Top 7 Best Yoga Mat 2024
By Editorial | September 11, 2024
Yoga, a long-cherished fitness routine, **boosts** flexibility, strength, and balance, and helps cut down stress and anxiety. A key part of yoga is the yoga mat. It gives a padded, non-slip base for your exercises, making sure you **properly** and safely do different poses.
When it comes to purchasing a yoga mat, there are several critical things to consider. The first thing to consider is the material. Some mats are made from natural materials like rubber or cork, while others are made from synthetic materials like PVC. The type of material you choose will depend on your personal preference and any allergies or sensitivities you may have.
Another important factor to consider is the size and thickness of the mat. Most yoga mats are around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but you may want a longer or wider mat if you are taller or prefer more space to move around. The thickness of the mat can also vary, with thicker mats providing more cushioning and support.
Finally, you’ll want to consider the price of the mat. While you can find yoga mats for as little as $10, more expensive mats can cost upwards of $100. The price will depend on the quality of the mat, the materials used, and any additional features like extra grip or antimicrobial properties.
We spent hours researching and testing various yoga mats to identify the best ones on the market. In the following sections, we’ll share our top picks for the best yoga mats based on material, size and thickness, and price.
Best Yoga Mats
As yoga continues to grow in popularity, there are more and more yoga mats available on the market. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best yoga mats available on Amazon. We’ve done the research and testing so you don’t have to. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned yogi, we’ve got you covered with our top picks.
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat Black
This yoga mat is a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly mat that provides ample cushioning and support during workouts.
Pros
- The 1/2 inch thickness offers comfortable padded support and shock absorption, making it ideal for high-impact workouts.
- The textured surface provides extra traction, ensuring that you won’t slip or slide during your practice.
- The elastic strap makes it easy to roll up and store, and the mat wipes clean easily.
Cons
- The mat may have a slight odor initially, but this should dissipate after a few uses.
- The mat may be too thick for some users who prefer a thinner mat for certain poses.
- The mat may not be as durable as higher-end options and may show signs of wear and tear over time.
We highly recommend the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat for those on a budget who are looking for a comfortable and supportive mat for their workouts.
This mat provides ample cushioning and traction, making it ideal for high-impact workouts. The elastic strap makes it easy to roll up and store, and the mat wipes clean easily. However, users should be aware that the mat may have a slight odor initially, may be too thick for some users, and may not be as durable as higher-end options.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat Fitness & Exercise Mat with Easy-Cinch Yoga Mat Carrier Strap
If you’re looking for a durable and comfortable yoga mat, the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a great option.
Pros
- This mat is extra-thick (2/5 inch) and provides great cushioning for your joints during any yoga or fitness routine.
- It comes with a carrying strap for easy transport to and from your yoga class or workout.
- The mat is made of NBR foam, which provides a soft and comfortable surface for stretching and posing.
Cons
- The mat may produce some off-gas even weeks after purchase.
- It may show wear more quickly than more traditional types of yoga mats.
- The included carrying strap has a very tight velcro that may leave marks on the mat.
We’ve been using this mat for a few weeks and we’re very happy with it. The extra thickness makes it very comfortable to use, especially during poses that put pressure on your knees or joints. The carrying strap is a nice touch and makes it easy to take the mat with you wherever you go. The only downside is that the mat may produce some off-gas even weeks after purchase, which may bother some people with sensitivities. Additionally, the mat may show wear more quickly than more traditional types of yoga mats.
Overall, we highly recommend the Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat for anyone looking for a comfortable and durable yoga mat.
Gaiam Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm Print Reversible Extra Thick Non Slip Exercise & Fitness Mat for All Types of Yoga, Pilates & Floor Workouts (68″ x 24″ x 6mm Thick) Purple Lotus
If you’re looking for a yoga mat that provides extra cushioning for your joints, the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat is a great choice. Whether you’re practicing at home or in the studio, this mat offers a stable, non-slip surface to enhance proper alignment and maintain poses.
Pros
- Lightweight yet thick for extra cushioning
- Reversible with two design options
- Non-toxic and free of harmful phthalates
Cons
- May release a harmless odor when first unwrapped
- Tends to roll up on occasion
- Some users find it too thin for certain poses
We’ve been using the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and durability. The mat is lightweight yet thick, providing ample cushioning for our joints during yoga and fitness routines. We appreciate that it’s reversible with two design options, so we can switch up our practice whenever we want.
One thing to note is that the mat may release a harmless odor when first unwrapped. We found that airing it out for a few days before use helped to minimize the smell. Additionally, the mat tends to roll up on occasion, but this is a minor inconvenience that doesn’t detract from its overall performance.
Overall, we highly recommend the Gaiam Premium Print Reversible Yoga Mat for anyone looking for a high-quality, non-toxic yoga mat that provides extra cushioning and a non-slip surface. Plus, the free bonus downloadable yoga workout that comes with the mat is a nice added bonus!
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat Black
This yoga mat is a great choice for those looking for an affordable, comfortable and durable mat.
Pros
- The 1/2 inch thickness provides excellent cushioning and shock absorption, making it comfortable to use for extended periods of time.
- The textured surface provides extra traction, making it less likely to slip during use.
- The elastic strap makes it easy to store and carry around.
Cons
- The mat may have a slight odor when first opened, but this disappears after a few uses.
- The mat may be too thick for some users who prefer a thinner mat.
- The mat is only available in one color.
We were impressed with the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat Black. The mat is made of 100% NBR foam, which is both durable and stretchable. The mat is easy to clean and maintain, and the textured surface provides excellent grip. We appreciated the 1/2 inch thickness, which made it comfortable to use for extended periods of time. The elastic strap made it easy to store and carry around.
In summary, if you’re looking for an affordable, comfortable and durable yoga mat, the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat Black is a great choice.
Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat 1″ Thick w/Nylon Strap for Men & Women
If you’re looking for a yoga mat that provides excellent support and balance during your practice, the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat is a great option. With its extra-thick design, non-slip grip, and durable material, this mat is perfect for any type of exercise routine.
Pros
- The Solana mat is 1-inch thick, providing ample cushioning for pressure points and joints.
- The non-slip grip ensures that the mat stays securely on the floor, even during the most intense workouts.
- The durable material makes the Solana mat perfect for everyday use, and the included nylon carrying strap makes it easy to transport from home to studio.
Cons
- The mat may initially release a harmless odor, but it can be easily aired out before use.
- The mat is hand wash only, which may be inconvenient for some users.
- The mat is available in only one color option.
We’ve been using the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat for several weeks now, and we’re impressed with its quality and performance. The extra-thick design provides excellent cushioning for our knees, hips, and hands, and the non-slip grip keeps us steady and balanced during our practice.
The durable material has held up well to daily use, and we appreciate the included nylon carrying strap for easy transport. While the mat may initially release a harmless odor, it dissipates quickly and doesn’t affect the mat’s performance.
Overall, we highly recommend the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat for anyone looking for a high-quality, supportive yoga mat.
Manduka PRO Black Sage 71″ x 26″
If you are looking for a yoga mat that will last a lifetime, then the Manduka PRO Black Sage 71″ x 26″ is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The ultra-dense cushioning provides superior support and joint protection.
- The mat is responsibly made, ensuring no toxic emissions are released into the atmosphere.
- The non-slip grip of the mat improves with use, allowing you to flow between postures without sticking.
Cons
- The mat is quite heavy, making it difficult to transport.
- The price point is on the higher side.
- The mat may have a strong odor when first opened.
We have been using the Manduka PRO Black Sage 71″ x 26″ for several months now, and we are impressed with its durability and comfort. The mat is made of high-quality PVC that has been certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX, ensuring that it is safe for human contact. The mat is also emissions-free, which means that it is environmentally friendly.
The ultra-dense cushioning provides superior support and joint protection, making it perfect for high-intensity yoga sessions. The non-slip grip of the mat improves with use, allowing you to flow between postures without sticking. The textured top layer also adds to the overall grip of the mat.
The mat is quite heavy, making it difficult to transport. However, this is a small price to pay for the durability and comfort that the mat provides. The price point is on the higher side, but we believe that it is worth the investment for a mat that will last a lifetime. The mat may have a strong odor when first opened, but this dissipates after a few uses.
Overall, we highly recommend the Manduka PRO Black Sage 71″ x 26″ for anyone who is serious about their yoga practice. It is a high-quality, durable mat that provides superior comfort and support, making it the perfect choice for both beginners and experienced yogis alike.
Feetlu Yoga Mat with Strap
If you’re looking for a yoga mat that provides excellent grip and support, the Feetlu Yoga Mat with Strap is a great option.
Pros
- The ultra-gripping property of the mat makes it slip-free throughout all yoga practices, providing stability and balance.
- The mat is extra thick with a 10mm cushioning that provides incomparable comfort and protection for your joints and knees, making it ideal for various kinds of yoga poses and Pilates.
- The mat is lightweight and comes with a convenient carrying strap, making it easy to take with you anywhere, including outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Cons
- The material of the mat is prone to tearing easily, so it’s important to handle it gently.
- The mat is only available in two colors, which may not be suitable for everyone’s preferences.
- The mat may have a slight odor when first opened, but it will dissipate after a few days.
We recently tried out the Feetlu Yoga Mat with Strap and were impressed with its performance. The textured surface on both sides of the mat provides optimum levels of traction, ensuring that it stays in place throughout your yoga practice. The mat’s extra thickness provides excellent cushioning, making it comfortable to use for extended periods.
We also appreciated the convenience of the carrying strap, which made it easy to transport the mat to and from our yoga classes. The mat’s lightweight design meant that we could simply roll it up and take it with us wherever we went.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Feetlu Yoga Mat with Strap to anyone looking for a high-quality yoga mat that provides excellent grip and support.
Buying Guide
When choosing the best yoga mat, there are several features to consider to ensure that you get the most out of your practice. Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping for a yoga mat:
Material
The material of the yoga mat is an important factor to consider. The most common materials used for yoga mats are PVC, rubber, and TPE. PVC mats are durable and affordable, but they may not be the most eco-friendly option. Rubber mats are also durable and offer excellent grip, but they can be heavy and have a strong odor. TPE mats are lightweight and eco-friendly, but they may not offer as much cushioning as other materials.
Thickness
The thickness of the yoga mat is another important factor to consider. Thicker mats offer more cushioning and support, which can be helpful for those with joint pain or for restorative yoga practices. However, thicker mats can also be heavier and less portable. Thinner mats are lightweight and easy to carry, but they may not offer as much cushioning.
Texture
The texture of the yoga mat can affect your grip and comfort during your practice. Mats with a sticky texture can help prevent slipping, while mats with a smooth texture can allow for more freedom of movement. Some mats also have a textured surface that can provide additional grip.
Size
The size of the yoga mat is also important to consider. Standard yoga mats are usually around 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, but taller individuals may need a longer mat. Wider mats can also provide more space for movement and may be more comfortable for those with broader shoulders.
Price
Finally, price is an important factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, investing in a high-quality mat can make a big difference in your practice. Prices can range from under $20 to over $100, so consider your budget and how often you plan to use the mat.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best yoga mat for your needs and ensure that you get the most out of your practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated yoga mats for durability and grip?
When it comes to durability and grip, some of the most popular yoga mats on the market include the Manduka ProLite, Jade Harmony Professional, and Liforme Yoga Mat. These mats are made with high-quality materials that can withstand daily use and provide excellent grip, even in sweaty conditions.
Which yoga mats are recommended for beginners seeking stability and comfort?
For beginners seeking stability and comfort, we recommend the Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat, the YogaAccessories Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat, and the Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Yoga Mat. These mats are all designed to provide a stable surface for beginners to practice on, and offer extra cushioning for added comfort.
What materials are considered superior for eco-friendly and non-slip yoga mats?
Eco-friendly and non-slip yoga mats are typically made with natural rubber, cork, or jute. These materials are sustainable, biodegradable, and provide excellent grip. Some of the top-rated eco-friendly yoga mats include the Jade Harmony Professional, Manduka eKO Lite, and the Yoloha Native Cork Yoga Mat.
How does mat thickness impact yoga practice, and what thickness is optimal?
Mat thickness can impact yoga practice by providing cushioning for joints and bones, as well as stability for standing poses. The optimal thickness for a yoga mat depends on personal preference and the type of yoga being practiced. Generally, mats that are 1/4 inch thick or more are recommended for added cushioning.
What features should be considered when choosing a yoga mat for hot yoga sessions?
When choosing a yoga mat for hot yoga sessions, it’s important to look for mats that have excellent grip and are made with moisture-wicking materials. Some of the top-rated yoga mats for hot yoga include the Manduka ProLite, Jade Harmony Professional, and Liforme Yoga Mat.
What do experienced yogis on Reddit suggest when looking for a high-quality yoga mat?
Experienced yogis on Reddit suggest looking for yoga mats that are durable, provide excellent grip, and are made with high-quality materials. Some of the most popular mats among experienced yogis include the Manduka ProLite, Jade Harmony Professional, and Liforme Yoga Mat. It’s also important to consider personal preferences, such as mat thickness and eco-friendliness, when choosing a yoga mat.