The 10 Best Patio Umbrellas With Lights to Make Your Backyard Feel Magical

editor@purewow.com (PureWow)
·9 min read

Regardless of whether your backyard (or balcony. Or patio) is your place to sunbathe and swim laps or to simply enjoy a good glass of rosé, there’s no doubt that it could benefit from the season’s hottest outdoor accessory: a patio umbrella with lights.These furnishings can vary in price, they’re certainly worth the spend, if you ask us—they’re the pièce de résistance of an outdoor setting. Not only will it provide cool shade throughout the day, the warm solar or LED lights will offer the perfect ambiance come evening time.

There are several factors to consider when shopping for the best patio umbrella with lights for your outdoor space (more on that below), but it largely comes down to space, durability and brightness (and, of course, your personal preferences). Considering all of these factors, we've compiled a list of the top ten options around, where you'll find some neutral options, some weather-resistant ones, some with LED lights and some that are solar powered.

What to Look for in a Patio Umbrella With Lights

Here are some important factors to take into account when buying a patio umbrella with lights.

  • Construction: It goes without saying that you’ll want to purchase an umbrella that’s made from high-quality materials. Aluminum is a good choice for a sturdy, durable base because it's both rust-resistant and extremely strong. Steel is also a solid choice, since it's more affordable than aluminum, but it's not as rust-resistant, and therefore not as long-lasting.

    Canopy wise, you'll want to look for something that's water-and-fade-resistant, so it will maintain its color for longer than a season. Canopies that are made from fabrics such as olefin and acrylic are the cream-of-the-crop—the material is soft, UV-resistant, quick-drying and strong. Polyester is another fabric that's common in umbrellas and it tends to be cheaper, though it's not nearly as UV-resistant, and consequently, not as investment-worthy.

  • Light type: When it comes to the umbrella's lights, you’ll likely have to decide between solar or LED lights. Solar lights harvest the energy of the sun (read: no batteries required) and are primarily used to provide outdoor lighting in the evenings. LED lights, meanwhile, emit light when currents run through them. While they do require a power source, they may last longer and produce a brighter light. Those of us who are indecisive (*slowly raises hand*) can rejoice, because there's a third option that combines the best of both worlds: LED solar umbrellas. These scientific wonders on a stick charge all day long in the sun using solar energy, and then at night, their newly-charged LED lights switch on, though they may not be as efficient.

  • Design: There are several different types of patio umbrellas on our list, ranging from rectangular canopies to cantilever ones, or models that support the canopy from the side rather than the middle, making the canopy appear like its suspended in midair. Similarly, offset models offer 360 degrees of sun protection (no more adjusting your seat to find the shade!), but always include a post, while a cantilever model may be wall-mounted. It's a good idea to figure out which kind you're after prior to making your purchase.

Where to Buy Patio Umbrellas with Lights

There are a ton of different retailers you can head to find your glimmering new patio umbrella with lights. Some of our favorite spots include Amazon, Wayfair, Bed Bath & Beyond, Target and Home Goods.

The Best Patio Umbrellas With Lights at a Glance

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1. Everhome Market Patio Umbrella

Best Solar Patio Umbrella

  • Why We Love It: AC adapter, wind vents, hand crank, rust-resistant pole

Everhome's market umbrella earned top honors as our pick for the best patio umbrella with lights fair and square. From its fade-and-UV-resistant canopy to the rust-resistant aluminum pole, its construction is reportedly top-tier. It stands at 11 feet tall, and there’s a handy on/off switch for the solar LED lights. The canopy, which is available in four different colors, has wind vents that tilt to aim the shade in any direction you happen to be sitting. It's also got an AC adapter in case you run into a string of cloudy days.

Buy It ($140; $98)

2. Arlmont & Co. Doralice Patio Umbrella

Best Rectangle Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: UV-and-water-resistant canopy, provides up to six to eight hours of lighting

Complete with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+, this crank patio umbrella, which features 26 LED bulbs beneath the canopy, will be your haven from the punishing sun on 90-degree days—especially since there's a tilt button to gently adjust the angle to move with the sun. Once it goes down, you'll also get an extra six to eight hours of charming lighting. Lastly, it's super easy to assemble.

Buy It $140 ($100)

3. Arlmont & Co. Atene Patio Umbrella

Best Cantilever Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Crank lift, included stand

This cantilever umbrella is perfect for lounging under, and with its 50+ UV protection, you're far less likely to worry about getting a sunburn. Plus, you can easily maneuver that sweet, sweet shade while you sunbathe, since it has that open, suspended design, and it comes with a sturdy stand to boot.

Buy It $220 ($130)

4. Best Choice Products LED Patio Umbrella

Best Patio Umbrella With LED Lights

  • Why We Love It: Detachable pole for storage, ultra-bright

If you prefer a patio umbrella with intense LED lights, this 10-foot tall pick from Best Choice Products is a solid option. At night, the bulbs are reportedly bright enough to take in your summer beach read. The canopy comes in 12 hues, and sits at a 45-degree angle. There's also a three-part folding design with a detachable pole, so using and storing it is a total breeze.

$85 on Amazon

5. Costway Double-Sided Patio Umbrella

Best Large Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Maximum Shade, 48 solar-powered LED lights

Have a larger backyard space to lounge in? In that case, you’re going to want to invest in this double-sided patio umbrella, which will not only give you (and your guests) maximum shadage, it boasts a whopping 48 LED lights for late night cocktails. This 15-foot pick features an easy-to-use hand-crank and the canopy itself is vented, allowing for comfortable air circulation. It's also UV-resistant to keep its color nice and bright.

Buy It $267 ($214)

6. ABCCANOPY Patio Umbrella

Best Small Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Rechargeable solar panel, easy set up

On the flip side, should you have a smaller back (or front) yard, you can still enjoy the comfort of a patio umbrella with lights in the form of this 7.5-foot pick from ABCCANOPY. Despite its smaller size, its got 32 LED lights that reportedly provide illumination for 9 to 12 hours. There’s a convenient on/off switch for the lights and the solar panel on top is powered by a rechargeable battery. Better yet, shoppers say it's incredibly easy to set up.

$76 at Amazon

7. Costway Patio Crank Umbrella

Best Colorful Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Fun color, waterproof canopy, can be mounted on a table

If neutral's not your vibe, check out the fun, summery-orange tint on this solar umbrella. Despite its bright pigment, the canopy is still UV-resistant and waterproof. You can opt to place all 9 feet of it in a stand or balance it in a table. There are 18 LED lights in the ribbing of the canopy, too, all of which are solar-powered.

Buy It ($111) ($89)

8. BLUU MAPLE Patio Umbrella

Best Neutral Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Strip lights, two sizes

Those who need something more subtle to match an existing setup can turn to this beauty, which features unique strip lights in its canopy ribbing. It's made from olefin fabric, which is typically used for carpets and vehicle interiors and is touted for its resistance to staining, mildew and sunlight. You can also choose between a 7.5- or a 9-foot model.

$109 on Amazon

9. Blissun Tilted Umbrella

Best Patterned Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Easy on/off switch, tilt adjustment

At 9 feet tall, this nautical pick boasts four LED lights on each of the eight steel ribs for 32 lights in total. There’s an on/off switch and it easily tilts, plus, when properly charged, the lights will last for you for a good eight hours.

$73 on Amazon

10. LE CONTE Offset Patio Umbrella

Best Offset Patio Umbrella With Lights

  • Why We Love It: Velcro strap for reinforcement, weighted base, customizable element

If you live in a place where summer storms are the norm, this offset umbrella may be your best bet. Not only does it feature a frame that the company claims is 25 percent thicker than its competitors, but the base is weighted to help it stay up in all weather conditions. The canopy is also fade-resistant and has a five-layer construction that protects it from harsh sun rays. The offset tilt offers you 360 degrees of shade and there's a long velcro strap for added stability, plus, there are eight shorter straps that will allow you to personalize your umbrella with wind chimes, flags or more lights.

$180 on Amazon

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