A patio umbrella is an invitation to laze and linger, its coverage offering a cool respite from the sun.A good umbrella—along with its accompanying base—should move easily and adjust as needed, whether you’re lounging on an outdoor sofa or gathering with friends at a patio table. Just as importantly, it should weather the elements for years to come and maintain its function and maneuverability without becoming a perennial source of frustration.After 45 hours of research and years of long-term testing patio umbrellas and stands across the country, we recommend the Treasure Garden 9 Foot Round Push Button Tilt Market Umbrella and the 55-pound Article Paima Umbrella Base as the best for most people, whether you’re using one in a generous garden or on a small apartment patio.Top pickThe best patio umbrellaTreasure Garden 9 Foot Round Push Button Tilt Market Umbrella (Sunbrella)This reliable umbrella resists sun and wind damage better than cheaper models and lasts years. It comes in dozens of finish and fabric combinations, but some configurations drive the price up significantly.$469 from Amazon(auto-tilt and Sunbrella fabric)$390 from PatioLiving(push button tilt and Sunbrella fabric)Durability separates an okay patio umbrella from a great one, and the Treasure Garden 9 Foot Round Push Button Tilt Market Umbrella has lasted longer than any other umbrella we’ve tested.The company has dozens of colors and patterns, the option of double wind vents, and a choice of various tilt mechanisms (we tested the push-button and auto-tilt models).Treasure Gardens offers several types of fabric to choose from—our favorites are Sunbrella, which experts we spoke with recommend for its resilience, and the less expensive but still durable O’bravia. Both have good warranties—Sunbrella is guaranteed not to fade for five years, and O’bravia for four. If it’s within your budget, it’s worth upgrading to Sunbrella fabric.Runner-upNot as luxe, but a solid performerMidtown The Lean 9’ Patio Umbrella (Terylast)This umbrella’s canopy looks more synthetic than the canvas-like texture of our top pick’s fabric options. But since it has a 10-year warranty and usually costs about $100 less, we think this is a worthwhile trade-off.$144 from Amazon$190 from Midtown UmbrellasThe polyester canopy on Midtown’s The Lean 9’ Patio Umbrella (Terylast) has a slick, synthetic feel compared with Sunbrella and O’bravia fabrics—more like a sturdy tent exterior than a soft textile. But it also has a wide selection of bright colors guaranteed not to fade for 10 years, as well as a lower price and an easy-to-use auto crank tilt. So The Lean is a worthy option if you’re not overly concerned with the texture of your patio umbrella.The Lean is also available with the same Sunbrella fabric as our top pick, but the option raises its price significantly. If you’re willing to pay more for Sunbrella fabric (a heavier-duty acrylic, instead of polyester), we recommend sticking with our top pick, because its durable frame has held up under many years of long-term testing compared to this newer pick.Top pickThe best umbrella baseArticle Paima Umbrella BaseThis compact concrete base is streamlined, sturdy, and easy to set up. It’s easy to move around, and two umbrella-attachment screws add extra security. But returns can be expensive.$99 from ArticleThe 55-pound Article Paima Umbrella Base is more durable and solid than other bases we tried. It’s also easier to set up (PDF)—just screw the neck onto the base and top it off with an adjustable cap. And compared with other bases, it’s much more sturdy. It can securely hold a standard-size umbrella on a windy day.The smooth finish on the base means it’s easy to wipe clean with a damp cloth. Returns aren’t free, though, and you should save the original packaging.