So, you’ll probably want to make that trip a little easier on yourself and consider the portability and weight of your beach chair. The Sport Brella Recliner Beach Chair was perceived as having a fragile build, according to one tester. The cupholder was flimsy and the fabric on the umbrella felt very thin, which led to our tester being concerned that there could be damage when trying to adjust the umbrella. While one tester appreciated the look of the chair, the quality, especially on the umbrella, didn’t seem up to par.

Lightspeed Outdoors Reclining Beach Chair: This is an excellent option that our testers liked quite a bit. They enjoyed a few other tested options better, but this is a very solid beach chair with a cool pattern. Low – 8 inches or less. These chairs are very close to the ground, which will allow you to stretch your legs out and enjoy the beach sand (maybe even waves, if you’re close enough to the shore). Most models of beach chairs have the ability to fold down or in half. This allows for easy portability when trekking across uneven sandy beaches. Folding chairs generally have low profiles and reclining options. Beach chairs can fold both horizontally or vertically depending on the construction of the chair. Most outdoor chairs have the ability to fold into a smaller unit to make storage and Tall Beach Chair The five different recline positions were also smooth and easy to navigate. Our tester spent over an hour in the chair and was comfortable the entire time, especially when using the adjustable padded footrest. Weighing in at just 5 pounds, this awesome little beach chair is light enough to carry around with you, and with a seat height of 5.5 inches, you can easily dip your toes in the water with this rust-proof and water-resistant design.Since these chairs are being used outdoors in the sand, you’ll want to ensure it’s made of durable materials. Aluminum is a common material for beach chairs and for good reason—it’s both lightweight and outdoor-friendly, so it’ll be easy to transport and can withstand the elements. Some may be made with steel or wood frames, which are also durable. Aluminum is a trusted material for outdoor furniture as it’s both lightweight and durable. It won’t rust, however it can corrode or oxidize, causing brown spots on your furniture. Try to keep your chairs as dry as possible and wipe them down when you get home. High – 13 inches or more. These chairs are less common, but they are a more comfortable option for taller-than-average people. The Classic beach chair has a low profile that allows for easy reclining. Classic beach chairs are made from a range of materials, including wood, plastic, and lightweight metals. Classic beach chairs also usually have a simple folding mechanism, allowing for easy portability and storage when not in use. A Classic beach chair will fit the needs of most beach visitors.

When narrowing the list of products to test, we selected a variety of beach chairs at different price points that would serve different types of people and have different styles. These include beach chairs with low frames, handy seats that incorporate cup holders, ones that provide extra comfort with a head rest and some that offer sun protection with a sun shade. Practicality While the low profile of most beach chairs allows for reclining and resting feet in the sand or gentle waves, some beachgoers prefer to put their feet up. This is especially true for individuals with feet that are sensitive to swelling. Beach chairs with footrests are a great option for anyone who is most comfortable with their legs or feet elevated. Some beach chairs are full length and have built in footrests, such as lounge chairs and zero gravity chairs. Beach Mat chairsCamp chairs are a good choice for outdoor enthusiasts, not just beach visitors. Camp chairs are a versatile option that is great for picnics, concerts, and camping. Durable and portable are the best features of camp chairs. Perfect for enjoying long days in the park, on the beach, or at outdoor festivals, the built-in cup holder is large enough to accommodate 33-ounce drinks, and the smart storage compartment allows you to keep your cell phone close at hand while you chill out.

Every beach chair will have unique features to offer, but it’ll be hard to find one that includes all of them. So, you’ll need to consider which features are most important to you. The heavy duty steel frame is large and even doubled up in places for strength and durability. It’s also powder coated to protect the metal from the elements and prevent corrosion, which is a welcome feature. The chair has two sized drink holders to handle various types of beverages, and the large awning style canopy offers SPF 50+ protection from UV rays. If you want a serious chair that can handle a lot, the Alpha Camp Chair may be what you need. Yes, the name says camp chair and this is designed more for camping than the beach. However, its sturdy design really holds up and so you could do a lot worse on your next trip to the beach than to use this chair. Once the products were selected, we sent beach chairs to Dotdash Meredith editors, writers, and testing team members who live near beaches. Each chair was tested and rated on a five-point scale for the following attributes: portability, ease of use, comfort, durability, and value.

Top beach chair with umbrella for the money

Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Chair: While Coleman is a staple brand for outdoor gear, this beach chair’s height wasn’t low enough or high enough from the ground, making it an awkward and uncomfortable chair to sit in. Sport-Brella Beach Chair with Umbrella: Our testers were not impressed with this chair and were concerned by the thinness of the umbrella's materials. The canopy itself actually converts to the carrying case for the chair, which is pretty clever and convenient. It comes with a shoulder strap to allow for easy transport and at just under 12 lbs it’s not the lightest chair out there but it’s not too overbearing either. Once set up, the chair itself can handle about 250 lbs of weight and features a cupholder for your drinks Sport Brella Recliner Beach Chair: This chair sat too low, with our tester saying that they “can’t imagine” this chair being comfortable anywhere besides the beach, because you have to keep your legs extended in the sand, otherwise your knees would be in your face. This is obviously the biggest one, but a lot of people take it for granted. You see a canopy and figure that will be good enough, but is it? Make sure the canopy is actually big enough to provide coverage for you when you’re in the chair. Some cheaper canopy chairs are very small and you’ll just get a patch of shade at best. In the end it’s hardly worth the effort.