We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Travel Products Activity + Adventure Beach + Water Activities The Best Beach Umbrellas for Staying Cool and Comfortable, Tested and Reviewed Sturdy and simple to use, these beach umbrellas are true summer stars. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a travel, wine and lifestyle writer. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 20, 2024 Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr Rich Scherr is a seasoned journalist and editor who has traveled across the U.S., Canada, and Europe, and spent more than a decade reviewing hotel room. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Comments In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Others We Liked Our Testing Process You May Also Need Tips for Buying FAQ Why Trust T+L Photo: Travel + Leisure / Monica Aguinaga Beach days are for unwinding by the water with friends or a great book — not worrying about sunburns and the hazards of flying umbrellas. In order to peacefully indulge in some fun in the (indirect) sun, a secure beach umbrella is essential. We put nine beach umbrellas to the test, assessing models of all shapes and sizes in order to compare their portability, ease of use, durability, value, and overall performance over a period of three months and in various locations. Whether you’re looking for a massive cover or something better suited for solo use, these are the best umbrellas for every sort of summer getaway. Our Top Picks Best Overall: beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella at Amazon $159 Jump to Review Best Overall, Runner-up: SALE OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella at Amazon $70 $50 Jump to Review Best One-person: Sport-Brella Versa-Brella at Amazon $41 Jump to Review Best Grounded: Sport-brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Easiest Setup: Blissun Beach Umbrella at Amazon $44 Jump to Review Best Overall beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $159 at Amazon View on Beachbub.com Why We Love It This heavy-duty umbrella is shockingly portable and was the sturdiest we tested. What to Consider This was one of the more expensive umbrellas that we tested — but it’s worth the value if you frequent the beach. Security is a huge factor in selecting a beach umbrella — no one wants to deal with a product that needs to be constantly readjusted or, worse, that might fly away in a sudden gust of wind. BeachBub’s All-in-one Umbrella System is extremely sturdy, thanks to a bag at the base that weighs 125 pounds when filled with sand. When not in use, the bag compacts nicely and weighs less than one pound. For the number of features included in the purchase — an oversized carrying case, the sand bag, towel hooks, plus a gopher tool and shovel to dig into the sand — the entire package is surprisingly lightweight at just nine pounds. It’s also impressively easy to carry with the spacious case that has a padded shoulder strap, making it one of the most comfortable options to tote around for extended periods of time. The setup is also simple, with easy-to-follow instructions and tools provided to help secure the pole about 12 inches deep into the sand. We appreciated the convenience of the attachable hooks, which are sturdy enough to hang beach towels or beach bags on. While this umbrella is double the price of most of the other models we tested, it’s a worthwhile investment for anyone who spends a lot of time at the beach, as it feels significantly more durable thanks to a 220G commercial grade PA-coated fabric with a UPF 50+ rating, and it’s capable of staying solid in winds of up to 44 miles per hour, a feature that has continued to hold up after three months of use. It also comes with a three-year protection plan, in case you run into any unexpected issues. The Details: 7.5 foot diameter | 9 pounds PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Sarah Naftzger Best Overall, Runner-up OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $70 $50 at Amazon $80 at Outdoormaster.com Why We Love It Its adjustable feature is super easy to maneuver, so you can maximize your sun protection throughout the day without having to reinstall the umbrella. What to Consider You’ll want to fill up the sand bag entirely in order to secure it fully. OutdoorMaster’s Beach Umbrella is a close second to our top pick in terms of stability and durability, thanks to the included 44-pound sand bag — and, better yet, it’s less than half the price. In addition to the sturdy base weight, the steel pole and the 160G PU-coated canopy fabric are both very durable, with the latter offering UPF 50+ sun protection. That coverage is maximized thanks to the umbrella’s 6.5-foot diameter, which comfortably shades two adults. We also found that the umbrella shows no sign of wear and tear after three months of use. The canopy is easily adjustable, ensuring you’ll feel protected from the sun all day long. We love that this model is available in 12 vibrant colors, from nautical blue-and-white stripes to a chic black-and-white option — and it includes a handy cup holder. It’s also intuitive to set up, taking just a moment or two despite instructions that aren’t particularly clear or helpful. Beyond the peace of mind offered at the beach, you can feel good about your purchase from Outdoor Master, as it partners with Protect Our Winters in the fight against climate change. The Details: 6.5 feet diameter | 6.96 feet high | 6.19 pounds PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox Best One-person Sport-Brella Versa-Brella PHOTO: Amazon $41 at Amazon $28 at Target $30 at Dicks Sporting Goods Why We Love It The ultra-portable and compact design makes it easy to travel with and to set up solo. What to Consider It’s designed to attach to a beach chair rather than be inserted into the sand. If you’re heading to the beach solo or just want your own personal sun shade, Sport-brella’s Versa-brella stands out for its compact design and barely-there weight (just 1.8 pounds). It’s incredibly portable and, crucially, easy to set up on your own: just double-click it into place and attach the universal clamp to your beach chair. The opening is compatible with tubular or square surfaces, allowing for versatile use on everything from bleachers to golf bags — just note that it cannot be buried directly into the sand. As a result, it offers less coverage than a classic beach umbrella but can be easily adjusted to protect either your upper body or your legs with the 360-degree swivel canopy. If you’re heading on a beach vacation, it’s great to toss this in your luggage along with a beach blanket, as it packs up easily and holds up well for us in transit. After three months of use, it held up perfectly without any issues or damage. The Details: 40 x 42 inches | 3 feet high | 1.8 pounds PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza We Tested the Best Backpack Coolers to Keep Refreshments Frosty Best Grounded Sport-brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $65 $59 at Amazon $65 at Dicks Sporting Goods $50 at Walmart Why We Love It Zippered windows help prevent this extra-large umbrella from blowing away. What to Consider It can only be used at an angle rather than upright like a standard beach umbrella. Grounded beach canopies are quite versatile, offering a generous amount of shade as well as protection from the elements. This model is particularly well made, featuring an eight-foot canopy crafted with UPF 50+ protection and a heavy-duty pole, all of which still function at 100 percent after three months of use. At eight pounds, it’s slightly heavy if you’re trying to juggle it with other beach accessories. However, there’s a handy carrying strap that allows you to sling it across your body or over your shoulder — just note that the straps aren’t padded and can dig into your shoulder after a while. Unique features which set this apart are the zippered windows that maximize airflow and help ensure that excessive wind won’t dislodge the canopy, as well as internal pockets where you can tuck your phone or other small essentials. This canopy also comes with a small bag of four standard ground spikes, four heavy-duty ground spikes, and three tie-down cords for added security. The Details: 8-foot diameter | 4.4 feet high | 8 pounds PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Monica Aguinaga PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Monica Aguinaga PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Monica Aguinaga The 10 Best Beach Canopies of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Easiest Setup Blissun Beach Umbrella PHOTO: Amazon $44 $39 at Amazon Why We Love It The pole can be tilted to adjust the shaded area as the sun moves. What to Consider It doesn't stand up well to high winds. For the impressive diameter of this umbrella, it’s shockingly easy to tote around thanks to the convenient carrying case. We tested it while carrying a backpack as well and slung the umbrella over one shoulder, and found that it was easy to walk with both on the beach. The real value of this umbrella is its easy set-up process: the umbrella came with minimal instructions, but everything felt self-explanatory. There were only two pieces in addition to the carrying case: the base of the pole with a spiral screw bottom and the umbrella itself. We screwed the base into the sand, which took a bit of time but wasn't difficult, and then added the top. It took about 10 minutes to assemble on our first try, and we're confident it will be faster on future beach trips. While we love the larger size (and color options) of the shade and felt that the easy tilt feature make it a solid value for the price, we don't recommend it for particularly windy days — we would only use this during mild weather. Still, after three months of use, the umbrella is in great condition and we look forward to using it season after season. The Details: 7.2 feet high | 4.74 pounds PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph PHOTO: Travel + Leisure / Laurel Randolph Other Beach Umbrellas We Liked There was one other beach umbrella that we enjoyed, but had a few issues that kept it from our list of best options. Still, it boasts certain qualities that may better suit some beachgoers and travelers. Aoxun Beach Umbrella: This was one of the most portable options on our list, weighing just 4.2 pounds, which initially made it a favorite for solo use. Unfortunately, it required a fair amount of effort from two people on an average wind day to set it up. Our Testing Process Over the course of three months, we tested 21 total beach shades, including nine beach umbrellas, to compare and contrast them all based on portability, durability, ease of setup and breakdown, and stability over time. While examining the nine beach umbrellas, we paid close attention to the quality of the materials, noting unique features like UPF protection, tear-resistance, or storage pockets in order to select the most convenient and durable models for you to bring along on your next beach day. Our testing process began at unboxing, when we carefully took note of the pole, fabric, and any included sandbags or anchors to ensure that buyers would be confident their items will arrive in excellent condition. Next, we paid close attention to the instructions before heading out to the beach to see how our umbrellas performed. We tested them on a handful of occasions for at least three hours each time, evaluating the ease of carrying while walking on sand, setting them up and securing them, and breaking them down. When rating the overall value of the umbrellas, we prized their durability, ease of setup, and value for the price. You May Also Need A great beach trip takes a great beach umbrella — and a few other things. Here are some goods that will help you make the most of your sunny day off. Rio Beach Classic 5-position Lay-flat Folding Beach Chair: This popular beach chair offers five seating positions — including a lay-flat option — so you're always comfortable sitting down. The lightweight design and padded shoulder strap also make it easy to carry around. Wekapo Sand Free Beach Blanket: Large enough to fit several adults comfortably, this massive beach blanket is lightweight and easy to transport. It also shakes off water and excess sand easily, so you don't have to worry about bringing the beach home with you. Beau Jardin Folding Beach Wagon: Carry towels, sunscreen, beach toys, and more from your car to the sand (and vice versa) with this beach wagon that has a weight capacity of over 300 pounds. Fold it up between uses for easy storage. Tips for Buying a Beach Umbrella Look for a UPF rating UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) ratings indicate how well the umbrella’s fabric protects against UV rays. Ideally, you want a UPF 50+ rating, which ensures that only 1/50th (about 2 percent) of the sun’s rays can get through. At a minimum, look for a UPF of 30 and up, which is the baseline rating that is approved by The Skin Cancer Foundation. In addition to taking advantage of your umbrella, you should be using sunscreen. Know what kind of ground you'll be using it in Most beach umbrella tips are designed for use in sand, whether its smooth or slightly rocky. If you plan to use your umbrella in dirt — perhaps for a park picnic — be sure to purchase an umbrella anchor that’s designed for use in soil rather than sand in order to keep things secure. Don't forget about weight No one wants to lug around a cumbersome umbrella while struggling in the sand in search of a place to set up for the day. A fairly standard weight for a beach umbrella is six to nine pounds — anything above nine pounds will likely feel heavy and a bit unwieldy for one person to tote around. Look for compact models that also feature a convenient carrying strap (bonus points if it’s padded!). Frequently Asked Questions Do all beaches allow umbrellas? Not all beaches allow umbrellas — certain areas have banned them entirely, either as a safety precaution for the hazard they pose in high winds or as a result of complaints of them blocking the view. For the most part, they are allowed under specific parameters: there can only be one anchor point, and the maximum diameter is typically 8 feet. Be sure to check your local beach to see if they have any specific regulations in order to avoid a potential fine. How do you put a beach umbrella in the sand? First things first: read the instructions! They may have valuable information about how to set up your beach umbrella. The key to inserting your beach umbrella in the sand is rocking it back and forth in order to bury about a third of it into the sand. At that point, point your umbrella towards the wind and open it up, so that the wind pushes it deeper into the sand. Fill in any gaps with extra sand. How do you stop a beach umbrella from blowing away? Sand anchors are your best bet for securing your beach umbrella. Typically designed to withstand up to 50 miles per hour of wind, these offer a hefty dose of added protection and come with a screw tip that is easy to set into the sand. They enable you to simply twist your umbrella pole into the anchor rather than rocking it back and forth. Just be sure that your pole is also designed to withstand high winds so that it doesn’t bend while inserted into the anchor. Alternatively, you can attach sand bags to the umbrella pole and fill them with to weigh it down. Why Trust Travel + Leisure For this story, writer Sophie Dodd extensively researched the most important things to look for when purchasing a beach umbrella, from portability to wind-resistance, sun protection, and more. She also worked with T+L editors and expert testers to curate a list of the absolute best beach umbrellas we've tried in the sand. The Best Backpack Beach Chairs for Every Oceanside Getaway, Tested and Reviewed Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we’ll send you our favorite travel products each week. Updated by Anne Taylor Anne Taylor Anne Taylor is a commerce updates writer at Travel + Leisure where she keeps articles fresh and up to date. As an avid traveler who has been to 23 countries, she is always testing new products to make her trips even better. She has a bachelor’s degree in news media and has been a writer and editor for over seven years. learn more Edited by Taylor Fox Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is the Commerce Outdoor Gear Editor at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over nine years. learn more