Best beach umbrellas for wind in 2025: how Handy compares
Windy days at the beach can turn relaxing shade into a full-on battle. If you’ve ever chased an umbrella down the shoreline, you know the struggle. Popular names like Tommy Bahama and AMMSUN make colorful umbrellas you’ll see everywhere. Others, like beachBUB’s sandbag system or newer wind-powered shades like Shibumi, promise more stability. But how do they actually stack up when the wind picks up?
This guide looks at what these umbrellas offer — and why Handy was designed to solve the very problems they can’t.
Popular umbrellas you’ll see on every beach
Tommy Bahama umbrellas
Tommy Bahama umbrellas are easy to spot at big-box stores and resorts. Their ANCHORX model is advertised with a wind-stabilizing anchor and UPF 50+ canopy.
But reviews tell a different story when the wind kicks up. One beachgoer wrote:
“It only lasted an hour … was picked up by a gust … mangled beyond repair.”
Importantly: while Tommy Bahama promotes wind stability, there is no public record that its umbrellas are ASTM compliant.
AMMSUN umbrellas
AMMSUN umbrellas are common on Amazon and Walmart. They’re marketed as “heavy duty,” with vented tops and screw anchors that twist into the sand. Prices are usually lower than bigger brands, which makes them attractive for casual buyers.
But reviews are mixed. Some people say they’re fine for light breezes, while others report they don’t hold up in stronger winds:
“It’s decent for the price, but not really built for heavy wind.”
And like Tommy Bahama, AMMSUN umbrellas are not ASTM compliant — their “wind resistant” claims are just marketing.
Bottom line: okay for a budget option, but not built for coastal conditions.
Sandbag systems: the beachBUB approach
Then there’s beachBUB, a popular sandbag-based system. You fill a heavy base each time for stability. It’s well-known for one reason:
✅ The beachBUB ULTRA is ASTM F3681-24 compliant.
That means it meets the recognized ASTM safety standard for beach umbrellas. For buyers who care about official testing, this is a plus.
But there’s a trade-off. Setup and breakdown can be cumbersome:
“Setup leads to sand excavation … frustration … paid $66 in shipping to return it.” — Reddit user
Wind-powered shades: a new category
A newer trend is the “wind-powered shade”, like the Shibumi Shade. Instead of fighting gusts, it works with the wind — using lightweight fabric that floats like a sail.
These designs are innovative, but they’re more shade sails than umbrellas. They can be fun for groups, but they don’t replace the convenience of a dedicated umbrella and anchor system.
Where Handy is different
Unlike most umbrellas, Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System was engineered and independently tested for real coastal wind conditions.
✅ ASTM F3681-24 wind-test compliant (like beachBUB — but with no sandbags required).
Fastest setup: Anchored in 10 seconds — no twisting, digging, or assembly.
Superior UV protection: UPF 55+ silver-lined canopy that reflects heat for cooler shade. (Learn more about UPF sun protection)
Durable & planet-kind: Heavy-duty frame and canopy made from ~80 recycled plastic bottles.
Easy pack-up: Breaks down in seconds and fits neatly into a roomy carry bag.
Side-by-side comparison
Here’s how today’s options stack up:
| Feature | Handy Beach Umbrella | Tommy Bahama (ANCHORX) | AMMSUN umbrellas | beachBUB (sandbag system) | Wind-powered shades (Shibumi) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASTM compliance | ✅ Yes (F3681-24 compliant) | ❌ Not listed | ❌ Not listed | ✅ Yes (F3681-24 compliant) | ❌ Not listed |
| Setup time | ~10 seconds (just hammer it in) | ~5 minutes (twist/auger anchor) | ~5 minutes (screw/auger anchor) | 5–10 minutes (dig + fill sandbag + assembly) | 5–10 minutes (poles + sail setup) |
| Wind reliability | Independently ASTM wind-test compliant | Mixed, not tested | Mixed, not tested | Independently ASTM wind-test compliant | Not tested (depends on steady wind) |
| Extra parts/tools | None | Built-in auger anchor (must be twisted in) | Screw/auger anchor (must be twisted in) | Sandbag + straps (plus pole & canopy parts) | Poles + fabric sail (requires assembly) |
| UV protection | UPF 55+ silver-lined | UPF 50 | UPF 50 | UPF 50 | UPF 50 |
| Sustainability | ~80 recycled bottles | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified | Made from recycled materials |
What real customers say about Handy
“Best Beach Purchase Ever!”
“I'm a FL native and I'm pleased to say that this umbrella is the best beach shade I've purchased, no contest. I've used it at least once per week for the past six months and it is still in like new condition. The hammering mechanism is as smooth as the first time I used it. It has never popped up or blown away, even on Atlantic beaches, where I spend most of my time. It has kept me significantly cooler than any other umbrella I've used. It also protects from light rain showers. The carrying bag is plenty big enough to slide the umbrella, no shoving or yanking required. While I watch other beachgoers frequently struggle with their shades (much like I had done before), my umbrella goes up once and stays there all day long. As someone who spends much of their free time at the beach, this umbrella has made my beach time truly stress-free. It's worth every penny.”
— Lindsay S.
FAQ: beach umbrellas & ASTM compliance
Are Tommy Bahama umbrellas ASTM compliant?
No. Tommy Bahama’s ANCHORX model mentions a patent-pending anchor for wind stability, but there is no public record that it meets the ASTM F3681-24 standard.
Are AMMSUN umbrellas ASTM compliant?
No. AMMSUN umbrellas highlight screw-style anchors and vented tops, but they are not ASTM compliant.
Is beachBUB ASTM compliant?
Yes. The beachBUB ULTRA is compliant with ASTM F3681-24, but it requires digging, filling, and assembly each time you set it up.
Is the Handy Beach Umbrella ASTM compliant?
Yes. The Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System is independently ASTM F3681-24 wind-test compliant. Unlike sandbag systems, it anchors securely in 10 seconds with no extra parts.
What is the best beach umbrella for wind in 2025?
For reliability in wind, ASTM compliance is key. BeachBUB and Handy both meet the standard, but Handy offers the fastest setup and no sandbags — making it the easiest and most reliable choice.
👉 See the Handy Beach Umbrella & Anchor System in action
