The Best Beach Chairs of 2024

A perfect day at the beach requires a few important items, one of which is a beach chair, which provides the ultimate spot to sit back and relax. The best beach chairs are portable, easy to unfold and repack, and are comfortable perches on which to catch some rays, read a book, or spend time with friends and family.

Beach chairs have been around for nearly as long as people have been spending leisure time at the beach. What was once a relatively standardized market with only a few basic options has blossomed, and there are now more beach chairs to choose from than ever before. With modern materials, technologies, and refined designs, today’s beach chairs suit every need and preference.

Of course, with so much variety to choose from, finding the perfect beach chair isn’t as straightforward as it used to be. From classic styles to padded loungers, pop-up loveseats to inflatable couches, and everything in between, you can find the ideal model to make your time at the beach more comfortable and convenient than ever before.

Our beach expert, Hannah Haas, tested a diverse selection of eight beach chairs to compile this list of the best. From beach days on the rugged central California coast to backyard hangs with friends, we tested those chairs for months and have recommendations for you. Below are the best beach chairs based on our testing. To help you find the best chair for your unique needs, we’ve included a Buyer’s Guide, a Price & Value section, and a handy Comparison Chart.

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on November 10, 2024, with the addition of a Price & Value section to explain cost-related considerations.

Best Overall Beach Chair: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair
Best Budget Beach Chair: Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack
Best Beach Chair With a Shade: GCI Outdoors Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade
Best Lounge Beach Chair: Neso Beach Lounger
Most Portable Beach Chair: Helinox Beach Chair
Best Beach Chair for Moving Cargo: Mac Sports Beach Day 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart
Best Inflatable Beach Chair: Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch
Best 2-Seater Beach Chair: Kelty Low Loveseat

Specs

Weight: 7.9 lbs.
Materials: Aluminum, Alloy Steel, Polyester
Reclining: Yes
Features: Backpack straps, rubber carry handle, adjustable pillow, insulated pockets, cup holder, phone holder

Pros

Cup and phone holder
Adjustable reclining angle
Backpack straps for easy carrying
Insulated beverage pouch

Cons

No footrest
Sometimes difficult to adjust

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair ($84) is what many of us think of when we picture lounging on the beach. It’s a reliable classic, and for good reason. This chair has many enticing features including an adjustable pillow, padded shoulder straps, rubber carry handle, insulated storage pouch, cellphone holder, cupholder, and a folding towel bar. It truly is the perfect chair to unfold by the water and start relaxing.

This chair is super lightweight, making it easy to transport using its built-in backpack straps — even if you have a long walk to the beach. With the integrated insulated pouch, you can pack snacks, drinks, and pretty much everything else you need for a casual day at the beach without the need to carry an additional bag. The phone and drink holder also ensure that you keep both close at hand and out of the sand while you’re taking in the view.

On top of that, it’s simple to unfold and refold and can adjust to five reclining positions, including lying flat. The low seat height gives it a very relaxing position to stretch out your legs. This makes it ideal for reading, napping, or just taking in the views. The low height also makes it easy to sit beneath shorter umbrellas and shade canopies when you want to stay out of the sun.

If you know you’ll be carrying a backpack filled with other beach necessities, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair might be overkill since its extra features add some weight and bulk. For those who need a footrest or a full-length chair that supports their legs, this model may not suit you. Additionally, we found it to be a little fiddly when trying to get it to recline to the flattest position.

Regardless, the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is a timeless classic that we feel will meet the needs of most beachgoers. It’s light, easy to carry, folds down flat for transport, and has all the features we look for in a beach chair.

Specs

Weight: 6 lbs.
Material: Alloy steel frame
Reclining: Yes
Features: Backpack straps, zippered storage pocket, adjustable back rest

Pros

Lightweight
Easy to use
Easy to carry
Relaxed position

Cons

No armrests
No cup holders
Sits directly on the ground

The Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack ($83) is a uniquely designed alternative to your typical beach chair. It’s a three-section pad that sits directly on the ground with a support that props up the top like a chair back. If you like sitting on the sand but want more comfort and support than a beach towel, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is the way to go.

This beach chair is much lighter than most other models, weighing in at only 6 pounds. The whole package also folds down impressively small and backpack straps make it incredibly easy to carry from place to place — even if you have a long walk to the beach. Additionally, no instructions or help is needed to set up the Pacific Breeze Lounger. It simply folds back up when you’re done using it and doesn’t have any extra parts that need to be attached.

The Pacific Breeze Lounger includes a zippered pouch near the top that’s perfect for phones, books, snacks, sunscreen, or any other beach necessities. Its shape is ideal for those who love a good beach nap since the leg section stretches out completely, providing a more reclined position than the sharp right angle of a traditional beach chair. It’s also a great deal since the package comes with two chairs, so you and a friend or family member can lounge together.

The Pacific Breeze Lounger’s simple design does have some limitations. It does not have any armrests, so choose another model if that is a necessary part of your beach relaxation. Since there aren’t any armrests, it doesn’t have any cupholders either.

Additionally, sitting directly on the sand may not be ideal for some people, as it makes it a little harder to stand up and sit down than other models. Also, if you know you’ll be carrying a backpack with other gear, this chair won’t be easy to carry since it’s meant for your back.

Assuming those issues don’t bother you, the Pacific Breeze Lounger is a lightweight, simple beach chair that provides an ideal spot for relaxing on the beach. The fact that you get two chairs for the $83 price makes it one of the best values we’ve found.

Specs

Weight: 10.3 lbs.
Material: Polyester, alloy steel, aluminum, mesh
Reclining: Yes
Features: Adjustable sun shade, backpack straps, large storage pouch, beverage holder, head pillow

Pros

SPF sun shade
Storage pouch fits lots of stuff
Backpack straps for easy carry
Beverage holder
Affordable

Cons

A little heavier than similar options
Difficult to adjust
Bulky

The GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade ($70) is pretty much the complete package when it comes to beach chairs. It offers every amenity under the sun (no pun intended) and is reasonably priced.

It’s an ideal option for those seeking a classic beach chair that shields their face and upper body from the sun without lugging around a separate beach umbrella or shade. If you are really hoping to soak up some Vitamin D, the sunshade is easy to collapse, and the chair can be used without it.

The GCI Outdoor chair is very similar in design to the Tommy Bahama. It’s incredibly easy to fold and unfold, and it has four positions of recline so you can choose your ideal level of lounging. On the back of the chair is a large storage pouch with a thick drawstring on the top to keep all of your belongings secure.

The pouch is larger than the storage on similar models, which is great if you’re planning to spend the whole day at the beach. Other features include a small cushion to rest the back of your head as well as a cupholder conveniently attached to an armrest.

Like many other models, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair comes with backpack straps, making it super easy to carry. This is an essential part of the chair since it is a little bit heavier than alternative options. It also folds down nice and flat, so it’s easy to stash in the trunk of your vehicle or squeeze into a beach wagon.

However, if you need to carry other gear on your back, it will likely be challenging to do so simultaneously. This chair is on the heavier and bulkier side since it has pretty much every feature you could hope for. Along with its weight and bulk, we found it slightly difficult to adjust. It also doesn’t feel like the sturdiest or most durable chair, but if you aren’t too hard on it, it should stand up to years of regular use.

With its classic style and wealth of features, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair With Sunshade is ideal for beachgoers who want to protect their faces from too much sun while still enjoying a relaxing day by the ocean.

Specs

Weight: 12.3 lbs.
Material: Rust-resistant aluminum and steel; Water resistant polyester
Reclining: Yes
Features: Full length lounge chair, folds up small, shoulder carry strap, water resistant, small storage pocket

Pros

Easy to use
Durable material
Full length

Cons

No arm rests
No cushioning
Somewhat narrow

For beachgoers who like to fully extend their legs and lean back on their beach chair, the Neso Beach Lounger ($100) might be for you. Unlike your classic beach chair, this model is a full-length lounge chair that lets you completely stretch out rather than remaining at a 90-degree angle with your feet in the sand.

The back is easily adjustable to whatever angle you need, whether that’s sitting upright or completely flat for taking a nap or getting a tan. Both the upper and lower sections are adjustable into five positions, so you have plenty of options.

When you’re done hanging out, the whole chair is simple to fold back up at the end of the day. It folds down pretty flat, plus it comes with an already attached nylon carry strap that makes the chair super portable, especially considering its length. You can just throw it over your shoulder and carry it like a duffel bag.

The Neso Lounger is made of rust-resistant aluminum, steel, and water-resistant polyester, which seems to be durable enough to withstand many uses in windy or wet conditions. It also has a pocket on the back so you can stash your book, phone, or sunscreen and keep it out of the sand. While it doesn’t have a head pillow, the upper part of the frame is wrapped with a thin pad to keep your head from resting on metal.

While the Neso Beach Lounge is very easy to use and transport, it does have some potential downsides. The chair does not have any armrests or cupholders. Similarly, it does not have any cushioning beyond the flexibility of the fabric. Although the chair has an attached strap that makes it easy to carry on one shoulder, it isn’t the lightest, and carrying it for long distances may be a bit cumbersome.

Beyond those minor qualms, the Neso Beach Lounger is a great option for those who want a portable beach chair for full maxing and relaxing. Sit up or lie all the way down. The choice is yours.

Specs

Weight: 3.3 lbs.
Material: Polyester, aluminum
Reclining: No
Features: Storage bag (converts to pillow), mesh back for breathability

Pros

Very lightweight
Simple set up
Small collapsed size
Breathable mesh back
Good for camping too

Cons

No armrests or cupholders
Stiff fabric – can be tough to stretch into place the first few times

Leveraging their expertise in making some of the best camping chairs, tables, and cots on the market, Helinox has created one of the best beach chairs, too. The Helinox Beach Chair ($170-180) is a super lightweight and impressively portable option that’s great for everything including days at the beach, camping, or any outdoor excursion.

Weighing in at just over 3 pounds, it is super portable, especially when you store it in the pouch it comes with. You could easily stash it in a backpack and it won’t take up any space in your beach wagon.

The lightweight and small size also make it very reasonable to bring with you to those hike-in beach spots that are miles from the parking area. You could easily carry lots of other gear with you since you don’t have to carry the chair as a backpack, as you do with most other models.

Setting up the Helinox Beach Chair is intuitive, and we didn’t even need to look at the instructions to figure it out. It goes together in less than a minute, and you’re ready to lounge. Stuff a towel or some clothes into the storage bag, and it doubles as a pillow for your head. A stretchy pocket on one side has space for small items like sunscreen or a phone.

The fabric feels durable and the chair is sturdy considering how light it is. We also like the mesh panels to keep a little air flowing around your body on hot days. It also seems like it will withstand salt and sand easily, and can be easily washed off with a hose when it gets dirty.

The main frustration we had with the Helinox Beach Chair was how tight the fit of the seat fabric was on the legs for the first few uses. It took some muscle to get it on. Additionally, there is nowhere to put your arms or hold your drink.

Even with those minor complaints, the Helinox Beach Chair is a fantastically light and portable option that’s as well suited to days at the beach as it is to sitting by a campfire roasting marshmallows. If you want a versatile and comfortable beach chair that’s easy to carry anywhere, you should give it a look.

Specs

Weight: 19 lbs.
Material: Aluminum; polyester; plastic
Reclining: Yes
Features: Converts from cart to chair, head cushion, wheels

Pros

Beach cart and lounge chair in one!
Can carry up to 100 lbs of beach gear
Wheels make it easy to roll your gear to the bech
Easy to assemble

Cons

Heavier weight and bulkier size
Wheels don't roll great in soft sand
Pricey

The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart ($150) is a great chair for a family beach day. It doubles as a lounge chair and a cargo cart that can hold up to 100 pounds, making it a nifty 2-in-1 solution for transporting your gear to the beach and relaxing once you’re there.

While it may look like a relatively standard beach chair, it has two large rubber wheels that make it easy to push or pull with a full load of beach gear. The leg portion folds up to create a relatively spacious cargo cart to haul a cooler, toys, towels, or whatever you bring to the beach. This way, you don’t have to carry a backpack on top of everything else.

The chair is pretty standard, offering three different recline angles, armrests, and a cushion to rest your head. Even though it has wheels and a cart, the whole thing is easy to assemble and folds right back up so it can fit back in your car after a day at the beach. It feels super sturdy and can probably hold a parent and child, depending on the weight.

The most obvious downside to the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo cart is its weight and bulk. At 19 pounds, it’s heavier than most, so it’s nice that it has wheels to roll it. The cargo cart feature may also be overkill a lot of the time if you aren’t hauling a bunch of gear down to the beach. Additionally, while the wheels are helpful, they don’t roll that well through super soft sand. It does, however, roll more smoothly over grass and firmer surfaces.

The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart is a great option for a family or large group wanting to be prepared for a long day outdoors. Sure, you could buy a separate beach wagon, but you could kill two birds with one stone and get a cargo cart and lounge chair in one.

Specs

Weight: 2.3 lbs.
Material: Polyester
Reclining: N/A
Features: Fills with air, storage and carry bag

Pros

Very lightweight
Easily portable and storable
Comfortable
Can sit in a variety of ways and/or with more than one person
Affordable
Comes in lots of fun patterns

Cons

Not that easy to inflate
Wind dependent
Loses air over time

In addition to having a truly unforgettable name, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch ($39) is a super-comfortable alternative to a regular old beach chair. After spending a few minutes inflating it, the Chillbo can seat several people and provides the perfect place to relax. It’s meant for camping, going to the beach, or any outdoor space you like to unplug in. We could even see ourselves enjoying midday naps on it in the backyard when working from home.

One of the first things that stands out about the Chillbo Shwaggins is its weight — just 2.3 pounds — and small packed size. It’s even more impressive when you consider that it can seat several people or that you can completely lie down on it. It comes with a storage bag with a shoulder strap, so you can easily carry it anywhere. This makes it a no-brainer to bring with you, no matter how far you need to walk to your favorite beach spot.

Since it’s a full body length, it’s amazing to fully recline in and fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. It sort of feels like you’re sitting on a blown-up cloud, and it’s great for anyone trying to soak up some extra sun at the beach. Another perk is the fact that you can lounge in it with several people if you’re on an outdoor excursion with the family or a group of friends.

The primary drawback of the Inflatable Couch is that it can be difficult to inflate at first. We went back to reread the instructions to make sure we were doing it right, and even then, it felt a bit silly running back and forth, trying to get the couch to inflate.

Inflating this couch could be somewhat problematic for someone with limited mobility. We felt that ours wasn’t completely airtight, either. After a while, the couch starts to deflate, and you may need to add more air.

Overall, the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch is best for people who love to lie down fully or need seating for several people. It’s super light and easily portable, and it’s also very affordable at just $39. Plus, it’s available in a huge range of fun patterns to match your style.

Specs

Weight: 15.4 lbs.
Materials: Seat: 600D polyester; Frame: powder-coated steel
Reclining: Slight
Features: 2 seater, arm rests, insulated beverage holders, shoulder strap for carrying, storage wrap

Pros

Sturdy
Easy to use
Durable
Seating for two
Also good for camping or backyard hangs

Cons

Heavy
Expensive
Best for two people

The Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair ($130) is an excellent two-seater that is perfect for a couple to relax in just about any outdoor setting. While it isn’t specifically designed for use at the beach, it works just as well in that setting as it does car camping, at the park, watching your kids’ sporting events, or adding some seating in your backyard.

The Kelty Loveseat feels incredibly sturdy and well-made with quality materials. After removing from its original packaging, it is easily unfolded and ready to go — no instructions are necessary. It simply pops open, and folds closed like a classic pop-up chair.

You can sit in it with another person (or your dog) and still have plenty of room for yourself. The quilted fabric and padded armrests are extremely comfortable and since the chair is relatively low and has a slight recline, you can really relax into it.

Since the chair is a loveseat, it fits two people while taking up less packing space in a vehicle than two separate camping chairs. It isn’t the lightest at 15.4 pounds, but when collapsed and wrapped for transport, it’s a reasonable size. The padded shoulder strap also makes it easy to carry for moderate distances. If you’re going farther, tossing the Kelty Loveseat in a good beach wagon will make moving it around even easier.

This chair would be a great purchase for a family or couple that’s always heading outdoors together. The cup holders are perfect for enjoying hot cocoa by the fire or a cold drink as you soak up the sun. It would be perfect for a night at the beach watching the sunset or enjoying a picnic with a group of friends. You can easily squish the chair back together to pack it away if you need to quickly clear your campground or protect it from overnight weather.

As a two-seater with a heavier weight and larger stored size, the Kelty Low Loveseat may not be the ideal beach chair all of the time. If you’re packing other equipment like towels, umbrellas, and coolers, it could be tough to carry without the assistance of a beach wagon.

At the same time, the Kelty Low Loveseat Camp Chair might be the perfect addition to your beach or camp gear setup. This well-made option is a dependable and comfortable chair for lounging with your significant other, friends, or kids on any outdoor adventure.

Beach Chair Comparison Chart

Beach Chair	MSRP	Weight	Reclining	Features
Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair	$84	7.9 lbs.	Yes	Backpack straps, rubber carry handle, adjustable pillow, insulated pockets, cupholder, phone holder, towel bar
Pacific Breeze Lounger 2-Pack	$83	6 lbs.	Yes	Backpack straps, zippered storage pocket, adjustable backrest
GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair w/ Sunshade	$70	10.3 lbs.	Yes	Adjustable sun shade, backpack straps, large storage pouch, beverage holder, head pillow
Neso Beach Lounger	$100	12.3 lbs.	Yes	Full length lounge chair, folds up small, shoulder carry strap, water resistant, small storage pocket
Helinox Beach Chair	$170	3.3 lbs.	Yes	Storage bag (converts to pillow), mesh back for breathability
Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart	$150	19 lbs.	Yes	Converts from cart to chair, head cushion, wheels
Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch	$39	2.3 lbs.	n/a	Fills with air, storage and carry bag
Kelty Low Loveseat	$130	15.4 lbs.	Slight	2-seater, armrests, insulated beverage holders, shoulder strap for carrying, storage wrap

How We Tested Beach Chairs

The team at GearJunkie knows what gear is necessary for every type of outdoor excursion. We also know that having the right tool for the job can make your experience better, even if that’s just lounging at the beach.

Our Expert Tester

For our beach chair buyer’s guide, we recruited Hannah Haas, a graduate student, outdoor enthusiast, avid beachgoer, and freelance journalist who’s spent pretty much her entire life on the beaches of California’s coastline. She’s enjoyed countless days at the beach and has relied on beach chairs of all kinds to sit comfortably off of the sand.

Our Testing Process

After scouring the market for the best beach chairs available in 2024, we rounded up a diverse selection of eight models for side-by-side testing and comparison. We crafted a detailed testing regimen that aims to compare these chairs on a level playing field. We compare weight, dimensions, materials, portability, comfort, features, and more in order to find the best chairs to bring to the beach.

Beyond Hannah’s personal expertise and experience, we solicited the opinions of fellow beach lovers and stewards of the outdoors. By combining our testing with the opinions of friends and family, we were able to narrow down our selection to our favorite models and those that excel in specific ways compared to the rest.

However, the beach chair market is constantly evolving and improving. Rest assured, as new and exciting models hit the market, we’ll test those to ensure that our list stays up to date and brings you the best options for your days at the beach.

Testing the GCI Outdoor Backpack beach chair with shade — Testing beach chairs isn’t the worst job in the world. Still, we went out of our way to put each model through its paces while examining the usefulness and functionality of features like the shade on the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair; (photo/Hannah Haas)

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Beach Chair

Trying to find the right chair for a day at the beach can be overwhelming. In 2024, there are seemingly endless options, and finding what you’re looking for can be difficult. While finding the best chair for you does require some thought and research, this handy how-to-choose guide has all the essential information compiled so you can make the best decision for your needs.

We delve into everything from overall size, set-up, portability, adjustability, and other features such as cupholders and armrests. Each brand and style of chair considers different factors and provides varying features, each of which is more or less important to consumers. We’ll explain it in a clear and concise way so you can choose the best chair for your ideal beach day.

Types of Beach Chairs

Sitting in the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair at a beach on the California Coast — There are numerous types of beach chairs, from loungers to loveseats. The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is the epitome of a classic beach chair; (photo/Hannah Haas)

There are a variety of different style and types of beach chairs on the market. From classic beach chairs to inflatable couches like the Chillbo Shwaggins, and everything in between, you’ve got options to suit your preferences.

Classic beach chairs are typically low to the ground and have a folding metal frame with a nylon/polyester fabric comprising the seat and back panels. Typically, they have the ability to recline and many come with features like head pillows, storage pouches, cupholders, and backpack straps. Both the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair with Sunshade are prime examples of classic beach chairs.

Lounge chairs aren’t too different, although they typically involve an additional section to support the legs. Lounge chairs can typically be oriented in a number of ways to lie flat, sit upright, or positions in between. The Neso Beach Lounger and the Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart are both good examples of lounge chairs.

Pop-up style chairs are popular at the beach because they are typically quite affordable, fold up small, and are versatile for use in a wide range of outdoor settings. We didn’t test any single pop-up chairs, but we did try the Kelty Low Loveseat. This two-seater pop-up chair is super well made, packs down small for its seating capacity, and will work well for everything from car camping to a day at the beach with the family.

Camp-style models employ the designs of lightweight and super portable camp chairs and tweak them slightly for the beach environment. The Helinox Beach Chair is a great example. This chair weighs just over 3 pounds and folds down incredibly small, yet its feet are designed for stability in the sand, along with mesh back panels for breathability.

Hybrid beach chairs are another interesting innovation. The Pacific Beach Lounger is essentially a full-length cushioned beach pad with support to prop up the back into a variety of lounging positions. Likewise, the inflatable Chillbo Shwaggins Couch uses air to fill a large chamber that you can lie on or sit numerous people.

Size

The Neso Lounger beach chair set up for some lounging in the back yard — Different styles of beach chairs vary in size and seating style. The Neso Lounger can be set up in a variety of ways, from sitting upright to laying down completely; (photo/Hannah Haas)

Most beach chairs are designed to fit one person, so you’ll often want to bring several to the beach if you’re hanging out with family or friends. There are a few models that we tested that can fit two or more people, like the Kelty Low Loveseat and the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch.

The size of a chair may also be important depending on your height and if you want to be able to fully extend your legs or not. On the low-height classic beach chairs, you can always extend your legs out ahead of you, but if you want to support them, you’ll be better off going with a lounge-style chair. Lastly, the size largely determines how portable the chair will be.

Portability

Several beach chairs and a couple of beach umbrellas loaded into the trunk of a Subaru for a day at the beach. — Since you have to get your chairs to the beach, portability is a factor for transporting them in your vehicle and from your vehicle to the beach; (photo/Hannah Haas)

We’ve all got to get our chairs to the beach one way or another, so portability is an important factor to consider. Any good beach chair folds to a smaller size for transport in your vehicle or carrying to and from the sand, but how much they weigh and how small they pack down varies among the different models.

The weight of the chair is the main factor when determining how easy a chair will be to carry, but how compact it is, and whether or not it comes with a case to carry it in also plays a role. The most portable models we tested are the Helinox Beach Chair and the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable couch, both of which collapse to a small size and weigh just 3.3 pounds and 2.3 pounds, respectively.

Some chairs, like the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor, come equipped with integrated straps so they can be carried as a backpack. This makes them very convenient and easy to carry but could be a pro or con depending on your need to carry a backpack filled with gear to the beach.

Other models like the Neso Beach Lounger and Kelty Low Loveseat come with shoulder straps, but their slightly heavier weights make them less ideal for carrying long distances. A very novel approach comes from Mac Sports and the 2–in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart. This chair converts to a small beach wagon and rolls on two wheels.

Depending on how much gear you’re hauling to the beach, investing in a good beach wagon may be a great way to cart your chairs, beach umbrellas, coolers, beach towels, and more.

Setup

Lounging at the beach on the Pacific Breeze Lounger — Most chairs are quick and easy to set up. Some, like the Pacific Breeze Lounger, are easier than others. We were so eager to use this comfortable lounger that we even forgot to pull the tag off; (photo/Hannah Haas)

Assembling and disassembling the chair is a crucial part of choosing the perfect model for you. If you’re unable to set up the chair, you’re better off not having carried it with you in the first place. An easy setup of your beach gear (and an easy pack-up process at the end of a long day) can make or break any day at the beach. Most people don’t enjoy reading complicated instructions or experiencing gear malfunctions when they’re just trying to relax.

Fortunately, most brands realize this, and pretty much every chair we tested is very straightforward to set up and break down. Some simply fold open and closed, while others need to be filled with air, but for the most part, they aren’t too complicated.

Adjustability

Reclining in the 4-position adjustable GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair — The ability to recline is a feature that many beach chairs share. Models like the GCI Outdoor (pictured) and the Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chairs offer several positions of adjustable recline so you can choose your perfect lounging position; (photo/Hannah Haas)

Whether or not a piece of equipment adjusts easily is a crucial factor to consider. Some beach chairs recline, have adjustable shades, and optional head cushions. Who knows if you’ll want to read, lay back and take a nap, or sit upright for a card game by the campfire? We think the best beach chairs typically include some sort of adjustability to dial in your seated position.

Both the Tommy Bahama and GCI Outdoor chairs have several reclining positions to choose from. The Tommy Bahama can even go down to flat. The Neso Beach Lounger has five-position adjustability as well and can go from sitting upright to laying down completely flat.

Extra Features

Detail shot of the cupholder feature on the Kelty Low Loveseat beach chair — Most chairs have a few features that make your life a little easier. We’re huge fans of cupholders and pockets that keep our drinks upright and out of the sand; (photo/Hannah Haas)

Features aren’t mandatory, but we always appreciate it when little details are included that can enhance the quality of our beach experience. Some chairs include special features like cupholders, extra storage, armrests, head cushions, and sun coverage. Determining how crucial these features are to your ideal day is important when shopping for the best beach chair.

We love cupholders for keeping our beverages within arm’s reach and out of the sand. Likewise, a pocket that can hold your book, phone, or sunscreen can help you stay organized. Backpack straps and large zippered compartments may also be useful for bringing the essential gear along and negating the need to carry an additional bag. Some of these features are pretty personal and will determine whether or not you enjoy your day at the beach.

Versatility

The Kelty Low Loveseat beach chair set up as extra seating in the backyard — Loveseat for two at the beach? Yes. Extra seating for friends in the backyard, a comfy double seater at an outdoor concert, or a lounge spot on your next car camping trip? Also yes. Most beach chairs are impressively versatile and can be used in a wide range of settings; (photo/Hannah Haas)

While many beach chairs have the word “beach” in their name, most are highly versatile and can be used in any number of outdoor settings. Whether you’re hanging out at the park, going to an outdoor concert, car camping, or chilling in the backyard, most beach chairs will transition well into just about any situation.

Likewise, many camp chairs may work quite well at the beach, too. If you’re hoping to get a camp chair that works well in sand, however, you may want to consider the size of the feet for use in soft sand. Skinny little feet may work well on firm surfaces but can sink into and be unstable on the beach.

Price & Value

Like any other outdoor gear, beach chairs vary in price from budget-friendly models to more premium options. We’ve found that there is a correlation between price and quality, with more expensive options made from more robust materials or featuring more complex designs that justify the higher asking price.

Realistically, most people don’t even need a chair to hang out at the beach. A good beach towel or blanket can provide a spot to sit down on the sand. Plus, you’re probably already bringing one with you anyway. But if you want some back support or cushioning or just don’t want to be down on ground level, there are plenty of options and price points to choose from.

Budget

Sure, you can buy a $20 pop-up chair from Walmart, and that might be the best option if you’re on a truly tight budget. If you’re willing to spend just a bit more, however, you’ll be able to get something a bit more beach-appropriate. The least expensive option we tested is the Chillbo Shwaggins Inflatable Couch ($39). Essentially just a large tube that you fill with air, the design couldn’t be simpler, so it doesn’t cost much. Still, it’s super portable and can seat one to several people in a variety of ways.

Our other favorite budget option is the Pacific Breeze Lounger ($83 for a 2-pack). Basically just a long pad with a backrest, this is a more comfortable way to lounge on the beach that also happens to be lightweight, easy to carry, and a good deal for two beach chairs.

Mid-Tier

Most beach chairs are a bit more complex than the budget options mentioned above, and that is reflected in an increase in price. We’re talking about aluminum frames, armrests, cup holders, and other features that require more materials and construction costs. That said, they are typically easy to set up, convenient to carry, and more adjustable, so the price is often justified.

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair ($84) is the epitome of a classic beach chair. While it looks fairly basic, it’s comfortable, easy to carry, and has all the features you could ask for to help make your time at the beach a bit more enjoyable. Plus, you can often find it on sale for less than the retail price. Similarly, the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chair w/ Sunshade ($70) is strikingly similar but adds an adjustable sunshade while costing a few bucks less.

Premium

For those willing and able to spend more than $100 on a beach chair, you can find some more niche products that stand out for specific reasons. The Helinox Beach Chair ($170) is a great example. This chair costs more because it weighs just 3.3 pounds and folds up into a tiny package for easy portability. This is possible because of the high-quality materials and more intricate design borrowed from the brand’s award-winning camp chairs.

The Mac Sports 2-in-1 Lounger and Cargo Cart ($150) is a two-birds-one-stone type of product that can transport your beach gear and provide you with a place to lounge when you get there. It virtually eliminates the need to purchase a separate beach wagon, which can save you some cash despite its higher price tag. Or, the Kelty Low Loveseat ($140) is designed to handle the weight of two people. This sturdy and well-made pop-up couch costs roughly the same as two mid-tier beach chairs, but the materials and construction make it a versatile option for everything from the beach to your next car camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

While many people enjoy laying on a towel directly on the sand, that doesn’t work for everyone all the time. A quality beach chair can be a great investment in your comfort and the enjoyment of your time spent at the beach. Not only will they get you off the ground, but many will allow you to adjust your position for comfort or things like reading or napping.

Many beach chairs are also optimized for use at the beach with carry straps, reclining features, pockets, cupholders, and more to make getting it to and from the beach and staying organized while you’re there much easier. Of course, many camping chairs can also double as beach chairs too.

There are quite a few pieces of gear that can make your trips to the beach easier and more enjoyable. Since getting all your gear to the beach can be a hassle, consider adding a good beach wagon to your routine to cut down on trips and carrying it all in your arms.

If you like being in the sun but don’t love getting sunburn, there are lots of great beach umbrellas and shades that can add a layer of sun protection. Beach towels are also a critical part of the equation, and there are lots of great new beach-specific towels to choose from.

If you’re bringing food or drinks along, a great hard-sided cooler, soft cooler, or backpack cooler can keep everything ice cold until you’re ready to enjoy it. And, if you’re spending the whole day at the beach with the family, a portable grill can help you serve up hot, delicious food wherever you are.

Classic beach chairs are pretty low to the ground. While this does make it slightly harder to sit down and stand up from them, it puts the user in a position where they can comfortably stretch their legs out in the sand in front of them.

And when you recline the seat back, it feels pretty darn close to sitting in a full-on lounge chair. The low seat height may not be for everyone, so if you have mobility issues or bad knees, you may want to look into chairs with higher seat heights.

Realistically, all the beach chairs we’ve tested are quite portable, some more easily than others. The two lightest and smallest options are the Chillbo Shawaggins Inflatable Couch and the Helinox Beach Chair. They weigh 2.3 pounds and 3.3 pounds, respectively, and collapse down so small that you can toss them in a backpack.

Beyond that, both the Tommy Bahama and the GCI Outdoor Backpack Beach Chairs have backpack straps that make them super easy to carry. Similarly, the Pacific Breeze Lounger also has backpack straps.