The 9 Best Outdoor Patio Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

EliteShade 9Ft 3-Tier Market Umbrella

$220 At Amazon $221 At Home Depot $209 At Lowe's

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Size
  5/5

We gave this product, with its aluminum frame and dyed acrylic canopy, top marks for a multitude of reasons: its ease of assembly, sturdiness, durability, one-hand crank and one-button tilt mechanism, and water resistance. We were enthusiastic about how well it effectively kept the sun off a fairly large area—it shaded the area so completely that we didn’t need to increase our laptop's screen brightness while sitting underneath it.

We also found that the thick, acrylic fabric repelled rainwater well, and we could completely and quickly clean up the artificial "bird doo" we introduced during our tests. (The manufacturer claims the acrylic-material canopy doesn’t fade for at least five years.) The ample 13-color assortment—from black to natural and "sunflower yellow"—was far greater than most products we tested.

The only downside is the package lacks a base, which, depending on the materials, can cost $50 or more. (In fact, it was rare to find a standard-style-type product that did.) Despite this, we find the EliteShade an excellent value.

During our long-term tests, we found that this umbrella held up exceptionally well, going above and beyond on both sunny and rainy days. It covered most of our deck, providing much-needed shade on especially hot days.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 17 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum frame, acrylic canopy}

Best Budget

Blissun Patio Umbrella

$55 At Amazon

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  4/5
• Durability
  3/5
• Value
  3/5
• Size
  5/5

For its low price, we were impressed by the Blissun 9-inch Patio Umbrella's ability to provide ample, deep shade that effectively blocks out sun and rain. While testing, we had no trouble using a laptop under this umbrella, even in the bright Los Angeles sun.

During our testing period, we experienced unusually heavy rain in California, and the umbrella kept us completely dry. The umbrella also was able to withstand heavy winds without any issues. To help keep it sturdy, we filled the base (sold separately) with both sand and water. The manufacturer recommends just filling it with water, but we found that the sand added more security.

The 100 percent polyester shade is waterproof, and UV-resistant, and we didn't notice any fading after weeks in the sun. However, the crank mechanism is a bit awkward, forcing you to put your arm up the pole of the umbrella as you close it. We wish it was moved slightly downwards, but it's still doable and intuitive. This pick tilts to 45 degrees with the press of a button, but there are no other angle options available.

Despite these minor issues, we enthusiastically recommend this umbrella for small decks or patios.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: Not Listed | Coverage Area: 4-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum and iron frame, polyester canopy}

Best Cantilever

Grand Patio Deluxe Napoli Offset Umbrella

$350 At Amazon

Cantilever umbrellas provide unobstructed shade over your patio furniture, and this product is no exception. While testing, we felt it offered great protection from the sun, which was especially helpful when lounging with little ones. The 11-foot canopy shades 95 square feet without an annoying pole in the middle of your dining table or conversation pit.

A common fear about cantilever umbrellas is that they are difficult to assemble and move, but we found that this option was a breeze. One of our favorite things about this was the hidden wheels, which are perfect for maneuvering around a deck or patio, offsetting the heaviness of the umbrella and stand.

The canopy stretches 11 feet wide, joining our best splurge and best for large spaces picks for the largest canopy on this list. We placed the umbrella in the yard by the barbeque area, and when it rained, everything under the canopy remained completely dry.

Because this stand and umbrella are so large, it requires a lot of sand and water in its base to keep it steady, especially in high winds: 330 pounds of sand and 44 pounds of water, according to the manufacturer.

For all cantilever umbrellas, you'll have to dedicate more time to assembling the product, filling the base, and moving it around your space because it's so bulky, but we love this pick to cover large areas for family dinners or parties and find it's well worth the extra set up time.

_{Style: Cantilever | Size: 11 feet | Weight: 57 pounds | Coverage Area: 4 to 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum pole, polyester canopy}

Best Heavy-Duty

L.L.Bean Sunbrella Wood Market Umbrella

$399 At L.L.Bean

The L.L. Bean Market Umbrella stood out thanks to the Sunbrella canopy fabric, which easily kept the bright sun and rain out during our tests. The performance fabric showed impressive resistance to mildew and sun fading. After weeks in the California sun, we noticed zero signs of wear or differences in the canopy's color.

During testing, we even experienced a light drizzle and could sit underneath the umbrella without getting wet. Even at midday on sunny days, we could easily read our phones or laptop screens without adjusting the brightness. While we couldn't test the umbrella's wind resistance, we are confident that the skirted top vent on the canopy will help prevent toppling during gusty winds.

This option requires two hands to open and close, but the mechanism is simple. We found the highest height to be the most attractive and effective at providing shade to two Adirondack chairs that sat underneath.

You'll have to purchase the brand's base separately. The powder-coated base weighs 50 pounds to stay in place. The wooden pole adds to the beauty of this option, but we wish there was a way to hide the cords that hang down from the pole. Otherwise, we love this umbrella that expertly combines style and functionality.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: Not Listed | Coverage Area: Not Listed | Tilt: No | Materials: Wood frame, Sunbrella fabric canopy}

Best with Lights

Blissun 9’ Lighted Patio Umbrella

$72 At Amazon $93 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Design
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  3/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5
• Size
  3/5

Balmy summer weather makes for perfect deck-sitting nights, and we love that the Blisson 9-foot Lighted Patio Umbrella welcomes you to any outdoor space with its twinkly lights. The four solar-powered LED lights are on each of its eight ribs. While testing, we used our patio so much more than we did previously because of how nice the umbrella and its lights were.

The tilt mechanism and its hand crank are easy to operate with minimal effort. We found the alloy-steel pole and tilting mechanism to be all good quality, as well as surprisingly light. However, we weren't as enthusiastic about the canopy, noting that even though it cleaned up easily—and the manufacturer claims it’s UV-resistant—it didn’t block out all the sun.

You may need to squint a bit to read your laptop while sitting underneath, so it's best for overcast or milder days. Still, we were impressed with the product's overall value and wide color selection. After months of use, we also loved being able to read, work, or eat meals outside without worrying about becoming too hot or getting sunburnt.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 9 feet | Weight: 16 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Alloy-steel frame, polyester canopy}

Best for Large Spaces

Safavieh Athens Crank Umbrella

$128 At Amazon $128 At Walmart $150 At Bed Bath & Beyond

Our Ratings

• Design
  3.5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Size
  5/5

The classic French-style cantilever Athens 11-foot Round Crank Umbrella by Safavieh comfortably covers a table and six chairs, enough for a 12 x 12-foot deck. It's tied for the largest canopy size on this list, tied with our best splurge, but is over $400 less. The design was inspired by similar umbrellas seen throughout Monaco’s sun-drenched Mediterranean hotels.

We assembled the umbrella effortlessly and found the crank very easy to open and close. Initially, we had some issues figuring out how to tilt the umbrella, but eventually, we discovered that you have to continue to turn the crank after the umbrella is fully open and it will begin to tilt. It's not very intuitive, but now you know!

After months of consistent use on our second-story deck, the umbrella still works perfectly, with no signs of wear or fading. We feel like it's completely transformed how we enjoy our outdoor space.

Even as the weather got colder, the umbrella was still useful for deflecting falling leaves, allowing for undisturbed meals outside. We had no issues using a standard umbrella stand, and we loved that this umbrella was large enough to shade an entire outdoor dining table. It even stood up well against high-wind days and storms with no damage.

_{Style: Cantilever | Size: 11 feet | Weight: 15 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Polyester canopy}

Best Splurge

Hampton Bay Solar LED Offset Patio Umbrella

$450 At Amazon $599 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Durability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Size
  4/5

For a splurge-worthy patio umbrella that is loaded with features, we love this impressive cantilever patio umbrella by Hampton Bay. Aside from providing complete shade under which we could easily view a laptop screen, it has solar LED lights and 360-degree adjustment. You also get a steel-and-aluminum frame, which should help this product last several seasons.

We also loved how easily it could be cleaned up. Additionally—although this octagonal 11-foot canopy is large enough to cover six people at a table—it stows compactly.

Setting up this umbrella for the first time was difficult—even though the assembly instructions were clear, the product took 40 minutes to put together. Being the heaviest umbrella we recommend, it may be wise to recruit a friend during setup.

Fortunately, the package included a helpful video. What wasn't included was the recommended 220 pounds of sand for the included base, so we used sandbags inside the base as a temporary solution. Despite these downsides, we recommend this for larger decks or patios.

After long-term testing this umbrella on a completely exposed back deck, we have loved the large amount of shade that this umbrella provides, especially since it protects puppy paws from the summer heat. And while the solar lights aren't meant for prolonged use, they do provide a decent amount of light in the evening.

The only aspect of the umbrella that has degraded over time is the handle to lift the umbrella, which now takes a bit of force to operate. Even after six months, we were impressed that this umbrella could withstand hail, rain, wind, and storms, even as a cantilever-style umbrella.

_{Style: Cantilever | Size: 11 feet | Weight: 68 pounds | Coverage Area: 6-chair table | Tilt: No | Materials: Aluminum and steel frame, olefin canopy}

Best with Tilt

Pure Garden 10 ft Patio Umbrella

$63 At Amazon $63 At Home Depot $63 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Design
  4/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5
• Durability
  4/5
• Value
  4/5
• Size
  5/5

This 10-foot patio umbrella from Pure Garden tilts exactly how you need to block the sun. We like its generous shade area for the size—you could fit at least a bistro set under it and potentially a table with four chairs. It is also easily disassembled for simple off-season storage. The umbrella is available in nine different solid colors, making it a stylish addition to any outdoor space.

In less than one minute, we were able to insert the lightweight alloy steel pole into a base (not included) and open the acrylic canopy with the plastic hand crank. The product tilted with the press of a button, but we believe some people might find it hard to reach. If you're looking for a 10-foot canopy that tilts to either side, you can't go wrong with this affordable design, especially given its easy setup and storage potential.

At home, we loved how easy it was to move around, thanks to its lightweight construction. We also loved that it provided ample shade for kids to comfortably play outside in the peak, midday heat. Over time, we did notice that the crank mechanism became harder to operate and didn't work as well. However, the rest of the umbrella has held up nicely.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 10 feet | Weight: 13.5 pounds | Coverage Area: 4-to-6-chair table | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Alloy steel frame, olefin canopy}

Best Design

Kelly Clarkson Home Jessi Beach Umbrella

$69 At Wayfair

A flurry of fringe on top of the striped canopy adds a touch of romance to this 9-foot patio umbrella. We sat under this umbrella on a patio chair and could easily view our phone screens. Through wind, rain, and sun, this option performed beautifully. Rain collected on top of the polyester canopy which we easily wiped away with a cloth, but we did close the canopy during intense storms.

In addition to its fun detailing, we especially appreciated the ease of setup, and easy open and close with the press of a button. Press the button again to tilt the umbrella in either direction to find your ideal shade. The gorgeous stripes didn't fade in the sun after weeks of use.

Remember that this umbrella is meant for the beach, so the bottom of the pole is pointed to burrow in the sand. At just over 5 pounds (the lightest on our list), you can easily tote this umbrella from the beach to your patio; you'll just need to purchase a stand separately. But, the design of this umbrella triumphs with three natural colorways to choose from, all complete with cotton fringe.

_{Style: Standard | Size: 6.5 feet | Weight: 5.2 pounds | Coverage Area: Not Listed | Tilt: Yes | Materials: Aluminum frame, polyester canopy}