BEST OVERALL

EliteShade 9-Foot 3-Tier Market Umbrella

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• The thick canvas allows no light penetration and provides decent natural cooling on very hot days.

Keep in Mind

• There is no rotation function.

This umbrella was tested with the StyleWell 26 lb. Concrete and Resin Patio Umbrella.

The EliteShade Market has been our top recommendation for years thanks to sturdy construction and a great design. The durable canopy lets no light penetrate through, making it a great option for working on a laptop or reading the Sunday paper (both of which our tester has done many times).

It provides adequate shade for four to six diners at a 53-inch outdoor dining table. The thick canvas also provides a decent amount of natural cooling, making it possible for our tester to sit outside on afternoons that otherwise would have been too hot. The umbrella is rated UPF 50+ for sun protection.

The umbrella has stood up to rain storms and high winds without incurring any damage or changes in performance—the canopy is still in perfect condition, and the crank mechanism remains smooth and easy to use. Our tester never worries about the umbrella tipping over in windy weather. 

The basic tilt feature involves pressing a button on the side of the pole to release a hinge, which tilts the umbrella about 40 degrees—it’s not a very customizable tilt, and there is no rotation feature, however our tester has found it adequate for their needs.

Our main complaint is that the crank is awkwardly positioned for closing the umbrella; our tester has to stand under the umbrella until the canopy is about 75% closed, then step out and keep their hand underneath the umbrella to finish turning the crank. They wish the crank were just a little bit lower on the pole. 

Product Details: Canopy Size: 9 ft. | Tilt: Yes | Canopy Material: Acrylic | Base Included: No

• The EliteShade umbrella has a 9-foot diameter that provides plenty of shade.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Its adjustable design allows you to easily tilt it back and forth to block the sun.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Its UV-resistant top provides plenty of shade and no water leaked on the table below.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• When open, it stays in place with a safety pin.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The material is thick and durable with tight stitching for zero light leaks.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST FOR WIND

Pottery Barn Round Outdoor Patio Umbrella

Credit: Pottery Barn

Why You Should Get It

• The umbrella’s high quality materials, like a Sunbrella canopy and aluminum frame, help it stay strong in inclement weather.

Keep in Mind

• It’s small for a patio umbrella at 6 feet in diameter.

This umbrella was tested with a Pottery Barn umbrella base.

This Pottery Barn umbrella holds up beautifully during severe winds—it even weathered a tornado warning without any damage to the canopy or aluminum frame. The water resistance is also excellent; our tester has noticed zero pooling or rain leakage.

The canopy is made of Sunbrella fabric, which has earned the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval, meaning that it provides sun protection of at least UPF 30. While it might seem like an obvious thing for a patio umbrella, not all are rated to protect against UV rays.

At 6 feet in diameter, this is the smallest option on our list, and small for a patio umbrella in general. Our tester’s patio table seats six, and only about half of it is fully covered by the canopy. We think it’s ideal for patio tables that seat 4 people or less.

The umbrella has an easy turn crank handle and tilt and rotation functions, which we’d expect to see at this price. All of the components feel nice and sturdy, though we did close the umbrella during high winds to ensure further stability.

While it is on the higher end of the spectrum price-wise, especially considering that the base is sold separately, our tester’s previous under-$100 umbrella only lasted two seasons. We expect this one to last a lot longer given the quality of the materials and build. 

Product Details: Canopy Size: 6 ft. | Tilt: Yes | Canopy Material: Sunbrella | Base Included: No

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST EXTRA LARGE

Summit Living Double-Sided Patio Umbrella

Credit: Walmart

Why You Should Get It

• This large umbrella provides ample shade that covers almost an entire deck (and even keeps furry friends cooler on hot afternoons).

Keep in Mind

• It moves around in 25+ mile-per-hour winds and we noticed minor pilling after testing.

After testing the Summit Living 15 ft. Patio Umbrella, I can confidently say I wish I had it for my housewarming party when I first moved into my home. Its extra-large shade coverage and heat protection are its biggest draws. It covers just about our entire deck and comfortably fits a bunch of people.

The UPF 50 canopy provides ample shade at my 4-person outdoor table, enabling me to work outside on quite a few sunny afternoons. It also keeps my Frenchie from overheating as quickly. The two of us have enjoyed several weekend afternoons lounging under the umbrella on the chaise lounge. 

The umbrella has held up well in typical spring weather, including both bright, 80-degree days and rainy, cloudy ones. I noticed some rotation and movement in 25 mile-per-hour winds, and some minor pilling by the end of the testing period, so it might not be ideal for those who want premium build quality.

Opening and closing the umbrella is not convenient if you are a taller person; I’m 5’10” and have to duck under the umbrella quickly to open and close it. Also, the tie to hold the umbrella closed could be a bit longer, as I’ve had to walk around the umbrella a few times to get both strings. The umbrella rotates but doesn’t tilt.

Product Details: Canopy Size: 15 ft. | Tilt: No | Canopy Material: Polyester | Base Included: Yes

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST CANTILEVER

Purple Leaf Round Cantilever Patio Umbrella

Credit: Amazon

Why You Should Get It

• This umbrella is extraordinarily easy to operate and swivels 360 degrees, providing an extensive area of sun protection.

Keep in Mind

• Though it says the canopy is UV-resistent, there’s no official UPF rating.

This umbrella was tested with the Purple Leaf Offset Umbrella Base.

Cantilever umbrellas are great for flexibility, unobstructed space, and adjustable shade angles. Our favorite is this option from Purple Leaf. It provides amazing shade (it’s the second-largest umbrella on our list) and great airflow with its double-vented canopy. 

The umbrella has successfully endured snow flurries, drizzle, rain, temperatures between the 20s and 70s, and high winds with gusts over 35 mph over six months of use. Our tester hasn’t noticed any damage or changes to the umbrella’s quality. In fact, they’re astonished by its sturdiness. 

Despite its size, the umbrella is exceptionally easy to operate with one hand. The crank is smooth with no catching, and the umbrella opens and closes with no manual adjustments needed. To adjust the tilt, simply grab the handle, squeeze to deploy the trigger, and then move the handle up or down. 

Another huge plus is that this umbrella can be swiveled 360 degrees with the lower crank, so you can shade other furniture or areas as needed. In addition, the aluminum bones and ribs are anti-oxidation spray painted to prevent rusting. The package includes a storage cover, which is helpful to use during a storm.

It’s worth noting that, though the manufacturer lists the canopy as UV resistant, there is no official UPF rating for this particular Purple Leaf model.

Product Details: Canopy Size: 11 ft. | Tilt: Yes | Canopy Material: Polyester | Base Included: No

• We tested the umbrella with a standard water and sand base that weighed it down on our deck.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The Purple Leaf patio umbrella is water-repellent, fade-resistant, and comes in seven colors.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• A cover is included to protect the umbrella during storms.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• The base isn't included, but the brand offers in-ground bases, deck bases, wheeled bases, and more.
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

BEST BUDGET

Better Homes & Gardens Premium B&W Market Umbrella

Credit: Walmart

Why You Should Get It

• This affordable pick can either be used freestanding or in conjunction with an outdoor table.

Keep in Mind

• The tilt feature has a couple of annoying quirks.

This umbrella was tested with the Better Homes & Gardens 50 lb. Square Wheeled Umbrella Base.

The Better Homes & Gardens Premium B&W Market Umbrella is a fun multi-use option that comes at a great price. It can either be placed through a table or used freestanding with a heavier base. Our tester placed it in the center of their 4-person patio table.

The umbrella provides a good amount of coverage, with two of the four chairs receiving full shade and other two receiving partial shade, which is consistent with the umbrella’s size. It holds up well in rainy conditions; water drips off the umbrella without pooling or leaking. 

At just 12 lbs., the umbrella itself is lightweight (not including the base, of course). This makes it easy to handle, but the ribs and pole feel vulnerable in windy conditions. The canopy is not UPF rated, which isn’t a dealbreaker, but something to keep in mind if your patio or deck gets full sun.

The tilt feature is finicky for a couple of reasons. First, the button is too high up for our 5-foot 2-inch tester to reach on her own, especially with the table in the way. Second, the canopy is a bit sticky—our tester and her husband needed to work together to push it down, which is especially difficult in windy weather.

Product Details: Canopy Size: 9 ft. | Tilt: Yes | Canopy Material: Polyester | Base Included: No

• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
• Credit: Better Homes & Gardens

The Bottom Line

The EliteShade Market Patio Umbrella earned the top spot as our favorite patio umbrella due to its premium construction, easy operation, and generous shade. If you live in a windy climate, the Pottery Barn 6' Round Outdoor Patio Umbrella is incredibly well made and stable.

Our Testing Process

Over a span of several years, our team of home and garden experts have evaluated 40 outdoor patio umbrellas, using them in their daily lives for up to six months. Testers assembled the umbrellas in their outdoor spaces, examining the fabric, poles, and hand cranks for quality and durability. 

To evaluate how much shade each umbrella provided, the testers spent time sitting under them while reading, dining, working, or lounging. When applicable, they made use of the tilt and rotation features. 

The umbrellas were tested during a variety of weather conditions, including wind and rain. If a tester’s area didn’t experience rain during the initial testing period, they sprayed water on top of the umbrella using a garden hose to see if water pooled on the surface or leaked through the canopy.

We evaluated a variety of umbrellas based on UV- and water-resistance, size, ease of use, and more.

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What to Know About Patio Umbrellas Before Shopping

Cantilever vs. Market

The most common type of patio umbrella is a market umbrella featuring a central pole, typically made of wood or aluminum, that supports a canopy. According to Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s store manager, “While they’re great for dining, they’re less functional for lounging areas due to limited adjustability and a central pole that can obstruct views.”

Cantilever patio umbrellas have off-center or side-mounted poles for more open, unobstructed space. “They’re typically more expensive but offer larger, more adjustable coverage,” Shaunfield says. The bases are larger to keep the umbrella from tipping over, making them harder to move around and requiring a bigger footprint.

We sprayed the umbrellas with water to evaluate their water resistance.

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Size and Shape

The first step when choosing an outdoor umbrella is to measure your patio or outdoor space and determine what size you need by matching the diameter of the umbrella to your seating or lounging area. While the average patio umbrella is about 9 feet around, there are all different sizes available.

The smallest umbrella on our list is the Pottery Barn 6' Round Outdoor Patio Umbrella, while the largest is the Summit Living 15 ft Large Patio Umbrella. Shape is also important: “Round umbrellas work well for smaller, intimate spaces, while square or rectangular ones offer better coverage for larger seating areas,” Shaunfield says.

What size patio umbrella do I need?

According to Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen, an online landscape design platform, a good rule of thumb is to choose an umbrella that will extend about 2 feet beyond the space you want to shade.

Shaunfield recommends the following guidelines to determine the size of umbrella needed:

• 6- to 6.5 feet for a 30-inch diameter table, which is the size of a bistro table that seats two people.
• 7- to 7.5 feet for a 48-inch diameter table that seats four people or a single chaise lounge.
• 8- to 8.5 feet for a 54-inch diameter table that seats four to six people or a pair of patio chairs.
• 10 feet and larger outdoor umbrellas can shade an 84-inch diameter table that seats eight people, or a set of patio furniture.

Tilt and Rotation

Tilt and rotation of the umbrella are also crucial for opportune shade coverage. Without the capacity to tilt and rotate, umbrellas need to be physically relocated to adjust to the changing angles of incoming sunlight. All the umbrellas on our list, except for the Summit Living umbrella, are able to tilt, but rotation is less common.

“Pay attention to sun patterns in your yard. In general, you’ll primarily want shade for areas exposed to southern and western light, or to eastern light for morning coffee nooks,” Lenhart says. Tree canopy, existing structures, and other factors like the diameter of your umbrella can also affect how sun falls on your outdoor spaces.

We tested both light and dark umbrellas—light colors were best at reflecting heat.

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Other Patio Umbrellas We Tested

Abba Patio 9-ft. Lyon Patio Umbrella

The Abba Patio 9-ft. Lyon Patio Umbrella is another affordable option if you are looking for a starter umbrella at a lower price point. It is extremely easy to assemble and operate, has good tilt functionality that’s simple to adjust, and is lightweight yet durable. It also does a great job repelling water and dries rather quickly overnight. 

It’s ideal for small spaces like balconies and starter patios, while able to provide full shade for a six-person dining table. It didn’t make our list based on a few drawbacks: The canopy fabric feels too thin and not as durable as higher-end models, requires a heavy base to withstand wind gusts, and it likely will need to be replaced within a few years.

L.L.Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella

The L.L.Bean Sunbrella Market Umbrella is another solid choice, but at a higher price point. It’s sturdy, easy to use and adjust, effective at providing shade, and attractive. The Sunbrella canopy fabric provides adequate shade and protection from light rain. It adjusts to three different height levels, offering flexibility for users. 

The biggest concern is that there isn't a convenient spot to tuck in the cords while the umbrella is fully open. As it is, the lengthy cords dangle alongside the vertical pole in three places and compromise the overall aesthetic.

We evaluated how easy it was to clean the umbrellas and whether they became damaged by scrubbing.

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Your Questions, Answered

Is it better to have a light or dark patio umbrella?

Color choice mostly comes down to style preference, as both ends of the spectrum have different advantages. “Darker colors absorb more heat but block more UV rays, while lighter colors stay cooler but may offer slightly less UV protection,” Shaunfield says.

Having a darker umbrella can result in warmer temperatures beneath it, Lenhart warns. On the other hand, “brightly colored umbrellas, particularly white ones, will reflect light, and can be a bit blinding under intense sunlight,” he says.

Do patio umbrellas come with a base?

Not all patio umbrellas come with a base. Most are sold separately to allow for consumers to choose the best style or weight that fits their individual outdoor setup, as some umbrellas are meant to be placed in tables while others are freestanding. However, it’s possible to find an umbrella with an included base, like the Summit Living 15 ft Large Patio Umbrella.

Who We Are

Kate Oczypok is a writer for Better Homes & Gardens specializing in indoor and outdoor appliances. She has over 15 years of experience and has contributed to a wide range of publications. For this article, she personally tested the Summit Living 15 ft Large Patio Umbrella.

This article was originally written by Sandi Schwartz, an award-winning environmental author of the book Finding Ecohappiness and a journalist with 25 years of experience. She consulted Kevin Lenhart, design director at Yardzen, an online landscape design platform, and Brian Shaunfield, Lowe’s store manager.