Just in time for Black Friday, we've rounded up the best yoga mats currently on the market. We're anticipating sales to ramp up as Black Friday gets closer, but there are already deals to be had — like 28% off our favorite folding mat, the Primasole Folding Mat, on Amazon.
The best yoga mats are those that offer fantastic grip even during hotter practices or challenging yoga postures such as downward dog. Knowing which yoga mat best suits your purpose can be tricky to navigate, especially when there are so many materials to choose from. That’s where Live Science comes in. We have tried and tested various yoga mats to make selecting a new mat easier for you.
If you want to get the most out of your cool-down routine, check our guide to the best foam rollers, or keep track of your practice with one of the best fitness trackers.
The quick list
Best folding mat
The perfect travelling companion, Primasole's yoga mat folds into a neat square and is super lightweight, making it easy to pack away in your luggage for those regular travellers.
Best eco-friendly mat
If you want to maintain an eco-conscious practice but don’t want to compromise on grip and versatility then the Jade Harmony yoga mat might be the option for you on account of it being made from sustainable materials and natural rubber.
Best for travel
This yoga mat is super thin, just 3 mm thick, and while cushioning isn’t its highest priority it is an excellent mat if you’re planning to travel. Just 2.8 lbs in weight it is ideal for a daily yoga practice when out of town but isn’t ideal for sweaty sessions.
Best for yoga teachers
Recommended by yoga teachers, the Manduka PROlite is spacious, coming in three sizes, while also offering superb cushioning and an antibacterial closed-cell design to help extend the lifetime of the mat. Perfect for busy teachers.
Best budget
For those with under $50 to spend the Gaiam Premium is a solid choice. 6mm thick and made from a sweat-absorbent PVA material this mat is also latex-free so it is suitable for those with allergies.
Best for beginners
Boasting an alignment system as part of its design, this yoga mat is great for beginners to help them practice their positioning. Being 6.35 mm thick means this mat provides added comfort for those new to yoga.
Best yoga mats we recommend in 2025
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The best yoga mat overall
On the whole, user reviews on this mat are positive with many people claiming it the ‘best mat they’ve ever used’. One Lululemon reviewer said that it was “the ultimate mat. Quality unbeatable. Versatile from yoga to HIIT and this mat will last you, so value for money”. However. one Lululemon user wasn’t happy with the color of the mat compared with the website image, comparing it to “a piece of ham”.
For once you can believe the hype: The Lululemon Reversible 5mm Yoga Mat is worth every cent. Well made, durable and with excellent traction in both wet and dry conditions, it’s the yoga mat that keeps on giving.
During our Lululemon Reversible 5mm Mat review we found that it’s springy enough to move around on with great cushioning to support bones and joints. Its thin polyurethane layer and ‘sweat-wicking’ natural rubber base, does a good job at absorbing moisture and the antimicrobial additive in the mat prevents bacteria from building up.
It’s a bit smelly when you first open it, and tends to scratch easily. It’s also a little on the heavy side at 2.38 kg but that doesn’t matter if you’re driving to class or you usually workout from home. Plus, the 5mm thickness means you get the support where you need it most.
- Read our full Lululemon Reversible 5mm Mat review
Best yoga mat for grip
The Yogi Bare Wild Paws yoga mat is one of the more expensive brands we tested and sits just above the $100 mark. However, we highly doubt you’ll need to replace this mat for years.
4mm of springy thickness provides enough padding for classes like Yin but still allows you to feel grounded and well connected with the floor and mat. However, we recommend travel yogis look for other brands in our round-up because this mat weighs 2.5kg and feels heavy-duty under your arm. The good news is that the weight prevents the mat from sliding around or furling at the sides.
If you’re after sustainable design, this mat also ticks the boxes. It’s made of natural rubber and PU (polyurethane synthetic leather), making it both non-slip and fully recyclable. We love that Yogi Bare encourage buyers to send in their old mats to be repurposed as part of their recycling campaign, bagging you a discount on a future purchase.
4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon isn't bad for the Yogi Bare Wild Paws yoga mat. It has been described as ‘pretty and functional,’ and one buyer said they are a ‘Yogi Bare convert for life.’ One user mentioned that the stickiness wore off after around 10 hot yoga classes and another noticed some wear and tear – but that was after 1.5 years.
We noticed scuff marks and paw prints (yes, our dog also enjoys downward dog) after the first use, but the mat is easy to clean (warm water and diluted lemon juice at the ready), and we did test the black design – a notoriously tough color for hiding wear and tear.
If you’re looking for grip factor and a posture boost, this mat won't fail you – even in humid hot yoga classes. The lack of slippage makes it perfect for dynamic classes and hot yoga, but it can hold its own during low-impact classes and even when you’re keen to get playful with arm balances or inversions.
Best folding yoga mat
✅ You travel a lot: This folding mat is compact and light making it perfect for busy people who want to maintain a regular yoga practice while travelling for work or when on holiday.
✅ You're looking for comfort: This mat provides reasonable support for a traveling yoga mat so would suit those who need extra padding for their joints.
❌ You're a perfectionist: The folding lines on this mat mean it doesn't sit flush with the floor so those who prefer a neat surface to practice on may not enjoy this mat.
❌ You're after a beautiful design: Available in only 4 colors, the Primasole folding mat is a plain mat with no beautiful artwork.
Users give the Primasole folding yoga mat a 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon, complimenting its design for travelling, ‘works well for the casual yogi’ while another called it ‘perfect’.
The thickness seems to be what gets the negative reviews with one using saying that bought two for extra padding. Other comments include that the mat wore after five months.
The yogi who travels will fall in love with this mat. Weighing only 2 lbs, the Primasole yoga mat folds away into a small square, perfect for tucking into your luggage without it taking up too much room.
Available in four colours and made from PVC, the Primasole is available for less than $20 on Amazon. In our Primasole Folding yoga mat review, we found the grip is good unless you’re doing a hot yoga practice where we advise a grip towel. Being 4mm thick should give sufficient protection while being in restorative postures but we recommend using yoga props too, for added comfort.
Easy to pack and carry and easy to unfold and fold back up in class or in your hotel room, the Primasole folding yoga mat is simple. The grey color also hides marks and wear.
- Read our full Primasole Folding yoga mat review
Best for eco-friendly credentials
✅ You're climate conscious: This mat is made from natural rubber and reversible for longevity, extending its life and helping the planet.
✅ You're into Hot yoga: Offering great grip, this mat is one for those who attend Hot Yoga classes regularly.
❌ You walk to a studio class: Being on the heavy side, this mat won't suit those with a long trek to class.
❌ You have a latex allergy: Made from natural rubber so not advised for those with a latex allergy.
JadeYoga website reviews are glowing. One person said ‘thank you! … I loved it immediately," and another said ‘thank you for creating the ultimate mat. Your mats are hands down the very best I have ever used … You understand what it means to be in your body and not thinking about slipping.”
These comments come from around the world and span a range of climates and abilities which bodes well for the brand and its versatility.
Self-titled ‘nature’s best yoga mat’, the standout feature of this yoga mat is the rough, grainy texture of the natural rubber. This has been sourced from rubber trees – a rapidly renewable resource – and contains zero nasties, but JadeYoga recommends avoiding this mat if you have a latex allergy as the mat could contain traces.
There has been no compromise in quality when keeping to a sustainable ethos. The material isn’t like the soft PU coating of other mats, which might not be for everyone, but it’s well suited to anyone who gets creative with balances, tends to sweat more, or just prefers hot yoga classes. In our Jade Harmony yoga mat review, we found the texture harder to wipe down for this reason, and the mat is sensitive to sunlight and chemicals, so water and a damp cloth will be your new best friend. It’s also reversible, which should help improve durability.
We recommend this mat for most ability levels and practices, but while it is 5mm thick (slightly thicker than the Yogi Bare Wild Paws yoga mat), it actually felt thinner and less suited to restorative classes. Those who favor a creative practice will love the design, but beginners or anyone nursing bad knees will benefit from trying another mat from this round-up.
The rougher rubber texture attracts dust and sweat staining, but this is typical of grippy mats and can be combatted by simply cleaning it down after every class. We also recommend picking a more travel-friendly option from our lineup if you plan to take your mat away with you. All in all, if you want to shop with a brand whose heart and soul are rooted in being Earth-conscious, this mat will serve you well, alongside a durable design.
- Read our full Jade Harmony yoga mat review
Best yoga mat for balance training
✅ You need extra grip: This mat offers superb grip for those needing it in Ashtanga or Hot yoga classes.
✅ You're looking for an eco-friendly option: This mat is biodegradable and durable so it's perfect for those who want a good mat without harming the environment.
❌ You practice headstands often: It might be best to invest in a thicker mat for more support if you regularly practice headstands.
❌ You have a latex allergy: Made from natural latex so we don't advise those with a latex allergy to use this mat.
The Super Grip Yoga Mat gets lots of five star reviews on Sweaty Betty, with praise for the mat’s durability and support. Customers love the design and look of the mat, as well as the fact that it is biodegradable. Many reviewers had bought the mat multiple times, claiming it offered the perfect amount of grip and thickness. Negative reviews cite problems with the mat being too hard, losing its grip after a year and the logo peeling off.
The Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat lives up to its name on the grip front and provides excellent support and stability for all types of yoga.
Its sticky latex surface makes it durable enough to withstand a hot yoga session, and its non-slip nature makes it great for stability, meaning that you can stay in balance poses such as downward dog for longer.
In our Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat review, our one complaint was that due to its stickiness, this yoga mat is also somewhat of a dust and dirt magnet. It also picks up marks easily, but this is nothing that regular cleaning (and a carry bag for storage) can’t resolve.
Because this eco-friendly mat is made from natural latex (avoid if you have a latex allergy) you should expect a strong odor at first. However, this does wear off in time. We would note that this mat is a little thin for headstands, so you might need to add a towel to make it thicker.
- Read the full Sweaty Betty Super Grip Yoga Mat review
Best yoga mat for travel
✅ You need grip: This mat offers good grip for a travel yoga mat so would suit dynamic practices.
✅ You want to give back: For every mat sold, a tree is planted. Guilt free shopping.
❌ You need padding: Being thin, this mat won't suit those with sensitive joints.
❌ You're sensitive to smells: The scent of this mat may not suit those with sensitive noses.
The JadeYoga Travel Yoga Mat scores an impressive 4.6 stars out of 5 on Amazon, with 76% of reviews giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise the lightweight design and the fact it's thin and portable. Customers particularly liked the grip and support it offered. Negative reviews cite problems with the mat being difficult to clean, as well as leaving hands and feet feeling greasy after a workout.
The Jade Yoga Travel Yoga Mat is perfect for travel as it’s thin, lightweight and compact. It easily folds down to the size of a yoga block, and has a textured design that gives it great grip. While this mat will take up very little space in your luggage or your closet at home, the downside is that its super thin profile means that there is zero padding in this travel mat. We would also recommend rolling the mat out after you unpack it to minimize creases.
This yoga mat is made from PVC-free natural rubber so expect a rubbery smell for the first few weeks (and avoid this product if you have a latex allergy). It has an open cell construction and is really sticky, which is ideal as it means that you won’t slip and slide during your yoga session.
We found in our JadeYoga Travel Mat review that the mat can be a little slippery when sweat-soaked, but it doesn’t tend to mark or stain which is a big bonus. Jade Yoga has a plant-based mat wash you can use for cleaning, but we found that regular sprays worked just as well (although avoid UV cleaners as these can damage the rubber). Overall, a great value mat with good performance for travelling yogis.
- Read our full JadeYoga Travel Mat review
Best yoga mat for posture improvement
✅ You like alignment help: The 3D alignment cues on this mat are perfect for those yogis looking to perfect their postures.
✅ You're looking for a beautiful design: This mat comes in various designs and colors, all stunning to look at.
❌ You want smooth transitions: The grip is so good it may stop you polishing your transitions which might interfere with an Ashtanga practice, for example.
❌ You're looking for a lightweight mat: This mat weighs more than others so may not suit those who need to travel between places for classes.
The Lululemon Take Form yoga mat garnered 3.4 stars out of 5. Positive reviews complimented the thickness of the mat while others praised how much grip it offers even in hot yoga classes.
Negative reviews complained the 3D design didn’t help enough with positioning and the markers were too subtle. Some also thought it felt thinner than 5mm, but we disagree. Another user said the Take Form was ‘too sticky’ which made transitioning harder.
The Lululemon Take Form 5 mm yoga mat is one of the most expensive on our list, retailing at over $100. But its beautiful design and cleverly subtle alignment cues allow every yogi to lead intuitively with their senses.
The goal of this mat is to create a more sensory and naturally flowing experience, using a 3D design to help improve your practice and better guide and position you. It comes in a range of soft marbled tones and features delicate concentric circles that look like raindrops spanning and rippling across your mat; each one is slightly ridged and helps guide your hand and foot positioning, as well as indicating the midline of the mat.
As always with Lululemon, materials are carefully considered. This model is crafted from natural rubber (certified by the Forest Stewardship Council) and is plushly padded and super grippy. We found in our Lululemon Take Form yoga mat review, it held its own in heated dynamic classes and more restorative Yin-based practices and cushioned enough that we could still hold firm on our balances.
Some users found the sticky grip prevented smooth transitions and others felt the ridges didn’t provide enough guidance, but we loved our time on this mat. Those seeking a lightweight design should consider others in our round-up, and the Take Form looked noticeably heftier than its Jade Harmony yoga mat counterpart.
Those trying to save some cash could benefit from the popular Lululemon Reversible 5mm yoga mat, but we felt extremely at home on this model, and there’s plenty of space to have some fun.
- Read our full Lululemon Take Form yoga mat review
Best yoga mat for teachers
✅ You're tall: This mat offers extra space for those who need more room to stretch.
✅ You're a yoga teacher: Flow through a practice with ease with the dotted back holding your mat firmly in place.
❌ You want superb grip: Offering good grip but not fantastic grip, the Manduka PROlite falls short here.
❌ You practice Hot yoga: Sweat made this mat more slippery.
The Manduka PROlite yoga mat scores an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars on Amazon. Positive reviews praise this mat for its design, durability and for its unmatched ability to stay in place during practice. One user said ‘it’s lightweight and stays firm on the floor during yoga class…the thickness is just right, allowing cushioning when doing poses on knees.’ Another loved the balance between thickness and weight and how much stability it offers.
Negative feedback reported how slippery the mat was, with one user reporting theirs didn’t improve over time despite breaking in using sea salt.
The 100% latex-free, recyclable, and OEKO-TEX certified PVC (free from hazardous chemicals) Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat is a favorite among yoga teachers and students.
Three size options – regular, long, and long and wide – make this mat suitable for yogis of all shapes and sizes, and the dotted underside keeps you secure as you practice.
We tested the regular mat from the PRO series – one of the OGs of the Manduka range. It offers 4.7mm of thickness to provide for your joints but retains enough stability to support inversions and balances. The textured top layer is designed with teachers in mind, helping you to move through your flow without sticking to the mat – a gripe often found with super grippy mats.
However, we found the closed-cell material – designed to prevent the absorption of bacteria and sweat – created a filmy top layer that caused a lot of slippages. Manduka recommends ‘breaking in’ your mat with repeated practice and a grip towel to help ramp up the grip factor over time. If your patience wears thin, you can also perform a salt scrub to help speed things up.
We love how much room this yoga mat offers, and the standard size weighs 1.9kg; this should be travel-friendly for most.
- Read our full Manduka PROlite yoga mat review
Best all-rounder
✅ You like alignment cues: Offering alignment markers, this mat can help your balance and posture.
✅ You need stability: This is a good mat to consider for more dynamic practices where you need grip.
❌ You travel to class: Those who travel by walking or public transport to class may find this mat a bit on the heavy side.
❌ You want a bright, colorful mat: This mat only comes in dark colors.
Of the twelve reviews left on the Liforme website for this model, just about every one scores the mat five stars out of a total of five, bar one who only dropped one star from their rating. This buyer admires the look of the mat but had a few small qualms, “Debris shows up on it because it’s so dark. If you do warrior poses quickly it’s difficult to turn quick and keep your balance BUT for gripping it’s superb! Your palms/ fingertips, pads of toes and feet are like suction cups.”
In our Liforme Yoga Mat review we found this mat to be a dependable and supportive choice, boasting excellent grip and design features for dedicated yoga practitioners. It offers a durable and comfortable surface, albeit at a slightly heavier weight of 2.5kg, making it less ideal for frequent transportation.
Its robust construction and performance justify the higher price point, ensuring long-lasting use. The mat's thoughtful design, including alignment markers, contributes to maintaining balance and proper posture during yoga sessions - and it looks pretty great!
When it comes to care, following the straightforward cleaning instructions provided by Liforme will keep the mat in optimal condition. Overall, the Liforme Yoga Mat is a worthwhile investment, elevating the yoga experience for enthusiastic yogis ready to level up their practice or for people who need extra reliable padding and stability in their yoga sessions.
- Read our full Liforme Yoga Mat review
Best budget yoga mat
✅ You are new to yoga: A budget friendly option to get you started.
✅ You need support for your joints: This mat offers good padding to protect sensitive joints.
❌ You practice hot yoga: The sweat absorbency is not sufficient for a hot yoga class.
❌ You will use this mat a lot every week: This mat marks easily so may not last long if used multiple times a week.
This mat scores 4.1 stars out of 5 on Target, with 59% of reviews giving it the full five stars. Positive reviews praise the price, cushioning and color choices as well as the thickness of the mat. Taller customers particularly liked the size and extended length. Users also appreciated the quality and thickness, while negative reviews cite problems with the grip lessening the sweatier the user got.
The Gaiam Premium Solid Color Yoga Mat is reversible, so you can choose which side suits your yoga style or activity.
It comes in at under 50 bucks so it’s a solid budget-friendly option for people new to yoga.
It’s a good size for taller people who need a bit more mat space, and has great cushioning to support joints and bones. That makes it a good choice for anyone using it for circuits or HIIT workouts, too.
Our main complaints are that it tends to mark easily and the stickiness doesn't last very long. It’s sweat absorbent to an extent, but not compatible with hot yoga. The plus side is that it’s latex-free and comes with Gaiam’s lifetime guarantee.
- Read our Best Resistance Bands to enhance your yoga practice.