We independently evaluate the products we review. When you buy via links on our site, we may receive compensation. Read more about how we vet products and deals.
After trying 7 different beach umbrellas, I finally found the Sport-Brella, and it's the only one I'll ever need — on sale for $52
We may receive commission from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
When you live at the beach like I do, you need a good beach umbrella. I should know—I’ve been through at least seven different types.
One broke on a windy day, another rusted while hanging out in my garage in the off-season, and its successor decided it just didn’t want to open one day (or apparently ever again) for reasons I still can’t figure out. The next series of umbrellas I tried weren’t much better: The pole of one bent while I was trying to get it into the sand and the next two didn’t offer up enough shade to cover my body, let alone my family of five.
Just when I was about to resign myself to buying a new beach umbrella every summer, I discovered the Sport-Brella—and I’m completely obsessed. That's why it's so exciting that Amazon is offering the Sport-Brella for just $52 right now (down from $60)!
Shop it: Sport-Brella, $52 (was $60), amazon.com
The Sport-Brella is kind of like an umbrella/tent combo (they call it a “canopy umbrella) and it’s designed to give you maximum shade, wind protection, and even some privacy— a huge perk on a crowded day at the beach.
Here’s how it works: You anchor in the pole like a traditional beach umbrella and then tip it on its side. The umbrella has two flaps (one on each side) that you secure into the sand with little anchors. It has little pockets on the flaps that you fill with sand, ensuring that the umbrella isn’t going anywhere you don’t want it to.
Shop it: Sport-Brella, $52 (was $60), amazon.com
While the Sport-Brella is essentially a portable beach cabana, it has something that “real” cabanas don’t—zippered windows on each side for good airflow. And with an SPF 50 lining, you don’t need to worry about the sun’s pesky rays reaching you when you’re parked underneath.
The Sport-Brella Standard (8 feet) is available in blue, red, a red, white and blue stripe and gray camo, and comfortably fits three adults. I have the the XL in blue, which comfortably fits at least two beach chairs, a towel, a bunch of tote bags and a cooler.
Given that it looks like a mini tent, I was skeptical at first about putting the whole thing up and breaking it down, but it’s surprisingly simple. I can easily do it in a few minutes while watching my three kids.
Sport-Brella Vented SPF 50+ Sun and Rain Canopy Umbrella
Shop it: Sport-Brella, $52 (was $60), amazon.com
I'm not the only one who loves the Sport-Brella: This beach tent has an army of devoted fans. "We were rockstars at the beach with this," one five-star reviewer said. "Saw so many people struggling to put up their beach umbrellas but ours was seamless. SUPER sturdy and amazing quality. Quite certain the sellers got lots of sales as a result of our day at the beach because no less than half a dozen people took the time to stop to ask what kind it was."
A fellow fan, who calls the tent "great and easy to use" said their Sport-Brella came in handy on a windy day. "It was a great wind break for when it got too windy for us the lay on the beach without sand flying over us," they said. "It blocked all the sand and stayed put!"
I’m heading into my fourth summer with my Sport-Brella, and that alone is impressive, given that I hit up beach about four times a week during the season. I will never, ever use another beach umbrella again!
Shop it: Sport-Brella, $52 (was $60), amazon.com
The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day
Want daily pop culture news delivered to your inbox? Sign up here for Yahoo Entertainment & Life's newsletter.
