Best Yoga Mats [2023]

Reviews, Scores, Ratings and Recommendations

#1

JadeYoga Harmony Yoga Mat

Jade Harmony Yoga Mat

9.6  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ All-natural, plant-based rubber
✅ Supreme grip for regular + hot yoga
✅ 4.7 review rating on Amazon
✅ New tree planted for every mat sold

Drawbacks:
❌ Poor smell out-of-box
❌ Some buyers reported durability issues after 1 year

#2

Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat

9.1  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Great value yoga mat
✅ Extra thick for sensitive knees
✅ Comes with carrier strap
✅ Versatile for all fitness exercises

Drawbacks:
❌ Made with NBR (not eco-friendly)
❌ Below-average grip and durability

#3

Manduka X Yoga Mat Review

Manduka X Yoga Mat

8.4  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Made with recyclable, eco-friendly TPE
✅ Durable and long-lasting
✅ Built for slip-resistance
✅ Non-toxic and safe for long-term contact

Drawbacks:
❌ Too thin for highly-sensitive knees
❌ Some customers reported grip issues
❌ Better value yoga mats available

Best Beginner Yoga Mat

Instructional Beginner Yoga Mat

CopyCat Instructional Beginner Yoga Mat

8.9  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Sequential instructions for beginners
✅ Non-toxic and eco-friendly (SGS tested)
✅ Helps prevent soreness and injury
✅ 6mm thickness

Drawbacks:
❌ Some customers reported slipping issues
❌ Durability questions

Best Non-Slip Yoga Mat

B YOGA Super Grip Yoga Mat

B YOGA Super-Grip Yoga Mat

9.0  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Highest-rated grip (for wet + dry)
✅ Open-cell technology to combat moisture
✅ Responsibly & sustainably produced
✅ OEKOTek certified

Drawbacks:
❌ Only 2mm thickness (pretty thin)
❌ Needs a break-in period (1-3 weeks)

Best Value Yoga Mat

HeathYoga TPE Yoga Mat

HeathYoga TPE Yoga Mat

8.1  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Made with TPE (better than PVC, NBR, etc.)
✅ Center alignment line for balance
✅ 6.3mm cushioning
✅ Several colors

Drawbacks:
❌ Some customers reported durability issues
❌ Grip is average

Best Hot Yoga Mat

SatoriConcept Cork Yoga Mat

SatoriConcept Cork Yoga Mat

8.4  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Perfect grip + water resistance
✅ Anti-microbial and odorless
✅ Durable cork
✅ Gorgeous designs and patterns

Drawbacks:
❌ Contains latex (only for allergies)
❌ 4mm cushioning is below-average

Best Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat

Live Well 360 All-Natural Cotton Yoga Mat - Eco-Friendly

Live Well 360 Handmade Organic Cotton Yoga Mat

8.8  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ 100% pure & all-natural
✅ No toxins or chemicals
✅ Handmade with delicacy
✅ Foldable and lightweight

Drawbacks:
❌ May slide on slippery floors
❌ Long-term durability is questionable

Best Travel Yoga Mat

Yogo Travel Yoga Mat - Foldable, Portable and Lightweight

YOGO Ultra-Light Travel Yoga Mat (Foldable)

8.5  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Foldable and portable
✅ Lightweight for hiking (2 lbs.)
✅ Plant-based and eco-friendly
✅ Easy to wash (and dries quickly)

Drawbacks:
❌ Average-ish grip
❌ Some customers reported issues with returning the mat

Best Yoga Mat for Kids

Really Good Stuff Kids Yoga Mat

ReallyGoodStuff Kids Yoga Mat

9.3  Review Score

Reasons to Buy:
✅ Easy-to-follow yoga poses
✅ Fun, engaging terminology
✅ Perfect for home and classroom
✅ Safe, toxic-free foam and ink

Drawbacks:
❌ Cannot be folded
❌ Some customers received used-condition

Buying Guide for Yoga Mats

Yoga Mat Materials – Rubber, Cork, Foam, Jute, TPE, Bamboo, Cotton and More

The material of your yoga mat is one of the most important factors to consider when making your purchase. Yoga mats are typically made from either rubber, foam, cork or microfiber. Rubber mats are the most durable and provide the best grip, but they can be heavy and difficult to transport.

PVC mats are lighter and easier to transport – but they are not as durable, may not provide as much grip, and are potentially toxic. Microfiber mats are lightweight and easy to transport, but they may not provide as much cushioning or grip as other materials. Cork is a nice eco-friendly, non-slip option too – as we cover in our best cork yoga mat reviews. They’re also sustainable like bamboo, cotton and jute yoga mats too.

For exercise, travel, beach, waterproof, outdoors, beginners and advanced yogis

Yoga mats come in many different varieties to suit the needs of different yogis. Exercise mats are sometimes thinner and provide less cushioning, making them ideal as foldable travel mats to use on the go. Most of the mats above are latex-free, PVC-free, and work great on carpet.

While many of them are cheap, affordable and budget-friendly, you’ll also find high-quality, premium luxury yoga mats that are expensive.

Beach and tropical mats tend to be more absorbent and waterproof, which also makes them great for hot yoga or use in humid conditions while practicing outdoors. Beginners may prefer a mat with more cushioning and support, or even one of the best alignment yoga mats with position lines and poses. No matter what your needs, there is a yoga mat that is perfect for you – even for advanced and veteran yogis and instructors.

Types of Yoga – Restorative, Power, Kundalini, Hatha, Iyengar, Yin, Ashtanga Vinyasa, and Bikram Hot Yoga

The type of yoga you practice will also influence the type of mat you should choose. For example, if you practice bikram hot yoga, you will want to choose a mat that is specifically designed for that purpose as it will be made from materials that can withstand high temperatures and won’t slip when your hands and feet are sweaty.

If you practice restorative yoga, you may want to choose a softer mat that will allow you to sink into supported poses. Also consider mats for power, kundalini, hatha, and vinyasa.

Thickness and Cushioning

Another factor to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is thickness. Yoga mats range in thickness from 1/16 inch to 1/4 inch (which means they’re 3mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm). If you are a beginner, it’s best to choose a mat that is on the thicker side so that you have more cushioning and support. If you are more experienced, you may prefer a thinner mat so that you can feel more connected to the ground.

Yoga Mat Grip for Sweaty Hands and Moisture

The grip of your yoga mat is also an important consideration. Some mats have a textured surface that helps to prevent slipping, while others have a smooth surface. If you have sweaty hands during your practice, it’s best to choose a mat with a textured surface so that you don’t slip and injure yourself.

Yoga Mat Size, Design and Color

The first factor to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is size. Yoga mats come in a variety of sizes, from small mats that are ideal for travel to large mats that provide ample space for practicing. It is important to choose a mat that is the right size for your body and your needs. If you are taller or have wider shoulders, you may want to choose a larger mat. If you are shorter or have narrower shoulders, you may want to choose a smaller mat.

Another to consider when purchasing a yoga mat is design. Yoga mats come in a variety of designs, from simple mats that are solid in color to mats that are printed with patterns or images.

There are also mats that have different textures, such as those that are sticky or those that have raised bumps or ridges. It is important to choose a mat that has a design that you find aesthetically pleasing and that will help you feel more comfortable while practicing yoga.

Durability

You ideally want a mat that’ll last minimum 12 months. Yoga mats are must-have yoga essentials made from a variety of materials, such as PVC, rubber, or jute. Some materials are more durable than others, so it’s important to choose a material that will withstand wear and tear and will not break down over time.

Texture

The texture of a yoga mat is important for two reasons: grip and comfort. A mat with a rougher texture will provide more grip, which can be helpful for beginners or for those practicing more challenging poses (although you’ll want to consider durability – which is often why yogis and instructors carry their mat in a protective yoga mat bag). A mat with a smoother texture will be more comfortable and may be better suited for those who are more experienced or who practice more gentle forms of yoga.

Comfort

Comfort is another important factor to consider when choosing a yoga mat. If a mat is too thin, it may not provide enough cushioning, which can lead to pain in the joints. If a mat is too thick, it can make balancing poses more difficult. It’s important to find a mat that is comfortable for your own individual needs.