Best Overall
EliteShade 3-Tier Market Umbrella
AMAZON
- This umbrella opens and closes with a crank and tilts with the press of a button, so you can adjust it using only one hand.
This umbrella opens and closes with a crank and tilts with the press of a button, so you can adjust it using only one hand.
- It doesn't come with a base, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
It doesn't come with a base, so you'll need to purchase one separately.
We loved how stylish and easy to use the EliteShade Sunbrella Three-Tier Market umbrella was during our tests, giving it a perfect score in almost every category. Since it's made with an aluminum rust-resistant frame and covered with a fade-resistant fabric, it's sturdy enough to withstand wind, rain, and sun exposure without becoming damaged.
When spraying the umbrella with water, we found that moisture dries easily from the fabric top in under 10 minutes, so you won't have to wait long to use this umbrella after a rain shower. We also found that it was super easy to wipe stains like bird poop off of the fabric, so the umbrella will stay in good condition without a ton of elbow grease.
The canopy is adjustable, meaning you can raise and lower this umbrella with an easy-to use crank, and tilt it to block the sun with the press of a button. We gave it a perfect score for its ease of use, saying they could adjust it with just one hand. Since many other umbrellas we tested required a bit of muscle to open and close, this was a huge selling point for us.
Plus, despite the gaps between each tier in the umbrella's UV-resistant top, it blocked the sun seamlessly and didn't leak any water onto the table below when sprayed with a hose to simulate rain. We found that even in full sunlight, we could easily use their laptops without having to adjust the brightness at all.
When open, this patio umbrella is 9 feet in diameter, making it large enough to cover a table with five chairs comfortably. It also comes in an 11-foot size, which is a great option if you need an umbrella that fits more than five people beneath it at a time. Just keep in mind that you'll need to purchase an umbrella base separately, as this doesn't come with one.
Product Details: Dimensions: 9 x 8.3 x 9 feet | Materials: Aluminum and acrylic fabric | Color Options: 14
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Budget
Pure Garden Aluminum Patio Umbrella
HOME DEPOT
- For the price, we were shocked by how effective this umbrella was at blocking sunlight and providing a large radius of shade.
For the price, we were shocked by how effective this umbrella was at blocking sunlight and providing a large radius of shade.
- Shorter users may have trouble reaching the tilt mechanism, which is located at the very top of the umbrella pole.
Shorter users may have trouble reaching the tilt mechanism, which is located at the very top of the umbrella pole.
Whether you're decorating inside your home or in the yard, adding colorful elements to your furniture and decor is a great way to create a space you enjoy being in. We loved the wide range of hues the Pure Garden patio umbrella comes in, and we loved how easy it was to use even more, making it a great pick for small and large patios alike.
At 10 feet in diameter, this umbrella is large enough to cover a small bistro set or an entire table and chairs without feeling cramped. We half-expected the polyester canopy to be too thin to fully block out the sunlight, but during testing, we were super impressed to find that it provided excellent shade when sitting beneath it.
The hand crank was super easy to operate, and the umbrella tilts up to 60 degrees to keep you protected from the sun all day long. We noted that shorter users may have trouble reaching the tilt button, since it's located near the top of the pole.
When we sprayed water on the top of this umbrella, we determined that it's quite waterproof. The droplets beaded up instead of soaking through, and the underside of the umbrella remained completely dry. Additionally, we found that stains were super easy to wipe off with a sponge, allowing it to hold up against wear and tear.
Product Details: Dimensions: 10 x 8.1 x 10 feet | Materials: Steel, aluminum, and polyester | Color Options: Nine
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Splurge
Frontgate Outdoor Market Umbrella
COURTESY OF FRONTGATE
- With multiple color options, frame materials, and finishes, you can match any backyard aesthetic.
With multiple color options, frame materials, and finishes, you can match any backyard aesthetic.
- Assistance may be needed to move the base, as it was heavy.
Assistance may be needed to move the base, as it was heavy.
If you’re able to splurge, we recommend this option from Frontgate. We loved how easy this umbrella’s crank mechanism was to operate and we found the tilt feature to work at many different angles. We appreciated the wide range of motions, which allows you to easily adjust as the sun moves throughout the day.
While it’s more expensive than others we tested, we think this umbrella is well worth its price. The patio umbrella’s canopy is made of Sunbrella acrylic fabric, which has been awarded the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation for providing up to 98 percent UV protection.
The umbrella comes in over 40 canopy options, two frame materials, and four aluminum frame finishes for ultimate customization. Each frame is outfitted with stainless steel hardware, and we were pleased at how durable the umbrella is, as it withstood high winds and heavy rain. We also noted that no water came through the fabric during rainstorms.
The canopy resists fading, stains, mold, dirt, and mildew. Spot cleaning the fabric with mild soap and water is advised, and it is recommended to allow a wet canopy to dry in an open position before closing the patio umbrella.
The umbrella comes in three separate packages: the base, frame, and fabric. Assembly was easy, but keep in mind the base is heavy. Depending on your needs, Frontgate’s nine-foot umbrellas can be used freestanding in a 50 pound base or placed in a table.
Dimensions: 8 feet tall x 9 feet wide | Materials: Aluminum and acrylic | Color Options: 64
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEREDITH BUTCHER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / MEREDITH BUTCHER
Best Cantilever
Purple Leaf Round Cantilever Patio Umbrella
AMAZON
- It can swivel 360 degrees.
It can swivel 360 degrees.
- The cranks for opening, closing, and rotating the umbrella rest inside their slots in the umbrella’s pole with no way to secure them.
The cranks for opening, closing, and rotating the umbrella rest inside their slots in the umbrella’s pole with no way to secure them.
If you want an umbrella with a tilt feature, cantilevers are great options as they are suspended in the air and rather than support from its center, they are reinforced from the side. We liked how easy the Purple Leaf Patio umbrella was to tilt up and down using its handle. We found it required such little effort that we could do it one-handed. The umbrella swiveled 360 degrees with its lower crank to allow for more objects or furniture to be covered.
Its polyester fabric canvas is thick, water-repellant and fade resistant. It comes in seven different colors and the bones are all aluminum, along with eight heavy-duty ribs. The bones and ribs are anti-oxidation spray painted to help extend the umbrella’s life.Keep in mind, the weighted base is not included. We noted that it took some time to figure out what was the best base for their specific umbrella size and shape. However, the brand does offer different base styles, so not including a base does allow buyers different options to best fit their needs. Base options include an in-ground base, baseplate to secure the item to a deck, a standard water and sand base, and one with wheels.
Assembly was fast and the most time-consuming step was removing all the packaging that the umbrella and canopy shipped in. The umbrella also comes with a cover for extra protection during summer storms. We also remarked that the umbrella’s aluminum frame was high-quality, reminiscent of bike carriers for cars.
Product Details: Dimensions: 8.6 feet tall x 10, 11, 12 or 13 feet wide | Materials: Aluminum, steel, and Polyester| Color Options: Seven
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / LAURA MILLER
Best with Base
IKEA Seglaro Hanging Umbrella
IKEA
- It operates smoothly and provides a large amount of sun protection.
It operates smoothly and provides a large amount of sun protection.
- The base needs to be properly weighted to adequately support the umbrella.
The base needs to be properly weighted to adequately support the umbrella.
If you don’t already own a patio umbrella base and want an all-in-one unit, we recommend purchasing an option with a base, like the Ikea Seglaro Hanging Umbrella with Base. We appreciated its cantilever design, which eliminated the need for a pole through the middle of their eight-person patio table. The sizable table was given ample shade and coverage with the patio umbrella.
This patio umbrella has adjustable height and tilt mechanisms that operate smoothly. Opening and closing the umbrella was straightforward. We found that an easy way to operate the patio umbrella was to first partially open the umbrella canopy, then extend it using the lever mechanism on the pole to raise the support bar up before opening the canopy completely. Keep in mind, the umbrella extends up first before it can extend horizontally. It also can pivot 360 degrees.
The canopy fabric has a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) rating of 50+, which blocks 98 percent of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. There is an air vent that circulates heat and reduces wind pressure. We found that the umbrella held up well against rainstorms and was damp with some dripping water afterwards. There was a bit of instability in heavier wind and rain due to its cantilever style. We opened the umbrella after storms to allow the canopy to dry completely to prevent any mildew or mold growth.
Keep in mind, when all four pieces of the base are assembled, it takes up a large amount of space. You’ll want to assemble the patio umbrella where you plan on using it, as once each piece is filled with sand, they become difficult to move if you want to relocate the umbrella.
If your umbrella eventually does need to be replaced or you want to swap colors, Ikea does offer replacement canopies for $79 to prevent from having to replace the entire setup.
Product Details: Dimensions: 129.875 x 107.125 x 94.5 inches | Materials: Aluminum and Polyester| Color Options: Two
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / HILDARA ARAYA
Best Large
Safavieh Athens Crank Umbrella
AMAZON
- This large patio umbrella can cover a table with up to six chairs.
This large patio umbrella can cover a table with up to six chairs.
- We had trouble getting the tilt mechanism to work.
We had trouble getting the tilt mechanism to work.
One of the best parts about having a large patio is the ability to host friends and family for barbecues and summer parties while showing off your outdoor space. On the hottest days, you can keep your guests out of direct sunlight by purchasing a large patio umbrella, like the Safavieh Athens Round Crank Umbrella, which provides plenty of shade for a table and lots of chairs.
During testing, we found that this umbrella's 11-foot canopy was big enough to fit a table with up to six chairs comfortably without being exposed to the sun — like relaxing under a stylish pergola. It effectively blocked sunlight and kept the space beneath it cool, and we found that we didn't need to wear sunglasses or adjust the brightness on their computers to see better. Plus, the canopy is UV-resistant to protect it from fading.
This waterproof French-style umbrella is a solid navy color on top and has a classic stripe pattern on the underside, making it a stylish and functional piece to add to your existing patio decor. We found that the powder-coated aluminum pole felt quite sturdy and the fabric on top of the umbrella was thick and durable, making us confident that it'd last through several patio seasons.
When we sprayed the top with water, this umbrella didn't have any moisture seeping through to the underside, so you'll be able to use it soon after a rainstorm without any dripping.
When setting up and using the Safavieh Athens patio umbrella, we were able to put the entire thing together in just a few minutes, and the hand-crank function made it super intuitive to operate. It took some time to figure out how to tilt the umbrella, which involves pressing on a discrete button near the top of the pole and manually angling it into a different position.
Our long-term tester called the Safavieh Athens patio umbrella a "game changer," saying that it provided ample shade during the hottest parts of the day, allowing her to spend more time outside.
Product Details: Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.75 x 10.8 feet | Materials: Aluminum and polyester | Color Options: Three
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best Extra-Large
Phi Villa Double Sided Patio Umbrella
HOME DEPOT
- This extra-large patio umbrella is 15 feet wide, making it great for shielding patio furniture, sun loungers, and more.
This extra-large patio umbrella is 15 feet wide, making it great for shielding patio furniture, sun loungers, and more.
- Because of its size and weight, it's quite difficult to assemble.
Because of its size and weight, it's quite difficult to assemble.
The hardest part about purchasing outdoor furniture is figuring out how to secure it safely so it won't blow away or get damaged during a storm. While there's always a chance of that happening no matter how hard you try, we loved that the Phi Villa Double-Sided Outdoor Market Umbrella comes with its own fillable base, so you don't have to worry about finding your own.
This 15-foot patio umbrella is basically three umbrellas in one, and the heavy-duty base at the middle is designed to be filled with sand to keep the whole thing secure. While we found it quite heavy and difficult to put together (it took us 20 minutes), once it was installed properly, we were impressed by the quality and effectiveness of this umbrella.
It easily blocked the sun enough for us to use our computers beneath it without adjusting the brightness, and we didn't feel the need to squint or put on sunglasses to see, either. The water-resistant canopy is designed to block out ultraviolet light, too, so you won't have to worry about this umbrella leaking water on you or about getting a sunburn. Plus, we found that the steel pole and ribs holding this umbrella in place were quite sturdy, allowing it to last through harsh weather and multiple seasons of use.
When we tried to remove the faux bird poop stain from the canopy, it came out with just a few swipes, so you won't have to worry about dirt or debris causing it to lose quality over time. It also comes in four different colors, allowing you to pick a look that matches your existing patio furniture and accessories.
Product Details: Dimensions: 15 x 7.5 x 15 feet | Materials: Steel and polyester | Color Options: Three
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best with Lights
Blissun Lighted Patio Umbrella
AMAZON
- This umbrella provides excellent shade from the sun during the day and solar-powered illumination at night thanks to built-in solar LED lights.
This umbrella provides excellent shade from the sun during the day and solar-powered illumination at night thanks to built-in solar LED lights.
- The materials feel less durable than other, more expensive patio umbrellas
The materials feel less durable than other, more expensive patio umbrellas
Just because the sun's gone down doesn't mean you have to head inside. String lights are already a stylish way to illuminate your backyard after sunset, and we loved that the underside of the Blissun Solar Lighted Patio Umbrella is lined with solar-powered LED lights.
However, this umbrella earned high praise for more than just the lights; we noted that it's the perfect size for a small patio table, creating a shady place to enjoy during daytime hours, too. The polyester canvas top is water-resistant, and during our tests, we found that it effectively repelled water and kept the underside of the umbrella dry when sprayed consistently with water.
Cleaning off debris and faux bird poop was quite easy with a little soapy water, and there was no residue left behind. While the umbrella isn't UV-resistant and we had to adjust the brightness of our laptops slightly when sitting under it in order to see the screen clearly, it kept us quite cool in the shade, and as the sun moved, we were able to easily tilt it in different directions without much effort at all.
The materials the Blissun patio umbrella was made from felt less durable than some of the more expensive umbrellas we tested. Since this model costs significantly less and still provides excellent shade, the thinner materials weren't a huge downside to us. However, we recommend closing the umbrella and possibly stashing it in a shed or some type of outdoor storage unit, or in the garage if harsh weather is in the forecast.
"Based on how well it's held up over the last month, I'd recommend this patio umbrella," our long-term tester said of the Blissun patio umbrella. "This outdoor umbrella has made it much more comfortable to use our front patio throughout the day. … Now I've been able to work, read, and have lunch outside without getting too hot or sunburned."
Product Details: Dimensions: 8.2 feet high x 9 feet wide | Materials: Steel, aluminum, and polyester | Color Options: 12
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
Best with Fringe
Safavieh Milan Fringe 9-Foot Outdoor Auto Tilt Umbrella
AMAZON
- The canopy has an air vent to help it stay in place on windy days.
The canopy has an air vent to help it stay in place on windy days.
- The materials felt slightly cheaper than other umbrellas we tested.
The materials felt slightly cheaper than other umbrellas we tested.
Create a coastal oasis in your own backyard with this stylish fringed patio umbrella. The Safavieh Milan Fringe Tilt Umbrella stood out for its beautiful design, durable materials, and funky fringe. It earned perfect scores for its size, appearance, and sun protection, making it a great addition to your backyard patio.
At 9 feet in diameter, the umbrella easily covers a table and up to six chairs, so there's plenty of space for hosting a family dinner or inviting guests. The canopy is UV-resistant to prevent fading, and during testing, we found that it effectively blocked the sun. We could sit beneath it without needing sunglasses and use their laptops without changing the brightness.
It's also completely waterproof, so when we sprayed it with a sprinkler, the water beaded up and rolled right off, leaving the underside dry to the touch. This means you won't have a sopping wet patio umbrella for days after a storm. It was also easy to wipe stains out of the fabric, so bird poop, pollen, and dirt won't leave behind any lasting marks on this umbrella.
The hand crank was easy to operate, and we were able to tilt the umbrella without any trouble. We noted that the materials the umbrella is made from felt slightly cheap compared to other options we tested in the same price range, but it still seemed quite sturdy and didn't take away from the overall usefulness of the umbrella. We'd recommend storing this umbrella indoors during storms and high winds to protect it from damage.
Our long-term tester loved the sturdiness and fun fringed edges of this umbrella, though she mentioned that the cream-colored version we tested presented some minor issues when used in her backyard, as tree debris and bugs that landed on top were visible when sitting underneath it. However, the umbrella was super easy to clean off with a hose, and the falling debris didn't leave any permanent stains on top.
Product Details: Dimensions: 8.4 x 8.3 x 8.4 feet | Materials: Not listed | Color Options: Two
- BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON
BETTER HOMES and GARDENS / DERA BURRESON