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.

The 8 Best Yoga Mats, Tested by Experts

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.

yoga mat test — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

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.

To select the best yoga mats, we purchased 16 mats and tested them in The Verywell Testing Lab over the course of one day (and over 160 sun salutations). Seven testers spent eight hours performing an intermediate vinyasa flow twice on each mat—the first time with dry hands and feet, and a second time with their hands and feet sprayed with water to see how the mats held up to elements like sweat and humidity. 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 (during both the wet and dry tests), and each mat’s portability.

After thoroughly judging each mat for these different attributes (and rating them on a scale from one to five), we compiled this data into an overall average score. Because this number is an average, no mat received a perfect overall score. Some of the mats that scored highest for padding and grip were large and heavy, which impacted their portability score. And some mats that were lightweight and easy to carry didn’t lay flat as well or provide enough cushion.

According to our test, these are the best yoga mats on the market today.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Alo Yoga Warrior Mat at Aloyoga.com

This low-maintenance mat is grippy out of the box and provides ample space for both rigorous and restorative yoga practices.

Best Budget:

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat at Amazon

The grip on this yoga mat is strong (our tester even called it sticky), making it an excellent choice for hot yoga practices.

Best Non-Slip:

Manduka PRO at Amazon

If you’re looking to make an investment in your yoga practice, the Manduka PRO offers high quality and a lifetime guarantee.

Best Thick Mat:

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat at Amazon

The lightweight foam cushioning is nearly 13 millimeters thick, making this an excellent choice for anyone with bad knees or sensitive joints.

Best for Hot Yoga:

Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat at Amazon

A strong performer on every one of our tested attributes, the superior grip—even during sweaty flows—sets it apart.

Best Extra-Long:

Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm at Lululemon

Ideal for taller people (and anyone who wants additional room for stretching or active practices), this yoga mat is extra-long and extra-wide.

Best for Home Use:

Liforme Original Yoga Mat at Amazon

The alignment guide etched on the mat makes it easy to find the correct foot and hand placement in every pose, every time.

Best for Travel:

Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat at Amazon

All the benefits of a full-size rubber mat made for easy transport thanks to its 1.5-millimeter thickness.

In This Article

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

4.6

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

5/5
Portability

4/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Versatile
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 a clear favorite in our 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.

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.

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

alo warrior yoga mat — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“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.” — Fran Sales, Associate Commerce Editor and product tester

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 the 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.

Thickness: 5 millimeters | Material: Sustainably harvested tree rubber | Size: 72 x 26 inches | Weight: 2.5 pounds

Manduka Yoga Mat PRO Pilates Sporting goods

4.1

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
Available in 8 colors
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).

Thickness: 6 millimeters | Material: PVC | Size: 71 x 26 inches and 85 x 26 inches | Weight: 7.5 pounds and 8.8 pounds

manduka pro yoga mat — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

4.5

Our Ratings

Unboxing

4.5/5
Padding & Thickness

5/5
Grip & Feel

4/5
Portability

5/5
Overall Value

5/5

Pros

Lightweight
Versatile
Available in 7 colors
Includes carrying strap

Cons

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

Measuring at 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 be 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.

Thickness: 12.9 millimeters | Material: High-density foam | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2 pounds

balancefrom goyoga mat — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Review

4.3

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
Available in 10 colors
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).

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.

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

jade harmony professional yoga mat — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Editors Say

"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!" — Nicole Kwan, Editorial Director and product tester

4.8

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

Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat Review

Lululemon’s extra-large mat is 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.

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.

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

lululemon the reversible big mat — Verywell Fit / Nick Kova

What Our Testers Say

“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.” — Israel Fontoura, commerce producer and product tester

4.8

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
Available in 5 colors
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.

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.

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

What Our Testers Say

“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).” — Fran Sales, Associate Commerce Editor and product tester

4.1

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
Select colors available in additional sizes

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.

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.

Thickness: 1.5 millimeters | Material: Eco-friendly rubber | Size: 71 x 24 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds

What Our Editors 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." — Fran Sales, Associate Commerce Editor and product tester

Final Verdict

Of all the mats we tested, we think the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat (available at Alo) is the best yoga mat due to its size, versatility, grip and padding. We also liked how low-maintenance the care instructions are and found it easy to carry despite not coming with a bag or strap.

For serious yogis looking to make an investment in their practice, the Manduka PRO (available at Amazon) is an excellent upgrade that comes with a lifetime guarantee. However, it is the heaviest mat we tested and is a bit fussier to care for.

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.

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.

Best Yoga Mats — 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.

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.

sugarmat printed yoga mat — 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.

best yoga mat test — 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.

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After More Than 160 Sun Salutations, These Are the Best Yoga Mats

We spent over 8 hours testing to find the best mats for every practice

Best Overall: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat

What Our Testers Say

Best Budget: IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

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

What Our Editors Say

Best Extra-Long: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm

What Our Testers Say

Best for Home Use: Liforme Original Yoga Mat

What Our Testers Say

Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

What Our Editors Say