If you’re an experienced beachgoer, you know that a beach chair is critical for oceanside comfort. But sitting out in the sun all day with no shade is brutal. Sure, you can bring an umbrella with you, but that requires some extra work. Instead, try a sturdy chair with a built-in canopy. The right one will help you stay cool and protect your skin from harmful UV rays.
But what is the best beach chair with canopy? Keep reading to find out!
Best Beach Chair with Canopy to Stop Sunburn Overview
Let’s dive right in with a look at eight of our favorite beach chair models.
GCI Outdoor Waterside Beach Chair – Best Overall
The GCI Outdoor Waterside Beach chair took our top prize for plenty of reasons. Choose your seat reclining position from a whopping four different choices. The chair features a backrest made from mesh paneling to keep you sweat-free. We also like that it has a built-in head pillow for added comfort.
The sun canopy provides cool shade, a 50+UPF protection and is completely adjustable and collapsible. If you need to keep your drinks close at hand, you can stick them in the handy cup holder. And when it’s time to leave, just pack the chair into its backpack beach chair with a carrying case with backpack straps for hands-free transport.
The only negative with this chair is that it has no extra storage pockets. However, this point is a small con for an otherwise fantastic portable seating product.
What We Like:
- Mesh paneling
- Four different positions
- Easy to transport
What We Don’t Like:
- No extra storage pockets
- 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
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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.
BESTHLS Portable Quad Lawn Chair – Best All-Weather Chair
The BESTHLS Portable Quad Lawn Chair came in a close second. Its material is made with rip-proof fabric, and the oversized seat has armrests with plenty of padding making it a highly comfortable beach chair. The right arm of the chair is equipped with a mesh cup holder which is a bonus when enjoying a day at the beach. An ample-size canopy offers 50+UPF sun protection while a covered back section behind your head keeps more of the elements off of you. It’s a folding beach chair so that when it’s time to hit the road, the chair folds up easily and is secured with two attached velcro straps.
It features a sturdy steel frame construction, so you won’t have to worry about rust, and the chair supports up to 400 pounds. It’s a lightweight beach chair so it offers excellent portability, so it’s not just great for the beach but also anywhere else you’ll be sitting outside.
What We Like:
- Excellent for other locations, such as camping trips or other outdoor events
- Chair includes a built-in mesh cup holder
- More weather protection than most beach chairs
What We Don’t Like:
- Some reviewers had issues with plastic parts breaking
- 【High quality Material】 This camping chair is made from 600D oxford cloth, high quality and durable.Steel stable construction provide more durable and sturdy, anti- rust hammer tone powder coating for long working time.Chairs with Shade Folding Camp Recliner Support 400 LBS
- 【Sun Protection】 It comes with a canopy in the up position for sun protection. Use the crown in the up position for 50+ UPF sun protection.Providing you with cool shade in a hot summer day. You can enjoy the shade and breeze at park, pool, backyard, camp site or other outdoor places.
- 【Comfortable & Convenient Design】 The padded armrest and oversize frame ensure comfort of this beach chair. It also includes two cup holders for convenient storage and you can easily get your water bottle for staying hydrated.
- 【Easy to Set up and Carry】 This portable camping chair is lightweight and foldable. Comes with a carry bag, which is convenient to take and store. You can store it at home or place it in the car easily for camping. The foldable design allows you to use this lawn canopy chair immediately without the hassle of assembly. It is easy to set up and no tools required. Really convenient for outdoor use.
- 【Oversize and Comfortable】 Open Size: 36.6 X 23.6 X 53.1,weight: 14 Lbs. Padded Armrest and Oversize Frame Ensure Comfort of This Chair
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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.
ALPHA CAMP Heavy Duty Canopy Lounge Chair Sunshade – Easy Transport
This ALPHA model is another beach chair with sun canopy with a steel frame option well-suited for heavy-duty use. The seatback is made from reinforced mesh that provides excellent airflow on hot days, and the fabric is moisture-resistant to keep sweat away. You get 50+UPF sun protection from the canopy, and its large, wide size will keep you fully covered. While the canopy isn’t detachable, it can be folded into the chair’s back.
We like that the chair has a built in cup holder and a mesh pocket to keep necessities, like sunscreen and your cell phone, close at hand. it also has padded armrests– one of them with a mesh cup holder built in. The oversize design does guarantee you’ll be stable and comfortable on a beach day or with other outdoor activities all day long. The beach chair features a carrying bag with shoulder strap to transport to your vehicle and back.
What We Like:
- High weight capacity (up to 350 pounds)
- Frame doesn’t rust easily
- Keeps beach accessories close at hand
- Includes large strap for carrying
What We Don’t Like:
- Heavy frame
- 🌞Sun Protection: Use the canopy in the up position for 50+ UPF sun protection. Providing you with cool shade in a hot summer day. Enjoy the shade and breeze outdoors!
- 👀Focus on Details: Extra supporting tubes on the bottom improves the overall weight capacity. Leg tube with diameter 0.9, guarantee safety and quality.
- 👌High Grade Material: Anti- rust hammer tone powder coating for long working time.Use a durable heavy-duty steel stable frame, more stable construction.
- 👉Differential Design: One cup holder for 1 larger 32-ounce drink and a smart storage for cellphone
- 🙏【1 Year Guarantee】We try to make our canopy chair as good as we can. If there is any part missing or damaged, free replacement or refund promised if there is any quality issue.
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.
Quik Shade Heavy Duty Max Shade – Best Beach Chair for Larger Users
No matter what you weigh, you should be able to find a chair that works for you, and the Quik Shade beach chair is heavy-duty. Featuring a max user weight of up to 500 pounds, it’s made with a heavy duty steel frame for maximum durability. This comes in handy for windy weather conditions at the beach, too, as the chair holds up when the wind picks up! It’s also a very comfortable beach chair, too, thanks to a seat that’s wider than other beach chairs and high arched-back construction.
The seat material is water and stain-resistant, and the canopy offers excellent UV protection. You can manipulate it however you want – raise it, lower it, or tilt it to suit the conditions.
We should mention that the chair’s durability comes with a tradeoff. It has a heavy frame that can be difficult to transport. It’s also got a large profile when folded down, so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re short on space.
What We Like:
- Steel frame
- Armrests include dual mesh fabric built in cup holders
- Adjustable canopy
What We Don’t Like:
- Bulky, heavy design
- FOLDING OUTDOOR CHAIR: Portable beach, camp, or lawn chair with patented tilt shade canopy and mesh cup holders
- SUN PROTECTION: Blocks harmful UV Rays with patented shade mechanism that rises, lowers, and tilts easily
- HEAVY DUTY CHAIR: Features 600 x 300 denier polyester fabric for durability and comfort. Extra strong and durable fabric supports up to 500 lbs.
- SUPPORTIVE CHAIR FRAME: Durable and sturdy steel frame resists rust and corrosion
- QUALITY AND COMFORT: Features a higher arched back and 25 wide seat. Chair fabric is water and stain resistant
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.
Goplus Outdoor Canopy Chair – Best Basic Model
If you’re looking for a basic canopy beach chair that provides protection from the sun, the Goplus Outdoor Chair is an excellent option. It’s made with a steel frame with a load capacity of up to 330 pounds, and the seat is made with high-quality oxford fabric. You won’t get the bells and whistles like a reclining seat or a height-adjustable canopy (the canopy does tilt forward and back), but it still provides excellent protection on sunny days and it does have one built in cup holder. We also like that it’s lightweight and easy to carry. There’s also a storage bag to put the folded chair into.
What We Like:
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Canopy height not adjustable
- 【Heavy-duty Structure】This canopy chair is made of high-quality oxford fabric, which is durable for long service time. And the solid steel frame improves the overall stability of chair and the load capacity is up to 330 lbs.
- 【Sun Protection with Canopy】Comes with a shade canopy, this chair will provide you with large area to prevent ultraviolet. The canopy adjustable design makes it able to block the sun from any angle. You can enjoy cool shade in garden, backyard during your leisure time.
- 【Ultimate Comfort & Convenience】Featuring breathable and ergonomic oversized seat and wide armrest, the canopy chair will provide excellent comfort for you. Besides, there is a cup holder in handy and you can easily get your water bottle.
- 【Easy to Store & Transport】This portable and lightweight camping chair can be folded down to a compact size, which is convenient to place it in the car trunk or at home. In addition, there is a carrying bag for easy storage and transportation.
- 【Convenient to Set up】Foldable design make this camping chair immediate use without installation. It is easy to set up and no tools required. Just extend the chair and then assemble the canopy into the position.
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.
Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair – Best Value for Money
The Kelsyus Original Canopy Chair offers a lot of bang for your buck when bringing a canopy chair on your beach trips. It has a heavy duty frame made of powder-coated steel, and the seat is made with breathable fabric. The chair also gives fantastic lower back support so its great for bad backs. Its canopy offers 50+UPF protection to keep you from getting that sunburn, and is also water-resistant, providing a bit of protection from light rain. While not adjustable like some models, you can lock the canopy down on cloudy days or when needed. The cup holder fits a variety of cup sizes and is reinforced with a sew-in O-ring for extra stability.
When you’re ready to hit the road, the chair folds down, and you can use the backpack straps on the canopy for transportation. It’s easy to carry, and because it’s so portable, it’s ideal for several other activities.
Overall, we wouldn’t call it the most robust model on our list. However, it does the job for outdoor events, and you get a lot of value for your money with this chair.
What We Like:
- Includes large cup holder
- Lightweight
What We Don’t Like:
- Canopy not adjustable
- Kelsyus original canopy chair
- Great for tailgating, camping, or just enjoying the outdoors
- Patented sun canopy protects you from the elements with 50+ UPF
- Canopy locks up or down for shade or sun
- Canopy converts into a carry case with durable snap lock buckle
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.
Quik Shade Folding Canopy Shade Camp Chair for Kids with Carry Bag– Best for Kids
Thanks to ShelterLogic, kids can also have a comfortable, sun-protected place to relax. The Quik Shade Folding Canopy Chair for Kids has many of the same features as the adult chairs reviewed above, only in a smaller version designed for children ages three and over.
The beach chair features a steel frame delivers lightweight, durable construction strong enough to stand up to the demands active children place on it and includes a safety lock to keep the chair from suddenly closing.
The kid-size canopy protects sensitive young skin from harmful UV rays. The chair features an adjustable canopy– it can raise, lower and tilt to block the sun. And unless you’re bringing a beach tent, this canopy chair is the way to go to keep your kids from too much sun when they’re not in the water. Plus, your kid will love the chair’s mesh cup holder, which keeps drinks close by. A carry bag comes with the chair for easy transport and at a total weight of five pounds, this chair is light enough for the little ones to carry themselves. The Quik Shade canopy beach chair is also stain resistant and easy to wipe down after the kiddos are done using it for the day.
Keep in mind that the manufacturer’s description says it supports a weight capacity up to 150 pounds but some reviewers mentioned that the chair is meant for smaller children– your older children may not fit, so pay close attention to size and weight requirements when purchasing.
What We Like:
- Chair frame locks in place
- Canopy is adjustable
- Light construction for easy transport
What We Don’t Like:
- Older children may not fit
- KIDS FOLDING LAWN CHAIR: Chair fabric is moisture and stain resistant for years of quality use
- SUN PROTECTION: Patented adjustable canopy for sun protection lowers and tilts easily for shade when you need it
- COMPACT STORAGE: Quickly folds for storage in your garage, shed, or closet
- RELIABLE DESIGN: Safety lock legs hold chair open during use for your peace of mind
- FUNCTIONAL FEATURES: Integrated cup holder allows your child to keep his or her drink close
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.
Bliss Hammocks Zero Gravity Beach Chair with Canopy – Best Comfort
If you love the zero-gravity feel of a lawn chair and want that experience on the beach, the Bliss Hammocks beach chair is an excellent option. It fully reclines– but does not lie completely flat– to put your feet in line with your heart. With this neutral position, you’ll feel like you’re floating on air and be the most comfortable person on the beach. Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a reclining beach chair.
The beach chair comes with a plastic cup holder that also has a dedicated space for your cell phone, magazine, tablet or any other beach gear you’ve brought along. It also has a padded headrest pillow with an ergonomic design that can be removed and the canopy flips behind you when sun protection isn’t an issue.
Bliss’s reclining chair is made from woven PVC coated polyester that will stand up to many seasons of use. It’s available in a variety of colors and seat widths, so you can find the option best suited to you. Though it looks large, it folds down nearly flat, so you can take it anywhere but if you’re trekking back to the car with your beach cooler, beach blanket or other gear, you may find it bulky to handle.
What We Like:
- Insanely comfortable
- Choice of seat sizes
- High-quality construction
- Hard attached tray to hold your belongings
What We Don’t Like:
- No additional storage pouches
- Zero-gravity outdoor recliner chair provides a stress-free weightless feel to relax muscles and reduce stress
- Adjustable sun shade offers protection from the sun; drink tray included can be placed on either side of recliner
- Seating made of woven PVC coated polyester for versatility and strength; powder coated steel frame to prevent rusting
- Reclines and locks in any position for personalized comfort; padded ergonomic headrest included
- Folds instantly to 6.25 x 38 x 31 for easy storage or transport; holds up to 360 lbs. capacity
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 with Canopy Buying Guide
What makes a great beach chair? Here are some things to keep in mind before you buy a beach chair with a sun canopy.
Portability
It’s easy to forget, but you’ll be carrying your beach chair at some point or another. Whether you’re walking a short distance or trekking to more remote beaches, the beach chair shouldn’t be too heavy to carry comfortably. Backpack straps are helpful as they free up your hands to wheel your favorite beach cooler. Some beach chairs come with a shoulder strap and/or a carrying bag to make your life easy to carry.
Stability
Anyone who’s ever walked on a beach knows that sandy surfaces are unstable, so stability is critical while sitting in a beach chair. You want to be able to enjoy your day in the sun without worrying that you’re going to tip over at any minute. As many of us know, folding chairs have a way about them that can make them feel unstable in general.
What can be defined as stable depends in part on your height and weight. For example, children will usually feel pretty stable in just about any beach chair. But if you’re an adult, a low profile beach chair is typically the best option. It’s difficult to tip them backward, and they won’t usually suffer from side falls either. (Plus, they allow you to stretch your legs further.) The low profile beach chair is also designed as a compact chair which may sway your decision when it comes to packing for your beach trips.
However, low-profile models aren’t for everybody, like people with mobility issues or older adults that are looking for beach chairs for bad knees. If you need something with a taller seat height, a camping-style beach chair is your best bet. Lounge chairs are great for when you really want to get into a comfortable chair. Make sure the chair frame is a sturdy steel frame that will make you feel stable enough that all you can remember from your beach day trip is that you fell asleep!
Durability
No one wants to fork out money for a product that will break in a month or two. Instead, you want a durable beach chair that you can reach for summer after summer.
One way to gauge durability is by looking at reviews from other beach chair users.
Another way to gauge construction quality is to look at the materials. Lots of manufacturers opt for a rust proof aluminum frame, which is extra-light and cost-effective. The one downside is that aluminum-framed beach chairs are prone to some scratching and denting and don’t necessarily make the best folding beach chair.
If you’re willing to pay more, beach chairs made with steel frames will give you the best beach chair in terms of durability, though you may suffer a bit in portability. If you know you’ll be accessing remote beaches where you’ll be hiking a distance, you may want to avoid steel chairs.
Sun Protection
If you’re going to spend hours on the beach, sun protection is an essential feature – yet not all sun canopies are created equal.
The first thing to pay attention to is the amount of sun protection it provides. Most reputable brands offer at least 50 UPF sun protection, but you should check the manufacturer’s notes before purchasing.
Another thing to check is whether your beach chair canopy is adjustable. We like this feature, as it allows you to achieve better sun protection without having to move. Some beach chairs even have collapsible canopies, which is nice for the evening when the sun is not directly overhead.
Weight Capacity
A beach chair should comfortably support your weight, so be sure to look at its weight capacity. If you buy a beach chair with the wrong weight capacity, you’ll put too much strain on the frame. Ultimately, its lifespan will be much shorter than you’d like.
Most beach chairs support individuals up to about 250 pounds, although some are designed to support up to twice this amount. If you need some extra support, be sure to look at models that can support more weight.
It’s also worth mentioning that kid-specific beach chairs have a lower weight capacity. Though it may seem like your child still fits, this may not be the case. Be sure to pay attention to the maximum weight limits on these models.
How Does It Fold?
Any beach chair worth its salt should also be a folding chair to collapse down for easy storage and carrying; we wouldn’t recommend any beach chair that doesn’t. But you should ask yourself how the beach chair folds, which will influence how you carry it.
The most common way these chairs fold is in on itself, creating a long, barrel shape. You can then store it easily in its own carry bag, most of which come with a shoulder strap (though be sure to check that it does, as some don’t!).
However, some people prefer a beach chair designed with backpack straps, allowing you to carry the chair on your back. This method keeps your hands free, and it’s usually more comfortable.
Wrap Up
If you don’t want to do too much research, you can’t go wrong with our top pick – the GCI Outdoor Waterside Beach Chair. It’s got everything you need to stay cool and protected from the sun, no matter how long you’ll be at the beach.
That model not quite right for you? Maybe you need something with a greater weight capacity or want to enjoy the zero-gravity reclining beach chair experience. In that case, the other seven on our list are highly-rated as well. No matter which beach chair you pick, you’ll be ready for your next relaxing beach vacation.
