Whether you’re enjoying a vacation, hitting up the lake house for the weekend, or just need to cool off in your own backyard, there’s only one thing every good day at the water requires: A great chair!
All that relaxation doesn’t have to break the bank though, as we’ve got some of our favorite affordable options right here.
If you’re looking for some of the best affordable beach chairs, then look no further. Finding the best beach chairs shouldn’t break the bank but it should meet– even exceed– your expectations.
Best Affordable Beach Chair for Summer Quick Overview
Best Overall Beach Chair: Rio Brands 4-Position Beach Chair
The Rio Brands 4-Position Beach Chair is ranked as the best overall in our list because it delivers on everything you’ll want while relaxing at the beach: it’s comfortable and feels sturdy, it reclines, has an adjustable headrest and a cup holder attached to the right armrest.
While the cup holder may not be ideal for overly-full open drinks, it works just fine for screw top and glass bottles. The chair material is surprisingly comfortable for being so firm and has perfect water and sand resistance. The fabric color also won’t fade in the sun.
The headrest combined with the ability to recline the chair makes it perfect for relaxing, reading, tanning, or watching your kids play in the sand. The base bar never feels like it’s digging into your thighs. When you finish up at the beach, the chair is easy to fold up and carry like a backpack.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Multi-position recliner
- Foldable
- Carrying straps
- Adjustable headrest
- Back storage pocket
Cons
- Cupholder can be flimsy
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Rio Beach backpack chair offers hands-free portability and is lightweight to carry, making it easy to take with you to the beach, lakefront, or outdoor sporting event
- PINCH-FREE SEAT ADJUSTMENTS: 4-position easy-adjust recline options. Adjust without the worry of getting your fingers or hands caught in the brackets
- UNIQUE AND FUNCTIONAL: Adjustable, backpack shoulder strap with large storage pouch. Features a large adjustable pillow and cup holder
- ALL-DAY COMFORT: Flexible lace-up suspension design supports and conforms to your body. Provides a touch of nautical style, making it fashionable and functional
- DURABLE AND LIGHTWEIGHT: Beach chair frame is constructed of durable rust-proof aluminum, making it lightweight and easy to carry. Weighs only 8 lbs.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Affordable Beach Chair: Rio Brands Wave
If you are looking for the simplest, cheapest, folding beach chair, then the Rio Brands Wave is a perfect choice. This chair is as essential as beach chairs come since it doesn’t have all the features that many beach chairs have.
While this Rio beach chair only has one position and sits very low to the ground, it’s sturdy on its powder coated steel frame and serves its purpose well. This chair is the best for occasional beachgoers and short-stay vacationers. It may not be the most comfortable chair globally, but it is better than sitting in wet sand.
This chair is extremely lightweight at only 5 lbs making it ultra easy to transport. It will lay flat for storage and it’s ideal for children and adults alike. It comes in several fun colors and patterns.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Lightweight (5lbs)
- Sturdy
- Convenient
- Works for adults and children
Cons
- Low to the ground
- Not reclining
- LOW PROFILE BEACH CHAIR: Comfortable beach chair made of rugged 600 denier polyester with a powder-coated steel frame
- OUTDOOR CHAIR: One-position sun chair perfect for the beach, outdoor concert, park, or lakeside
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Weighs only 5 lbs, making it lightweight and portable
- SPACE SAVING STORAGE: Folds almost flat for easy carry and storage in the car or garage
- DURABLE FABRIC SEATING: Constructed with durable fabrics that resists color fading and designed to keep you dry
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Compact Beach Chair: Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair
Do you always end up over packing and then have no room for the beach chairs? Well, worry no more because this is very a compact chair when closed. You’ll be able to fit it in the trunk no matter how many coolers, towels, and sand toys you have packed for your beach trip in there.
The Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair is a lightweight, yet dependably sturdy folding chair with an X-frame design. There’s not much to this chair, but it gets the job done. You’ll never have to worry about falling over with the semi self-leveling feet.
The back of the chair is made of a breathable mesh fabric and the steel and aluminum frame can hold up to 250 lbs. Because the Cascade Mountain Tech chair is a basic beach chair, it doesn’t have arm rests or a cup holder. It also comes with a storage bag to pop it into with a carry strap for easy transport.
This chair is ideal for sand and stone beaches, boardwalks, decks, and as a camping chair for sitting around a bonfire. It is easy for both kids and adults to use.
If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, very sturdy, good quality beach chair that you won’t have to worry about this summer, then the Cascade Mountain Tech Camping Chair is the one for you.
Pros
- Folds up small
- Easy to carry
- Sturdy
Cons
- Sits very low
- Not the most pleasant material to sit on while wet
- No armrests
- No headrest pillow
- No cup holders
- The perfect low profile, lightweight chair for camping, the beach, outdoor concerts, sporting events and much more
- COMFORTABLE: With breathable mesh fabric and cushioned armrests
- COMPACT: Just 21 high and 20 wide, meeting requirements for most outdoor music festivals. Sits 9 off the ground allowing you to easily snuggle up by the campfire. Folds up fast and stows easily at 26 x 8
- CONVENIENT: Handy storage bag with shoulder straps included
- CAPABLE: Strong steel and aluminum frame holds up to 250 lbs
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Beach Chair for Tanning: Rio Beach Portable Folding Backpack Lounge Chair
Most beach chairs at the beach are upright chairs. But what if you want to lie down? A day of fun at the ocean can be quite exhausting between the sun, swimming, beach games, and barbecue. Sometimes you just need to take a break and get your tan on!
The Rio Beach Portable Lounge Chair is the perfect solution. It’s reminiscent of the old school tri-fold beach chairs that had the plastic tubing as “fabric.” Fortunately, the chair got an upgrade! The plastic tubes have been replaced with a nice polyester fabric blend and the chair has a sturdy leg support. Forget having to make an extra trip to the car– it is now also a backpack beach chair! The best part is it has several reclining positions and it lays down all the way flat so that you can cook yourself on the front and back evenly without having to lay on the sand.
This Rio beach chair has a handy-dandy pouch on the back to store your keys, books, cell phone and sunscreen and it comes in some very classic beach chair patterns.
After swimming, there’s nothing better than using lounge chairs to dry off and soak up the sun. The fact that it’s a backpack chair makes this reclining beach chair even more appealing– you won’t have to lug the beach chair under your arm– instead, you can easily fold the lounge chair down and carry it backpack style!
Pros
- Lies flat
- Storage pouch
- Adjustable backpack straps make it easy to carry
- Full body support
Cons
- Easy to tip if you sit on the wrong end
- No cup holders, towel bar or other accessories
- Customize your own beach chair comfort with unlimited reclining positions
- Get maximum all day tanning with the fully reclining, lay flat option
- The backpack beach chair features adjustable backpack straps that make it easy to carry
- Includes a large storage pouch that is easy to access while traveling
- Made of rust-proof steel and lightweight. Weighs only 9 lbs.
- The sling is made of durable, polyester, quick-dry fabric providing all day comfort and relaxation
- Perfect for on-the-go anywhere outdoors - use at the beach, at the pool, camping, a concert or by the lake
- Chair Weight: 9 lbs. Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
- Seat Height: 10“ off the ground
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Beach Chair in the Simplest Design: Pacific Pass Beach Chair
Reclining, foldable, colorful beach chairs are fun, but if you’re looking for something simple and affordable for your beach day, consider the Pacific Pass Beach Chair– think of it as a portable seat.
This chair has the basics you need: a seat and a cup holder and a pocket on the back for storage. The best part, of course, is that it folds up into nothing so you can easily store it in your closet or trunk. This chair is very sturdy and good quality for the price.
The durable metal frame, lightweight design at 6lbs., X-style frame give this beach chair a weight capacity of 250 lbs. The material of this chair is comfortable and firm without being rough or scratchy and it comes with a carry bag and strap making it convenient for transportation and setup for those family beach trips. Though the back of the chair is angled so it is a little more reclined, it is not a reclining beach chair.
Pros
- No-frills design
- Simple design and muted color
- Cup holder
- Storage pocket
Cons
- Sits very low
- Doesn’t recline
- Plastic clips that hold the frame may become brittle
- Durable Material: The lightweight beach chair has a strong powder-coated steel frame and supports up to 250lbs. 600D polyester fabric and steel structure to provide strong and durable support
- Lightweight & Room Saving: Ultralight, weighs 6.5lbs. So you can take the beach folding lightweight chair everywhere with you. Fold up to compact size when not in use. The foldable beach chair comes with a carrying bag for easy transport and storage
- Convenient Design: The low folding beach chair was equipped with a fabric cup holder with a black mesh bottom to provide storage room for beverages and personal items. Outdoor folding chair has a seatback pocket for convenient storage
- Great Size: 20.5W x 15.5D x 27H inches. Portable beach chair height from seat to the ground is 8 inches. Pacific Pass outdoor chair will supply you hours of comfort: Relaxed backrest with full seat support
- Versatile: Great camping chair for adults. You can use this sand chair for all your outdoor activities like a concert, hiking, travel, picnic, festivals, in the garden or any outdoor activity. Take low beach chair with you and enjoy your outdoor life
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Beach Chair For Relaxing: Sport-Brella 3-Position Recliner
If you’re looking for an affordable beach chair with all the bells and whistles, then the Sport-Brella 3-Position Recliner should be your go-to. This folding beach chair has everything: a comfortable reclining design, a footrest, an umbrella, a built-in insulated pocket, a cup holder, a storage pocket that can hold up to four drinks, and a unique folding design.
You can put your feet up, drink a couple of cold ones and relax without getting sunburned. The three reclining chair positions are ideal for sitting, relaxing, and sleeping, while the articulated umbrella can be adjusted to keep the sun off no matter how you choose to sit or where the sun is hanging in the sky.
The foot rest is removable, and the entire chair and umbrella fit in a carry bag. The chair is extremely sturdy and can take weight up to 250 pounds. The umbrella is also protective up to a UPF of 50+.
Pros
- Adjustable sunshade
- Removable footrest
- Insulated storage
- Cup holder
- Drink / cans pocket
- Three reclining positions
- Compact design with carrying bag
Cons
- Looks a bit like a suspension bridge
- ULTRA COMFORTABLE: The easy to adjust recliner hinges have 3 options, meaning you can sit up, lay back or nap, as you sit and watch the waves; Put your feet up with the detachable footrest and relax with the Sport Brella Recliner Chair
- FULL COVERAGE UMBRELLA UPF 50 plus PROTECTION; The Sport Brella will keep your skin protected from UVA or UVB rays; The canopy has a 3 way swivel and metallic undercoating for superior UPF 50 plus protection, plus safety tips for eye protection
- REFRESHMENTS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS: Built in insulated pocket, cup holder, and storage pocket holds up to 4 drinks, so you’ll always be prepared to crack a cold one; Meanwhile, the zippered storage pocket has a built in a bottle opener
- LIGHTWEIGHT, STRONG, AND EASY TO STORE: Made of ultra strong, lightweight steel construction, the Sport Brella Recliner Chair can hold up to 250 pounds; Use the easy to carry bag for transportation and storage
- JUST THE RIGHT FIT: This ultra comfortable, lightweight, Sport Brella Recliner Chair covers all the bases; Put your feet up on the detachable footrest, or grab your beverage of choice from the insulated drink pouch
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Stylish Beach Chair: Rio Beach Classic Folding Beach Chair
Going to the beach isn’t just about relaxing and having fun. It’s also about showing off your new bikini, well-earned abs, and colorful beach swag. If you want to make the biggest splash at the beach, you need the best beach chair for the job.
Another of the Rio brands beach chairs, the Rio Beach Classic folding chair is just that– classic. With many fun colors and patterns to choose from, wooden armrests, and a time-honored design, you’ll draw the eyes of every passerby with this chair. In fact, it might be the best folding beach chair you’ll find.
The shining aluminum frame, solidly-mounted cupholder, unique wood armrest, and bright patterns on this beach chair are the perfect pairing with sun-kissed skin and a cold drink. Don’t be fooled by the rigid look of the chair. It reclines in five positions and all the way down to a totally flat position so that you can get your tan on! To prevent pinched fingers, the chair arms have a patented “safe-adjust” arm rest design. For extra safety, the chair also has a locking bracket to ensure the chair back stays where you want it and a weight capacity of 250lbs. It also has a padded shoulder strap to carry it to and from the car on your next beach vacation.
Pros
- Stylish
- Cup holder
- Many colors and patterns
- Wood armrests
- Fully reclining
- Lightweight chair
- Easy to transport
Cons
- Sits very low
- Enjoy all day tanning with the 5 Position reclining beach chair with lay flat option
- Recline without the worries of pinching fingers or hands with the patented SAFE-ADJUST technology built into the wooden armrests
- The contoured wooden armrests are sealed with marine grade coating to prevent scratching and provide weather-proof protection
- Includes built-in towel bar
- Easy to carry design with the padded adjustable straps
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Beach Chair with SunShade: GCI Waterside Beach Chair
If you are looking for the best sun protection, then look no further than the GCI Waterside Beach Chair. This is the pinnacle of beach chair design. The chair’s key features are a massive adjustable sunshade, four levels of reclining, a vast, sturdy cupholder, an adjustable pillow, and a drawstring storage pouch on the back big enough to hold your beach towels, portable speaker and sunscreen. It’s hard to go wrong with such impressive specs.
The Waterside beach chair also folds up flat and has backpack straps for easy transport. It is bulkier and heavier than other chairs, so an adult will need to carry it. The massive sunshade and comfy material of this chair make it perfect for a relaxing beach day.
Pros
- SPF sun protection from sun shade
- 4-position recliner
- Backpack beach chair
- Massive cupholder
- Adjustable sunshade
- Adjustable headrest
- Storage pouch
- Carrying straps
Cons
- Can be bulky
- Folding beach chair with backpack carry straps, 4-position reclining ventilated mesh backrest, and collapsible sun shade
- Folding Beach Chair: Perfect for relaxing by the water, this beach backpack chair featuring a 4-position reclining backrest and an adjustable canopy provides comfortable, portable seating for the beach or other outdoor events
- Sun shade canopy adjusts from front-to-back and collapses when not in use; built-in beverage holder keeps drinks nearby
- Quality Construction: Constructed from sturdy aluminum and steel, this backpack chair boasts a built-in beverage holder, a comfortable head pillow, and ventilated seating with mesh paneling
- Backpack straps for hands-free carrying; large storage pocket holds essentials for water sports, outdoor activities, festivals, and sporting events
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Weatherproof Beach Chair: Sport-Brella Beach Chair
The Sport-Brella Beach Chair is the most weatherproof affordable best beach chairs we’ve found. Whether you’re in rain or shine, the vast canopy will protect you against the elements. The umbrella shade provides sun protection with an SPF of 50+ and has three points of articulation. The umbrella also has an elongated side to make sure your feet and legs are covered while the sun moves through the sky– a great option when bringing a separate beach umbrella isn’t convenient.
This low profile chair uses the X-frame design to give it a strong base yet makes it easily collapsible for transport and it can support up to 242 lbs.
The mesh material easily lets water and sand slide through and helps keep the chair clean for when you’re ready to pack it up again. This beach chair also comes with padded armrests and a cup holder.
Pros
- Adjustable umbrella
- Cupholder
- Mesh material
Cons
- Low-lying
- Enjoy long hours of leisure with this low-profile beach chair with optional umbrella attachment, padded armrests and cupholder
- Water resistant material and large mesh panel ideal for water and beach activity; included sun umbrella with UPF 50+ shade coverage
- Padded, durable arm rests in dark matte color for heat protection; attached collapsible cup holder
- Sturdy steel frame with wide seat design that supports up to 242 lbs.
- Easy fold up design with included drawstring carry bag; dimensions 5.9 X 5.9 X 36.5 X 7.65, weighs 7.65lbs
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Most Durable Beach Chair: Nice C Low Beach Chair
The final chair on this list is the Nice C Low Beach Chair. It takes the cake for the most durable, affordable beach chair. The X-frame comprises of thick heavy duty steel frame capped with tough plastic feet. The material is also quite thick and has heavy-duty stitching. Even the mesh center is resilient to damage.
This chair can take up to 300 pounds and comes complete with a cupholder. It also has a heavy-duty carrying bag with shoulder strap made of the same material as the chair. For all its strength, it is surprisingly lightweight at 6 pounds and folds up quite small. You can get two for under $100.
Pros
- Very strong
- Good deal
- Cupholder
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Sits low
- COMFORTABLE & PORTABLE: Nice C’s low beach chair is made with a breathable and cooling mesh fabric that allows air to flow while you sit. There are arm cushions on the metal arms so you can rest your arms comfortably. Also included is an easy to reach cup holder to hold your drinks or personal items. Take this chair with you anywhere: beach, park, camping, hiking, etc.
- INDUSTRIAL GRADE MATERIAL: Our chair is made with a heavy duty steel and industrial grade Oxford 1000D polyester mesh. It is sturdy and durable. The lightweight frame and the included carrying case allows you to transport the chair easily. The folding size is only 24.5”× 7”× 4.5” (L×W×H), so you can store it easily.
- WEIGHT SUSTAINABILITY: The chair’s heavy duty frame allows it to sustain weight up to 300 lbs. or 136 kgs. The low seat and anti-sink leg cap designs give the chair a stable structure to hold more weight. Use this chair without worry.
- SETUP & CLEAN UP: Setting up the chair is very easy: just pull the frame apart and enjoy your seat. To store away, simply push the frame back together and put it in its carrying case. Clean up is also easy: just wipe off with a towel or clean with soap and water.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Beach Chairs Buying Guide: Searching for Affordable Beach Chairs
Buying a beach chair may seem like an easy task, but if you want to get the most bang for your buck, there are a few features to watch out for though the features you end up looking for all personal preference.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you look for the best beach chairs:
- Does it have a cupholder?
- Does it recline?
- How far off the ground does it sit?
- Is it easy to carry and does it come with its own straps or case?
- Does it fold up easily?
- Is it light enough for children to carry?
- What material does it use?
- Does it have armrests?
- Is the base suitable for sand and stone beaches?
- How much weight capacity does it support?
- Does it have any extra features like a headrest or sunshade?
The important things to remember when buying a beach chair are comfort, transport, and design.
To ensure comfort, look for chairs that have good materials and support. I prefer headrests and armrests, but some people don’t need those to relax.
Make sure you can get the chair to the beach and back. If it is too heavy, doesn’t fold small enough, or has no way to be carried easily, you won’t be going anywhere with it.
Finally, look for a chair that strikes your fancy. Whether it’s the pattern, extra bells, and whistles, or just the absence of a bar in the back of your thighs, taking the time to assess the design can help you find the chair that’s perfect for you.
In Summary
In the end, picking the best beach chair is up to you, but if you don’t have time to compare the chairs we’ve compiled here, I’d recommend the Rio Brands 4-Position Beach Chair. It sits up high enough that you don’t feel like you’re on the ground, there’s a cupholder, it reclines, the headrest is comfortable, and the material is comfortable to sit on whether you are wet, dry, or sandy. I can’t think of anything missing from this chair and I would completely recommend it to anyone who is looking for an affordable beach chair– it’s just an overall great chair.
Whether you are looking to replace an old chair or grab a new quality chair for the everyone in the whole family, you’re sure to find something on this list that you’ll love for an affordable price.
