8 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026 — Easy Travel, Better Ventilation, and Space-Saving Storage

8 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026 — Easy Travel, Better Ventilation, and Space-Saving Storage

If you’re hunting for the best soft sided dog crates, you probably want something that’s easier to carry than a wire crate, more comfortable for travel, and simple to stash when you’re not using it. The challenge is finding one that still feels sturdy enough for real-life use, especially if your dog is a nervous traveler or likes to test zippers and mesh. These picks are based on manufacturer specs, published expert commentary, and verified owner feedback — not hands-on testing — so you can compare the tradeoffs with confidence. Below, I’ve narrowed the field to soft crates that balance portability, ventilation, size options, and everyday practicality.

Quick Picks

Rank	Product	Price	Best For
1	EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty)	$79.99	Best overall comfort and convenience
2	Noocyarn Collapsible Soft Dog Crate 36 Inch, Portable Travel Pet Crate for Large Dogs with 4-Door Mesh, Large Dog Kennel Indoor & Outdoor, Light Grey	$53.09	Best for escape resistance
3	Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan	$47.22	Best medium-size value
4	Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26" x 18" x 18", Tan	$41.99	Best budget pick for small dogs
5	ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey	$74.99	Best for roomy large-dog travel
6	Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 30" L x 21" W x 21" H	$55.99	Best for simple portability
7	EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty)	Check Amazon for price	Best large premium option
8	Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate for Cat, Dog, Rabbit, Double Door with Mesh Ventilation, Collapsible, Easy to Set Up, Large 36" x 24" x 24", Tan	$84.38	Best for crate-trained large dogs

1. EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty) — Best Overall Comfort

Verdict: This is the most well-rounded soft crate here if you want extra room, three access points, and a bundle that includes a bed and carrying bag.

The 30-inch EliteField stands out because it’s slightly roomier than many crates in the same nominal size class, which matters for dogs that like to stretch out. The included fleece bed and carry bag make it especially appealing for frequent travelers who want fewer add-on purchases. Verified owner feedback often highlights the easy setup and the convenience of the removable, washable cover.

• ✓ 30" size is wider and taller than many comparable soft crates
• ✓ Comes with a fleece bed and carrying bag included
• ✓ Three mesh doors improve access, airflow, and flexibility
• ✓ Removable, washable cover and bed help with cleanup

• ✗ Higher price than basic soft crate options
• ✗ Best for dogs that are already crate-trained
• ✗ Soft-sided design is less secure than a hard kennel for heavy chewers

Check Price on Amazon →

2. Noocyarn Collapsible Soft Dog Crate 36 Inch, Portable Travel Pet Crate for Large Dogs with 4-Door Mesh, Large Dog Kennel Indoor & Outdoor, Light Grey — Best for Escape Resistance

Verdict: If your dog likes to push, paw, or test the crate, this model’s steel-tube frame and anti-escape zipper design make it one of the tougher soft options in the roundup.

Noocyarn’s selling point is straightforward: more structure, better containment, and a travel-friendly fold-down design. Independent buyer feedback tends to favor it for road trips and temporary indoor use, especially because the built-in leash clip and washable mat add practical safety and cleanup benefits.

• ✓ Heavy-duty steel tube frame adds stability
• ✓ Anti-escape zippers and built-in leash clip improve security
• ✓ Folds thin for travel and storage
• ✓ Removable plush mat is machine washable

• ✗ Bulkier than the simplest soft crates
• ✗ Large size may be more crate than some dogs need
• ✗ Best results depend on careful size selection

Check Price on Amazon →

3. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium, 29.92" x 21.3" x 21.3", Tan — Best Medium-Size Value

Verdict: This medium Amazon Basics crate is a strong value pick for owners who want a straightforward, travel-ready soft crate without paying premium-brand pricing.

Its appeal comes from the essentials done well: quick setup, front and top access, breathable mesh on multiple sides, and a lightweight frame that folds flat. For medium breeds, the published dimensions and weight guidance make it easier to shop with fewer surprises.

• ✓ Sets up in seconds with no tools needed
• ✓ Two doors make loading and unloading easier
• ✓ Mesh windows provide ventilation on all four sides
• ✓ Folds flat for compact storage and portability

• ✗ Less feature-rich than premium models
• ✗ Not the best choice for strong escape artists
• ✗ Medium size may feel tight for some 50-lb dogs depending on build

Check Price on Amazon →

4. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, 2-Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Top & Front Loading, Small 26" x 18" x 18", Tan — Best Budget Pick for Small Dogs

Verdict: If you need the lowest-cost soft crate in this roundup for a small dog, this Amazon Basics model is the easiest place to start.

It keeps the formula simple: lightweight construction, two-door access, and quick fold-flat storage. Owner reviews commonly point to the convenience factor, especially for vet visits, short road trips, and temporary indoor use.

• ✓ Lowest price among the featured Amazon Basics options
• ✓ Front and top doors simplify loading small dogs
• ✓ Folds flat for easy storage in tight spaces
• ✓ Ventilation on all four sides helps airflow

• ✗ Small size limits it to smaller breeds
• ✗ Basic build means fewer premium extras
• ✗ Better for calm, crate-trained dogs than determined chewers

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5. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs, Travel Dog Crate Grey — Best for Large-Dog Travel

Verdict: ZOMISIA is a smart choice if you need a large soft crate that still folds down neatly and includes comfort-focused features for travel days.

The crate’s 600D Oxford fabric, iron-pipe frame, and three mesh windows make it a practical fit for bigger dogs that need airflow and a bit more structure. The included safety leash and storage pocket are nice extras for owners who travel with treats, toys, or leash accessories.

• ✓ Foldable design with handle for easier transport
• ✓ High-strength frame and 600D Oxford fabric add durability
• ✓ Three breathable mesh windows support airflow
• ✓ Built-in safety leash and storage pocket improve practicality

• ✗ Fewer access points than the 3-door premium options
• ✗ Large size may be too much for smaller dogs
• ✗ Not as feature-rich as top-tier premium crates

Check Price on Amazon →

6. Zikopomi 30 Inch Portable Soft Foldable Dog Crate, 30" L x 21" W x 21" H — Best for Simple Portability

Verdict: This is a good pick for owners who want a lightweight, travel-friendly soft crate with multiple doors and a no-tools setup.

Zikopomi focuses on the basics that matter most for portability: a foldable frame, carry handle, and easy storage. The five mesh windows and built-in safety leash make it appealing for dogs that do best with visibility and airflow during travel.

• ✓ Easy to carry thanks to the ergonomic handle
• ✓ Three zippered doors improve access
• ✓ Five mesh windows support airflow and visibility
• ✓ Built-in safety leash adds an extra layer of control

• ✗ Less premium than the best-in-class comfort picks
• ✗ No included bed or carrying bag
• ✗ Best suited to dogs that are already comfortable in crates

Check Price on Amazon →

7. EliteField 3-Door Soft Dog Crate with Bed & Carrying Bag (2-Year Warranty) — Best Large Premium Option

Verdict: This 36-inch EliteField is the premium large-dog choice if you want extra interior space plus the same comfort-first bundle as the smaller version.

With a taller and wider footprint than many competing 36-inch soft crates, this model is better suited to larger breeds that benefit from a bit more room. The removable, washable cover and bed, plus the included carry bag, make it strong for owners who travel often and want less hassle.

• ✓ Larger interior than many competing 36-inch crates
• ✓ Includes fleece bed and carrying bag
• ✓ Three doors and zipper locks improve access and security
• ✓ 2-year warranty adds buyer confidence

• ✗ Pricier than most other large soft crates
• ✗ Bulkier than smaller travel-focused options
• ✗ Soft crate design still isn’t ideal for destructive dogs

Check Price on Amazon →

8. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate for Cat, Dog, Rabbit, Double Door with Mesh Ventilation, Collapsible, Easy to Set Up, Large 36" x 24" x 24", Tan — Best for Crate-Trained Large Dogs

Verdict: This is the large Amazon Basics option to consider if your dog is already crate-trained and you want a simple, ventilated soft kennel with generous dimensions.

Its 36 x 24 x 24-inch size and four-sided mesh ventilation make it a practical fit for larger dogs that do well in soft-sided setups. Published product guidance specifically notes that it’s for crate-trained dogs, which is a useful signal if your dog is calm and already comfortable in confinement.

• ✓ Large dimensions suit bigger breeds
• ✓ Four-sided ventilation supports airflow
• ✓ Two-door design makes access easier
• ✓ Folds flat for storage and transport

• ✗ More expensive than some premium-feature competitors
• ✗ Best only for crate-trained dogs
• ✗ Not ideal for dogs that scratch or chew aggressively

Check Price on Amazon →

How We Chose These Products

To build this roundup of the best soft sided dog crates, I looked for models that consistently show up well in manufacturer specs, expert roundups, and verified owner reviews. I prioritized crates with strong ventilation, easy fold-flat storage, practical door layouts, and size options that match common dog weights and body lengths. I also gave extra credit to products with useful extras like carrying bags, washable bedding, safety leashes, and better-than-average frame materials. Finally, I weighed value against durability so the list includes both budget-friendly and premium options.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size soft sided dog crate should I get?

Measure your dog’s length from nose to tail base and height from floor to head or ears while standing. The crate should let your dog stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably without being so large that it feels unstable.

Are soft sided dog crates good for travel?

Yes, they’re one of the best travel-friendly options because they fold flat, weigh less than hard crates, and usually offer better airflow. They’re especially useful for road trips, hotels, vet visits, and temporary indoor setup.

Can a dog sleep in a soft sided crate every night?

Some calm, crate-trained dogs do fine sleeping in one regularly, but it depends on the dog’s behavior and the crate’s durability. If your dog chews, scratches, or tries to escape, a harder crate may be the safer long-term choice.

How do I clean a soft sided dog crate?

Many soft crates have removable, washable beds or covers, while the main fabric can often be wiped down with a damp cloth. Always check the care instructions, especially for crates with mesh panels or waterproof linings.

Are soft sided dog crates escape-proof?

Not completely. Some models include anti-escape zippers, safety leashes, or stronger frames, but soft crates are still best for dogs that are already crate-trained and not prone to chewing or pushing through fabric.