The best umbrellas: keep dry and never be caught out in the rain again

Come rain or shine, an umbrella in your bag is always a good idea. Whether rainy spells are predicted, a light drizzle is on its way, or a spontaneous downpour occurs, never be caught out again with an umbrella in hand.

Here at The Recommended, we’ve rounded up the best umbrellas on the market, suitable for every style and budget. Whether it’s tipping it down or simply spitting, read on for our top picks of umbrellas to ensure you remain rain-free.

The best umbrellas at-a-glance:

• Best everyday umbrella: SY Compact Travel Umbrella
• Best windproof umbrella: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella
• Best large umbrella: Royal Walk Windproof Umbrella
• Best foldable umbrella: EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella
• Best stylish umbrella: Balios Folding Umbrella
• Best transparent umbrella: Fulton Birdcage Umbrella
• Best lightweight umbrella: Ergonauts Travel Umbrella
• Best umbrella for heavy rain: ACEIken Golf Umbrella

The best umbrellas

Best everyday umbrella: SY Compact Travel Umbrella

For on-the-move

This compact and durable umbrella is designed to withstand gusts of up to 60 mph. Carry it with you wherever you go and never get caught out again.

Lightweight and automatically opening at the press of a button, it is a super convenient umbrella to keep in your bag whatever the weather. Designed with a metal shaft and eight fibreglass ribs, its water-repellent canopy is quick-drying and available in various colours.

Best windproof umbrella: Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

Portable yet sturdy

This umbrella features nine resin-reinforced fibreglass ribs and a strong metal frame, providing a durable and long-lasting option to pop in your backpack, handbag or briefcase.

Its vented double canopy has a specialised Teflon coating for the ultimate protection from wind and rain, drying instantly and keeping you covered. Hold the non-slip handle with its wrist strap for easy carrying, and use the built-in automatic open/close function for easy access. Available in 12 colours.

Best large umbrella: Royal Walk Windproof Umbrella

Classically stylish

This old-fashioned style umbrella is big enough for two, with its large canopy keeping your duo dry and splash-free under it.

Opening at the touch of a button, this umbrella has a solid construction, made up of a strong aluminium frame, 16 fibreglass ribs and finished with a curved wooden handle. Easy to transport using its carry sleeve with shoulder strap, take it out for a spin and keep protected.

Best foldable umbrella: EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

Travel-friendly

Gain full coverage with this umbrella, then easily pack it away for lightweight portability.

Ready to operate with a touch of a button to open, this umbrella’s double canopy construction has got you covered from rain and wind, resistant to up to 55 mph. It's water-repellent and quick-drying, with a sturdy frame and non-slip rubberised handle for comfortable carrying.

Best stylish umbrella: Balios Folding Umbrella

Contemporary and heavy-duty

Ultra soft and lightweight, this umbrella is made from a water-repellent fabric that dries very quickly.

Designed with an automatic open/close feature, this umbrella opens up to fully cover you from the rain with its vented double canopy. Its thickened premium fibreglass frame is durable and wind-resistant, with a handmade wooden handle with finger notches for ultimate comfort. A matching sleeve is included for easy transportation.

Best transparent umbrella: Fulton Birdcage Umbrella

For good visibility

Gain complete coverage with this dome-shaped umbrella, shielding your head and shoulders from the rain.

Its transparent PVC canopy provides clear vision when on the move, and its extra-strong fibreglass frame and ribs will withstand all windy conditions. The smooth opening mechanism gives easy operation, and the design features a colour-coordinated handle and trim.

Best lightweight umbrella: Ergonauts Travel Umbrella

An ergonomic design

Available in nine different colours, this umbrella will keep you dry whatever the rain, sleet or snow with its vented double canopy.

Made from a water-repellent fabric with Teflon technology, it will protect you from the elements without turning inside out and drying quickly once used. This umbrella features a non-slip handle with a thick wrist strap for a secure grip and convenient carrying.

Best umbrella for heavy rain: ACEIken Golf Umbrella

Big enough for two

Take shelter under this 62-inch double canopy umbrella and avoid the worst weather conditions, from heavy drizzles to downpours and storms.

The robust frame is made from high-quality fibreglass, which is super strong and covered with a water-resistant 210T pongee micro-weave fabric for a quick-drying option. This umbrella features a quick opening system, simply at the press of a button, and a soft sponge handle for the utmost comfort.

If you would like to read more expert-recommended round-ups, check out our Household page, where you’ll find more recommendations, including the best carry-on luggage, the best clothes airers, and the best electric toothbrushes.