Perhaps the first criteria you’ll want to nail down is how big an umbrella you need. This means figuring out how many people will likely be using the item at any given time, but also what size of carry bag you’re comfortable holding. To maximize square footage while cutting down on weight, a sun tent or beach canopy is a strong choice; these can accommodate four to six people on beach towels or beach chairs while only weighing four to six pounds. The weather is warming up and that means it’s time to hit the beach. Whether you’re regularly jumping into the water or a fan of chilling on the sand, one thing everyone can agree on is the importance of suitable sun protection. An umbrella can be a game changer for long days on the beach, providing useful shade and a comfortable place to relax for you and your companions. The real question is which is the right umbrella for you? Today’s brands have something for everyone, but it can be overwhelming to find your perfect match. We’ve scoured the web to find this elite selection of umbrellas, with something for every budget and preference. Follow our guidance below on how to choose the right kind of beach umbrella for your summertime activities, then take a look at our line-up of the best umbrellas on the market. What to consider when buying a beach umbrella

When it comes to maximum shade, the Sun Ninja tent is a great mix of affordability, stability and coverage. The expansive canopy comfortably provides cover for four to sixpeople on beach towels or beach chairs and there’s a larger size available for bigger groups. Sometimes the best wind option is something like a tent, which offers greater stability, or a canopy, which offers less wind resistance. However, the OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella is the perfect choice for those looking for a more traditional beach umbrella that will stand up to strong gusts. Although the company doesn’t list a specific wind resistance number, the umbrella features fiberglass ribs and a two-way rotation tilt mechanism that supports angle adjustments up to 180 degrees, so it can comfortably flex with shifting winds. Instead of the traditional sand anchor, the OutdoorMaster utilizes a sandbag that can accommodate 44 pounds of sand, for easy assembly and portability. There’s even an extra perk: the umbrella includes handy cup holders to keep your beverages and personal items out of the sand. Specifications:

Top 5 Beach Umbrellas

The Wondershade Ultimate Portable Sun Shade is designed for use throughout the summer, whether it’s set up on the patio, in the park or on the beach. To achieve this, the brand includes a tripod standing base for fuss-free assembly on solid surfaces, as well as a built-in sand anchor for the beach.

As mentioned earlier, the beach umbrella market is a crowded one so we wanted to make sure only the most consistent performers appeared on our list. This meant umbrellas that were easy to use and transport, able to withstand at least medium-speed winds, and likely to last much longer than a single summer. We opened up our criteria to include the newer trend towards beach canopies and tents, but kept our UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) requirements high; no product on this list has a UPF of less than 50. To finalize our selection, we conducted substantial research and took into account the perspectives of experts, customers and manufacturers, to make sure that these umbrellas were performing across the board. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) What size beach umbrella should I buy? Some of the top options on our list offer the latest in modern technology, but the Frankford Umbrella has been a classic choice since it first appeared soon after World War II. With a stylish central pole made out of ash wood, instead of the more common metal, and a canopy made of heavy duty OLEFIN fabric, this is an umbrella designed to last. In fact, it’s so durable that the manufacturer offers a five year warranty, which helps explain the more expensive price. But it’s not just a long-time favorite for its performance: At just four pounds including aluminum poles, the Neso Beach Sunshade is the lightest and easiest beach shade to transport. It’s also one of the easiest to assemble, with sandbags replacing any sand anchors and only two poles to insert. Nevertheless, this beach tent provides considerable protection from the sun thanks to its large footprint and UPF 50+ materials. Like the Sun Ninja, the Neso does require a lot of space but can therefore accommodate several people under its shade. It holds up well to different wind strengths, thanks to its four separate sandbags distributing the weight. All in all, this minimalist choice is ideal for larger groups who are happy to travel a little further afield to find a more quiet stretch of beach. Specifications:

Customer reviews

The biggest downside to this umbrella is that it’s not hearty enough to withstand stronger winds. The aluminum shaft and plastic anchor are more than capable of being used season in and season out, but in strong winds it’s just not in the same price class and construction as others.