MidWest iCrate vs LifeStages: Which Dog Crate Should You Buy?

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MidWest makes two of the most popular folding wire dog crates on Amazon: the iCrate and the LifeStages. They look almost identical in photos, both come in sizes from small to extra large, and both include a divider panel and leak-proof tray. So what’s the difference? In this MidWest iCrate vs LifeStages comparison (you will also see it written as Life Stages), we explain how the two crates differ in strength, weight and value, and which one suits your dog.

iCrate vs LifeStages at a Glance

	MidWest iCrate	MidWest LifeStages
Wire	Lighter wire	Heavier, stronger wire
Weight	Lighter, easier to carry	Heavier
Divider panel	Included	Included
Leak-proof tray	Yes	Yes
Folding	Folds flat	Folds flat
Door options	Single or double door	Single or double door
Price level	Lower	Moderately higher
Best for	Most puppies and calm dogs, travel	Strong, pushy or anxious dogs, everyday use

Strength and Build

The main difference is the wire. The LifeStages uses heavier wire, so the panels feel more rigid and stand up better to dogs that push, lean on or paw at the door. The iCrate uses lighter wire, which is plenty for most puppies and calm adult dogs but can bend under a determined dog over time. If your dog has a history of testing crates, choose LifeStages, or see our escape-proof crates for truly strong dogs.

Weight and Portability

The iCrate’s lighter wire makes it easier to fold, carry and move between rooms or take on trips. The LifeStages is noticeably heavier, especially in the larger sizes, so it is better suited to a crate that stays in one place.

Features in Common

• Divider panel: both let you shrink the space for a growing puppy.
• Leak-proof plastic tray: slides out for cleaning after accidents.
• Folding design: both fold flat without tools.
• Sizes: both come in a wide range, from small breeds to extra-large dogs.
• Door choice: single or double door to suit your room layout.

Who Should Buy Which

Choose the iCrate if…	Choose LifeStages if…
You’re crate training a puppy on a budget	Your dog is strong, pushy or anxious
You’ll move or travel with the crate	The crate will stay in one room
Your dog is calm in the crate	Your dog paws or leans on the door
You want the lighter option	You want the sturdier option

Not sure which size? Use our dog crate size chart. For puppies, see our best crates for puppies, and for big breeds, best crates for large dogs.

The Two Crates

1. MidWest iCrate (36-Inch Double Door) — Best Value

The iCrate is the go-to affordable wire crate for puppies and most adult dogs. It is light, folds flat and includes a divider and tray. The 36-inch size shown suits dogs of about 41 to 70 pounds; other sizes are available.

• Affordable
• Light and portable
• Divider and tray included
• Many sizes

Worth knowing: Lighter wire is less suited to determined escape artists.

2. MidWest LifeStages (36-Inch Double Door) — Best Sturdy Pick

LifeStages keeps the same practical features with heavier wire for extra strength and rigidity. It’s a better long-term choice for strong or pushy dogs and for crates that see heavy daily use.

• Heavier, stronger wire
• More rigid panels
• Divider and tray included
• Folds flat

Worth knowing: Heavier to carry and set up.

Our Verdict

In the iCrate vs LifeStages comparison, the iCrate is the best value for most puppies, calm dogs and anyone who moves their crate around. Choose the LifeStages if your dog is strong or tests the door, or if you want a sturdier crate for everyday use. Either way, add a comfy pad from our crate pads guide and follow our crate training schedule.

Setting Up a Wire Crate

1. Unfold the crate on a flat floor and lift the top panel until the sides click into place.
2. Secure the corner clips so the panels stay rigid.
3. Slide the tray in and check it sits flat under the floor grid.
4. Install the divider if you have a puppy, leaving just enough room to stand, turn and lie down.
5. Add a washable pad, a water bowl that clips to the side and a safe chew.
6. Place the crate in a quiet corner of a family room, away from heaters and direct sun.

Check the latches and clips every few weeks. Wire crates are very safe when set up properly, but a loose clip or bent panel can create gaps where paws or jaws might get caught.

Crate Accessories Worth Adding

• Crate cover: helps many dogs settle; see our crate covers guide.
• Crate pad: a durable, washable pad sized to the tray.
• Clip-on bowl: keeps water available without spills.
• Stuffable chew: a frozen KONG keeps dogs busy during crate time.
• Replacement tray: handy if the original cracks under a heavy dog.

Related Guides

• 5 Best Dog Crates in 2026: Wire, Plastic, Soft-Sided, and Modular Picks Compared
• 4 Best Dog Crates for Puppies (That Grow With Them)
• 5 Best Dog Crates for Large Dogs (70 to 110+ lbs)
• Dog Crate Size Chart by Breed & Weight (Plus How to Measure)
• Diggs Revol vs MidWest iCrate: Is the Premium Crate Worth It?
• Amazon Basics vs MidWest Dog Crate: Which Wire Crate Is Better?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between iCrate and LifeStages?

The main difference is wire strength and weight: LifeStages uses heavier, more rigid wire, while the iCrate is lighter and less expensive. Both include a divider and leak-proof tray.

Is LifeStages worth the extra cost?

For strong, pushy or anxious dogs, and crates that get heavy daily use, the sturdier wire is worth it. For most puppies and calm dogs, the iCrate is enough.

Do both crates come with a divider?

Yes, both include a divider panel so you can adjust the space as a puppy grows.

Which crate is better for travel?

The iCrate is lighter and easier to fold and carry, so it’s better for moving around and travel.

What size crate do I need?

Measure your dog and use a size chart. Buy for adult size and use the divider while your puppy is small.