When it comes to beach shelters there are some popular brands which will suit any budget. They generally have the same general features but some use better materials than others. When you pay for a shelter, most of the time you will get what you pay for.
Under $50
For under $50, you can find models like the ABO gear Sun Mate, which can retail for about $35 to $50. These are your everyday model that comes as a basic tent with built in base and fiberglass poles. The only feature they have is the sand pockets in the corners which add extra stability. These are SPF 50 and are suitable for a quick day at the beach, but generally are not suitable for longer periods of time, or in windy conditions. They do come with stakes to help you secure them into the sand, but they still cannot be faced into the wind, as they will get picked up like a kite.
For around $30 you can pick up a cheaper Rio Sports sun shade, which are also very affordable. However, these are only SPF 35, which is the trade off you must make due to its lighter construction, since it’s made of nylon rather than heavier fabric. The reduced weight is good for bringing it from the car, but once on the beach, it becomes a nuisance to secure in to the ground. Any gust of wind can easily move the structure, and if you are lying inside, the walls can easily hit against you.
There are also other manufacturers such as Stansport, Texsport, and Macsport who make similar featured models. Overall, models under $50 are fine, but do not expect them to last long over continued use at the beach, as many of the walls are single stitched, meaning they will rip after regular stress. And most do not feature double doors, so they can get stuffy in hot weather.
From $50 to $100
Between $50 to $100 you will start to find larger beach shelters, spanning up to 12 ft x 12 ft. ABO gear have tripod models which can fit around 6 people in comfort. They feature higher head room, more ventilation and larger sand pockets. The poles used to hold the structure are more heavy duty meaning they can bend further in heavy winds. These will also come with better and longer pegs instead of the short stakes, and guy ropes to provide extra holding support on windy days.
Around this price range, you can also find brands like Cielo, who also make excellent shelters. Their Grand Trunk model feature removable floors, removable walls, which is important if you want just the shade, but allow the wind to go through, which helps stability. The main feature of Cielo is that they are incredibly easy to put up and dismantle. It comes with a large carry bag which can easily fit the shelter after it has been used. They also come with a small compartment near the top of the sails, to keep your things away from the sand.
Over $100
Above $100 and you will find brands such as Kelty, Platinum Plus, Eureka and Sierra. All the models at this price range will feature SPF above 70 and water resistant lining to accompany the polyester instead of nylon. The shelters are generally bigger and the durability is higher, with thicker fiberglass poles. For shelter that allow standing up, the EZ Up cabanas feature stainless steel poles and longer 2 year warranty. Eureka screens even come with 3 year warranty and have an intelligent mesh for extra privacy.