And to suit a range of preferences, we offer four other choices, including one economical travel umbrella (perfect for forgetful types) and a high end, stick style umbrella that provides more coverage (and is constructed from premium materials).
Our choice
This sturdy, easy-to-find umbrella stands up to high winds. It also comes in several colors.
THE Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella folds down to a compact size (11½ inches long), so it fits in most bags and glove boxes. At the touch of a button, it forcefully extends to reveal a large canopy (37 inches in diameter), which protects your torso and head from precipitation in all but the windiest conditions. And its textured handle is easy to grip for hands of all sizes.
We also appreciate that this umbrella is available in several colors (see other options here), so you can more easily find yours in a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, Repel backs this reasonably priced umbrella with a Lifetime Money Back or Replacement Guarantee– but only if you buy directly from Repel and register the item under their warranty.
Finalist
This value-priced umbrella blew most competitors away in wind resistance tests. It's available in a range of colors, but they tend to vary in price, and this model has a history of stock issues.
THE AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Vent costs less than our top pick, if you get it in black (other shades cost more.) And thanks to its vented design and sturdy construction, it held up to even the strongest gusts in testing. Since 2017, when it first caught our attention, this umbrella has gone in and out of stock several times, making it difficult to predict when it would be available. At the beginning of summer 2024, it is out of stock again. If you can find it, it's a solid umbrella.
Great too
This umbrella functions similarly to our top pick, but has a more luxurious feel and construction. However, he is missing a bracelet.
THE Balios Double Canopy Folding Umbrella has a premium look and feel—with a wooden handle and solid build quality—but it costs the same (when shipping is included) as our top pick, the Repel umbrella. But its wooden handle is more slippery than that of the Repel, and as the Balios umbrella does not have a strap either, you have to be more vigilant to keep it in your hand. This umbrella held up well in strong winds, and its 37-inch-wide canopy bounced back easily after being forced to invert during testing. The Balios umbrella deploys quickly.
Budget choice
It's not the most durable umbrella, but it comes in many colors, is portable, and inexpensive. It is therefore ideal for children or forgetful people.
THE Lewis N. Clark Umbrella was one of the top picks in this guide, and it's still great value. This lightweight travel model frequently goes on sale for about half the price of our other picks, so it's a good choice for kids or those who tend to lose their umbrella. It's not as sturdy as our other picks, but at 10 ounces, it weighs about a quarter pound less than the Repel and AmazonBasics models. And its 38-inch canopy provides better coverage and wind resistance compared to most other umbrellas in the sub-$20 range. We also like that it comes in eight colors.
Great too
With this model, you get classic style and impressive durability at a very reasonable weight and price.
If you want more coverage than a compact automatic umbrella can provide, stick umbrellas, while generally larger and heavier, have a wider canopy, so they protect more than just your upper torso. Of the nine stick options we tested, the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella was by far the most affordable. Still, it held up to the strongest winds and didn't feel heavy at all, which is a common problem with this type of umbrella (often misidentified as a golf umbrella). This one also looks nicer than you might expect for the price. But if you want something made from premium materials and are willing to spend a lot more, consider our other stick umbrella pick, the Davek Elite.
Upgrade Choice
If you are willing to pay a lot more for a timeless umbrella with high style and construction, this is the one for you.
As we have established, you don't need to shell out a lot of money to get a good umbrella. But if you choose to splurge on a timeless stick, the Davek Elite Is it worth it. It has a stitched leather handle, a high-quality fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy. (In addition, there is a lifetime warranty to save everything.) The Elite is available in three colours (black, navy blue and copper). Beyond its refined materials, this umbrella can really perform. It resists wind exceptionally well. And thanks to its flexible ribs, it does not transform into a kite when subjected to strong gusts; instead, it rolls over and then recovers easily. It's worth noting, however, that the Elite's rod handle measures 5 inches in diameter, which might be a lot for a smaller hand to handle.
