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
Grace Walsh
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
You are now subscribed
Your newsletter sign-up was successful
Want to add more newsletters?
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."
As a certified meditation practitioner and yoga enthusiast myself, I also know the importance of having a supportive yoga mat. And after years of trying some of the best ones, and a few too many poor-quality ones, I've finally cracked the code on how to choose them. Here is my selection of the very best yoga mats on Amazon, including the best thick yoga mats, travel-friendly mats, and foam and rubber options - across a range of price points.
The best yoga mats on Amazon
This high-quality, eco-friendly Manduka mat is our overall top pick from Amazon. It's 5mm thick and features a dry, anti-slip TPE material, making it suitable for almost any yoga or Pilates workout at home. It's cushioned, grippy and ticks all the boxes. It also doesn't smell at all or have any chemically-smelling odours, unlike some other mats from Amazon.
At £70, it's not a cheap option, so it may only be worth the investment if you genuinely use it a lot. However, even if you only use it every week, you'll still get your money's worth with this mat. I can attest to its durability - I've had mine for six years (and counting!)
It's also not the thickest mat on the list, but its high-density cushioning offers brilliant support. If you're looking for something slightly thicker, the Manduka Pro Yoga mat (also available on Amazon) could be a better option.
Thickness: 5mm.
Buy it if: You want a professional-grade mat that stands the test of time.
Don't buy it if: You're seeking something lower budget.
If you're looking for an affordable everyday yoga mat, look no further than this two-colour mat from Gruper. It's thick, has a non-slip texture, an extra-large size, and comes with a handy strap for travel. It's also available in a range of different colourways, though some of the other colours are around double the price. It's made with a premium TPE-friendly material and has relatively eco-friendly credentials, though it's not necessarily the best on the list if that's your main criterion.
Weighing just 0.75kg, it's a brilliant, portable mat, and I recommend it to anyone who only occasionally needs a yoga mat or anyone trying yoga for beginners who isn't ready to splash the cash on expensive kit yet. And don't just take my word for it, either - it comes with an average rating of 4.5*, based on over 8,000 reviews.
If you do have more budget to work with, however, or need a mat for daily use, it is worth investing in the Manduka Pro or Manduka X Yoga Mat instead.
Thickness: 6mm
Buy it if: You're on a budget, but are seeking a versatile, reliable mat.
Don't buy it if: You're carrying it around often - some users have reported the bag tears very easily.
While this yoga mat retails at around £40, you can often find some colours on sale, so if you're not in a rush to get it, it's worth adding to your cart and waiting for the price to drop. However, at under £45, it's still a great mat. It's on the thicker side at 10mm, but is slightly less cushioned than the BalanceFrom mat. This makes it a good compromise between the thicker and standard support mats for those who want a more versatile option. It's also made with a durable NBR foam.
It's not the grippiest mat on the list, so it's definitely best for stability-focused yoga, stretching, Pilates with weights, or general strength training, rather than faster at-home or studio workouts. It's also longer than many others on the list at 72 inches (6ft), which will either be a pro or con, depending on the space you have available and the types of workouts you'll be doing on it.
Unlike some other mats on this list, the Gaiam mat is fulfilled by Amazon US. This means it still comes with free shipping for Prime users, but it will take a little longer. However, when we checked, all colourways would still be on our doorsteps within six days, so it's hardly a long wait time.
Thickness: 10mm.
Buy it if: You want an adaptable mat for lower-impact workouts.
Don't buy it if: You want a more compact mat. It's also not as non-slip as some others on the list, like the Manduka mats.
You won't regret investing in this mat if it's in your budget and if you need a little guidance with your practice. I love the superb quality and eco-friendly materials of this mat. It's super grippy and not too thick, making it the perfect choice for a session that requires a lot of single-leg balancing. It also features alignment aids, unlike other mats on this list, which are really helpful.
It's not suitable for those allergic to latex, but it's one of our absolute favourite luxury picks. It comes in a variety of eye-catching colours and looks as superb on the studio floor as it does folded up in your gym bag.
Thickness: 4.2mm
Buy it if: You want to invest in improving your practice.
Don't buy it if: You have a latex allergy.
At 12.7mm thick and 71 inches long, this is undoubtedly a thick mat, designed to support your joints through stability exercises, rather than HIIT workouts. It also comes with a knee pad for extra support, which is another 35mm. So, if you're looking for an excellent non-slip mat that supports your joints, this is our pick of the best.
The anti-tear layer on this mat makes it a favourite of mine as it's more durable than other thicker mats I've tried. It also comes with a strap and weighs under 1kg, so it's surprisingly portable, despite its thickness.
At just under £40, it's a great, affordable choice, and it probably comes with the most reviews on Amazon out of all the mats on this list: over 29,000 people have reviewed it, giving it an impressive overall rating of 4.6*.
Thickness: 12.7mm.
Buy it if: You need extra support and conditioning.
Don't buy it if: You'd prefer a thinner mat.
TPE material is non-slip, odourless and easy to clean, and it's available in abundance with this mat, which is extra thick. You can count on this mat for support as it's moisture-resistant and grippy on most surfaces, including tiles and wooden floors, as I discovered.
Again, it's one of the thicker mats on the list at 12mm, so it's best suited for stability-minded yoga workouts, any workouts where you spend a lot of time on your back, such as pelvic floor yoga, and stretching exercises. While it's available in different colourways, only the black one is currently in stock.
Thickness: 12mm.
Buy it if: You care about non-slip over anything else and want lots of cushioning.
Don't buy it if: You don't need lots of cushioning.
For stability, the Adidas Fitness Mat is a great option. It has a ridged base on the underside of the mat for more security and better grip on most surfaces. I especially love this design feature for tile floors. At under £25, it's one of the more affordable mats on my list, and it comes in a couple of colourways. At time of writing, the 7mm mat costs just £23.99 while the 10mm is £24.99.
This mat offers a balance of support and stability suitable for those doing yoga as a workout, HIIT workouts, strength training, and similar bodyweight workouts, rather than gentle yoga sessions, in my view.
Thickness: 7mm or 10mm.
Buy it if: You want a mat that won't slip around.
Don't buy it if: You want a thicker option.
Looking to take your yoga or leg raises workout abroad? You'll want a travel-specific yoga mat. These tend to be thinner than others (my favourite, this one by Manduka, is only 2mm) as you need to be able to fold them away in your suitcase. Despite the thin material, it feels incredibly premium underfoot, offering just enough support for downward dog or child's pose.
For long workouts, I'd recommend something a little thicker, but for short bursts of movement and stretching while you're away, this is a winner. It's also suitable for use on all surfaces, with a dot pattern holding the mat in place regardless of whether you're on a damp balcony or a sandy beach.
Thickness: 2mm
Buy it if: You need more cushioning around your joints.
Don't buy it if: You want a premium yoga mat to enjoy on holiday.
At 6.5mm, the MiraFit yoga mat is an excellent buy, but the cork makes it ideal for hot yoga or sweatier workouts as the material offers an excellent grip underfoot when wet. It also feels very lightweight to carry, making it perfect for studio sessions and easy to roll up, coming with a handy carry strap. It's also a more affordable choice, coming in at just under £25.
There is a bit of an aroma when you first unbox it due to the bonding material it uses, however, this subsides fairly quickly.
Thickness: 6mm
Buy it if: You want a mat for hot yoga with more support.
Don't buy it if: You'd prefer a rubber or TPE mat.
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.
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
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.
- Grace WalshHealth Channel Editor
