Whether you’re going to the beach, the lake, or just want a comfy chair to take with you to a family reunion, you’re going to need one of the best beach chairs.

Gone are the days of uncomfortable, awkward canvas chairs that always seem to collapse on themselves right when you think you might be getting settled in.

You want one that’s versatile enough to take camping, to watch sporting events, and to relax by the water. We’ve got you covered with all of the best!

Best Beach Chairs

	Tommy Bahama Cooler Chair	Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair	KingCamp Beach Chair
Capacity:	300 Pounds	250 Pounds	300 Pounds
Cooler:	Yes	No	No
Weight:	7 Pounds	9 Pounds	6.6 Pounds
Drink Holder:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Lay Flat:	Yes	No	No

For more of my beach gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Beach Carts, Beach Tents, Beach Umbrellas.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Beach Chairs For 2021

1. Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair
2. KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair
3. SwimWays Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair
4. Kijaro Coast Folding Beach Sling Chair with Cooler
5. Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Sling Chair
6. Big Jumbo Heavy Duty Aluminum Beach Chair
7. Rio Beach Suspension Folding Beach Chair

Our reviews of the top rated beach chairs with a comparison table and our buyers guide below will help you choose the right chair for you.

Beach Chairs Reviews

#1 Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair

Tommy Bahama is the ultimate in providing products made to suit a “coastal lifestyle”, meaning if you need something for the beach, they have it, and they’ve made them with you in mind.

Their Backpack Cooler Chair is one-of-a-kind, coming in 16 unique color schemes/patterns, so you’ll be able to tell a mile away which chair is yours! If you always find yourself bringing more than you probably need, this one is for you.

Featuring two large pockets on the rear, it’s ideal for keeping towels handy and sand-free, or keeping your purse if you’d like. Not only that, but one of them is actually insulated, so you can keep your drinks and snacks cool, and within arm’s reach!

What we really loved, were the pockets right on the arm rests, made for your smartphone and wallet.

We know how bringing either one of these to the beach can be stressful, but now you have them by you at all times. It even features an adjustable pillow to make you feel at home.

While it’s definitely durable with its aluminum frame, it’s also lightweight – weighing in at just 7 pounds.

It’s our Editors Choice for the best backpack beach chair because it’s super easy to transport by folding into a compact shape and comes with shoulder straps, so you can carry it like a backpack.

#2 KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair

Searching for a low-profile chair that’s small enough to take in crowded places, while being simultaneously lightweight and sturdy?

Then you have the KingCamp Sling Beach Camping/Folding Chair. It’s not the latest in technology, but it’s comfortable and convenient.

The low seat ensures your chair isn’t going to collapse or fall over on you, and the big leg cup makes it even more stable – particularly on uneven ground or at the beach.

The breathable mesh back and bottom are ultra comfortable, ensuring you have proper airflow.

We loved how it kept us cool when it was touching the sand underneath the chair. While it only comes in three colors (Cyan, Rose Red, and Blue), you don’t have a lot to choose from, but they’re all quite appealing and bright enough to easily spot them on the beach or at a sporting event.

The heavy-duty steel frame weighs less than 7 pounds, yet can support up to 300 pounds, making it easy to transport and the best portable beach chair. In addition, it comes with a carry bag with a strap.

The arm rests are covered in a soft foam, so the fabric isn’t digging into your arms.

It comes complete with a cup holder, so you don’t have to worry about your drink accidentally getting knocked over or falling over in the sand.

#3 Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair

If you don’t have a beach umbrella the Kelsyus comes with a built in canopy! No need for a separate beach umbrella.

If also comes with a fold-out foot rest so you can lay back, put your feet up and really relax. Nothing like a day at the beach with a drink in the shade.

And the Kelsyus of course comes with a armrest drink holder to keep that drink handy.

To keep you comfortable, the Kelsyus features a mesh seat and the front edge extends forward so it doesn’t dig into your legs.

It’s not just comfortable, the Kelsyus is strong, made with powder coated steel frame so it won’t rust, even around salt water.

To finish it off, the Kelsyus uses the canopy as a carry bag. You fold down the chair and snap the canopy around it for easy carrying and you don’t have to have a separate carry bag.

If you are looking for the best beach chair with canopy, the Kelsyus is your best bet!

#4 Kijaro Coast Folding Beach Sling Chair with Cooler

To be honest, it would probably be quicker to write about what this chair doesn’t have, but we think you’re really going to love the Kijaro Coast Folding Beach Chair, so we’re going to fill you in.

First off, the chair comes in 6 different colors: Fiji Sunset Orange, Haleakala Sunrise Yellow, Hanami Pink, Ionian Turquoise, Key West Lime Green, and Maldives Blue – all gorgeous shades.

The chair is made with durable, diamond ripstop polyester fabric which will hold up against all kinds of abuse. Not only that, but it can hold up to 300 pounds combined with the rust-resistant frame.

The seat and back of the chair also feature quick-drying ballistic mesh to keep you cool and dry at all times.

You no longer have to worry about sand in your drink with two ballistic mesh cup holders, and the built-in cooler in the armrest is just incredible for keeping your food and drinks cool without you needing to bring an extra cooler along.

The detachable pillow headrest keeps you nice and comfortable, and the carry strap on the frame, complete with a carry bag, makes hauling it in and out a breeze.

Finally, it even has a water-resistant, detachable accessory organizer, perfect for holding sunscreen, sunglasses, and is our pick for the best folding beach chair.

#5 Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Sling Chair

Are you looking for an excellent budget product to take with you to the beach this summer? Take it anywhere you’d like – the Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Sling Chair is our choice for the best beach lounge chair.

We couldn’t leave Coleman off the list, they are known for making durable outdoor products. The lightweight, portable chair features a powder-coated frame that is relatively durable, given how light it is, but as opposed to the others, it only holds up to 250 pounds.

While it is vibrantly colorful, it only comes in one color/pattern, which was definitely a downside for us, as most people like options. The sling seat is very low-profile, and extremely low to the ground.

Chances are, it’s going to make contact with the sand, which some people love, and others, not so much. It all depends on your personal preference. The sling seat, however, is great at giving your legs a rest in the sand.

The cup holder keeps your beverage close by, however, it would’ve been nice to have two, just in case. A seatback pocket makes it perfect for holding magazines, a bag, or any other “extras” without getting them all sandy, too.

#6 Big Jumbo Heavy Duty Aluminum Beach Chair

Wow, were we impressed with the Big Jumbo Heavy Duty Aluminum Beach Chair from BeachMall. Made specifically for those “big and tall”, we are so glad we found this gem!

If you’re looking for the ultimate in durability, then look no further. Made of double-layered 600 Denier polyester fabric, and triple-coated for quick drying, you know it’s made to last.

The anodized aluminum frame is not only surprisingly lightweight, but can hold up to an impressive 500 pounds – almost twice the capacity of any other beach chair on the market today.

It allows you the capability of reclining in 4 positions, whichever is most comfortable for you. The reinforced steel inside is resistant against steel, making sure your chair always looks good, and is of the highest integrity.

With oversized seat dimensions, you no longer have to squeeze yourself into an uncomfortable chair when you should be relaxing.

One of our favorite features were the solid hardwood arms, that are not only gorgeous, but are also weather-and-scratch-resistant! Talk about a head-turner.

Finally, you also get a swing-out drink holder, a large, rear-access carry pouch with Velcro, and two zippered storage pouches: one under an armrest and another under the seat.

#7 Rio Beach Suspension Folding Beach Chair

The Rio Beach Lace-Up Suspension Chair is another great product, coming in 6 different, festive colors and patterns that will get you in the beach mood just by taking one look at it.

Made with thick, high-quality 600 Denier polyester, it’s made to hold up against even daily use. Their unique, lace-up suspension design is flexible and made to conform to the shape of your body, making it perfect for even all-day use.

The frame allows you to recline up to 4 positions, and with the tilt-lock protection, the seat is reinforced so you don’t have to worry about it letting you down.

The pinch-free recline makes it so you never have to worry about your fingers getting caught, so you can just focus on relaxing.

The large storage pouch makes it easy to carry your towels, tanning oils, sunscreen, and snacks, with a buckle keeping it secure.

Travel is quite easy, too, as it features backpack-style shoulder straps, and custom-fit capabilities.

The rust-resistant aluminum frame is notably lightweight, weighing just 8 pounds and is our pick for the best lightweight beach chair!

Beach Chair Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Beach Chair – Buying Guide

• Adjustability
• Durability
• Waterproof/Fade-Proof
• Ease of Transport
• Comfort
• Chair Legs
• Built-In Accessories
• FAQs About Beach Chairs
• Tips For Beach Chairs

So, which of these beach chairs should you select? If you’re still on the fence, there’s no need to fret! We’ve gone ahead and created the detailed buying guide below, so you have no doubts about which product is the one for you.

Adjustability

The beach chairs that most of us have experienced don’t allow for much room to adjust or flexibility. The ones on our list, however, are different.

Perhaps you want to lay back and tan, or you want to sit upright and watch a sporting event or the ocean waves. Whatever it may be, you should be allowed the ability to do it.

If you are the type of person who gets antsy in just one seated position, then we recommend you select a chair that has at least 4 adjustable positions.

Durability

When looking into durability, you should look at both the material of the seat, itself, along with the frame. The frame should ideally be powder-coated, or have some type of protection from the elements.

Look for one that is rust-resistant, as the saltwater breeze can quickly tarnish any metal in the vicinity. Rust will lower the lifespan of your new chair drastically, so really take this seriously.

The material of the actual chair should, ideally, be 600 D Polyester. This is generally resistant against most rips and tears, and will hold up for a long period of time, through a lot of abuse.

Waterproof/Fade-Proof

If you really want a true marker of quality, then look into whether or not the chair you have in mind is waterproof and fade-proof. It’s pretty likely that your chair is going to get wet – whether during camping, watching a sports game, or at the beach.

People spill water, their hair drips on the chair, etcetera. You’ll want your chair to be waterproof, so you’re not just sitting in it, soaking. You want to be ideally dry and comfortable, right? That’s why you’re in the chair and not the ocean.

With harsh sunlight, it is also quite easy for your chairs to look faded, old, and tattered. If you want it to look like the first day you got it, choose a fade-proof product.

Ease of Transport

You aren’t going to use a product that’s a hassle to carry around; that’s just how we work. With that being said, you can find an excellent beach chair that’s still lightweight and easy to carry.

Most of those on are list weigh less than 10 pounds, which is pretty impressive for a product that can hold up to hundreds of pounds of pressure.

In addition, look for a chair that can fold up to a compact shape, and comes with either a backpack-style bag, or has straps that you can wear over your shoulders.

This keeps your hands free for other things, and is just overall easier to manage.

Comfort

Comfort is pretty important, especially when it comes to an activity that should be relaxing, like soaking up sunshine at the beach. First, we recommend choosing a chair with a high back. Those with lower backs can cause back and/or neck pain quickly, and don’t let you fully relax.

Have a “lay flat” design is a nice feature to have as well. If you plan on taking a nap you almost have to have the chair lay flat.

If you can, we definitely recommend going for one with lumbar support, to keep your spine aligned and the pressure off of your vertebrae and surrounding muscles.

Next, look at cushioning. Most on this list feature padded armrests, which may not seem like a big difference, but it’s like nigh and day for your arms! An adjustable pillow is always a great idea, too, especially since it can be difficult to support the neck without one.

Chair Legs

This is undoubtedly one of the most important features of the chair. As sand is typically very uneven, you’ll need to place the chair in some weird positions.

If it’s a cheaper, or poorly-built chair, oftentimes you’ll have one of the legs up in the air, and you’ll just end up wobbling the entire time.

Also, check the weight rating on the chair you have in mind. Not only that, but check the material that the legs are made of, as well as ensuring that it’s rust-resistant steel or something similar.

Rust/Corrosion Resistant

When we’re dealing with just about any kind of gear to use at the beach or near the sea, we need to take into consideration the possibility that it could be corroded. As the frame and legs of the best beach chairs out there are often made of some type of metal, this is of particular importance.

No matter if it’s aluminum or steel, you may be at risk if they don’t come covered with a kind of anti-rust coating. The saltwater can be very corrosive, and this can happen quickly so if you want your chairs in tip-top shape and able to last for many summers to come, we also recommend washing them off when you get home.

Umbrella

We all love to have fun in the sun and soak up the rays. It’s relaxing, and who doesn’t love a good tan? Except it’s really easy to go overboard and that tan suddenly turns into a burn, which puts us at an increased risk of skin cancer.

No one likes talking about it but it’s a truth we must face and take action against. Sunblock is great, but a good umbrella can also work wonders.

Not all beach chairs come with umbrellas, but wouldn’t you rather have the option and not use it then sit there squinting the entire time you’re at the beach and not have any way of shielding your eyes?

Foot Rest

It’s nice and relaxing to be able to squish your feet in the sand, though it’s not for everyone. The sand harbors quite a bit of germs so some prefer to keep their feet sand-free.

Not only that, but some people aren’t quite tall enough to be able to reach their feet to the ground which can end up being exhausting. A nice foot rest can make all the difference in your beaching experience!

They can really allow you to sit back and fully take a load off instead of constantly adjusting in your seat to try and find a comfy position.

Built-In Accessories

A chair is a chair, but we’re looking for the best, which is why accessories are important to us. After making sure your chair is adequately supportive and convenient, look at the bonuses. Ideally, look at one that features added levels of comfort, such as built-in pillows and padding.

In addition, storage pockets, organizers, etc. are a great idea to keep your valuables handy and sand-free. Most feature cup holders, as well, and few even feature built-in coolers to keep your drinks and snacks cold!

FAQs About Beach Chairs

Q: Which material is the most comfortable?

To be honest, the material isn’t what’s going to really make a chair comfortable or not. Rather, pay attention to the height of the chair back, and look at how comfortable the actual frame is. Generally, beach chairs are going to be made of a thick, yet durable polyester which are also generally water-resistant.

Q: Which is the most portable type of chair?

Look at those that can fold up to be compact, as well as those which weigh less than 10 pounds, and come with shoulder straps or a bag that lets you wear it like a backpack for hands-free transport.

Q: Can these work with kids as well?

Sure, some of them work great with children! They’ll probably prefer the low-profile chairs that sit very low to the ground, making them sturdier and easier for them to get in-and-out of. They also feature cup holders, which kids always love having handy.

Q: Are there any ideal for larger people?

Hands-down, you’ll want to look at the Jumbo chair we reviewed. It features a 500-pound weight capacity, has a wider seat, and a very sturdy frame.

Q: Are camping chairs good for the beach?

A: While some may look very similar to beach chairs, they’re simply not designed to be used on the sand. Not only that, but they’re not designed to typically be anti-corrosive and can rust quickly. The legs aren’t quite as stable as they’re only made to be used on the hard ground. Moreover, they’re usually more heavy than beach chairs.

Q: Why are beach chairs so low?

A: Lower chairs not only give you a greater amount of stability in the uneven sand, but allow you to keep your toes in the water or even let the surf wash up over your legs to give a more immersive experience.

Tips For Beach Chairs

#1: Choose a chair that’s great for various occasions

If you’re an active person, you’re probably not just going to use it at the beach. You’ll probably want to take it with you to watch a game, to camp, and so on, so select one that’s versatile enough to accommodate all of these situations.

#2: Pay attention to the weight capacity

We already mentioned it above, but this is really important, especially if you’re not the only one who’s going to be using it.

#3: Always clean your chair once you’re done with it

This goes double if you’re at the beach, where it will be subjected to the salty ocean breeze, which can break down materials more quickly.

Final Thoughts

So now you have seen some good beach chairs, which will be coming with you to your next trip? All of them are of the highest quality, but choose the one that you feel will fit you and your family the best. We hope we were of some help, and we look forward to you joining us again, soon!

How We Researched

To come up with the top beach chairs, we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as Target, Lowes, Bed Bath & Beyond and Walmart along with our own personal experience.

We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The staff authors have a wide and varied background in adventure travel, hiking and backpacking.

The authors have decades of experience and are eager to share their knowledge with readers.

To help narrow down the selection we used personal experiences along with recommendations from fellow travelers and tour guides.

After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.

Sources