The Best Yoga Mats
Yoga is one of the most relaxing and popular exercises in the fitness world.
But, if it’s so relaxing, why do so many people stress over finding the right yoga mat?
Finding the perfect blend of style, durability, and usability isn’t always an easy process.
But these yoga mats are some of the better contenders.
Highest Rated Yoga Mats (by Customer Reviews)
- 1Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat
- 2Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat
- 3Tomuno Natural Rubber Non Slip Sticky Eco Friendly Yoga Mat
- 4Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
- 5Jade Fusion 68-inch Yoga Mat
- 6Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
- 7Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Mat
- 8prAna Revolution Mat
- 9Aurorae Classic Extra Thick Yoga Mat
- 10Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
1
Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat
If you’re interested in pursuing many different types of yoga, in all kinds of terrains, then the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat is a very promising choice.
This mat, measuring at 71 inches by 26 inches, is constructed of ultra-dense foam, so that it will offer you unparalleled joint support while you’re exercising.
This extra support means that you will experience fewer joint pains after your yoga sessions!
But just because the foam is ultra-dense, that doesn’t mean that it’s ultra-absorbent, as well.
The closed-cell surface keeps sweat from seeping into the foam, a situation which is a recipe for carrying the yoga studio smell wherever you go.
This makes it a good choice for hot yoga, as well as average yoga.
Want to head to the beach, or out to the park? Not a problem with the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat! The cushion protects you on any surface.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Measuring at 71 inches by 21 inches, this mat is large enough for a variety of poses.
- Can be used for yoga or Pilates.
- Has ultra-durable foam for extra resilience.
- The foam is very thick, giving you a cushion that supports your joints.
- Closed-cell surface prevents the mat from absorbing sweat from your workout.
- Completely free of all latex, making it a good choice for those with a latex allergy.
- Can be used on any and all terrains.
Cons
- Some users find that this yoga mat can become a bit slippery, making it hard to hold positions.
Jake's TakeIf you’re interested in a wide variety of different yoga styles, then the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat is a great choice that is sure to please.
The extra support, as well as the ability to keep sweat out of the foam, make it a pleasure to use again and again.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
2
Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat
Another great choice for anyone interested in a wide variety of yogas, from hot to outdoor and anywhere in between, is the Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat.
This mat is a great choice for any kind of yoga or Pilates, or even just exercises you need a little cushion for.
It’s very durable, promising to never wear down from use.
It even keeps its looks, with a guarantee that it won’t peel, fake, or fade.
Your joints will be protected by the thick cushioning it provides, while the closed-cell top layer will keep your sweat from seeping into the foam.
Tired of your yoga mat always slipping and sliding in between poses?
The texture on the bottom of the mat will keep it in place on the slipperiest of surfaces!
The only real issue is that it comes with a layer from the factory that you have to scrub off before using. Otherwise, it is very slippery.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Thick foam provides more cushion, and thus more support.
- Closed-cell exterior stops sweat from soaking into the mat.
- Texture on the bottom of the mat prevents the mat from sliding.
- Very durable; this mat should never wear down.
- Will keep its looks, never fading, peeling, or flaking.
- Provides excellent grip in difficult poses.
Cons
- There is a layer that the manufacturer leaves on that, if you don’t remove it by cleaning, will render your mat extremely slippery.
- The price is a bit steep for those who only do yoga casually or for beginners.
Jake's TakeThe Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat is a good, if a bit pricey and inconvenient, choice in yoga mat.
It takes a little work to get it up to snuff, but users report that it is well worth it in the end.
If you’re not put off by a little extra work, this is the mat for you.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
3
Tomuno Natural Rubber Non Slip Sticky Eco Friendly Yoga Mat
If you like to feel close to nature when using your yoga mat, and prefer to eschew synthetic and other man-made materials, then you’ll like the Tomuno Natural Rubber Non Slip Sticky Eco Friendly Yoga Mat.
Made by a small business, this is the best yoga mat that lets you get your crunch on at the same time as your ohm!
The main selling point of this mat is that it isn’t made from synthetic materials such as PVC or TPE, but out of natural rubber tree sap.
This makes it not only more natural, but gives it a much better grip to the floor.
This same grip lets you do the most difficult poses without slipping and sliding.
The main downside of this mat, however, is that it is a bit delicate.
You can’t use it for hot yoga, and you shouldn’t expose it to direct sunlight.
You also cannot clean it with oils or chemical cleaners. It’s even sensitive to lotions on your skin!
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- This mat is made out of all natural rubber tree sap.
- Gives a good hold to the floor to stop sliding.
- Great traction to help maintain poses.
Cons
- You cannot use this yoga mat for hot yoga, nor can you use it in hot environments outside, or even in direct sunlight for long periods.
- This yoga mat should not be cleaned with oils, nor with harsh chemical cleaners or abrasives.
- When using this yoga mat, you should take care not to use lotions, oils, or any other skin product that could potentially harm the mat.
Jake's TakeThe Tomuno Natural Rubber Non Slip Sticky Eco Friendly Yoga Mat is a nice choice in a natural yoga mat.
It’s made of all natural rubber tree sap, which gives it good hold to the floor and prevents sliding.
However, it’s difficult to care for, easy to damage, and can’t be used for hot yoga.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
4
Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Another natural rubber yoga mat, perhaps with less upkeep needed, is the Manduka eKO Yoga Mat.
This is made out of natural rubber, making it great for those who don’t want their exercise equipment to cause environmental damage by never decomposing, like PVC or TPE.
Being made of natural rubber also means that it will provide you with excellent sticking capabilities, though some do say that sweaty palms can lead to some sliding when a towel isn’t used.
It’s thick and well cushioned, giving your joints some needed support.
It’s also non-absorbent, the closed-cell surface keeping sweat out of your mat.
There are a couple of downsides, however.
For one, natural rubber smells very strongly, so you should anticipate a mat that smells.
Airing it for a few weeks should help.
It’s also very heavy, making it difficult to cart to and from the yoga studio.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made out of natural rubber, this mat will decompose, making it better for the environment.
- Excellent sticking; your mat will not slide all over the floor.
- Closed-cell exterior keeps your sweat out of the mat.
- Cushioned for better joint support during yoga.
Cons
- The natural rubber makes the mat smell very strongly, particularly right out of the box. Airing it out for a few weeks is supposed to help.
- The mat itself is very heavy, making transportation and storage a bit of a problem.
- Some report that sweat makes the mat slick.
Jake's TakeFor a natural yoga mat, the Manduka eKO Yoga Mat is a good option.
It’s not as delicate as other natural mats, and comes with the same benefits of mats made from PVC or other synthetic materials.
If you’re alright with the strong smell, the heavy weight, and the slight possibility of slippage, then this is the mat for you!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
5
Jade Fusion 68-inch Yoga Mat
Do you find yourself slipping and sliding when using a yoga mat?
Does downward dog become child’s pose once you get sweaty?
Then you’ll love the non-slip grip that the Jade Fusion 68-inch Yoga Mat provides!
This is one of the best choices for hot yoga, because it helps you keep your grip, even when you’re pouring with perspiration.
Made out of natural rubber, the open-cell technology that it uses keeps moisture from gathering around your palms, which is the leading cause of slipping.
But great grip isn’t the only great thing about natural rubber.
Unlike synthetic materials, natural rubber will decompose naturally when thrown away, making it a very green (or, in this case, purple) choice in yoga mat.
Want to help the environment even more?
For every yoga mat purchased, JadeYoga will plant a tree. What better reason to buy?
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made out of natural rubber.
- Decomposes completely when thrown out.
- Has a great grip, so that you won’t slip when you’re exercising with this yoga mat.
- Natural grip also means that your yoga mat won’t slip beneath you.
- Cushion, to provide extra support for your joints.
- The natural rubber is very resilient to wear.
- With every mat purchased, a tree is planted.
Cons
- Because it is opened-cell instead of closed-cell, the yoga mat will absorb your sweat, rather than wicking it away. You’ll need to clean your mat more frequently, and air it out.
Jake's TakeThe Jade Fusion 68-inch Yoga Mat is a wonderful, natural option in yoga mat.
If you don’t having to clean and air it a bit more than other mats, the added traction will be more than worth it.
The fact that it is so good for the environment is certainly a big plus!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
6
Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Another great choice by Jade is the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat.
This yoga mat is made out of natural rubber, so that it provides better grip and is good for the environment.
The open-cell top layer makes it easy to keep your grip while doing yoga, even when your hands become sweaty.
Need a bit of extra room to strike the perfect pose? At 68 or 74 inches in length, you’ll have all that you need!
And it isn’t a difficult yoga mat to take care of: When it starts getting a bit grimy, you can wash it with soap and water!
There are only two real downsides to this mat.
The first is that, because it is open-celled, it will absorb your sweat while you work out.
The second is that it can be a bit heavy, making transport more difficult.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made out of natural rubber, with no PVC or other synthetic materials.
- Has a very good grip.
- Open-cell design means no slipping and sliding, even with sweaty palms.
- Easy to care for. Wash with soap and water.
- Has extra length, for more room to spread out.
- For every mat bought, Jade will plant a tree, further helping the environment.
Cons
- Because of the open-cell design of this yoga mat, the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat will absorb sweat, oils, and lotions.
- This mat is on the heavier side. Plan accordingly.
Jake's TakeThe Jade Harmony Yoga Mat is a good choice in an easy-to-care-for, all-natural yoga mat, one that is perfect for many types of yoga.
You’ll no longer have to worry about sliding during downward dog, and you don’t have to worry about the environmental impact your yoga mat will have.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
7
Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Mat
For a good alternative to the bigger-name natural yoga mat brands, you can choose the Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Mat.
Made out of all natural rubber, it’s a good choice for both its stickiness, as well as for its environmental impact.
Not only does the natural rubber make it stick in place, but it also helps to ensure its durability.
Do you need extra joint support when you’re exercising?
This yoga mat comes with extra cushion, to provide just that!
There are, however, some downsides.
Like all natural rubber yoga mats, there is a rather strong smell associated with this one.
But, in this case, airing it out for a while doesn’t do much to stop it.
Not only that, but it can become very slick when you get sweaty.
This makes it a very bad choice for anyone looking to practice hot yoga.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made out of all-natural rubber.
- Sticks well to the floor and your body, unless you’re sweating.
- Has extra cushion, to help protect joints while working out.
- Natural rubber is a very durable surface, meaning it should last you a while.
- Contains no synthetic substances, such as PVC; decomposes naturally when discarded.
Cons
- Because of the natural rubber, this mat will have a strong smell.
- This mat becomes slippery when you sweat, making it difficult to use.
- Not a good choice for hot yoga because of the slipping that sweating will cause.
Jake's TakeAll said and done, the Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Mat is a bit more of a hassle than it’s worth.
Though it does work very well dry, and is made of all-natural materials, the downsides seem to outweigh the good points.
There are better natural rubber yoga mats to choose from.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
8
prAna Revolution Mat
Sometimes, you just need more room to stretch when using your yoga mat.
Whether it’s because you’re taller, work out more vigorously, or simply can’t seem to keep yourself on the mat, the prAna Revolution Mat is a great way to get the extra room that you need.
Measuring at 36 inches wide and 86 inches long, this is the largest size of yoga mat that prAna makes.
And, though it has all that extra space, it still weighs two pounds less than the others made by this company.
Some people do still find it heavy and difficult to move, but others don’t seem to have that problem.
It’s also eco-friendly, made out of natural rubber not harvested in the Amazon.
Tired of slipping and sliding every time you try to do yoga?
This mat cuts back on that, providing for more hold.
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Made out of natural tree rubber; no synthetic materials.
- Tree rubber is not harvested from the Amazon, for less environmental impact.
- At 36 inches wide by 86 inches long, provides quite a bit of extra space.
- Doesn’t slip while you’re using it, even if your hands are sweaty.
- Provides enough cushion to protect joints while doing yoga.
- Durable enough to last for a very long time.
Cons
- Some people find that this mat is heavy, making it difficult to store, carry, or even clean.
- Natural rubber normally has a noticeable smell to it.
Jake's TakeThe prAna Revolution Mat is a great choice for those looking to spread out a bit.
And, if you’re looking for something that can let you minimize the impact on the environment, this is certainly a mat worth looking at.
The only downside seems to be the heaviness that some people aren’t fond of.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
9
Aurorae Classic Extra Thick Yoga Mat
The Aurorae Classic Extra Thick Yoga Mat is one of the cheaper yoga mats on this list, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be missing out!
This is a great choice in yoga mat for anyone, of any age.
It’s very well padded, making it easier on your joints while your exercising on it.
The extra cushion makes everything low-impact!
It’s also a very durable mat, made to last through a great deal of use, whether it be indoors or outdoors.
And you can easily take it outdoors, because it’s light enough to easily travel with!
No more having to cart around a massive, heavy yoga mat wherever you go.
The only real downside is that it can be very slippery.
However, with the use of the non-slip rosin that is included, the slipping becomes a non-issue.
It even works for hot yoga!
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- Measures 24 inches wide by 72 inches long.
- Completely non-toxic, so even children can use this mat!
- Very durable, to last through extended use.
- Lightweight enough for easy travel.
- Very easy to care for and to keep clean.
- Unlike some, this mat doesn’t have that typical “yoga mat” smell.
- Comes with non-slip rosin, to keep you from slipping and sliding while doing yoga.
- At only $35, this is one of the cheaper mats you can buy.
Cons
- The mat is very slippery to use if you don’t use the non-slip rosin that is included.
Jake's TakeThe Aurorae Classic Extra Thick Yoga Mat is a great low-cost, high-expectation yoga mat for anyone who is either just getting started with yoga, or is just looking for a cheap but rugged option.
It doesn’t require a lot of upkeep, and, with the use of the rosin, the one downside isn’t much of a downside at all.
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
10
Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
Do you mainly practice hot yoga, or do you happen to just sweat a lot?
If that’s the case, then the Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat is likely to be a good choice for you.
The “2 in 1” here means that it isn’t just a yoga mat: It’s a microfiber towel, too!
No matter how much you sweat, you won’t slip. In fact, the more you sweat, the better your hold!
Because of that, it is best to start off by spraying water over the mat, to make your hold secure.
It’s also easy to care for, and can be cleaned either in a washing machine on gentle, or by hand, then hung up to dry.
It’s a long-lasting, durable, easy-to-care-for, non-slip powerhouse of a yoga mat.
This is a good choice for anyone who needs extra hold!
Check the current price on Amazon >>
Pros
- This is both a yoga mat and a microfiber towel.
- The microfiber towel makes it great for hot yoga.
- It slips less the more you sweat!
- Easy to care for, can be washed on gentle in a machine or can be hand-washed.
- Durable; it will last for a long time.
- Comes with a two year warranty.
- 5mm thick, 24 inches wide, and 72 inches long.
- Has a focal point to help you concentrate.
Cons
- The mat should be spritzed with water if your hands or feet are dry before starting; otherwise, you will slip.
Jake's TakeIf you do hot yoga a lot, then you certainly won’t find a better mat than the Aurorae Synergy 2 in 1 Yoga Mat
It keeps you from slipping when sweaty, and can be easily cleaned afterwards.
Durable and relatively cheap, this is a mat that you’ll actually enjoy using!
>> Click here to see pricing, ratings, and reviews on Amazon.com <<
Yoga Mats Buying Guide
If you are into yoga, you will probably need a mat.
Mats come in a variety of textures, thickness, and quality.
You will need to consider several factors to get the best mat.
Yoga has numerous benefits for people, and you can even practice yoga at home.
Your mat should support you and be comfortable.
This buying guide will help you pick the best mats for you, according to your needs.
Here is a list of everything you should have in mind about yoga mats.
Things to Consider When Buying Yoga Mat
Here is a shortlist with all elements that affect your choice.
Let’s go briefly through each factor.
Thickness
Yoga mats come in various shapes and sizes, with the thickness being one of the most important factors.
Think about how much cushions do you like.
Some people like thicker mats, because they are beginners and love to have more cushions.
However, it doesn’t have to be a rule.
The yoga you practice and your preferences determine the appropriate thickness.
1/4″ (6mm) Yoga Mats
The 1/4 inch thick yoga mats are the most popular in the industry.
The majority of premium mats come with this thickness and for a reason.
The experience showed that 1/4 inches mats are both durable and comfortable.
The only drawback is the weight.
These mats can weigh a maximum of 9 pounds which can be exhausting if you carry it around.
There are deluxe mats with this thickness that are lighter and come with a lifetime warranty.
1/8″ (3mm) Yoga Mats
The 1/8 inch matt provides solid support despite being thinner than the previous category.
What is good about these is that they can fit into every yoga bag on the mark.
It makes it easier to carry around.
1/16″ (2mm) Yoga Mats
The 1/16 inch yoga mat is the thinnest you can found.
Many people use it for traveling because you can easily fold it and take it wherever you go.
However, people who have ache knees might find these uncomfortable and can pass on them.
Still, many traveler yogis choose these mats because they are light and provide a lot of traction.
Pilates Mat
A mat that is thick half of inch is sometimes advertised as a yoga mat.
However, it doesn’t provide enough balance for some yoga positions such as Tree pose.
It can be heavy and bulky as well.
Material
When it comes to material, the selection isn’t much wide.
Some materials are eco-friendly, while others are synthetic.
Let’s learn more about them.
Foam Yoga Mats
Foam is budget-friendly, durable synthetic material.
It is latex-free and phthalate-free.
The average weight is two to four pounds.
Foam yoga mats are, therefore, a common choice for many yoga students.
TPE Yoga Mat
TPE stands for thermoplastics which is a synthetic material, similar to rubber.
TPE mats are soft, reusable, comfortable, and lightweight.
Cotton Yoga Mats
For people who prefer natural materials, cotton can be a solution.
However, these are not a common choice for yoga.
Cotton mats are extra thick, and more suitable for meditation, restorative yoga, and yin yoga.
Natural Yoga Mats
Natural yoga mats are made of rubber.
These are thin but naturally cushioned, and sticky.
The rubber mat is resilient and bounces back to the original shape after use.
Natural yoga mats are environment friendly.
Yoga Rugs
Yoga rugs are knitted, handwoven rugs for outdoor yoga experience.
You can get one of these for outdoor savasana.
PVC Mats
Avoid PVC mats as they have a bad reputation because some studies indicate that these are cancerogenic.
These are also hard to recycle.
Lenght
How to determine how long the mat can be is a common question.
If you owned a yoga ma and haven’t been satisfied with the length, here is a great tip to help you pick the new one.
Your yoga mat should be 6 inches taller than you.
The goal is to be comfortable in all positions and not to have to leave the mat.
If you are taller, get the extra-long mat.
For people with broad shoulders, I recommend getting an extra-wide mat which can be more comfortable than a regular one.
Mats for Different Styles
There are various yoga styles.
Some may rely on the mat more than the other.
So, let’s see what kind of mat is suitable for some of the most common yoga styles.
Ashtanga Yoga
Astanga yoga demands the use of a thick and sticky mat.
You can get a rubber or TPE mat for the best experience.
Some people also use a yoga rug to improve slip resistance.
Hatha Yoga
Hatha focuses on physical postures and can be more suitable for beginners.
The foam mat is great for beginners, especially for those who are not sure in which direction they want to go.
Until you decide which yoga style fits you, use foam mat and then switch to some other mat if necessary.
Bikram and Hot Yoga
Bikram and hot yoga are very similar.
You practice them in the room warm up to 100 degrees to promote sweating.
You will be sweating a lot, and therefore it is the best choice to get the natural rubber mat and a yoga towel to improve the fraction.
Don’t forget to bring a towel, because you will sweat a lot.
Iyengar
The Iyengar style focuses on proper posture.
It is all about balance and relaxation, don’t expect to boost your heart rate and sweat.
The best choice is to pick the 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch thin mats.
There are also alignment mats that are great for this style.
Restorative
Restorative yoga is gentle and light yoga.
You can pick a cotton mat and enjoy your slow yoga while feeling the luxurious cotton touch.
Vinyasa
Vinyasa comes from Hatha yoga and has two styles – Pace and Flow.
It moves much faster from one asana to another and highlights the flow as well.
There is a lot of movement, so you will need a sticky and thin mat, such as a natural rubber mat.
Conclusion
Finding the right yoga mat can be tricky.
There are a myriad of different types, and they all appeal to different people.
Whether you practice hot yoga, want something light and easily cared for, or simply want a decent all-purpose yoga mat, there’s an excellent yoga mat option here for you!
What's your take on Yoga Mats? You think they're just a luxury or a must-have item? Don't hesitate to share your comment below with your opinion!
