Which parasol is the best? An honest answer: it depends on what's underneath it. A round stick parasol is perfect over a dining table with a parasol hole, but it gets in the way over a lounge sofa. A large 4-metre canopy is lovely on a spacious terrace, but on a balcony it's of no use at all.
That's why this top list doesn't name one overall winner. Instead, we pick the best parasol for each situation: the best all-rounder, for a small garden, with the base included, for a balcony, for a long table, for a large terrace and for above a lounge set. All specifications come from the manufacturer's product information. You can see current prices and shops on the cards.
In short: for most gardens with a dining table, the Platinum Riva premium Ø300 is the best choice. In a small garden, the tiltable Manilla Ø250 fits well, and if you want the base included, the Aloha parasol set is a complete package. On the balcony, choose the Lisboa or the Sun Wave, for a long table the Riva 300x200, and for a large terrace the Timor Ø400. Got a lounge set? Then a cantilever parasol is the better choice.
At a glance: today's prices
| Product | Today's price | |
|---|---|---|
| Riva premium stick parasol Ø300 cm Havana | €199 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Manilla parasol Ø250 cm | €99.95 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Aloha parasol set Ø200 cm with base | €139 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Lisboa parasol 210x150 cm | €72 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Sun Wave parasol 270x150 cm | €199 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Riva stick parasol 300x200 cm | €129 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Timor luxe parasol Ø400 cm | €179 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
| Challenger T² premium cantilever parasol 300x300 cm | €619 at bol.com | View at bol.com → |
Our picks at a glance
| Situation | Our pick | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best all-rounder | Riva premium Ø300 | Spun Acrylic canopy, tiltable |
| Small garden | Manilla Ø250 | Tilts backwards |
| Base included, small | Aloha parasol set Ø200 | Complete set |
| Balcony | Lisboa 210x150 | Slim, splittable pole |
| Balcony, base included | Sun Wave 270x150 | Also with a balcony clamp |
| Long table | Riva 300x200 | Rectangular, tiltable |
| Large terrace | Timor luxe Ø400 | Large canopy, base included |
| Lounge set | Challenger T² premium | Cantilever parasol, open space underneath |
How we chose
We don't test parasols ourselves. What we have done is line up the range of stick parasols, rectangular parasols, balcony parasols and cantilever parasols side by side, and look at which model has the right size and features for each situation. Every specification in this article comes from the manufacturer's product information. In doing so, we looked at:
What we look at
- The shape and size of the canopy, matched to what's underneath
- The canopy: material, weight and UV protection according to the manufacturer
- Whether the parasol tilts, so you still have shade when the sun is low
- Whether the base is included, and if not, whether a suitable base is available
Want to learn the basics first? Read buying a parasol: what should you look for? or buying a stick parasol: what should you look for? You can see all the different types in what types of parasol are there?
Best all-rounder: Platinum Riva premium Ø300
The Riva is a stick parasol that Platinum makes in lots of sizes, colours and two fabric grades. The premium version has a 240 gram Spun Acrylic canopy with up to 98% UV protection. The easy-up rotation system makes it easy to open, fabric tensioners keep the canopy taut, and with the tilt function you can keep the sun off you later in the afternoon. The frame is aluminium, and the pole has a diameter of 38 mm.
Riva premium stick parasol Ø300 cm Havana
Why: Ø300 cm is a size that suits many garden tables for four to six people, and a stick parasol simply goes through the hole in the tabletop. Please note: according to the specifications, the base is not included, so you'll need to buy it separately. Prefer a different colour or a wood look? There's also a Riva Ø300 with a standard 220 gram polyester canopy, and a version with a teak-look frame.
Best for a small garden: Garden Impressions Manilla Ø250
In a town garden or on a small terrace, Ø300 cm is quickly too much of a good thing. The Manilla has a round Ø250 cm canopy made of 200 gram polyester, stretched over 16 fibreglass ribs. The aluminium frame is in carbon black. It tilts backwards, so you can still block the sun in the afternoon, and the clearance height is 200 cm.
Manilla parasol Ø250 cm
Please note: the product information doesn't list a base. So plan on buying a separate parasol base.
With the base included: Garden Impressions Aloha parasol set Ø200
Looking for something for a bistro table or a corner with two chairs, and don't want to hunt for a base separately? The Aloha parasol set is a Ø200 cm parasol with the base included. The frame is aluminium and lightweight, and the set comes in several colours. A Ø200 cm canopy won't shade an entire dining table, but it will give you a spot to read or have a coffee.
Aloha parasol set Ø200 cm with base
Already have a base? Then the separate Aloha stick parasol Ø200 cm with a light teak-look frame is an option. For more ideas for small outdoor spaces, read where do you place a parasol?
Best for a balcony: Platinum Lisboa 210x150
A balcony is usually narrow and long. A round canopy would then overhang the railing on two sides or hit the wall, whereas a rectangular canopy fills exactly the strip where you sit. The Lisboa has a 210x150 cm canopy made of 220 gram polyester with up to 96% UV protection. You open and close it with a push-up system, it's height-adjustable and it tilts. The frame is steel. Handy for a balcony without storage: the pole is splittable, so you can store it compactly.
Lisboa parasol 210x150 cm
With base included or on the railing: Madison Sun Wave 270x150
The Sun Wave is a little longer, at 270x150 cm, and according to Madison it's designed for balconies and oblong tables. The base is included, the parasol weighs 7.5 kg and is roughly 208 cm high. The canopy is 100% polyester of 220 g/m² with a PA coating, water-repellent and with UPF 50+. It tilts backwards and has five ribs on an aluminium frame.
Sun Wave parasol 270x150 cm
Saving space: with the separate Madison balcony clamp, you can attach the Sun Wave to the balcony railing, so there's no base that needs to stand on the floor. According to Madison, the clamp is designed specifically for the Sun Wave. For more tips on a small balcony, read furnishing a balcony: tips.
Best for a long table: Platinum Riva 300x200
For a rectangular table for six or eight people, a round canopy falls short at the ends, while at the sides it shades spots where nobody is sitting. A rectangular canopy follows the shape of the table. The Riva 300x200 has a 220 gram polyester canopy, the easy-up rotation system, fabric tensioners and a tilt function. The frame is aluminium.
Riva stick parasol 300x200 cm
Please note: here too, the base is not included. If you have a very long table without a parasol hole, have a look at the rectangular cantilever parasols in best cantilever parasol 2026. You'll find more models in rectangular parasols.
Best for a large terrace: Madison Timor luxe Ø400
Got a spacious terrace or a large round table, and want one big sun canopy? The Timor luxe has a round Ø400 cm canopy made of 100% polyester (220 g/m²) with a PA coating, water-repellent and with UV 50+. Eight ribs keep the canopy taut. It is roughly 279 cm high and weighs 10.67 kg. According to the specifications, the base is included. Madison describes it as suitable for both home and hospitality use.
Timor luxe parasol Ø400 cm
Please note: the large round stick parasols in this overview don't tilt. The Timor doesn't, and according to Platinum, the Riva Ø400 doesn't either. So when the sun is low, you'll need to slide a parasol like this a little. Prefer the Riva? It's also available as the Riva Ø400, with a separate base. You'll find more large models in large parasols.
Best above a lounge set: Platinum Challenger T² premium
A stick parasol always stands in the middle. Above a lounge set or corner sofa, that means a pole right between the cushions, and that doesn't work. There you choose a cantilever parasol: it hangs from a pole at the side, so the space underneath stays clear. Our all-rounder in that category is the Challenger T² premium. It rotates 360 degrees, tilts sideways and backwards, and has a 240 gram Spun Acrylic canopy with up to 98% UV protection, that is water- and dirt-repellent.
Challenger T² premium cantilever parasol 300x300 cm
Looking for a cantilever parasol for a specific situation, such as lots of wind, LED lighting or with a base included? In best cantilever parasol 2026, we line up eight cantilever parasols by situation. Still torn between the two types? Read cantilever parasol vs stick parasol.
First look at what's underneath the parasol, and only then at the canopy. A gorgeous parasol with the pole in the wrong place is one you'll end up not using.
All our picks side by side
This is how the eight picks differ in type and base. If you choose a model without a base, factor that in straight away.
| Model | Type and size | Base included? |
|---|---|---|
| Riva premium | Stick, Ø300 cm | No |
| Manilla | Stick, Ø250 cm | Not stated |
| Aloha parasol set | Stick, Ø200 cm | Yes |
| Lisboa | Stick, 210x150 cm | Not stated |
| Sun Wave | Stick, 270x150 cm | Yes |
| Riva 300x200 | Stick, 300x200 cm | No |
| Timor luxe | Stick, Ø400 cm | Yes |
| Challenger T² | Cantilever, 300x300 cm | Sold separately |
Not found what you're looking for? Browse all stick parasols, the round parasols, the tiltable parasols or the parasols with a base.
The right base and cover
A stick parasol is only as stable as the base it stands in. When choosing a separate base, look at two things: the weight, and whether the pole fits the holder. According to Garden Impressions, the two granite bases below have a stainless steel holder for stick parasols with a tube thickness of up to 55 mm. The Eureka has four swivel wheels, each of which you lock with a brake, so you can move the parasol along with the sun.
To find out how heavy the base needs to be for your parasol size, read which parasol base do you need? Or browse all parasol bases.
A cover keeps the canopy clean and dry when the parasol is closed. The 165 cm AeroCover is, according to Platinum, suitable for centre-pole parasols up to Ø3.0 metres. For longer parasols, there are covers of 215 cm.
AeroCover cover 165 cm
View cover →
AeroCover cover 215 cm
View cover →
Madison cover 215 cm
View cover →You'll find more sizes in parasol covers. Also read how do I protect my parasol?
Which one suits you?
Answer three questions and see which pick from this top list best suits your outdoor space.
Which parasol from this top list suits you?
What will be placed under the parasol?
- A round or square dining table for four to six
- A bistro table or two chairs
- A long, rectangular dining table
- A lounge set or corner sofa
- A small table on my balcony
- A large group around a spacious table
Where should the parasol pole go?
- Through the hole in the middle of the table
- Next to a small table, in its own base
- Centred under a long table
- Next to the seating area, so nothing stands in the middle
- Against the balcony railing or in a corner
- In the middle of the terrace, as one large roof
What matters most to you in a new parasol?
- A sturdy canopy that also tilts
- Small, light and quick to get ready for use
- Shade over the full length of the table
- Rotating and tilting without moving the base
- Compact storage after use
- As much shade as possible in one go
Platinum Riva premium Ø300. A stick parasol with a 240 gram Spun Acrylic canopy, a tilt function and fabric tensioners. Factor in a separate base.
Manilla Ø250 or Aloha parasol set Ø200. Compact and round. The Manilla tilts backwards, while the Aloha parasol set has its base included.
Platinum Riva 300x200. A rectangular canopy that follows the shape of your table, with a tilt function.
A cantilever parasol, such as the Challenger T² premium. The pole sits at the side, so your lounge set stays clear. It rotates 360 degrees and tilts sideways and backwards.
Lisboa 210x150 or Sun Wave 270x150. Narrow and rectangular. The Lisboa has a splittable pole, while the Sun Wave has its base included and fits the separate balcony clamp.
Madison Timor luxe Ø400. A large round canopy with UV 50+, and according to the specifications, with the base included.
Need to choose garden furniture alongside your parasol? Then try our selection guide. Unsure about the size, read what size parasol do I need?
Checklist before you order
- Measure the table or seating area and add at least 50 cm on all sides
- Choose round for a round or square table, and rectangular for a long table or a balcony
- Choose a cantilever parasol if a lounge set is going underneath
- Check whether the parasol tilts if you also want to sit outside in the late afternoon
- Check whether the base is included, and if not, whether the pole fits the holder of your base
- Get a cover that suits the length of the closed parasol
Common mistakes
A stick parasol above a lounge set
The pole then ends up in the middle of the cushions or the coffee table. Above a lounge set, you need a cantilever parasol, with the pole at the side.
A round canopy over a long table
A round Ø300 cm canopy shades the sides, where nobody is sitting, and leaves the ends of a long table in the sun. In that case, choose a rectangular canopy such as the Riva 300x200.
Forgetting the base
With many stick parasols, including the Riva, you buy the base separately. Also check whether the pole fits the holder: the Cosmo and Eureka are designed for poles up to 55 mm.
Assuming every parasol tilts
Not every parasol tilts. The Timor luxe and the Riva Ø350 and Ø400, for example, don't. If you want tilt, choose a smaller size or a cantilever parasol.
Tip: close it when you leave
Platinum and Garden Impressions both advise: close the parasol in strong wind, and let the canopy dry completely before you store it or put the cover on. You can read more in cleaning and maintaining a garden parasol and which parasol is best in the wind?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best parasol of 2026?
For most gardens with a dining table, the Platinum Riva premium Ø300 cm is the best choice: a centre-pole parasol with a 240 gsm Spuncrylic canopy, up to 98% UV protection according to Platinum, a tilt function and fabric tensioners. If there is a lounge set underneath, a cantilever parasol such as the Platinum Challenger T² premium is a better fit.
Which parasol is best for a balcony?
On a balcony, a narrow rectangular canopy works best. The Platinum Lisboa 210x150 cm is height-adjustable, tilts and has a split pole, so it is easy to store. The Madison Sun Wave 270x150 cm comes with its base included, and you can secure it to the railing with the separately sold Madison balcony clamp.
Centre-pole parasol or cantilever parasol: which is better?
It depends on what is underneath. A centre-pole parasol stands in the middle, so it suits a table with a parasol hole best. A cantilever parasol hangs from a pole at the side and keeps the space underneath clear, which is ideal over a lounge set. We cover the differences in our cantilever parasol vs centre-pole parasol comparison.
Which parasol comes with a base included?
In this top list, the base is included with the Madison Timor luxe Ø400 cm, the Madison Sun Wave 270x150 cm and the Garden Impressions Aloha parasol set Ø200 cm. For the Platinum Riva, the specifications state that the base is excluded, so you buy it separately.
Can every centre-pole parasol tilt?
No. According to Platinum, the Platinum Riva tilts in all sizes except Ø350, Ø400 and 275x275 cm. The Madison Timor luxe Ø400 cm does not tilt, and the Garden Impressions Manilla Ø250 cm tilts backwards. So always check the specifications if you also want shade when the sun is low.
How big should my parasol be?
A commonly used rule of thumb is that the canopy should extend at least 50 cm beyond the area that needs shade on all sides. For a bistro table, Ø200 to Ø250 cm is often enough, for a table seating four to six people Ø300 cm, and for a long table a rectangular canopy such as 300x200 cm.
