Beach Umbrella Showdown: CNN Underscored Reveals the Best (and Worst) for Summer 2025

Summer is here, and with it comes the need for shade on the beach. CNN Underscored recently tested nine beach umbrellas to determine which ones are worth buying and which ones to avoid. Their findings reveal that not all umbrellas are created equal. One umbrella, the Business & Pleasure model, was found to have poor shade coverage despite its high price of $199. "The shade coverage was the smallest we tested, and it ended up being easy to uproot and had little stability," said the reviewer. On the other hand, the OutdoorMaster umbrella, priced at $49, fared better in terms of rust resistance but proved to be tedious to set up. The AmmSun umbrella, costing $59, suffered from canopy inversion issues and difficulty securing the pole in the sand. The review highlights the importance of considering factors beyond price when choosing a beach umbrella, emphasizing the need for stability, durability, and ease of use. This summer, make sure your shade is up to the task!