A beach vacation without sun protection can quickly become dangerous. There is a risk of sunburn and dehydration. Sunshades for the beach are a good way to protect yourself.
But it gets even better:
With a beach umbrella, you have a cool, shady spot on the beach all to yourself. At the same time, you can use it to mark your spot on the beach and keep your utensils together.
Avoid buying mistakes:
There is now a large selection of beach umbrellas. BeyondSurfing has spent over 53 hours researching for you and presents the best parasols for the beach 2024.
The best beach umbrella 2024?
Content
In a hurry? Our favorite beach umbrella:
- Parasol can be converted into a windbreak
- Very good stability and high light protection factor (UV 80)
- Large sunshade with ventilation slits, viewing window and inner pockets
- Carrying bag, pegs and guy line included
Beach umbrella checklist
- Protection: Beach umbrellas protect you from sunburn, heat and dehydration.
- Transportation: Portable beach umbrellas are easy to transport and can be taken along on every beach trip.
- Size: Large beach umbrellas offer enough space for the whole family.
Also interesting: The best beach mats 2024.
These are the top beach umbrellas in 2024
The best beach umbrella for maximum sun protection
1. homecall beach umbrella
Advantages
- Windbreak
- Stability
- High sun protection factor (UV 75+)
- Beach shell alternative
- Includes pegs and guy line for fastening
- Large umbrella
- Ventilation window
- Carrying bag included
Disadvantages
- No floor
- Plastic pegs can only be used on sand
Summary
A well thought-out parasol that can also be used as an alternative to a beach shell. The HOMECALL beach umbrella can either be set up like a regular parasol, or the two corners can be folded out and the umbrella becomes a beach shell.
The 270 cm wide sunshade protects you from wind, sun and swirling sand. Thanks to the high UV 75+ sun protection factor, you don’t have to worry about sunburn under the sunshade.
The Sombrello is secured with pegs and a guy line. Both are easy to attach and provide stability on sandy beaches.
The sunshade has many useful integrated windows for ventilation. So it doesn’t get too hot under the parasol.
Also included is a carrying bag in which the sunshade can be transported. The Sombrello does not have a floor, but you can simply place a sleeping mat or towel underneath.
Conclusion
A sturdy parasol that is a great alternative to a beach shell.
Product details
Canopy width: 270 cm | Total weight: approx. 4.5 kg | Pack size: N/A | Sun protection factor: UV 75+ | Material: Oxford polyester/ silver coating | Accessories: guy line, pegs, sports bag | Color: green/ blue/ grey
Customer ratings
Customers are completely satisfied with this parasol. They are convinced by the concept of a parasol and beach shell in one and state that the parasol is easy to set up. Customers also praise the stability of the sunshade in windy conditions.
5% gave the product 3 stars and 12% gave it a lower rating. Some reviews criticize the quality of the fabric used and the pegs.
FAQ
The best all-weather beach umbrella
2. sportBrella all-weather parasol
Advantages
- Side flaps increase protection from sun and wind
- Air holes and windows for good ventilation
- Pegs for fastening to the ground to prevent blowing away
Disadvantages
- Very thin stand, potential risk of breakage
- Angle to the sun cannot be adjusted
Summary
The SportBrella beach umbrella can almost be described as a beach shell due to its unique design. It opens like an umbrella, but offers full protection from the sun, wind and rain thanks to side flaps.
The wind holes and zippered windows allow good ventilation. There are pockets on the inside where you can easily store valuables and beach items.
The material of the sunshade is water-repellent and has UPF 50+ sun protection thanks to its metal coating. Pegs for attaching to the ground and a practical carrying bag with shoulder strap are included.
Conclusion
SportBrella offers comprehensive protection against all weather conditions and a high sun protection factor. Its easy transportation, assembly and disassembly make the beach umbrella the best choice for a relaxing day at the beach!
Product details
Diameter: 240 cm | Canopy height: 138 cm | Weight: 4.1 kg | Pack size: approx. 140 x 10 x 10 cm | USF: 50+
Customer ratings
The sunshade is easy to transport and simple to set up. It stands securely even in strong winds. It is well made and offers a high level of UV protection. It provides enough shade to easily accommodate 2 adults and 1 child.
Around 4% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The pole of the umbrella is very thin and therefore becomes slightly loose in the ground. As the sunshade is designed like a beach shell, the angle to the sun cannot be changed.
FAQ
Further highlights
3. sekey parasol
Advantages
- Height-adjustable and tiltable
- Easy assembly and disassembly
- Good price-performance ratio
Disadvantages
- Not windproof
- Low UV protection
- No cover or bag supplied
Summary
The pole of the parasol consists of 2 parts that are connected by a robust swivel joint. This allows the sunshade to be bent and adjusted in height as required.
The cover is made of weather-resistant polyester with a thickness of 160 g/m². It is also covered with a valance and has a ribbon edging. The sunshade is easy to set up and take down and can be stowed away to save space.
Conclusion
One of the cheaper umbrellas in this list, which nevertheless offers numerous adjustment and tilting options. Due to the low UV protection (USF: 25), particularly good in low sunlight.
Product details
Diameter: 200 cm | Canopy height: 205 cm | Weight: 2.5 kg | Pack size: 127 x 9 x 9 cm | USF: 25+
Customer ratings
Customers are impressed by the quality of the parasol. It is stable, well made and effectively keeps out the sun. The firm fabric cover is available in beautiful colors. A particularly practical feature is that the sunshade can be bent in different directions. All in all, a convincing price-performance ratio.
Around 7% are neutral about the product, while 11% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The main criticism from customers is that the umbrella is not storm-proof. Gusts of wind cause the sunshade to collapse or fold over. In the worst case, struts break or the tip of the canopy tears off. The UV protection of the sunshade is comparatively low. There is no cover or bag.
FAQ
4. doppler active parasol
Advantages
- Height-adjustable and tiltable
- High UV protection
- Waterproof and rot-proof
Disadvantages
- No stand or bracket included in delivery
- Umbrella turns in the wind
- Velcro fastener on the cover visually unattractive
Summary
The Doppler parasol has a height-adjustable and tiltable stand that can be individually adjusted depending on the position of the sun. The frame is made of sturdy tubular steel in anthracite and coated with epoxy.
The cover is made of rot-proof polyester. It is made in one piece to keep out rain and prevent water from passing through.
The parasol also has high UV protection with SPF 50+. A stain-resistant impregnation keeps the sunshade clean.
Conclusion
Do you need a robust and weatherproof sunshade that can be flexibly adjusted? Then you’ve come to the right place. Please note, however, that the umbrella does not come with a stand.
Product details
Diameter: 225 x 120 cm (rectangular) | Canopy height: adjustable up to 253 cm | Weight: 4.1 kg | Pack size: approx. 181 x 11 x 11 cm | USF: 80
Customer ratings
The sunshade is very easy to open and close. It is stable and can withstand any weather. This means it can also be used as rain protection without any problems. The high-quality materials are well made.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 4% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
There is no umbrella holder included and the manufacturer does not offer one in the right size. The sunshade rotates in windy conditions and must be secured accordingly. The Velcro fastener, which holds the umbrella together when closed, hangs down unattractively when opened.
FAQ
5. sunphio beach umbrella
Advantages
- Height and angle individually adjustable
- Stable thanks to sand anchor and additional pegs
- UV and waterproof fabric
Disadvantages
- Handle on carrier bag can tear
- Thin fabric
Summary
The lightweight beach umbrella from Sunphio consists of an extremely strong, 3-layer carbon fiber frame. Even strong winds cannot bend it.
The sunshade consists of 4 layers, 2 of which have special UV coatings for UPF 50+. The additional layers prevent abrasion of the fabric and increase the service life of the sunshade. The 210D Oxford fabric is waterproof.
The telescopic pole can be tilted through 360°. The height and angle of the sunshade can be individually adjusted to the position of the sun. The sunshade is securely fastened to the ground using a sand anchor.
Alternatively, a second metal ground socket is supplied, which is intended for use on grass. The equipment also includes several sand hooks, which can be used to make the umbrella additionally storm-proof using specially attached hooks.
The delivery also includes a large carrying bag with shoulder strap and additional side pocket.
Conclusion
The top recommendation for anyone looking for a highly adjustable and customizable parasol at an acceptable price and with good stability.
Product details
Diameter: 180 cm | Canopy height: 130 – 184 cm | Weight: 3.2 kg | Pack size: approx. 117 x 9 x 11.5 cm | USF: 50+
Customer ratings
The high-quality sunshade is well worth the money thanks to its high quality and durability. It has many adjustment options and can be tilted to adapt to the position of the sun. It is windproof and stable. The bag is practical for transportation.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 8% rate the product as poor and inadequate.
The handle on the carrying bag broke after a short time for some customers. Some also found the fabric too thin and not sturdy enough.
FAQ
6. AosKe Portable parasol
Advantages
- Low weight due to aluminum rods
- High UV protection and effective blocking of the sun’s rays
- Tiltable and height-adjustable
Disadvantages
- Tilt mechanism difficult to operate
Summary
The outdoor umbrella in dark or light blue is extremely light thanks to its aluminum frame. The material is rustproof.
The height of the aluminum pole is infinitely adjustable and it can be tilted. It can be rotated 360° to adjust the sunshade to the position of the sun. The lower end of the pole is fitted with a triple anchor that is driven into the ground. This keeps the sunshade stable and secure.
Air holes at the top of the sunshade ensure good ventilation. A bag with carrying strap for transportation is included.
Conclusion
One of the lightest parasols and therefore perfect if you travel a lot with it. The holder is suitable for both sand and grass.
Product details
Diameter: 200 cm | Canopy height: 237 cm | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Pack size: N/A | USF: 50+
Customer ratings
The parasol is very easy to transport thanks to its low weight and practical carrying bag. Setting up and changing the position is simple. The sunshade effectively keeps out the sun and does not let any heat through. He stands securely.
Around 6% are neutral about the product, while 10% rate the product as inadequate and insufficient.
The anchoring in the ground is not very stable. Without additional fastening, the beach umbrella can quickly fly away. The tilting mechanism is difficult to operate.
FAQ
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Bestseller: The most popular beach umbrellas
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(**Last update 2024-12-03)
Buy beach umbrellas:
How to make the right decision
Parasols are still the most popular way to protect yourself from the sun and heat on the beach.
But watch out:
To do this successfully, a parasol for the beach must meet a number of criteria.
Avoid buying mistakes:
BeyondSurfing explains what to look out for when buying a beach umbrella and how to find the right model for you.
Although beach umbrellas can be hired at most vacation resorts, this can be just as expensive as buying your own umbrella for a week. You can also use your own umbrella at home after your vacation and on other excursions.
What you need to consider when buying a beach umbrella
When choosing a beach umbrella, you should consider the following factors:
- Weather resistance
- UV protection
- Durability
- Portability
- Stability
- Design
- Price
How weatherproof is the beach umbrella?
Sunshades are exposed to numerous weather influences on the beach. To withstand sun, wind and salt water, the sunshade must be made of weatherproof materials.
Protection against rust?
Contact with salt water increases the risk of the sunshade rusting. To prevent this and increase the service life of the umbrella, a rustproof coating is necessary.
There are several ways for manufacturers to make their parasols rust-resistant:
- a special coating,
- a spray against rust,
- a powder coating treatment that also protects the metal against dents.
Protection from rain and sunlight?
How effectively an umbrella protects against the weather depends not only on its material resistance but also on its size.
The rule is: larger screen = larger protected area.
However, this should not lead to the conclusion that larger umbrellas are better in all circumstances. Why?
Depending on who and how many people are to be accommodated under the sunshade, a smaller model may well be sufficient.
A deeper umbrella also offers more protection, as less rain or sun can penetrate from the side.
On the other hand, a lower canopy means potentially poorer visibility, as the canopy extends further down and restricts your field of vision.
How well does the beach parasol protect against UV radiation?
The main purpose of a beach umbrella is to protect you from the sun. A high sun protection factor is therefore important.
In the case of textiles, we speak of the USF, the UV protection factor. It indicates what percentage of UV radiation a textile lets through.
USF for sunshades:
For beach umbrellas, the USF can range from 15 to 50+. A distinction is made between three categories:
- USF 15 to 24: Good UV protection (blocks 93-95% of UV radiation)
- USF 25 to 39: Very good UV protection (blocks 96-97% of UV radiation)
- USF 40 to 50+: Best UV protection: (blocks 97.5 to 98% of UV radiation)
What protection factor is recommended for parasols?
The difference between the various percentages may not seem large at first glance, but it can make a big difference over time.
Why is this important?
With “good” UV protection, for example, you can still get sunburnt.
BeyondSurfing recommends: For effective protection, choose a beach umbrella with at least USF 40. For sensitive skin or children, you should opt for the highest protection with USF 50+.
How durable is the parasol?
A good parasol should be able to be used for several years. The actual shelf life is influenced by several factors:
- Number of moving parts
- Material
- Quality of workmanship
Compactness or durability?
Compact umbrellas, which can be folded up relatively small, have a higher number of moving parts.
The following applies: Compactness makes transportation easier, but always means a loss of durability.
Durable materials
The poles of beach umbrellas are usually made from one of three materials:
- Fiberglass: most durable, as least risk of breakage under load
- Steel: resistant to strong winds, but heavy weight
- Aluminum: also resistant to wind, but lighter than steel
Cover material
The sunshade cover is usually made of canvas or polyester. Both offer high UV protection and effectively block light. However, polyester is the lighter of the two fabrics.
How easy is it to transport the beach umbrella?
To be able to take the parasol to the beach without too much trouble, it must be easy to transport. Relevant for this are:
- the weight
- and the pack size.
1 The umbrella must not be too heavy
If the glider has to be carried over a long distance, a few kilos more or less can make a big difference.
It is essential that you pay attention to the total weight of the glider. Especially if you have to transport the umbrella on foot, it should not be too heavy.
2 The pack size depends on the linkage
The pole of the parasol is often telescopic or can be divided into several parts. This saves space when packing. In such cases, the packing size depends on the length of the canopy radius.
The smaller the pack size, the easier it is to transport the parasol.
How secure is the beach umbrella?
The beach umbrella should stand securely and not collapse even in windy conditions. In sand, this works best with a ground spike or sand anchor.
Beach umbrella with ground spike
In simple terms, a ground spike is a sharpened rod that is driven or screwed into the ground. This gives the sunshade a secure stand.
A ground spike usually has to be purchased separately. With some beach umbrellas, however, it is directly integrated.
Own carrying bag helps with transportation
Some beach umbrellas are supplied with a matching carry bag. This usually has a shoulder strap so that the umbrella can be carried comfortably.
Please note: If you purchase a ground spike separately, make sure that the size matches the sunshade. The ground spike must be suitable for the pole diameter of the sunshade.
Additional protection with pegs
Are you using the sunshade in a very windy place or simply want a little more security?
Many sunshades have eyelets on the cover that can be used to attach them to the ground with ropes and pegs.
Watch out: Make sure there are appropriate hooks on the parasol to attach the pegs. In some cases, the pegs and rope are already supplied.
What is the best beach umbrella design?
Basically, 2 types of parasols can be distinguished, which differ in their design:
- Market umbrella: The classic parasol with the pole in the middle.
- Traffic light parasol: The stand is located on the side of the parasol to be less in the way.
Which one is better?
Ampel umbrellas potentially provide more usable shade. Nevertheless, there are very good umbrellas of both types.
Color of sunshades?
You have a wide choice of colors for parasols. From discreet and unobtrusive to colorful and cool, you can fully express your personal taste.
However, you should bear a few points in mind when choosing a color:
- Darker colors are better at absorbing the sun’s rays and are therefore less glaring.
- Light colors heat up less in the sun.
- Eye-catching colors or patterns are easier to find on the beach.
Pro tip: Regardless of the color, make sure the surface is reflective to ward off the sun’s rays.
What is the price of the beach umbrella?
The prices for beach umbrellas vary widely. They range from $10 to over $600.
Is the price in proportion to the quality?
Very expensive models are usually made to withstand all weathers. In addition to sunshine, this also includes heavy rain and wind. They are also very durable.
Nevertheless, you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good umbrella:
Mid-priced models, between around 20 and 100 $, are not designed for extreme conditions, but they do a very good job with normal use on the beach and will last you a long time.
Watch out for cheap models:
You should only be careful with very cheap models, such as sunshades from discount stores. These often do not last long and have to be replaced after a very short time.
Well-known brands and manufacturers promise good quality
To make sure you get good quality for your money, you can choose one of the renowned brands. Well-known parasol manufacturers are:
Doppler, Sekey, Glatz, Wondershade
Beach umbrella tests by Consumer Reports and Öko Test
Consumer Reports conducted a test with 15 parasols in 2010. They tested for:
- Stability,
- Simplicity of use and
- Longevity.
The best test result was “Good”, which was achieved by the beach umbrellas from Glatz, Schneider, Ikea, Praktiker and Doppler(source).
The best beach umbrellas:
The umbrellas from Glatz and Schneider scored best, but also cost between 250 and 495 $.
However, inexpensive models also performed well:
The Doppler Alu Pro is in between with 170 $ and good adjustment options.
It gets even better:
The Karlsö umbrella from Ikea and Outdoor Reynosa from Praktiker have fewer adjustment options, but are much more affordable at prices between 69 and 80 $.
Cleaning of beach and sun umbrellas
The parasol comes into contact with the elements a lot on the beach. It should therefore always be cleaned after every visit to the beach.
Proceed as follows when cleaning beach umbrellas:
- Shake out the sunshade to remove sand and coarse dirt; alternatively, you can clean the sunshade with a fine-bristled brush.
- Mix warm water with detergent** and apply this to the screen with a soft brush or sponge.
- Leave the soapy water to work for 15 minutes.
- Rinse the screen with a garden hose until the soap is removed.
- Leave the umbrella to dry in a shady place.
**Note: Instead of soapy water, you can alternatively wipe the screen with vinegar water.
Important: Always make sure that the sunshade is completely dry before you put it away. If the sunshade is stored wet, mold will form.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions and answers
What shapes and sizes are beach umbrellas available in?
Are there folding and collapsible beach umbrellas?
Where can you buy beach umbrellas?
Do beach parasols protect against UV rays?
Conclusion: The most popular parasols reviewed
With the right beach umbrella, you can relax and enjoy the summer without worrying about sunburn.
With BeyondSurfing comparison and buying guide you are guaranteed to find the right model.
Do you still have questions? Then don’t hesitate to write to us!
Specialist literature, sources & further links
You can find more information on this topic here:
- Consumer Reports: https: //www.test.de/Sonnenschirme-Ab-69-Euro-gut-beschattet-1859192-0/
Note: BeyondSurfing is not responsible and is not liable for the content of external websites.
*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.
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