The 8 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System

5

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Our best overall pick from BeachBub is not just an umbrella; it's an umbrella system. With the included anchor, sand tools, umbrella base, and other accessories, you can safely set up your umbrella in the shade without worrying about it blowing away, even in winds of up to 44 miles per hour.  We put this umbrella to the test on a few St. Pete, Florida beaches and found it to be a great choice for beachgoers looking for protection from the sun and wind.

The umbrella really stood out due to its lightweight construction. While there are a lot of parts, everything fits inside the included carrying case, which weighs just nine pounds, so it's perfect for toting to and from the beach. We also loved the padded shoulder strap, which added to this pick's portability. It may seem overwhelming at first to put together so many pieces, but we found that following the directions made it a breeze. Although the initial assembly took us 15 minutes, we quickly discovered that it could be completed in less than five minutes, and dismantling was even faster.

To set up, you need to lay down the tarp, insert the bottom pole into the sand a good 12 inches, and fill the base with sand for maximum stability. Then, twist on the umbrella and adjust your canopy to the perfect angle to start lounging. Once assembled, the umbrella required no adjusting, and it was ready to stand up to windy beach conditions. We particularly liked the umbrella's beach towel and bag hooks, which are located on a clamp attachment to keep essentials within easy reach. The 7.5-foot canopy also provided full protection from the sun with a UPF rating of 50+.

At just over $150, this is definitely a splurge for a beach umbrella. Still, we found that the high-quality materials, durable stand, and convenient storage solutions make it worth the purchase. The manufacturer also provides a 3-year protection plan to help you replace lost or damaged parts of the system.

Price at time of publish: $157

_{Height: Not Listed | Weight: 9 pounds | Canopy Size: 7.5 feet | Material: Polyester, fiberglass, aluminum | Wind Resistance: 44 mph}

Best Budget

Blissun 7.2 Foot Portable Beach Umbrella

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  2.5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Fortunately, you don't have to spend a lot of money to find a durable and effective beach umbrella. At under $50, the Blissun portable beach umbrella is a secure, anchored option for all beach conditions. This pick comes with a heavy-duty sand anchor, so your umbrella won't blow away.

At nearly 7 feet, this is a very tall option. However, thanks to the slim carry case with a strap, it was relatively easy to carry even when we had to walk across the sand. Assembling the umbrella took about 10 minutes, and disassembling and packing it took about 5 minutes. Due to the high winds the day we tested, we had a hard time anchoring the umbrella to the ground. However, once we did, it remained open and appeared to be secure throughout. To counteract the wind, we angled the pole, and it held much better. The 7.2-foot canopy provided plenty of shade for two people in beach chairs, while the tilt function guaranteed the perfect shade.

In terms of wind resistance, we found that this option did not hold up well on extremely windy beach days. The simple sand anchor didn't hold up to more expensive options. But, this simplified anchor ensures a quicker setup time and increased convenience for carrying. Still, we recommend this option for those on a budget who don't experience high winds on a daily basis.

Price at time of publish: $44

_{Height: 6.73 feet | Weight: 9 pounds | Canopy Size: 7.2 feet | Material: Oxford fabric, fiberglass, aluminum | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}

Best Tent

Oileus 4-Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter

5

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Transform your beach setup with a tent that ensures your entire family can sit in the shade comfortably. We love this extra-large 4-person tent from Oileus that packs up tightly and weighs just four pounds. We were able to assemble it in under a minute with no special tools. Because of its small size, we could easily carry it around in our beach bag. The instructions were extremely easy to follow. It took us less than a minute to set up and no longer to break it down.

During testing, the beach tent's stability really stood out. We tested it out on a windy day, and even without the additional stakes, the tent held up perfectly. Though we didn't have to use them, the extra stakes for added security are a nice touch. We also loved having windows that kept the sand and bugs out while letting in some natural light. Inside, you'll also find several pockets to store sunscreen, books, snacks, beach toys, and more, which is one of our favorite features.

The spacious tent comfortably fits two adults and two children, while the water-resistant, UV-blocking polyester canopy (blocking 99 percent of UV rays according to the manufacturer) keeps you protected. Our only concern is that the storage bag could break from stuffing in the tent, but we have no complaints to report so far. Overall, we were really impressed with the Oileus X-Large Person Beach Shelter. It's a high-quality tent that's simple to set up and offers great protection from the elements. We think the price is great for what you get, and we'd recommend it to anyone looking for a sturdy, user-friendly beach tent. 

Price at time of publish: $100

_{Height: 3.75 feet | Weight: 4 pounds | Canopy Size: 7.6 feet | Material: Polyester, fiberglass, alloy steel | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}

Best Canopy

Sport-Brella Premiere 8-ft. Outdoor Umbrella

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

You can't beat the 8-foot canopy on this beach umbrella from Sport-Brella. The oversized umbrella acts as a tent with two side panels that further protect your skin from the sun. But, if you do want a bit of color on a sunny day, the panels clip back for a classic beach umbrella look.

We found this umbrella intuitive and easy to assemble. Just drive the anchor into the sand and attach the umbrella. Despite some wind and heat, we were very impressed with how secure and steady the umbrella felt. The massive auger bit, multiple spikes, and tie-cords on this umbrella allowed us to rest easy even when the wind picked up. The interior of the canopy also features two zippered windows to allow for airflow that keeps the umbrella in place. We also appreciated the canopy's handy storage compartments, which kept our phones, wallets, and other necessities safe from the sand.

The tent-umbrella hybrid sits at a tilt that you can adjust, but this means it doesn't stand straight up like a traditional beach umbrella, which we would've liked. Plus, the large size can be a bit cumbersome to carry. Even with the carrying strap, it would dig into our shoulders after a while. Still, heavy-duty, UPF 50+-rated material and impressive wind resistance make this an excellent option for avid beachgoers.

Price at time of publish: $65

_{Height: Not Listed | Weight: 8 pounds | Canopy Size: 8 feet | Material: Polyester, aluminum, steel | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}

Best with Clamp

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella SPF 50+ Adjustable Umbrella

5

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

As the name suggests, the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella is a versatile beach umbrella that adapts to your needs and your lifestyle. It's our favorite option with a clamp that easily attaches to beach chairs, golf carts, strollers, and more. The durable polyester canopy offers UPF 50+ protection to help keep your skin safe from 99.5 perfect of UVA and UVB rays.

The portable umbrella folds into a compact carrying case that weighs just 1.8 pounds, so it's perfect for travel. In fact, we were able to fit the umbrella in our checked bag with no issues. When you're ready to set up, you just click together the umbrella twice and attach it to your chair. We argue that it doesn't even need instructions because it's so intuitive. Even on windy days, the umbrella felt secure in the chair. Using the 4-way, 360-degree swivel and two push button hinges, you can adjust the umbrella to the exact position that offers the most protection for you at that moment (until the sun changes again).

Don't expect this umbrella to cover your entire body at all times. It has a much smaller canopy than other options on this list, but it remains the most lightweight and portable out of all the umbrellas we tested. If you want something a bit more full coverage, the brand offers an XL size that spans 3.83 feet. For such a low price, it's a sunny day essential for solo beachgoers looking for upper body shade.

Price at time of publish: $28

_{Height: Not Listed | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Canopy Size: 3.5 feet | Material: Polyester, steel | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}

Best with Table

Tommy Bahama 7-ft Fiberglass Beach Umbrella for Sand with Integrated Anchor

4.9

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5

Upgrade your beach set up with a beach umbrella with an integrated table, like the option from Tommy Bahama. As you lounge under the 7-foot canopy, you have a place to fit two drinks with optimal protection from the sun, wind, or water. We found the setup to be incredibly easy, taking just five minutes to screw the anchor into the sand, attach the umbrella, and open the shade. The table is attached to the umbrella's stand and easily pops open when you need it.

During very windy days, the umbrella stays secure and in place. Despite shaking during a few strong gusts, we never feared that it would fall over during testing. The canopy also features an air vent for increased airflow and stability. You can adjust the height of your umbrella an additional 13 inches and tilt it in any direction depending on the sun's position. At the end of your day at the beach, this umbrella folds into a convenient carrying case weighing just 4.7 pounds. It is on the larger side, though, so it may feel a bit awkward when holding, but the carrying strap helps wonders.

While this is definitely on the expensive side, we can't get over the convenience of having an included table on your umbrella. Otherwise, the materials seem durable and long-lasting, while the intuitive setup adds to the overall value of this pick. Plus, it comes in bright, beachy colors and patterns that we love.

Price at time of publish: $116

_{Height: 7.12 feet | Weight: 4.7 pounds | Canopy Size: 7 feet | Material: Polyester, aluminum, fiberglass | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}

Best with Sand Anchor

Aoxun 7ft Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor & Tilt Pole

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Portability
  5/5
• Ease of Use
  4/5
• Performance
  5/5
• Durability
  3.5/5
• Value
  4.5/5

Sand anchors ensure your beach umbrella doesn't shake or fall over in the wind. For a stable option that anchors right into the stand, we recommend the Aoxun 7-foot beach umbrella. The durable, fade-resistant, and waterproof Oxford fabric canopy can cover your entire body (and a friend's) from the sun with a UPF 50+ rating and a UV-resistant silver coating.

It took us about 7 minutes to figure out how to set up the umbrella the first time because there weren't any instructions included. It's important to note that it does take a bit of strength to secure the anchor into the stand securely. Once it was set up, however, this option provided excellent protection from the sun all day long, even in winds of up to 15 miles per hour. The umbrella features a 2-way tilt mechanism to adjust the canopy depending on where the sun is at any given moment. When packing up, we loved just how portable this umbrella is with the included carrying case that weighs just above 4 pounds. Even with a beach chair on our backs and a beach bag in our hands, it was incredibly easy to move around.

One of the best parts of this umbrella is that it comes with four hooks on the pole to hang beach towels, clothing, beach bags, or other essentials. The umbrella also comes with two tall can holders, which we love. In general, you should always look for a sand anchor when shopping for a beach umbrella, especially in windy areas, and this is a great option that is easily portable and comes with additional features for storing your items and enjoying your time in the shade.

Price at time of publish: $50

_{Height: 7 feet | Weight: 4.2 pounds | Canopy Size: 6.5 feet | Material: Polyester, aluminum | Wind Resistance: Not Listed}