The Best Beach Umbrella - 2021
Why Trust The DWYM Score?
DWYM 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.
Our Picks For The Top Beach Umbrellas
Tilted DesignThe tilting mechanism enables you to adjust the canopy to block the sunlight as the sun moves throughout the day.
Shelter ProtectionThis umbrella features side flaps for better coverage.
Built-In AnchorThis beach umbrella remains secure with the built-in sand anchor.
Lightweight and PortableThis beach umbrella weighs only 4 pounds.
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.
The Best Beach Umbrellas
MOVTOTOP Sand Anchor & Tilt 6.5-Foot UV 50+ Beach Umbrella
You can tilt the umbrella toward the sun using the tilting mechanism to ensure protection as the sun makes its way overhead throughout the day. It features air vents to promote air flow and keep you cool. The beach umbrella provides 100% UV protection.
Features
Specifications
Sport-Brella Super-Brella SPF 50+ Beach Umbrella
You get full sun protection with this umbrella with side flaps. It offers sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. The umbrella also has zippered windows for visibility and air flow.
Features
Specifications
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.
Features
Specifications
Rio Beach 6-Foot UPF 50+ Sand Anchor Beach Umbrella
This beach umbrella is lightweight and easily transportable. It weighs only 4 pounds, and comes with a carrying bag. The umbrella is made from durable and long-lasting materials.
Features
Specifications
MEWAY 6.5-Foot Sand Anchor & Tilt Beach Umbrella
This beach umbrella is sturdy and stable due to the eight fiberglass ribs. It also has a solid sand anchor. The vented canopy facilitates air flow so the umbrella won't be pulled up by a strong wind.
Features
Specifications
Our Beach Umbrella 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.
DWYM Fun Fact
The 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.
The Beach Umbrella Tips and Advice
- 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.
Related Categories
About The Author
Anam Ahmed is a professional copywriter and essayist based in Toronto. She has been writing on technology, travel, parenting and business for over 10 years. As a homeowner and avid gardener, she values finding the best products to make people's lives easier. Anam earned a master's degree from the University of Toronto and a bachelor's degree from Queen's University.