# Best Pet Playpens for Small Apartments Source: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/best/best-pet-playpens Updated: 2026-09-22 Publisher: Apartment Pet Picks. Our score is an editorial rating out of 10 (fit 35%, features 25%, build 20%, value 20%), not a customer rating. Method: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/how-we-research#our-score A playpen gives a puppy or small pet a safe, contained zone when you cannot supervise, which matters in an apartment where one open door leads straight to trouble. It sets a boundary without you having to pet-proof the entire unit. Because floor space is tight, we focused on pens that fold flat for storage, set up in minutes, and adjust to fit an awkward corner. Lightweight panels and a secure latch let you reshape the space or tuck it away when guests come over. ## Picks ### 1. Amazon Basics Portable Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen Indoor/Outdoor Single Door 8 Panels Small 30 Inches (Black) Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Amazon Basics' small black 30 inch octagonal metal exercise playpen with 8 panels and a single door for indoor or outdoor use. Pros: - 8 metal panels form a secure pen or can be reshaped along walls - 30 inch height suits small breeds and young puppies - Folds flat for storage in a closet or car trunk Cons: - Metal pen can scratch hardwood floors without a mat - Small size is quickly outgrown by fast-growing puppies Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B075898NLN ### 2. Amazon Basics Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen Single Door Medium 8 Panels 24 x 36 (Black) Our score: 8.6/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 9/10) Amazon Basics' medium black octagonal metal exercise playpen with 8 panels at 24 x 36 and a single door. Pros: - 36 inch panels suit medium dogs and energetic puppies - Mid-height pen balances security with a manageable size - Amazon Basics pricing keeps a sturdy metal pen affordable Cons: - Taller or jumping dogs need the Large or Extra Large size instead - Single door can end up facing the wrong way when reshaped Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B0758FX7MJ ### 3. Amazon Basics Foldable Octagonal Metal Exercise Dog Playpen Single Door Extra Large 8 Panels 24 x 48 (Black) Our score: 8.4/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) Amazon Basics' extra large black octagonal metal playpen, 8 panels at 24 x 48 with a single door for larger dogs. Pros: - 48 inch tall panels contain bigger dogs that clear shorter pens - Single door gives easy access without lifting the dog over - Octagon layout gives more room than a square pen of similar size Cons: - Tall panels are heavier and more awkward to fold and carry - Big footprint is hard to fit in a studio or one-bedroom Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B075897YPY ### 4. PETMAKER Dog Playpen Foldable Metal Exercise Puppy Play Pen 8 24x30in Panels Indoor/Outdoor with Door Our score: 8.2/10 (Fit for the job 9/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) PETMAKER's foldable metal puppy playpen with 8 24x30in panels and a door, for indoor or outdoor exercise space. Pros: - 8 panels of 24x30in give a roomy area for puppies to play - Built-in door makes daily access and cleaning much easier - Works indoors on a mat or outside on a balcony or patio Cons: - 30 inch tall panels may not stop athletic dogs from climbing - Large enclosure dominates the floor of a small living room Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B00F97RJH6 ### 5. MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch Exercise Pen Single Door Folding Dog Pen with Large Door Opening & Secure Latch Our score: 8.0/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) MidWest Homes for Pets' 24-Inch exercise pen with a single large door opening and a secure latch for small dogs. Pros: - Large door opening makes it easy to step in and clean the pen - Secure latch helps keep clever puppies from nosing it open - MidWest is a well-established maker of wire pet enclosures Cons: - 24 inch height is too low for dogs who jump - Wire panels do not keep out small cats or loose toys Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B00377WL46 ### 6. MidWest Homes for Pets 24-Inch Exercise Pen No Door Design for Maximum Security Foldable Dog Playpen Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 7/10 · Build and materials 8/10 · Value 8/10) MidWest Homes for Pets' 24-Inch foldable exercise pen with a no door design for maximum security with escape-prone puppies. Pros: - No door means no latch for clever dogs to nudge open - Foldable wire panels set up quickly and pack flat for storage - Solid pick for a secure puppy zone inside a small apartment Cons: - You have to lift pets in and out over the panels - 24 inch height will not contain jumpers or bigger dogs Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B000H904WI ### 7. PETIME Foldable Metal Dog Exercise Pen / Pet Puppy Playpen 8 Panel 24" W x 24" H with Bottom Pad Our score: 7.8/10 (Fit for the job 8/10 · Features and specs 8/10 · Build and materials 7/10 · Value 8/10) PETIME's 8 panel foldable metal puppy playpen, 24" W x 24" H, sold with a bottom pad to protect floors. Pros: - Included bottom pad protects floors and adds a softer surface - 24 inch panels keep the pen compact for toy breeds and puppies - Folding metal panels store flat when the pen is not in use Cons: - Low 24 inch height is only for small, non-jumping dogs - Bottom pad needs washing when puppies have accidents Details: https://apartmentpetpicks.com/product/B0B5YZL6FX As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.