Best Yoga Mats on Amazon
[amazon table=”2442″]Picking out the right yoga mat can make a world of difference to your practice.
To focus effectively on improving your technique and relaxing into your postures, you need a mat which suits your needs.
Whether you need extra back or knee support, or a mat for excessive perspiration, you’ll be grateful you took the time to do the research before making the purchase.
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
[amazon box=”B077V135W7” title=”Gaiam Yoga Mat” description=”This colourful yoga mat from Gaiam is available on a budget, and can be the perfect companion for your yoga practise with its non-slip PVC design.”]⭐ Our Other Top Yoga Mat Picks
- Best of the Best: Gaiam Yoga Mat
- Best on a Budget: BalanceFrom GoYoga
- Best Yoga Mat for Men: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
Reviews: Best Yoga Mats on Amazon
Gaiam Yoga Mat (👑 Top Pick)
Our top pick is the Gaiam extra thick yoga mat on Amazon.
The first thing you’ll notice about this mat is that there are many striking styles and designs to choose from. From granite mountains to sundial layers, and purple mandala to sapphire feather, there’s a style to suit every taste. Not only does this give you more choice, but the designs themselves are very well done and can add a splash of colour and character to your yoga space.
If you were concerned as soon as you heard about the pretty patterns that this mat might contain toxins and harmful substances, put your mind at rest. This mat is both non toxic and 6P free, which makes it a great PVC mat without any of the stuff that you might be worried about. At around ¼ inches, this mat is thick too, so you can expect minimal movement as you hold your poses.
You might also be surprised at the very affordable price tag, which suggests a lower quality not apparent in the brilliantly detailed designs. You also get an extremely lightweight and durable yoga mat for your money, which has a pleasantly textured surface providing excellent grip during even the sweatiest of yoga flows.
As an extra bonus, this mat comes with a free downloadable yoga workout so you can get straight down to business as soon as it arrives.
Features:
- Made from non-toxic PVC
- 12 colourful patterns to choose from
- ¼ inches thick
- Lightweight
- Non-slip texture
- Includes free downloadable yoga workout
BalanceFrom GoYoga (💸 Best on a Budget)
The BalanceFrom GoYoga is not only the best mat on a budget, but is also considered to be one of the best yoga mats on amazon. This mat is highly portable, available in several colours, and provides plenty of grip to keep you grounded at all times.
This incredibly cheap yoga mat is a no-frills option which favours utility over style. Having said that, there are five bold colours to choose from, so you can still have some say in what style would look best in your yoga space.
The practicality of this yoga mat is what makes it excellent value for money. The first thing you’ll notice is that it rolls down to a convenient size, and is fitted with a strap that allows you to carry it over your shoulder if necessary. This makes it perfect for taking to a yoga class, the park, or wherever else you like to take your yoga mat.
As a dense ¼ inches thick mat, this one will give you plenty of protection for your back and knees during certain poses. If you are at all concerned about hurting yourself during poses like the low lung or any of those which have you laying on your back, then this is the perfect mat for you. That extra support could be the difference between you successfully holding a pose for a long period of time, versus stopping prematurely due to discomfort.
Features:
- PVC mat
- Available in 5 colours
- ¼ inches thick
- Non-slip
- Includes shoulder strap
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat (🧘♂️ Best Yoga Mat for Men)
The Manduka PRO yoga mat is the best yoga mat for men, with a premium design and all the features you could ever need.
The idea for this premium yoga mat was first conceived by an architect-cum-yogi Peter Sterios in 1997. Sterios loved the idea of creating a yoga mat which combined firm grip with the perfect support, and this is the result.
Available in a range of strikingly minimalist colours and patterns, an investment in this sleek yoga mat will feel like buying a designer watch or a stylish new pair of shades. It oozes class and elegance, and invites you to take your yoga practice to the next level.
The mat has a high density cushion build which provides superior support for the joints, no matter where you prefer to do your yoga. Whether you do it on a concrete floor outside or in your living room, this mat will mould to your body for an ultra comfortable experience. It also has a closed-cell surface which prevents moisture from seeping into the mat, keeping it safe from bacteria growth. It is also a great non-slip option, even for those yoga workouts where the sweat is falling freely.
Features:
- Made from Eco-certified PVC
- Available in 13 colours
- ¼ inches thick
- High density cushion
- Closed-cell surface
What To Look For When Selecting A Yoga Mat
When you’re doing your research into yoga mats, there are a few important factors to bear in mind to keep you on the right track.
1. Size
Before you get carried away with materials, styles, and the more interesting factors, you have to figure out which size yoga mat is best for you.
Buy one which is too small, and it won’t support your whole body when you lay on it. Buy one which is too big, and you’ll be needlessly carrying around extra material.
The average yoga mat length is 68 inches, and that is usually fine for someone who’s around 5 foot 8 inches tall.
If you’re taller than that though, you will have to look for an XL size mat. You can find mats as long as 84 inches, which is 7 feet, if you have especially long limbs.
Width isn’t as important as the length of the yoga mat, but the average size is around 24 inches just so you can get an idea of what to aim for.
This should be sufficient for most people, unless you’re more flexible, in which case you should definitely consider a slightly wider mat. This is because you might need extra support to spread out while still being protected from the potentially hard floor underneath you.
2. Thickness
The thickness of a yoga mat is something you need to give a lot of consideration to if you want the perfect one for you.
A good rule is that for greater balance you should go for a thin mat, and for greater support for the back and knees your best bet is a thick one.
The thickness of the yoga mat is something therefore which will largely depend on what your goals are.
If your goal is to build core strength and work on your hip flexibility, then you might be better off going for a thicker mat of around ¼ inches as this will give your body the support it needs to stay in postures for longer.
A low lunge on a thin mat is definitely doable, but can put pressure on your knees resulting in pain if you spend a long time in the position. Likewise core work while laying on your back can be uncomfortable on a thin mat.
If your goal on the other hand is to build strength in the legs and core while standing, and improving overall balance, then a thin mat of around 1/16 inches will serve you well.
You will feel more grounded during your practise as there isn’t much material between your feet and the floor beneath them.
If you’re just starting out, then maybe it’s best to go for a mat that sits somewhere in the middle. A thickness of around ⅛ inches could be a good option as a beginner.
3. Material
The material of the yoga mat is important for various reasons.
It will determine how long the mat will last, how it deals with excess perspiration, and how much grip you are able to get with your feet.
The latter two factors are largely down to the texture of the material.
For example, a mat with a grippy texture will prevent slipping when it becomes wet.
Vinyl (PVC)
Vinyl, or PVC, is the most common type of material used for yoga mats.
The greatest benefit of using a vinyl yoga mat is the durability.
A vinyl yoga mat is the kind of mat that will last you anywhere up to a lifetime.
It is also a very smooth material, but doesn’t allow for slipping. Due to its slightly sticky design, your feet should remain firmly in place for the duration of any standing posture.
Lastly, while vinyl mats are typically available on any budget, they are no way near as eco-friendly as mats made from materials like cork and natural or recycled rubber.
Rubber
The natural rubber yoga mat is a great eco-friendly choice.
Rubber mats are another solid option for grip, since they have a tactile pattern which will hold onto your feet and prevent slipping. This remains true even if you’ve been sweating for a while.
Natural rubber is also a very durable material, so you don’t have to worry about wear and tear.
Cork
A cork yoga mat is an attractive option for a variety of reasons.
For a start, it looks natural. Unlike the bright colours of PVC mats, the cork yoga mat is often a light shade of brown which makes you like you’re standing atop the trunk of a tree as you work through the postures.
It’s also a very sustainable material as it’s 100% biodegradable and can be recycled easily.
If you do hot yoga at all, a cork mat is one of the better choices since it has a fantastic grip akin to a surfboard. So for those moments when the sweat really starts to fall, you don’t have to fall with it.
Lastly cork is non-toxic and anti-bacterial, so you can feel free to take it everywhere with you without worrying about it picking up harmful bacteria or irritating your skin.
4. Weight
The weight of a yoga mat will determine how easy it is for you to lug around.
This is important if you regularly practice yoga outdoors, or if you have to bring your mat to a group yoga class.
The portability of the mat will either be a big factor for you or it won’t.
If you only ever do yoga at home, then it really isn’t much of an issue how heavy it is. Unless of course you have to move it out of the way, or carry it from room to room often.
In this instance you might want to invest in an extra large heavy duty mat, since this will prevent any curling up at the sides or any kind of movement as you go through the motions.
But if you travel in any way with your mat, whether it be to the park or to a friend’s house, you’ll want to be sure that you can carry it with ease.
That also means you should look for a mat which has a convenient strap, or bag that you can carry it in.
5. Style
To some, this will be one of the most important factors, but to others it will merely be an afterthought.
Whichever camp you’re in, it’s worth at least finding a style that you don’t mind using either in public or private.
Your style preference can be based on a variety of factors.
6. Your Yoga Space
While not everybody takes their yoga space as seriously as popular YouTube teachers who have those breathtaking mountain views in the background or large open spaces and their furry friends nearby, it’s something to consider.
If you have a special room for practising yoga, then think about how the yoga mat could fit in with the decor, and the vibe you’re trying to create.
If you practise outdoors, maybe you want to ensure that the mat is more visible and provides contrast to the grass or concrete.
7. Natural vs Artificial
A big factor to consider when it comes to style is whether you prefer the authenticity of the natural look, or the bright and colourful artificial look.
While some love the sight of a natural cork mat, others prefer an artificial mat with a striking pattern or colour scheme.
Not to say that natural mats can’t also have colourful patterns too, but the artificial ones tend to be more visually creative.
This is a factor that will also influence how the yoga mat feels to move around on too, so it’s one that’s worth deliberating on.
8. Colours and Patterns
Whichever type of yoga mat you decide to go with, you’re going to want to pick the right colour and/or pattern for you.
This could be based on the colours of the room you practice in, the colour of the floor beneath if you’re outdoors, as well as of course personal preference.
If you want a loud pink yoga mat then that’s what you should go for. If you prefer a more subtle patterned design, then that’s the best option for you.
It’s worth bearing in mind that the best colour combinations and patterns are typically reserved for the more expensive yoga mats, so it depends how badly you want it in some cases.
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[elementor-template id=”5885″]Frequently Asked Questions About Yoga Mats
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
It depends on what type of support you need for your yoga practice, but you’ll find mats in the range of 1/16 inch to ¼ inches.
The thinner the yoga mat, the better you’ll be able to hold your balance postures for a long period of time. You will feel more grounded due to the lack of material between your feet and the ground beneath you.
At the other end, the thicker mats will be best suited for supporting your back while you do your floor poses. They can also prevent knee pain from the tabletop posture, and low lunges.
In between these two extremes is the medium thickness yoga mat – around ⅛ inches – which will provide some support without compromising your ability to balance too much.
Which yoga mat is best?
The best yoga mat in our view is the extra thick mat from Gaiam.
It’s an outstanding mat available for any budget, and it’s an excellent choice for beginners.
The extra padding on the mat makes it a very comfortable option, and should give you all the support your body needs to work further into those tricky postures.
It also comes in a variety of striking colour combinations and patterns, so you can pick the one which best suits your preferences.
What is the best yoga mat for beginners?
A beginner’s yoga mat should satisfy a few key criteria.
First, it has to cater to your body. That means if you struggle with knee pain or back pain as you do core work, then you’ll want to find a more supportive mat. If you feel like this isn’t as much of an issue and you want to focus on improving your balance, find a thin mat.
Second, it should be tried and tested. When you find a mat you like the look of, check the most popular reviews – both positive and negative – and see if it sounds like a good match.
Third, invest in quality. While it might be tempting to spend as little money as possible in the beginning, you shouldn’t do so at the expense of quality. A mat which scrunches up during a downward dog, or doesn’t absorb sweat after a heavy session isn’t what you want when you’re trying to focus on the postures and technique.
One of our favourite options for anyone starting out is the Gaiam extra thick yoga mat, which also happens to be our top pick overall.
This mat comes in a variety of cool colours and patterns, but more importantly, provides plenty of support so you can focus on your technique and holding the poses for as long as possible.
How much should I spend on a yoga mat?
If you’re committed to your yoga practise, and can see yourself doing it long into the future, then you have to be prepared to spend $50 or more.
There are exceptions of course, like the excellent budget yoga mat BalanceFrom GoYoga which boasts low cost and good craftsmanship.
The more you spend, the better quality the material may be which means various things for your yoga.
If you want a luxury mat that would look great in your living room, or one which effectively absorbs sweat during heavy sessions, then that comes at a greater cost.
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A Final Word From Energetic Lifestyle
Whichever yoga mat you settle on, you’ll be glad you did the research as it can impact your practice greatly.
The best you can ask for is a mat which you don’t notice, that way you can focus all of your attention and breath on the postures.