Yoga is a great way to stay healthy and fit, but it's hard to find a suitable yoga mat. They can be expensive, slippery, can wear out quickly and can smell bad after a few uses. Here we've selected the best yoga mats available in 2022, based on their durability, affordability and comfort level
After extensive research, we believe the best value for money yoga mat is the Manduka X. It's from the brand Manduka, known for its incredible quality. It has a good grip, which will give you stability in your poses but also allow you to flow between poses with ease. It's made of Manduka's exclusive synthetic rubber (TPE) that is 100% biodegradable and eco-friendly. It's also very durable and affordable!
- Best overall: Manduka X
- Best eco: Manduka EKO
- Best budget: Toplus
- With reference lines: Liforme Gratitude
- The most durable: Manduka PRO
- Latex-free: Manduka PRO Lite
- Best design: Plyopic
- Design on a budget: Gaiam Reversible
- Best to carry: Jade Harmony
- Best for travel: Jade Voyager
- The biggest: Cambivo
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Comparison table
Item | Price | Best in | Material | Thickness | Size | Weight | Eco |
Manduka X | Best overall | TPE (biodegradable synthetic rubber) | 5mm thick | 180 x 61 x 0.5cm | 1.7kg | Yes | |
Manduka EKO | Best ECO | Natural rubber | 5mm thick | 180 x 61 x 0.5cm | 1kg | Yes | |
Toplus | Budget | PVC | 6mm | 183 x 61 x 0.6cm | 1kg | No | |
Liforme Gratitude | With guide lines, for tall people | Caucho natural (base), Poliuterano ecológico (superficie) | 4.2mm | 185 x 68 x 0.4cm | 2.5kg | Yes | |
Manduka PRO | The most durable, for Vinyasa, Bikram Yoga | TPE (biodegradable synthetic rubber) | 6mm | 180 x 66 x 0.6cm (estándar) | 3.4kg | Yes | |
Manduka PR O Lite | Latex-free, durable | TPE (biodegradable synthetic rubber) | 4.2mm | 180 x 61 x 0.47cm (standard size) | 1.8kg | Yes | |
Plyopic | With a cool design, antislip | Caucho natural + Eco microfibra | 3.5mm | 180 x 65 x 0.35cm | 2.3kg | Yes | |
Gaiam reversible | A cool design, budget | PVC | 6mm | 172 x 60 x 0.6cm | 1.7kg | No | |
Jade harmony Jade harmony Jade harmony | Small, for carrying | Natural rubber | 5mm thick | 172 x 60 x 0.5cm | 1.9kg | Yes | |
Jade voyager Jade voyager Jade voyager | For travel | Natural rubber | 1.6mm | 173 x 61 x 0.16cm | 0.68kg | Yes | |
Cambivo | Extra large | TPE | 6mm | 183 x 122 x 0.6cm | 1.7kg | Yes |
Choose a mat according to your needs
If you don't want to spend a lot on your yoga mat, we recommend the Toplus or the Gaiam Reversible. Although they are made of synthetic materials, they have a decent grip. That said, if you can, we recommend you to invest a little more and opt for the Manduka X, which is more durable, higher quality and is also eco-friendly.
If you want a yoga mat for Vinyasa or Bikram (hot yoga), you will need a mat with a very good grip and medium thickness, as you will need it to provide sufficient support for your joints but at the same time give you enough stability in your poses that you don't wobble.
The Manduka PRO is the favorite of the yogis because it has a phenomenal grip. Being made of TPE - a synthetic rubber - it will be more durable than one made of natural material. It has a closed cell surface that doesn't absorb sweat and is easy to clean. If you are on a tighter budget, the Manduka PRO Lite or the Manduka X are also great options. They're from the same high quality material but slightly lighter and thinner.
Manduka yoga mats, such as the Manduka X, PROlite or Manduka PRO, are ideal for those with latex allergies. They are made from a type of thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which is a synthetic rubber that contains no latex or other allergens and is of extremely high quality. Manduka's TPE is also biodegradable and environmentally friendly, making it a good choice for those looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat.
If you want a mat with a cool design that will make your classmates jealous, we recommend the Plyopic. There are more than 10 designs to choose from and it's great quality (it weighs about 2.5kg). The only potential drawback is that it's only 3.5mm thick, which may be a bit thin for some people, but it has a microfiber surface that makes it very soft against the skin. If you are on a tighter budget, the Gaiam Reversible may be a good option, although it is made of PVC (so it's not eco-friendly).
If you are looking for a high quality mat that can last a lifetime, look no further than the Manduka PRO. It's considered the best mat on the market, according to yoga experts. It is made from Manduka's own type of TPE, which is a synthetic rubber. This gives you all the non-slip properties of natural rubber but makes it more durable and ideal for practices like vinyasa and bikram yoga. Plus, it has an impressive grip that still allows you to flow between poses without sticking to the mat.
The Liforme Gratitude is also an excellent alternative. It has a phenomenal grip and guide lines that are very useful if you are a beginner. It is made of natural rubber combined with a surface made of eco-friendly polyurethane, which is fully biodegradable. The only downside is that it is quite expensive!
Reviews of the 11 best yoga mats
1. Best overall
The Manduka series of mats are a favorite among yogis for their quality. With the Manduka X, you get the quality of high-end Manduka mats such as the Manduka PRO (known as being one of the best mats on the market) at a lower price.
Like the other mats of this brand, the material is a TPE exclusive to Manduka - a synthetic rubber that provides fantastic grip but also lets you flow between poses without sticking to the mat.
The fact that it is a sinthetic material means it won't wear out as quickly as a natural material like rubber. This makes it ideal for intense daily practices. And even though it is synthetic, Manduka TPE is completely biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
It's 100% latex-free and doesn't use any toxic glues or chemical solvents, making it a great option for people with allergies or sensitivities.
It's 5mm thickwhich is perfect for beginners as well as dynamic yoga practices: it offers you stability as well as enough cushioning to protect your joints. It is also thick enough that you can use it for other types of exercise without a problem.
Finally, it's easy to clean and maintain. It has a closed-cell surface, so it doesn't absorb sweat, which will keep it cleaner and in better condition for a longer time.
Because it doesn't absorb moisture, when it's new, it may feel a little slippery, but the grip improves with use! After a week of wearing it in, you will notice that it has great grip. In the meantime you can use a grip towel (always recommendable if your practices are very sweaty). You can also use a grip salt or gel.
If you're looking for a versatile mat that will last you a long time - the Manduka X is a great investment!
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Pros Manduka X
- Biodegradable & Eco-friendly
- Great grip
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- Available in different colors
- 100% Latex free
- Light enought to carry
- The quality of premium Manduka mats at a lower price point
Cons Manduka X
- Can feel a bit slippery when new - this will improve after you wear it in!
2. Best eco-friendly
The Manduka EKO is a favorite among yoguis for its incredible grip and its eco-friendliness. The entire Manduka series is designed by yoga teachers and has a "Catch Grip" technology that provides good grip but also allows you to flow between poses with ease (without sticking to the mat).
It's made from responsibly-sourced natural rubber - not harvested in the Amazon - and is completely biodegradable.
It's 5mm thick, which is ideal for all types of yoga - thick enough to protect your joints without sacrificing the stability you need for good practice.
In addition, the entire EKO series has a closed-cell surface, so doesn't absorb sweat, which keeps the mat cleaner and in better condition for longer.
As it doesn't absorb moisture, it can initally feel more slippery than other mats (particularly if you are very sweaty), although, according to users, the grip improves after a few uses. In the meantime, you can use a yoga towel or grip gel on the mat.
However, if you practice Vinyasa or Bikram yoga on a daily basis we recommend the Manduka X, Manduka PRO Lite o la Manduka PRO, which are better for intense daily practices, as they're made from a synthetic rubber and won't wear out as quickly as the EKO mat.
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Pros Manduka EKO
- Eco-friendly
- Incredible grip
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- Available in different colors
Cons Manduka EKO
- Can smell a bit at first (this will go away after you air it out)
- It will wear more quickly than a synthetic mat with a lot of sweaty daily practices
3. Best budget
Toplus
If you're looking for a budget-friendly yoga mat, the Toplus is your best bet. It has a double-layer anti-slip surface to ensure grip and it's durable for its price point.
The Toplus mat is made of thermoplastic elastomer, which is a relatively new material in the world of yoga mats. The good thing about this material is that it gives you a good grip, even when wet. It is also easy to clean.
The downside is it's a synthetic material.. If you want a yoga mat that is very good quality as well as environmentally friendly, it is best to opt for one made of natural rubber such as the Manduka EKO or one made from a biodegradable TPE like the Manduka X.
The Toplus is 6mm thick, which can be a bit thick for some users, given it could affect your stability in some balance poses. That said, being thicker, it will provide good cushioning so you can easily use it for other types of exercise as well.
Pros Toplus mat
- Available in different colors
- Affordable
- Includes carrying strap
- Doesn't give off any smell
- Easy to clean
Cons Toplus mat
- Synthetic material, not eco-friendly
- Could be thick for some users
- Durability won't be as good as some more expensive mats
4. With guide lines
Liforme Gratitude
If you're looking for a high-end yoga mat, the Liforme gratitude is a great choice. It has a very nice feel to it and it's ideal for sweaty practices.. It also has reference lines where your hands and feet should go, which can be really useful if you are a beginner. I personally find them very useful for other exercises as well, such as abdominal planks (and their variations), push-ups, etc.
As well as a really nice design, this "Alignforme" system can help you feel more stable in your poses and can help you avoid injury. If you repeatedly do poses without the correct alignment, you can weaken your body without knowing it.
It has a sustainable natural rubber and its surface is made of Liforme's exclusive environmentally-friendly polyurethane, so that in addition to providing an great grip, designed for intense daily practices, it's also eco-friendly and completely biodegradable.
It's also a bit bigger than most other mats, which makes it great for taller people. It's design is also beautiful, inspired by prayer hands and blooming lotus flowers.
If you are serious about your yoga practice and want a mat that will stand the test of time, the Liforme gratitude is a great choice.
Pros Liforme gratitude
- Eco-friendly
- Reference lines to make your practice easier
- Fantastic grip, even when wet
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- Available in different colors
Cons Liforme Gratitude
- Can smell a bit at first (this will go away after you air it out)
- Heavy (if you want to carry it)
- High price
5. The most durable yoga mat
This mat is a favorite of yogis for its thickness and durability. It is also 100% latex-free, so it's ideal for people with allergies. The Manduka pro has a non-absorbent surface that grips your feet and makes it difficult to slide, but still allows you to flow between poses without sticking to the mat. This medium grip makes it ideal for a variety of different yoga practices and especially for intense practices like Vinyasa o Bikram yoga.
It is possible that at first the mat seems more slippery than it should, but this improves after a few uses (you just have to wear it in!).
Because of its closed-cell surface, it doesn't absorb sweat, which means it's easy to clean and maintain - you just have to wipe it down with a wet cloth and some cleaner and that's it!
It's on the thicker side, at 6 mm, but this give it great cushioning. However, it's still quite solid so you don't sacrifice the stability that you need for certain poses - the best of both worlds!
Even though it's one of the most expensive mats on the market, most say it's definitely worth the investment as it can last you a lifetime!
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Pros Manduka Pro
- Ideal for intense daily practices (where you get really sweaty!)
- 100% latex-free
- Incredible grip
- Very durable - will last a lifetime!
- Easy to clean
- Available in different colors
Cons Manduka Pro
- Higher price tag
- Heavy if you want to carry it
6. Latex-free
Manduka ProLite
The Manduka PROlite is the little sister of the Manduka PRO.
Aside from the price, what's the difference?
The material and quality is the same. However, the PRO is available in a larger size (important if you are taller), and is also a bit thicker and heavier. The PROLite was designed for people who want the quality, look and feel of the PRO, but they want a lower price, as well as a thinner and lighter yoga mat.
It's 4.7mm thick, compared to the 6mm of the PRO version and it weighs only 1.8kg, which makes it more suitable if you're going to be carrying it to and from your yoga classes.
Here's a quick comparison of the Manduka mats, according to their most important features:
Manduka X | Manduka EKO | Manduka ProLIte | Manduka PRO | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Size | 180 x 61 x 0.5cm | 180 x 61 x 0.5cm | 180 x 61 x 0.47cm | 180 x 66 x 0.6cm* |
Thickness | 5mm thick | 5mm thick | 4.2mm | 6mm |
Weight | 1.7kg | 1kg | 1.8kg | 3.4kg |
Material | TPE | Natural rubber | TPE | TPE |
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Pros Manduka ProLite
- 100% latex-free
- Great grip which gets better with use
- Very durable
- Easy to clean
- All the quality of the Manduka PRO at a lower price tag
- Available in different colors
Cons Manduka ProLite
- Could be a bit thin for some users
7. Best design
Plyopic yoga mat
If you are looking for a yoga mat with good grip and an attractive design, the Plyopic mat is an excellent choice.
It has a dense rubber base (that weighs 2.5kg!) that grips really well to the floor, so you won't slip around during your yoga practices and the corners of the mat won't turn up . It also has a microsuede surface which feels really soft against your skin. It doesn't use any glues or toxic substances- something not to be overlooked considering the mat will be in contact with your (often sweaty) skin.
It can be a little thin for some users who are looking for more cushioning (it's only 3.5mm thick), but a thinner mat is often better for practices like Ashtanga yoga, as it will give you more stability in balance poses.
If you want a mat with an array of design choices, the Plyopic is a great option. I personally bought the "neometric" version and I love it. I use it for yin yoga as well as other types of exercises.
A lot of the designs are limited edition, so if you see one you like, get it now!
Pros Plyopic
- Eco-friendly
- Great designs to choose from
- Durable
- Antislip
Cons Plyopic
- Heavy (if you want to carry it)
- Can be a little thin for some users (3.5mm)
8. Design on a budget
Gaiam reversible
If you want a mat with a cool design and also budget-friendly, the Gaiam reversible is a good choice. There are more than 10 different designs and colours,and they are revesible, meaning you get two designs in one. The Gaiam reversible is 6mm thick, it is thicker than a lot of other mats on this list. However, being thicker and made from PVC, it will provide good cushioning for your joints, enough to be able to use it for other types of exercise comfortably as well.
That said, if you use it strictly for yoga, you may feel a bit unsteady in certain poses, especially balancing poses, as it is relatively thick and you can sink into the mat a bit.
Pros Gaiam Reversible
- Budget option
- Great designs to choose from
- Antislip
- Suitable for other types of exercise outside yoga
- Light enought to carry
Cons Gaiam Reversible
- Not eco-friendly
- Can be too thick for some users (for yoga)
9. Best travel mat
Jade Harmony
If you want a yoga mat to take with you to class that's high quality and eco-friendly, the Jade Harmony yoga mat is a good choice.
It's made from natural rubber which has a stronger grip and is more cushioned compared to a lot of synthetic materials, like PVC, and it's also completely ecological and biodegradable.
It's 5mm thick which will provide stability in your poses as well as plenty of cushioning for your joints.
It's great grip, even when you're sweaty.. It's a smaller mat, which makes it ideal if you're carrying to and from your yoga class, though it can be slightly too short for taller people..
Pros Jade Harmony
- Eco-friendly
- Durable
- Good grip
- Light enough to carry without sacrificing quality
- Small size - ideal for carrying to and from class
Cons Jade Harmony
- Too small for taller people
10. Best travel mat
Jade Voyager
If you are looking for a travel yoga mat, the Jade Voyager is definitely the best choice.
It's 1.6mm thick and weighs only 0.68kg and although this is very thin for your everyday mat, to travel it's amazing. And despite how thin it is, it has a surprisingly good grip.
It's made from natural rubber which is antislip and it's also eco-friendly.
It's on the small side, so it's great for travel , but it's small for tall people.
Pros Jade Voyager
- Eco-friendly
- Weighs only 0.68kg - ideal for travel
- Good grip for being so thin
Cons Jade Harmony
- Too small for taller people
- Not for daily use at home
- Very thin
11. The big one
Cambivo XL
If you are looking for a larger and very versatile mat, the Cambivo is definitely a good choice.
It's 122cm wide and 183cm longso it's ideal for larger, taller people. It's also 6mm thick, so it provides a good amount of cushioning - enough for some dynamic yoga practices as well as HIIT and pilates sessions.
It's made from a sustainable TPE (a synthetic material) and has a non-absorbent surface, so it won't soak in the sweat, won't smell and will be easy to clean. According to users, it also has a decent grip. muy fácil de limpiar. Según usuarios tiene un agarre decente.
Pros Cambivo
- Extra large
- Versatile
- Good grip
- Easy to clean
- Doesn't have an odour
Cons Cambivo
- Very thick for some users (could affect stability in some balance yoga poses) - down to personal preference
What to consider when buying a yoga mat
When it comes to yoga mats, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The most important is that the mat is comfortable for you. You don't want one that's too thin or too thick - it should be somewhere in between. Also, you'll want a mat that doesn't slip when you're practicing. Some people also prefer latex-free mats, as they may be more comfortable for allergy sufferers.
These are the most important factors to consider when buying a yoga mat:
Grip
This is probably the most important factor. You want a mat with a good grip to prevent slipping while doing your yoga poses, especially when you sweat! Most yoga mats boast about their non-slip properties, but from personal experience not all of them deliver.
In general, the grip depends on the material and the quality of the manufacturing. The best materials for non-slip yoga mats are usually rubber and PVC. These two materials provide the best grip, and will prevent your feet or hands from slipping while performing your yoga poses. That said, we always recommend that you opt for an eco-friendly material if possible.
Manduka's synthetic rubber (TPE) gives you the non-slip properties of natural rubber but is more durable - and the material is fully biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
Cushioning / Thickness
The best yoga mats provide support for your joints. Your yoga mat should not be so thin that it does not provide enough support, but it should also not be too thick as this will affect your stability.
Although yoga mats tend to be thinner than exercise mats so that your limbs don't sink in and throw you off balance, you still need some cushioning to protect your joints (and especially your spine). Personally, I recommend a mat between 4mm and 6mm.
<3mm: Just for travel mats
3-4mm: Good for all types of yoga (for those that prefer a thinner mat)
5mm: For all types of yoga, including dynamic practices like Vinyasa. It's enough cushioning without affecting stability,
5mm+: Can be a bit too thick for some types of yoga with a lot of balance poses, but it largely depends on the quality of the material. This thickness is ideal if you want to use your yoga mat for other types of exercise as well as it will provide plenty of protection for your joints.
Durability
Your mat should be able to withstand a few dynamic yoga sessions without tearing or leaving marks. If you are going to use it strictly for yoga it will last longer than if you use it for other types of exercises as well.
Durability depends on the quality and type of material. Synthetic mats tend to last longer than mats made of natural materials such as rubber, although they tend to be less environmentally friendly.
Ease of cleaning
If you sweat a lot, it is best to choose a mat that is easy to clean after your yoga session; otherwise, dirty water trapped in the pores can lead to bacteria appearing.
Most mats are made with materials that allow them to dry quickly, but some are best cleaned with a vinegar solution to eliminate the sweat trapped in the pores. Here we show you how to take care of your yoga mat.
Price
You don't need to spend a lot on your yoga mat, especially if you only use it to practice at home, but as in most cases, spending more can definitely give you better quality! The best mats are made from natural materials like rubber or eco-friendly synthetic materials like Manduka's TPE, rather than foam or PVC.
Size
Ideally, your yoga mat should be large enough to accommodate you and a little extra room on both sides. But don't be fooled into thinking that bigger is always better. If your mat is too big, it can start to bunch up as you practice, which will throw your form off - so it's best to have one that's a little bigger than your length!
Most mats come in sizes from 170cm x 60cm to 190cm x 68cm.
What size should you buy? Choose a mat that is about 2-5cm larger than you.
Eco-friendliness
When buying a yoga mat, you should check if it is eco-friendly. The most eco-friendly mats are made of natural rubber or cotton. These materials are biodegradable and do not release harmful toxins when you start using them.
There are also synthetic materials that are biodegradable, such as Manduka's synthetic TPE and Liforme's eco-friendly polyurethane. These materials offer you the advantage of being more durable than a natural material, but at the same time environmentally friendly.
How to clean your yoga mat
How often should you clean your yoga mat?
It is always advisable to clean your yoga mat after each use, especially if you sweat a lot! This will keep it fresh, clean and free of microorganisms. Regular cleaning will also help keep your yoga mat in good condition and ensure it lasts a long time.
It is also important to clean the mat before use if you share it with another person, as this will help prevent the spread of any bacteria or viruses.
How do you clean a yoga mat?
The vast majority of yoga mats are not machine washable and can only be cleaned by hand with cleaner. Some mats can take a long time to dry if washed incorrectly, so be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Mats that have a non-absorbent surface, such as the Manduka mats mentioned above, are easy to clean because dirt and sweat are not trapped in the pores. All you have to do is wipe them down with a damp cloth and a little cleanser.
There are many natural yoga mat cleaners you can buy, like this one, or you can make your own solution at home.
How do you make your own yoga mat cleaner?
You can use a simple homemade solution to clean your mat. Mix one part vinegar with three parts water, 10 drops of tea tree essential oil and, if you like, 5 drops of an oil such as lavender or eucalyptus to give it a fresh scent. Tea tree oil is an oil with antimicrobial properties, so if you add it to the natural antibacterial properties of vinegar, your mat will be as clean as it can be.
Spray it on your yoga mat. Use a cloth or sponge to scrub off any dirt or sweat that may be on the surface, then rinse it with cold water and let it air dry.
The takeaway
The best yoga mats are made of natural materials (rubber) or biodegradable materials such as Manduka's synthetic rubber, rather than foam or PVC. They have a good grip and are environmentally friendly. They are thin enough to provide stability to your practice, but also have enough cushioning to support your joints (4mm to 6mm thickness is recommended).
Also be sure to get one that fits your body size so it won't slip while you practice: most mats range in size from 170cm x 60cm to 190cm x 80cm+. A good size for most people is about 180cm long and 60cm wide.
The best mats are also easy to clean and don't absorb sweat.
And finally (and most importantly), they must be comfortable enough to make practicing on them fun!
Our top recommendations are:
1. The Manduka X if you're looking for a great quality mat, with good grip, that's durable, eco-friendly and affordable.
2. The Plyopic if you want a mat with a cool design.
3. The Manduka PRO if you want a mat for intense and sweaty daily practices that will last you a lifetime!
By:
Caty
Caty is a blogger and personal trainer. She loves practicing yin yoga and doing some Power Vinyasa sessions.