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Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, it’s important to have a yoga mat at your disposal. Not only can they help ground you in your practice, they also provide a comfortable place for your hands and knees whether in child’s pose, tree pose, or anything in between. I spoke with experts about how to find the best yoga mats to help improve your practice. Read on for our picks, across a variety of brands and different price points.
Before buying a yoga mat, you’ll want to consider the type of yoga practice you’ll be engaging in. “If you’re taking a hot yoga class, where the rooms are heated to 95-105 degrees, you want to aim for the grippiest mat, to avoid slipping,” says Robin Diamond, RYT 200, a registered yoga teacher in Miami, Florida. “If you practice yin or restorative yoga, choosing an everyday mat will work perfectly for you.”
Yoga mats vary in price and it does make a difference whether you opt for a more expensive or cheaper mat. Yoga mats start at around $20 and can go as high as $200. “At the end of the day, spending $100-$200 on a mat that you will keep for over ten years isn’t that much when you break it down,” says Nicole Wood, yoga instructor and master trainer with YogaSix. “Cheap mats are cheap for a reason – the materials are inexpensive, which means the longevity just isn’t there.”
The best yoga mats are usually on the thicker side so they can provide enough support for your hands and knees. “If you have tender knees, you may prefer a thicker mat,” says Wood. If you plan on traveling with your yoga mat, then you may want to choose something thinner and lighter, as it’s easier to carry around. As for size, you’ll want to make sure it’s long enough for your body, especially for those taller folks. Most yoga mats are between 70 and 90 inches long and 24-27 inches wide, so pick one that will be suitable for your body and space.
This signature mat from Liforme may be on the pricier side, but it works for so many different yoga types and experience levels, and it is so well constructed that it’s worth the money. It features a patented three layer construction that allows for support and comfort all at once, as well as CleanGrip Technology, which prevents sweat from sweeping into the mat and alignment markers so you can get the most out of your practice. The PVC-free, biodegradable yoga mat is available in nine colors including gray, pink, purple, olive and blue, and it comes with a complimentary carrying bag for easy transport.
The Liforme Signature Mat is a suitable option for both beginners and advanced yogis who want a comfortable and sturdy place to practice.
Get it here: LIFORME Signature Mat
Yoga mats can be expensive, but there are affordable mats available for those who want a no-frills option. This $20 mat from Amazon provides a thick, textured surface for you to practice on, making it a suitable option for those with tender joints and bones wanting to prevent unnecessary discomfort and pain. Aside from the durable foam, it’s easy to wipe down and comes with an elastic strap for transport and storage. Choose from one of three colors (black, blue and pink) and add it to your cart before it’s too late.
If you’re not looking to invest in an expensive yoga mat, this pick from Amazon provides comfort and stability at a more affordable price point.
Get it here: Amazon Basics ½-inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat
A lightweight yoga mat is ideal for those who travel, as some mats can be heavy and difficult to carry around. Weighing just over two pounds, this yoga mat features a non-slip surface pattern to ensure a sturdy grip at all times, while offering an ample amount of cushion for comfort. Unlike other options, this yoga mat comes with a three month digital membership to CENTR’s app, where you’ll receive access to training videos, nutrition advice and mindfulness practices.
This lightweight yoga mat is ideal for traveling yogis who want to take their mat with them on the go without sacrificing quality.
Get it here: CENTR Yoga Mat
A double-sided yoga mat can be helpful if you practice often and like to switch it up. This reversible yoga mat features a closed-cell construction to keep sweat out, helping to maintain integrity and durability. Additionally, there’s an alignment stripe down the center designed to help you maintain proper form during the practice. Aside from being versatile, this mat is thick and provides extra cushioning for the hands and feet to make you more comfortable. Lastly, the latex-free mat is easy to clean and can be deep cleaned if necessary.
The Manduka Begin Yoga Mat gives you bang for your buck, with its reversible design that lets you practice on both sides without sacrificing stability.
Get it here: Manduka Begins Yoga Mat
Cushioned yoga mats are well suited for individuals who need a softer, more comfortable surface to practice on. Although the mat is made of natural rubber, it has a waterproof and antimicrobial PU top coat that’s soft to the touch, providing a cushioned feel when pressure is applied. It’s available in two colors (blush and sand) and has a unique portal shape that’ll stand out at home or in the yoga studio.
The Bala Play Mat Plus provides a cushioned surface to practice yoga on, while remaining easy to clean and maintain with its waterproof and antimicrobial top layer.
Get it here: Bala The Play Mat Plus
An extra grippy yoga mat can help ensure you stay safe and still during your practice. Made from sustainably sourced rubber, this mat provides a textured grip so it’ll remain steady and in place as you move between positions. When it comes to keeping it clean, the mat has an antimicrobial additive in it to prevent the buildup of mildew and mold, giving it a leg up on the competition.
Material: Natural rubber, polyurethane, synthetic rubber, nylon, polyester.
The Lululemon ‘The Mat’ Yoga Mat has a grippy side and a more cushioned side, making it suitable for beginners and professionals.
Get it here: Lululemon ‘The Mat’ Yoga Mat
If caring for the environment is important to you, then you’ll want to opt for a sustainable yoga mat like this one from Omala – the brand runs a program which allows you to return it when you’re done with it and have it upcycled for potential reuse in other capacities. The mat also utilizes a patented intelligent thermal response material that indicates alignment and pressure during your practice, which is a great tool for those looking to become more grounded and centered.
The Omala Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat boasts patented technology that changes colors as you practice. It can also be upcycled, making this a superior choice for both your body and the environment.
Get it here: Omala Aurora Color-Changing Yoga Mat
Cork is a durable material designed to withstand wear and tear, making it great for yoga mats. This mat has a closed-cell design that keeps out moisture, odor and bacteria, while providing optimal cushioning and support. Although the mat is durable, you’ll want to make sure not to leave it in direct sunlight for extended periods, to maintain its appearance and integrity. That said, there is a lifetime guarantee if anything happens to the mat and you need a replacement.
The Gaiam Cork Performance Yoga Mat provides a durable and cushioned place to practice, with a lifetime guarantee for a stress-free experience.
Get it here: Gaiam Performance Cork Yoga Mat
Add this non-rubber yoga mat to your cart for a functional and versatile option. Available in galaxy-themed print, this mat is suitable for yoga, pilates and other bodyweight exercises. Not only is it lightweight at under two pounds, but also super thick and comfortable with its suede top layer and TPE bottom. Additionally, it comes with a strap so you can travel with it without hassle.
Material: Thermoplastic elastomers, suede, cotton.
The POPFLEX CloudCushion Yoga Mat is a stylish and practical pick when looking for the best non-rubber yoga mat, with its durable combination of TPE, suede and cotton.
Get it here: POPFLEX CloudCushion Yoga Mat
To find the best yoga mats, we looked at popular athletic brands and took into account expert advice, personal experience and customer reviews. Additionally, we made sure there were numerous options across the price spectrum, so one could opt for a more budget-friendly or luxury yoga mat.
This generally depends on the brand. However, more expensive yoga mats are usually more durable, cushioned and easy to clean. “For example, in the $20 range, yoga mats tend to not only have a terribly toxic smell to them, but they generally provide minimal cushion, and you’ll often find that the mat slips and slides on the floor,” says Diamond. “On the other hand, around the $100 price point, you’ll generally find it to be the sweet spot for a great yoga mat, taking into consideration weight, thickness and material.”
If you only practice yoga once a week, then it’s not really necessary to spend too much money on a mat, but there are options available, regardless of what you choose.
Polyurethane (PU) yoga mats usually have a sturdy grip, extra cushion and a non-slip base. On the other hand, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) yoga mats can provide a good grip, but often have a strong chemical smell. In terms of caring for the environment, PU is the more eco-friendly option when compared to PVC, but there’s still work to be done in finding a more eco-conscious alternative.
According to Wood, if you purchase a high-quality mat that costs $100 or more, it should last a good 10 years. Cheaper mats could last a couple months to a year or two. “If the mat is starting to fall apart, then it’s time for a new mat,” says Wood. “Another sign it’s time to replace your mat is if you are no longer feeling the support you once did.”
Slam Ball AP Buyline’s content is created independently of The Associated Press newsroom. Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we might earn commissions from our partners’ links in this content. Learn more about our policies and terms here.