With distractions like TV, movies and work, many people may not be motivated to attend yoga classes. However, sometimes all it takes is a new piece of equipment to make a yoga class more enjoyable and relaxing - and more likely to happen.
Finding the best exercise mat can bring a plethora of options. While the mats may look the same, factors such as thickness, material, water resistance and texture may make the mat a godsend for some and a total rejection for others. We compare the top options on the market by conducting thorough product research to recommend the best yoga mats in a variety of categories. Read on for some tips on choosing a new yoga tool and discover some of the best yoga mats available today.
How we choose the best yoga mats
Years of experience with home and lifestyle products and extensive product research went into the creation of this guide. We explored more than 30 yoga mat options and weighed many practical considerations before making our recommendations.
We prioritized mats longer than 70 inches to appeal to the widest range of shoppers. The list includes rubber, vinyl and foam mats, with an emphasis on those made from environmentally friendly and non-toxic materials. There's no need to spend a fortune on a high-quality yoga mat, so we considered the overall value of the mat when making our selection.
Our Top Picks: The Best Yoga Mats of 2023
The best yoga mats offer the right thickness to keep yoga practitioners comfortable, supported and stable during their practice. Quality yoga mats are available in a wide range of colors and materials and can make a huge difference during a workout. The following suggestions are based on a range of categories to help consumers find the yoga mat they need to confidently strike the triangle pose wherever they practice yoga.
1. Best Overall: Toplus Yoga Mat Classic 1/4 Inch Pro
Affordable, durable and made from natural, non-toxic materials, the Toplus Classic ¼ Inch Pro Yoga Mat is the ultimate companion for yoga practitioners. The TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) rubber has a higher density and elasticity than other types of rubber, and the double-sided sticky textured surface helps users grip while preventing the mat from sliding on the floor. In addition, the surface is waterproof, making it a great mat for hot yoga.
The mat is less than ¼ inch thick, which is considered moderately comfortable and supportive for most yoga practitioners. As a result, it is also lightweight and suitable for travel. The Toplus Classic ¼-Inch Pro Yoga Mat is available in two sizes and four colors and designs, as well as a slightly more expensive embossed style with upgraded non-slip material.
While many will find this mat comfortable, those with serious joint problems may benefit from a thicker mat. One drawback is that the mat is only covered by a 1-year warranty, beyond which point it is not covered.
2. Best value for money: Gaiam Essentials Premium Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Essentials Premium yoga mat is considered a classic for a reason. At 72 inches long and ¼ inch thick, this mat provides more space and support for yoga poses than most mats. In addition, its double-sided textured grip keeps the user and the mat in place so poses can be held longer and more consistently.
The mat is designed with non-toxic materials and is free of chemicals. However, the manufacturer recommends that the mat be unfolded and allowed to dry for 2 to 3 days before use. The mat is available in seven colors and comes with a sling to make it easy to carry to the gym or yoga studio. It weighs 56 ounces, which is slightly heavier than other mats, so it may not be suitable for long trips. One drawback is that the mat does not come with a warranty.
3. Best for joint support: Ewedoos Eco Yoga Mat with Alignment Line
Yoga can help improve joint pain, but the right mat is vital to avoid exacerbating the problem. If sore knees and tight wrists and elbows prevent someone from practicing yoga, the Ewedoos Eco Yoga Mat may become the most popular piece of exercise equipment.
Its non-toxic TPE material is designed with a system of lines that indicate where to place the hands and feet so that the body remains properly aligned. These lines are etched into the mat so that the user can feel them without having to look down to check that they are in the correct position.
This yoga mat is made with a waterproof, double-sided, non-slip surface and high-density padding to prevent joint soreness. It remains thin, at ¼ inch thick, for easy portability while providing extra support and comfort. It comes in eight colors and includes a back strap. The pad does not come with a warranty.
4. Thickest: BalanceFrom GoYoga+ Multi-Purpose Thickened Yoga Mat
If practice requires an ultra-dense yoga mat, the BalanceFrom GoYoga+ Multi-Purpose Yoga Mat is the right choice for you. Made with high-density foam, this mat is designed to provide ultimate support and help cushion the spine, hips, knees and elbows. It also comes with a 24-inch wide and 10-inch long knee pads for poses that require more support. Because of its thicker material, this mat can be more easily used as a multi-purpose exercise mat than many other mats we recommend that are more suitable for yoga.
Thanks to its double-sided, non-slip surface, this mat is slip-resistant. Its moisture-resistant technology makes it perfect for hot yoga and it's easy to clean with soap and water. It is available in seven colors and includes a carrying strap. Despite the thick material, it is still lightweight at 35.2 oz.
5. The most eco-friendly: Heathyoga Eco-friendly non-slip yoga mat
Unlike many yoga mats made with non-green PVC, NBR or EVA rubber, this non-slip mat is designed with SGS certified non-toxic rubber material TPE, which stands for the thermoplastic elastomer.
Its non-slip, dual-layer design provides an optimal ¼-inch thickness and a firm grip for challenging poses. Each side has a different texture, with a high-traction tread on the bottom for a firm grip on the floor and a diamond-shaped texture on the top for comfort and stability in a variety of positions. In addition, its longer and wider size provide yogis with more room to practice, making it ideal for larger body types. The mat also comes with a built-in body alignment system with reverse points and end-to-end lines, so users always know the best position for poses. heath yoga mats are available in six colors and come with a strap for easy portability.
6. Best Texture: Iuga Yoga Mat Non-Slip Textured Surface
On a low quality yoga mat, it's a constant battle to keep it from moving under the user. the Iuga mat aims to solve that problem with its TPE material and three-layer design. The sturdy base layer, ripstop mesh and non-slip surface feature the company's skeletal pattern design that helps prevent the mat from moving during a workout. As an added benefit, the material is environmentally friendly and does not produce any lingering odors, allowing users to practice on the mat immediately.
With a built-in ¼-inch thick density mat, this is a great option for those who need extra joint support. This lightweight mat comes in two-sided colors and includes several options with printed alignment guides. It has a carrying strap, which is perfect for travel. One downside is that this material is not waterproof, so it is not the best choice for those looking for a hot yoga mat. The brand does not offer a warranty.
7. Best for hot yoga: Reetual, the sweat-loving yoga mat
Hot yogis need a mat that won't get slippery when they inevitably start sweating. That's where Reetual, The Adores Sweat yoga mat can help.
Designed with eco-friendly tree rubber that is free of BPA, latex, PVC, silicone and phthalates, this mat features a micro-grip surface that gradually becomes more grippy when exposed to moisture. Compared to other micro-grip pads that require a lot of moisture to activate, Reetual starts with only 2.1% moisture.
The 3.5mm thickness is perfect for intense exercises like hot yoga, and the padded rubber base keeps the mat from slipping out from under the user's feet. It's even machine washable, whereas most yoga mats can only be partially cleaned or hand washed. This mat comes with a carrying strap, but does not offer any type of warranty.
8. Best Travel Friendly: Gaiam Yoga Mat Folding Travel Fitness and Exercise Mat
Yoga mats are often difficult to fit into a carry-on suitcase. However, the Gaiam Yoga Mat Folding Travel Fitness and Exercise Mat is designed to fold into a 10" x 12" cube, making it easier to pack for travel than other mats.
At just 2mm thick, this non-toxic PVC yoga mat easily fits into most carry-on or travel bags. Plus, it's designed with some of the same features as other quality yoga mats, such as a non-slip, sticky surface to keep it from moving.
This mat is affordable and comes in five colors and designs. While it is great for travel, this mat is very thin and designed not to provide much grip, so it may not be the best choice for regular practice. Nonetheless, it is still a good choice if the user wishes to do yoga on vacation. Be sure to note that this mat is 68 inches long, so while it is suitable for shorter yogis, it may not be ideal for people who are taller than 5 feet 8 inches.
Our verdict
We recommend the Toplus yoga mat for its eco-friendly materials, high grip and lightweight design. Those on a budget may prefer the Gaiam Premium Yoga Mat, which offers similar performance at a lower price.
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