Best Retractable Awning: 7 Best Retractable Awnings in 2023 | Reviews + Guide
Sick of the scorching midday sun ruining your family gatherings in your front yard? Then it is about time you got yourself a retractable awning for patio shade. Besides providing shade to protect you from the wrath of the midday sun, an awning can also add to the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space. And […]
Sick of the scorching midday sun ruining your family gatherings in your front yard? Then it is about time you got yourself a retractable awning for patio shade.
Besides providing shade to protect you from the wrath of the midday sun, an awning can also add to the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor living space. And the best part? The awning can be tucked away when not in use, unlike fixed awnings, allowing you to save space and enjoy the sunshine when you want to.
Since the market is flooded with numerous awning options, you may find it challenging to choose the right model for yourself. That’s why we have handpicked and reviewed the 7 best retractable awnings currently available to help you make an informed purchase. We have also provided a buyer’s guide and an FAQ section towards the end to make things more interesting.
Let’s get into the best retractable awnings without further chit-chat.
Best Retractable Awnings
Whether you’re looking for something stylish, durable, or budget-friendly, we have got you covered. So, without further ado, here’s the list of the 7 best retractable awnings.
1. Aecojoy Retractable Patio Awning – Best for Durability
Aecojoy is one of the leading manufacturers of stylish outdoor furniture in the US. Hence, it should be no surprise that this retractable awning from the brand is among our top recommendations. Ruggedly built with double-strand steel ropes and an aluminum frame to last for years, this awning can be your go-to choice for shading your patio or balcony.
Why Did We Like It?
What caught our attention right from the beginning was its sturdy construction. The awning features a powder-coated and rust-resistant aluminum frame and double-strand steel ropes, which help prolong its lifespan and enable it to resist light wind. On top of that, the awning fabric is made of polyester, which is UV and water-resistant, adding to its durability.
We must also mention that the retractable awning is aesthetically pleasing and helps add a bit of character to your exterior living space, making it look elegant while offering protection. Since the design is retractable, you can easily close and open the awning with just a hand crank in less than a minute.
Apart from that, you will be pleased to know that it comes with all the necessary instructions so that you don’t have any problem installing it. You can even contact the brand if you face any problems during installation, which is truly commendable. Overall, this retractable awning model is one of the best out there.
What Could’ve Been Better?
The only gripe we have against this Aecojoy patio awning is that it requires assembly, unlike other options on this list that come pre-assembled out of the box. Also, keep in mind that the awning weighs about 56 pounds, and you will most likely require some assistance while hanging it.
- Sports a durable construction
- Enhances the beauty of your exterior space
- Available at a reasonable price
- Easy operation
- Doesn’t come pre-assembled
2. Outsunny Patio Awning – Best for Value
- MULTI-SURFACE: Our patio awnings can be attached to a...
- ADJUSTABLE PROTECTION: This retractable sun shade features a...
The next product on this list is another excellent retractable awning from the House of Outsunny. Measuring 10 x 8 feet, this awning can help keep your patio or outdoor space shaded with its PU coating fabric during the scorching summers. So, let’s learn about its features in detail.
Why Did We Like It?
The best thing about this retractable patio awning is that you can attach it to a wide range of surfaces, including stucco and siding. Not to mention, the awning comes with all the necessary hardware, like mounting screws out of the box, and you don’t need to make any additional purchases to put it together.
The awning helps protect your patio or home from the damaging UV rays of the sun and significantly reduces the temperature inside your house, thanks to the thick fabric. Speaking of fabric, let us tell you that it is made of polyester with PU waterproof coating, which means it will last a long time.
Another special feature is the manual crank that can close and open the retractable patio awning quietly and smoothly. Thus, you can adjust the canopy as per your requirement.
What Could’ve Been Better?
You may have difficulty understanding the instructions as they were most likely translated to English from their original language by an amateur. That said, if you are more of a picture person and can figure things out from drawings, you should have no problem installing the retractable awning.
- Canopy can be adjusted as per your requirements
- Can transform the look of your patio
- Durable and long-lasting
- Can help reduce heat
- Comes with poor installation instructions
3. VEVOR Retractable Awning – Best for Multi-Functionality
- Elegant Privacy Screen: The double folding side awning can...
- Retractable & Practical: The privacy screen outdoor features...
Vevor is a brand that most DIYers and professionals alike would be familiar with, given its dedication to consistently manufacturing top-grade tools and equipment for more than a decade now. Whether you want privacy or need to enhance the visual appeal of the outdoor living space, this large, sun-proof retractable awning can help you get the desired results.
Why Did We Like It?
For us, the main highlight of this retractable awning is its multi-functionality. You can use it indoors as a cube wall or outdoors like a sidewall to enjoy the summer months in your garden or backyard. Apart from that, the awning is made of top-quality materials like its aluminum frame or polyester fabric, which makes the product durable and adds to its visual appeal.
As far as installation is concerned, we are happy to inform you that it comes with all the essential mounting accessories for a hassle-free installation. It is also worth noting that the polyester fabric is flame-resistant, sun-proof, waterproof, and breathable to offer much-needed protection outdoors.
Moving on, the awning is available in three colors and across four different sizes, allowing you to choose the size and color that works best for you. It is one of the best retractable awnings currently available.
What Could’ve Been Better?
First of all, it sports a pretty steep price tag, meaning it is not for those on a modest budget. And a few customers have pointed out that the fabric tends to wrinkle easily, which you would want to keep in mind if you decide to go for this patio awning.
- Can be used for a variety of purposes
- Sports a durable construction
- Easy to install
- Can easily stand the test of time
- Tad expensive
4. MCombo Manual Awning
- ★【Solid Structure】 Build with an entire corrosion...
- ★【Handpicked Materials】 Aluminium & Steel Frame....
Founded in 2011, MCombo has been committed to providing premium furniture at affordable prices to its customers. And it only made sense to add a product from such a brand to our list. Affordable and easy to install, this retractable awning with polyester fabric is an ideal shading solution to make your day more pleasant and comfortable.
Why Did We Like It?
Straight off the bat, the retractable awning sports a 100% polyester fabric that helps protect you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. The fabric is breathable, and you don’t have to worry about it trapping moisture and heat, thereby reducing discomfort, unlike many other substandard fabrics out there.
From dark blue and coffee brown to burgundy and beige, the patio awning is available in 11 different color options. You can conveniently choose the one that suits your taste. We also liked that this retractable awning is easy to operate; you just have to use the hand crank to open and close it smoothly without electricity.
Moving on, this manual retractable awning comes with all the essential mounting hardware allowing you to put it together without making additional purchases. That, combined with the three-month money-back guarantee, speaks volumes of the manufacturer’s credibility.
What Could’ve Been Better?
Although the brand claims the fabric to be fade-resistant, it is not. Plus, the instructions are vague and written in poor English, so some users, especially first-timers, may have difficulty figuring out how to install it. Barring these two issues, the awning does a good job of providing shade.
- Backed by a three-month warranty
- Made with durable materials
- Comes with all the mounting hardware
- Smooth and easy operation
- Poor instructions
5. Tang Retractable Awning
- New Design Retractable Canopy - Can be easily pull back when...
- Breathable Fabric - The material protect against up to 90%...
If you are looking for a slightly unconventional retracting awning, then this patio awning from Tang could be your best bet. We call it unconventional because it sports a different design, unlike most retractable awnings. Obviously, there’s much more to it, so let’s dig deeper.
Why Did We Like It?
We were quite impressed with all the features this awning brings to the table. For starters, the retractable canopy can be pulled back easily during extreme weather or when shade is not required, which is truly exceptional.
We also liked the fabric as it protects you against 90% of the damaging UV rays. Not to mention, the awning is breathable and allows rain and breeze to pass through, so no more worrying about rain gathering on the fabric and damaging it. The rods feature a new design with hangers and pre-drilled holes, making the installation process more convenient.
Speaking of which, it comes complete with all the important installation hardware such as wire clips, turnbuckle, control tape, and wire cable. This means you don’t have to make a quick trip to your local hardware store and spend a hefty amount making additional purchases. And finally, it sports an incredibly affordable price tag, ensuring it delivers excellent value for money.
What Could’ve Been Better?
A few customers have expressed their dissatisfaction with the customer service of the brand. They mentioned that when they contacted the support team because of some missing installation hardware, the latter was slow to respond and took about two days to provide solutions. Now, that’s frustrating, to say the least.
- Sports a sturdy and durable design
- Affordable retractable awning
- Sports an affordable price tag
- Easy to install
- Poor customer service