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The Best Pop Up Shade

Last updated on December 7, 2022

We looked at the top 13 Pop Up Shades and dug through the reviews from 27 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best Pop Up Shades.

Best Pop Up Shade

Our Review Process

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From barbecues and tailgates to camping trips and beach days, pop-up shade tents are essential protection from inclement weather. And luckily, cumbersome canopy shelters that require a mess of heavy parts and a complex assembly process are a thing of the past.  Because modern models are equipped with single-unit, collapsible frames and folding roofs, they can be set up and taken down in a flash (in some instances, just a minute). Most even come with convenient carrying cases for easy storage.

Pop-up shades are available in an assortment of shapes and sizes, from a 6-by-6-foot shelter for two or a 12-by-12-foot tent for 10. The majority of pop-up canopies are either square or rectangle, but you can find some in hexagon and octagon shapes. Lightweight frames are often constructed from aluminum, while stronger canopy frames are made from powder-coated steel. When choosing a frame, consider what you plan to use the shade for; aluminum varieties may work for general uses (e.g. a day at the lake), but the heavier steel frames are more suitable for all-weather protection.

Polyethylene, polyurethane, polyester and vinyl are the most common materials used to produce canopies, and what yours is made of will affect how well it performs and the product’s price. For example, pop-up shade tents constructed with weather-resistant polyurethane (a type of plastic found in bags and bottles) — which is lightweight yet offers stellar protection from UV rays and moisture — are ideal for camping and other outdoor activities. While polyester is water-resistant and offers mild UV protection, it offers less defense from the elements than the other materials. But the material works well for smaller tents since the lightweight material makes them easier to tote around in a bag.

Our Picks For The Top Pop Up Shades

View All Recommendations
Product Overview
Our Take
Pros
Cons
 Top Pick

SUN NINJA Fabric Lightweight Pop Up Shade

Don't Waste Your Money Seal of Approval

SUN NINJA

Fabric Lightweight Pop Up Shade

Whether you're on the white sandy shores or down by the lake for a day of fishing, this beach tent for babies is a must. It's nice and lightweight and won't take up much space in your vehicle. The tent can be set up in minutes and even comes with a shovel to add sand to ground the legs.

Overall Take

Multiple Color OptionsYou'll find this pop-up shade for babies with UPF 50+ sun protection is available in a choice of turquoise, navy or royal blue.

 Runner Up

multifun Water Resistant UV-Protected Pop Up Shade

multifun

Water Resistant UV-Protected Pop Up Shade

Whether you're picnicking in the park or spending the day by the shore, this pop-up shade is a must. It's large enough to fit a family of four and it features an open design that offers 360-degree ventilation. The canopy is also coated with UPF 50+ protection to block the sun's harmful rays.

Overall Take

Most VersatileSince this pop-up shade is made using fiberglass instead of metal, it's much more lightweight than other models on the market.

 We Also Like

ABCCANOPY Waterproof Pop Up Shade

ABCCANOPY

Waterproof Pop Up Shade

Made from sturdy polyurethane fabric, this 10-by-10-foot pop-up shade protects users from UV rays and wet weather. In addition to a steel frame, the product also comes with ropes, stakes and four sand bags for extra stability.

Overall Take

Easy to TransportThe travel-friendly steel frame, canopy top and accessories fit into a 9-by-66-inch carrying case with wheels.

Pros
" This canopy is both heavy duty and robust fabric that can be used for sunny and rainy days. It's easy to set up and very durable."
Cons
"It collects a lot of water during heavy rain .The ties may come undone and it's more expensive than other models."
 Also Great

Monobeach Infant UPF 50+ Pop Up Shade & Pool

Monobeach

Infant UPF 50+ Pop Up Shade & Pool

Babies will love splashing around in the built-in pool. They can have fun in the water while remaining in the shade of the tent. The tent offers 50+ UV protection.

Overall Take

Unique DesignThis unique pop-up shade for babies has a small built-in pool.

Pros
" Has a mini pool on the floor for more fun. It comes with pegs to set up by the beach. It is flame-resistant. Plenty of light and air."
Cons
"It might be challenging to take down."
Don't just take for granted what one reviewer says. Along with our own experts, DWYM analyzes the top expert reviews of the leading products and generates a score you can actually trust.
20

Products Considered

We identified the majority of the pop up shades available to purchase.
13

Products Analyzed

We then selected the leading and most popular products for our team to review.

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27

Expert Reviews Included

In addition to our expert reviews, we also incorporate feedback and analysis of some of the most respected sources including: Seriously Smoked, Product Rapid, Top 10 Gadgets, Portable Beasts, What To Expect.

44,531

User Opinions Analyzed

We also incorporate user reviews from the leading retailers including

Our experts reviewed the top 13 Pop Up Shades and also dug through the reviews from 27 of the most popular review sites including and more. The result is a ranking of the best of the best Pop Up Shades.

DWYM is your trusted roduct review source. Our team reviews thousands of product reviews from the trusted top experts and combines them into one easy-to-understand score. Learn more.

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The Best Bang For Your Buck

Monobeach Infant UPF 50+ Pop Up Shade & Pool

Our Expert Score

9.8
6 expert reviews

User Summarized Score

8.4
1,591 user reviews

Our Take

Babies will love splashing around in the built-in pool. They can have fun in the water while remaining in the shade of the tent. The tent offers 50+ UV protection.

What other experts liked

Has a mini pool on the floor for more fun. It comes with pegs to set up by the beach. It is flame-resistant. Plenty of light and air.
- Portable Beasts
a breeze to carry and set up. The mini pool feature gives your baby a fun spot to splash around (always supervised, of course!) and the large roll-up back panel offers plenty of ventilation.
- What To Expect
Simply put, this tent is affordable, long lasting, and gets the job done.
- Experienced Mommy
Very affordable. 50+ UV protection. Very lightweight. Mini pool inside.
- The Drive
Lightweight and easy to carry around. Mesh allows for airflow. UV 50+ Rating. Fun kid-friendly design.
- Wanderlust Storytellers
There is an indented pool area you can fill with water to keep your baby entertained and cool. The canopy provides 50+ UV protection. It will pop up automatically for quick and easy set up.
- Official Top 5 Review

What other experts didn't like

Just big enough for one child.
- Portable Beasts
It might be challenging to take down.
- Experienced Mommy
Not designed for larger kids. Folding it can be a bit of a hassle.
- The Drive
I wouldn't use it for babies that can't sit up yet. Takes of bit of effort to dig the pool in the sand before you can use it.
- Wanderlust Storytellers
Before you bring this item down to the beach for the first time, be sure to practice folding it up so you'll know what to do.
- Official Top 5 Review

What to Look For

Features to look for when shopping for a pop-up tent include carrying bags with straps or handles that allow you to transport the shade, adjustable legs that offer three to five height options, weighted bags or sandbags to provide extra stability, and sidewalls or bug netting.

If you plan on using your pop-up shade in inclement weather, make sure it has proper ropes and stakes for stability. For extreme conditions, weights or sandbags are a must.

Do not machine wash the roof of your pop-up shade. To clean the canopy fabric, clear off any debris and rinse it with warm water; avoid using a pressure washer or high-powered hose. If needed, use a mild detergent for spray cleaner to wash off any residual dirt. Allow the canopy to dry completely before storing it away.

Pop Up Shade Rankings

1. SUN NINJA Fabric Lightweight Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 9.6
Reviews Included: 1

2. multifun Water Resistant UV-Protected Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 9.4
Reviews Included: 1

3. ABCCANOPY Waterproof Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 9.2
Reviews Included: 5

4. G4Free Fabric Ventilating Pop Up Shade, 4-Person

Overall Score: 9.1
Reviews Included: 1

5. Monobeach Infant UPF 50+ Pop Up Shade & Pool

Overall Score: 9.0
Reviews Included: 8

6. UMARDOO 4-Pole Water Resistant Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.9
Reviews Included: 1

7. KEUMER Camping Pop Up Shade, 4-Person

Overall Score: 8.8
Reviews Included: 1

8. MASTERCANOPY UV Coated Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

9. Quik Shade Polyester Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 4

10. Coleman Vented Roof Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

11. Eurmax Fire Retardant Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 4

12. EAGLE PEAK Adjustable Height Folding Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 5

13. CROWN SHADES Struggle-Free Setup Pop Up Shade

Overall Score: 8.7
Reviews Included: 6

More to Explore

Former aircraft engineer Jim Lynch invented the first modern collapsible canopy in 1983. Lynch went on to establish the Denver, Colorado, company KD Kanopy, which produces heavy-duty commercial-grade canopies and owns multiple patents on variations of pop-up shelters.

More to explore