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The 18 Best Yoga Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Our favorites are grippy, have just enough padding, and are easy to clean and store

A person standing with feet together on a yoga mat

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Yoga mats are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment and an integral part of many home workout routines. Whether you’re going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important.

We consulted Mandy Ingber, a yoga instructor and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover, and chose mats for our test based on material, size, thickness and grippiness, as well as price and portability. Ingber also suggests considering aesthetics when choosing a mat, as your mat's colors and design may inspire you to spend more time enjoying your practice.

To find the best yoga mats, we tested 24 mats in The Verywell Testing Lab and at home over a four-week period. After over 1,100 hours of testing, we evaluated how well each mat unrolled and laid flat, how well the padding and thickness supported our practice, whether the mat provided a non-slip surface, and how portable they were. We also evaluated whether the mats could stand up to sweat and humidity without becoming slippery. Finally, we cleaned them to make sure they were easy to take care of over time. Our top picks are ideal for hot yoga, traveling, at-home use, and more.

Best Overall

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

Alo

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Unboxing
    4/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    5/5
Pros
  • Rolls up tightly

  • Available in 10 colors

  • Easy care instructions

Cons
  • Heavy

  • Colorful versions may show dirt

After a full day in the Lab, Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat was our top overall pick for its simple, high-quality design. We found the mat to be thick and roomy, with plenty of space for an intermediate vinyasa flow. It struck the perfect balance of cushioning and support that didn’t cause wrist fatigue in positions like Downward Facing Dog.

This Alo mat also provided a strong grip out of the box, with no break-in period—we didn’t slip once while using it. The 5-millimeter thickness provides enough support for your knees when holding poses like Lizard Pose or Frog Pose for longer during a yin yoga practice. Since it weighs just over 6 pounds, it’s not a light mat. However, it rolls up into a tight coil that makes it easy to tote around.

We tested a light color of this mat, and we noticed that dirt showed up on the surface easily. We also found that sweat and water leave a light, temporary stain that evaporates when you let the mat dry flat for a few minutes after your practice. However, the easy care instructions make cleaning it a breeze.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably-sourced rubber and polyurethane leather | Size: 74.4 x 26.4 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds

Best Overall Runner-Up

lululemon Workout Mat

lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm

lululemon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.7/5
Pros
  • Attractive design

  • Texture provides excellent grip

  • Stable support for all types of exercise

Cons
  • No carrying strap

  • May not lay flat if stored rolled up

This stylish yoga mat from lululemon provides excellent grip and stability for a variety of poses, making it our best overall runner-up. During testing, we noted the raised texture on the mat surface provided great traction so there was no slipping, even when our hands were sweaty. We liked the bubbly texture and found that it made the mat very grippy.

At 6 millimeters, this mat is thick enough to provide plenty of support and is more cushioned than other lululemon mats we tested. We realized that we didn't need any additional padding, even for exercises done on our hands and knees. We also like that it's 2 inches wider than the typical 24-inch width that most mats offer.

The mat had a slight chemical smell when it was unboxed but that dissipated quickly and we noted that it was easy to roll and stayed rolled. However, when the mat was stored rolled up, the end did not lay flat right away when unrolled. This mat also doesn't come with a carrying strap, which can make it more difficult to bring with you to and from the studio.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
6 millimeters | Material: Synthetic rubber | Size: 71 x 26 inches | Weight: 4.4 pounds

A person rolling up the lululemon The Workout Mat 6mm.

Verywell Fit / Ashleigh Morley

Best Budget

Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat

Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Comes in multiple colors

  • Slight sticky surface provides good grip

  • Comes with a strap and carrying handle

Cons
  • Has a mild plastic smell

This yoga mat from Aeromat checks all the boxes—in testing, it scored top marks in comfort, grip, and portability. Plus, we love that it's budget-friendly. We noted that this mat has just the right amount of cushioning: not too much to make it unstable, and not too little to be uncomfortable.

This mat has a slightly sticky feeling that helps with grip. We noted there was no sliding around, even when our hands and feet were sweaty. It comes with a strap and carrying handle, and the mat is lightweight so it's easy to transport.

The Elite Yoga Pilates Mat is latex and phthalate-free and is made with a built-in mesh material that keeps the mat from stretching while in use. It also comes in two different thicknesses and several colors.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5-6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 72 x 24 inches | Weight: 3.5 pounds

Person performing yoga on Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat

Verywell Fit / Cindy Erskin

Best Budget Runner-Up

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Unboxing
    2/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    3/5
Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Includes carrying strap

  • Available in five colors

Cons
  • Takes time to lay completely flat

  • Shows stains and dirt

  • Lingering chemical odor

While most mats made from natural rubber can be heavy, IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat weighs in at a relatively light and comfortable-to-carry 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer records 2.8 pounds, but we found it to be lighter when we weighed it in our Lab). We also love that it comes with a carrying strap for trips to and from the studio or gym.

The drawback to such a light mat, however, is that it doesn’t have the heft to lay perfectly flat out of the box like some of the heavier mats we tested. As a result, it only received a score of 2 out of 5 for unboxing.

The 5-millimeter-thick IUGA has the distinction of being one of the grippiest mats from our test. This mat also excelled during our sweat test, making it a great pick for anyone who regularly practices hot yoga. It's also worth noting that the manufacturer states this mat is odorless, but the rubbery smell was evident when we were laying on the mat during Child’s Pose.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds

Best Splurge

Jade Yoga XW Fusion Yoga Mat

Jade Yoga XW Fusion Yoga Mat

Jade Yoga

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • 8mm thick

  • Suitable for taller users

Cons
  • Heavy and bulky

This mat from Jade Yoga will help your practice feel luxurious. The mat is 8 millimeters thick and is available in an 80-inch length for plenty of grippy surface area. It has a higher price point than most other mats we tested, but we think the size, cushioning, and quality of materials make it worth the splurge.

The XW Fusion mat is made from sustainable, natural rubber, and we like that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every mat sold. In testing, we found that the mat provided substantial cushioning but still had some give to it to allow for stability. The grip is solid even when sweating, and the texture feels pleasant and kept us from sliding around.

We noticed that the size of this mat can make it a little cumbersome to roll up and bulky to travel with. But the texture and grip keep it rolled well, to help improves your daily practice.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
8 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 80 x 28 inches | Weight: 9 pounds

Jade Yoga XW Fusion Yoga Mat leaning against a book shelf

Verywell Fit / Abigail Wetzler

Best Extra-Long

lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm

lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm

Huckberry

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
  • Unboxing
    4.5/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    5/5
Pros
  • Wide

  • Easy care instructions

  • Quick-drying

Cons
  • Lingering rubber smell on one side

  • Heavy

lululemon, known for their high-quality activewear (which we also put to the test in the Lab when finding the best lululemon leggings), makes this extra-large mat—a rare find for tall people. At 28 inches, it is the widest of all the mats we tested—and was second in length only to the Manduka PRO.

Its size easily made the biggest impression on us: One of our testers, who is 6 feet tall, liked that they could lie down and still have plenty of room to stretch. Throughout our testing, 5-millimeter-thick mats were consistently rated highest for padding and thickness, and this lululemon mat was no exception. We also found that this mat provided the perfect soft yet firm cushioning that supported our flow while still allowing us to feel grounded. 

While this mat is reversible, we preferred the polyurethane side because we found it to be more absorbent, with better grip during both the dry and sweat tests. Meanwhile, the textured rubber side showed more dirt, was more prone to slipping, and had a stronger, lingering smell.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, and nylon | Size: 84 x 28 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds

Best Non-Slip

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    3/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Unboxing
    4/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Available in two lengths

  • Lifetime guarantee

  • Latex-free

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Heavy

  • High-maintenance care instructions

If you’ve been looking at yoga mats with the intention of making an investment that will stand the test of time, then chances are good you’ve at least heard of Manduka's PRO Yoga Mat. It has a reputation for being one of the highest-quality mats available and is often the pick of seasoned yogis and instructors. And in our test, we found that it held up to the hype. 

The Manduka PRO is known for requiring a bit of a break-in period before it becomes the non-slip mat people rave about. Compared to some of the other mats we tested, like Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, we were impressed by its out-of-the-box grip. We didn’t need to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping, like the brand recommended.

We tested the long version of this mat (it’s available in two lengths), and with length comes weight. At 8.8 pounds, the Manduka PRO was easily the heaviest mat we tested—notably, the manufacturer states that it weighs 9.5 pounds. For such a heavy mat, and at this higher price point, we wish it came with a bag or carrying strap. For these reasons, this mat had some of the lowest portability, storage, and care scores of the entire test, at a 3 out of 5.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 71 x 26 inches and 85 x 26 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds and 8.8 pounds

Best Thick Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Unboxing
    4.5/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    5/5
Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Budget-friendly

  • Includes carrying strap

Cons
  • Squeaks occasionally

  • Takes time to lay completely flat

Measuring almost 13 millimeters, this mat was easily the thickest in our test. The foam material is softer and lends more supple cushioning than any other we tested, which is great for anyone with sensitive joints or who wants a versatile mat to aid them in bodyweight exercises. And for a fraction of the cost of most other mats on our list, we like that this one has all the grip and padding you'd expect.

However, such a thick mat may make you feel less stable or grounded in certain poses, especially when you need to focus on balance. A thinner mat may be better for yoga, while a thicker mat is a better choice if you want to use it for Pilates or other workouts. Ultimately, yoga mat thickness is a matter of personal preference. 

Despite providing good grip even during the sweat test, we found that this mat occasionally made squeaking noises when transitioning into certain poses. The noise was distracting, so we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who prefers a more meditative practice. It's also worth noting that it takes time to lay completely flat after pulling it out of the box.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
12.9 millimeters | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

Best for Hot Yoga

Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat

Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    4/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Unboxing
    4/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    5/5
Pros
  • Available in three lengths

  • Rolls up tightly

  • Jade Yoga plants one tree for each mat sold

Cons
  • Lingering rubber smell

Whether you gravitate toward hot yoga or simply tend to sweat while you practice, Jade Yoga's Harmony Yoga Mat is our top choice. We found it provided an optimal amount of padding without being too plush. And the natural rubber absorbs moisture, which allows the mat to provide excellent traction throughout any workout. 

This Jade mat weighs in at just under 5 pounds, and we found that it easily lays flat during the first use. It’s not the lightest mat available but is far from the heaviest we tested. We ultimately scored it a 4 out of 5 for portability—while it doesn’t include a carrying bag or strap, it rolls up tightly and isn’t too burdensome to take from your home to the studio and back again.

We also like that Jade Yoga plants a tree for each mat that's sold, so you can feel confident that you're making a difference with your purchase. Choose from three lengths between 68 and 74 inches.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
4.7 millimeters | Material: Naturally-sourced tree rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches and 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds

Best for Home Use

Liforme Original Yoga Mat

Liforme Original Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    5/5
Pros
  • Alignment guide marked on mat

  • Includes carrying bag

  • Quick-drying

Cons
  • Expensive

  • Shows stains and dirt

What sets the Liforme mat apart from all the others is the alignment guide that's etched on the polyurethane top layer. While this can come in handy during studio classes, it’s really a distinguishing feature for at-home practices when you don’t have the benefit of an experienced yoga instructor to help adjust your form. There is a small guidebook attached to the carrying bag that further explains the alignment system, so you can get started using it right away. 

The length and width are both more generous than standard-size mats, which means you’ll have ample space for active flows and stretching. In the Lab, we found that the 4.2-millimeter thickness provided just the right amount of cushion and support. The surface of the mat also provided an ideal grip during both the wet and dry tests. 

The eco-polyurethane surface is PVC-free, and, while we noticed that it was easy to see dirt and water stains, the top layer is absorbent and quick-drying—so the water and sweat didn’t impact our workout. We thought this mat shared several things in common with Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat, our best overall pick. The size of the mat and the grip and feel under our hands and feet were almost identical. But ultimately, we think the Alo mat is a better value since it costs around 40% less. 

Key Specs:
Thickness:
4.2 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane | Size: 72.8 x 26.7 inches | Weight: 4.6 pounds

Best for Travel

Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    3/5
  • Portability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    3.5/5
Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Can be rolled or folded

  • Non-toxic

Cons
  • May be slippery at first

  • Thin

If you want nearly all of the benefits of a stellar yoga mat in a smaller, travel-friendly package, we recommend Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat. At 2.2 pounds, it was among the lightest rubber mats wet tested, which is especially impressive considering it measures 71 x 24 inches. 

Made from non-toxic rubber, this mat can be rolled or folded up for easy storage in a gym bag or suitcase. However, with only a 1.5-millimeter thickness, we scored it a 3.5 out of 5 for padding because it may not provide enough support for all users.

Manduka’s mats often require a break-in period before they reach the sticky and grippy qualities they are known for. Unlike the Manduka PRO, which we found to be grippy enough out of the box, the eKO Superlite was more slippery upon first use than we would have preferred. We rated it a 3 out of 5 for grip and feel, but we will continue testing this mat at home and update our review with insights about the grip once we’ve spent more time breaking it in.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
1.5 millimeters | Material: Eco-friendly rubber | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds

Best with Firm Support

Athleta Flow Freely Yoga Mat

Athleta Flow Freely Yoga Mat

Athleta

Our Ratings
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    3.5/5
  • Value
    4/5
  • Unboxing
    5/5
  • Padding & Thickness
    4/5
Pros
  • Available in six colors

  • Rolls up tightly

  • Easy care instructions

Cons
  • Heavy

  • Expensive

Whether you're inverted in Crow Pose or standing in Warrior 1, Athleta's Flow Freely Yoga Mat provides a sturdy base and firm support. If you're a beginner or seasoned yogi who prefers the stability of a firm mat, this 4.5-millimeter pick is an ideal choice. We appreciated the anti-slip natural rubber that kept our hands and feet secured, even when things got sweaty.

The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions.

The mat rolls up tightly, but at a heavy 6.7 pounds, we found it difficult to carry—earning a low portability score. It's one of the more expensive options on our list. However, we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment that will last for dozens of Downward Facing Dogs to come. 

Key Specs:
Thickness:
4.5 millimeters | Material: Responsibly-sourced rubber | Size: 81 x 26 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds

Best on Amazon

Amazon Basics Yoga Mat

Amazon Basics 1/2-inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat

Amazon 

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Grip
    4.5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
Pros
  • Versatile - can be used for other types of workouts

  • Budget-friendly

  • 12.7 millimeters thick

Cons
  • Doesn't stay rolled on it's own

  • Mild plastic smell

Amazon Basics makes plenty of high-quality products, and this Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat is no exception. We like the versatility of this mat provided by its 1/2-inch thickness, making it a good choice for all types of exercises. During testing, it was used for planks and wall handstands, as well as yoga, and provided plenty of cushioning and stability. We also noted there was no slipping even when hands and feet were sweaty.

Despite its thickness, this mat, made of foam rubber, still weighs under 3 pounds, so it's lightweight and easy to carry with the included strap. It has a smooth side and a textured side to provide comfort, support, and stability no matter what exercise you're doing.

We noted the mat has a mild plastic smell and doesn't stay rolled without the strap. Still, we think it's the best value for a yoga mat on Amazon, and we like that it comes in multiple colors.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
12.7 millimeters | Material: Foam rubber | Size: 73.2 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.45 pounds

Amazon Basics 1/2-inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat unrolled on wooden floor

Verywell Fit / Michael Navarro

Best for Power Yoga

YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat

Amazon YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4/5
Pros
  • Double-sided, non-slip texture

  • Available in multiple colors

  • Cushiony without being unstable

Cons
  • Doesn't come with a carrying strap

This mat from Yoga Accessories provides good grip and just the right amount of support, making it perfect for the faster pace of power yoga. We noted that it's 1/4-inch thickness is soft, without feeling like you will sink into it and be unstable. It was supportive even when kneeling for various exercises.

We found in testing that the mat is also grippy enough to prevent slipping even when doing sweaty planks. The mat has a double-sided, non-slip texture, and is Latex and phthalate-free. We didn't notice any chemical or rubbery smell at all upon unboxing, and we like that the mat is easy to clean.

It does not come with a carrying strap. Even so, it's lightweight and portable, comes in multiple colors, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
6.3 millimeters | Material: Foam | Size: 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 3.4 pounds

Person performing yoga on YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat

Verywell Fit / Joelle Hernandez

Best Reversible

Manduka Yoga Mat

Manduka Begin Yoga Mat

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Lightweight

  • Center alignment stripe

  • Multiple color options

Cons
  • Smaller than other mats on this list

  • Doesn't come with a strap

This yoga mat from Manduka has a center alignment stripe and is reversible with a lighter side and a darker side. We like that the reversibility extends the use of this mat. In testing, we found it to be very lightweight and portable but less cushioned than others we tested.

We like that it has a stripe down the center to help with alignment and we noticed that there was no significant rubber or chemical smell after unboxing. It has a nice texture and good grip that keeps it from sliding around on the floor. We noted that it's very easy to roll up but doesn't stay rolled by itself, and it doesn't come with a strap or carrying case.

This mat comes in several different color combinations. You can also order a bundle including the brand's yoga mat cleaner at an additional cost.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds

Manduka Begin Yoga Mat partially unrolled on carpet floor

Verywell Fit / Megan Hartig

Best for Beginners

Jade Yoga Level One Mat

Jade Yoga Level One Mat

Jade

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4/5
  • Comfort
    4/5
  • Grip
    4/5
  • Portability
    4.7/5
Pros
  • Great grip from natural rubber

  • Easy to roll

Cons
  • Thinner than other mats on our list

  • No carrying strap

This non-toxic mat from Jade Yoga has great grip and balance support, making it a good choice for beginner yogis. The natural rubber this mat is made from provides better grip than synthetic mats, giving people new to yoga more confidence as they move through different poses. The budget-friendly price point helps, too.

We noted in testing that this mat did not slide around even when hands were sweaty and didn't pick up a sweaty smell. We also found that it is thinner than other mats on our list, and holding certain poses for too long put some pressure on our joints.

However, we noticed that it was easy to balance on, another benefit for beginners. The Level One mat is easy to roll, but note that it doesn't come with a carrying strap.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
4 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: 4 pounds

Best with Pattern

Gaiam Premium Reversible Lunar Wave Yoga Mat

a partially rolled up Gaiam Premium Reversible Lunar Wave Yoga Mat (6mm) displayed on a white background

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Design
    4.2/5
  • Comfort
    4.5/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    5/5
Pros
  • Calming colors and patterns

  • Reversible design

  • Access to online library of yoga content

Cons
  • Doesn't come with a carrying strap

This sturdy mat from Gaiam has a pleasant blue and green lunar wave design that makes your practice feel luxurious. The mat is reversible, so you can choose whichever design suits your mood.

In testing, we found that the mat has a grippy nice texture that kept it from sliding around. The grip is very sticky without feeling uncomfortable, and we were easily able to stay in place, even in Downward Dog. We noted that sweaty hands did not affect the grip at all.

The mat is thick enough to be supportive and stable, but we noted that it may be a bit thin if doing a lot of exercises or poses on your knees. The mat's texture helps it roll easily and stay rolled so it's easy to transport even without a strap. We noted it had a mild smell upon unboxing, but the scent disappeared after a couple weeks. And we like that it comes with access to an online library of yoga content.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 68 x 24 inches | Weight: Not stated

Best for Studio Workouts

Bala Play Mat

Bala Play Mat

Bala

Our Ratings
  • Design
    5/5
  • Comfort
    3.9/5
  • Grip
    5/5
  • Portability
    4.5/5
Pros
  • Chic design

  • Smooth surface

  • Available in five colors

Cons
  • No carrying strap

  • Thinner than other mats on this list

This Bala mat rolls up tightly and works well for faster-paced yoga classes and studio workouts. In testing, we noted that the mat is lightweight, portable, and easy to travel with; however, it doesn't come with a carrying strap. It comes in minimal, recyclable packaging, and we noticed no significant smell when the mat was unboxed.

We like the chic design of this mat with a curved top end and five color options. The surface of the mat is smooth, which makes it very comfortable, but it also offers good grip. We noted in testing that there was no sliding around even when sweaty, and poses felt secure, stable, and safe.

This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time.

Key Specs:
Thickness:
5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber | Size: 71 3/8 x 26 1/2 inches | Weight: Not stated

Bala Play Mat unrolled on a carpet

Verywell Fit / Abigail Moore

a stack of yoga mats staged upright and leaning up against each other like books on a shelf

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

We Also Tested

  • CAP's Reversible Yoga Mat is one of the more budget-friendly mats on the market. But we thought the lower price also meant lower quality for this mat. We scored it a 2 out of 5 for both grip and feel because we found she couldn't maintain proper grip throughout our flow.
  • Although we loved the portability of Gaiam's Yoga Folding Travel Mat, we didn't appreciate how thin the mat was—it didn't offer much cushioning at all. And although it's budget-friendly, we found it to be pretty unstable and slippery while practicing.
  • We think SISYAMA's Circle Round Yoga Mat could be good for certain practices and for people who need a mat with extra surface area. But overall we think its odd, round shape, and the fact that it felt quite slippery during practice doesn't make it worth the higher price.
  • We liked the thickness of Manduka's GRP 6mm Mat. It provided plenty of cushioning, but also felt stable and didn't affect our balance. However, we found it had poor grip, causing us to slip during testing.
  • We liked Nike's Mastery Yoga Mat because it was durable and supportive, but we noticed it had a strong rubber scent that did not go away during our testing period. This mat is lightweight, but not flimsy. However, it doesn't stay rolled tightly without a strap, which is not included.
  • We think lululemon's Carry Onwards Travel Yoga Mat is a good option for carrying in a tote bag, backpack, or even a suitcase because it folds instead of rolls. But its grip on the floor is not very secure, and the mat is thin, so it may not be ideal for those with joint pain.
Yoga Mat Expert Advice

Verywell Fit

How We Tested the Yoga Mats

To make our list of the best yoga mats, we consulted with experts, Kayla Hargett, E-RYT and former yoga teacher training co-lead based in Tampa, Florida, and Mandy Ingber, yoga instructor and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover. They shared their opinions on which features to look for when purchasing a new yoga mat. They also helped us understand how different elements of a yoga mat can affect your practice, like the thickness and the grip.

Then, we tested 24 yoga mats in The Verywell Testing Lab and in our homes for a month to see how they performed in key areas, like unboxing, padding and thickness, grip and feel, portability, storage, care, and overall value. Our team of 18 testers—including a certified yoga instructor, a certified personal trainer, a certified barre instructor, and other experienced exercisers—spent four weeks using the mats for over 230 exercise sessions.

Prior to our first Mountain Pose, we unrolled the mats, taking note of packaging, any lingering chemical smells, and evaluating how well the mats laid flat. We also observed how well the mat stayed flat under our hands and feet throughout testing and if this changed over time.

We tested each mat twice through a guided vinyasa flow in the Lab. Before the second test on each mat, we sprayed our hands and feet with water to see how the mats would hold up to moisture from external factors like sweat and humidity. We evaluated the padding and thickness of the mat and made note of how supportive the mat felt under our hands, feet, joints, and head. We also focused on the grip and feel of each mat—in both dry and wet conditions—noting how much our hands and feet slid around in poses like Downward Facing Dog.

a woman's feet together on alo warrior yoga mat

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

We cleaned the mats regularly, paying attention to how fussy the care instructions were. Low-maintenance mats that could be cleaned with a damp towel or microfiber cloth received higher marks than those that required specific cleaning solutions. We rolled the mats and took them with us to classes, or the park, or while traveling to rate their portability and storage. Mats that included a carrying bag or strap were rated higher on these attributes. 

We also rated each mat for “overall value,” a subjective score that weighs all of the other attributes (unboxing, padding and thickness, grip and feel, portability, storage, and care) against the price of the mat. If a mat scored highly on all attributes but was significantly more expensive than the other mats, we did not give it a perfect 5 out of 5 for overall value. 

Since some yoga mats require a break-in period or may have a reputation for becoming grippier over time, we are continuing to test these mats. We will update our recommendations regularly based on these insights.

Catherine Song / Verywell

What to Look for in a Yoga Mat

Thickness

The thickness of the mat plays a role in both cushioning and stability. “A thicker mat will offer more comfort for your wrists and knees, but a mat that’s too thick may make it difficult to stay grounded and stable during standing asanas and inversions,” says Hargett. For this reason, some people opt for thinner mats so they can feel the ground beneath them.

Material

Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials, both eco-friendly and synthetic. The most common materials used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and natural rubber. PVC mats are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats like IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat are favored for their traction and slip resistance.  

“I typically suggest the standard mats that are made of PVC, as they work really great for most styles of classes, including heated ones where you’ll need that stickiness and durability,” notes Hargett. We recommend Manduka's PRO Yoga Mat, which is our pick for the best non-slip mat because of its grippy PVC surface. She adds that any mat that offers stickiness or texture is great for heated classes as long as it can be easily cleaned.

a woman doing yoga on a liforme original yog amat

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Length

The standard length for a yoga mat is 68 x 24 inches. People over 5-feet-5-inches tall may want to consider sizing up for a bit more room on both ends of the mat, allowing for full-body stretching. To test out the length of a yoga mat, move into a Downward-Facing Dog and make sure your hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat. If both fit without hitting the edges, the mat is the proper size for you.

For larger mats that offer plenty of room to bend and stretch, our top picks are Liforme's Original Yoga Mat and lululemon's The (Big) Mat.

Cell Type

Open-cell mats are porous and absorb sweat and moisture effectively. For heated and high-sweat practices like Bikram, open-cell mats provide more traction, along with a slip-resistant surface. But they can also lead to trapped odors and bacteria growth. When using an open-cell mat, it's important to clean it and air it out after each use.

Closed-cell mats are great for low-intensity practices since they’re hygienic and don’t absorb moisture. However, they don’t offer as much traction as open-cell mats. They are also easy to clean and waterproof—designed to last for years, thanks to their water resistance.

a woman measuring the width of a sugarmat printed yoga mat

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How much does a good yoga mat cost?

    A quality yoga mat will typically cost between $20-$150. Cheaper options may be tempting and could work if you're not looking for a long-term investment or if you don't plan on using your yoga mat very often. But they tend to be less durable than pricier mats. A dedicated yogi who practices yoga daily might want to invest in a more expensive mat that's made to last.

    The cheapest yoga mat on our list is often available for less than $20, while our top recommendation, Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat, was $128 when we published this list.

  • What's the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat?

    A yoga mat is typically thinner than an exercise mat, with a textured surface for helpful grip. Yoga mats also have a medium firmness for support, comfort, and grounding. Meanwhile, an exercise mat tends to be much thicker and is either very firm to support heavy gym equipment, like a rowing machine, or very cushioned to keep you comfortable during bodyweight exercises.

a group of people doing yoga on yoga mats

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Ashleigh Morley is the editorial director of commerce for Verywell Fit and a certified barre instructor who uses yoga mats several times a week. While testing yoga mats in The Lab, she paid special attention to the versatility of each mat for different kinds of workouts (because yoga mats aren’t just for practicing yoga). Ashleigh conducted side-by-side comparisons of each mat and gathered first-hand data and insights.

Additional reporting by Emily Stone

Emily Stone is a Chicago-based journalist specializing in fitness and lifestyle content. Emily uses different mats for different workouts. For yoga and pilates, she’s a fan of Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat, as it provides excellent traction and stability. Meanwhile, she uses BalanceFrom's GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat for non-yoga workouts because it features extra cushioning for her joints.