To help you find the best umbrellas your money can buy to get you out of trouble on a rainy day, we spend more than 10 hours of research and testing. As we used each umbrella in real-world weather situations, we looked specifically for protection from rain and wind, overall durability, comfort and portability. We also measured ease of use to find out which umbrellas were easier to use both in a rush and in a leisurely manner. If you’re looking for that perfect umbrella that can withstand all the elements or if you just want something simple that you can operate with one hand and opens and closes at the push of a button, make sure you check out our Top Picks below.
With all of these features and considerations in mind, we selected the Repel Windproof Travel umbrella as our top pick. With a windproof design that features both sturdy ribs and a teflon-coated canopy, this umbrella is one of the toughest and most protective options you can get. Keep reading to learn more about the Repel umbrella and the other best umbrellas we included on our list.
Top 7 Best Umbrellas
#1 Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
Award: TOP PICK
WHY WE LIKE IT: This umbrella is compact, lightweight and extra tough against the wind, making it the best windproof umbrella on our list. With these features and more, it’s easy to see why it’s our top pick.
Read Full Review: Repel Windproof Umbrella Review
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- Best for heavy gusts
- Extra-tough ribs
- Teflon coated canopy
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- No UV protection
- Only one color available
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The best thing about the Repel Windproof Travel umbrella is the fact that it won’t fold under some wind. It accomplishes this feat primarily due to its extra-sturdy ribs. While most compact umbrellas only have 6 to 8 ribs, the Repel features 9 resin-reinforced fiberglass ribs. The fiberglass material is pretty tough on its own, but the resin reinforcement adds even more structural support against strong wind. The canopy is also double vented to allow the wind to pass through rather than get caught.
The overall design of the Repel umbrella is also something to applaud. With a teflon-coated canopy, this umbrella is able to repel water more efficiently than other umbrellas you can buy. It also features a strong, chrome-plated shaft for greater stability. The handle is ergonomic and made from slip-proof materials, which makes this automatic umbrella much easier to carry. When folded, it measures in at just 11.5 inches, making it one of the more compact options on our list, as well. All in all, you can’t go wrong with a Repel umbrella. It’s the best umbrella brand on our list due to excellent customer service, high-quality designs and lots of options for different umbrella models. Speaking of the best umbrellas, you might be interested in our best car umbrella guide.
#2 EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella
Award: HONORABLE MENTION
WHY WE LIKE IT: This travel umbrella is the most compact option on our list, making it perfect for anyone who is always one the go. It’s also built to withstand strong winds with a double canopy and fiberglass ribs.
Read Full Review: EEZ-Y Windproof Travel Umbrella
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- Best for travel or bags
- Durable, windproof design
- Tons of color options
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- Umbrella cover is underwhelming
- Can be hard to close
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The EEZ-Y Windproof Travel umbrella offers a simple, yet incredibly sturdy design that can be folded down to an ultra-compact package without sacrificing its windproof functionality. For starters, the EEZ-Y umbrella features both a double-vented canopy and 9 fiberglass ribs to resist strong wind gusts. The overall frame of the umbrella is also made from premium fiberglass and stainless steel for added support.
The best part about the EEZ-Y umbrella is its ultra-compact design. Once folded, it’s only 11 inches long, which is the shortest on our list. It also weighs in at a mere 15 ounces. This is the best umbrella for college because it’s so compact, making it easier to carry around with you on campus or in your backpack. With the automatic open/close functionality, you can simply press the button on the handle to get it out and put it away. While the button is easy to press in both situations, the umbrella requires a bit more force to get closed completely after pressing the button. We were also a little disappointed with the included umbrella cover, which we thought could be bigger to enable you to put the umbrella away more easily. All in all, the EEZ-Y Windproof Travel umbrella is perfect for anyone that needs both wind protection and portability. Keep yourself and the best internal frame backpack dry.
#3 Sharpty Inverted Umbrella
Award: FASTEST DRYING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This umbrella offers one of the most unique designs of all the options on our list. With an inverted canopy and an ergonomic c-shaped handle, this umbrella provides a different, but great, experience over traditional umbrellas.
Read Full Review: Sharpty Inverted Umbrella
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- Smart design for busy cities
- Durable, windproof design
- Tons of fun designs
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- Not a great umbrella for strong wind
- No automatic open/close
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The Sharpty Inverted umbrella’s stand out feature is the inverted canopy. This unique approach to canopy design strays from the beaten path when it comes to folding up your umbrella. Traditionally, when an umbrella is folded up, the wet part of the canopy remains facing outward and gives you a high chance of getting wet while trying to put the umbrella away. The inverted canopy on the Sharpty puts the wet part of the canopy facing inward when folded up, which eliminates the chance of you getting wet.
The other unique feature that this umbrella provides is an interesting c-shaped handle. This shape increases the overall ergonomics of using the umbrella and gives you more functionality when not using your umbrella. For example, you can loop bag handles over the umbrella handle or loop the handle over your arm so you can keep your hands free while carrying the umbrella. With a 47-inch canopy, this is definitely a large umbrella that provides comprehensive rain protection. However, the Sharpty umbrella doesn’t hold up well in strong winds, so keep that in mind when going out into a storm. And, fellas, keep dry with the best men’s hoodies you can buy now.
#4 G4Free Ultimate Golf Umbrella
Award: BEST OUTDOOR SPORTS
WHY WE LIKE IT: This umbrella is the best large umbrella we have on our list, with size options including 54, 62 or 68 inch canopies. This stick umbrella is also super durable and windproof, to boot.
Read Full Review: G4Free Ultimate Golf Umbrella
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- Great for groups of 2-3
- Superb wind resistance
- Extra-durable construction
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- Heavier than other options
- No automatic close
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The G4Free Ultimate Golf umbrella is a beast of an umbrella. It’s the largest option on our list (and the heaviest, at 2 pounds), so if you’re looking for extra-comprehensive rain protection, this is the umbrella for you. You can purchase the G4Free in a 54, 62 or 68 inch canopy, which allows you to protect up to two adults and two children under the umbrella. This size paired with 210T pongee fabric, fiberglass ribs and a sturdy frame, the G4Free umbrella is also tough enough to handle stronger weather like hail and wind.
Wind resistance is increased even further with the double canopy design, which is an impressive feat for such a large umbrella. We were also impressed with the stick design, even though it means you won’t get as much portability. Since it’s a stick umbrella, the G4Free can also double as a cane or walking stick. It also tends to be much more durable than more portable options. While this stick umbrella features an automatic open button, it doesn’t feature an automatic close button, which means you’ll need to manually close it. Fortunately, that doesn’t detract the overall functionality of the product. The G4Free Ultimate Golf is the best umbrella for men on our list due to its heavy-duty design and stick form factor. Great for camping and staying dry while using the best backpacking stove.
#5 Lanbrella Compact Folding Reverse Umbrella
Award: BEST FOR BACKPACKING
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is another umbrella on our list with an inverted canopy design, but it combines that unique feature with a folding functionality that increases portability.
Read Full Review: Lanbrella Compact Review
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- Compact inverted design
- Easy auto open/close
- Multiple print designs
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- Heavier than other compact options
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The Lanbrella Compact Folding Reverse umbrella combines functionality, convenience and portability in a single, high-quality package. This is a complicated design that can be hard to get right, but the Lanbrella blew us out of the water. First, the inverted design prevents you from getting wet when folding it up, like the Sharpty umbrella higher up on our list. However, it also combines that unique design with portability. You can easily compress this umbrella into a 12.5 inch package with an easy-to-use open/close button.
This folding reverse umbrella is also built from high-quality components, including fiberglass ribs and a fiberglass frame for greater strength, especially in winds and heavy rain. It also features plenty of unique canopy designs so you can buy an umbrella that fits your style and personality. Great for camping when you are outside of the best rooftop tents.
#6 totes Clear Bubble Umbrella
Award: BEST ON A BUDGET
WHY WE LIKE IT: This umbrella gives you comprehensive rain protection and style on a budget that isn’t hard on your wallet. It’s also tough enough to take a gust of wind or two with no problem.
Read Full Review: totes Clear Bubble Umbrella
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- Great body protection
- Sturdy stick design
- Clear canopy for better visibility
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- Manual open/close
- Canopy not as durable as others
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There’s no doubt that the totes Clear Bubble umbrella is one of the most eye-catching umbrellas on our list. Featuring a unique dome design and a clear, plastic canopy, this umbrella provides the most comprehensive rain protection on our list. The dome design allows you to bring the umbrella down over your head and shoulders for better rain protection, but the clear plastic still allows you to see in 360-degree angle.
While the totes umbrella isn’t as durable as other options on our list, its stick design allows for overall better stability and structural support than some foldable options. You’ll miss out on the auto open and close functionality, but you’ll gain the classic curved umbrella handle and additional cane/walking stick functionality. Fortunately, the totes Clear Bubble umbrella can also handle most light to moderate wind with ease. This and the best UV flashlight will always have you prepared.
Another great choice from totes that just missed our list is the Pink Ikat Print Auto Walker Umbrella. With an eye-catching design, black electroplated steel frame and wooden handle, this umbrella is certainly worth checking out.
#7 Stephen Joseph Pop Up Umbrella
Award: BEST FUN DESIGN
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Stephen Joseph Pop Up umbrella is made for kids who want to have their own umbrella without sacrificing their sense of fun. With cute designs and easy-to-use functionality, this umbrella is perfect for the little hands in your life.
Read Full Review: Stephen Joseph Pop Up Umbrella
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- Light and easy to hold
- Easy open and close
- Perfectly sized for children
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- Not as sturdy as others
- Doesn’t include a case
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If you’re looking to purchase a new umbrella for your kids, the Stephen Joseph Pop Up umbrella is the choice for you. For starters, you can purchase the umbrella in 13 different designs for both boys and girls so your little one can get exactly what they want. But the design isn’t everything, and this umbrella knows that.
The pop up design is easy to open and close, and the umbrella doesn’t feature any buttons that can pinch fingers. Instead, your child simply needs to push the canopy open and pull it close without much thought. While the Stephen Joseph Pop Up umbrella isn’t as sturdy as other options on the list, especially when it comes to wind or heavy weather, it’s still well made. The canopy is 100% polyester pongee and the shaft and ribs are both made from aluminum.
How We Decided
When we first started testing the umbrellas we purchased, we knew we had to test them in the rain. First and foremost, we took each umbrella out into a storm to test the protection from rain they all provided. It’s impossible to purchase an umbrella that will keep your whole body dry, so we focused mostly on how well each of the options on our list protected your head and upper body. The best umbrellas have a canopy that’s wide enough to at least protect you, but there are also plenty of options that will keep multiple people dry, although we didn’t score bigger umbrellas better than smaller ones.
Next, we tested each umbrella’s durability in windy conditions. We favored umbrellas that could handle large gusts of wind without flipping inside out or blowing out of your hands, but didn’t consider this a make-or-break feature.
Finally, we considered the overall usability of the umbrella. If the umbrella has an automatic open and/or close functionality, we measured how easy it was to press the button and operate this feature. We preferred models that were easy to use, opening and closing at the push of a button. We also looked at how easy it was to store the umbrellas, either in included carrying cases or by using snap closures. We scored umbrellas higher if they were easy to get in and out of cases, especially considering the fact that you don’t want to spend more than a few seconds getting your umbrella ready while it’s raining.
Another popular option to check out that just missed our list is the New York Davek Elite – a modern take on the classic cane umbrella, perfect for everyday use and formal occasions. The Davek Elite offers a spacious 50″ arc-diameter canopy large enough to keep you comfortably out of the rain. This umbrella also comes in three colours: Classic Black, Navy Blue and Copper.
Best Umbrella Buyer’s Guide
The Most Important Features to Consider
- Canopy Size
The sole purpose of an umbrella is obviously to keep you dry, so one of the biggest features to consider is how big the canopy is. During our research, we found that to keep a single person dry from the rain, your umbrella’s canopy size should be around 36 to 40 inches in diameter large enough to cover one person. You’ll also find that most umbrellas follow this size range for their umbrellas. Larger canopy sizes will provide more protection, but they’ll also be heavier and bulkier. As you might expect, smaller canopy sizes won’t protect you as much from the rain, but they’ll be much more compact and easier to carry around. - Umbrella Materials
Next, you should consider the materials your umbrella is made out of. Most options available today feature some kind of synthetic material – usually nylon or polyester – for the canopy and aluminum, steel or fiberglass for the shaft and ribs. There is some variety in these materials, of course. For example, windproof umbrellas often feature steel ribs and shaft, as well as an additional teflon coating on the canopy for resistance against rips and tears. You should also consider what the grip on your umbrella handle is made of. Leather and rubber handles tend to offer a better grip overall, which makes carrying your umbrella easier over longer periods of time. - Portability
Umbrellas should be portable and compact, making them easier to stow in a bag or glove box without getting in the way. In this manner, foldable umbrellas are preferable overall. For the most part, umbrellas that fold into packages that are shorter than 12 inches are best. However, the ultra small umbrellas tend to sacrifice functionality for portability, which is something we recommend avoiding. When it comes to weight, we found that umbrellas weighing less than a pound were easier to carry around, although if you were to find something a little heavier than that, it wouldn’t significantly affect your ability to carry it around with you.
