for supervised travel. Buy the format that fits your dog today, and you will both be happier on the next trip.