Whether you’re a well-seasoned yogi or you’re thinking of finally giving downward dog a try, there’s never been a better time to practice yoga. With an ample list of ways to learn yoga poses, from dedicated yoga studios and fitness gyms that offer yoga classes, to online videos, learning the basics of yoga is readily available regardless of your budget, location or ability.
We love yoga because anyone can do it regardless of their physical abilities or fitness levels. We also love its stress-relieving benefits and that the only piece of equipment required is a yoga mat. Many gyms and yoga studios offer their own mats for customers to use, but these are also mats that other customers have used, which means their sweat, bare feet and hands, and germs have also used the mat. So yeah, we suggest bringing your own mat. If you’re more comfortable practicing yoga at home, a durable and cushioned mat is a must in order to practice safely and keep your joints protected.
In order to find the right mat, it’s important to take into consideration your yoga-know-how, physical requirements, and where you plan on practicing. As for which mat will fit your practice, we have an option that will work for every yogi below.
1. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
If you want an excellent yoga mat, we recommend the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. Great for serious yogis who are going to use and abuse their mat with multiple sessions per week, the Manduka PRO is built tough. The non-toxic, latex-free Manduka is thinner than other mats on this list, but still offers a high-density cushion finish with joint support. We also like that the Manduka PRO comes in a standard and long length for tall yogis.
Pros: The Manduka PRO features a performance grip that improves the more you use the mat, helping to keep your hands and feet in place even during the sweatiest yoga practices.
Cons: The Manduka PRO comes with a big price tag.
2. Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat
New yogis will love the Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat, which includes body alignment lines on the mat that make it easy for beginners and intermediate yogis to remember to keep their feet, hands and body in line. The double-layered structure has a tire tread bottom to help prevent the mat from slipping, allowing yogis to keep their focus on their practice. We also like that the mat is extra-large, measuring 72 inches x 26 inches.
Pros: The Heathyoga is made with eco-friendly TPE material, which is the latest technological advancement in yoga mat material. Free from PVC, latex and heavy metals, the Heathyoga is non-slip, odorless and has cushioning that is gentle on joints.
Cons: The Heathyoga weighs 2.9 pounds, which is heavier than every mat on this list except for the Manduka and may not be ideal for travel.
3. BalanceFrom GoYoga
If knee issues have been preventing you from trying yoga, we recommend the BalanceFrom GoYoga. The updated GoYoga now comes with a knee pad that provides users with extra cushioning for knees and can also be placed under hips, hands, feet, or any spot that needs extra support. The GoYoga is made with double-sided non-slip surfaces and comes with a carrying strap.
Pros: The GoYoga uses moisture-resistant technology to cut down on slipping, which also makes it easy to clean the mat with soap and water.
Cons: The GoYoga mat looks the same on both sides, which means it’s important to thoroughly clean both sides when using the mat in public spaces or risk laying on the same side that was previously on the floor in your yoga studio.
4. Gaiam Yoga Mat
If you’re looking for a traditional yoga mat but aren’t ready to put down big bucks on a Manduka PRO, we recommend the Gaiam Yoga Mat. Made with an extra-thick, non-slip surface that provides cushioning for joints, the Gaiam is lightweight and durable. The non-toxic and PVC-free Gaiam mat comes in a variety of designs that make it easy to distinguish which side goes on the floor and which side faces up for practice.
Pros: Each Gaiam Yoga Mat comes with access to the Gaiam Yoga Studio App, which includes more than 25 hours of yoga classes in HD video, 280 poses and teacher commentary to help beginners, intermediates and advanced yogis.
Cons: At 68 inches long, the Gaiam is one of the shortest yoga mats.
5. TOPLUS Yoga Mat
Weighing only 35 ounces, the TOPLUS Yoga Mat is the lightest mat on our list and best for those looking for a mat that is ideal for travel. Made with premium TPE-friendly material, the TOPLUS is geared towards beginner and intermediate yogis and is 6 mm thick, providing added cushioning for joints and knees. We also like that the mats are a different color on each side, making it easy to quickly distinguish which is the non-slip floor side.
Pros: The TOPLUS is designed with a non-slip base that works on wood, tile and cement floors.
Cons: The TOPLUS does not have the same non-slip traction as the Manduka or Gaiam and therefore isn’t as well suited for hot yoga.
6. ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat
For an affordable mat that is great for stretching, pilates, ab workouts, and certain yoga poses, we like the ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat. Measuring 71 inches long and featuring a 1/2 inch thick foam, the ProsourceFit is great for people looking for a highly cushioned mat that is water-resistant.
Pros: The ProsourceFit comes with a carrying strap and is available in eight colors.
Cons: The soft density of the mat makes it difficult to hold certain yoga poses and some users may find the mat slippery during hot workouts.
7. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
This yoga mat from Liforme includes alignment cues printed onto and into the mat for perfect form in each pose.
They’ve worked with the AlignForMe alignment system to create guidelines you can refer to at any moment during your practice if you need a reminder.
The mat includes “GripForMe” material so you won’t slip and slide and is made with premium materials so your body and the environment will thank you.
Pros: Alignment cues, non-slip grip, longer than other mats.
Cons: Can get a little slippery during hot yoga.
8. YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat
If you’re a yogi on-the-go this travel yoga mat from YOGO is a must. It’s made from super lightweight and thin material, while maintaining a solid grippy and non-skid material.
Stay grounded and supported in even the most advanced of poses, and fold it up into a compact 2.1 lb package afterwards.
It’s easy to clean and is designed with a top-to-top fold so your mat stays clean on your journeys, and it’s made with a plant-based vegan material that’s good for the environment.
Pros: Lightweight, portable, thin, non-skid and vegan material.
Cons: Less padded than other yoga mats.
9. Gaiam Reversible Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Stick out in the crowd and in the studio with this bright, colorful, reversible mat from Gaiam that’s non-slip and ultra thick for extra padding.
If you like extra material underneath sensitive elbows and wrists but don’t want to sacrifice design, this mat is a great option for you.
It’s lightweight and yet durable, made from PVC and free of phthalates and other harmful chemicals you won’t want to breathe in during your practice.
Every purchase of a mat comes with an online library of helpful yoga videos to get you started in your practice.
Pros: Colorful design, extra thick padding, durable material.
Cons: Strong smell straight out of the box.