We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Outdoor & Patio Pool Gear The 11 Best Beach Chairs of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Our top picks for oceanside unwinding. By Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd Sophie Dodd is a freelance contributor for Real Simple, where she writes commerce stories with a focus on home, lifestyle, and travel products. She has five years of experience in the industry, with her work appearing in publications including Travel + Leisure, VinePair, People, and more. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Morgan Goldberg Updated on April 01, 2024 In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Ivy Ford Nothing screams summer like a relaxing beach day, and finding a comfortable place to sit is essential. A good beach chair can be the difference between a blissful day you wish would never end and an unpleasant one you’d rather cut short. “It is far more comfortable for your back to be sitting in a proper seat than on a beach blanket while reading, enjoying the scenery, or chatting with family and friends,” says Keri Baugh, founder of the family travel blog Bon Voyage With Kids. “Plus, a chair helps keep sand on your feet—and not everywhere else.” To find the best beach chairs, we spent hours researching and testing out different models, considering factors like type, portability, comfort, and features. For each chair, we took careful note of how easy it was to carry to and from the beach, how intuitive the set-up and breakdown were, and how comfortable it was to sit and lay in throughout the day. We also received expert tips from Baugh as well as David D’Alessandro, the inventor and designer of Ostrich beach chairs. Our Top Picks Best Overall Beach Chair: Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Budget Beach Chair: Kijaro Beach Sling Chair at Amazon $47 Jump to Review Best High-Back Beach Chair: Rio Folding Beach Chair at Amazon $84 Jump to Review Best Low-Profile Beach Chair: KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair at Amazon $45 Jump to Review Best Reclining Beach Chair: SALE Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair at Amazon $89 $70 Jump to Review Best Cushioned Beach Chair: Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair at Amazon $128 Jump to Review Best Face-Down Beach Chair: Ostrich On Your Back Beach Chair at Amazon $80 Jump to Review Best Beach Lounger: Pacific Breeze Lounger at Amazon $65 Jump to Review Best Inflatable Beach Chair: Wekapo Inflatable Lounger at Amazon $40 Jump to Review Most Versatile Beach Chair: Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair at Wayfair $148 Jump to Review Best Overall Beach Chair Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $80 $70 at Amazon View on Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.5/5 What Stands Out This lightweight beach chair has it all—pockets, backpack straps, a headrest, and multiple reclining settings. What Could Be Improved The thigh bar doesn’t offer much in terms of padding. Homevative’s Folding Backpack Beach Chair is our top pick for its portability, numerous pockets, and ability to recline fully. We found this to be one of the most reliable chairs we’ve ever used, thanks to the suspension lace-up sides which provide ample stretch and sturdiness. The setup process was easy and intuitive, and the arms and legs glided out effortlessly. Note that there’s a thigh bar, which we found offered additional support for our legs but had minimal padding. For those who prefer a chair with no thigh bar, the brand makes several versions without it. We brought this chair on several trips to the beach and found it easy to carry across all sorts of terrain—we covered sidewalks, gravel, staircases, and plenty of sand—and the padded, adjustable backpack straps felt comfortable and kept us hands-free the whole time. It stayed put on both wet and dry sand, and we loved how easy it was to recline it to five different positions, including the crucial option to lay the chair flat for a beach nap (there’s even a built-in headrest for maximum comfort). The variety of pockets also came in handy for our beach days, with two spacious zippered pockets on the back. One pocket is insulated, so you can tuck small drinks and snacks in there to keep them cool, while the other two small pockets are along the armrest for drinks and essentials like your phone and wallet. Dimensions: 17 x 25 x 33 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Materials: Aluminum PHOTO: Real Simple / Ivy Ford PHOTO: Real Simple / Ivy Ford Best Budget Beach Chair Kijaro Beach Sling Chair PHOTO: Amazon $47 at Amazon $65 at Cabelas.com Our Ratings Portability 4/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 What Stands Out The breathable mesh material allows for maximum airflow to keep you cool on sunny beach days. What Could Be Improved It’s somewhat bulky when folded up, and it's difficult to repack into its included carrying case. This ultra-lightweight chair from Kijaro is a dream on a hot summer day, thanks to the breathable mesh paneling on the backseat that helps to wick away sweat from your back and bottom. The chair also weighs less than 7 pounds, making it easy to carry from the car to the beach. Just note that it’s a bit bulky when folded up, so smaller children may have trouble carrying it. We love how easy this chair is to set up and how comfortable it is. We spent several beach days and afternoon naps posted up in this seat, and we appreciated how relaxed it was while still offering solid support. There’s no shortage of convenient features either, including a water-resistant detachable organizer for storing your valuables on the go, a removable headrest, double cup holders, and a built-in insulated pouch that can keep a six-pack cool. Overall, we think this chair is an excellent choice for people who want a lightweight beach chair at a reasonable price. Dimensions: 29 x 33 x 33.8 inches | Weight: 6.6 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Powder coated steel, polyester Best High-Back Beach Chair Rio Folding Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $84 at Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out Its back is an impressive 44.7 inches high, making this a super comfortable chair for taller folks to relax in. What Could Be Improved Opening the chair requires a bit of a learning curve. Anyone on the taller side will appreciate the extended backseat of this beach chair, which is 44.7 inches high and boasts a plush, adjustable headrest. The chair itself is incredibly comfortable and feels secure when plopping down after a long swim or walk on the beach. The straps also make it easy to carry and distribute the chair’s weight evenly, which is less than 8 pounds. Plus, the material is easy to wipe down. In our testing, we found the recline smooth and liked that there were four different positions to relax in, without ever having to worry about pinching our fingers as with old-school beach chairs. While the setup process was slightly confusing the first time, we quickly got the hang of it. Dimensions: 25.5 x 26.5 x 44.7 inches | Weight: 7.54 pounds | Weight Capacity: 240 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, polyester, foam Best Low-Profile Beach Chair KingCamp Low Sling Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $45 at Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 5/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out The seat is just under 9 inches off the sand, and the ergonomic armrests offer padding for additional comfort. What Could Be Improved It doesn’t recline. If you’re someone who tends to overload yourself with towels, totes, chairs, and coolers on beach trips, then you’ll appreciate how easy the KingCamp beach chair is to carry when your hands are full. At less than 6.5 pounds, this chair can be slung over your shoulder using the convenient carrying case that’s included. And in our tests, we found it very easy to fold the chair in and out of the case, too. We loved how pleasant it was to stretch out your legs from this seat, and found the curved, padded armrests a uniquely comfortable way to kick back and relax. Because of its low-profile design, you’ll be sitting just 8.6 inches off the ground in this chair—perfect for those who like to get as close to the sand as possible without lying on a beach towel. However, we did wish that the chair could recline, as the soft back makes it easy to sink into the seat. Still, features like breathable mesh paneling on the back and a mesh cup holder made this a standout option among the various other low-profile models we tested, as they kept us sweat-free and helped prevent sand from getting all over our drinks. Dimensions: 24.8 x 23.2 x 25.2 inches | Weight: 6.45 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Alloy steel, polyester Best Reclining Beach Chair Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $89 $70 at Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4/5 What Stands Out There’s a rubber carrying handle and a bar to drape towels or wet swimsuits over when the chair is in use. What Could Be Improved You can feel the metal chair legs against your back when carrying it as a backpack. As one of the most renowned brands when it comes to beach apparel and accessories, Tommy Bahama doesn’t disappoint with its Backpack Beach Chair. The padded backpack straps are comfortable and free up your hands to grab all of your other beach essentials. (Although you could also store your essentials in the various pockets included on the chair, like a generously sized zippered storage pouch on the back and an insulated cooler.) With a cup holder and cell phone pocket that dangle off the armrest, this chair enables you to keep your small essentials on hand. You could also tote it around via the rubber carrying handle, which might be preferable to some as you can feel the chair’s metal frame when wearing it as a backpack. We found the towel bar to be one of the beach chair’s most impressive features, allowing you to hang up wet towels or bathing suits. This chair adjusts to five comfortable reclining positions, including all the way flat so that you can stretch out for a midday nap. We suggest reading the directions to figure out how to open and close the chair—it’s less intuitive than some of the other picks on this list but becomes easy once you’ve done it a few times. Dimensions: 4 x 24 x 27 inches | Weight: 7.66 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Aluminum, alloy steel, polyester Best Cushioned Beach Chair Ostrich Deluxe 3-in-1 Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon $128 at Amazon $173 at Kohls.com Our Ratings Portability 4/5 Ease of Use 4.5/5 Comfort 5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 4.8/5 What Stands Out There’s a footrest and an open-close headrest that can be used as a pillow or a face cradle. What Could Be Improved At just over 10 pounds, this is one of the heavier options on this list. Ostrich crafts some of the most luxurious, intuitively comfortable beach chairs on the market. The brand has nailed all of the extra features that you crave when at the beach, from cupholders and side pockets to padded footrests and an adjustable lower-back pillow. This chair reclines smoothly in five different positions, and the footrest can be adjusted at three angles, which helped us to find the most comfortable positions for kicking back at the beach, whether we were eating lunch, reading, or taking a nap. The extra-wide wooden armrests are a great touch, and the cupholder even tucks beneath them when not in use. We loved how the headrest could be removed to reveal a face cradle, which allowed us to lay face-down for an even tan. While this chair clocks in at just over 10 pounds, the extra weight feels worth it for the wide variety of extras that offer full-day comfort—plus it’s still easy to carry in one hand. Note that this chair is extremely popular and sells out quickly, so be sure to snap one up when you see that it’s available. Dimensions: 60.7 x 28.1 x 39.7 inches | Weight: 10.8 pounds | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Materials: Heavy duty textiline, aluminum, wood Best Face-Down Beach Chair Ostrich On Your Back Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $80 $75 at Amazon View on Wayfair View on Walmart Our Ratings Portability 4.5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out There’s an open-close face cradle that allows you to rest more comfortably face down, and the chair offers top-notch cushioned support. What Could Be Improved The cup holder is somewhat flimsy, and taller people may wish it extended further when it’s reclined completely flat. Ostrich’s patented face cradle is an innovation that makes laying on your stomach comfier than ever. The head pillow flips upwards to reveal a supportive pop-up face cradle, akin to what you'd find on a massage table. We loved using this beach chair for napping, securing the ever-elusive even tan, and reading without squinting the sun out of our eyes—the latter was extremely easy because the chair has convenient arm slots, which allowed us to reach our arms through the chair to comfortably hold a book or e-reader. While this was the best option we tested for spending extended time face-down, we wished it extended slightly further than 46 inches to offer more leg support. Like many others on our list, this beach chair also boasts padded backpack straps for easy portability. Dimensions: 46 x 26.4 x 9.2 inches | Weight: 10.5 pounds | Weight Capacity: 275 pounds | Materials: Steel, polyester Best Beach Lounger Pacific Breeze Lounger PHOTO: Amazon $65 at Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4.5/5 Durability 5/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out The cushion boasts significantly thicker padding than similar models we tested. What Could Be Improved There’s a learning curve for adjusting the backpack straps to fold and unfold the chair. The Pacific Breeze Backpack Beach Lounger was one of the most cushioned chairs we tested, thanks to the ample padding throughout. Crucially, the material is quick-drying and easy to wipe down, and it doesn’t absorb a ton of heat either, so it’s comfortable enough to lounge on without a towel. Taller people will love how this lounger extends to 74.8 inches, keeping your legs sand-free while reclining or fully lying down. At just 6 pounds, this is also one of the most lightweight options that we tested, and it folds down fairly thin for easy storage when not in use. The backpack straps also make it a breeze to carry while juggling the rest of your beach essentials, although they are slightly tricky to figure out how to slide on and off the lounger when first unfolding it. It comes in a two-pack, making this one of the best values on our list. (This way, your beach buddy won’t be jealous of how comfortable you look on this lounger.) Dimensions: 74.8 x 21 x 27.5 inches | Weight: 6 pounds | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Materials: Alloy steel, padded fabric Best Inflatable Beach Chair Wekapo Inflatable Lounger PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $40 $38 at Amazon Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 3.5/5 Value 4/5 What Stands Out It can accommodate up to 650 pounds, which is double the weight capacity of any other option on this list. What Could Be Improved It needs to be re-inflated every so often to maintain its buoyancy. At just 2 pounds uninflated, this unique beach chair can be packed into its carrying case and tossed into any beach bag or carry-on for maximal portability. We found it a breeze—literally—to inflate since you can whisk it through the air to fill it up instead of requiring a pump. This took a few tries (you have to shut the mouth sleeve between movements to keep the air inside) but was relatively straightforward. Once inflated, the Wekapo chair is firm and comfortable, although it’s a bit awkward to get in and out of. Keep in mind that it noticeably deflates after an hour or so, requiring you to get up and fill it with air once again. Ultimately, this is the case with most inflatable beach chairs, and we found this one to last longer than other options on the market. There’s also a handy side slot for storing a water bottle or magazine, but it fills with sand easily, so it’s not a great place to store your phone or other electronics. It’s available in 16 vibrant colors and patterns to show off your summer style, from bold neons to funky florals. Dimensions: 82 x 27 x 35 inches | Weight: 2 pounds | Weight Capacity: 650 pounds | Materials: Ripstop polyester PHOTO: Real Simple / Karen Chen PHOTO: Real Simple / Karen Chen Most Versatile Beach Chair Mac Sports Beach Day Foldable Chaise Lounge Chair PHOTO: Amazon $148 at Wayfair Orig. $340 $142 at Target $110 at Walmart Our Ratings Portability 4/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 3/5 Value 5/5 What Stands Out This chair converts into a cart that easily fits a day’s beach supplies for the whole family. What Could Be Improved At over 15 pounds, this is the heaviest option on our list. Group beach trips tend to mean lugging several tote bags, coolers, towels, and beach toys around—not to mention chairs and umbrellas. The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Beach Day Lounger & Cargo Cart revolutionizes your carrying capacity by converting from a convenient push cart into a comfortable lounger, allowing you to toss everything you need for the day inside and roll it to your spot on the sand before unfolding it back into a chair. The all-terrain wheels are super smooth on pavement, and we found that they work better than we expected on sand. As a beach chair, this pick easily reclines into four different positions and boasts an extended leg rest. While we wish there were a few other extras—most notably, a cup holder—we were delighted by how efficiently this versatile chair worked and how straightforward it was to set up. Dimensions: 60.6 x 30.3 x 23.6 inches (chair), 30.3 x 33.9 x 40.9 inches (cart) | Weight: 15.71 pounds | Weight Capacity: 200 pounds (chair), 100 pounds (cart) | Materials: Aluminum, polyester, plastic Easiest to Carry Lightspeed Outdoors Reclining Beach Chair PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $70 $42 at Amazon $60 at Walmart Our Ratings Portability 5/5 Ease of Use 4/5 Comfort 4/5 Durability 4/5 Value 4/5 What Stands Out It's lightweight yet durable, featuring ample storage compartments. What Could Be Improved It doesn't recline as much as other options on our list. Avoid the dreaded lugging of the beach chair with this backpack option that makes the process a bit more bearable. Weighing just 7 pounds, we found this beach chair incredibly easy and comfortable to carry. And despite its lightweight design, it proved surprisingly sturdy. From the padded straps to the strong legs, we found this chair to be both comfortable and durable. After having adults and children sit in the chair on both wet and dry sand, we received only rave reviews. With four different reclining positions to choose from, this chair provides ample angle adjustment. It doesn't recline fully flat, though. In addition to its portable design, we appreciate that this chair kept us completely sand-free. It has two armrest pockets— one to hold an icy beverage and one to store your phone, sunglasses, or other items—so you won't have to worry about your beach essentials getting sandy. It also features a large pocket underneath the seat, making it perfect for carrying beach reads or towels and minimizing the need for a beach bag. While we appreciate the extra storage, we think the pocket would have been more useful if located on the back of the chair rather than the bottom. Unlike clunkier alternatives, this beach chair is one of the most aesthetic ones we tried. Crafted with polyester from recycled water bottles, it's an eco-friendly option as well. We also appreciate the style variation, as the chair comes in five different prints. Given its storage, portability, and style, we think this beach chair is well worth the buy. Dimensions: 26.5 x 24.5 x 31.2 inches | Weight: 7 pounds | Weight Capacity: 225 pounds | Materials: Polyester, foam Final Verdict The Homevative Folding Backpack Beach Chair is the best beach chair we tested. We love that it comes with numerous extras, including lay-flat reclining, a variety of pockets for everything from drinks to your phone, and a comfortable headrest. If you're seeking a more affordable option, we recommend the Kijaro Beach Sling Chair for its comfort, storage, and lightweight design. Our Testing Process We tested 26 beach chairs, with individuals of various weights and heights taking them out on several beach trips to see how they performed in the real world. Every beach chair on our list was evaluated based on portability, ease of use, comfort, durability, and value. First, we assessed how compact the chairs were upon arrival, and if there were any features that made them easy to transport, like backpack straps or handles. Then, we took careful notes on how intuitive each beach chair was to set up and break down. And if there was the option to recline, we noted how smooth the movement was. We then spent at least 30 minutes at a time in each chair (repeatedly, throughout the afternoon, and on multiple occasions during the testing period) to evaluate the long-term comfort. We pushed and prodded at pillows, backrests, armrests, and footrests to find the comfiest options. We also made sure to plop down extra hard into our chairs and bounce back and forth in them to test their durability. How to Shop for Beach Chairs Like a Pro Type When searching for a new beach chair, you should first consider how you like to lounge. If comfort is your priority, look for a reclining or cushioned beach chair. People who like to lay on their stomachs will need a face-down beach chair, like the Ostrich On-Your-Back Beach Chair, which has a built-in face cradle behind the pillow. On the other hand, loungers are best for those who want to lie on their backs close to the sand—and we recommend the cushiony Pacific Breeze Backpack Beach Lounger based on our testing. Portability We're all familiar with the hassle of lugging cumbersome, heavy, and unwieldy items to the beach, which is why portability should be a key consideration as you shop. “Portability means the chair can fold flat, is generally 12 pounds or less, and can be carried easily via a single carry strap or dual backpack carry straps,” says D'Alessandro. Baugh agrees, adding “if you have a heavy, wonky beach chair, it will make carrying it to the beach difficult and uncomfortable. Ones that are lightweight and easy to carry are ideal.” Material The material your beach chair is made of can determine how durable and lightweight it is. The most common frame options are aluminum, steel, and wood. “Aluminum frames are usually lighter and tend to hold up longer in a beach environment,” says D’Alessandro. “But steel frames are generally stronger, and typically will have a higher weight capacity rating.” When it comes to seat material, Baugh recommends fabrics that withstand outdoor elements. “Recycled plastic is a good sand- and water-resistant choice, though this material can get hot in the sun,” she says. “We also have found chairs with a water-resistant canvas to be a great choice. They may attract a bit more sand, but they can be easily hosed off for cleaning. Mesh chairs are also a good choice, as they will not absorb water or sand.” The Lightspeed Outdoors ECO Ultimate Backpack Beach Chair, for example, is made of polyester from recycled water bottles. Features Bonus features make one beach chair stand out from the next. Do you want a built-in pillow or cup holder? Storage pockets to hold your essentials? How about an insulated pouch to keep your drinks cold instead of using a full-size cooler? These add-ons can improve comfort or accessibility to frequently used items, like sunscreen, a book, or a beverage. More Beach Chairs to Consider Oniva Picnic Time Portable Folding Sports Chair: This durable chair features a fold-out table, making it easy to snack, read, or play cards on the beach. It doesn't recline, though, so it's better for reading than lounging. Questions You Might Ask How do you keep beach chairs from rusting? Moisture is the most common cause of rust on aluminum and steel frames, so all you need to do to avoid rust is keep your beach chair dry. Also, look for rust-resistant finishes or materials, as some beach chairs are treated to prevent buildup. How do you clean beach chairs? When you return from the beach, shake your chair to remove any lingering sand or dust. If necessary, you can vacuum the remaining debris. (A handheld vacuum will be better for this task than a clunky upright model.) Then, use soapy water to remove stains and dry wet spots. What is the lifespan of a beach chair? There are two components that determine the lifespan of your beach chair: the upkeep and the materials. Look for long-lasting materials like aluminum and water-resistant canvas to ensure your beach chairs can withstand the sandy conditions. We also recommend keeping your beach chair dry and out of direct sunlight when it isn’t in use to further preserve the materials and prevent wear and tear. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Morgan Goldberg and Sophie Dodd, contributing writers for Real Simple, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with these recommendations, we tested 26 of the best beach chairs and evaluated them based on their portability, ease of setup, features, overall value, and more. We also consulted Keri Baugh of Bon Voyage With Kids and David D’Alessandro of Ostrich for expert tips. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn’t an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.