The Best Yoga Mats of 2024

At the top of this list, and for very good reason, is the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat ($150). This is certainly not a cheap yoga mat, but we think you will agree that its high-quality construction justifies the price tag.

Made with closed-cell PVC, this mat is easy to clean and keep free of bacteria; plus, it’s built to last without harmful chemicals and is also latex-free.

This high-density, cushioned yoga mat provides an all-around comfortable experience. The mat has a textured top layer to keep your hands and feet in place as you transition between poses, and the dotted bottom layer prevents the mat from moving around on the floor.

This added stability and the nonslip surface can make a real difference in your yoga practice and help prevent injury from falls.

Manduka claims to be the most recommended brand by yoga teachers. And while that’s impossible to prove, our experience with the PRO Mat is overwhelmingly positive. The mat is relatively heavy, compared to others on this list, and the most expensive by a significant margin.

Therefore, we recommend the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat for people who practice yoga seriously and frequently and are looking to invest in a reliable mat.

At its affordable price point, the Gaiam 6 mm ($30) is definitely the best yoga mat for beginners. This is a quality mat of standard thickness and a nice light weight. You will find this mat available in various fun designs, from funky and bold to modern and sleek.

It is a little smaller in both length and width than most other mats. If you are taller or like having that extra space, this might not be the mat for you. But for others looking to give yoga a try or wanting to expand their practice on a tight budget, the Gaiam 6 mm is a great selection.

One common complaint with more budget-friendly mats (like this one) is that they are not as durable as others. You may find that the mat sheds over time, particularly in the spots where you put your hands and feet. Because the mat is just one layer, you could use both sides to increase its lifespan if you notice rips or tears.

However, if you expect to use your mat multiple times a week, we would recommend a more expensive mat as an investment in durability. This Gaiam 6 mm is best for beginners and casual yoga practitioners.

We have to give props to the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat ($92). This mat is a high-end product, coming in around the top of the price range. It makes sense when you learn that the mat’s sustainable, natural rubber construction is eco-friendly, containing no toxins or ozone-depleting gasses.

On top of the eco-conscious materials, we love the slip-free surface of the rubber mat. Being one material top and bottom, the mat will stay secure on your floor as well.

Take note, however, that some testers complained that the mat becomes more slippery when wet. This mat, therefore, might not be the best option for hot yoga practitioners or those who sweat a lot, but you could also invest in a slip-free yoga mat towel like Yogitoes. Otherwise, the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat is one of our favorites.

This one-inch-thick yoga mat by Retrospec provides extra cushioning for people with joint pain or injuries. Some of our testers have bad knees, and can tell you, the Retrospec Solana 1″ ($40) is a real game-changer. It is nearly four times thicker than the average 6 mm mat, and there is also a one-half-inch version for folks who want something in between.

With a thicker mat, you can generally expect a little less stability, but most reviewers haven’t noticed such an issue with the Solana. It is made of dense foam and nonslip rubber, ribbed on one side and smooth on the other. This mat is free of latex, heavy metals, and harsh chemicals, and it comes with a carrying strap.

Some testers have questioned its durability, noting that it is too stretchy and prone to rips. For such an affordable yoga mat, though, that is probably a risk worth taking.

The extra thickness leads to a lot of added bulk when stored, making this a tough sell for a travel mat. One reviewer found it embarrassing to bring to yoga class because it was so large when rolled up. In this case, the half-inch version will be more portable and still much more cushiony than standard-sized mats.

However, if you are looking for an at-home mat that reduces pressure on joints, the Retrospec Solana 1″ is an excellent option.

If you’re looking for a travel yoga mat, the Gaiam Foldable Mat ($25) is an excellent option. The mat is extremely lightweight and made of a sticky PVC material that will prevent you from sliding on the floor.

This 2 mm mat has integrated seams that allow it to be easily folded into a rectangle no bigger than your laptop. It will fit in a backpack or tote bag so that you can travel with it easily.

While our experience with the Gaiam Foldable Mat is overwhelmingly positive, some testers note that the folding seams prevent the mat from lying perfectly flat. This can be a problem with many yoga mats, but the nature of this design makes it even more difficult.

The seams also create added texture to the mat that can be problematic. Unlike other smooth mats, these creases appear in many places and could interrupt your flow when you need to readjust during a pose.

But for travel, we reach for the Gaiam Foldable Mat.

Hot yoga enthusiasts rejoice! Thanks to its open-cell design, the Manduka GRP Adapt ($94) rubber mat can absorb sweat and other moisture, wicking it away from the surface and maintaining its highly sticky, nonslip qualities throughout your workout. This means the mat will stay dry even when you don’t.

We love that this mat makes it possible to enjoy hot yoga without the addition of a yoga towel. It is naturally very sticky and maintains a good cushion at just 5 mm, thanks to the foam rubber composite.

This GRP Adapt mat is slightly lighter than the Manduka Pro, but it’s still quite a bit heavier than most others on our list. If you carry your mat around a lot, you might not be thrilled by the mat’s 6-pound heft.

You should also note that because of its moisture-absorbing design, the mat requires more of a cleaning regimen than you may be used to with other yoga mats. The company says that the mat cannot be cleaned with regular disinfectants, as they can be absorbed in the foam interior and are difficult to remove.

Instead, the brand recommends cleaning with Manduka’s GRP Yoga Mat Restore Foam, which is not included in the mat purchase. Despite these annoying cleaning requirements, we have to agree with Manduka’s many fans that the advantages of this mat are definitely worth it. The Manduka GRP Adapt is a must-have for all hot yoga practitioners.

Montreal-based active lifestyle brand Lolë is a brand that’s been making winter layering apparel for years. More recently, though, it’s been developing products that promote mindfulness, like its thoughtfully sustainable Iglow Yoga Mat. The Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat ($24) is PVC- and latex-free, and fully recyclable. It’s made of eco-friendly material, but it also shines in other aspects.

This mat is super-grippy, lightweight, and perfect for any time, anywhere yoga as well as travel. We found the length of 70 inches to be an adequate length for yogis up to 5’10”. If you are quite tall, consider other mats on this list that come in a long length. Though, we do wish it was a tad thicker for extra support.

If you tend to keep your practices between 20 minutes and an hour, and you’re looking for a mat that can handle lots of wear while being sustainable at the same time, the Lolë Iglow Yoga Mat is it.

If you’re looking for a luxury-quality mat at a more affordable price, look no further than the Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat ($63). This 5mm-thick mat is made of a TPE material, which boasts the grippability of rubber and the durability of plastic. It is not as eco-friendly as some other yoga mats on this list, but if that isn’t your priority, you will love this mat’s material and feel.

The Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Mat is moisture-resistant and has a soft, textured grip on both sides. It is also easy to clean and latex-free. Despite its average dimensions and thickness, this mat is lighter than almost all of its competitors on this list.

If you are looking for a reliable and comfortable yoga mat at a lower price tag than most, the Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat could be the one for you.

Made from organic jute, the Ajna Organic Yoga Mat ($60) is biodegradable and non-toxic. Jute is naturally antibacterial and very sturdy, meaning the mat does not rip, stretch, or shed.

It is ethically produced with zero waste, and we love that the company plants a tree with every purchase. If you are a passionate environmentalist, this is a yoga mat you can feel good about purchasing.

The mat comes with a cotton carrying strap, a booklet on how to use it, and a guided meditation — so you can get started with your practice right away. The company provides excellent customer service, though the jute does not have the most amount of grip compared to other materials.

If you are looking for something that is both super grippy and eco-friendly, you may opt for a natural rubber yoga mat instead.

The Ajna Organic Yoga Mat is a great option, especially if your use is high, you need to fold up your yoga mat for storage and cleaning your mat or odor is a priority or concern.

The third — that’s right, third! — Manduka yoga mat to make our buyer’s guide is the Manduka eKO Lite 4 mm ($84). Made of biodegradable tree rubber, this yoga mat is eco-friendly, free of dyes, and 99% latex-free. The top layer is nonslip and resists stretching for a reliable surface to practice your yoga.

The Manduka eKO Lite 4 mm is an upgrade but at only 4 mm thick, you may find that you want a little more cushion, especially if you practice at home on hardwood floors. Not, the rubber scent is a bit persistent, though the company suggests airing it out for a couple of days.