We Tested 41 Patio Umbrellas—These 6 Provided the Best Shade for Summer

What We Tested

To help you find the perfect umbrella for your outdoor space, we tested 41 outdoor patio umbrellas over the course of several years. We evaluated them based on ease of assembly, durability, quality, value, and ability to provide ample shade. To learn more about how we tested patio umbrellas, check out our testing process below.

The EliteShade Market Patio Umbrella is sturdy and incredibly easy to operate. In fact, it operates as smoothly as the umbrellas used at hotel resorts. Given the quality, the price tag is justified. Expect to enjoy this patio umbrella for many years to come—in fact, it’s been our top recommendation for years. 

This umbrella is very easy to assemble. The lower extension pole clicked into the upper pole in a few seconds. It’s perfect for providing shade for a round outdoor dining table 53 inches in diameter. Just keep in mind that you will need to purchase a separate base.   

It is also easy to operate, given the smooth, solid crank and tilt mechanisms. Simply press a button on the side of the pole, and a hinge releases. When the umbrella is fully raised and opened, it stays in place with a safety pin. While it doesn't have a built-in rotation feature, you can turn the pole in the base to redirect the shade.  

Not only are the canopy fabric choices bright and colorful, but the material is very thick and durable. Also, the stitching is razor-sharp and tight throughout, which results in no light shining through the canvas. One of the best features of this model is the three layers of fabric that form two vents. These vents are very effective in letting air flow while people sit under the umbrella.

The vents also help the umbrella stand firm during a breeze. Our testing also revealed how strong the umbrella is during rainy weather. Water beads up on the canvas and runs in rivulets down the center of each panel, and no water leaks in through the vented construction. 

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

The Midtown Aluminum Frame Umbrella is another wonderful option at a similar price point to our top choice. Setup is simple, and the instructions are clear and straightforward. Just unbox the umbrella and place it through the center hole of a patio table into a sturdy base (which is to be purchased separately). 

One of the most attractive aspects of this model is the high-quality canopy fabric that’s thick, UV-resistant, and waterproof. We love the color, pattern, size, and quality of the umbrella canopy. We also like how tightly the umbrella can be tied shut when not in use. The frame and hardware are also very well made. The pole and crank all appear heavy duty, yet easy to use. It held up in both rain and wind, showing no signs of damage or fading. 

Another special feature of this umbrella is the auto-tilt capability. Not only does the crank feel strong and well-constructed, but it is easy and intuitive—essentially effortless—to tilt the umbrella to achieve the desired angle to create the best shade possible. 

With regard to shade, this umbrella does a good job at providing protection no matter what direction the sun is coming from, especially given the tilt feature. You can expect four or five people to sit comfortably in the shade with this umbrella. 

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

Offering great value under $80 at the time of publishing, the AreShark 9-ft. Solar Umbrella makes it on our list as a top budget-friendly option. This umbrella is modern looking with a clean design, and comes in a variety of attractive colors to choose from. 

The assembly process is super simple. We unboxed the umbrella and placed it in the stand in under five minutes. While helpful instructions are included, assembly in the backyard is self-explanatory. 

The shade coverage is as expected for the size of the umbrella and does a good job providing shade to an area in which about three people can sit comfortably. The canopy also blocks rain effectively and withstands windy conditions. The water runs off easily, even when drenched. We didn’t notice any wear or damage following a storm, and the iron frame feels sturdy and well-constructed. 

The 32 solar-powered LED lights are the most intriguing feature of this model. These energy-efficient lights add a special ambiance, perfect for relaxing outside at night or entertaining guests. What’s more, the lights can be adjusted without a cord. Just keep in mind that the lights are more decorative than functional; they are pretty dim and unable to light up the whole backyard. 

Overall, the umbrella can be raised and lowered with ease using the convenient crank handle that doesn’t require any heavy lifting. However, the tilt adjuster wasn’t as convenient. Although it is a push-button design, shorter users may struggle and even need to stand on a chair to reach it.   

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

The Purple Leaf Round Cantilever Patio Umbrella is a high-quality product offering more shade coverage than most of the other options on our list. Cantilever umbrellas are beneficial if you are looking for flexibility, unobstructed space, adjustable shade angles, and a stylish design for your outdoor space. 

The package includes a storage cover for the umbrella, which is particularly helpful to use during a storm. The cover protects all the canopy fabric, as well as the handle and most of the pole. Just keep in mind that some people will need a step ladder or chair to place the cover on top of the folded-in umbrella, given how large it is. 

This model provides amazing shade and better airflow with its 11-foot double-vented canopy. The polyester fabric is thick, water-resistant, fade-resistant, UV-resistant, and available in a variety of colors. In addition, the all-aluminum umbrella bones and eight heavy-duty ribs are anti-oxidation spray painted to extend the umbrella’s life and keep it from rusting. 

Due to the high-quality canopy fabric, the umbrella successfully endures a variety of weather conditions. Our testers experienced a wide range of weather, including snow flurries, drizzle, rain, temperatures between the 20s and 70s, and high winds with gusts over 35 mph. Yet, they did not notice any damage or changes to this umbrella during the testing period. In fact, they were astonished by the umbrella’s sturdiness, no matter the weather. 

Despite its large size, this umbrella is exceptionally easy to operate—even with one hand. It opens with a hand crank that's located on the handle. This crank operates smoothly with no catching, and the umbrella opens and closes with no manual adjustments needed for the canopy to fold in or out. 

To adjust the tilt of the umbrella, you simply have to grab the handle, squeeze to deploy the trigger, and then move the handle up the aluminum pole to make the umbrella horizontal or move it down the pole to increase the tilt. This umbrella lets users tilt and adjust it as the sun moves so that everyone can stay under the shade. 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. 

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

The Phi Villa Double Sided Patio Umbrella is a smart option for those looking to protect a large area from the sun, such as an outdoor sectional sofa. This 15-foot umbrella is essentially three umbrellas in one. It also comes with a base, unlike many other umbrellas on the market, so that will save you money. The heavy-duty base is designed to be filled with sand to keep the wide umbrella secure. 

Available in several colors, the canopy is crafted from high-quality polyester fabric that is waterproof, breathable, fade-resistant, UV protective, and easy to clean. It is protective and repels water very easily. It also dries relatively quickly after a rainstorm. Made from powder-coated steel, the pole and ribs are robust.   

The best aspect of this umbrella is its extensive shade coverage—more than most of the other models on our list. It can provide a nice amount of shade for a long patio table seating eight to 10 chairs, so it is perfect for a dinner or other type of social gathering. 

We were impressed how it easily blocked the sun enough to use our computers beneath it without adjusting the brightness, and we didn't feel the need to squint or put on sunglasses to see. Finally, it has a hassle-free crank lift system for smooth opening and closing.

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

The Better Homes & Gardens 9' Scallop Patio Umbrella offers an affordable option for those who are fond of the soothing blue color and charming scallop edging. Given its design, it can add flair to any garden patio or deck. 

We were impressed with the lightning-fast setup for this product. It was completed in 2 minutes without any issues. The bottom half of the pole just needed to be attached to the top half, which already held the umbrella and the crank mechanism. 

The fade-resistant polyester canopy fabric is meant to last for years. It feels durable and lightweight, and is not stiff or heavy like some outdoor fabrics. The pole and frame are made of powder-coated steel. Overall, the umbrella feels sturdy, without making the umbrella too heavy. 

The umbrella does a great job providing shade, especially since the three-way tilt feature allows the umbrella to move from side to side to extend the coverage as the sunlight shifts. It is ideal for shading a table with four chairs. The crank mechanism is metal, while the handle for the crank is a heavyweight plastic. Both feel solid and durable. 

Finally, the umbrella held up well in wet weather. The water didn’t pool or get caught in the seams, and the umbrella dried in a few hours. However, the umbrella did tip over during high winds, but fortunately sustained no damage from any of the falls. Finally, there was no noticeable fading or discoloration during the testing period. 

Product Details: Canopy Size: 9 ft. | Tilt: Yes | Canopy Material: Scotchgard treated 50% recycled polyester | Base Included: No