Best Umbrellas 2023

Dec 26, 2023

If you’ve ever been caught in a downpour, you’ve probably come to appreciate how much a well-made umbrella can save the day. The best umbrellas are portable, easy to grip and resistant to wind and rain. Just like the best rain jackets and the best rain boots, they shelter you from all types of moisture, whether it's a mild drizzle or full-on deluge. They also retain their shape when the weather turns blustery and can shield you from icy snow and pounding hail.

The best umbrellas can withstand the elements and last for years.

Obviously, not all umbrellas are made the same. To find the hardiest options out there, I talked to experts and researched what features will keep you fully protected the next time the skies turn dark. From ultra-sturdy large sizes to the most wind resistant models to a raved-about budget-friendly pick, these are the best umbrellas.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Blue Sky, Grey, Rainbow, Red, Starry Night, Yellow| Frame Material: Fiberglass|Dual Canopy: Yes|Canopy Size: 42 inches|Weight: 15 ounces

Repel's top-rated umbrella has a fiberglass frame and dual canopy design–the cornerstones of a strong, wind-resistant umbrella–and the rubberized handle ensures you can grip it tightly. It's also compact and lightweight for carrying on the go, and the automatic operation is speedy and failproof. If you’re an Amazon shopper, this pick has nearly 6,000 reviews, and a 4.5 star rating. Keep in mind: The overall size may be too small for serious storms.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Blue, Charcoal, Green, Orange, Purple, Red, Rust, Teal| Frame Material: Metal ribs with fiberglass tips|Dual Canopy: No|Canopy Size: 38 inches|Weight: 10 ounces

Constructed with water-repellant fabric, a no-slip rubber handle and a rust-resistant metal frame, Lewis N. Clark's umbrella is robust yet reasonably priced. Unlike less effective picks, this one has a reliable automatic open-close feature and lightweight design. Keep in mind: Some reviewers wished for a larger canopy size.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Green, Pink| Frame Material: Aluminum|Dual Canopy: No|Canopy Size: 36 inches|Weight: Not listed

Gabby Beckford, travel expert and founder of Packs Light, likes Umenice umbrellas for their compact size and multipurpose design—this one is constructed with a UV material that shields rain and sun. "It's also excellent at retaining its shape in the wind," she says. If you’re like Beckford, you’ll appreciate the no-bulk design, too. "Packing as light as possible is always my priority," she says. Keep in mind: This doesn't have a dual canopy.

Totes

Colors: Dark Plaid, Raindrop Status, Sprinkles| Frame Material: Fiberglass |Dual Canopy: No | Canopy Size: 47 inches |Weight: N/A

Stick umbrellas are generally studier than collapsible umbrellas, and this Totes umbrella is especially great in nasty storms. It's built with a polished maple wood handle, water-repellent fabric and a fiberglass frame and shaft. Reviewers rave about its "excellent quality" in strong winds and refined design. Keep in mind: It's not a lightweight or compact umbrella.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Blue, Flower Red, Flower Yellow, Red, Starry Sky Blue | Frame Material: Aluminum | Dual Canopy: No | Canopy Size: 41 inches | Weight: 12 ounces

Measuring just 10 inches long when stored, this umbrella easily fits in a purse, bag or backpack. It's constructed with an aluminum frame, fiberglass ribs and an auto open-close button for durability and ease-of-use. Plus, it's affordable. Keep in mind: Some reviewers note this umbrella is difficult to close.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Burgundy, Navy Blue, Pink, Light Grey, Royal Blue, Dark Green | Frame Material: Alloy Steel | Dual Canopy: Yes | Canopy Size: 42 inches | Weight: Less than 16 ounces

Weighing in at less than a pound, this umbrella barely adds any heft to your bag, making it great for those in perpetually rainy climates. The dual canopy design defends against strong winds, and the automatic open-close button allows for easy access in a storm. Keep in mind: The canopy is on the small side.

Amazon

Colors: Black | Frame Material: Fiberglass | Dual Canopy: No | Canopy Size: 54 inches | Weight: 1.6 pounds

This cane-style umbrella boasts an oversized canopy and a strong fiberglass frame for superior protection against super-strong gusts. The UPF 50+ fabric is a bonus and Amazon reviewers praise the Kingston's overall sturdiness and high-quality construction. Keep in mind: It's not super lightweight.

Amazon

Colors: Black, Dark Red, Grey, Navy Blue, Red, Slate Blue, Yellow | Frame Material: Aluminum | Dual Canopy: No | Canopy Size: 47 inches | Weight: 1.5 pounds

The generously-sized umbrella will keep you–and your walking companions–sheltered and dry. The aluminum frame, fiberglass ribs, comfortable-to-grip wooden handle and water-repellent canopy make this a highly durable pick. Keep in mind: Due to the stick design, it's not as convenient to carry as a collapsible umbrella. However, it does come with a shoulder strap for boosted portability.

As a former resident of New York City, I spent years buying cheap, flimsy umbrellas at corner drugstores that easily flipped up in the wind, leaving me soaked. Finally, a relative gave me a sturdy, well-made stick umbrella that withstood even the hardest Northeast storms. It opened my eyes to the difference a quality umbrella can make in your life.

For this review, I read hundreds of online reviews and heavily researched the umbrella market. I also sought advice from two experts: Cam Vigliotta, the Gear Editor at Forbes Vetted and Gabby Beckford, a travel expert and founder of Packs Light.

First, I spoke with experts about the qualities that go into a well-made umbrella, including materials, styles and sizes that are best for easy transport. I then used that criteria when evaluating different umbrellas, and only considered models that had excellent customer reviews and ratings of 4.4 stars or higher.

Two umbrellas might look the same on the outside but vary greatly in quality. When shopping, here's what to pay most attention to: