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The 7 best beach tents in 2024?

by Laura

beach tent
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Are you planning a family day at the beach but dreading the heat, wind and crowds? A beach tent provides a remedy.

Which beach tents are good?

The practical beach tents not only provide pleasant shade, they also protect you from wind, water and sand. They are also a good privacy screen. This also applies to use in the park or in the garden at home.

Avoid buying mistakes:

BeyondSurfing has researched the best beach tents for you at 2024 and explains what you need to look out for when buying one.

The best beach tent 2024:

In a hurry? Our beach tent favorite:

Jack Wolfskin Beach Shelter III*
Why is it better?

  • Unique quick-up system for fast assembly and disassembly
  • Very high sun protection factor
  • Can be completely closed via 2 doors

“Queedo is known for its quality, but that comes at a price. Anyone who values a beach tent that lasts longer than a beach vacation will be happy with this offer for a long time. Simply practical, reliable and superbly finished.” – Sandra Richter (★★★★★)

Beach tent Checklist

  • Suitable for what? Beach tents provide effective protection from the sun, wind, rain and sand. They also serve as privacy screens and provide privacy.
  • Area of application: In addition to the beach, beach tents can be used in many other places in summer, such as parks or gardens.
  • Models: There are many different types of beach tent, which differ in material, design and type of construction.

Also interesting: The most popular beach mats 2024.

These are the top 7 beach tents in 2024

How do we rate? Our experts thoroughly research and evaluate each recommendation. We take into account the most important product features, adherence to quality standards, prices, customer reviews, our own experiences, and much more. Learn more about our process.

Best high-quality beach tent

1. qeedo beach tent Quick Palm

Advantages

  • Unique quick-up system for fast assembly and disassembly
  • Very high sun protection factor
  • Can be completely closed via 2 doors

Disadvantages

  • Poles buckle in strong winds
  • Assembly requires strength
  • No inside pockets in the tent

Conclusion

Quick assembly and disassembly, a sun protection factor of 80, easy transportation and plenty of space make this beach tent a practical companion. The price-performance ratio is right and the two closable mesh windows prove to be practical.

The beach tent material is certified to UV standard 801 with a sun protection factor of 80. This makes it very suitable for small children and babies.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 97% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The tent can be completely closed, which is just as practical for changing clothes as it is for locking up valuables. The base is stable and there is plenty of space inside. As the windows are positioned very high up, no sand penetrates through them. Assembly and dismantling are quick and easy.

Around 1% are neutral about the product, while 2% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The beach tent is not suitable for strong winds as the poles tend to buckle at the joints. The durability of the seams also left something to be desired for some customers. The snap-in mechanism during assembly requires a certain amount of physical strength to work. Apart from the canopy, there are no inner pockets in the tent.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Best budget beach tent

2. outdoorer pop up tent beach tent Zack II

Advantages

  • Builds itself up in seconds
  • Very spacious
  • Lightweight and compact

Disadvantages

  • Dismantling requires some practice
  • Fastening only moderately stable, therefore not suitable in strong winds
  • Sand gets into the tent through the mosquito net in windy conditions

Conclusion

The shell offers a high sun protection factor. With a floor area of 2.45 x 1.45 m, this pop up tent beach is one of the largest pop up models on the market. At the same time, it has a very small pack size and low weight.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 90% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Thanks to the clear instructions, dismantling the beach tent is quick and easy. The beach tent offers enough space for 3 people. It also holds up in windy conditions and does not heat up in the sun.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The main point of criticism from customers is the difficulty of dismantling, which requires some practice. In addition, the wires sometimes bend, making the beach tent difficult or even impossible to use. The attachment of the beach tent is not very stable and cannot withstand very strong winds. In windy conditions, sand also gets into the tent through the mosquito net.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

More beach tent highlights

3. Jack Wolfskin Beach Shelter III

Advantages

  • Very stable, even in strong winds
  • Front can be completely closed
  • Incl. Transport bag

Disadvantages

  • High weight
  • High purchase price

Conclusion

The extremely robust beach tent remains securely in place even in storms. The material is significantly stronger and more durable than many other models. The beach tent is quick to set up and can be easily transported afterwards thanks to the large bag.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 88% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

Customers always praise the fact that the material is much more durable and robust than many other beach tents. Another positive aspect is the quick assembly and easy transportation thanks to the bag supplied. Many also like the pockets on the inside and the subtle color.

Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 6% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

Setting up the beach tent is quite complicated for one person alone and is only easy with two people. The tent is also significantly heavier than many other models. Some customers complained about a strong chemical smell at the beginning.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

4. high peak camping equipment beach tent

Special Offer
High Peak Strandmuschel Sevilla, UV 40 Sonnenschutz, Windschutz mit 4 Sandtaschen, große...*
  • Meshflächen gegen Hitzestau
  • einfacher und schneller Aufbau
  • Sandtaschen, Tragetasche
  • Innentaschen
  • UV 40 Sonnenschutz

Advantages

  • Easy assembly and disassembly
  • Can be stored in the smallest of spaces in a transport bag
  • Inner pocket for personal items

Disadvantages

  • Material not very resilient
  • No windows, therefore no air circulation inside
  • Carrier bag without handle

Conclusion

The spacious beach tent offers plenty of space for 2 people plus their beach utensils. It provides plenty of shade and is coated with a UV 40 protective layer. The beach tent is quick and easy to assemble and disassemble thanks to the enclosed instructions.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 81% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The beach tent is large and offers plenty of space inside. On the other hand, it can be packed very small. The tent can be set up and taken down quickly. It provides effective protection from the sun and is stable.

Around 14% are neutral about the product, while 5% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The material is not very resilient and seams can tear easily. The tent heats up quickly inside when it is warm. Moreover, the air cannot circulate as there are no windows. The UV protection is low when reviewed against other beach tents. The carrier bag has no handle.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

5. WolfWise pop up tent beach tent

Advantages

  • Back can be opened
  • Waterproof and robust material
  • Storage pockets inside for personal items

Disadvantages

  • Frame tends to bend in strong winds
  • Mesh insert on the underside cannot be closed
  • Dismantling requires practice

Conclusion

No assembly is required for the pop up tent beach, it sets itself up in seconds. Folding is quick and easy.

The tear-resistant polyester tent is equipped with sun protection factor 50 and keeps out up to 98% of all harmful UV radiation. The sunlight is also reflected by the silver tent surface. Inside remains. it is pleasantly cool.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 87% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The tent does not heat up even in the blazing sun and remains pleasantly cool inside. The beach tent offers plenty of shade. Opening the back can also support the exchange of air. The tent is easy to set up and take down and has a high quality finish.

Around 5% are neutral about the product, while 7% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.

The tent is not wind-stable and bends if the wind is too strong. Dismantling requires some practice, especially as the instructions are not very helpful. The mesh insert on the underside cannot be closed, so the tent is draughty in windy conditions.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

6. PERFECTHA beach tent sun canopy

Advantages

  • Beach tent in open canopy style
  • Side wall as a windbreak
  • Quick pop-up assembly

Disadvantages

  • Not suitable for strong winds
  • Dismantling relatively complicated

Conclusion

The canopy-style canopy tent offers space for the whole family – including beach equipment. The side wall provides additional protection from wind and sunlight, while the other 3 sides are open.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 78% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The functional beach tent is easy to set up and remains stable even in moderate winds. The side wall provides additional shade. The hard-wearing material is of good quality. Customers particularly praise the practical inside pockets.

Around 9% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The tent cannot withstand strong winds and is generally not very durable. The bars in particular can break easily. Dismantling the beach tent is much more complicated than setting it up.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

7. brace master beach tent

Advantages

  • Quick assembly
  • Protects against sun, wind and light rain

Disadvantages

  • Heat builds up in the tent
  • Only one color available

Conclusion

The multi-person tent from Brace Master is perfect for providing shelter for groups of up to 6 people. It provides good protection from the sun, wind and light rain. The self-supporting construction therefore has the advantage that it can be set up anywhere and quickly. However, dismantling takes some practice.

Customer ratings

What customers say
A full 75% of all customers rate the product as good to very good with four to five stars.

The sturdy beach tent can withstand a lot of strain without sustaining any damage. A small window ensures better air circulation. The beach tent can be set up quickly and folded up small afterwards.

Around 12% are neutral about the product, while 13% rate the product as poor and inadequate.

The air circulation in the tent is not very good and heat quickly builds up inside. The tent is also not very stable in windy conditions. The UV protection is comparatively low.

Click here to go directly to the customer reviews “

Bestsellers: The most popular beach tents

What do others buy? In our bestseller list, we present the TOP 11 most purchased offers. The selection is updated daily.

(**Last update 2024-11-18)

Buy a beach tent:
How to make the right decision

beach tent

Beach tents are great for protecting you and your family from the sun and wind in summer. However, to get the most out of your beach tent, there are a few points to consider when buying it.

Thanks to their versatility, beach tents offer numerous advantages. Its most practical functions include:

  • Protection from the elements: In a beach tent you are safe from the sun, wind and rain.
  • Storing valuables: Valuables such as cell phones and cameras are not only protected from direct sunlight in the beach tent, they also disappear from the view of potential thieves.
  • Privacy: In the beach tent you can change your clothes in peace, breastfeed your baby or let the children take a nap.
  • Storing food and drink: Drinks and food can be stored in the shade and away from the sandy ground.
  • A safe playground for children: children’s sensitive skin is protected from UV radiation in the beach tent.

The semi-open beach tents are therefore primarily used in summer as protection from the sun and wind. They also offer privacy and protection in public places such as the beach.

What to consider when buying a beach tent?

When buying a beach tent, you should first consider the following points to find the right model:

The different types of beach tent?

Different beach tents differ in terms of material, design and type of construction. This optimizes them for different environments and applications.

BeyondSurfing explains the different types and the advantages and disadvantages of each.

1 The typical beach tent

Typical beach tents usually have three closed sides as wind protection and a floor to protect your feet from the hot sand.

There are two different types of beach tent with regard to their structure:

  • Plug-in beach tents

    Beach tents are assembled like an ordinary tent. This is more complicated and time-consuming than with a pop-up. Thanks to the separate poles and tarpaulin, however, the pack size is very small.

  • Throwing beach tents

    Throw beach tents or pop-ups are simply unpacked and then set up by themselves. Only the pegs still need to be attached or the sand bags filled to weigh them down.

    The disadvantage is their usually large pack size. Folding up the tent after use can also take some time.

Good to know: Traditional beach tents are above all lightweight and breathable. They should offer sufficient protection from the sun and wind in warm weather on the beach without getting stuffy inside.

2 Other types of beach tents

In addition to the typical beach tent, there are other types of beach tents that may be more suitable depending on their use:

  • Beach Canopys

    Unlike classic beach tents, canopies have no floor and often only one wall. They are usually larger than beach tents and therefore offer space for a larger number of people. They often work according to the pop-up system and are therefore quick and easy to set up.

  • Gazebos

    These robust tents are made of heavier materials than beach tents. They are therefore more difficult to transport and often have a more complex structure. They are very stable and can withstand strong winds.

  • Cabanas

    A larger version of the beach tent, with plenty of space for the whole family. They usually have four walls instead of just three, so they offer more protection from wind and rain. They are often equipped with additional pockets for valuables, and some even have doors for dogs and cats.

The right beach tent size?

beach_shell_size
Size is an important criterion for finding the right beach tent. Most models are designed for families, i.e. for 2 adults and several children.

But it gets even better:

But there are also small ones for one or two people, or larger XXL beach tents for up to 4 adults.

Who and what should go in the beach tent?

Beach tent manufacturers often state how many people they can accommodate. If not, the floor area must suffice as information.

But watch out:

When choosing the right size, bear in mind that there is room not only for your family, but also for any equipment or beach utensils you bring with you.

Also important:

It is also important whether you want to accommodate furniture such as beach chairs and tables. If you have small children, it can be helpful if the tent offers them enough space to play in the shade.

Good to know: The floor area indicates how much ground is covered by the tent. This also includes ropes or pegs. The actual tent area can therefore be smaller!
Is the tent high enough?

In addition to the surface area, the height of a beach tent is also important. This should be at least high enough for you to sit on the floor without hitting your head.

Good to know: If, for example, chairs are to be placed in the beach tent, this must also be taken into account when calculating the required height.

Beach tent material?

what_are_beach_shells

A beach tent is exposed to numerous environmental influences. It has to withstand strong winds, sand, sun and sea salt as well as the animals and people who come into contact with it.

The most important properties of materials for beach tents are therefore their durability, longevity and strength.

At the same time, lightness and breathability are also important. This applies to both the tent material and the poles.

Beach tent frame material?

Most manufacturers use aluminum or steel for the poles. Both are lightweight, yet durable and robust. These materials can even withstand contact with salt water without corroding:

  • Aluminum: Aluminum is even lighter than steel. This makes the beach tent easy to carry and transport.
  • Steel: Steel, on the other hand, has the advantage of being more wind-resistant thanks to its higher weight, but is somewhat heavier than aluminum.

If the beach tent is to be used in stormy places, BeyondSurfing recommends a steel frame.

Material from the tent material?

The outer layer of a beach tent is usually made of polyester or nylon. Both are tear-resistant, durable and water-resistant. The beach tent not only protects you from the sun and wind, but also from the rain.

The best:

A beach tent should be made of breathable materials, especially for use in hot summer, so that air can circulate in the tent and heat build-up is prevented. Windows made of mesh or mesh hybrid are advantageous for this.

Pro tip: If the beach tent is to be used in places other than just the beach, make sure it is made of strong materials, as these may be subject to more wear and tear.

How well does the beach tent protect against wind and sun?

The most important task of a beach tent is to protect you from the sun and wind. To ensure that it can perform this task effectively, there are a few points to bear in mind:

  1. Sun protection factor

    A good beach tent is the best protection from the sun and heat on the beach (besides sunscreen!). One of the most important indicators of this is the sun protection factor specified by the manufacturer. For most models, this is between SPF 30 and 60.

    The higher the sun protection factor, the more effectively the beach tent protects against harmful UV radiation. The beach tent should have at least SPF 50, especially for small children.

  2. Effective wind protection

    It’s not just the wind itself that can be a nuisance on the beach. It often brings with it flying sand and grains that fly into your face. To protect them from this, the beach tent should not be too open in its design. There must be a well-protected retreat that shields you from the wind on several sides.

Note: Color has a decisive influence on UV and sun protection!

Beach tents come in all kinds of colors, often very bright and summery, so that they are easy to find on the beach. However, light colors tend to let a small amount of sunlight through the fabric.

The result:

If you want to be on the safe side when it comes to sun protection, opt for a tent in dark colors.

How easy is the beach tent to use?

When assessing the ease with which a beach tent can be used, two points are important:

1. Easy assembly and disassembly of the beach tent
An overly complicated set-up not only costs nerves, it also means that you and your family are exposed to the sun for much longer. Fortunately, setting up most beach tents takes less than 10 minutes, if that.

The quickest way to set them up is with pop up tent beach tents, which work like throwing tents. This works in just a few seconds.

If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes to assemble a beach tent yourself. The same applies to dismantling, which should also be quick and easy.

2. Easy transportation
Beach tents should be light and compact when folded so that they can be carried easily – especially if you already have your hands full with numerous other utensils on the way to the beach.

The so-called pack size, which most manufacturers specify, describes the size of the beach tent when folded. This will give you an idea of how much space the beach tent will take up during transportation.

Many models also come with a carrying bag, which makes transportation by hand much easier.

You should be able to do both without any major problems so that you don’t waste your day at the beach getting the beach tent ready.

By the way: As far as weight is concerned, the rule of thumb is that beach tents weighing less than 1.5 kg are easy to carry. If they weigh more, it is better to carry them in the car and only for very short distances.

How much can a beach tent or beach tent cost?

beach_shell_costs
A look at the market quickly shows that the price range for beach tents is very wide. Standard models start at just 10 $, for example from discounters such as Aldi or Lidl, and can cost well over 100 $.

The price depends above all on:

  • Size
  • Material
  • Manufacturer

What does the price say about the quality?

The good news is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be the most expensive beach tent. There are some good models in almost every price category that fulfill their purpose satisfactorily.

A sign of quality are well-known manufacturers who offer beach tents in various price categories. The well-known brands include: Wehncke, Jako-o, Explorer, Qeedo, Quechua, Zack, Outdoorer, Explorer and High Peak.

Beach tent tests? Unfortunately, there are no beach tent test reports from Consumer Reports or Öko-Test yet.

Beach tent assembly and disassembly?

Pop up tents are not taken apart, but simply folded up. The folding technique is different for every beach tent. It is therefore best to take a close look at how your model is assembled before setting it up.

Note: Beach tents for assembly are taken apart again like a tent. Simply reverse the assembly process.

The easiest way is to set up a pop up tent beach. Simply follow the steps below:

  1. Loosen the loop around the folded tent.
  2. Throw or shake the tent so that it pops up.
  3. If available, secure the beach tent to the ground with pegs and guy ropes or fill sand into the pockets provided.
  4. Done. The tent is already set up and you can enjoy your day at the beach.

Beach tents with a plug-in system are somewhat more complicated to set up and are similar to pitching a tent. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions here.

Beach tent care?

If you look after your beach tent properly, you can enjoy it for many summers to come. Fortunately, this is not complicated:

  1. It is important to keep the beach tent as dry and clean as possible. To do this, shake them out after each use. This removes sand and loose dirt. Stains can be removed with a damp cloth.
  2. The joints and connecting pieces of the frame should be rinsed briefly with clean water after use and allowed to air dry. Check both the poles and the tent canvas regularly for damage or tears.
  3. Before storing the beach tent, it must be completely dry so that no mold can form. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding storage. This is the best way to prevent damage to the beach tent.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers about beach tents

What is a beach tent?

A beach tent is usually a three-sided open tent for the beach that provides shade and protection from the wind.

What do I need to consider with a beach tent?

Beach tents must be large enough to accommodate the whole family. Secondly, it is important that they are easy to transport, assemble and dismantle.

Where can I buy a beach tent?

Beach tents are available from outdoor and sports stores such as Decathlon, DIY stores and discount stores. Online retailers such as Amazon have the largest selection.

How do I set up a beach tent?

There are two different types of beach tents. Some are set up like normal tents, with poles and tarpaulin. Others are so-called pop ups or throw tents that erect themselves.

How do I put together a throw beach tent?

This is different for every model. It is best to memorize how the beach tent is folded before setting it up so that you can imitate this when taking it down.

What is the best material for a beach tent?

Beach tents should be light, robust and breathable. The best materials are polyester or nylon, with an aluminum frame.

Which beach tent is suitable with a baby?

To use the beach tent with a baby, it should have a high sun protection factor, ideally higher than SPF 50, to protect your baby’s sensitive skin from sunburn.

When are beach tents available at Aldi, Rossmann, Decathlon and Real?

Decathlon and Real always have beach tents in their range. At Aldi and Rossmann, there are seasonal offers that are added to the range from time to time. The best chances are at the beginning of the summer season.

What is the difference between a beach tent and a beach tent?

The terms beach tent and beach tent are usually used interchangeably. Strictly speaking, however, it is only a beach tent if it is open on one side, while beach tents can also be completely closed.

Is there a beach tent without a floor?

The typical beach tent has a floor. However, there are beach tents that only consist of a roof or a roof and a wall, without a floor.

Is there a beach tent for dogs?

Yes, there are beach tents especially for dogs that offer space for just one four-legged friend. Alternatively, you can of course also take your dog with you in a normal beach tent.

Editor's note: The opinions expressed here are those of the author alone. The content has not been endorsed, reviewed, approved, or in any way financially supported by any advertiser. We only include products we believe to be useful. How we work

*Price includes VAT, plus shipping. Customer reviews, prices, delivery times and costs may change in the meantime. By linking to selected online shops and partners, we may receive a small affiliate commission. There are no additional costs for you.

Laura

Beach and snorkeling expert
Laura lives in Greece and couldn't imagine a day without the sea on her doorstep. When she's not writing for BeyondSurfing, she likes to spend her free time on the beach or in the water with snorkeling gear.

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