A yoga mat is the one piece of kit you are in constant contact with throughout a practice, so it pays to choose well. The right mat grips when you need it to, cushions your joints without wobbling, and lasts long enough to become a familiar part of your routine. The wrong one slides underfoot, flakes at the edges or leaves you distracted by discomfort just when you want to focus. Small differences in grip, thickness and material add up quickly once you are holding a pose and relying on the surface beneath you.
It is worth being honest about what a mat can and cannot do. No mat will improve your flexibility on its own, but a good one removes the little frustrations that otherwise creep in, from slipping hands in downward dog to sore knees in kneeling poses. That reliability matters more the more often you practise, and it is why regular practitioners tend to become quite particular about the mat they roll out.
We have chosen six mats that span the spectrum from generously cushioned studio mats to a packable travel option, taking in grip, durability and sustainability along the way. Whether you are rolling out your first mat or replacing a tired one, there is a sensible option here. A supportive mat also makes the foundational shapes in our top 6 beginner yoga poses feel far more secure.
What to look for
Begin with grip, arguably the most important factor. Natural rubber and polyurethane surfaces tend to hold well, especially once you warm up, which matters enormously if your hands and feet tend to slip during flowing sequences. A mat that grips reliably lets you hold poses with confidence rather than constantly readjusting your footing.
Next comes thickness: around 4mm to 5mm suits most people, striking a balance between cushioning and stability, while thicker mats cushion sensitive joints and thinner mats offer more stability and portability. Consider the material beyond grip, as natural rubber is durable and often more sustainable, while PVC is cheaper but less eco-friendly and less pleasant against the skin for some.
Think about durability, since a dense, well-made mat resists flaking and holds up to regular use for years rather than crumbling within months. Factor in weight and portability if you plan to carry your mat to a studio, as heavier mats are more stable but less pleasant to lug around. Finally, check the cleaning guidance, since natural rubber in particular needs gentle care, and a mat that stays hygienic is one you will keep enjoying.
1. Manduka PRO
The Manduka PRO is something of an institution. Dense, thick and famously long-lasting, it offers substantial cushioning and a closed-cell surface that resists moisture soaking in over years of practice. It is a heavier mat, but that heft is part of its appeal, keeping it firmly planted during standing poses. Many owners report using theirs for years, which helps justify the higher outlay over the long run.
Why it made the six: Its cushioning supports the joints and its build quality means it may well outlast several cheaper mats.
Price: Premium, often positioned as a long-term investment.
The Sixated take: The choice for committed practitioners who want a mat that goes the distance.
2. Liforme Original Yoga Mat
Liforme’s natural-rubber mat is best known for the alignment-marker system printed into its surface, a subtle grid of lines that guides where to place your hands and feet. Combined with a genuinely grippy textured top, it is a thoughtful design that appeals to anyone keen to refine their positioning. The generous length and width also give taller practitioners room to move without running off the edge.
Why it made the six: The alignment guides are genuinely useful for building good form, which complements the routines in our top 6 at-home mobility routines.
Price: Premium, reflecting the natural rubber and the alignment technology.
The Sixated take: Ideal if you are working on precision and want a little guidance underfoot.
3. Lululemon The Mat 5mm
Lululemon’s dual-surface mat pairs a grippy polyurethane top layer with a natural rubber base, a combination aimed squarely at sweatier, more dynamic sessions. The absorbent top keeps traction as your practice heats up, with a reassuring 5mm of cushioning underfoot. It is a popular choice for hot yoga and vinyasa precisely because the grip holds up when things get slippery.
Why it made the six: Its moisture-handling top layer makes it a strong pick for anyone who runs warm during practice.
Price: Premium, in line with the brand’s positioning.
The Sixated take: Best suited to hot, flowing styles where grip under sweat is essential.
4. Gaiam Premium Print Yoga Mat
Gaiam’s printed PVC mat is an approachable, affordable entry point. Lightly cushioned and available in a wide range of designs, it lets newcomers get started without committing to a premium price before they know their practice. It is not the grippiest or most durable option here, but for occasional or beginner use it does the job cheerfully and cheaply.
Why it made the six: It offers a low-cost, cheerful way in for beginners and casual practitioners, much like the accessible tips in our top 6 stretches for desk workers.
Price: Budget, one of the more affordable options here.
The Sixated take: A sensible starter mat before you decide what really matters to you.
5. Jade Yoga Harmony Mat
Jade’s Harmony mat is prized for its tacky, dependable grip, thanks to an open-cell natural-rubber surface. The brand also plants a tree for every mat sold, adding a sustainability angle to an already well-regarded design. The open-cell construction that gives it such good traction does mean it benefits from careful cleaning, but many practitioners consider the grip well worth it.
Why it made the six: The open-cell rubber offers excellent traction, and the eco credentials appeal to sustainability-minded practitioners.
Price: Mid-range to premium, depending on size and thickness.
The Sixated take: A great balance of grip and conscience for regular practice.
6. Manduka eKO SuperLite Travel Mat
For practising away from home, Manduka’s eKO SuperLite is purpose-built. This thin natural-rubber mat folds rather than rolls, weighs very little and packs down small enough to slip into a case or suitcase. It is too thin to serve as your only mat for regular practice, but as a travel companion laid over a hotel carpet or a studio’s shared mat, it is hard to beat.
Why it made the six: It folds neatly for travel while retaining decent grip, making it easy to keep a practice going on the road.
Price: Mid-range, a specialist mat rather than an everyday one.
The Sixated take: The obvious pick as a second mat for travel and studio hopping.
The best yoga mat is the one that matches how and where you practise. Prioritise grip and thickness for your style, weigh up sustainability and portability, and remember that a good mat, properly cared for, can support your practice for years. Choose thoughtfully and it quickly becomes something you look forward to unrolling rather than a piece of kit you barely notice.
If you are just starting out, there is no need to spend heavily straight away. An affordable mat will happily see you through your first months while you work out what style of yoga you enjoy and how often you practise. Many people then upgrade once they know what they want, whether that is more cushioning for sensitive knees, stronger grip for hot sessions, or natural materials for peace of mind. Treat your first mat as a learning tool rather than a lifetime commitment, and let your priorities guide the next one.
Whichever you choose, a little care goes a long way. Wiping the surface down after use, letting it dry fully before rolling it up, and following the maker’s cleaning advice will keep any mat performing well for far longer. A mat that is looked after stays grippy and hygienic, and that steady reliability is exactly what lets you forget about the equipment and focus on the practice itself.