Don't Waste Your Money is supported by our readers. When you purchase an item through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Best Beach Umbrella

Last updated on August 24, 2022
Best Beach Umbrella

Our Review Process

Don't Waste Your Money is focused on helping you make the best purchasing decision. Our team of experts spends hundreds of hours analyzing, testing, and researching products so you don't have to. Learn more.

Look for the DWYM seal for products that are the best in a category.

Our Picks For The Top Beach Umbrellas

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Key Takeaway
 Top Pick

Sport-Brella Weather Protection SPF 50+ Beach Umbrella

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

Sport-Brella

Weather Protection SPF 50+ Beach Umbrella

You get full sun protection with this beach umbrella with side flaps. It offers sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. The umbrella also has zippered windows for visibility and air flow.

Overall Take

Shelter ProtectionThis beach umbrella features side flaps for better coverage.

 Runner Up

Blissun Heavy-Duty Tilting Beach Umbrella

Blissun

Heavy-Duty Tilting Beach Umbrella

Thanks to the tilt feature on this beach umbrella, you'll be able to adjust the umbrella as the sun moves. The material itself is made using sun protection to filter out ultraviolet rays, so you can feel comfortable as you relax in the shade. There's even an included vent to help the umbrella remain stable when the wind picks up.

Overall Take

High-Quality ConstructionAll of the components of this beach umbrella are neatly stored inside a handy carry bag.

 We Also Like

beachBUB Easy Transport Lifetime Warranty Beach Umbrella

beachBUB

Easy Transport Lifetime Warranty Beach Umbrella

Constructed using commercial-grade materials, this beach umbrella is designed to hold up, even on those windy beach days. The fabric comes in a choice of bright blue, yellow or red, so you'll easily be able to spot your set-up after going for a swim. The entire set is neatly packaged in a carry bag, making it a breeze to store in the garage until y...

Overall Take

Nice and BrightThis beach umbrella comes with a set of towel hooks.

 Strong Contender

Tommy Bahama 7.5-Foot Beach Umbrella

Tommy Bahama

7.5-Foot Beach Umbrella

There is a built-in anchor on the bottom pole of this umbrella, which helps it remain secure in the sand. The umbrella features a top vent to increase wind tolerance. There is also a tilting mechanism so you can adjust the positioning based on the sun's location.

Overall Take

Built-In AnchorThis beach umbrella remains secure with the built-in sand anchor.

Buying Guide

Spending a day at the beach is a great way to enjoy the sand, sea and sun. While basking in the sunshine is part of the adventure at the beach, it’s also important to have some time in the shade. Otherwise, you may end up with a sunburn or heat stroke. Setting up a beach umbrella is a necessary part of protecting your skin while spending time at the beach.

Beach umbrellas come in varying diameter sizes, typically ranging from 6 to 13 feet. The size you need will depend on a number of factors. For example, how many people do you typically go to the beach with? How much room do you have in your vehicle? How much storage space do you have at home?

Be sure to carefully look at the type of fabric the umbrella is made from. This will tell you about its durability and its ability to block out heat. Polyester is one of the most common materials for beach umbrellas. It is heat-resistant, mold-resistant and wrinkle-resistant. Plus, it dries quickly. Cotton is another option that is heat-repellant. It’s also highly durable and affordable. Finally, canvas is another good option, as it’s waterproof and has a PVC coating. This makes it resilient and durable.

What to Look For

  • In addition to the umbrella’s material, take a look at the thickness of the fabric. Thicker fabric will block out more heat and sun, but it will also be heavier and bulkier to carry.
  • Some beach umbrellas are UV-proof, which means that they protect you against harmful ultraviolet rays. Take a look at the UV protection rating, which should be between 55 and 100. This is a good option if you have sensitive skin and burn easily. You can still enjoy the beach while staying in the shade and protecting your skin.
  • Consider how the beach umbrella is supported. Sand is slippery, so you cannot just dig a hole for the pole of the umbrella and hope it stays. It will likely shift within a few minutes. You will need to use a beach umbrella anchor with the pole for the most stability. The anchor looks like a large screw and is designed to securely root the umbrella amidst the slippery grains of sand. Some beach umbrellas come with the anchor while others require the anchor to be purchased separately.

More to Explore

A beach is a windy place, and it can be difficult for your beach umbrella to stay upright against a forceful breeze. Even if you have a strong beach umbrella anchor, the wind may be able to tear it down. Opt for a beach umbrella that has vents, which are small flaps in the fabric of the umbrella. When the wind is picking up, you can open the flaps so that the wind passes through the umbrella instead of pulling it out of the ground.

From our partners