If you’ve ever tried a new, challenging position in yoga, and found yourself slipping and sliding across your mat, you’ll know that the best yoga mats provide stability and comfort.
To help your journey to yoga nirvana, we’ve tested out a range of yoga mats across a variety of budgets, to see what works and what doesn’t. Most yoga mats may look similar, but there are hundreds of variations on offer, with a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and shapes available.
If you’re still mulling over whether to start yoga or not, it may be worth knowing that the National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health says regular yoga practice can:
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall mental health
- Relieve low-back and neck pain and knee osteoarthritis
- Help you lose weight by burning calories
- Help you quit smoking
- Reduce menopause symptoms
- Help you manage the symptoms of chronic diseases
- Improve sleep
- Reduce tension headaches
According to Harvard Health, yoga can have a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors, lowering blood pressure. It can also lower blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, reducing the need for medications.
If all that doesn’t convince you to downward dog, then our list of the 8 benefits of yoga may do the trick.
But don’t forget - it’s important to have the right kit in place, to reduce the risk of injury, and give you the confidence you need to try those new positions. Given how expensive some yoga mats can be, it’s worth taking the time to consider what’s important to you, how much your budget can afford, and your level of yoga experience.
For example, if you’re just starting out, it’s probably best not to blow your budget out of the water on a mat you may not be using in a year’s time. And if you’re a seasoned yogi still using their old college mat, then why not treat yourself to an upgrade. You deserve it.
Our expert buying guide takes you though some of the very best yoga mats available on the market, from vegan or eco-friendly options, to mats that are naturally antimicrobial. Plus, we take a look at which yoga mats are great for rolling up and taking to your class, and which mats are better saved for home use. From affordable options to the next level in yoga mats, it’s all here.
Best yoga mats
For once you can believe the hype: the Lululemon Reversible 5mm Yoga Mat is worth every cent.
Well made, durable and with excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, it’s the yoga mat that keeps on giving.
It’s springy enough to move around on with great cushioning to support bones and joints. Its thin polyurethane layer and ‘sweat-wicking’ natural rubber base, does a good job at absorbing moisture and the antimicrobial additive in the mat prevents bacteria from building up.
It’s a bit smelly when you first open it, and tends to scratch easily. It’s also a little on the heavy side at 2.38kg but that doesn’t matter if you’re driving to class or you usually workout from home. Plus, the 5mm thickness means you get the support where you need it most.
- Read the full Lululemon Reversible 5mm Mat review
The Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat lives up to its name on the grip front and provides excellent support and stability for all types of yoga.
Its sticky latex surface makes it durable enough to withstand a hot yoga session, and its non-slip nature makes it great for stability, meaning that you can stay in balance poses such as downward dog for longer.
Our one complaint is that due to its stickiness, this yoga mat is also somewhat of a dust and dirt magnet. It also picks up marks easily, but this is nothing that regular cleaning (and a carry bag for storage) can’t resolve.
Because this eco-friendly mat is made from natural latex (avoid if you have a latex allergy) you should expect a strong odor at first. However, this does wear off in time. We would note that this mat is a little thin for headstands, so you might need to add a towel to make it thicker.
- Read the full Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat review
The Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat is perfect for travel as it’s thin, lightweight and compact.
It easily folds down to the size of a yoga block, and has a textured design that gives it great grip. While this mat will take up very little space in your luggage or your closet at home, the downside is that its super thin profile means that there is zero padding in this travel mat. We would also recommend rolling the mat out after you unpack it to minimize creases.
This yoga mat is made from PVC-free natural rubber so expect a rubbery smell for the first few weeks (and avoid this product if you have a latex allergy). It has an open cell construction and is really sticky, which is ideal as it means that you won’t slip and slide during your yoga session.
We would note that the mat can be a little slippery when sweat-soaked, but it doesn’t tend to mark or stain which is a big bonus. Jade Yoga has a plant-based mat wash you can use for cleaning, but we found that regular sprays worked just as well (although avoid UV cleaners as these can damage the rubber). Overall a great value mat with good performance for travelling yogis.
The Gaiam Premium 2-Color Yoga Mat is reversible, so you can choose which side suits your yoga style or activity.
It comes in at under 50 bucks so it’s a solid budget-friendly option for people new to yoga.
It’s a good size for taller people who need a bit more mat space, and has great cushioning to support joints and bones. That makes it a good choice for anyone using it for circuits or HIIT workouts, too.
Our main complaints are that it tends to mark easily and the stickiness doesn't last very long. It’s sweat absorbent to an extent, but not compatible with hot yoga. The plus side is that it’s latex-free and comes with Gaiam’s lifetime guarantee.
Yoga wear brand Alo makes mats as beautiful as their clothes but does the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat deliver on performance?
We have to say that, despite being one of the most expensive out there, this is one of the best yoga mats you can buy. It looks and feels luxurious and is made with non-toxic ethically sourced rubber, which gives it an excellent grip.
It has an extended length (75” / 6.2ft) and the thickness (5mm) means that it’s super durable and comfortable. We found it extremely hard-working during our hot yoga sessions, as the moisture-wicking material helps it keep its grip.
This yoga mat comes in a bold array of colorways and has a matte finish that gives it a premium feel. An added bonus is that when you buy the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat you get a free 30-day trial of Alo Moves, which gives you access to unlimited yoga, fitness and meditation classes led by their pro instructors.
Skin-safe and OEKO-TEX certified (free from hazardous chemicals), the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is a favourite of yoga teachers and called pro for good reason.
Its ultra thick 6mm cushioning provides excellent support and stability, while it’s still firm enough underfoot for tree/balance poses. The dot pattern keeps the mat steady on any surface and the textured top layer means you can flow between moves without sticking to the mat.
Admittedly, this mat needs a bit of breaking in and it’s recommended to use a sea salt scrub to speed up the process. Each mat is handmade and is made from closed-cell material, which seals out moisture and bacteria, keeping mold and mildew at bay.
We love that it comes in two sizes – standard and extra long, so taller people can enjoy not hanging off the mat for once (but word to the wise: the bigger mat may take up valuable space in smaller yoga studios, which might prove unpopular!).
New to yoga? The Heathyoga TPE Body Alignment System Yoga Mat is a solid choice because it comes with marks for hands and feet placement.
This is really helpful for newcomers to yoga, as you can work on correct technique and positioning with less risk of injury.
It’s slip resistant, easy to clean and stays nice and flat once it’s unrolled. It’s thick enough to do prolonged yin practice poses with comfort and has excellent grip, even in hot yoga classes. We love how durable it is, with just the right amount of cushioning for standing poses.
Longer and wider than standard yoga mats, the Heathyoga TPE Body Alignment System Yoga Mat comes with a free Velcro strap and carrying strap
Going on vacation? You need the Manduka Eko Superlite Yoga Mat in your life!
Easy to fold or roll, this eco-friendly, lightweight mat has superb grip and is versatile for all types of yoga practice.
As it’s a travel yoga mat, it’s very thin (1.5mm) but you can always put it on top of a thicker mat in a yoga studio. It has a tightly woven scrim that resists tearing or scratching, and a good grip considering how thin it is.
It’s made from sustainably harvester tree rubber (so expect a rubbery odor at first), without PVC or harmful dyes and is 99% latex free. It folds and rolls away easily into luggage and is a great investment for people who love traveling.
The Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat is famous for its non-slip tech and made from eco-friendly natural rubber and PU, meaning you can stay in poses for longer.
From a simple downward dog to more dynamic moves such as crow and fallen star, this mat keeps you in place regardless of how much you’re sweating.
At 4mm thick, the Yogi Bare Paws Extreme Grip Yoga Mat is as good for vinyasa flow and hot yoga as it is for more strenuous HIIT and circuit workouts, but if you’re worried about your knees you might want a slighter thicker mat. We used it on wooden floorboards, and it stayed put. However, there was a bit of movement when used on carpet – but nothing compared with cheaper mats. That said, it did pick up a lot of fluff and dirt from the floor.
It’s easy to clean (warm water with lemon juice works well) and comes with laser etched alignment guides on the mat to help you get into position. It’s made from vegan-friendly rubber with water-based dyes, so won’t cost the earth.
The With Every Atom Cork Yoga Mat is extra large so it’s a great option for taller people.
It’s made from naturally grippy rubber and moisture wicking cork, so the grip actually improves the more you sweat. It’s a great choice for all styles of yoga, including Ashtanga, Hatha, hot yoga and other floor-based workouts.
It’s fairly lightweight and not too thick yet supportive and comfortable enough for daily practice. We love that the With Every Atom Cork Yoga Mat is vegan-friendly and made from sustainably sourced, natural and recycled materials.
Cork is naturally antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, so it’s also low maintenance. It tends to mark easily, but is easy to clean. Plus, when you buy an Every Atom Cork Yoga Mat the brand plants a tree. The only downside is that this yoga mat only comes in one color.
Which yoga mat is best?
So, how do you decide on the best yoga mat for you? And what should you take into consideration when you are choosing a new yoga mat for your practice?
The first thing to think about is the style of yoga you’ll be doing. Are you a regular at Bikram yoga classes or another studio where they run sessions in heated spaces? If this is your preferred type of yoga then you’ll know it can be quite a sweaty experience, so you’ll be looking for a yoga mat with plenty of grip. Ideally your preferred mat will be made from a material with an antimicrobial layer or sweat-wicking properties too.
If your yoga studio is a bit of a distance from home or work then your ideal mat will be lightweight. This is also something to consider if you plan to take your yoga mat on holiday with you so that you can even experience the benefits of yoga while you’re away from home.
Although yoga mats tend to be quite long anyway, if you’re on the tall side you may find you need to opt for an extra-long yoga mat. Practicing on a mat that’s too short for you may prevent you from fully extending in some poses, which, given that many people practice yoga to fix their posture, would be pretty counterproductive. If you do need a longer mat, then it’s worth checking with your studio how much space they allocate per person so that you don’t end up with your mat creeping over the edge of someone else’s in an overcrowded class!
Mats are available in a variety of thicknesses, from as slender as 1/16-inch (1.5 mm) to a super-squishy 1/4-inch-thick (6.3 mm). Do bear in mind that thicker mats will be heavier so if you have to carry your mat to class you may want to opt for the middle path. Also, if you’re interested in yin yoga, or other slower, restorative styles, then a thicker mat may be a good option for you. This is because you’ll be spending extended periods sitting and lying down, so you want to be comfortable.
Your yoga mat should have a right amount of grip so that you can hold your balance poses without fear of slipping or getting stuck. If you can’t get enough of hot yoga, you’ll want a mat with plenty of grip to stop you from sliding around, whereas if you’re more into fast yoga styles, like Ashtanga or Rocket, then you may find a grippy mat actually interrupts the flow of your movements.
If you’re new to yoga, and have taken it up to improve your flexibility, you may find it helpful to buy a yoga mat with alignment marks etched into it to help you with technique and form.
Whatever style of mat you choose, make sure you opt for one that is well-designed and of a high quality. The most expensive mats run into three figures, but it’s perfectly possible to get a decent one for much less, so shop around to get the best yoga mat for your needs without breaking the bank.
Where is the best place to buy a yoga mat?
If you don’t know where to begin when choosing a yoga mat, the amount of choice available can be a little daunting. Invest in a premium model from a company like Lululemon or Sweaty Betty and you should notice the difference, but other less-pricey makes like Gaiam are also a safe bet.
Alo Yoga have built a loyal following for their durable yoga mats, which are designed to suit all practices. All these brands also sell premium yoga-specific workout clothes.
Places like Amazon, Best Buy, Target and Walmart often have big discounts on yoga mats, but watch out for amazing deals that seem too good to be true! Cheap yoga mats are often a false economy. They may be made of poor-quality materials that don’t last well, and might also not have much grip, leaving you at a greater risk of slipping and hurting yourself.
Read more: Six yoga myths debunked
Yoga tends to attract people with a green outlook, so if you want a mat that has a minimal impact on the planet then sustainable brands like Manduka, Heathyoga, With Every Atom and Yogi Bare Paws may be the right choice for you. Do bear in mind that, although many of these mats are made from natural rubber, they may still contain latex, which will make them unsuitable for people with latex allergies.
Yoga teacher Ro Grogan has a unique suggestion: "I really rate a cork mat from somewhere like Cork Space – it's sustainable, natural and grounding. Everyone is different, but you want a yoga mat that suits you visually. A bit like our clothes, your mat should spark joy."
If you’re a regular at a studio, or want to practice while on vacation, then look for a lightweight yoga mat. JadeYoga and Gaiam both offer high quality lightweight travel mats that are easy to fold and pack.
This article was updated on March 24, 2022, by Live Science contributor Rosee Woodland.
This article is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to offer medical advice.
How we test yoga mats
To ensure we only recommend the best yoga mats, we put each one through its paces in two types of yoga classes – gliding gracefully through a 60-minute restorative yin and powering through a sweaty 60-minute hot vinyasa.
We tested each mat for comfort, grip, versatility, and value for money as we lunged, flowed, and navigated inversions, also noting standout features like sustainable materials or design perks like alignment cue lines and fun patterns. Each model was awarded a final score out of five stars, determining how likely we are to recommend the product to yogis seeking a new mat for finding their zen.
