Best Pop Up Canopy – Reviews and Buying Guide

The best pop up canopy is one of those things that we’ve been contemplating buying for the past few years. Every time we are at a beach, where we don’t want to haul our big camping tent, we miss a pop-up canopy.

It’s easy to set up, gives you some much-needed shade when the sun is scorching, and it’s not as flimsy as a beach umbrella.

The only possible deterring factor for me was that I wanted something that I could use elsewhere, too, not just at the beach. For instance, one of our impromptu camping trips where we typically backpack and occasionally encounter some strong wind gusts and rain.  

Or a kiddie’s sleepover, where the kids could set it up in the backyard.

So, after a lot of thinking (call it overthinking), I finally decided to buy myself the best pop up canopy.

I got down to some good old fashioned internet sleuthing and dug up tons of information on what brands work well. After that, I headed out to some outdoor gear retailers in the Tucson area and got myself a real-world feel of how these things work.  

After rummaging through a lot of gimcracks, I finally found five pop up canopies that ticked all the boxes that I had in my mind. All of them are exceptionally good for specific purposes that I have tried to mention here.

Quick Roundup

Keep reading for the detailed reviews.

Which Canopy Did I End Up Choosing?

I bought the Mastercanopy 10 x 10 easy pop-up tent in White. It’s a very capacious and sturdy canopy that I can set up myself, without any assistance, in less than five minutes.

It has tough steel bars for the mainframe and comes with around 8-stakes that I believe will be very useful for camping in windy areas.

I have tried it in three different camping grounds so far, twice at the beach and four times for kiddie sleepovers. I have not had one problem with it yet.

Here are some more details.

Best Pop-Up Canopy – My Picks

As I said, I found five pop-up canopies that can be great options for anyone who’s looking for one of these.

Each one has its share of advantages and cons that I have listed in these pop-up canopy reviews.

I hope that it helps you make an informed decision.

#1 – Mastercanopy Pop Up Canopy – Best Overall

The Mastercanopy Pop Up canopy came highly recommended from four different families who have owned this for years. One of them switched to this after spending a couple of hundred dollars on a ‘branded’ pop up tent, which they said rolled over like ‘Tumbleweed’ on a windy day. (Their words, not mine)

So, I rode down to a retailer and checked the pop up tent myself. Instantly, I was impressed with the build quality. This is a sturdy piece of camping gear, not some flimsy beach tent.

Build quality

It has thick 2-section telescopic steel poles for the main frame, and it comes with eight stakes and four ropes to secure it to the ground. Oh, they also throw in 4 sandbags in case you want to secure it even more.

Size

I chose the 10 x 10 sized canopy that’s 9-feet tall at the center. It offers me 64 sq. ft. of shade, which is pretty amazing for a family of four. Why, even two families can easily rest in this canopy.

Fabric & Weather resistance

The tent fabric is 150-denier polyester, which is rip-proof. Also, it is silver-coated, which reflects 99% of harmful UV rays. During our camping trip last month, we got a great chance to test the weather resistance of the canopy as we got stuck in heavy rain and gale. As unbelievable as it sounds, we were quite dry at the end of it, while our fellow campers got drenched. The conical roof helps, too, I believe.

Setup

Setup is reasonably easy. When I checked the canopy at the store, it was the 8 x 8 size, which is noticeably smaller. When I got the 10 x 10, I thought that this was going to be difficult to install. But it was surprisingly easy. It’s a 3-step process, stretch out the top frame, secure the canopy fabric with Velcro straps and pull the telescopic legs up until it snaps into place. That’s it. Bonus points for the one-button closure.

Specs

• Style: One Push Pop up
• Size: 10’ x 10’ x 9’ tall
• Material: Steel frame and 150-denier polyester roof
• Shape: Square
• Weight: 30 lb. after folding

Conclusion

Some campers that I spoke to asked me why I chose this when there are more expensive pop-up canopies out there.

Well, for me, this has a great mix of features, is built like a tank, and it doesn’t break the bank. I mean, you are getting a large family tent for much less than what it normally does. Can’t ask for more.

#2 – EzyFast Elegant Pop Up Beach Shelter – Best Bang for your buck

The EzyFast Elegant Pop up Beach Shelter is a patented design and one of the top-rated pop up canopies in the market currently.

To be honest, I was torn between this and the Mastercanopy. The only reason I went with that one is that this is a little smaller in size. It would work great for a family of four (like ours), mind you. But I prefer the additional room, and I occasionally travel with my friends.

Build quality

It is a very sturdy tent with metallic poles that have a push-button locking mechanism. The roof is 190T silver-backed polyester fabric, which does an exceptional job at keeping the sun out.

A neat bonus is a full-sized back wall that keeps out the sun or the wind. It might even work for a quick costume change, provided the other three sides are not crowded. If you don’t want to use it, you can roll it up and tie it to the frame.

Size

This best pop up canopy is 7.5’ x 7.5’ with a center height of 6.7’, which roughly translates into 36 sq. ft. of shade. It’s quite spacious as compared to other similar-sized canopies.

Fabric and weather resistance

The back wall and the roof are 190T silver-backed polyester, which should hold up really well to extreme weather. Just like the Mastercanopy, this has a conical roof design that helps in water runoff during rains.

I also liked the gravity corner curtains, which I thought was a vanity addition for aesthetics. But it wasn’t. It’s lined with sandbags that be filled with sand or water bottles and help in keeping the roof from flapping on windy days.

Setup

A camper family that I met at the Catalina State Park told me that they found this a little difficult to set up. But I could set it up alone in a few minutes. It’s quite simple, really. Just set up the frame, attach the fabric and push it up. Since this is only 6’7 at the center, it’s actually easier to set up than my Matercanopy tent.

When folded, it weighs only 17 pounds, which makes it one of the lightest pop up canopies that I have seen. If lugging a heavy canopy is one of your primary concerns, then this should be a great fit for you.

Specs

• Style: One Push Pop up
• Size: 7.5’ x 7.5’ x 6.7’ tall
• Material: Steel frame and 190-T silver-backed denier polyester
• Shape: Square
• Weight: 17 lb. after folding

Conclusion

This is a very lightweight pop up canopy that provides reasonable shade, is quite sturdy, and provides you with a full-sized back wall. The features are unbeatable for the price.

#3 – WolfWise 2-3 Person Portable Tent – Budget Option

If your use of the best pop up canopy is limited to the weekend trip to the neighborhood campground, then you’d want to check out this 2-3-person portable tent from WolfWise.

This is a very compact, lightweight beach canopy that has an igloo-inspired design. In a nutshell, you won’t be able to stand up straight in this. But if you are looking for some quick shuteye or some shade from the sun after a swim, this might be a good choice.

Build Quality

For a canopy that’s intended to be used solely at the beach or the lake, this is a very sturdy tent. It has alloy steel poles for the main frame and thick polyester fabric on all sides. There are thick, double-stitched Velcro straps to secure the fabric to the frame.

The tent is bright and airy, thanks to the three high-density mesh windows. In addition to this, there are storage pockets inside, which let you store your quick-access essentials.

Size

The canopy is 82” long and 45.3” wide. It stands 49.2’ tall at the center, which makes it barely enough for two tall adults to sit in, or for two of your kids to sit comfortably. It comes with an extendable floor, though, which is a great addition because it prevents sand or dirt from dragging inside the tent.

When folded, it’s just 17” in size and comes with a carry bag. You can just toss it into a backpack. As obvious by the dimensions, it’s not a huge space. But like I said, if your intended use is at the lake or a secure campground, this might be a very portable solution.

Material and weather resistance

The alloy steel frame and the thick polyester fabric are an excellent combination, on-par with the full-sized best pop-up canopies in this list. The fabric, in particular, is UPF 50+ & Water Repellent, which means it should block 98% of UV rays.

When I first saw this, I thought that stability would be a concern. But with the stakes and the four sandbags, this should be able to handle normal wind and even rain.

Setup

This is, hands down, the easiest canopy to set up. If you cannot set this up alone, then you shouldn’t be buying canopies. Lol.

Specs

• Style: Pop up Beach canopy
• Size: 82.7” long x 45.3” Wide x 49.2” Tall
• Material: Alloy Steel frame and polyester fabric. PE for the base.
• Shape: Igloo
• Weight: 4 lb. after folding

Conclusion

The WolfWise 2-3-person portable canopy certainly has its uses. It sets up in a jiffy, can be stored in a backpack or a tote, and offers enough room for two adults to sit or rest. It will work extremely well in specific settings, such as a beach or a secure campground in reasonably good weather conditions.

#4 – Sun Ninja Pop Up Beach Tent – Best pop up canopy for beach use

Toss aside that old beach umbrella and get home the Sun Ninja pop up canopy. This is, hands down, the best pop up canopy for beach use. It’s lightweight, it’s spacious, and it has a very practical design that works exceptionally well in coastal conditions.

Come wind or sand or sun; the Sun Ninja will give you the shade that you crave. The fun part is that I accidentally stumbled upon this during my holiday in Italy. When I first saw it, I thought that it was a Bedouin tent from Morocco, and I was amazed at the design.

A closer look revealed that it was a Sun Ninja. That instant, I knew that this was a must-buy for beach lovers. (Who isn’t one?)

Build Quality

The Sun Ninja has a unique design that separates it from conventional pop up canopies. It features two or four poles, depending on what size you select, a large water-resistant fabric cover, and that’s it. The poles are sturdy enough to withstand strong coastal winds, provided you set up the rest of the tent right. I will speak more about the weather resistance. For now, the build quality is exceptional.

We have seen strong wind gusts uproot beach umbrellas and destroy normal canopies. The Sun Ninja will just stay rooted in place. An added bonus is that it does not flap around like crazy either.

Size

This best pop-up canopy is available in three sizes. There’s a 4-person option that’s 7’ x 7.5’ x 5.5’ tall.

There’s a 6-person option, which is 10’ x 10’ and stands 6’6” tall.

Lastly, there’s an 8-person option that’s also 10’ x 10’ x 6’6” tall but features 4-poles instead of two.

The largest size is perfect for a group of 6-8 adults. It offers a sizeable shaded area, which at this price point, is unbeatable.

Material and Weather resistance

This is what separates the Sun Ninja from the rest, especially for beach use. The material is UPF 50+ Polyester, which means that you’ll probably need sunblock. But the Bedouin-inspired design just beats everything else when it comes to battling wind.

This will easily withstand heavy wind and sun. An advantage is that even if you do not set it up perfectly and the wind is too strong, it will just knock the poles over while the fabric will fall on the ground. Nothing gets damaged ever.

Setup

The setup is extremely easy. Just attach the fabric to the poles, extend them to install the tent. Then fill the sandbags to the brim and drag them away as far as you can so that the fabric is taut. The key here is to fill the sandbag with as much sand as you can and drag it as far as it goes. Here’s an extra tip. Dig small holes and place the sandbags in them. This will make the installation sturdier.

Specs

• Style: Bedouin-style beach tent
• Size: 10” long x 10’ Wide x 6’6” tall
• Material: Steel frame and polyester fabric
• Shape: Bedoin-styled
• Weight: 5 lb. after folding

Conclusion

I reiterate. If you are looking for a canopy primarily for beach use, this is your best bet. It’s capacious, gives you ample shade, and is virtually indestructible.

#5 – Eurmax 10’x10′ Ez Pop-up Booth – Premium Option

The Eurmax Ez Pop-Up Booth comes from America’s number 1 pop up tent brand.

This is a roomy, sturdy, commercial-quality canopy that one typically sees in events and craft fairs. That does not mean that it won’t work for more general use, does it?

It features a full-sized back wall and three half-sized ones that give you a spacious, private cubicle instead of an open canopy. In fact, the only thing that separates this from a full-sized camping tent is the setup.

Build Quality

The canopy is extremely sturdy. It features a full truss structure design with a thick metallic frame. The poles have a Hammertone powder-coated finish and are rust-resistant. All joints feature a thumb lock system, which makes it very easy to set up. The polyester fabric on the roof and the sidewalls are extremely thick. These will not tear or fray easily and should hold up quite well, even in windy conditions.

Size

This is a 10’ x 10’ tent with enough room to accommodate large groups and families. The height can be adjusted in three incremental levels, both for the corner poles and the ceiling. The max center height is 11.1 feet, while the max height of the corner poles is 7 feet.

Material and weather resistance

This is hands down, the sturdiest pop-up canopy on this list. It stays rock steady, even without staking it into the ground. If you use the stakes and/or sandbags, this won’t budge even in strong wind gusts.

Due to the fully covered back wall and the partial sidewalls, you get a lot more shaded area with this, as compared to the rest of the best pop-up canopies in this list. The UV resistance is top-notch, and the crossflow of wind makes it less likely to get damaged or uprooted.

One of the families that I spoke to, have taken this all around the world. According to them, it’s held up phenomenally well in sun, sand, and rain.

Setup

This is a two-man setup. While the basic set up is quite simple, there are many components that need to be connected and secured. The process will be a lot easier and quicker if you have an additional pair of hands. The dismantling is equally simple as well. When folded, it tucks into a wheeled-carry bag with three sturdy handles and weighs 49 lb.

Specs

• Style: Pop-up canopy beach tent
• Size: 10” long x 10’ Wide x 11.1” tall
• Material: Steel frame and 500D polyester fabric, Sidewall is 210D, Roller bag is 1680D polyester with PVC coating
• Shape: Square
• Weight: 49 lb. after folding

Conclusion

The Eurmax Ez Pop-Up canopy is a premium addition to this list. It offers more shade and more privacy than most canopies. True, you’ve got to loosen your purse strings a little. But if you are looking at the best pop up canopy that can serve multiple purposes, look no further.

The Best Pop Up Canopy – Buying Guide

That sums up my list of the best pop up canopies. But some of you might be wondering how I selected these models. What was my checklist while comparing these with some of the other options that I came across in the market?

Well, to be honest, my checklist was quite simple. I only weighed the most critical factors that matter while selecting a pop-up canopy.

Here they are.

Size

We are a family of four. Me, my wife, and two kids aged 8 & 11. So, ideally, a small canopy would suffice for us. But we usually don’t travel light for our camping trips. We have a reasonable amount of luggage in the forms of backpacks, a folding camping table, and other sundry details. Ditto for our beach trips. So we like the extra room. Hence, I selected a 10’ x 10’ canopy, which provides ample space for a group of 6-8 adults. If you would prefer something compact, even a 7’ x 7 or a 6’ x 6’ canopy would work fine for a family of four.

Build Quality

Manufacturers often use broad terms, like ‘Metal’ and ‘waterproof fabric’ to describe the materials in the best pop up canopy. But I like to know the exact type of material. If the poles are metal, what type of metal is it? Steel is the best choice, followed by aluminum. If the fabric is waterproof, what variety is it? In most cases, it’s some variant of polyester. But it can also be Vinyl or polyethylene. I try to source as many details as I can because even a tiny variation might make a difference in inclement weather.

Weather Resistance

As they always say, when you are outdoors, be prepared for the worst, right? So I prefer canopies that are weather resistant. There are two hostile weather conditions that we often encounter. That’s wind and rain. So I look for strong corner poles, heavy-duty stakes, a sturdy frame, a wind-resistant design, and waterproof fabric on all walls. These are the bare minimum features that one needs to check for.

Setup

Not every canopy advertised as an easy pop-up canopy is easy to set up. Ideally, you want one that can be set up by one person within 5-10 minutes. But that also depends on your skill and experience with these. Some models just have cumbersome designs that are impossible to set up alone.

Intended Use

Last but not least, always consider your primary use for the canopy. Even the best pop up canopy can prove to be a poor choice if you use it in situations where it’s not supposed to be used.

For instance, I have listed the WolfWise two-person beach canopy tent here, which works exceptionally well for a couple headed to the beach. If you take it for camping in the wild, you’ll be covered in bugs. Not to mention that it might not even withstand a strong gust of wind.

My primary uses are the beach, some backyard parties, and an occasional all-day hike to the woods, where we need some shade to park our gear and to grab some shuteye. The Mastercanopy fit the bill perfectly. Buy a canopy that fits your requirements.

Best Pop Up Canopy – FAQ

What is the easiest pop up canopy?

The easiest canopy to set up on our list is the WolfWise 2-3 Person Portable Tent.

How do you choose a canopy?

There are several factors to consider when looking for a new canopy, including the size, build quality, intended use, and budget. All of that is detailed in our buying guide.

What is the best way to secure the canopy tent?

To secure your pop up canopy in any setting, here’s what you have to do in a nutshell:

• Set up the canopy properly: start the process by opening the canopy case. Next, expand the frame from each of the legs just a bit. After partially expanding the frame, make sure all the height adjustable legs are set to the same height. Finally, continue expanding the canopy to its full size. You’re ready to go!
• Be mindful of the terrain: don’t just set up your canopy anywhere. Instead, look for even terrain that’s not soggy. Otherwise, your canopy is destined to topple or fall over.
• Pick sturdy canopy stakes: when it comes to the canopy tent stakes, the best option is steel.
• Use weights if you’re setting the canopy on concrete or asphalt: if you’re erecting your canopy tent on asphalt or concrete, you ought to use sandbags or another type of tent weights since stakes simply won’t work.
• Consider using anchors: If you want to go the extra mile, you can use anchors as a reinforcement for stakes or weights.

How can I set up my canopy tent?

Verdict

I highly recommend the Mastercanopy Pop Up canopy. It’s perfect for both families and groups, it is available in three sizes, is reasonably priced, and has some of the best-in-class features. In fact, the build quality and the space are on-par with canopies that are priced thrice as much.

Hard to go wrong with it.

After reading my recommendations, what’s your favorite best pop up canopy in this list? Do you feel that I have missed out on a canopy that deserves a spot on this list? Do write to me. I am open to revising this list if I come across a better option.

References:

• My own knowledge and experience!
• https://www.backpacker.com/skills/cold-weather-camping-sleep-better-than-a-hibernating-bear/
• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html
• http://sherlinglake.com/camping-guide/