The Best Beach Umbrellas, According to Designers and Coastal Residents
Our editors independently select the products we recommend. We may earn a commission on items bought through our links.
For so many lucky people, summertime means one thing: It’s time to hit the beach. But wherever people like to spend their time outdoors when the weather is warm, soaking up the sun also means being careful to avoid too much sun. Though everyone misses the sun during the winter months, a painful sunburn is not exactly the warm welcome to summer most people are looking for.
Today's Top Deals
Though sunscreens are an always-recommended, excellent line of defense against harmful UV rays, the best beach umbrellas provide true respite from the sun, preventing skin damage, signs of aging and making it a heck of a lot easier to dive into a good book without the harsh sun glaring down. Plus, given the wide variety of styles, designs, and price points — from around $50 to over $1,000 — there’s no reason to not invest in a little extra sun protection for this summer and the beach-filled summer days in years to come.
What the Experts Say
SPY spoke with a dermatologist and multiple live-and-die-on-the-beach experts to understand the pros and cons of beach umbrellas, including Brittany Betts, the chief marketing officer of FloridaPanhandle.com; Andrie Attard, the founder of Sevens Crown Hats and beachgoing mother of three; Sarah Murphy, the founder of Explore More NC. SPY also spoke with travel writer Andrea Preziotti; Dane Barnes, the cofounder of Shibumi Shade; Eddie Baker, the president of Carolina Beach Boardriders Club and beachgoing father of six; Jacy Elmore, the founder of The Beach Wagon rental equipment store; and Dr. Azadeh Shirazi, a California-based board-certified dermatologist and founder of La Jolla Laser Derm, AziMD Skincare, and the More Than A Pretty Face Podcast.
First, for any people who think they don’t need the additional sun protection the best beach umbrellas can provide, think again. “Beach umbrellas serve as a valuable source of sun protection as they are typically made out of a polyester material that is UV treated and provides shade,” Shirazi says. “They reduce the amount of UV radiation, protecting the skin from sun damage and reducing the risk of sunburns.” That and other protections are essential for preventing brown spots, red blotches, wrinkles, and discoloration as well as minimizing the risk of skin cancer down the road, she adds.
For optimal protection, experts recommend seeking out umbrellas with a large canopy and a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50+, which Barnes notes is the maximum amount of protection manufacturers can claim for their UPF fabrics.
Moving beyond the basics of sun protection, other simple umbrella features can be the difference between a few hours of relaxation or constantly having to adjust the umbrella. “Key features to look for include a sturdy center pole for stability in the breeze, sand sockets or spikes to anchor [the umbrella] firmly, and a collapsible design for easy transport to and from the car,” Murphy says. “I prefer models with multiple pivot points to allow adjusting the canopy as the sun shifts throughout the day.” Betts echoes those points, and she and Murphy both reiterate the importance of UV protection, too.
The bottom line? People in high-wind places or infrequent beachgoers just need to evaluate their situations and think carefully before buying because the best beach umbrellas or the best wind shades like the Shibumi cost hundreds of dollars. Though solid options can be had for around $50, Betts says $300 is a good topline number for the best umbrellas for most people.
BEST OVERALL
Sport-Brella Premiere UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter
Buy Now On Amazon
The Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella Shelter tweaks the traditional umbrella design to perfection, creating what could be the perfect beach shelter for one to two people. Though its positioning on the ground looks ready-made to blow away in the wind, the wind vents and tie-down cords + ground spikes ensure nothing but gale-force winds will be ripping it away any time soon. Add in UPF 50 protection on the 8-foot canopy, built-in pockets for gear, and an oversized drill bit anchor, and this umbrella quickly emerges as not just the best beach umbrella, but one of the best umbrellas for sun protection on almost any terrain. “This looks super practical,” Attard says. “It’s small and multi-use, [so I could] bring it to my kids’ sports and use it to watch.”
Plus, this umbrella will have to be readjusted way less often, if at all, to continue blocking the sun when compared to a traditional beach umbrella. And if that’s not enough, it’s agreeably cheap around $48, meaning if it lasts for even a single packed summer at the beach it would still be an incredible value.
UPGRADED UMBRELLA
The Premium Beach Umbrella – Business and Pleasure
Buy Now
The Business and Pleasure Premium Beach Umbrella earns its use of the word premium with its straight-up luxurious look and attention to detail. “Besides looking beautiful, they are very well-balanced between weight and strength, have amazing UV block-out, and the carry bag doubles as a sand anchor,” a source from Business & Pleasure says.
Though Attard worries about the nice canopy getting dirty over time and wishes it were larger, she likes what she sees. “This would be my occasion umbrella if there is such a thing,” she says. “It’s beautiful and picture-worth.”
But the beauty of the reclaimed timber laminated wood pole and polished aluminum hinge and handle cost accordingly at just under $300, so this beach umbrella might not be best for everyday beachgoers who put all their gear through the wringer or high-wind beaches.
BUDGET UMBRELLA
Tommy Bahama 6' UPF 50+ Tilt Beach Umbrella with Wind Vent
Buy Now On Amazon
If the Sport-Brella Beach Umbrella is a little too unusual, the Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrella, or any of its stylish or more expensive variants, is a more than serviceable option. It has UPF 50 protection, a tiltable pole, a wind vent, easy collapsibility, and a borderline questionable $32 price point. “I generally use a Tommy Bahama umbrella because it’s a sturdy umbrella without being too expensive, and it also does a great job of blocking the sun,” Betts says. “They’re super easy to set up, they have UV protection, and they do have an anchor that will keep it from toppling over.”
Made with powder-coated steel in the pole and umbrella ribs with a 6-foot canopy, the only complaint about this beach umbrella is the less-than-stellar anchor, which could be a pain to get deep into the sand and may not help much against a strong wind.
BEST FOR GROUPS
Cool Cabana 5
Buy Now
The CoolCabana 5 stretches the meaning of the word umbrella because it’s much more than a traditional pole and canopy. A square canopy that’s 8 feet by 8 feet translates via simple math to 64 square feet of shade on the large version. That’s more than enough space for five people plus gear or a couple who want to lie down next to each other in UPF 50 shade. The size would be moot if this was difficult to use, but the CoolCabana set-up is shockingly easy once the center pole is anchored in the ground. All that’s left is to pull the four corner columns out, fill them with sand, and get to chilling, pronto.
Preziotti is not a fan of traditional beach umbrellas, but she’s all for the CoolCabana. “The CoolCabana essentially works like a party tent on the beach, providing sun coverage and enough height for folks to stand upright,” she says. “The assembly integrates sunshade sandbag anchoring with a center pole that resembles a folding outdoor umbrella dryer that you might use for air-dried clothing. It’s relatively novel as it inverts the traditional umbrella and uses gravity as intended.” Murphy also appreciates that it folds down into a carry bag for easy transportation.
At $229 flat, the CoolCabana does cost more than traditional umbrellas, but for families with kids or groups of friends, it’s a reasonable investment to ensure nobody is left out to deal with the sun alone.
BEST WIND SHADE
Shibumi Shade, The Original Wind-Powered Beach Canopy
Buy Now On Amazon
The argument for the Shibumi Shade is simple: It provides extensive shade and cannot blow away or flip inside out. That’s enough reason to choose it over beach umbrellas for windy beaches, but a Shibumi Shade also offers the same benefits as traditional umbrellas, such as UPF 50 fabric and easy set-up, and more, like a supreme 150 square feet of shade. “We’ve all heard and seen horror stories of beach umbrellas tumbling down the beach and that just doesn’t happen with the Shibumi Shade,” Barnes says. “The shade is easy to carry (4 lbs) and can be slung right over your shoulder or tucked into a beach bag. To set up, you simply connect the poles, thread the canopy, plant the poles 6 inches into the sand, fill the sandbag with sand (to anchor the shade), wrap and snap the straps, then enjoy!”
But don’t just take Barnes’s word for it: For someone like Baker who frequents windy beaches, the Shibumi Shade is not just the perfect solution, it’s the only one: “If you don’t have one, it’s like, dude, woah, why don’t you have one?” he says. “There are millions of Shibumis blowing everywhere [because] they don’t use umbrellas out here [in North Carolina].”
And for anyone traveling, the smaller Shibumi Shade Mini, which is more suitable for two people, can even be packed into a carry-on luggage, Barnes says, so the sun will be one problem not to worry about on vacation.
Though the $270 sticker price feels like a lot to shell out for something that seems so simple, the shade is designed to last and can’t break in the way even the most robust umbrellas can. That and its North Carolina-based manufacturing make this a fair long-term value and easily justifiable for regulars at windy beaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Beach Umbrellas
Why Should I Use a Beach Umbrella?
Beach umbrellas are primarily useful for blocking out the sun, which minimizes skin damage. That’s important over the long term for healthy skin free of wrinkles, and even blemishes. Beyond that, beach umbrellas also help claim an area of the beach, giving users a reasonable expectation of personal space.
How Much Should I Spend on a Beach Umbrella?
Beach umbrellas have an obscene price range, going from around $50 to over $1,000. But Betts says the most she’d spend is around $300.
Though solid options can be had on the lower end, Murphy recommends looking for a quality option instead of shopping just for price. “A beach umbrella is an investment that will see plenty of use if you enjoy our coast,” she says. “[Spending a little extra] will save frustration in the long run versus constantly replacing cheaper models.”
How Can I Clean My Beach Umbrella?
Many beach umbrellas just need to be hosed down at home to wash away any lingering salt spray or sand. Then, let them air dry away from the elements. Some canopies can also be removed and tossed in the washing machine, but be sure the model allows for that before tearing the fabric off.
What’s the Best Beach Umbrella Against Strong Wind?
All beach umbrellas can fail with enough wind. If the beach umbrella is locked down, it turns inside out, but if it isn’t well-secured, it blows away. Beach umbrellas are responsible for thousands of injuries annually, after all. But most beachgoers will say that most umbrellas are fine the majority of the time.
For known windy beaches, wind shades like the Shibumi Shade can be a good alternative because they work with and need wind to provide shade. They will also never break or fly away in the way that beach umbrellas can, Barnes says.
Attard also says she’s had good experiences with the Veer Basecamp tent, which is great for kids, and Preziotti says she likes using Neso Beach Tents as a beach umbrella alternative.
Can I Use My Beach Umbrella as a Patio Umbrella?
Beach umbrellas aren’t designed for all-day every-day sun exposure. So while a beach umbrella will work in a fixed location, it is likely to fade or break down faster than it otherwise would.
Proceed to Checkout…
The Best Sunscreens for Your Face, According to Dermatologists
Why You Should Apply SPF Daily — Even for Phone and Computer Screens
More Top Deals from SPY
Best of SPY
SPY connects you with the latest top-rated products in tech, style, grooming, fitness and home essentials. Our expert team of editors and product reviewers have researched and vetted over 100,000+ products to bring you only those worth your money. Our job is to do the research for you so you can spend time enjoying your purchase rather than shopping for it. Most importantly: We never recommend a product or service we wouldn’t buy ourselves.
1. BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System
The BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System is the most innovative umbrella to hit the market in years. This 7.5-foot umbrella comes complete with a carrying case, accessory kit and, most importantly, the BeachBUB base. This base weight forms a pyramid when filled with sand to hold your umbrella sturdy in winds up to 35 mph. When in use and filled with sand, the base weighs up to 120 pounds, yet when disassembled, the entire kit weighs less than nine pounds, making transportation to and from the car a breeze. Whether you’re buying your first beach umbrella or upgrading from a worn-out model, there’s no better choice than the BeachBUB System.
Pros: The BeachBUB Umbrella includes an innovative base that fills with sands and holds the beach umbrella steady in winds up to 35 mph.
Cons: To set up the base, you need to fill it with sand, so this beach umbrella doesn’t work as well on rocky beaches or at non-beach events where you might need some shade.
BeachBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System
2. Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella
Whether you’re enjoying a day on the beach, spending the weekend camping, or watching your kids’ sporting events, the Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella has you covered. Literally! This umbrella almost sits on its side to provide 180-degree protection from both the sun and rain. In fact, the 8-foot canopy is made from super durable 190D polyester that blocks both UVA and UVB rays and is water-resistant. On either side of the umbrella, zippered windows mean you can add airflow when it’s hot or prevent things from getting too breezy if it’s chilly. As an added bonus, the umbrella weighs only eight pounds when it’s in the carrying bag.
Pros: The Sport-Brella Vented Sun Umbrella provides 180-degrees of protection from the sun and rain, as the sides of the umbrella reach all the way to the ground.
Cons: Users who want to lay out on the beach might find it difficult to keep their entire body in the shade due to the angle at which this umbrella sits.
Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella
3. MOVTOTOP 6.5ft Beach Umbrella
For a standard beach umbrella that’s lightweight and portable, look no further than the MOVTOTOP 6.5-foot beach umbrella. It features an aluminum, screw-in sand anchor, an adjustable height pole and a canopy that can tilt up to 30 degrees. The umbrella is made from 160G polyester which protects users from 99.9% of UV rays. Finally, to protect the umbrella from blowing away, it features a vented flower design in the top for increased airflow, 10 umbrella ribs and a sturdy aluminum pole. As an added bonus, this sun umbrella is available in several colors and patterns.
Pros: The MOVTOTOP Beach Umbrella is a traditional option that provides cover from UV rays thanks to its ability to tilt up to 30 degrees and adjustable height pole.
Cons: The base of the umbrella, which is a screw-in aluminum stake, isn’t as sturdy as some other options on this list.
MOVTOTOP 6.5ft Beach Umbrella
4. Neso Tents Beach Shade
Made from a super lightweight nylon/lycra blend, the Neso Tents Beach Shade provides protection for a crowd. This 7 x 7-foot shade was designed by a man who loved the outdoors but was diagnosed early in life with skin cancer. He wanted to keep enjoying the activities he loved but with protection from the sun, so he invented a beach umbrella he could take everywhere. The shade itself is held in place when sand and stones are placed in the bags attached to the corners of the shade, and the foldable aluminum poles elevate the shade. Furthermore, the entire kit is light enough to travel with on your next beach vacation.
Pros: The Neso Tents Beach Shade is large enough to provide protection to a crowd and lightweight enough to travel in a carry-on bag.
Cons: The shade requires a lot of space to set up due to its size and the additional weights, so using it on a crowded beach may not be an option.
