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Whether you practice yoga at home or in a studio, a yoga mat is an essential piece of fitness equipment to own.
Yoga mats also come in handy for other floor workouts, including functional training, abdominal exercises, and high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions.
Yoga mats vary in thickness and are usually made of natural rubber or a type of plastic called polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Several also offer features such as textured nonslip surfaces and extra cushioning.
Keep reading for our picks of the 11 best yoga mats for every purpose.
- Best overall: Manduka PROlite 4.7mm
- Best thick yoga mat: Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat
- Best foam yoga mat: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
- Best sustainable yoga mat: JadeYoga Harmony Mat
- Best for hot yoga: Alo Warrior Mat, Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat 6mm
- Best nonslip mat: Lululemon The Reversible Mat 3mm
- Best for travel: Manuka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat 1.5mm
- Best for restorative yoga: JadeYoga Fusion Mat
- Best budget-friendly yoga mat: Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat
- Best printed yoga mat: Jollie The Plush Mat
- Value: We chose quality mats that offer value for the cost and hold up over time to reduce your cost per use.
- Company reputation: We chose mats made by reputable companies. Several companies on this list use sustainable manufacturing practices to create eco-friendly products.
- Customer reviews: We scoured online reviews to see what people had to say about durability, usability, and comfort.
- Personal recommendations: We included mats that come highly recommended by yoga instructors and Healthline editors.
- Vetting: The yoga mats on our list have been vetted to ensure that they align with Healthline’s brand integrity standards and approach to well-being. You can read more about our vetting process.
A note on price
General price ranges with dollar signs ($–$$$) are indicated below. One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from $29–$145, though this may vary depending on where you shop.
Pricing guide
- $ = under $40
- $$ = $40–$90
- $$$ = over $90
Best overall
Price: $$$
The Manduka PROlite is a favorite among yoga instructors and practitioners. The mat is available in nine colors and is sustainably made in Germany without toxic emissions.
What’s more, it comes in three sizes — standard, long, and long and wide — to accommodate users of all sizes.
The mat gets the seal of approval from Kelly Turner, VP of Training and Experience at YogaSix. She says, “My favorite yoga mat is the Manduka PROlite. It’s thick enough to support my tender knees if practicing on hardwood or tile but small enough to lug around if I’m walking to a class in a city.”
Elise Greenspoon, a yoga teacher and healing therapist, also loves this mat: “My absolute all-time fave is the Manduka PROlite. It’s super-durable, comfortable, and reasonably lightweight. Plus, it’s appropriately priced.”
Most negative customer reviews complain that the mat is too slippery.
Pros
- supportive and comfortable
- extremely durable
- lightweight
- available in multiple sizes
Cons
- too slippery for some
- expensive
Best thick yoga mat
Price: $
If you prefer a thicker mat, the Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat is a great option. It’s thick enough to provide gentle cushioning and padding while still allowing enough stability for balance poses.
It’s also affordable and easy to clean, and it rolls up nicely.
This mat earns high marks from Healthline Nutrition and Fitness Market Editor Kelli McGrane, MS, RD, and has been her go-to mat for more than 5 years.
McGrane shares, “I highly recommend this yoga mat for anyone needing extra joint support during floor workouts.
“In addition to offering 6 mm of spongy-yet-supportive material, the mat also features a textured nonslip surface to keep you from slipping and sliding. I also love that the mat is available in a wide variety of colors and prints, making it a great gift too.”
Frequent customer complaints include that the mat sheds bits of PVC and the paint flakes.
Pros
- textured nonslip surface
- cushiony and supportive
- affordable
Cons
- sheds bits of PVC
- paint may flake
Best foam yoga mat
Price: $$
If you prefer extra padding and regularly carry your mat around, it’s worth considering a foam yoga mat.
Made from high density foam, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat is 10 mm thick (the thickest on our list) and weighs just 1.8 pounds (lbs.) (0.8 kg).
The mat is a go-to for fitness trainer Courtney Virden, who tells Healthline, “This high quality yoga mat has a lot of cushion and provides a great nonslip surface. It’s also affordable and has a strap that makes it easy to carry around.”
Several online reviews complain that the mat tears easily and has a strong, unpleasant odor when it arrives.
Pros
- inexpensive
- lightweight yet cushiony
- made of tear-resistant foam
Cons
- loses density over time
- may not be as durable as others
- may have a chemical smell
Best sustainable yoga mat
Price: $$
This lightweight mat is a great eco-friendly option, as it’s made from natural rubber. What’s more, JadeYoga plants a tree for each product they sell through their partnership with Trees for the Future.
Healthline Senior Nutrition Editor Lisa Valente recommends the JadeYoga Harmony Mat to anyone who loves doing yoga or needs a stretching mat for their home gym.
Valente shares, “I was always slipping on my old yoga mats and finally decided to upgrade. I’ve had this yoga mat for over 6 years, biked with it to studios, carried it around on a sling, and now I mostly use it to practice home yoga on a carpet.
“It doesn’t slip on any floor, and I even use it in my backyard. It has just the right amount of cushion, and I love the long length for when my littles join me on the mat.”
Healthline Editor II Catherine Conelly also loves this mat. She says, “It’s perfectly grippy and comes a little cheaper than the ever-popular Manduka mats. It’s not too bulky, it’s easy to roll up, and it doesn’t wear easily.
“It’s the best of both worlds in terms of being functional and also a conscious, sustainable choice.”
However, some customers complain that the mat breaks down quickly, while others note that the grip attracts dust and pet hair.
Pros
- three length options
- eco-friendly natural rubber
- made in the United States
Cons
- may break down quickly
- can be difficult to clean
Best for hot yoga
Price: $$$
The Alo Warrior Mat offers a fantastic moisture-wicking grip for sweaty hands and hot yoga sessions. It also has a polyurethane leather layer on top of ethically sourced natural rubber to support your joints.
The mat comes highly recommended by Elisei Rusu, XPRO for YogaSix.
Rusu says, “A great yoga mat like the Alo Warrior Mat takes your practice to another dimension. The jungle green color helps me feel connected to the earth, while the nonslip grip keeps me grounded as I travel around the slightly larger than standard size mat.
“Although the mat is a pricier option, it pays you back in the long run with its quality and durability. Mine is still flowing with me 3 years later.”
Just keep in mind that the Warrior Mat weighs 8 lbs. (3.6 kg), so it might not be the best option for regularly lugging to the yoga studio.
Pros
- cushiony and supportive
- excellent grip
- durable
Cons
- heavy to carry
- attracts dirt
- expensive
Price: $$$
Ideal for hot yoga classes, the Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat has a nonslip layer on top of sustainably harvested natural rubber. It absorbs sweat so you can practice without a towel and is thick enough to support your joints.
Most negative customer reviews say that the mat peels easily and falls apart after a few months.
Pros
- supportive padding
- nonslip surface
- absorbs sweat
Cons
- peels easily
- may fall apart quickly
- expensive
Best nonslip mat
Price: $$
The Reversible Mat 3mm features a sweat-absorbent surface and a bottom layer that grips the floor for stability. It’s a great pick if you often find yourself slipping and sliding on your mat.
Though it’s only 3 mm thick, this lightweight mat is firm and supportive. Plus, it has an antimicrobial additive that prevents mold and mildew.
A few customers complain that the mat stains easily and is difficult to keep clean.
Pros
- excellent grip
- firm and supportive
- portable
Cons
- attracts dust and debris
- stains easily
Best for travel
Price: $$
The Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat is Greenspoon’s go-to for travel.
“It’s what I carry with me on the train to a studio and if I travel to teach a retreat,” she says. “It’s nice that you can fold it instead of rolling it. Plus, If you want to use a studio mat, you can put this on top for protection.”
Greenspoon points out that this mat isn’t cushiony enough for tender knees. She also recommends washing it with tea tree oil to remove the natural rubber smell.
Pros
- foldable
- strong grip
- easy to clean
Cons
- slippery when wet
- too thin for some
Best for restorative yoga
Price: $$$
If you want a thick mat with enough cushioning for Yin and restorative poses, look no further than the JadeYoga Fusion Mat.
This eco-friendly option is extremely comfortable and provides fantastic grip. It also offers extra padding to support sensitive wrists and knees. Plus, it’s made in the United States.
The mat weighs around 8.5 lbs. (3.9 kg), so it’s not the most portable option. Additionally, because it is so cushioned, this mat might not be the best for balancing poses.
Pros
- slip-resistant traction
- ultra-cushioned
- durable
Cons
- heavy and cumbersome
- not ideal for balancing poses
- expensive
Best budget-friendly yoga mat
Price: $
The Yogamatters Sticky Yoga Mat is a popular no-frills mat that’s lightweight but still provides adequate cushioning.
It’s great for carrying to studio classes and is one of the least expensive mats on this list.
The mat is available in 12 colors and is a favorite among yoga teachers who want to stock up on a class set.
While it’s a good budget-friendly pick, some customers complain that the mat is too thin and slippery.
Pros
- inexpensive
- lightweight
- excellent grip
Cons
- slippery when wet
- too thin for some
Best printed yoga mat
Price: $$$
The Plush Mat by Jollie comes in six adorable hand-painted prints by illustrator Kristen Leigh.
It has a microsuede layer on top of natural rubber and provides just enough cushioning. It also has good grip and is absorbent.
Jollie also makes kid-size mats for anyone who plans to practice with their children. Plus, the woman-owned company donates a mat to a pediatric cancer patient for every mat sold.
Pros
- soft and comfortable
- hand-painted bespoke prints
- easy to clean
- kid-friendly sizes available
Cons
- too thin for some
- expensive
Here’s a quick look at how our picks compare:
• durability
• cushion
• cushion
• portability
• durability
• hot yoga
• absorbing moisture
• foldability
• grip
• portability
• grip
Yoga mats provide extra support and grip that can be helpful for essentially any workout involving floor exercises, such as HIIT, Pilates, ab routines, weightlifting, stretching, and, of course, yoga.
You can also use it for supine relaxation practices such as yoga nidra and body scan meditations.
Here are a few factors to consider when shopping for a yoga mat:
- Size: Most yoga mats are around 25 in. (64 cm) wide and 70 in. (178 cm) long. Some brands offer multiple width and length options. If you’re 5 feet 10 in. (177.8 cm) or taller, you may want to buy a longer mat.
- Thickness: Decide how much padding you prefer. Mats that are at least 4.5 mm thick are ideal for restorative and Yin yoga. However, they are generally heavier and less portable. Thinner mats typically work better for standing poses and travel.
- Longevity: Most quality mats will last at least a few years. If you plan to use your mat often, find one durable enough to withstand heavy use without ripping, losing grip, or falling apart. It’s helpful to read reviews to find out whether the mat is easy to keep clean.
- Material: Natural rubber yoga mats offer a sustainable option, though they tend to wear out more quickly than PVC mats, which may last longer but are not eco-friendly.
- Intended use: If you want to buy a yoga mat to keep at home, opt for one that’s thicker and more durable, especially if you plan to do seated and supine poses. If you want to bring your mat to studios or on trips, choose a lightweight design. Look for a textured nonslip surface with lots of grip if you practice hot yoga, do lots of standing poses, or live in a hot and humid climate.
- Customer reviews: Be sure to read several online reviews. In particular, look for customer comments that are several months old to get a better idea of how the mat holds up over time.
Which brand of yoga mat is best?
There are many great yoga mat brands on the market. Manduka, in particular, is a good brand that uses ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices to create mats that withstand the test of time.
Manduka mats are popular among yoga teachers and practitioners for their comfort, quality, and durability. However, they tend to be quite pricey.
What thickness is best for a yoga mat?
The ideal thickness for a yoga mat depends on how you want to use it. If you want a lightweight mat that’s easy to carry, look for one that’s around 3 mm thick.
However, if you need additional support and cushioning for your joints, look for a mat that’s at least 5 mm thick.
Are expensive yoga mats worth it?
An expensive yoga mat is worth the investment if you plan to use it regularly. A quality mat will provide grip, support, and stability to help enhance your practice. It will be easy to clean and will hold up over time so you can use it for years to come.
If you plan to practice yoga regularly, a quality mat is a wise investment.
To select a mat that’s right for your practice, be sure to consider how often and where you plan to use it, as well as which features are most important and how much you’re willing to spend.