In order to enjoy the summer months to the fullest, you want the best beach canopy possible by your side. Giving you a chance to cool down and protect your skin, they are an indispensable part of summer months for any occasion such as birthdays, parties, or a family barbeque.
In order to get the best beach shade, there are some key features that you need to take into consideration before your purchase such as the size of the canopy, wind protection, set up, and UV rating.
In order to make it as easy as possible for you, we have created a buying guide to explain all of those key features and also completed beach canopy reviews to provide you a list of the Best Beach Canopies in 2020. Once you have finished reading, you’ll know exactly what you need.
OUR TOP PICK
Coleman Instant Pop-Up Beach Canopy
Summary
One of the best sun canopies for beach, it only takes three minutes to set up Coleman Instant Pop-Up Beach Canopy, a record time given the overall size of the canopy. Offering you the highest level of sun protection to guard against UV rays, the entire beach sunshade comes in a wheeled carry bag to ensure that it is highly portable.
We love the UVGuard material, which offers UPF 50+ sun protection even in the hottest months of the year. The overhanging eaves, on the other hand, provide even more shade for extended groups. The vented roof releases the trapped heat for a cooler atmosphere underneath.
This beach shade canopy provides 169 sq. ft. of shade. Coleman offers a 1-year limited warranty if you are not satisfied. The one-piece frame enables fast and compact storage in minutes when not in use. Thanks to the heavy-duty 150D canopy, you will enjoy your celebrations, even more, this summer.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Sturdy 28mm one-piece steel frame
· Wheeled carry bag for effortless transportation
· Provides 50+ UV Guard sun protection
· The shaded area is 13 by 13 feet
· Releases trapped heat
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 49.2 x 11 x 9 inches
Product weight: 2.88 ounces
EDITORS CHOICE
Neso Tents with Sand Anchor Beach Canopy
Summary
With remarkable features such as highest quality nylon and Lycra blend, aluminum poles that are rustproof, and patented reinforced corners, Neso Tents with Sand Anchor Beach Canopy is clearly one of the best pop up tents beach on the market. It also comes with a compact shoulder carrying bag.
This periwinkle blue canopy for beach is water-resistant and it offers several colors such as camo, coral, flamingos, hot pink, lehua red, lemon, navy, shibori, teal, the aloha, USA waves, black, and white. A favorite of by surfers and beach lovers, it protects you from 98% of UV rays with its 19.5 inches shade.
You can anchor the bags with rocks and sand, and then cinch bags to end of cords, and you are done! This beach tent pop up is lightweight, portable, waterproof, and offers SPF 50+ coverage. Did we also mention the patented corners with added power?
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· A wide variety of colors including flamingos and the aloha
· Uses natural resources as an anchor
· Compact design fits in a suitcase
· Made of highest quality nylon and Lycra blend
· Lightweight, portable, SPF 50+
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 81.9 x 79.9 x 66.1 inches
Product weight: 4.4 pounds
BEST VALUE
Quik Shade Go Hybrid Pop-Up Compact Beach Canopy
Summary
With a half wall for cross-breeze in order to give you protection when the sun is a bit lower in the sky, Quik Shade Go Hybrid Pop-Up Compact Beach Canopy is one of the cheapest pop up tents for the beach on the market. It has a sturdy design but the construction is able to remain lightweight and easy to construct.
While 190T polyester top with Alumina protection provides you 99% UV protection from the sun, you can enjoy your drink at any time of the day. The canopy comes with a deluxe backpack storage bag with extra pockets for easy transport. It is also made of high-quality material that makes it highly durable.
Quik Shade has several color options such as bright green, purple, red, charcoal, regatta blue, and Russett orange. It takes only one person to assembly the push button leg extenders and pull-pin sliders. This beach canopy has 3-piece telescoping aluminum legs.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Offers protection from the back shade and crosswind
· One person is enough to assembly
· A wide variety of colors including regatta blue and Russett orange
· Affordable compared to other beach canopies on the market
· Provides 99% UV protection from the sun
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 84 x 84 x 70 inches
Product weight: 15 pounds
Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent
Summary
If you are looking for the best shade for beach that is both lightweight and gives full rain and sun protection, Neso Tents Grande Beach Tent is a great option. Weighing only 6.5 pounds, you can take it to surf and hiking with a 19.5-inch carrying bag that you can even fit in a suitcase.
9x9 high-quality tent fabric sits on a 7 feet tall rust-proof aluminum poles. There are fun fabric options flamingos, shibori, save the whales, and many more to choose from. We love the cooler pocket that you can store your snack bars and drinks.
You can put it up in a couple of minutes all by yourself, by filling the bags until overflowing with sand or rocks. The canopy beach offers SPF 50+ uv protection and patented corners for extra power. It is also water-resistant if it unexpectantly rains while you are hiking.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Blocks 98 % of the sun's uv rays
· Made of durable nylon lycra blend with strengthened corners
· A wide variety of colors including hot pink, lemon, and camo
· Includes a cooler pocket for your beverages and lunches
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 110.2 x 110.2 x 82.7 inches
Product weight: 6.5 pounds
CROWN SHADES Patented Beach Canopy
Summary
Made from high-quality steel that has been coated to prevent any chipping corrosion, CROWN SHADES Patented Beach Canopy is made of the best materials available. You can be sure that this top rated beach shade will be able to give you a full level of UPF 50+ protection.
This large beach canopy is easy to carry and it takes only one person to set it up less than a minute. It comfortably fits up to 6 to 8 people, therefore ideal for extended families. The water-resistant canopy is made with 150D oxford fabric with a center height of 8.69 feet.
There are two color options: white and blue. You will love the wheeled bag for storage for easy transport. Durable in any outdoor environment, taking down the large beach tent is also very easy. Weighing 28.13 pounds, Crown Shades is a sturdy beach sun shade for any outdoor event.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Water-resistant 150D oxford fabric
· The canopy comes with a wheeled bag for storage
· Blue and white color options
· A full level of UPF 50+ protection
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 132 x 132 x 101.5 inches
Product weight: 31.6 pounds
Otentik Beach Sunshade Beach Canopy
Summary
Available in different sizes depending on your needs and gives you a brilliant level of sun protection, Otentik Beach Sunshade Beach Canopy is a brilliant beach sunshade that is highly-rated by those who have used it for a long list of great beach canopy reviews.
Otentik uses sand to anchor it to the ground and will be able to give you a very stable canopy. What is great is that you can easily move the poles to change the angle of the shade according to the sun. This beach tent is available in a very wide range of different colors to add a bit of personality to your canopy.
Otentik is made from eco-friendly Italian sports fabric "Eurojersey Sensitive." Weighing in just under 5 lbs., it can accompany 4 or more people in 9 ft x 9 square feet shade. 6.5 ft tall aluminum poles keep the win resistant canopy sturdy giving you a secure shade wherever you go.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Available in different sizes: large, medium, small
· Vibrant color options such as green, purple, royal, turquoise, and eggplant
· Works very well with the wind
· You can move the poles as the sun moves
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 22 x 5 x 5 inches
Product weight: 8 pounds
CORE Instant Shelter Pop-Up Beach Canopy
Summary
One of the largest sun canopies for beach, CORE Instant Shelter Pop-Up Beach Canopy has fully taped seams for the greatest level of weather protection and a double canopy that will give it a high level of wind resistance. This is a large beach canopy but one that will only take two minutes to set-up, making it highly convenient.
CORE has a heavy-duty polyester canopy and steel frames that make the whole product very durable. The portable sun shade is highly versatile and you can use it in a wide variety of different tasks while it provides 97% of UV rays protection for you and your family.
It is water-resistant with fully-taped seams that repel rain and water. Available in gray and seal gray, one of the best beach canopies out there is perfect for backyard events, camping, tailgating, and festivals. It also includes a wheeled carry bag for easy touring.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Instant 2 minute setup
· Sturdy 150D polyester canopy
· Comes with a wheeled carry bag for easy touring
· Blocks out over 97% of UV rays
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 120 x 120 x 111.6 inches
Product weight: 38.7 pounds
Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Instant Pop Up Shade Beach Canopy
Summary
In the shape of a tent and with a floor that will protect you from the ground and also any hot sand, Lightspeed Outdoors Quick Instant Pop Up Shade Beach Canopy is one of the best pop up shade tents on the market. This shade tent gives 8' x 8' x 5' of space for you to enjoy the outdoors even more.
Lightspeed is easy to put up and has a high level of sun shelter with a UPF 50+ rating. The canopy is also lightweight too and you can easily transfer it from one place to another with its carry bag. A built-in sidewall provides extra shelter for the whole family in case the wind changes its direction.
PE floor is durable for the tortures of your dog or your children. If you are not satisfied, the brand offers a 1-year warranty. A bottom-pull drawstring hub system makes Lightspeed an amazing wind resistant beach canopy. Did we mention four side pockets for your belongings?
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· It can accommodate four people plus gear and accessories
· You can set it up easily even in extra windy weather
· Lighter than bulky tall sunshades canopies
· Features a floor for extra comfort
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 94.9 x 59.1 x 94.9 inches
Product weight: 7.61 pounds
EasyGo Sports Cabana Beach Canopy
Summary
Ability to be kept flush to the ground with sand pockets, you can use EasyGo Sports Cabana Beach Canopy in your backyard as a pool cabana or as a shades beach tent in hot summer months. The internal pole will make sure that it stays upright and gives a good level of wind resistance.
You will be able to carry it as a light tote while traveling in the shoulder bag, as well. With colorful vibrant fabrics like aqua green, white navy stripes, and blue flowers, you will feel as if you have traveled to the Maldives. Measuring 8’4, wind-resistant, and durable materials have been used in the manufacture of this pop up canopy.
Tough polyester canvas will ensure longevity for extended periods of time when you are out enjoying the outdoors. Also because of the design during windy beach days, the tent can be lowered to not have issues, since there is a secondary turn knob for placement.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Colorful and elegant design
· Made of premium grade materials
· Wind resistant and durable
· Comes with a carrying bag and a shoulder strap
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 8 x 4 inches
Product weight: 9.9 pounds
HappySummer Sunshade Beach Canopy
Summary
HappySummer Sunshade Beach Canopy is a highly wind-resistant sun shade beach that has a simple design but with a high level of effectiveness. It comes in two different size options allowing you to get a pop up canopy that suits your needs.
Made from stretchy, high-performance Lycra, it offers a bright range of colors like fuchsia and orange. With 4 easy-to-fill sandbags to anchor your tent, you will set up HappySummer in minutes. It gives up to 4 people room to indulge in the spacious, cool shade all day long.
We love this waterproof, wind-resistant, and sand-resistant sun shelter to the fullest. If you want to maximize airflow, you can extend the poles to reach over 5’. After an easy setup, there is nothing left but to enjoy the shade under HappySummer with your fam.
What Makes This Beach Canopy Stand Out
· Super lightweight and easy to use
· Made from stretchy, high-performance Lycra
· Waterproof, wind-resistant, and sand-resistant
· Accommodates up to 4 people room
MODEL SPECS
Product dimensions: 6.5 x 6.5 inches
Product weight: 4.8 pounds
How To Choose A Beach Canopy – Buying Guide
Type
A quest to choosing the best beach canopy is not easy considering the fact that there are different types. According to your circumstances, you can choose from traditional types, tarps, and ones that are also enclosed.
Traditional types have a sturdy metal from and will give you a good amount of stability with a lot of internal space so that you’re not too restricted. These are great for large groups and are ideal for the beach.
For those looking for a simpler solution, tarp canopies are ideal as they are much lower to the ground and generally work from four different poles rather than a complete internal frame. These give you less space but a good amount of shade and they are also very light and portable.
The enclosed type is one that takes on a similar look to a traditional canopy with a floor and a lot more fabric. These are ideal for more ground coverage but are generally heavier and also harder to set-up.
The size is obviously going to be a key factor when it comes to the type of canopy of your choosing. This is largely going to depend on the number of people you want to accommodate under the canopy. It is also possible that you want a base to place your items. All you need to do is to assess your own needs and get a canopy that is going to be able to match them.
Material
It’s important that the material of beach canopies are manufactured with durability in mind. Any rip in the material is going to reduce its effectiveness and therefore it negates the reason you decide to get the product in the first place.
UV rays don't only damage your skin but they also damage materials. Having a high level of UV resistance is not only important to protect yourself but it also important to ensure that your canopy lasts for a long time.
Best beach canopies are made with thick and durable materials, and all of them have a very high level of UV protection.
Wind Protection
Wind is always going to be stronger on the coast which means that any canopy that you have is going to need a high level of protection against the wind. This is going to be done in two ways by either a double canopy or having the legs fixed to the ground.
A double canopy is where there are two layers of coverage that overlap each other. Not only does this allow the circulation of air but it means that wind pressure doesn’t build up inside of the canopy and blow it away across the beach, this is especially important in large traditional canopies.
The other way is having the canopy securely fixed to the ground. This will either be done with guy lines, stakes, or sandbags. All of these methods can be highly effective.
Leg Design
There are a few different design options that you can have when it comes to the legs of the beach sunshades as they will either have a slant leg design or they will go straight up with the traditional type of look that you most often see.
There aren’t really any great advantages to the slant leg design other than the fact that many people feel as though they are more visually appealing. You also need to consider that is increases the area of the space you are using beyond the canopy.
The straight leg design is the much more common type as this is the tried and trusted method. It might not be the most aesthetically pleasing design type but it is going to take up less space and is also going to be very sturdy too.
Fire Retardant
The material that is used in best beach canopies can’t be very flammable due to the type of activities associated with the beach. Because people love bringing a portable grill to the beach or setting up their own campfire.
This can mean that embers or sparks could fly away and come into contact with your canopy. Therefore having fire retardant material is a good idea.
If you are using a canopy that doesn’t have this layer of protection then you just need to make sure that any cooking or and campfires are done well away from your beach sun shades. This isn’t often an issue but you don’t want to be taking any chances.
Ribs
If you are getting a traditional canopy then it is going to have ribs on the top of it just like a beach umbrella. This not only maintains the internal structure of the canopy but it also means that any rain is going to be able to run off it.
In terms of the stability and structure of these ribs, they need to be made out of a high-quality metal such as steel or aluminum that is going to be both lightweight and durable. This will keep it portable but will also ensure that it lasts for many years.
The ribs also need to keep the material taught to it. Like an umbrella, this will ensure that no water sits in the canopy and gives you a big splash when you are least expecting it. High-quality ribs will ensure that it doesn’t happen.
Color
While it is never going to be the most important aspect of buying a canopy, having the ability to choose your own color is something that most people like. There are plenty of beach canopies that offer a range of color options.
This isn’t going to be much of an issue as far as importance is concerned, except for the fact that darker colors will retain more heat but this isn’t really going to be an issue for a canopy. There are other reasons why different colors may come in useful though.
If you are on a beach with a lot of people having a canopy, having a unique color or design might make it easier to find when you go back to it, transversely if you wanted to double up your canopy for camping then a darker color is less likely to attract insects.
Ease Of Set-Up
Going to the beach is meant to be fun and relaxing. The last thing that you want to do is try and solve the puzzle of having to set-up a product that is very difficult and takes you far too long. Due to this, the installation time is going to need to be minimized.
This is where tarp sun shade tents can have an advantage as their simple design means that you can be set-up in no time at all. For those that don’t want this type of canopy, thankfully there are a few gear designs out there with traditional types.
A lot of these products are simply able to fold out to give you the canopy pace you need. This means that it is only going to take a matter of minutes to set-up by just one person. If this is important to you, make sure you look out for canopies that are easy to set-up.
Air Circulation
It’s no secret that it can get hot at the beach and the air can be stifling if it’s not allowed to circulate. Most beach canopies have open sides which means that the air is able to flow through but hot air can still get caught up in there.
Another way to be able to deal with this is to have a double canopy, this will allow air to flow through it so that it is able to circulate and also hot air doesn’t sit in your canopy. This is going to be less important if you have a tarp-style canopy.
Weight
The weight isn’t going to be a big issue when it comes to your canopy but you still want to be able to take it from one place to another. If it’s too heavy and you have to park far away from your beach spot, then this could be a huge negative.
Having a decent amount of weight in your canopy can be a good thing as it will be more stable in the ground but there are also lightweight canopies that can be securely fitted into the ground, therefore nullifying this advantage.
The weight isn’t something that you should take for granted as there are canopies out there that weigh a significant amount. It’s worth checking this before you buy to make sure that it is something that is going to be portable enough.
Side Walls
Sidewalls are a rare feature when it comes to canopies as most of them have an open design on all four sides. They can be good for a number of different reasons though and it’s a good idea to know what the conditions are like on the beaches you will be traveling too.
If it is often windy then these sidewalls often give you a good level of protection from the wind and act as a windbreak. This will allow you to relax in more comfort and allow you to read in peace or not have the chill that can come from wind.
If you are on a beach where the sun becomes quite low in the sky, a sidewall can offer you protection from the sun’s rays when it dips below the coverage that the canopy roof can provide. This is a useful feature for many but an unneeded extra for others, depending on your circumstances.
Carrying Case
Whether you have a beach canopy that is particularly light or heavy, they are still going to take up a decent amount of space and therefore they are going to be challenging to carry.
That’s where a carrying case can come in very useful.
Even though it’s just there to carry the product, you still want it to be made out of quality material. It is a common problem that carry cases are made cheaply and they can quickly wear and not be able to offer you the support you need.
Some cases actually come with wheels to make it even easier to transport, although once you get to the beach it will need to be carried. It seems like a small thing but having a good carry case will make using your beach canopy a lot easier.
Accessories
Before deciding to buy a canopy, you need to make sure that it includes everything that you need to get going. Some cheaper products might only have the canopy and the frame as their product, but you could well need more than that.
Those extra accessories mainly relate to being able to fix it to the ground. Whether that is stakes or sand pockets, you need to ensure that you won’t be left without. As mentioned previously, you also want to have a carrying case included too.
UV Rating
One thing that you don’t want to happen when you are out there on the beach is to get sunburnt when you have been under a canopy for most of the day. Sun protection shouldn’t be presumed and it’s a good idea to check that you have it.
You should be looking for the best beach canopy with a rating of UPF 50+ as that will give you all the protection you need and is good enough for little children. Without this protection, you could find yourself exposed to dangerous rays.
Seam Construction
On these types of products, the seam construction is going to be the difference between having a durable product or one that is going to break easily. Taped seams will be able to give you the durability you are looking for. It is also an important part of waterproofing too as, without sufficient seams, you might find that water can creep in if you find yourself in a rainstorm. All the beach canopies we have reviewed have a high level of build quality.
FAQs
Q: What Is The Difference Between Beach Canopy And Beach Tent?
A: They are different in design but they are different in intention too. Beach tents are there to protect you from the sun but also give you privacy. They are a small enclosed space unlike the wide-open nature of the beach canopy.
Q: What Are The Benefits Of Choosing A Beach Canopy?
A: A beach canopy is going to let you cool off when the heat of the sun is getting too much. It is also going to be able to protect your skin and give you a place to relax. The canopy can also act as a base for all your friends and family.
Q: How Important Are Maintenance And Warranty?
A: You want to make sure that your canopy is going to last for a long time and treating it correctly is going to be a big part of that. Having a warranty can also give you peace of mind but you want to make sure that it is covering everything that you want.
Globo Surf Overview
Having a beach canopy can be an important part of heading out to the beach. Despite everyone loving the sun, everyone knows that it can be dangerous and you don’t want to be out in it for too long.
There are also many other reasons that a beach canopy can be a great idea such as keeping children out of the sun completely.
In order to choose the best shade beach for you, it’s vital to consider all the key features we have mentioned here. The most important one is going to be the size as getting one too small can leave you exposed and unable to cover everyone correctly.
After that, the other features have to match your needs too. The type is going to matter and aspects such as the wind protection, ease of set-up, sidewalls, and weight are going to vary in importance depending on the beach and the type of climate in your area.
There are many fun things to do at the beach but you can’t be reckless with your skin and sometimes having a break and reapplying that sunscreen is the best idea.