Best Yoga Mats (updated March 2024)


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#1 Gaiam Yoga mat Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick

If you’re new to yoga, you don’t want to drop $100 on a mat before you’ve even figured out your personal preferences. That’s why Gaiam’s mat makes for a great entry point. It’s the standard mat size, 24 inches wide and 68 inches long. It’s five millimeters thick, giving you two millimeters more cushioning than a regular mat.

And it’s made from non-toxic PVC foam, which provides a non-slip surface (in most classes, at least; the sweatier you get, the more likely you’ll be to lose traction on this mat). in this price range it’s a solid deal — especially since it’s reversible, essentially giving you two styles to rock for the price of one.

                                                                         

#2 Manduka PROlite

Manduka mats have been a popular choice for students and teachers around the world for years. The PROLite is a dense yoga mat that is moderately large but offers superior comfort and padding.

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

The PROLite from Manduka’s width, thickness, & weight feel about the same as the rest of the listed mats. The Manduka eKO is the only mat that matches the Long option, while the Manduka PRO is the best.

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.

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, it just suggests that if it does have an odor, it may be light and it likely doesn’t last long.

                                                                        

#3 BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat

For beginners and casual yogis, it’s OK to opt for a budget mat — as long as it doesn’t sacrifice function for savings. BalanceFrom’s GoYoga mat has a lot in common with the Gaiam: it’s the same size, it’s just a millimeter thicker, and it’s also made from lightweight, high-density foam with double-sided non-slip surfaces.

Although it may not be as durable or long-lasting (this foam tends to flake over the years), you can still replace it six times and still get the same price as a brand name.

                                                                        

#4 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.

This is a 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.S

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 a one of the largest on this list. Surprisingly, it is light in shipping weight at only 3.2 lbs.

                                                                          

#5 Lottus Life Natural Jute Fiber

If you’ve got knee, wrist or ankle issues, you might prefer a mat that puts a little more cushioning between you and whatever surface you practice on — especially if you’re on something like concrete, which has approximately zero give.

 This mat’s memory foam-like padding, made from environmentally friendly materials woven with natural jute fibers, comes in at 8mm thick, enough to supply a solid cushion but not so thick that you find yourself sinking right into it. The jute fibers are antifungal, antimicrobial, and provide some grip for your skin. They may feel rough at first, but they will soften over time.

                                                                   

#6 Jade Harmony

Jade Yoga makes many different mats. This is their most popular. Because it is an open-cell mat, it absorbs sweat more effectively than other mats. Jade Yoga is proud to offer products that are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

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

                                                                         

#7 Mantra Cork Yoga Mat

For all the rubber mats you’ve used or looked at, have you ever considered cork? The material serves just as much of a purpose in the studio as it does in a wine bottle (…even if that purpose is a little different).

Cork is naturally antimicrobial and prevents bacteria, mold, mildew, and spores from growing on your yoga mat. It also repels dirt, hair, and dust. It also gives great grip — the more moisture the natural surface absorbs, the stickier it gets. Mantra’s 5mm mix of cork and rubber is extra dense, which will boost your stability and put a little more joint protection between you and the floor.

                                                                             

#8 Gaiam Yoga Mat

This mat was created by Gaiam to be extra thick. However, it is close to the middle of this list in terms of that measurement. 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 designed to be non-slip.M

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.

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 a one of the largest on this list. Surprisingly it weighs only 3.2 lbs, making it one the lightest mats on this list.

                                                                           

#9 Yoga Design Lab Combo Mat

This mat was designed by Yoga Design Lab to be the perfect companion for yogis. They wanted to reduce slippage to prevent injuries and eliminate the need for a towel during class. It’s also machine washable.

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

The Combo Mat measures 70″ x 24″ is 3.5 mm thick making it the thinnest mat on my list. It weighs in at 4.1 lbs so it is denser that some mats that are slightly thicker.

                                                                           

#10 YogaAccessories Thick mat

He is one of the best-selling wholesale mats I have ever seen. This may be an option for those who want multiple mats at a low price.

This is a PVC-coated open cell mat. It is free of heavy metals and latex.

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.