The Best Dog Gates Of 2025, Tested For Strength And Ease Of Use

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Our picks for the best dog gates include a simple, reliable Regalo gate to block stairs and a Richell freestanding wooden gate.

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Nearly every dog owner encounters a time when they need to keep their dog away from certain places in the home. Perhaps you need to keep your pup from snatching food scraps from the kitchen, or worse, your entire Thanksgiving dinner. If you have a young child, you might need to keep your pup from bounding up the stairs and interrupting naptime. And sometimes, your dog just needs a break from other pets or people. Whatever the case may be, one of the best dog gates can be your (other) best friend.

Before you choose a pet gate, you'll need to figure out which type works best for your needs. Freestanding gates are easy to move, and pressure-mounted gates are relatively quick and easy to install. For the most stability and security, a hardware-installed gate is an excellent option.

As a dog owner and a parent to young children, I've used gates for the last seven years and have figured out what works well and what's bound to fail. To recommend the best pet gates for this guide, I assembled, installed, and used 13 popular models in my home. For even more insight, I asked a pet safety expert and a board-certified veterinary behaviorist what gates work best for certain situations.

After regular use and several durability and safety tests, I can confidently recommend the Cumbor Baby Gate as the best overall option. It's a pressure-mounted gate that's quite sturdy, and it comes with bonus features like an automatic-closing door and a ramp that covers the bottom rail to prevent trips and falls. However, if you're looking for a gate designed specifically for stairs or a very wide barrier for a large area, my other picks below might be a better fit.

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 freestanding: Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate - See at Chewy

Best retractable: Regalo Retractable Baby Gate - See at Chewy

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

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

Best overall

Although it's a pressure-mounted design, the 30.5-inch-tall Cumbor Safety Gate is extremely sturdy. That's because it comes with wall cups that you can screw into a wall or doorframe. This type of installation provides more stability, but the gate must still be pressure-mounted into the cups. I set it up this way, and it took me about 25 minutes.

The gate has two standout features: an automatic closing mechanism and a ramp that fits over the bottom bar to prevent tripping. After you pass through the gate, the door swings shut and latches on its own. This keeps a dog (or, in my case, kids) from slipping through behind you. I installed the gate in a high-traffic area used by the whole family, including my dog. I really appreciated that it reliably closed behind me and never came loose, even when my kids piled toys against it.

The Cumbor Safety Gate has extra features like a ramp and an automatic closing mechanism.

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Many pressure-mounted gates with a bottom bar lack a ramp, and this can be a serious tripping hazard. The Cumbor Safety Gate has a small ramp, making it ideal for people using a walker or older dogs who might otherwise catch their legs on the bar.

Compared to other gates I tested, this one had fewer crevices where dirt and hair could collect. It was easy to wipe clean with a cloth and regular household cleaner, a bonus for busy households.

Best freestanding

The Richell Deluxe Freestanding Pet Gate spans 90.2 inches and stands 36.2 inches high. It consists of four wood-framed panels supported by rubber feet. I used the gate to divide a room and separate my children from my dog.

A large dog could knock the gate over, but it's heavier and sturdier than the other freestanding model I tested. That one tipped over more easily when I applied force. During our testing, neither my dog nor my kids managed to knock it down.

The gate has a built-in door, something you rarely see in freestanding gates. While it's a nice feature, I found it tricky to open and close. I often just stepped over the gate, but it could be difficult for people with limited mobility or in situations where the dog needs to pass through often.

A freestanding pet gate like this attractive wooden one from Richell may be a good option for small and docile dogs.

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If you're looking for a gate that's more visually appealing, the wood frame offers a nice alternative to the metal construction that's common among the best dog gates. It was also very easy to put together, taking me less than 15 minutes. Plus, the gate is very portable, and I could move it around the house with ease.

Best retractable

Retractable mesh gates aren't as sturdy as traditional wood or metal options, but they can still be an effective way to keep a dog contained. Of the two retractable models I tested, the Regalo Retractable Baby Gate was the sturdiest; the other gate popped open when I applied 50 pounds of pressure using a luggage scale.

However, there is a 2-inch gap between the mesh panel where you secure the hooks to keep it closed. My German shepherd is far too big to squeeze through a space that size, but a very small dog or puppy might be able to push through it.

One nice feature is that you can roll back the mesh panel when you want to provide access to a room. This makes it a more discreet choice if you don't want a permanent fixture in your doorway. With a gentle pull, the panel coils back. The mesh is made from PVC, so it's easy to wipe clean.

When not in use, this retractable gate from Regalo coils up for a less intrusive appearance.

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

Best for stairs

If you're installing a dog gate at the top or bottom of stairs, make sure it's one without a bottom bar. Dangerous trips and falls are more likely to happen if there's a bottom bar in place. You'll also need a hardware-mounted gate rather than one that's pressure-mounted. Hardware-mounted gates are less likely to come loose than those with pressure mounts. This can reduce the risk of a fall down the stairs if someone leans up against the gate.

The Regalo Pet Products Extra Tall Top of Stairs Gate will stand the test of time. I've been using a shorter version in my kids' playroom for two years, and I'm also very pleased with this model designed for stairs, which I've used over the last year.

The door held in place when I applied 50 pounds of pressure with a luggage scale, a must for use 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 it.

This hardware-mounted gate with a door is the best barrier for the top or bottom of your stairwell.

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The gate has a simple design, and I can easily open it with one hand. Because it doesn't close automatically, you have the option to shut it or leave it open. However, this could be a downside if it's installed at the top of the stairs and you tend to forget to close it behind you. Still, for safety's sake, it's always important to double-check that automatically closing gates are secure after you pass through.

The 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 extra tall

Midwest makes some of the sturdiest pet accessories, including our top pick for the best dog crates. The Midwest Steel Pet Gate is no different, and it's an excellent option for big dogs and agile jumpers. The gate is 39 inches tall, while standard gates range from 30 to 36 inches.

It only took me 15 minutes to install, one of the fastest and easiest installations of all the gates I tested. Like with other pressure-mounted gates, I screwed the included cups into the wall and mounted the gate within them for extra security.

The latch stood up to my 50-pound pressure test and pressure from my kids and 110-pound dog. I installed it in a high-traffic opening between two rooms. 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, making it less convenient and a potential issue if you tend to forget.

The Midwest Steel Pet Gate stands a few inches higher than other models to prevent tall and agile dogs from jumping over the barrier.

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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.

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 come in pressure-mounted, hardware-mounted, retractable, and freestanding designs. If you have a determined dog who might try to get past the gate, a sturdy pressure-mounted option can be good, but a hardware-mounted one is even better. Retractable or freestanding gates will likely work for more docile dogs. 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. That said, if you need a gate for your stairs, a hardware-mounted model is always the way to go.

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've also found that a well-constructed pressure-mounted gate is by no means unstable when installed correctly.

Spindle spacing: Pay close attention to the spacing between any bars to ensure your dog's head can't get stuck between the spindles. This is more likely a risk with puppies and small dogs.

Door type: Many gates have a door that you can conveniently pass through, which is the best design for most households. Some freestanding gates are designed without a door, so you'll need to move them entirely or step over them. 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 unless it comes with a ramp.

Gate width and height: Most of the best dog gates can be adjusted width-wise, but always 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, you'll need 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 select the best dog gates, I tested 13 different models across various categories. I live in a two-story home with two toddlers, a 6-year-old, and a 110-pound dog. Depending on their intended use, 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: First, I checked for any loose or sharp materials. Then I measured the widest space between spindles. The distance between spindles is important because smaller dogs may be able to squeeze through or get caught between the bars. "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 by attempting to open it with light pressure while my hand was on the latch.

I applied 50 pounds of force to each gate to see whether a mounted gate could be knocked down or if freestanding gates were easy to tip over. I used all of 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 important for both physical safety and your dog's mental well-being.

I only considered hardware-mounted gates for use with stairs. While pressure-mounted gates are often very secure, there's more of a risk that they could come loose and lead to falls down the stairs. Additionally, pressure-mounted gates usually have a bar at the bottom, which could be a tripping hazard.

Ease of use: I opened and closed each gate's door at least 30 times, evaluating how intuitive and easy it was to maneuver with one hand. I also noted how easily each gate closed and latched after I passed through, and whether it did so automatically. For freestanding gates without a door, I focused on how easy it was to move or step over the gate.

Ease of assembly and installation: I assembled the gates according to the manufacturer's instructions, noting any confusing directions or installation difficulties. I also recorded how much time I spent installing each gate, 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 models.

I also scratched the gates with a fork to simulate a dog's nails. This test left some scratches regardless of the material. For example, the fork tines scraped off some paint from metal, made indentations in wood, or left some wear on the mesh.

Ease of cleaning: After using each gate for at least two weeks, I cleaned it with a multi-surface household cleaner and a 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 were adjustable to fit different doorways and walkway widths, whether there were multiple installation options, and if the gate could be installed in different types of 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 spot in your home. Versatility also ensures you can get the safest installation wherever you use it.

Additional features: Most gates are pretty straightforward, but I noted features such as built-in pet doors, self-closing doors, and accessibility ramps. Wolko says a spring-closure door can help ensure the door fully closes.

Appearance: I considered the general appearance of each gate and whether it's available in multiple colors.

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. 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 in wall cups. Hardware-mounted gates will create some damage since you always 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 them. However, if your dog will likely be motivated to get through it, a freestanding model isn't the best option, as the gate could fall and the dog could get hurt or frightened. "I have had some patients develop anxiety around gates that have failed due to the loud noise this makes," Anderson says.

Do pressure-mounted gates work?

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