A beach umbrella is a really useful addition to your beach-day paraphernalia. It is primarily used for protection against UV rays, but it is also handy at shielding you from the wind too.
There are a number of beach umbrellas available in the market, with windproof models being the most desirable for many. Some options also offer protection against sudden downpours, which are becoming more and more common in our ever-changing climate. To find the best one for your needs, consider the beach umbrella's size, fabric, frame and mechanism. You will also want to consider how many people it will need to accommodate.
For this list, we evaluated beach umbrellas available on Amazon, Kogan and eBay Australia. We picked models based on customer reviews and ratings. We also chose models for every category based on key product features like size, weight, fabric and mechanism.
For the best overall beach umbrella, we picked the SKLZ Sport-Brella Umbrella. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on more than 2,400 customer reviews.
This umbrella features 8 individual 4.5 mm steel ribs reinforced by a 5mm steel stretcher. It also has a dual canopy with top wind vents and strong, side-zippered windows to enable efficient airflow. Its telescoping pole also has a reinforced tip that is held in place by a locking mechanism.
Customers praised the product's spacious design, UPF 50+ protection and sturdy structure. Its water-resistant canopy makes it ideal for those unexpected downpours and its solid frame is capable of withstanding strong winds. It has a compact design when folded down, meaning it's easy to transport wherever your next adventure takes you, but several customers found it heavy.
AMMSUN's 6.5ft Portable Beach Umbrella is our choice for the best windproof option, achieving an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on more than 540 customer reviews.
Featuring a sand anchor to help keep it windproof, the AMMSUN beach umbrella delivers consistently durable support. It also features a push tilt button allowing you to angle the canopy for better UV and wind protection as the sun and wind direction change throughout the day. The canopy is made from high-quality polyester, making it both water repellent and fast-drying. It measures just 26" in folded length, which means it's compact and easy to transport too.
This option is also relatively affordable when compared with similar models available. Many customers have said it's super lightweight and really easy to set up. The pole of the umbrella itself is made of sturdy aluminium that is resistant to rust and ensures longevity. Some customers have complained that the pole length is a little on the short side once submerged in the sand.
For the best family-sized beach umbrella, we recommend the Red Suricata Family Beach Sunshade. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on over 1,700 customer reviews.
This beach umbrella comes equipped with 4 pole anchors and 4 sandbag anchors for the ultimate robustness. The tall aluminium poles feature a pointed stake at the bottom, allowing you to stick them straight into the sand or ground. It features a water-repellent canopy that also offers UPF50 UV protection making it suitable for family excursions whatever the weather. The additional sandbag anchors also make this a durable design even in gusty conditions.
The general consensus is that this beach shade is easy to assemble, which is ideal for families with young children. It easily offers shade and respite from the sun for 5–6 family members at once. The canopy is water-resistant and quick-drying, which makes cleaning this beach umbrella an easy task. Although the price is higher than the other top picks featured in this guide, this beach umbrella can be seen as an investment. Weighing in at just 4.1kg, it's super transportable too. But several customers claim it only offers adequate shade when the sun is directly overhead.
Mirage's 2m beach umbrella is our pick if you're looking for the affordability factor. This product has an average rating of 4.2 out of 5 stars based on an average score of customer reviews from Catch, Google and Amazon.
The Mirage beach umbrella weighs just 1.8kg and comes with a carry bag featuring a shoulder strap. This makes it easy to take with you whenever the need for shade is a possibility. It also features a silver lining to maximise UV protection.
Customers report being pleased with the generous amount of shade offered by the 2m diameter canopy as well as the umbrella's lightweight and compact design (when folded down, it measures just 10cm in diameter and 112cm in length). And with an RRP of just $44.99, this model more than fits the bill when it comes to budget-friendly options. One thing mentioned by some customers is that its design isn't quite robust enough for beachside use. Several commented on the Mirage beach umbrella's tendency to turn inside out during breezier conditions.
For the best compact beach umbrella, we recommend the Radbug 3 Person Iwiko Parasol Beach Shelter, which has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on Decathlon based on more than 1,690 reviews.
This beach shelter features a PROFILTER UPF 50+ fabric that blocks a minimum of 95% of UV rays. It also has one-step assembly and disassembly ensuring it is completely user-friendly in design. Plus, thanks to the included fixing pegs and pockets, this compact beach shelter is resistant to winds of up to 30 km/h. When folded down, it fits comfortably in a lightweight bag measuring just 112cm in length. When assembled, it's 110 (w) x 180 (d) x 90cm (h) – large enough to accommodate 3 people.
Numerous buyers have been impressed by the Radbug Iwiko's value for money, compact and lightweight design (just 1kg in weight) and ease of assembly. It has been well-designed to withstand strong beachside wind while offering reliable protection in balmy weather. The only complaint with this product seems to be the quality of the carry bag. Customers have reported that it has been scratched, marked and even torn within a handful of uses.
The WolfWise 3 Person Portable Beach Tent is our choice for the best beach tent umbrella. On Amazon, it has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars based on 1,990+ customer ratings.
This beach tent measures 124.97 x 115.06 x 210.06 cm and is supported by steel poles. It features natural ventilation with 3 high-density mesh windows and even offers an extendable floor. It also offers UPF 50+ protection, blocking up to 98% of UVA and UVB rays. Its canopy is water repellent too, which means you can dash inside in the event of an unexpected summer downpour and remain dry.
This medium-sized beach tent umbrella can comfortably shade 2 to 3 people, making it ideal for small families. Thanks to its lightweight design, it's a super portable option too. Customers have plenty of praise for its easy assemblage and durability. The only complaint to note is that the carry bag is so compact, it can be a bit tricky getting the beach tent to fit back in after you're done using it.
Sport-Brella's Versa-Brella is our pick if you're looking for a compact option to keep your littlest family member protected from UV rays. This product has an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars on Amazon based on 11,800+ reviews.
Specifically designed with versatility in mind, this adjustable umbrella is fitted with a universal clamp. This allows it to be attached at will to everything from camping chairs to baby strollers and beyond. It's also UV and water-resistant, so it offers versatile protection. It starts at just $36.87, so it's super affordable too.
Customers praised the product's 360-degree swivel and flexibility, thick canopy and universal clamp, which allows you to attach and detach as needed to keep your bub safe. It comes with 2 push button hinges to enable you to position the shade at any angle necessary. Despite its compact size, it can withstand mild winds and unexpected downpours. A few customers found that strong winds can cause an issue, but this seems to be a minor concern.
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For this list, we looked into hundreds of umbrellas available on Amazon Australia. We considered the following brands:
AMMSUN
BEACHBUB
Cool Cabana
Costway
Dunes
G4Free
Golden Oasis
Mirage
Mountainview
Natural Instinct
Qipi
Radbug
Sport-Brella
Sun Ninja
Sunphio
Tommy Bahama
WolfWise
We narrowed down our choices based on customer ratings and reviews (as of November 2022). We also considered each model's key product features, including size, functionality, mechanism and price. We came up with what we believe to be the 7 best beach umbrellas you can get in Australia right now.
What is a beach umbrella?
A beach umbrella is usually a device featuring a circular canopy made of thick fabric with a UV-repellent lining to withstand UVA and UVB rays. Many models feature a folding metal frame and a rod for stability. Some also have side panels to offer additional protection from the wind.
What does a beach umbrella do?
A beach umbrella can help protect you and your belongings from the elements. Most models are windproof, which means they can withstand strong winds without being damaged. Some beach umbrellas are also water repellent, which can protect you from sudden, unexpected downpours of rain in our unpredictable climate.
Types of beach umbrellas
Not all beach umbrellas are the same. Some beach umbrellas work better for families, while other options are better for solo or couple use.
Classic beach umbrellas are the standard option. They are usually made with a durable, double-vented canopy with a sturdy frame for stability. They are often foldable and boast an easy assembly feature.
Compact or mini beach umbrellas are lightweight and easily transportable, weighing anywhere between 1kg to 3kg. These options fit inside a backpack or luggage, or they can come complete with a carry bag fitted with a strap for ease of transport. Travel beach umbrellas are similar to compact ones, but they're usually on the smaller side once packed away. These both have the same mechanism and UV protection as classic options.
Family beach umbrellas are much larger than classic ones. These are designed to withstand varying weather conditions while offering enough space to accommodate a family of 4+ beachside. They are often windproof, with some offering a varying level of water resistance as well.
How to compare umbrellas
Before buying an umbrella, consider the following factors:
Size
Choose a beach umbrella that is able to accommodate everyone you intend to use it with. This will ensure that your whole household is well protected against the elements.
Fabric
Pick an umbrella with good airflow and a silver lining. This is the most popular lining used because it guarantees UV protection. Some brands also offer beach umbrellas with a water-repellent outer canopy for added convenience.
Weight
If you want a compact or travel beach umbrella, go for an option weighing less than 3kg. This is typically less than 112cm long, too. For families, most options are heavier because the shaded space needs to be larger to ensure all family members stay protected.
Handle
Some beach umbrellas have staked handles, while others have spiralised ones and the best have a combination of both. Choose an umbrella with a spiralised-staked handle, so it's easy to set, even on soft sandy beaches.
Beach umbrella maintenance
Check out these top tips to prolong the life of your beach umbrella:
Even if your beach umbrella has an automatic open/close function, make sure to open it slowly to protect the frame from damage.
Never fold your beach umbrella when it's wet. Keep it open, let it dry and dust off any excess sand before storing it inside its carry bag.
Regularly deep clean your beach umbrella to remove any accumulated dirt and grime.
Don't use your beach umbrella as a walking stick. Additional weight can damage its structural integrity over time.
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Gemma Henry is a writer for Finder specialising in shopping and deals. She has a passion for creative writing and thorough research. When she's not tapping away at her keyboard, you'll find Gemma exploring the great outdoors or curled up with the latest crime fiction novel.
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