We tested 26 beach chairs at the actual beach to rate portability, ease of use, comfort, and durability. The chairs were used for lounging oceanside, beach picnics, and family day trips to the water. You'll want something sturdy but also lightweight enough to transport if you don't fancy lugging anything too heavy from the car (or train) to your beach spot. Weight capacity 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

Lounge chairs are full length and fully reclining, allowing beachgoers to lay completely flat while avoiding the wet and sandy surface of the beach. Lounge chairs are commonly made of aluminum, plastic and/or wood. Fabric of the lounge chair can be widely varied. Woven plastic and other synthetic fabrics are a common choice because they are weatherproof, water resistent, and easier to clean. Some lounge chairs are made as a complete unit, (such as poolside loungers) while others can be folded down for easy transport.

Best beach chairs at a glance

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

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. The easy-to-use canopy offers 50+ UPF sun protection and will provide a cool breeze on hot sunny days, while the padded armrests and oversized seats make it a pleasure to sit in at the beach, in the park, or anywhere else you choose to take it. With a cup holder in each arm, you can ensure that you always stay well-hydrated, and the padded carry bag with strap makes it easy to move around with you. 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.

As its name shows, the Ostrich 3N1 can be used in three different ways: a regular high seat chair, a 3/4 and a face down tanning chair. This versatile product is just over 10 pounds and has a carrying strap to make transport easy. Margaritaville Big Shot High and Wide Beach Chair The warmest seasons of the year are here, which means trips to the seaside and we've rounded up the best beach chairs to make your day out by the sea a more comfortable one.

The upright canopy offers cool shade on hot summer days, and the padded armrests with built-in cup holders allow you to keep a cold drink close at hand to keep you refreshed. With extra-strong supporting steel tubes in the legs and high-quality construction, this chair is a reliable and durable portable seating option for individuals weighing up to 265 pounds. Nice C Low Beach Camping Chair: Our testers liked everything about this chair, except that the plastic stopper on the drawstring of the carrying case broke on the first use. Once it was set up testers found it to be a comfortable place to lounge. They were able to switch positions easily but noted that they had to roll into the sand to get out of it, so it may not be the ideal choice depending on your needs and preferences. Plus, within an hour, the chair started to lose air, so you may need to refill it depending on how long you’re staying at the beach. Weighing in at over 14 lbs, this is one of the bulkiest chairs you’ll find. That said, it’s oversized and big for a reason. It has lots of space so you don’t feel squished like you might with some smaller chairs. It can also support up to 350lbs while most beach chairs handle far less, so most people can comfortably sit on one of these chairs with no worries.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. Stay cool (in both senses of the word) by choosing a beach chair with a built-in canopy or umbrella for shade. You can even take it up a notch and get one with a swivelling umbrella, as found on the Sport Brella Recliner chair.

Another low cost option for a single chair is the Swimways Kelsyus. The canopy can be folded down out of the way when not needed or raised to provide SPF 50+ protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Wood – stylish, durable, and long-lasting. Not only are wooden chairs beautiful, but they’re made to last, even after years of beach use. High-quality finishes help protect against UV and water damage. With a powder-coated steel frame for solid strength and stability, individuals weighing up to 200 pounds can enjoy all the benefits this lounger has to offer. With a padded headrest and gently contoured armrests, you can find a comfortable position in no time at all, and the double bungee support system will ensure that you stay well-supported while you sunbathe.To help you choose the right one for your next trip to the seaside, we've rounded up the best beach chairs available to buy online now. What to look for in a good beach chair Portability Some beach chairs come with a towel bar, such as the Rio Beach Classic Folding chair. It’s a convenient way to hang and dry your towel after a swim while also keeping it sand-free. This kid-focused chair is suitable for children from 3 months old up to 75 pounds. It features a five-point harness system to keep your kiddo secure. And the chair converts into three different settings to grow with your child, so you should be able to use it for years. Bonus: This chair could easily serve as a travel chair or even an at-home chair in addition to taking it to the beach. GCI Outdoor has one of the best overall shaded beach chairs you’re going to find. It balances price, comfort and function exceptionally well compared to many other beach chairs. This is a beach specific chair so it’s going to sit a lot more comfortable in the sand and offer great sun protection, thanks to those cross bar legs and the lower to the ground size and shape and the adjustable canopy. 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.