The 9 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2022, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall: EliteShade Sunbrella 9-Foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella

4.8

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Protection
  5/5

We gave this product, with its aluminum frame and dyed acrylic canopy, top marks for a multitude of reasons: its ease of assembly; sturdiness and durability; one-hand crank, and one-button tilt mechanism; and water resistance. We were enthusiastic about how well it effectively kept the sun off a fairly large area—it shaded the area so completely, our tester didn’t need to increase the brightness on his laptop.

We also found that the EliteShade’s thick, acrylic fabric repelled rainwater well, and we could completely and quickly clean up the artificial "bird doo" we introduced. (The manufacturer claims the acrylic-material canopy doesn’t fade for at least 5 years.) The ample 13-color assortment—from black to natural, and "sunflower yellow"—was far greater than most products we tested, and should easily complement any deck or patio decor.

The only downside is the package lacks a base, which, depending on the materials, can cost $50 or more. (In fact, it was rare to find a standard-style-type product that did.) Despite this, we find the EliteShade an excellent value.

Price at time of publish: $200

Best Budget: Better Homes and Gardens 9 Foot Round Patio Umbrella

4.4

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4.5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  3/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Protection
  5/5

For its low price, we appreciated the Better Homes and Gardens 9-foot Round Patio Umbrella's ability to provide ample, deep shade that significantly reduced heat and glare. We liked that it comes in seven colors (the black at a $10 higher price point), including solids and stripes, which could effortlessly blend with exterior decor. An additional plus is the stopped-position three-way tilt mechanism, which adjusts by pinching a latch and letting the umbrella tilt to either side. However, our tester noted, “It can be heavy to push one way or the other.”

While perhaps not as large as some products we tested, the Better Homes umbrella still effectively shaded a couple seated at a round table and, based on our testing, could likely accommodate a table that seats up to four people. The fabric cleaned easily and didn’t permit rainwater to leak through. On the downside, this product lacks an included base and doesn’t provide UV protection, as some higher-priced products we tested, and the frame seemed heavier than others.

We sent this umbrella home with a volunteer tester, who set it up on her outdoor patio for long-term testing. After one month of using this umbrella consistently, she said her family is very pleased with the shade it provides and they frequently use it for outdoor lunches at a four-person table. Our tester did find that the crank for this umbrella can unwind on its own, if not clicked into a locked position, especially when it's very windy outside. Despite this minor design issue, we enthusiastically recommend this umbrella for small decks or patios. Plus, its versatile, minimalistic color scheme makes it easy to add to any patio or design style.

Price at time of publish: $60

Best Splurge: Hampton Bay 11 ft. Aluminum Cantilever Solar LED Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella

5

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  4/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Protection
  5/5

For a premium price, you get solar LED lights and 360-degree adjustment in this cantilever patio umbrella by Hampton Bay. You also get a steel-and-aluminum frame, which should help this product last several seasons. We also appreciated its providing complete shade in which our tester comfortably could view his laptop screen, and how easily it cleaned up. Additionally, although the octagonal 11-foot canopy is large enough to cover six people at a table, it stows compactly. The manufacturer says the canopy also resists UV rays.

However, setting up the umbrella challenged our tester, who noted that though the assembly instructions were clear, the product took 40 minutes to put together. Fortunately, he said, the package included a helpful video. What wasn't included was the recommended 220 pounds of sand for the included base, so we used sandbags inside the base as a temporary solution. Despite these downsides, we recommend this for larger decks or patios.

After one month of testing this umbrella on her completely exposed back deck, our tester said she loves the large amount of shade that this umbrella provides, especially since it protects her puppy's paws from the summer heat. She added the solar lights don't last "hours and hours," but they do provide a decent amount of light in the evening. She also loved that it can withstand a decent amount of wind, even as a cantilever-style umbrella.

Price at time of publish: $578

Best Shade Provider: Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella

4.7

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Protection
  5/5

This 10-foot patio umbrella from Pure Garden lacks many features of higher-priced products we tested—the materials aren't the highest quality. But for the price, it would be a good option for a few outdoor seasons. We appreciated its ample shade and water resistance. We liked its generous shade area for the size—you could definitely fit a bistro set under it, and potentially a table and four chairs—but also how easily it disassembled for simple off-season storage. You can also buy it in nine solid colors.

In less than 1 minute, our tester inserted the lightweight alloy-steel pole into the base (not included) and opened the acrylic canopy with the plastic hand crank. The product tilted with the press of a button, but we believe some people might find it hard to reach. We sent this umbrella home with a volunteer, long-term tester, who said she loved using it to shade her children's toys on their patio. This umbrella provided ample shade for them to comfortably play outside in the peak, midday heat.

Price at time of publish: $52

Best Design: Safavieh Milan Fringe 9’ Tilt Umbrella

4.5

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Protection
  5/5

A flurry of a fringe on top of the navy blue canopy brings a bit of whimsy to this 9-foot patio umbrella. In addition to its fun detailing, we especially appreciated the ease of setup, as well as how easy it was to open and close the canopy. Our tester also noted the ample shade—which seemed more than what you might think for the canopy size—that negated the need for sunglasses and made it easy to view the details on a laptop screen. On a moderately breezy day, an air vent kept the canopy from moving too much.

Initially, the canopy material appeared to be on the cheaper side, but our tests confirmed its durability. It provided enough shade to comfortably view a laptop screen; water beaded up and rolled right off, and the fabric cleaned up completely. The price struck us as somewhat high. But if you’re looking for a chic-appearing patio umbrella, this might be the pick for you.

After using this umbrella for a month in her partially shaded backyard, our long-term tester said she could easily work on her laptop while sitting under the umbrella without any glare issues. She said the light fabric did not leak any sunlight, but she did notice that any debris or buds could be easily seen through the canopy. While this is not necessarily a drawback of the umbrella's performance, it may be a concern for anyone especially worried about aesthetics.

Price at time of publish: $199

Best for Large Spaces: Safavieh Athens 11-foot Round Crank Umbrella

4.6

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Our Ratings

• Design
  3.5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Protection
  5/5

Size matters, at least when shading an extra-large seating area. The classic French-style cantilever Athens 11-Foot Round Crank Umbrella by Safavieh comfortably covers a table and six chairs, enough for a 12 x 12-foot deck. The manufacturer says the product was inspired by similar umbrellas seen throughout Monaco’s sun-drenched Mediterranean hotels.

We found that the umbrella assembled effortlessly out of the box during lab testing, and the crank took no extraordinary effort to open and close the canopy. (We noted that the design includes tilt capability, but our tester said he could not figure out how to accomplish this, despite the instructions.) Nevertheless, we recommend the Athens umbrella for its laptop-readable shade, water repellency, and effortless cleanup of natural and artificial gunk.

Our at-home tester said she had never used a patio umbrella before testing this one and that it was a complete game changer for her second-story deck experience. She said she had no issues using a standard umbrella stand, and she loved that this umbrella was large enough to shade her entire outdoor dining table. It even stood up well against a recent wind storm (Our tester collapsed it closed during the storm).

Price at time of publish: $207

Best Weather-Resistant: Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie 108'' Market Sunbrella Umbrella

4.3

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Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Size
  4/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Protection
  5/5

The Sunbrella canopy fabric easily repelled whatever we threw at it—water and faux bird droppings, among them—and no water came through. Weather resistance also includes wind resistance. “It's heavy to tilt,” our lab tester reported, “but the weight makes it feel like it will last several seasons and won't blow or tip away.” The manufacturer says the product resists UV rays and mildew.

The Kellie umbrella also was easy for one person to set up alone. The metal pole and ribs added to the perceived durability. However, we found that navy blue is not the best color when trying to clean off "bird doo," as it left a noticeable stain after easily scrubbing away. (The product is also available in a light beige.)

Our at-home tester said this umbrella is very easy to open and close, and it has not faded in the month that she's had it. She did point out that a recent wind storm completely lifted the umbrella (which was closed) out of its stand and tossed it across her patio. She wished there was a better way to secure it within the stand. Despite this experience, she said they'll continue to use this umbrella on their back deck or patio for shade and will most likely store it during any future storms.

Price at time of publish: $196

Best Cantilever: Best Choice Products 10’ Offset Hanging Market Patio Umbrella

4.3

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Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Size
  4/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Protection
  5/5

Cantilever umbrellas require a little more effort to install than standard umbrellas, and this product is no exception, taking 10 minutes from box to set up. But we recommend this one for its combination of polyester canopy and steel pole, and budget price—under $70. We felt completely comfortable and cool under the 10-foot canopy, which could easily cover a table and four to six chairs. Water rolled right off the canopy, which dried almost instantly, and our “bird doo” cleaned right off.

However, this product has some downsides. As a cantilever, its setup takes more effort than a standard patio umbrella. Also, the durable pole and mechanisms, rigid in calm air, tend to shake in a moderate breeze. That also could cause the canopy to move, annoyingly shifting the shade coverage. But this is still a solid choice for patio shade if your outdoor table doesn’t include an umbrella hole.

Our long-term tester praised this umbrella for its expansive shade, which covered her large deck area completely. She said she also loved the offset, cantilever style because her seating arrangement does not allow for a centered umbrella. This umbrella also held up well during a few thunderstorms with no tipping or breakage. Our tester's only complaint was the listed "cream" color is more of "sun-washed yellow" in person and easily shows debris and dirt.

Price at time of publish: $80