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Best Beach Umbrellas Reviewed & Rated for Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Weather Resistance
When we say weatherproofing, we don’t just mean wind and waterproofing, even though those are the primary weather patterns you will put this thing up against. No, what we refer to is how well coated the pole and ribs are. This coating will significantly decide the length of your parasol’s lifespan more than a lot of the other factors we’re going over in this section. Being so close to the ocean by design, an umbrella needs some steel coating to resist the ocean spray.
Steel is the only metal material that is rustproof by nature. So, steel coating will help give other metals, like say, those used to make the pole of your parasol, more resistance to the elements. It won’t make it as rust proof as for actual steel, but it helps. Weatherproofing should be one of the biggest things you look for in your parasol because the weather in question is not going to show any mercy.
UV Protection
The main reason you bring protection cream, a parasol, or most accessories to the seaside is to help give you some protection from the UV radiation given off by the sun. The measurement of how much an object or substance protects you against UV radiation is known as UPF or ultraviolet protection factor. The ratio of UPF is 15-50+, with the 15-24 rating being listed as the baseline that anything striving for a good UPF factor needs to reach to be deemed effective. For this list, we specifically chose entries that at least crossed the 30 marks, since we were looking for as above average parasols that we could find.
The key here is how much protection they afford you over time. A parasol with a rating of 18 UPF may protect you for a little while, but as time goes on, that number will be beaten by the sheer length of time it’s under the light beams. So, we made sure that the only entries that made it onto this list were ones that were close to, even exceeding 50+ UPF.
Portability
But having the parasol down at the seaside is one thing, actually getting it there is very much another. And this is where you’ll want to look into what each of these entries is made out of. After all, you’re going to be carrying a lot of stuff anyway, so any means of lightening the load should be welcomed. The portability of a parasol all comes down to how lightweight it is and how cumbersome it is to carry around. This, mind you, has to be balanced out with making sure that the parasol is durable, and can handle the strain you put it through while you use it during moments of high winds.
Durability
This both refers to what the parasols are made out of and how they are designed. There are multiple ways to make a good parasol, so design instead focused more on how well designed each entry was for the design motif they were going for. Meanwhile, on the construction end, we looked at each entrance and what they were made out of.
The most common material we found was higher grade aluminum. But the best materials we saw, and the ones we looked for the most was fiberglass. Reinforced fiberglass is pretty much everything you look for in the materials used to make a good parasol. It's lightweight, durable, flexible, and generally perfect for what is demanded of parasol materials.
Value
The final criteria we judged each entry by was the price of each listing. This was somewhat complicated since there wasn’t much of a through the line with which to gauge what made each entry cost what, that we could use to help form an opinion like we usually do. A parasol that had feature X costed the same as a parasol that had the same, but was also made out of material Y, was Z inches in diameter, etc. It seemed like the features implemented in each entry had little to no impact on the overall pricing. So instead we went with our backup criteria for these sorts of lists. We judged each entry by how well they justified the prices they were asking for, which made things a lot easier since each entry that ended up on this list did more than enough to earn the rates they asked for.
10 Best Beach Umbrellas
1. Sport-Brella X-Large
Here we have the Sport-Brella X-Large Umbrella. Once again, we have an umbrella that’s perfect for a shady nap on the seaside or a rainy game day. But is that all that this umbrella has to its name or does it have more to offer? Let’s take a closer look and find out.
Internal pockets
Got some essentials that you don’t need right that second but you want to keep on you just in case? Well, don’t leave them on the sand where they can roll away or get buried, instead use one of this umbrella’s many internal side pockets to keep it secure. Now if you need that essential thing, you need to look to your left or right and pluck it out.
Extra large
Having an umbrella that gives you so much shade is all well and good, of course, but what if someone else wants to come under there with you? Whether it’s your kid who’s tired themselves out from swimming, or your significant other looking for some shady beachside snuggles, a little extra room never went amiss. Luckily, this tent is plus-sized by default, meaning that you have more than enough room for whoever wants to come under there with you.
Cost and Value
You’ll find this umbrella for a rather average price for a beach umbrella. Not quite as cheap as the previous entry, but not unreasonably expensive either.
2. Pacific Breeze
Next, we have the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Tent. Now, you may be thinking that we’ve barely even started this list, and already we’re going against the title. Well, rest assured, this tent has every right to be here, as we will now demonstrate.
Fast and easy setup
A tent isn’t meant to be slept in overnight or survive harsh winds like standard tents used for camping are, and this means that setting it up can be a lot easier and faster. And sure enough, this is one of the fastest to set up tents you can find. Its specially designed hub system makes it incredibly user-friendly and a breeze to pitch.
Element protection
Just because it won’t protect you from a raging thunderstorm, doesn’t mean it can’t take the odd rainstorm here and there. And not only that but the entire tent, even the windows which would otherwise act as a weak spot, are all outfitted with UPF 50+ UV protection that will keep you safe from even the most severe hotness.
Cost and Value
Of course, no tent is cheap, at least not the ones worth buying. And sure enough, while not quite as cheap as other tents out there, this one will still cost you quite the pretty penny.
3. Sport-Brella
Rounding out our top 3 segments, we have the Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather Umbrella. While not a tent, this umbrella is designed in such a way that it may as well be. More than most of the other entries on this list, this umbrella provides total and complete coverage.
Total coverage
This umbrella’s canopy comes equipped with side curtains that keep hot winds and heat off of you while you relax. This umbrella provides you with complete coverage while you lounge by the seaside, with nary a single stray light beam to infiltrate your cozy shade. Perfect for the lazybones who go to the shore to relax but hates when it's too hot.
Water repellent
But it wouldn’t be a perfect umbrella if it couldn’t hold fast against the rain, could it? If you’re using this umbrella for a rainy game day instead of a warm afternoon, you’ll find that this umbrella works just fine. In either environment, this umbrella has a pristine water-repellent coating.
Cost and Value
In stark contrast to the previous entry, this umbrella is incredibly affordable, for what it’s offering you. So, if you need a comfy umbrella to sit under for that big game day, this is the umbrella for you.
4. Coleman Daytripper
Once more, we have more of a tent than an umbrella, but despite that, this is a great tool to use for those particularly hot days, or when you need somewhere comfy to sit during those late-night summer parties. So, let’s see what makes this tent so qualified for those activities.
Closable door
One thing that this tent has over the last one on this list is that you can close it like a real tent. So, if you decide that you’d rather not get changed in your ultra cramped car, you can just pitch up this tent and change in there. And you don’t need to worry about being seen as this tent has two doors instead of one, both of which zip up completely.
4 interior pockets
Of course, with so much space, there should also be room to put your stuff when you don’t need it right that second, but know you’ll need it later. For this purpose, this tent comes with a set of 4 interior pockets big enough to fit pretty much anything you need. So, if someone is on his or her way and you want to keep the protective cream on hand for when he or she get changed in the tent, just fit it away in one of the pockets for them.
Cost and Value
This tent is a bit over the average price for what we’ve seen so far on this list. But with that said, it’s not that expensive, so if your budget is a bit more relaxed than usual, this should be exactly what you’re looking for.
5. California 9’
In our next entry, we have the California 9’ Market model. This is another parasol to put up which is meant to be stood under instead of lounged beneath. If you don’t want to use this for the seaside, you could always use it for your patio. So, what makes this parasol worth your while? Well, let’s take a look and find out.
Infinity tilt
With other tilting systems, there’s usually a set amount of directions in which the parasol can tilt. Often the four cardinal directions, maybe diagonal if you’re lucky. Meanwhile, this umbrella can tilt any direction you please. Thanks to its advanced collar tilt system, this umbrella can pivot in any direction you send it in with little effort.
Heavy duty ribs
The ribs of this umbrella are made from heavy-duty, reinforced fiberglass that will stand up to pretty much anything the wind can throw at it. Fiberglass is pretty much the most durable material you can make an umbrella rib out of, and these are made out of some of the best fiberglass around.
Cost and Value
The big problem with this umbrella is its price. This is easily the most expensive entry on this entire list. While you’re getting a perfect umbrella out of it, you’re still going to be paying quite a lot for it.
6. EasyGo Rainbow
Here we have the EasyGO Rainbow parasol. This is what most people think of when they hear the term parasol. It’s big, rainbow-colored, and meant to be put down at an angle for better shading. So what else does this parasol do besides that? Well, to begin with.
Strong and durable
Like other entries, this extra sizeable 7-ft model has ribs made of reinforced fiberglass. The fiberglass ribs make it just flexible enough to work as a parasol while being stiff enough to resist strong winds. And to ensure that it isn’t going anywhere, the canopy is vented, and the edges are frayed for less air buildup.
Efficient pole design
We haven’t talked much about the poles of these parasols. They’re kind of important as a part of the umbrella, being the part that keeps the thing upright in the first place. The pole of this parasol is a lightweight, rust-free anodized aluminum with height adjustment capabilities and a tilt mechanism activated by the push of a button. In other words, this is an excellent pole.
Cost and Value
You would expect a parasol this big with as many features to be much pricier than this, but in fact, this is a very affordable parasol for what it’s giving you. So, if you want a big rainbow parasol for your seaside trip, give this one a shot.
7. Rio Brands
This is what we refer to as excellence on a budget. It’s just good enough to be a step above the average umbrella, but cheap enough to fit into the summer budget of most vacationers. So, what does it do for the buyer? Well, let’s see.
Vented canopy
The top of this umbrella’s canopy is outfitted with a vented top. It’s one of many countermeasures that an umbrella can employ to prevent the wind from blowing it away. Combine that with the intentionally frayed edges to avoid air buildup, and this umbrella isn’t going anywhere when the wind starts blowing.
Tough fabric
Like many models out there, if the canopy gets torn, then it’s time to look for a new one because unless you can patch it, it’s done. Fortunately, that isn’t much of a problem with this umbrella, which is made out of spun polyester that is incredibly hard to tear. Perfect for the family on a budget who can’t afford another umbrella after buying one.
Cost and Value
While not the cheapest entry in the world, we still maintain that this is one of the best parasols you can buy on a semi-tight budget. So, if money is a bit tight, but you want to head to the seaside, you shouldn’t have to worry about fitting this umbrella into your budget.
8. BeachBub
These umbrellas are great when they set up correctly, but then that’s the keyword there. Setting up an umbrella can be a frustrating experience because of how much of a process it is, and the high winds and sweltering heat are only going to make it harder.
Everything you need to set up
This umbrella system comes with a small shovel to get out the sand, a pocket to put the sand in, a gopher that you use to mount the umbrella on when you put it in the ground, and of course, the umbrella itself. And the best part? You don't have to worry about the umbrella flying off from a gust of wind.
Strong canopy structure
But just because it isn’t going to fly away doesn’t mean it isn’t a well-made umbrella, because it very much is. With its 11mm commercial grade fiberglass ribs, double-lined rib pockets sewn into the canopy, the secure running hub, and the high-grade rib connectors, you can rest assured that this is one of the best umbrellas you can buy.
Cost and Value
While the previous entry was a bit pricey, this one is even more so, sporting a very high asking price. However, you are more than getting what you pay for, and the price isn’t the highest we’re going to see on this list, so it all balances out.
9. Tommy Bahama
For our next pick, we chose the Tommy Bahama 7 ft Umbrella. If what you want out of your umbrella is color, style, and functionality to boot, then Tommy Bahama is the guy you want to see. Because this umbrella is what you’ve been looking for. What do we mean by this? Well, let’s take a closer look and see.
Canopy vent
If there’s anything an umbrella needs to get right, it’s the resistance to wind. Because the most significant enemy, you’ll be facing isn’t the sun, it’s that stiff sea breeze that will send your umbrella into the next county. Which is why the top of this umbrella’s canopy comes equipped with an individual vent that lets less air build up in the underside of the canopy, allowing for more wind resistance.
Tilting mechanism
We’ve all been there. You find the perfect spot, the ideal angle for your umbrella, but a little while later, you remember a small detail: the heat is always moving all around you. And soon enough you’re cooking. This umbrella comes equipped with a tilting mechanism on the pole, that allows you to move the canopy to wherever you need it to be.
Cost and Value
Once again, a very average price for an umbrella. It isn’t too pricey, but it’s pricey enough to let you know that this is something worth paying for. So, if the features we listed well worth your money, then this is the umbrella for you.
10. Wondershade
If what you’re looking for is a classic, casual umbrella, that’s not meant to provide too much shade and is instead meant more for a casual standing room for shady conversations. This is pretty much the best version of that. What makes it such? Let’s find out.
Telescoping feature
But what kind of standing umbrella would this be if you couldn’t extend or retract it? Yes, sure enough, this umbrella is equipped with telescoping features that allow you to extend the length of the umbrella to about 8” tall. Combine that with the 60” diameter canopy, and you have a not half bad umbrella.
Great against the wind
Among the many potential countermeasures against the wind blowing away your umbrella, these big stand-up umbrellas have one that tends to work: wind flaps. This is simple to explain. It’s just a series of cuts made along the edges of the umbrella to allow for more wind resistance. The wind can’t build up with the outer edges so flimsy, so the umbrella stays in place.
Cost and Value
The issue taken with the price of this umbrella is that it’s somewhat inconsistent and varies wildly depending on where you bought the umbrella itself. Sometimes it’s perfectly affordable, and sometimes it’s a lot pricier than it’s worth.
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