The 5 best dog gates in 2025, tested and reviewed

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Whether you need to keep your dog out of the kitchen, away from the stairs, or separated from other animals, the best dog gates can be your (other) best friend. A properly installed dog gate can keep both you and your pet safe, so think about which type you prefer: an easily moveable freestanding gate, a convenient pressure-mounted gate, or a more sturdy hardware-installed gate.

I assembled, installed, and tested 13 well-reviewed gates in my home to find the best dog gates. In addition to testing these specific gates, I've also been using gates in my house for seven years as both a dog owner and parent. Not only that, but I also interviewed a pet safety expert and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist to discuss dog behaviors and how they impact choosing the right gate. That led me to my choice for the overall best dog gate, the Cumbor Baby Gate, because it is very sturdy, shuts automatically, and has a ramp to go over the bottom rail. While this is an excellent choice for many homes, you may find my other picks more suitable, like a top-of-stairs gate.

Read more about how Insider Reviews tests and researches pet products.

Our top picks for the best dog gates

Best overall: Cumbor Safety Gate - See at Amazon

Best for stairs: Regalo Pet Products Extra Tall Top of Stairs Gate - See at Chewy

Best freestanding: Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate - See at Chewy

Best extra tall: Midwest Steel Pet Gate 39-inch - See at Chewy

Best retractable: Regalo Retractable Baby Gate - See at Amazon

Best overall

I tested the 30.5-inch-tall Cumbor Safety Gate and can confirm that it holds firm even though it's pressure mounted. There's also the option to screw the wall cups into the wall or door frame for extra security. I mounted it in a doorway by screwing in the wall cups, and installation took about 25 minutes. This offers more stability, though the gate must still be pressure-mounted into the cups.

The gate has two of my favorite features: an automatic shut and a bottom ramp. After you open the gate and walk through, the door swings shut and latches on its own, making it less likely that a dog (or kid, in my case) will slip through behind you. I installed it in an area frequently used by the whole family, including our dog. I really appreciated that it always closed behind me and never came loose, even when my kids piled toys against it.

Many pressure-mounted gates with a bottom bar lack a ramp, posing a major tripping hazard. However, the Cumbor Safety Gate has a small ramp around the bottom bar that prevents tripping. This makes it ideal for people using a walker or older dogs who might be more likely to catch their legs on the bar. Compared to other gates I tested, there weren't too many nooks and crannies for dirt and hair to collect, and I found it easy to clean with a cloth and regular household cleaner.

Best for stairs

When looking for the best dog gates for the top or bottom of stairs, you'll want a model without a bottom bar to prevent trips and falls up and down the stairs. You'll also need a hardware-mounted gate rather than one that's pressure-mounted. Hardware-mounted gates are less likely to come loose, which can lead to falls down the stairs.

I've been using a shorter version of this Regalo gate in my kids' playroom for two years and have been very pleased with this extra-tall version for stairs, which I've used for a year. Both gates have stood the test of time. The door of the extra-tall gate held in place when I applied 50 pounds of pressure with a luggage scale, which is very important if you'll be using it at the top of the stairs. My 6-year-old can open the gate, but my two 3-year-olds cannot, and my 110-pound dog has never been able to break through it. It holds firm even when he gets antsy and paws at the gate.

The gate has a simple design, and I can easily open it with one hand. It doesn't close automatically, so you can choose to shut it or leave it open. This could be a downside if you install it at the top of the stairs and tend to forget to close it. Still, it's important to double-check that automatically closing gates are secure after you pass through.

This gate was a bit tricky to install, taking longer than most others I tested — about 35 minutes. However, this is par for the course with a hardware-mounted gate.

Best freestanding

The best freestanding dog gate I tested is the Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate, which has multiple wood-framed panels and rubber feet. I tested the large size, spanning 90.2 inches wide and standing 36.2 inches high, to divide a room into two sections to separate my dog from my children.

The gate also has a door to pass through, a feature uncommon in freestanding gates. While a large dog could knock over the gate, it is heavier and sturdier than the other freestanding gate I tested, which tipped over more easily when I applied force. Neither my dog nor my kids knocked this gate over during testing.

If you want something aesthetically pleasing, the wood frame may be an attractive alternative to all-metal gates. It was also very easy to put together, taking less than 15 minutes. Plus, it's very portable, so you can easily pick it up and move it to a different spot in your home. The door is a nice feature, but it was sometimes tricky to open and close. I often just step over the gate, but it could be frustrating for someone with limited mobility or who needs to open and close the door frequently to allow their dog through.

Best extra tall

The Midwest Steel Pet Gate is a tall, sturdy option for big dogs or those who can jump high. It's 39 inches high compared to standard gates that range from 30 to 36 inches tall. The installation process was quick and easy: It only took 15 minutes, one of the fastest installations of all the gates I tested. Like other pressure-mounted gates, I chose to screw the cups into the wall for extra security before mounting the gate in them.

The latch stood up to my 50-pound pressure test and held up to pressure from my kids and 110-pound dog. I placed it in an opening between two rooms where it saw a lot of traffic. After passing through, I found that the gate almost swings shut on its own, but it doesn't completely latch. This is the biggest downside; it's less convenient and could be an issue if you tend to forget to latch it.

The gate was easy to clean using a cloth and multipurpose household cleaner. It has minimal nooks and crannies, an advantage for those with heavily shedding dogs or those who track a lot of dirt.

Best retractable

A retractable mesh gate isn't quite as sturdy as a traditional wood or metal gate, but it's still a viable option to keep dogs at bay. Of the two retractable gates I tested, the Regalo Retractable Baby Gate was the most sturdy; the other one popped open when I applied 50 pounds of force. My dog is much too large to squeeze through the gate once it's locked in place, but an extremely small dog or puppy might be able to get through the 2-inch gap on the side of the mesh panel where you secure the hooks.

You can roll up the mesh panel completely when you're not using the gate, making it a good choice if you want something more discreet. Simply gently pull on the gate and it coils up. The mesh is made of PVC, so it's easy to wipe clean.

If you often juggle multiple things in your hands or have to hold your dog back while securing the locks, this might not be the gate for you. It was tricky to lock this with only one hand because the mesh panel is quite flexible until you've pulled it taut and attached both the top and bottom hooks. You'll also need to drill mounting hardware into the wall or door frame to install it, which took me about 20 minutes.

What to look for in a dog gate

There are several factors to consider when choosing one of the best dog gates for your home. Think about your home's layout, your dog's size and behaviors, and the criteria below.

Gate type: Dog gates are available as pressure-mounted, hardware-mounted, retractable, and freestanding models. For dogs who might try to get past the gate, a pressure-mounted option is good, but a hardware-mounted one is even better. If your dog is pretty docile and likely won't try to bypass the gate, a retractable or freestanding gate will likely work unless you need a barrier at the top or bottom of the stairs. Wolko says smaller dogs tend to do better with freestanding gates because they're less likely to be able to jump over or force them down.

Installation method: Most gates are either pressure-mounted or hardware-mounted. A hardware-installed gate will generally be more sturdy, as it connects to the wall via mounting brackets. However, I found through my testing that a quality pressure-mounted gate is by no means unstable when installed correctly.

Spindle spacing: Pay close attention to the spacing to ensure your dog — especially if they're small — can't get their head stuck in between the spindles.

Door type: Many gates have a door that allows you to pass through easily, which is the most convenient design. Freestanding gates sometimes require you to move the gate entirely or step over it, and retractable gates retract to the side to create an opening. The type of door is particularly important if you plan to place the gate at the top or bottom of the stairs or if you have mobility limitations — in those cases, you'll want to avoid a bottom bar or look for one with a ramp.

Gate width and height: Most of the best dog gates can be adjusted width-wise, but measure the doorway or opening where you plan to install it before ordering. If you have a large dog or one that can jump very high, look for an extra-tall gate.

Material: Most dog gates are made of metal, plastic, or wood. Metal gates that are pressure- or hardware-mounted are typically the most sturdy.

How we tested the best dog gates

To pick the best dog gates, I tested 13 different gates across various categories. I live in a two-story home with two toddlers, a 5-year-old, and a 110-pound dog. I used the gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and in doorways. Here's a breakdown of the tests I put them through.

Safety: I checked for any loose or sharp pieces and measured the widest space between spindles to evaluate safety. The distance between spindles is important because smaller dogs may be able to squeeze through or become caught in wider spaces. "If you purchase a gate that has wider spindles and you fear your puppy may breach it until they get a little larger, use the baby-proofing mesh across the spindles," Wolko says. I also considered whether a dog might be able to open the gate. I tried to open it with light pressure and a hand on the latch.

I applied 50 pounds of force to each gate to see if a freestanding gate could easily be tipped over or if a mounted gate could be knocked down. I used the gates in my home for a few months, so they saw plenty of use (and abuse) from my children and German shepherd. I disqualified any gates that didn't stay secure. Dr. Kate Anderson, a veterinarian and assistant clinical professor at the Duffield Institute for Animal Behavior at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, says some dogs can develop anxiety due to gates that fall down, so this is a concern regarding not only physical safety but also mental well-being.

For stairs, I only considered hardware-mounted gates. Though pressure-mounted gates are often very secure, there is more of a risk that they could come loose and cause falls down the stairs. Additionally, pressure-mounted gates usually have a bar at the bottom, which could be a tripping hazard on stairs.

Ease of use: I opened and closed each gate's doors at least 30 times, evaluating how intuitive they were to use and how easy they were to maneuver one-handed. I also noted how easily each gate closed and latched after I passed through and whether it did so on its own without assistance from me. For freestanding gates without a door, I focused on how easy it was to get around or step over the gate.

Ease of assembly and installation: I assembled each gate according to the included instructions, noting any confusing directions or installation difficulties, and kept track of how much time each gate took to install, which ranged from 15 to 35 minutes.

Durability: I used a luggage scale to exert 50 pounds of pressure on each gate and observed whether it held firm. Most of the gates stood up well to this test, with only a couple breaking open. I immediately disqualified those gates.

I also scratched each gate with a fork to simulate a dog's nails. In general, this test left some scratches regardless of the surface. For example, the fork tines scraped off some paint, left indentations in the wood, or left some wear on the mesh.

Ease of cleaning: After using each gate for at least two weeks, I cleaned them with a multi-surface household cleaner and soft cloth. I noted any areas that were particularly difficult to clean. Some gates had more nooks and crannies where dust and hair accumulated, and these areas were notoriously hard to clean. Some also had adjusters and pockets that could collect dirt and debris and get pretty dirty over time. For the retractable mesh gates, I smeared mud on the mesh and cleaned it according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Versatility: I considered whether the gates could adjust to fit different doorway and walkway sizes, whether there were multiple installation options, and whether the gate could be installed in various locations. These factors are important because a gate can be a significant investment, and you want to make sure it can last if you move houses or need to install it in a new location in your home. Versatility also ensures you can get the safest installation in the location you place it.

Additional features: Most gates are pretty straightforward, but I noted whether the gates included a built-in cat door, automatic latching, accessibility ramps, or any other special features. Wolko says a spring-closure door on gates, especially for older owners as this can help ensure the door closes.

Appearance: I observed the general appearance of each gate and whether it is available in multiple color options.

Dog gates FAQs

Which dog gates are best?

The best dog gates are sturdy and meet your specific needs. For example, Wolko recommends freestanding gates if you're trying to secure a larger opening between rooms, hardware-mounted gates if you value ease of use and gates with spring-closure doors for older pet owners. My favorite dog gate is the Cumbor Baby Gate because it is sturdy and latches quickly and easily.

What dog gate does not damage walls?

Freestanding and some pressure-mounted gates do not damage walls. However, some pressure-mounted gates still require you to screw wall cups into the wall. Hardware-mounted gates will create some damage since you need to screw them into the wall to secure them.

Are freestanding dog gates good?

Freestanding gates are handy for wide openings and dogs who won't try to push past the gate. If your dog will likely try to get on the other side of the gate, a freestanding model isn't the best option, as the gate could fall and the dog could get hurt. "I have had some patients develop anxiety around gates that have failed due to the loud noise this makes," says Anderson.

Do pressure-mounted gates work?

Pressure-mounted gates work, but they can vary in sturdiness. If you want a sturdy one, look for one with a swing door opening and wall cups. However, never use a pressure-mounted gate at the top or bottom of the stairs to prevent falls.

Best overall: Evenflo Position and Lock Tall Pressure-Mounted Farmhouse Gate

Pros: Affordable, durable pressure-mount design, easy to install and remove with lift and lock system, nontoxic finish for safety, scratch-free rubber padding, generous 32-inch height, expands from 31 to 50 inches, great for babies and small children as well

Cons: The locking mechanism may not work right when fully extended

With a simple construction and pressure-mounted design, the Evenflo Position and Lock Tall Pressure-Mounted Farmhouse Gate safely divides rooms to keep your dog out of trouble. It has a non-toxic finish for safety and expands from 31 to 50 inches. Compared to other affordable gates, Evenflo offers a generous height of 32 inches, ideal for a doorway, hallway, and bottom- or top-of-staircase use. 

The gate's simple lift and lock system makes installation hassle-free, and its rubber padding keeps doorways scratch-free, too. The durable wood construction ensures this gate will be in tip-top shape for years and is extendable if you want to reposition it. It's also a practical option for babies and small children with nontoxic, plastic mesh sides that serve as a comfortable buffer when installed.

Best walk-through: Carlson Extra-Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate

Pros: Sturdy metal construction, pressure-mount system for easy installation, expandable to 37 inches, high enough to deter jumpers, small pet door at the bottom

Cons: May not be large enough for wide doorways, very small dogs may fit through the cat door, small dogs could get their head caught between vertical bars

For a temporary room divider, a walk-through model is one to consider. They typically feature a latchable, hinged door to keep your dog confined. And, you can always unlatch if you want to step through the gate instead of over it. 

Walk-through pet gates come in all sizes, but we like the Carlson Extra-Wide Walk-Through Pet Gate for its durability and versatility. Its lead-free metal frame has a pressure-mount system for simple installation, measuring 30 inches tall for small to medium-sized dogs. Like our Everflo pick, it's also expandable up to 37 inches with the included extension kit.

Not only did Carlson design its tall gate with a lever-style handle for easy operation, but it also has a smaller door at the bottom for cats to walk through, great for quick access to their beds. 

Best for large areas: Regalo Widespan Dog Gate

Pros: Durable all-steel construction, 8 panels for versatility, expands up to 192 inches, features a walk-through gate, can be wall-mounted, nontoxic and chew-proof, can also be used as a playpen for babies and small children

Cons: May not stand up to rough treatment, eight-panel length takes time to assemble and move

A  traditional pet gate might not cut it for more spacious sections of your home.  Super-wide pet gates are a simple fix as they usually consist of hinged panels easy to manipulate for covering wide spaces. Some, like the Regalo Widespan Dog Gate, can even be used as playpens. With an all-steel frame for strength and support, this gate can stretch to a full 192-inch width. The steel gate is nontoxic and chew-proof as well, so you can count on this gate for a long time. Regalo's ultra-large gate has a convenient walk-through design, too, secured with a safety lock.

It features eight panels that fold flat for storage or transport. They can even be maneuvered for use as a free-standing gate or installed with the included wall mounts as a permanent barricade.  

Best free-standing: Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate

Pros: Durable rubberwood construction, wire slats, rubber feet to protect flooring, expandable to 71 inches, stands 20 inches tall

Cons: May not stay in place if pushed, only recommended for small dogs (large dogs may push or jump over the gate), not chew-proof

If you only need a pet gate for a little while, or you prefer not to have to deal with the hassle of mounting a gate, a freestanding pet gate might be your best option. A freestanding pet gate can be used in a variety of locations from doorways to hallways, and many of them, like the Richell Wood Freestanding Pet Gate are adjustable in width like a traditional mounted gate.  It features a rubberwood, step-over design with wire slats, and affixed rubber feet to protect your floors. Though the feet may not stay in place if your dog pushes it, the gate is expandable from 40 to 71 inches and folds up for easy storage and transport. 

Though this particular gate stands only 20 inches tall, there is also a larger version of the gate if you're an owner of medium to large-breed dogs. Be sure to note inventory may take a bit longer to ship than its smaller counterpart.

Best for large dogs: Regalo Easy Step Extra-Tall Walk-Through Gate

Pros: Sturdy steel construction, stands 41 inches tall, expands to 39 inches wide, easy one-touch latch, no-tool assembly, lightweight and portable, walk-through gate

Cons: Walk-through feature may be somewhat narrow, the door only swings one way (good for the top of the stairs, though)

If you have a large-breed dog or a dog who likes to jump, a standard pet gate might not be tall enough. The strong steel construction of the Regalo Easy Step Extra-Tall Walk Through Gate is fitting for big dogs, ensuring they can't enter past enclosed boundaries. 

Measuring 41 inches tall and expanding to 39 inches wide, the gate is clad with pressure mounts for easy setup and takedown. The Regalo gate also features a walk-through feature, making it versatile and convenient. It's easy to transport, too, especially with a built-in, one-touch safety lock release that's simple to use.

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