12 Best Beach Chairs – (Reviews & Buying Guide 2020)

Sitting at the beach and overlooking the ocean brings great satisfaction. Aside from relaxing and getting a tan, you can watch beautiful ocean waves lap at the shore. You may even be reading your favorite novel or catching up on the latest news. But to do all this in comfort, you need the best beach chair that suits your needs.
Is a beach chair really important? You may be asking this question, because packing one requires extra effort. Nonetheless, numerous benefits accompany taking a chair to the beach. Sitting on bare sand may be uncomfortable, for instance, especially when it is hot. A beach chair averts this dilemma. For this reason, taking a good beach chair is essential. This ultimate beach chair reviews will give you abundant information about what kind of beach chair you need and why.

Quick Recommendations

Best Beach Chair Reviews – Most Comfortable Choices!

1. Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair

Fabric: 600 D Polyester
Weight: 7.6 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Color Options: 12

When you go to the beach, the last thing you want is a heavy backpack, especially in the summer. That is why this Tommy Bahama low beach chair is your perfect companion on such trips, for it features an ultra-lightweight design. It is made with a durable 600-denier polyester fabric supported by a rustproof aluminum frame. Although the frame is light, it can support up to 300 lbs. of weight with comfort. An integrated pillow supports your head while reading.

This backpack beach chair provides 5 adjustable positions, ensuring your preferred mode of relaxation. The special “lay flat” option allows you to sleep while sunbathing. With this chair, you can have everything you need at arm’s length, thanks to a cooler pouch, bottle holder, and storage pockets on both sides, as well as a rack for cotton or microfiber beach towels. The cooler pouch comes in handy in hot seasons, when you crave a cold drink. A padded strap allows you to carry it easily.

2. Frankford Umbrellas Oak Wood Beach Lounge Chair

Fabric: Acrylic
Dimensions: 71″ x 24.5″ x 39″
Weight: 27.5 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Color Options: 13

As the “oak wood beach chair” description suggests, this is a heavy-duty frame built with quality materials for maximum durability. Construction materials include 9-oz. marine-grade fabric that is extremely fade-resistant, paired with a 10-yr. warranty. This fabric features great resilience and beats the standard 5-7 oz. specs of other chairs and loungers. In addition, the Canadian oak wood is strong enough to provide much-needed stability on the sandy beaches.

This oak wood beach chair adjusts to four height positions, but lacks a flat recline. It offers good reading and relaxation comfort while you enjoy the fresh air on the beach in summer. You can add a footrest either, either included or separately as an additional option. Even without the footrest, this beach chair is quite heavy, weighing 25.2 kg. and measuring 24.5” by 39”. The height of the seat from the ground up is 13” and the width is 19”. It will comfortably support a weight capacity of up to 250 lbs.

3. Sport-Brella, Reclining Beach Chair with Umbrella Canopy

Fabric: Polyester
Dimensions: 8″ x 8″ x 39″
Weight: 13.5 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Color Options: 3

Sitting on bare sand at the beach is never ideal. You need the extra comfort that this beach chair from Sport-Brella provides. It comes with a UPF 50+ protection canopy that shields you from harmful UVA/UVB rays. In addition, the umbrella conveniently pivots so that it can recline into three positions and has a metallic undersealing for maximum protection. This chair is lightweight, with a sturdy steel construction that supports up to 250 lbs. What’s more, it stores easily and folds down to a compact bag. So it is a  suitable beach chair for elderly.

The Sport-Brella provides the comfort you crave, as it adjusts easily to three reclining positions. You can sit upright to watch the happenings on the beach, read your latest book, or just simply relax for bad backs. In addition, you can lay it flat for a comfortable sleeping position. A detachable footrest raises comfort to the next level by offering a complete relaxation experience. Furthermore, you can stow your accessories at arm’s reach thanks to an integrated, insulated pocket, cup holder, and storage pocket.

4. Telescope Casual, Lightweight Folding Beach Chair

Fabric: Acrylic
Dimensions: 13″ x 25″ x 40″
Weight: 6.5 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Color Options: 15

The Telescope Casual Company is a manufacturing company whose existence spans back to 1903. It manufactures classy furniture, especially for use in the outdoors. They utilize cutting-edge technology to construct world-class chairs, like this Telescope Casual, Light ‘n’ Easy, High Boy lightweight beach chair. From the name, you can deduce that this chair accommodates tall people comfortably. It uses a weather-resistant material in its construction, for long-lasting use on the beach. What’s more, it features a towel rack for additional comfort.

This High Boy chair is rustproof and features an aluminum frame for utmost durability. In addition, it has up to four reclining positions that allow you to adjust your preferred sitting height. Two sturdy wood armrests ensure maximum relaxation. Carrying and storing this chair is effortless, as it folds up easily. Best of all, it offers a lightweight design that is strong enough to last several years.

5. BeachMall, High Beach Chair with Canopy for Elderly

Fabric: 600 D Polyester
Dimensions: 20″ x 15,5″ seat 13,5” height
Weight: 7.5 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Color Options: 6

If you are looking for an extremely portable & lightweight aluminum beach chair with canopy to use during summer, then this is your best option. Featuring a lightweight design, you will carry this chair with ease. Also, a canopy design protects it against UPF 50+ sun. The rugged, 600-denier, polyester fabric with quick-dry properties provides utmost comfort. What’s more, the hardwood armrests with polyurethane coating are great for holding your drinks as you chat away and listen to music devices. They’re even wide enough to hold books.

For maximum stability, this chair features corrosion free aluminum tubing that allows four recline positions. You can easily adjust the armrests to the height you need. The protective canopy comes with three adjustable positions. Weighing only 7.5 lbs., it can support 250 lbs. total. It has a seating surface area of 20” by 15.5” and a height of 13.5” from the ground; which is a comfortable height for elderly. When folded, the dimensions are 29” W by 35” L by 8” H.

6. Wild-in-Bloom, Low, Wooden Beach Chair

Fabric: Wood
Dimensions: 30″ x 16,5″ x 6″
Weight: 11 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 265 lbs.
Color Options: 1

If keeping up with appearances is your main concern, then this Wild-in-Bloom beach chair will provide you with great style and more. It has a beautiful and outstanding design that lets you relax on the beach in style. Its Japanese floor style low design, with all-natural wooden rattan materials, offer a distinctive look. The chair uses durable, high-quality wood and wicker materials in its construction to provide superior stability outdoors. If you are short on gift ideas for your loved ones, then turn to this seat as your gift on their special days.

This floor chair features unlimited, adjustable reclining settings that allow you to sit or lay comfortably on the beach. You can either recline it to relax or sit upright to enjoy beach activities effortlessly. In addition, you can lay it flat to sunbathe or take a nap. It folds up to a compact size for effortless transportation and storage. Carrying the chair is super easy, thanks to a canvas carrying strap to sling over your shoulder.

7. Rio, Big Boy, Backpack Beach Chair

Fabric: 600 D Polyester
Dimensions: 35” x 28 x 24”
Weight: 11 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 300 lbs.
Color Options: 1

This Rio Beach Big Boy folding backpack chair is the perfect companion when visiting the beach or the great outdoors. It features high-quality, 600 denier fabric that guarantees durability and stability. The bar tack stitching, found in 16 places on the chair, toughens the strength of the fabric even more. This chair will not tilt or fold in use because it has a tilt/lock protection feature to keep it in place. It comfortably accommodates users with different body sizes thanks to a higher, wider seating option.

Comfort is essential when you’re resting, so this backpack lightweight beach chair comes with molded armrests for resting your elbows and forearms. The armrests feature a cup holder for holding your drinks conveniently. What’s more, there is a storage compartment for your beach gear. There is also a removable, adjustable pillow that supports your neck and head. You can adjust the chair to four reclining positions for laying back and sunbathing. It has a lightweight, easy-to-carry design, with the shoulder straps attached.

8. Rio, Folding Portable Beach Lounge Chair

Fabric: 600 D Polyester
Dimensions: 72″ x 21.8″ x 35″
Weight: 9 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs
Color Options: 1

Spending quality time on the beach has its advantages and this can be achieved with a comfortable seat. This Rio Beach folding lounge chair features an extremely lightweight, portable design, fitted with shoulder straps for unlimited maneuverability. It is made of durable polyester fabric, with quick-dry properties for use in many conditions. The fabric provides superior comfort that enables you to rest and relax. In addition, its steel frame weighs only 9 lbs. and is rust-resistant for maximum durability.

Unlike other beach chairs on the market, this Rio Beach model features unlimited reclining levels, including a “lay flat” option. You can easily relax, read, or sit upright to watch the sights around you. It has an off-the-ground height of 10”, suitable for getting on and off with ease. A storage compartment at the back of this lounger offers space for most of your accessories. What’s more, it is easily accessible.

9. Ostrich, Chaise Lounge Beach Chair

Fabric: Polyester
Weight: 9.5 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 250 lbs.
Color Options: 5

The Ostrich chaise lounge is a versatile chair that offers many features. You can use it on the beach for sunbathing, or as a reading chair, or even as a massage table. The unique design it portrays allows multi functional use. There is an open/close face cavity on the chair for tanning and getting a massage. In addition, the arm holes on the cavity provide a suitable reading position. It is also a good position for comfortably tanning your back. The closed cavity acts as a pillow to support your head and neck.

Featuring three recline positions, this Ostrich chaise lounge is ideal for sunbathing on the beach. It is extremely lightweight and portable, packing down to a compact size for transportation. The carry strap enables easy transportation. Since it utilizes a durable, 600 D polyester fabric, it can withstand outdoor conditions for years. A steel frame tubing frame supports the chair from the ground.

10. WindPouch Chill, Inflatable Beach Chair

If you are a comfort enthusiast who dislikes bulky beach chairs, then this inflatable air chair by WindPouch is for you. It is suitable for resting and relaxing outdoors and uses ultrasonic welding technology that connects the TPU directly to its nylon fabric. You will enjoy a comfortable sitting or sleeping experience thanks to the ZERO SEAM headrest that provides sustained support. Unlike many seats that require you to struggle with inflating them, this one will only take you 10 seconds with minimum effort – and without a pump!

The inflatable chair has ripstop fabric with triple stitching for maximum durability. Its weight capacity comfortably supports up to 250 lbs. This chair air lounger uses the sealed WindLock technology that holds air for up to 8 hours when inflated. Deflation is equally as easy. You can comfortably carry this chair, as it is extremely lightweight, weighing only 1 lb., and it fits conveniently into your travel bag without taking up much space.

11. Baby Delight Go-with-Me, Baby Beach Chair with Canopy

Fabric: 600 D Polyester
Dimensions: 24.5″ x 23″ x 22.75″
Weight: 4.9 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
Color Options: 3

Your child should experience optimum comfort on the beach, and for that reason the Baby Delight Go-with-Me chair is the perfect solution. When your newborn baby achieves a stable back (usually in about 3-6 months), this chair will bring them much-needed comfort as they sit upright. It has 5-point detachable harness that holds the baby securely in place on the cushioned seat. When your baby reaches new stages of growth, you can remove the flap on the seat to expose the holes for your baby to stand.

This Baby Delight chair features 8 points of contact on its angled platform feet for reliable stability. There is also a protective netting that prevents bugs from attacking your child’s feet. What’s more, it comes with a canopy for sun protection that is usable until the last stage of your child’s growth (up to 75 lbs.). It comes with a snack tray, which enables easy feeding. Most importantly, it provides transportation convenience by easily folding away into a compact carrying bag.

12. Kelsyus, Kids Beach Chair with Canopy

Fabric: Polyester
Dimensions: 22″ x 15″ x 32″
Weight: 6 lbs.
Weight Capacity: 75 lbs.
Color Options: 1

A child’s skin is more susceptible to the sun’s elements than are adult’s. Therefore, when you go to the beach with your child, you need a chair that will provide both comfort and protection. The Kelsyus kid’s outdoor umbrella chair is ideal for your little ones. It features an adjustable umbrella that provides 50+ UPF sun protection in the summer. This is a versatile umbrella which you can also use as a carrying case for the chair, when closed and folded. Your child can carry this chair on his or her back with ease, as it weighs only 5 lbs.

This Kelsyus chair has a resilient design, featuring a rugged outdoor fabric. What’s more, it has a steel frame for maximum strength outdoors. Two armrests, for additional comfort, transform into shoulder straps for carrying when folded. Measuring 22” by 15” by 32”, this chair can support a 3-yr. child or anyone weighing up to 75 lbs. with comfort.

Why I Need to Use a Chair at the Beach?

A beach chair, as the name suggests, is a chair designed to support your weight in outdoor activities, especially at the beach. It features durable fabric on the seat and back and a stronger frame to hold it in place. In French, it is also known as a “chaise lounge,” which means that it is a long chair able to support your entire body and legs. Having a chair at the beach is necessary because it raises you off the sandy ground, providing you with maximum comfort. In addition, a beach chair offers versatile functionality for many outdoor occasions. You can have use them in your yard, on a ship, or at a campsite thanks to their portability and convenience. Some beach chair feature a canopy design that protects you from the sun’s harmful rays.

Beach chairs come in many styles and designs, each offering comfort in unique ways. Some models offer waterproof fabric, suitable for use at the ocean. You can lay out flat on the chair as water splashes across the lower parts of your body. Other designs offer a variety of other comfortable features for bad back or elderly. For instance, most can recline into several positions, depending on how you prefer to sit. Wider seats on others allow more space for turning while you tan, and some feature integrated pillows that provide support for your neck and head while reading or sleeping. You’ll have most of the accessories you need at arm’s reach with beach chairs that feature integrated storage compartments. As you can tell, a beach chair is an important item to include in your beach packing list.

Types of Beach Chairs

On the market, you will find beach chairs in different types and style. Below are some of the common types available.

• Lounge Chair

  A lounger is a comfortable chair suitable for relaxing especially in the outdoor set up. It features a pillow headrest to provide maximum comfort for bad back while relaxing on the beach. In addition, chaise loungers feature a significant number of recline positions that allow you to rest, lie flat or sit upright. A chairs for bad back offers utmost comfort for total relaxation on the beach as it allows you to stretch out and rest your legs. With these features, expect a lounger to have a heavy design. For this reason, you may need a beach wagon / cart to carry this type beach chairs.

• Classic Sand Chair

  This type features a low profile and lightweight design with no adjustable options. Their position is slightly above the ground (about 2 inches) to keep you from sitting on bare sand. Unlike the lounger, you can extend your legs to touch the ground or let water stream across while you sit comfortably. The greatest advantage of having this beach chair is that it easily packs to a compact size for easy transportation.

• Zero Gravity Chair

  Invented by NASA, the zero gravity chair aims at relieving pressure on the back and spine as it lacks a flat recline. This type has unrestricted recline positions. It is termed as zero gravity since no gravitational force acts on your body when suspended in any position. This technology distributes your weight across the chair to keep you suspended. Zero gravity chairs also improve air circulation for the perfect experience. This type beach chairs are suitable for bad backs and elderly people.

• Inflatable Chairs

  An inflatable beach chair comes with an ultra-portable design and provides the most comfort. To erect it, you first have to fill it with air. Chairs in this type have a durable fabric in their construction to withstand tough external conditions, like wear and tear. In addition, it offers a wider seating surface to comfortably accommodate more than one person. Also, it is strong enough to hold weight up to 550 pounds.

• Folding Chairs

  A folding chair is a popular option for most people visiting the beach since it is easy to use, carry and store. You will find the frames with either aluminum, plastic or wood construction as these are easy to fold.

• Beach Chairs with Canopy

  Canopy beach chair is an ideal protection piece of accessory. Featuring a canopy, it ensures protection against the harmful sun rays. Usually, the canopy has an adjustable design to adjust as the sun’s position changes. Some brands come with a permanent canopy attachment whereas others have a removable one to provide portability convenience. A chair with canopy will provide the most comfort and protection all in one.

Beach Chair Buying Guide

Choosing a beach chair depends on some significant factors. These factors determine the comfort, storage space, durability, and portability you will enjoy. To ensure that you make the best choice, you should ask the following questions.

Top 3 Things to Consider Before Buying a Beach Chair :

1. How High Off the Ground Should the Beach Chair Be?

   This is an important detail because it determines the ease of using the seat. The average height of a high beach chair should not exceed 12” above the ground. This height has its advantages, as it causes little stress on your legs and knees while resting on it. The higher off the ground, the easier access you will have. Chairs that sit high above the ground have a bulky but heavy duty design. Small-sized beach chairs, however, usually sit low to the ground. They separate your body from the hot sand while sitting on the beach. Since they are small, they also have a lightweight design suitable for portability.

2. What are the Fabrics & Frames Used to Make the Chair?

   The construction material of a beach chair also determines the level of comfort you get from your chair. It affects the seat’s degree of stability and durability. Common seat-area fabrics include: marine-grade canvas, cotton, nylon, and polyester. These materials are not only durable, but they are also washable and have quick-dry properties. What’s more, their porous nature makes it easy for air to circulate through the weaves.

   Most of these materials denier strength fabrics range from 420D-600, and fabrics with these characteristics give you long-lasting use. Best of all, you can select from chairs in a variety of colors and patterns suitable for beach life and expressive of your style. Do note, however, that though some are smooth (like cotton or canvas), these will not withstand inclement weather. If your chair is exposed to inclement weather, it will need repair.

   Beach chair frames come in metal, wood, or plastic. Lightweight beach chair’s frames are aluminum, but they can bend easily if you don’t handle them properly. Steel frames provide long-lasting stability, but they suffer from a high susceptibility to rust if they are not powder-coated. Wooden frames are the heavier option, but they provide greater resilience and a unique design.

   Also consider the material used for the armrests, especially if you will be using your chair in hot conditions. Metal materials on the armrest are sturdy and lightweight, but they’ll burn your arms on a sunny day. Consequently, hardwood and plastic materials are the better options, as they provide a cooler surface for resting your arms in hot weather.

   Here’s what to look for if you want to find the top beach cooler for sand to keep your drinks and food cool at a hot summer day.

3. Beach Chair Size & Weight Capacity

   When buying a beach chair size is among the most important factors to consider. Generally, size determines comfort, portability and functionality. If you have a small body or you want one for your little one, a smaller version of beach chair is ideal. Smaller models have a weight capacity of up to 190 lbs.

   Children’s beach chairs come with a lesser weight capacity supporting only up to 75 lbs. Going for a small-sized backpack beach chair with a low load capacity can also be disadvantageous. The main one being it cannot comfortably hold your weight, damaging the frame in the process. Such errors are not covered in the manufacturer’s warranty.
   Therefore, you will have to take the responsibility of determining the maximum load the chair can hold before purchasing it. For most, 250 lbs. is the minimum load capacity of standard beach chairs on the market.

   A beach chair supporting greater amounts weight is not necessarily heavy. This is because some models can comfortably accommodate twice the load capacity of a standard chair and still have a lightweight design. As mentioned above, the material of construction determines the weight of beach furniture. If portability is your main concern, then size is the least factor to worry about. Chairs with wider seat surface can accommodate an adult comfortably or even have additional space for one more person. The right size will always bring about best performance and increased durability.

4. Adjustability

   On the market, most beach chairs feature an adjustable design to ensure total comfort. You will notice the several recline settings that allow you to adjust the position of the chair. These positions will either allow you to sit upright or lay down flat on the chair. It is advisable to choose one with plenty of recline positions as it gives you unrestricted comfort.

5. Rust Resistance Ability

   Beach chairs with metal construction are more prone to rust and corrosion especially since they are near ocean water. Therefore, you should invest in a chair with rustproof properties to increase its lifespan. Models using powder-coated frames have higher durability chances compared to those with none. Water can splash on the chair or you can place it in water without fear of corroding.

6. Weatherproofing

   The fabric’s quality in the construction of a beach chair plays a role in determining its durability. If you are buying a beach chair to use during summer period, then a weatherproof structure is a suitable option. It should stand up to the harsh weather elements like the harmful UV rays. A chair with waterproof and fade proof properties will give you long lasting service.

7. Portability

   A beach chair should feature an extremely low profile and lightweight design especially if you are backpacking or elderly. Carrying a backpack beach chair should be fairly easy to enable effortless transportation. A chair that packs down to a compact size offers a great deal of portability convenience. Some models convert into backpacks and others have straps to easily sling across your shoulders. This way, you have little to worry about when packing for the beach and allow you to carry more accessories.

8. Protection

   The sun hits the ground hard during summer. Sunglasses will only offer protection for your eyes but what about the rest of the parts? Therefore, sun or rain protection is most ideal. Umbrellas and canopies on beach chairs come in handy to provide optimum protection against UV rays, wind and rain. Just like the chair, the umbrellas or canopies should have adjustment positions depending on the direction of the sun.

Features of a Backpack Beach Chair

A complete beach chair comes with a combination of features and accessories such as cup holders, umbrellas and other storage compartments. These features help to make life easy and enhance the comfort on the beach.

5 Main Features of Ideal Backpack Beach Chairs

1. Cup Holders:

   As you are relaxing on the beach, you may become thirsty or simply develop a craving for your favorite beverage. Interrupting your relaxation to access the drink far away from the chair can be quite exhausting. For this reason, a built-in cup holder is ideally the best option. These will let you enjoy your beverage while still in the relaxing position.

2. Footrest:

   Truth be told, comfort is a top priority when taking a beach chair for bad back . To increase the comfort, you should take with you a beach chair with a footrest. It will allow you to rest your feet and therefore achieve the maximum beach experience. A footrest will move with you and adapts to the contours of your body.

3. Headrest and Pillow:

   To prevent aches when relaxing on the beach, you will need a chair featuring a headrest. Just like the footrest, a headrest increases comfort as well as supporting your neck and head. By doing, you will have a relaxing experience. Some headrest features a built-in pillow for additional head support while napping. Beach chair for elderly should have headrest and pillow.

4. Reclining Positions:

   A beach chair with multiple reclining positions provide your preferred relaxation. Reclining positions determine how you want to sit. You can either sit upright while watching the ocean make beautiful waves or lie flat to sleep.

5. Color:

   Your stay at the beach shouldn’t be dull. Therefore, a colorful beach chair is ideal. Almost all chairs for the beach are colored including the wooden types. This brings vibrancy to the beach life as you enjoy the breeze. You can prefer light colored fabrics to avoid discoloration and overheating due to radiation

If you are wondering what you need to take with your family on the way to the beach, you should read our tips.

Wrap up

If you have been a frequent visitor to the beach, probably for its relaxing atmosphere and serene views, then you definitely know the importance of a beach chair. However, given the wide range of options available on the market, it is understandably difficult to get the best beach chair on your first attempt. You may need to do more than just visiting the market and picking one. A background check on various options will help you make an informed choice and that is where we come in. Our beach chair reviews contains enough details to ensure that you do not encounter any challenges when you go shopping for a beach chair. For this reason, be sure to make use of this review the next time you are on the market for a beach chair because other than getting information on the right beach chair to use, you will also have the opportunity to enhance your knowledge of other beach equipment.

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