Beach Canopies Under Review
- Neso Tents Grande Beach Canopy (Editors Choice)
- Qipi Beach Cabana (Best Value)
- ABC Pop-Up Canopy
- CROWN SHADES Slant Leg Canopy
- Neso Tents Grande Beach Canopy
- Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade
- Sport-Brella Vented Beach Umbrella
- CORE Instant Pop-Up Beach Sheltor
- CROWN SHADES Outdoor Pop-up Canopy
- Neso Tents Beach Canopy with Sand Anchor
- EzyFast Elegant Pop Up Beach Shelter
There’s nothing quite like spending time at the beach. fresh air, refreshing water, calming sea breeze, and warm sunshine.
Whether you’re taking part in some beach sport or leisure activity or just chilling with friends or family, having some shade available is important.
When it comes to the sun, it’s all fun and games until it becomes too much and you’re in danger of overdoing it and risking sunburn.
So what do you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from too much sun exposure? Well, one solution, if you want to remain on the beach, is to provide yourself with a bit of shade in the form of a beach canopy.
A beach canopy provides you with an area of protection so that you can maintain control of sun exposure whilst still having fun.
The choice of canopies can be rather daunting to trawl through, with all the different brands, materials, and features. We’ve gathered several together here to assess their qualities and benefits and put together a concise review to save you time and effort in research.
Review
Neso Tents Grande Beach Canopy (Editors Choice)
An outstanding beach canopy and my personal favorite is the Grande Beach Tent from Neso Tents, designed bearing in mind practicality, quality, and, love of the outdoors.
The top of the Neso canopy is made using Nylon and Lycra blend to create a flexible yet tough material that’ll give you a long-lasting performance. For extra durability, the corners of the canopy are reinforced to avoid ripping, allowing you to hit the beach as often as you wish. It’s also engineered to protect you from rain as well as harmful UV rays since the fabric is water-resistant with UPF 50+.
Extending over a 9ft × 9ft area, the canopy is supported by 2 rust-proof aluminum poles, standing 7 feet from the ground to let you move freely under the shade. This beach tent makes use of anchor bags for weighing down after you simply fill them with sand or rocks readily found at any beach.
The Neso beach canopy is an extremely portable option if you’re always concerned about gear holding you back. It weighs just 6.5 pounds and comes with a 19.5-inch compact bag that you can easily carry on your shoulder or fit into a suitcase. Additionally, the included bag has a cooler compartment to hold your snacks and drinks.
To set up the Neso Grande Tent, you should start by laying the canopy top flat. Then, generously fill the anchor bags and attach them to the ends of the tent’s cords. Pull the bags apart at an “X” shape until the fabric is fully stretched. Finally, position the poles to raise the tent up.
The Neso beach canopy is available in 11 different colors and patterns such as shibori and hot pink.
Things we like:
- Flexible yet sturdy
- Nylon/Lycra fabric
- Lightweight
- Extremely portable
- Carrying bag includes a cooler
- Easy to assemble
Things we don’t:
- Needs extra poles
- Low height on one side when the wind isn’t steady
Read Buyers Feedback >>
Qipi Beach Cabana (Best Value Beach Canopy)
First up is the Qipi Beach Cabana. This is surely what comes to mind when we think about protection with a touch of coziness. If you’re on a budget and looking for a beach canopy, this funky one by Qipi may be exactly what you need.
The design of this canopy resembles an umbrella with 4 legs, centered around a sturdy extension pole. The cover fabric is made of tough polyester material, with a glass fiber skeleton.
As for the main pole, it’s constructed from heavy-duty iron which is treated to resist corrosion. The connectors relaying the hub and the roof are made of reinforced ABS plastic.
Setting up the Qipi canopy is a straightforward task since you just need to mount the extension and attach the umbrella cover to its top. On the inner side of each corner, you’ll find a handy pocket where you can keep items such as water bottles and sunscreen.
The Qipi Beach Canopy features an extra detachable wall cover to provide additional shade or privacy. It also comes with built-in sandbags to weigh down the tent during windy conditions, as well as 4 ground stakes to stabilize the whole structure.
This beach canopy offers UPF 50+ protection against UV rays, with waterproof treatment all over the tent’s body. It covers a 6′ × 6′ area, sporting 3 fun patterns on its fabric including sailor stripes and island sunset.
To make it easier for you to carry and pack the canopy, you’ll receive a handy bag specifically made to boost portability. Qipi also offers its customers a lifetime warranty to take care of any issues.
Things we like:
- Cozy design
- Extra storage pockets
- Bonus detachable wall
- Budget-friendly
- Funky patterns
Things we don’t:
- There’s no mechanism provided to weigh down the extra wall
- Stitching on the seams can be improved
Read Buyers Feedback >>
Neso Tents Beach Canopy with Sand Anchor
Once again, the folks at Neso Tents present us with an innovative yet practical approach to beach life products. Based on their passion for the outdoors, this beach canopy will give you all the essential coverage and reliable quality you need.
Built to accompany you for many years, the Neso beach canopy is made from high-quality fabric utilizing a rugged blend of Nylon and Lycra. The corners of the canopy are reinforced to withstand heavy stretching, thus providing you with long-lasting performance.
The poles that prop up the canopy top are made from aluminum alloy, coated with a rust-proof finish to ensure they can survive through heavy beach use. This Neso Tents canopy features a natural anchoring mechanism where you fill the weight bags with resources found at the beach such as sand or rocks.
As for protection, the Neso beach canopy is water-resistant and treated to offer SPF 50+, blocking out 98% of harmful UV rays and casting shade over a 7ft × 7ft area. This is a vital aspect of the canopy design since the founder actually suffered from skin cancer before deciding to provide beach enthusiasts with a safe experience without compromising on fun.
Along with the Neso canopy, you also get a handy carrying bag for easier portability. The overall weight of the canopy is 9 pounds and it’s available in a wide selection of colorful patterns such as flamingos, aloha, and camo.
On the front of the carrying bag, you can see written directions to guide you through the simple setup mission. You’ll start by laying the canopy flat on the ground, then you want to stretch the cords and fill the sandbags. Next, you just prop the tent up with the poles, and voila!
Things we like:
- Made of sturdy materials
- Offers reliable sun protection
- Lightweight
- Uses anchor sandbags
- Multiple fun patterns
Things we don’t:
- Awkward positioning in strong wind conditions
- Could use extra poles
Read Buyers Feedback >>
ABC Pop-Up Canopy (Best Large Beach Canopy)
The ABC Pop-up Canopy is a widely popular candidate sporting hundreds of positive reviews testifying to its top-notch quality and impressive features.
The frame is made of durable steel to support the weight of the canopy, while the sturdy top is made of heavy-duty PU (Polyurethane) fabric with silver coating.
The material is treated to be 100% waterproof as the stitching is laminated with hot sealing, and it delivers UPF 50+ protection so you can use the ABC Canopy on rainy days just as efficiently as sunny days.
The high craftsmanship level really shows when you look at the detail finishing of this canopy. The inside corners are reinforced to extend its service time and the velcro tightly attaches the top part of the canopy to the frame so it’ll remain intact during windy weather.
The ABC Canopy offers a 10ft × 10ft area of coverage, providing about 10 people with cool shade. Setting up this canopy is a straightforward task that can be easily handled by 2 people utilizing push-button technology. You can even adjust the legs to one of 3 height levels ranging from 89.3 inches to 97.2 inches.
This beach canopy comes with a handy roller bag that glides smoothly utilizing a sturdy set of wheels. You also get 4 bonus sandbags as well as 4 ropes and stakes to ensure a stable mount.
The ABC has a 1-year factory warranty and it’s available in a huge selection of more than 35 different color options to suit your taste.
Things we like:
- 100% waterproof with hot sealing on stitching lines
- High-quality build
- 3 height settings
- Good wind resistance
- 4 bonus sandbags, stakes, and ropes
- Comes with a roller bag
- Wide range of color options
Things we don’t:
- Inconsistent carrying bag quality
- Can get quite heavy
Read Buyers Feedback >>
Crown Shades Slant Leg Canopy
This is an innovative design by CROWN SHADES, the Patented Slant Leg Canopy is a highly praised canopy thanks to its quick setup and sturdy build.
The frame of this canopy is made of solid premium-grade steel coated with a cool grey finish. It’s highly durable as it resists chipping, peeling, and corrosion.
The top part of the CROWN SHADES canopy is made of tough oxford fabric measuring 150 deniers, promising to serve you for a long time. This waterproof material is also treated to provide 50+ UPF protection, shielding you from rain as well as harmful sun rays.
The canopy top extends to a 9ft × 9ft area, but the smart slant position of its legs allows it to cover an 11ft × 11ft footprint. Such a spacious shadow can accommodate up to 8 individuals, with a central height of 8.69 feet.
Setting up this canopy is a simple one-man job. All you need to do is open up the frame via a hub in the middle of the canopy. A particularly neat feature here is the built-in lock which keeps the canopy in action.
The Slant Leg Canopy is available in 2 color options, either blue or white. It comes with a wheeled bag to facilitate transportation and storage. The package you receive also includes 4 guide ropes and 8 stakes to securely mount the frame in windy settings.
CROWN SHADES backs up this canopy with a 1-year limited warranty against damaged or defective components.
Things we like:
- Slant legs design
- Easy setup
- Waterproof and UV resistant
- Sturdy fabric and steel construction
- Comes with 4 guy ropes and 8 stakes
- Wheeled bag for better portability
Things we don’t:
- Bag zippers could be improved
- Legs get stuck if sand gets into the joints
Read Buyers Feedback >>
Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade
Designed by a beach enthusiast, the Red Suricata Sun Shade Canopy is built to serve the specific desires of beach lovers.
This beach canopy comes in 2 sizes, medium and large, so you can pick the one that better suits your needs. The medium size canopy weighs 7.5 pounds and provides a 7.3′ × 7.3′ coverage area, which is enough to accommodate about 4 people lying back and more when sitting down.
As for the large size canopy, it weighs 9.2 pounds and extends over a 10′ × 9′ area, sheltering up to 7 outstretched individuals.
Made of sturdy polyester fabric, this beach canopy promises to deliver years of reliable protection. In fact, each canopy is tested in a third-party lab to make sure you’re getting at least UPF50 UV protection level, blocking out up to 98% of dangerous rays.
As for the poles, both sizes of the Red Suricata canopy come with 4 solid aluminum poles instead of just 2 like most other brands. Once you prop them up, the poles will boost the shaded space by an additional 50%.
These poles are painted to match your color of choice out of the available 7 options. They’re lightweight, foldable, and do an excellent job resisting rust. At the bottom of each pole, you’ll find a pointed screw stake that smoothly sinks into the sand to facilitate setting up your canopy. Moreover, the top ends of these poles have rigid plastic balls to keep the fabric rip-free.
The 2019 update of the Red Suricata Sun Shade Canopy also includes 4 sandbag anchors to help weigh down the entire structure through windy conditions. The waterproof zippered carry bag is a nice touch for easier storage.
Things we like:
- Comes with 4 poles
- Pegs are screw-in design
- 2 size options
- Efficient UV protection
- Durable
Things we don’t:
- Poles could be taller
Read Buyers Feedback >>
Sport-Brella Vented Beach Umbrella
Adapting the more recent canopy concept to the classic umbrella design, the Sport-Brella Canopy combines the best features of both worlds in one exceptional yet affordable product, rightfully receiving thousands of soaring reviews.
The Sport-Brella canopy basically looks like a regular umbrella leaning on its side, except quite taller and bigger in size. It opens up to a width of 8 feet, providing a spacious area of shade to fit about 2 or 3 people.
The cover is made of rugged dual-layer polyester, measuring 210 deniers. It’s tough and able to endure frequent use without problems. There are flaps on either side of the Sport-Brella to block out creeping sun rays for extra coverage. You can also find 4.5-millimeter ribs as well as a 5-millimeter stretcher, both are made of steel to deliver solid support.
The Sport-Brella canopy offers UPF 50+ undercoating protection, physically filtering out UVA and UVB rays to keep your skin safe and healthy. The cover is also water resistant so you won’t have to pull the plug on your fun times because of rain.
Examining the Sport-Brella, you can’t miss the 2 zippered windows located on each side of the canopy. They function as vents to achieve optimal airflow, cooling you down while granting access to view your surroundings.
The Sport-Brella comes with 8 steel stakes to mount your canopy into the ground, as well as 3 tie-down cords, each one is 8 feet long. In windy situations, the manufacturer recommends using 2 of the anchor cords along with the ground stakes for added security. You can also the inner pockets with sand or rocks in case you need to further weigh down the canopy.
As for portability, the Sport-Brella beach canopy breaks down to a compact unit of 54″ × 4″ × 4″ dimensions and weighs only 9 pounds. It comes with a convenient carrying bag to let you pack everything in a single place, and it’s available in blue, red, as well as turquoise.
Things we like:
- Unique umbrella design
- Very affordable
- Has built-in window vents
- Rugged polyester cover
- Holds up pretty well in windy weather
- Quick and simple setup
Things we don’t:
- Can get too crowded when using chairs
- Stitching can be improved
Read Buyers Feedback >>
CORE Instant Pop-Up Beach Sheltor
The CORE Instant Pop-Up Beach Shelter is an excellent example of longevity and protection, earning the approval of hundreds of satisfied customers.
The frame of the CORE beach canopy is made of heavy-duty steel, supported by adding height-adjustment buttons at the joints of the poles. These controls make it easier for you to raise and lower the poles to a suitable height out of 3 presented levels.
Furthermore, this sturdy frame comes pre-assembled to save you the hassle when it comes to setting up your canopy. It’s actually a pretty quick process, taking only a couple of minutes before it’s up and ready.
The cover of the CORE Pop-Up Canopy is an oversized rugged polyester measuring at 150 deniers. It features the CORE H2O Block technology, as well as fully-taped seams, to provide you with superior water-resistant performance.
This beach canopy tent casts its shade over a 100-square-foot area, which is rather large enough to fit about 7 people. It stands 112 inches above the ground, giving you plenty of space to stand up or use chairs.
The canopy material is treated to block at least 97% of harmful sun rays with 50+ UV protection. It also meets the CPAI-84 requirements for flammability safety. The top of the cover is equipped with vents to allow for efficient airflow, especially in windy weather.
The CORE Instant Shelter Pop-Up Canopy package includes ground stakes, tie-down ropes, as well as a carry bag with wheels to make traveling extra convenient. It weighs approximately 43 pounds and is available in 2 colors, light gray and seal gray.
Things we like:
- Spacious shelter
- 3-level adjustable height
- High-quality finishing
- Meets CPAI-84 standards
- Air vents with mesh lining
Things we don’t:
- Included ground stakes can be improved
Read Buyers Feedback >>
CROWN SHADES Outdoor Pop-up Canopy
Next up, we have another beach canopy by CROWN SHADES designed to provide you and your friends with lots of reliable shade on the go.
As opposed to the previously mentioned model with slant legs, this version CROWN SHADES beach canopy features a straight pole design. Each of the 4 legs has a built-in push button that lets you adjust the top height into one of 3 levels, with a peak height of 9.19 feet.
The frame here is made of premium-grade solid steel coated with a white powder finish. The bars are 0.5 millimeters thick and they perform well when it comes to rust resistance.
As for the cover, it’s constructed using 150-denier oxford fiber which is sturdy and water-repellent. This beach canopy offers UPF 50+ protection against UV rays to keep your skin as safe as possible, stretching over a 10ft × 10ft area and sheltering around 5 or 6 people.
Setting up this CROWN SHADES beach canopy is a quick and painless task since it depends on a central hub mechanism. You should begin by opening the frame and locating the central hub. Once you hold it, push upwards to lift the top portion and you’ll notice your canopy fully expanding once it clicks into the main pole.
Included in the package, you’ll receive 4 guy ropes, 8 ground stakes, as well as a handy carrying bag with wheels for extra portability. The dimensions of this roller bag are 48″ × 6.69″ × 6.69″, and it sports a rubber handle for a comfortable grip.
The CROWN SHADES canopy is available in 3 colors: blue, black, and white. It’s also backed up by a 1-year warranty against defects.
Things we like:
- Large footprint
- Patented central hub set up
- Adjustable height
- Has ridge vent
- Good customer service
Things we don’t:
- The carrying bag handles could be stronger
- May not do very well in windy conditions
Read Buyers Feedback >>
EzyFast Elegant Pop Up Beach Shelter
The affordable EzyFast Smart Canopy doesn’t only offer effective protection against 99% of harmful UV rays, but it’s also designed to look cool while being highly functional.
This beach canopy has a cover made of 190T fabric with a silver-backed finish. The dimensions of the cover are 6ft × 6ft and the actual footprint at the base is 7ft × 7ft, casting shade over a total area of 36 square feet. This is enough to accommodate about 4 people sitting under.
To maximize your comfort, the top of the canopy is lined with mesh valance to allow for adequate airflow, keeping you cool and relaxed. The peak height of this beach canopy is 6 feet, which gives you plenty of room to kick back.
The frame of the EzyFast Pop-Up Canopy is made of rugged metal and arrives at your doorstep as a one-piece unit that’s fully assembled to facilitate setting up the canopy. Moreover, the integrated push-button locking system serves to maintain the position of the frame.
To prop up the EzyFast beach canopy, first, you should extend the frame and use the velcro straps to attach the fabric cover at the corners. Then, open the canopy and adjust its height to suit your needs.
A unique feature of the EzyFast is the included large back wall which offers several modes of use. When rolled down, it can serve as a privacy wall, a wind barrier, or block out sun rays. If you feel like increasing the airflow, simply roll up the curtain, tie it to the top, and enjoy the breeze.
The poles of this beach canopy have ties to tightly fasten the fabric, as well as handy pockets at the bottom that you can use to weigh down the canopy by storing bottles or filling them with sand.
Things we like:
- Unique multi-purpose back wall design
- Innovative weight pockets
- Pre-assembled frame
- Blocks 99% of the harmful UV rays
- Good ventilation
- Affordable
Things we don’t:
- Not the tallest in this style
- Not waterproof
Read Buyers Feedback >>
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Why Invest in a Beach Canopy?
Going to the beach should be all about having fun and letting loose. You may head out to the sandy paradise looking to enjoy some swimming time, de-stress after a busy week, or to kick back in front of a beautiful view of the sea while you sip on your favorite.
Whatever the reason for your beach visit, it’s pretty safe to say that the last you want is for scorching sun or sneaky rain to ruin your day. One way to make sure this doesn’t happen is by using a beach canopy.
A beach canopy is a handy piece of equipment built to serve the purpose of providing you with temporary shelter from harmful sun rays and sudden water attacks.
However, it’s not just about you getting too hot or unwillingly drenched, this also concerns your health. Sunburns are recognized as one of the major risk factors for skin cancer, which is why it’s absolutely crucial to have adequate protection against our burning star.
According to a 2017 study aiming to assess the prevalence and predictors of sunburns among beachgoers, 494 out of 1054 individuals reported suffering from at least one painful sunburn over the course of the previous summer. That’s almost a 50% chance of sustaining such an injury.
Other than UV rays and rain protection, beach canopies can also shield you from the wind as well as grant you some privacy from prying eyes. Actually, a couple of the options on our come with extra wall covers for these exact jobs.
How to Choose the Right Beach Canopy?
When shopping for the best beach canopy, you want to avoid bad picks that’ll surely leave you disappointed. Instead, here are a few points you should carefully consider in order to make a satisfactory purchase:
Type
The first thing you need to look at is the type of beach canopy you want to buy. To help make a decision on this matter, we’ll be breaking down these types as simply as possible.
Basically, we can categorize beach canopy types according to one vital aspect, which is the unit’s design.
The design of a beach canopy mainly refers to how it was constructed as well as the way you can set it up. This is divided into 3 general types: pop-up, frame, and pole canopies.
Pop-up Canopy
Pop-up canopies have, by far, one of the most popular designs among the 3 varieties. The reason why it’s favored by beach enthusiasts is that it offers great convenience whether you’re transporting the canopy or setting it up.
Typically, it’s a quick and effortless job that can be done by just one person without running into trouble. However, these canopies tend to be the smallest out of the bunch, which is excellent news for people who don’t like carrying too much gear, but not so good for larger families seeking shade.
Frame Canopy
As you can probably tell from its name, this type of canopy utilizes a frame structure to support the top cover and maintain overall stability, particularly when confronted with windy days.
The frame is usually pre-assembled and expandable, designed to be sturdy and, at the same time, compact as much as possible. However, the somewhat bulky size of the frame canopy compared to other types makes it a bit harder to carry and maneuver.
Once you set it up, the frame canopy isn’t going anywhere.
Pole Canopy
Pole canopies are sort of the middle ground between the frame and pop-up canopies. They bear a simple concept of construction, where the canopy cover is propped up by several poles after being stretched out using cords.
Pole canopies are fairly durable, they’re also compact and light enough to please beachgoers searching for a dependable shelter with enhanced portability. You can find pole canopies available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Size
Right after the type of canopy, you should think about the size that best suits your specific requirements. Obviously, beach canopies come in multiple sizes to accommodate the varying needs of beachgoers.
Here, your main focus should be the coverage area and the peak height of the beach canopy. Both measurements are going to decide how many people you can fit under, as well as the degree of freedom they’ll be able to move about.
For example, a coverage area of 100 square feet (10′ × 10′) is large enough to serve 8 to 10 people, while a 49 square foot area (7′ × 7′) would fit just about 2 or 3 people.
As for the height of the beach canopy, it determines whether or not you can comfortably stand up or use chairs, apart from the normal sand seating. Ideally, you want to buy a beach canopy with a minimum peak height of 6 inches.
Cover Material
Another crucial factor that could make or break your whole experience, is none other than the materials used in manufacturing a beach canopy.
The cover of the canopy should be first on your checklist since it’s the part responsible for the actual protective functions. It should be made of extremely durable fabric, such as polyester, nylon, or lycra, preferably measuring at 150 deniers in the least.
The material of the cover should also offer a high UV rating, no less than UPF 50+, to provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays that may cause serious sunburns, progressing towards skin cancer in susceptible individuals.
The cover should also be treated to be waterproof, or at least water-resistant. Such a quality helps keep you dry in the event of sudden rain.
Color
You didn’t think we would overlook the visual side of the equation, did you?
There’s no reason why a reliable and durable beach canopy shouldn’t also be stylish and fun! Luckily, beach canopies are no short of colors, shapes, and patterns, from bright neons to flamingos, so you’re definitely bound to find your match.
Accessories
Finally, you want to pick a beach canopy offering as many accessories as possible, because who doesn’t like a good bonus?
Some of these accessories include ground stakes, tie-down ropes, and most importantly, carrying bags. These bags can save you much hassle when it comes to transporting your canopy.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best beach canopy can be quite a hectic mission, especially with so many models available on the market. However, we’re confident that once you follow our consideration, you’ll be able to decide on the most suitable canopy out of our list of the top 10 beach canopies.
That being said, if you’re looking for a reliable beach canopy offering lots of coverage for the whole family, then the Neso Grande should be right up your alley.
But if you want a canopy that doesn’t put a dent in your wallet, while providing adequate protection, then you should totally check out the Qipi Beach Cabana.