The 15 Finest Yoga Mats of 2025, Examined

As a registered yoga trainer with years of expertise guiding non-public purchasers—and almost 20 years of private apply underneath my belt—I’ve spent numerous hours on the mat. Over time, I’ve examined dozens of the very best yoga mats to search out what really fits me as I circulate by a vinyasa, sweat by sizzling yoga, settle right into a yin apply, and discover my heart in prenatal lessons. Whereas every model of yoga lends itself to distinctive yoga mat traits, I are inclined to search for a mat that strikes the suitable stability between consolation and grip, with simply sufficient cushioning to help my joints with out sacrificing stability. Portability issues, too—a mat that is light-weight and simple 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 very best yoga mats, utilizing them throughout numerous 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 looking for a high-quality yoga mat. When testing yoga mats, we consider every possibility primarily based on design, consolation, grip, portability, and worth to determine the highest choices available on the market.

  • Design: Earlier than our first mountain pose, we unroll the mats, pay attention to packaging, any lingering smells, and consider how effectively the mats lay flat. We additionally observe how effectively the mat stays flat underneath our palms and toes all through testing, and whether or not this element adjustments over time. 
  • Consolation: We take a look at every mat at the least twice by a guided vinyasa circulate after which by a number of different exercises. When flowing, we contemplate the padding and thickness of the mat and pay attention to how supportive the mat feels underneath our palms, toes, joints, and head. “I go on squishy mats personally, however I like to recommend them for college kids in want of added help,” says Ian Callahan, RYT, an authorized vinyasa and yin yoga trainer. “Usually, if my downward canine feels good, I do know I’ve picked mat.”
  • Grip: To check the grip of every yoga mat, we full one circulate with dry palms and toes after which spray our palms and toes to do the identical whereas moist (mimicking sweat). We be aware how confidently we will maintain poses with out slipping. We additionally contemplate the feel of the mat and whether or not the sensation of the mat is interesting on naked pores and skin. “Grip positively 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 lessons, the park, or whereas touring to price their portability and storage. In keeping with Callahan, the extra compact and transportable a mat could be, the higher. Mats that embrace a carrying bag or strap are inclined to carry out higher on this class.
  • Worth: We don’t verify the worth of the mats till after we’ve evaluated every possibility in all different key standards. We contemplate whether or not the mat is pretty priced given its options, efficiency, and high quality. We additionally contemplate whether or not we’d buy the mat at full retail worth or look ahead to it to go on sale.

• What to Look For

  • Supplies: Yoga mats could be constituted of quite a lot 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 of 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 possibility that function pure antimicrobial properties and really get grippier as they get moist. Callahan notes that pure parts are inclined to really feel higher on the palms and toes than artificial choices.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the mat performs a job in each cushioning and stability. A thicker mat affords 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 folks go for thinner mats to allow them to really feel the bottom beneath them. Callahan commonly alternates between a yoga rug, a journey mat, and the extra frequent “sticky” mat, noting that mixing it up helps him preserve 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 contemplate 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 palms and toes are firmly planted on the mat. If each match with out hitting the perimeters, the mat is the correct measurement for you.
  • Weight: Yoga mats can vary from super-lightweight to heavy, so it’s important to think about 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 possibility that’s not powerful to hold. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a considerable piece of kit so as to add to your residence gymnasium, it’s possible you’ll choose a heavier possibility.

• What We’ve Up to date

  • Since we final printed our preliminary, absolutely examined roundup of the very best yoga mats, we’ve examined 10 further choices, bringing the full 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 Finest Price range, Finest Grip, Finest for Plush Cushioning, Finest for Agency Cushioning, and Finest Design. We’ve additionally added two new superlatives: Finest Cork and Finest Massive.
  • We interviewed one new skilled, an authorized vinyasa and yin yoga trainer, to make sure our recommendation on selecting yoga mats is correct and up-to-date.