By Michelle Ullman and Tom Scalisi and Kristen Mosier | Updated Jun 27, 2022 12:33 PM

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What’s the ultimate must-have for outdoor living when you need a reprieve from the sun? A patio umbrella, of course. The right umbrella brings a big patch of shade to your space—and an equally big splash of style.

Beyond looks, various considerations go into choosing the best patio umbrella for your needs. These include canopy size and material, as well as the design of the umbrella’s base and operating mechanism. With so many options, it can be hard to decide which model is right for your space.

That’s why we’ve tested some of the most popular umbrellas available to report back. Ahead, learn what to look for in a quality umbrella, and see how the top picks stood up to our rigorous standards.

It’s hard to beat kicking back under the protection of a patio umbrella on a hot day. But before relaxing in the shade, users should consider several things when choosing the best patio umbrella. The following sections will outline those considerations and help ensure users have all the information they need to make an informed decision.

Understand that there are different types of patio umbrellas, including market umbrellas, cantilever umbrellas, and half umbrellas. Each has its strengths and purposes, so it’s helpful to be familiar with each.

Size is one of the most important considerations when buying a patio umbrella. Too big, and it will look bulky and out of place; too small, and users won’t get enough shade. Note that umbrella measurements refer to the width of the fully extended canopy, not the height.

Although there’s a large range of umbrella widths, an umbrella’s height should be no less than 7 feet and no more than 9 feet when fully raised. The following guidelines will help users pick the best patio umbrella for their needs.

Beyond the sheer area an umbrella covers, consider the shape. Extra-large umbrellas are often oblong and offer coverage exactly where it’s needed over a long table. A half-umbrella might provide only half the coverage, but because it will tuck nicely against a wall, there won’t be any gaps for sunlight to poke through.

Shopping for the best patio umbrella requires learning a bit about the different fabrics used in their construction. Although most materials provide plenty of shade, they each have their own perks and drawbacks.

Patio umbrella frames come in several different materials.

UV resistance isn’t the whole story. Often, that value refers to how well the umbrella fabric holds up to sun exposure, not how well it protects the folks taking shelter underneath.

The entire purpose of a patio umbrella is to provide refuge from the sun on a hot day. An umbrella forms a barrier between the sun and skin. That barrier creates what’s known as UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor.

In general, fabrics such as Sunbrella and other acrylics offer the best UPF ratings, with values of UPF 50+. These umbrellas block out not only the light but also the UV rays that accompany it, which helps protect the skin of those underneath the umbrella.

Even lightweight umbrellas can be a bit unwieldy because of their awkward sizes and shapes. But the best patio umbrellas incorporate special mechanisms that help open and close the umbrella with ease as well as adjust it to an ideal angle for blocking out the sun.

Regardless of its weight, the best patio umbrella should be both stable and easy to maneuver.

Umbrellas themselves are generally pretty light, weighing between 10 and 20 pounds for a typical market umbrella or 20 to 25 pounds for an extra-large model. Materials such as stainless steel may double the weight, while teakwood might add just a pound or two. Cantilevered designs tend to be much heavier, as their framework needs to be considerably stronger.

Every patio umbrella requires a heavy base to keep it upright and strong against the wind, even if the umbrella is centered through a patio table. Failing to secure an umbrella raises the risk of damage to the umbrella and injury to everyone around it.

Stone, iron, and concrete are common umbrella bases. Less expensive options include hollow plastic filled with sand or water. Some umbrella bases have small wheels, which is a handy feature for moving the umbrella from one place to another.

As a general rule, the larger the umbrella, the heavier the base. Cantilever models, in particular, need more weight than market versions. Some umbrellas include the base, while others require a separate purchase. Here are guidelines for market umbrella base weights:

Patios are all about relaxing, and getting the decor just right is a great way to boost those good vibes. Luckily, many of the best patio umbrellas feature bright, attractive colors and patterns, so matching them with patio furniture is rarely an issue. Those who struggle to find the perfect hue can instead have fun with contrasting colors.

Some umbrellas bring added built-in features, too. Though users will have to supply their own outdoor speakers, many patio umbrellas feature built-in lights fed from solar power, so the party doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down. For umbrellas that don’t come with built-in lights, a set of string lights will do the trick.

A simple way to add comfort and style to an outdoor space is with a patio umbrella. We tested some of the most popular selections to help you weed through the numerous options available. Here are the top picks for the best patio umbrellas, based on our firsthand experience.

Safavieh is known for its stylish and durable products, and this patio umbrella is no different. It dropped easily into our existing base for a quick setup and looked great over our outdoor table. We especially loved the upscale look of the blue canopy with white scalloped trim.

The umbrella felt sturdy out of the box with its metal pole and polyester covering. We tested it on, arguably, the windiest day of the season, and it stayed put and wasn’t any worse for the wear. It also passed our water-resistance test, shielding the table below from getting wet.

The 9-foot canopy was very easy to raise and close; even our children could manage it. The tilt mechanism was also effortless, with optional right and left positioning. One minor drawback is that the canopy lacks a tie to secure it while closed, but we didn’t find that to significantly affect the overall functionality.

Get the Safavieh patio umbrella on Amazon or at Target.

Those searching for shade at an affordable price should check out Sunnyglade’s patio umbrella. This market umbrella creates 9 feet of shade under its polyester canopy in a choice of 13 different colors. The umbrella was simple to set up and looked attractive in the red color we selected.

With its all-aluminum construction with a powder-coated finish, the pole feels durable and stable. The crank lift was low enough that even the kids could reach it, and it opened and closed smoothly. A push-button tilt mechanism worked well to adjust shade throughout the day. The canopy easily shielded the table from a light rain.

While a wind vent underneath the umbrella aims at keeping the canopy from moving too much in the wind, we don’t recommend using it on windy days, as it swayed quite a bit in the breeze. We did notice tiny pulls in the fabric when looking up through it, making us wonder about the canopy’s longevity.

Get the Sunnyglade patio umbrella on Amazon.

Backyard lounging underneath the Grand Patio cantilever patio umbrella means plenty of room and flexibility. This cantilevered umbrella features a stylish curved design ideal for outdoor lounging spaces or tables that lack a center hole. We chose to set it up over a small seating area that gets a great deal of sun throughout the day. It looked great and immediately made the deck more comfortable for lounging with its ample 11-foot canopy.

The base and umbrella arrived in two boxes and took a bit of time to set up following the provided instructions, but with little difficulty. The base requires water and sand to weigh it down to the recommended 265 pounds. The large black base isn’t the most attractive, but it’s functional and doesn’t take away from the overall look. Built-in wheels help with movement, but we found it difficult to relocate once filled.

Although the umbrella moved and swayed in the breeze, it stayed put due to the weighted bottom. We would still recommend closing it during windy weather. The waterproof canopy easily shielded the space from a light drizzle. Following the manufacturers directions, we had no trouble operating the crank lift and auto-lock to facilitate opening, closing, and tilt adjustments.

We chose the champagne color, which was accurately depicted online with a bright and neutral look. The heavy-duty all-aluminum frame and double-coated, waterproof, UV-protective polyester felt durable and long lasting.

Get the Grand Patio patio umbrella on Amazon.

EliteShade USA’s umbrella is an excellent choice for areas where fluctuating weather is typical. The tiers worked effectively on windy days, keeping the umbrella in place with no issue. While dining underneath it, we felt cool and shaded. It also kept the table dry on rainy days. It was easy to set up, quickly clicking into place, and the crank handle let us easily raise it up and down. The push-button tilt mechanism worked well, allowing us to move it left or right depending on the sun’s angle.

The tiers are functional but also stylish. We liked the look of this option fully assembled in person better than its online appearance. The color of our umbrella was beige, which was neutral enough to go with any decor, but the umbrella is available in 11 other colors to suit differing preferences. Patio umbrellas tend to fade in the sun, so we appreciate that this one features a solution-dyed acrylic top made to keep its color for 5 years. The Sunbrella fabric is also sun-protective and water- and oil-resistant.

Get the EliteShade patio umbrella on Amazon.

Although patio umbrellas help create a relaxing ambience, their primary purpose is to offer protection against UV rays. Grand Patio’s enhanced aluminum patio umbrella does just that, with its UV-protective 9-foot polyester canopy and push-button tilt mechanism. While sitting underneath the umbrella during testing, we found it worked well at shielding us from the sun, and we had no problem adjusting the tilt.

The all-aluminum frame felt durable and was easy to set up. A crank mounted low on the pole gives users easy access to open and close the umbrella. However, we found that the crank mechanism was slightly stiffer than others and made an audible noise while raising the canopy.

The built-in wind vent aims to promote airflow and improve wind resistance. The umbrella remained stable on breezy days and shielded us from light rain, and it’s available in four colors that coordinate well with most patio furniture. We tested the beige color and appreciated how the neutral shade blended in well with our outdoor space.

Get the Grand Patio patio umbrella on Amazon.

Backyard decorators don’t have to choose between protection and style with Blissun’s outdoor aluminum patio umbrella. This 9-foot model comes in three patterns and 12 colors to suit most any backyard space. Our test model was dark green, and we got many compliments on the rich yet earthy tone.

The durable all-aluminum frame quickly slid into our existing stand. The polyester canopy not only looked attractive but also felt sturdy and stood up to the elements. It effectively resisted water and kept us dry and shaded from UV rays. An air vent helped keep it fairly stable on breezy days; however, it didn’t seem as sturdy as others we tested so we would take it down during storms.

A crank lift easily opened and closed the canopy, and a push-button tilt allowed us to adjust the canopy in two directions to block the sun. At just 11 pounds, the umbrella was easy to move around the patio.

Get the Blissun patio umbrella on Amazon.

With a 7-foot canopy, this pick is a great choice for smaller outdoor tables. Its tassel design offers a modern yet unconventional look. We received it in brown, which is neutral enough to blend with most color schemes. Upon its arrival, we noticed the canopy was a bit darker and shinier than what was pictured online, but it was still attractive. However, we might opt for one of the other fun patterns when ordering.

The setup was simple, with the pole fitting nicely into our existing base. The polyester canopy stood up to light wind and offered coverage from the rain. It also provides UPF 50+ sun protection. The metal pole features a push-button two-way tilt that was simple to use. One drawback is that there is no crank for opening and closing, so the umbrella has to be pushed open at the top.

Get the Ammsun patio umbrella on Amazon.

If you’re seeking nighttime ambience on your patio, check out this 10-foot umbrella from Best Choice Products. A set of 24 solar-powered LEDs underneath the canopy run for up to 7 hours after sundown. Simply connect the battery upon arrival to activate the solar panel located in the top center of the umbrella. We found the LEDs worked well from day one, producing a cool white light.

The canopy is made of fade- and water-resistant polyester fabric with an airflow vent that stands up to the wind. During our testing, it rained quite a bit, but the table below remained dry. The vent and the aluminum and steel frame helped the umbrella stay in place during windy conditions.

The crank handle was easy to use when opening and closing the umbrella. It was a little challenging to change the umbrella’s positioning to maximize sun coverage, but with some maneuvering, we could tilt it either left or right and return it to the center.

The entire unit weighs just less than 17 pounds—light enough to move but sturdy enough for rougher weather. Available in 12 colors, this sun shade should match most patio aesthetics. We chose the red, which was beautiful in person and added a pop of color to our space.

Get the Best Choice Products patio umbrella on Amazon or Best Choice Products.

Oversize umbrellas may be cumbersome and awkward on compact patios. For smaller outdoor spaces, take a look at Abba Patio’s market umbrella. The 7.5-foot canopy looks great and is well suited for tight outdoor areas, such as small decks or garden patios.

It was simple to set up and felt durable upon first use. A crank-lift mechanism opens and closes the canopy over the rust-resistant, powder-coated metal frame. It took a few cranks to loosen up the handle, but it worked seamlessly after that. A push-button tilt mechanism easily positioned the canopy in two directions. Available in 11 colors, the durable polyester canopy resists fading, water, and UV rays. It passed our waterproof test, keeping the table dry underneath.

A vented top adds airflow and wind resistance. Although it stayed in place on breezy days, we would keep it closed in windier conditions. It secures easily with the included butterfly clip.

Get the Abba Patio patio umbrella on Amazon.

Our first impression of this umbrella was that it was more attractive in person than it was in the photos. We were afraid the large size would look and feel cumbersome, but it was surprisingly easy to manage despite its extended length. It’s perfect for larger spaces with bigger pieces of furniture that may require more shade, such as long patio tables or bench seats. The double-sided design creates a wingspan of a whopping 15 feet to provide plenty of shade from one central pole.

We loved that raising and lowering this umbrella was as simple as doing so with standard-size umbrellas. The crank lift facilitates opening and spreading this oversize umbrella without wrestling with the long ribs. There was ample shade even without any tilt options. Though the umbrella does feature triple vents, the increased wingspan doesn’t do much in terms of wind resistance, so it’s best to close the umbrella after every use.

The steel frame appeared and felt durable. It came with a cross base that needed to be weighted for stability. Setup is made difficult only by the need to purchase and add 135 pounds of sand to the included bags. However, once that was complete, the umbrella was impressively stable.

Get the Phi Villa patio umbrella at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Phi Villa US.

We chose the Safavieh patio umbrella as our best overall pick for its unique and attractive style and its ability to withstand the elements. We tested it on an extremely windy day, and it was no worse for wear. For those looking for an affordable option that is easy to use and available in a rainbow of colors, we chose the Sunnyglade patio umbrella as our best bang for the buck pick.

To test popular patio umbrellas, we first set up each one according to the manufacturer’s directions. As we assembled them, we noted the weight and level of difficulty. Once the umbrella was up, we observed its attractiveness and how well it suited our space. We tested the open and close and tilt mechanisms, noting any difficulties. Each umbrella was left out during different weather conditions. If it didn’t rain during testing, we poured water over the top of the canopy. We also noted the ability of the umbrella to provide added comfort and protection from the sun. After inputting our data into a testing rubric, we reported back with the results.

This guide sheds a lot of light on the best patio umbrellas, but some questions might remain. The following are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about patio umbrellas.

You’ll want to ensure that the umbrella you choose not only fits your budget, style, and size requirements but also is built from durable materials such as aluminum and synthetic fabrics.

Umbrellas made of an aluminum framework and Sunbrella or other synthetic fabrics will last the longest.

Although lighter colors might seem to be the logical choice, it’s the darker colors that do a better job of keeping sunlight out. Black is best but rarely fits the aesthetic. Look for a darker color, such as blue or green, that works with your patio design and also absorbs UV rays.

Aluminum is usually best. Though aluminum frames are not always as strong as steel frames, they offer the best resistance against corrosion and balance of strength to weight.

Many patio umbrellas are machine washable. Simply remove the fabric from the frame, and toss it in the wash by itself with a mild detergent. If it’s not machine washable, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

If mold or mildew is growing on your umbrella, it might not be time to throw it out just yet. A liquid mold remover may do the trick. Follow the instructions on the container, and allow the product to work its magic.

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