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From weekend barbecues to sporting events to farmers markets and tag sales, there’s no shortage of ways to use a pop-up canopy tent. Relaxing in a camp chair under a pop-up canopy tent is certainly more pleasant than fussing with an oversized umbrella. Plus, you can find one for less than $100 that has a sturdy frame, waterproof canopy, and packs down into a convenient, portable travel bag to throw in the trunk of your car.
Whether you're looking for a tent to accommodate a few friends or a larger group, read on for our best pop-up canopy tent recommendations, plus a few essentials to consider before shopping.
Best Pop-Up Canopy Tents
Best for More Coverage
Eurmax Pop-Up Canopy Tent With Sidewalls
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What to Consider
Size
When shopping for a pop-up canopy tent, size is a top consideration. Most are square, with dimensions that range from roughly 6 x 6 feet to 12 x 12 feet. There are also long, rectangular canopies, typically used for more formal occasions and for larger groups of people.
Frame
In terms of construction, there are two different types of frames: pyramid (sometimes referred to as “cathedral”) and cross-trussed. Pyramid frames are generally less expensive and offer more headroom by design, whereas cross-trussed frames are stronger and sturdier, but the tradeoff is that they’re also heavier and pricier.
Canopy
Another essential detail is the durability and water resistance of the canopy's fabric. Polyester is the most typical, and thickness ranges from about 150-denier to 500-denier. However, most pop-up tents have canopies made of midweight, 300-denier fabric, like our best overall recommendation. Canopies often have a polyurethane lining to make them water-resistant or waterproof, and offer varying degrees of UV protection.
Sidewalls
Depending on use, you may want to consider a pop-up canopy tent with sidewalls or a model with add-on walls sold separately to give yourself the option. Sidewalls provide some protection from wind, and if you're using a tent at a farmers market or fair, sidewalls can make your pop-up more inviting.
Extras
Most pop-up canopy tents come with extras like stakes, sandbags, and tie-down ropes. They also usually include a wheeled storage bag, some with an optional carrying strap.
How We Selected
During our research to find the best pop-up canopy tents, frame and canopy quality and general ease of setup were our top criteria. We compared specs of each, looking at canopies’ water resistance and UV protection in addition to frame construction and height-adjustment hardware.
Our final selections include pop-up canopy tents with the best features for the price and extras, such as a wheeled carrying case and setup essentials like tie-down ropes and stakes. Keep in mind that many of the tents featured below come in additional sizes and colors.
Pros
- Well-designed canopy
- Midweight waterproof fabric
- Adjustable height
- Wheeled carrying case doubles as backpack
Cons
- Sandbags are on the small side
This pop-up canopy takes our top spot for best overall quality and design, with durable waterproof canopy and a height-adjustable frame that's easy to open, thanks to large push-button brackets. We also appreciate the canopy is finished at the edges with white trim and that its corners extend midway down side poles.
The canopy's 300-denier polyester fabric has a waterproof polyurethane lining and offers a 50-plus UPF rating to block UV rays. It also features a robust powder-coated steel frame that's lightweight yet sturdy.
The tent comes in a rainbow of colors and three sizes. Stakes, ropes, sandbags, and a wheeled carrying case that doubles as a backpack are all included.
Key Specs
| Size | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 42 lbs. |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes (wheeled) |
Pros
- Large dimensions for the price
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Not waterproof
Although it’s lightweight, this pyramid-style pop-up tent holds up well in strong wind and heavy rain, with a sturdy powder-coated alloy steel frame and easy-glide brackets for opening and closing. It also has a weather-resistant, 150-denier polyester canopy.
Other highlights include adjustable height that locks in three positions, plus it comes with four ground stakes and a roller bag. The pop-up canopy tent is available in four sizes and four colors. Overall, it’s an excellent value and punches way ahead of its price point in terms of quality, though the canopy isn’t waterproof.
Key Specs
| Size | 12 x 12 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 31 lbs. |
| Waterproof | No (water-resistant) |
| Carrying Case | Yes |
Pros
- Extra-thick, durable canopy
- Waterproof
- Adjusts to three heights with ergonomic brackets
Cons
- On the heavy side
The best reason to buy this pop-up canopy tent is for its extra-durable canopy, made of thick, waterproof 500-denier Oxford cloth with a polyurethane coating. The steel powder-coated frame is equally durable and adjusts to three heights with slide-and-lock thumb brackets.
As with all of the pop-up canopy tents we recommend, this one also comes with a wheeled carrying case, stand bags, stakes, and tie-down ropes. It comes in six color options and two sizes, though its heavy-duty build means it's slightly heavier than other models here at just over 50 pounds.
Key Specs
| Size | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 52 lbs. |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes (wheeled) |
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Pros
- Removable sidewalls provide more protection
- Waterproof
Cons
- Heavy
For something with a little more coverage, we recommend going with a pop-up canopy tent that has sidewalls. With this model from Eurmax, the sidewalls attach with Velcro, so they can be quickly removed if weather conditions improve.
The strong, cross-trussed frame has a powder-coated finish and adjusts to three heights, plus the tent is topped with a heavy-duty 500-denier polyester canopy, which is waterproof and blocks 99 percent of UV rays.
The sidewalls are a lighter, 200-denier polyester and seams throughout are sealed to prevent leaks. With the tent, you’ll also get four sandbags, four stakes, and nylon rope for securing it to the ground. It’s good that it comes with a wheeled carrying case too, because this tent weighs early 80 pounds
Key Specs
| Size | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 79 lbs. |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes (wheeled) |
Pros
- Reasonably priced add-on accessories
- Waterproof canopy
Cons
- Thin canopy fabric
Along with being waterproof and coming with a wheeled carrying case, perhaps the best thing about this pop-up canopy is its versatile design.
There are several add-on components sold separately that are reasonably priced, including zip-on sidewalls and a replacement canopy to extend the life of the tent. There's even a piece to convert the pop-up tent to a camping cube, which is a nice option to have. The biggest drawback is that while waterproof, the canopy is made of a thinner, 150-denier fabric.
Key Specs
| Size | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 43 lbs. |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Carrying Case | Yes (wheeled) |
Pros
- Gazebo design
- Large size
- Optional nets to keep out bugs
Cons
- Not waterproof
For a high-quality pop-up tent with some flair—essentially a soft-sided gazebo—look no further than this stylish pick. It has a two-tone roof and coordinating tie-back mesh curtains that zip together for full enclosure, providing 144 square feet of protected interior space.
It features a water-resistant Oxford fabric roof that offers protection from UV rays, along with a powder-coated, rust-resistant steel frame. It comes with anchoring and mounting materials, as well as a durable carrying bag.
The pop-up tent weighs roughly 37.5 pounds when collapsed and packaged up, and it’s available in beige, brown, and the gray that’s shown.
Key Specs
| Size | 12 x 12 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 38 lbs. |
| Waterproof | No (water-resistant) |
| Carrying Case | Yes |
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Pros
- Comes in 13 colors
- Adjustable height
Cons
- Not waterproof
Pop-up canopy tents are primarily practical. But if you also care about visual appeal, we recommend this model, which comes in 13 colors and shades.
The frame's design is another plus, as there's a center safety lock beneath the canopy, feet with integrated pull-out wheels, and slide-and-click pole brackets to adjust the tent's height. It comes with a wheeled carrying case, sandbags, ground stakes, and tie ropes.
The only drawback is that the canopy fabric is on the thin side and water-resistant, not waterproof.
Key Specs
| Size | 10 x 10 ft. |
|---|---|
| Weight | 39 lbs. |
| Waterproof | No (water-resistant) |
| Carrying Case | Yes |
Rachel Klein
Senior Commerce Editor
Rachel Klein is a Senior Commerce Editor for Popular Mechanics, where she writes about everything from garden hose reels and patio furniture to mesh wifi systems and robot vacuums. She started her career as a daily newspaper reporter and was a travel editor for more than a decade before she started testing and reviewing luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, and other travel-related products. Fast-forward another five years and her area of expertise includes home decor, appliances, tech, and outdoor adventure gear. In her spare time, you'll find her planning her next trip, reading historical fiction, and seeing as much art as she can squeeze into a weekend.
