The 12 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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The Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat offers an ideal combination of thickness, grip, and carrying weight for everyday yogis or instructors.
Health / Nick Kova
Medically reviewed by Michael Menna, DOFact checked by Richard Scherr
From the mental health benefits of reduced stress, anxiety, and depression to the physical health benefits of improved mobility, strength, and balance, yoga has proven to help enhance the lives of people for thousands of years.
While a yoga mat isn’t required in every studio or for every style and tradition of yoga, using a mat can improve your practice. 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 who have balance and coordination issues, joint disorders or are recovering from an injury. Besides the cushioning of yoga mats to support your body and feet, 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 eighteen editors, including a few who are certified as instructors in barre, yoga, and personal training, 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 a four-week period. We evaluated the packaging, unboxing, and smell of the yoga mats, as well as whether the mat stayed flat when unrolled. We evaluated each yoga mat for thickness, grip, and cushioning, as well as how easy the mat was to clean, how easy it was to roll, and whether it stayed rolled for portability.
Best Overall: Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
Buy at Dicks-sporting-goods.pxf.io
Why We Like It: It’s made from renewable, tree-tapped rubber which offers great grip, and every purchase goes toward planting trees.
It’s Worth Noting: We noticed a slightly off-putting smell during the child's pose.
Crafted from open-cell natural rubber, the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat provides both a comfortable cushion and a firm grip for your yoga practice. Open-cell rubber is naturally derived (not synthetic) 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.
You should know though that even natural materials can have off-gassing periods, too, 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.
And at five mm 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 may be particularly helpful for people with foot health conditions that may impact their balance such as plantar fasciitis.
At a total weight of around five pounds, most will be able to comfortably carry the mat in and out of classes without risk of strain. 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. You’ll be able to roll the mat up for easy cleanup after working out, but do note this yoga mat doesn’t come with a carrying strap for easy travel and storage.
Price at time of publication: $85
Product Details:
Material: Rubber
Size: 68 x 24 inches
Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 5 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best Budget: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Why We Like It: It’s 1/2 inch thickness provides plenty of cushion for all types of exercise at a very budget-friendly price.
It’s Worth Noting: The foam material makes a slight squeaking sound when you’re transitioning poses.
The BalanceFrom All Purpose Yoga Mat is affordable and can be taken anywhere since it weighs under two pounds, and it comes with a handy fabric carrying strap. We love the strap that comes with this yoga mat because it fits super tight and makes the mat super easy to carry and store. We also love how 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.
And the thickness of this foam material mat really is unmatched. At over 12 mm 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. However, not every yogi is going to feel at peace on a thicker mat. It comes down to personal preference much of the time.
But it’s worth noting that the mat didn’t lay flat right out of the box (not ideal if you’re wanting to use it straight away while on the road). A slight squeaking noise was also noticeable during yoga pose transitions.
You’ll want to spot clean the mat and lay flat to dry, but you can toss the strap into your washing machine for easy cleaning.
Price at time of publication: $19
Product Details:
Material: Foam
Size: 71 x 24 inches
Thickness: 12.7 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 1.8 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best for Hot Yoga: Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat
Why We Like It: The non-slip grip claim holds up even during the sweatiest of hot yoga sessions.
It’s Worth Noting: It’s a thinner mat that feels less cushiony than others.
The rubber blend in this Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat makes it an obvious choice for hot yoga sessions because the mat is still grippy even after the sweat starts dripping. Even with wet palms, we never slipped on this one, and the mat stayed put throughout the yoga session.
The mat is also pretty lightweight at under five pounds, and very transportable. Still, you may want to purchase a carrying strap for added ease. You should also know that this mat is thinner than others on the list. And at four mm thickness, it may not be quite enough cushion for some yogis. We would’ve loved to feel a little more comfort and support with some extra cushioning. So, if you have joint pain or practice yoga on especially hard surfaces, you may want to choose a thicker option.
This mat can be spot cleaned, laid flat to dry, and rolled up with minimal effort.
Price at time of publication: $88
Product Details:
Material: Polyurethane and rubber
Size: 72 x 24 inches
Thickness: 4 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 4.4 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best for Tall Yogis: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm
Why We Like It: The additional length of the mat means tall yogis can ensure personal space in small studios or full classes.
It’s Worth Noting: This yoga mat has a strong smell when first unboxed. It may not be suitable for people with scent sensitivities.
This is “the” mat for tall yogis and for yogis looking to secure a little extra personal space during yoga classes. We felt comfortable doing any pose without worrying about falling off the mat or slipping on the ground. 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 very 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.
However, on the print side of the mat, we noted a slight chemical smell. 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 also 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. Finally, it’s worth noting that the black finish shows handprints and footprints, which may be distracting to some people during practice.
Price at time of publication: $88
Product Details:
Material: Polyurethane and rubber
Size: 28 x 84 inches
Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 7.05 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best for Short Yogis: Yoloha Yoga Original Cork Yoga Mat
Why We Like It: The cork padding provides joint support and the mat is lightweight.
It’s Worth Noting: This mat may be too short for taller yogis and it doesn’t roll up tightly.
The cork padding and six mm 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 into it 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.
There are some things to consider before investing in this mat. After unboxing, the mat did not lay flat and the edges of the mat did curl slightly. This didn’t impact or interfere with the yoga flow or practice. We did notice a slight chemical smell while in child’s pose, but it wasn’t overpowering or too unpleasant.
It’s important to remember that 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. It is still a lightweight option so if you don’t want to use a carrying strap, you should be just fine bringing it to classes anyway. However, because it’s on the bulkier side, this may be a better mat for using at home where you can keep it unrolled.
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.
Price at time of publication: $135
Product Details:
Material: Cork
Size: 72 x 23 inches
Thickness: 6 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 2.8 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spray with mat cleaner and lay flat to dry
Best Thin: Sugarmat Printed Yoga Mat
Why We Like It: It’s soft but still grippy (and absolutely gorgeous).
It’s Worth Noting: This mat may be too thin to practice comfortably on hard surfaces.
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 for yoga classes. Thin 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 tells Health if the 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. If you’re using this for yoga only, it’s worth the splurge, but for higher-impact classes like HIIT, it may not provide enough support for the jumping movements.
The rubber material makes this Sugarmat very grippy. Even with our wet hands on the mat, we didn’t slip when performing any poses or transitions.
However, some yogis may find this mat too thin, especially if they’re practicing on hard studio floors. We tried this mat on concrete flooring, to see how it would hold up against the hardest surface to practice on possible. The concrete could be felt through the mat, so this mat may be better for use on carpet flooring or gym foam flooring rather than concrete, hardwood floors, or pavement. Despite its slim profile, when rolled up, the mat is heavy and harder to transport than others.
You can machine wash the Sugarmat and hang it to dry, making it incredibly easy to care for.
Price at time of publication: $99
Product Details:
Material: Rubber
Size: 68 x 24 inches
Thickness: 3 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 3.7 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Machine-washable
Best Versatile: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Why We Like It: It is a well-rounded supportive mat that can be used in gentle or high-intensity yoga classes.
It’s Worth Noting: Sweaty hands and feet left an imprint on the mat during our testing.
If you’re looking for a truly versatile yoga mat that can accompany you to any class, this is it. We felt 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 and kept her pain-free throughout the entire yoga flow.
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. We loved that this mat provides extra cushioning for your knees, which would be helpful if you need to hold a lizard or frog pose for several minutes. And while on the heavier side, it does roll up quite nicely for easy travel and the benefits of the mat make the extra weight to carry worth it.
However, 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. To clean the mat after practice, spray and wipe away the sweat and lay it flat to dry.
Price at time of publication: $155
Product Details:
Material: PVC
Size: 6.2 feet (ft) x 2.2ft
Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 6 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best for Travel: Jade Yoga Jade Voyager Mat
The Voyager mat folds or rolls tightly to make it easy to pack and carry wherever you choose to practice.
Why We Like It: It folds up to about the size of a yoga block so it's easy to pack in a suitcase or overnight bag.
It's Worth Noting: It has a strong rubber smell that takes a couple weeks to dissipate.
What the Voyager mat lacks in cushioning, it makes up for in portability. This mat from Jade Yoga is under two pounds in weight 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. And due to it's grippiness, it stays rolled on it's own without a strap.
We like that the natural rubber of this mat provides a very stable grip that prevents slipping and sliding even with sweaty hands and feet. This mat is thinner than most other yoga mats so there is almost no cushioning when laying down or performing exercises on your sit bones or knees. However, we noted that it provides good stability and balance support because we didn't sink into it.
We like the eco-friendliness of the packaging and that Jade Yoga plants a tree for every purchase. We did note a very 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.
Price at time of publication: $43
Product Details:
Material: Natural rubber
Size: 68 x 24 inches
Thickness: 1.6 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 1.5 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Spot clean
Best for Restorative Yoga: Aeromat Elite Yoga Pilates Mat
This cushy mat provides support for restful and restorative yoga.
Why We Like It: It provides plenty of cushion for long yoga sessions but is still lightweight.
It's Worth Noting: There is a slight rubber smell.
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 like that the mat is Latex and phthalate-free and comes in multiple colors but we did note a slight rubber smell.
Price at time of publication: $29
Product Details:
Material: PVC
Size: 72 x 24 inches
Thickness: 6 millimeters (mm)
Weight: Not stated
Cleaning method: Hand wash
Best Thick: YogaAccessories 1/4-Inch Thick High-Density Yoga Mat
This thick mat cushions and supports for any type of exercise.
Why We Like It: The thickness provides support for joints and all types of exercises.
It's Worth Noting: It's slightly bulky to travel with.
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.
It has a double-sided, non-slip texture and a "sticky" feeling 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 like that it's Latex and phthalate-free, affordable, and there was no chemical or rubbery smell.
Due to the mat's thickness, it's a little bulky to travel with, and a strap would be helpful for keeping it rolled tightly.
Price at time of publication: $30
Product Details:
Material: Foam
Size: 74 x 24 inches
Thickness: 6 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 3.4 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Hand wash
Best for Power Yoga: Manduka Begin Yoga Mat
This mat provides support and good grip and it's design prevents sweat from soaking into the mat.
Why We Like It: It provides the perfect amount of support and prevents sweat from soaking into the mat.
It's Worth Noting: It doesn't provide enough cushioning for joint pain and pressure.
This Begin yoga mat from Manduka is a natural rubber mat with the right amount of support for faster-paced yoga practices. It's design prevents sweat from soaking in and the natural rubber means it has good grip and 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. However, you'll need a strap to keep it rolled and for easier carrying. This mat is free from chemicals and toxins, is anti-microbial, and we noted there was no significant smell, even right after unboxing.
The mat 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.
Price at time of publication: $58
Product Details:
Material: Natural rubber
Size: 68 x 24 inches
Thickness: 5 millimeters (mm)
Weight: 2.5 pounds (lbs)
Cleaning method: Hand wash
Best for Pilates: Bala The Play Mat Plus
This extra thick mat provides support and has a stylish, sleek design.
Why We Like It: It's thickness provides plenty of support without compromising balance.
It's Worth Noting: Due to it's thickness, it's heavy and cumbersome to carry.
This mat from Bala is extra thick and supportive, and 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 very 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 lighter colored options may show dirt after several uses.
In testing, we noted that the thickness of this mat is perfect for support and comfort but makes the mat heavier and more cumbersome for traveling with. It would definitely need a strap to make carrying more comfortable. Bala recommends rolling the mat with the logo layer facing out to avoid creasing the top surface.
Price at time of publication: $130
Product Details:
Material: Natural rubber
Size: 71 3/8 x 26 1/2 inches
Thickness: 8 millimeters (mm)
Weight: Not Stated
Cleaning method: Hand wash
Our Testing Process
The Health team, including staff members that are 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 a 4-week period. Each test process 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 on grip, comfort, padding, thickness, portability, and even 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 1 being “would not recommend” and 5 being the “best.”
We also spoke to knowledgeable 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
What to Know About Yoga Mats
Materials
Yoga mats are available in a wide variety of materials. The right material for your yoga mat depends on several factors. Hartman tells Health it comes down to personal preferences, the surface underneath the mat, and the type of yoga practice you do. For example, he says, both cork (antimicrobial) and jute (excellent grip) mats are great choices for hot yoga, while PVC mats have the most “sponginess” and are the best for sticking to hardwood floors. However, cotton mats are good if you want a thinner mat.
Types
Yoga mat types are defined by the main materials used. The most common yoga mats on the market include polyvinyl chloride or PVC, natural rubber, and natural cork. Azouqa tells Health PVC yoga mats are on average, the thicker, cheaper options available that tend to last longer. Hartman says they’re low-maintenance and offer good grip, too.
Natural rubber, on the other hand, is made of renewable and biodegradable resources perfect for the eco-conscious yogi. Azouqa says that rubber mats may provide even more grip but can be on the expensive side and heavier 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 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 options are also available including jute and cotton mats. Hartman says jute mats offer superior support and traction, so they’re practical for beginners. He adds that cotton mats are sweat absorbent and easily machine-washable, which is particularly useful when going to regular yoga classes or if you’re visiting different yoga studios and want to ensure superior hygiene.
Cost
Yoga mats are personal investments. The yoga mats listed here range from just under $20 to around $150.
More Yoga Mats to Consider
Gaiam Folding Yoga Mat: Gaiam Folding Yoga Mat was easy to fold and very portable, but it fell short in terms of its grip level because it was very slippery.
CAP Reversible Yoga Mat: An affordable option for most, the CAP Reversible Yoga Mat is slipperier than others we tested. While some yogis like this challenge, we found the slippery 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 an extremely lightweight option that is easy to travel with and store away when not in use, this could be it. The mat is ideal for traveling or for 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.
Your Questions, Answered
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
The best thickness for a yoga mat will depend on personal preference, whether or not you require additional joint support, and what feels most comfortable for your practice.
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 mm thick.
For yoga classes with a lot of jumping, you may want a thick mat, says Hartman. But 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 really 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 specifically for a yoga mat to help keep you in place during practice (ie. 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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