Are budget dog crates under $80 safe for daily use?

Yes, for the majority of dogs. Standard wire crates in this price range, like the MidWest iCrate, are safe for dogs that aren't determined chewers or escape artists. The price difference between a $60 crate and a $150 crate is mostly about wire gauge and latch redundancy, which matters more for dogs that actively test their crate than for calm dogs that treat it as a resting spot.

What do you give up buying a cheaper dog crate?

Mainly wire thickness and latch security. Budget crates use thinner wire gauge that can bend under sustained pressure from a large or anxious dog, and simpler single-point latches instead of the multi-point systems on heavier-duty models. For a calm dog under 70 pounds, neither tradeoff typically matters.

Does a cheap crate include a divider panel?

The MidWest iCrate includes one standard, which is one reason it's the best value in this price range. Some other budget crates sell the divider as a separate accessory, which erases part of the savings, so check before buying if you need one for a growing puppy.

Is it worth paying more than $80 for a dog crate?

It's worth it if your dog is large, anxious, a chewer, or has a history of bending wire or forcing latches. For a calm dog of any size that treats the crate as a resting place rather than something to escape, a sub-$80 crate performs the same core job as a $150 one.

Best Dog Crates Under $80: Budget Picks That Don't Cut Corners on Safety

The best dog crates under $80 ranked by wire gauge, included accessories, and value, covering the MidWest iCrate and lightweight portable options for buyers who don't need heavy-duty construction.

Under $80 is where most dog owners actually shop, and the good news is that this price range covers real, safe crates for the majority of dogs, not just stripped-down versions of better products.

The best dog crates under $80 get the fundamentals right: a divider panel if you need one, a leak-proof tray, and secure latches, without the extra wire gauge and multi-point locking that push a crate past $100.

The MidWest iCrate 36-inch is the clear value leader here, including a divider panel that some competitors charge separately for, at a typical price of $55 to $65 with over 34,000 ratings behind it.

For buyers who prioritize portability over sheer sturdiness, the SportPet Designs kennel comes in lighter and easier to move, though with a thinner wire gauge better suited to calm dogs.

Neither crate is a downgrade in safety for most dogs. The extra money spent on a $150 heavy-duty crate mainly buys wire thickness and latch redundancy that matter for chewers, escape artists, and very large dogs, not for the average calm household dog.

The Best Dog Crates Under $80 at a Glance

Best overall: MidWest iCrate 36-inch, includes the divider panel and double doors that cost extra elsewhere.

Best budget portable: SportPet Designs kennel, lightest and easiest to move at this price.

What You're Not Giving Up

A sub-$80 crate from a reputable brand still uses safety-tested wire and includes the core features (divider, tray, secure latch) that matter for daily use. The tradeoffs are mostly about durability under stress, not baseline safety.

When to Spend More Instead

Skip this price range and go straight to a heavier-duty option if your dog is a known chewer, has bent wire on a previous crate, or weighs over 80 pounds with an active temperament. Those situations justify the extra cost of thicker wire and stronger latches.

Check price on Amazon, MidWest iCrate

Check price on Amazon, SportPet Designs

Best Dog Crates Under $80: Budget Picks That Don't Cut Corners on Safety

Our Top Picks

MidWest iCrate 36-Inch Double Door Dog Crate

Pros

Cons

SportPet Designs Sport Pet Large Portable Kennel