The 15 Greatest Yoga Mats of 2025, Examined

As a registered yoga instructor with years of expertise guiding non-public purchasers—and almost 20 years of non-public follow underneath my belt—I’ve spent numerous hours on the mat. Over time, I’ve examined dozens of the perfect yoga mats to search out what actually fits me as I stream by means of a vinyasa, sweat by means of sizzling yoga, settle right into a yin follow, and discover my heart in prenatal courses. Whereas every fashion of yoga lends itself to distinctive yoga mat traits, I are likely to search for a mat that strikes the correct steadiness 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 simple to hold is a should.

• How We Examined

  I used to be a part of a workforce of Verywell Match editors testing over 50 of the perfect 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 establish 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 establish 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 properly the mats lay flat. We additionally observe how properly the mat stays flat underneath our arms and toes all through testing, and whether or not this element adjustments over time. 
  • Consolation: We take a look at every mat at the very least twice by means of a guided vinyasa stream after which by means of 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 arms, toes, joints, and head. “I cross on squishy mats personally, however I like to recommend them for college kids in want of added assist,” says Ian Callahan, RYT, a licensed vinyasa and yin yoga instructor. “Sometimes, if my downward canine feels good, I do know I’ve picked a great mat.”
  • Grip: To check the grip of every yoga mat, we full one stream with dry arms and toes after which spray our arms 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 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. Based on Callahan, the extra compact and transportable a mat could be, the higher. Mats that embody a carrying bag or strap are likely to carry out higher on this class.
  • Worth: We don’t examine the value 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 might buy the mat at full retail worth or await it to go on sale.

• What to Look For

  • Supplies: Yoga mats could be produced from a wide range of supplies, the commonest being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), pure rubber, and cork. Mats fabricated from PVC are simple to scrub, 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 possibility that function pure antimicrobial properties and really get grippier as they get moist. Callahan notes that pure components are likely to really feel higher on the arms and toes than artificial choices.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the mat performs a task in each cushioning and stability. A thicker mat gives extra consolation to your wrists and knees, however a mat that’s too thick could make it troublesome to remain steady throughout standing poses and inversions, says licensed yoga instructor Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. Because of this, some folks go for thinner mats to allow them to really feel the bottom beneath them. Callahan often 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 could 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 arms 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 correct weight for you. When you’re touring to and from a yoga studio along with your mat, you’ll need an possibility that’s not robust to hold. When you’re in search of a considerable piece of apparatus so as to add to your dwelling fitness center, you might desire a heavier possibility.

• What We’ve Up to date

  • Since we final revealed our preliminary, totally examined roundup of the perfect yoga mats, we’ve examined 10 further choices, bringing the full to over 50 examined yoga mats. We evaluated every one for its design, consolation, grip, portability, and worth, and have included these new insights in our article.
  • Based mostly 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 professional, a licensed vinyasa and yin yoga instructor, to make sure our recommendation on selecting yoga mats is correct and up-to-date.