Master your crow pose and find your center with the best yoga mat for 2024, tested and reviewed

Material: Natural rubber | Dimensions: 68 inches x 24 inches; 74 inches x 24 inches | Thickness: 4.7mm | Weight: 5 lbs. | Special features: Extra-grippy design, eco-friendly, tree planted for every mat sold, 74-inch length available

The JadeYoga Harmony Mat strikes the right balance of comfort, grip and stability, making it our favorite yoga mat overall. It offers 4.7 millimeters of cushioning, a bit more than a standard mat, making it comfortable for harder surfaces. However, we were impressed that despite its extra thickness, we didn't notice any reduction in stability. In fact, the mat was one of the most stabilizing ones we tried.

During testing, the Harmony Mat was the one I kept coming back to. I've tried numerous mats over the years, and this is the first one that I felt improved my practice. Thanks to its firm, grippy surface, I was able to sink deeper into poses and didn't have to worry about slipping and sliding, even during sweatier sessions. The mat also happens to be Barsotti's pick as one of the best mats for hot yoga, thanks to its durability and excellent grip.

The mat rolls out easily and stays flat — there's no need to worry about one pesky end rolling back up during your flow — and once you're done, it rolls up tightly. At 5 pounds it isn't overly heavy, though it might not be the best option for carrying around all day.

Just keep in mind that the mat may be overly sticky for some. My husband noted that it pulled a bit on his chest hair during stomach-down poses. The mat also has a noticeable rubber smell that takes a few uses to dissipate. That said, we didn't find the smell off-putting.

JadeYoga mats are manufactured in the United States. The company is committed to sustainability, crafting its Harmony Mat from eco-friendly, natural rubber. JadeYoga also plants a tree for every mat sold and has a Color Cause program in which profits from certain colors of the Harmony Mat sold are donated to various charities and causes.

Material: Oeko-Tex certified PVC | Dimensions: 71 inches x 26 inches | Thickness: 6mm | Weight: 7.5 lbs. | Special features: Textured top layer, lifetime guarantee, closed-cell construction, extra-long and extra-wide sizes available

Our experts consistently ranked the Manduka Pro as one of the best yoga mats. "Manduka Pro Mat is my No. 1 suggestion! I've had mine for over 10 years, and it still looks like the day I got it. I practice yoga five to six times a week on that mat, plus I've used it for countless hours of yoga teacher training," shares yoga instructor and registered dietitian Mandy Enright.

Featuring a slightly textured top layer, a grippy bottom layer and relaxing color hues, the Manduka Pro feels and looks like a luxury mat. During testing, I appreciated the extra padding during floor poses, where my knees often need a rolled-up towel for additional support. For restorative practices, like hatha or less intense vinyasa practices, I found the mat to be more than capable of keeping me comfortable and supported.

The Manduka Pro mat also has a closed-cell construction, meaning that it doesn't trap moisture, and has an antibacterial coating. As a result, it's easier to clean and less susceptible to bacteria buildup and the smell that comes with it. However, the downside is that the mat's surface is more likely to become slick when wet.

My biggest hesitation with the mat was how often my foot slipped during fast-paced vinyasa flows. According to the company, the Pro mat is supposed to become grippier the more you use it, so the lack of traction might only be a short-term issue. Still, Barsotti states it wouldn't be her top pick for hot yoga.

Lastly, while it isn't cheap, the mat's reputation for durability and Manduka's lifetime guarantee help make it a safer investment.

Material: PVC | Dimensions: 65 inches x 24 inches | Thickness: 5mm | Weight: 3.5 lbs. | Special features: Multiple colors and prints, lifetime warranty, latex-free, access to an online library of yoga content

After using it weekly for over five years, I can attest that my Gaiam Classic Yoga Mat is still in excellent condition. The durability combined with the textured surface for better grip makes this $25 mat an excellent choice for people on tight budgets or those who simply prefer not to spend over $50 on a yoga mat.

As someone with sensitive knees, I was initially drawn to the mat for its affordable price point and extra padding. While there are thicker mats out there, I appreciate that this mat strikes the right balance of being padded enough not to hurt my knees when used on hard surfaces, yet not so thick that it interferes with my balance.

The textured top is another bonus, offering extra grip. However, the texturing can be bothersome if you have sensitive hands.

At 3.5 pounds, the mat is light enough to easily carry to the yoga studio, though don't expect it to fit in a backpack. The company also offers a 2-pound foldable mat that's 2 millimeters thick for a more compact option.

Gaiam mats are widely available online and in large chain stores, including Target and Whole Foods Market. They also come with a lifetime guarantee and access to Gaiam's online library of yoga content.

Material: Open-cell polyurethane foam (PU) and natural rubber | Dimensions: 71 inches x 26 inches; 79 inches x 26 inches | Thickness: 5mm | Weight: 5.5 lbs. in standard length, 7 lbs. in long length | Special features: Smooth top finish, extra absorption, vegan-friendly, multiple lengths available

If you tend to sweat a lot during your vinyasa practice, or you prefer a hot yoga experience (and the accompanying sweat), you need a yoga mat with maximum grip to keep you safe and stable as you strike every pose. The Manduka Grp Adapt yoga mat is designed specifically for this purpose. Unlike the Manduka Pro, the Grp Adapt mat features an open-cell surface that allows moisture to sink in and absorb in its inner core. 

I took this mat outside in the hot Texas sun to see how it held up during a more challenging vinyasa flow. Even as the sweat dripped off my face and flowed down my arms, the mat stayed reasonably dry and my hands and feet didn't slide around. The 5-millimeter thickness was also supportive and comfortable on my wrists and forearms, and I remained stable in balance poses too. 

The back of the mat is also designed to be extra grippy, preventing the mat from sliding around on the floor. It held up to its promise and never once slid out from under me as I moved through the flow. 

When opening this mat for the first time, I definitely noticed a rubber smell, thanks to the natural rubber backing, but it dissipated quickly. The edges also didn't want to lie completely flat. This resolved over the course of the practice, but it was a little annoying at first. 

It's also important to note that the Manduka site states that due to the open-cell PU construction, the mat will show wear over time. For this reason it's particularly important to wash and care for the mat according to the company's instructions. 

Material: Natural rubber base, eco-polyurethane (PU) top surface | Dimensions: 72.8 inches x 26.8 inches wide | Thickness: 4.2mm | Weight: 5.5 lbs. | Special features: Travel bag included, alignment system, grippy top surface, multiple colors

This Liforme Classic Yoga Mat could have also won the top prize for "best yoga mat for hot yoga or sweaty practices." It features a very similar surface and construction to the Manduka Grp Adapt mat, with a smooth and grippy surface, a natural rubber base and comfortable cushioning. The two were a toss-up in that category. If you plan on regularly practicing hot yoga or using your mat for sweaty HIIT sessions, this mat won't disappoint.

But the Liforme mat also stands out for the markings printed on its top, which are intended to help with alignment and posture during your practice. As someone who regularly practices at home and doesn't receive feedback from an instructor on hand or foot placement, I found these markings particularly helpful. They can't guarantee you're hitting every pose exactly as it's intended (you really do need an instructor's guiding insights for that), but they offer a little external feedback to help you stay aligned. 

The combined effect of the ultra-grippy surface and the alignment markings makes this mat one that's worth considering investing in — and we say "investing" because this mat isn't cheap. The classic version is offered at $112, but some of the brand's more colorful mats and designs are closer to $150 (and you can even customize a mat for about $200). Clearly, a mat at these prices doesn't fit everyone's budget — one of the reasons we couldn't name it the "best overall" yoga mat. 

Material: Natural and synthetic rubber, polyurethane, polyester, nylon | Dimensions: 71 inches x 26 inches | Thickness: 5mm | Weight: 5.24 lbs. | Special features: 2-sided functionality, antimicrobial, multiple colors

Lululemon the Mat 5mm is a fan favorite for a reason. It sports a luxuriously smooth grippy top layer that's designed to absorb moisture for high-sweat workouts and a textured, cushioned side for slower, more balance-based yoga flows.

Although the mat isn't our top choice for dedicated yoga, it's the most versatile of those we tested. Its dual-sided design and springy, cushioned feel provided excellent support during HIIT and strength training sessions.

The mat also contains an antimicrobial additive to help prevent mold and mildew, but you should still follow the mat's care instructions to keep it in tip-top shape.

Both Cohen and Enright recommend the Mat for its sturdy, cushioned feel. However, Cohen cautions that it can take up to a day to dry out after a hot yoga class, and its nonslip coating might wear off after a year or so of consistent use.

Material: Natural non-Amazon tree rubber | Dimensions: 71 inches x 24 inches | Thickness: 1.5mm | Weight: 2 lbs. | Special features: 79-inch-long version available, foldable, vegan-friendly

For people needing a foldable, lightweight option, we were won over by the Manduka eKo Superlite. Unlike the Manduka Pro, the eKo Superlite is surprisingly sticky and offers plenty of grip without needing a break-in period. We were also impressed by how easily and compactly it folded. Plus, for those over 6 feet tall, the mat comes in a long size, which adds 8 inches of length and just half a pound of weight.

Like any travel mat, the eKo Superlite is very thin, so if you have sensitive joints, you'll want a towel nearby to place under your knees. You may also want to consider the mat pad we've suggested from Liforme below — it can be used in conjunction with this travel mat to offer an all-around travel-friendly solution. 

The mat features a closed-cell construction, which keeps out moisture and bacteria. It's also easy to clean, though the company recommends using Manduka's Natural Rubber Yoga Mat Restore spray to avoid damaging the mat.

At $52 the mat isn't cheap, especially compared to other travel mats on Amazon. However, Manduka is well known for producing high-quality, long-lasting yoga mats, so you hopefully won't have to replace your eKo Superlite often (or ever, if you're lucky).

Material: Recycled microfiber, non-Amazonian natural tree rubber | Dimensions: 70 inches x 24 inches | Thickness: 5.5mm | Weight: 5 lbs. | Special features: Mat + towel design, multiple colors and patterns, eco-friendly water-based inks, included travel strap

Thanks to its recycled microfiber towel top layer and 5.5 millimeters of cushioning, Yoga Design Lab's the Combo Mat is the softest, most comfortable mat we tried.

The microfiber towel top is designed for excellent moisture absorption, providing plenty of grip during hot and sweaty yoga practices. However, during testing, my favorite use of the mat was for slower practices when you're holding poses for longer. Just keep in mind that the mat is a bit narrower and shorter than standard yoga mats, so it might be a tight squeeze if you're close to 6 feet tall or prefer more room on your mat to move.

Yoga Design Lab was founded by Chad Turner, who sought to make aesthetically beautiful yoga mats from sustainable materials. Specifically, the Combo Mat features a biodegradable natural tree rubber base with a recycled microfiber top layer. Even the brightly colored designs are made from eco-friendly water-based inks.

The Combo Mat is available in 21 designs and comes with a convenient carrying strap. For those who practice yoga on the go, Yoga Design Lab offers a travel version of the Combo Mat that is just 1.5 millimeters thick and 3.5 pounds.

Material: Recycled microsuede and natural tree rubber | Dimensions: 72 inches x 24 inches | Thickness: 3mm | Weight: about 5 lbs. | Special features: Machine washable, vegan-friendly, complimentary carry strap

Some yoga mats have a textured surface that makes them more challenging to clean, while others require you to carefully follow specific cleaning instructions to help maintain the integrity of the mat. Know what's great about this colorful and fun mat from Wild Mingo? You can throw it in the washer and dryer (on a low setting) and you don't have to give cleaning a second thought. 

The ultrasimple care makes this mat a standout, but we also like its grippy, microsuede surface and the fact that it rolls out easily and lies flat (no rolling edges here). It's one of the thinner mats on this list at a more standard 3 millimeters, so it's not as cushioned as some options. If you tend to have achy joints, or if hard surfaces make your knees or wrists hurt, it's worth having a towel nearby for added support. 

We also like that all of the Wild Mingo designs are created by Australian female artists, so the purchase of a mat is supporting their work. 

Material: 100% natural cork and rubber | Dimensions: 80 inches x 26 inches | Thickness: 4.5mm | Weight: 9.7 lbs. | Special features: Naturally antimicrobial, comes with complimentary carry strap

For taller yogis or those who just like a little extra room to move around, the Scoria X-Tall yoga mat is the largest mat we tested. As someone who is 6 feet tall, the 80-inch length and 26-inch width made me feel like I could flow more easily without worrying about the edges of the mat. This was particularly true when moving between seated and lying positions, where I usually have to adjust my position to make sure I don't bang my head on the ground as I lie back. 

Scoria is an environmentally proactive company, and its 100% natural cork and rubber mats are sustainably harvested. Cork also happens to be naturally antimicrobial and anti-slip, so the grip on the mat is high-quality once you've started to break a sweat. That said, the initial grip (when you and the mat are dry) is a bit lacking. The Scoria website suggests spraying the mat with water before starting a practice to ensure a better grip. 

One thing to note is that while this mat is bigger than the other mats on this list, it's also heavier. Weighing in at almost 10 pounds, this isn't something you want to be lugging around with you all day (even with the complimentary carry strap to assist). This is best for a home-based practice or as a mat you can keep in your car between studio sessions — it's not one to use as a travel mat. 

Material: Natural rubber base and eco-polyurethane top surface | Dimensions: 13 inches x 25 inches | Thickness: 4.2mm | Weight: 1.4 lbs. | Special features: Carrying bag included, ideal for travel, nonslip grip

You can think of this Liforme Yoga Pad as a "mini mat." It's about the same width as a standard mat (about 25 inches), but it's significantly shorter — just big enough to place your hands, knees or feet on for added support. Given that it features the same exceptional nonslip grip as the standard Liforme yoga mat, as well as comfy cushioning, this pad has a few ideal uses. 

First, it's a nice option for anyone who needs a little added cushioning during specific poses. Rather than using a towel under your knees or hands to offset discomfort, you can layer this mat over your primary mat to double the support without drastically impacting stability or grip. The small size makes it easy to move it on and off your mat as needed. 

Where this item really shines, though, is as a travel mat "booster." Most travel mats offer little to no cushion so that they're lighter weight and more packable. Where they shine in practicality, they lack in comfort. By pairing this yoga pad with your go-to travel mat, you get the best of both worlds: a highly packable and lightweight yoga "toolkit" that offers support when and where you need it. Liforme provides a complimentary travel bag, and you can simply roll up the yoga pad and pop it inside, adding just under 1.5 pounds to your backpack or suitcase. 

Of course, like Liforme's other mats, this kneepad is on the spendy side. Different versions cost different amounts, but you'll lay out at least $37 to pick one up. If you're in the market for a Liforme mat, your best bet is to do the bundle — you can get a Classic yoga mat and pad for $126.