Updated on: January 11, 2024
We have done the research and reviewed the best beach chairs available to buy online. Discover which one is suitable for you - and why.
There is nothing better than relaxing on the beach after an paddle on the lake or dip in the sea. Perhaps you’ve been paddle boarding and want to relax in the moment, soaking up every ray of happiness from the day.
Why not make your beach time even better with a comfy beach chair to flop into? You can be the king or queen of the beach, sat upon your throne, with an ice-cold drink and a parasol to keep you cool.
Lounge back, or sit up tall. Keep the sand on the beach and not in your swimmers. Once you’ve found the perfect beach chair you’ll never be without it.
But what is the best beach chair out there?
How do you know what to look out for in the best chairs? Lucky for you, we’ve done the research.
Let’s dive in.
This Nice C Low Beach Chair keeps the sand off while also letting you stretch your legs out. This beach chair is strong, sturdy, and low to the ground. With a breathable mesh back and seat, you will stay cool and refreshed while lounging on the beach.
Why we like it:
What we don't like:
This is our top-pick mid-range beach chair. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair is fully loaded with features, pockets, and pouches to make your day out even easier and more comfortable.
Why we like it:
What we don't like:
Solid, reliable, and durable. Yeti is renowned for its hardcore quality and polished comfort. Their Trailhead Camp Chair is one of the best chairs money can buy. We love the lightweight geometry of the specially designed crossover frame which makes it super easy to pack up and head off.
Why we like it:
What we don't like:
Stable and get the job done. Here are some of the best budget beach chairs you can rely on while keeping the costs down low.
After a long inflatable paddle board session sometimes all you want is to put your feet up and relax in comfort. Check out these mid-range chairs for the beach that won’t break the bank.
Reliable, durable, and simple to set up. These premium beach chairs are the best of the best and will last you a lifetime.
Are you on a tight budget and need to save some dollars? Don’t worry. You can still get a great chair without breaking the bank.
Just because the price is affordable doesn’t mean that comfort is a complete trade-off. You will still be able to find plenty of features, but you may sacrifice some durability
Even though this chair is “oversized” It’s surprisingly compact with a good level of comfort. This chair from ‘Coleman’, features a built-in cooler pocket, mesh cup holders, deep side pockets perfect for a book, and a fully cushioned back and seat.
At the end of the day, you can easily pack this Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler down into an easy to carry purpose-designed bag making this chair a perfect choice for a trip to the beach.
This Nice C Low Beach Chair keeps the sand off while also letting you stretch your legs out. This beach chair is strong, sturdy, and low to the ground. With a breathable mesh back and seat, you will stay cool and refreshed while lounging on the beach.
Even though the Nice C Low Beach Camping Folding Chair doesn’t have a reclining feature it is still a fantastic low costing choice ideal for summer beach trips.
Another low to the ground option. The KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair is highly reviewed for its unique, comfortable, and portable design. Again, this beach chair is made using a breathable mesh to help keep you cool while hovering over the sand.
KingCamp’s Low Sling Beach Chair is a fantastic budget choice for anyone wanting pockets and cup holders included in their beach chair package.
Enjoy several different reclining positions with this excellent beach chair from RIO Gear. The high back seat height makes it easy to get in and out of the beach chair while smoothly reclining positions to help you relax.
Rio Beach have perfected the design on their 17″ Extended Height Beach Chair with comfortable armrests and fully adjustable seat length, making it work for just about everyone.
Are you looking for a low to the ground and corrosion-resistant beach chair for your beach gear? The Utopia Breeze Sling Chair is a great lounge chair for long days on the sand. It's both highly durable and incredibly comfortable. However, bear in mind this is probably not the beach choice for older users as it may prove difficult to get in and out of.
However, bear in mind the Coleman Utopia Breeze Beach Sling Chair is probably not the beach choice for older users as it may prove difficult to get in and out of.
This beach chair from Moon Lence has to be one of the best budget beach chairs available. Heavy-duty materials yet exceptionally lightweight while also being able to support up to 242 pounds.
Just keep in mind that the legs may sink into the sand a fair bit, so be careful if your children are using this Moon Lence Outdoor Ultralight Portable Folding Chair.
Are you looking for something low-key to do the job without breaking your budget? The Rio Beach Wave Folding Sand Chair is a perfect choice to save both money and space.
Only weighing in at 5 lbs, the Rio Beach Wave Beach Folding Sand Chair is one of the lightest and most portable beach chairs you can get your hands on.
Mid-range beach chairs are a good bracket to browse. Both features and comfort are provided at a reasonable price and generally offer a decent level of quality, versatility, and durability.
The beach chairs listed below are all great options for those with a slightly higher budget but still don’t want to splash the cash entirely.
You can enjoy an entire day of tanning on the beach with this 5-position Lay Flat Beach Chair from RIO Brands. This reclining chair utilizes safe-adjust technology in the wooden armrests to avoid pinching fingers.
Be the king of the beach with this throne and fly your towel proudly with the built-in towel bar on RIO Brands’ 5-Position Lay Flat Beach Chair.
This is our top-pick mid-range beach chair. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair is fully loaded with features, pockets, and pouches to make your day out even easier and more comfortable.
Tommy Bahama Backpack Cooler Chair is a deluxe style of a beach chair that is one of the best value for money products on the market.
Here we have a unique and quirky design that will keep the sun off your back allowing you to put your feet up and take in the views. Lay back in one of three different reclining positions with the adjustable canopy umbrella swiveling from one side to the other.
The Sport-Brella Recliner Chair is a comfortable option, perfect for days on the beach or out in the yard.
If you’re looking for a versatile chair that will serve you through mountain treks or camping trips, music festivals, and beach days, then look no further than the Cascade Mountain Tech Compact Chair. You sit 9 inches off the ground which is a great in-between to give the added versatility.
A combination of mesh materials and padded framework make Cascade Mountain Tech’s Compact a super comfortable chair no matter the occasion.
Another fantastic and ergonomic design from Nice C that makes setting up a beach chair quick, easy, and comfortable. This chair is made with durable materials and has an impressive weight capacity of 250 pounds.
With an aluminum frame and polyester mesh sides and seat, the Nice C Ultralight Portable Folding Camping Backpacking Chair is a super lightweight design that is also compact once folded down.
Is camping your thing? Perhaps you are planning a SUP weekend getaway with your inflatable paddle board and all the gear to go with it. The Trekology Yizi Go Chair is the best beach chair up for the job.
The Trekology YIZI GO Portable Camping Chair only weighs 2 lbs and collapses down to fit into a 14-inch storage bag making it perfect for hard to reach location trekking with little effort.
Here is yet another highly portable beach chair that has made its way into the best of the mid-range category. This compact choice is sturdy in design and can easily sustain a 300 pounds weight capacity.
And what’s more? Wildhorn’s Terralite Portable Camp Chair is very lightweight and performs superbly on beach days.
Is the price tag no issue for you? Do you want the best of the best with all the features fully loaded with comfort at the forefront? We’ve picked out some of the best beach chairs on the market that fall into the premium category.
Picture yourself sitting comfortably like a queen or king, soaking up the sun’s rays and sipping a margarita blissfully. Sounds good right? If that sounds like something you need to be doing then get your hands on one of these below.
Are you after premium comfort? Look no further than this folding beach chair from Strongback. This is down to the adjustable body posture lumbar support which will provide relief and ease tension throughout your body.
The comfortable seat on Strongback’s Low Gravity Beach Chair is also spacious allowing your hips to fully relax.
Is the lay back, low-to-the-ground style not for you? Check out the Strongback Elite Lounge Chair for beach days done right. This sturdy chair incorporates the same quality design and materials as the Low Gravity model but sits higher above the ground with more upright positioning.
Even though STRONGBACK’s Elite Folding Camping Lawn Lounge Chair is bulkier than others, it is still surprisingly lightweight and easy to carry.
This beach chair from Helinox is compact, completely collapsible, and lightweight. The low-profile sides partnered with a greater ground clearance makes this an ideal option for taller people and those wanting an easy in-and-out chair.
Without a doubt, Helinox’s Beach Chair Two Lightweight Camping Chair is one of the best beach chairs in the high-end bracket for durability, longevity, and ease of use.
If you’re after your own little patch of shade and comfort for the day then look no further than this number from Bliss Hammocks. Their Zero Gravity model beach chair allows you to kick back, put your legs up, and protect your body from UV rays with the built-in awning.
Bliss Hammocks’ Zero Gravity Beach Chair with Canopy is more of a traditional picnic chair design that is rigid in construction but provides superb comfort.
Lay back, soak up some rays and dig your toes in the sand. We’ve got another cracking chair from Tommy Bahama up in the premium end of the best beach chairs available. This chair comes highly rated and is a firm favorite amongst many people. You also have five positions to choose from on this lightweight and rustproof aluminum frame.
The build quality of this Tommy Bahama 2016 Backpack Cooler Chair is second to none with an included fold-down towel bar, cell phone pocket, cup holder, and insulated back storage pouch.
Need a bigger set chair to show everyone who’s boss? This heavy-duty Director Chair from KingCamp is the ultimate rugged folding chair that definitely fits the bill. The steel frame is both sturdy and durable, partnered with a wear-resistant 600D fabric seat.
Geared up with a fold-out table and an easy-to-access cool box, this chair Heavy Duty Steel Camping Folding Director Chair from KingCamp won’t disappoint.
Solid, reliable, and durable. Yeti is renowned for its hardcore quality and polished comfort. Their Trailhead Camp Chair is one of the best chairs money can buy. We love the lightweight geometry of the specially designed crossover frame which makes it super easy to pack up and head off.
And what’s more? This Trailhead Camp Chair from Yeti has a whopping 500 lbs weight capacity!
Some of the best beach chairs out there are favorites because of the ease of carrying. Simply being able to fold up and sling over your shoulders using some handy padded backpack is one of the main reasons for this.
These are our top picks for the best Backpack Beach Chairs money can buy.
Are you planning on hitting the outdoors for a long haul day? Want to take a fully loaded picnic along with all of your gear — camera, notebooks, magazines, and all? Then this is the chair for you.
This chair from Oniva features a sizable insulated cooler bag that is detachable with its own carrying straps. You’ll also have a fold-out side table loaded with expandable shelves, perfect for placing your camera or book while having your picnic.
And what more? Of course, padded backpack carry straps to help take Oniva’s Picnic Time Fusion Original Design Outdoor Folding Chair over dunes and up the highest mountains.
Sit back and relax in this folding camping chair from GCI. With a 4-position reclining backrest, wooden armrests, built-in drink's holder, and a comfortable head pillow, this is a great chair to add to your gear. The mesh panels give a reasonable amount of airflow and help keep your back cool on the hotter days.
Make full use of the backpack style straps to carry this GCI Outdoor Wilderness Reclining Portable Backpack Chair on your adventures, keeping your hands free for other gear or even a Hybrid iSUP to explore the waters.
Still can’t choose which is the best beach chair? Check out some of these awesome options.
Quick Shade’s MAX Shade chair is one of the best with an in-built shady canopy. Long days at the beach will be comfortable, cooling, and refreshing with this steel-framed fold-out chair in your gear.
Quick Shade’s MAX Shade Camp Chair is a great all-rounder that will serve anyone well for any beach trip adventure.
Another great product from Oniva! Their Picnic Time Portable Sports Chairs is slightly more lightweight than the Fusion model we mentioned earlier. However, you don’t lose out on any of the awesome storage compartments and pockets found on this Sports Chair.
Even though you need that level land for the Oniva Picnic Time Portable Folding Sports Chair, it’s still an excellent beach chair available on the market.
If you are heading out for a spot of SUP fishing then this is the chair you need for perching on banks close to the water (if you aren’t casting off from your paddle board).
Hands down, this Foldable Camping Chair with Cooler Bag from Leadallway is one of the best for anglers and water lovers.
Are you taking your significant other for a romantic beach sunset? This camping cuddle couch has a relaxed design with room for two and the family dog. Each armrest has an individual cup holder and storage pocket.
So stow away your marshmallows, ready to be roasted on the fire, and watch a sunset with your loved one with this Kelty Low Loveseat Chair.
Not strictly a chair, this Beach Lounger from Pacific Breeze is a fantastic alternative that is both compact and lightweight. Stretch out and catch some rays on the beach with this fully padded deluxe lounger with adjustable backrest.
Pacific Breeze’s Sun Lounger is a great alternative to beach chairs for beach and sun lovers.
Do you find yourself wishing you could take your sofa along with you to the beach? Well now you can with this Inflatable Lounger from AlphaBeing. Simply scoop up the air and roll the closure down for instant comfort.
The AlphaBeing Inflatable Lounger is ready to be taken anywhere making it one of the best choices for travelers and vacation lovers.
For ultimate style points while relaxing on the shoreline, check out this beauty from Yumuo. Relax in this nostalgic designed chair, the solid teak frame adjusts to several reclining angles.
Yumuo’s Outdoor Lawn Chair may not be the best for the beach, but for style and photo opportunities there isn’t anything better than this one.
We haven’t forgotten about the little ones. If you’re planning on taking the whole family for a day on the beach then check out these adorable beach chairs for children that are perfect to add to your gear.
Choose between an Octopus, a Caterpillar, or a Butterfly. The eye-catching sturdy and durable design will soon be your child’s favorite, perfect to keep up with their adventures.
Melissa & Doug’s Sunny Patch Happy Giddy Child’s Outdoor Chair is a perfect durable option for children on a summer beach day.
Here is another fantastic option for the kids. Jakks Pacific has colorful character graphics to choose from. Partnered up with a sturdy frame and an easy-to-use carry bag, this is a great option for families.
Let your kids express themselves and choose their own character beach chair with Jakks Pacific Fold n Go option.
This Booster Chair from Summer Pop ‘N Sit is ideal for summer days on the beach or in the yard with a BBQ with the little one. Its versatile design means you can either use it as a ground seat or as a booster seat on a dining chair.
Summer Infant’s Pop ‘n Sit Portable Booster Chair is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
Here is a great low budget beach chair perfect for older beach lovers. The steel frame is solid and will stand steady in soft sand. #WEJOY designed the seat in a no-fuss and simple style, which is both practical and comfortable.
Overall, this High Back Folding from #WEJOY is an excellent simple option for eldery people who want to enjoy a comfortable day at the beach.
The Armor Castle Oversized Camping Chair is a phenomenal choice for anyone who needs an extra touch of comfort and support while enjoying the outdoors. This heavy-duty folding chair provides excellent lumbar support along with cup holder and coolbox compartment features.
Who says you can’t take luxury to the beach? Armor Castle’s Oversized Camping Chair is a perfect choice for comfort, luxury, and ultimate support.
There is more to beach chairs than meets the eye. You’ll need to consider a multitude of factors to find the best chair for the beach that meets your needs and lifestyle:
There’s no point in getting a super heavy-duty beach chair if you plan to go hiking or camping in more remote areas. Likewise, an ultra-lightweight option may disappoint you if you are going for a full beach day with your inflatable SUP on a sandy beach.
Consider the chair features and variables, with where you are going to be setting the chair down in the back of your mind, and you will be well on your way to finding the best beach chair for you.
Buying a lounge chair for the beach should not be a common purchase. Ideally, you want your beach chair to last for multiple seasons.
A high-quality beach chair should be able to survive being knocked around in transportation and storage, while of course being sat on at beach days.
The best beach chairs offer a suitable load capacity and a decent level of weather resistance. Your beach chair needs to handle UV exposure, saltwater spray, and even rain showers if you get caught out.
Solid durability comes from the construction of the beach chair and the materials used. You can still find good, durable beach chairs no matter your budget as well.
Comfort is key. You need to be excited to get your beach chair out of storage and on the beach.
To gain maximum comfort, you should be asking the following questions:
The best beach chair for you will be different from others as it depends on what specifics you are looking for. However, comfort should be a major consideration regardless of the style of the beach chair you choose.
Sturdiness goes hand in hand with weight capacity and durability. You need to ensure that the frame of the chair is solid to avoid deterioration or failing in on you.
And don’t worry if you have some of those holiday pounds still lingering. The average beach chair can support around 250 lbs, but you can also find more specialized options that can carry double that.
Also, a sturdier chair does not equate to a heavier chair. Most of the best beach chairs are made from lightweight aluminum and fold down to aid in carrying them.
Material affects the look and durability of the chair. You need to consider where you are taking the chair and how rough the terrain could get. This will tell you what materials would be better suited for you.
The two main components of a beach chair are the frame and the seat.
Frames could be made from either steel, aluminum, or wood. Wooden chairs are great aesthetically but less so for portability. While chairs with steel are more durable, they can be less comfortable than aluminum or wood chairs.
Seats can be made using marine-grade canvas, polyester, nylon, or cotton. For optimum durability, you need to be looking for a material with a 420D - 600D denier strength (the measurement of the thickness and weight of fabric).
Gone are the days of super heavy cumbersome deck chairs. The best beach chairs nowadays are super lightweight, even with all the extras loaded on.
The average weight of a good beach chair with an aluminum frame is below 10 lbs.
The best beach chairs should be easy to carry while you search for the perfect place to set up base camp for the day. Some chairs are so portable that you can take them hiking off the beaten path without carrying a bunch of extra weight.
Portability comes down to the weight and how the chair folds down.
This may be an afterthought, but sun protection is still worth considering. This can come as either an umbrellaor an awning, both suitable and ideal for children for full days on the beach.
Some people like to see before they buy. Any outdoor store will stock beach chairs. Otherwise, you can find plenty of choices online. Just be sure to read through customer reviews of the chairs and this guide.
Each manufacturer will provide instructions on how to fold their beach chair. Most have a catch or a button on the frame that needs to be pushed for the chair to collapse in for compact storage. Once the beach chair has been folded then you can easily store it.
It is important to ensure that beach chairs are completely dry before storing them. Most of the best buys come with storage bags to keep the chair stored neatly in your home. Ideally you want to get a fold-away beach chair for easier storage.
Tommy Bahama beach chairs come with extremely high reviews and are well rated. The fold-away chairs are made from durable materials and have a good build quality. However, these camp chairs do come with a higher price tag than the alternative choices.
Beach chairs are often low profiled and close to the ground for convenient use and lightweight purposes. These chairs keep you just above the sand but out of the wind and ocean breeze, allowing a parasol to be added to your gear for some shade.
Absolutely! Just watch out that the legs have a secure footing in loose sand before sitting down. The best chairs have wide gripped footings to help on various terrains.
Pillows are not a necessity, but they will make your day more comfortable. If you're lucky, your new beach chair may come with a built-in adjustable pillow for you to rest your head.
Other names for beach chairs are camp chairs, folding chairs, lounge chairs, recliner chairs, deck chairs, or collapsible chairs.
Any chair with an aluminum frame is super lightweight. The average lightweight beach chair weighs under 10lbs and is easy to carry around. Heavier options are better suited for days spent in the yard with a BBQ.
The best beach chair depends on the user and what they require from the chair. We recommend these brands:
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