A beach chair is a trade-off between sitting low in the sand and sitting high enough to stand up easily. Many people want a chair that folds small, carries like a backpack and holds a drink. A lay-flat position is useful if you also like to sunbathe.
The six beach chairs below include low chairs, lay-flat chairs and a backpack style with a built-in cooler. Features and sizes come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these chairs on a beach ourselves. Some listings give a capacity and others do not.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Seat height | Low chairs are stable in sand; higher ones are easier to exit |
| Positions | Five-position and lay-flat backs allow lounging |
| Carrying | Backpack straps free your hands for the walk to the shore |
| Frame | Steel is sturdy; aluminum is lighter |
Specs at a Glance
| Chair | Seat and back | Frame | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joyfair (2 pack) | Low: 7 in off the ground | 16.64 mm steel pipes | No assembly; Oxford fabric |
| Lay-flat (2 pack) | 5 positions plus lay flat | Alloy steel | Rear zipper pouch; side pocket with drink holder; backpack straps; 9 lb listed |
| #WEJOY high back | High back | Not in the part we read | 24.8 x 25.2 x 30.3 in; polyester; storage bag |
| KingCamp (2 pack) | 10% wider seat, 30% higher seat than the older design | Cross-triangle steel frame | Pillow sleeve; 3D breathable mesh |
| Tommy Bahama | 5 positions including lay flat | Aluminum | Backpack; towel bar; 6 to 8 can insulated cooler |
| Nice C (2 pack) | Low; breathable mesh | Heavy-duty steel; 1000D Oxford | Listed capacity 300 lb |
The 6 Best Beach Chairs
1. Joyfair Beach Camping Chair, 2 Pack
Two low chairs, 7 inches off the ground, with a heavy-duty steel frame and Oxford fabric, designed for full leg extension. They fold with no assembly.
Suits: sitting low in sand. Strengths: a pair and a sturdy frame. Weaknesses: hard to stand up from. Skip it if you have knee trouble.
View Joyfair Beach Camping Chair 2 Pack Folding Chair for Adults on Amazon
2. Lay-Flat Lightweight Camping Beach Chair, 2 Pack
Two alloy steel chairs that adjust to five positions and lay flat, with a rear zipper pouch, a side pocket with a drink holder and adjustable backpack straps. The listing gives a weight of 9 pounds.
Suits: sunbathing and carrying by backpack. Strengths: a lay-flat option and storage. Weaknesses: a thin frame. Skip it if you want a high seat.
View 2 Pack Lightweight Portable Camping Beach Chair Lay Flat Folding on Amazon
3. #WEJOY Folding Beach Chair, High Back
A lightweight chair, 30.3 inches tall, in polyester with a high back and a handy storage bag.
Suits: a lawn or a beach with firm sand. Strengths: a high back. Weaknesses: few specs in the part we read. Skip it if you want a stated capacity.
View WEJOY Folding Beach Chairs for Adults High Back Lightweight on Amazon
4. KingCamp Low Beach Chairs, 2 Pack
Two wide chairs with a pillow sleeve for head support, a seat 10 percent wider and 30 percent higher than the older design, a cross-triangle steel frame and 3D breathable mesh panels.
Suits: people who want a wider, higher low chair. Strengths: a pillow sleeve and mesh. Weaknesses: a larger folded size. Skip it if you want a backpack style.
View KingCamp Low Beach Chairs 2 Pack Folding Portable High Back Chair on Amazon
5. Tommy Bahama 5-Position Backpack Beach Chair
An aluminum chair with five positions including lay flat, a towel bar, a storage pouch, an insulated cooler that holds 6 to 8 cans and an insulated cup holder. It carries like a backpack.
Suits: a beach day with drinks and towels. Strengths: a cooler and a towel bar. Weaknesses: a single chair. Skip it if you need a pair.
View Tommy Bahama 5-Position Classic Lay Flat Folding Backpack Beach Chair on Amazon
6. Nice C Low Beach Camping Chair, 2 Pack
Two low chairs with a breathable mesh seat, heavy-duty steel frames, 1000D Oxford fabric and a stated capacity of 300 pounds each. They open by pulling the frame apart.
Suits: a pair with a stated limit. Strengths: a 300 pound limit. Weaknesses: low seating. Skip it if you want a lay-flat back.
View Nice C Low Beach Camping Folding Chair River Sand Lake Chair 2 Pack on Amazon
Care Tips
- Rinse sand and salt off the frame and dry it before storing.
- Clean the fabric with mild soap and air dry.
- Do not fold a wet chair into a bag.
- Check rivets and hinges each season.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing a low chair when standing up is hard for you.
- Putting a chair on loose sand without checking the legs.
- Ignoring a listing that does not state a capacity.
- Leaving a chair in the sun for long periods.
Beach Chair FAQ
Low or high?
Low chairs are more stable in sand. Higher chairs are easier to exit.
What is a backpack chair?
One with straps so you can carry it on your back.
Can a lay-flat chair replace a lounger?
For short sun sessions, often yes.
The Short Version
For a low pair, the Joyfair or Nice C. For a wider, higher low chair, the KingCamp. For lay-flat and a backpack, the lay-flat pair. For a cooler and a towel bar, the Tommy Bahama. For a high back, the WEJOY.
