The 5 Best Yoga Mats
A good yoga mat quietly does its job: it grips so your hands and feet do not slide, cushions your joints, and lasts through years of practice. The best choice depends on how much you sweat, whether you want alignment guides, and your material preferences. We ranked these on grip, cushioning, durability, and materials.
Our top picks, ranked
- Famously long-lasting, often lifetime guaranteed
- Excellent cushioning for joints
- Dense, stable feel
- Printed alignment markers help positioning
- Superb grip, especially when warm
- Eco-focused materials
- Outstanding grip from natural rubber
- Comfortable cushioning
- Brand plants a tree per mat
- Grippy top layer designed for sweat
- Good balance of cushion and stability
- Durable everyday mat
- Very affordable
- Lots of designs and thicknesses
- Fine for gentle or occasional practice
How we chose
We weighted grip and cushioning most heavily, then durability and material quality, and value. We noted that sweatier, hotter practice demands a grippier top surface, while joint comfort calls for more cushion.
No brand paid for placement. Links go to each maker for current sizes and materials.
What to look for
- Grip: crucial if your hands slide; natural rubber and textured tops grip best.
- Thickness: thicker mats cushion joints; thinner mats feel more stable for balance.
- Material: natural rubber grips well; PVC lasts long; choose based on preference and any latex sensitivity.
- Durability: a pricier mat that lasts a decade can be better value than replacing cheap ones.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness yoga mat is best?
Around 4 to 5 mm suits most people, balancing cushion and stability. Go thicker for joint comfort, thinner for balance-focused practice.
Why does my yoga mat get slippery?
New mats can have a slick factory layer that wears off with use and cleaning. For sweaty practice, choose a grippier top surface or use a mat towel.
Are natural rubber mats better?
They grip very well and are more eco-friendly, but they can have a rubber smell and are not suitable if you have a latex allergy. PVC mats are durable and grippy alternatives.
