The 8 Best Retractable Awnings of 2023

Here are the best retractable awnings to create a customizable outdoor space.

A retractable awning adds shade to your outdoor living space without the hassle of getting permits, finding a contractor, or taking on a major renovation project. We researched dozens of options, evaluating them for durability, overall value, ease of installation, and protection from the elements.

Best Overall

AECOJOY Retractable Patio Awning

4.7

Amazon

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What We Like

• Four size options

• UV- and water-resistant fabric

• Good customer service

• Relatively affordable

What We Don’t Like

• One color option

• Hand-crank could be hard to access

The AECOJOY Retractable Patio Awning stands out for its versatility and durability, making it our top pick for most yards. You can choose from four size options depending on the space you need to cover. Although it comes in beige, it is neutral and can complement any decor. The fabric is made from UV-resistant, fade-resistant, and water-resistant polyester, and the frame is lightweight, powder-coated aluminum.

The awning is easy to operate using a manual hand crank mechanism. One thing to keep in mind, though, is placement. A hand-crank may pose a problem if you need to install it up high, so consider the height of your awning placement before making your choice.

This AECOJOY awning can be installed on various wall types, including solid brick, concrete, or wood, but requires some know-how for installation. Fortunately, the company’s customer service is available for any questions you may have during installation or use.

Price at time of publish: $299

Dimensions: 13 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Aluminum︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

Best Budget

Artpuch Rectangle Shade Sail

Amazon

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What We Like

• Budget-friendly

• Plenty of size and color options

• Easy installation

What We Don’t Like

• Not good for storms

• May require setup and take-down more often

This retractable awning requires a more complicated setup and take-down process every time you want to use it, but you can’t beat the budget-friendly price. It uses hefty stainless-steel D-rings to stay secure over a 10-x-13-foot space. The fabric is made of high-density plastic to protect you from UV rays without fading. It comes in 10 colors and nine sizes, so you have lots of options to find the right one for your space.

Because it has a more straightforward installation process, the Sun Shade doesn’t stand up to high winds or rain as well as some of the other picks on our list. It will protect you from the elements but is best for calm, sunny days. While you can leave it up, if you expect anything more than a light shower, it’s best to take it down ahead of time.

Price at time of publish: $50

Dimension: 10 x 13 feet︱Fabric: Plastic︱Frame Material: Stainless steel D-rings︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: To any supports

Best Luxury

Diensweek Retractable Patio Awning

Amazon

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What We Like

• Fully assembled

• Elegant style

• UV and water-resistant fabric

What We Don’t Like

• Only one size and color

To give your home some European flair, consider this green and white striped Fully Retractable Patio Awning from Diensweek. It is available in a generous 12-x-10 foot size and comes fully assembled and ready to install. The manual mechanism and frame are corrosion-resistant aluminum, and the fabric is a sturdy UV- and water-resistant polyester that can withstand strong winds.

It is limited to just one size and color, so it may not work for all styles or spaces. It’s best for concrete or large brick walls because it is so large and heavy. If you want to use it on wood or laminate exterior, the brand recommends seeking guidance from a professional.

Price at time of publish: $620

Dimension: 12 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Aluminum︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

Best Motorized

Awntech Key West Full Cassette Right Motorized Retractable Awning

Home De Pot

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What We Like

• Many colors options

• High-quality fabric

• Motorized with remote

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

• May require specialty installation

Motorized retractable awnings are easy to use. The Key West awning from Awntech is a top-of-the-line option that includes all mounting hardware, a high-quality canopy, and a remote. Available in 18 colors, the fabric resists UV rays, rain, soil, and mildew, and it can withstand winds up to 35 mph. There are also multiple width and depth options, resulting in a genuinely customizable awning for your home.

Although the motor makes this awning easy to use, it is more expensive and heavier than manual options, which may also impact the installation. The cord is 12 feet long, so make sure you have an outlet or extension cord readily available. You may also want to talk to an electrician or have them install it for you.

Price at time of publish: $2,364

Dimension: 12 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Steel and aluminum︱Pitch Positions: 15 Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

Best for Rain

Awntech California Manual Retractable Patio Awning

Lowes

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What We Like

• High-quality fabric

• Manual operation

• Budget-friendly

What We Don’t Like

• Not a lot of color options

Awntech’s California retractable awning brings all the style and quality of Awntech to a manual version that is easier on the budget and can withstand inclement weather. The canopy fabric is water- and fade-resistant and provides UV protection from the sun. The lack of electronic components makes it a better choice if you know that you will get plenty of rain while it is in use.

There aren’t as many color options in this model as some of Awntech’s motorized options, but their colors will complement various exterior styles.

Price at time of publish: $920

Dimension: 12 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Stainless steel and aluminum︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

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Best for Wind

ADVANING Motorized Patio Retractable Awning

Amazon

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What We Like

• Easy-to-adjust pitch

• Removable valance

• Weather-resistant fabric

What We Don’t Like

• Expensive

While most retractable awnings should be closed up during high winds, this option gives you the freedom to adjust the pitch, minimizing the risk of damage. With a simple twist of a hand crank, the Advaning Motorized Patio Retractable Awning makes it easy to adjust the pitch thanks to a three-loop system.

It has most of the features you’ll want at a midrange price, including multiple sizes and color options, UV- and water-resistant fabric, a high-quality frame, and a remote. The valance can be removed if you want a more modern look.

Price at time of publish: $1,700

Dimension: 12 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Acrylic︱Frame Material: Steel and aluminum︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

Best Extra Large

ALEKO Motorized Retractable Black Frame Patio Awning

Amazon

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What We Like

• Extra-large size

• 16 color options

• Motorized or hank crank options

What We Don’t Like

• Can show wear or fading early

It can be tough to find a high-quality retractable awning for an extra-large space, but this option from ALEKO comes in sizes up to 20 x 10 feet. There are also plenty of color options, so you don’t need to sacrifice style for size. We also like that it offers both a motorized- and a hand-crank option. The latter will come in handy if the power goes out.

The fabric is treated with a UV- and weather-resistant protectant but has shown more signs of wear than some higher-end options. The powder-coated steel frame holds up well to the elements as long as it is not damaged or chipped.

Price at time of publish: $679

Dimension: 20 x 10 feet︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Powder-coated steel︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted

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Best All-Weather

Best Choice Products Retractable Awning

Amazon

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What We Like

• High-quality fabric

• Fully assembled

• Lightweight

What We Don’t Like

• Only two colors available

The retractable awning from Best Choice Products is designed to withstand the elements, so you can enjoy it rain or shine for years to come. It’s UV- and water-resistant and will help protect you from the sun. It also has an additional coating to keep it looking and performing great over time. The aluminum frame is powder-coated to offer extra protection from rust and corrosion.

It comes fully assembled and ready to be mounted on various surfaces, including stucco, vinyl, wood, or glass. When mounted and secured correctly, it will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it—just be sure to follow the provided instructions. 

Price at time of publish: $200

Dimension: 98 x 80 inches︱Fabric: Polyester︱Frame Material: Aluminum︱Pitch Positions: Adjustable︱Mounting Type: Wall-mounted