Stay Out of the Sun and Rain With the Best Patio Umbrellas, Tested by Us

Final Verdict

The Safavieh Athens Outdoor Umbrella snagged the top spot on our list, thanks to its stylish design and durable construction. Its 11-foot-wide, UV-blocking, water- and stain-resistant polyester canopy provides ample shade and offers solid protection from the rain, too. For a less-expensive pick that impressed us in testing, we recommend the Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Crank Patio Umbrella.

Our Testing Process

To come up with our list of the best patio umbrellas, we tested 28 of the most popular options on the market in our lab and in real-world settings. Our testing focused on the umbrellas themselves; the stands are usually sold separately. 

We first evaluated the appearance and design of each umbrella and timed how long it took to assemble, open, and close each model, and whether one person could handle it alone. We took note of how straightforward any tilt or rotating mechanisms were, the ease of operation, the quality of the fabric, and if there were any special ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) or waterproof coatings, as well as the color and print selection.

We set the umbrellas up over table and chair sets and evaluated whether enough shade was provided for the canopy size. We worked on a laptop or phone to see whether we could easily see our screen without adjusting the brightness settings. We then conducted a rain test to assess the protection of each patio umbrella. We dropped water onto the umbrella and observed how it interacted with the fabric (if it formed beads or it was absorbed into the fabric), whether any water droplets came through the underside of the canopy, or if any wet spots developed.

To evaluate the durability of each umbrella, we smeared artificial bird poop on each canopy and let it dry before attempting to clean it off with a solution of laundry detergent and water. Machine-washable canopies were put in the washing machine after spot cleaning, and we took note of whether the stain was completely removed or if the canopy faded, shrunk, or frayed. Finally, we reviewed the price of each umbrella and scored its overall value based on its performance in our testing. After our lab testing concluded, we tested the umbrellas in our own yards and gave updated insights after six months of use.

How to Shop for Patio Umbrellas Like a Pro

Style

The two main patio umbrella styles available are market umbrellas and cantilever models. Market umbrellas have a straight pole in the center and a canopy that spans across (similar to a beach umbrella). Cantilever umbrellas, also known as offset umbrellas, have a side pole that supports the canopy, allowing for more flexible positioning without the need for a center pole. This design provides sufficient shade without obstructing the view or seating area underneath. 

Other patio umbrella options include table umbrellas that are designed to fit into a patio table’s center hole, and beach umbrellas that are lightweight and designed to be anchored in sand or soil. “There are also deck-mounted umbrellas available that can be anchored directly to a deck for support,” Freda says. These are great for an area where you want to save space and don’t have room for a huge umbrella base.

“Most people either purchase a straight umbrella or a cantilevered one,” Freda says. “The straight umbrellas are most commonly seen used in outdoor dining tables that have a hole in the center to accommodate the umbrella. Cantilever umbrellas are a great option to provide a bigger canopy that can be angled over a larger space, such as an entire seating arrangement.”

Size

Freda says that one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a patio umbrella is its size to ensure that it can properly shade your space. Patio umbrellas come in an array of sizes, from around 6 to 11 feet in diameter. Some of the patio umbrellas that we tested do not have the coverage area specified, but there are some general rules that apply so that you can choose the right size umbrella for your needs.

If you have a smaller patio, a 6-foot umbrella will be able to provide shade for a 30-inch round table with two chairs, and a 9-foot option will shade a 48-inch table with four to six chairs. For larger areas, an 11-foot model, like the Grand Patio Deluxe NAPOLI Patio Umbrella, can offer adequate protection for a 60-inch round table or 72-inch rectangular table with six to eight chairs. If you get a smaller umbrella with a tilting function, it won’t cover a larger area all at once, but you can adjust it according to the position of the sun, getting ample shade throughout the day.

Umbrella Size	Table Size	Number of Chairs
6-foot diameter	30-inch round table	2
7-foot diameter	36-inch round table	2-4
9-foot diameter	48-inch round table	4-6
11-foot diameter	60-inch round table or 72-inch oval/rectangular table	6-8

Materials

Patio umbrellas are usually made from polyester, polypropylene, acrylic, vinyl, or Sunbrella, with steel, aluminum, alloy, or wooden hardware. They’re available in almost any color or design you can imagine, so you can perfectly match it with the rest of your outdoor furniture.

Models with polyester canopies, such as the Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Crank Patio Umbrella, are the most common option as the material is durable, affordable, and resistant to fading, tearing, and mildew. Sunbrella, made from solution-dyed acrylic fibers, is considered the most premium outdoor fabric because of its exceptional durability, water-repelling properties, and UV resistance. 

O’bravia2 is another outdoor fabric that is similar to Sunbrella. The dye is integrated throughout the fibers during the manufacturing process of these materials instead of being applied superficially afterwards. This process ensures that the color is more deeply embedded in the fabric, giving it excellent fade resistance.

Stand

While our testing only covered the umbrella and not the stand, you will need to purchase a good stand for your patio umbrella if you don’t already have one, as most options don’t come with their own. The two main types of stands are the weighted base and the market umbrella style, which is designed to be positioned in and anchored at the middle of a table. Some options have wheels—this is particularly helpful for moving patio umbrellas with a heavy weighted base around.

Freda stresses the importance of securing a patio umbrella to keep it from blowing over. “Depending on how much wind the space receives, you might want to opt for an umbrella with a heavy enough base to support it in the elements,” she says. These stands are a non-negotiable if your patio umbrella is a freestanding model. “A smaller base would be fine if you’re planning to take the umbrella down when not in use,” Freda says. “Otherwise, if you want to leave it up, there are bases that are 100 pounds or more, filled with sand or water, or weighted down with concrete blocks.” 

To determine the weight of the stand you’ll need, multiply the width of your patio umbrella’s canopy by 10—for example, a 9-foot umbrella will require a 90-pound stand, and an 11-foot umbrella will need one that weighs at least 110 pounds.

Special Features

To add a layer of convenience to your patio umbrella, you could opt for a model with a few special features, like a tilting mechanism, an easier lifting function, or LED lights. A tilting feature enables you to adjust the angle of the canopy to effectively block the sun without having to reposition the whole umbrella. Tilt mechanisms are typically operated with a push-button or locking lever that you click or lock into place once you have set the umbrella to your desired tilt. 

There are three different ways to open a patio umbrella: manual, pulley, or crank. Smaller and more lightweight umbrellas typically come with a manual lift, which opens up just like a regular rain umbrella. You’ll then have to insert the pin to keep it in place. Pulley-lift umbrellas have a rope or cord that needs to be pulled (like blinds) to raise or lower the canopy, but these are known for being a little finicky. Plus, cords are a safety hazard, especially around children.

To make your life easier, go for an umbrella with a crank-lift system, which works by turning a rotating lever to open and close the umbrella. Some crank options also offer a tilting function; if you continue cranking once the umbrella fully opens, it will start to tilt. Other patio umbrellas, like the Best Choice Products Solar LED Lighted option, have built-in lighting under the canopy to provide a lighted ambiance and visibility at night.

More Patio Umbrellas to Consider

Sunnyglade 9-Inch Solar LED Lighted Patio Umbrella: This option offers impressive quality at a budget price. Its 100% polyester fabric is fade resistant, water repellent, and provides adequate shade with its tilting mechanism. It even has LED solar-powered lights. It provided excellent rain protection, and on sunny days we could use devices under it without having to adjust their brightness. The lights are not powerful (more for ambiance than convenience), and we found ourselves wishing that they were a warm hue instead of a cool one. We also would have liked it if the brightness could be adjusted. 

Tuuci Ocean Master Hexagon Umbrella: This patio umbrella has a high-quality and attractive design, with a Sunbrella UV protection and mildew-resistant canopy. It’s extremely durable and built to withstand heavy winds—something that’s reflected in its hefty price tag. It performed well in all weather and effectively blocked out the sun’s rays. Its hexagonal shape offered more surface area for coverage compared to traditional circular umbrellas, and it was incredibly stable. It’s operated via a cam cleat and pulley system. While this wasn’t difficult to use, we found the hanging rope to be somewhat of a safety hazard, particularly for children. It could be a worthwhile investment for those who live in windy areas.

Questions You Might Ask

How big should a patio umbrella be?

The size of a patio umbrella depends on various factors, including the size of the outdoor space, the amount of shade you need, and the number of people it needs to accommodate. Ultimately, the size of the patio umbrella should be proportional to the size of the outdoor space. “When deciding how large an umbrella should be, it would be best to tape out the entire space you want to cover and then measure it, so you can plan appropriately,” Freda says.

As a general rule, a 6- or 7-foot canopy is best for a smaller seating area, while an umbrella with an 8- to 10-foot diameter can offer ample shade for a standard or medium-sized patio. For larger outdoor spaces or oversized dining tables, you’ll need a patio umbrella with a diameter of at least 11 feet.

Which type of fabric is best for a patio umbrella?

Outdoor furniture should always have fabric that is weatherproof, water repellant, or even completely waterproof. Some examples are polyester, olefin, vinyl, and acrylic. A patio umbrella should preferably be made of material that is also quick drying, fade resistant, and easy to clean. “Outdoor fabrics that dry quickly and repel water, such as Sunbrella, will be the best options for an outdoor umbrella,” Freda says. As an added perk, Sunbrella also offers UV resistance.

What is the best kind of patio umbrella for windy conditions?

“Umbrellas with single- or double-vented canopies and heavy bases will be the best options for windy conditions,” Freda says. “I’d recommend that you always keep the umbrella closed when not in use, and you might also want to consider purchasing a sleeve that will provide extra wind protection by enclosing the entire canopy when it’s not being used.”

How much should a patio umbrella cost?

The price of patio umbrellas varies depending on the quality of materials and extra features. “This could be anywhere from $100 to $2,000, depending on the brand, the size, and the materials used,” Freda says. Market umbrellas are the cheapest option and are usually priced between $50 and $100, while crank-lever options with high-quality Sunbrella or O’bravia2 canopies will be on the higher end of Freda’s price scale. But there are some less expensive high-quality options, like the Sol 72 Outdoor Kellie Sunbrella Umbrella, that cost around $300.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Kat de Naoum, who has over 11 years of commerce-writing experience. Kat has been writing for Real Simple since 2019, and she is also the commerce editor-at-large at Thomas-Xometry, the leading U.S. online platform for supplier discovery and product sourcing. For this article, we reviewed and tested 28 patio umbrellas in our lab and in real-world conditions, evaluating them based on their design, effectiveness, protection, durability, and overall value. Kat also spoke to NYC-based landscape design expert, Amber Freda.

What is Real Simple Selects?

Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. If that's the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. 

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