The 8 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2021

Best Overall: Sol 72 Outdoor Cora 8.5' Square Cantilever Umbrella

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With UPF 50 protection, a crank lift opening mechanism, and a tiltable 8.5 x 8.5-foot canopy, Sol 72 Outdoor's Cora Umbrella is our top pick. An included stand and bronze-finished aluminum pole keep the umbrella sturdily in place while a mildew-resistant olefin covering—which can be rotated a full 360 degrees—keeps you nice and cool in the shade. The umbrella is available in 14 different colors from neutral beige and forest green to bold tangerine and lemon.

Reviewers note that the whole setup can be assembled in a matter of minutes and without any extra helping hands. They also note that the umbrella offers plenty of clearance and that being able to manually rotate the canopy allows them to stay on top of the shifting sun. One thing to consider: The base comes with pre-drilled holes so it can be bolted down to your deck or patio but if you plan to use it on grass or want to be able to move it around, you'll need to weigh it down with a separately purchased patio paver.

Runner-Up, Best Overall: Abba Patio 9 ft. Outdoor Market Umbrella with Push Button Tilt and Crank

Excellent

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One of the best products you can buy today is the Abba Patio Outdoor Patio Umbrella. This model comes in both 7.5- and 9-foot diameter options, and you can choose from eight fun colors to match your decor. The umbrella is made from recycled polyester and is fade-resistant and water-repelling. Plus, it provides UV protection from the sun’s harmful rays and features a vented canopy for better airflow.

The umbrella is mounted on a rust-free aluminum pole with a 1.5-inch diameter, and it features a crank mechanism to open and close. You can even tilt the umbrella with the push of a button. Reviewers say these umbrellas from Abba Patio are durable and colorfast—many write they’ve owned the umbrella for several years and it still looks and works great.

Best Large: Le Papillon 15 ft Market Outdoor Umbrella

Very Good

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If you’re looking for a super-sized patio umbrella to shade a large group, then the Le Papillon Outdoor Double-Sided 15-Foot Umbrella is the perfect solution.

As the name implies, there are two sides to this umbrella that together create a canopy spanning 14.7 feet across. To support the weight of this extra-large canopy, this umbrella boasts 12 steel ribs and a 2-inch wide support pole. As with many other umbrellas, this one features a crank to open and close it. Note that you’ll need to anchor this umbrella in a base with anywhere from 40 to 80 pounds (depending on whether the umbrella is used with a table or freestanding).

This double-sided umbrella is the perfect umbrella to shade a large rectangular patio table or give your outdoor furniture set some much-needed coverage. People rave about the quality and construction of this umbrella, saying it competes with higher-end umbrellas in the $500 or more range.

Best Cantilevered: Royal Garden 10 ft. x 10 ft. Commercial Aluminum Square Offset Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella

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If you have the space for a large patio umbrella, we'd suggest looking into cantilevered options. Unlike traditional market umbrellas, these are built with a pole on one side and an arm that the canopy hangs off of. These are also called “offset” umbrellas, and one of the best options you can get is Royal Garden's 10 ft. x 10 ft. Cantilever Outdoor Patio Umbrella.

The square umbrella features a vented olefin canopy that's supported by eight aluminum ribs and a rust-resistant aluminum pole. A crank lift system is used to easily open the umbrella and you can manually tilt the canopy to an angle of your liking. As far as colors go, you can choose between neutral shades of cafe and shale or go for bright red chili. To make sure it's as sturdy as possible, the manufacturer suggests weighting the included base with 300 pounds of sand.

Best for Wind: Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella

Excellent

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If you’re not careful, your patio umbrella might go flying on windy days. While any umbrella might take off in a strong wind, you can minimize your risk with a product like the Pure Garden Aluminum Patio Umbrella, which has a wind-resistant design. This product includes a wind vent on the 9-foot canopy that reduces the risk of it flying away, and the canopy is supported by eight heavy-duty ribs.

This patio umbrella comes in four bright colors, and it features a deluxe crank-lift system that you use to raise the canopy. You can either place it in an anchored base or use it as a freestanding umbrella if you want to take it to the beach. There’s no tilt option, but reviewers say it’s made of a thick, high-quality material and is quite easy to use.

Best with Lights: Best Choice Products 10ft Solar LED Lighted Patio Umbrella w/ Tilt Adjustment, Fade-Resistant Fabric

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One cool feature of modern patio umbrellas is the addition of solar lights strung along the underside of the canopy. Products like the Best Choice Products 10ft Solar Powered LED Lighted Patio Umbrella includes lights that draw power from the sun, allowing you to switch them on at night to create a relaxing outdoor retreat. This particular umbrella has 24 LED lights that can be turned on and off from a handy switch on the pole. The lights have a run time of six to seven hours after a full charge.

The 10-foot canopy is made from waterproof and UV-resistant material, and it can be opened with the crank handle. It even includes a tilt-system that allows you to adjust the shade!

Best Budget: Maypex 7.5 ft. Steel Crank Market Patio Umbrella

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If you're trying to stick to a budget or just aren't sure how much use your patio umbrella will get, this is a great basic option. The affordable canopy measures 7.5 feet in diameter and offers enough shade for two to four people. The umbrella is also vented and its 100-percent polyester fabric is UV protective and resistant to mold, mildew, and water.

Reviewers note that the crank mechanism works as expected and that it performs well for the price. You can pick up the Maypex in tan, red, lime green, or aqua.