We tested 21 popular models to find the best shade for beach days.
We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Spring Tent
If you're looking for a way to stay safe and shaded from UV rays while you’re at the beach (not to mention relax while enjoying a little sun, sand, and sea), a beach shade is worth the investment. Popular options like canopies, tents, and umbrellas might seem like a hassle to carry, but many models these days are lightweight and can be carried on your back or by hand.
“A quality canopy will add hours of enjoyment to camping, fishing, festivals, and events by providing occasional escapes from the sun,” says Jim Browder, a travel expert and executive director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority.
To help you find the best beach shade products, we tested 21 beach canopies, tents, and umbrellas and assessed them on portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and overall value. We also spoke to Jim Browder, a travel expert and executive director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority on how to pick the right beach canopy for your next trip.
It’s easy to carry and comes with sandbags and stakes to hold it in place.
It would be nice if there were pegs for the front flap.
We put the Oileus 4-Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter at the top of our list because of its portability and how easy it is to set up on the beach. It’s impressively lightweight and folded down into a very compact size and shape that could easily be thrown into a large beach bag. We also thought it was much easier to assemble than most other tents or beach umbrellas—once you extend the legs, just pull the cords on top and it will pop into place.
Judging from the size of the package, we at first thought it was going to be on the small side, but surprisingly, it proved to be quite spacious. We also liked the mesh windows, which you can close to keep bugs or sand from blowing inside. Additionally, there are storage pockets inside where you can store sunscreen, books, or other knick-knacks.
In addition to pegs, the Olieus also comes with six bags that you can fill with sand or rocks to keep the tent stable. We found that it was very stable in the wind even without the anchors, so we feel confident it’ll hold up well and won’t blow away during especially breezy days. Unfortunately, the extendable flat at the front does not have pegs, so you may have to put something heavy on top of it to make sure it doesn’t flap around.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Polyester | Size: 92 x 45 x 45 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 4 people
This shade is impressively wind-resistant and features an open design.
It has a hefty price tag.
If you’re looking for a super lightweight shade for your next beach excursion, the Shibumi Shade is worth checking out. It weighs just four pounds and requires zero tools to set up—the entire setup (and takedown) process took under three minutes. Even if you're setting the Shibumi by yourself, it shouldn't be too hard. That being said, putting it back in the bag proved a little tricky since we didn’t want the poles to rip the shade.
In terms of design, this canopy is waterproof and comes with UPF 50+ sun protection. It offers 150 square feet of shade, which is enough cover for 5 to 6 people. Unlike typical beach tents, the Shibumi Shade features a completely open design, so you have a 360-degree view and can feel the breeze from all directions. We were delighted that the Shibumi Shade stayed secure and did not blow away, even in high winds. In fact, we didn’t even need to adjust it throughout the day, which was surprising.
The biggest downside, though, is the extremely high price. While it’s undeniably a fabulous product that should hold up well for many years, it’s best for people who spend a lot of time at the beach—casual beach-goers probably can’t justify the high price.
Price at time of publish: $290
Material: Recycled polyester, hard-anodized aluminum | Size: 27 x 4 x 4 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 5-6 people
This umbrella has a weighted base that anchors it in the sand.
It has a lot of extra accessories, so is not the most portable.
The beachBub All-In-One Beach Umbrella Umbrella got perfect marks across the board for its design, quality materials, and large size. The beachBUB is not the lightest nor the most portable beach umbrella because it comes with a lot of setup accessories, including a sand scoop and gopher tool. Still, it’s compact enough to fit in the back of the car, and it comes with a padded shoulder strap so you can carry it comfortably across the beach.
It’s surprisingly wind-resistant for a beach umbrella, thanks to a weighted base that anchors it about one foot in the sand. The manufacturer claims that it can withstand winds up to 44 miles per hour, and we think this is accurate—once the pole is in the ground, it’ll take a lot to blow it over.
Once you follow the instructions, setting it up is easy. Our first time setting it up took about 15 minutes, but once we got the hang of it we were able to set it up in under five minutes (and breaking it down took even less time). Once it’s set up it looks like a straightforward beach umbrella, although we like that it comes with towel hooks to hang your towel. It’s available in five colors including blue, red, lime green, and yellow.
Price at time of publish: $157
Material: Polyester | Size: 48.2 x 6.8 x 6 inches | Weight: 9 pounds | Capacity: 2-3 people
This cabana has a detachable side wall that provides extra shade and some privacy.
It’s not the most wind-resistant choice.
When you’re looking for comfort and added sun protection on the beach, the Qipi Beach Cabana is worth considering. The difference between this cabana and a regular canopy is the addition of a detachable side wall that provides extra shade and some privacy. The cabana is made from a thick waterproof canvas material and comes with its own storage bag—although at 10 pounds, it’s definitely heavy and tough to lug around, especially if you have other beach gear to carry. Still, we found it to be easier to manage than other canopies we tested.
While we found the setup and takedown to be smooth, we did have to spend time filling up bags of sand to weigh down the canopy. In addition to the sandbags, the cabana is supported by a long metal pole in the center which helps to keep it in place. Unfortunately, it was knocked over during particularly intense wind gusts. Our observation was that if we removed the side panel, it probably would withstand the wind better. Overall though, we recommend this cabana for its quality materials and ease of use. However, if there are high winds, you need to take the proper steps to ensure it doesn’t blow away.
Price at time of publish: $121
Material: Polyester | Size: 72 x 72 x 90 inches | Weight: 10 pounds | Capacity: 2-4 people
You can zip up the front flap for more privacy.
It was a bit complicated to set up.
For a solo beach trip or small family outing, the WhiteFang 3-Person Beach Tent is the perfect canopy that won't hurt your wallet. Even though it’s about half the price of our Best Overall pick, it has everything you need to stretch out in the shade, including fiberglass rods, steel stakes, sand stakes, guy lines, and three sandbags to keep it from flying away. When we tested the WhiteFang in 10 mph winds, we noted that it did not budge. Plus, we got plenty of air from the three windows, although you also have the option to zip them up if you want more privacy.
This tent really stands out because the front flap has a zip, so you can close and open it like a real tent. This is beneficial when you need privacy to change clothes, diapers, breastfeed, or just take a nap. There is also a storage pocket inside to store your cell phone and other small items. And while it can only fit three people at the most, if you leave the flap open, you might be able to fit one or two more. The only downside is that we found it complicated to set up, so you’ll probably need two people to install it.
Price at time of publish: $50
Material: Polyester | Size: 83 x 55 x 46 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 3 people
It comes in 25 different colors and designs.
The addition of stakes would be helpful to keep the canopy grounded.
When you need extra protection from the sun (more than what your typical beach umbrella can offer), the Neso 1 Beach Tent is a great alternative. What makes this canopy unique is that it relies solely on sandbags to anchor it down, although there are also poles that help hold it up. We tested the Neso 1 Beach Tent in various settings and saw that while the sandbags were ideal to use at the beach, they didn’t work out as well in parks, backyards, and other non-sandy areas because it was hard to find items that were suitable as bag-weight.
This canopy is very lightweight and roomy, and can easily be set up and taken down—with one important caveat. While setup on calm days was fast and easy, setup on windy days proved much more challenging, and took as long as 45 minutes. And in the same vein, it blew over on extremely windy days. Still, it’s made of a super stretchy and durable material that feels high-quality and durable, and provides a good deal of shade. Plus, it comes in 25 different colors and patterns. Overall, we think the Neso 1 offers lots of value, but it would have been nice if it came with extra stakes.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Nylon/lycra blend | Size: 81.8 x 79.9 x 66.1 inches | Weight: 4 pounds | Capacity: 2-4 people
This umbrella is adjustable from all angles.
It’s not the easiest umbrella to set up.
In terms of size, sturdiness, and flexibility, the OutdoorMaster Beach Umbrella gets high marks. This umbrella is made for two people, but we think it can actually accommodate more. It features a solid fiberglass frame and a large shade cover to protect you from harmful UV rays.
We love how adjustable the umbrella is. Not only can you change the height from low to high depending on if you’re lounging on a towel or sitting on a chair, but you can also tilt it at the top to get extra protection as the sun moves. Although it’s mainly designed for beach use, it works well in any backyard, deck, or pool. The umbrella is anchored with a 44-pound sandbag, making it unlikely to blow away unless the winds are very strong (and by that, we mean gale-force winds). Even though it’s large, you won’t find it difficult to carry because it’s surprisingly lightweight and comes with a portable case. Though we didn’t find the instruction manual to be clear, once we figured it out, it only took us a few minutes to set it up.
Price at time of publish: $60
Material: Polyester | Size: 50 x 5 x 4.5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Capacity: 2 people
It’s designed for minimal setup and teardown because it has no poles and no sandbags.
An extendable awning would give this tent more shade.
If you’re the type of person who hates reading instruction manuals or you have small kids with you, you need shade that's ready to use as soon as you arrive. This tent from Pacific Breeze is the perfect tent for that. It has no poles and no bags, which makes setting it up (and taking it down) incredibly simple. Simply pop it open when you’re ready to use, and collapse it when you’re done. And although it does come with stakes, it still took us less than five minutes to get set up.
This waterproof tent performed well on all our tests and was able to stand up to strong winds, despite not being labeled as “windproof”. Once we put the stakes in the ground, this tent didn’t budge. We also appreciated how spacious the inside was, and how much shade it provided. We also liked that the storage pockets were higher up on the wall to better prevent sand from getting mixed up in it. But, it would have been nice if there was a front awning for more shade.
Price at time of publish: $60
Material: Polyester | Size: 86.6 x 49.2 x 47.2 | Weight: 4.45 pounds | Capacity: 3 people
This tent is water-resistant and offers ample protection from the elements.
It’s difficult to get it rolled back up into the carrying case.
Having a tent that’s water-resistant is always a good idea in case of a downpour. With the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana, you can stay safe from the sun and the rain, so your day won’t be ruined by any type of weather. Although it’s listed as water-resistant, we found it to be totally waterproof—after 45 minutes of rain, there were no leaks inside the canopy. We also noticed that the sand under the flooring was completely dry after the storm, leaving us thoroughly impressed.
Not only does this tent provide protection from the elements, but it’s spacious and can comfortably fit two adults with room to spare. It also has three large windows (plus shades) that you can close to keep out the sun. There are also three inner pockets for you to store water bottles, cell phones, or small gear.
Although the tent comes with stakes and sandbags to tether it down, we found that the stakes weren’t very helpful. For the most part, it was the sandbags and sturdy frame that stopped the tent from blowing away in windy weather. It’s also incredibly easy to set up thanks to the pop-up design—just press the hub together and it opens like an umbrella. Overall, we feel this tent offers lots of value for the money, plus offers great shade without feeling too stuffy.
Price at time of publish: $100
Material: Polyester | Size: 96 x 48 x 54 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Capacity: 2 to 3 people
It’s much easier to assemble than typical beach canopies.
It would be nice if it could also stand upright like a regular umbrella.
What do you get when you cross an umbrella and a canopy? The Sport-Brella Premiere Umbrella, of course. This umbrella offers the best of both worlds, with an 8-foot width plus two side flaps and built-in UV protection. It is designed to tilt on one side, offering shade like a canopy, and has a built-in window with a flap cover at the top to increase ventilation. There are even pockets to store snacks and other belongings.
At 7.2 pounds, it's one of the heavier beach umbrellas on our list. Though it has a bag that you can carry it in, the shoulder strap is not padded, so it can get uncomfortable if you’re walking with it for long distances. Installation is very easy, and the umbrella comes with two sets of spikes and a metal center pole to keep it firmly anchored to the ground. In fact, we found that it was a bit challenging to move the umbrella to another location once it was set up. Although the tilted design offers ample protection, we would have preferred if we also had the option to make it stand upright for extra versatility.
Price at time of publish: $64
Material: Polyester | Size: 21.65 x 17.32 x 11.81 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Capacity: 2-4 people
It’s a mini beach umbrella that can attach to most beach chairs.
It’s not very wind-resistant.
Looking for a beach umbrella that is small and compact? Look no further than the Sport-Brella Versa-Brella. Even though it's the smallest beach umbrella we have on our list, it’s still a great option if you’re looking for added sun protection without having to set up a large umbrella. This umbrella features a heavy-duty universal clamp that attaches to square and round surfaces like beach chairs, golf bags, or strollers, and the inside has a UPF 50+ coating for extra sun protection.
It can be adjusted in four ways, including a 360-degree swivel and two push-button hinges, so you can adjust the umbrella at different angles. We also like that it’s portable and can be carried over your shoulder in its carry case or tossed into your bag to take with you on trips. Not to mention, you get 10 square feet of coverage. Because it’s so compact, this umbrella is perfect if you live in a small apartment, or don’t have a lot of storage space. But, like other small umbrellas, it will take more work to manage on breezy days.
Price at time of publish: $28
Material: Polyester | Size: 3.54 x 2.56 x 35.43 inches | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Capacity: 1 person
This umbrella has a built-in table with cup holders.
It’s large and bulky.
When it comes to beach umbrellas, this 7-foot wide Tommy Bahama umbrella is a game-changer. That’s because it has a built-in table with two cup holders right on the umbrella, making beach days even easier. In terms of setup, it has just two pieces: a durable metal stand and a fabric canopy. To install, simply screw the bottom pole into the sand and lock the umbrella shade into place. The table is on the pole and needs no special tools to pop out.
Additionally, you can tilt and adjust it to get the exact coverage you need. It offers enough shade for two people. Plus, there is an air vent at the top of the canopy which increases the umbrella’s wind resistance and makes it stable no matter the weather. We saw firsthand how stable it was in extremely windy conditions—while it initially shook a little bit, it ended up staying put for hours without falling down. Our only issue with this umbrella is that it was bulky to carry and store.
Price at time of publish: $106
Material: Polyester | Size: 77 x 77 x 89 inches | Weight: 4.7 pounds | Capacity: 2 people
Our top pick is the Oileus 4-Person Beach Tent Sun Shelter because it’s super lightweight and easy to carry. It’s also roomy enough for a couple or small family, and comes with sandbags and stakes to hold it to the ground. If you want a cheaper option that’s slightly smaller, consider the WhiteFang 3-Person Beach Tent. It offers shade and UPF protection at half the price.
We acquired 21 popular beach canopies, tents, and umbrellas and put them to the test in real-world conditions. First, we thoroughly inspected each product upon arrival in order to get a sense of the overall quality and construction. Then, we took our shades to the beach, taking note of how portable each product was and how easy it was to set up.
We then enjoyed a day at the beach, keeping each product up for at least 2-3 hours. We evaluated stability, durability, and amount of coverage provided, taking particular notice of how each product responded to wind (and, if applicable, rain). We also evaluated any special features (like storage pockets and windows). Finally, we took down each product and took note of how easy that process was, comparing it to the initial setup.
When it comes to material, going for something light is always better. You want to find a canvas that comes with built-in sun protection and lets air circulate. Ideally, canopies should have at least UPF 50+, which blocks 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, using lightweight materials makes your shade much easier to carry.
Another tip? “If you are using the canopy for camping, consider buying one with a waterproof fabric,” says Jim Browder, a travel expert and executive director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority. Even if you’re not camping, a water-resistant tent or canopy is great for the beach—we recommend the Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Cabana Beach Tent, which kept us dry and protected during a 45-minute rain storm.
The beach is typically breezy, so ensuring your shade won’t fly away is extremely important. Look for shades that come with stakes, guy lines, and/or sandbags to provide stability in windy conditions. All of our top picks come with these features, but we particularly recommend the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Beach Tent for its impressive wind-resistance.
“You want to look for canopies or umbrellas that are at least 75 square feet for two people and 150 square feet for four people,” says Browder. “Beach chairs and recliners are not round, so canopies work best for maximum coverage.” Along with canopies, there are also cabanas and tents on the market that can accommodate 3 to 4 people, plus have the added benefit of some privacy.
While shades are mainly designed for the beach, they can also be used for a range of outdoor activities such as camping, lounging in your backyard, or hanging out at the park. If you want something solely for beach use, an umbrella is your best bet (like the beachBUB All-In-One Beach Umbrella System). Cabanas and tents are a lot more versatile and can easily be set up in other locations.
Sun Ninja Beach Tent: This versatile canopy provides advanced UPF protection and comes in 4-person, 6-person, and 8-person sizes. While it’s great for larger groups, it’s not very wind-resistant.
Blissun 7.2-ft. Beach Umbrella: This inexpensive beach umbrella is versatile and can be used at the beach and in your backyard. However, it does not hold up well in windy weather.
Although the average beach canopy provides more shade than an umbrella, umbrellas have an advantage over canopies because they are easier to adjust. “You can tilt them to the angle you want as the sun shifts throughout the day,” says Browder. But, he says that the Shibumi Shade Canopy is the exception to this.
While canopies come in all colors and designs, “a lighter color attracts less heat,” Browder says.
Depending on the size and features, a beach canopy or tent typically costs at least $50. You can find shades that are cheaper, but most of them won’t come with upgraded features such as window ventilation and built-in tables. Ultimately, “you get what you pay for,” says Browder—and with most of our highest-rated picks costing over $100, we have to agree.
This article was written by Nor’adila Hepburn, a contributing writer for Real Simple. To put together this list, we tested 21 beach canopies, tents, and umbrellas and assessed them on portability, ease of use, performance, durability, and overall value. Nor’adila also received tips from Jim Browder, a travel expert and executive director of the Crystal Coast Tourism Development Authority.
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.
Big Log Cabin By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts.