Best Retractable Awning: 7 Best Retractable Awnings in 2023 | Reviews + Guide

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. 

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. 

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. 

2. Outsunny Patio Awning - Best for Value

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. 

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 a 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 requirements. 

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.

3. VEVOR Retractable Awning - Best for Multi-Functionality

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. 

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. 

First of all, it sports a pretty steep price tag, meaning it is not for those on a modest budget. 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. 

4. MCombo Manual Awning

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. 

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. 

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. 

5. Tang Retractable Awning

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. 

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. 

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. 

6. Advaning Retractable Awning

We are halfway through this list, and now it’s time to talk about this patio awning from Advaning, a US-based brand specializing in producing top-quality retractable awnings. Customers from across the country have praised this model for its pragmatic features, including the easy pitch system. Having used the awning ourselves, we can assure you that you will be satisfied with it. 

One of the most advantageous features of this mechanism is the easy pitch system, using which you can adjust the pitch of the awning for maximum shade coverage, extending across your entire patio. You just need to twist the dedicated hand crank or use the motorized feature, and you are good to go. 

Apart from that, the motorized retractable awning sports a durable aluminum hood that safeguards the motor and fabric, thereby ensuring that your investment lasts long. We also liked the construction of the aluminum roller tube and the stainless steel frame, as they add to the durability of the product. 

Another great thing about this retractable awning is that it is motorized, unlike the previous options. So, this means it lets you enjoy the comfort of your pleasant outdoor space at the press of a button. If you are not comfortable using the remote control, you can operate the awning manually with the hand crack. 

Overall, it is one of the best motorized retractable awnings to buy right now. 

This motorized patio retractable awning sports a steep price tag. In fact, it is the most expensive awning on this list. That’s why we will not recommend this motorized retractable awning to people on low budgets or people who are simply not looking to invest such an amount in a retractable awning. 

7. Aleko Retractable Patio Awnings

While talking about retractable awnings, it is difficult to keep Aleko out of the conversation because of its durability and wide variety of color options. Whether you are planning to host an outdoor event or preparing yourself for warm weather, this retractable awning can provide much-needed protection and shade. 

One of the best things about this awning is the sleek black frame which slows less debris and dirt than the conventional white frames and makes it look more beautiful. Speaking of which, it is available in 16 colors, so you can choose a color that best suits your taste and adds elegance to the outdoor living space. 

You will be pleased to know that the product is durable; in fact, most of its parts are powder-coated for corrosion-free usage and improved longevity. As far as the fabric is concerned, it is water-resistant, heavy-duty, and features a UV protectant to withstand various weather elements with ease. 

At only 13 pounds, it is one of the most lightweight retractable awnings on this list, which means you can expect to put it together without help. Overall, it is one of the best motorized retractable awnings that any user can hope to get their hands on. 

Unfortunately, the installation instructions that came with the product were not that great; in fact, they ended up making the installation more difficult. Therefore, we suggest checking out a few installation videos of this awning online to figure out the process. 

Best Retractable Awnings Comparison Table

Buying Guide For The Best Retractable Awning

Now that you have gone through our list of the 7 best retractable awnings, will you be able to make the right choice? Well, it is not that simple. You need to consider other important factors apart from the brand names and specifications to zero in on the right product.

Not to worry, we have discussed all these factors to help you make an informed buying decision in this section.

1. Awning Installation

While making a purchase, you would want to ensure that your product comes with all the necessary mounting hardware and clear installation instructions. Also, if possible, ask a friend to help you out as putting together such a product is a two-person job. 

2. Awning Size

Manual retractable awnings are available in a range of sizes; choose the one that best fits the intended area of your patio. However, make sure that it does not make the patio look too crowded. You must also remember that wider options exert a lot of pressure on the mounting hardware, so if it’s not necessary, we would recommend going with a slightly narrower option. 

3. Build Quality Of The Awning Frame

More often than not, retractable awnings sport metal frames. Those that are sturdily built and non-porous handle the weather elements better. Steel and aluminum are the commonly used options; both are durable and sturdy. So, make sure you choose a product featuring either one of the two materials.  

Conclusion

With that, we have almost reached the end of our review-based guide, and we hope it has helped you make an informed decision by now. Before we sign off, however, we would like to let you in on our favorite awnings from the list.

For us, the Aecojoy Retractable Patio Awning is the overall best, simply because it sports a durable construction and helps enhance the beauty of your outdoor space. Closely following it is the model from Outsunny, as its canopy can be adjusted as per your requirements and helps reduce heat.

But if you are specifically looking for a model that features a big canopy, we recommend going with the retractable awning from VEVOR. On that note, it is time for us to wrap it up. Check out our other articles such as best retractable awnings for camper vans to know more on the topic.

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