When you need a bit of temporary protection from the elements while outdoors, there’s no better option than a pop-up canopy. They’re ideal for a variety of scenarios, from beach days to tailgates to any outdoor activity.
To help you sort through all of the different options available, we consulted with experts, researched popular and highly-rated canopies, and dug into the details of each to create this list of the best pop-up canopies.
Ease of set-up is one important factor to keep in mind. You’ll also want a sturdy frame that won’t rust or topple over with a gust of wind, which is why the options on our list generally use powder-coated steel. The fabric should also be durable and offer UPF sun protection.
Canopy size matters, too. Before purchasing, think about how and where you’ll use the canopy—that’ll help you determine how big you want it to be, and if features like sidewalls or rain-resistant material are needed. This ensures it fits your backyard perfectly or protects patio furniture from inclement weather.
Our Top Picks
Best Heavy Duty:
Best for Wind:
Best for Sporting Events:
Best for Camping:
Best for Beach:
Best for Backyard Use:
What We Like
Wide variety of colors and sizes
Easy to set up
Suitable for sun, rain, and wind
Durable
What We Don't Like
Carry bag isn’t sturdy
When you’re looking to buy a pop-up canopy, a few brands get consistently namechecked, particularly by frequent canopy users (like farmers market vendors). ABC Canopy is one of those brands, and this pop-up canopy is ideal for various uses, from a beach or campsite hang to small commercial events to parties and other outdoor activities. It offers a 10-foot square of coverage, which is enough for several people, four small tables, or three beach chairs.
We particularly like that the canopy is available in a wide variety of sizes as well as colors both neutral and bold. You can set the height of the canopy to one of three preset options, offering different settings for different environments.
We also love how easy this canopy is to set up. Two people can set it up in minutes (and, if necessary, one person can do it solo). It comes with a roller bag for transport, which is helpful since it weighs about 53 pounds. Just note that this bag isn’t the most durable and it can wear faster than the canopy itself.
Overall, the canopy’s frame is quite sturdy and will stay put during whipping winds at the beach or through sheets of rain. Speaking of the elements, the canopy’s material features UPF 50+ and is entirely waterproof. Plus, the canopy has sandbags, stakes, and ropes to make setup easy no matter where you take it.
Dimensions: From 5 x 5 feet to 10 x 20 feet | Frame Material: Steel | Canopy Material: Polyester | Height Adjustable: Yes
What We Like
Heavy-duty canopy fabric
Available in several colors
Comes with roller bag
What We Don't Like
Only available in one size
While most pop-up canopies will run you a few hundred dollars (or more, for fancier options), it is possible to find a budget-friendly option that won’t blow over at the first gust of wind. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this pop-up canopy from Caravan Canopy. While the manufacturer recommends this canopy for camping, we find it’s suitable for use on the beach and other locations as well.
It comes in only one size—a 12-foot square—but is available in several different colors and three height settings. The polyester material provides UV protection and shade, and it’s made with a sturdy steel frame that’s coated to resist rust and other damage. (Here are other ways to add shade to your outdoor space.)
This canopy weighs 46 pounds and comes with a roller bag to make it easier to tote anywhere. Four stakes are provided, which help keep this cathedral-style canopy in place during wind gusts. With a budget-friendly price and a two-year limited warranty, this pop-up canopy offers great value, without sacrificing features.
Dimensions: 12 x 12 feet | Frame Material: Steel | Canopy Material: Polyester | Height Adjustable: Yes
What We Like
Fire-retardant and outdoor weather-resistant
Versatile setup configurations
Includes zip-up walls for weather protection
What We Don't Like
Only available in one size
Material isn’t specified
Look no further if you want a pop-up canopy that can stand up to the elements with ease, without ripping or collapsing after a few uses. This heavy-duty pop-up canopy from Eurmax is made with a powder-coated steel frame and uses trusses for stability. While the exact details of the fabric used for its coverage aren’t specified, the manufacturer notes that the material is fire-retardant, blocks the sun’s rays, and has sealed seams to help keep the rain out.
These details make this pop-up canopy ideal for a variety of weather, from intense sunshine to rain showers. Plus, we like that it can be configured to block out the elements from the sides as well as overhead. It includes sidewalls that can zipper in place (or be rolled up), making it easy to manage uncertain weather and create much-needed shade from any direction.
We do wish this canopy came in more sizes, but it’s big enough as is to offer ample coverage. Bottom line: This is a highly durable, long-lasting option. Though it’s not the cheapest canopy on our list, it does offer easy set-up, as well as an adjustable height.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 Feet | Frame Material: Alloy Steel | Canopy Material: Not listed | Height Adjustable: Yes
What We Like
Easy, fast setup
High-strength polyester fabric
Smooth, durable canopy joints
What We Don't Like
Weighs over 69 pounds
This pop-up, from trusted canopy manufacturer ABCCanopy, offers security even in the wind, thanks to sturdy legs, a frame made with alloy steel, and trusses. Every part included with this kit is made from sturdy, durable materials, including the joints that move during setup and tear down, which can be key sticking points over long-term use.
All that’s to say: You can count on this canopy to stay in place on windy days. Not to mention, the polyester fabric used for the tenting will help you resist the effects of both water and rain.It’s available in several sizes and can be set up incredibly quickly, without the need to get out of your toolbag.
Choose from three height settings during setup. This pop-up canopy, like many on this list, comes with a roller bag you can use to store and transport it. On inclement days, take advantage of the sidewalls and doors, and quickly attach them via velcro to provide additional shelter. Because it's so sturdy, this is one of the heavier options on our list, but it's worth the extra weight for its durability in windy conditions.
Dimensions: 10 x 10 feet to 10 x 20 feet | Frame Material: Alloy Steel and Plastic | Canopy Material: Polyester | Height Adjustable: Yes
What We Like
Includes sidewalls and zippered door
Commercial-level durability
Includes sandbags, ropes, and stakes
What We Don't Like
Can be difficult to set up, particularly alone
With this pop-up canopy from Mastercanopy, you get sidewalls and a door wall, all made from polyester fabric coated with polyurethane to help block out every drop of rain. According to the manufacturer, this fabric is also water-resistant and blocks 99 percent of UV rays.
Those sidewalls and doors attach via zippers and are easy to zip on or off. The frame is also quite sturdy and won’t tip over, even on windy days. Along with the walls and canopy, this pop-up also comes with stakes, ropes, and sandbags for anchoring it in place, as well as a wheeled bag for transport. (That’ll be necessary since it weighs in at nearly 50 pounds.)
You may find that you need a bit of practice in the set-up process for this tent, but it’s overall smooth and easy enough with two people involved. It only gets tricky if you’re setting up all of the components alone—but based on its durability, it’s a fair tradeoff for this pop-up canopy.
Dimensions: 8 x 8 feet to 12 x 12 feet| Frame Material: Alloy Steel | Canopy Material: Polyurethane (PU), Polyester, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) | Height Adjustable: Not listed
What We Like
3-minute setup
Multiple sizes for varying coverage
50+ UPF protection
What We Don't Like
Shading walls sold separately
Rain coverage is lacking
If you’re a parent of kids who do sports, or if you like to tailgate, you know your time spent hanging out can be improved with some shelter. But of course, something elaborate or tricky to set up doesn’t make sense for the side of the soccer field. According to the manufacturer, this option from reputable camping brand Coleman is a great fit: It takes just three minutes to set up. And those are an easy three minutes—no complicated maneuvers or use of tools required.Just pop open the collapsible steel frame and attach the canopy.
This pop-up canopy is a great pick for outdoor sports because of its simple setup and portable nature. It’s lightweight and comes with a wheeled bag for easy transport. The fabric on the top offers 50+ UPF. If you’d like, you can purchase sidewalls for more shade separately.
This pop-up canopy is available in a few sizes, and the smallest size—7 by 5 feet—feels perfect for watching your child’s game. However, larger sizes may work well for tailgating at bigger sporting events for more shade and sun protection.
Dimensions: From 7 x 5 feet to 10 x 10 feet | Frame Material: Alloy Steel | Canopy Material: Blend (not listed) | Height Adjustable: No
What We Like
Narrow profile and small footprint
Includes hooks and a mesh storage pocket
Easy to set up solo
What We Don't Like
Canopy colors fade with sun exposure
This pop-up canopy from Eagle Peak is quite petite at four feet by four feet. But that small space is perfect if you need a shaded place for a small child to get out of the sun, take a nap, if you’re looking for an on-the-go changing space, or want to put some shade over items that shouldn’t heat up in the sun. Since it’s so small, and weighs just under 18 pounds, it’s easy to bring along when you go camping, to the beach, or a friend’s pool party.
Conveniently for anyone who plans to use this pop-up as a changing room, it comes with hooks to hang clothes or damp towels, as well as a mesh storage pocket against one of the walls. It also has a mesh window roll-up window in case you want to let some air and light in. This tent comes in a striped print in a heavy and sturdy fabric, but be aware that the colors will fade with time in the sun.
We also like that this pop-up canopy comes with a one-year limited warranty, which covers the entire item (including the bag, canopy, and frame—other warranties on this list are limited to just the frame). If you’re amidst DIY backyard projects to transform the space, there are many ways to incorporate this small pop-up, from using it around a shower to making it a private changing area.
Dimensions: 48 inches long x 48 inches wide x 88.56 inches tall| Frame Material: Alloy Steel, Fiberglass | Canopy Material: Not listed | Height Adjustable: No
What We Like
Screen shields against bugs
Easy setup and tear down
Lightweight
What We Don't Like
Further anchoring required on windy days
Not waterproof or water-resistant
Bring a touch of your home to your campsite with this pop-up canopy, which features mesh walls, so you can see nature around you—while keeping the bugs at bay. Available in several sizes, this pop-up is ideal for camping for a few reasons. To start, it only weighs 20 pounds (it’s one of the lightest canopies on our list), which is relatively lightweight for carrying when you walk to your campsite. When you arrive, this pops up into place, without any assembly needed.
We also love how much coverage this provides in terms of shade and sun protection. While the walls are mesh, the material on the top provides UPF 50+ protection. Since this pop-up room isn’t waterproof or even water-resistant, though, you’ll want to save it for sunny days.
It also comes with sandbags, guylines, and mounting stakes, which you can use on windy days. Note: If you don’t use these when it’s windier, the tent will collapse. When it’s time to put the pop-up canopy away, it’ll fold into place and fit into its carry bag.
Dimensions: From 6 x 6 feet to 15 x 15 feet | Frame Material: Alloy Steel | Canopy Material: Polyester, Nylon | Height Adjustable: No
What We Liked
Lightweight and easy to carry
Comes with anchors and stability poles
Works on sand, grass, or rocks
What We Didn’t Like
If not set it up properly, it won’t stay in place in the wind
Once you’re set up at the beach, it’s peak relaxation. But getting there—from combatting traffic to lugging a beach bag and toys—can be an effort. This pop-up beach tent from Sun Ninja won’t weigh you down too much. The 7-foot version weighs only eight pounds and also comes with a travel bag. That lightweight construction is possible because this pop-up canopy relies on a material—sand—that’s easily found at the beach to anchor it down.
Setting up this tent is easy, and you can use the stability poles and anchors to keep it in place. That said, be mindful of where the wind is coming from (which can be unpredictable at the beach!) since this tent is easily affected by wind and might not stay in place if not set up to avoid the wind. Once it’s set up, you’ll be protected from the sun’s rays since the material offers UPF 50+ sun protection. This pop-up is available in several sizes and colors.
Dimensions: 7 x 7.5 feet and 10 x 10 feet | Frame Material: No frame, but comes with aluminum poles | Canopy Material: Spandex | Height Adjustable: No
Best for Backyard Use
Core Equipment Instant Canopy
What We Liked
3-minute set up
Offers sun and rain protection
Vented for air circulation
What We Didn’t Like
Doesn’t have any additional features
Does not have sidewalls
After putting in the time to landscape your backyard or do any DIY makeovers to the space, it’s natural to want to have people over. But during summer days, the sun can beat down or there can be sprinkles. This pop-up canopy can stop weather from interfering with your hosting. It’s fast to put up—just three minutes, which means you can easily add it during your party if needed—and has three potential heights. Large buttons make it easy to set the tent's height to one of the three height options available.
The fabric is both water resistant and offers UV protection. Meanwhile, there are vents at the top of the canopy, which help air to circulate and prevent it from feeling stuffy underneath the shade. Plus, it comes with everything you need, including stakes, guylines, and a wheeled carryback.
It’s available in a variety of sizes (from fairly petite to large), so you can choose the right option for your space and needs. While we think this pop-up canopy is ideal for backyard hosting, note that the easy set-up means this option is also ideal for camping trips, festivals, tailgating, and more.
Dimensions: From 6 x 4 feet to 13 x 13 feet| Frame Material: Alloy steel | Canopy Material: Not listed | Height Adjustable: Yes
Final Verdict
We think the best pop-up canopy is the ABCCanopy Pop-Up Canopy—not only is it made by a trusted brand, but it’s available in several sizes, and offers UV protection. Plus, it’s easy to set up, sturdy and comes with a roller bag for schlepping. That said, the Caravan V-Series Powder Coated Steel Frame Canopy, our best value pick, offers a lot of functionality, including a roller bag and three height settings, if our top pick feels too spendy.
What to Look For in a Pop-Up Canopy
Size
You’ll want a canopy that suits your space needs. If you’re planning to place it in your backyard, for instance, it’ll need to fit in that space. (Keep in mind, a canopy is just one option—you can also use patio covers to weather-proof outdoor spaces.)
Consider how many people will fit under the canopy's surface along with the size of your pop-up canopy compared to your space. All these size-related factors can lead to a type of Goldilocks conundrum. You'll want to choose one that suits your needs without much bulk or a coverage space that's too small, Mike Murphy, owner of Boonies.com, an online shop for outdoor gear recommends.
Murphy also notes that choosing a large canopy can also come with challenges, as they “can quickly turn into a large, and potentially dangerous, ‘kite’ if not staked down properly.”
The ABCCANOPY Pop-Up Canopy (our best overall pick), which is available in a variety of sizes, is a great option for most. However, if you’re just looking for a small bit of shade and privacy, turn to our best small pick, the Eagle Peak Flex Ultra Compact 4x4 Pop-up Canopy.
Here's another size element to keep in mind: How big the canopy is when it’s collapsed. After all, you’ll want to make sure it fits in your car if you’re planning to travel with it to campsites or other outdoor locales.
Durability
As Murphy mentioned, pop-up canopies can easily lift and blow away when wind strikes—and you don't want to have to chase down your canopy. Opt for one durable enough to stay securely in place throughout any weather. Plus, many of the canopies on our list are made with durable, weather-ready materials that can keep you dry in addition to being covered in the event of rain or wind.
“Reinforced stitching, sturdy frames, and UV-resistant fabrics contribute to durability,” Murphy says. With our best overall pick, the ABCCanopy Pop-Up Canopy, you’ll get fabric that can handle the sun and is also water-resistant for rainy days. Meanwhile, the Eurmax Commercial Pop-Up Canopy (our best heavy duty pick) and the ABCCanopy Heavy Duty Easy Pop-up Canopy Tent with Sidewalls (which is the best for wind) are both made with alloy steel for a sturdy, stay-put frame.
Ease of Setup
As a heads-up, many canopies require two people for setup. Even within that field, some are a bit easier to put in place than others. For instance, the Coleman Canopy Sun Shelter (best for sporting events), which is available in several sizes, brags about a three-minute set-up time. The larger and more complicated your canopy's features, the more challenging it will likely be to set up.
Most importantly of all, you want the setup mechanism to be intuitive to use, Murphy says.While most pop-up canopies can be pulled into shape and then adjusted in height, products can really vary in how smooth-moving and easy-to-use their mechanisms are.
Also, it's worth noting that if your canopy includes extras—like sidewalls, sandbags, or a zip-up door—it'll take time and some effort to set up all of those additional parts and pieces. They can come in handy, but you may not want to set them up every time you use the canopy.
Portability
If your main plan is to use a pop-up canopy on your patio, portability may not be much of a factor. But if you’ll be lugging your canopy to the beach or campsites, portability is a must. You’ll want to opt for something lightweight and easy to transport. For the beach, you can’t beat the Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent (our best for beach pick), which weighs in at just 8 pounds. Another lightweight option that can be used in a variety of spaces is the Coleman Canopy Sun Shelter (the best for sporting events).
Some of the sturdier options on our list are heavier. If a canopy that will stay in place come any kind of weather is your top priority, you may need to accept that this benefit means extra pounds for the product. In that case, look for options that come with a wheeled bag—the wheels make even a heavier item easier to move from one spot to the next. We love that the Caravan V-Series Powder Coated Steel Frame Canopy, our best value pick, comes with a roller bag for easy portability.
Stability
Days can turn windy fast, and you’ll want the pop-up canopy to stay put and not tip over. “Features such as adjustable legs, ground stakes, and guy lines enhance stability and keep the canopy secure,” Murphy says. The Core Instant Shelter Pop-Up Canopy (our best for backyards pick) comes with all these features.
Additional Features
Accessories can be handy when it comes to pop-up canopies, Annemarie Schumacher, founder of Make Every Day an Event, says. Some that she considers key are weights (to keep the tent in place), LED battery-operated lights, and even a rechargeable fan. We love that our best overall pick, the ABCCanopy Pop-Up Canopy comes with sandbags and stakes that can be used to keep tents in place.
And, the Ealge Peak Flex Ultra Compact 4x4 Pop-up Canopy (our best small) may be petite, but it’s oh-so thoughtfully designed—it includes both hooks to hang clothing or towels, and a small pocket to stash items. It also has a window that can be opened or closed.
Several of the recommended pop-up canopies on this list have removable sidewalls, including the MasterCanopy Heavy Duty Pop-up Canopy Tent (our best for rain pick).Sidewalls can block wind and rain, offering more shelter and more coverage from multiple angles.
Plus, don’t forget appearance, particularly if the canopy is being used to provide shade in your yard or patio. You’ll want it to mirror your aesthetics, and be a stylish addition to your patio or other outdoor space.
Sandbags, sturdy guide ropes, and strong stakes can keep your canopy from blowing away, even in the wind and rain. We also like mesh-netted canopies like this Alvantor Screen House Room Camping Tent (our best for camping) because they keep the bugs at bay.
If you plan to take your pop-up canopy on the go, look for a lightweight model that includes a carrying case. For example, our best for beach pick, the Sun Ninja Pop-Up Beach Tent weighs just eight pounds and comes with a convenient travel bag.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This roundup of recommended pop-up canopies was written by long-time freelancer Madeleine Burry, who has been writing for the Spruce since 2019. She rounded up the best pop-up canopies using insights from experts, along with researching top products, closely reading product ratings and reviews, and using insight about what makes a strong, quality canopy.
Our Experts:
- Mike Murphy, owner of Boonies.com, an online shop for outdoor gear
- Annemarie Schumacher, award-winning party planner and founder of Make Every Day an Event
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