Many newcomers to yoga might be tempted to think “a yoga mat’s a yoga mat, right?” They would, however, be sorely mistaken. Getting yourself a yoga mat that’s suitable for your needs and level and one that’s not can make a huge difference to how quickly you progress as a yoga practitioner, how comfortable you are when practicing, and just how stable and safe you feel while pulling your poses. To help you find the ideal yoga mat for your needs, in this article we’re going to introduce you to the best 25 yoga mats out there in 2020.
We reviewed dozens of yoga mats to identify the best of the best. We examined a range of factors, including material, size, eco-friendliness, grip, durability, texture, cost, and average customer reviews.
Having considered a large number of yoga mats, we chose the Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat as our top pick. This mat ticks all the boxes, using extra thick, non-toxic, and sustainable materials, an added 2 inches of width over standard mats, a nonslip, moisture-resistant surface, and an eco-friendly foam backing that provides enough cushioning for comfort without inhibiting balance. All things considered, this mat’s ideal for newbie yogis and old hands alike.
The 5 Top-Rated Yoga Mats
| Editor’s Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Yoga Mat Overall | Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat | 4.7 |
| Best Nonslip Yoga Mat | Clever Yoga Non-Slip Yoga Mat | 4.7 |
| Best Budget Yoga Mat | Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat | 4.7 |
| Best Extra-Thick Yoga Mat | Yoga Cloud Ultra-Thick 1″ Yoga and Exercise Mat | 4.8 |
| Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat | Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Yoga Mat Overall: Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat
The Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat is a wonderfully well-made, versatile, and practical yoga mat for users of all ages, shapes and sizes, irrespective of the type of yoga they practice.
While there are plenty of other outstanding yoga mats out there, this one wins our vote on account of offering the perfect blend of the most desirable features and design characteristics.
This mat measures a generous 72 inches long by 26 inches wide, making it one of the roomiest mats in our review and suitable for users up to 6 foot in height (6’2″/6’3″ if you don’t mind your feet reaching off the mat in the lying down position). It also measures a quarter of an inch thick and provides plenty of cushioning and support without overdoing it—as is the case with some chunkier mats—to the extent that it impairs balance in standing poses.
Perhaps more importantly, this mat is made with entirely sustainable and eco-friendly materials, using a naturally antimicrobial, nonslip cork surface that’s easy to clean and which provides plenty of grip for your hands and feet, and a closed-cell, slip-resistant foam base that is free of PVC, plasticizers, and latex.
The Yoloha Aura also scores highly in terms of portability, weighing just 2.8 pounds and measuring 5 inches in diameter by 26 inches long when rolled up.
All in all a great all-rounder that costs a little above average but is well worth every extra penny.
Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 26 inches
- Rolls up to 26 x 5 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Naturally antimicrobial
- Slip-resistant foam base is free of PVC, plasticizers, latex, and other chemicals
- Nonslip cork surface
- Ideal for Vinyasa, Yin, Ashtanga, Iyengar, or Hatha yoga
Best Nonslip Yoga Mat: Clever Yoga Non-Slip Yoga Mat
For users who practice any type of yoga that requires performing trickier poses, it’s always best to have a yoga mat that you can trust to provide reliable grip, traction, and stability. The Clever Yoga Non-Slip Yoga Mat is just that kind of mat.
This mat is made with with sustainably harvested, biodegradable, natural tree rubber and a thin polyurethane top layer that wicks away sweat and absorbs moisture for superior grip, providing you with a slip-free posing surface that gives you all the confidence you need to commit to those poses safely and without fear of falling. Both materials are also completely free from PVC, latex, and other toxic materials.
While only a quarter of an inch thick, this mat measures a very generous 72.8 inches long and 26.8 inches wide, making it one of the largest mats in our review and ideal for users who need more room to spread out while practicing.
This mat also rolls up to a very portable 4.5 by 26.8 inches, is naturally antibacterial and resistant to odors, features an attractive mandala design up top, and comes with a practical carry bag with a robust, sling-style strap that makes transportation a cinch.
Clever Yoga Non-Slip Yoga Mat Key Features:
- Quick-drying, moisture-repellent, nonslip surface
- Antibacterial material
- Measures 72.8 by 26.8 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Carry bag with shoulder strap included
- Lifetime warranty
Best Budget Yoga Mat: Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat is a simple, no-frills but perfectly practical yoga mat that costs around the same as you’re likely to pay for a single lesson and does everything that the vast majority of yoga practitioners need a yoga mat to do.
This mat is made with very soft and supportive PVC that is entirely non-toxic and does not contain any of the 6 most harmful phthalates. It also measures in at a slightly oversized 72 by 24 inches and is a generous quarter-inch thick, meaning it provides plenty of cushioning and protection when placing weight on your joints, when lying down in the Corpse Pose, or in the event of a slip or fall.
This mat also uses a lightly textured, nonslip surface, is available in a total of six colors, comes with a handy, easy-to-use carrying sling, and weighs in at a reasonably lightweight 3.5 pounds.
Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat Key Features:
- Measures 72 inches x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Weighs 3.5 lbs.
- Sticky, nonslip texture
- Non-toxic and PVC-free
- Available in several colors
- Carrier sling included
Best Extra Thick Yoga Mat: Yoga Cloud Ultra-Thick 1″ Yoga and Exercise Mat
The Yoga Cloud Ultra-Thick 1″ Yoga and Exercise Mat is the ideal choice of mat for anyone concerned about placing too much pressure on their joints, injuring themselves in a slip or fall, or simply looking for a little more support and cushioning while they practice.
This Yoga Cloud is made with high-density foam that feels plush, soft, and supportive when performing any type of pose, but particularly those—such as the downward dog, Balasana, or Kapotasana, for example—that might put added strain on your wrists, elbows, knees, ankles, or hips. And unlike most other extra-thick mats, this one’s chunkiness doesn’t translate into a lack of firmness that might make it difficult to keep your balance in standing poses.
Other endearing features in this mat include its no-slip ridges and moisture-resistant surface, handy carry strap, and the cooling effect provided by its ridged surface, all of which mean it’s not only one of the safest and most comfortable yoga mats out there, but also very practical and suitable for users of all levels and for all types of yoga.
Yoga Cloud Ultra-Thick 1″ Yoga and Exercise Mat Key Features:
- Measures 72 by 24 inches
- 1 inch thick
- Weighs 4.2 lbs.
- Moisture-resistant, nonslip surface
- Carry strap included
- Available in 4 colors
Best Eco Friendly Yoga Mat: Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat
For the more eco-conscious practitioner of yoga, there are few models of mat out there that come close to matching the Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat in terms of both practicality and value for money.
This very affordable mat is made with thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and polyurethane materials, both of which are widely recyclable and certified by the SGS. These materials are also free of PVC, latex, heavy metals, and other chemical components linked to illness or allergies, meaning this isn’t only a good choice for the environment but also for your health.
This mat measures in at a very generous 72 by 26 inches and is quarter of an inch thick. On the upper surface, it also boasts a series of body alignment lines that help you take up the correct position on the mat for different poses and keep your body properly aligned without having to turn or take your attention away from the teacher or the movement of your body.
Finally, this mat also uses a nicely grippy, non-slip surface both on top and on the underside, comes with a handy Velcro fastening strap and comfortable carrying sling, and uses an anti-tear middle-mesh layer that increases durability over standard foam or PVC mats.
Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 26 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Weighs 2.2 lbs
- Velcro fastening strap and carry strap included
- Non-slip surface
- Alignment lines
- Ideal for for hot yoga, pilates, or any other intensive yoga exercise
Who Should Buy a Yoga Mat
In short, anyone who practices yoga! There are several reasons why owning your own yoga mat is a good idea. Firstly, if you are taking classes in a gym or studio, having your own mat is more hygienic, ensuring you won’t be coming into contact with the sweat or other germs left on communal pads by other users. Secondly, yoga mats provide the support, cushioning, and nonslip surface needed to perform yoga poses without discomfort, placing too much strain on your joints, or fear of slipping or falling. Thirdly, yoga mats are relatively inexpensive and certain models are made with durable materials that are likely to last you a lifetime. Finally, even the heaviest of yoga mats weigh in at just 4-5 pounds (most weigh just 2-3 lbs.) and most models can be rolled up into a tidy bundle and carried around with you with ease—doing so, moreover, might just help you make friends with other yogis in your regular coffee stop or even earn you some serious kudos with your colleagues at work!
Important Features to Consider
A yoga mat should do several things well. Here’s what to consider when selecting a yoga mat for your yoga sessions at home or in the studio:
- Thickness. The standard thickness of yoga mats is an eighth of an inch. While this thickness will provide ample cushioning for most users, there a number of reasons why you might wish to opt for a chunkier model of mat measuring from a quarter of an inch up to a full inch. First of all, thicker mats provide more cushioning for the parts of your body that will be in contact with the floor (the head, shoulders blades, hips, buttocks, and knees) and will be much more comfortable for novices, those doing longer sessions, or forms of yoga in which they will be spending a lot of time on the floor. On the downside, using a thicker mat can make it harder to maintain balance, particularly in standing poses, and thick mats also tent to be bulkier and heavier – something well worth taking into consideration if portability is high on your list of priorities.
- Material. The most common materials used in yoga mats include the following:
- PVC: By far the most common yoga mat material, PVC is both durable and ideally suited to the needs of most yoga practitioners owing to its light weight and typically smooth but grippy surface. On the downside, PVC has been identified as a potential carcinogen in several recent studies and is not eco-friendly or easily recyclable.
- Expanded Polypropylene (EPP): Like PVC, EPP is not an eco-friendly option but is popular with many yoga practitioners owing to its durability and soft, spongy texture. Because EPP mats are usually thicker, they are great for yoga that involves a lot of sitting or lying down. On the downside, mats that use EPP can lack grip and be a little slippy when performing certain poses.
- Natural Rubber: This eco-friendly option may cost a little more, but provides all the benefits of PVC and is fast becoming the most popular choice amongst more conscientious yoga enthusiasts. On the downside, these mats can cause allergic reactions in users who are allergic to latex.
- Organic Cotton: This material has risen in popularity in recent years owing to its soft feel, reasonable grip, and the ease with which it can be washed. Because cotton can hold up to 20 times its own weight in water (in the case sweat (!)), however, using a cotton mat may mean you’ll be spending a lot of time at the laundry!
- Portability. If you’re practicing yoga at home, then the size and weight of your yoga mat isn’t likely to be a big issue. If, however, you’re taking classes in a studio or like to practice on the beach or in a park, then both of these factors come into play when deciding on the best model of mat for your needs.
When buying, be sure to check the weight of the mat and its dimensions when rolled up—if you’ll be traveling far on foot before reaching your studio, then look for a model that’s as light and small as possible without selling yourself short on the other features required to let you practice comfortably. Also, make sure the mat comes with a comfortable, practical carry strap or bag to facilitate transportation. - Length and width. Your yoga mat should be long and wide enough to accommodate your whole body when lying prone in the Savasana (Corpse Pose) position. Standard yoga mats range in size from 68 to 72 inches. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that 70 inches is a mere 5 feet and 10 inches. If you are taller than 5′ 10″, therefore, you will be best served by a longer mat measuring 72 to 76 inches, depending on your height.
The standard width of yoga mats is usually 22 or 24 inches. If you need more space owing to your body shape and size or the type of yoga you will be practicing, extra-wide mats measuring up to 36 inches wide can be found easily. - Type of yoga practice. With more mellow forms of yoga such as Hatha or Yin, you will probably be perfectly comfortable using a standard yoga mat at the lower end of the price scale. However, if you plan on doing more dynamic forms of yoga (such as hot yoga, Vinyasa, or Ashtanga) then we’d highly recommend opting for a mat that uses grippier materials (PVC or natural rubber), a nonslip and textured surface, and which will absorb your sweat as opposed to letting it rest on the mat and pose a slip hazard.
- Style. In addition to aesthetic appeal, the style of your mat can also help you with your yoga practice. While a pretty or inspirational pattern may provide additional motivation when it comes to practice time, one that uses alignment lines will help you focus and adjust your hands and feet to the required position with increased accuracy and also to keep your body in proper alignment, a something that might prove particularly useful to beginners or those intent on taking on more advanced forms of yoga with new poses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of a yoga mat?
A yoga mat is used to provide protection, cushioning, and grip while you practice. As many yoga practices involve spending long periods of time on the floor or in poses that might be difficult to hold on a hard or slippery surface, a yoga mat allows you to practice with more freedom, peace of mind, and comfort.
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
The standard thickness used in most yoga mats is one eights of an inch. While ideal for more mellow yoga practice such as Hatha toga or in flowing Vinyasas like the cat-cow and sun salutations, with other types of yoga in which you spend more time lying down or sitting on the mat, if you happen to be particularly skinny and short on “cushioning” body fat, or if you simply want to limit the strain placed on your joints, then a thicker mat (from 1/4 inch up to a full inch) is likely to be a better, more comfortable option.
Are yoga mats really necessary?
While by no means absolutely necessary, there are several compelling advantages to using a yoga mat over practicing on a bare floor, a rug, or any other yoga mat substitute.
If practicing on a wooden, tiled, or stone floor, the effort required to prevent your hands and feet from slipping is such that it detracts from the primary purpose of performing each pose and, of course, those slips could easily result in a fall that’s sure to be painful without a protective mat beneath you. On other surfaces like grass, sand, or even on a towel or rug, more strength is required to maintain poses, which can cause us to become rigid instead of maintaining a supple and flexible posture.
Other ways in which a yoga mat help are providing a cushion in case of falls or slips, protecting your knees, hips, and head from hard surfaces, giving you an area of personal space in busy gyms or studios, providing grip when your hands and feet become sweaty, and forming a buffer against cold flooring, which can cause your muscles to contract and thus become less flexible and more prone to sprains or pulls.
Can I use a towel instead of a yoga mat?
Towels can be a reasonably effective substitute for a yoga mat and can also be used to complement your mat when used as support aids (for you hips, head, shoulders, and knees in certain asanas, for example).
However, in types of yoga requiring more active movements or dynamic asanas, then a towel will not provide the same grip and firm, fixed base that a mat does, meaning you’re more likely to lose balance or slip or place additional strain on your joints.
For more ideas and gear suggestions for staying in shape at home, check out our guides to The Best Rowing Machines, The Best Mini Trampolines, and How to Get Rid of Lower Belly Fat.
Other Yoga Mats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other yoga mats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best yoga mats list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Budget Yoga Mats
NewMe Fitness Instructional Yoga Mat
This nicely grippy PVC mat has a total of 70 detailed diagrams illustrating different poses, making it a great choice for newcomers or those intent on doing self-guided sessions at home.
Key Features:
- Measures 68 x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Nonslip surface
- No BPAs, latex, phthalates, or other toxic materials
Cost: $29.97
AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
This simple mat uses a textured surface to improve grip and traction, is available in 6 colors, and measures a generous 74 inches long by 24 wide by a half-inch thick. A great choice for newbies!
Key Features:
- Measures 74 x 24 inches
- 1/2 inch thick
- Carry sling included
- Available in 6 colors
Cost: $18.68
This basic mat is made with non-harmful materials, boasts a textured, nonslip surface, and is available in five different colors.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- 0.2 inches thick
- Nonslip surface
- Latex- and phthalate-free
Cost: $16.79
This mat is made with eco-friendly TPE materials, has a textured, nonslip base and nicely grippy surface, and is available in a total of 10 colors. A great choice for beginners and advanced yogis alike.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Carry bag included
- 1-year warranty
Cost: $31.49
With alignment lines that help you perform your poses and maintain posture with more accuracy, a nonslip base, and a superbly grippy, textured surface, this eco-friendly mat is one of the most user-friendly budget models out there.
Key Features:
- Made with recyclable TPE material
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Carry strap included
Cost: $31.95
This mat boasts a very sticky, nonslip surface, plenty of cushioning for support, and is available in a total of 34 colors with different inspirational designs. At 68 inches long, this is a great choice for users of all levels and under 5’10” tall.
Key Features:
- Measures 68 x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Nonslip surface
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $28.99
This eco-friendly mat is made with SGS-certified, non-toxic, recyclable, and odorless materials and boasts reversible non-slip surfaces. A wavy, ribbed base stops your mat sliding on wooden or tiled flooring while the grippy upper surface helps you to hold your poses with no additional strain or fear of slipping.
Key Features:
- Made with recyclable TPE material
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- 2-year warranty
- Alignment lines help positioning
- Carry strap included
Extra-thick Yoga Mats
BalanceFrom GoYoga+ Extra Thick Yoga Mat
This nicely priced mat offers plenty of support and cushioning courtesy of its plush 1/2-inch thickness and comes with a handy knee mat to relieve pressure and prevent pains while performing your poses.
Key Features:
- Measures 71 x 24 inches
- 1/2 inch thick
- Carry strap and knee pad included
- 2-year warranty
Cost: $17.99
ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat
This mat is made with 1/2-inch thick, high-density NBR (nitrile rubber) that naturally repels moisture, offers more support and cushioning than the foams used in most other mats, and also wipes clean in just a few seconds.
Key Features:
- Measures 71 x 24 inches
- 1/2 inch thick
- Ribbed design provides grip
- Carry strap included
Cost: $18.99
This beefy, one-inch-thick mat has a lot more going for it than girth alone, including a nonslip surface, durable materials that are free of phthalate, heavy metals, latex, and BPAs, and a weight of just 3.5 pounds.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 by 24 inches
- 1 inch thick
- Nonslip surface
- Carry strap included
Cost: $36.79
Sivan Health and Fitness Yoga Mat
This mat is made with plush, supportive memory foam materials that provide plenty of protection for your wrists, knees, hips, and other joints while on the floor without sacrificing the grip required to keep your balance in standing poses.
Key Features:
- Measures 71 x 24 inches
- Memory foam
- Ribbed underside and smooth top surface
Cost: $26.99
This oversized mat measures a whopping 73 by 32 inches, making it by far the widest and most commodious mat in our review. It’s also a half inch thick, made with nonslip memory foam materials, and comes with a bonus carry bag and strap.
Key Features:
- Measures 73 x 32 inches
- 1/2 inch thick
- 1-year warranty
- Carry bag and strap included
Cost: $34.99
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat
This frill-free but perfectly functional mat is one of the most reasonably priced models in our review. It’s also available in 9 colors, uses durable PVC materials, and weighs in at a relatively lightweight 3.2 pounds.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- 2/5 inch thick
- Cinch straps and carry straps included
Cost: $16.98
Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats
This mat uses sustainable and chemical-free materials and combines greater width with a sweat-resistant, nonslip, superbly grippy surface to provide the perfect practicing surface for both novice and more advanced users.
Key Features:
- Measures 71 x 26 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Nonslip surface
- Lifetime warranty
Cost: $120
This mat is made with textured, sticky, and recyclable thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), features alignment lines to help you keep your body in the correct position on the mat, and boasts an added 1/4 inch of thickness and four inches of width compared to standard sized mats.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 26 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Nonslip surface
- Adjustable carry strap included
Cost: $29.95
TXK Nonslip Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
This visually fetching mat is made with a natural rubber bottom and absorbent, nonslip suede surface that’s super-soft to the touch and provides excellent grip for your hands and feet when working up a sweat. The ideal choice for those practicing Hot Yoga or other higher-intensity forms of yoga.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 by 26.8 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Machine washable
- Carry bag included
Cost: $59.99
This wonderfully grippy, lightweight, and well-designed mat uses 100% sustainable and recyclable cork up top and nonslip, recyclable TPE on the underside. It’s also 4 inches wider than most standard mats and boasts a self-cleaning surface.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 26 inches
- 1/4 inch thick
- Self-cleaning surface
- Made with ethically sourced cork and TPE
Cost: $49.95
This mat is made with sustainable, natural rubber materials, uses no PVC or synthetics, and weighs a tiny 1.5 pounds, making it one of the most portable and lightweight mats in our review. The manufacturers of this mat, Jade Yoga, plant a tree for every mat sold.
Key Features:
- Measures 68 x 24 inches
- Extra thin: 1/16th of an inch
- Made in the USA
- Weighs just 1.5 lbs
Cost: $39.95
This mat is made with responsibly sourced, ethically harvested cork and 100% natural rubber. It also uses no glues, PVCs, TPEs or any other harmful chemicals.
Key Features:
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- All materials are biodegradable
- Naturally antibacterial
- Weighs 6 lbs.
- 1/4 inch thick
Cost: $64.99
b kind 2 urth Spiritual Alignment Yoga Mat
This mat features inspirational imagery and alignment lines that help you position your body accurately in every pose. It’s dual-layer design combines a microfiber suede surface that’s made from recycled water bottles with a 100% natural rubber backing.
Key Features:
- Made with 100% re-purposed and sustainable materials
- Measures 72 x 24 inches
- Machine washable
- Nonslip and sweat-absorbent surface
Cost: $72
