There’s no reason to struggle to find the best beach chairs for the next vacation you have planned for you and your family. Yes, there’s plenty to choose from, but that’s why we’ve taken the time to put together this top quality beach chairs review.
We’ll not only go over the different types of chairs available (such as reclining models, lightweight versions that are perfect for travel, and types with a canopy), but we’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each. Plus, we’ll give a detailed look at how to best maintain your beach chair and how to set it up.
Let’s dive in!
Everything you will learn here
- Best Beach Chair Comparison Chart
- How we picked the Best Beach Chairs from the endless options available
- The Best Beach Chair Reviews (Editor’s Picks)
- 1. KingCamp Low Back Beach Chair – Best Beach chair with a sturdy frame
- 2. Alpha Camp Mesh Camping Chair – Best Beach Chair from heavy-duty steel with added reinforcements
- 3. Rio Gear Beach Wave Folding Chair – one of the best beach chairs for low weight
- 4. KingCamp Heavy Duty Steel Folding Chair – Best Beach Chair for big guys and gals
- 5. SwimWays Kelsyus Canopy Chair — One of the best beach chairs with a canopy design
- 6. Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair –Best Compact Beach Chair
- 7. Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair – One of the Best beach Chairs for UV-Protection
- Beach Chair Buyer’s Guide – (Your Guide to the Different Types of Chairs)
- Beach Chairs with a Canopy
- Folding Beach Chairs
- Portable and Lightweight Beach Chairs
- Reclining Beach Chairs
- Best Beach Chair Comparison Chart
- Wrap Up of the Best Beach Chairs
Best Beach Chair Comparison Chart
- Added comfort with foam-covered armrests
- Provides more support than other beach chairs
- Anti-skid foot pads keep the chair in place
- The metal legs are rust-proof steel
- Canopy provides shade and protection against 50+ UPF
- Comes with a carry bag
- Extremely easy and fast to set up (despite the canopy)
- The sun canopy can be folded into the back when not needed
- Lightweight design weighs five pounds
- Portable and space-saving
- Doesn’t require any assembly
- Has a wide selection of colors and patterns
- Added comfort with foam-covered armrests
- Provides more support than other beach chairs
- Anti-skid foot pads keep the chair in place
- The metal legs are rust-proof steel
- Canopy provides shade and protection against 50+ UPF
- Comes with a carry bag
- Extremely easy and fast to set up (despite the canopy)
- The sun canopy can be folded into the back when not needed
- Lightweight design weighs five pounds
- Portable and space-saving
- Doesn’t require any assembly
- Has a wide selection of colors and patterns
How we picked the Best Beach Chairs from the endless options available
If you already checked some options before checking our beach chair guide, you probably noticed that Picking the Best Beach Chairs from Thousands of available options is quite a problem. To tackle it, we defined some criteria which we looked out for when hunting down the Best Beach Chairs.
Durability is a key feature of the best beach chairs
We believe that the Best Beach chairs should excel in durability. Durability and longevity in a sandy and salty environment (like the beach) is granted if corrosion-resistant aluminum alloys are chosen, which are more salt-resistant than steel (and lighter).
Besides, the seat should be constructed from marine-grade fabric. This fabric won’t rip or rag if the transport was a little bumpy. The heavy marine-grade fabric also doesn’t stretch under heavy weights and withstands salt, sand, and UV rays, while maintaining its shining colors.
Portability is another crucial feature of the best beach chairs
We believe that the Best Beach chairs should not be a hassle to carry. An awesome beach chair should be lightweight and easy to carry with one hand.
If you’re heading to the beaches by bike or on foot, you might watch out for a more packable beach chair. Some smaller beach chairs can be slipped into a backpack. With a car, you have more options and Portability is not as important. But remember that, if you’re hauling a lot of beach chairs and other equipment, a sturdy beach cart will be needed. You can check the best beach carts in a similar review article as this one.
Comfort
Beach chairs with high comfort come with reclining backs, footrests, and even optional canopies or coolers. If your beach umbrella just isn’t providing enough shade and a beach tent for families is too large.
However, Comfort often compromises Portability and not everyone fancies footrests, when on the beach. Therefore we included a few chairs that’ll simply provide an elevated and relaxed seating position for you.
Weight Restrictions
Almost all of our picks can carry 250 pounds (ca. 113 kg) or more. But because some people prefer extremely lightweight chairs we have sprinkled our list of the best beach chairs with a few models, that can’t carry as much but are therefore lighter.
The Best Beach Chair Reviews (Editor’s Picks)
We’ve waded through hundreds of options to come up with our reviews for only the best beach chairs available. Note that while these are numbered, these aren’t ranked. Each is top-quality and offers unique benefits and advantages.
1. KingCamp Low Back Beach Chair – Best Beach chair with a sturdy frame
- BACKPACK BEACH CHAIR: Provides comfy and convenient seating for all your outdoor adventures; With its heavy-duty steel frame, the chair is durable and firm, supporting up to 300 pounds
- MAXIMUM COMFORT: We also attach great importance to the practical use of the folding beach chair; The seat has been widened to 23.2 inches so that you can relax your body and provide better support for your back
- UNIQUE DESIGN: This beach chair has a soft mesh back; Compared to a regular beach chair, it is much cooler and breathable; Even if you lean on the back of the chair for a long time, your back will not feel stuffy
As we like robust products like this KingCamp Chair, we have decided to include it in our list of Best Beach Chairs. The chair provides extremely strong support on the side of the chair. It is therefore very comfortable to sit in this Best Beach chair pick from KingCamp. The beach chair is a little bulky though, and it’s not the lightest beach chair on our “Best Beach chair list”. But the KingCamp Low Back Beach Chair was designed to last, and it supports 300 pounds (ca. 136 kg) safely.
Like many beach chairs, this one folds up for easy storage and transportation. However, it opens and closes within seconds and, despite its large back, fits easily in the trunk of a car.
It isn’t the lightest option, but roughly seven pounds isn’t heavy. Plus, it has straps and a carrying bag to make it even easier to get it from the car to the beach.
Possibly best of all, it’s a comfortable option. It has a headrest and a breathable mesh backing to keep you cool on hot days.
This model also comes with a cup holder and a storage compartment for any small goods, such as a phone or keys.
It may not be the heaviest chair on the list, but it has a sturdy frame that can hold up to 300 pounds (ca. 136 kg), which is more than many other beach chairs. Plus, it’s 23 inches (ca. 58 cm) wide, which is more space than most beach chairs.
Pros
- Added comfort with foam-covered armrests
- Provides more support than other beach chairs
- Anti-skid foot pads keep the chair in place
- The metal legs are rust-proof steel
Cons
- A bit bulky due to its sturdy nature
- Very low to the ground
- Can become uncomfortable with legs fully extended due to pressure on the support bar
2. Alpha Camp Mesh Camping Chair – Best Beach Chair from heavy-duty steel with added reinforcements
- 🌞Sun Protection: Use the canopy in the up position for 50+ UPF sun protection. Providing you with cool shade in a hot summer day. Enjoy the shade and breeze outdoors!
- 👀Focus on Details: Extra supporting tubes on the bottom improves the overall weight capacity. Leg tube with diameter 0.9'', guarantee safety and quality.
- 👌High Grade Material: Anti- rust hammer tone powder coating for long working time.Use a durable heavy-duty steel stable frame, more stable construction.
The Alpha Camp Mesh Camping Chair is another robust Canopy Beach Chair that can be enjoyed for many years. We have therefore decided to include it in our list of Best Beach Chairs, and after inspecting the heavy-duty steel and the added reinforcements, we are sure it belongs there!
If you’re in the market for a sun canopy chair, then this model by Alpha Camp may be for you. Its canopy protects against 50+ UPF but can be folded into the back of the chair when it is not needed.
The frame is made of heavy-duty steel and is capable of supporting a weight upwards of 350 pounds (ca. 159 kg). Although the chair is on the heavier side at 14 pounds (6.35 kg), it does come with a carry bag for greater portability.
In terms of comfort, the Alpha Camp chair has reinforced breathable mesh, padded armrests, and an oversized seat. Each arm also has a pocket: one is a holder that can accommodate a 32-ounce cup or bottle, and the other is a mesh storage bag.
Pros
- Canopy provides shade and protection against 50+ UPF
- Comes with a carry bag
- Extremely easy and fast to set up (despite the canopy)
- The sun canopy can be folded into the back when not needed
Cons
- Canopy is not adjustable
- On the heavier side
- It may be too tall when packed
3. Rio Gear Beach Wave Folding Chair – one of the best beach chairs for low weight
- LOW PROFILE BEACH CHAIR: Comfortable beach chair made of rugged 600 denier polyester with a powder-coated steel frame
- OUTDOOR CHAIR: One-position sun chair perfect for the beach, outdoor concert, park, or lakeside
- EASY TO TRANSPORT: Weighs only 5 lbs, making it lightweight and portable
The Rio Gear Beach Wave Folding Chair is a lightweight Beach Chair that can easily be stowed away. It’s available in many colors that we like, and it is one of the best beach chairs if you prefer something lightweight.
If you’re in the market for a lightweight and affordable chair, then RIO Gear’s Beach Wave chair could be the model for you. It offers a no-frills experience with the singular goal of giving someone a comfortable seat to lounge in.
While that means the chair isn’t adjustable, its semi-reclined stance offers a reasonable balance between being positioned either too far back or too upright. It sits low to the ground, meaning that while it might not be suitable for a taller person, it’s advantageous for relaxing at the beach.
Thanks to its 600D polyester fabric, the chair is also wear-resistant and quick to dry out. The steel frame can support up to 190 pounds, but the chair itself only weighs five pounds. Another benefit is its intuitive design. The beach chair from Rio Gear can be folded almost fully flat for easy transportation and storage. Overall, the feather-light folding chair is one of the best beach chairs for low weight
Pros
- Lightweight design weighs five pounds
- Portable and space-saving
- Doesn’t require any assembly
- Has a wide selection of colors and patterns
Cons
- Low profile may be unsuitable for taller people
- Lacks a cup holder
- Can struggle on uneven surfaces
4. KingCamp Heavy Duty Steel Folding Chair – Best Beach Chair for big guys and gals
- 【Luxury Camping Experience】The ergonomic full back design can support your back very well，and it fits the waist curve perfectly, can provide strong support, release waist pressure. Padded curved arm rest bring your arm more comfort experience and also can help you get out of this chair easily.
- 【Bulit To Last】Being made of super-strength flat-tube steel, this chair's frame is not only thick but also lightweight. This chair can support 330lbs easily but weighs only 14.8 lbs. Double layer polyester with padding is resistant to tear and wear, also securely fastened to the frame, will not sag down.
- 【Design for Big Guys】20.8" Seat width provides you plenty of space to stretch the body. Height 17.3" off the ground is friendly to those with knee problems. Molded rubber foot inserts make this chair more secure and slip-resistant, sit comfortably wherever you are.
The KingCamp Heavy Duty Steel Folding Chair is a robust Beach Chair that can carry heavy weights of 330 pounds (ca. 150 kg), and it is another great pick on this list of the best beach chairs. Heck, it’s so robust, that we consider it to be the Best Beach Chair for big guys and gals.
The KingCamp heavy-duty steel folding chair offers both stability and comfort. This chair is as suitable for lounging at the beach as it is for camping outside an RV or a fishing lake.
It features a 12-liter cooler bag on the left arm that can keep both food and drinks in a fresh state. On the right side is a table that incorporates a handy cup holder that includes drain holes.
The frame is composed of high strength steel and can accommodate a loading weight of 330 pounds (ca. 150 kg). Likewise, the chair’s material is made of wear-resistant 600D Oxford, a heavy-duty polyester fabric that is both rugged and soft.
Reviews have given attention to the chair’s supportive design, with a particular emphasis on its durability and overall comfort. If you want something to last years and still be comfortable, this may be your best beach chair.
The chair proves, that also big guys and gals can have a wonderful time at the beach if they have the right equipment. This also goes for other activities on the beach and lakes. Did you know that there are heavy-duty river float tubes for big guys and gals that can carry up to 400 pounds (ca. 181 kg)?
Pros
- Made of a sturdy steel frame that can support upwards of 330 pounds (ca. 150 kg)
- Fabric is wear-resistant and durable
- Features a cooler bag to keep drinks fresh
- Side table comes with a cup holder
Cons
- It may be on the heavier side
- The design is somewhat bulky
- Some buyers experienced difficulty when folding it up
5. SwimWays Kelsyus Canopy Chair — One of the best beach chairs with a canopy design
- MULTI-USE: This quad-style chair is ideal for use while camping, on a beach trip, at concerts, sporting events, and more!
- SUN PROTECTION: Includes an adjustable sun canopy with 50+ UPF protection to protect you on even the sunniest of days
- PORTABLE: Folded down and snapped together, the canopy becomes the chair's carry bag. Includes an integrated shoulder strap for hands-free portability
The SwimWays Kelsyus Canopy Chair offers almost unmatched sun protection and can carry a strong 250 pounds (ca. 113 kg) person easily. It is therefore fair to say, that it’s one of the best beach chairs with a canopy design.
Produced by SwimWays, the Kelsyus Canopy Chair is designed for multiple uses, including beach trips. That is benefited by a sun canopy, which can protect beachgoers from exposure by up to 50+ UPF.
Once folded and snapped down, the Kelsyus canopy transforms into a portable carry bag. This comes with a secure snap-lock buckle, as well as a shoulder strap for hands-free carrying.
Despite its portability, its powder-coated steel frame can support a weight load of up to 250 pounds (ca. 113 kg). The fabric itself is a mesh design, offering users breathable and ergonomic seating.
Its oversized seat and rounded front also mean that you won’t have to deal with a chair that cuts into the back of your legs. For many reviewers, the chair’s comfort was a big selling point.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight and portable design, despite the canopy
- Canopy doubles as a carry bag
- Sun canopy delivers 50+ UPF protection
Cons
- The cup holder may be considered small
- Some reviews found the straps to be flimsy
- The Sun canopy only swivels back and forth
6. Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair –Best Compact Beach Chair
The Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair is a low-standing beach chair, that can be cleaned easily and carry up to 242 pounds (ca. 110 kg). The good portability and strong Oxford polyester make this chair one of the best beach chairs currently available.
When it comes to portability, few are as transportable as this lightweight folding chair by Moon Lence. Though it only weighs two pounds, its frame is a durable, high-strength aluminum alloy, and it can support a load of up to 242 pounds (ca. 110 kg).
Besides its weight, the chair is extra portable thanks to its mesh and cup holders being readily foldable. This can make it sufficiently compact to fit inside carry-on luggage, a stroller, or a backpack.
Of course, it wouldn’t be easily portable if it were hard to assemble. Fortunately, reviews by and large have described the simplicity of both setting it up and folding it away. The chair itself incorporates an ergonomic and breathable mesh design, while the material is made of a soft but wear-resistant 600D Oxford polyester fabric.
Pros
- The lightweight design weighs only two pounds
- Can fit inside a backpack or carry-on luggage
- Quick to set up and fold away
- Designed to be easy-to-clean
Cons
- Some may find it too low to the ground
- It is on the smaller side
- Leg stability may struggle with softer ground
7. Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair – One of the Best beach Chairs for UV-Protection
- Note : To ensure proper assembly, please follow all steps provided in the Installation manual (provided in pdf below)
- SUN PROTECTION: Patented adjustable canopy for sun protection lowers and tilts easily for shade when you need it
- DURABLE, QUALITY FABRIC: Breathable 600 x 300 denier polyester fabric is made for durability and comfort. It's water, stain, and moisture resistant to keep your chair looking brand new
The Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair is a fully shaded canopy chair that can carry up to 225 pounds (ca. 102 kg). The sun protection is superb, but portability is compromised, due to the size of the canopy. Still, it’s one of the best beach chairs, if you want strong UV protection from a canopy.
Those looking for a full-coverage canopy as well as a foldable beach chair may find the Quik Shade MAX Shade Chair the premier option. It has one of the largest canopies available, providing the most protection for those brutally hot days.
Because of its size, it’s on the heavier side at 10 pounds (4.5 kg). However, it can also support up to 225 pounds (ca. 102 kg). Its frame is made out of steel, so it’s sturdy and rust-resistant.
It comes with one cup holder per armrest, as well as a convenient mesh storage pocket that’s perfect for a phone, keys, and other small items. Plus, the polyester fabric is both water- and stain-resistant, so you don’t need to worry about it getting damaged at the beach.
Best of all is that you can adjust the canopy by lowering, tilting, and raising it to give yourself maximum protection throughout the day.
Pros
- Features a carry bag
- Sun canopy is adjustable
- Has two cup holders and a storage pouch
- Extremely intuitive to set up and fold away
Cons
- Is long when folded up
- Lacks a recline position
- Materials are sturdy, but screws may come loose
(If your weight and height is above average, consider reading our article on Best Beach Chairs for Big Guys)
Beach Chair Buyer’s Guide – (Your Guide to the Different Types of Chairs)
No two beach chairs are alike, but there are some broad categories you can use to help you determine what sort of beach chair you’ll be happiest with. Some may want a beach chair that folds up to take up less space, while others are more interested in portable, lightweight models.
Let’s take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of each one, as well as how you can properly maintain your chair!
Beach Chairs with a Canopy
Canopy beach chairs come in many shapes and sizes. Some have a small canopy just enough to keep the sun off of your head. Others have a large canopy that extends far enough to protect your whole body from the sun.
Some beach chairs even come with adjustable canopies, allowing you to determine how much protection and shade you want. This also lets you move the canopy with the sun, so you know you’ll be protected no matter what time of day it is!
While it’s a good idea for everyone to wear sunscreen when out in the sun, not everyone is going to need a canopy over their beach chair. If you burn easily or have fair skin, this may be a good idea for you.
But Even the best beach chairs with a canopy are not fully shaded. Even better UV-protection can be obtained by a beach tent for families or a beach tent for babies if you want to protect the sensitive skin your baby in the first place.
Benefits of Having a Canopy
There are a few benefits to having a canopy over you as you sit and enjoy the outdoors. The biggest benefits are:
- Can keep you cool on a hot day
- Protects against skin cancer
- It may help prevent premature aging of the skin
- Can prevent painful burning
- Helps avoid heat stroke on extra hot days
There are many dangers of spending too long in the sun, some of which can have lifelong effects. For example, skin damage from UV rays can build up over time, leading not only to our skin looking older than its years, but it can also lead to skin cancer.
While not all skin cancer is deadly, removing it leaves behind scars and burns. A canopy is a great solution not just to keep you cool when the sun’s at its peak but also to keep you safe as you enjoy your time outside!
Drawbacks of a Beach Chair with a Canopy
Any disadvantages to using a beach chair with a canopy will depend on what you need specifically. That being said, they aren’t for everyone! Some common drawbacks are:
- Can be more expensive than other models
- Are often difficult to assemble
- It may be difficult to carry around on vacation
If you’re going for a long hike before you get to the destination where you plan on setting your chair up, a canopied beach chair may not be the right answer. They can be heavy and cumbersome, difficult to hold as you walk.
Of course, they’re also often pricier than other types of beach chairs. Not everyone needs a canopy and may want to invest that extra money in something that offers more comfort, like a reclining beach chair.
Features
The main feature of a beach chair with a canopy is the canopy itself. Of course, depending on how much you’re willing to spend, you may get some nice extra features as well.
Some offer reclining capabilities in addition to the canopy; some have adjustable canopies; Canopy beach chairs offer great sun protection due to the canopy itself.
How to Set Up Your Beach Chair with a Canopy
While some people may find setting up a canopy tricky at first, once you get it, it will be a cinch. Many canopy beach chairs have clip-on canopies that can either be folded up or rolled up for storage.
When setting your chair up, all you need to do is unroll your canopy and then hook (or snap) it into place. There should be clear hooks or snaps on the sides of the chair if it’s a portable model.
However, a static canopy chair that doesn’t fold up for travel purposes will likely have a canopy that is permanently attached. It may have a fabric shade you can slide on and off to wash but otherwise won’t need any additional attention.
Maintaining Your Beach Chair with a Canopy
Depending on the material your canopy is made out of, there will be different ways of cleaning it.
If you have a fabric cover as a canopy for a stationary beach chair, you’ll probably be able to wash it with a mild, color-safe detergent in your washing machine.
However, your canopy will likely be made of plastic or nylon. In such cases, you can keep it clean by using mild dish soap with warm (not hot!) water and a sponge. Simply give it a gentle wipe down with the soap, then another with some plain water.
You’ll want to make sure your chair stays as dry as possible to prevent mold buildup. Unfortunately, it’s also imperative that you don’t get your canopy too close to a heat source as this could warp the material.
Folding Beach Chairs
Nothing beats the convenience of having a folding beach chair. Unlike lightweight and portable options, they can still offer extra creature comforts while still being advantageous for travel and storage.
Because they can collapse, they can fit more easily into tight spaces. That’s great news for campers, beachgoers, and those who don’t have a lot of storage space in the garage at home.
However, because they’re not designed to be ultra-light, they may be sturdier than more “portable” models, and they may come with some nice extras, like cushions, drink holders, pockets, and more.
Benefits of a Folding Beach Chair
There are plenty of benefits to getting yourself a folding beach chair for your next vacation. These include:
- Taking up less space in your storage area
- Being more easily transportable than other models
- Still offering comforts of more luxurious chairs
The biggest benefit of using a folding beach chair is that it takes up less space for storage, which also makes it easier to transport. However, because it’s not necessarily a lightweight model, you’ll get some extra comforts, and it may last longer thanks to heavier, better-quality materials.
Drawbacks to Using a Folding Beach Chair
There are a few drawbacks to using a folding chair, depending on how you plan on using your beach chair. For example:
- Can be clunky when carrying the beach chair
- Often heavier than other models
- Not as luxurious as a recliner or beach chair with a canopy
While there are plenty of advantages to having a folding beach chair, it’s not the best for travel, and it doesn’t offer the same levels of comfort as other models.
(If you are suffering from back pain, you should read our article on Best Beach Chairs for Bad Backs)
Features
The main features of a folding beach chair are the fact that it can fold into a compact space. This is perfect for those of us who don’t have a lot of extra storage space or for those of us who want to take our beach chairs out and want something easy to carry but still comfortable.
After all, the folding beach chair is often perfect for taking down to the beach or lake, and if it isn’t a lightweight model, it will likely still be made out of high-grade materials.
How to Set Up Your Folding Beach Chair
Thankfully, most folding beach chairs are easy to navigate. Usually, all you need to do is grab the top and seat of the chair and gently pull it into its upright position.
Some may collapse by bringing both sides together or in another fashion. Typically, your beach chair will come with a pictograph of how to work it, so be sure to look that over before opening your chair.
Maintaining Your Folding Beach Chair
As with any outdoor furniture, you need to protect your chair from rust. Because your folding chair will have springs, you’ll need to be extra careful to take care of it and keep it dry between uses.
If it has cushions or textile coverings, you’ll have to wash them every now and again to keep them clean.
It’s also a good idea to regularly wax your chair, grease the springs, and use WD-40 when necessary. This will keep it in good working order and help it last for years to come.
Portable and Lightweight Beach Chairs
If you’re a traveler and like to go on walks along the beach or hikes from the bluffs down to the water, you’ll likely want a portable and lightweight beach chair. They’re also great if you need a chair frequently to take to children’s sporting matches, or if you often picnic with the family.
The lighter the chair, the more you can carry, and the easier it is to bring along, no matter where you go.
Benefits of Using a Portable and Lightweight Beach Chair
However, with so many other types of beach chairs available, all relatively portable, what sets this type apart? Some of the benefits include:
- Easy to carry other things at the same time
- Makes storing it even simpler
- Still comfortable but light enough for even a child to carry
For those of us who want to be able to simply sling our beach chairs over our arms and go, a lightweight and portable beach chair is the best option.
While they may not be as comfortable as some others, they’re still better than sitting on the sand or hard ground.
Drawbacks to Having a Portable and Lightweight Beach Chair
Of course, every type of beach chair will have some drawbacks. Some of the disadvantages of a lightweight and portable beach chair are:
- Being lightweight may mean cheaper materials
- Cheaper materials won’t last as long
- May not be as luxurious as other models
A lightweight and portable beach chair will likely be less expensive than, say, a reclining model, but that in turn may mean it won’t last as long. After all, quality materials tend to be heavier.
However, if you’re looking for something that won’t break the bank and is easy to bring to and fro while carrying fishing gear, then a portable and lightweight version might be your top choice!
Features
Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to a lightweight, portable version of a beach chair. Just remember that the more add-ons a chair has, the more likely that the price will go up accordingly.
For example, you can get a portable beach chair that has a side table attached, a cup holder, pockets for storage, or even a canopy! Of course, the more stuff you add on, the heavier it will become.
How to Set Up Your Portable and Lightweight Beach Chair
Most portable and lightweight beach chairs are going to be foldable, so you’ll set it up the same way as other foldable beach chairs.
That means pulling either the top and the seat apart or gently tugging the arms apart to unfold it. Of course, each chair is different. Make sure you read any instructions before you try to assemble it for the first time, just in case.
Maintaining Your Portable and Lightweight Beach Chair
A lightweight beach chair may not last as long as more expensive models, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take good care of it to help it live a longer life.
Make sure you keep the vinyl or fabric dry and do what you can to care for the metal bars. That may mean waxing them before beach trips and keeping them dry between uses to prevent rust.
Reclining Beach Chairs
When we go to the beach, many of us want to be as comfortable as possible. That’s where a reclining beach chair can be beneficial!
They’re probably the most luxurious of all beach chairs and, like many beach chairs, combines with other types. Some may have a canopy, while others may be foldable, or both!
What it all boils down to is no matter what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to find the perfect reclining beach chair.
Benefits of a Reclining Beach Chair
Those who are looking to maximize how relaxed they can be when outside may want a reclining beach chair. Of course, there are more benefits, such as:
- Maximum comfort, no matter where you are
- Ability to adjust how erect the chair is, which can be easier on your back
- Better for those who want to even out their sun exposure
- Gentler on the joints
Not everyone has a great back and wants to sit up straight for hours at a time. Having a reclining chair can allow us to set our chair at the perfect angle, relieving pressure on our spine and joints.
They’re also perfect for those of us who want to really relax when outdoors or for those who want to make sure they get an even tan.
Drawbacks to Using a Reclining Beach Chair
As comfy as a reclining beach chair can be, there can be certain drawbacks. Some of those disadvantages include:
- Bulkier and heavier
- May be harder to transport from place to place
- Can be harder to set up and maintain
- Higher price point
While they can’t be beaten for comfort, most reclining beach chairs aren’t as portable as lightweight options. To find the best beach chair for you, it is important to know if comfort or portability is more important for you, and choose a recliner or a smaller portable chair, likewise.
Features
Like every type of beach chair, the individual features are going to vary, from model to model.
For instance, many reclining beach chairs will come with a cup holder. Others may have a side table attached, giving you a great place to put your lunch or a book as you lounge on our best beach chair picks.
How to Set Up Your Reclining Beach Chair
Every reclining beach chair is going to vary in how it works. Some will have hooks that you can use to lower the back support. Specific models may slide back while others have a lever under the arm you use to lower or raise them.
That being said, when we did our picks for the Best Beach Chair, setting the chair up easily was something we considered.
Maintaining Your Reclining Beach Chair
The more complicated the mechanism, the more care it’s going to take to maintain. Grease and WD-40 will be necessary to keep gears and springs in good condition, while wax can protect the metal from rust. A little maintenance will keep your chair the Best Beach Chair, even after heavy use.
The fabric or vinyl itself will also need to be cared for. Try to keep it out of the sun when not in use and dry it off after it gets wet.
Best Beach Chair Comparison Chart
| Product | Price | Size (LxWxH) | Weight Capacity (pounds) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| King camp low Beach back chair | $ | 22.8" x 23.2" x 25.2" | 300 | Provides more support than other beach chairs |
| Alpha Camp Mesh Camping Chair | $ | 37" x 22" x 40.1" | 350 | Comes with carry bag and easy to set up |
| Rio Gear Beach Wave Folding Chair | $ | 24.39"x19.87"x4.91" | 190 | Portable and space saving |
| King Camp Heavy Duty Steel Folding Chair | $ | 37.4" x 22.83" x 43.31" | 330 | Cooler bag to keep drink fresh |
| Swim Ways Kelsyus Canopy Chair | $ | 36.5" x 7.5" x 7.5" | 250 | Comfort seats with wide padded arm rest |
| Moon Lence Portable Folding Chair | $ | 22" x 24" x 26" | 242 | Easy to set up and fold away |
| Quick Shade MAX Shade Chair | $ | 7.5" x 37.4" x 6.3 " | 225 | Sun canopy is adjustable |
Wrap Up of the Best Beach Chairs
- Added comfort with foam-covered armrests
- Provides more support than other beach chairs
- Anti-skid foot pads keep the chair in place
- The metal legs are rust-proof steel
- Canopy provides shade and protection against 50+ UPF
- Comes with a carry bag
- Extremely easy and fast to set up (despite the canopy)
- The sun canopy can be folded into the back when not needed
- Lightweight design weighs five pounds
- Portable and space-saving
- Doesn’t require any assembly
- Has a wide selection of colors and patterns
- Added comfort with foam-covered armrests
- Provides more support than other beach chairs
- Anti-skid foot pads keep the chair in place
- The metal legs are rust-proof steel
- Canopy provides shade and protection against 50+ UPF
- Comes with a carry bag
- Extremely easy and fast to set up (despite the canopy)
- The sun canopy can be folded into the back when not needed
- Lightweight design weighs five pounds
- Portable and space-saving
- Doesn’t require any assembly
- Has a wide selection of colors and patterns
- Made of a sturdy steel frame that can support upwards of 330 pounds (ca. 150 kg)
- Fabric is wear-resistant and durable
- Features a cooler bag to keep drinks fresh
- Side table comes with a cup holder
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight and portable design, despite the canopy
- Canopy doubles as a carry bag
- Sun canopy delivers 50+ UPF protection
- The lightweight design weighs only two pounds
- Can fit inside a backpack or carry-on luggage
- Quick to set up and fold away
- Designed to be easy-to-clean
- Features a carry bag
- Sun canopy is adjustable
- Has two cup holders and a storage pouch
- Extremely intuitive to set up and fold away
- Made of a sturdy steel frame that can support upwards of 330 pounds (ca. 150 kg)
- Fabric is wear-resistant and durable
- Features a cooler bag to keep drinks fresh
- Side table comes with a cup holder
- Easy to set up
- Lightweight and portable design, despite the canopy
- Canopy doubles as a carry bag
- Sun canopy delivers 50+ UPF protection
- The lightweight design weighs only two pounds
- Can fit inside a backpack or carry-on luggage
- Quick to set up and fold away
- Designed to be easy-to-clean
- Features a carry bag
- Sun canopy is adjustable
- Has two cup holders and a storage pouch
- Extremely intuitive to set up and fold away
What kind of beach chair you end up choosing will largely depend on how you plan on vacationing. No two chairs are alike, and some may have features you just don’t need.
For example, if you plan on carrying your chair around as you go about your day hiking or the like, you will probably want something lightweight and portable. However, if you’re looking for something to keep the heat off of you in a brutally sunny area, then a beach chair with a canopy is likely the best.
Really think about what you want out of your chair and how you plan on using it most often. Then, you’ll have a better idea of which chair you want to get, or at least which chair you want to get first!
Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Don't forget to check out these related posts:
15 Best Heavy-Duty Beach Chairs for Big Guys and Gals of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
10 Best Beach Chairs for Bad Backs of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
14 Best Beach Umbrellas of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
7 Best Floating Pool Chairs of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
10 Best Beach Camping Tents of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
8 Best Beach Fishing Carts of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
7 Best Baby Beach Beds of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
9 Best Beach Tents and Canopies for Families of 2023 (Buyer’s Guide) 
7 Best Baby Boat Seats of 2023 (Buyers Guide!) 
Best Beach Wagon for Sand – 7 Great Picks of 2023
