Summer is on its way and what better way to spend a warm summer day than hanging out in the backyard. With a patio umbrella, you can enjoy the heat of summer while protecting your skin from the harsh rays of the sun. Whether you are splashing around in the pool or having a backyard barbecue party, having one of the best patio umbrellas to escape from the sun while still enjoying the great outdoors makes summer even more of a blast.

Best Patio Umbrellas

	Grand Patio Deluxe Curvy Umbrella	Abba Patio Outdoor Patio Umbrella	Purple Leaf Cantilever Offset Patio Umbrella
Size:	11, 12 Feet	9 Feet	10 , 11, 12, 13 Feet
Design:	Cantilever Offset	Market	Cantilever Offset
Color(s):	Red & Beige	Beige, Red, Turquoise, & Brown	Beige, Grey & Navy Blue

For more of our home & garden recommendations, have a look through Outside Pursuits’ guides to Portable Grills, Inflatable Hot Tubs and Patio Dining Sets.

Quick Answer: The 7 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas For 2021

1. Grand Patio Deluxe Curvy Offset Patio Umbrella
2. Abba Patio Outdoor Solar Powered Patio Umbrella
3. Purple Leaf Cantilever Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella
4. California Umbrella Round Aluminum Market Umbrella
5. Abba Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella
6. Iwicker Double-Sided Outdoor Patio Market Umbrella
7. Sundale Outdoor Solar Powered Lighted Patio Umbrella

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

Patio Umbrella Reviews

#1 Grand Patio Curvy Aluminum Offset Patio Umbrella – Editor’s Choice

The Grand Patio is our Editor’s Choice for the best patio umbrella with its quality and features. If you don’t want to have a pole sticking through your table, this 10 ft offset curvy patio umbrella is for you. The banana frame allows you to easily raise and lower the umbrella with a handle and crank. The cantilever design allows you to place tables and chairs or even a picnic blanket under the umbrella.

When you purchase this patio umbrella on Amazon, it also includes free solar lights to brighten up your backyard with ease. The canopy is sun and water resistant in situations when light rain may occur. The 10 ft deck umbrella offers enough room to comfortably fit one table and six to eight chairs. Unlike many umbrellas, Grand Patio includes the base.

#2 Abba Patio Outdoor Patio Umbrella – Best Outdoor Umbrella

The best outdoor umbrella on our list is the 11 foot crank operated and push-button tilt Abba umbrella. It’s environmentally friendly being made from 100% post-consumer recycled polyester fabric. The pole is aluminum with a powder coating for superior rust and corrosion resistance. A 40-pound base is required but not included and will need to be purchased to safely use the umbrella. The fade resistant canopy blocks up to 90% of harmful UV rays and features a vent for better airflow and breathability.

Note: the Abba umbrella does not come with a base, have a look at the EliteShade Base.

#3 Purple Leaf Cantilever Offset Outdoor Patio Umbrella – Best Deck Umbrella

This 11 ft.cantilever patio umbrella is made specifically track the sun so you can always be in the shade! It easily adjusts with a crank for trouble free operation. It comes in two designs, a 10′ x 10′ square umbrella and an 11 ft. round design, so you can choose the one that suits your style and patio.

The canopy has a vent, basically a small umbrella at the top to help it resist toppling over in windy conditions. It’s an offset design so you don’t have to have it mounted in your table giving you more space. It has 8 powder coated ribs that are rust resistant. The umbrella is made from 100% SUNBRELLA fabric that is fade & UV resistant plus it is waterproof along with blocking up to 98% of UV rays. It does include a base but the weights are sold separately and  should not be used without being properly weighted down. If you’re looking for one of the best deck umbrellas, the Purple Leaf is for you!

#4 California Umbrella Round Aluminum Market Umbrella – Best Garden Umbrella

This patio umbrella is only 7-1/2 ft (9 foot model available) but is one of the best garden umbrellas that works perfectly with a small table with two to four chairs. The canopy features an air vent at the top and a Velcro band to secure it in place when not in use. The California Market Umbrella comes in by far the widest variety of colors so you should be able to find the perfect match for your furniture. It has a push button for making adjustments to the tilt angle and a crank for easy open and close actions. It is available in three different colors with the options for 6 or 8 ribs depending on your preference.

The patio table umbrella does not include a base and one is necessary to properly anchor the umbrella so it doesn’t move or fall over in a breeze. The EliteShade Base is a good choice.

#5 Abba Patio Offset Cantilever Umbrella – Best for Windy Conditions

This aluminum cantilever offset designed deck umbrella has 8 ribs and is raised by using the crank. The polyester fabric is UV resistant 50+, waterproof, and tear resistant. The umbrella tilts to 5 positions so you adjust it as the sun moves during the day and it extends 8.8 ft high with a shade area of 108 sq-ft. The design makes it easy to assemble though it is important to note that it does not include a base although they make one for it.

It is suggested to use a sand/water or iron base that weighs at least 100 pounds (more is suggested) to keep the umbrella from toppling over when a breeze is present. The Abba Patio with its adjustability is the the best backyard umbrella for wind and rainy conditions. However, when the weather turns really nasty, it’s recommended you fold it up.

#6 Iwicker Double-Sided Outdoor Patio Market Umbrella – Best Big-Space Umbrella

For an extra spacious patio umbrella experience, the 15 ft double-sided one will do the trick. It can be used with or without a table. Fits two picnic tables, a table and a picnic blanket, or several lounge chairs. The umbrella metal base is included and is designed to be used with two sandbags. You can use other means of weighing it down but it does need be weighted down with something to prevent it from tipping over. Featuring 3 vents and 12 steel ribs, this patio table umbrella opens easily with a crank.

#7 Sundale Outdoor Solar Powered Lighted Patio Umbrella – Best Market Umbrella

This Sundale Outdoor umbrella can be raised and lowered with the easily accessible crank and the tilt can be adjusted almost 45 degrees with a push button. Like Abba Patio umbrella above it comes with LED lighting that comes with a small solar panel on the top of the pole and provides power for the 24 LED lights for 9-12 hours. The base like most umbrellas is not included but can be purchased separately and should weigh at least 40 pounds to safely secure the umbrella. It has enough room for four to six chairs and can be used with or without a table and has a vented top for stability for windy conditions. If you are looking for the best market umbrella, look no further!

Patio Shade Umbrella Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Outdoor Patio Umbrella – Buyers Guide

• Patio Umbrella Considerations
• Umbrella Type
• Size and Shape
• Ribs
• Pole
• Lifting Methods
• Tilting Methods
• Extra Features
• FAQ For Patio Umbrellas

Patio Umbrella Considerations

There are several things that you need to consider before making a purchase of any kind. Buying a outdoor umbrella is no exception. As you can see from the products mentioned above, there are some things that are standard, like the polyester canopy. Knowing your options is the first step to buying the perfect product for you and your patio. We will look at six different categories and the options.

Umbrella Type: Market or Cantilever Offset

There are two main styles of outdoor umbrellas.

Market – This style is the more common and inexpensive type.This is type type of umbrella you might see at a farmers market or street vendor using to protect the themselves from the sun. This umbrella normally slides into your table through the hole in the center.  It then mounts into a base at the bottom.

Cantilever Offset – With this style, you can have the umbrella off to the side of the table. They advantage being you have more usable table space since you don’t have a pole sticking up through the table. You can also adjust it more to better block the sun. This type is nice in that it doesn’t take up any space around a table. You just angle the umbrella over it. If you have a couple lounge chairs or maybe a daybed or hammock, you can use this type of umbrella to keep the sun off you.

Size & Shape of Umbrella

Large patio umbrellas come in many different shapes and sizes. Some are round or octagonal while others are square. There are even rectangular options depending on the size that you get. We mentioned sizes ranging from 7 1/2 ft to 15 ft. There are also some models available in as small as 5 ft.

If you are looking to have a single round or square table with the umbrella stuck in a hole in the middle, 5 ft to 10 ft is probably a good size, depending on how big or small the table is. If you want room for two tables or a long picnic tables or even several chairs, the 15 ft double sided patio umbrella mentioned above is probably a better option.

Umbrella Fabric

One important consideration is the fabric the umbrella is made from. Since its main job is to block the sun it follow it will be in the sun most all day. Not too mention being exposed to cold, rain and wind. The fabric will need to be UV resistant so it doesn’t fade. Many umbrellas come in bright colors but if it fades after a year its going to look pretty bad.

One of the best known fabrics is “Sunbrella” fabric. It is probably the best known and highest quality fabric because its guaranteed to not fade. If it does they will replace it. Be sure to make sure the umbrella fabric is waterproof and not just water resistant. A waterproof fabric will not drip at all whereas a water resistant fabric will start to drip water in a hard or longer lasting rain shower. Be sure the fabric is also mold and mildew resistant. Mold and mildew will stain the fabric after a period of time.

Ribs

Shade umbrellas usually come with two different rib options, 6 or 8. The ribs are the pieces of metal connected to the canopy that cause the umbrella to open and stay up. The number of ribs is generally a personal preference thing but if the ribs there are more ribs, the umbrella is likely heavier but it is probably also sturdier and less likely to collapse or get blown away.

Pole

All of the patio umbrellas featured in this guide are have aluminum poles. Aluminum is lightweight and rust resistant which is why it is a preferred choice for umbrella poles. Especially, if you will be moving the umbrella around from time to time. But aluminum is not the only options. You can also buy patio umbrellas with wooden or steel poles. If you want a more natural look to fit the style of your patio, you might choose wood.

Though wood tends to weather faster than the other options. If you are looking for something that is stronger and more heavy duty, steel is probably the best option for you. If your umbrella will remain stationary aside from opening and closing, the extra weight from the still won’t be a problem.

Lifting Methods

The lift method is basically how you raise and lower the umbrella. Since it is always advisable to lower or close up the umbrella when it is not in use to minimize the wear and tear from exposure to the elements, this is actually a really important feature.

There are three methods for raising and lowering patio umbrellas: crank, push up, and pulley.

• Crank – This is the most common and the easiest method for most people. Because it doesn’t require physical strength other than what is necessary to turn a crank. Typically, if you can open a turn a doorknob, you can turn the crank and open the umbrella.
• Push Up – One of the more difficult methods though it is still very common. If you are getting a smaller patio umbrella, the push up lift method should be fine. But for larger umbrellas, an easier lift method that doesn’t require as much strength is advisable. When using the push up lift method, it works just like a normal umbrella you would use when walking in the rain. You grab the umbrella pole in one hand and use the other hand to push it up and open. You must continue to push until it clicks and locks into place. When you want to close the umbrella, there is usually a pin or a button you must push to release the umbrella. Be careful not to pinch your fingers or knock yourself in the head when the umbrella is closing.
• Pulley – Not very common and is a combination of the crank and push up lift methods. Instead of pushing it up by hand, you will pull on a cord that will pull up on the umbrella, like if you were turning a crank. When you want to close the umbrella, you much push the button or release the pin that locks it in place and you can use the cord to lower it slowly so it doesn’t fall closed on you while you’re still standing under it.

Tilting Methods

There are three different methods for tilting the outdoor umbrella. Being able to tilt the shade umbrella allows you to make adjustments in the angle of the umbrella as the sun changes locations.

• Collar Tilt – This method allows you to adjust the umbrella easily from a seated position as long as you can reach the pole, also known as the collar, of the umbrella. You simply have to twist the collar in one direction or another until the umbrella is at the desired angle.
• Crank Tilt – The crank tilt is normally use the same crank to adjust the tilt that is used to open and close the umbrella. This is probably the easiest tilt method because you don’t actually have to move the umbrella, like with the collar tilt method, you just turn the crank.
• Push Button Tilt – This requires you to push a button is probably the most difficult method and usually required two people. One person to push the button and make sure it doesn’t lock again and the second person to adjust the umbrella to the right angle. When you hear button, you probably thing button like on a TV remote but this method uses a metal button that locks into place via a hole in another piece of metal. One plus side to the button tilt method is that it is usually cheaper than other methods.

Extra Features

If you just want a simple large outdoor umbrella without all the bells and whistles then extra features don’t mean very much to you. But it is a good idea to know what kinds of extra features are available, just in case you decide to splurge a bit.

Extra features include but are certainly not limited to: LED lights, solar power, weighted stands (if not included), sandbags and spikes for making sure it doesn’t blow away, and a cover to limit exposure to the elements when not in use

Umbrella Bases

One thing you will need is a base to hold down the umbrella. Most market style umbrellas DO NOT come with a base so be sure to buy one if you don’t already have a base.

Luckily just about every umbrella uses a “universal fit” so that the umbrella slides into the base regardless of the manufacturer.

There are three main types of bases:

Water Weighted: As the name implies you will the base with water to provide weight. Probably the best option as its easy to use and when you take it in for the winter you just drain it.

Sand Weighted: You don’t see this type too much any more. But just like the water weighted base, you just fill it with sand.

Metal Weighted: This type just uses a large mass of steel in the base to provide the weight for the base. They work fine but they have the disadvantage of having to move a heavy weight around.

FAQ About Patio Umbrellas

Here are a few frequently asked questions about patio umbrellas:

Q: Do I need to buy a stand/base?

A: That depends on the which shade umbrella you decide to buy. Some of them are just the pole and the canopy and the base is sold separately. While others come with a weighted base and stakes you can use to tie it down with. Do your research on the specific umbrella you choose to buy.

Q: How do I keep my patio umbrella from fading??

A: You can limit the amount of fading by choosing a lighter color. For example, red is a beautiful color but it is likely to fade much faster than beige. Also, if you keep the umbrella closed when it is not in use, it will extend the life of not only the color but of the umbrella as a whole. If you can spend the extra money, an umbrella made with “Sunbrella” fabric is guaranteed not to fade over time.

Q: How do I keep my patio umbrella from blowing away?

A: Most large outdoor umbrellas come with a warning not to use it if the wind is stronger than 10 MPH. But if you want to weight the base of the umbrella for those gentle breezes, there are several options.

Some bases come with sandbags that you can fill with sand. Some people suggest using old weights for a barbell. Water and rocks are also options for securing the base. Whatever you choose to use, make sure it is securely held in place to prevent potential injuries or damage to the umbrella.

Q: What is the difference between a market umbrella and a cantilever or offset patio umbrella?

A: A market patio umbrella is essentially a large umbrella with a straight pole that fits in the middle of a table. A cantilever or offset patio umbrella is has a straight or curved pole that is designed to sit next to a table or chairs and has a variety of tilt angles to provide maximum shade.

Q: What is the most durable patio umbrella?

A: The Purple Leaf Cantilever Offset is the most durable with its use of Sunbrella fabric that is guaranteed to not fade and the use of of corrosion resistant aluminum and powder coated steel ribs.

Q: Are cantilever umbrellas any good?

A: A cantilever is an excellent choice with its versatility to be able to adjusted in a variety of tilt angles to provide good protection from the sun no matter what time of day it is.

Q: What is the best patio umbrella for wind?

A: We feel the California Umbrella is best suited for windy conditions. It has a low profile umbrella top with an air vent at the top to let the wind blow through so it doesn’t tip over.

Q: What is the difference between a patio umbrella and a market umbrella?

A: A market umbrella is the style of umbrella. Its essentially a large umbrella with a pole that will fit through a table. A Patio umbrella just means where you are going to use it. They can be “market” style or a cantilever design.