Best Overall
Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4.5/5
- The chair is lightweight and has great storage.
The chair is lightweight and has great storage.
- The carrying straps were flimsy and may not wear well over time.
The carrying straps were flimsy and may not wear well over time.
Overall, the best beach chair we tested is this pick by Homevative. We found that the dual backpack straps evenly distributed weight and offer hands-free transport, so you can carry the rest of your beach accessories. Plus, the lightweight style had great storage, unlike some other beach chairs.
When it came to relaxing on the sand, we appreciated that you could recline the chair all the way out, allowing you to find a position that suits you best. It also comes with a headrest, a mesh drink pocket, a covered pocket for your cell phone, and a plastic gadget holder, so you can keep your valuables safe and secure. There’s also a towel bar, so you can dry your beach towels before you pack them up.
Although we found the aluminum style lightweight and easy to carry, it’s worth noting that we felt the carrying straps were a bit flimsy and were concerned about how well they would hold up over time. We also felt like it could use a bit more support, though an extra towel could get the job done depending on your preferences.
Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 25 x 17 x 33 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / IVY FORD
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / IVY FORD
Best Budget
Wekapo Inflatable Lounger
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Comfort4/5
- Durability3.5/5
- Value4/5
- This inflatable lounger is easy to fill and comfortable to lounge on. Plus, it packs down fairly small and comes with a carrying case, so it’s easy to transport to and from the beach.
This inflatable lounger is easy to fill and comfortable to lounge on. Plus, it packs down fairly small and comes with a carrying case, so it’s easy to transport to and from the beach.
- If there isn’t sufficient wind it could be a challenge to inflate.
If there isn’t sufficient wind it could be a challenge to inflate.
For a nontraditional and less expensive option, consider this style from Wekapo. The inflatable chair packs down into a light, fairly small package and comes with a carry case, so it’s easy to toss into your beach bag.
Overall, we had an easy time filling it at the beach, noting there’s typically enough of a breeze to get the job done. Just keep in mind that if you’re using it somewhere with less wind, like a lake or park, you may have a harder time inflating the chair.
Once it was set up, it was a comfortable place to lounge. We were able to switch positions easily, but noted that we had to roll into the sand to get out of it, so it may not be the ideal choice, especially if your mobility is limited. And, within an hour, the chair started to lose air, so you may need to refill it depending on how long you’re staying at the beach.
The chair features a side pocket for added storage. However, we found that it filled with sand pretty easily, so just be mindful of storing electronics or anything that could get damaged.
Product Details: Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Weight: 2.65 pounds | Dimensions: 7 feet (inflated), 8 feet (no air)
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KAREN CHEN
Best Splurge
Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair
- Portability4/5
- Ease of Use4.5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4.8/5
- This supportive, comfortable chair is packed with features and is easy to transport.
This supportive, comfortable chair is packed with features and is easy to transport.
- Taller people may find the chair slightly less comfortable, with the footrest potentially hitting at the calf.
Taller people may find the chair slightly less comfortable, with the footrest potentially hitting at the calf.
This three-in-one padded beach chair from Ostrich is more expensive than others on this list, but its added accessories make it one of the best options to invest in. The chair is offered in five colors and includes a footrest, cup holder, side pockets, and an adjustable back pillow on a fairly wide frame.
Overall, we found that the 9.5-pound chair was easy to carry around. The lightweight aluminum chair features a padded strap that will cushion your shoulder, unlike some other options. The side pocket does not fold into the chair while being carried, so the material will flap in the air or against your legs as you walk. However, it’s easy to pack in and out of the car when you’re in transit.
Part of what makes this beach chair stand out is that, in addition to wide armrests, it also features a footrest and an adjustable back pillow for added comfort. We were able to open the chair and footrest easily—it was slightly more challenging folding it back up, but once you get the hang of it it’s a smooth process.
The five different recline positions were also smooth and easy to navigate. We spent over an hour in the chair and were comfortable the entire time, especially when using the adjustable padded footrest.
Some of the chair’s other features include a cup holder that can rotate under the armrest while not in use, as well as side pockets for added storage. There’s even a massage-table-style cutout for your face when you’re lying on your front so you’re comfortable in all positions. Regardless of how you adjust the chair, we noted that it felt sturdy and stable. Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Weight: 9.5 pounds | Dimensions: 12x60.76x28.1 inches
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LIZZ LEONARD
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LIZZ LEONARD
Best Backpack
Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use4.5/5
- Comfort5/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4/5
- The chair is lightweight and the backpack straps are padded, so it’s more comfortable to transport.
The chair is lightweight and the backpack straps are padded, so it’s more comfortable to transport.
- The opening and closing process isn’t self-explanatory, so it may take a bit of getting used to.
The opening and closing process isn’t self-explanatory, so it may take a bit of getting used to.
Whether you’re carrying a lot to the beach or wrangling children, a hands-free backpack style is a nice option to consider. This Tommy Bahama style is lightweight and has comfortable straps as well.
The chair, which felt solid and stable, features a handle at the top which helps with transport. While carrying the backpack, we noted that you can feel the bars of the chair on your back while you’re wearing it, however it’s light enough to not feel overly burdensome.
We encountered some minor challenges when opening and closing the chair, noting that the process isn’t as self-explanatory as some other picks. Once it’s open, however, it’s easy to adjust the seat back. When you’ve settled in you’ll also appreciate the two pockets that are super convenient for storing phones, water bottles, or even an e-reader.
Product Details: Material: Aluminum, polyester | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 6.98 pounds | Dimensions: 24x25x30 inches (open), 4x25x27.25 inches (closed)
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / KAREN CHEN
Best High Back
Rio Beach Folding Beach Chair
- The chair features a large pillow for added support, as well as a large storage pocket for your beach accessories.
The chair features a large pillow for added support, as well as a large storage pocket for your beach accessories.
- Figuring out the opening may be tricky the first time, and you may have to turn it upside-down to fold it away.
Figuring out the opening may be tricky the first time, and you may have to turn it upside-down to fold it away.
For additional back support, the Rio Beach chair stood out to us. The lace-up sides mean the fabric seat has a bit more give than some other styles of chair, so you should be able to find a comfortable seat easily. Transport is also simple with backpack straps and a lightweight aluminum frame. We even noted that the straps distributed their weight well, unlike some other picks.
You might find it a little tricky to open the first time. However, once you figure it out, it’s easy to do again. The recline felt sturdy, and we loved the included pillow and found the chair comfortable to sit in for a long period of time.
There’s a large storage pouch on the back for stashing magazines or your e-reader, as well as a side cupholder for your favorite beachside beverage. Plus, you can easily lock the chair into four different recline levels for the perfect beach nap.
Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Weight: 8 pounds | Dimensions: 44.7x25.5x26.5 inches (open), 42.8x25.5x5.1 inches (closed)
Best Low Back
KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use5/5
- Comfort4/5
- Durability4/5
- Value5/5
- This chair is easily transported and features padded armrests and a mesh back for added comfort.
This chair is easily transported and features padded armrests and a mesh back for added comfort.
- The back isn’t adjustable once it’s open, so there’s only one position.
The back isn’t adjustable once it’s open, so there’s only one position.
If you prefer a lower back chair, our favorite is this pick from Kingcamp. The chair is easy to bring to and from the beach thanks to its lightweight feel, easy collapsibility, and shoulder strap. Plus, getting it into and out of the travel bag is a simple folding and unfolding process.
Once it’s open, there are plenty of features to keep you comfortable, including a mesh back insert that will keep your back breezy in warm weather. There’s also a mesh-bottomed cupholder to keep your beverages out of the sand and curved padded armrests for added support.
Since it’s low to the ground you’ll be able to stretch out easily on the sand. However, you may start to sink down through your lounging session, so you may have to adjust throughout your beach day. When considering this chair you should also think about how you like to lounge as this pick doesn’t recline, unlike many other options.
Product Details: Material: Steel, polyester | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Dimensions: 23.2x24.8x25.2 inches
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEGAN ROGERS
Best Reclining
Lightspeed Outdoors Reclining Beach Chair
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use4/5
- Comfort4/5
- Durability4/5
- Value4/5
- The chair is durable, easy to use, and has three storage pockets.
The chair is durable, easy to use, and has three storage pockets.
- One storage pocket is underneath the chair, which is difficult to access. It also doesn’t fully lay flat, so it depends on your preferences.
One storage pocket is underneath the chair, which is difficult to access. It also doesn’t fully lay flat, so it depends on your preferences.
The Lightspeed reclining beach chair is the best option for sitting back and relaxing at the beach. We felt that the chair reclined more than some other options, and it was both durable and easy to use.
The Lightspeed scored high on portability we found it to be lightweight and sturdy. We also appreciated the nicely padded straps for added comfort. Unlike many other styles, the chair features three storage compartments for snacks, books, and other beach necessities. Just keep in mind that one is located on the bottom of the chair, which was harder to access.
The chair is easy to open and close and smooth to recline. We also found it very comfortable and appreciated the pillow. The chair reclines a fair amount and more than other chairs we tested, however, it won’t lay flat.
Product Details: Material: Aluminum | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds | Weight: 7 pounds | Dimensions: 24.5x26.5x31.25 inches (open), 25.2x4.25x27.76 (closed)
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DAVID LEE
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DAVID LEE
Best for Kids
Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Chair
- Portability5/5
- Ease of Use3/5
- Comfort4/5
- Durability5/5
- Value4/5
- This sturdy-feeling chair can adapt for children up to age seven, so you’ll get a few years of use out of it.
This sturdy-feeling chair can adapt for children up to age seven, so you’ll get a few years of use out of it.
- It’s more expensive than other options.
It’s more expensive than other options.
If you’ve got little ones that need their own chair, opt for this chair from Baby Delight. The chair features a sunshade and snack tray, and we found it to be high quality and sturdy.
In terms of transporting the chair, the strap and case made it easy to carry. It’s easy to open up as well. However, when packing up the chair, the shade was challenging to fold up and the snack tray was a bit hard to get on and off.
Our tester’s son was a fan, staying seated for almost 30 minutes to eat his lunch at the beach. While it’s more expensive than some other similar options, it can be adapted to handle kids up through about age seven, so you won’t have to purchase any new chairs for a bit.
Product Details: Material: Polyester | Weight Capacity: 75 pounds | Weight: 6.2 pounds | Dimensions: 22x23x24.5 inches (36 inches high with canopy)
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / CASSIE AULIE