Buying guide for best beach chairs
You've got your shades, your bathing suit, a good book, and you've remembered to pack your sunscreen – now all you need is a beach chair to make your day at the waterfront complete.
The question is, how do you identify which beach chair is best from all those on the market? Not all beach chairs are created equally; some will last through years of seaside fun while others might not make it through a season without breaking.
At BestReviews, we strive to make your purchasing decisions easier. As well as carrying out tests in our labs, we get real-world opinions from existing customers who know how these items perform on a day-to-day basis, and we speak with experts to get their valuable insights.
If you want to learn all you need to know to find the perfect beach chair, read our full buying guide below. When you're ready to buy, click on our top five picks.
Types of beach chairs
High-profile beach chairs
High-profile beach chairs are standard tall models, a bit like camping chairs.
Pros: High-profile beach chairs are raised off the ground, making them easy to get in and out of. They tend to be available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
Cons: Most high-profile beach chairs are a little heavier and bulkier than low-profile models.
- Price: While you can find basic high-profile beach chairs that cost as little as $20 or $30, we don’t usually recommend spending less than $40 to $50 if you want a chair that will last.
Low-profile beach chairs
Low-profile beach chairs either feature very small legs or sit directly on the sand.
Pros: If you go to the beach with a group of people who aren't using beach chairs, you won't feel left out of the action on a low-profile chair. Low-profile models are also usually very lightweight and compact when folded.
Cons: Some people, especially those with reduced mobility, may find it hard to get in and out of a low-profile beach chair.
- Price: Most low-profile beach chairs cost somewhere between $30 and $80, though you will find a handful of cheaper and more expensive models.
Inflatable beach chairs
Inflatable beach chairs are filled with air, either using a foot pump or with an innovative design whereby you open one end of the chair and harness (“catch”) the air by swinging it around.
Pros: Inflatable beach chairs are lightweight and pack down small when not in use. They tend to be extremely comfortable.
Cons: Some inflatable beach chairs can be awkward or time-consuming to inflate. They can also puncture easily.
Price: Most inflatable beach chairs are priced somewhere between $15 and $60.
Beach loungers
Beach loungers are large beach chairs with footrests and reclining backs that allow you to relax in comfort.
Pros: Beach loungers are ideal for anyone who wants to lie down on the beach without getting in the sand. They're great for people who like to tan.
Cons: Due to their size, beach loungers aren't as portable as other types of beach chairs. They’re not ideal if you have a long trek to the waterfront.
- Price: You can find some basic beach loungers around the $20 to $30 mark, but you'll probably need to pay at least $40 to $60 for a long-lasting model. Some high-end options cost well over $100.
Kids' beach chairs
Kids' beach chairs are small models designed with the needs of children in mind.
Pros: Kids' beach chairs are just the right size for children who might not be comfortable in a full-size adult beach chair. Because they're made smaller for children, they're lighter and more compact than the average beach chair. Plus, they tend to come in a range of fun designs that appeal to kids.
Cons: An older child may grow out of her beach chair quickly.
- Price: Expect to pay between $10 and $30 for a child-size beach chair. Pricier models may come with useful extras, such as canopies.
If you plan to enjoy food and beverages in your beach chair, you might want to consider purchasing a compatible side table. Our research helps you find the most important piece: the chair itself.
The different types of beach chairs include high-profile chairs, low-profile chairs, inflatable chairs, kids’ chairs, and beach loungers. We research all of these chairs to give our readers lots of options.
Low-profile beach chairs are designed to rest directly on the sand or on short legs. We explore the pros and cons of low-profile chairs when researching them.
Beach chair frames are most commonly constructed of durable steel and aluminum, which helps them endure exposure to sand, water, and wind. We note these materials in our research.
The majority of beach chairs feature at least one cup holder, but you might need more storage than that. We note the amount of storage offered with each beach chair on our research list.
You don’t have to spend a fortune on a beach chair; budget-friendly picks start around $15. We look at chairs at a wide range of prices.
If portability is a concern, select a beach chair made of lightweight materials. We explore chairs made of lightweight, mid-weight, and heavyweight materials.
If you have kids who will be using your beach chairs, consider investing in models sized specifically for them. Kids’ beach chairs are included in the products we research.
Some beach chairs are equipped with storage spaces for commonly used items, like beach towels. These features aren’t standard, but we keep an eye out for them in our research.
Patterns and vivid colors aren’t just pretty; they’re also helpful if you need to pick out your chair from a crowd. The chairs we consider come in a variety of designs and colors.
Beach chair materials
Frame materials
The most common materials for beach chair frames are aluminum and steel, though you can also find options made of wood and plastic.
Lightweight and inexpensive, aluminum is probably the most common choice. It isn't the most durable metal, however. Heavy-duty beach chairs often have steel frames.
Wood is a durable choice and looks attractive, but it isn't a hugely popular option in contemporary beach chairs, possibly because it's fairly heavy and can eventually rot with regular exposure to moisture.
Plastic isn't an extremely durable material for beach chair frames, though it is lightweight. Inexpensive beach chairs are sometimes made of plastic.
Seat materials
Most beach chair seats are made of nylon, cotton, polyester, or marine-grade canvas. There is no right or wrong choice here as long as the manufacturer uses a thick, quality material that won't wear down with regular use. It's fairly common for cheap beach chairs to break where the material attaches to the frame. For this reason, we do not recommend opting for a budget model.
Beach chair storage solutions
Imagine you're comfortably relaxing in your beach chair when you suddenly decide to take a sip of your drink or read a chapter from your book. That means you have to get out of your chair, ruining your relaxed vibe. Or does it? If you choose a beach chair with decent storage solutions, everything you need could be right within your reach.
The most basic storage “extra” is a cup holder; many beach chairs have them in one or both armrests. Even if you're unlikely to have more than one drink at a time, a second cup holder can be used to hold a range of small items, such as sunscreen, shades, or lip balm.
We also think it's useful to have a hang-down pouch on the side of your beach chair. This is great for storing items such as a book, phone, keys, wallet, snacks, and anything else you might bring to the beach with you.
Tips
Think about how much time you’ll be spending in your beach chair. If you plan to spend all day lounging, you'll want a well-padded chair to keep you comfortable.
Decide how portable you need your chosen beach chair to be. Some models are extremely lightweight and very compact when folded, whereas others are fairly bulky. If you only need to walk for a minute or two between your home or your car and the beach, portability is less of an issue than if you have to walk for 20 minutes.
Consider how often you'll be using your beach chair. If you live near the beach and visit it regularly, it's worth spending a bit more on a durable model that will stand up to regular use. If you'll only be using your beach chair on vacation for a week or two each year, a more basic model should suffice.
- Look at a range of colors and designs. You can find beach chairs in a wide range of colors and patterns. Choose one you enjoy, and consider that more unusual patterns will stand out if you forget where you were sitting after a dip in the ocean.
FAQ
Q. Do beach chairs have a maximum weight limit?
A. Yes, all beach chairs have a maximum weight limit. This can be anywhere from around 250 to 500 pounds depending on the quality of the seat material and frame. Be sure to check the maximum weight limit before use, as exceeding this limit could be unsafe.
Q. Where should I store my beach chair when it's not in use?
A. Luckily, beach chairs fold up small, so they're fairly easy to store when not in use. It doesn't really matter where you store your chair as long as the location is dry and doesn't get extremely hot or cold.
Q. Are there any other extras I can get to go with my beach chair?
A. You can buy a range of accessories for some beach chairs, though you need to check if your chosen chair is compatible first. Common extras include side tables, umbrellas and umbrella mounts, and detachable canopies.
