Choosing yoga mats is a big deal for most enthusiasts. They are designed to protect your joints from what is potentially too much pressure on your joints, especially in certain poses. The mats can also help you to keep the proper form and alignment by giving you a boundary for the poses that you choose to enjoy. These yoga mats are usually great for helping you to stay stable when you are in more complex poses as well.
With this in mind, we decided that we wanted to help you find the best possible solution for your yoga mats. We put a list together of our most favorite options and the ones that most people seem to feel are most effective at keeping you safe. They are easy to clean, durable, and thick enough to cushion your entire body.
Table of Contents
Our Top Choices for Best Yoga Mats
We searched everywhere to see which options would meet the most people’s needs. Our favorite options are listed below, as well as a buyer’s guide to help you make the best yoga mats choice for your needs. We hope that it helps you make a good choice that will last you through many workouts.
#1. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Exercise Yoga Mats
This 1/2-inch-thick yoga and exercise yoga mat measures in at 71 x 24-inches, making it ideal for most people. There is enough padding to ensure less pressure on your joints. It has a non-slip surface on both sides to ensure you don’t spend half your workout chasing it down. This can also keep you safe when doing more complex exercises.
It is a portable mat with an easy-to-use straps system and handle. When you are finished with your workout, you can wipe it down with soap and water since the foam will not absorb or hold sweat. It is backed by a two-year warranty to ensure that you are 100% satisfied with your purchase.
Conclusion
At 1/2-inch thick, this yoga mat does the job of protecting joints from pressure when doing yoga or other exercises. Some people say that the mat can make a little noise when in use and there is a chance of indentation, but overall, it still seems like a solid choice. It promises durability and ease of use. If it doesn’t meet your needs, there is a warranty available, which is something we feel is important.
Pros
– Easy to Roll
– Very portable
– Good Thickness
Cons
– Some Indentation Possible
#2. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Black Yoga Mats
With high density, anti-tear material, this 1/2-inch yoga mat could be a good choice for most people. Several color choices are available, each one measures 1/2-inch thick and has comfortable cushioning spines to protect your knees, elbows, and other body parts from yoga pressure.
This yoga mat promises to be resilient so that you can keep your balance no matter what positions you get into. It also promises to never absorb odors and wipes clean with only soap and water. It comes with straps to ensure it stays rolled up when not in use. It can be easily carried with a handle.
Conclusion
With a two-year warranty backing this yoga mat, we feel it is worth checking out. We like the black color because it will not show dirt. We also like that it will not slide around when in use. Whether you enjoy yoga or some other type of exercises, this mat seems like a good choice according to most people and we hope that it is what you have searched for as well.
Pros
– Thickness
– Portable
– Stable
Cons
– Goes Flat/Indents
#3. BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose 1/4-Inch Yoga Mat
If you don’t need a lot of padding, this 1/4-inch yoga mat may be a better option. It measures 68 x 24-inches, which still makes it usable by most people. It is designed to keep you comfortable on hard floor surfaces and promises to keep you stable by being non-slip. This increases your balance when doing tough poses and exercises.
This yoga mat also promises to maintain its resilience no matter how much time you spend using it. You can wash it with soap and water only. There is a yoga mat strap included to make it easier to store and carry with you to the gym if you want to.
Conclusion
The GoYoga mat has an anti-tear cover that is water resistant and odor resistant. It will not slip and slide the way that some mats do. It also allows you to simply wipe it clean when you are done. We like that it isn’t as thick as some yoga mats, but still provides a barrier between you and the floor. We hope that it impresses you as well.
Pros
– Easy to Roll
– Stable
– Comfortable
Cons
– Shoes May Tear It
#4. Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
This yoga mat is available in either 1/2- or 1-inch thickness. Either will measure 72 x 24-inches, which should give most people plenty of room to move while it relieves stress on your joints. It also has a non slip surface that can keep you balanced.
These yoga mats are BPA-free. They are safe to use every day. It is recommended that you never submerge the mat to clean it. Instead, you should use a gentle soap, a wash rag, and water to wipe it down. Hang it to dry and then roll it up to store it.
Conclusion
When you first receive this yoga mat, there may be a slight odor from the ink. If you find it unappealing, you can allow it to air out for a couple days before use. A strap is included for your convenience when both storing and carrying your yoga mat. It also weighs only 4.25-pounds, and we do think it is worth looking at.
Pros
– Good Thickness
– Comfortable to Use
– Easy to Clean
Cons
– Not Durable
#5. Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
This PRO yoga mat is 6mm thick. It is eco friendly and has an ultra-dense cushion to provide you with ample support. There are several color options available. They weigh in at 7.5-pounds and measure in at 71 x 26-inches. A longer size is also available.
These yoga mats are covered by a lifetime warranty to ensure that you always have a mat you can love. It promises to be stable, meaning it will not slip. It is free of all harmful substances.
Conclusion
Although thinner than many mats available, it still puts a barrier between you and the floor. We like that it allows you to hold your position without ever worrying about slips or slides. It is easy to wash because you simply wipe it down. We also really enjoy knowing that it is fully backed by a lifetime warranty. This is the peace of mind that most of us look for in all our purchases.
Pros
– Heavy Duty
– Portable
– Good Cushioning
Cons
– Slippery When Wet
#6. Gaiam 68 x 24 x 6mm Yoga Mat
These beautifully printed yoga mats match your personality and style. They are durable and lightweight at only 3.43-pounds. Since they are printed, they will release a non-toxic odor when first opened. The mat is free of PVC and a variety of other hazardous things.
The mat will not slip or slide when in use. This increases your safety as well as the durability of the mat. You will also receive a free, downloadable yoga workout to ensure that you are getting the most use from your new mat.
Conclusion
Because this is a printed mat, you should open it and allow it to air out. This is more for comfort rather than necessity since it is free of the most harmful phthalates. We love the many styles of prints that are available with this mat and we feel that most people will also appreciate how fun it is to see and to use.
Pros
– Portable
– Durable
– Comfortable
Cons
– Strong Smelling
#7. Jade Yoga Mat
This yoga mat weighs in at only 4.2-pounds. It measures in at 68 x 24 x 0.19-inches. It is made with natural rubber to ensure a very strong grip and more cushion than other types of mats. It also promises great traction and stability for standing poses.
A bonus for some people is that the mat is made within the U.S. It is also available in a variety of colors that may appeal to you.
Conclusion
This yoga mats list promises to be thick enough to be comfortable and big enough to protect your joints. It does not slip around, which increases its stability. There may be a strong odor when you first receive it. This is from packaging and the rubber content that creates it. For some people, this may be a downside, but you will have to decide for yourself.
Pros
– Thickness
– Stability
– Durability
Cons
– Too Thin for Some
#8. IUGA Pro Non-Slip Yoga Mat
If you want the ultimate grip, this yoga mat promises to be a good option. It has a polyurethane top layer that will keep you stable when you are using it. It is SGS Certified and made to be completely odorless. It will never have a rubbery smell when you use it. The mat also promises to ensure that odors from sweat and use will not develop with use.
This lightweight mat weighs in only at 2.5-pounds. It will not stretch, flake, or fall apart with use. You can also expect it to not get slippery if wet, thanks to a water absorbing surface that will still clean up easily. With the mat, you will get a carrying strap.
Conclusion
This yoga mat is designed by yoga lovers for others who enjoy it. Therefore, you can expect a high-quality, eco-friendly mat that will last you through many exercises. We like that it is relatively thin, very durable, and will never let you slip. We like all that it offers and hope you will as well.
Pros
– Easy to Clean
– Stable
– Comfortable
Cons
– May Scuff
Yoga Mats Buyer’s Guide
When buying a yoga mat, there are several things you may want to look at. Each one will increase your comfort when using it and make your workout session more enjoyable. Below are some of the top considerations.
Weight
The weight of your yoga mats is important if you plan to carry it to the gym and stuff when you go. On average, most will weigh between 2- to 7-pounds. Some people will want to stick with lighter if it is something they will move around a lot.
You may also want to consider a mat that has straps to hold it in a rolled position and maybe even a handle. This will make it even more able to go with you anywhere.
Thickness
Yoga mats also come in a variety of thicknesses. Thinner mats are ideal for increasing stability when doing more active poses. Thicker mats will give you an extra bit of cushioning. Some say that it is best for therapeutic uses when kneeling or resting on your forearms.
If you are just getting into yoga, you may want to start with one that is about 1/8-inch thick. This is the most standard thickness.
Material
There are a variety of materials used in creating a yoga mat. Some brands are made with PVC, which can be non-absorbent and become slippery if you sweat a lot. However, it is good for anyone that may be allergic to latex since it is latex free. The downside is that it is not one that is necessarily biodegradable, which can make some people look for other options.
TPE is also very common. It uses plastic and rubber polymers, which will make it recyclable in most cases. The downside is that they may lack the durability that we want in a yoga mat.
A final option, and one that is throughout our list, is eco-friendly mats. They may be made with natural rubber or other options. Some of them may tend to lack grip on the floor, but may also provide more than enough traction for your body. The do, however, seem less durable than pure rubber or PVC mats.
Other Considerations
Before you buy a mat, of any kind, we suggest that you first decide how you plan to use it. Consider asking yourself:
How often will you use the mat? If you plan to use your mat very often, you may want to choose one that has proven it is very durable.
What do you think your yoga will involve? Will you stick with the basics or try for more advanced yoga exercises?
How much money do you want to invest? Yoga mats are available in a large range of prices. Make sure you choose one that you can feel good about choosing based on price.
Final Thoughts
We hope that we have helped you find the best yoga mat for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or someone who has been doing yoga for a while, the perfect mat is out there. With any luck you will find it on our best yoga mats of 2021 list. If not, we at least hope we have let you know what is available so that you can make a good choice when buying another option.
Yoga Mat Buying Guide FAQs
Q. What Is the Best Thickness?
Ans. Most people suggest around 1/4-in thickness for most yoga mats. However, if you spend a lot of time on ground positions, you may want to consider choosing one of the thicker mats.
Q. Which Material is Best?
Ans. Yoga mats are designed to be durable. You have to choose the material that you are most comfortable with. From there, you can read reviews to find out which you feel will keep up with your workouts the best.
