The 12 Best Dog Beds of 2024, Tested by Our Dogs

This bolster-style bed proved to be comfortable and nice and spacious enough for our team member’s 75-pound dog, George. It pulled in a perfect five out of five in every category. We found the bed to be immensely soft, not just on the surface, but in its cushioning, too. Our tester even curled up in the dog bed to get a firsthand feel. George is partial to a human bed, but did sleep on the dog bed regularly during the daytime and in the evenings. He seemed to like resting his head on the bolsters.

We like that it came in a cooling gel foam option, which kept long-haired George from getting too hot. The quality and ease of cleaning were also excellent (the cover easily zips off and holds up well, even after being washed).

Sizes: 5 | Material: Polyester, memory foam | Colors: 15 | Machine Washable: Yes, the cover is.

If you’re in the market for a dog bed, but want to stick to a more conservative budget, we’d suggest the MidWest Homes crate bed. Our tester appreciated the soft and plush feel of the bed, which almost acts like a mattress you can place in your dog’s crate. Our tester joked that their dog is a bit high maintenance and only spent a little time on the bed at first, but started spending much more time on it once her favorite blankets were added to the equation. (We all like what’s familiar, right?)

Our tester’s dog likes to eat peanut butter kongs in her crate and some of that mess got on the bed. Our tester was able to wash and dry the cushion on regular cycles and it came out of the laundry looking brand new. The sizing was accurate and the bed fit the dog perfectly when she was lying down as well as the dimensions of the crate. If you crate your dog frequently throughout the day, this bed can add a little coziness to that environment. Plus, it’s portable and makes a great backseat bed for road trips.

Sizes: 7 | Material: Polyester | Colors: 3 | Machine Washable: Yes

If you have an anxious dog or just a puppy that needs a calm place to rest, this popular donut bed has a good reputation for a reason: Dogs love it. During our real world tests, our tester said both of their dogs loved the bed — with their elderly dog frequently burrowing into the plushy bed, while their young puppy enjoyed flinging it around (or attempting to). 

It held up well after laundry day, and we were delighted that we could put it in the dryer. It came out spotless and didn’t need much reshaping. Overall, the quality is sound, and dogs instantly gravitate towards it due to the furry texture. The donut shape is especially appealing to anxious dogs who like a barrier at their backs or those who like to burrow in their beds for comfort.

Sizes: 6 | Material: Polyfill and long-shag fur | Colors: 15 | Machine Washable: Remove the fill, then you can wash and dry the cover

During testing, this bed stood out thanks to its proprietary Coldest fusion weave, which works to disperse heat through several layers. Our tester’s 10-year-old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Buster, tends to run hot, and this was the first bed he’s slept in all night without moving to the floor to cool off. 

Our tester opted for a large size to allow Buster to sprawl and stretch out, and the durable fabric held up to occasional digging and wet paws, despite the soft feel and cooling gel technology. The seven layers of memory foam padding feels firmer than plush dog beds but provide excellent orthopedic support for joints. The cover can be removed and machine washed, but it’s challenging to get back on after the wash. 

Sizes: 4 | Material: Memory foam | Colors: 1 | Machine Washable: Yes (cover only)

The L/XL size of this bed was double-tested by two 35-pound doodles, Maebel and PolkaDot, who cuddled in the bed together and seemed to prefer it to their usual beds. Maebel, in particular, loves spending her time lounging with her head resting over the supportive, firm sides. The main mattress is constructed of high-density orthopedic-quality foam for joint support and is infused with cooling gel to keep your dog comfortable while sleeping.

Although the cover fabric is velvet-like, it held up to digging, washed beautifully, and had no noticeable difference afterward. The interior foam mattress is covered in plastic, making it water-resistant, and a great option for post-pool day dog naps. Though the plastic makes a crinkle noise, it didn’t seem to bother either pup.

Sizes: 2 | Material: High-density foam | Colors: 1 | Machine Washable: Yes, the cover

For older dogs or those with joint issues, an orthopedic bed can be a great solution. During our real world tests, the 53-pound dog who tried this bed loved it. The foam was supportive but still soft to lay on, and the sloped sides of the bed offered a pillow-like cushion. The size allowed her to fully spread out — she’s a big stretcher in between naps, and the foam supported her while still letting her body sink in a bit.

The cover is a sherpa-type material that’s easy to clean because you can throw the cover in the wash. We also appreciated how lightweight the bed was — it’s not bulky and you can easily throw it in the car. It’s a great bed, especially for larger dogs, and provides good support for the head, neck, and back. Our tester’s dog constantly slept on this bed and always had a restful sleep. 

Sizes: 6 | Material: Orthopedic foam | Colors: 11 | Machine Washable: Cover is

Some dogs like to bury their faces and in some cases, their whole bodies, into their beds. The Furhaven Burrow Blanket facilitates that and more, because it offers a cushioned place to rest with a sheltered covering. “If your dog likes to burrow under the covers a cave bed can provide them with the same feeling, without messing up your bed,” says Dr. Bernal. This was the winning pick for those types of pups, including our tester’s 25 pound Frenchton. The tester’s dog usually makes little cries when she can’t bundle in blankets to her liking, yet with this bed she immediately falls asleep.

There are several options of the base to choose from, including memory, cooling gel, and orthopedic foam, the latter a nice choice for older dogs. Our tester gave it a five in the size category, noting that it fit their small dog perfectly, though if you have a larger dog keep in mind that the largest size is only intended for dogs up to 80 pounds. The removable cover was easy to machine wash and keep clean, and while it did earn a slight deduction for value (with our tester noting that the faux sherpa and suede materials wasn’t particularly thick), at the price it is, it would be easy to replace it every few years if it got really worn.

Sizes: 6 | Material: Polyester, memory foam  | Colors: 11 | Machine Washable: Yes, the cover is

Most dog bed designs aim for style, support, or convenience, but rarely accomplish all three. This bed provides orthopedic-level support and excellent functionality without sacrificing style. Teddy, an 11-year-old Yorkipoo, took to it immediately and used it every night throughout the testing period. 

Although he’s only eight pounds, he seemed perfectly happy curling up in the middle of the 27-inch bed. Our tester raved about the neutral beige color, noting it was very complementary to existing home decor and didn’t show any signs of dirt. The velvety fabric seemed to comfort Teddy and stood up to his digging habit. The braided side bolsters can also be reshaped to fit around a dog’s body to be even more comforting. 

Unlike many dog beds on the list that only have machine-washable covers, both pieces of this bed can be thrown into the washer and dryer as-is. The center pillow may need to be refluffed after cleaning, though, and it left us wondering how long the cushion would stay truly supportive (but, for now, it’s doing its job). 

Sizes: 2 | Material: Velvet microsuede | Colors: 2 | Machine Washable: Yes

Our tester had their 45-pound puppy Dasie put this bed through the ringer and it held up beautifully. It proved extremely durable due to the hefty material that held up despite stains, digging claws, and lots of chewing. Dasie would occasionally pee on the bed and it would wipe right off instead of seeping into the bed. 

The duck canvas cover is machine washable, though our tester noted that washing and drying it was a bit time-consuming and didn’t yield much more of a difference than spot cleaning. Their pup loved to curl up on the bed, thanks to the padding for long naps. It did take a bit of a hit in the size category, with our tester noting that it was a bit smaller than expected.

Sizes: 3 | Material: Polyester fiber filled cushion; duck canvas cover | Colors: 6 | Machine Washable: Yes, the cover is

If you take your dog on outdoor adventures, consider the Ruffwear Highlands bed. Our tester takes their dog on outings regularly and was pleased with the quality of the dog bed. The tester’s dog loved snoozing on the bed whether inside or outside, and that’s in part to the soft material yet durable material.

Even though it’s extremely lightweight (again, a great choice when you’re camping or backpacking), it was still super warm and retained the dog’s body heat when zipped up. The pup used it both zipped and unzipped; the latter made for a nice supplement to function as a blanket for an indoor dog bed. It was a bit smaller than expected, though still fit our tester’s 55-pound pup well. However, our tester did note that it would be good to size up. Even though it’s on the pricier side, it still scored a five in the value category, with the quality materials and multi-use options earning rave reviews.

Sizes: 2 | Material: Synthetic down | Colors: 1 | Machine Washable: Yes, but air dry

This elevated dog bed has a sturdy plastic frame and durable nylon mesh cot stretched across the top. The water-resistant mesh is a great choice for outdoor use and dogs with wet or dirty paws. Plus, the stretched cot provides support for joints. 

All sizes are eight inches off the ground — therefore creating airflow underneath your dog (great for reducing heat). Small dogs or dogs with mobility issues may have trouble jumping onto the bed since there’s no ramp. That said, Pearl, a 35-pound miniature Australian Shepherd, was able to get off and on without trouble. She was hesitant at first (preferring plush beds), but settled in once her blanket was placed on top. 

Thanks to water-resistant nylon and plastic materials, all it takes to clean the bed is a quick rinse with a hose or wipedown. The elevation also allows for easy floor cleaning with a broom, vacuum, or mop without having to move the bed. This is a great bed for occasional use, like camping or backyard lounging. Since our tester noticed the cot was starting to sag after daily use during the two-week testing period, it may not stay supportive over time with constant use. 

Sizes: 4 | Material: Nylon, plastic  | Colors: 3 | Machine Washable: No

While this option is among the most expensive dog beds on our list, our tester deemed it totally investment-worthy for its comfort, quality, and ease of cleaning. This bed will likely last a lifetime. We were so impressed with the durability of the material that it almost mimicked a human mattress being soft and sturdy at the same time.

It also earned top marks for ease of cleaning. The tester’s dog loves bully sticks and bones filled with peanut butter, but they’re so messy. When the pup would eat on top of the bed, it created a visible mess with residue, but it came off with a cleaning spray and a paper towel. The cover is also machine washable, and entirely waterproof; our tester was quick to note that it would be a great choice for dogs that aren’t yet potty trained or who slobber a lot. While it could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing, if you don’t mind a no-frills style, this is an excellent choice.

Sizes: 4 | Material: Polyester, shredded foam | Colors: 4 | Machine Washable: Yes (cover)