The 15 Greatest Yoga Mats of 2025, Examined

As a registered yoga trainer with years of expertise guiding personal shoppers—and almost 20 years of private follow below my belt—I’ve spent numerous hours on the mat. Over time, I’ve examined dozens of the most effective yoga mats to seek out what really fits me as I move by a vinyasa, sweat by sizzling yoga, settle right into a yin follow, and discover my heart in prenatal courses. Whereas every model of yoga lends itself to distinctive yoga mat traits, I are likely to search for a mat that strikes the suitable stability between consolation and grip, with simply sufficient cushioning to assist my joints with out sacrificing stability. Portability issues, too—a mat that is light-weight and straightforward to hold is a should.

• How We Examined

  I used to be a part of a staff of Verywell Match editors testing over 50 of the most effective yoga mats, utilizing them throughout varied yoga practices, together with vinyasa, yin, prenatal, sizzling, and extra. We additionally consulted with yoga instructors to assist us determine which key options to prioritize when purchasing for a high-quality yoga mat. When testing yoga mats, we consider every choice primarily based on design, consolation, grip, portability, and worth to determine the highest choices in the marketplace.

  • Design: Earlier than our first mountain pose, we unroll the mats, be aware of packaging, any lingering smells, and consider how properly the mats lay flat. We additionally observe how properly the mat stays flat below our fingers and toes all through testing, and whether or not this element modifications over time. 
  • Consolation: We take a look at every mat at the least twice by a guided vinyasa move after which by a number of different exercises. When flowing, we take into account the padding and thickness of the mat and be aware of how supportive the mat feels below our fingers, toes, joints, and head. “I go on squishy mats personally, however I like to recommend them for college students in want of added assist,” says Ian Callahan, RYT, a licensed vinyasa and yin yoga trainer. “Usually, if my downward canine feels good, I do know I’ve picked an excellent mat.”
  • Grip: To check the grip of every yoga mat, we full one move with dry fingers and toes after which spray our fingers and toes to do the identical whereas moist (mimicking sweat). We observe how confidently we will maintain poses with out slipping. We additionally take into account the feel of the mat and whether or not the sensation of the mat is interesting on naked pores and skin. “Grip undoubtedly issues for stability and strength-building, and good grip can contribute to good alignment,” says Callahan, noting that if a mat feels slick or artificial, he feels much less safe in his pose.
  • Portability: We roll up every mat, evaluating how simply it rolls and stays rolled. Then, we take them with us to courses, the park, or whereas touring to charge their portability and storage. In response to Callahan, the extra compact and moveable a mat could be, the higher. Mats that embrace a carrying bag or strap are likely to carry out higher on this class.
  • Worth: We don’t verify the worth of the mats till after we’ve evaluated every choice in all different key standards. We take into account whether or not the mat is pretty priced given its options, efficiency, and high quality. We additionally take into account whether or not we’d buy the mat at full retail value or look ahead to it to go on sale.

• What to Look For

  • Supplies: Yoga mats could be made out of a wide range of supplies, the commonest being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), pure rubber, and cork. Mats made from PVC are simple to wash, sturdy, and long-lasting, however they aren’t thought-about eco-friendly. Mats made with TPE really feel extra like rubber and could be recycled after use, whereas pure rubber mats are favored for his or her traction and slip resistance. Cork yoga mats are one other eco-conscious choice that characteristic pure antimicrobial properties and truly get grippier as they get moist. Callahan notes that pure parts are likely to really feel higher on the fingers and toes than artificial choices.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the mat performs a job in each cushioning and stability. A thicker mat provides extra consolation to your wrists and knees, however a mat that’s too thick might make it tough to remain secure throughout standing poses and inversions, says licensed yoga trainer Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. Because of this, some individuals go for thinner mats to allow them to really feel the bottom beneath them. Callahan recurrently alternates between a yoga rug, a journey mat, and the extra frequent “sticky” mat, noting that mixing it up helps him keep alignment and reduces reliance on the mat’s grip.
  • Size: The usual dimensions for a yoga mat are 68 inches in size and 24 inches in width. Individuals over 5 toes 5 inches tall might wish to take into account sizing up for a bit extra room on each ends of the mat, permitting for full-body stretching. To check the size of a yoga mat, transfer right into a downward-facing canine and guarantee your fingers and toes are firmly planted on the mat. If each match with out hitting the sides, the mat is the correct measurement for you.
  • Weight: Yoga mats can vary from super-lightweight to heavy, so it’s important to contemplate the way you’ll use your mat to find out the suitable weight for you. If you happen to’re touring to and from a yoga studio along with your mat, you’ll need an choice that’s not robust to hold. If you happen to’re searching for a considerable piece of kit so as to add to your house fitness center, chances are you’ll desire a heavier choice.

• What We’ve Up to date

  • Since we final revealed our preliminary, absolutely examined roundup of the most effective yoga mats, we’ve examined 10 extra choices, bringing the entire to over 50 examined yoga mats. We evaluated each for its design, consolation, grip, portability, and worth, and have included these new insights in our article.
  • Primarily based on our up to date testing insights, we have changed 5 of our picks, together with Greatest Price range, Greatest Grip, Greatest for Plush Cushioning, Greatest for Agency Cushioning, and Greatest Design. We’ve additionally added two new superlatives: Greatest Cork and Greatest Massive.
  • We interviewed one new knowledgeable, a licensed vinyasa and yin yoga trainer, to make sure our recommendation on selecting yoga mats is correct and up-to-date.