9 best yoga mats on Amazon, as recommended by a yoga teacher

Amazon is a go-to for easy delivery, and our list of the best yoga mats reveals the ones to shop for, with various sizes, support, and colours available

Selection of the best yoga mats on Amazon from Manduka, Gruper, Gaiam, Hatha and Liforme
(Image credit: Future / Amazon)

There's no shortage of options, so the best yoga mats on Amazon are often among the best mats you can find anywhere on the market.

Naturally, the best one for you will depend on what you're seeking. "In yoga, we spend a lot of time on our hands and knees, lying on our back and on our tummy, so we want support and to feel comfortable. A thicker yoga mat is better for anyone with sensitive knees and who wants more cushioning when lying down on the mat," explains certified menopause yoga teacher Libby Stevenson. "Personally, I find a foam mat provides more cushioning and is more comfortable than a rubber mat."

The best yoga mats on Amazon

How to find the best yoga mats on Amazon

  • What will you use the mat for? Firstly, when deciding how to choose a yoga mat, I always tell people to consider what they'll be using it for. Is it just yoga and meditation? Or will your pick of the best yoga mats on Amazon be a multi-use mat that offers enough stability and grip for a home dumbbell workout, for example? "For hot yoga, you want a mat that has good grip when dripping sweat over it, and natural rubber mats provide that, but they are more expensive," adds Libby.
  • What materials do you like? Rubber and cork are more eco-friendly, but they are often heavier and more expensive. While foam mats are ultra-dense and cushioned, they might not be as durable.
  • How much cushioning support do you need? If your joints need a little extra care, I'd suggest opting for a thicker mat or a mat that comes with a knee pad for further support. If you don't need extra cushioning, stick with yoga mats around 4mm or 6mm. "Most types of yoga classes do well with either a 4mm or 6mm," adds Libby. "There isn’t much difference between them for practising yoga, but there is in terms of cushioning."
  • How often will you use your mat? If you're planning to do yoga every day, it's best to invest in a durable mat that will last you for years to come (so one made of rubber or cork). Some popular foam mats need to be replaced every 300 - 400 sessions.
  • Will you be travelling with your mat? I love to work out on the move, going from the studio to work and back home. If you plan to do the same, you'll want a travel-friendly mat made from a lightweight material. In this case, it's best to opt for foam over rubber, such as the BalanceFrom GoYoga+ All-Purpose 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Yoga Mat. You might also want to choose an option that comes with a carry strap or handle. "Generally, travel yoga mats are very thin and don’t provide much support, nor are they very comfortable to lie on," cautions Libby. But, as you generally won't be using the mat every day, it shouldn't be a problem.

Do I need a 4mm or 6mm yoga mat?

If you need a little extra joint support, opt for the 6mm yoga mat. If you intend to use your pick of the best yoga mats on Amazon during higher-intensity workouts, or you don't need the extra support, 4mm should be fine.

Generally, most yoga mats are around 4mm thick, but for some, a mat thicker than 4mm can feel too cushioned and cause them to lose their balance, especially if they're using the mat for other workouts such as HIIT, strength training or Pilates. In this case, there are even thinner mats available at 3mm or even 2mm and 1mm, although these are prone to ripping.

For those who want a little extra support, a 6mm thick yoga mat can provide more cushioning for joints, protecting hands, wrists, knees and feet. For those practising yin yoga or yoga nidra, 6mm mats can be more comfortable than a thinner mat. However, it's worth noting, thicker mats are usually heavier and, therefore, not as travel-friendly.

If you find a 6mm yoga mat still doesn't offer you enough support, you can buy yoga mats (many of them are featured on this list) up to 12mm. Alternatively, experiment with a knee pad which you can move around the mat to add extra cushioning where you need it most.

Ciara McGinley

Ciara McGinley is a meditation practitioner and health journalist. She qualified as a meditation teacher with the British School of Meditation in 2020 and is the founder of Finding Quiet, a series of classes, workshops and retreats that combine meditation practices and mindfulness techniques to make mindful living realistic in an always-switched-on modern world. She is all about bettering that mind-body connection but believes wellness looks different to everyone.

Ciara is also the former Health Channel Editor at woman&home and has covered all things health and wellbeing for years, from fitness to sleep to relationships. 

With contributions from