Pop up canopies are a popular choice for portable shade and shelter at outdoor events, festivals, markets, and more. Two of the leading brands in this space are EZ Up and Vantage. But which offers the better quality canopy for your needs?
This comprehensive guide examines the key differences between EZ Up pyramid and Vantage canopies to help you decide.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | EZ Up | Vantage |
| Canopy Design | Pyramid style for most models | Pyramid and angled leg options |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Steel or aluminum |
| Trussing | Quad trussing on many models | Dual trussing |
| Cover Fabric | Polyester, up to 99% UV protection | Polyester, UV reflective |
| Setup Time | 60 seconds typical | 15-30 seconds |
| Warranty | 1 year frame and canopy | Lifetime frame, 1 year canopy |
| Weight | 25 to 80 lbs | 35 to 85 lbs |
| Pricing | $180 to $650 | $130 to $500 |
Overview Of EZ Up And Vantage
EZ Up is one of the most recognizable names in instant pop up tents and canopies. Around since 1983, they offer a wide selection of different sized canopies from 6×6 feet up to 15×15 feet. Most of their canopies feature a pyramd or slant leg design with truss reinforcement for stability.
Vantage is a newer player in the pop up canopy space, founded in 2014. But they’ve quickly grown their product line to offer both pyramid and angled leg canopies. Sizes range from 10×10 feet to 20×20 feet to meet various needs.
Both brands aim to provide professional grade, durable canopies at affordable prices. And both EZ Up and Vantage canopies are designed for easy transport and quick pop up using an internal frame system.
But there are some notable differences between the two brands and particular product lines that are important to understand when making your purchasing decision. The key factors to compare are:
- Canopy design and stability
- Frame and truss system
- Cover fabric and UV protection
- Ease of set up
- Warranty and customer service
- Weight and portability
- Value and price points
We’ll take a detailed look at each of these elements below:
Canopy Design And Stability
The overall shape and structure of the canopy frame play a big role in stability and wind resistance. There are two main designs for pop up canopies:
Pyramid Style: Featuring four sloped legs extending from each corner and meeting in the center peak. This creates a pyramid shape and offers excellent stability. Most EZ Up canopies are the pyramid style.
Angled Leg: With four legs extended out at angles rather than sloping inward. Typically more adjustable but can be less stable. Many Vantage models use the angled leg design.
Within those main shapes, trussing and reinforcement of the upper frame also adds strength and rigidity. Models like the EZ Up Sierra II use three layer quad trussing while the Vantage 10×10 has dual-trussed upper sections.
In general, the pyramid shape of most EZ Up frames coupled with robust trussing gives them an edge for stability over the angled leg models from Vantage. But Vantage does make some pyramid style canopies like the Vantage 10×20 Pyramid that compete well on structure.
Frame And Truss System
The type of material used for the frame and stability trusses is another factor in the canopy’s overall durability. Again, EZ Up tends to have the advantage here.
EZ Up uses strong, lightweight aluminum for all of its frame supports and trusses. The quad trussing provides excellent reinforcement across the upper sections of pyramid models.
Many Vantage frames use steel components for the legs and single or dual truss supports. While steel offers strength, it does add more weight versus aluminum. Some Vantage canopies like the Cirrus models do feature aluminum in the legs and upper frame, but are not quite as robust as EZ Up.
When it comes to frame strength and durability for frequent use, aluminum-framed models like the EZ Up Sierra II have a clear leg up over steel-based canopies.
Cover Fabric And UV Protection
The canopy’s cover provides the all-important shade and shelter. Look for covers made from durable, rip and tear resistant fabrics that also offer UV protection.
EZ Up and Vantage both use quality polyester covers with UV blocking properties. EZ Up’s Dual Coat or Triple Coat polyester fabrics offer up to 99% UV blockage and good water resistance. Vantage also has UV reflective covers, though specifics on UV blocking percentage is not as clear.
From comparing materials, EZ Up once again appears to have a slight edge. Their ripstop fabrics seem more durable, with higher denier polyester used on pricier models. Vantage does make good use of mesh sidewalls to improve airflow on hot days.
One advantage of Vantage is offering a wider range of colors and patterns, from solids to stripes to camo. EZ Up covers are primarily in neutral tones, though they do have a Patriot series in American flag style.
Ease Of Setup
A big selling point for both EZ Up and Vantage canopies is how fast and easy they are to set up. The collapsible frame uses an internal push/pull mechanism for easy popping up and folding down.
But Vantage really shines when it comes to ease of setup. While EZ Up pyramids take just 60 seconds or so to pop up, Vantage’s Quick-Lite frames use easy slide clips and toggles that allow ultra fast 15-30 second setup times. The Quick-Lift system on Vantage angled leg models is nearly as fast and simple for putting up the canopy.
Plus Vantage offers handy numbered poles and color coded corner adapters on frames to simplify assembly further. This makes their canopies noticeably faster to set up versus EZ Up models.
Warranty And Customer Service
The product warranty terms and customer service reputation also add peace of mind to your purchase. Both brands provide warranties, but once again Vantage is ahead here:
EZ Up: 1 year limited warranty on canopies and frameworks.
Vantage: Lifetime warranty on frames, 1 year on canopies.
Customer reviews also indicate Vantage provides responsive email and chat support should any issues arise with damage or defects. EZ Up service seems to be more mixed based on user reviews.
The lifetime frame warranty and better service feedback give Vantage an edge over EZ Up for standing behind their instant shelters.
Weight And Portability
Pop up canopies need to be portable enough for one person to transport and set up. EZ Up and Vantage offer a range of weights based on canopy size and frame design:
EZ Up Pyramids: 25 to 80 lbs
Vantage Angled Leg: 35 to 65 lbs
Vantage Pyramid: 55 to 85 lbs
The aluminum EZ Up frames tend to be a bit lighter overall. But Vantage makes very lightweight angled leg models like the 10×10 Cirrus which is just 35 lbs.
For moving and storing the canopy, EZ Up’s Insta-Clip system allows the legs to pop off easily after folding up. Vantage canopies require full disassembly of the poles and sliding clips for best portability.
Finally, most EZ Up and Vantage models come with carrying bag or rolling base options. This allows you to transport the canopy safely and avoid overly heavy lifting.
Value And Price Points
In terms of average price points, Vantage canopies are generally a bit more affordable than comparable sized models from EZ Up:
EZ Up Pyramids: $180 to $650
Vantage Canopies: $130 to $500
The budget minded Cirrus line from Vantage allows for professional quality canopies at very wallet friendly prices. But the lifetime warranty and excellent quick setup features on Vantage frames add great overall value as well.
EZ Up does command some higher pricing for large, heavy duty pyramids with enhanced trussing. You’ll pay more but get added stability and durability in return.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
A standard 10×10 foot EZ Up pyramid canopy stands about 9-10 feet high at the center peak. The four corner legs are 6-7 feet high.
EZ Up 10×10 canopies weigh between 55-75 pounds depending on the frame and fabric density. Larger EZ Ups up to 15×15 feet can weigh over 100 pounds.
EZ Up makes pop up canopies ranging from 6×6 feet up to 15×15 feet. Some of the most popular full sized models are 10×10, 10×15, and 10×20 feet. They offer excellent cover for tables, booths, and activities.
Vantage 10×10 canopies are available with peak heights ranging from 8.5 feet up to 10.5 feet. The angled leg models can also be adjusted to different heights based on setup.
A Vantage 10×10 weighs between 35-60 pounds typically. The lightweight Cirrus model is just 35 lbs for easy portability, while premium canopy models with pyramid framing weigh up to 60 lbs.
Final Thoughts
Based on this detailed comparison, a few key differences emerge between EZ Up and Vantage:
- EZ Up offers exceptional stability and durable aluminum frames, but come at a higher price point. Their pyramid structure and robust trussing systems lead to excellent wind resistance and stability.
- Vantage makes very fast and easy to set up canopies using advanced patented frame systems. They offer competitive pricing while matching EZ Up on UV protective covers.
- For frequent use in exposed environments, the sturdy EZ Up pyramid models are hard to beat. They withstand wind gusts and rough weather even when used regularly.
- For very quick pop up ability and budget friendly prices, Vantage is the winner. Lighter models like the Cirrus provide surprising value at lower price points.
- Vantage likely provides better customer service and warranty support based on buyer reviews.
In the end, choosing between EZ Up and Vantage comes down to your priorities – durable stability, fast setup, or maximum value. Carefully evaluate the factors above including canopy structure, fabric covers, weight, and pricing to determine the best brand for your specific needs.
