The Best Yoga Mats of 2023
12 of the Best Yoga Mats For Every Workout
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Some of us prefer exercising in the comfort of our homes, and to get the best workout, we need to create a dedicated space for our home gym. A great place to start is by investing in a quality yoga mat that provides cushioned support and a nonslip surface. It's a simple yet necessary fitness tool that ensures a distraction-free workout. Plus, yoga mats aren't just for yoga; you can utilize them for Pilates, strength training, stretching, bodyweight training — or any time you need a stable and supportive surface for an at-home workout. But not all mats are created equal, and if you're wondering what the best mat is for your specific needs, we've got you covered. We rounded up the best yoga mats on the market for every type of workout and personal preference.
Whether you want something super thick to protect your knees or a thin mat that's flexible and easy to travel with, there's a mat for you. We found several yoga mats with nonslip surfaces — even one ideal for hot yoga. If you like to work out with a partner, there's also an extra-large yoga mat that can fit two people. Plus, if you want to work out with your kid, there's a specific option for them as well. We found incredible yoga mats from brands like Alo, Lululemon, Manduka, Gaiam, and more. Keep reading to ease your yoga-mat confusion, so you can create a mini home gym anywhere.
— Additional reporting by India Yaffe and Jenny Sugar
Best Thick Yoga Mat
If you want something super thick, this BalanceFrom GoCloud All-Purpose 1-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat ($38, originally $43) is for you. It's not the greatest option for balance poses (so maybe not a great choice for more intensive yoga practices or heavy weight lifting, when you need a more stable surface), but if you have sensitive knees or need extra padding, you'll adore it. One editor says that "This mat is so thick and cushioned, it feels more like a pad, but it's got enough grip so that you can still move with it. Since I started using it, I have not worried about my knees when doing leg lifts or fire hydrants, and my wrists have also stayed comfortable in planks, something I never thought would happen." Read her in-depth review of the BalanceFrom GoCloud All-Purpose Extra Thick Yoga Mat here.
Best Dense Yoga Mat
The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat ($129-$154) is also thick but extremely dense, so it protects your bones and joints from pressing into the floor. It will last forever and comes with a lifetime guarantee. Since it's so durable, it's perfect if you practice most or all days of the week. But a word of warning: if you sweat a lot, this mat gets dangerously slick, so place a nonslip mat towel, like the Manduka eQua Yoga Mat Towel ($42), over it. Choose from several sizes and colors as well.
Best Lightweight Yoga Mat
If the Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is too hefty, pick up the Manduka EKO Lite Yoga Mat ($84). With a four-millimeter thickness, this mat is thinner than the Pro Yoga Mat but is just as durable. This yoga mat is made from natural tree rubber with a nontoxic manufacturing process, plus its high-density closed-cell surface makes sure sweat doesn't seep into the mat. With its naturally grippy surface, this is ideal for all types of yoga and low-impact workouts.
Best Colorful Yoga Mat
Ditch the boring black and solid colored mats for something colorful and design-centric, like the Gaiam Reversible Yoga Mat ($32, originally $40). This reversible mat has a gorgeous, calming design on each side in a complementary color palette. The yoga mat has a medium thickness with a textured, nonslip surface that makes it easy to hold poses in. This is ideal for those who want colorful prints in their workout space, especially beginners.
Best Luxe Yoga Mat
If you've been mulling over investing in an Alo yoga mat, the Alo Yoga Warrior Mat ($128) is a stylish option that is slightly oversize and has a luxe matte finish. With a five-millimeter thickness, this mat is cushioned for joint support. It's made with an all-natural rubber that is nonslip wet or dry, so you'll be able to hold poses with undivided attention.
Best Multi-Use Yoga Mat
Not too thick and not too thin, this Lululemon The Reversible Mat ($78) is an ideal yoga mat for beginners and pros alike. The top layer of this mat absorbs moisture with a grippy feel, so you'll be able to find balance. This mat is made for all types of yoga, including hot yoga.
If you want something a little thicker, this Lululemon The Reversible Mat ($88) is five millimeters thick. It's a great mat for both yoga and training.
Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat
If you're looking for a standard mat that's also completely eco-friendly, check out the Jade Harmony Professional Yoga Mat ($80-$90). Made of natural rubber, this mat is totally biodegradable and contains no PVC or ozone-depleting substances. The material also lends itself to being tacky, so if you get a little sweaty, you won't end up slipping. Plus, it comes in a variety of fun colors, like flamingo pink, sky blue, olive green, saffron yellow, and more.
Best Nonslip Yoga Mat
If you're on the market for a nonslip yoga mat, the Blogilates Vegan Suede Yoga Mat Mystical Moment ($44) has a vegan suede top layer that's absorbent and grippy, even if you get sweaty. With a six-millimeter thickness, this offers cushioning support for your body as well. Plus, its floral design is so calming and cute.
Best Kid's Yoga Mat
If you're looking for a yoga mat for your kid, the Kidnasium Kids Yoga Mat ($17) has a nonslip surface that will provide them with a safe grip. With colorful, engaging designs, your little one will have fun while staying active. Choose between a hopscotch-designed mat, one with unicorns doing yoga poses, a lime-green one with dinosaurs doing stretches, and one that features a workout.
Best Yoga Mats For Hot Yoga
If you're a hot-yoga practitioner on the hunt for a mat that can keep up with the heat and sweat, this Gaiam Premium Dry-Grip Yoga Mat ($55, originally $70) is an ideal option. With a closed-cell construction and a top coat that wicks away moisture, this yoga mat will provide you with a good grip even when wet. This mat actually gets sticky when wet, so you won't be slipping and sliding when trying to hold a pose. It has a five-millimeter thickness that's supportive to your joints and body.
Best Travel Yoga Mat
The JadeYoga Voyager Yoga Mat ($43) is a quality option for those who travel or practice at studios rather than at home. This portable and easy-to-clean mat only weighs about 1.5 pounds, has a 1.6-millimeter thickness, and can fold into the size of a yoga block. It's also got a nonslip surface, so you can stay balanced through any pose.
Best Large Yoga Mat
The Cambivo Large Yoga Mat ($54) is six feet by four feet and can fit around two people. This extra-wide yoga mat will let you work out without restrictions. You and a partner can practice yoga, do Pilates, stretch, foam roll, and so much more together on the same mat without bumping into each other. The large yoga mat has a double-sided nonslip surface: one provides extra traction for your hands and feet while the other firmly grips the floor.
