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Who among us doesn’t love the beach? There’s sun, there’s fun, and there’s no shortage of good vibes. And although beach season isn’t year-round (unless you live in a tropical climate, which, if so, color me jealous), you can still make the most of those fleeting summertime feels by having the ultimate beach setup. It’s not enough to go to the beach with merely a towel in hand. To really live it up, you need a chic beach tent and a comfortable beach chair you can snooze in all day long—just make sure to lather on that sunscreen before you doze off!

OK, so about that perfect beach chair. This item in your vacay-ready toolkit is, quite literally, the anchor of your entire beach-going experience. Laying on a towel, getting sand in your hair, and having zero back support is no way to live. Also: Where are you supposed to put your refreshing canned beverage of choice without a convenient built-in cup holder at the ready?! Plus, making progress on your new beach read is much easier to do in the comfort of a sturdy beach chair than, say, a damp towel covered in sand.

If you haven't shopped for a beach chair before, there are a couple of factors to consider before making your purchase. For starters, it’s all about portability. If you can’t move it easily, it’s just going to cause more trouble than it’s worth. Foldable and lightweight is what we’re after! And some nice-to-haves that make all the difference include the aforementioned cup holders, storage pockets (for that stack of magazines you’ve been meaning to read), and a built-in awning so you can relax in the sun while keeping your skin in the shade. Lucky for you, we did all the scrolling for you and found the winners for every type of lounging.

Scroll on through to shop the best beach chairs for summer 2023.

Sloth Beach Chair

Folding Beach Lounge Chair

Out of over 10,000 (!!!) reviews, this beach chair has managed to maintain an average 4.2-star rating, which is kind of a big deal. People are especially drawn to its retro vibe. "It’s easy to carry, and I love the '70s feel of the design!" says one reviewer. "It has held up well with no issues. Of course, it's not as cozy comfortable as a more expensive chaise would be, but it’s perfect for hanging on the beach. I would definitely buy it again."

Lace-Up Folding Beach Chair

This chair has four adjustable reclining options, and it has a flexible lace-up design that conforms to your body. "We love the straps for easy carrying," one reviewer says. "It folds up nicely. We love the lounge pillow that is attached and it has a place for your drink and phone. They thought of everything."

Striped Beach Chair

Nothing says "beach vacation" like nautical blue and white stripes, so this beach chair is a clear frontrunner for style alone. On the functional front, it's got a side pocket accessory holder, shoulder carry strap, and custom cup holder. "The chair is light enough to carry easily, but sturdy," says one reviewer. "The canvas is heavier weight than I expected, so a nice surprise. We now have six of these for dock chairs, and I expect a long service life given the very good build quality."

Steel Folding Chair

With more than 1,500 reviews and an average 4.3-star rating, this beach chair is loved for its simple design, built-in pillow, and sturdy armrests. And of course, the cup holder is a must. "Love the side bottle/can holder so my water bottle doesn’t get full of sand," writes one reviewer. "Back large pocket holds hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, keys, and plenty of room for flip-flops and book. Bought one of these over 10 years ago and still have it. Easy and lightweight to carry backpack style. Best beach chair I’ve ever bought, and I live in Florida. Get one!"

Wood Beach Chair

If aluminum isn't your ~aesthetic~, you might want to try this wood and canvas chair that provides a clean, minimalist feel for your next beach hangout. No assembly is required, you just have to open the bracket and put the canvas cover on. Did we mention that it's got an average 4.9-star rating?! "Bought this folding chair for it to match my wooden camping table," says one reviewer. "So nice and easy to fold up and store. The quality is so good! Love it so so so much."

The Tommy Chair

You'll be the envy of every beachgoer with this ultra-chic chair that looks like it belong on a travel magazine cover. It has five reclining positions and a large back pocket with a full-length zipper. "Our favorite beach chair," says one reviewer. "Excellent design with practicality and elegance."

Padded Camping Chair

Sometimes less is more. This understated design is as basic as it gets, but the earthy colors it's available in make it anything but. Out of more than 230 reviews, it has an average 4.7-star rating. "These folding chairs are so much nicer than others," says one reviewer. "Visually you see they are better, physically the quality is also there, and ease of use. You want to bring these with you wherever you go. Worth every penny we camped in Sedona with your gear."

Pink Beach Chair

When you want to take a nap, being able to lie all the way down is crucial. With this adjustable beach chair, you can recline and relax. "This chair was a lifesaver at the beach!" one reviewer writes. "I am someone who likes to evenly tan both front and back, but I always found it uncomfortable to lay on my stomach and continue to move my head from one side to the other so there wasn't too much sun exposure on one side. This chair solved that problem so I don't have to worry about it at all, and is very well padded in the hole area for the face for great comfort!"

Backpack Beach Chair

You're at the beach — you're supposed to have fun! So your beach chair should reflect that, naturally. This one features a vibrant floral print that's very on-theme, and people like that it comes with straps so you can wear it like a backpack for easy transport. "The backpack feature is nice to free up your hands," writes one reviewer. "They are light and comfortable. Multiple positions to lay back or sit up. Would highly recommend."

Padded Lawn Chair

REI knows what they're doing in the outdoor rec space, and this chair is one of their top-sellers for a reason. People love the cozy padded cushion and classic design. "This chair is awesome!" one reviewer writes. "While a little bulky, it is lightweight and the backpack straps make it very convenient. The padding is enough to fall asleep in."

Folding Chair

Wait.. a bottle-sized chair? Yes, you read that right. At just under 4 lbs, you can fit this chair in one hand, and it's ready to set up in a few seconds flat. Gone are the days of carrying anything that's too bulky! "I wish I would have known of these chairs years ago," one reviewer says. "I bought them to take to the beach, but would have loved to have them for kids sporting events. They are extremely easy to set up and take down, all while being lightweight and compact."

Voyager Chair

If a solid color doesn't match your beach style, try this vibrantly patterned chair that also happens to be a—wait for it!—cooler-chair combo!! Underneath, you can store just about anything with the built-in cooler that keeps your beverages and snacks chill for hours on end. "Ever owned something and felt so good about it that you swear you'll never buy another one again?" writes on reviewer. "Enter the Voyager by Parkit, literally the last chair you'll ever want or need. So quality, love the cooler, and the webbing is very sturdy."

Deluxe Beach Chair

Is it any surprise that Tommy Bahama has created the ultimate beach chair? This one has an average 4.5-star rating because it's full of conveniences that make beach time a breeze. "Everything you need in an all-in-one backpack beach chair: separate cooler and regular compartments in the back, cup and phone holders and, above all, full reclining to flat," writes one reviewer. "A little more expensive than competitive brands out there, but well worth it!"

Shaded Beach Chair

Why settle for a regular beach chair when you can have one that comes with its own shade? This one is also super lightweight, making it ideal for everyone in the fam. "They sit low, so it is easy to steady them and bury your feet in the sand," one reviewer shares. "They recline back to a nice relaxing, reading, or napping position. The attached umbrella awning keeps the sun out of your eyes and has several positions."

Padded Cushion Chair

Remember having super plush, cushion-y chairs like this when you were younger? With this one, you get peak comfort, so it's no wonder that it boasts an average 4.8-star rating. "Don’t buy any other chair," advises on reviewer. "Oversized and comfy. They have currently traveled to six different national parks and various patios for late nights with friends and family. Would buy over and over without hesitation."

Recliner Lounger Chair

When you want to go all-out for the beach, this chair will help you do just that. It has oversized dimensions making it incredibly spacious, as well as a padded seat and back that provides all the support you need. "I've suffered lower back and hip pain for the past 10 years from sitting too much for work," one reviewer says. "Stretching and exercise help along with relaxing in reclining chairs. However, I've had difficulty while traveling to relax the muscles in the same way. This chair enables my back and hip muscles to relax with the zero gravity design."

Low Profile Beach Chair

This beach chair boasts thousands of 5-star ratings, and is beloved for its affordability and reading-friendly design. "I don't normally write reviews, but this chair is one of my favorite things I own nowadays," says one satisfied customer. "Not only that, but it's also great for reading in, since your legs are angled up in front of you and are a great place to rest a book. This would be impossible without hunching over in a full-height chair."

Reclining Camping Chair

With more than 200 reviews and average 4.6-star rating, this beach chair is becoming a frontrunner. It features a built-in beverage holder to keep drinks nearby, a head pillow for comfort, and mesh paneling for good airflow. "The pouch holds a lot of stuff!" writes one reviewer. "You can put a messenger bag, etc., right in there so you don't have to lug, and it's comfortable when you're carrying."

Foldable Camping Chair

With an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, this chair is a favorite because it's easy to assemble and has a high back, providing ample support. "So far I love this chair!" says one reviewer, adding that it's small enough to put in their dogs' stroller, so on long walks they can take it out and rest somewhere for a bit. It also works for people of different heights. "I am 5 feet tall and my husband is 6 feet," one reviewer writes. "Surprisingly, the chair fits both of us comfortably. His head hits the head rest higher up than mine, but it's still comfortable for me."

Two-Pack Of Folding Chairs

Because going to the beach is always more fun with a friend, stock up on these handy chairs by buying a pack of two. Since they're so lightweight, though, be careful when you're standing up, advises one reviewer: "These are great chairs, I use them to take to park events for kids. They are awesome to carry, set up, and take down. My only warning is to be careful not to tip over. That being said, they are very comfortable for a small chair."

What is the best frame material for my beach chair?

TBH, picking out the perfect material can be a bit of a dance. Of course, you'll want something weightless, but also something that's sturdy enough to withstand high tides and that doesn't feel like torture to sit on in the sand. Aluminum chair legs basically check all of those boxes. Wood is another good material choice, but JFYI, it does make the chair a *tad* heavier—the fun aesthetic boost will make it all worth while, though! Both are durable enough to handle beach conditions without quickly wearing down, which is pretty clutch if you're prioritizing longtime usage.

How do I choose the best beach chair?

Everyone's desired lounging circumstances are different, so here are some factors you'll want to consider when you choose your summertime seating. Height is huge. If you're long-legged, getting a chair with a few extra inches could be the key to leaving the beach relaxed versus cramped up. Eight inches or less ground to seat space is considered low, while nine to 12 inches is the average. As far as spending goes, the prices typically range from $25 for a budget buy to around $200 for the ones built to be in your life for the long haul. With a span like that, you won't be forced to break the bank on your chair hunt. Bless!

Why trust Cosmo?

We've actually got a thing for setting up your best beach day ever. It doesn't matter if you're hunting down the cutest swimsuits to cop or scouring the web for the shadiest cabanas, our sunny day intel is legit. This is all thanks to our Virgo-level researching skills and our commitment to stalking great deals and user reviews harder than you lurk on your ex's second cousin's Instagram page. Oh, and we only suggest the best of the best and sh*t we'd actually buy ourselves, too. Bc we'd never recommend something to you that we wouldn't spend our own coins on.

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