Yoga Lifestyle The 11 Best Yoga Mats of 2021 Keep calm and flow on with these picks By Emily Stone 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 Updated on October 20, 2021 Fact checked by Marley Hall Fact checked by Marley Hall on January 10, 2021 LinkedIn Marley Hall is a writer and fact checker who is certified in clinical and translational research. Her work has been published in medical journals in the field of surgery, and she has received numerous awards for publication in education. Learn about our editorial process Reviewed by Sara Clark Reviewed by Sara Clark on January 08, 2020 Facebook Sara Clark is an EYT 500-hour certified Vinyasa yoga and mindfulness teacher, lululemon Global Yoga Ambassador, model, and writer. Learn about our Review Board Print 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 / Sabrina Jiang 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. Here are the best yoga mats on the market. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat at Aloyoga.com Compatible with any yoga type, it offers a slip-resistant base to support your poses while its cushioning protects your joints. Best Budget: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat at Amazon Lightweight and complete with ample traction, the affordable mat works for home and studio practices so you can stay grounded. Best for Hot Yoga: Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat at Amazon Sweat is no match for this mat, which works to support your hot yoga sesh with its traction, high absorption, and grip. Best No-Slip Grip: IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat at Amazon Its top layer provides excellent traction to ensure a slip-free sesh while its textured bottom adheres to any surface. Best for Carpet: Manduka PRO at Amazon If carpet is your preferred yoga surface, this mat fares better on soft textures than others thanks to its unique dot pattern. Best Extra-Long: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm at Lululemon Ideal for taller yogis, this 7-foot-long mat offers the freedom needed to stretch and is reversible for both hot and dry sessions. Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat at Amazon The portable yoga mat neatly folds into a suitcase and weighs only 2.2 pounds, so you can maintain your flow wherever you travel. Best for Beginners: Liforme Original Yoga Mat at Amazon Yoga beginners can easily track, and perfect, their form thanks to the mat's unique markers that guide poses and movement. Best Cushioned: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat at Amazon With dual-sided, non-slip surfaces, the mat ensures a stable, balanced workout while protecting joints from hard flooring. Best Eco-Friendly: Yoloha Aura Cork Yoga Mat at Amazon 100-percent vegan and free of PVC and latex, its cork material is an eco-friendly resource that naturally offers traction. In This Article Expand Our Picks What to Look for in a Yoga Mat FAQs Why Trust Verywell Fit? Best Overall: Alo Yoga Warrior Mat View 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- and PVC-free. 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 Best Budget: Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat View On Amazon View 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 Best for Hot Yoga: Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Jadeyoga.com 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 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, Verywell Health The 5 Best Yoga Towels of 2021 Best No-Slip Grip: IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat View 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 The 10 Best Yoga Blocks of 2021, According to a Certified Yoga Instructor Best for Carpet: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 3.2 View On Amazon View On Dick's View On Manduka.com Pros Sticky, grippy surface Comes in extra-long size Lifetime warranty Cons Heavier than other options Gets slippery when wet Manduka PRO Yoga Mat Review 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 dyes or 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 What Our Editors Say "The MandukaPRO mat has long been referred to as the 'Cadillac of yoga mats,' for its focus on comfort and larger size. I invested in one for my home practice and it feels luxurious— the thicker padding means I don't have to fold over my mat or use an extra blanket under my knee in anjaneyasana and practicing restorative poses on it feels extra restful. It takes time to break in, but it's so durable that I'll use it for my home practice for years to come." — Nicole Kwan, Editorial Director, Verywell Health The 11 Best Yoga Mat Bags of 2021, According to a Personal Trainer Best Extra-Long: Lululemon The Reversible (Big) Mat 5mm View On Lululemon 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 Lululemon The Reversible (Un) Mat Review 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% natural rubber, 17% synthetic rubber, 15% polyurethane, 5% polyester, and 2% 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 inches | Weight: 7.05 lbs | Style: Closed-cell What Our Editors Say "I'm almost six feet tall, so one of the most important things to me in a yoga mat is that it's long enough to fit my entire body—and this one from Lululemon fits the bill. Plus, it's the perfect combination of cushy and grippy to stand up to my sweatiest workouts (I haven't slipped once)." — Ashleigh Morley, Editorial Director, Verywell Fit Commerce Best for Travel: Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat View On Amazon View On Manduka.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% latex-free and made without PVC, 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 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, Simply Recipes and Liquor.com The 9 Best Home Gym Floors of 2021 Best for Beginners: Liforme Original Yoga Mat View On Amazon View 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 View On Amazon View 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 View On Amazon View 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 Best Self-Rolling: YoYo Malibu Roll Self-Rolling Yoga Mat View On Walmart Pros Compact and easy to carry Automatically rolls up Covered with durable vinyl Cons Only one color option Expensive After a relaxing yoga session, the last thing you want to do is fuss with a hard-to-roll yoga mat. YoYo's Malibu Roll Self-Rolling Yoga Mat quickly and easily rolls up into a compact roll when you're finished with your practice. Featuring internal metal strips along the sides of the mat, all it takes is a subtle push to trigger the automatic rolling function. However, it won't budge in the middle of your session and stays in place thanks to a grippy underside. At .23 inches thick, it provides ample cushioning which makes it great for advanced yogis or beginners. It's also made with durable, eco-friendly vinyl that won't wear over time. While it weighs in at 4 pounds—which is a little heavier than some—its self-rolling capabilities keep it tightly bound for easy transport. Thickness: .23 inches | Material: High-density vinyl and foam | Size: 72 x 30 in | Weight: 4 lbs | Style: Closed-cell Final Verdict The Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat (view at Amazon) 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 (view at Amazon) 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 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. Verywell / Joline Buscemi 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. Verywell Fit / Joline Buscemi 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 (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. 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 1 Source Verywell Fit uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Phthalates factsheet. Updated April 5, 2021.