One of the best parts of this umbrella is that it comes with four hooks on the pole to hang beach towels, clothing, beach bags, or other essentials. The umbrella also comes with two tall can holders, which we love. In general, you should always look for a sand anchor when shopping for a beach umbrella, especially in windy areas, and this is a great option that is easily portable and comes with additional features for storing your items and enjoying your time in the shade.

What makes this different than a traditional beach umbrella? It requires no digging, no sandbags, and no cords. Setup takes less than five minutes and can easily be done by one person. It provides enough shade for up to six adults, which is much more than a traditional beach umbrella. It stays put against strong winds and actually harnesses the power of the wind to stay upright.Innovative features can make or break your beach day. Today, beach umbrellas are available with exciting features like cup holders and tilt mechanisms that keep you covered as the sun moves. While some may find these features unnecessary, others say they are total game changers! Many of the umbrellas we love have additional features to add to the look or convenience of the product. Consider what features may make your life easier before purchasing one of your own. Some umbrellas have hooks on the canopy or pole for hanging towels or beach bags (think: the Aoxun beach umbrella); others have an attached cup holder to keep your cold drink out of the sun and sand.

The Sport-Brella Versa-Brella is an incredibly versatile umbrella designed to offer exceptional sun protection and a bit of temperature control for those long, sun-filled summer days. These personal umbrellas are great for a variety of settings and occasions, easily clamping onto bleachers at sporting events, edges on fishing boats , benches at the park and of course lounge chairs at the beach. Sand anchors increase the stability of your umbrella, especially on windy days. Basic sand anchors manually screw into semi-wet sand and can stand up to decently high winds. More heavy-duty anchors, like the sandbag that comes with the OutdoorMaster beach umbrella, further ensure that your umbrella won't fly away at the first gust of wind. We found that anchors like this were the most durable and effective, but if you don't live in a particularly windy area, you can get away with a simple sand anchor to keep your umbrella upright and perfectly positioned all day long. Sand anchors ensure your beach umbrella doesn't shake or fall over in the wind. For a stable option that anchors right into the stand, we recommend the Aoxun 7-foot beach umbrella. The durable, fade-resistant, and waterproof Oxford fabric canopy can cover your entire body (and a friend's) from the sun with a UPF 50+ rating and a UV-resistant silver coating. If you want something a bit fancier, OutdoorMaster makes a version of its heavy-duty umbrella with an attached cup holder. But you can't go wrong with the original option that comes in tons of colorful striped options that feel perfect for the beach. Plus, it breaks down to fit in a lightweight bag with a convenient, long carrying strap. Overall, we are confident the umbrella is sturdy enough to withstand even the gustiest of beach breezes.

All the Beach Umbrellas We've tested

Canopy: A canopy, also known as a cabana, is a shade that is open on all sides, but still provides sun and rain protection from above. This is a great option for parties or large outdoor gatherings, but they may be a bit more difficult to set up or transport.

One minor issue to note is the umbrella is a bit on the heavier side. If you have a beach wagon for transporting your items, this may not be an issue. Another complaint among users is the fabric can puncture easily and is prone to getting holes. This umbrella base is made of high-quality resin and steel material, it's stable, durable, and can accommodate various umbrella sizes. Plastic, aluminum, and wood are just a few of the materials used to make beach umbrella supports. Plastic stands are lightweight and inexpensive, they could not endure as long as other materials. Although more enduring, metal stands can be hefty and develop rust over time. Wood stands are attractive and durable, but they can be expensive.To test portability, we carried the umbrellas to and from the beach, monitoring the comfort level of the carrying case and strap. We noted which felt awkward versus which had features to increase comfort, like a padded strap. Once arriving, we evaluated the ease of use of the umbrellas, noting if the setup instructions were easy to follow, and how long the entire process took. Promising clear views, 100 square feet of shade, and a hassle-free setup, the Original Beach Shade Cordless is an innovative umbrella alternative that will make other beachgoers envious.