Shopping
The 10 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2024
When I was a teenager at the Jersey shore, summer days at the beach with my family were the best of times. I’ve been a passionate beachgoer ever since, from Miami to the white sand shores of the Caribbean.
No matter which seashore I was on, a beach umbrella was requisite gear to stay cool and protected from the harsh rays of the beaming sun. Moderate sun exposure can serve up healthy doses of vitamin D, but overexposure to the sun’s UV radiation can obviously be dangerous. So, to work in unison with your favorite SPF sunscreen, here’s a list of the best beach umbrellas on the market to keep your days at the shore enjoyable.
Our top picks for the best beach umbrellas
Best extra tall beach umbrella: Jeary 8.5-foot Push Button Umbrella
This model by Jeary has an 8.5-foot diameter canopy, but it still packs a 7.7-foot punch in the extra-tall beach umbrella department. It also boasts venting for wind flow, a UPF 50 rating, a fiberglass pole and canopy ribs, a 30-degree tilt mechanism and a solid sand anchor to keep it sturdy and stable. Bonus: The pole has hooks to hang keys and towels.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, fiberglass.
- Weight: 7.54 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7.7 feet high x 8.5 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $89.99.
What we like:
- Extra tall.
- Wide canopy.
- Sturdy and stable.
What we don’t Like:
- Some customer reviews say it doesn’t hold up well in wind.
Best budget beach umbrella: Coclothy Parasol Umbrella
Coclothy Parasol Umbrella
With some of the same bells and whistles as higher-end models, this beach umbrella by Coclothy is a virtual steal. It comes complete with tilt design, a UPF 50 rating for sun protection, wind-resistant ventilation, adjustable pole length, a sand anchor and easy installation. It even has a mid-pole, collapsable table to keep your beverages out of the sand.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, aluminum.
- Weight: Not listed.
- Dimensions: 5.9 feet high x 6.56 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $37.99.
What we like:
- Inexpensive.
- Great UPF protection.
- Convenient collapsable table.
What we don’t Like:
- Some customers complain the fastenings are a little flimsy.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This beach umbrella is a great buy, being affordable with many of the features of more expensive units.
Get it here: Coclothy Parasol Umbrella
Most versatile beach umbrella: Sport-Brella Premiere XL Umbrella
Sport-Brella Premiere XL Umbrella
I’ve owned two of these attractively functional umbrellas — the standard model and this Premiere XL version — and I can say these units are amazing. I initially gravitated to the 9-foot-wide canopy it offers when it’s perched on the ground, but when I learned it converts into a traditional stand-up umbrella I was instantly sold. Sport-Brella is as versatile as beach umbrellas come: UPF 50 sun protection, zippered side windows for airflow, internal pockets for snacks and mobile devices, tie-down cords, standard and heavy-duty ground spikes and stainless steel pole and framing. This umbrella is the ultimate beach gear.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, stainless steel.
- Weight: 12.85 pounds.
- Dimensions: 9-foot wide canopy.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: One year limited.
- Price on publish: $71.99.
What we like:
- Versatile as an on-ground canopy or stand-up umbrella.
- Zippered airflow mesh windows.
- Interior pockets.
What we don’t Like:
- A minority of customers found that it didn’t handle wind too well.
The AP Buyline takeaway
The Sport-Brella Premiere XL is an amazingly versatile, aesthetically pleasing, durable and powerful beach umbrella.
Get it here: Sport-Brella Premiere XL Umbrella
Best-designed beach umbrella: BeachBub All-In-One Umbrella
BeachBub All-In-One Umbrella
The beauty of this all-in-one umbrella’s design is its patented, sand-filled base bag, built to keep the unit firmly in place in winds up to 44 mph. It also comes complete with a sand scoop shovel to fill the base bag, an anchor collar and hitch pin, a sand gopher tool for added sturdiness, a towel hook collar, an oversized carry bag and a three-year warranty. If that’s not a well-designed beach umbrella, I don’t know what is.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, fiberglass, aluminum.
- Weight: 9 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7.5-foot canopy.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Three-year protection plan.
- Price on publish: $156.85.
What we like:
- ASTM umbrella safety standard compliant.
- Easy installation.
- Sturdy and durable.
What we don’t Like:
- Not many colors to choose from.
The AP Buyline takeaway
This dynamically designed beach umbrella is virtually windproof and comes with everything you need.
Get it here: BeachBub All-In-One Umbrella
Best beach umbrella for a great look: Business & Pleasure Co. Premium Beach Umbrella
This beauty will make you feel like you’re at a beach on the Amalfi Coast. It comes in three different color patterns, but I think this one in antique white with natural cotton fringe takes the cake. It boasts a 6-foot canopy and rises to 7 feet tall with a solid, tilting wood pole that blocks the sun from all angles with a factor of UPF 50. This gorgeous umbrella will last you many years.
Specifications
- Materials: Premium fabric, wood.
- Weight: 9 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7 feet high x 6 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $299.
What we like:
- Very plush.
- Natural cotton fringe.
- Attractive patterns and colorways.
Best beach umbrella for one person: AmmSun Telescopic Portable Umbrella
AmmSun Telescopic Portable Umbrella
Sometimes, there’s nothing more tranquil than soaking up the sand and sea by yourself, and this portable umbrella is the only pal you need. It has a simple, twist-in handle system easy enough for one person to manage. When it’s folded into its matching carry bag, it measures just 27.6 inches long so it’s easy to carry. The canopy is only 6.5-feet wide, so there’s really no room for anyone else — and that’s fine!
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, aluminum, fiberglass.
- Weight: 5 pounds.
- Dimensions: 5 feet high x 6.5 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $59.95.
What we like:
- Sized for one.
- Easy twist-in installation system.
What we don’t Like:
- Some customer reviews say it’s not very durable in the wind.
Best tilting beach umbrella: Outdoor Master Beach Umbrella
Outdoor Master Beach Umbrella
Many of the umbrellas on this list have tilting mechanisms, but this one by Outdoor Master tilts to over 90 degrees. It also comes in 13 color patterns, utilizes a sandbag anchor for stability, has a pop-open table with cup holders and boasts a 6.5-foot canopy for plenty of shade.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, fiberglass.
- Weight: 6.28 pounds.
- Dimensions: 6.96 feet high x 6.5 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $69.99.
What we like:
- 90-degree tilting mechanism.
- Sandbag anchor design.
- Pop-open table with cup holders.
What we don’t Like:
- Like several of the umbrellas on this list — or really, just beach umbrellas in general — some reviewers express concern about its performance in strong winds.
The AP Buyline takeaway
An attractive umbrella with high tilting capacity, easy set-up and a handy pop-open table with cup holders to keep your beverages out of the sand.
Get it here: Outdoor Master Beach Umbrella
Best large beach umbrella: Fisqueen 8-foot Wind-Resistant Umbrella
This is the granddaddy of large beach umbrellas. It stands 7.5 feet high and has a colossal 8-foot wide canopy. The features are just as grand: a two-way 30-degree tilt mechanism, a push button that helps it open and close, level seven wind resistance and a 44-pound capacity sandbag anchor. The canopy also has air vents on the top for highly efficient ventilation and heat dissipation.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, fiberglass, plastic.
- Weight: 5.3 pounds.
- Dimensions: 7.5 feet high x 8 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $69.99.
What we like:
- Extremely large overall.
- Durable and sturdy.
- Wind-resistant.
What we don’t Like:
- Pole and canopy spokes could be made of stronger material.
Most durable beach umbrella: Dig-Git Wind-Resistant Umbrella
Dig-Git Wind-Resistant Umbrella
The Dig-Git beach umbrella has an anchor design with a unique shovel base to keep it where it belongs, in the sand. It easily converts from a shovel to an anchor for easy installation and removal. It also has a vented, wind-resistant canopy and durable materials, so even the strongest gusts won’t take this umbrella down.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, stainless steel, fiberglass.
- Weight: Not listed.
- Dimensions: Not listed.
- UV protection: Not listed.
- Warranty: 30 days.
- Price on publish: $159.95.
What we like:
- Extra durable.
- Four great colors.
- Vented and wind-resistant.
What we don’t Like:
- Some reviewers say they struggled with the opening and closing mechanism.
Best easy-to-set-up beach umbrella: Tommy Bahama Easy-Set-Up Umbrella
Tommy Bahama Easy-Set-Up Umbrella
Set up can’t get much easier than with this Tommy Bahama model. Its patented AnchorX screw-in capability lets you ditch filling up sandbags and gets you sitting under the shade in a breeze. The 6.5-foot canopy is wide enough for two and is an eye-catching sea blue with the signature Tommy Bahama marlin logo.
Specifications
- Materials: Polyester, aluminum.
- Weight: Not listed.
- Dimensions: 6.5 feet high x 6.5 feet wide.
- UV protection: UPF 50.
- Warranty: Not listed.
- Price on publish: $89.50.
What we like:
- Sets up in under three minutes.
- Tilt capability.
- Great price.
How we selected the best beach umbrellas
To make the selections here, I utilized my personal knowledge and experience of beach umbrellas, along with extensive research into the umbrella market. I also screened customer product reviews for each of my choices.
What to consider when buying a beach umbrella
Size
Beach umbrellas are available in various sizes, from small and compact to more sizable, spacious models. The size you need is based on how many people you plan to accommodate. If you’re looking forward to cozy beach days for two, a smaller unit will likely suffice. If you’re planning sandy outings with your family, however, you’ll need a larger model. So, consider how many people will be under your umbrella before you buy it.
Materials
Your beach umbrella will be exposed to various elements — harsh sunlight, wind and sometimes even rain. Be sure to choose one that’s durable and made of weather-resistant material, like nylon or polyester. Oxford and canvas are other good fabric options due to the thickness of their texture and ability to withstand unexpected weather conditions.
Safety features
Be sure your umbrella has sand anchors to prevent gusty winds from blowing it away. Reports suggest that roughly 3,000 people go to the hospital each year with beach umbrella-related injuries. To help prevent umbrellas from flying away at beaches, the American Society for Testing & Materials (ASTM) recently mandated a safety standard stating that all beach umbrellas should be held in place with at least 75 pounds of resistance and be capable of remaining secure in winds up to 30 mph.
UV protection
This is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a beach umbrella. Besides just keeping you cool, the primary role of the umbrella is to provide a physical barrier between your skin and the sun’s UV rays. Any model worth its money should have a UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, printed on its packaging. Ratings range from UPF 15 (blocks 93% of UV rays), to UPF 30 (96%) and UPF 50 (98%). So, making sure your umbrella is UPF-rated is paramount.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Are beach umbrellas waterproof?
Beach umbrellas are mostly water-resistant when it comes to a little unexpected rain but are not waterproof.
Are beach umbrellas worth it?
Yes, investing in a beach umbrella is a good idea for protecting yourself from long exposure to the sun’s UV rays, as well as simply keeping you cool when the sun is baking down.
What should I look for in a beach umbrella?
Look for a durable, easy-to-set-up umbrella with attractive colors and UV protection.
Can I use beach umbrellas in windy conditions?
Windy conditions call for an umbrella that has an anchor or sandbag design to keep it sturdily in place without getting blown away.
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