Yoga mats possess remarkable versatility as fitness equipment, making them an indispensable component of various home workout routines. Whether you prefer attending a local yoga studio or practicing in the comfort of your own home, it is crucial to possess a high-quality yoga mat that offers optimal grip and support.
To assist in identifying the key factors to consider when selecting a yoga mat, we sought the expertise of Mandy Ingber, a renowned yoga instructor and author of the book Yogalosophy: 28 Days to the Ultimate Mind-Body Makeover. Based on material, size, thickness, grippiness, price, and portability, we carefully selected mats for our comprehensive testing.
Ingber also suggests taking aesthetics into account when choosing a mat since the colors and design of your mat can inspire and enhance your yoga practice, encouraging you to spend more time enjoying the experience.
Over four weeks, we rigorously tested 24 different yoga mats in The Bestyogazone Testing Lab and in home environments. After conducting over 1000 hours of testing, we assessed various aspects such as the ease of unrolling and laying the mat flat, the level of support and cushioning provided by the thickness, the presence of a non-slip surface, and the portability of each rug. We also evaluated the mats' ability to withstand sweat and humidity without becoming slippery. Furthermore, we ensured that the mats were easy to clean and maintain over time.
Based on our extensive testing, we have identified the top picks that excel in hot yoga sessions, are suitable for travel, ideal for home use, and offer various other benefits.
1. Best Non-Slip Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
If you've been in the market for a yoga mat that will truly stand the test of time, chances are you're familiar with Manduka's PRO Yoga Mat. Renowned for its exceptional quality, this mat is a popular choice among experienced yogis and instructors. In our assessment, we discovered that it lives up to its reputation.
The Manduka PRO may require a brief break-in period before it attains the non-slip surface that enthusiasts rave about. However, when compared to other mats we evaluated, such as Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, we were genuinely impressed by its instant grip as soon as it was unpacked. We didn't find it necessary to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping, contrary to the brand's recommendation.
In our assessment, we tested the longer version of this mat, which is available in two different lengths. However, it's important to note that with increased length comes added weight. The Manduka PRO, weighing 8.8 pounds, emerged as the heaviest mat in our test, despite the manufacturer's claim of it weighing 9.5 pounds. Considering its substantial weight and higher price point, it would have been desirable for the mat to come with a carrying bag or strap. Consequently, this mat scored lower in terms of portability, storage, and care, earning a rating of 4.7 out of 5 in these aspects.
2. Best Thick Mat Balance From GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
With a thickness of nearly 13 millimeters, this mat stood out as the thickest among all those we tested. Its foam material offers a softer and more pliable cushioning compared to any other mat we tried, making it an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive joints or those seeking a versatile mat for bodyweight exercises. What's even better is that this mat provides all the expected grip and padding at a fraction of the price of most other mats on our list.
However, the significant thickness of the mat may result in a slightly less stable and grounded feel in certain poses, particularly when the balance is crucial. For yoga practice, a thinner mat might be preferable, while a thicker mat would be better suited for Pilates or other workouts. Ultimately, the choice of yoga mat thickness comes down to personal preference.
During our sweat test, this mat demonstrated good grip, but we did encounter occasional squeaking noises when transitioning into specific poses. The noise proved to be distracting, so we wouldn't recommend it to individuals who prefer a more meditative practice. It's also important to note that the mat takes some time to completely flatten out after unpacking
3. Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
If you're seeking a yoga mat that offers an extra sense of security, particularly during intense and sweaty workouts, the Jade Harmony yoga mat is highly recommended by yoga and Pilates instructors. It has also garnered praise from Lisa Lucas, the senior vice president, and publisher at Pantheon & Schocken Books. The grip is a standout feature of this mat, as noted by yoga instructor Liz Wexler, who mentions that it effectively prevents sliding, even during vigorous movements. Furthermore, its durability allows for easy cleaning in the washing machine, a convenient attribute for maintaining hygiene.
Patrick Foley, a manager, and teacher at Sky Ting, attests to the popularity of Jade mats among their studios, using one himself for home practice. He emphasizes the eco-friendliness of the natural rubber material and its reliable grip, even when encountering perspiration. Additionally, the mat provides a comfortable level of cushioning due to its thickness. Although the price may appear higher, Wexler assures us that the investment is worthwhile, as these mats are built to last for several years.
Jade's Harmony model shares the same grippy natural rubber as their more affordable Level 1 mat but offers additional plushness through the increased thickness. It is available in three different length options to suit individual preferences. Having personally used the Harmony since 2019, I appreciate its ability to lie flat without the curling edges found in lighter-weight PVC models, which can interfere with poses utilizing the ends of the mat.
4. Gaiam Performance Dry-Grip Yoga Mat
If you're aiming to recreate a hot yoga experience in the comfort of your own home, you'll need a yoga mat that can maintain its grip even when you're sweating it out. The 5-mm-thick mat from Gaiam comes highly recommended by Bethany Lyons, the founder of Lyons Den Power Yoga. According to Lyons, she adores the feel and grip of this mat. Eileen Fisher, a fashion designer with over 40 years of yoga experience and over 17 years of daily practice, is also a major fan of the Gaiam mat. Fisher appreciates its five-millimeter thickness, which provides just the right amount of cushioning, and she emphasizes that it remains non-slippery. The top coating of the mat ensures a reliable grip even when damp, helping to keep your hands and feet grounded throughout your practice.
5. Jade Travel Yoga Mat
Sharron Lynn, the founder of the wellness community Breathe Flow Be, joins the recommendation for Jade's rubber mats and expresses a particular fondness for their travel mat, which is versatile enough for use both on the go and in stationary settings. Lynn praises the mat for being lightweight, weighing just over three pounds, as well as its easy-clean feature. She finds it to be an excellent choice for practicing yoga both outdoors and indoors. What she values most is the mat's nonstick textured rubber surface, which offers a remarkable grip. Lynn first learned about this mat from a fellow yogi who believed it would provide better traction during practice. Having encountered slipping issues due to sweat and moisture in heated yoga classes, Lynn decided to give Jade's mats a try based on the recommendation,
It's important to note that this travel-style mat is one of the thinnest options on our list, so if you prefer substantial support, it may not be the ideal choice. However, it offers a stable sensation during standing poses, and its thinness contributes to its remarkably low weight, making it effortless to carry around.
