Best Yoga Mats

Although yoga is definitely a major reason to find the best yoga mat, these mats also come in handy for various other reasons. If you’re into meditation, you’ll need good yoga mats to lay on. If it’s too thin with no structure, you may as well be laying on your carpet or hardwood floor. The best thick yoga mat will make you forget you’re lying in Shavasana on a rock hard floor. And although there are some retail stores that may make you feel like you have to use your rainy day savings to find quality yoga mats, that is not true.

There are plenty of purchasing opportunities online and in a couple of popular retail stores for the best cheap yoga mat. You may even want to pick up a yoga mat bag as an easy carry-along the next time you’re headed to the gym or your nearby park. Is there a best yoga mat for men or a best yoga mat for women? Although some companies would like to promote this idea, flexibility and the actual mat’s durability matter more than whose doing an Ustrasana on the mat. So let’s look at these 20 options for yoga mats below to get you on your way to yoga time.

Best Yoga Mats

1. Gaiam

Yoga instructors often advise grabbing more than one mat for yoga poses such as Table Pose (Half Upward Plank Pose) or Ustrasana (also known as Camel Pose). Even the relaxing feeling of Balasana can be hard on your knees. If you already have knee issues, finding the best thick yoga mat is the way to go. Gaiam, a popular brand, also has some of the top rated yoga mats.

Key Features

• Reversible design on blue and purple sides
• 6 feet x 2 feet
• Free from toxic phthalates, including BBP, DBP, DEHP, DIDP, DINP and DNOP

Ideal for pilates, yoga and any aerobics class that involves floor exercises, this 6 millimeter yoga mat is worth it. While there are others listed as the best budget yoga mat, this one is ideal because of its comfort and thick texture alone. According to yoga mat reviews, the designs on either side of the mat never wear off either.

Pros

• Available in 34 different designs
• Free downloadable yoga mat workout available with purchase

Cons

• Can be slippery
• Initial odor from a new yoga mat may take 2-3 days of airing out before it goes away
• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

What’s even cooler about this yoga mat, besides durability and thickness, is the decor. If you look at the blue side long enough, you can see a couple of dog-like animals looking back at you while you’re in Adho Mukha Svanasana (Downward Facing Dog Pose).

2. Sivan

Before you buy this NBR foam yoga mat, you may want to test out variations at your local fitness studio. Most yoga studios have their own “free” mats inside of training rooms or available at the front desk. Stretch out on them to see how long, wide and/or how thick fits your comfort level before buying the first budget yoga mat you see in a store.

Key Features

• 9 feet x 2 feet
• ½-inch thickness
• Integrated carry strap included

Advertised as comfortable for people of various shapes and sizes, this yoga mat is reasonably long for the average height of a female (in the United States, that means 5’4). It also has a ribbed and smooth side, so you can pick your preference on which texture you prefer to lay on. The non-slip surface comes in handy for Adho Mukha Svanasana.

Pros

• Available in eight colors
• Options of ribbed surface on one side and smooth surface on the other
• Non-slip surface grip

Cons

• May be too sponge-like for Vriksasana (Tree Pose) or other balancing poses
• Several yoga mat reviews report the initial smell never goes away
• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

While a mat like this is ideal for those who need the extra cushion, it just may be too thick for some poses. Consider standing off this mat for your Garudasana (Eagle Pose), and tapping your feet back on for others.

3. Eric Harada

With this starter kit, you can go to the gym with your own personal yoga gear. And best of all, all equipment can go in your yoga bag or mainly in your pockets, minus the yoga blocks.

Key Features

• ¼-inch thick TPE yoga mat
• Two yoga blocks (standard size)
• One yoga strap (standard size, made of cotton and polyester)

Whether your yoga level is beginner, intermediate or advanced, this yoga kit is universal for all. Gender is not a big deal either, but it certainly is a great selling point that this mat is 6 feet long and 2.2 feet wide, which may come in handy as a yoga mat for men. (The average height for an American male is 5’9.)

Pros

• Eco-friendly rubber for mat
• Ribbed surface on one side, textured design on the other
• Anti-slip ribbed surface

Cons

• Loose equipment (blocks, strap) easier to handle with yoga mat (not included)
• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

Free of toxic materials (PVC, phthalates, silicone, latex), you won’t have to worry about laying your head flat with this non-slippery mat. It’s suitable for stretching, toning, pilates and (of course) yoga. And when you’re ready to go home, adjust your integrated carrying strap, grab your yoga strap and blocks, and head out.

4. Aimerday

If you’ve ever had a flimsy yoga mat that may have cost less but started to wear around the edges, you may want to look into high-density PVC material that won’t permanently bend or tear from a little extra use. If you do a lot of workout on your hands and knees, it is imperative that you have necessary support in those areas. This mat will allow you to “wear” on it, but you won’t “tear” it.

Key Features

• ¼-inch extra thick yoga mat
• Carrying strap and bag included
• 6 feet x 2 feet

Safe for all types (men, women, children), this yoga mat is waterproof with a closed-cell construction, meaning dust, dirt, germs and moisture won’t ruin the mat during your workout. Exercise equipment like this may be the best yoga mat for hot yoga because a simple clean, wet cloth will keep your sweat from staying around long after the workout is over. And because it’s slip resistant, with a triple-layer design that stops tearing in the middle, this mat should be around for the long haul.

Pros

• Anti-skid surface
• Anti-tear mesh
• Free from toxins (silicone, latex, toxic glue, phthalates, chlorine)

Cons

• Yoga mat and strap available for only a limited time
• Hard sole shoes may damage the mat
• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

The extra long, extra thick mat can be used for all sorts of exercise. As mentioned, hot yoga is one of them. This yoga mat also comes in handy for pilates, ashtanga, bikram yoga, vinyasa yoga (and vigorous vinyasa yoga), as well as toning or balance exercises.

5. Yogu

You can usually tell how confident a manufacturer is in a product by the warranty policy. With a two-year warranty, it’s safe to say this company is pretty confident that this mat will work for diverse sizes, various temperatures and stand the test of time. Pay attention to things like this when buying a multipurpose yoga mat.

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2 feet
• Five color options
• ½-inch thick

This washable, non-slip yoga mat has extra cushioning to make yoga and pilates much easier on your elbows, hips, knees and spine. And don’t worry about slipping. The double-sided, non-slip surface helps keep your feet and hands in a firm grip no matter the position. This could possibly make it the best non-slip yoga mat, in addition to being long enough for various shapes and sizes.

Pros

• Two-year warranty
• Various color options come in two-packs and three-packs

Cons

• May be too thick for Vriksasana (Tree Pose) or other balancing poses

If you’re on the move in yoga and don’t feel like dealing with that awkward yoga mat bag that lets you slide the mat in the back of it, the yoga mat with this one is fully adjustable. It can also be carried on your shoulder or your hand.

6. GoYoga

For some yoga participants, having that design on the mat gives something to focus on during balance poses. For others, the design doesn’t matter at all. They can look out of the window, a mirror, the ceiling or even focus on something attached to the yoga instructor. For this reason, the plain yoga mat’s design could be a pro, a con or something that doesn’t matter either way.

Key Features

• 7 feet x 2 feet
• ¼-inch thick
• Carrying strap included

6. GoYoga keeps you from potential injuries on both sides. Just wipe off any dirt or sweat on the all-purpose, eco-friendly yoga mat with soap and water. Then use again per usual. Sold and manufactured exclusively by BalanceFrom Amazon store, this lightweight yoga mat comes with a strap for easy transport.

Pros

• Two-year warranty
• 100 percent BalanceFrom satisfaction guarantee
• Available in seven colors

Cons

• No yoga blocks included (as pictured on Amazon)
• Black yoga mat more expensive than the other six colors

In addition to the warranty, the mat also has integrated anti-tearing net and high-quality material to make you confident in doing pretty much any pose.

7. Incline Fit

Maybe it’s too cold to hang outside and enjoy the moon. This particular mat has all shapes of the moon you’d enjoy: waning crescent, half moon, full moon, third quarter moon, last quarter moon and more.

Key Features

• Anti-slip feature
• 17 various designs
• Strap optional

This foamy rubber is a lightweight texture and free of latex.

Pros

• Available in 4 millimeters and 6 millimeters

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Unclear length and width, but yoga mat reviews guesstimate 5.75 feet

If nature is tops on your list, consider the tree line mat as well. Enjoy a forest, the moon and maybe put on nature meditation music to complement it all.

8. NewMe

If you’re unsure which yoga pose is which and what to do, look straight down for your next fitness ideas. In addition to yoga pose images, each image has its official yoga pose name (ex. Tadasana Pose) along with the more common names (ex. Mountain Pose).

Key Features

• 7 feet x 2 feet
• Three color options
• 70 illustrated poses embedded in the mat

This non-slip, eco-friendly yoga mat is made of non-toxic PVC. Enjoy the 5-mm thick yoga mat in your home or the gym.

Pros

• Detailed diagrams
• 100 percent, money-back guarantee

Cons

• Several yoga mat reviews report that the surface is slippery
• One yoga mat reviewer claimed the images would eventually disappear from wear and tear

Although this yoga mat does come with a money-back guarantee (warranty information not clear), the easy-to-read, easy-to-follow graphics could come in handy even if you decide you want an additional yoga mat later. It looks cooler than a yoga pose book and could be a fun conversation piece, too.

9. Sivan 6-Piece Set

This six-piece yoga set is perfect for beginner, intermediate or advanced participants. Enjoy the mat, blocks, mat towel, hand towel and yoga strap.

Key Features

• 7 feet x 2 feet
• ½-inch thick
• Two durable, foam yoga blocks
• One microfiber technology yoga mat towel
• One yoga hand towel
• One 6.5-foot yoga strap

Should you choose to, you can use the yoga mat towel on top of the yoga mat for additional security against slippage. Enjoy a sweat-free workout with all of your new yoga additions.

Pros

• Ribbed surface on one side, smooth surface on the other
• Non-slip surface

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

While the kit doesn’t come with a yoga bag to carry it altogether, there is an integrated carry strap to carry your yoga mat on your back or shoulder.

10. IUGA Pro

By now, you may have read the complaints about the way new yoga mats smell after being taken out of the package. Ideally, it only takes two to three days for that strange smell to go away. But this lightweight and extra large mat is odorless.

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2.2 feet
• SGS Certified Material for Hot Yoga
• Carry strap (included)

In addition to skipping out on the powerful odor of new rubber yoga mats, the antibacterial material naturally gets rid of germs and bacteria. While you should still wipe your mat down as needed, don’t worry about natural sweat changing the smell of your mat. This 100 percent, nontoxic yoga mat should still be as fresh-smelling as the day you bought it.

Pros

• Odorless
• Non-slip performance
• Available in four colors

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Some yoga mat reviews still claim the mat has a strong smell

Enjoy bringing this lightweight, extra durable mat to your next yoga class in categories such as bikram, vinyasa, ashtanga or hot. Weighing half the weight of a traditional yoga mat, this 2.5-pound mat is sustainably harvested, biodegradable tree rubber and PVC-free.

11. Heathyoga

This eco-friendly yoga mat is a little pricier than the average budget yoga mat. But with the body alignment systems to make sure your hands and feet are in accurate positions, it may be worth it. (This also may help you reduce injuries.)

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2.2 feet
• Available in six colors
• SGS certified TPE material

The optimal cushioning measures at ¼-inch thick with a double-layer, non-slip structure. Toxic-free, this mat has no latex or PVC. Made from SGS certified TPE material, this mat is eco-friendly and recyclable. Use the velcro strap and carrying strap included for travel.

Pros

• Body alignment system
• Textured nonslip surface

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• The manufacturer recommends purchasing a Heathyoga towel (not included) along with TPE Mat or Heathyoga natural rubber mat (not included) for hot yoga

With more than 10 years of making specialized yoga products, this well-constructed mat may be exactly what you need.

12. Aimerday

With 6-millimeter thickness, this yoga mat is thick enough to support your knees, hands and other sensitive areas. But thick yoga mats can be tricky. Sometimes they’re so thick that you cannot balance. This one is said to be different than that.

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2.2 feet
• Carrying strap and bag included
• Five design options

If you’re concerned about the designs fading, the advanced printing technology helps avoid that. For some, that design is therapeutic—relaxing and satisfying the brain and body during exercise. This all-purpose yoga mat is made from 100 percent nontoxic printing oil and excludes silicone, latex, toxic glue, phthalates and chlorine.

Pros

• Quick resilience
• Anti-skid bottom
• 90-day full money refund

Cons

• Yoga mat review confirmed she had to wear socks regardless of the mat being anti-slip

When you’re finished using the mat, just wipe the mat with a clean cloth and let it air dry for use again.

13. Infinity

The perk of having a non-slip yoga mat is that it comes in handy as much for damp or humid surroundings. For bikram yoga or hot yoga, being able to successfully grip and balance your yoga mat is top priority.

Key Features

• 9 feet x 2 feet
• Five available designs and colors
• Feature 3

In addition to all of its other perks, this 5-millimeter thick mat has an ethically sourced natural tree rubber mat base.  Simply use a natural mat cleaner; biodegradable soap; and/or a clean cloth for a wipe-down.

Pros

• Non-slip material
• Laser cut mandala print assists in pose alignment

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Refrain from direct sunlight

In addition to investing in an eco-friendly yoga mat, this particular purchase includes $1 donation to support boys and girls’ youth yoga programs.

14. WITHit French Bulldog

Out of 256 students who were examined during a study on human suffering versus dog suffering, adults, children, puppies and adult dogs won out. With these kinds of results, it’s definitely difficult to ignore people’s love for dogs. And if you’re one of those people, this French Bulldog yoga mat is right up your alley. All three designs have puppies front and center or noticeably on the side.

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2 feet
• Engineered, non-slip texture
• Three various designs to choose from

This French Bull yoga mat is free of six harmful phthalates (no DEHP, DBP, DNHP, RBP, DIDP, DINP.), in addition to being free of latex. With 5-mm thick padding, this mat is both durable and functional.

Pros

• Four eye-catching colors in this pattern

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Yoga mat reviews report the mat is slippery so a yoga mat may be necessary
• Not machine washable
• Carrier strap not included

While there is a solid side without dogs splattered everywhere, trust and believe that your dog-loving friends and family will ignore it completely. It will be best friends with the floor though.

15. 2-in-1 Set

While most yoga mat manufacturers highly recommend yoga mats be rolled into its circular form, yoga mats such as these can be folded. This makes this 2-in-1 mat, plus towel, ideal for long trips. Fold into your suitcase and pull out as needed.

Key Features

• 8 feet x 2 feet
• 19 various designs to choose from
• Carrying strap included

This yoga mat is an all-around nature-friendly option—made from natural tree rubber, microfiber made from recycled bottles, water-based prints. The machine washable print reportedly will not fade; just let it hang to dry. If you need more cushion than this 2-in-1 mat, lay it flat on another yoga mat. It will add additional cushioning to one of the notoriously flat mats you may find at some gyms. This also doubles as a way to skip out on laying in someone else’s sweat, if the gym equipment was not properly cleaned before you reached for it.

Pros

• Ultra-foldable mat and towel (2-in-1)
• Machine washable

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site

In addition to investing in an eco-friendly yoga mat, this particular purchase includes $1 donation to support boys and girls’ youth yoga programs.

16. Natural Jute

This yoga mat is the kind of product that’d be a hit at vegan fests: certified SGS, biodegradable, eco-friendly and 100 percent recyclable.

Key Features

• 6 feet long
• Made from organic jute fibre and PER
• Antibacterial material

Enjoy this nontoxic, reversible mat designed in Australia. Free from heavy metals, odor-overpowering rubber, and harmful chemicals, these mats get softer with time thanks to the organic jute fibre. And make sure you don’t forget the mat after class by using the durable cotton strap. Throw the strap over your shoulder and go on with the rest of your plans for the day.

Pros

• Non-slip texture
• Black and gold finish

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Width of yoga mat unclear, not listed

It never fails. There will always be a yoga instructor reminding you to breathe, as though you had a choice. And should you forget, the “Inhale. Exhale.” print reminder when you unroll the mat certainly will help out.

17. TOPLUS Travel

We get it. You may not want to sweat up a storm in yoga. But on top of sweating being a naturally biological way of keeping you cool, there’s another reason sweat works for yoga mats such as this one. The suede fiber on this yoga mat can help increase skid resistance.

Key Features

• 7 feet x 2 feet
• Fold or roll for compact use
• Suede fabric

Additionally, if you are a business traveler (or even a leisure traveler) who doesn’t want to slack off when it comes to yoga, fold this mat up and bring it along in your luggage. Or, use the carrying bag case to bring the yoga mat with you as a carry-on item. Keep in mind if you do the latter that you must be able to fold it or slide it underneath your seat, for safety reasons.

Pros

• One-year warranty (full replacement or full refund)
• Available in two colors

Cons

• Several yoga mat reviews report that it’s too heavy at 2.45 pounds

Whether you clean it by hand or in a washing machine, this yoga mat has the kind of flexibility that travelers need. And if it’s not thick enough for you, you can always use this mat as a cover for gym yoga mats.

18. YOYI TPE

The laser engraving is not only useful when it comes to yoga poses; it’s also eye catching. Because it’s printed with a laser, don’t expect these cool designs to ever fade from this eco-friendly yoga mat.

Key Features

• 6 feet x 2 feet
• ¼-inch thickness
• Carrying strap and bag included

If you are unsure of whether you’re hitting your poses, your yoga instructor will more than likely help you out. But your yoga instructor (unless you pay her to do it) won’t be at home with you when you try to do yoga there. This is why the reverse points, center points, 45-degree line, central line and other body alignment systems are so significant. Additionally, this 100 percent renewable and recyclable material on the yoga mat is made without cutting down a single tree.

Pros

• Gaze point (to help avoid eyes from wandering)
• End-to-end lines (to keep hands and feet evenly aligned)
• No toxic chemicals (PVC, latex)
• 90-day warranty for a full money refund

Cons

• Short warranty period

In addition to the double-sided, non-slip surface, the “Wave” pattern on this mat keeps it from sliding all over the place. The same goes for feet.

19. REEHUT

Sometimes stacking one flimsy yoga mat on top of another just won’t work. You may need a yoga mat this thick in order to do those back and knee poses. And if you do a backflip, you’ll definitely need something soft to lean back on.

Key Features

• 9 feet x 2 feet
• ½-inch extra thick
• Carrying strap included

With slip resistance to prevent injuries, this nontoxic, eco-friendly mat is easy to clean. Use diluted white vinegar or soapy water to keep it tidy and free of sweat and debris.

Pros

• 30-day replacement or refund; two-year warranty; lifetime customer support
• Double-sided texture surfaces

Cons

• May be too thick or stretch too far for some balance poses

This yoga mat is approved by RoHS, PAHs, 6P and REACH. Use this yoga mat for a variety of exercises, including ab workouts, weight toning, pilates, stretching and yoga. And if you want to use it outside for a picnic, it works for this too.

20. LLuotryce

Just as the yoga mat with French Bulldogs all over it will win over your dog-loving yogis, this mat with Dahlia Bloom wallpaper will do wonders for your plant- or flower-friendly loved ones. The site of this design is so beautiful that it may take a bit of practice to stop yourself from just admiring it every time you look down.

Key Features

• 9 feet x 2 feet
• Carrying strap and bag included
• Velvet, non-slip fabric

This yoga mat is free from harmful toxins, including phthalates, DBP, DEHP, BBP, DINP, DIDP and DNOP. Although this particular post only shows one design for the LLuotryce Non Slip Exercise Fitness Mat, there are multiple designs. Some of them include words found most commonly in comic strips (ex. pow! slam! zoom!); parrots, clouds, a dog with an emphasis on his heart; a tomato dancing in trees; watermelon; bananas; and more.

Pros

• Print will never fade, including after repeated washes

Cons

• Warranty information not confirmed on Amazon’s site
• Final print colors and images displayed on screen may not look the same in person

Although the final print may not look like a carbon copy of what you see on the internet, your yoga mat will still have a glorious design.

Bottom Line

We hope that one of the 20 options above (literally) work out as your best yoga mat. Warranty and replacement options vary by brand, so make sure to use the yoga mat sooner rather than later to confirm it is the right one for you. Generally speaking, you can keep all yoga mats in tip-top shape simply by using a damp cloth. Check our detailed guide about how to clean a yoga mat here.

Using toxic cleaners defeats the purpose of having non-toxic yoga mats; and in this eco-friendly world, toxin-friendly yoga mats are the standard. If there is cleaner (or cleaning wipes) at your studio, don’t hesitate to ask what exactly is in the cleaner. If it’s a toxic chemical, you may be ruining your mat unintentionally and damaging the surface.

Soap and water usually do the trick if a regular wipe doesn’t work. In addition to having a clean mat, make sure to store it properly in its natural (circular) shape. Avoid wearing any shoes, specifically hard-bottom shoes; strong detergents (for washable yoga mats); or hard brushes. Doing so will wear on the material and could shorten the life of the yoga mat. Clean responsibly, air dry and enjoy the “get fit” equipment.