The best sun sails are made of high-density polyethylene which acts to block UV rays and create shade, while still being breathable. They're not waterproof, which prevents pooling and extends their lifespan.
Our top pick, the ColourTree Sun Shade Sail Triangle Canopy (opens in new tab), has a 190 GSM HDPE material, making it the highest density sun sail we found. Like boat sails, the sun sails in our roundup are all triangular, and they come in a huge variety of sizes and in both equilateral and isosceles designs. Keep reading to find the best one for you.
ColourTree Sun Shade Sail Triangle Canopy (opens in new tab)
Blocks 95% of harmful UV
With a huge variety of colors and sizes, this is our top pick of sun sails.
Pros:
- Nine colors
- Countless sizes
- Reinforced seams
Cons:
- Installation kits are sold separately
The ColourTree Sun Shade Sail Triangle Canopy (opens in new tab) comes in a great variety of sized and colors, and has some thoughtful touches such as reinforced seams to prevent fraying. There's nine colors to choose from, including beige, red, blue, and black, and is made from 190 GSM 100% virgin HDPE material, which claims to be 70 percent more durable than other HDPE materials.
It's not the cheapest sun sail in our guide, and you'll need to buy an installation kit separately, but for durability and high quality this deserves its top spot in our guide.
SUNNY GUARD Triangle Sun Shade Sail (opens in new tab)
An affordable triangular sun sail
Comes with added extras which make it easy to install, all for a low price.
Pros:
- Comes with ropes
- D rings included
- Seven size options
- Breathable
Cons:
- On the small side
Triangular sun shades can be set up in a variety of inventive ways, and the SUNNY GUARD Triangle Sun Shade Sail (opens in new tab) comes with everything you need to do this easily. This includes D rings sewn into each corner, and three five-feet 5-year warranty long ropes included for free.
It's made of 185 GSM HDPE, which makes it both breathable and highly UV resistant. It's also super affordable.
AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Triangle (opens in new tab)
Perfect for those who need a sun shade on the go
This sun shade is both lightweight and compact - it even fits in a backpack.
Pros:
- Fits in a backpack
- Three 5-feet ropes included
- Five year warranty
- Strong stitched seams
Cons:
- Largest size is smaller than average
With 185 GSM, the AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Triangle (opens in new tab) is made of high-density polyethylene fabric which is breathable and still effective at blocking UV.
The reinforced stitched seams are curved to increase pull strength and prevent dropping, meaning it's easy to pull this sun shade taut. It's also covered by a five year warranty, which is pretty great. However, because it's so portable, it is a little on the smaller side.
LOVE STORY Triangle Sun Shade (opens in new tab)
A breathable sun shade with plenty of colors to choose from
This stylish sun shade has a huge range of color options, and even some striped designs.
Pros:
- Fun color and pattern options
- Affordable
- Full-edged webbing
Cons:
- Not a huge size range
The LOVE STORY Triangle Sun Shade (opens in new tab) has 11 color options, including silver, terra cotta, and even blue and white stripes. It has curved sides to enhance pull strength, stainless steel D rings on each edge, and durable ropes for speedy installation. The breathable fabric is made of 185GSM and will create a light and airy shaded space.
Shade&Beyond Color Triangle Sun Shade (opens in new tab)
This is a long-lasting sun sail
High quality and durable, this sun sail will provide years of shade.
Pros:
- Rustless D-ring
- Double layer webbing
- No pooling
- Comes with hardware kits
Cons:
- Warranty only covers UV degradation
The Shade&Beyond Color Triangle Sun Shade (opens in new tab) is designed to last. It has rustless D-rings fitted on each corner, and double layer webbing to prevent breaking. It also comes with ropes and a hardware kit included, which makes it easy to put up and take down for years of use.
The verdict
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Our top pick of sun sails is the ColourTree Sun Shade Sail Triangle Canopy (opens in new tab) because it's got durable seams and a huge range of color options. Another great durable option is the Shade&Beyond Color Triangle Sun Shade. For portability, we recommend the AsterOutdoor Sun Shade Sail Triangle, and the LOVE STORY Triangle Sun Shade has the best range of colors and patterns for a stylish sun sail. If the most important thing to you is finding a low-cost sun sail, try the SUNNY GUARD Triangle Sun Shade Sail.
