The Greatest Yoga Mats of 2023-2024

How We Tested Yoga Mats

Our GearJunkie testers are fitness buffs with a lot of experience and expertise to share including with yoga. Mary Murphy, one of our lead testers, had a personal journey with yoga that started after a severe back injury a few years ago.

Murphy’s acupuncturist recommended some basic yoga poses and stretches to aid her recovery. As she healed and got the go-ahead from her doctor, Murphy began attending two or three yoga classes a week at her local gym.

She learned different types of yoga from multiple instructors and was able to master enough poses to develop a good home practice when the gym closed during quarantine. She also kept up with virtual classes offered on Facebook and YouTube — a fun and free option for folks looking to get into yoga on a budget.

Throughout this time, Murphy borrowed the mats available at the gym, which were, as you would expect, on the cheaper side. She also borrowed friends’ mats before finally stealing a high-quality mat from her mom. (It’s fine. She had two.) Having tried different types of mats in a variety of yoga practices, she knows that not all mats work for all exercises.

Through multiple states of injury and being in recovery to now, when Murphy’s core is stronger, the characteristics she needs from her yoga mats have shifted. She does not claim to be an expert yoga practitioner, but her time with yoga and a variety of mats has given her some good intel and a keen eye for what qualifies these mats as the best.

Buyers Guide: How to Choose a Yoga Mat

Material

There are quite a few different options in terms of yoga mat materials. You may notice as you search that many have multiple materials for the top, bottom, and inside. That’s because the outside layers focus on grippability and texture, while the inside is responsible for providing cushioning and support.

Your choice of material for a yoga mat should depend on where you do yoga and what kind of yoga you do. For example, if you like hot yoga, the Manduka GRP Adapt will keep your mat dry even as you sweat.

Thickness

While many yoga mats are either 5 or 6 mm, they range from 2 mm all the way up to an inch. The thicker mats are best for people who need extra support and those struggling with joint pain or chronic injuries.

If you are aiming for maximum comfort, a thicker mat will provide that. Moreover, if you frequently practice restorative yoga, in which you hold poses for longer, a more cushioned mat will keep you comfortable.

The thinner the mat, the more compact it will be. If you enjoy bringing your yoga practice outdoors or if you frequent classes at a gym, you may want a compact and portable mat. When there is less cushion, the mat tends to provide more stability; although if you are on rough terrain, you may feel it.

Firmness or Density

One quality that goes hand-in-hand with thickness is firmness. As you saw in our recommendations, yoga mat materials and thickness are two features that vary a lot and impact the firmness and stability you will get from your mat.

If you have ever gone to a fitness class at a gym, you probably noticed that there are different mats for yoga and other exercises like Pilates or high-intensity interval training (HIIT). This is because certain yoga poses can actually be more difficult with an overly cushioned mat.

If you primarily practice more meditative or restorative yoga types, featuring long-held and restful poses often on the back or knees, an extra supportive mat can protect your joints and spine from fatigue.

For others practicing more core-focused, aerobic yoga with fast transitions between poses, a denser mat will protect you from slipping or overextending in a movement.

Dense foam mats, natural rubber mats, and mats with harder top layers are all good options to ensure that you have enough stability and protection for your joints as you move through your practice.

Length

Most yoga mats tend to be right around the 6-foot — or 72-inch — mark. If you are shorter, you may opt for something a bit smaller, like the Gaiam or Jade mats, which are 68 inches long.

It is not bad to have extra room on your mat, though, unless you are concerned with compactness. In fact, I like having extra space to stretch back and step forward without falling off the mat.

If you are taller, we would definitely recommend finding an extra-long mat. Otherwise, you will often have your feet hanging off the end. Depending on where you practice, this could be uncomfortable or even unsafe.

For a more spacious option, be sure to check out the Manduka Pro, which has an extra-long option that extends 85 inches (7’1″).

Width

The width of yoga mats is even more uniform than the length, with most clocking in at 24 or 26 inches wide. This tends to be accommodating enough for most people, but you may prefer something wider if you practice a lot of restorative yoga and stretching.

If you are looking for the most compact and portable mat, the Gaiam Foldable Mat folds in half to be only 12 inches wide.

Texture

Texture is a very important feature of a yoga mat. It can be hard to find the right balance, but you want to choose a yoga mat that is textured enough not to be slippery, yet smooth enough to be comfortable. When holding a pose — on your forearms, for example — an overly textured mat could prove uncomfortable and irritating to your skin.

If you prefer a smooth mat but still need that stickiness factor, you should consider the Manduka GRP Adapt.

It is also important to note the texturing on the bottom side of the mat. Many quality yoga mats have some nonslip material on the bottom, so the mat does not slide out from under you.

If you often practice in a carpeted room, be sure to get an extra-textured mat that will keep you safe and sturdy while transitioning between poses.

Eco-Friendly

If you are searching for an eco-friendly yoga mat, there are a couple of places you should direct your research. Companies that invest in sustainable production and use exclusively eco-friendly materials will help you find a mat that you know protects Mother Earth with your purchase.

This list of recommendations contains numerous yoga mats fashioned from sustainably harvested tree rubber. There are also biodegradable mats along with options produced via a zero-waste production process. Some mats are even made from cork.

On this list, the Lolë mat especially stands out for its sustainable materials in its construction. If you are looking for a thicker mat, check out Ajna, which plants a tree for every purchase.

Portability

Unless you exclusively practice yoga at home, you will likely transport your yoga mat from time to time. Keep this in mind as you consider the size of the mat: If you travel with your mat often, the one-inch-thick Retrospec Solana 1″ might prove cumbersome. The compactness of folding mats might be a huge factor in your decision.

Another helpful feature for your ultimate enjoyment of the mat is the included accessories. Carrying straps for yoga mats can cost around $20 or more. If you want added value for your purchase, the recommended mats by Retrospec and Ajna come with included straps.

Price

When considering how much you want to spend on a yoga mat, think about your expected frequency and duration of usage. If you are looking for a mat for beginners, you might want to start with one of the more affordable mats, like the Gaiam 6 mm, until you establish your practice and can invest in a mat that meets your particular needs.

On the other hand, if you are serious about your yoga practice, splurging for one of the more expensive yoga mats is the way to go. These tend to be more durable and made with higher-quality materials and construction.

Mandukas are some of the most expensive on this list, for instance, but it is also a respected company with quality mats beloved by yoga instructors and students alike.

For reference, the Manduka PRO is our most premium choice at $150 and the select budget option is the Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat at $24.

Frequently Asked Questions