If you’re after a low-maintenance focal point to provide shade and shelter, a pop-up gazebo is a great alternative to a permanent structure like a pergola. Gazebos range in design from parasol-style shades to tent-like marquees, sometimes with extra features like hexagonal sides and clear windows.
As they're temporary structures, they're also ideal for anyone who wants a versatile shelter they can bring out for sunny days or garden parties. Depending on the style, we love the idea of setting up a buffet table underneath, barbecuing or just stretching out on a daybed in the shade.
But the real joy of pop-up gazebos is in the name. No one likes grappling with unwieldy metal poles and huge swathes of fabric, so these low-maintenance designs are the perfect hassle-free structure.
Below, we’ve listed the best pop-up gazebos we've found online - but before you choose a favourite, here are a few factors to consider:
- Size - how will you use your gazebo and how many people will you host?
- Style - are you looking for a clean, modern and minimalist gazebo, or something a little more whimsical?
- Privacy / shelter / ventilation - do you want a gazebo with walls and windows? (If you plan to barbecue underneath, go for a design without any walls)
- Weather-resistance - if you’re going to shelter from poor weather, choose a sturdy structure with walls and a double-layered roof to cope with high winds
The best pop-up gazebos for style and durability
Outsunny 3x3(m) Pop-Up Gazebo Canopy
- Height options: 3
- Colours available: blue, green, grey
- Included: storage bag, 8 ground pegs, 4 guy ropes
Pros: light-blocking lining, adjustable height, relatively inexpensive
Cons: no side walls
Known for its high-quality and stylish garden furniture, Outsunny is one of our go-to brands for items like gazebos. This pop-up canopy stands out from others on the market thanks to its stylish wavy roof edge and dark green colouring.
The makers have included a silver-coloured lining to block out sunlight - a feature we haven't found in many other designs - and a powder-coated steel frame for strength. The structure has three height options, and there are pegs and guy ropes to keep the gazebo in place.
Gardenesque Small Pop-Up Garden Gazebo
- Height options: 1
- Colours available: cream, green stripe
- Included: 4 inner pockets, storage bag
Pros: pretty design, storage pockets
Cons: not height adjustable, single pole could make it less stable in windy weather
Whimsical is the word with this sweet pop-up gazebo from Gardenesque. With a central solid ash pole and pastel green stripes, it’s reminiscent of vintage parasols, and perfect for cottage gardens or trips to the beach.
Unlike most pop-up gazebos, this one has a central support instead of four separate poles, while four strips of fabric give the feeling of a sheltered seating zone. The design includes four pockets big enough to store sun cream bottles and sunglasses while you relax.
Buy in green stripe from Gardenesque (£209.99)
Buy in cream from Gardenesque (£209.99)
Find similar options in our guide to our favourite garden parasols.
Ultimate Got It Covered Pop-Up Gazebo
- Height options: 1
- Colours available: grey, brown
- Included: wheeled storage bag, ground pegs
Pros: wind vent, wheeled storage bag
Cons: no side walls, not height adjustable
With its dramatic, vented roof, two-tone colourway and gathered pole skirts, this is one of the best pop-up gazebos for instant style. We think the smart extra touches make all the difference here, but there are plenty of practical additions too, including a painted steel frame and vented canopy to let gusts of wind pass through.
The canopy stretches across a 4m x 4m area, so there’s plenty of room to arrange outdoor furniture underneath or shelter from the elements with guests.
Outsunny Pop-Up Hexagonal Canopy
- Height options: 3
- Colours available: grey, white, brown
- Included: sand bag slots, storage bag, guy ropes, ground pegs
Pros: adjustable height, slots for sand bags, removable mesh walls
Cons: We couldn't find any!
We love hexagonal pop-up gazebos for eye-catching style, and this one will look great in both modern and cottage-style gardens. It comes with six removable mesh walls to keep out bugs, so we'd choose this one for hot summer days. The design also includes a sturdy steel frame, UV-resistant fabric coating and six weighty sandbags.
If grey’s not your colour, buy it in white or brown.
VonHaus Pop-Up Gazebo Set
- Height options: telescopic poles
- Colours available: grey, ivory
- Included: storage bag, guy ropes, ground pegs
Pros: adjustable height, removable side panels, relatively inexpensive
Cons: fairly basic in design compared to other options
We often turn to VonHaus’s garden supplies for neat, stylish designs on a budget. This pop-up gazebo comes with a sturdy steel frame and fabric walls for protection and privacy. Plus, there are clear windows to let in light.
Get this structure in slate grey for modern style or ivory for a vintage look. Or opt for the smaller 2x2m or the larger 3x3m version.
Outsunny Large Garden Gazebo
- Height options: 3
- Colours available: white, green, blue, light grey, dark grey, black
- Included: storage bag, guy ropes, ground pegs
Pros: adjustable height, great choice of colours
Cons: no side walls
At 6m across, this is one of the best pop-up gazebos you can buy for big gardens - or big gatherings. It has powder-coated steel legs and no walls, so we'd choose this one if you’re not worried about privacy.
You’ll be able to adjust the height between three settings, and secure the poles to the ground with pegs and guy ropes. It also comes with a storage bag and foldable design to make packing up simpler.
Buy from The Range (£98.09), Aosom (£113.99)
Pop-Up Gazebo With Mosquito Net
- Height options: 1
- Colours available: cream
- Included: storage bag, three mosquito nets
Pros: zip-up mosquito nets, whimsical design and colour for period gardens
Cons: no other height, colour or size options
Perfect for small gardens or sunny spots, this pop-up gazebo is fairly compact in size, at 2.4m across. Its stand-out feature is the protective mosquito netting which you can pull back against the poles to create a doorway. Combined with the gazebo's off-white colouring, the mesh walls create a whimsical look.
Our advice? String up some fairy lights or festoon lights inside to create a cosy space for summer evenings.
See our round-up of the best garden parasols for other stylish structures.