The 12 Beach Chairs We Love The Most

Best Overall

Tommy Bahama Classic Folding Backpack Chair

$75 $60 at Amazon

When it’s time for a little fun in the sun (and sand), a comfy chair that’s easy to carry and has storage for beach day necessities is good. Finding all of the above at a reasonable price point is great. Ultimately, we found that this Tommy Bahama chair checks all those boxes and then some.

The body of this chair is made from a combination of materials, including aluminum, steel, and polyester, while sleek wooden armrests add a rich touch. Taken altogether, this chair is sturdy yet lightweight. Pair all of the above with functional design elements like a lay-flat towel bar, a storage pouch for dry items like sunscreen and phones, an insulated cooler pouch, and a detachable headrest, and you’re almost guaranteed a better day at the beach. 

This chair adjusts to five different seating positions, including completely flat for naps or laying out. The cup holder accommodates a standard 12-ounce can, and when it’s time to pack up and go home, the padded backpack straps make your trip back to the parking lot easier. It also comes in a blue and green stripe version, as well as a patriotic red, white, and blue. Just keep in mind that this chair sits just 8.6 inches from the ground, which may make getting out of it difficult for some. 

Size: 32 x 25 x 23 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, steel, polyester, wood | Extras: Towel bar, storage pouch, cooler, cup holder, adjustable headrest

Best Overall, Runner-Up

Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair

$80 $70 at Amazon $70 at Walmart

If a backpack beach chair at a reasonable price is high on your list of summer must-haves, Homevative’s Folding Backpack Beach Chair is certainly short-list worthy. 

This chair is chock full of beach vacation favorites like a rear towel bar, a rear insulated cooler and storage pouches, and a side cup and cell phone holder. The lace-up seat and extra side padding will keep you comfy while you’re soaking up the sun.

This chair is easily adjustable to any of five positions, including a lay-flat position for that beach day nap. And as a bonus within a bonus, the towel bar doubles as head support when you’re reclined all the way back. 

When the sun goes down and it’s time to head home, this beach chair is easy to carry, courtesy of its lightweight design (it weighs just 7 pounds) and the padded backpack straps. Plus, it sits slighter higher than the Tommy Bahama chair, with a 10-inch seat height. Just note that it can be a little stiff to open and close, but this is a small concession to make given the price and numerous features. 

Size: 33 x 25 x 17 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Capacity: 240 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Extras: Cooler pouch, storage pouch, cup/cell phone holder, towel bar, headrest

Best Reclining

Strongback Low G Recliner Beach Chair

$80 at Amazon

While good posture and proper spinal alignment aren’t top of mind for most people on beach day, you’ll probably find that back support matters as you roll into hour four. 

With its sleek, ergonomic design and lumbar support, the Low G Recliner eliminates tension so you can focus on your tan. Not only does this chair have a generous 20-inch wide seat, but it’s also specially designed to align your hips and eliminate leg pinches. This chair features a compact design and sits just 4 inches from the ground. And the extra-wide feet elegantly handle uneven surfaces (like sand) and resist sinking. 

While this chair skips storage pouches and insulated coolers, it does feature durable padded armrests with easy-to-clean, removable covers and a built-in cup holder. In this chair, beachgoers will find a black powder-coated steel frame that’s durable and sleek paired with heavy-duty, wear-resistant polyester. And when the day is done, this chair folds up compactly for an easy return to its carry bag with backpack-style carry straps so your hands are free to tote other items.

Size: 24 x 20 x 23.5 inches | Weight: 8.5 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Polyester, steel | Extras: Built-in cup holder, carry bag

Best Tall

Rio Beach Extended Height Beach Chair

$70 at Amazon $99 at Wayfair $90 at QVC

Sitting 17 inches off the ground and featuring a higher backrest, this Rio Beach chair is perfect for those looking for a little more legroom. Made with a rust-proof, heavy-duty aluminum frame, and durable polyester, this beach chair weighs only eight pounds, but it can accommodate up to 250 pounds.  

This chair reclines to four different positions and uses Safe-Adjust technology to minimize finger pinches while you’re making needed adjustments. It’s equipped with extra-wide armrests for plenty of elbow room, a built-in cup holder, a cell phone slot, and a bottle opener. Beachgoers will also find an insulated storage pouch with a mesh pocket on the armrest for stashing cell phones and other necessities when it’s time to hit the water. 

This chair features a compact folding design that doesn’t eat up a lot of trunk space and adjustable padded shoulder straps that help you carry the load. Keep in mind, though, that this chair doesn’t have a headrest.  

Size: ​​39.5 x 28 x 27.8 inches | Weight: 8 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, polyester | Extras: Molded cellphone holder, bottle opener, molded drink holder, insulated pouch

Best Low-Profile

KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair

$50 at Amazon

For those who prefer to sit closer to the sand, KingCamp offers an excellent low-sling option. While this chair has a low seat that sits just 8.6 inches off the ground, rest assured it’s not short on anything. It features a high back and a generously sized 23-inch wide seat for maximum comfort, and while it weighs just 6.6 pounds, it can accommodate up to 300 pounds. 

This chair has a rust-resistant steel tube construction, durable Oxford fabric, and wide, sturdy feet that handle sand well. You’ll also find a comfy, breathable mesh with plenty of back support, as well as soft foam armrests and a cup holder.

This chair folds down compactly for easy storage and transport, and you’ll certainly appreciate the shoulder strap on the walk back to the car. Overall, this chair is a nice option for beach day, but without storage pouches, you’ll have to bring a beach bag. 

Size: ​​25.2 x 23.2 x 24.8 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Oxford fabric, steel | Extras: Cup holder, carry bag

Best Lightweight

Helinox Beach Chair

$170 at Amazon $180 at Backcountry.com View on Publiclands.com

Walking in sand isn’t easy. Walking in sand with an extra 10 pounds is even harder. All of this to say, weight matters when you’re looking for beach chairs. At just over 3 pounds, this chair by Helinox is a great lightweight option. 

Made from a high-tech aluminum alloy, this chair is both durable and lightweight—and can accommodate up to 320 pounds. It sits low to the ground and features a taller seat that cradles you as you sit back, while its mesh design boosts breathability and the splayed legs prevent sinking—all of which add up to exceptional comfort. And at the end of the day, it’s easy to pack up and carry. 

While this chair checks the boxes for comfort and ease of use, it may not be budget-friendly for most, and in the absence of beach day extras like storage pouches and cup holders, it might be a hard sell for some.

Size: 31 x 23 x 28.5 inches | Weight: 3.3 pounds | Capacity: 320 pounds | Materials: Polyester mesh, aluminum | Extras: Side pockets

Best With Shade

GCI Outdoor Pod Rocker With SunShade

$80 $64 at Amazon $106 at Walmart View on Basspro.com

Vitamin D by way of the sun is good for you, but a day at the beach can amount to too much of a good thing. To get your share of sun rays when you want them and a bit of shade when you need them, GCI’s Outdoor Pod Rocker is a nice option. For sun protection, the Pod Rocker has a generously sized retractable canopy (it can rotate front to back and can collapse flat), complete with UPF 50 shade. 

Made from sturdy powder-coated steel, this full-size collapsible rocker is a little heavy at just over 13 pounds, but it’s robust enough to accommodate up to 250 pounds.

Other nice-to-haves include a rocking sling-style seat, breathable mesh panels to keep you cool, a side phone pocket, and a cup holder. And when beach day is over, this chair collapses easily and folds up compactly for storage, and the storage bag has a large opening that offers an easy assist.

Size: 34.7 x 30 x 28.2 inches (not including shade) | Weight: 13.2 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Alloy steel, fabric not specified | Extras: Retractable canopy, combo beverage/phone pocket, carry bag

Best With Footrest

Sport-Brella Recliner Chair

$80 $60 at Amazon $66 at Walmart $60 at Target

Sport-Brella’s Recliner Chair is jam-packed with a lot of beach day needfuls, including a footrest, and while you might think that means premium pricing, that’s not the case here—this beach chair comes with a very reasonable price tag. 

Standout comfort features include three reclining options (including a lay-flat option), a UPF 50+ umbrella with a three-way swivel for easy adjustments throughout the day, and a detachable footrest. For convenience, it includes an insulated pocket, a cup holder, and a zippered storage pocket with a built-in bottle opener. 

This chair features a durable steel construction, so while it’s not the lightest on our list, it can hold up to 250 pounds, and we expect it to be sturdy and good for at least a couple of years. A durable mesh panel for breathability and air circulation, foam padding in the armrests, and a carry bag for easy transport round out a nice list of features. 

Size: 54 x 34 x 34 inches | Weight: 12.1 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Steel, polyester/polypropylene/nylon | Extras: Detachable footrest, UPF 50+ umbrella, cup holder, storage pouches

Best Inflatable

Wekapo Air Lounger Sofa

$43 $34 at Amazon

If you’re looking for something to make your next trip to the beach a little more fun, Wekapo’s Inflatable Lounger is a great choice. Designed with fun in the sun in mind, this air sofa provides seating (and a bed when naptime calls) without the structure, weight, or hard lines. Even better, you don’t need any bulky equipment to get it up and running. Just whisk the lounger through the air to inflate it. Parents, if you ever wished the kids would help with the setup, this is your answer. 

Made with an outer layer of Ripstop polyester, this lounger weighs less than 3 pounds, but it can hold up to 550–650 pounds. This inflatable lounger has a pillow-shaped headrest that gives your upper back and neck plenty of comfortable support. Plus, it’s outfitted with all the things you’d find with a standard beach chair, including two large pockets for your favorite beach reads and an elastic bottle holder. This air couch can stay inflated for up to six hours, and when the day is done, the carry bag helps with storage and transport. 

Size: 82 x 27 x 35 inches | Weight: 2.7 pounds | Capacity: 550–650 pounds | Materials: Polyester | Extras: Carry bag, bottle opener, stake, storage pockets, bottle holder

Best for Kids

Baby Delight Go With Me Venture Chair

$60 at Amazon $57 at Walmart $60 $55 at Target

When the little ones are in tow on the family beach vacation, parents can rest easy with Baby Delight’s Go With Me Chair. This kids’ beach chair features a five-point removable harness, a removable snack tray and sun canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection, and a flared leg design with locks for added safety. 

Parents will be happy to know that this adjustable kids’ beach chair grows with them, accommodating toddlers through big kids up to 75 pounds. This chair is made with indoor/outdoor polyester, so it resists stains, fading, and mold, and a carry bag helps parents get the chair from point A to point B with ease. Parents should know that while the canopy can be removed, it’s not adjustable, which limits its functionality. 

Size: 24.5 x 23 x 22.8 inches | Weight: 4.9 pounds | Capacity: 75 pounds | Materials: Metal not specified, polyester | Extras: Removable harness, removable snack tray, removable sun canopy

Best Face Down

Ostrich Chaise Lounge

View on Amazon $83 at Wayfair $66 at Walmart

While it’s nice to enjoy a little fun in the sun, a day at the beach is also the perfect opportunity to take a nap or read a book. With the Ostrich Chaise Lounge, you can lie on your back or your stomach comfortably thanks to the face cavity, which can be opened or closed.

Just open it when you’re on your stomach so you can keep reading that page-turner, then close it when you’re ready to flip over to your back. It also comes with arm holes so your arms don’t have to be at an awkward angle while you’re your stomach. 

This chair has an easy setup and four reclining positions, plus comes in a range of fun colors. When it’s time to leave, simply fold the chair up and use the strap to carry it back to your car. Even though this chair lacks storage compartments, it’s still a must-have for any beach day, especially if you’re a reader.

Size: 22 x 72 x 12 inches | Weight: 9.8 pounds | Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Polyester, alloy steel | Extras: Carry strap, face hole, arm holes

Best Lounger

KingCamp Folding Chaise Lounge Chair

$105 $75 at Amazon $100 at Walmart

Take your beach day experience to the next level with the KingCamp Folding Chaise Lounge. Thanks to the ergonomic design and double bungee system, you’ll stay comfortable for hours on end. Whether you choose to recline, lay flat, or sit up in the chair, the five-position locking system keeps the chair in the preferred position. Plus, the removable pillow offers the right amount of support to your neck and head, eliminating any tension. 

Instead of storing your belongings in a separate bag, you can keep them in the removable side pocket, and access them whenever you need to. For beach-goers who like to frequently move around, this lounge chair comes with a securing strap for easy transport, as well as a carry strap and shoulder strap.

Size: 23.2 x 13.5 x 74.8 inches | Weight: 14 pounds | Capacity: 264 pounds | Materials: 600 D Oxford fabric, alloy steel | Extras: 5-position locking system, removable pillow, removable side pocket, securing strap