We Tested 38 Options to Find the 14 Best Yoga Mats to Transform Your Practice

Yoga Mats We Also Tested

• B, Halfmoon's B, Mat Everyday Long Mat has a great grip and is easy to roll and convenient to transport, but the intense surface texture makes it slightly uncomfortable. 
• While ProsourceFit’s Extra Thick Yoga Mat offers a ton of cushioning, it has too much give, making it difficult to balance through a full practice.
• Sweaty Betty’s Flow Yoga Mat is lightweight and ideal for travel, but we found that it feels flimsy and doesn’t offer enough support.
• Smooth, stable, and lightweight, Yoloha’s Nomad Cork Yoga Mat is a solid choice. However, we ultimately don’t think it’s worth the steep price point. 
• All in Motion’s 3mm Yoga Mat offered good grip and pleasing aesthetics, but it was too thin and didn’t provide enough cushioning.
• While Alo Yoga’s Air Mat also offered great grip, it was too thin to offer enough cushioning for a comfortable practice.
• YogiFi’s Smart Yoga Mat Gen 2+ offers real-time feedback on your flow, but we found that the smart features were too difficult and frustrating to use.

What We’ve Updated 

• Since we last published this article, we've tested 10 more yoga mats, ranging from trending products to the latest releases. 
• We evaluated each one using the same key criteria as our previous tests: design, comfort, grip, portability, and overall value. 
• Based on these updated insights, we've revised our top pick and introduced six new superlative categories, including Best Cushioned, Best Design, Best Portable, Best Value, and Best Lightweight. 
• This updated list reflects our most current testing results and expert recommendations.

What to Look for When Shopping for Yoga Mats 

• Materials: 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. Mats made of PVC are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. Mats made with TPE feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats are favored for their traction and slip resistance.
• Thickness: The thickness of the mat plays a role in both cushioning and stability. A thicker mat offers more comfort for your wrists and knees, but a mat that’s too thick may make it difficult to stay stable during standing poses and inversions, says certified yoga teacher Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. For this reason, some people opt for thinner mats so they can feel the ground beneath them.
• Length: The standard length for a yoga mat is 68 inches long and 24 inches wide. 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.
• Weight: Yoga mats can range from super-lightweight to super-heavy, and it’s important to consider how you’ll use your mat to determine what weight is the right fit for you. If you’re traveling to and from a yoga studio with your mat, you’ll want an option that’s not tough to carry. If you’re looking for a substantial piece of equipment to add to your home gym, you may prefer a heavier option.

How We Tested the Yoga Mats

To find the best yoga mats, we tested 38 mats in The Verywell Testing Lab and then at home in our regular workout routines. When testing, we evaluate each yoga mat based on the following important criteria: 

• Design: Prior to our first mountain pose, we unrolled the mats, taking note of packaging,and any lingering chemical smells, and evaluating how well the mats laid flat. We also observed how well the mat stayed flat under our hands and feet throughout testing and if this changed over time. 
• Comfort: We first tested each mat twice through a guided vinyasa flow in the Lab and then through several other workouts at home. When flowing, we considered the padding and thickness of the mat and made note of how supportive the mat felt under our hands, feet, joints, and head.
• Grip: To test the grip of each yoga mat, we complete one flow with dry hands and feet and then spray our hands and feet to do the same while wet (mimicking sweat). We note how confidently we can hold poses without slipping. We also consider the texture of the mat, and whether the feeling of the mat is appealing on bare skin. 
• Portability: Next, we roll up each mat, evaluating how easily it rolls and stays rolled. Then, we take them with us to classes, the park, or while traveling to rate their portability and storage. Mats that included a carrying bag or strap performed better in this category. 
• Value: Finally, we look at the price of each yoga mat only after we evaluate all the other criteria. We consider whether the mat is fairly priced given its features, performance, and overall quality. We also consider if we would purchase the mat at full retail price, or wait for it to be on sale.

Our Experts

We collaborated with yoga experts throughout our research, testing, and reporting for this story. Their insights guided us in identifying the key features to consider when shopping and also informed our testing process.

• Kayla Hargett, E-RYT, certified yoga teacher and former yoga teacher training co-lead based in Tampa, Florida
• Mandy Ingber, yoga teacher and author of Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover

Frequently Asked Questions 

What’s the best material for a yoga mat? 

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) and natural rubber are often considered the best materials for yoga mats due to their combination of grip, durability, and eco-friendliness. Mats made with PVC (polyvinyl chloride) are also easy to clean and long-lasting. 

What thickness yoga mat should I get? 

If you prioritize comfort and cushioning, choose a mat thicker than 5 millimeters, but if you prefer stability, opt for one that's 5 millimeters or less.

What’s a good size for a yoga mat?

Most yoga mats are 68 inches long and 24 inches wide, giving most yogis ample space for their practice. However, taller users may prefer longer mats, typically around 72 inches, for extra comfort and support.

How much does a yoga mat cost? 

A quality yoga mat will typically cost between $20 and $280. While cheaper options might seem appealing, especially if you're not committed to long-term yoga practice or don't intend to use the mat frequently, they often lack durability compared to more expensive ones.

Why Trust Verywell Fit

Amanda Berkey, M.S.Ed, is a Verywell Fit writer who has been practicing yoga for more than two decades. She loves finding yoga mats that strike the perfect balance of support, cushioning, and great aesthetics. In addition to using her mat for her regular practice, she also loves settling in on a nicely cushioned mat with a foam roller for post-run stretching.