Yoga Equipment, Gear, and Clothing The 12 Best Yoga Wheels for Tension Relief of 2023 We’re obsessed with REEHUT’s Yoga Wheel thanks to its durability and cushioning By Amanda Berkey Amanda Berkey Amanda Berkey is a NASM-certified personal trainer. She has written about fitness and wellness for a multitude of publications, including Business Insider, and more. Learn about our editorial process Published on March 11, 2023 Print We independently research, test, review, and recommend the best products—learn more about our process. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Verywell Fit / David Hattan The best yoga wheels can help you take your practice to the next level. Whether you choose to use a yoga wheel for back pain, to deepen your practice, or to roll out tough knots in your back, this multi-purpose tool will quickly become a mainstay in your fitness equipment arsenal. While using a yoga wheel can seem intimidating at first, doing so can actually help keep you safe, according to Bria Hamlet, MPH, RYT-500, and owner of JustBriFree Yoga and Wellness. “A yoga wheel is used to access heart-opening and inverted yoga poses more safely,” says Hamlet. “This includes things like backbends and headstands—virtually anything that lifts your heart above your head. Hamlet explains that yoga wheels can help build strength during more advanced poses in yoga, as well as “lengthen tissue along the spine.” To find the best yoga wheels on the market, we spoke to two experts for advice on what features to look for when shopping. We then considered factors like durability, size, ease of use, cushioning, and more to determine our top picks. Our Top Picks Best Overall: REEHUT Yoga Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Budget: NGT Yoga Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Beginners: Azaora Yoga Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best for Back Pain: FitBeast Back Roller at Amazon Jump to Review Best Lightweight: Vive Health Yoga Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Sweat-Resistant: Gaiam Yoga Wheel at Walmart Jump to Review Best Set: Florensi Back Roller Set at Amazon Jump to Review Best Set with Accessories: Orange Life Yoga Wheel Set at Amazon Jump to Review Most Durable: UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel at Amazon Jump to Review Best Portable: Chirp Wheel 4" at Gochirp.com Jump to Review In This Article Expand Our Picks How We Selected What to Look For FAQ Why Trust Verywell Fit Best Overall REEHUT Yoga Wheel 4.8 Amazon View On Amazon Pros Supports up to 330 pounds Available in multiple colors Lightweight Cons May not have enough cushioning for some May slip on some surfaces REEHUT’s yoga wheel provides solid cushioning without being too soft. It’s durable and perfect for stretching at home while still being lightweight enough to bring to a yoga class, making it an easy choice for our best yoga wheel pick. While this wheel is suitable for all levels, we think it’s especially great for those who may have never used a yoga wheel before, as you’ll get access to an ebook with your purchase that can help you get the most out of your new fitness tool. Although this wheel is fairly priced, that doesn’t mean it’s any less durable than the pricier options. Users say that their REEHUT wheels support them through years of regular yoga practice without showing wear and tear that interferes with their usability. From stretching out your back to supporting heart-opening poses, the REEHUT wheel offers a great way to boost your practice, one stretch at a time. One thing to note is that while REEHUT’s yoga wheel offers an adequate amount of padding for most individuals, the padding is thinner than some other options on the market, which may not sit well with some individuals. However, keep in mind that many yogis prefer a thinner amount of padding because it allows them to get a deeper stretch without sinking into the wheel. Also, some yogis report that these wheels can slip out from under you if you lose your balance. If you’re new to using a yoga wheel, it’s smart to get started on a thick yoga mat that provides some padding in the event that the wheel slips. Price at time of publication: $31 Key Specs: Size: 12.6 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 330 pounds | Material: TPE plastic and hybrid TPE foam | Padding: 8 millimeters Best Budget NGT Yoga Wheel Amazon View On Amazon Pros Thick padding Sweat resistant Supports up to 300 pounds Cons May not be wide enough for some Not as durable as pricier options If you are working to stay within a certain budget, NGT’s yoga wheel offers a great way to get more bang for your buck. Whether you’re just getting started with building your home gym or you’re looking to save some cash, this thickly-padded wheel will give you the support you need without breaking the bank. Users love how resistant NGT’s wheel is to sweat—it doesn’t hold onto the unpleasant gym smell that seems to stick to some yoga tools. This wheel is also small enough to allow you to toss it into a travel or yoga bag for on-the-go tension relief. While NGT’s yoga wheel is a sturdy option that comes at a great price, it may not hold up over time as well as pricier wheels. Still, we think it’s a great pick for those looking to try out a yoga wheel for the first time without having to shell out a bunch of cash. If you like the tool once you try it and plan to use it multiple times a week for a long time, you can always upgrade to an elevated, more long-lasting option. Price at time of publication: $20 Key Specs: Size: 6 x 3.9 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 lbs. | Material: TPE | Padding: Not listed Best for Beginners Azaora Yoga Wheel Amazon View On Amazon Pros Includes detailed book on how to get started Supports up to 500 pounds Thick padding Cons May be too big for shorter users When purchasing this beautifully crafted yoga wheel, you’ll also get all the instructions you need to get started with your yoga wheel practice. Users are amazed at the difference the wheel makes when it comes to flexibility, saying long-term use boasts their ability to get into their favorite yoga poses and generally reduces back pain. The wheel is both functional and stylish—we love that it can double as a decor piece in a yoga studio or home practice space. The wheel is crafted with several symbols, including a mandala, chakra, and hamsa hand, allowing you to get in touch with the mind-body connection of yoga as you move through your practice. While we love this wheel for all body shapes, it may not be comfortable for shorter users as it’s larger than other options on our list. If you’re on the petite side, you may want to go with a smaller wheel to get started. Some users under 5 feet tall said it was tough to use the wheel because of its larger diameter. Great for beginners, the wheel comes with a booklet with detailed instructions on how to get started, along with a list of illustrations of exercises you can do with the wheel. Price at time of publication: $43 Key Specs: Size: 13 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: Plastic, cork, and TPE foam | Padding: Not listed Best for Back Pain FitBeast Back Roller Amazon View On Amazon View On Fitbeastclub.com Pros Multiple cushion surfaces offered on one wheel Supports up to 800 pounds Wider than most wheels Cons May be too firm for some Not designed for beginners Digging into particularly tense areas to relieve back pain can be a challenge, but FitBeast’s back roller gets the job done. The wheel offers two levels of support, with a harder area and a softer area, allowing you to get the relief you need, no matter what intensity is necessary. We love that the wheel is wide, providing an increased sense of stability compared to other, narrower wheels. Some yogis recommend using this yoga wheel against a wall until you get the hang of what level of pressure is right for your needs. Although this wheel is great for relieving back tension and knots, its bumpy surface may not be ideal for traditional yoga inversion poses. If you find that the bumps on the wheel are too tough on your back, you can always put a towel over the wheel while you use it to make it more comfortable. You may want to primarily use this wheel to relieve tension and manage back pain and opt for a more flexible wheel for your yoga practice. Price at time of publication: $60 Key Specs: Size: 12 x 7 inches | Weight Capacity: 800 pounds | Material: Carbon fiber | Padding: 6 millimeters The 11 Best Shoes for Back Pain of 2023 Best Lightweight Vive Health Yoga Wheel Amazon View On Amazon View On Vivehealth.com Pros Offers firm support Supports up to 300 pounds Easy to clean Cons May be too firm for some May not be wide enough for some At just 2.5 pounds, Vive Health’s yoga wheel is the perfect prop to pack into your yoga bag or suitcase. The wheel is easily cleaned with a quick wipe-down and is perfect for slipping into your gym bag or suitcase for on-the-go relief. We love that Vive’s yoga wheel is lightly textured, as it makes it less likely to slip and slide while supporting your practice. Whether you’re working on a gym floor or a yoga mat, you can depend on this wheel to stay in place. If you prefer a firm wheel that provides dependable support during your practice, this wheel is a good fit. But, if you’d rather opt for a yoga wheel with a bit more give, this option might be a bit too firm. Vive’s wheel still offers plenty of cushioning, though, allowing you to feel comfortable while enjoying its firm support. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs: Size: 12.5 x 4.5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: TPE | Padding: 13 millimeters Best Sweat-Resistant Gaiam Yoga Wheel Walmart View On Walmart Pros Textured, no-slip cushioning Durable Easy to clean Cons Cannot support more than 250 pounds If you’re looking for a yoga wheel for your hot yoga class, then Gaiam’s yoga wheel may be just what you need. This wheel gives you the no-slip grip you want without having so many nooks and crannies that it’s hard to clean. Having a simple-to-clean, sweat-resistant wheel is key when it comes to keeping your gear in tip-top shape. This wheel comes from a brand that yogis know and love while providing the perfect blend of flexibility and stability to support tough poses. In addition to being durable and resisting sweat, Gaiam’s wheel also comes at a lower price than many other sweat-resistant wheels on the market. Keep in mind that Gaiam’s wheel can only support yogis up to 250 pounds, so if you need it to support more weight, you may want to choose a wheel with a higher max weight capacity to ensure you stay safe while practicing. If maximum weight capacity is a concern for you, we recommend an option like FitBeast’s Back Roller, which can support up to 800 pounds. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs:Size: 12 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 250 pounds | Material: Plastic core with PVC cushion | Padding: 6 millimeters The 9 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested and Reviewed Best Set Florensi Back Roller: 6”, 10”, and 13” Wheels Amazon View On Amazon View On Florensi.com Pros Sweat-resistant Shock-resistant Textured, no-slip cushioning Cons May be too firm for some When you’re getting used to working out with a yoga wheel, it can be tough to dive into poses using a standard-size option. For this reason, the Florensi set is a perfect option for beginners. The 6-inch wheel provides a supportive way to introduce a yoga wheel to your practice. Then, as you become more experienced, you can incorporate the 10-inch and 13-inch wheels included in the set. The 6-inch wheel also provides strong support, making it ideal for both supporting yoga poses and for use as a roller for sore muscles. If you are a beginner, you’ll want to chat with your yoga instructor or watch some instructional videos before starting, as this wheel set does not come with instructions or yoga wheel pose recommendations. You should always take it slow and err on the side of caution when using a yoga wheel for the first time. Price at time of publication: $70 Key Specs: Size: 6-, 10-, and 13-inch diameters | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: TPE | Padding: 13 millimeters Best Set with Accessories Orange Life Yoga Wheel Set Amazon View On Amazon Pros Suitable for indoor and outdoor use Pose guide included Yoga bag included Cons Bag requires hand washing This Orange Life Yoga Wheel Set is perfect for anyone who is ready to dig in and commit to getting zen. The set includes a yoga wheel, two blocks, and a yoga strap, as well as a practical and stylish bag to hold everything together, including essentials like keys and a wallet. If you’re starting a yoga practice at home, this kit gives you everything you need to get started, minus a great yoga mat. Using a strap, wheel, and block can all go a long way in helping you make the most out of your practice. The set even includes a pose guide for instructions on how to use your yoga wheel to help you get started. We love the colorful design of this set, which can add some color to your yoga practice. But if you’d rather opt for a more discreet version of the bag, it also comes in a stylish black-and-white design. The only downside to this set is that you have to handwash the bag. But as long as you wipe your accessories down before packing up, the bag shouldn’t require very frequent washes. Price at time of publication: $66 Key Specs: Size: 13-inch diameter | Weight Capacity: 660 pounds | Material: TPE | Padding: Not listed Most Durable UpCircleSeven Yoga Wheel Amazon View On Amazon View On Upcircleseven.com Pros Available in multiple colors Supports up to 550 pounds Made of eco-friendly materials Cons Cork may be slippery for some May not have enough cushioning for some Known for its durability and ability to support yogis of all sizes, UpCircleSeven’s yoga wheel usually finds its way to the top of any yoga accessory wishlist. According to Carmen Van Rensburg, exercise physiologist and consultant at Facialteam, this wheel is one of the strongest wheels available and can hold up to 550 pounds of body weight. Additionally, UpCircleSeven’s wheel is also known for standing the test of time. The brand’s closed-cell mat technology makes the padding on your yoga wheel less likely to deteriorate and helps you stay in place when you start to sweat during your practice. We love that this option includes a guide to help you get started with poses on your wheel. When using this wheel for the first time, keep in mind that cork-coated wheels like this one are a bit more slippery than wheels made with a textured surface designed for grip. Always set up your poses with care to avoid slipping. Price at time of publication: $55 Key Specs: Size: 12 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 550 pounds | Material: ABS frame, closed cell sweat-resistant padding | Padding: 8 millimeters Best Portable Chirp Wheel 4” Focus Chirp View On Gochirp.com Pros Offers firm support Supports up to 500 pounds 10-year warranty Cons May be too firm for some May be too small for certain yoga poses If you’re looking for a wheel that you can easily stow away when it’s not in use, Chirp’s 4-inch wheel is an awesome minimalist addition to your home gym. While this wheel is too small to support you through some yoga poses, it’s great for rolling out sore muscles and helping relieve headache-causing tension. Chirp’s 4-inch wheel is firm enough to help dislodge deep muscle knots and force sore muscles to meet their match—but the wheel also provides plenty of cushioning. We love that it has a spinal canal design, which allows your spine to rest in the wheel’s center groove while your muscles roll on the higher-rising portions of the device. This design keeps your neck protected while massaging the muscles of the cervical spine. If you’re looking for a wheel that can support you in handstands and backbends during your yoga practice, a smaller wheel like this one probably isn’t the right fit for you (you may want to opt for REEHUT Yoga Wheel, our best overall pick, instead). But if you’re looking to relieve neck pain, improve posture, and get a good stretch when on the go, this option is right up your alley. Price at time of publication: $30 Key Specs: Size: 4 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: EVA compression-sensitive padding and PVC-free ABS plastic core | Padding: 13 millimeters Best Complete Yoga Kit THYWD Yoga Wheel Set Amazon View On Amazon Pros Textured, no-slip cushioning Perfect blend of flexibility and firmness Yoga ring can be used in conjunction with wheel for a deeper stretch Cons Surface might not be smooth enough for some poses Whether you’re looking for a perfect gift for a friend who is just getting started with yoga, or you’re interested in diving headfirst into a new fitness routine, THYWD’s Yoga Wheel Set is an optimal way to namaste your way to your happy place. This set comes in black/blue or teal/purple and includes a yoga wheel, mat, blocks, strap, ring, peanut ball, massage ball, and a stretching band. A compact bag makes it easy for you to store your equipment at home or carry it to your favorite yoga studio. If you’re looking for a wheel to use for balance exercises, this textured wheel may not be the right fit for you, as you may be better off with a smoother wheel (if this is the case, Vive’s yoga wheel may be a better option for you). But the textured, no-slip cushioning of this wheel is helpful for getting into poses that require more support, like backbends and rolling out sore muscles. Price at time of publication: $42 Key Specs: Size: 13 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Material: TPE with foam cushioning | Padding: Not listed Best for Deep Tissue Release Chirp Wheel Foam Roller Amazon View On Amazon View On Gochirp.com Pros Offers firm support Spinal canal provides safe space for spine to rest Supports up to 500 pounds Cons May be too firm for some May not have enough cushioning for some Known for providing yogis with the “hurts so good” feeling that comes with a deep stretch, we love Chirp’s 6-inch roller for deep tissue release. With Chirp yoga wheels, there’s no need to worry about the uncomfortable spine-crunching feeling that you may have experienced with similar products. Just like Chirp’s 4-inch version, Chirp’s 6-inch wheel features a spinal canal, a groove that runs through the center of the wheel, allowing you to keep your spine aligned as you roll out sore muscles. This feature also helps you keep your balance when you’re working on inversions. When starting with a deep tissue roller like this one, it’s important that you take it easy, as it can cause bruising if you maintain the firm pressure for too long, especially for those prone to bruising. Start slow and back off if you experience pain beyond the mild discomfort that’s expected when you stretch out sore muscles. Price at time of publication: $45 Key Specs: Size: 6 x 5 inches | Weight Capacity: 500 pounds | Material: EVA compression-sensitive padding and PVC-free ABS plastic core | Padding: 13 millimeters How We Selected the Best Yoga Wheels When searching for the best yoga wheels on the market, we first spoke to two experts, Hamlet and Rensburg, to understand what features to look for in a yoga wheel. We then researched and reviewed dozens of options from top brands, looking for yoga wheels with quality construction, durability, no-skid surfaces, and safety features. When you’re trusting a piece of yoga equipment to support you during inversions, you need to know that it (literally) has your back. We also considered price, use of sustainable materials, cushioning, ease of use, and whether instructional materials were included with purchase. What to Look For in a Yoga Wheel When you decide to introduce a yoga wheel to your practice, you’ll have several factors to consider. According to Brandt Passalacqua, founder of Breathing Deeply Yoga Therapy, the most important thing to determine before you purchase a yoga wheel is how you plan to use it. You want to consider what size and material will best fit your needs. Also, think about whether you want something skid-resistant or smooth. Size Choosing the right size yoga wheel for you will depend on your needs. If you’re looking for a wheel to support you during backbends, handstands, and other inversions, you’ll want to choose a larger version (like REEHUT Yoga Wheel, our best overall selection). If you’re more interested in a wheel that you can use to roll out sore muscles (like your quads and lats), you’ll want to choose a smaller wheel—we recommend Chirp’s 6-inch wheel. For many yogis, it makes sense to keep several wheels on hand, which is where sets like Florensi’s Back Roller set come in handy. Having multiple sizes of yoga wheels to choose from allows you to get the stretch or support that you need for different poses while also helping you ease tension in different parts of your body. Material You’ll find a number of options when you’re researching the materials used to create yoga wheels. Generally, you’ll want to look for a strong plastic or wooden inner core surrounded by a soft outer shell. Be sure to pay attention to the texture of the outer shell, as some beginner yogis find that it’s harder to balance on a cork wheel than on a no-skid wheel. Meanwhile, for more experienced yogis, the challenge of cork may be exactly what you’re looking for. Support Some yoga wheels offer a decent amount of give, while others are firmer. If your main goal when searching for a yoga wheel is to find one that will allow you to get a deeper stretch, choose something that offers a decent amount of give. For a more cushioned option at a great value, we recommend our best budget pick, NGT’s yoga wheel. But if you’re searching for something to support you through tough poses (like handstands) that require lots of sturdiness, a heftier option, like UpCircleSeven’s yoga wheel, might feel more secure. It’s also smart to double-check weight limits when choosing a yoga wheel. It’s important that your yoga wheel is able to support you and your practice. Skill Level Not all yoga wheels are made for beginners—but there’s no reason that you can’t incorporate a yoga wheel into your practice, even if you’re just starting out. If you’re a beginner, choose a wheel with no-skid cushioning, like Gaiam’s yoga wheel. You’ll also want to find the right level of give for your flexibility. Since it can take some time to find the right yoga wheel for you, look for a solid return policy before you make a purchase. This can help ensure that you get the wheel you need. Price When it comes to choosing the right yoga wheel for your budget, you should consider how long you will use it and its primary purpose. If you’re planning on using your yoga wheel for years to come, it makes sense to invest in a high-quality option that will hold up well over time. But, if you’re just getting used to trying a yoga wheel or want to occasionally use one to stretch after you complete an at-home practice, you can likely get away with spending less. Frequently Asked Questions What is the best size for a yoga wheel? The right size yoga wheel for you depends not just on what you’ll use the wheel for–it also depends on your height. Hamlet encourages yogis to take their size into account, making sure the wheel is not too big or too small for their frame. If the wheel is too large, it could create a stretch that’s too intense, while a yoga wheel that is too small may be difficult to utilize for some inversions. What are the different size yoga wheels used for? Generally, smaller yoga wheels are used for rolling out sore muscles and beginning to stretch the back. Larger yoga wheels are used for inversions, to support difficult yoga poses, and to promote deeper stretching of the back. Many yogis find that it’s helpful to have a variety of yoga wheel sizes for more versatility in their home practice. Is a yoga wheel good for your back? Yoga wheels are great for your back as long as you don’t have a back injury that could be exacerbated by using one. Once you start using a yoga wheel, you’ll likely notice a decrease in back stiffness and discomfort. According to Passalacqua, a yoga wheel can also be used as a foam roller to help you warm up. It also can be placed behind your back to help extend backbends and deepen heart-opening yoga poses. These movements can help to stretch out your back and chest, as well as release tension in your back muscles. Are yoga wheels good for beginners? Yoga wheels are useful for both beginners and experienced yogis. If you’re not familiar with using a wheel, talk to a yoga instructor about how to best incorporate it into your practice. Many first-time yoga wheel users will experience a deep stretch sensation that can be a little uncomfortable when using one for the first time. When using a yoga wheel for inversion poses, take your time and allow your body to get used to the sensation. If discomfort turns into pain, immediately stop using the wheel. Why Trust Verywell Fit Amanda Berkey, MEd, is a NASM-certified personal trainer and experienced yogi who has been practicing for more than two decades. To help curate our list of the best yoga wheels out there, she used her vast knowledge and experience as a trainer and long-time yogi. Berkey is also a huge proponent of hot yoga, meditation, and yin yoga and encourages her clients to incorporate these practices into their fitness routines to boost their physical, mental, and emotional health. The 29 Best Yoga Gifts of 2023 See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit