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.

How much does a good yoga mat cost?

A quality yoga mat will typically cost between $20-$150. Cheaper options may be tempting and could work if you're not looking for a long-term investment, or if you don't plan on using your yoga mat very often, but they tend to be less durable than pricier mats. A dedicated yogi who practices yoga daily might want to invest in a more expensive mat that features all the bells and whistles, made with material that should last for years. The cheapest yoga mat on our list is often available for less than $20, while our top recommendation, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat was $100 when we published this list.

The Best Yoga Mats of 2023 to Use at Home and in Class

Yoga mats are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment and an integral part of many home workout routines. Whether you’re going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important. And while choosing a mat may seem straightforward, there are a number of factors you’ll want to consider, including portability, grip and feel, padding and thickness, and overall value.

Tested & Approved

Alo Yoga's Warrior Mat offers a ton of space and cushioning for all of your workout needs. We recommend IUGU's Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat for travel and anyone who is on a budget.

To select the best yoga mats, we purchased 16 mats and tested them in The Verywell Testing Lab. We evaluated how well each mat laid flat, how well the padding and thickness supported each testers’ practice, whether the mat provided a non-slip surface, and each mat’s portability.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat at Aloyoga.com

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Extra-Long:

Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm at Lululemon

Jump to Review

Best Non-Slip:

Manduka PRO at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Thick Mat:

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Hot Yoga:

Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Home Use:

Liforme Original Yoga Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best with Firm Support :

Athleta Flow Freely Yoga Mat at Gap.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
We Also Tested
How We Tested
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Verywell Fit

4.8

Alo Yoga

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

4/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Rolls up tightly
Available in 10 colors
Easy care instructions

Cons

Heavy
Colorful versions may show dirt

After a day spent doing more than 160 sun salutations, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat was our top pick in the test. We found the mat to be thick and roomy and provided plenty of space for an intermediate vinyasa flow.

It struck the perfect balance of cushioning support that didn’t cause wrist fatigue in positions like Downward Facing Dog. This Alo mat also provided a strong grip out of the box with no break-in period—one tester said she didn’t slip once while using it. The five-millimeter thickness grants enough support for the knees when holding poses like lizard pose or frog pose for longer during a yin yoga practice.

Testing Notes: “I can't think of another mat I've tried in the past five years I've been practicing that was as grippy as this one, or as supportive. Even if its materials make the mat quite heavy, I'd be willing to bring it to class as it rolls up quite tightly.”

Since it weighs slightly more than 6 pounds, it’s not a light mat. However, it rolls up into a tight coil that lends it great portability. Since we tested a light color of this mat, we noticed that dirt shows up easily. Sweat and water also leave a light, temporary stain that evaporates when you let the mat flat dry for a few minutes after your practice.

Price at time of publication: $128

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably-sourced rubber and polyurethane leather | Size: 74.4 x 26.4 inches | Weight: 6.2 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

2/5
Padding & Thickness

3/5
Grip & Feel

4/5
Portability

5/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Lightweight
Includes carrying strap
Available in 5 colors

Cons

Takes time to lay completely flat
Shows stains and dirt
Lingering chemical odor

While most mats made from natural rubber can be heavy, the IUGA Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat weighs in at a relatively light and comfortable-to-carry 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer records 2.8 pounds, but we found it to be lighter when we weighed it in our Lab). In fact it received a five out of five for portability, since it comes with a carrying strap. The drawback to such a lightweight mat, however, is that it doesn’t have the heft to lay perfectly flat out of the box like some of the heavier mats we tested—this is why it only received a two out of five for unboxing.

The 5-millimeter-thick IUGA has the distinction of being one of the grippiest mats from our test. Our tester said that at times it even felt sticky. This mat excelled during our sweat test, making it a great pick for anyone who regularly practices hot yoga.

We should also note that the manufacturer states this mat is odorless, but our tester said the rubbery smell was evident when her head was laying on the mat during Child’s Pose.

Price at time of publication: $75

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.8

Lululemon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4.5/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

4.5/5

Pros

Wide
Easy care instructions
Quick drying

Cons

Lingering rubber smell on one side
Heavy

The Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat Is Travel-Friendly

lululemon, known for their high-quality leggings (we tested the best lululemon leggings in the Lab), makes this extra-large mat—a rare find for tall people. At 28 inches, it is the widest of all the mats we tested—and was second in length only to the Manduka PRO. Its size easily made the biggest impression on our testers. “As someone who is six feet tall, I'm able to lay flat and still have enough room to move around comfortably,” one tester said of the mat.

Throughout our testing, 5-millimeter-thick mats were consistently rated highest for padding and thickness, and this lululemon mat was no exception (it received a five out of five on this attribute). We found that this mat provided the perfect soft-yet-firm cushion that supported our flow while still allowing our testers to feel grounded.

Testing Notes: “The mat is soft and cushiony and allowed me to fully stretch in Warrior poses. It had good grip when I felt myself losing balance or switching poses."

While this mat is reversible, our testers preferred the polyurethane side and found it to be more absorbent and said it provided better grip (during both the dry and sweat tests) than the textured rubber side, which showed more dirt, was more prone to slipping, and had a stronger lingering smell.

Price at time of publication: $124

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber, synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, and nylon | Size: 84 x 28 inches | Weight: 7.05 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4/5
Padding & Thickness

4.5/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

3/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Available in 2 lengths
Lifetime guarantee
Latex-free

Cons

Expensive
Heavy
High-maintenance care instructions

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Review

If you’ve been looking at yoga mats with the intention of making an investment that will stand the test of time, then chances are good you’ve at least heard of the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat. It has a reputation for being one of the highest quality mats available and is often the pick of seasoned yogis and instructors. And in our test, we found that it held up to the hype.

The Manduka PRO is known for requiring a bit of a break-in period before it becomes the non-slip mat people rave about. Compared to some of the other mats we tested, we were impressed with its out-of-the-box grip, we rated it a five out of five. Our tester didn’t need to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping like the brand recommended.

We tested the long version of this mat (it’s available in two lengths), and with length comes weight. At 8.8 pounds, the Manduka PRO was easily the heaviest mat we tested (notably, the manufacturer states that it weighs 9.5 pounds). For such a heavy mat, and at this higher price point, it would have been nice if the brand had included a bag or carrying strap with the mat. For these reasons, this mat had one of the lowest portability, storage, and care scores of the entire test (a three out of five).

Price at time of publication: $129

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 71 x 26 inches and 85 x 26 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds and 8.8 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.5

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4.5/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

4/5
Portability

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Lightweight
Available in 7 colors
Includes carrying strap

Cons

Squeaks occasionally
Takes time to lay completely flat
May not be durable over time

Measuring almost 13 millimeters, this mat was easily the thickest in our test. And the foam material is softer and lends more supple cushioning than any other we tested, which is great for anyone with sensitive joints or who wants a versatile mat to aid them in bodyweight exercises. Since its thickness makes this a versatile mat, we rated it a five out of five for padding and thickness.

However, such a thick mat may make you feel less stable or grounded in certain poses, especially when you need to focus on balance. A thinner mat may be better for yoga, while a thicker mat is a better choice if you want to use it for Pilates or other workouts. Ultimately yoga mat thickness is a matter of personal preference.

Despite providing good grip even during the sweat test (we rated it a four out of five for grip and feel), we found that the mat would occasionally make squeaking noises when transitioning into certain poses. The noise was distracting, so we wouldn’t recommend it for anyone who prefers a more meditative practice.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 12.9 millimeters | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Review

4.3

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

4/5
Portability

4/5
Overall Value

4.5/5

Pros

Available in 2 lengths
Rolls up tightly
Jade Yoga plants one tree for each mat sold

Cons

Lingering rubber smell

Whether you gravitate toward hot yoga or simply sweat while you practice, the Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat is an ideal choice. Our testers praised the 5-millimeter-thick mat, rating it a five out of five for padding and thickness.

We found it provided an optimal amount of padding without being too plush. And the natural rubber absorbs moisture, which allows the mat to provide excellent traction throughout any workout (it received a four out of five for grip and feel).

Testing Notes: "This mat has been my go-to for over a decade, and while I don't specifically practice hot yoga, I can really work up a sweat in vinyasa classes. It's easy to clean and the weight makes it easy to carry around the city. Plus, Jade plants a tree for every mat sold!"

This Jade mat weighs in at just under 5 pounds, which means it easily lays flat during the first use. It’s not the lightest mat available, but is far from the heaviest we tested. We ultimately scored it a four out of five for portability—while it doesn’t include a carrying bag or strap, it rolls up tightly and isn’t burdensome to take from your home to the studio and back again.

Price at time of publication: $85

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.7 millimeters | Material: Naturally-sourced tree rubber | Size: 68 x 24 inches and 74 x 24 inches | Weight: 4.8 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.8

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

5/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

5/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Alignment guide marked on mat
Includes carrying bag
Quick drying

Cons

Expensive
Care instructions are difficult to find
Shows stains and dirt

What sets the Liforme mat apart from all the others is its striking ‘AlignForMe’ system that is etched on the polyurethane top layer of the mat. While this can come in handy during studio classes, it’s really a distinguishing feature for at-home practices when you don’t have the benefit of a yoga instructor to help adjust your form. There is a small guidebook attached to the carrying bag that further explains the alignment system.

The length and width are both more generous than standard-size mats, which means you’ll have ample space for active flows and stretching. The 4.2-millimeter thickness provided just the right amount of cushion and support, and the surface of the mat provided an ideal grip during both the wet and dry tests.

The eco-polyurethane surface is PVC-free and, while our tester noticed that it was easy to see dirt and water stains, the top layer is absorbent and quick drying so the water and sweat didn’t impact her workout.

Testing Notes: “The alignment markings were really helpful for poses I'm working on like Warrior I (the 45-degree markings helped my hip alignment) and Warrior II (the center line helped me align the inside edge of my back foot to the heel of my front foot, and the end markings helped me make sure my front and back hands were aligned and parallel to the floor).”

Our testers thought this mat shared several things in common with the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat, our Best Overall pick. The size of the mat and the grip and feel under our testers’ hands and feet were almost identical. But ultimately the Alo mat is a better value since it costs 40 percent less.

Price at time of publication: $150

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.2 millimeters | Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane | Size: 72.8 x 26.7 inches | Weight: 4.6 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.2

Amazon

Our Ratings

Unboxing

5/5
Padding & Thickness

3.5/5
Grip & Feel

3/5
Portability

5/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Lightweight
Can be rolled or folded
Non-toxic

Cons

May be slippery at first
Thin

If you want nearly all of the benefits of a stellar yoga mat in a smaller, travel-friendly package, then the Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat may be the best choice for you. Our testers loved the portability of the mat, rating it a five out of five.

At 2.2 pounds it was among the lightest rubber mats wet tested, which is especially impressive considering it measures 71 x 24 inches. However, with only a 1.5-millimeter thickness, we scored it a 3.5 out of five for padding and thickness because it may not provide enough support for all users.

What Experts Say: "I'm a longtime fan of Manduka's eKO series because of its use of sustainable materials, the mats' durability, and the strong grip—which only improves the more you practice. The eKO Superlite has all the qualities I love, in addition to being foldable and lightweight. It barely adds weight to my luggage, and it also works great as extra cushioning when I'm renting a mat from the studio."

Manduka’s mats often require a break-in period before they reach the sticky and grippy qualities they are known for. Unlike the Manduka PRO, which we found to be grippy enough out of the box, the eKO Superlite was more slippery upon first use than we would have preferred; we rated it a three out of five for grip and feel, but will continue testing this mat at home and update our review with insights about the grip once we’ve spent more time breaking it in.

Price at time of publication: $49

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 1.5 millimeters | Material: Eco-friendly rubber | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds}

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.7

Athleta

Our Ratings

Unboxing

5/5
Padding & Thickness

4/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

3.5/5
Overall Value

4/5

Pros

Available in 6 colors
Rolls up tightly
Easy care instructions

Cons

Heavy
Expensive

Inverted in Crow Pose or standing in Warrior 1, Athleta's Flow Freely Yoga Mat provides a sturdy base and firm support. If you're a beginner or seasoned yogi who prefers the stability of a firm mat, this 4.5-millimeter pick is an ideal choice. Our testers appreciated the anti-slip natural rubber that kept their hands and feet secured (even when things got sweaty), rating the mat a five out of five for grip and feel.

The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions.

The mat rolls up tightly, but at a heavy 6.7 pounds we found it difficult to carry—earning a low portability score. It's one of the more expensive options on our list, but we always recommend investing in high-quality fitness equipment that will last for dozens of Downward Facing Dog's to come.

Price at time of publication: $119

^{Key Specs:
Thickness: 4.5 millimeters | Material: Responsibly-sourced rubber | Size: 81 x 26 inches | Weight: 6.7 pounds}

How We Rated Yoga Mats

4.8 to 5 stars: These are the best yoga mats we tested. We recommend them without reservation.

4.5 to 4.7 stars: These yoga mats are excellent—they might have minor flaws, but we still recommend them.

4.0 to 4.5 stars: We think these are great yoga mats, but others are better.

3.5 to 3.9 stars: These yoga mats are just average.

3.4 and below: We don't recommend yoga mats with this rating; you won't find any on our list.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

We Also Tested

CAP's Reversible Yoga Mat is one of the most affordable mats on the market. But our testers thought the lower price also meant lower quality for this mat; we scored it a two out of five for grip and feel because our tester found she could not maintain proper grip throughout her flow.

Although we loved the portability of Gaiam's Yoga Folding Travel Mat, we didn't appreciate how thin the mat was and how it didn't offer much cushioning at all. And although it's affordable, we found it to be pretty unstable and slippery while practicing.

We think SISYAMA's Circle Round Yoga Mat could be good for certain practices and for people needing extra surface area from a mat. But overall we think its odd, round shape, and the fact that it felt quite slippery during practice doesn't make it worth the higher price.

How We Tested the Yoga Mats

To make our list of the best yoga mats, members of the Verywell Fit editorial team tested 16 yoga mats in The Verywell Testing Lab to see how they performed in key areas including unboxing; padding and thickness; grip and feel; portability, storage, and care, and overall value. Seven testers—including a certified yoga instructor, certified personal trainer, certified barre instructor, and four other experienced yogis—spent an entire day doing more than 160 sun salutations. Prior to our first Mountain Pose, we unrolled the mats and took note of any lingering chemical smells and evaluated how well the mats laid flat. Our testers were keenly observant of how well the mat stayed flat under their hands and feet throughout the test.

We tested each mat twice through a guided vinyasa flow. Before the second test on each mat, each tester sprayed their hands and feet with water to see how the mats would hold up to moisture from external factors like sweat and humidity. We evaluated the padding and thickness of the mat and made note of how supportive the mat felt under our hands, feet, joints, and head throughout a series of poses during both tests. We also focused on the grip and feel of each mat—in both dry and wet conditions—noting how much our hands and feet slid around in poses like Downward Facing Dog.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Following our sweat test we cleaned the mats, paying attention to how fussy the care instructions were (low-maintenance mats that could be cleaned with a damp towel or microfiber cloth received higher marks than those that required specific cleaning solutions). Finally, we rolled the mats and fit them in carrying bags and straps in order to rate their portability and storage—mats that included a carrying bag or strap were rated higher on these attributes.

We also rated each mat for “overall value”, a subjective score that weighs all of the other attributes (unboxing; padding and thickness; grip and feel; and portability, storage, and care) against the price of the mat. If a mat scored highly on all attributes but was significantly more expensive than the other mats, we did not give it a perfect five out of five for overall value.

Since some yoga mats require a break-in period or may have a reputation for becoming grippier over time, we are continuing to test these mats and will update our recommendations based on these insights.

Catherine Song / Verywell

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 will offer more comfort for your wrists and knees, but a mat that’s too thick may make it difficult to stay grounded and stable during standing asanas and inversions,” says Kayla Hargett, E-RYT and former yoga teacher training co-lead. For this reason, some people opt for thinner mats that 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, durable, and long-lasting—but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. TPE mats feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats are favored for their traction and slip-resistance.

“I typically suggest the standard mats that are made of PVC, as they work really great for most styles of classes, including heated ones where you’ll need that stickiness and durability,” notes Hargett. She says that any mat that offers stickiness or texture is great for heated classes, as long as it can be easily cleaned.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

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 room on both ends of the mat—allowing for full-body stretching. To test out the length of a yoga mat, move into a 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 great for low-intensity practices since they’re hygienic and don’t absorb moisture; however, they don’t offer as much traction as open-cell mats. They are also easy to clean and waterproof—designed to last for years thanks to their water resistance.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Frequently Asked Questions

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.
How much does a good yoga mat cost?

A quality yoga mat will typically cost between $20-$150. Cheaper options may be tempting and could work if you're not looking for a long-term investment, or if you don't plan on using your yoga mat very often, but they tend to be less durable than pricier mats. A dedicated yogi who practices yoga daily might want to invest in a more expensive mat that features all the bells and whistles, made with material that should last for years.
The cheapest yoga mat on our list is often available for less than $20, while our top recommendation, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat was $100 when we published this list.

Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Ashleigh Morley is the editorial director of commerce for Verywell Fit and a certified barre instructor who uses yoga mats several times a week. While testing yoga mats in The Lab, she paid special attention to the versatility of each mat for different kinds of workouts (because yoga mats aren’t just for practicing yoga). Ashleigh conducted side-by-side comparisons of each mat and gathered first-hand data and insights.

Additional reporting by Emily Stone.

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 (view at Alo Yoga), as it provides excellent traction and stability. Meanwhile, she uses the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat (view at Amazon) for non-yoga workouts because it features extra cushioning for the joints.

The 9 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Tested & Approved

Best Overall

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

Best Budget

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

Best Extra-Long

Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm

Best Non-Slip

Manduka PRO Yoga Mat

Best Thick Mat

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

Best for Hot Yoga

Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat

Best for Home Use

Liforme Original Yoga Mat

Best for Travel

Manduka EKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

Best with Firm Support

Athleta Flow Freely Yoga Mat

How We Rated Yoga Mats

We Also Tested

How We Tested the Yoga Mats

What to Look for in a Yoga Mat

Thickness

Material

Length

Cell Type

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Trust Verywell Fit