8 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026 — Portable Comfort for Travel, Home, and Car Rides

8 Best Soft Sided Dog Crates in 2026 — Portable Comfort for Travel, Home, and Car Rides

If your dog hates bulky wire crates, you’re probably looking for something lighter, easier to store, and less stressful on the go. The best soft sided dog crates balance portability, ventilation, and secure construction without taking up half your trunk or living room. In this roundup, we narrowed the field using manufacturer specs, verified owner feedback, and published product details to find the soft crates that make travel, hotel stays, and indoor downtime simpler.

Because this is a research-based review, not hands-on testing, our picks focus on build quality, size guidance, door design, washability, and real-world convenience. We also prioritized options with strong owner reviews, clear sizing notes, and features that matter most for travel-focused dog parents.

Quick Picks

1. EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate — Best Overall

Verdict: This is the most complete soft crate in the group, thanks to its roomy dimensions, three-door access, included fleece bed, and travel-ready carrying bag.

• ✓ 36" x 24" x 28" size gives dogs noticeably more room than many standard 36-inch soft crates.
• ✓ Three mesh doors on the top, front, and side make loading, ventilation, and access much easier.
• ✓ Includes both a carrying bag and fleece bed, which adds value for travel and setup.
• ✓ Removable, washable crate cover and bed cover help with cleanup after muddy outings or shedding.

• ✗ Price is higher than entry-level options, so it’s not the cheapest buy.
• ✗ Best for dogs that are already crate-comfortable; escape-prone pets may need a tougher enclosure.
• ✗ The larger footprint may be awkward in compact cars or small apartments.

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2. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Assemble, Medium — Best Budget

Verdict: A straightforward, affordable soft crate with the essential features most buyers want: quick setup, two doors, and easy flat-fold storage.

• ✓ Budget-friendly price makes it one of the easiest soft crates to recommend.
• ✓ Sets up in seconds with no tools, which is ideal for travel or quick home use.
• ✓ Two doors and four-sided ventilation improve convenience and airflow.
• ✓ Prime eligibility and broad owner familiarity make it a low-friction purchase for many shoppers.

• ✗ Fewer premium extras than higher-end competitors.
• ✗ Best suited to medium breeds up to about 50 lbs, so size is limited.
• ✗ Not the most rugged choice for heavy chewers or dogs that push boundaries.

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3. Veraste 30" L x 21" W x 21" H Collapsible Travel Dog Crate — Best for Road Trips

Verdict: This is a smart travel-first option with a compact footprint, premium carry bag, and clear SUV/backseat fit guidance.

• ✓ Designed with travel in mind, including a carry bag and quick fold-down setup.
• ✓ Four-door layout gives flexible access in cars, hotels, and at home.
• ✓ Fits medium breeds up to 45 lbs, which is a helpful sizing target for many owners.
• ✓ The brand gives explicit vehicle-fit guidance, reducing guesswork before buying.

• ✗ Higher price than some similarly sized competitors.
• ✗ Best for well-trained dogs; the brand warns it is not for aggressive chewers or escape artists.
• ✗ Buyers need to measure carefully because the crate is compact for the stated size.

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4. ZOMISIA 36 Inch Collapsible Dog Crate for Large Dogs — Best for Large Dogs

Verdict: A roomy soft-sided crate with a sturdier-feeling build than many basic options, making it a strong fit for larger dogs that still need portability.

• ✓ High-strength iron pipe frame and 600D Oxford fabric are strong material choices for the category.
• ✓ Three mesh windows support airflow and visibility for bigger dogs.
• ✓ Built-in safety leash and plush pad add convenience and comfort.
• ✓ Foldable design makes it easier to store than a hard kennel of similar size.

• ✗ Still not the right choice for serious chewers or dogs that claw aggressively.
• ✗ Large size can be cumbersome in smaller vehicles or tight rooms.
• ✗ Fewer brand trust signals than the longest-established names in this roundup.

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5. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Pet Dog Crate Carrier Kennel for Large Dogs — Best for Easy Carrying

Verdict: This is a practical carry-friendly crate for larger dogs, with a shoulder strap, top handle, and washable fleece pad for everyday convenience.

• ✓ Top handle and shoulder strap make transport easier than many bulkier soft crates.
• ✓ Multiple screened panels improve airflow and visibility.
• ✓ Machine-washable fleece pad is a useful comfort and cleanup feature.
• ✓ Handy pockets add storage for treats, leashes, or travel essentials.

• ✗ More expensive than some competing soft crates with similar basic functions.
• ✗ The sizing note requires careful measuring to avoid overestimating fit.
• ✗ Best for calm dogs that won’t try to push through the soft sides.

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6. Dog Crate,36x25x25 Inch Large Dog Crate for Large or Medium Dogs — Best Value

Verdict: A strong value play if you want a larger soft crate with reinforced corners and a lower price than many name-brand alternatives.

• ✓ Reinforced leather-wrapped corners are a notable durability feature at this price.
• ✓ Thickened steel pipe frame and 620D Oxford cloth suggest better structure than ultra-basic pop-up models.
• ✓ Three-door layout and breathable mesh help with access and airflow.
• ✓ The price is competitive for a 36-inch crate with these specs.

• ✗ Brand recognition and warranty support are less established than top-ranked picks.
• ✗ Product copy is less polished, which can make sizing and fit feel less straightforward.
• ✗ Not the best choice for dogs that are hard on crate materials.

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7. DONORO Dog Kennels and Crates for Medium Dogs — Best Budget Pop-Up

Verdict: This is the cheapest pick in the roundup, making it appealing for short trips, backup use, or smaller dogs that need a basic soft crate.

• ✓ Lowest price in the lineup, which is ideal for budget-conscious buyers.
• ✓ Three-door design and mesh windows improve access and ventilation.
• ✓ Folds flat quickly for storage and transport.
• ✓ Water-resistant materials and reinforced corners are useful at this price point.

• ✗ Sizing guidance is broad and can be confusing across the multiple size options.
• ✗ The listing notes warping can happen sometimes, which may concern some buyers.
• ✗ Best for smaller or calmer pets, not strong chewers.

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8. Amazon Basics Portable Folding Soft Dog Crate, Double Door, Collapsible Travel Kennel, Easy to Set Up, Sturdy, Secure, XL — Best XL Pick

Verdict: A straightforward XL option for bigger dogs that still need a fold-flat crate with simple access and secure closures.

• ✓ XL dimensions are useful for larger breeds that outgrow medium crates fast.
• ✓ Two-door layout with top and front access makes loading easier.
• ✓ Folds flat for storage, which helps if you only need it part-time.
• ✓ Secure zipper closures and fastening straps are practical safety details.

• ✗ Price is fairly high compared with some similarly sized alternatives.
• ✗ Large footprint may be too much for smaller cars or rooms.
• ✗ No included extras like a bed or carry bag.

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How We Chose These Products

To build this list of the best soft sided dog crates, we compared manufacturer specifications, feature sets, and verified owner feedback across a range of sizes and price points. We focused on crates that offer the most useful mix of portability, ventilation, easy setup, and secure closures, since those are the traits that matter most for soft crates.

We also looked for clear sizing guidance, removable and washable materials where available, and practical extras such as carry bags, fleece beds, pockets, and multiple doors. Finally, we balanced price against feature quality so this roundup includes both budget-friendly picks and stronger premium options for travel, home use, and larger dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size soft sided dog crate should I buy?

Measure your dog’s length from nose to base of tail and height from floor to top of head, then add about 4 inches if the brand recommends it. Your dog should be able to stand up and turn around comfortably inside the crate.

Are soft sided dog crates safe for travel?

Yes, for calm dogs and supervised travel situations, soft sided crates can be a safe and convenient option. They are best for dogs that are crate-trained and not prone to chewing, scratching, or escape attempts.

Can a soft sided dog crate be used in a car?

Many soft crates are designed for car use and fit well in SUV trunks or backseats. Always check the product dimensions against your vehicle space before buying.

Are soft sided dog crates good for chewers?

Usually not. Soft-sided models are better for well-behaved dogs, because heavy chewing or clawing can damage the fabric and mesh. If your dog is an escape artist, a hard-sided crate may be a better fit.

How do I clean a soft sided dog crate?

Look for removable, washable covers or pads when possible. For most models, spot-cleaning the fabric and washing any removable bedding is the easiest way to keep the crate fresh.