8 Best Rain Umbrellas to Keep You Dry in Any Storm
From compact to large sizes, these picks can help protect you against the heaviest wind and rain.
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A good umbrella is essential for a rainy day, just like a rain jacket and waterproof boots. But if you wait until you're caught in a storm to buy your umbrella, you'll probably end up with something that's not the greatest quality and won't last for long. It's best to go umbrella shopping when you're nice and dry so you can take the time to find something that's actually able to withstand wind and rain, easy to open and close and comfortable and convenient to carry around.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we put umbrellas to the test to help you find the best options for any wet-weather scenario, and we recently tried nine new models. When we assess umbrellas in the Lab, we consider their ease of use, durability, weight, coverage size and waterproof abilities (because believe it or not, umbrellas have failed our waterproof tests before). We also share umbrellas with GH staffers and testers who try the umbrellas out on rainy days and wet commutes. Whether you're rushing through the city, dodging raindrops with your partner or headed out in a windy torrential downpour, the following umbrellas will have you covered...literally.
Pros
- Sturdy fiberglass frame
- Ergonomically designed handle
- Earned high scores in water-repellency test
Cons
- No auto-close function
Built to withstand strong wind gusts and heavy rain, this umbrella from Weatherman has a vented canopy and a strong fiberglass frame. With a 50-inch arc, it offers plenty of coverage for one, but two can fit comfortably underneath. Plus, the material aced our water-repellency tests, so it should really keep you dry.
The handle is ergonomically designed, making it easy to grip, and the push-button to open the umbrella is located right where your thumb rests, so it's conveniently positioned. The umbrella is only equipped with an auto-open function, which felt powerful and locked into place each time we opened it during Lab tests. Though you have to manually close the umbrella, we found it easy to do in one sweep without the canopy popping open.
While it may not be the most compact umbrella that we evaluated, it collapses to just under 20 inches and features two straps to wrap up the canopy. It also slides into a case made of the same water-resistant material, so you can carry it by the built-in wrist strap and it won't leave a trail of drips wherever you go.
If you're looking for something a bit smaller to throw in your work bag or backpack, we're also fans of the more compact travel version, which several GH analysts say is their "go-to" umbrella. Both styles are equipped with a reflective edge detail so you'll be visible in cloudy, misty weather.
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SY Compact Travel Umbrella
Pros
- Lightweight, compact design
- Automatic open and closure
- Unique prints
Cons
- May not be as windproof as other picks
Some of our favorite umbrellas are pricey, but this one from SY is just $14 (and often on sale for even less!) and more than 23,000 Amazon shoppers gave it five-star reviews. Online reviewers highlighted the compact 11-inch size, sharing that it can easily be stashed away in a backpack or purse, and they loved that the umbrella weighs in at under a pound.
One reviewer commented, "[The umbrella] has exceeded my expectations! It’s lightweight, making it easy to carry around...Despite its small size when folded, it provides great coverage." With an arc of 41 inches, the umbrella is just the right size to keep you covered without bumping into others while you navigate through busy sidewalks.
Because the umbrella only has one canopy and isn't vented, it may not be as windproof as some of the other options. Some online reviewers have noted that it flips inside out or could be subject to damage when hit by strong gusts of wind.
Still, we're impressed that the affordable umbrella has automatic opening and closure — a feature that some of the high-end umbrellas we tested don't have. With the push of a button, the canopy pops open, and with another push, the canopy retracts.
We also appreciate the fun and unique designs you're able to choose from, including those that are visible from beneath the canopy like colorful flowers, the Earth and sparkling stars.
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Pros
- Clear for easy navigation
- Highly water-repellent material
- Fuller coverage design
Cons
- Bulky to carry
When it's raining sideways and you're using your umbrella as more of a shield than a canopy, it's especially difficult to see straight ahead. Enter the bubble umbrella. Unlike other umbrellas that have shallower designs and are made of opaque woven materials, the bubble umbrella from Totes has a unique dome shape that keeps your head and upper body dry from rain showers coming down from every angle.
It's made of a completely see-through plastic, so you're able to see all around you while you're walking. Plus, the transparency makes it a great option for rainy-day photos and special events.
Water rolled right off the surface of the material during our water-repellency tests, and we were impressed by how easy it was to wipe clean and dry afterwards. Because of the material, the umbrella doesn't fold down compactly, making it bulkier to carry around than other styles we tested.
The handle is also a traditional U-shape, which didn't feel as comfortable as the more modern designs. Putting the umbrella canopy up took a bit of effort, but it came down surprisingly easily with just a couple of clicks.
Pros
- Earned top marks in our Lab tests
- Compact size
- Designed to perform well in high winds
Cons
- Can be difficult to push canopy back into place
Our top-tested luggage brand Samsonite also knows a thing or two about umbrellas. This umbrella is designed with a double canopy, meaning the umbrella has two distinct canopy layers. The design allows the umbrella to better resist strong gusts of wind.
During our tests to see how easily umbrellas flip inside out and how sturdily the spokes are attached to the canopy material, this umbrella performed exceptionally well, earning top marks for durability.
The auto-open and close design felt strong during evaluations, easily expanding to a diameter of 38 inches. However, it did require some force to push the umbrella rod down and back into place once the canopy collapsed.
After trying the umbrella during her daily commute, one tester shared, "I’ve never used an umbrella that made me feel as protected — it felt like a normal spring day under this umbrella, even though I could see the windy rainstorm in front of me." The umbrella also performed well in water-repellency tests and compresses to just under a foot long when it's completely folded.
RELATED: The Best Travel Umbrellas
Pros
- Rounded edges for safety
- Zippered carrying case
- Canopy spins when bumped
Cons
- Some online reviewers said it doesn't hold up to strong winds
Blunt’s metro umbrella is a top pick for walking through a large crowd or a bustling city because of its rounded edges. Umbrella canopies keep their shape with the help of long spokes, which usually stick out around the umbrella’s edge. This pick’s spokes are hidden within small pockets of fabric, so it’s less likely to poke fellow pedestrians and is a safer umbrella option to have around kids. The canopy is also designed to spin when bumped, which is an interesting sensation to get used to while you're holding it, but it makes the umbrella suitable for busy areas.
With a button push, the umbrella canopy unfolds and opens but you may need to lift it fully for it to lock into place, which is what we experienced during our tests. You'll also need to lower the canopy on your own. When folded down, the umbrella slides into a water-repellent carrying case that has a zippered panel at the top, making it easy to slip your umbrella into the case without fighting it.
While we haven't used this pick in high winds, some online reviewers said it's not the sturdiest when it comes to withstanding strong gusts, and the umbrella doesn't have a double canopy or vented top for better airflow.
Pros
- Handle clips onto a belt or bag
- Performed well in water-repellency tests
- Lifetime guarantee
Cons
- Expensive
The most expensive umbrella in our tests, the Solo model from Davek has some unique features that set it apart from the pack. The brand offers an unconditional lifetime guarantee, so you can replace your broken umbrella for free minus shipping after registering it online.
According to Davek, the umbrella uses a patented frame system combining fiberglass with steel and other metals for sturdy support, and the canopy material is coated inside and out to really up the water-resistance and keep you dry. During our water-repellency tests, the umbrella was able to withstand being continually sprayed by a stream of water without becoming saturated.
This style comes with a built-in clip at the handle that allows you to conveniently hang the umbrella from your belt or the side of a bag, but it also features a leather wrist strap for easy carrying. The bulbous shape of the handle combined with the clip wasn't quite as comfortable to carry as other styles we tested, but we were impressed by the easy-to-use automatic open and close system.
We also tried the brand's mini umbrella, which is the most compact (under 7 inches), lightest weight style we tested if you want something seriously small to throw in your bag or even slide in a pocket.
Pros
- Timeless look
- Real wooden handle
- Auto-open and close
Cons
- Simple single-canopy design
This classic umbrella has an elevated timeless look that our analysts love, and it's actually one of the more affordable styles featured, priced at just $27. The umbrella has a real wooden handle with a slight curve for a more comfortable grip, and it uses gold-colored metal accents for a sophisticated touch.
An online reviewer shared, "This umbrella is a work of art. I fell in love the minute I took it out of the box. The attention to detail, quality and sturdiness of this umbrella makes me want to pray for rain every single day." Another commented, "It's too good to be true for the price."
Online reviewers also said the auto-open and close umbrella is easy to use, claiming that it opens and closes smoothly without requiring a ton of extra force. The umbrella canopy is simple and doesn't have a double canopy or a vent, so it may not perform as well in windy storms as some of the other umbrellas we've tested, but the water-repellent material should still keep you dry.
Pros
- Second handle extension
- Large 54-inch arc
- Sturdy design
Cons
- Doesn't fold down, bulky design
Carrying an umbrella with a friend, child or partner can be a real pain. Ensuring it covers both of you while choosing who gets to be in control of the handle can quickly turn into a struggle. Thanks to The Duo from ShedRain, two users can easily hold onto and carry the umbrella together.
The handle features two buttons, rather the usual one: One to open the canopy and one to release a second, lower sitting handle. The auto-open button almost worked a little too well when we tried it out in the Lab — it promptly burst open with a light touch. On the other hand, the extension button was a little tricky to get the hang of, but it felt natural and easier to use after a few turns.
With a canopy that has an impressive 54-inch arc, two people can easily fit side-by-side without getting wet. However, the stick style umbrella doesn't fold down, meaning you'll have to carry around a 36-inch long umbrella wherever you go. We were impressed by the design overall and appreciated the sturdy rod and large hook-and-loop strap to hold the canopy down during our evaluations.
How we test umbrellas
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test umbrellas in our Textiles Lab for a variety of characteristics, including ease of use, performance and durability. After reviewing our former testing data and researching umbrellas from popular brands, we chose nine new styles to test out in the Lab, though we've tested dozens of styles over the years.
When we test the umbrellas, we use a spray test to mimic a light rain shower, as well as our unique rain tester to simulate a penetrating storm (pictured). The tester sprays pressurized and temperature-controlled water at a swatch of umbrella fabric that is backed by an absorbent paper. After the rain test, we measure how much water the backing paper has absorbed. The less water that has penetrated through the umbrella fabric and to the absorbent paper, the better the umbrella is at repelling moisture and keeping you dry.
To analyze an umbrella's resistance to flipping inside out, we also calculate the force needed to invert the umbrella's canopy and measure the strength of umbrella spokes with a specialized Instron machine.
Along with these larger tests, we measured the weight and size of popular umbrellas, analyzed how easily they could be opened and closed and rated features like handle grip (pictured) and coverage size.
We also share umbrellas with consumer testers who try them out on their own and share real-user feedback about their experiences, highlighting any specific likes or dislikes.
What to look for when shopping for the best umbrellas
Buying an umbrella may seem simple enough — they're all meant to keep you dry. But there are several features you should consider before making a purchase.
✔️ Size: Most umbrellas have a diameter between 30 to 40 inches, which is the measurement of an umbrella canopy from side to side. Another common measurement used to classify umbrellas is the arc, or the measurement of an umbrella canopy's coverage. Smaller arcs start around 30 inches, while some umbrellas may have arcs up to 70 inches.
Umbrellas vary in size and coverage depending on the intended use. If you're looking for a travel-sized umbrella that's lightweight and easy to put in a purse or suitcase, chances are, it'll have a smaller diameter and arc and will provide less coverage when you open it. On the flip side, larger umbrellas that provide you with more coverage tend to be bulkier and heavier when they're folded down.
✔️ Opening mechanism: Your main choices are manual (you push it open and closed yourself), auto-open (you push a button to automatically open it, but close it yourself) or auto open/close (you can open and close the umbrella with the push of a button). This one's a matter of personal preference. Keep in mind that some of the manual umbrellas were still super easy to open in our testing.
✔️ Vents/canopies: If you want to prevent your umbrella from flipping inside out in the wind, look for an option with a vented top or a double canopy. Vents are small slits or openings in an umbrella canopy, while a double canopy allows for a space between two layers of umbrella canopy for wind to pass through more easily. Without these vents, wind gets trapped against the umbrella and pushes the canopy outward, leaving you with an unusable umbrella and no protection from the rain.
✔️ Handles: Traditional stick umbrellas have a u-shaped or hook-like handle for you to grasp. While there's plenty of space for you to hold the umbrella, these handles aren't always comfortable. More compact umbrellas or travel umbrellas tend to have smaller, handles with a contoured grip that feel more natural in your hand.
✔️ Price: While price isn't necessarily an indicator of overall product quality, you may discover that buying the cheapest option will result in having to buy more umbrellas in the long run. Some umbrellas just can't stand up to lots of regular use.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of Strategy and Operations at Good Housekeeping Institute. The former Textiles Lab director has tested dozens of umbrellas over the years, extensively evaluating them for durability, performance and more. She also coordinated testing with consumer testers who were able to try out the umbrellas and provide firsthand experience.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home & apparel reviews analyst. She recently tested nine additional umbrellas in the Textiles Lab, reviewed former testing data and researched popular brands online to select the best umbrellas available now.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
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