The sun is shining. The temperature is perfect. Beach umbrellas are in. After all, it is summer. And summer means that now more than ever you need to protect yourself from the harsh sun and UV rays.
Here’s the Quick breakdown:
- Best Beach Umbrella Overall
- Best Beach Umbrella Runner Up
- Best Stylish Beach Umbrella
- Best Beach Umbrella Under $100
- Best Beach Umbrella Under $50
- Best Alternative to a Beach Umbrella
- Best Accessories for your Beach Umbrella
- FAQ
Whether you’re going to the beach, the park, or watching a soccer game, having the right sunshade is the number one way you can protect yourself from the UV rays.
One of the downfalls is, however, that the options are endless. Which one to pick? Where to shop? How to know if it protects from UV?
Well, don’t worry. We got you covered.
As a frequent beach goer, we have mapped out the best beach umbrellas to buy ever. We’ll break down which umbrellas are the ones worth buying and which ones you should just flat out ignore.
Hopefully, this beach umbrella review will help steer you in the right direction to find the best one for you.
Best Beach Umbrella Overall
BEACHHUB all in one beach system
With its unique features, you can definitely kiss your umbrella blowing days away. Even though it is on the pricier side, the positives make it well worth it. It’s no wonder this beach umbrella is number 1 on Amazon.
Many people swear by its quality and structure. When this umbrella was first invented it was tested to withstand 25-35mph winds.
The secret is using the sandbag anchor at the base of the beach umbrella. After filling it up with sand the chances of your umbrella flying is very slim.
Pro
- Easy to transport
- Lightweight
- Easy to assemble
- Sturdy & Durable
- 3-year frame warranty
Con
- More expensive than your typical umbrella
Best Beach Umbrella Runner-Up
TOMMY BAHAMA BEACH UMBRELLA 7 FT
Pro
- Sturdy with the wind
- Has a corkscrew in for easy access
- Has a tilt to help the umbrella
- Made of excellent Quality
- Has lasted me more than 2 years already
Con
- A bit more expensive than other umbrellas
When it comes to beach umbrellas, there are plenty of wonderful ones you can take to the beach. However, only a couple of elite ones slide to the top.
They are everything you may be looking for in a beach umbrella. If you’re ready to kiss your umbrellas blowing days away then brace yourself.
Tommy Bahama is known as one of the best overall. It also has everything you could possibly ask for in an umbrella.
I personally have bought a Tommy Bahama Beach Umbrella and I love it. It has definitely been one of the best ones I have ever owned. In my opinion, I would definitely recommend it as they are made of high quality and sturdy.
If you purchase it on Amazon you can definitely get the fast shipping and excellent return policy.
Best Stylish Umbrellas Out There
Mexican Serape Beach Umbrella
Pro
- Very cute patterned design
- 100% UV Protected
- Unique and super stylish
- High-quality print
- Comes with a cute carry case
- Luxury brand
- Help support a small business
Con
- A bit more expensive
- May not have a tilt mechanism
The Mexican Serape Beach Umbrella is perfect for your everyday beach outing. It is 100% UV protected and made with style.
For those who want to get styled umbrellas that are unique and perfect to take to the beach then I highly recommend you consider Shelly Shop Creations on Etsy.
Her designs are cute, unique, and perfect for the beach or any park outing.
Most umbrellas come with the same plain colors and looks, but Shelly’s Shop Creations offers much more than that by creating unique designs to take to the beach.
Vibrant Rose Patterned Beach Umbrella
Pro
- Very cute patterned design
- 100% UV protected
- Unique and super stylish
- High-Quality Print
- Comes with a cute carry case
- Support a smaller business
Con
- A bit more expensive
- Cannot tilt the Umbrella
If you’re looking for a perfectly unique style then do not hesitate with this unique rose-patterned umbrella. Not only is it 100% UV protected but it is also made of high quality.
It is very gorgeous and has a unique style. You no longer have to settle for the plain-looking colors that you usually see. You can easily purchase this one on Shelley’s Shop Creations on Etsy.
Best Beach Umbrella Under $100
MOVTOTOP Beach Umbrella
Pro
- Tilt Mechanism
- UV Protected
- Large Canopy size of 6. 5ft
- Sand Anchor
- Air-vent Design
What I love about the MOVTOTOP beach umbrella is the high-quality type of umbrella it is. It has the tilt mechanism which allows you to adjust the sunshade if you’re spending the whole day at the beach.
It has a large canopy that measures 6.5ft which allows it to get the maximum surface area of shade for you and your family.
I love that it also has an air-vent design allowing you to get air circulation. It is always better to own an umbrella that does have air circulation than the ones that don’t.
Finally, the last and most important thing is that this umbrella has a sand anchor screw-in allowing for maximum stability. Another win-win in my books.
Best Beach Umbrella Under $50
Amnsun Beach Umbrella
Pro
- Economical price
- Large Canopy
- Colorful
- Sand Anchor
- Tilt Mechanism
- UV protected
Con
- Plastic Screw-in Anchor
- Smaller Screw-in Anchor than its competitors
What I love about this beach umbrella is that it is affordable for those on a budget and still made of high quality. With an umbrella screw-in anchor, the stability is 10X better.
My current umbrella has a screw anchor and this has been one of the best things yet.
The AMMSUN large canopy has coverage of 7ft in diameter and the air ventilation is perfect for allowing air to circulate. According to the majority of people who have purchased it have given it mostly 5-star reviews.
Disclosure: I do not own this umbrella because my current umbrella is strong and still with me. This would be a perfect alternative if for whatever reason my current umbrella broke.
Best Alternative to Umbrellas
If a large umbrella is nowhere near your choices or you have yet to find one. Then definitely do not stop to consider other options as well.
You can either go with a beach tent or a smaller version of a beach tent and umbrella known as the Sport-Brella.
This may be what you’re looking for too.
Beach tents are also one of the best things you can bring to the beach on an outing. Not only does it protect you from the harsh rays of the sun but it works just as perfect as a beach umbrella providing you with that privacy that you need if you desire to take a nap or relax.
Be sure to check out our blog of the Top 15 beach tents here. We recommend you check out our blog next time you hit the beach.
Here we list two of our favorite alternatives to beach umbrellas. Check them out below.
Sport-Brella
Pro
- UPF 50+ Protection
- Sand anchor and even ground stakes
- Portable
- Sturdy & Strong
The Sport-Brella is one of the more popular umbrellas for solo people who go to the beach. It is half a beach tent and half umbrella. The cool thing about it is that it looks just like a regular large umbrella but is used mostly on the ground.
If you would rather lay and sit on the beach sand then this is the umbrella for you. I have seen these umbrellas rise in popularity with time. It is perfect for one person or even a couple.
It lays on the ground mostly. Though you can also prop it up as a beach umbrella. Disclosure: I do not own this umbrella, but one of my friends does, and loves it.
The high quality and stability are perfect for that beach day. It has ventilation windows allowing for fresh air to circulate inside. It comes with ground stakes and a sand anchor to prevent it from flying away.
Pacific Breeze Beach Tent
For a breakdown of the best-rated beach tents, check out our blog post here.
The Pros and Cons of getting a beach tent
Pro
- Provides the perfect shade you need at the beach
- The privacy you need to take a siesta on the beach
- 100% UV protection you need at the beach
- Can anchor down a tent in the sand
- Can have a sand-free experience
- Easy and portable tent
Con
- Spacing is a bit more limited
- May blow with a gust of wind
Best Accessories to Buy for your Beach Umbrella
Beach Umbrella Tray Table
Pro
- Can place food and drinks
- Keep everything sand-free
- Easy to put on your beach umbrella
With the Sunnydaze Outdoor beach tray table, you have the convenience of placing your water bottle, drinks, and any other things. It sits on your umbrella stand to keep your drinks from getting any sand.
Of course, if you do have the beach chairs with the cup holders then go for those. If not then be sure to keep your drinks sand-free with this.
A Beach Umbrella Sand Anchor
The purpose of the beach umbrella sand anchor is to firmly secure your umbrella down. It pretty much keeps it from flying away. There are two kinds of sand anchors that I have seen.
The first is the screw-in anchor. Some umbrellas have already been built with them, such as the Tommy Bahama one.
Having lived in Florida and California, I can assure you that I encountered more compacted sand in Florida. The sand anchor has definitely been a blessing to be able to screw-in the umbrella pole.
So if your beach umbrella does not have the pole then make sure you have one. It will be worth it.
The second type of sand anchor is the sandbag fill up kind. DO NOT USE THIS WITH A SAND ANCHOR. Disclosure: I personally do not have one, but I heard many positive things about these two.
The only difference is that you manually fill up the base with sand to keep it stable.
The weight of the sand keeps the beach umbrella grounded. A win-win. If you want a more secure umbrella base then look into getting a sand anchor.
If you do decide to get one, let me know how you like. I am curious to see how well this works.
Beach Umbrella Towel Hook
Pro
- Keeps your towels and other things dry
If you are a frequent beach go-er then I highly recommend a towel hook. You can easily place this on your umbrella pole and dry or hang your wet towels there.
Since most of the time, I never know where to place beach towels, this may be the best thing. If you have the same problem as I do, our beach chairs are usually used and sand ends up getting on them anyways!
Try this out as an alternative to hanging your beach towels.
FAQ
What is the best beach umbrella?
There are plenty of great umbrellas out in the market. It really depends on you and what exactly you’re looking for. Look for one that is sturdy and wind-resistant.
Remember, it is more important to buy quality over quantity. In essence, an umbrella that does all three is usually the best one. Make sure you take the time to do your research and find the one that fits your needs.
How do I keep my beach umbrella from flying away?
Trust me we have all been there. Our beach umbrella picks up a gust of wind and before you know it’s flying over to your next-door neighbor.
There are a couple of things you can do to keep your umbrella from flying.
One of the most common is to ground your umbrella with a sand-anchor type of base. If your umbrella doesn’t already come with a sand base, you can always purchase it separately. They help ground your umbrella and keep it safe from flying away.
There are two different kinds of beach umbrella sand anchors you can purchase to securely tie down your umbrella.
The first is the screw-in sand anchor option and the second is the sandbag anchor option. See beach accessories to learn about each of those. Find the beach option for yourself.
The final option is to buy a good umbrella that comes with the required base needed to keep your umbrella from flying. Certain umbrellas are already made to withstand strong winds and thus are built that way.
So invest in a good beach umbrella and who knows, it may be the last one you ever buy.
How much are beach umbrellas?
Beach umbrellas can range anywhere from $20-$500 in value range. Though of course, before buying the cheapest umbrella you can find, you need to ask yourself certain questions!
Do you want an umbrella built with quality?
Do you want an umbrella to last you many years or one that may break soon after?
Does the umbrella protect you from the harsh UV rays of the sun?
Will the umbrella your purchasing withstand the strong winds of the beach?
Does your umbrella have that tilt it needs to keep you well shaded when the sun moves?
Do you need an umbrella just for yourself or for your family too?
These questions are more important to consider before you dish out some mula! Making sure you find a good quality umbrella that doesn’t everything you want it to does take some time.
Once you know what kind of umbrella you’re looking for then it will be much easier choosing the right fit for you.
Don’t be that person that buys an umbrella every summer because the one they bought the year before broke on them. Trust me, there are a lot of umbrellas that cannot withstand the winds or the uses.
Buy one with good quality and proper intent. Good luck on your umbrella hunting days!
Can you take an umbrella on an airplane?
Yes and no. Most Airlines require you to check it in as baggage. You can check-in and umbrella along with your luggage if you’re traveling. You cannot, however, take it with you as a carry-on since it does not meet the required dimensions needed for a carry-on.
Just think about it, can you really imagine taking an umbrella with you as a carry-on. Of course not. But definitely be sure you research the airline you will be traveling to ahead of time and arrange to check in your bag if you need to.
Luckily for you, if you do not want to take an umbrella or check it in as luggage there are other options. Most Beaches like Florida and California for example have a lot of rental options.
You can rent anything from beach chairs to beach umbrellas for the day. This is not only convenient because the less luggage you have to check-in the better.
Florida and California beaches have many rental locations you can check out if you plan on traveling to any of these places soon.
Conclusion
Summer is here. Which means you need to dig out that portable beach umbrella. Whether it’s in your closet, room, or storage you may need to dig it out soon.
If you don’t have one then NOW is the best time to invest in one. With the summer heatwave in full swing, you can definitely benefit to catch some shade.
Having the proper umbrella to fulfill your needs takes some research and time. Of course, we are not saying that you need to have the perfect beach umbrella either!
What we are saying is to take the time to find the right one to last you many summers.
Don’t be fooled by cheap flimsy umbrellas anymore. Growing up my mother was a victim of them. She learned not to be after some time and so did we.
Since upgrading, I have never gone back to purchasing the flimsy, cheap umbrellas that would break season after season.
There are plenty of umbrellas that hit the price range that you are looking for. Find the one that fits YOUR NEEDS. Perhaps having a larger family may mean purchasing an umbrella with a larger canopy size.
Maybe you’re the only traveler that goes to the beach often and having a smaller one may be the one you’re looking for.
Whatever the reason is to be sure you find the best one for you and your family. What beach umbrella do you take in summer?
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