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8 Best Beach Umbrellas You Can Catch Us Under This Summer
Practice safe sunbathing with these UPF-enhanced picks.
Want to know a secret? Despite what you might’ve heard in the past, there really isn’t a completely 100% safe way to protect yourself from the sun — and sun damage accounts for up to 90% of aging! There are, however, ways to enjoy some fun in the sun while still remaining safe, comfortable, and, most importantly, without having to resort to harmful levels of UV exposure. As you might have guessed, one option is to lather yourself up with sunscreen. The other? A solid UPF-rated beach umbrella.
Even the most devout sun worshipper needs to take a break in the shade every once in a while — not to mention the fact that having overhead protection literally shields you from heatstroke or dehydration. The best beach umbrellas on our list dig into the sand or clip easily onto your chair, providing a respite from the rays under their UPF-enhanced, sun-blocking canopies.
The Best Beach Umbrellas
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What Is UPF Protection?
The UPF (or ultraviolet protection factor) number corresponds with the density of the material — in an umbrella canopy or clothing — and the percentage of ultraviolet light that can get through. For example, a high UPF of 100 means that 1/100 of the sun’s rays can penetrate the fabric. The Skin Cancer Foundation’s website is a great resource for learning more about how this material works.
And again, because laying out under a UPF-enhanced beach umbrella won't protect you fully from ultraviolet rays, always make sure you’re staying on top of your sunscreen application throughout the day, too.
What to Consider
When looking for the best beach umbrella, here are the most important things to consider:
- Diameter: Take note of your umbrella canopy’s diameter. The larger the diameter, the more shade range the umbrella offers. Smaller diameters can be adequate for individuals, but couples or families might want to consider a larger umbrella with a wider diameter. Umbrellas wider than 5 feet in diameter should sufficiently cover at least two people — the widest umbrellas on this list measure up to 7.5 feet in diameter, providing shady coverage for three.
- UPF rating: The higher, the better. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a fabric must have a UPF of 30 to qualify for their Seal of Recommendation. A UPF of 30-49 offers very good protection; UPF 50+ is excellent.
- Adjustability and Weight: Consider ease of setup, portability, and whether an umbrella can tilt to adjust to certain angles, especially if those using or setting up the umbrella have mobility or joint issues.
We’ve included models here to fit a variety of potential setups. Along with umbrellas that stake into the ground, we’re also featuring pop-up tents that you can set up anywhere for shade and even a highly-rated clip-on umbrella for utmost ease.
If you’re looking for the best beach umbrella, we have you covered — literally!
Blissun 7.2-Foot Portable Beach Umbrella
Blissun 7.2-Foot Portable Beach Umbrella
Pros
- Excellent UPF
- Fiberglass ribs prevent canopy from flipping inside out
- Built-in tilt mechanism for easy shade adjustments
Cons
- Some users say it can buckle in high winds
Key Specs
- Diameter: 7.2 feet
- Material: Fiberglass, high-density polyester
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case
This affordable, colorful beach umbrella has everything you need to set up a comfortably shaded spot in the sand.
It features a wide 7.2-foot-diameter canopy with a UPF 50+ rating, an air vent at the very top, a one-button tilt feature, a spiral sand anchor system with flip-down handles to help with wedging it into the sand, and even a handy carrying case with a shoulder strap. It also comes in five different colorways.
From the stable sand anchor, wind-resistant vents, and wide, UV-protective shade, users love how this well-rounded umbrella ticks all the boxes — and at a fair price, too. “Love that the pole folds down for handles, makes it a lot easier to get into the ground,” says one happy customer, adding that this umbrella is “pretty sturdy and [a] really good size.”
Another praises this “beautiful and functional” umbrella for its reliability. “Great umbrella! The color is brilliant. The poles are sturdy. I very much like the built-in handles that give leverage when anchoring in the sand. This umbrella also features a secure tilt. Much needed at the beach,” they say.
“So easy to set up and very lightweight for lugging to the beach,” says another, offering that “The shade coverage it provided was enough for three of us to be under at one time, plus the cooler.”
AMMSUN 6.5-Foot Beach Umbrella
Pros
- Affordable
- Excellent UPF
- Push-button tilt design
Cons
- Fabric could be better at withstanding wind
Key Specs
- Diameter: 6.5 feet
- Material: Fiberglass, plastic
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case
Your place on the surf will be super easy to spot with this stylish yet inexpensive rainbow beach umbrella. It spans 6.5 feet wide, and its UPF 50+ vented canopy helps provide a little extra sun protection on a cloudless day. It can also tilt angles with the push of a button.
Users love it for its sturdy build, convenient carrying case, as well as its “retro beach vibe.” It’s also surprisingly affordable for its size.
Frankford Umbrellas Heavy-Duty 7.5-Foot Beach Umbrella
Frankford Umbrellas Heavy-Duty 7.5-Foot Beach Umbrella
Pros
- Wide and durable
- Stands up to gusty beach winds
- Resort quality
Cons
- Not tiltable
- Expensive
Key Specs
- Diameter: 7.5 feet
- Material: Ash wood pole, acrylic fabric, stainless steel ribs
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case
A favorite beach umbrella of The Strategist for its timeless look and resort-quality durability, this 7.5-foot-wide beach umbrella provides both style and a sturdy build. It comprises an ash wood pole, UPF 50+-rated acrylic canopy, and stainless steel ribs.
Aside from being the widest umbrella on our list, it also offers an impressive spectrum of 22 different colorways, including this creamsicle-inspired stripe. It also comes with its own carrying bag — just keep in mind that this umbrella isn’t tiltable, but reviewers don’t seem to think that’s a dealbreaker.
“This umbrella works so well, I bought a second one,” says one rave review. “If you are tired of replacing beach umbrellas every year, this is the umbrella for you. To say sturdy, durable, effective is simply to understate how great this umbrella is!” they confirm.
“Bought this umbrella after our aluminum one bent in half with a hefty gust of wind,” says another, adding, “This one has stood up to VA beach winds and will most likely last a long time. Worth the $.”
beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System
beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System
Pros
- ALA-endorsed
- Wind-tested to 44 miles per hour
Cons
- A bit pricey
Key Specs
- Diameter: 7.5 feet
- Material: Polyester, fiberglass, stainless steel
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case, base, tarp, sand gopher
Endorsed by the American Lifeguard Association due to its notable wind-resistant qualities, the BeachBub has been wind-tested to 44 miles per hour. Its unique design allows it to sit on top of sand, eliminating any digging and unearthing.
Setup involves laying the tarp flat on the beach, making a small hole with the included sand gopher, inserting the bottom pole, and connecting the wings to form a pouch, then filling the base with sand to secure.
Users say this “simply incredible” 4.9-starred product is “the one” and a “must-have for a beach trip.”
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent
Pros
- Superior shade
- Setup is a breeze
- Great customer service
Cons
- Some users report fabric issues
Key Specs
- Diameter: 7 feet
- Material: Fiberglass, polyester
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case, sand pockets, stakes
Bringing the whole gang for a beach cookout? Ensure that everyone stays a happy camper by packing this top-rated UPF 50+ beach tent. Just a little over 7 feet wide, it’s made from breathable, water-repellent polyester and constructed with air vents and a durable fiberglass frame that’ll stay in place even if it gets windy.
Users adore its easy setup, light and manageable weight, and its roomy size (perfect for a group of kids or just two adults). It also comes with a handy carrying case.
Sport-Brella 8-Foot Canopy Umbrella
Sport-Brella 8-Foot Canopy Umbrella
Pros
- Side flaps offer full protection
- Useful storage pockets
Cons
- Must be anchored down for more stability
Key Specs
- Diameter: 8 feet
- Material: Alloy steel, metal
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case, stakes, cords
This unique tent/umbrella hybrid keeps everyone nice and cool all day underneath it. It comes with its own handy carrying case, and it has side windows that unzip to let the breeze flow through.
This 8-foot-wide UPF 50+ umbrella rests on the ground, and it can be staked in for added support. Reviewers absolutely love it, saying that it provides shade, airflow, and plenty of space for a family to lounge. It’s also easier than a tent to set up, which is great if you have your hands full.
Sport-Brella Versa-Brella 4-Way Swiveling Sun Umbrella
Sport-Brella Versa-Brella 4-Way Swiveling Sun Umbrella
Pros
- Universal clamp connects to both square and tubular surfaces
- Lightweight when folded (1.8 pounds)
Cons
- Smaller canopy
Key Specs
- Diameter: 40x42 inches
- Material: Polyester
- UPF: 50+
- Extras: Carrying case
This clip-on pick from Sport-Brella has a four-way swiveling mechanism right under the canopy, which blocks out the sun without you having to move your seat.
The underside of the umbrella is lined, so you have UPF 50+ sun protection wherever you go with it. Users have also had success using it as a sun-blocking parasol on the go and also in the stands at ball games!
Business & Pleasure The Premium Umbrella
Business & Pleasure The Premium Umbrella
Pros
- Photogenic
- Wide canopy
- Fringed design
Cons
- No UPF
- Doesn't tilt
Key Specs
- Diameter: 6 feet
- Material: Fiberglass, wood, cotton canvas
- UPF: n/a; UV-resistant canvas
- Extras: Carrying bag
If aesthetic is everything, there isn’t a prettier beach umbrella on the entire internet than this one from Business & Pleasure.
Weighing 9 pounds and bundled in a matching bag, this beach umbrella comprises a 6-foot-wide cotton canvas canopy, laminated wood pole, and fiberglass ribs. It comes in five colorways, and each one is bordered with fringe.
(Are you a destination or garden bride? This also might be up your alley for a super-stylish ceremony or reception.)
However, there are two drawbacks: This beautiful umbrella doesn’t tilt or have a UPF rating. It is, however, UV- and water-resistant, so while any umbrella will offer plenty of shade and more sun blockage than none at all, don’t skip the sunscreen.
Other things we love about this pick: You’d be supporting a small business, and the umbrella is designed in Byron Bay, Australia, and Laguna Beach, CA — meaning the brand knows a thing or two about providing ample shade and protection, all with a touch of boho charm.
Eunice Lucero-Lee is the Senior Editor for Best Products, and is a beauty, astrology, and pop culture obsessive whose work has been featured in publications such as Cosmopolitan, Esquire, The Numinous, and woman&home, among many others. A (very) proud cat mom, she spends her time in Manhattan obsessing over celebrity natal charts, luxury skincare, and Scandi-noir, as well as finding the perfect K-Pop vid to save the day. She can order drinks perfectly in Korean.
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