10 Best Beach Tents in 2024 reviewed & compared

Key Features

Size: 86.6 x 49.2 x 47.2 inches
Weight: 4.45 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

The frame is supported by lightweight fiberglass poles which users confirm can withstand reasonably strong winds. Its strength is surprising considering that this model weighs just 4.5 lbs. Meanwhile, the footprint is made of waterproof polyethene and the tent's exterior from water-resistant polyester. It has a UPF 50+ rating.

When it comes to breathability, Pacific Breeze has provided two large mesh windows which allow for ventilation. The windows can be closed when it gets a bit too breezy.

We think that this model of the Pacific Breeze Beach Tent is great for both kids and adults. Its dimensions allow for two beach chairs, plus coolers and other gear to be stored inside. It’s worth noting, however, that due to its size & how much equipment you have with you it may not provide enough shade from the sun throughout the day. (You could always go for the XL version) Certainly not a major issue. Pacific Breeze offers excellent customer service which many buyers have raved about.

If you’d prefer a little more lounging space, then consider upgrading to the Pacific Breeze Easy Setup Deluxe Beach Tent. The deluxe version of this tent is deeper, wider, and taller than the standard version. It also has an additional window for improved ventilation.

Key Features

Size: 8 x 5 feet
Weight: 8.82 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

We love that the Sport-Brella is multi-functional. Either lay the umbrella down to use it as a cabana beach tent or, extend the handle to use it as a canopy. The eight-foot canopy offers enough space for two adults or three to four kids to comfortably sit in the shade, however, you might struggle to fit chairs under the canopy when using it as a cabana.

The Sport-Brella is made from durable water repellent 210D Polyester fabric with a steel frame which is designed to withstand strong gusts. Vents in the fabric allow the wind to pass through without flipping like your typical brolly.

Many users confirm that the Sport-Brella holds up well in strong winds providing that the canopy is angled towards the wind. You can also use the included stakes and guide ropes to anchor it to the ground. The design is well thought out. There are rugged dual canopy & wind gust relief vents at the top which does help. There are also pockets which can be filled with sand which improves its sturdiness in very windy conditions.

On a hot day, you can open the side zippered window covers for extra ventilation. With a UPF 50+ rating you should be safe from sunburn too. Our only concern with this is that the main anchor pole & the steel ribs aren’t as sturdy as the ones found on a beach tent.

Key Features

Size: 7.5 x 4.5 feet (Height at the center is 57”)
Weight: 6.08 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

One of the best features of the Coleman Day Tripper is that the footprint doubles as a zippered door. Perfect for securing your belongings while you go for a swim, or for slipping into your swimmers on the beach.

Meanwhile, the large zippered window lets you choose between opaque shade, breathable mesh, or completely open. The window is large enough to function as a second door. This would provide a lot of ventilation, however, without any side windows, it can still get quite hot inside.

The Coleman Day Tripper packs away into a very compact bag. It may not be as quick to set up, nor as lightweight as the Pacific Breeze but it should still take no more than 5-10 minutes to pitch. The frame depends on three fiberglass poles which fit into sleeves on the outer tent material. For extra stability on windy days, this tent comes with guide ropes and stakes.

We also like Coleman’s finishing touches. The interior provides 4 handy mesh pockets and sandbags for windy days. It also features a built-in washing line and is available in multiple colors. A couple of drawbacks which multiple buyers have mentioned is that this beach shade can be a bit hard to set up. The Pacific Breeze really holds the edge in this department. The other issue is that the pole holders are mesh. Which means you can rip it when placing the pole if you are not careful.

Key Features

Size: 95 x 52 x 51 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

If there was ever any criticism of the Pacific breeze Easy Setup featured above it’s usually to do with its size and how much shade it can provide when you are lying down for a long period. The Deluxe XL version pretty much eliminates that & has enough space for an extra cooler if need be.

You can quite easily fit 2 adults & 1 or 2 kids into the Deluxe variant. The same fiberglass frame and water resistant PE floor are retained. As the name suggests, it’s extremely easy & quick to set up. The XL also comes with a carrying case, 5 sand pockets for even better stability in windy conditions.

There are 3 large windows as opposed to 2 on the smaller version which does provide better ventilation. However, some users remarked that it can get hot inside when there is no breeze outside. Other than the minor build quality issue here & there we didn’t have any real cons to report. As mentioned earlier Pacific Breeze’s customer service is quite good as well.

Key Features

Size: 94.5 x 51.2 x 51.2 inches
Weight: 6.55 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

Due to its fiberglass frame and sturdy design, it fares extremely well in windy conditions. The tent also comes with 5 extra-large sandbags & six 12 inch stakes in case you are faced with extreme wind conditions. It offers UPF protection of over 50 and is 100% waterproof too.

The Arcshell also comes with a 2-year manufacturer warranty as opposed to the 1-year warranty seen on most beach shades. The front extension made from heavy-duty plastic can also be pulled up to act as a door for better privacy. There are 4 small storage bags in all 4 corners of the tent which we thought was a very nice touch. A larger bag is also present in the upper back wall for items like sun-tan lotion etc.

In a way, this combines certain design elements of the Coleman & the Easy Setup tents you’ve seen above. The large windows offer good ventilation as well and not many users have complained about it being hot inside. The only minor cons we found were small quality control issues here & there. Overall, this is definitely a premium quality model worth serious consideration.

Key Features

Size: 110.2 x 110.2 x 82.7 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

The Grande version of this canopy tent provides ample shade for four people to sit comfortably with chairs and gear. The tent fabric is a blend of nylon and Lycra which is water repellent. Realistically it is unlikely to keep you dry on a rainy day due to the three open sides or protect your ice cream from the flying sand, but it will protect your skin from sunburn. The four sandbags are attached to the main fabric at the corners and held up with two collapsible aluminum poles.

Overall, users agree that this isn't the best beach tent for multi-directional or strong winds, however, it does hold up to average winds. The poles can easily be repositioned, pointing into the wind, to minimize flapping. Although not essential, we like that the Grande Beach Tent comes in a range of colors. Pick your favorite and it’ll be easy to spot from the water. The shape can also be altered by purchasing an additional two poles.

Finally, while we love its simple, functional and portable design, it’s certainly not the cheapest around. The Neso tents beach canopy is actually the most expensive one on our list. (At the time of writing)

Key Features

Size: 82” x 47” x 50”
Weight: 5 pounds
UPF rating:  50+

The Easy Up Beach Tent is built from a lightweight polyester fabric which is both water-resistant. With large mesh windows on all three sides, you do get a decent amount of ventilation, but it can feel too warm inside on hot days. Having an additional beach towel for the inside might be a big help.

When it gets a bit too breezy, just roll down the window covers, fill the external sandbags, and use the included stakes and guide ropes to secure your shelter in place. Users particularly like that East Hills Outdoors have designed their sandbags with Velcro sides making it quick and easy to empty them.

We’ve found that this Easy Up Beach Tent from East Hills Outdoors is one of the top beach tents on the market, particularly when it comes to value for money. The combination of high-quality fabric, quick to pitch frame, and useful features like ceiling pockets and a zippered front door, all for a mid-range price, is what puts it a step ahead of competitors.

Key Features

Size: 96 x 48 x 54 inches
Weight: 6.1 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

Its frame is constructed using 8.5 mm fiberglass poles which are thicker than the average tent pole. As a result, the Quick Cabana feels both stable and durable. It’s comes equipped with stakes, guide ropes, and sandbag pockets.

The main tent fabric has a 450mm PU coating which provides the same level of water resistance that you would expect from an umbrella. Equally, hard-wearing is the polyethene floor which should withstand even the toughest conditions that kids and pets present.

The three mesh windows allow the tent to breath; however, it will heat up in direct sunlight. Another possible issue is that the window screens are secured with Velcro rather than zippers. Unfortunately, users have found that the Velcro is not sufficient for keeping rain out.

As its name suggests, the Quick Cabana takes just seconds to set up. Simply take it out of the carry bag, unfold, lift and compress the central hub. The poles snap into place and are secured with a hook and loop fixture. You can then unfold the extended footprint for extra space. In reality, this may take a bit of practice.

Key Features

Size: 70” x 53” x 48”
Weight: 2.5 pounds
UPF rating: 50+

The walls and floor are made from a water-resistant fabric which has three mesh windows for ventilation and a 50+ UPF rating. Alvantor also claims that their fiberglass frame is 100% hassle-free. By that they mean that it will stand independently and hold its shape, additionally it should not rust or break easily.

The key difference between the Alvantor Beach Tent and most pop up tents is its easy folding mechanism. Instead of wrestling the poles into the right position, the front and back corners clip together so you only need to twist once, fold in half, and secure with the attached elasticated band. It folds down into a circular carry bag which is compact but can be a little more awkward to pack with your kit than a regular tent.

We also like that the Alvantor Beach Tent comes with detached sandbag pockets and stakes. You can fill the bags and place them in the most effective spot or use them to secure guide ropes. The package also comes with four plastic stakes.

Key Features

Size: 88.6” x 47.2” x 37.4”
Weight: 3.7 pounds

Fitted with large zippered doors on both sides and mesh window panels on either end, the Abco Tech Pop-up Beach Tent provides good ventilation when open. On a hot day, however, it would be uncomfortable to sit inside with the doors closed.

We like that users have the option of opening just the opaque layer of the door, leaving the mesh layer zipped closed. This is a practical feature if you plan to use this tent in the evening when mosquitos are more common.

One of the major downsides to this tent is that there is no external footprint or sunshade, meaning that to be protected from the sun you would need to sit inside. This can be an advantage if you’d like to take a nap or protect your children from the sun and weather. Adults might need to pair this product with a beach umbrella.