There are a lot of benefits that come from practicing yoga — mentally and physically. But did you know that the yoga mat you use can make or break your practice?

That's right. There's more to your yoga mat than just the color and design. The truth is each yogi has different needs and preferences.

If you're new to yoga, then the best way to stick with it is to choose the right yoga mat.

So, which yoga mat is the best for you?

We've got you covered. In this definitive yoga mat review, we're going to dive deep into all the different yoga mats so that you can reap the benefits of all that yoga has to offer.

Top Yoga Mats Reviewed

Let's explore some of the most popular yoga mats to see which are right for you.

Jade Yoga Mats

Jade Yoga is one of the most high-quality yoga brands. Their products are eco-friendly, and they give back to the planet with each product sold.

Not sure which Jade Yoga mat is the best? We'll list them out below.

Jade Harmony Yoga Mat

The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat is best for yogis who want a high-quality yoga mat that's also eco-friendly. It's perfect for all activities — indoor and outdoor. The Harmony Mat also has a sturdy grip so you can feel safe during your yoga practice.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" or 74" length
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 4.3-4.5 lbs
Material: Natural rubber

Pros:

• No synthetic materials
• Made from sustainable resources
• Excellent grip
• Good for any activity
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Poor durability

Jade Fusion Yoga Mat

The Fusion Mat is extra thick to provide extra comfort. It's perfect for restorative yoga, pilates, cross-fit, and any core fitness activities.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" or 74" length
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 6.5-7.1 lbs
Material: Natural rubber

Pros:

• No synthetic materials
• Made from sustainable resources
• Extra comfort
• Non-slip

Cons:

• Heavy
• Doesn't easily fit in mat bags
• Rubber smell

Lululemon Yoga Mats

Lululemon has all kinds of athletic gear, but they're best known for their yoga equipment. They're one of the most popular yoga brands. And you've most likely heard of them if you follow yogis on Instagram.

Lululemon Reversible Yoga Mat 5mm

The Reversible Mat is one of the best Lululemon yoga mats. It has extra cushion so that you can perform all of your activities with ease. It's best for anyone who struggles with their joints or loves the extra comfort.

Dimensions: 26" width, 71" length
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 5.24 lbs
Material: 61% natural rubber, 17% synthetic rubber, 15% polyurethane, 5% polyester, and 2% nylon.

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Non-slip
• Smooth texture
• Reversible

Cons:

• Absorbs sweat and moisture
• Stains easily
• Rubber smell

Lululemon Arise Yoga Mat

The Arise yoga mat is best for any yoga activity. It also provides more cushion for an extra comfortable yoga practice.

Dimensions: 26" width, 71" length
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 5.24 lbs
Material: 15% polyurethane, 5% polyester, 2% nylon, 54% natural rubber, 24% synthetic rubber

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Non-slip
• Durability

Cons:

• Stains easily
• Rubber smell

Manduka Yoga Mats

Manduka is another top yoga brand that's environmentally conscious. 

Below we'll list some of their best yoga mats. 

You can also go to their website to take "The Mat Quiz" to find out which of their mats are most suitable for you!

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm

The Pro Yoga Mat is the best Manduka yoga mat that you'll find. It's perfect for any activity and one of the best yoga mats for men. If you want a high-quality, sustainable yoga mat that will last you years, then this is it.

Dimensions: 26" width, 71" length
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Material: Highest-quality PVC

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Durability
• Non-slip
• Doesn't absorb moisture
• Made in an emission-free facility

Cons:

• Heavy
• Some reviews say the mat is slippery when new

Gaiam Yoga Mats

Gaiam is a popular yoga brand with a wide variety of yoga and fitness equipment. Most of their yoga mats have beautiful designs, which definitely helps them stand out in the yoga community.

Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat (5mm)

The Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat is the best-selling Gaiam yoga mat. True to its name, it has the best yoga mat grip. If you love hot yoga, this Gaiam yoga mat is a match for you.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" length
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.25 lbs
Material: PVC

Pros:

• Non-slip
• Lightweight 
• Excellent grip
• Comfortable
• Latex-free

Cons:

• Poor durability

Liforme Yoga Mat

Liforme is a respectable yoga brand dedicated to giving back. If you go to their website, you'll see that they're active in donating to those in need.

Liforme Purple Earth Yoga Mat

It seems like the Purple Earth Liforme Yoga Mat is perfect for any yogi. If you search through the yoga mat reviews, you'll find that almost all of them are five stars. It has a sturdy grip, so it's perfect for hot yoga. The Purple Earth Mat also comes with an alignment guide, which is helpful for beginners!

Dimensions: 26" width, 72" length
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane

Pros:

• Yoga mat bag included
• 5% donated to Friends of Earth
• Eco-friendly
• Non-slip
• Alignment yoga mat
• Comfortable

Cons:

• Heavy

Liforme White Magic Yoga Mat

You can use the White Magic Yoga Mat for any yoga practice. And if you want a yoga mat with a beautiful design, then you'll love it! It's perfect for all yogis, as it has an excellent grip and comes with a helpful alignment guide.

Dimensions: 26" width, 72" length
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Material: Natural rubber, eco-polyurethane, and non-toxic/eco-friendly ink

Pros:

• Yoga mat bag included
• 5% donated to Friends of Earth
• Planet-friendly
• Non-slip
• Comes with alignment guide
• Comfortable

Cons:

• It gets dirty easily

Best Yoga Mats For Bad Knees

Finding the best yoga mat for bad knees can be a pain.

But no worries.

Luckily, we've gathered up the top yoga mats for bad knees so that practicing yoga can be as comfortable as possible.

Jade Fusion Yoga Mat

The Fusion Mat is made specifically for bad joints. No matter what activity you use it for, you can be sure that it will keep you comfortable and protect your knees.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" or 74" length
Thickness: 7.9 mm
Weight: 6.5-7.1 lbs
Material: Natural rubber

Pros:

• Extra thick
• Great for any practice
• Comfortable for knees
• Secure yoga mat support

Cons:

• Heavy
• Bulky

Manduka Pro Yoga Mat 6mm

The Manduka Pro Yoga Mat is one of the best yoga mats for bad knees. Not only is it thick and comfortable — but it's also extremely durable. So while it's helpful for bad knees, you can also be confident that it won't wear out on you over time.

Dimensions: 26" width, 71" length
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 7.5 lbs
Material: Highest-quality PVC

Pros:

• Extra thick
• Extremely durable
• Comfortable for knees
• Smooth cushion

Cons:

• Heavy
• Slippery when new

Lululemon Reversible Yoga Mat 5mm

The Lululemon Reversible Yoga Mat is another yoga mat made especially for your joints. It has extra cushion, so you can be sure that your knees will be comfortable no matter what.

Dimensions: 26" width, 71" length
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 5.24 lbs
Material: 61% natural rubber, 17% synthetic rubber, 15% polyurethane, 5% polyester, and 2% nylon.

Pros:

• Extra thick
• Comfortable for knees
• Smooth cushion
• Lighter than most thick yoga mats

Cons:

• Not fit for those with latex or rubber allergies

Best Travel Yoga Mat 

Looking for the best travel yoga mat? We've got you covered!

Traveling can come with fun and some stresses, so what better way to relax on your journeys than with yoga?

Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat

The Manduka eKO Superlite Travel Mat is excellent for yogis who travel a lot. Manduka is one of the most durable yoga brands, so you can be sure your mat will last you a long time through all of your adventures.

Dimensions: 24" width, 71" length
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 2.2 lbs
Material: Natural tree rubber

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Extremely durable
• Environmentally-friendly
• Thin
• Foldable

Cons:

• Not ideal for bad knees
• Rubber smell

YOGO Ultralight Travel Yoga Mat

The YOGO Yoga Mat is the best travel yoga mat for yogis on the go. It's extremely light and easily fits into bags.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" length
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 2.1 lbs
Material: Natural tree rubber, cotton, and minerals

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Thin
• Fits in small bags
• Comes with attached straps
• Eco-friendly
• One food-producing tree is planted in Africa for every mat purchased

Cons:

• Not suitable for bad knees

Best Yoga Mat For Kids

Adults aren't the only ones who benefit from yoga — kids do, too! Starting your kids on yoga can help with stress, focus, and behavior.

With that said, let's look at the best yoga mat for kids!

Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat

The Gaiam Kids Yoga Mat is great for kids because it comes in many different designs, and it's toxic-free. It also has a sturdy grip, so you can be sure that your kids are safe as they learn yoga. The yoga mat is ideal for kids ages five through eight.

Dimensions: 24" width, 60" length
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 1.8 lbs
Material: PVC

Pros:

• Non-slip
• Non-toxic
• Fun designs for kids
• Easy to clean
• Latex-free

Cons:

• Smells

Best Yoga Mat For Beginners

So you just started yoga, and you're looking for the best yoga mat for beginners.

Well, take a deep breath and slowly exhale because we're going to go over the best mats to get started with your new health obsession.

Gaiam Yoga for Beginners Kit

The Gaiam Yoga for Beginners Kit is best for new and aspiring yogis. It comes with a few helpful items to set you up for more support, balance, flexibility, and range of motion.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" length
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 3.2 lbs
Materials: PVC

Pros:

• Blue and purple kits come with a guide on the yoga mats so that you can have the perfect placement
• Includes block for support
• Includes strap for flexibility
• Includes digital workouts
• Affordable
• Latex-free

Cons:

• Poor durability
• Not ideal for bad knees
• Slippery

Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mat 

A lot of yoga brands aim to be eco-friendly, but which ones are the best? 

Let's find out!

2nd Wind Health Cork Yoga Mat

The Cork Yoga Mat is perfect for any activity. It can be slippery at first, but the more you use it, you'll find that the grip improves. It's soft yet firm, so it's great for those with bad knees as well. If you want a beautiful eco-friendly mat, then you'll love it!

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" width
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Material: 100% natural sustainable cork, rubber, and water-based ink

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• No PVC, latex, glue, or toxins
• Comfortable
• Smooth surface
• Beautiful design

Cons:

• Slippery when new

Liforme Purple Earth Yoga Mat

If you want the highest-quality eco-friendly yoga mat you can get, then the Liforme Purple Earth Yoga Mat is best for you. 5% of each purchase goes to Friends of Earth. The Purple Earth Mat can be used for any activity, and it should last you for years.

Dimensions: 26" width, 72" length
Thickness: 4.2 mm
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Supportive
• Comes with alignment guide
• Non-toxic and PVC-free
• Comes with a yoga mat bag
• 5% donated to Friends of Earth

Cons:

• You can't opt-out for the free yoga mat bag

Urbivore All-Natural Cork Yoga Mat

The Urbivore Cork Yoga Mat is another excellent eco-friendly mat. Like any other cork yoga mat, the grip improves with moisture, and the more you use it. It's smooth and comfortable, so it's great for bad joints. If you want an eco-friendly yoga mat from a company with noble values, then you can't go wrong with Urbivore.

Dimensions: 24" width, 72" length
Thickness: 4 mm
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Material: Natural cork and natural tree rubber

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Non-toxic
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Smooth surface
• Supportive
• Odor-free

Cons:

• Slippery when new

Best Yoga For Hot Yoga 

There's yoga... and then there's hot yoga.

If you want to do hot yoga, then you're going to need the best yoga mat so that you don't slip and fall.

IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat

True to its name, the IGUA Pro Non-slip Yoga Mat will keep you from slipping. And it happens to be one of the best yoga for hot yoga.

Dimensions: 26" width, 72" length
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 2.8 lbs
Materials: SGS certified TPE material

Pros:

• Non-slip
• Comfortable
• PVC and latex-free
• Odorless
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Sticky
• Poor durability

Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat 6mm

Maduka's GRP Hot Yoga Mat is one of the best yoga mats for hot yoga. All of Maduka's products are high-quality, so you can be sure you'll be safe as you use the mat for practice.

Dimensions: 25" width, 70" length
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 4.8 lbs
Materials: Charcoal-infused natural rubber

Pro:

• Non-slip
• Durable
• Comfortable
• Eco-friendly

Cons:

• Smells
• Heavy
• Bulky

Best Yoga Mat For Carpet

A lot of us have been forced to practice yoga at home this year.

If you have carpet, you might be wondering which yoga mat is best for you.

No worries! That's what we're here for.

Jade Harmony Yoga Mat

The Jade Harmony Yoga Mat provides both stability and comfort — making it one of my top picks for the best yoga mat for carpet.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" or 74" length
Thickness: 4.7 mm
Weight: 4.3-4.5lbs
Material: Natural rubber

Pros:

• Non-slip
• Supportive
• Comfortable
• Eco-friendly
• One tree planted for every yoga mat sold
• Durability

Cons:

• Rubber smell
• Edges fray after a few uses

Best Yoga Mat For Travel

Love to travel?

Let's take a look at the best yoga mat to take with you on the go.

Sugarmat Healing Heart Suede Travel Yoga Mat (1mm)

The Sugarmat Travel Yoga Mat is best for anyone who wants to travel while being in style. Sugarmat has yoga mats in a lot of beautiful designs and are super easy to take with you on the go.

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" length
Thickness: 1 mm
Weight: 2.4 lbs
Material: Natural rubber, synthetic suede, and water-based ink

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Eco-friendly
• Beautiful designs
• Thin
• Non-slip
• Supportive

Cons:

• Not ideal for bad knees

Best Inexpensive Yoga Mat

It's no question that yoga mats can get expensive.

But that shouldn't stop you if you want to start yoga, or if you need a new yoga mat.

Let's look at the best inexpensive yoga mats. Because everyone deserves their daily dose of exercise and relaxation.

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/2 Inch Extra Thick Anti-Tear Exercise Yoga Mat

The BalanceFrom GoYoga mat is perfect for any activity. It's affordable, lightweight, and comfortable for yogis with weak joints. At only $16.99, it's safe to say that you're getting a bang for your buck with the BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat.

Dimensions: 24" width, 71" length
Thickness: 6.35 mm
Weight: 3 lbs
Material: High-density foam

Pros:

• Comfortable
• Extra cushion
• Under $20
• Double-sided
• Lightweight
• Comes with free strap

Cons:

• Some reviewers complained that it was slippery
• Poor durability

Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat

Traveling can be expensive enough as it is. The Hugger Mugger Tapas Travel Yoga Mat is best if you need a yoga mat and are traveling on a budget. For $21.95, it's definitely worth it!

Dimensions: 24" width, 68" length
Thickness: 1.5 mm
Weight: 1.4 lbs
Material: Polymer environmental resin

Pros:

• Affordable
• Lightweight
• Foldable
• Durable
• Non-slip
• Latex-free

Cons:

• Not ideal for bad knees

What To Look For In A Yoga Mat

Now that we've gone over all of the best yoga mats, let's find out what to look for in a yoga mat.

When choosing the best mat for you, you should take these features into consideration before pulling the trigger on a purchase.

Explore sizes

Yoga mat size is an important factor to keep in mind when choosing a yoga mat.

Luckily, there are all kinds of yoga mats made for different types of bodies.

Length

A lot of yoga mats have options for short or long lengths.

You can find the length of a yoga mat on the website you're purchasing from under "product details." You can also see the length on the tag of the yoga mat if you’re buying it from a store.

If you're tall, then you're probably going to want to get a yoga mat with extra length.

Sidenote: The Kurma Extra Large Yoga Mat is the best yoga mat for tall people. It's high-quality, durable, non-toxic, and 80 inches long.

Thickness

Checking the yoga mat thickness is essential when choosing a yoga mat.

For example, if you have bad knees, then you need a thick mat. Using a thin yoga mat on a hard-floor can easily worsen bad knees.

If you're traveling, then you probably want a thin yoga mat so that it's not heavy or hard to fit in your luggage. Remember, though, when traveling, you’ll need to make a trade-off.

Examine materials

You can also learn what materials are in a yoga mat by checking the "product details" on the company website.

Some materials can be toxic or even cause an allergic reaction, so checking material information is vital.

Sustainability

A lot of yoga brands say they're eco-friendly, but some are more than others.

If sustainability is important to you, then look at the materials and find out how sustainable they really are. Usually, this will be a battle between synthetic and organic materials.

Consider transportability

Whether you're traveling or walking to a yoga class, you'll want to make sure your yoga mat is transportable.

There are a lot of yoga mats made specifically for travel — however, they're usually thin.

You can find thick yoga mats that are light in weight if your joints need extra comfort.

You'll also want to consider if your yoga mat is too bulky to fit in your luggage or travel bags.

Evaluate texture

The texture of a yoga mat is important for safety. Some yoga mats can be slippery and result in harsh injuries.

You definitely don't want that!

Evaluating the texture will ensure a safe and worry-free yoga practice.

Grip

Sometimes people struggle with sweat, which can lead to them slipping and injuring themselves. 

Choosing a yoga mat with a secure yoga mat grip will make sure that won't happen.

Luckily, there are a lot of yoga mats made with a secure grip. Usually, they'll be labeled with "Pro-Grip" or "Dry-Grip."

Traction

Traction is another important factor. If you move too fast on a slippery yoga mat, you can seriously injure yourself.

Always choose a non-slip yoga mat. Most of them will say that they're non-slip, but you can double-check by reading product reviews.

Determine thickness

You want to make sure you're comfortable when practicing yoga. If not, it may make you give up too early.

Choosing a thick yoga mat will ensure comfortability. Try to choose a mat that's at least 1/8 inches (3.17 mm).

Decide on a price range

Before you decide on a yoga mat, ask yourself what your price range is.

Yoga mats can be expensive — but some of them can last many years, which makes them well worth it.

Try not to choose a yoga mat that's too cheap, or else it may not last longer than a few months. However, sometimes when you’re on a budget, that factor can become more inevitable.

How Yoga Mats Are Made

If you're wondering how yoga mats are made, you're in luck!

Believe it or not, the materials in your yoga mat can make a huge difference for you in your practice.

With that said, let's explore the three most common materials in yoga mats.

What are the most common materials in yoga mats?

There are three common materials that you'll find in a yoga mat: 

• plastic 
• cork
• rubber

Each material has pros and cons, but you'll most likely find one that you prefer over the others.

Plastic

PVC, TPE, and EVA are common plastics found in yoga mats.

Plastic yoga mats are cheaper and tend to last a long time.

However, they're considered toxic — to you, your family, your plants, and your pets. They're also bad for the environment, as they release harmful chemicals and take hundreds of years to deteriorate.

Cork

Cork is one of the most eco-friendly yoga mat options.

The bark of an oak tree is used to make cork. But no worries! The bark immediately grows back.

If anything, it's good for the environment, because oak trees absorb more carbon dioxide when stripped (about five times as much compared to a non-stripped oak tree).

Cork yoga mats are recyclable, durable, non-slip, and non-toxic. The only downside is that they're usually expensive.

Rubber

Natural rubber yoga mats are another excellent eco-friendly option. They're biodegradable, non-toxic, and durable.

Some cons to natural rubber are that they can cause allergies for some people, and they have a rubber smell. The smell can easily be fixed by cleaning or airing out the mat.

Consider eco-friendly material

Choosing an eco-friendly mat isn't just better for the environment — it's better for you too!

Most eco-friendly yoga mats are non-toxic and won't bring harmful chemicals into your home.

A lot of plastic yoga mats end up in landfills and take decades to degrade.

If you choose an eco-friendly yoga mat, you'll be doing good for yourself and your planet. So please keep that in mind.

Yoga Mat Toxins — What You Need To Know

To fully understand yoga mat toxins, you should probably know more about them and what kind of harm they cause.

Let's learn more so that you can make the best decision for your health.

What is polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?

PVC is a toxic plastic that releases harmful chemicals, such as dioxin.

You can find it in everyday products, as it is one of the most produced plastics in the world.

Some products that contain PVC are shower curtains, cables, sewage pipes, raincoats, shoes, and yoga mats.

PVC is dangerous for people, animals, and the planet. The plastic has been linked to causing cancer and birth defects.

PVC also can't be recycled. Boo!

What is thermoplastic elastomer (TPE)?

TPE is a material that's a combination of rubber and plastic. It's said to be a bit of a safer alternative to PVC.

It doesn't contain PVC, lead, dioxins, or phthalates.

Are Nitrile butadiene rubber mats safe?

Nitrile Butadiene Rubber is non-toxic and safe. It doesn't contain PVC, phthalates, or heavy metals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Mats

How do you wrap a yoga mat?

How to wrap a yoga mat:

First, roll your yoga mat up.

Take the fabric of your yoga strap and pull it through the ring at the end of your strap. Once you do that, you'll have a loop.

Repeat the same step with the ring at the other end of the strap. You'll now have two loops.

Slide both loops at the end of each side of your yoga mat. 

Next, tighten both loops to fit your yoga mat.

That's it! Now you can sling the strap over your shoulder and go.

How do you clean a yoga mat?

How to clean a yoga mat:

Take a spray bottle and add warm water along with a few drops of dish soap.

Spray the yoga mat and gently scrub both sides.

Rinse your yoga mat with warm water and let it air dry.

Are yoga mats washable?

Some yoga mats need to be hand-washed while others can be thrown in a washing machine.

Make sure to check the "usage and care" guidelines before washing your yoga mat.

When drying your yoga mat, make sure to always air dry it. Putting it in a dryer will ruin it.

How long does a yoga mat last?

The duration of a yoga mat depends on the type of yoga mat you get.

Some yoga mats only last a few months, while others last for years.

Before choosing a yoga mat, make sure to do research and read reviews.

Are expensive yoga mats worth it?

A lot of expensive yoga mats are worth it because they're better quality and last longer.

Liforme has one of the most expensive and best yoga mats. If you look at their reviews, you'll find that almost all of them are five stars.

What is yoga mat spray?

Yoga mat spray is a spray used to clean yoga mats.

A lot of yoga brands will have guidelines on their website on how to care for and clean your yoga mat.

If you prefer to make your own spray, then you can find a variety of DIY homemade yoga mat cleaner ideas online.

A common yoga mat spray is a combination of distilled water, vinegar, and tree tea oil.

Conclusion

As you can see, there's a lot more to yoga mats than just the color and design. Remember all of the features we covered when choosing the right mat for you.

Next time you ask yourself, "What yoga mat should I buy?" feel free to refer back to this article!