This mat received a near-perfect score in our tests and has an impressive customer rating. Reviewers love how lightweight it is, how easy it wipes down and how it provides good traction.

The grippy surface helps keep your hands stable in balancing poses and it's easy to roll up and carry. This mat is also a great option for hot yoga or sweaty workouts.

Thickness

When considering the best rated yoga mat, thickness plays a crucial role in providing optimal comfort and support during yoga practice.

The thickness of your mat will make a difference for both comfort and stability. The more cushioning you have the better it will be for your joints especially if you have issues like knee pain or achy hips or wrists, but too much can reduce your ability to balance and move with flow.

While thinner mats are great for hot yoga, the grippy surface makes them difficult to hold on to during flowing vinyasas. This Manduka Pro strikes a perfect balance of grip and comfort with its thin polyurethane layer and sweat-wicking' natural rubber base. This mat is also Oeko-Tex certified and latex-free, and comes with a lifetime warranty from the brand.

Thicker mats are more suitable for restorative yoga or Yin classes where you spend most of your time lying down or seated. However, the thickness can inhibit your ability to hold poses for longer as it increases your distance from the ground. They typically range from 6mm to 12mm in thickness, which is as thick as a woolen blanket and can be overkill for most yoga practitioners.

If you want to keep it as simple as possible and just need a basic mat to practice on at home or in a studio, try this option from Oko Living. It's made from PVC-free natural rubber so expect it to have a slight rubbery smell and avoid it if you have a latex allergy.

Durability

When it comes to yoga mats, durability is important. You want to ensure your mat can withstand the abuse of frequent use in a hot yoga studio or sweaty workouts like barre and Pilates. The Good Housekeeping Institute's team of fiber scientists and wellness experts paired up with yoga instructors to evaluate more than 25 different mats for comfort, durability, and appearance. The best yoga mats are thick enough to hold poses and cushion your joints, yet lightweight for easy transportation and storage. They also come in a range of colors and materials to suit the style of your practice. Many yoga mats are made from eco-friendly cork, PU, or natural rubber. Others are made with PVC, which may contain latex and can trigger allergies.

The Manduka Unity Cork is a yoga mat that is quick to dry, offers a good amount of bottom grip when dry, and provides plenty of cushioning to keep you comfortable during a hot yoga class or sweaty workouts. It's also eco-friendly and carries the Manduka Lifetime Guarantee.

This a highly rated yoga mat with an impressive 4.5 stars out of 5 on Amazon and a high customer rating overall. The grippy surface was a tester favorite for providing a firm grip when sweaty, but it's not ideal for sensitive skin and has a slight rubber smell upon first unboxing. Taller yogis might find the mat short in length.

Grip

Grip is important because it helps you keep your hands and feet on the mat in difficult poses. It also makes it easier to stay engaged with your core and decreases the risk of injury. To improve your grip, clean your yoga mat and wipe down any oils or lotions that may build up. You can also add a layer of grip-enhancing yoga powder to your hands or feet before practice. Sweat is another factor that can reduce your grip, so if you tend to sweat a lot try applying a light antiperspirant before your workout.

A great choice for anyone who wants a little extra cushioning, this mat comes in at 4.2 mm thick to provide an ideal balance of comfort and grip. It's also slightly longer and wider than standard-size mats, which means tall yogis can easily find personal space in full classes or small studios.

This mat is made from environmentally friendly natural rubber sourced from renewable trees, and it's free of any latex or other nasties. However, it does have a slight scent when you first unroll it and is prone to picking up dust, dirt, and marks. It also doesn't fold up quite as flat, but you can use a carrying strap to stow it when not in use. Still, it's a great option for anyone who wants a mat that focuses on sustainability and doesn't contain latex.

Weight

Weighing less than five pounds, this mat is easy to tote around. It can also be spot cleaned, laid flat to dry, and rolled up without too much effort. It is also reusable and made from eco-friendly materials. The only downsides are that the material is slightly rubbery when you first unbox it and some users have complained that it doesn’t roll up well.

Some yogis may prefer a more cushioned mat for back pain or comfort, or they might prefer a firmer one because it helps them better grip the floor and maintain stability in poses that require hand-holds. However, a very firm mat can create an uncomfortable experience for some people, especially in some poses that place a lot of weight on the wrists, like upward bow pose, Burlingame-Toppen says.

In our tests, this mat held up well during both the wet and dry yoga sessions and provided a good balance of cushion and grip. It’s also a great option for active flows or poses that involve moving from one side to the other.

Its open-cell fabric wicks away moisture to prevent odor and bacteria buildup, which is helpful for high-intensity practices that tend to generate more sweat. It’s also designed to last for years, even with daily use.

Conclusion

Selecting the best rated yoga mat for maximum comfort and support entails thorough consideration of factors such as material, thickness, texture, and durability. By prioritizing these aspects and aligning them with personal preferences and specific yoga practices, practitioners can enhance their overall experience and performance on the mat. Whether opting for a thick, cushioned mat for joint support or a thinner, more portable option for travel, the best rated yoga mat ensures optimal comfort, stability, and longevity, empowering individuals to deepen their practice with confidence and ease. Ultimately, investing in a high-quality yoga mat tailored to individual needs is essential for cultivating a fulfilling and sustainable yoga journey.