The 5 Best Beach Umbrellas, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella

$50 at Amazon

With its 6.5-foot umbrella and UPF 50+ sun protection rating, the OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella impressed our testers on every level. We found it easy to set up despite the sparse instructions, and we particularly liked that we didn’t have to push hard to drive it into the sand. The umbrella is supported by flexible fiberglass ribs designed to absorb wind impact and prevent breakage. It affords plenty of shade for two or more adults and one of our favorite features is the tilt mechanism, which lets you adjust the umbrella as the sun moves across the sky.

Other clever features include the integrated sand anchor, which can be filled with up to 44 pounds of sand and then fastened to itself to keep the umbrella in place. Before we filled it completely, the umbrella fell over in a big gust of wind; afterward, it was rock solid for the rest of the day. Just above the anchor, there’s an integrated drinks holder with space for up to four cans or bottles. The elevated surface is equally handy for keeping phones and your favorite sunglasses out of the sand.

Finally, the umbrella packs away into a super compact, very light carry case with a shoulder strap long enough for practical use. It weighs just 6.28 pounds total. You can choose yours in various shades of solid or striped blue.

Materials: PU-coated polyester, aluminum | Dimensions: 6.5 feet | UV Protection: UPF 50+

Best Overall, Runner-Up

beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella

$159 at Amazon $167 at Walmart View on Beachbub.com

The beachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System is certainly not a budget buy, but we feel that its excellent quality makes it a worthwhile investment for those who go to the beach often. The canopy measures a massive 7.5 feet, with six fiberglass ribs that fit into triple-layered, independently sewn pockets for superior durability. The canopy itself features reinforced stitching at 11 potential stress points, while additional spacers give you the option to increase tension if it gets loose over time. The sun protection rating is UPF 50+.

All metal pieces are made from commercial-grade aluminum, except for those likely to come into contact with salt water, which are made from stainless steel. The system includes a Sand Gopher for easy hole drilling and an integrated sand anchor. Once we were familiar with the process, we could set the umbrella up in five minutes. We felt that it was incredibly sturdy and unlikely to go anywhere regardless of wind strength. We loved the included towel hooks, the padded carry bag, and the variety of bright colors.

Materials: PA-coated polyester, stainless steel, aluminum | Dimensions: 7.5 feet | UV Protection: UPF 50+

Best Budget

Blissun Beach Umbrella

$55 at Amazon

Retailing for less than a third of the price of the beachBUB, the Blissun Portable Beach Umbrella is a solid pick for those on a budget. We felt that the overall quality was good, with materials that didn't feel cheap despite the low price. The canopy has a UPF rating of 50+, is supported by eight fiberglass ribs, and includes a top vent to increase stability when the wind picks up. The bottom half of the umbrella pole features a corkscrew tip that helps you to drive it securely into the sand.

With integrated handles to help with this process, we found it easy (if a little time-consuming) to set up the umbrella. The instructions were minimal, but it was intuitive enough not to matter. We tested the umbrella on a very windy day, and we had a few problems keeping it in the ground. Nevertheless, the pole didn’t bend and the canopy didn’t invert, so we felt it fared well given the conditions. We particularly liked the generous amount of shade provided and the ability to tilt the canopy throughout the day.

Materials: PU-coated polyester, powder-coated steel, aluminum | Dimensions: 7.2 feet | UV Protection: UPF 50+

Most Versatile

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella

$28 at Amazon $51 $28 at Walmart $28 at Target

If you already have a beach chair and want your own personal sunshade, the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella may be just what you’re looking for. The clamp-on canopy attaches to your chair via a universal attachment that’s compatible with square and tubular bars; it can also be used in conjunction with your golf cart or stroller, or fastened to the bleachers when supporting your favorite team. We loved how easy it is to set up, with just two simple steps and no need for instructions.

The coated polyester canopy only provides shade for one person but can be adjusted throughout the day thanks to the four-way, 360-degree swivel and two push-button hinges. In its carry case, the umbrella weighs just 1.8 pounds, while the fact that it can be folded down to less than 2 feet in length makes it ideal for packing in your checked bag the next time you fly. Even after traveling, ours looked as good as new. There are two sizes and a host of different colors to choose from, from midnight blue to camo.

Materials: Coated polyester, aluminum | Dimensions: 40 x 42 inches (regular), 44 x 44 inches (XL) | UV Protection: UPF 50+

Best Canopy

Sport-Brella Premiere Outdoor Umbrella

$65 at Amazon $50 at Target $65 $50 at Dicks Sporting Goods

The Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelter bridges the gap between a traditional beach umbrella and a full-blown canopy, with an oversized umbrella and two side panels that can be stowed away when not in use. The side panels afford extra privacy and sun protection, while zippered windows allow airflow on hot days and the wind to pass through on gusty days. The heavy-duty pole includes a tilt mechanism and an auger tip that’s easy to anchor into the sand. We found the whole setup process simple.

In particular, we appreciated that the umbrella canopy comes with every possible feature for withstanding strong winds, including guy lines and sets of standard and heavy-duty ground spikes. We found that it offered a good amount of shade, and we liked the internal pockets for organizing our belongings and keeping valuables out of the sand. The quality is good, too. In fact, the only downside is the weight of the umbrella at 7.2 pounds. Without any padding on the bag strap, it can be a little uncomfortable to carry for long distances.

Materials: PA-coated polyester, steel | Dimensions: 8 feet | UV Protection: UPF 50+