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The 12 Best Yoga Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

These mats provide the ideal combination of thickness, grip, and carrying weight for everyday yogis or instructors.

Best Yoga Mats

Health / Nick Kova

From the mental health benefits of reduced stress, anxiety, and depression to the physical health benefits of improved mobility, strength, and balance, yoga has enhanced peoples' lives for thousands of years. Using a yoga mat isn’t required in every studio or for every style and tradition of yoga, but it can improve your practice and make you more likely to do yoga consistently.

Michael Hartman, PhD, health and nutrition science expert and vice president of research and development at Plexus Worldwide, says a yoga mat is especially helpful for beginners as it provides visual cues for foot and hand placement. Mats are also important for people with joint disorders, balance and coordination issues, or recovering from an injury. Not only does the cushioning of yoga mats support your body and feet, but using a mat can also put you in the mindset to practice, says Rajaa Azouqa, yoga and mindfulness instructor at YogaRenew Teacher Training.

To test yoga mats, we had 18 editors, including a few certified as barre, yoga, and personal training instructors, use the mats in our lab while doing a series of yoga flows. We then tested the mats in our homes, using them 3-5 times per week for four weeks. We evaluated the packaging, unboxing, and smell of the yoga mats, as well as whether the mat stayed flat when unrolled. We rated each yoga mat for thickness, grip, and cushioning, as well as how easy the mat was to clean and roll and whether it stayed rolled for portability. Then, we had a doctor on our Medical Expert Board review this article for medical and scientific accuracy.

Why We Like It

Crafted from open-cell natural rubber, the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat features both a comfortable cushion and a firm grip for your yoga practice. Open-cell rubber is naturally derived and provides a superior non-slip grip experience over synthetic rubber. We found the grip to be excellent, and it wasn't as slippery as some of the other mats we tried.

At 5-millimeter thickness, this mat provides a balance of softness and stability, so you can focus on your poses and breathwork even when practicing on hard studio floors. We liked that the mat was thick and the surface was firm, but not overly plush. For that reason, this mat is particularly helpful for people with foot health conditions that may impact their balance, such as plantar fasciitis. 

At a total weight of around 5 pounds, most people will find the mat comfortable to carry. To keep this mat clean, the manufacturer recommends using their plant-based formula for a quick spray and wipe-down after each yoga session. You can also use a natural, unscented soap to spot-clean or do a full wipe-down of the mat. Let the mat fully dry before rolling and storing.

It's Worth Noting

  • Even natural materials can have off-gassing periods, or a period of time when the mat smells. We noticed a slight smell during the child's pose, where the forehead is on or near the mat. 
  • This yoga mat doesn’t come with a carrying strap for easy travel and storage.

Product Details

  • Material: Rubber
  • Size: 68 x 24 inches
  • Thickness: 5 millimeters
  • Weight: 5 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Why We Like It

The BalanceFrom All Purpose Yoga Mat is affordable and can be taken anywhere, since it weighs under two pounds and comes with a handy fabric carrying strap. We love that this mat is a little thicker than most but still allows for good grip, making it versatile for both yoga and other exercises like HIIT or weights. You can spot-clean the mat and lay flat to dry, then toss the strap into your washing machine for easy cleaning. 

The thickness of this mat's foam material is unmatched. At over 12 millimeters thick, you can rest assured your hips, knees, elbows, and wrists are supported in every pose on every studio floor. This is particularly beneficial for people who are newer to yoga and looking for additional joint support or for people who have joint conditions like osteoarthritis.

It's Worth Noting

  • The mat didn’t lay flat right out of the box (not ideal if you want to use it straight away while on the road). A slight squeaking noise was also noticeable during yoga pose transitions.
  • We loved the thickness of the foam, but not every yogi is going to feel at peace on a thicker mat.

Product Details

  • Material: Foam
  • Size: 71 x 24 inches
  • Thickness: 12.7 millimeters
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Why We Like It

The Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat's rubber blend material makes it an obvious choice for hot yoga sessions because the mat is still grippy after the sweat starts dripping. Even with wet palms we never slipped, and the mat stayed put throughout our yoga session. 

The mat is also pretty lightweight at less than 5 pounds, making it easy to take on the go. The thinness makes it easy to spot-clean and lay flat to dry, and we also love how quickly and compactly the mat rolls up when your practice is over.

It's Worth Noting

  • The mat doesn't come with a carrying strap.
  • You should also know that this mat is thinner than others on the list at just 4 millimeters, so it may not be quite enough cushion for some yogis. If you have joint pain or practice yoga on hard surfaces, you may want to choose a thicker option.

Product Details

  • Material: Polyurethane and rubber  
  • Size: 72 x 24 inches
  • Thickness: 4 millimeters
  • Weight: 4.4 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Why We Like It

The lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat is “the” mat for tall yogis or anyone looking to secure a little extra personal space during yoga classes. We felt comfortable doing any pose without worrying about falling off the mat. Our 6-foot-tall editor noted she was able to lay flat on the mat and still have enough room to move around comfortably. When standing, the mat space allowed her to fully stretch in warrior poses.

We appreciated that the mat had a good grip, which was beneficial for maintaining balance and helping to switch between poses. The mat is also absorbent and dries up any drop of water quickly. We were amazed that when we sprayed water on our palms, the ability to grip the mat was unchanged, so this is an excellent mat to use for hot yoga

It's Worth Noting

  • We noted a slight chemical smell on the printed side of the mat. On the back side, the rubber smell is even stronger. While it will fade over time, this may not be the ideal choice if you have scent sensitivities. 
  • The mat is slightly sticky upon first unboxing, which makes it initially resistant to unrolling and rolling. Giving the mat a gentle wash with a spot-clean method and laying flat may help.
  • The black finish shows handprints and footprints, which may be distracting to some people during practice.

Product Details

  • Material: Polyurethane and rubber 
  • Size: 28 x 84 inches
  • Thickness: 5 millimeters
  • Weight: 7.05 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Why We Like It

The cork padding and 6-millimeter thickness of the Yoloha Yoga Original Cork Yoga Mat is ideal for people looking for joint support and sweat absorption. We found the cork to be firm enough to avoid sinking and bouncy enough to prevent feeling the studio floor underneath you. The cork also cushions under hands and feet with minimal slipping. Our experts said the cork materials are absorbent, too, so they’re suitable for a variety of slower flow to higher intensity yoga classes. 

The cork material is lightweight and also easy to clean. Like other mats on this list, you can clean your cork mat with a spot clean method using natural soap or spray and laying flat to dry.

It's Worth Noting

  • After unboxing, the mat did not lay flat and the edges of the mat curled slightly.
  • Cork mats don’t roll up as nicely as mats made from other materials, including PVC and rubber. The large size of the final yoga mat roll didn’t fit well into the provided carrying strap, so it may be a better mat for using at home where you can keep it unrolled.
  • We noticed a slight chemical smell while in child’s pose, but it wasn’t overpowering.

Product Details

  • Material: Cork
  • Size: 72 x 23 inches
  • Thickness: 6 millimeters
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spray with mat cleaner and lay flat to dry

Why We Like It

The Sugarmat Printed Yoga Mat is so much more than its unique and beautiful design. The texture, feel, grip, and roll-up experience are ideal for people looking for thin mats. Thin yoga mats can be particularly useful in yoga classes because they encourage proper positioning of your wrists, ankles, and more. This encourages greater strength-building and stability. Azouqa says if your mat is too thick, your hands will sink in, which can affect the wrists negatively. Plus, thick mats make it hard to activate the arches in the feet, she adds.

The rubber material makes this mat extra grippy. Even with our wet hands on the mat, we didn’t slip when performing any poses or transitions. You can machine wash the Sugarmat and hang it to dry, making it incredibly easy to care for.

It's Worth Noting

  • If you’re using this for yoga only it’s worth the splurge, but it may not provide enough support for the jumping movements in high-impact classes like HIIT. 
  • Some yogis may find this mat too thin, especially if they’re practicing on hard studio floors. We tried the mat on concrete flooring to see how it would hold up, and could feel the concrete through the mat.
  • Despite its slim profile, the mat is heavy when it's rolled up.

Product Details

  • Material: Rubber 
  • Size: 68 x 24 inches
  • Thickness: 3 millimeters
  • Weight: 3.7 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Machine-washable

Why We Like It

If you’re looking for a truly versatile yoga mat that can accompany you to any class, the Alo Warrior Yoga Mat is it. We chose this mat as most versatile because it’s suitable for rigorous and gentle practices alike, as well as meditation or just pre- or post-workout stretching.

The thickness and grip levels were ideal for feeling fully supported during holding poses or transitioning between poses. One of our editors is prone to wrist fatigue but found this mat was comfortable and supported her wrists, keeping her pain-free throughout the entire yoga flow. We loved that the mat also provides extra cushioning for your knees, which is helpful if you need to hold a lizard or frog pose for several minutes. And although it's on the heavier side, it rolls up quite nicely for easy travel. To clean the mat after practice, spray and wipe away any sweat and lay it flat to dry.

It's Worth Noting

  • During the testing process, we had some concerns about sweat staining the mat. During the sweat test (with wet hands and feet), imprints could be seen on the mat. The mat also tends to get dirty easily, especially when stepping from a bare floor to the mat.

Product Details

  • Material: PVC
  • Size: 6.2 feet x 2.2feet 
  • Thickness: 5 millimeters
  • Weight: 6 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Why We Like It

The Jade Yoga Voyager Mat weighs less than two pounds and is thin enough to fold or roll tightly, making it easy to carry and travel with. We noted in testing that it can fold to about the size of a yoga block but may crease if left that way for too long, so it should be stored rolled when not traveling. Due to its grippiness, it stays rolled on its own without a strap.

We like that the natural rubber of this mat provides a stable grip that prevents slipping and sliding even with sweaty hands and feet. We noted that the mat provided good stability and balance support and that we didn't sink into it. We also love the eco-friendliness of the packaging and that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every purchase.

It's Worth Noting

  • The mat is thinner than most other yoga mats, so there's almost no cushioning when lying down or performing exercises on your sit bones or knees.
  • We noted a strong rubber smell that lingered for a couple of weeks when we first unpackaged this mat. Also, the natural rubber stickiness makes dirt and hair stick to it and can be challenging to clean.

Product Details 

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Size: 68 x 24 inches 
  • Thickness: 1.6 millimeters
  • Weight: 1.5 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Spot clean

Best for Restorative Yoga

Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat

Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat
PHOTO:

Amazon

Why We Like It

This cushy yoga mat from Aeromat Elite provides plenty of support and has built-in, anti-stretch mesh so the mat doesn't stretch when in use. In testing, we noted the thickness provided just the right amount of cushioning to be supportive and comfortable for restful and relaxing yoga sessions.

This mat has a slight sticky feeling and a surface texture that provides great grip so the mat doesn't slide on the floor, and our sweaty hands and feet didn't slide or slip. Aeromat Elite offers an optional strap for an extra cost, which makes storing and carrying the lightweight mat easy and comfortable. We also like that the mat is latex- and phthalate-free and comes in multiple colors.

It's Worth Noting

  • We noted a slight odor when we first unpackaged the mat.

Product Details

  • Material: PVC
  • Size: 72 x 24 inches 
  • Thickness: 6 millimeters
  • Weight: Not stated
  • Cleaning method: Hand wash
Person holding Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat

Health / Cindy Erskin

Why We Like It

If you need a well-cushioned and supportive yoga mat for your practice, this mat from YogaAccessories is the perfect choice. In testing, we noted that it provides great cushioning and grip for all types of exercise, including bootcamp-style workouts. It is supportive enough to help with knee pain when kneeling but not so squishy that your hands sink in and affect balance or stability.

The mat has a double-sided, non-slip texture that provides great grip. We noticed our sweaty hands didn't slip, and we even stayed put during plank exercises. We found the mat easy to clean and liked that it's latex- and phthalate-free, affordable, and there was no chemical or rubbery smell.

It's Worth Noting

  • Due to the mat's thickness, it's a little bulky to travel with, and a strap would help keep it rolled tightly.

Product Details

  • Material: Foam
  • Size: 74 x 24 inches 
  • Thickness: 6 millimeters
  • Weight: 3.4 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Hand wash
A person doing yoga on the YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat

Health / Joelle Hernandez

Why We Like It

Manduka Begin Yoga Mat is a natural rubber mat with the right amount of support for faster-paced yoga practices. Its design prevents sweat from soaking in, and the natural rubber means it has a nice texture that won't slide around on the floor. We like that it's reversible and has an alignment stripe down the center to help with positioning.

We found in testing that the thickness is just right for a variety of exercises as long as you don't have joint pain that needs additional support. The mat is lightweight at only 2.5 pounds and rolls tightly for portability. It's also free from chemicals and toxins, is anti-microbial, and we noted there was no significant smell, even right after unboxing. It comes in multiple color combinations and has an option to include a lavender mat cleaner for an extra cost so you can be sure your mat is cleaned with natural ingredients.

It's Worth Noting

  • The mat doesn't come with a carrying strap.

Product Details 

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Size: 68 x 24 inches 
  • Thickness: 5 millimeters
  • Weight: 2.5 pounds
  • Cleaning method: Hand wash
Person holding Manduka Begin Yoga Mat

Health / Megan Hartig

Why We Like It

Bala's Play Mat Plus is extra thick and supportive, which is why it's our top choice for Pilates and other exercises that you need to be on your knees for. During testing, we found the mat to be cushiony and supportive. We had no joint pain during exercise, and the mat was thick enough that we didn't feel the hard ground underneath. The mat had a lot of 'give' to it, but it wasn't so thick that balance or stability were affected.

We like the sleek design of this mat and that it comes in minimal, eco-friendly packaging. We noted that there was no significant smell upon unboxing, and the surface texture was smooth and soft to the touch. It's available in three colors, but the - options may show dirt after several uses.

It's Worth Noting

  • In testing, we noted that the thickness of this mat is perfect for support and comfort, but it makes the mat more cumbersome for travel. It would need a strap if you plan to travel with it.
  • Bala recommends rolling the mat with the logo layer facing out to avoid creasing the top surface.

Product Details 

  • Material: Natural rubber
  • Size: 71 3/8 x 26 1/2 inches 
  • Thickness: 8 millimeters
  • Weight: Not Stated
  • Cleaning method: Hand wash
person sitting on yoga mat

Health / Abigail Moore

More to Consider

  • Gaiam Folding Yoga Mat: This mat was very portable, but it fell short in terms of its grip level because it was so slippery.
  • CAP Reversible Yoga Mat: An affordable option for most, the CAP Reversible Yoga Mat is more slippery than others we tested. While some yogis like this challenge, we found the finish to be distracting because our hands and feet were slipping even during the dry test. The mat also took a while to lay flat after unboxing and emitted a slight chemical smell.
  • Manduka SuperLite Yoga Mat: If you’re looking for a lightweight option that's easy to travel with and store away when not in use, this could be it. The mat is ideal for traveling or using in small spaces because it’s easy to roll up. However, it’s not grippy enough to be suitable for people who sweat a lot during class or for use in hot yoga classes. 

Our Testing Process

The Health team, including certified yoga and barre instructors and a certified personal trainer, tested each of the yoga mats in our lab as well as at home 3-5 times per week for four weeks. Each test included unboxing the yoga mat, unfolding and unrolling the yoga mat, two short yoga flow practices in the lab (once with dry/non-sweaty hands and once with hands and feet sprayed with water), home yoga practices, cleaning the mat, and rolling or folding the mat.

We evaluated the mats based on grip, comfort, padding, thickness, portability, and smell, since some yoga mats can have an odor, especially when first used. We also considered how well the yoga mat stays rolled up when not in use, if it’s heavy or overly large, whether or not it comes with a yoga mat strap or a carrying bag, and if the care instructions are overly fussy. 

Along with these individual factors, we rated our overall experience using the yoga mat based on a five-point scale, with one being “would not recommend” and five being “best.” 

Yoga Mat Materials and Types

Yoga mats are available in a wide variety of materials. The right material for your yoga mat depends on several factors. Hartman says it comes down to personal preferences, the surface underneath the mat, and your type of yoga practice. For example, he says both cork and jute mats are great choices for hot yoga since cork is antimicrobial and jute has excellent grip. PVC mats have the most sponginess and are the best for sticking to hardwood floors. Cotton mats are good if you want a thinner mat.

  • PVC yoga mats are, on average, the thicker, cheaper options available. They also tend to last longer. Hartman says they’re low-maintenance and offer good grip, too. 
  • Natural rubber is made of renewable and biodegradable resources, making it a perfect choice for the eco-conscious yogi. Azouqa says that rubber mats may provide more grip but can be heavier and more expensive than other materials. Hartman says recycled rubber or recycled plastic mats provide soft cushioning and easily absorb sweat.
  • Natural cork is another renewable and biodegradable option, and its price can vary from affordable to more expensive. Natural cork is often used in hot yoga, as the more you sweat the better the grip becomes, says Azouqa. Natural cork mats are also considered antimicrobial and antifungal, easy to clean, and offer no-slip grip. Other materials include jute and cotton.
  • Jute mats offer superior support and traction, so they’re practical for beginners.
  • Cotton mats are sweat-absorbent and machine-washable, which is particularly useful if you go to regular yoga classes or visit different yoga studios and want to ensure superior hygiene.

Our Experts

To select the best yoga mats, we spoke to experts, including: 

  • Rajaa Azouqa, yoga and mindfulness instructor at YogaRenew Teacher Training
  • Michael Hartman, PhD, health and nutrition science expert and vice president of research and development at Plexus Worldwide
  • Mandy Ingber, author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover and yoga instructor who works with Jennifer Aniston

Your Questions, Answered

What is the best thickness for a yoga mat? 

As a general rule, there are three different yoga mat thickness types, explains Hartman. These thicknesses range from around 1/4 to 1/8 inches and 1/16 inches, with 1/8 being the standard. For yoga beginners, Hartman suggests going for a 1/8-inch mat and then adjusting from there. Azouqa echoes this, stating you should begin with anything between 4.2-5.5 millimeters thick. For yoga classes with a lot of jumping, you may want a thick mat, says Hartman. For slower, more moderate poses, you can go for a thinner one that gives you a better connection to the floor.

Which mat is best for yoga? 

The best yoga mat depends on which type of yoga class you’re attending and your personal preferences. Cork or jute mats are best for hot yoga classes or classes where you’re bound to work up a sweat because they still provide a safe level of grip for holding poses. If you’re looking for a yoga mat to increase stability and balance, Azouqa suggests choosing a cork or natural rubber option.

Who We Are

Michelle Pugle, MA, MHFA, is a health journalist, author, and suicide prevention speaker with degrees in Women’s Studies and Feminist Research, Sociology, and English. Michelle practices hatha yoga and various hot yoga classes to release stored traumatic stress, combat chronic pain, and strengthen emotional resilience. Michelle uses a supportive rubber grippy mat because it gives her the confidence to explore deeper poses without worrying about joint fatigue or pain.

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Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Ministry of Ayush, Government of India. Yoga: Its origin, history and development.

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