<p>If you haven’t shopped for a beach chair before, there are a couple of factors to consider before making your purchase. For starters, it’s all about portability. If you can’t move it easily, it’s just going to cause more trouble than it’s worth. Foldable and lightweight is what we’re after! And some nice-to-haves that make all the difference include the aforementioned cup holders, storage pockets (for that stack of magazines you’ve been meaning to read), and a built-in awning so you can relax in the sun while keeping your skin <a href=”https://www.cosmopolitan.com/lifestyle/g38889346/best-patio-umbrellas/” target=”_blank”>in the shade</a>. Lucky for you, we did all the scrolling for you and found the winners for every type of lounging.</p><p>Scroll on through to shop the best beach chairs for summer 2023.</p>” />
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1
this colorful beach chair
Rio Beach Folding Beach Lounge Chair
1
this colorful beach chair
Rio Beach Folding Beach Lounge Chair
Pros
- It reclines fully flat
- There are backpack straps built in for carrying it around
Cons
- There are no armrests on this one
Out of over 10,000 (!!!) reviews, this beach chair has managed to maintain an average 4.2-star rating, which is kind of a big deal. People are especially drawn to its retro vibe. “It’s easy to carry, and I love the ’70s feel of the design!” says one reviewer. “It has held up well with no issues. Of course, it’s not as cozy comfortable as a more expensive chaise would be, but it’s perfect for hanging on the beach. I would definitely buy it again.”
| Size | 25.57 x 3.33 x 22.43 inches |
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2
this beach chair with a cup holder
Rio Gear Lace-Up Folding Beach Chair
2
this beach chair with a cup holder
Rio Gear Lace-Up Folding Beach Chair
Now 18% Off
Pros
- A built in head/neck pillow
- A very convenient cup holder
Cons
- It can’t recline fully flat
This chair has four adjustable reclining options, and it has a flexible lace-up design that conforms to your body. “We love the straps for easy carrying,” one reviewer says. “It folds up nicely. We love the lounge pillow that is attached and it has a place for your drink and phone. They thought of everything.”
| Size | 28.33 x 3.33 x 24.39 Inches |
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3
this nautical beach chair
RTIC Outdoors Striped Beach Chair
3
this nautical beach chair
RTIC Outdoors Striped Beach Chair
Pros
- Reviews say it has great adjustability
Cons
- It’s a little too low to the ground for taller users
Nothing says “beach vacation” like nautical blue and white stripes, so this beach chair is a clear frontrunner for style alone. On the functional front, it’s got a side pocket accessory holder, shoulder carry strap, and custom cup holder. “The chair is light enough to carry easily, but sturdy,” says one reviewer. “The canvas is heavier weight than I expected, so a nice surprise. We now have six of these for dock chairs, and I expect a long service life given the very good build quality.”
| Size | Seat: 14″ deep by 20″ wide. Back: 26″ high. |
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4
this stylish beach chair
Business and Pleasure Co. The Tommy Chair
4
this stylish beach chair
Business and Pleasure Co. The Tommy Chair
Pros
- There are straps included to carry it on your back
Cons
- There’s no cup holder
You’ll be the envy of every beachgoer with this ultra-chic chair that looks like it belong on a travel magazine cover. It has five reclining positions and a large back pocket with a full-length zipper. “Our favorite beach chair,” says one reviewer. “Excellent design with practicality and elegance.”
| Size | 34″ H x 26″ W x 30″ D (87cm x 66cm x 76cm) |
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5
this minimalist beach chair
Woods Mammoth Padded Camping Chair
5
this minimalist beach chair
Woods Mammoth Padded Camping Chair
Pros
- The dimensions are a tad oversized, so that you can really stretch out
- It’s got a rust-resistant steel frame
- It folds down very compactly, according to reviews
Cons
- No armrests
Sometimes less is more. This understated design is as basic as it gets, but the earthy colors it’s available in make it anything but. Out of more than 230 reviews, it has an average 4.7-star rating. “These folding chairs are so much nicer than others,” says one reviewer. “Visually you see they are better, physically the quality is also there, and ease of use. You want to bring these with you wherever you go. Worth every penny we camped in Sedona with your gear.”
6
this bright lounger
Ostrich Pink Beach Chair
6
this bright lounger
Ostrich Pink Beach Chair
Pros
- The face hole has a cushion for comfy face down lying
- Five adjustable chair positions
Cons
- It’s a larger chair, so it’s a bit more work to carry it around
When you want to take a nap, being able to lie all the way down is crucial. With this adjustable beach chair, you can recline and relax. “This chair was a lifesaver at the beach!” one reviewer writes. “I am someone who likes to evenly tan both front and back, but I always found it uncomfortable to lay on my stomach and continue to move my head from one side to the other so there wasn’t too much sun exposure on one side. This chair solved that problem so I don’t have to worry about it at all, and is very well padded in the hole area for the face for great comfort!”
| Size | 60.76 x 28.93 x 39.73 Inches |
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7
this floral print beach chair
Hurley Backpack Beach Chair
7
this floral print beach chair
Hurley Backpack Beach Chair
Pros
- There’s a zippered compartment to store your phone or other belongings
Cons
- No drink holder
You’re at the beach — you’re supposed to have fun! So your beach chair should reflect that, naturally. This one features a vibrant floral print that’s very on-theme, and people like that it comes with straps so you can wear it like a backpack for easy transport. “The backpack feature is nice to free up your hands,” writes one reviewer. “They are light and comfortable. Multiple positions to lay back or sit up. Would highly recommend.”
8
this padded beach chair
REI Padded Lawn Chair
8
this padded beach chair
REI Padded Lawn Chair
Pros
- The pillowy cushioning makes it extra cozy
Cons
- One review notes that it’s a bit heavy to carry
REI knows what they’re doing in the outdoor rec space, and this chair is one of their top-sellers for a reason. People love the cozy padded cushion and classic design. “This chair is awesome!” one reviewer writes. “While a little bulky, it is lightweight and the backpack straps make it very convenient. The padding is enough to fall asleep in.”
| Size | 23 x 24 x 26.5 (H x W x D) inches |
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9
this super compact beach chair
Cliq Folding Chair
9
this super compact beach chair
Cliq Folding Chair
Now 29% Off
Pros
- It’s got VERY compact foldability
- This chair can be popped up and fully assembled in seconds
Cons
- There’s no drink holder
Wait.. a bottle-sized chair? Yes, you read that right. At just under 4 lbs, you can fit this chair in one hand, and it’s ready to set up in a few seconds flat. Gone are the days of carrying anything that’s too bulky! “I wish I would have known of these chairs years ago,” one reviewer says. “I bought them to take to the beach, but would have loved to have them for kids sporting events. They are extremely easy to set up and take down, all while being lightweight and compact.”
| Size | 24.0″ by 24.0″ by 26.0″ |
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10
this beach chair with a built-in cooler
Parkit Voyager Chair
10
this beach chair with a built-in cooler
Parkit Voyager Chair
Pros
- A wholeee lot of storage space
- The built-in backpack straps!
Cons
- One review mentioned a delivery delay
If a solid color doesn’t match your beach style, try this vibrantly patterned chair that also happens to be a—wait for it!—cooler-chair combo!! Underneath, you can store just about anything with the built-in cooler that keeps your beverages and snacks chill for hours on end. “Ever owned something and felt so good about it that you swear you’ll never buy another one again?” writes on reviewer. “Enter the Voyager by Parkit, literally the last chair you’ll ever want or need. So quality, love the cooler, and the webbing is very sturdy.”
11
this beach chair with compartments
Tommy Bahama Deluxe Beach Chair
11
this beach chair with compartments
Tommy Bahama Deluxe Beach Chair
Pros
- When you’re ready to pack it up, it’s got a collapsible design
- There’s storage compartments!
Cons
- It’s a pricier investment $$$
Is it any surprise that Tommy Bahama has created the ultimate beach chair? This one has an average 4.5-star rating because it’s full of conveniences that make beach time a breeze. “Everything you need in an all-in-one backpack beach chair: separate cooler and regular compartments in the back, cup and phone holders and, above all, full reclining to flat,” writes one reviewer. “A little more expensive than competitive brands out there, but well worth it!”
12
this beach chair with built-in shade
GCI Outdoor Shaded Beach Chair
12
this beach chair with built-in shade
GCI Outdoor Shaded Beach Chair
Now 10% Off
Pros
- There are adjustable side levers
- That built-in umbrella
- There are backpack straps for easy carrying!
Cons
- A couple of reviews say it sits too low on the ground
Why settle for a regular beach chair when you can have one that comes with its own shade? This one is also super lightweight, making it ideal for everyone in the fam. “They sit low, so it is easy to steady them and bury your feet in the sand,” one reviewer shares. “They recline back to a nice relaxing, reading, or napping position. The attached umbrella awning keeps the sun out of your eyes and has several positions.”
| Size | 44.7 x 24.2 x 43.5 Inches |
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13
this cushy beach chair
MacSports Padded Cushion Chair
13
this cushy beach chair
MacSports Padded Cushion Chair
Pros
- It’s built to feel super spacious
- This chair Includes.a drink holder
Cons
- One review says that it can be difficult to fold up sometimes
Remember having super plush, cushion-y chairs like this when you were younger? With this one, you get peak comfort, so it’s no wonder that it boasts an average 4.8-star rating. “Don’t buy any other chair,” advises on reviewer. “Oversized and comfy. They have currently traveled to six different national parks and various patios for late nights with friends and family. Would buy over and over without hesitation.”
| Size | 28.7 x 32 x 36 Inches |
|---|
14
this impressive beach lounger chair
Ever Advanced Recliner Lounger Chair
14
this impressive beach lounger chair
Ever Advanced Recliner Lounger Chair
Now 23% Off
Pros
- It sits really high off the ground
- There’s a handy side table and a cup holder
Cons
- Some reviewers say that they felt it was heavy to carry
When you want to go all-out for the beach, this chair will help you do just that. It has oversized dimensions making it incredibly spacious, as well as a padded seat and back that provides all the support you need. “I’ve suffered lower back and hip pain for the past 10 years from sitting too much for work,” one reviewer says. “Stretching and exercise help along with relaxing in reclining chairs. However, I’ve had difficulty while traveling to relax the muscles in the same way. This chair enables my back and hip muscles to relax with the zero gravity design.”
| Size | 32 x 29.5 x 45 Inches |
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15
this low reading chair
Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile Beach Chair
15
this low reading chair
Cascade Mountain Tech Low Profile Beach Chair
Pros
- It’s lightweight and compact
Cons
- There are no armrests
This beach chair boasts thousands of 5-star ratings, and is beloved for its affordability and reading-friendly design. “I don’t normally write reviews, but this chair is one of my favorite things I own nowadays,” says one satisfied customer. “Not only that, but it’s also great for reading in, since your legs are angled up in front of you and are a great place to rest a book. This would be impossible without hunching over in a full-height chair.”
16
this beach chair with a large pouch
GCI Outdoor Reclining Camping Chair
16
this beach chair with a large pouch
GCI Outdoor Reclining Camping Chair
Now 16% Off
Pros
- The comfy pillow for head/neck support
- The cooling mesh paneling
Cons
- Some reviews mention that it’s smaller than they expected based on how it looks in pics
With more than 200 reviews and average 4.6-star rating, this beach chair is becoming a frontrunner. It features a built-in beverage holder to keep drinks nearby, a head pillow for comfort, and mesh paneling for good airflow. “The pouch holds a lot of stuff!” writes one reviewer. “You can put a messenger bag, etc., right in there so you don’t have to lug, and it’s comfortable when you’re carrying.”
| Size | 28 x 24.4 x 31.5 Inches |
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17
this high back beach chair
Bluu Foldable Camping Chair
17
this high back beach chair
Bluu Foldable Camping Chair
Pros
- Very sturdy
- Lightweight
Cons
- A few reviews say that its bag zipper is finicky and it can break
With an average 4.5-star rating on Amazon, this chair is a favorite because it’s easy to assemble and has a high back, providing ample support. “So far I love this chair!” says one reviewer, adding that it’s small enough to put in their dogs’ stroller, so on long walks they can take it out and rest somewhere for a bit. It also works for people of different heights. “I am 5 feet tall and my husband is 6 feet,” one reviewer writes. “Surprisingly, the chair fits both of us comfortably. His head hits the head rest higher up than mine, but it’s still comfortable for me.”
| Size | 18.5 x 5.5 x 5.5 Inches |
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18
this two-pack of a beach chairs
Sportneer Two-Pack Of Folding Chairs
18
this two-pack of a beach chairs
Sportneer Two-Pack Of Folding Chairs
Pros
- A 2-for-1 deal!
- Easy to carry for on-the-go portability
Cons
- Not the sturdiest
Because going to the beach is always more fun with a friend, stock up on these handy chairs by buying a pack of two. Since they’re so lightweight, though, be careful when you’re standing up, advises one reviewer: “These are great chairs, I use them to take to park events for kids. They are awesome to carry, set up, and take down. My only warning is to be careful not to tip over. That being said, they are very comfortable for a small chair.”
| Size | 22 x 20 x 26.5 Inches |
|---|
What is the best frame material for my beach chair?
TBH, picking out the perfect material can be a bit of a dance. Of course, you’ll want something weightless, but also something that’s sturdy enough to withstand high tides and that doesn’t feel like torture to sit on in the sand. Aluminum chair legs basically check all of those boxes. Wood is another good material choice, but JFYI, it does make the chair a *tad* heavier—the fun aesthetic boost will make it all worth while, though! Both are durable enough to handle beach conditions without quickly wearing down, which is pretty clutch if you’re prioritizing longtime usage.
How do I choose the best beach chair?
Everyone’s desired lounging circumstances are different, so here are some factors you’ll want to consider when you choose your summertime seating. Height is huge. If you’re long-legged, getting a chair with a few extra inches could be the key to leaving the beach relaxed versus cramped up. Eight inches or less ground to seat space is considered low, while nine to 12 inches is the average. As far as spending goes, the prices typically range from $25 for a budget buy to around $200 for the ones built to be in your life for the long haul. With a span like that, you won’t be forced to break the bank on your chair hunt. Bless!
Editor
Mekita Rivas is an editor at Cosmopolitan, where she primarily covers fashion, culture, and lifestyle. She writes about everything from the best leather totes and books she can’t put down to plants, podcasts, and politics. Prior to joining Cosmopolitan, she was a senior contributing fashion editor at PopSugar and Bustle. Her writing has been published in dozens of publications including The New York Times, Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Women’s Health, Refinery29, and others. She currently splits her time between New York City and Washington, D.C. Follow Mekita on Instagram, where you’ll typically find a mix of her snapshots from fashion week and various editor travels.
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