The best beaches umbrellas shield you from the blazing sun to enhance your waterfront experience. With their soft colors, cooling shade and UV protection, these essential canopies ensure you can fully enjoy a day at the beach without getting burnt. For example, the Beachbub All-In-One Umbrella, our top pick, uses durable, UV-resistant fabric to keep its shape and protect you from the sun.
Keep cool and stay safe from the sun with the best beach umbrellas.
With a sprawling 7.5-foot canopy that offers sanctuary from the sun’s rays, the Beachbub All-In-One Umbrella System is crafted from tough commercial-grade materials that resist wear and tear. These include a solid two-piece aluminum pole and sturdy fiberglass frame ribs that are designed not to bend or snap, even during high winds. We’ve put it through its paces, and it remains a steadfast companion on breezy days by the water.
But what really won us over are the thoughtful touches. Think triple-layered rib pockets and a stainless steel hitch pin for added security. And we can’t forget about the fabric—a hefty commercial-grade UPF 50+ material that provides top-notch sun protection. Plus, Beachbub didn’t skimp on comfort: The shoulder carrying strap boasts extra padding and width for those long treks across the sand, and the oversized carry bag with a double-reinforced bottom means no more struggles when packing up. Throw in a refillable sand anchor to keep it sturdy and sand tools to easily dig a large hole, and you’ve got yourself one of the easiest beach umbrellas to set up and take down in seconds.
Best Runner-Up Beach Umbrella
A Long-Lasting Sunshade From A Reliable Beach Brand
Screw-in anchor might not be as reliable in heavy winds
Fiberglass pole isn’t as strong as aluminum
The Tommy Bahama Sand Anchor Umbrella is a vibrant option that promises shade with a dash of style. With its durable fiberglass frame providing stability and a generous 7-foot diameter offering ample coverage, it’s a solid choice for lazy days by the shore.
While the Tommy Bahama umbrella boasts a tilt and telescoping pole for customizable shade, it falls slightly short of the Beachbub All-in-One Umbrella System that uses a weighted base and eliminates the need to screw the pole into the sand. The fiberglass frame, though sturdy, doesn’t quite match the commercial-grade construction of its counterpart, and its lightweight design, while convenient for portability, may sacrifice a bit of durability in windy conditions.
Still, those minor drawbacks shouldn’t deter you from this umbrella. With its eye-catching Tommy Bahama print and easy setup, it still holds its own as a fantastic beach companion. Weighing in at just 4.3 pounds, it’s a breeze to transport, making it a great option for spontaneous beach trips or picnics in the park. While it may not have all the bells and whistles of the Beachbub, it’s an undeniably stylish and practical choice for sun-soaked adventures.
Best Budget Beach Umbrella
A Heavy-Duty Shade Structure That Won’t Break The Bank
Aoxun’s 7-Foot Beach Umbrella is your ticket to sun-soaked adventures without breaking the bank. Designed with both affordability and durability in mind, this budget-friendly sunshade is packed with features that make it a standout choice for beachgoers on a budget.
Constructed with a sturdy fiberglass frame and supported by a solid sand anchor, it ensures stability even in gusty conditions, so you can relax and soak up the sun worry-free. Plus, with 100% UV protection provided by its 210G silver-coated oxford fabric, you can enjoy the beach all day long without fretting over harmful rays.
But what truly sets the Aoxun umbrella apart is its thoughtful design touches. A 30-degree tilt mechanism allows for easy shade adjustment, and with an air vent promoting circulation and enhancing stability, you can rest assured knowing it’ll handle windy days like a champ. Complete with a convenient carry bag for easy transport and storage, it’s the perfect companion for your outdoor escapades.
Best Beach Umbrella For One Person
Personal Shade While You Relax By The Water
Amazon
Sport-Brella Versa-Brella
Diameter: 33.5 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Anchor: Connector clamp
Pros:
Affordable
Adjustable angle with a 360-degree swivel mechanism
Super lightweight at less than 2 pounds
Cons:
Not sturdy enough for medium and high winds
If you’re not one for sharing the shade with family or friends, the Sport-Brella is your personal shade from the sun, whether on the beach, patio, golf course or bleachers. While the universal clamp can be attached to most tubular and square chairs (as well as golf carts and strollers), a nifty four-way, 360-degree swivel and adjustable angle help keep the sun out of your eyes from dusk to dawn. Weighing in at less than 2 pounds (with its own carry case), it’s perfect for tossing into your beach hauler without worry.
Small, compact and tucked away neatly into a matching carry case that you can sling into most big suitcases, the Blissun beach umbrella is your perfect travel companion for the beach. Made from a fiberglass pole with heavy-duty sand actors and built-in vents, it should prove fairly sturdy in the breeze. Plus, the eight “extra strong” fiberglass ribs shouldn’t waver in the wind, either. A secure locking tilt feature enables simple adjustments depending on the time of day, plus a “pinch-free” clip at the top makes for easy setup.
Best Beach Umbrella For Large Groups
A Wind-Powered Canopy That’s Easy On The Environment
Amazon
Shibumi Shade
Diameter: 150 square feet of shade | Weight: 4 pounds | Anchor: Poles and weights
Pros:
Easy installation that takes only seconds
Capacious shade for large groups
Made from recycled materials
Cons:
Requires a light breeze to operate
The Shibumi Shade is a game-changer for large groups in need of the ultimate in sun protection and spacious shade coverage. Offering a generous 150 square feet of shade and UPF 50+ sun protection, this innovative shade solution ensures ample room for all your beach essentials while keeping you safe from harmful rays.
What sets the Shibumi Shade apart is its revolutionary design: Powered by the wind, it sails gracefully with as little as 3 mph of breeze. Say goodbye to the frustrations of traditional beach umbrellas and tents—no more worrying about them blowing away or breaking in the wind. Lightweight and easy to carry at just 4 pounds, it’s your go-to companion for every beach adventure. Simply unfold the fabric, plant the poles in the sand and let the wind do the rest—no complicated setups or corkscrew anchors required.
The Shibumi Shade is also eco-conscious, made from 40% ocean-bound recycled plastic bottles. So not only does it enhance your beach experience, but it also contributes to leaving the beach better than you found it.
In addition to our coverage of beach umbrellas, the Forbes Vetted gear team has extensively reviewed other core pieces of water-worthy equipment, including beach wagons and coolers.
Gear editor Cam Vigliotta, who oversees this story, grew up spending his summers on the beaches of the east coast, swimming in the frigid coastal waters of Maine and snorkeling in the tropical blue bays of the Florida Keys. As a kid, he was often tasked with setting up the family beach umbrella, screwing it into the sand in the hopes that it wouldn’t fly away in the breeze (though it may have on one or two occasions). As such, he knows what to look for in a beach umbrella that’s easy to install and ready for high winds.
This story is regularly revised to ensure all the information is accurate and each recommendation is still the best in its class. It was last updated in April 2024.
How We Chose The Best Beach Umbrellas
To find the best beach umbrellas, we sought out reputable brands we have experience with, like Tommy Bahama and Beachbub.
To narrow down the best models, we delved deep into the specs that matter most for these shade-providing wonders, evaluating factors like ease of installation, shade diameter, materials, tilting options and additional features.
We then looked into the experiences of real users who invested in these beach umbrellas, poring over online reviews for insights and feedback that contribute to a well-rounded perspective.
The final selections were reviewed by gear editor and former beach bum Cam Vigliotta.
We aimed to choose a variety of models to cater to different beachgoers, budgets and conditions you’re likely to experience by the water.
What To Consider When Shopping For A Beach Umbrella
A beach umbrella is an important accessory on sunny days. Keep these factors in mind while you shop.
Coverage
The diameter of your umbrella canopy matters, but not everyone needs the same size. A diameter of 5 to 6 feet is just fine for single people or couples, while larger families will need something that’s 7 feet or more to get the right amount of coverage. The tilt function of a beach umbrella is also key, as you can adjust the amount of shade as the sun moves. For easier and more generous protection from the sun, families may prefer to buy a beach tent or canopy instead.
UV Protection
Keep an eye out for beach umbrellas that offer a high level of UV protection to shield you from harmful sun rays. Look for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 50+.
Anchor
The quality of the anchor will dictate how durable and wind-resistant your umbrella is. Many beach umbrellas have a special screw-like anchor that twists into the sand or a sharpened stake end to keep the umbrella standing securely. However, some require you to buy an anchor system separately, so double-check before making your purchase (and keep in mind, it’s an extra piece of equipment to haul).
Portability
Most beach umbrellas range between 5 to 10 pounds, which is fairly lightweight if your beach wagon can haul over 100 pounds. But if you’re
When you’re looking for a deep cleanse, using one of the best facial cleansing brushes can help. These skincare tools are designed to clear away makeup, sunscreen and grime from the day, and can also provide a gentle exfoliation. Our top pick from PMD was chosen for its dual-headed design and four modes that enable…
While REI’s biggest sale of the year is technically over, there are still plenty of great deals to be had. You can still find deeply discounted products after REI’s anniversary sale from brands like Osprey, The North Face, Vasque and more. Better yet, REI Co-op members get additional perks: 20% savings on one full-priced item…
Memorial Day weekend might be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still shop the best Memorial Day sales across just about every category, from mattresses and furniture to clothing and skincare. If you’ve been filling up your cart with those summer essentials or home appliance upgrades, now’s the time to checkout before those deals…
We’re in the last few hours of Amazon Prime Day and we found a deal that you don’t want to miss: 34% off the Bissell Little Green upholstery cleaner. The fan-favorite cleaning appliance is on sale for only $82—the lowest price we’ve seen on Amazon in years (and lower than last year’s Prime Day price,…
The cameras built into the latest smartphones all can produce images that rival those from traditional point-and-shoot cameras. But some photographers, whether amateur or professional, still might turn to one of these cameras for all kinds of reasons. Whether you prefer an Auto mode, the ability to use extra-long zoom lenses or need a rugged…
The best water shoes offer an ideal combination of protection, comfort and grip. Sure, they offer plenty of performance-based benefits, but nowadays, they also ooze style, ensuring you never have to sacrifice fashion for function. After testing countless pairs and researching others, we’ve named the Keen Newport H2 Sandals the best water shoes overall for…