Yoga has been known worldwide as one of the best methods of working out, losing weight, and even getting your head cleared, but without the perfect yoga mat, this can be quite a daunting thing to do, especially for beginners.
Yoga mats have been designed to make your workout experience more comfortable and to allow you to keep your body protected from the cold floor, so we have set out to find the best yoga mats and to show you exactly how these mats can improve your yoga experience.
These mats have all been clinically tested to be perfect for yoga and to allow you to have maximum comfort.
Yoga Mat Overview
But, before we dive into the top yoga mats, there are a few things that you need to know about yoga mats and how to choose the perfect one for your needs.
Not all yoga mats are the same and any yoga mat that you find might not be the best to improve your yoga experience.
That said; let’s look at some of the most important features you will need to look for in yoga mats:
Key Features
Yoga mats vary in prices and sometimes it is not the best economical choice to go for the cheapest mat.
The price is directly related to the features and the quality of the mat and therefore, you might need to look a little harder and decided which of the features, you will need to for your yoga experience.
Thickness
The thickness of the yoga mat directly relates to the comfort that it can provide and the thicker your yoga mat is, the softer it will be and also the higher you will be elevated off the ground.
The standard thickness of a yoga mat is considered to be 1/8 of an inch and this will allow you still have that connection to the floor.
Some people might opt for the thicker ¼ inch mat, but while this is thicker and will protect your body much better, some people might feel unstable.
Materials
The materials are one of the most important features to look for and this will dictate the eco-friendliness of the mat as well as the texture on the mat.
If you are not planning to buy a yoga towel, the texture is fundamentally important and you will need to have a rougher texture to give you better grip and more stability.
Texture
We have already mentioned how the materials can have an effect and even dictate the texture on the mat.
But you will need to look at the texture itself and ensure that you have the adequate amount of traction to support the yoga type you are performing as well as your bodyweight and core stability.
Stickiness
The stickiness of the yoga mat is also really important and it will keep you from sliding around all over the place.
Having a stickier yoga mat might also be beneficial for those awkward positions and will also assist with the traction that you will be needing. Sometimes the stickiness can be irritating and this can be alleviated with a simple yoga towel.
Eco-Friendliness
Since yoga holds dear to nature and that sense of inner peace, it is important to ensure that your yoga mat is perfectly safe for nature.
This might be seen as a way of increasing the price, but for yoga enthusiasts, it does let them feel much more intact with their inner selves and nature itself.
Style
The style and the construction of the yoga mat will vary from person to person. Some people might prefer a larger yoga mat and this is generally a safer option to go with as well.
The style of the yoga mat can also directly relate to your own personal style and you can exert this style when visiting yoga classes.
Color
The color of the yoga mat is all down to personal preference, but it does tell something about your mood and personality. Bright colored yoga mats are generally recommended as the color will help to improve your mood as well as allow you to feel more exciting.
Think of the color yoga makes you think about and go with that.
We consider these to be the most important features that you will need to consider when purchasing a yoga mat.
However, the materials and the texture of the yoga mat are extremely interesting and we have decided to dig a little deeper and find out more about these features and how they could benefit you. You will also have a better understanding of the features in general.
Mat Materials
The materials you choose for your yoga mat can be dictated by the budget you have for the mat as well as the type that your body prefers, We have decided to look at a few of the most common materials and their features for you to choose from:
PVC
PVC or vinyl is the most common and cheapest yoga mats found on the market and they are unfortunately not eco-friendly. These mats are pretty average in terms of traction and they also have an overlay of added materials to improve the durability.
Recycled Rubber
This is also a great budget choice for eco-friendly yogis and it does not have a harmful overlay. The rubber is also naturally sticky and this will be a great way to keep you from sliding around when performing yoga.
Cotton
There are two types of cotton yoga mats and both of them are great.
Natural cotton is one of the softest materials and will definitely provide you the best possible comfort while performing yoga, while organic cotton is much better for the environment, but it is generally more expensive to buy.
Some people might even be allergic to latex or cotton and this will also dictate your choice for a yoga mat, but we like the cotton mats and they not only feature an extremely soft texture, but they are also extremely comfortable to work out on.
Cotton is definitely recommended for people with problematic joints and skin problems as it does exert much more softness on the skin.
Best Yoga Mat Reviews
With all of this information, you should now be able to make the perfect choice from our list of the best yoga mats. This list is our consideration for the best and we will tell you exactly how you will be benefitted from each specific mat:
1. Aurorae Classic Thick 6mm Yoga Mat with Free NonSlip Rosin
Thickness: ¼ inch
Dimensions: 74 x 24 inches
The Aurorae classic thick yoga mat has been designed for both adults and children to use. The mat is constructed of non-slip materials to help improve your traction, thus allowing you to freely perform your yoga workout.
At ¼ of an inch thick, the mat is also extremely soft and will definitely reduce any strain on your joints or allow injuries to occur. This company is also well known and they also sell high-quality yoga towels.
The mat is lightweight and easy to carry along and the added antimicrobial materials will ensure that there are no odors and you will be kept clean from bacteria, which could possibly cause infections.
The mat has also been Intertek tested and is free of any toxic substances, thus ensuring a safe and healthy environment for your yoga workout.
Furthermore, Aurorae Yogi tips have been included with this mat to help you understand the basics of yoga and also improve your workout. You will also be able to choose any mat of your choice, thus making this a great mat to exert your personal style.
We highly recommend this mat for the value it provides and the added comfort.
Some Yogis might not feel as attached to the floor with this thicker mat, but over time it will be something that you will become use to and also experience yoga workouts with the best possible comfort.
Pros:
- Added thickness for comfort
- Tested and approved to not contain any toxic substances
- Odor-free
- Available in multiple colors
Cons:
- Does become slippery as you sweat more
2. Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates Mat
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Dimensions: 71 x 24 inches
The Manduka PROLite Yoga and Pilates mat have been rated as one of the top yoga mats currently on the market. The mat is multifunctional for Pilates and yoga and is really lightweight and easy to carry along.
At 4.7mm in thickness, the mat will ensure that you still have that connection to the ground, whilst providing you with maximum comfort and protection.
The mat also features an unmatched density to help you have that sturdy platform to workouts from and the added cushioning will add to the comfort to protect your joints and vital body parts.
To keep the sweat and dirt from building up on the mat, it has been constructed with a closed cell surface. This will also ensure maximum hygiene and keep you free from any infectious bacteria.
Furthermore, the mat is 100% latex-free and has also been tested and approved for not containing any toxic substances.
To help ensure that you are not slipping and sliding, a dot pattern has been incorporated into the design to help improve the traction and add to the non-slip capabilities of this mat.
This mat is available in multiple colors for you to choose from and will definitely be a huge upgrade from your standard yoga mat. The mat is also available in multiple different colors for you to choose from, which allows you to show your own style.
Pros:
- Keeps that much-needed connection to the floor
- Improved traction
- Odor and bacteria-free
- Made from non-toxic materials
Cons:
- Might become slippery after washes
3. YogaAccessories 1/4″ Extra Thick Deluxe Yoga Mat
Thickness: ¼ inch
Dimensions: 74 x 24 inches
The YogaAccessories ¼” Extra Thick Deluxe yoga mat is definitely one of the most comfortable yoga mats on the market.
The mat is about ¼ of an inch in thickness and this will provide maximum protection for your joints as well as your body if you happen to accidentally stumble and fall.
The mat also features a double-sided non-slip texture and this will ensure that the mat does not slip underneath you.
On the top, the texture will provide the best possible level of traction to ensure you can work out more comfortably, while the added sturdiness will ensure that you can comfortably perform any pose.
This mat has also been tested to be free of any toxic materials and it is not only available in a multitude of colors, but you will be able to choose a blend of different colors for your mat as well.
The mat is extremely lightweight and easy to carry along for yoga classes as well.
We highly recommend this mat for the value it provides and the added thickness.
Beginners might not feel comfortable with the thickness as it does disturb the connection one has to the ground and this could cause instability, but ultimately, the mat is really affordable and will provide you with multiple yoga session of comfortable working out.
Pros:
- Stylish slip-resistant design
- Added thickness for comfort
- Available in a multitude or mixture of colors
- Reasonably priced
Cons:
- Odors might take some time to disappear
4. Reehut 1/2-Inch Extra Thick High-Density NBR Exercise Yoga Mat – 6 Piece Set
Thickness: ½ an inch
Dimensions: 71 x 24
While not the biggest or longest yoga mat on our list, the Reehut ½ inch extra thick NBR exercise yoga mat is definitely one of the most comfortable mats on our list.
The mat is a staggering ½ an inch thick and has been specifically designed for people with problems taking impact on especially their joints.
The mat features a slip-resistant texture on both sides to help increase the overall traction and the added weight from the padding will also ensure that you have a more comfortable and sturdy platform for all of your poses.
The mat is; however, one of the shortest mats on our list and might not be great for all poses, but beginners will definitely get the best possible use out of it.
Furthermore, the mat is also eco-friendly to give you peace of mind and make you feel more at peace with nature as required in yoga and it has been approved by multiple rating sources to be free of any toxic substances.
We especially like that this mat brings with it an entire set of Yoga accessories that will be appreciated for sure. It includes 1 NBR yoga mat, 2 yoga blocks, 1 yoga mat towel, 1 yoga hand towel, and 1 yoga strap.
Finally, the mat also offers excellent insulation, and the closed, pocketless design will ensure that no bacteria or water make it into the mat to cause dampness.
This mat is definitely recommended for people struggling with current injuries and will also help prevent any future injuries.
Pros:
- Sturdy construction
- Extremely comfortable
- Really affordable for the value it provides
- Resistant to moisture and bacteria buildup
- Comes with entire extensive accessories package
Cons:
- Shorter than most other yoga mats at only 71 inches
5. Clever Yoga Premium Mat
Thickness: ¼ inch
Dimensions: 72 x 25.5 inches
The Clever Yoga Premium Mat is one of the yoga mats on our list with the most width.
This means that larger people will have more comfort on the mat while the cushioning provided by the ¼ inch thick design will help to protect your joints and your body from injuries when performing poses and tiring out.
The mat is constructed from 100% recyclable and biodegradable TPE materials and this will also ensure that your yoga mat is eco-friendly.
No latex have been used on the mat, but the construction and design have been done to make up for the stickiness.
This stickiness has been added to both sides, meaning that you will be able to use both sides for your yoga workout and also improving the lifetime of your yoga mat.
The closed-cell construction will also help to stop moisture from penetrating the mat and this should be a great addition to people who love to sweat a lot.
There are also antimicrobial properties to ensure the mat does not reek of any odors and to improve the overall hygiene.
We definitely recommend this mat for men or bigger individuals who will be needing the added size, but it will also be perfect for anyone and the added room will provide you with great versatility.
The price is also not too bad and you will not have to break the bank to buy this mat.
Pros:
- Provides more room for bigger individuals
- Promotes great traction
- Odor and bacteria resistant
- Eco-friendly construction
Cons:
- The mat curls up a lot at first when breaking it in
- Expensive!
6. La Baleza 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Pilates Exercise Mat
Thickness: ½ inch
Dimensions: 71 (or 85) x 24 inches
Featuring TEN (yes, that’s “10”) different colors and offering a thicker cushion than most, this is probably our best “value” on the list. There are two length options; The 85″ mat has square corners while the 71″ mat has rounded corners.
The idea with the La Baleza mat is to strike a “perfect” balance between comfort (achieved by thicker padding) and stability (can be hampered by TOO thick a foam under your bones or feet).
With over 90 buyers rating this a 4.5-star out of 5-star, it’s not a horrible product to be sure!
The only potential problem is that most people used to using a Yoga mat, are familiar with 1/4″ mats, so this mat will almost always give them this impression:
“It’s wonderful for extra cushion – you can really feel the softness, but it’s a bit too “squishy” and less stable feeling than a 1/4″ mat.” So, this tells me that you need to decide what is your priority; less squishiness or more comfort.
It seems like you’ll have to sacrifice at least a bit of one to get the other.
This is definitely the best option for more padding if your bones are vulnerable, but you’ll also move around a bit more so it’s been suggested this mat is better for Pilates rather than Yoga. That’s just an opinion held by some.
Pros:
- Stylish non-slip design
- Improved thickness for more comfort
- Eco-friendly and toxin-free
- Really affordable
Cons:
- Lacks in terms of durability
- Foam is not as dense as some would like (hence the “squishiness”)
7. Manduka eko Lite Yoga and Pilates Mat
Thickness: ¼ inch
Dimensions: 68 x 24 inches
If you are into yoga and you know about the different yoga mats, you might have come across the Manduka Eko lite yoga and Pilates mat.
The mat is one of the most popular choices for beginners and even intermediate yogis to start with the features on this smaller mat are definitely intriguing.
The mat is extremely sticky and this is thanks to the rubber materials used in the construction, but since it is latex-free, the mat has incorporated a new wet grip system.
This will allow you to still have maximum grip when the sweat is pouring down your body.
The rubber will ensure you have a sturdy platform to perform those harder poses on and it is all-natural rubber, harvested under regulations to give you a near eco-friendly mat.
The mat has also been approved to not contain any harmful additives like plastic or PVC and the closed-cell construction will ensure that you do have to stress about a buildup of bacteria or moisture on your yoga mat.
After use, the mat can simply be wiped down and you will be ready for the next workout.
Since the mat is widely renowned as one of the best, it is a little more expensive than the other mats, but there are not a lot of mats that can compare to this mat in terms of durability.
The mat is definitely recommended for yoga and Pilates and will give you plenty of value for your money.
Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Made from natural rubber
- Added wet grip system will ensure you never slip
- Toxin-free design with no wasted materials
Cons:
- The mat is expensive
8. Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat
Thickness: ½ an inch
Dimensions: 71 x 26 inches
The Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates mat is definitely the most expensive mat on our list and it has been designed for use by pro yogis. The mat is available in two sizes and both of them have a 26-inch width, but the larger one is 85 inches in length.
This mat has been designed from synthetic materials, which are all eco-friendly and will put you at peace with nature, while the added thickness will provide you with maximum protection and comfort.
On the bottom of the mat, the Manduka Company has included a dot-patterned design and this will allow you to work out without sliding around.
This dot pattern also adds to the stability of the mat and the closed-cell construction will ensure that you have no buildup of toxins or moisture. Cleaning this mat is also quite simple and it can easily be wiped down.
The lifetime guarantee on this mat does make it one of the best and the quality of materials will ensure that you might never need to buy another mat again.
We highly recommend this mat for the quality and the value, but it does command a rather expensive price.
Pros:
- Extremely durable construction
- Available in multiple colors and two sizes
- Slip and bacteria resistant
- Easy to wash
Cons:
- Very expensive
Final Thoughts & Conclusions
We would like to thank you for reading this article and we hope that you will now be able to find the best yoga mat for your specific needs.
We really recommend the Aurorae or Manduka brand as our number one choice and we believe that you will be satisfied with the quality of their mats.
