Yoga Lifestyle The 10 Best Yoga Mats of 2021 Keep calm and flow on with these picks By Emily Stone linkedin Emily Stone is a writer specializing in health, wellness, and fitness. She writes about fitness and health products across all of the Verywell brands. Learn about our editorial process Emily Stone Fact checked by Fact checked by Ashley Hall on January 11, 2021 linkedin Ashley Hall is a writer and fact checker who has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery. Learn about our editorial process Ashley Hall Updated on February 12, 2021 Print More in Yoga Lifestyle Beginners Popular Types Yoga and Your Health Books and Videos Sequences for Home Practice Poses Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links. Verywell / Getty Images Our Top Picks Best Overall: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat at Aloyoga.com "This versatile mat is designed to be used for any type of yoga and comes in a variety of chic, matte colors." Best Budget: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat at Amazon "The mat infuses your vinyasa with a bit of color and serves as a convenient option for both home and studio use." Best for Hot Yoga: Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat at Amazon "Made sustainably with natural rubber, this pick helps enhance its grip as you sweat and move through your yoga flow." Best No-Slip Grip: IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat at Amazon "Weighing only 2.5 pounds, this mat provides exceptional traction and grip without compromising comfort or stability." Best for Carpet: Manduka PRO at Amazon "Latex-free and available in two lengths, the mat delivers a sticky, sturdy grip that stays in place throughout your practice." Best Extra-Long: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm at Huckberry "Ideal for taller yogis, this 7-foot-long mat gives you the freedom you need to stretch out and move at your leisure." Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat at Amazon "Manduka’s portable yoga mat neatly folds into a suitcase and weighs only 2.2 pounds, so you can keep stretching wherever you go." Best for Beginners: Liforme Original Yoga Mat at Amazon "This mat features Liforme's signature AlignForMe system to guide users through their yoga practice with ease." Best Cushioned: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat at Amazon "Made from high-density foam, it protects and cushions your joints for a safe session that minimizes soreness." Best Eco-Friendly: Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat at Amazon "Naturally slip-resistant, this mat delivers premium traction and grip so you can focus on what matters during your workout." In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look For FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit? A high-quality yoga mat is critical to keeping you safe and grounded as you flow through your daily yoga poses and even as you work on your core at the gym. And when it comes to yoga mats, toting your own is always a good idea. While yoga mats may all appear to perform the same function, each is uniquely designed to suit different physical needs, preferences, and workouts. So set yourself up for success and find a yoga mat that’s tailored to your build, style, and needs. What to Look for in a Yoga Mat Thickness The thickness of the mat plays a role in both cushioning and stability. A thicker mat provides more padding and support for joints, but it can also be less stable. For this reason, some people prefer thinner mats, which allow users to feel the ground beneath them. Material Yoga mats are made from a variety of materials—both eco-friendly and synthetic. The most common materials used are PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), and natural rubber. PVC mats are easy to clean, highly durable, and last for years, but they aren't considered eco-friendly. TPE mats have a rubber-like feel and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats are favored for their traction and slip-resistance. Length The standard length for a yoga mat is 68 x 24 inches. People over 5-feet-5-inches tall may want to consider sizing up for a bit more wiggle room. To test out the length of a yoga mat, move into downward-facing dog and make sure your hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat. If both fit without hitting the edges, the mat is the proper size for you. Cell Type Open-cell mats are porous and absorb sweat and moisture effectively. For heated and high-sweat practices like Bikram, open-cell mats provide more traction along with a slip-resistant surface, but they can also lead to trapped odors and bacteria growth. When using an open-cell mat, it's important to clean it and air it out after each use. Closed-cell mats are ideal for lower-intensity practices, as they do not absorb moisture. They don’t offer as much traction as open-cell mats, but they are far more hygienic. This type of mat is waterproof and much easier to clean. Closed-cell mats are also more resistant to wear, lasting for years. Here are the best yoga mats on the market. Best Overall: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat Buy on Aloyoga.com Pros Sleek and stylish Versatile design Hygienic Cons Can pick up debris from the floor Edges remain slightly curled after unrolling The versatile Alo Yoga Warrior Mat is designed to handle any type of yoga or workout, delivering a stable, slip-resistant base. This 4.2-millimeter-thick mat is formaldehyde-free, PVC-free, and non-toxic. It's constructed from sustainably-sourced rubber with a polyurethane leather top layer, delivering ample cushioning to support your wrists and knees throughout a workout. Sporting an ever-so-chic matte finish, it features a moisture-wicking, antimicrobial surface that prevents sweat from saturating the mat. Simply wipe it clean with a microfiber cloth after use. The mat comes in a range of colors, measures 74.4 x 26.4 inches, and weighs 6 pounds. Thickness: 4.2 mm | Material: Sustainably-sourced rubber and polyurethane leather | Size: 74.4 x 26.4 in | Weight: 6 lbs | Style: Closed-cell The 6 Best Yoga Blocks of 2021 Best Budget: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Pros Affordable Durable yet lightweight Fun colors and patterns Cons Chemical smell before first washing Slippery before first washing With 6-millimeter-thick cushioning, this yoga mat is both lightweight and durable, serving as a convenient option for both home and studio practices. The sticky, textured non-slip surface provides excellent traction, keeping you grounded and focused. It also features ample padding and cushioning to protect your joints. Made from PVC, it's latex-free and is made without the top six most harmful phthalates: DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP. Ideal for those who love boho designs, this 68 x 24-inch mat comes in a wide variety of colors and prints, from cherry blossoms to a printed mountain range design. Thickness: 6 mm | Material: PVC | Size: 68 x 24 in | Weight: 3.4 lbs | Style: Closed-cell The 7 Best Yoga Mat Bags Best for Hot Yoga: Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on REI Pros Great traction for sweaty workouts Plenty of cushioning Made from natural materials Cons Must clean after every use Not as durable as other options The Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat is one of the best mats on the market for hot yoga due to its traction and stellar stability. This mat is highly absorbent, allowing you to keep your footing when things start heating up. Plus, it's specifically designed for working out in the heat, so its grip on the floor increases with sweat and movement. It's an open-cell mat—meaning it's porous—and it's made in the United States from naturally-sourced tree rubber. With 4.7-millimeter-thick cushioning, it offers excellent support for your knees and elbows while you exercise. It's also easy to clean using mild soap and water. The 5-pound mat comes in virtually every color of the rainbow. Thickness: 4.7 mm | Material: Naturally-sourced tree rubber | Size: 68 x 24 in | Weight: 5 lbs | Style: Open-cell The 7 Best Yoga Towels Best No-Slip Grip: IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat Buy on Amazon Pros No chemical smell or harsh odor Easy to tote around Excellent non-slip surface Cons Edges remain slightly curled after unrolling Stains more easily than other options While most rubber yoga mats can be a pain to lug around, the IUGA Pro mat weighs only 2.5 pounds while still providing 5-millimeter-thick cushioning. Made from sustainably harvested tree rubber, the eco-friendly yoga mat is both PVC-free and latex-free, and it doesn't have that unpleasant chemical odor that many other mats do. The mat's polyurethane top layer provides excellent traction and grip along with sweat absorption for a slip-free yoga session. Meanwhile, the textured bottom adheres to any surface, keeping you safe and secured. The IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat includes a carrying strap and comes in five fun and classic colors. Thickness: 5 mm | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 in | Weight: 2.5 lbs | Style: Closed-cell Best for Carpet: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 3.2 Buy on Amazon Buy on Dick's Buy on Manduka.com Pros Sticky, grippy surface Comes in extra-long size Lifetime warranty Cons Heavier than other options Gets slippery when wet While carpet isn’t ideal for yoga, as it can cause instability and sliding, some mats fair better on this surface than others. The Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat offers one of the grippiest surfaces in the game and performs well on carpet. The latex-free PVC mat is sustainably engineered, using high-quality materials that won’t peel, flake, or fade, and it's made without toxic chemicals, dyes, and phthalates. It provides a sticky, sturdy grip, allowing for seamless transitions between poses. Plus, its closed-cell surface prevents sweat and bacteria from seeping in. Thanks to its extra-long build, it can fit a person up to 7 feet tall. The mat comes in a variety of colors and in two different lengths—71 inches and 85 inches. With a 6-millimeter-thick construction, it provides the ideal balance of support, cushion, and stability. As an added bonus, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Thickness: 6 mm | Material: PVC | Size: 71 x 26 in and 85 x 26 in | Weight: 7.5 lbs and 9.5 lbs | Style: Closed-cell Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Review Best Extra-Long: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm Buy on Huckberry Pros Plenty of room for any user Excellent traction during sweaty yoga sessions Stays in place as you use it Cons Stains and scratches easily Heavier than other options This 5-millimeter-thick yoga mat is for people in the 6-foot-tall and above club. The extra-long and extra-wide design gives tall yogis the freedom to stretch out and feel fully supported during workouts. The 7-foot-long reversible mat can be utilized for a variety of yoga practices, as well as other fitness endeavors. The absorbent polyurethane top layer ensures a stable, slip-free base during sweaty classes like hot yoga. On the flip side, the natural rubber base provides a bit of padding with a textured grip for drier practices. A supplemental antimicrobial layer helps prevent mold and mildew from forming. It's composed of 61 percent natural rubber, 17 percent synthetic rubber, 15 percent polyurethane, 5 percent polyester, and 2 percent nylon. For easy care, simply wipe with a damp cloth after use and air dry before storing. Thickness: 5 mm | Material: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, and nylon | Size: 84 x 28 in and 85 x 26 in | Weight: 7.05 lbs | Style: Closed-cell Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat Review Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Manduka.com Buy on Yogaoutlet.com Pros Great grippy surface Perfectly portable Made with natural materials Cons Lacks cushion of other options Strong rubber smell This compact, portable yoga mat weighs only 2.2 pounds and can be neatly folded, taking up as little space as a laptop or pair of jeans. It features a grippy, non-slip surface with a dimpled feel. And since it's on the thinner side, it can be used on its own or as a hygienic topper over a thicker, communal mat at your gym. It’s made from high-quality, eco-friendly natural rubber that's biodegradable and made in a zero-waste manufacturing facility. The mat is also 99 percent latex-free and made without PVC, toxic plasticizers, or harmful dyes. The mat comes in a variety of prints and colors as well. Thickness: 1.5 mm | Material: Eco-friendly rubber | Size: 71 x 24 in | Weight: 2.2 lbs | Style: Open-cell The 9 Best Home Gym Floors of 2021 Best for Beginners: Liforme Original Yoga Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Liforme.com Pros Larger size than most mats Great for sweatier yoga sessions Eco-friendly design Cons Stains easily Top layer can wrinkle over time The Liforme Yoga Mat is a highly versatile mat made from eco-friendly material. Perfect for yoga newbies, the mat features Liforme's signature AlignForMe system, which serves as a navigational tool, using markers to help yogis of all sizes employ ideal form when striking a pose during practice. It provides a more generous surface area than most yoga mats, allowing one to spread out and move freely. It's also highly absorbent—the polyurethane top layer absorbs sweat and moisture, keeping the mat’s sticky grip, no matter how much you perspire. Liforme's Original Yoga Mat is composed of fully-biodegradable and sustainably-sourced materials, including a natural rubber base and an eco-polyurethane top layer. It comes in various colors and weighs 5.5 pounds. You also get a complimentary yoga mat bag with your purchase. Thickness: 4.2 mm | Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane | Size: 72.8 x 26.7 in | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Style: Closed-cell Best Cushioned: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat 4 Buy on Amazon Buy on Walmart Pros Super lightweight Versatile Plenty of cushion for sensitive joints Cons Less stable than other options Foam stretches and imprints over time Those who prefer to double up on yoga mats for extra cushioning need to try this mat from BalanceFrom. Made of high-density foam material, the mat safely protects and cushions the spine, hips, knees, and more while you exercise. Along with yoga, the half-inch-thick premium mat suits a variety of activities. It’s also super lightweight and portable. With dual-sided non-slip surfaces, the mat ensures a stable, balanced workout while protecting joints from hard flooring. It's also moisture-resistant, so sweat beads right off and won’t seep in. It’s easy to clean using soap and water. It also comes with an adjustable strap for easy travel. Thickness: 0.5 in | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 in | Weight: 1.8 lbs | Style: Closed-cell BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Review Best Eco-Friendly: Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat Buy on Amazon Buy on Yolohayoga.com Pros Naturally anti-microbial Dries quickly Lightweight and portable Cons Cork grain can shed Can be slippery when dry Cork is an eco-friendly, renewable resource that's hand-harvested from the outer bark of the cork oak tree every nine years. This yoga mat features a soft, fine-grain cork top from this tree, plus a foam bottom. Cork naturally provides a non-slip surface, ensuring exceptional traction and grip. It also naturally possesses antimicrobial properties, eliminating bacteria and making cleanup a breeze. Meanwhile, the closed-cell foam bottom will not absorb moisture or odor. This 6-millimeter-thick mat provides support and cushioning without compromising balance and stability. It weighs a mere 2.8 pounds and has a 5.5-inch diameter when rolled up. The mat is also 100-percent vegan and is free of PVC, latex, and plasticizers. Pro tip: Cork increases its grip when wet. To supercharge the level of traction, sprinkle some water on the mat where you place your hands and feet. Thickness: 6 mm | Material: Fine-grain cork and foam | Size: 72 x 26 in and 80 x 26 in | Weight: 2.8 lbs | Style: Closed-cell The 7 Best Yoga Mat Straps, Slings, and Handles of 2021 Final Verdict The Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat delivers premium traction and grip for those who prefer an extra-grippy surface. This 18-inch mat provides cushion and support without interfering with balance, allowing you to still feel the ground beneath you.For anyone over 5-feet-8-inches tall, the Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat is a fantastic choice. It comes in two length options—71 inches and 85 inches—and features an extra-wide width of 26 inches. This .23-inch-thick mat delivers cushion and provides a sticky, stable base. Catherine Song / Verywell FAQs What's the best way to clean a yoga mat? When it comes to cleaning your yoga mat, simple is better. Combine warm water and a few drops of your preferred dish soap, spray the mixture generously over the surface of your yoga mat, and scrub it firmly (but not aggressively) with a microfiber towel. Flip it over and repeat. Finally, rinse both sides of your yoga mat with warm water and hang it up to air dry. What's the difference between a yoga mat and an exercise mat? A yoga mat is typically thinner than an exercise mat, features a textured surface for helpful grip, and provides a medium firmness for support, comfort, and grounding. Meanwhile, an exercise mat tends to be much thicker and is either very firm to support heavy gym equipment or very cushioned to keep you comfortable during bodyweight exercises. Why Trust Verywell Fit? Emily Stone is a Chicago-based journalist specializing in fitness and lifestyle content. Emily uses different mats for different workouts. For yoga and pilates, she’s a fan of Alo’s Yoga Warrior Mat, as it provides excellent traction and stability. Meanwhile, she uses the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat for non-yoga workouts because it features extra cushioning for the joints. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! If you've never tried it before, starting a yoga practice can feel overwhelming. Our email series can get you ready to roll out the mat. Sign up and get started today! Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit