We Tested 18 Yoga Mats, and These Are the 10 We Recommend for Every Different Type of Yogi

The JadeYoga Level One Mat is made with natural rubber tapped from trees, which, like its synthetic counterpart, provides great traction on just about any surface, to ensure your mat doesn’t slip out from under you. “It does a great job of staying in place while you are exercising,” says our tester, LT.

McClure is another big fan of the natural rubber mats, saying they have “literally the best grip ever.”

While the mat is targeted toward beginners, LT says its 4-millimeter thickness can be an excellent option for more advanced yogis who need some extra padding for floor-based movements. “While it’s not the most plush mat on the market, it does a good job of giving support and cushioning when needed,” she says.

JadeYoga builds its mats from natural rubber as part of its commitment to being an eco-conscious yoga brand. Their mats are free of synthetic materials, and the company pledges to plant a tree for every mat sold, with more than two million trees already planted.

Like many other yoga mats, the Jade Level One has a strange smell when you first take it out of the box. LT says it dissipated over time, but she adds that she “didn’t like the smell.” Additionally, the mat’s reinforcing scrim (a layer of fabric that helps with tear resistance and overall durability) is visible on the bottom of the mat, whereas most other mats have it hidden inside.

While many yoga mats need to be replaced every few years, the Alo Warrior Mat is something I can see myself using for well over a decade. The all-rubber bottom and polyurethane leather top were put through multiple hot yoga, slow-flow yoga, and ab training sessions, and it still looks and feels like it did on day one.

A big reason I’m comfortable bringing it to hot yoga classes is its moisture-wicking properties. This gives me the peace of mind that the mat will remain free of mold or mildew, regardless of how much I sweat on it, which not only increases its lifespan but also keeps it free of any unpleasant odors. In my experience, cheaper yoga mats can retain odors over time, and nobody wants to keep using something that smells like a high school locker room.

At 8 pounds, this is the heaviest mat we tested, so it’s not ideal for people looking for a lightweight option. Another thing I didn’t love was how easily it creased. I’d recommend being extra careful when stacking stuff on it in the car, as well as getting a carrying strap for it. Alo recommends not putting it in cubbies or storage areas with sharp edges, as they might leave a lasting mark.

Yes, it’s very expensive for a yoga mat. Still, it’s a wise investment if you practice yoga on a near-daily basis and want something that can deliver comfort and durability through multiple sessions.

Those looking to get into yoga for the first time may appreciate the Manduka Begin Yoga Mat’s alignment stripe, which can help you properly align your body during various movements. Unlike other beginner yoga mats that I’ve used, this one has amazing grip and felt sturdy during vinyasa classes and when used for floor work.

It has sufficient cushioning to support bony spots or those with sensitive joints, but it isn’t overly padded to the point where it slips or moves during use (potentially injuring the user). That said, while my experience with it was positive, others think that it’s not as nonslip as advertised.

It is lightweight, making it perfect for grabbing and taking to the gym, or you can roll it up for easy storage at home. It does not come with a carrying strap, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue, since it weighs less than 3 pounds. Also, no odor was detected when opening the box or during use. When I first took it out of the box, both ends were curled, but this quickly worked itself out after a few uses.

Not all mats are reversible, but the Manduka Begin Yoga Mat can be used on either side for increased versatility. While it’s not the cheapest yoga mat out there, the quality far exceeds the price, in my opinion.

This mat delivers on that. In fact, freelance health writer Raki Swanson tested it on a gym floor and observed that “you wouldn’t know it was on that hard of a floor.”

“It was thick and the cushion was enough where my knees didn’t hurt when doing certain poses,” she adds. That extra cushioning came in handy when she tried some more complex yoga moves.

“The extra thickness gave me more padding for when I fell trying to do some poses,” Swanson says. “This mat is thicker and a bit firmer than the other mats that I tested.”

This mat is also a go-to for Burgin. “At 5 millimeters thick, it’s cushy enough for your knees and wrists, but not so squishy that you lose your balance,” he says. “If you’re looking for something that will support you through all sorts of practices, whether you’re into gentle flows or power vinyasa, I honestly think you’ll love this mat.”

While more cushioning generally means more slippage, that’s not the case with this mat. “It first appears that it will be slippery, because the top is very smooth, but it wasn’t,” Swanson says. She adds that it remained sturdy even when being used for hot yoga.

Extra cushioning does mean extra weight, and at 4.3 pounds, it’s a bit heavier than many of the other yoga mats we tested. It also doesn’t come with a carrying strap, so it may be difficult to transport to and from the gym.

For those seeking a little extra comfort or who want a latex-free yoga mat, the Morris & Co. The Pimpernel Mineral Blue Play Mat is a great alternative made from memory foam. “This is a very comfortable, supportive mat,” says longtime wellness writer Nicole Bonaccorso. She recommends it to anyone with arthritis or general aches and pains who finds regular yoga mats to be too thin.

Yes, this is technically a baby play mat, but the “Play Runner” size is close to the dimensions of a standard yoga mat. Plus, it’s reversible, easy to clean, and comes in stylish designs — all the things you want in a mat.

We can’t recommend it for hot yoga, as the memory foam is likely to collect all your sweat and become stinky and mildewy. However, it should hold up just fine for light stretching or slow-flow yoga. That’s what Bonaccorso has been using it for.

“This is a very comfortable mat to do yoga on,” she says.

To be honest, this isn’t a yoga mat for those who travel to classes. “I think it would be a bit heavy and bulky to bring to a class,” Bonaccorso says. If you do your yoga workouts at home, however, this is perfect for that and is a fashionable addition to any room.

“It’s very easy to clean and very cute,” Bonaccorso says.

While many of the mats we tested are suitable for hot yoga, The Mat from Lululemon turned the heat up on the competition with an antimicrobial additive that protects it from mold and mildew buildup. A grippy top layer eliminates the need to put a towel down, even after years of use.

“This mat has been serving me well for many years, and I’d buy it again in a heartbeat should something happen to the one I already use,” says health and wellness writer Ashley Ziegler.

Ziegler isn’t alone in saying that, as many others have endorsed The Mat as the top choice for hot yoga enthusiasts. Looking to cool down a bit? Flip the mat over to reveal its cushioned, natural rubber side that features a 5-millimeter thickness for support during ground-based movements.

Lululemon boasts that The Mat is made with Forest Stewardship Council–certified natural rubber, which means that the trees from which the rubber was tapped are managed in an environmentally responsible way. While that’s true, the mat also contains synthetic rubber and polyurethane, so it’s not a good choice for those who put a high emphasis on environmental sustainability. We also do not recommend it for those with latex allergies.

Ziegler says, “There really isn’t anything I don’t like about this mat,” though she notes that it’s a bit heavier than other mats at just over 5 pounds.

The Yoloha Yoga Unity Pro Cork Yoga Mat has the best grip of any yoga mat I’ve tested, thanks in large part to the fact that it’s mostly made of cork. Your hands and feet will stay connected to the mat at all times, no matter how hard you sweat. It’s also quick-drying, so your sweat puddles should evaporate pretty quickly.

I like that it comes in three size options, so that yogis of any size and height can practice their flows with a stable mat. It comes in many striking design options, but I’m a fan of the neutral cork option. Some yoga practitioners prefer a serene, solid-colored mat for their practice over one in a loud color. This cork mat fits the bill.

In my opinion, this is strictly for people who want to do yoga. The superior grip is great for slow or high-intensity flows, but it’s not the best choice for athletes who cross-train and want something a little more versatile.

I also wouldn’t recommend it for those doing many ground-based movements or those with sensitive joints, as the cushioning is on the thinner side. I was very aware of my bony knees when using this product. At 7 pounds, it’s heavier than other mats I’ve used, and it doesn’t come with a carrying strap or case, despite its higher price.

The company claims that it always lays flat and never slides or bunches up, which I can confirm based on the few weeks I’ve used it.

The JadeYoga Harmony Mat is available in a 74-inch version, whereas most of the other yoga mats we tested topped out at 68 inches, making the Harmony Mat the perfect option for taller yogis. Just be sure you choose the right one, as the same mat is also sold in a 68-inch option.

Despite its longer size, it remains lightweight and has the added benefit of being 4.76 millimeters thick, providing good support for people with sensitive joints.

“I loved the cushioning and support of this mat,” LT says. “My knees were so comfortable and not in pain when all of the weight was on my knees.” The natural rubber is anti-slip and delivers “excellent grip,” according to LT. Although this particular mat wasn’t tested during hot yoga, we imagine it would perform similarly to the JadeYoga Level One Mat, as both are made from the same materials.

Yes, it’s an expensive yoga mat, but LT says the price is worth it if you’re looking for a pain-free experience. “When it comes to bearing down and putting weight on your knees, back, and wrists, having comfort and support is worth the price,” she says. “This mat provides it.”

Like the other JadeYoga mats we tested, this one will take a few days to lose its unpleasant odor. “I did not like the strong smell of plastic of this mat when I first opened it,” LT notes. However, this is a relatively minor complaint for what is otherwise a comfortable, grippy mat in a length that can be hard to find.

Looking for a yoga mat that won’t weigh you down during your next road trip or plane ride? Weighing in at just 2.2 pounds, the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat is the lightest yoga mat we tested. Despite being 1 inch thick (much thicker than the other mats we tested) and 4 inches longer than most standard mats, it easily rolls up for compact storage, and it comes with a carrying strap.

The 1-inch thickness is ideal for those with sensitive joints. “As someone with knee issues, I really appreciate how thick it is,” Ziegler says. That extra thickness, however, means it’s not as nonslip as thinner mats, so we wouldn’t recommend it for hot yoga. “It isn’t quite as grippy as others, so I think there’d be a bit of slipping around,” Ziegler says.

Ziegler warns that there’s a “noticeable” smell when you take the mat out of the box, though it goes away with regular use. Retrospec recommends unrolling the mat and letting it air out for a day or two.

Its all-foam construction means that this mat is lightweight, and Retrospec claims it’s also tear-resistant. Ziegler had no complaints about its performance during testing, although some have mixed opinions about its ability to withstand rigorous use. Still, at around $40, it’s a great value for yoga practitioners looking for an extra-large mat.

Looking for an eco-conscious yoga mat? The top side of the 42 Birds Extra-Long Cork Lightweight The Robin Yoga Mat is made from cork, a renewable resource, and the bottom is made from recyclable foam that’s free of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), plasticizers, and latex.

“I liked using this mat the most because of the cork feel,” says Swanson. This mat performed just as well as the Yoloha Yoga Unity Pro Cork Yoga Mat, with the added benefit of not containing any synthetic materials. That means it’s quick-drying, great for regular or hot yoga, and provides an unparalleled grip.

One of the mat’s standout features is its size, at just over 7 feet long when rolled out. Don’t worry, Swanson says, it is still lightweight and easy to roll up. “I loved that it came with a tie to keep the mat rolled up when not in use,” she adds.

Similar to the Yoloha Yoga cork mat, this one is also not suitable for individuals who perform many ground-based movements or those with sensitive joints. Swanson felt that this mat has less cushioning than others she tested, which could be a deal-breaker for some.