6 Best Pop-Up Canopies of 2024
Updated: Feb. 01, 2024
Stay shaded outside this summer with one of these genius canopy options.
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Stay cool. A pop-up canopy provides shelter and shade in your backyard, at tailgates and on camping trips. During warm and sunny months, pop-up canopies keep you protected from UV rays. Some models have mosquito netting built in, so you can enjoy outdoor dinner parties without worrying about insects in your food and on your skin. At concerts and sporting events, pop-up canopies can keep you covered from rays and rain showers, too.
Odds are—just like a good folding chair—you’re going to get major use out of a pop-up canopy during summertime. Here are the best pop-up canopies to help provide you with easy outside coverage.
Best Overall Pop-Up Canopy
Gardner Steel Pop-Up Canopy
Kick back and relax in comfort under the Gardner Steel Pop-Up Canopy with its reinforced, anti-rust steel frame. Its best feature, the fully retractable canopy awning, allows you to determine the exact amount of sunlight or shade.
At nearly 10 by 10 feet, the canopy has plenty of room to set up dining sets and other outdoor furniture under its shade. This clean-lined pergola-style canopy looks perfect in your backyard—get one just in time for backyard barbecues and summer parties!
Pros
- Retractable canopy
- Water- and UV-resistant
- Year-round use
- Canopy has holes for water drainage
Cons
- Anchor and mounting materials not included
Best Stylish Pop-Up Canopy
GDY Outdoor 6-Sided Pop-up Canopy
Stay protected from rain, UV rays, bugs and more with this gazebo style pop-up canopy by GDY. This large, six-sided canopy has fully-enclosed mosquito netting and can cover a dining table for outdoor dinner parties of six to ten people.
There are four small vents at the top of the canopy, which strengthens stability on windy days and solves the problem of water accumulation on rainy days. Whether you are hosting a party or relaxing in your backyard, you can do it under the shelter of this chic hexagonal canopy.
Pros
- Tiered roof and stylish screens
- UV- and rust-resistant
- Portable design
- Includes rolling carrying bag
Cons
- Not water-resistant
Best Portable Pop-Up Canopy
Eagle Peak Slant Leg Pop-up Canopy Tent
One person can assemble this Eagle Peak slant leg pop-up canopy—a bonus, since many similar products require two people. Its adjustable lower legs allow you to maximize shade throughout the day.
This portable pop-up canopy is ideal for park trips and tailgates (so is this Igloo Trailmate, by the way)! It’s compact and lightweight, and it takes no time to set up, so it’s easy to grab out of the trunk and assemble. The carrying bag has wheels, so you don’t have to worry about lugging the canopy very far if you’ve been enjoying the tailgate a little too much.
Pros
- Folds up into carrying case for transfer
- Compact and lightweight
- Adjustable legs
- Easy setup
- Fire-, water- and UV-resistant
- Multiple size and color options
Cons
- May not holdup under windy conditions
Best Pop-Up Canopy for Camping
ABCCanopy Camping Sun Shelter-Series
The camping sun shelter series pop-up canopy by ABCCanopy only takes three steps and one minute to assemble. At $140, it’s middle of the line in terms of price, but it still offers high quality and durability.
This is the second portable option on our list and it provides ample cooling shade on summer camping trips. It’s waterproof, windproof and has 50+ UV protection. Ropes, stakes, carrying case and empty sandbags for weight are included, so you don’t have to think about packing anything extra for your camping trip!
Pros
- Portable and easy for camping
- Everything needed for assembly and use is included
- 50+ UV protection
- Durable
Cons
- More expensive than other portable options
Best Large Pop-Up Canopy
MasterCanopy Durable Ez Pop-up Canopy Tent
This MasterCanopy pop-up offers 12 by 12 feet of coverage for larger groups. It can fit long tables and grills or whatever kind of gathering you need covered. It’s also portable, so it’s ideal for large-group trips. Graduation parties, weddings and family reunions at parks and in backyards can also benefit from the increased space.
The upgraded frame of this canopy has reinforced stress points for long lasting durability. Its fabric is UV coated to reflect 99% of UV rays for perfect protection on sunny days.
Pros
- Extra-large to shelter groups of peo9ple
- Portable
- Water-resistant
- Everything needed for assembly and use is included
- Durable
Cons
- Some colors are out of stock or unavailable in the largest size
Best Budget Pop-Up Canopy
Caravan Canopy V-Series
For around $100, the V-Series by Caravan Canopy is a smart affordable option. It provides 100 square feet of shade with 99% UV protection. And it’s water resistant.
This option comes fully assembled and has slanted legs and a cathedral-style steel frame for added head room, so you can gather several friends and family members under this pop-up canopy without feeling cramped or crowded.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Portable
- Water-resistant
- Durable
- Includes rolling bag
Cons
- Does not include sandbags or ropes
What to Look for When Buying a Pop-Up Canopy
When shopping for a pop-up canopy it’s important to look for materials that are water-, UV-, rust-, and wind-resistant. That way, you’ll be protected from harmful rays and summer showers—and so will your canopy.
Depending on whether you want a pop-up canopy for backyard dinner parties or camping trips, you’ll want to consider ease of portability. Canopies that are lightweight, fold up and come with wheeled carrying bags are ideal for transporting to a campsite or tailgate. If your canopy will likely stay put in the backyard or patio, you might consider heavier and more stylish stationary options.
How We Found the Best Pop-Up Canopies
As shopping experts, our only job is to help you find a winning product. We start with the research and reporting basics—what products are made of, what they look like and how much they cost—to ensure that we’re only recommending the buys that are worth your time and money. Then, we research the features that speak to the product’s quality, taking advice from industry insiders and subject matter experts on what makes a product a smart value (or worthy of a splurge). Finally, we do the work of combing through user reviews to see how real people interact with the product, and if it stands up to the test.
FAQ
Can I leave a pop-up canopy outside?
If you live somewhere the weather is moderate year-round, then you should be able to leave your pop-up canopy outside. However, if there’s a thunderstorm or high winds, it’s best to at least take the top off for safe storage, even if you don’t take down the entire canopy structure.
How much wind is too much for a pop-up canopy?
While the amount of wind a pop-up canopy can withstand depends on the kind of canopy, most pop-up canopies can withstand up to 30 MPH wind if they’re assembled and anchored to the ground correctly. Look for canopies with sand bags for added weight if high winds are a concern.
Originally Published: July 22, 2021
