Best Yoga Mats

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best yoga mat

There are so many yoga mats on the market, and it can be tough to choose the right one. As a yoga teacher, many students and friends ask about the best yoga mats to use.

Without a one-size-fits-all answer, it takes a lot of research to find various options to recommend for other yogis to be using.

Just as no one style of yoga fits all yogis, we believe there is not a mat that fits all yogis either. Here, we share the information we found that can help you choose the most important qualities for you. Hopefully, you’ll be able to find your perfect match.

Best Yoga Mats

While searching for the best yoga mats available, we factored in several qualities, including price, material, mat type, size, thickness, weight, odor, color options, and warranty. We also included a Yoga Mat Buying Guide at the bottom of this review if you’re unsure how to prioritize the qualities listed. For more details about each mat, click on the mat name.

Best Overall Yoga Mat: Manduka PROLite

Best Overall Yoga Mat - Manduka PROLite

For years, teachers and students worldwide have enjoyed the benefits of Manduka mats. The PROLite is a pleasurably dense yoga mat moderate in size but superior in comfort and padding.

Material

This is a closed-cell mat made with PVC using a non-toxic, emissions-free manufacturing process. It is latex-free.

Size and Weight

In general, the width, thickness, and weight of the PROLite from Manduka feel near the middle of the group of mats listed. The length of the Long option is only matched by the Manduka eKO and surpassed by the Manduka PRO.

The PROLite was built similarly to the Manduka PRO, but both lengths of the PROLite are two inches more narrow and 1.1 mm thinner than the PRO. These differences have the lite model weighing in at 3.5 – 4 pounds less than the PRO – definitely something to consider if you carry your mat around with you often.

Odor

Some mats get lots of reviews, including how bad the mat smells – the PROLite was not one of them. This is not to say it is odorless, and it just suggests that if it does have an odor, it may be light, and it likely doesn’t last long.

Color

The PROLite comes in a wide variety of colors, including opalescent ones. The Standard has 17 options to choose from, and the Long has 2 options.

About Manduka

Manduka was founded in 1997 by Peter Stereos, and an architect turned yogi. He designed The Black Mat and gifted it to teachers he respected and admired to show his gratitude. They passed the mat along to their students, and a company was born. The name Manduka was inspired by Mandukasana (frog pose), a pose his teacher and mentor, Shandor Remete, always included in practice.

Manduka prides itself on putting the customer and environment above all else and works to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

PROS

  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Non-Toxic, emissions-free manufacturing
  • Latex-free
  • Two size options
  • Minimal odor
  • Dense support without being squishy

CONS

  • Heavier than cheaper mats and travel mats
  • Slippery surface
  • Long break-in process
  • Not ideal for hot yoga/sweaty people

Best Budget Yoga Mat: Aurorae Classic Thick

Best Budget Yoga Mat - Aurorae Classic Thick

This is Aurorae’s flagship eco-friendly thick yoga mat that includes a focal point moon design to help you maintain focus during your practice.

Material

This is an open-cell mat made with a new biodegradable, hypoallergenic resin (eco-safe patented PER) that doesn’t emit chemicals or gases, which means your mat does not emit any toxic chemicals or gases and is free of rubber, silicone, and latex.

Size and Weight

The Aurorae Classic Thick comes in one size: 72″ x 24″ and is 6.35 mm thick. This size is comparable to many other mats reviewed here, but the thickness of this mat is one of the largest on this list. Surprisingly, the shipping weight is only 3.2 pounds which makes it one of the lighter mats here.

Odor

Since this mat is made with a resin material, it is practically odorless. One reader even mentioned that it doesn’t absorb odors either, which is a big plus for anyone who sweats a lot during their practice.

Color

There are 12 color options available, and each of them features Aurorae’s classic focal point moon icon.

About Aurorae

Aurorae is a family-run business founded by a yoga student and cancer survivor, Dennis Ingui. Dennis is a dedicated yoga student who has enriched his life using yoga and understands what a regular, everyday student needs for their yoga practice. Their #1 goal is to provide the best in customer satisfaction.

PROS

  • 2 Year Guarantee (cannot guarantee 3rd party sellers)
  • Odorless
  • Eco-friendly, non-toxic
  • Biodegradable
  • Free of rubber, silicone, and latex
  • Lightweight
  • It comes with a free non-slip rosin bag and tips for washing your mat

CONS

  • Reviews indicate signs of wear/breakdown after a short period
  • Slippery

Best Long-Lasting Yoga Mat: Manduka PRO

Best Long-Lasting Yoga Mat - Manduka PRO

This is the PROlite’s big sibling. Sometimes referred to as The Black Mat, this luxurious mat is not the thickest on the list, but it has an incredible density which is great for comfort but not amazing if you carry it with you often. With the slimmer PROlite, this mat is built for life and is backed by its Lifetime Guarantee.

Material

This is a closed-cell mat made with non-toxic PVC and is created using an emissions-free manufacturing process. It is latex-free.

Size and Weight

The Manduka PRO comes in two sizes. The Standard measures 71″ x 24″ and weighs 7.5 pounds. The Extra Long is 85″ x 26″ and tops the list for weight at 9.5 pounds. Both sizes are moderately thick at 5.8 mm, but the weight of these mats proves that the material is dense.

Odor

I did not find many reviews about the odor of this mat. Like the PROlite, I would assume that means there’s a slight odor, but it probably fads relatively quickly.

Color

There are 9 color options available for the Manduka PRO.

About Manduka

Manduka was founded in 1997 by Peter Stereos, and an architect turned yogi. He designed The Black Mat and gifted it to teachers he respected and admired to show his gratitude. They passed the mat along to their students, and a company was born. The name Manduka was inspired by Mandukasana (frog pose), a pose his teacher and mentor, Shandor Remete, always included in practice.

Manduka prides itself on putting the customer and environment above all else and works to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

PROS

  • Lifetime Warranty 
  • Non-Toxic
  • Latex-free
  • Emissions-free manufacturing
  • Two size options
  • One of the widest mats on the list
  • Minimal odor
  • Dense support while still being firm and grounding

CONS

  • Requires time and care to break-in
  • Slippery out of the box
  • Weight is not ideal for commuters or travelers to carry around

Best for Bad Knees: Jade Harmony Professional

Best Yoga Mat For Bad Knees - Jade Harmony Professional

Jade Yoga makes a variety of mats, and this is their most popular. Since it is an open-cell mat, it absorbs sweat and can be more slip-resistant than other mats (especially new, closed-cell mats). Jade Yoga takes pride in providing products that are sustainably produced and eco-friendly.

Material

This is an open-cell mat made with natural rubber from rubber trees, which is a renewable resource. It does not contain PVC, EVA, or other synthetic rubbers. Also, it’s made in the United States of America.

Size and Weight

The Jade Harmony Professional has two size options. The smaller one is 68″ long, and the larger mat is 74″ long. Both lengths are 24″ wide and 4.7 mm thick. According to their website, they weigh about 5 pounds each.

Odor

Many reviews complained of a strong rubber smell that sticks around for a while. The website offers suggestions for how you can help the scent to fade more quickly, but they also give a friendly reminder that the mat is rubber, and like all rubber things, there may be a lasting odor.

Color

There are 7 color options available for the 68″ mat and 6 options available for the 74″ mat.

About Jade Yoga

Jade Yoga began in 2000 when a savvy yogi came to them with complaints about plastic and PVC mats. Jade had been making non-slip rubber rug pads since the early 1970s and used their process to provide a natural solution for yogis. In alignment with their commitment to being eco-friendly, they plant a tree for every mat sold through their partnership with Trees for the Future. They also have Color Causes, which links various mat colors to organizations they make donations to. They also have community partners and giving days. And, all mats are made in the USA.

PROS

  • Eco-friendly
  • Made from rubber trees, a renewable resource
  • Two size options

CONS

  • Strong odor
  • It can contain some latex (a con if you’re sensitive to latex)
  • Some reviews mention flaking and breakdown of the mat

Best Color/Style Selection: Gaiam Print Premium

Best Color/Style Selection Yoga Mat - Gaiam Print Premium

Gaiam created this mat to be extra thick, but it falls in near the middle of this list as far as that measurement is concerned. It’s also one of the smallest mats on the market. Luckily it is lightweight, although, unlike the Manduka mats, that means it’s less dense and may not provide the same level of comfort. These mats are intended to have a non-slip surface.

Material

This is an open-cell mat made with a new biodegradable, hypoallergenic resin (eco-safe patented PER) that doesn’t emit chemicals or gases, which means your mat does not emit any toxic chemicals or gases and is free of rubber, silicone, and latex.

Size and Weight

The Aurorae Classic Thick comes in one size: 72″ x 24″ and is 6.35 mm thick. This size is comparable to many other mats reviewed here, but the density of this mat is one of the largest on this list. Surprisingly, the shipping weight is only 3.2 pounds which makes it one of the lighter mats here.

Odor

Since this mat is made with a resin material, it is practically odorless. One reader even mentioned that it doesn’t absorb odors either, which is a big plus for anyone who sweats a lot during their practice.

Color

There are 12 color options available, and each of them features Aurorae’s classic focal point moon icon.

Warranty

This family-run business is on a mission to satisfy its customers and so offers a 2-year guarantee.

About Gaiam

Gaiam is a leading lifestyle brand on a mission to make yoga, fitness, and well-being accessible to all. Pronounced “guy-um,” it represents planetary awareness, preservation, and support of the interconnectivity of all living things.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Many design options
  • Latex-free
  • Phthalate-free
  • 6P free (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP)
  • Satisfaction Guarantee

CONS

  • Slippery
  • Lingering chemical smell
  • Not the most eco-friendly option
  • Not as dense as other mats

Best Stability: Manduka eKO

Best Stability Yoga Mat - Manduka eKO

This is Manduka’s eco-friendly mat, and it’s said to have a grippy surface that catches if you begin to slip. It’s made from natural materials and is consciously designed to support your practice and the Earth.

Material

This mat has open cells on the top and closed cells on the bottom, and the two layers are melded with a heating process to avoid toxic adhesives. It’s made with biodegradable, non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber along with non-toxic foaming agents and non-AZO dyes. The material is 99% latex-free and generally safe for people with sensitivities. Scrap pieces are used to produce other materials, which means the manufacturing process is zero waste.

Size and Weight

Like other Manduka’s, this mat comes in two different sizes. The Standard is 71″ x 26″ and weighs 7 pounds. The Long is 79″ x 26″ and weighs 8 pounds. Both of them are 5 mm thick.

Odor

Yes, as with other natural rubber mats, this one comes out of the box with a strong odor. Some reviews noted that it fades after use and cleaning.

Color

The Standard has 9 color options and the Long has 2 color options.

About Manduka

Manduka was founded in 1997 by Peter Stereos, and an architect turned yogi. He designed The Black Mat and gifted it to teachers he respected and admired to show his gratitude. They passed the mat along to their students, and a company was born. The name Manduka was inspired by Mandukasana (frog pose), a pose his teacher and mentor, Shandor Remete, always included in practice.

Manduka prides itself on putting the customer and environment above all else and works to demonstrate its commitment to sustainability.

PROS

  • Eco-friendly
  • Biodegradable
  • Non-toxic foaming agents
  • Non-AZO dyes
  • Made with tree rubber, a renewable resource
  • Two size options
  • Pretty grippy
  • Machine washable

CONS

  • Strong rubber odor
  • Fairly heavy, not ideal for commuters or travelers (but the eKO SuperLite might be good)
  • No lifetime guarantee (good thing it’s biodegradable)

Best Artistic Flare: Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat

Best Artistic Flare Yoga Mat - Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat

Yoga Design Lab built this mat to be the ultimate yogi companion. They wanted to reduce slipping to minimize injuries and eliminate the use of a towel during class. It’s also machine washable.

Material

This open-cell mat is made with eco-friendly, biodegradable, 100% natural tree rubber and water-based inks. It has a microfiber top and a tree rubber base. It’s free from silicone, toxic glue, and phthalates.

Size and Weight

The Combo Mat measures 70″ x 24″ is 3.5 mm thick, making it the thinnest mat on my list. However, it weighs 4.1 pounds, so it is denser than some of the other mats that are slightly thicker.

Odor

Yoga Design Lab says the mat is odorless, but some reviews mention it had an odor and that it didn’t compare at all to the smell of other tree rubber mats. Reviews also mentioned that it often smells good because they spray with essential oils and or wash it.

Color

These mats were made to stand out, and there are 9 bold prints available.

About Yoga Design Lab

Yoga Design Lab was founded by Chad while on a trip to Bali. He noticed the packed yoga class he was in was a sea of unoriginal, solid-colored mats and wanted to change that. He blends fashion with function and bio-renewable resources to create mats and accessories for yoga. They also give back to Urban Youth Yoga Programs in need for each purchase made.

PROS

  • Eco-friendly
  • Biodegradable
  • Water-based inks
  • Free from silicon
  • Phthalates free
  • Free of toxic glues
  • Bold designs
  • Practically odorless
  • Minimal slipping

CONS

  • It doesn’t feel like a typical yoga mat (maybe that’s a pro for you, though)
  • Puddles after a lot of sweating

Best Thicker Yoga Mat: YogaAccessories Extra Thick Deluxe Mat

Best Thicker Yoga Mat - YogaAccessories Extra Thick Deluxe Mat

This is one of the better selling wholesale mats I found. It may be an option to consider for people that want many mats for minimal cost.

Material

This is an open-cell mat comprised of PVC. It is free of latex and heavy metals.

Size and Weight

The Deluxe Yoga Mat is 74″ x 24″ and 6.35 mm thick. It ties with the Aurorae Classic as the thickest mat on my list but is only 3.8 pounds, so not incredibly dense.

Odor

Some reviews complained of an odor, and others didn’t think it was an issue.

Color

With 27 colors available, you’ll have plenty of choices to pick from. This might be fun for a studio looking to match a brand color.

About YogaAccessories

Yoga Accessories searches for craftspeople, manufacturers, vendors, designers, and entrepreneurs that offer goods and services to customers who value the environment, a sustainable economy, healthy living, and alternative healthcare.

PROS

CONS

  • Not eco-friendly
  • Thick but not dense, may create instability
  • Some say it smells bad
  • Slippery

Yoga Mat Buying Guide

As I dug into researching the best mats on the market, I realized several essential factors to consider while buying a mat. I understand that in a world of yogis, things like company values, environmental impact, and material type would likely be information you’d find helpful while making this investment.
To help clarify some of the factors I referenced for each mat above. I’ve described them in this guide to help you choose the qualities that matter most to you.

Mat Type – Open Cell vs Closed Cell yoga mat

Open-cell mats are a bit like a sponge. They absorb moisture which is sometimes referenced as a benefit for hot yoga. However, I noticed that some of the open-cell mats got reviews about collecting too much sweat and becoming a puddle. These mats typically need to wash regularly. Please look for specific care instructions for the mat you choose though, some can be machine washed, and others must be washed by hand. They all need to hang dry. Another note about open-cell mats, since they absorb moisture, they also absorb bacteria which can sometimes make for a smelly mat if it’s not being cleaned regularly.

Closed cell yoga mats, as you can probably assume, do not absorb moisture or bacteria. There are only three closed-cell mats on my list, two of which are Manduka’s, and the number one complaint I found about them is that they are slippery – especially during hot, sweaty yoga.

Some mats now combine materials and are both; open-celled on one side and closed on the other.

It’s essential to think about your yoga environment, practice style, and willingness to spend time maintaining your mat when considering this factor.

Mat Material

There are many different materials used for the mats on this list. While doing my research, I tried to find a variety of price options and other materials. If you have sensitivities to specific materials, please check the makeup of a mat before you make your purchase.

Biodegradable mats will decompose once disposed of.

Tree rubber is a renewable resource.

PVC is not biodegradable, so if you choose a mat made with this, it’s essential to choose one that will last a long time, so it’s not polluting the land fill.

Density

Some of the mats on the list are thick but very lightweight; therefore, they’re reality squishy under you. This might be good if you’re looking for a cushion, but it’s likely to feel more unstable than denser mats.

If you are practicing yoga for a long time or looking to practice it, you must first consider one of the most critical factors is the yoga mat. Finding the right yoga mat can be quite a challenge, especially with many choices available in the market nowadays.

What makes a good yoga mat? This article will focus on the critical factors that can affect a yoga mat and must be considered accordingly when buying one. If you have been practicing yoga for a while or you are a curious yoga beginner, finding and choosing the perfect yoga mat is a must so you can practice yoga with ease. It will help you maximize your yoga experience.

choosing the best yoga mat

Factors to Consider When Buying a Yoga Mat

1. Material

Most of the yoga mats available in stores or online are usually made from PVC. This material offers a good grip and can be easy to maintain and clean after every use. However, yoga mats made with PVC material are usually not sturdy or durable and can be torn easily, especially when used excessively.
If you are after a reliable yoga mat, you must choose quality yoga mats that can be expensive. These yoga mats are usually made from natural rubber, making them earth-friendly and safe to use, and some yoga mats are created with natural fiber. Individuals with a latex allergy must stay away from rubber yoga mats and are recommended to buy those made from wool or cotton.

2. Thickness

The thickness of the yoga mat will reflect how comfortable it is when using it for different poses. If the yoga mat is too thin, your knees will be the one to suffer the most, and if it is too thick, it will be harder for you to have a connection with the floor, and it can cause your pores to become wobbly, just like when posing a Tree Pose.

Standard yoga mats are usually 1/8 inch thick, and the thickest would measure about 1/4 inch thick. Individuals who love to travel and are always on the go can opt for travel yoga mats because they are wafer-thin and usually measures 1/16 inch thick. These yoga mats are easily folded and light enough, and portable to carry wherever you go.

3. Grip

The yoga mat’s grip or texture will give you an idea of how much traction it can provide you while performing challenging poses, especially when your hands and feet are sweaty and slippery. The yoga mat’s texture will determine how much slipping and sliding you will experience in your yoga session. A yoga mat’s surface will also affect your overall comfort.
The material used or the artificial pattern that has been created during manufacturing can cause the texture of a yoga mat. Jute yoga mats are made from organic material, and it is naturally rough while PVC yoga mats, on the other hand, have a softer feel and are slightly textured. If you tend to sweat a lot, you must avoid PVC yoga mats as they can be slippery and affect your overall yoga experience. Rubber, cotton, wool, or jute yoga mats offer better texture because these mats have raised and textured patterns. These mats will help you stay put, especially when practicing vigorous poses. If you are after smooth surfaces, a PVC mat is the one for you.

4. Stickiness

Stickiness is also an essential factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat. The stickier a yoga mat is, the easier for you to be able to stay in place and perform challenging poses. Yoga studios usually have hardwood or tile floors. The stickiness of a yoga mat will prevent the mat from moving, no matter how complicated the pose is.
For yoga beginners, PVC yoga mats are ideal because it has a higher level of stickiness when compared to other yoga mat materials. It is essential to take note that PVC yoga mats will only be sticky when they are clean, which makes it necessary for you to maintain your yoga mat so you will be able to enjoy it for long-term use. Yoga mats made from organic materials have little or no stickiness, and they can be pretty easy to slip and slide when you are sweaty during your yoga session. Organically made yoga enthusiasts usually use yoga mats.

5. Style

A good yoga mat with great style and color will also affect your yoga practice and overall experience. It is choosing the color that can make you have fun and enjoy your yoga practice and encourage you to practice yoga frequently to enjoy its different benefits. There are yoga mats with visible patterns that can be used as a guide when aligning the feet and hands when performing different poses.

6. Price

There are lots of yoga mats available, even in supermarkets or grocery stores. PVC yoga mats are usually cheaper and measure 1/8 inch thick, and have a plain solid color. If you are a yoga beginner, you can try them out, and once you get your momentum, you can try out different yoga mats depending on your preference, especially those mats that will last for a long time, even with excessive use. Eco-friendly yoga mats usually belong to a high-price range, and they typically have different patterns, colors, shapes, antimicrobial properties, and unique textures.


Conclusion

When you are planning to perform vigorous yoga styles – you must get a high-performance quality yoga mat. The best yoga mat is a yoga mat that is reliable, durable, and will last you for a long time. Make sure to check out the different options available before you buy one. After all, your yoga mat has a vital role during your yoga practice and will significantly affect your yoga experience and overall comfort. What makes a good yoga mat? Having a good yoga mat can affect the success of your yoga journey. A good yoga mat will help you perform different poses while giving you comfort and keeping you safe by preventing slipping and sliding even when you become sweaty during yoga sessions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3LGSMtqCu0