The 15 Best Yoga Mats of 2025, Tested

As a registered yoga teacher with years of experience guiding private clients—and nearly 20 years of personal practice under my belt—I’ve spent countless hours on the mat. Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of the best yoga mats to find what truly suits me as I flow through a vinyasa, sweat through hot yoga, settle into a yin practice, and find my center in prenatal classes. While each style of yoga lends itself to unique yoga mat characteristics, I tend to look for a mat that strikes the right balance between comfort and grip, with just enough cushioning to support my joints without sacrificing stability. Portability matters, too—a mat that’s lightweight and easy to carry is a must.

• How We Tested

  I was part of a team of Verywell Fit editors testing over 50 of the best yoga mats, using them during various yoga practices, including vinyasa, yin, prenatal, hot, and more. We also consulted with yoga instructors to help us identify which key features to prioritize when shopping for a high-quality yoga mat. When testing yoga mats, we evaluate each option based on design, comfort, grip, portability, and value to identify the top options on the market.

  • Design: Before our first mountain pose, we unroll the mats, take note of packaging, any lingering smells, and evaluate how well the mats lay flat. We also observe how well the mat stays flat under our hands and feet throughout testing, and whether this detail changes over time. 
  • Comfort: We test each mat at least twice through a guided vinyasa flow and then through several other workouts. When flowing, we consider the padding and thickness of the mat and take note of how supportive the mat feels under our hands, feet, joints, and head. “I pass on squishy mats personally, but I recommend them for students in need of added support,” says Ian Callahan, RYT, a certified vinyasa and yin yoga teacher. “Typically, if my downward dog feels good, I know I’ve picked a good mat.”
  • Grip: To test the grip of each yoga mat, we complete one flow with dry hands and feet and then spray our hands and feet to do the same while wet (mimicking sweat). We note how confidently we can hold poses without slipping. We also consider the texture of the mat and whether the feeling of the mat is appealing on bare skin. “Grip definitely matters for stability and strength-building, and good grip can contribute to good alignment,” says Callahan, noting that if a mat feels slick or synthetic, he feels less secure in his pose.
  • Portability: We roll up each mat, evaluating how easily it rolls and stays rolled. Then, we take them with us to classes, the park, or while traveling to rate their portability and storage. According to Callahan, the more compact and portable a mat can be, the better. Mats that include a carrying bag or strap tend to perform better in this category.
  • Value: We don’t check the price of the mats until after we’ve evaluated each option in all other key criteria. We consider whether the mat is fairly priced given its features, performance, and quality. We also consider whether we would purchase the mat at full retail price or wait for it to go on sale.

• What to Look For

  • Materials: Yoga mats can be made from a variety of materials, the most common being PVC (polyvinyl chloride), TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), natural rubber, and cork. Mats made of PVC are easy to clean, durable, and long-lasting, but they aren’t considered eco-friendly. Mats made with TPE feel more like rubber and can be recycled after use, whereas natural rubber mats are favored for their traction and slip resistance. Cork yoga mats are another eco-conscious option that feature natural antimicrobial properties and actually get grippier as they get wet. Callahan notes that natural elements tend to feel better on the hands and feet than synthetic options.
  • Thickness: The thickness of the mat plays a role in both cushioning and stability. A thicker mat offers more comfort for your wrists and knees, but a mat that’s too thick may make it difficult to stay stable during standing poses and inversions, says certified yoga teacher Kayla Hargett, E-RYT. For this reason, some people opt for thinner mats so they can feel the ground beneath them. Callahan regularly alternates between a yoga rug, a travel mat, and the more common “sticky” mat, noting that mixing it up helps him maintain alignment and reduces reliance on the mat’s grip.
  • Length: The standard dimensions for a yoga mat are 68 inches in length and 24 inches in width. People over 5 feet 5 inches tall may want to consider sizing up for a bit more room on both ends of the mat, allowing for full-body stretching. To test the length of a yoga mat, move into a downward-facing dog and ensure your hands and feet are firmly planted on the mat. If both fit without hitting the edges, the mat is the proper size for you.
  • Weight: Yoga mats can range from super-lightweight to heavy, so it’s essential to consider how you’ll use your mat to determine the right weight for you. If you’re traveling to and from a yoga studio with your mat, you’ll want an option that’s not tough to carry. If you’re looking for a substantial piece of equipment to add to your home gym, you may prefer a heavier option.

• What We’ve Updated

  • Since we last published our initial, fully tested roundup of the best yoga mats, we’ve tested 10 additional options, bringing the total to over 50 tested yoga mats. We evaluated each one for its design, comfort, grip, portability, and value, and have included these new insights in our article.
  • Based on our updated testing insights, we’ve replaced five of our picks, including Best Budget, Best Grip, Best for Plush Cushioning, Best for Firm Cushioning, and Best Design. We’ve also added two new superlatives: Best Cork and Best Large.
  • We interviewed one new expert, a certified vinyasa and yin yoga teacher, to ensure our advice on choosing yoga mats is accurate and up-to-date.