The 9 Best Patio Umbrellas of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Final Verdict

Our top pick is the Safavieh Athens Inside Out Crank Outdoor Umbrella because it has a unique double-sided design and provides substantial protection from the sun and other elements. Plus, it features an easy-to-use auto tilt to achieve as much shade as possible. For a more budget-friendly option, the Better Homes & Gardens Outdoor Crank Patio Umbrella is both weather- and stain-resistant and comes in a variety of colors and patterns. 

Our Testing Process

To compile our list, we tested 28 patio umbrellas in our Lab and in the real world. Although we did place the umbrellas in a stand or a patio table for our testing, our testing was only for the umbrellas themselves (stands are usually sold separately). 

First, we evaluated the design of each umbrella by using a stopwatch to time three separate tasks: assembling the umbrella, opening the umbrella, and closing the umbrella. We took note of how straightforward the mechanisms are and whether each task can easily be completed by one person. We also evaluated the appearance of the material, including our first impression of the quality of the fabric as well as the color and print selection. 

To assess the effectiveness of each umbrella, we set them up over a set of tables and chairs and worked on a laptop or phone for a few minutes, taking note of whether we could easily see our screen without adjusting the brightness settings. We also evaluated whether the umbrella provides enough shade area in relation to the size of the canopy. 

Next, we conducted a rain test to assess the protection that each patio umbrella provides. This involved one person sitting beneath the canopy while another stood on a step ladder and wrung out a wet dish towel over the canopy three times. The person who wrung out the towel observed how the water interacted with the fabric (i.e. did it form beads or did it absorb into the fabric), while the person sitting beneath took of note of whether they felt any water droplets or whether the underside of the canopy developed wet spots. If the umbrella had a tilt or rotating mechanism, we considered how easy it was to operate and whether it actually provided better shade over a different area. Plus, we took note of whether each umbrella was treated with a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) and/or waterproof coating. 

For our final test, we evaluated the durability of each umbrella. To do so, we smeared a blob of artificial bird poop on the canopy and let it dry for at least an hour. Then, we attempted to clean the stain using a solution of a quarter cup laundry detergent per one gallon of water. We put machine-washable canopies in the washing machine after spot-cleaning the stain, taking note of whether the stain was completely removed and whether the canopy faded, shrunk, or frayed after washing. We also considered the material and sturdiness of the poles and ribs.  

Finally, we reviewed the price of each umbrella and scored its overall value based on its performance in our testing, including whether we would consider purchasing it at full price or wait until it’s on sale. After our lab testing concluded, we sent the umbrellas to long-term testers to use in their own yards, and received updated insights over six months of use.

How to Shop for Patio Umbrellas Like a Pro

Market vs. Cantilever Umbrellas

There are two major styles of patio umbrellas: market umbrellas and cantilever umbrellas (also known as offset umbrellas): “A market umbrella has a classic form with a simple, straight post in the center of the shade,” says Jana Bryan, landscape design expert at Home Outside. “A cantilevered umbrella has the post and support structure to the side of the shade.”

Market umbrellas—named for the center-pole umbrellas commonly found at markets or cafes—are the most common, and are designed to fit into tables and provide shade for smaller furniture arrangements, such as a simple table and chair set. They are also the most versatile type, as they can be used anywhere from a small apartment patio to a large backyard. 

Cantilever umbrellas, on the other hand, are designed for larger furniture arrangements or lounge chairs, because they can shade a large area without the obstruction of a center pole.

Size

How do you know what size patio umbrella to buy? As a general rule of thumb, your patio umbrella should extend over your seating area by about two feet on each side. Keep in mind that the shade area of your umbrella can differ slightly depending on the tilt options and varying degrees of sunlight. "Knowing what time of day the umbrella will most likely be used will tell you how much shade you need," says Bryan. "Mid-day sun casts the smallest shade, so you'll want a very large umbrella. In the late afternoon sun, an umbrella will cast a greater shadow, meaning that you may be able to get away with a smaller umbrella."

Follow these guidelines when determining the right size for your patio umbrella:

Fabric

According to Bryan, the canopy fabric is the most important factor when choosing a patio umbrella: "Having fade-resistant and UV-treated fabric will keep the umbrella looking its best and provide adequate protection from strong sun exposure."

Sunbrella acrylic fabric is generally considered the gold standard in umbrella canopy material. Sunbrella is a solution-dyed fabric, meaning the fibers are dyed before they are processed, so they won't fade in the sun. Plus it's weather- stain- and fade-resistant. Less expensive alternatives to Sunbrella include polyester and olefin.

Tilt

Many patio umbrellas feature a tilting function that allows you to angle the canopy to more effectively block the sun without needing to reposition the umbrella. There are a number of mechanisms for doing this, including push-button tilts, in which you release the upright lock by pushing a button and tilt your umbrella to your desired position. Auto-tilt or crank-tilt umbrellas are only available in umbrellas with crank lifts. Once you've fully opened your umbrella, simply keep cranking until the umbrella begins to tilt to one side.

Lift

There are three types of opening and closing mechanisms for patio umbrellas: manual, pulley, and crank. A manual-lift patio umbrella is best for smaller, lightweight umbrellas, as it requires you to lift the umbrella with one hand and use the other to insert a pin to keep it in place (which can be difficult for short people).

Other umbrellas use a pulley-lift mechanism, in which you pull a line to raise or lower the canopy. Unfortunately, these lines are known to become frayed or finicky with use.

The easiest mechanism for opening an umbrella is going to be a crank-lift system, which works by turning a lever to open and close the umbrella. All of the umbrellas on our list feature an easy-to-use, crank-lift mechanism.

Stand

Most outdoor patio umbrellas don't come with a stand, so you'll need to purchase that separately. "A weighted umbrella base is necessary if your umbrella will be freestanding (if it's positioned in a table, the table will provide the structure)" says Bryan. "Some stands have wheels which are helpful if you want to move its location. If the stand is made of a concrete base, be sure to keep it from freezing in the winter if you live in a cold climate."

For a freestanding umbrella, multiply the width of your umbrella canopy by 10 to determine the weight of your umbrella stand. For example, a 9-foot umbrella will require a stand that weighs at least 90 pounds when filled with water or sand. For an umbrella positioned under a table, look for something around 50 pounds to secure a 9-to-10-foot umbrella.

More Patio Umbrellas to Consider

Mainstays Market Umbrella: The cheapest of all those we tested, this no-frills patio umbrella makes a great budget-friendly option for occasional use. However, the manufacturer does not state that it is UV-treated. 

Pure Garden Patio Umbrella with Auto Tilt: This affordable pick comes in 10 colorways, takes under one minute to assemble, and blocks sunlight so well that our screens looked the same as they did indoors. Though we found this umbrella to be a functional option that offered plenty of shade, some of the materials might not wear as well with long-term use.

Questions You Might Ask

How should you secure a patio umbrella? 

Safety can be a real concern when using a patio umbrella. In windy conditions, an umbrella that is not properly secured can go tumbling across the yard (or your neighbor's yard). Aside from making sure you have a heavy-duty umbrella stand, Bryan says it’s important to keep your umbrella closed when not in use. Many patio umbrellas will come with a strap or hook-and-loop fastener to keep it closed during windy weather. You can also add more weight to your base by using sand bags. 

Are dark or light patio umbrellas better?

Dark patio umbrellas are better at blocking harmful UV rays because they absorb more heat from the sun to keep you cool and shaded. A darker umbrella also better conceals dirt and debris than their light counterparts, with the exception of bird poop. While we prefer dark patio umbrellas, for those who like the look of a light patio umbrella, there are still plenty of options that provide ample sun protection and shade for outdoor relaxing. 

What is the most durable patio umbrella fabric?

Safety can be a real concern when using a patio umbrella. In windy conditions, an umbrella that is not properly secured can go tumbling across the yard (or your neighbor's yard). Aside from making sure you have a heavy-duty umbrella stand, Bryan says it's important to keep your umbrella closed when not in use. Many patio umbrellas will come with a strap or hook-and-loop fastener to keep it closed during windy weather. You can also add more weight to your base by using sand bags.

Most outdoor fabrics, such as Sunbrella, are easy to clean by spraying them down with water. You can also use a mild detergent to remove any grime. "We recommend using marine-grade cleaners to rinse off your umbrella," says Bryan. "Keep it open and allow it to dry completely before putting it away."

Some umbrellas even have machine-washable canopies. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer's instructions prior to cleaning.

Take Our Word for It

This article was written by Melanie Fincher, associate commerce editor for Real Simple with three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. Quinn Gawronski also contributed to reporting. To compile this list, we tested 28 patio umbrellas in our Lab, evaluating them based on their design, effectiveness, protection, durability, and overall value. We also received expert tips for buying and using patio umbrellas from Jana Bryan, landscape design expert at Home Outside, an online landscape design service.

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. 

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.