The 15 Greatest Yoga Mats of 2025, Examined

As a registered yoga instructor with years of expertise guiding personal purchasers—and practically 20 years of non-public follow underneath my belt—I’ve spent numerous hours on the mat. Through the years, I’ve examined dozens of the perfect yoga mats to search out what actually fits me as I circulation by a vinyasa, sweat by scorching yoga, settle right into a yin follow, and discover my heart in prenatal lessons. Whereas every type of yoga lends itself to distinctive yoga mat traits, I are inclined to search for a mat that strikes the appropriate 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 straightforward 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 numerous yoga practices, together with vinyasa, yin, prenatal, scorching, 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 in the marketplace.

  • 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 ft all through testing, and whether or not this element modifications over time. 
  • Consolation: We check every mat no less than twice by a guided vinyasa circulation after which by a number of different exercises. When flowing, we take into account the padding and thickness of the mat and pay attention to how supportive the mat feels underneath our arms, ft, 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 instructor. “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 circulation with dry arms and ft after which spray our arms and ft to do the identical whereas moist (mimicking sweat). We notice 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 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 moveable a mat may be, the higher. Mats that embrace a carrying bag or strap are inclined to carry out higher on this class.
  • Worth: We don’t test the worth of the mats till after we’ve evaluated every possibility 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 forward to it to go on sale.

• What to Look For

  • Supplies: Yoga mats may be constituted of quite a lot of supplies, the most typical being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), pure rubber, and cork. Mats made from PVC are straightforward to scrub, sturdy, and long-lasting, however they aren’t thought-about eco-friendly. Mats made with TPE really feel extra like rubber and may 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 characteristic pure antimicrobial properties and truly get grippier as they get moist. Callahan notes that pure components are inclined to really feel higher on the arms and ft than artificial choices.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the mat performs a task in each cushioning and stability. A thicker mat gives extra consolation on your wrists and knees, however a mat that’s too thick could make it troublesome to remain secure throughout standing poses and inversions, says licensed yoga instructor Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. Because of this, some individuals 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 widespread “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 ft 5 inches tall could need 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 arms and ft are firmly planted on the mat. If each match with out hitting the sides, the mat is the right 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 appropriate weight for you. In the event you’re touring to and from a yoga studio along with your mat, you’ll need an possibility that’s not robust to hold. In the event you’re in search of a considerable piece of apparatus so as to add to your dwelling fitness center, you could desire a heavier possibility.

• What We’ve Up to date

  • Since we final printed our preliminary, totally examined roundup of the perfect yoga mats, we’ve examined 10 extra 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 Greatest Funds, Greatest Grip, Greatest for Plush Cushioning, Greatest for Agency Cushioning, and Greatest Design. We’ve additionally added two new superlatives: Greatest Cork and Greatest Giant.
  • We interviewed one new professional, an authorized vinyasa and yin yoga instructor, to make sure our recommendation on selecting yoga mats is correct and up-to-date.