6 Best Puppy Playpens: Indoor, Outdoor, and Travel Options

The IRIS USA playpen is made out of heavy-duty plastic and provides a 63 inch-by-63-inch area for your pup to play in. Versatile and easy-to-clean, this eight-panel playpen can be used both indoors and outdoors. It comes with one panel that has a built-in puppy door, so you don’t have to strain your back reaching into the playpen to scoop up your pup. 

What we like: It’s great that this playpen is made out of plastic and not wire — wire can hurt puppies, especially when they’re teething. We also love that you can order additional panels if you wish to make your pen larger. 

What we don’t like: This playpen is approximately 2.8 feet high, which should keep most escape artists inside, but if you’ve got a big jumper, they might be able to get out. 

Best for: It’s recommended for puppies and medium-sized dogs, such as Border Collies and Shiba Inus.

Retailing for just under $46, this is one of the most well-rated and affordable playpens that we’ve spotted. The $46 version comes with four panels, though there is a six-panel option available for a little under $66. It has a built-in door with a sliding-lock, which is essentially puppy-proof. You can attach two suction cups to the bottom of the playpen, ensuring it doesn’t slide on smooth floors in your home. The playpen requires a bit of assembly, but it’s worth it. 

What we like: This set comes with pegs that you can put into the ground to make this playpen extra sturdy when it’s being used outside on grass. 

What we don’t like: Unlike other playpens out there, this one does not fold up. You screw it together, so this might not be a great pick if you have a small space and need things to be put away easily.

Best for: It’s recommended for pets that weigh under 44 pounds.

If you don’t love the look of the plastic playpens, because it reminds you (and probably your pup) of a prison, then check out this cool option. The sides of this playpen are made out of acrylic and are transparent, so you can see exactly what your pup is doing and your pup can watch you from inside. Each playpen comes with a removable transparent divider, so if you’re putting multiple puppies in one space, you can separate them if need be. Plus, you don’t need any tools to put this playpen together. 

What we like: The walls are transparent, relieving both pet parent and puppy anxiety. The frames should also encourage your pup to equate it to a window, though you might witness a face-against-glass boop while they figure it out.

What we don’t like: At a little under $165, it is the most expensive option on this list. 

Best for: There are multiple sizes meant for different-sized pups. The size we’re featuring is meant for puppies and small dogs.

Whether you have multiple puppies or your puppy is going to grow into a large dog, this playpen is up to the challenge of keeping your dog (or dogs) happily contained. This gate comes with a whopping 16 panels, including two gates. The panels are 3.33 feet high — tall enough for most large dogs. The panels are made out of metal and are rust-resistant, making this a great pick for yards. 

What we like: This playpen gives pet parents without a fence a spacious outdoor playpen for their pups. We also like how easy it is to change the size and shape of this playpen without any tools. 

What we don’t like: This option is made out of metal. It’s always a must to keep your dogs collar-less in a playpen — but especially this one. 

Best for: This is recommended for large dog breeds.

If you want your pup’s playpen to primarily live outside, we think you should check out this option. We’re spotlighting the eight-panel option, which is made out of weather-resistant metal, but there are many different sizes available, up to 36 panels. To assemble this playpen, you just put the rods into each fence hole to connect them. The gate panel locks automatically, so you don’t need to manually lock your pup in each time they use it.

What we like: We love how versatile this playpen is. It can form three different shapes: square, polygon, and irregular. Irregular means that it can be connected to the side of a house or put up against a wall, so you can get more use out of the individual panels. Plus, they can all be disassembled and stored flat. 

What we don’t like: Some reviewers say that the gate is flimsier than they expected. 

Best for: It’s suitable for dogs of all shapes and sizes, not to mention chickens, ducks, and rabbits.

The Zampa Puppy Pop-Up, as the name implies, automatically pops up — no installation required if you’re using this indoors. The pop-up is made out of rubber mesh and includes a removable mesh roof. It provides see-through panels, so you can check up on your pup and they can check up on you. This puppy pen is 80 inches in diameter and 36 inches tall. It comes with four metal spikes, which are recommended to use to secure this playpen outside. There are even built-in exterior pockets, so you can store your pup’s accessories easily. It comes in multiple sizes, ensuring you can find the right one for you pup.

What we like: This product easily folds up and collapses into what is essentially a briefcase with a handle, making it a breeze to take on road trips with your pup. 

What we don’t like: If you have an escape artist, they will likely figure out how to get out of this portable playpen. We’d recommend going with another option instead. 

Best for: It’s meant for puppies and small-to-medium-sized dogs.