Who doesn’t love being at the beach?

Hanging out with a refreshing beverage in hand, good music playing, and appreciating the summer sun is what it’s all about.

To stay protected and comfortable you will need the best beach umbrella! We have them all right here, with detailed reviews to keep you informed. Let’s get started!

Best Beach Umbrellas

	BEACHBUB Beach Umbrella System	Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrella	Sport-Brella Sun Umbrella
Size:	7.5 Feet	7 Feet	8 Feet
Tilting:	Yes	Yes	No
Weight:	9 Pounds	4 Pounds	9 Pounds
Anchor:	Sand	Screw Sand Anchor	Stakes

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

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Rated Beach Umbrellas For 2021

1. BEACHBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System
2. Tommy Bahama Tilting Beach Umbrella
3. Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather Sun Umbrella
4. AosKe Portable Sun Shade Umbrella
5. Sport-Brella X-Large Beach Umbrella
6. Sunphio Portable Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella
7. dig-git Beach Umbrella w/Integrated Anchor

Beach Umbrella Reviews

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

Best Beach Umbrella For Wind

#1 BEACHBUB All-in-One Beach Umbrella System

The Beachbub All-In-One system is so good it’s patented! umbrella base. It’s a great beach umbrella for windy days to avoid tipping over or fly-aways.

First off, it comes with the Sand Gopher, which is a small yet particularly handy tool that creates an 8” hole in the sand in a matter of seconds.

The included sand bag anchors keep the umbrella from taking flight, which is why we highly prefer them over somewhat-outdated screw anchors.

The unique pyramid shape of the base features a low profile made up to take minimal room, yet holds almost a cubic foot of sand, weighing 125 lbs. when filled, making sure it’s staying exactly where you want it.

Consumer Reports actually chose it as their best Sand Base Model, which is really saying something. The umbrella, itself, was made to resort and commercial beach umbrella standards, keeping it stable up to an impressive 35 MPH winds.

Made of corrosion-free aluminum and fiberglass frame materials, it’s both lightweight yet sturdy, weighing in at just 9 pounds.

Best Overall Beach Umbrella

#2 Tommy Bahama Tilting Beach Umbrella

Tommy Bahama is undoubtedly one of the biggest names in the beach products game, and their 7-foot beach umbrella is a prime example of why.

Perhaps one of their most notorious features, are their unique colors and patterns. With up to 6 color choices (Red Stripe, Light Blue, Blue/Palm Tree, Green/Blue Stripe, and Red/Blue/White Strip) to choose from, there’s sure to be something to suit your style.

Let’s just say that it won’t be hard to spot your umbrella on the beach!

Extending up to 84” in height due to its telescopic pole, it’s tall enough for most people. Despite the height, it is secured easily and safely thanks to its sand bag anchor, which holds up even in windy conditions if set up properly.

It features a tilt function which helps keep the umbrella in place even during high winds, which is actually one of our favorite things about Tommy Bahama umbrellas.

All in all, if you want the best beach umbrella that is durable, attractive, that’s also lightweight and easy to carry, then check this one out!

Best Portable Beach Umbrella

#3 Sport-Brella Portable All-Weather Sun Umbrella

The All-Weather Sport-Brella is a good umbrella for enjoying a day out in the sun, or staying protected at the beach.

It’s so large, in fact, that many can keep their entire families protected at once under the large, 8-foot canopy. In addition, you can easily keep your belongings closer to you by keeping them under the large canopy.

With UPF 50+ protection, you’ll be nice and safe from harsh rays, complete with side panels for extra coverage, and wind flaps to provide proper airflow.

Not only that, but the side panels provide a bit of extra privacy, keeping you in your own little world.

In addition, the canopy is incredibly heavy-duty, made of 210 D polyester which can more than stand up to the wind and sun you’ll undoubtedly encounter at the beach.

The ribs are made from 4.5 mm steel with a 5 mm steel stretcher, keeping them strong under heavy winds, perfect for various weather types.

As far as convenience of transport goes, it’s very lightweight, weighing in at just 4 pounds. In addition, it comes with a carrying bag, so you can keep everything together and carry it easily.

Best Lightweight Beach Umbrella

#4 AosKe Portable Sun Shade Umbrella

Perhaps you’re going through all of these products and thinking how you wish there was just a more “light” option available.

Maybe you don’t need something as heavy-duty as an umbrella complete with sand bag anchors, and all that. If that’s your case, then check out the Aoske Portable Sun Shade Umbrella.

Coming in at just over 4 pounds, it’s one of the lightest beach umbrellas out there. With the canopy made of 100% polyester, it’s lightweight and breathable, and also blocks 99.9% of harmful UV rays.

The top air vent also makes it more stable, and keeps a steady airflow, keeping you cool.

The pointed prong anchor is easy to insert into the ground, simply by stepping on the integral stand, which also works well with grass and dirt, perfect for watching a sports game.

This portable beach umbrella has lightweight aluminum poles unscrew in the center for easy storage, as well. While it isn’t so great at holding up against stronger winds, it’s a good option if you know it’s going to be an area with minimal breeze.

Best Beach Umbrella Tent

#5 Sport-Brella X-Large Beach Umbrella

The Sport-Brella XL All-Weather and Sun Shelter is quite similar to another one of our favorites: the Portable All-Weather and Beach Umbrella, also by Sport-Brella.

To be honest, this manufacturer just couldn’t be beat, so we had to put two on here.

Just like the other sun umbrella, it’s perfect for enjoying sporting events, the beach, or nature, in general, thanks to the innovative design and convenience it provides.

The umbrella works to keep you safe from rain, sun, wind, and more, thanks to the large 9-foot canopy, the 50+ UPF protection, as well as side panels for extra coverage and privacy.

With the canopy built out of 210 D polyester, you can rest assured it will hold up against all the elements.

Keep your valuables safe and close-by, with internal side pockets, and gain extra visibility and proper airflow with top vents and side zippered windows.

The water-repellant structure doesn’t allow for any leaking or water seeping through, so you will be dry and comfortable, no matter where you are.

Set up or break down in just minutes, once you’re done. Weighing in at 11 pounds everything packed up, it’s easy to transport in and out.

Best Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella

#6 Sunphio Portable Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella

Perhaps you plan on using your umbrella for more than just the beach. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast with a passion for camping, picnics, fishing, and more, then this is your go-to.

This heavy duty beach umbrella is perfect for all of the above activities, and much more. Coming in either Sky Blue, Bright Red, Lemon Green, or Vibrant Orange, it’s not only functional, but attractive, too.

The super windproof 3-layer rib design uses carbon fiber ribs, which is extremely lightweight and durable, and is extremely resistant to strong winds.

The 4-layer canopy design provides “permanent” 100% UV protection. Most competitor products feature a kind of UV-resistant coating that eventually disintegrates or wears off over time, which can leave you susceptible to getting sunburned.

By adding an extra coating layer in addition to a black cloth layer, you don’t have to worry about that. The 360-degree tilt feature lets you set the height and angle exactly how you want it, which is also great for keeping it in place during heavy winds.

With two sand anchors, no matter where you are, that won’t be an issue, anyway. Finally, it comes complete with a handy carry bag, so you don’t have any excuse not to bring it along!

Best Budget Beach Umbrella

#7 dig-git Beach Umbrella w/Integrated Anchor

The Dig-Git Beach Umbrella with Integrated Anchor is probably the best option if you’re looking for a budget product, and/or if you need one that’s not all that sturdy, like the others are.

Coming in a variety of color options (Navy Blue, Blue/White, Hunter Green, Orange, Red, Royal Blue, and Yellow) there’s definitely something for everybody.

Made of heavy duty 180 fabric, it does provide a good amount of SPF protection to keep you and your loved ones safe from the sun’s rays, while also being fade-resistant so your umbrella looks and feels just as vibrant as the day you got it.

Aluminum construction keeps it lightweight yet durable, along with stainless steel hardware and fiberglass rib construction perfect for holding up against strong winds.

The 360-degree tilt feature allows you to place it in the exact position you desire, and makes for holding up against the wind easier.

The corrosion-resistant dig-git anchor comes attached, so you don’t run the risk of losing your anchor. It may not be the most solid method of anchoring the umbrella into the ground, but it is more than sufficient in most cases.

Beach Umbrella Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Beach Umbrella – Buying Guide

• Weather Resistance
• Sun Protection/UPF Rating
• Ease of Transport
• Wind Resistance
• Anchoring the Umbrella
• Umbrella Size
• Price
• FAQs For Beach Umbrellas
• Tips For Using a Beach Umbrella

Just reading through reviews may help you learn about each one, but it doesn’t aid you much in how to choose the best one for you.

There are some great products out there, but one is guaranteed to work better than the others for your needs. That’s what we’re here to help you do, with our buying guide, below!

Weather Resistance

Umbrellas aren’t only subjected to weather, they protect you from it, meaning that they need to be sturdy enough to handle various types. However, this doesn’t just mean being wind and waterproof.

You never know when a summer sun shower will come and you don’t want water dripping through your umbrella. Be sure to look for an umbrella that is waterproof not just water resistant.

You must find an umbrella where the pole and ribbing are extra durable – preferably made of a fiberglass or something similar for it to be both lightweight and sturdy. Steel coating is also a must, as it will prevent rust from developing, and will extend the lifespan immensely.

This makes them perfect to use near the ocean, where it will be exposed to the sun, wind, and saltwater constantly. Some use a kind of powder coating on the pole, too, making the paint resistant to dings and scratches.

Sun Protection/UPF Rating

As you saw above, umbrellas vary quite a bit in UPF ratings or sun protection. This is highly important to pay attention to, as if you’re buying the product mainly to protect you from the sun and all it has is a mere 15 UPF rating, you’re not going to get as much out of it as you would from, say, 50+ UPF protection.

A rating from 15-24 is generally considered “good”, but not great. This will block our about 94% of UV rays. 25 – 39 is very good, blocking 96-97%, and the best, is 40 – 50+, making sure that 98% or more of the rays are blocked.

While you may be thinking that 94% is pretty good, keep in mind that you can still get a sunburn from this. This is why we highly suggest purchasing an umbrella with a UPF rating of 40, at minimum.

Ease of Transport / Portability

Whether we like to admit it or not, we do almost everything based off of convenience. You wouldn’t carry about a backpack that weighs 20 pounds, when there are some that weigh less than a pound.

The same goes with beach umbrellas. If it’s inconvenient, too heavy, too bulky, etcetera, you’re just less likely to use it. This means that you’re not getting the most out of your money, and we want you to!

Focus on getting an umbrella that is lightweight enough that you won’t feel it’s difficult to carry, and should be easy to setup with just one person. When you’re heading to the beach, you want to relax and have a good time – not struggle with carrying or setting up an umbrella. Those that come with travel bags make this feat much easier.

Wind Resistance

We talked a bit about anchors up above, due to that factor being such an important one. By far, we prefer sand bag anchors over the rest.

Why? They are lightweight while transporting them, and once you fill them up with sand, they are set where you put them.

Sure, there are other options, such as ground stakes, which are more often seen. However, they’re nowhere near as reliable as the sand anchors. Also make sure that the ribs of the umbrella are made of steel or a similarly-tough material, to prevent it from flipping inside-out, or even breaking.

Anchoring the Umbrella

Going hand in hand with wind resistance is how you anchor the umbrella. There are three methods for anchoring your umbrella:

Stakes

These are used for the hybrid sun shelter/umbrellas. Just like with a tent you will drive the stakes into the sand and then attach lines from them to the umbrella. Depending on how secure the stakes are, this is the most wind resistant design.

Anchors

With this design you either have “prongs” that you push deep into the sand like the AosKe. If you can get them into more dense sand this method works fine. The other anchor system is like a screw. You literally screw the base into the sand. More secure than prongs, this is a better method but requires a little more effort.

Sand Bag

Lastly, this method you fill up a bag with sand for weight that holds down the base of the umbrella. This is a good compromise of security and ease of use.

Size

It’s important to consider how many people will be using your new beach umbrella, and what it’s going to be used for. Will it just be you and one other person? Perhaps you’re planning on taking it to sports events with the whole family.

Do you need extra privacy? Not all umbrellas are the same size, even if they look like it. We really like the umbrellas that feature the extra side panels.

These give you more protection from the sun and the wind, while also adding some more privacy. If you want a better view or more airflow, simply utilize the top opening or the little zippered windows on the side.

Price

While it’s always a good idea to set a budget for yourself, we can tell you now that the best umbrellas aren’t going to have the smallest price tag.

That’s not to say that they have to be outright expensive, but spending even $20 more could ensure your umbrella lasts you for years longer than the cheaper option.

More expensive options are going to feature (generally), better construction, more durable products used, better/more comfortable design, and more protection from the sun. If you’re looking to make the most of your experience, it’s definitely worth it.

Video: How to Setup Your Beach Umbrella

FAQs For Beach Umbrellas

Q: How big does the carrying case/bag need to be?

A: If it already comes with a bag, you don’t need to worry as the manufacturer as specially made it to fit your umbrella. If it doesn’t, then look at the size of the poles, which will give you a good idea of the size you require. If the poles don’t telescope, the case will be the size the poles are. If they do, the case will be smaller, but it will fold down to the same length as the radius of the material on the umbrella.

Q: Do all umbrellas come with anchors?

A: No, they don’t. Also, types of anchors vary, so pay attention to this. Some will rely on you planting the pole deep into the ground to keep it upright, however, it won’t do much for holding up against strong winds. We always recommend using an umbrella with an anchor already built-in, or anchors that come with the umbrella. If you purchase one separately, there’s no guaranteeing that it’s going to properly fit with your product.

Q: Can it work as a patio umbrella, as well?

While many can, don’t rely on it as an absolute fact unless it specifically indicates that in the description. Most patio umbrellas go through a hole in a patio table to fit into the base. Beach umbrellas are oftentimes too thick to fit through this hole. However, if yours does, then by all means, go ahead! Keep in mind that beach umbrellas are generally more brightly-colored as well, and may not go with your patio furniture, but this might not be a big deal to you.

Tips For Using Your Beach Umbrella

Tip #1: Always make sure you clean your umbrella after use. While you can’t just throw it in the washing machine, it’s exposed to sand and saltwater, which can wear down the coating quickly. Once you get home, shake it off, and use a soft-bristled brush if you need to remove all sand.

Then, mix laundry detergent with warm water (1/4 cups to one gallon), and use a soft brush/sponge to apply it to remove all debris. After, leave it sitting for 15 minutes, and rinse it off, letting it dry in a shaded area until it’s ready to be used again.

Tip #2: If you don’t have an umbrella with sand anchors, not all is lost. Simply take the umbrella, bury it in the sand by using a rocking motion (don’t just “stab” it into the sand), so it will go deeper. Try for at least 8 inches if you can to secure it properly, or at least a third of the umbrella post. After this, make a “mound” of sand around it so you add a bit of extra weight, packing it tightly around the post to keep it more sturdy.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve read through our detailed reviews of each of the best beach umbrellas, along with our buying guide, FAQs, and tips to help you make the best decision, we hope you’re looking forward to your beach experience being much more enjoyable in the near future! Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you again shortly!

How We Researched

To come up with the top beach umbrellas, 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