To find the best yoga mats, we tested 24 mats in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home over a four-week period. After over 1,100 hours of testing, we evaluated how well each mat unrolled and laid flat, how well the padding and thickness supported our practice, whether the mat provided a non-slip surface, and how portable they were . We also evaluated whether the mats could stand up to sweat and humidity without becoming slippery. Finally, we cleaned them to make sure they were easy to take care of over time. Our top picks are ideal for hot yoga, traveling, at-home use, and more.
We consulted Mandy Ingber, a yoga instructor and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover, and chose mats for our test based on material, size, thickness and grippiness , as well as price and portability . Ingber also suggests considering aesthetics when choosing a mat, as your mat's colors and design may inspire you to spend more time enjoying your practice.
Yoga mats are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment and an integral part of many home workout routines. Whether you’re going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important.
Best Overall
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
View On Amazon
View On Aloyoga.com
View On Net-a-Porter
Our Ratings
Pros
Rolls up tightly
Available in 10 colors
Easy care instructions
Cons
Heavy
Colorful versions may show dirt
After a full day in the Lab, Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat was our top overall pick for its simple, high-quality design. We found the mat to be thick and roomy, with plenty of space for an intermediate vinyasa flow. It struck the perfect balance of cushioning and support that didn’t cause wrist fatigue in positions like Downward Facing Dog.
This Alo mat also provided a strong grip out of the box, with no break-in period—we didn’t slip once while using it. The 5-millimeter thickness provides enough support for your knees when holding poses like Lizard Pose or Frog Pose for longer during a yin yoga practice. Since it weighs just over 6 pounds, it’s not a light mat. However, it rolls up into a tight coil that makes it easy to tote around.
We tested a light color of this mat, and we noticed that dirt showed up on the surface easily. We also found that sweat and water leave a light, temporary stain that evaporates when you let the mat dry flat for a few minutes after your practice. However, the easy care instructions make cleaning it a breeze.
Price at time of publication: $128
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably-sourced rubber and polyurethane leather | Size: 74.4 x 26.4 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds
Best Overall Runner-Up
lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm
View On Lululemon
Our Ratings
Pros
Attractive design
Texture provides excellent grip
Stable support for all types of exercise
Cons
No carrying strap
May not lay flat if stored rolled up
This stylish yoga mat from lululemon provides excellent grip and stability for a variety of poses, making it our best overall runner-up. During testing, we noted the raised texture on the mat surface provided great traction so there was no slipping, even when our hands were sweaty. We liked the bubbly texture and found that it made the mat very grippy.
At 6 millimeters, this mat is thick enough to provide plenty of support and is more cushioned than other lululemon mats we tested. We realized that we didn't need any additional padding, even for exercises done on our hands and knees. We also like that it's 2 inches wider than the typical 24-inch width that most mats offer.
The mat had a slight chemical smell when it was unboxed but that dissipated quickly and we noted that it was easy to roll and stayed rolled. However, when the mat was stored rolled up, the end did not lay flat right away when unrolled. This mat also doesn't come with a carrying strap, which can make it more difficult to bring with you to and from the studio.
Price at time of publication: $98
Key Specs:
Thickness: 6 millimeters | Material: Synthetic rubber | Size: 71 x 26 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds
Best Budget
Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat
View On Aeromats.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Comes in multiple colors
Slight sticky surface provides good grip
Comes with a strap and carrying handle
Cons
Has a mild plastic smell
This yoga mat from Aeromat checks all the boxes—in testing, it scored top marks in comfort, grip, and portability. Plus, we love that it's budget-friendly. We noted that this mat has just the right amount of cushioning: not too much to make it unstable, and not too little to be uncomfortable.
This mat has a slightly sticky feeling that helps with grip. We noted there was no sliding around, even when our hands and feet were sweaty. It comes with a strap and carrying handle, and the mat is lightweight so it's easy to transport.
The Elite Yoga Pilates Mat is latex and phthalate-free and is made with a built-in mesh material that keeps the mat from stretching while in use. It also comes in two different thicknesses and several colors.
Price at time of publication: $45
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5-6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 72 x 24 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds
Best Budget Runner-Up
IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight
Includes carrying strap
Available in five colors
Cons
Takes time to lay completely flat
Shows stains and dirt
Lingering chemical odor
While most mats made from natural rubber can be heavy, IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat weighs in at a relatively light and comfortable-to-carry 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer records 2.8 pounds, but we found it to be lighter when we weighed it in our Lab). We also love that it comes with a carrying strap for trips to and from the studio or gym.
The drawback to such a light mat, however, is that it doesn’t have the heft to lay perfectly flat out of the box like some of the heavier mats we tested. As a result, it only received a score of 2 out of 5 for unboxing.
The 5-millimeter-thick IUGA has the distinction of being one of the grippiest mats from our test. This mat also excelled during our sweat test, making it a great pick for anyone who regularly practices hot yoga. It's also worth noting that the manufacturer states this mat is odorless, but the rubbery smell was evident when we were laying on the mat during Child’s Pose.
Price at time of publication: 60
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds
9 Best Yoga Blocks to Add Support to Your Practice
Best Splurge
Jade Yoga XW Fusion Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On Jadeyoga.com
Our Ratings
Pros
8mm thick
Suitable for taller users
Cons
Heavy and bulky
This mat from Jade Yoga will help your practice feel luxurious. The mat is 8 millimeters thick and is available in an 80-inch length for plenty of grippy surface area. It has a higher price point than most other mats we tested, but we think the size, cushioning, and quality of materials make it worth the splurge.
The XW Fusion mat is made from sustainable, natural rubber, and we like that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold. In testing, we found that the mat provided substantial cushioning but still had some give to it to allow for stability. The grip is solid even when sweating, and the texture feels pleasant and kept us from sliding around.
We noticed that the size of this mat can make it a little cumbersome to roll up and bulky to travel with. But the texture and grip keep it rolled well, to help improves your daily practice.
Price at time of publication: $200
Key Specs:
Thickness: 8 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 80 x 28 inches | Weight: 9 pounds
Best Extra-Long
lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm
View On Lululemon
View On Matchesfashion.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Wide
Easy care instructions
Quick-drying
Cons
Lingering rubber smell on one side
Heavy
lululemon, known for their high-quality activewear (which we also put to the test in the Lab when finding the best lululemon leggings), makes this extra-large mat—a rare find for tall people. At 28 inches, it is the widest of all the mats we tested—and was second in length only to the Manduka PRO.
Its size easily made the biggest impression on us: One of our testers, who is 6 feet tall, liked that they could lie down and still have plenty of room to stretch. Throughout our testing, 5-millimeter-thick mats were consistently rated highest for padding and thickness, and this lululemon mat was no exception. We also found that this mat provided the perfect soft yet firm cushioning that supported our flow while still allowing us to feel grounded.
While this mat is reversible, we preferred the polyurethane side because we found it to be more absorbent, with better grip during both the dry and sweat tests. Meanwhile, the textured rubber side showed more dirt, was more prone to slipping, and had a stronger, lingering smell.
Price at time of publication: $124
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, and nylon | Size: 84 x 28 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds
Best Non-Slip
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On Zappos
View On Zappos
Our Ratings
Pros
Available in two lengths
Lifetime guarantee
Latex-free
Cons
Expensive
Heavy
High-maintenance care instructions
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Review
If you’ve been looking at yoga mats with the intention of making an investment that will stand the test of time, then chances are good you’ve at least heard of Manduka's PRO Yoga Mat. It has a reputation for being one of the highest-quality mats available and is often the pick of seasoned yogis and instructors. And in our test, we found that it held up to the hype.
The Manduka PRO is known for requiring a bit of a break-in period before it becomes the non-slip mat people rave about. Compared to some of the other mats we tested, like Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, we were impressed by its out-of-the-box grip. We didn’t need to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping, like the brand recommended.
We tested the long version of this mat (it’s available in two lengths), and with length comes weight. At 8.8 pounds, the Manduka PRO was easily the heaviest mat we tested—notably, the manufacturer states that it weighs 9.5 pounds. For such a heavy mat, and at this higher price point, we wish it came with a bag or carrying strap. For these reasons, this mat had some of the lowest portability, storage, and care scores of the entire test, at a 3 out of 5.
Price at time of publication: $109-$155
Key Specs:
Thickness: 6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 71 x 26 inches and 85 x 26 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds and 8.8 pounds
10 Best Yoga Mat Bags, Reviewed and Approved By a Personal Trainer
Best Thick Mat
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Balancefrom.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight
Budget-friendly
Includes carrying strap
Cons
Squeaks occasionally
Takes time to lay completely flat
Measuring almost 13 millimeters, this mat was easily the thickest in our test. The foam material is softer and lends more supple cushioning than any other we tested, which is great for anyone with sensitive joints or who wants a versatile mat to aid them in bodyweight exercises. And for a fraction of the cost of most other mats on our list, we like that this one has all the grip and padding you'd expect.
However, such a thick mat may make you feel less stable or grounded in certain poses, especially when you need to focus on balance. A thinner mat may be better for yoga, while a thicker mat is a better choice if you want to use it for Pilates or other workouts. Ultimately, yoga mat thickness is a matter of personal preference.
Despite providing good grip even during the sweat test, we found that this mat occasionally made squeaking noises when transitioning into certain poses. The noise was distracting, so we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who prefers a more meditative practice. It's also worth noting that it takes time to lay completely flat after pulling it out of the box.
Price at time of publication: $19
Key Specs:
Thickness: 12.9 millimeters | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2 pounds
Best for Hot Yoga
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On REI
View On Dick's
Our Ratings
Pros
Available in three lengths
Rolls up tightly
Jade Yoga plants one tree for each mat sold
Cons
Lingering rubber smell
Whether you gravitate toward hot yoga or simply tend to sweat while you practice, Jade Yoga's Harmony Yoga Mat is our top choice. We found it provided an optimal amount of padding without being too plush. And the natural rubber absorbs moisture, which allows the mat to provide excellent traction throughout any workout.
This Jade mat weighs in at just under 5 pounds, and we found that it easily lays flat during the first use. It’s not the lightest mat available but is far from the heaviest we tested. We ultimately scored it a 4 out of 5 for portability—while it doesn’t include a carrying bag or strap, it rolls up tightly and isn’t too burdensome to take from your home to the studio and back again.
We also like that Jade Yoga plants a tree for each mat that's sold, so you can feel confident that you're making a difference with your purchase. Choose from three lengths between 68 and 74 inches.
Price at time of publication: $85-$90
Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.7 millimeters | Material: Naturally-sourced tree rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches and 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds
The 5 Best Yoga Towels to Keep You Stable and Comfortable During Your Practice
Best for Home Use
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On Liforme.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Alignment guide marked on mat
Includes carrying bag
Quick-drying
Cons
Expensive
Shows stains and dirt
What sets the Liforme mat apart from all the others is the alignment guide that's etched on the polyurethane top layer. While this can come in handy during studio classes, it’s really a distinguishing feature for at-home practices when you don’t have the benefit of an experienced yoga instructor to help adjust your form. There is a small guidebook attached to the carrying bag that further explains the alignment system, so you can get started using it right away.
The length and width are both more generous than standard-size mats, which means you’ll have ample space for active flows and stretching. In the Lab, we found that the 4.2-millimeter thickness provided just the right amount of cushion and support. The surface of the mat also provided an ideal grip during both the wet and dry tests.
The eco-polyurethane surface is PVC-free, and, while we noticed that it was easy to see dirt and water stains, the top layer is absorbent and quick-drying—so the water and sweat didn’t impact our workout. We thought this mat shared several things in common with Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat, our best overall pick. The size of the mat and the grip and feel under our hands and feet were almost identical. But ultimately, we think the Alo mat is a better value since it costs around 40% less.
Price at time of publication: $150
Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.2 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane | Size: 72.8 x 26.7 inches | Weight: 4.6 pounds
Best for Travel
Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat
View On Amazon
View On Zappos
View On Zappos
Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight
Can be rolled or folded
Non-toxic
Cons
May be slippery at first
Thin
If you want nearly all of the benefits of a stellar yoga mat in a smaller, travel-friendly package, we recommend Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat. At 2.2 pounds, it was among the lightest rubber mats wet tested, which is especially impressive considering it measures 71 x 24 inches.
Made from non-toxic rubber, this mat can be rolled or folded up for easy storage in a gym bag or suitcase. However, with only a 1.5-millimeter thickness, we scored it a 3.5 out of 5 for padding because it may not provide enough support for all users.
Manduka’s mats often require a break-in period before they reach the sticky and grippy qualities they are known for. Unlike the Manduka PRO, which we found to be grippy enough out of the box, the eKO Superlite was more slippery upon first use than we would have preferred. We rated it a 3 out of 5 for grip and feel, but we will continue testing this mat at home and update our review with insights about the grip once we’ve spent more time breaking it in.
Price at time of publication: $52
Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 millimeters | Material: Eco-friendly rubber | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds
Best with Firm Support
Athleta Flow Freely Yoga Mat
View On Gap.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Available in six colors
Rolls up tightly
Easy care instructions
Cons
Heavy
Expensive
Whether you're inverted in Crow Pose or standing in Warrior 1, Athleta's Flow Freely Yoga Mat provides a sturdy base and firm support. If you're a beginner or seasoned yogi who prefers the stability of a firm mat, this 4.5-millimeter pick is an ideal choice. We appreciated the anti-slip natural rubber that kept our hands and feet secured, even when things got sweaty.
The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions.
The mat rolls up tightly, but at a heavy 6.7 pounds, we found it difficult to carry—earning a low portability score. It's one of the more expensive options on our list. However, we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment that will last for dozens of Downward Facing Dogs to come.
Price at time of publication: $119
Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.5 millimeters | Material: Responsibly-sourced rubber | Size: 81 x 26 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds
Best on Amazon
Amazon Basics 1/2-inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
Our Ratings
Pros
Versatile - can be used for other types of workouts
Budget-friendly
12.7 millimeters thick
Cons
Doesn't stay rolled on it's own
Mild plastic smell
Amazon Basics makes plenty of high-quality products, and this Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat is no exception. We like the versatility of this mat provided by its 1/2-inch thickness, making it a good choice for all types of exercises. During testing, it was used for planks and wall handstands, as well as yoga, and provided plenty of cushioning and stability. We also noted there was no slipping even when hands and feet were sweaty.
Despite its thickness, this mat, made of foam rubber, still weighs under 3 pounds, so it's lightweight and easy to carry with the included strap. It has a smooth side and a textured side to provide comfort, support, and stability no matter what exercise you're doing.
We noted the mat has a mild plastic smell and doesn't stay rolled without the strap. Still, we think it's the best value for a yoga mat on Amazon, and we like that it comes in multiple colors.
Price at time of publication: $27
Key Specs:
Thickness: 12.7 millimeters | Material: Foam rubber | Size: 73.2 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds
Best for Power Yoga
YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat
View On Yogaaccessories.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Double-sided, non-slip texture
Available in multiple colors
Cushiony without being unstable
Cons
Doesn't come with a carrying strap
This mat from Yoga Accessories provides good grip and just the right amount of support, making it perfect for the faster pace of power yoga. We noted that it's 1/4-inch thickness is soft, without feeling like you will sink into it and be unstable. It was supportive even when kneeling for various exercises.
We found in testing that the mat is also grippy enough to prevent slipping even when doing sweaty planks. The mat has a double-sided, non-slip texture, and is Latex and phthalate-free. We didn't notice any chemical or rubbery smell at all upon unboxing, and we like that the mat is easy to clean.
It does not come with a carrying strap. Even so, it's lightweight and portable, comes in multiple colors, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Price at time of publication: $30
Key Specs:
Thickness: 6.3 millimeters | Material: Foam | Size: 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds
Best Reversible
Manduka Begin Yoga Mat
View On Amazon
View On Everydayyoga.com
View On Manduka.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Lightweight
Center alignment stripe
Multiple color options
Cons
Smaller than other mats on this list
Doesn't come with a strap
This yoga mat from Manduka has a center alignment stripe and is reversible with a lighter side and a darker side. We like that the reversibility extends the use of this mat. In testing, we found it to be very lightweight and portable but less cushioned than others we tested.
We like that it has a stripe down the center to help with alignment and we noticed that there was no significant rubber or chemical smell after unboxing. It has a nice texture and good grip that keeps it from sliding around on the floor. We noted that it's very easy to roll up but doesn't stay rolled by itself, and it doesn't come with a strap or carrying case.
This mat comes in several different color combinations. You can also order a bundle including the brand's yoga mat cleaner at an additional cost.
Price at time of publication: $58
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds
Best for Beginners
Jade Yoga Level One Mat
View On Amazon
View On Jadeyoga.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Great grip from natural rubber
Easy to roll
Cons
Thinner than other mats on our list
No carrying strap
This non-toxic mat from Jade Yoga has great grip and balance support, making it a good choice for beginner yogis. The natural rubber this mat is made from provides better grip than synthetic mats, giving people new to yoga more confidence as they move through different poses. The budget-friendly price point helps, too.
We noted in testing that this mat did not slide around even when hands were sweaty and didn't pick up a sweaty smell. We also found that it is thinner than other mats on our list, and holding certain poses for too long put some pressure on our joints.
However, we noticed that it was easy to balance on, another benefit for beginners. The Level One mat is easy to roll, but note that it doesn't come with a carrying strap.
Price at time of publication: $50
Key Specs:
Thickness: 4 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: 4 pounds
Best with Pattern
Gaiam 6mm Premium Reversible Lunar Wave Yoga Mat
View On Gaiam.com
View On Getactv.com
View On Kohls.com
Our Ratings
Pros
Calming colors and patterns
Reversible design
Access to online library of yoga content
Cons
Doesn't come with a carrying strap
This sturdy mat from Gaiam has a pleasant blue and green lunar wave design that makes your practice feel luxurious. The mat is reversible, so you can choose whichever design suits your mood.
In testing, we found that the mat has a grippy nice texture that kept it from sliding around. The grip is very sticky without feeling uncomfortable, and we were easily able to stay in place, even in Downward Dog. We noted that sweaty hands did not affect the grip at all.
The mat is thick enough to be supportive and stable, but we noted that it may be a bit thin if doing a lot of exercises or poses on your knees. The mat's texture helps it roll easily and stay rolled so it's easy to transport even without a strap. We noted it had a mild smell upon unboxing, but the scent disappeared after a couple weeks. And we like that it comes with access to an online library of yoga content.
Price at time of publication: $40
Key Specs:
Thickness: 6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: Not stated
Best for Studio Workouts
Bala Play Mat
View On Goop.com
View On Shopbala.com
View On Target
Our Ratings
Pros
Chic design
Smooth surface
Available in five colors
Cons
No carrying strap
Thinner than other mats on this list
This Bala mat rolls up tightly and works well for faster-paced yoga classes and studio workouts. In testing, we noted that the mat is lightweight, portable, and easy to travel with; however, it doesn't come with a carrying strap. It comes in minimal, recyclable packaging, and we noticed no significant smell when the mat was unboxed.
We like the chic design of this mat with a curved top end and five color options. The surface of the mat is smooth, which makes it very comfortable, but it also offers good grip. We noted in testing that there was no sliding around even when sweaty, and poses felt secure, stable, and safe.
This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time.
Price at time of publication: $100
Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 71 3/8 x 26 1/2 inches | Weight: Not stated
With high quality products and considerate service, we will work together with you to enhance your business and improve the efficiency. Please don't hesitate to contact us to get more details of customized yoga mats with logo.