11 best yoga mats on Amazon, as recommended by a practitioner
A pick of the best yoga mats on Amazon offers support and easy delivery. Here, yoga practitioner and meditation expert Ciara McGinley recommends her favourites
![A selection of the best yoga mats on Amazon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/irTZNHoaxvvv2Yx2UUMGSf-415-80.jpg)
Offering stress-free, easy, and often next-day delivery, Amazon may be one of the best places to shop if you're after a new yoga mat. With so much choice on the online marketplace, you're sure to find the one you need for your practice.
There are so many different types of yoga mat to choose from though and the best yoga mat for you will depend on what you plan on using it for. Some want an extra-grippy mat for advanced yoga practice, others need one of the best thick yoga mats with extra cushion to support their joints through stability exercises and HIIT workouts.
As a certified meditation practitioner and yoga enthusiast, I know the importance of having a supportive yoga mat for your practice. Many years later and one too many poor-quality mats, I've finally cracked the code and learnt how to choose the best yoga mat. Here, I've hand-selected the top picks Amazon has to offer no matter your budget.
The best yoga mats on Amazon
Thickness: 5mm
Eco-friendly, high-quality and one of my favourites - this Manduka mat is my outright top pick from Amazon. It offers 5mm of thickness (about standard) and is lightweight and durable with a dry anti-slip material, making it suitable for just about any yoga mat workouts. If you've got Prime, the mat could be with you by tomorrow and you could be enjoying its superior cushioning throughout your practice.
Buy it if: You want a professional-grade mat.
Don't buy it if: you're on a tight budget.
Thickness: 12.7mm
At 12mm thick and 71 inches long, you're sure to feel supported with this pick of the best yoga mats from Amazon. The anti-tear layer on this mat makes it a favourite of mine as it's more durable than other thick mats I've tried. It's surprisingly inexpensive too at under £20. Despite its thickness though, it's still lightweight enough to carry around with the strap, which is included in the set-up.
Buy it if: You need support and don't want to spend a fortune.
Don't buy it if: You'd prefer a thinner mat.
Thickness: 10mm
The price of this yoga mat will depend on which colour you'd like it in - and there are plenty to choose from - but you can expect to pay just under £20 for this thick yoga mat. Another favourite of mine - it's slightly less cushioned than the BalanceFrom mat, making it a good compromise between the thicker and standard support mats for those who want a more versatile option. It's slightly longer too than the BalanceFrom mat at 72 inches (6ft) in length.
Buy it if: You want an adaptable mat for at-home workouts.
Don't buy it if: You don't want a long yoga mat.
Thickness: 6mm
For the committed yogis and those who do yoga every day, a mat from Manduka is the kind of quality you need. Cushioned, durable and with unparalleled grip, there's no doubt that this mat can help you level up your practice. The rich and unique colour options also score top marks in my books. It's a little more expensive than the others but with quality guaranteed, it'll stand the test of time.
Buy it if: You want to upgrade to one of the best mats on the market, knowing you'll have it for years and years to come.
Don't buy it if: You're on a budget.
Thickness: 6mm
This affordable favourite has it all: thickness, a non-slip texture, an extra-large size and eco-friendly credentials. It's also on the more affordable end of the spectrum and one of the cheapest yoga mats on my list. Complete with a handy strap for travel and a weight of just 0.8kg, it's my recommendation for anyone who only occasionally needs a yoga mat, so doesn't need the best of the best but still wants a good, durable buy.
Buy it if: you need a great mat on a budget.
Don't buy it if: You're sensitive to smells - some customers report a strong aroma.
Thickness: 12mm
Natural rubber is one of my go-to materials for a yoga mat as it's comfortable with naturally better cushioning, even on the thinner ones, biodegradable, and offers good traction. This moisture-resistant mat is also thick enough to support you through your practice and the rubber is very comfortable.
Buy it if: You want the natural cushioning that comes with a rubber yoga mat.
Don't buy it if: You're a taller yogi - this mat measures 70 inches (5 ft 8 inches).
Thickness: 12mm
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.
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.
Thickness: 4.2mm
You won't regret splashing the cash on this one if it's in your budget and if you're doing yoga for beginners, this is my recommendation for you. 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's not suitable for those allergic to latex, but it is one of our absolute favourite luxury picks.
Buy it if: You want to invest in improving your practice.
Don't buy it if: You have a latex allergy.
Thickness: 4mm
If you're a fan of hot yoga, you may need a different type of mat. For the practice, this is my favourite. The ethically-sourced cork mat is great for keeping you stable and suitable for use indoors and outdoors, and pretty chic too. It's a choice for those with a little more budget - but for hot yoga, you really can't go wrong as it only gets gripper when it gets wet.
Buy it if: You love hot yoga.
Don't buy it if: You need extra cushioning.
Thickness: 7mm
This is another high-quality cork ma but with added thickness to provide comfort. It has handy alignment markings to keep your practice on track and at just over 1kg, it's easy to transport to and from your hot yoga classes too.
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.
Thickness: 7mm
For stability, the adidas Fitness Mat is a great option. It has a ridged base on the underside of the mat for an extra level of security and grip on most surfaces. At under £25, it's one of the more affordable mats on my list and it comes in a couple of colourways to suit your preference. In my opinion, this mat offers a balance of support and stability suitable for someone who needs a mat for doing yoga as a workout, HIIT workouts, strength training, and similar bodyweight workouts - rather than gentle yoga sessions.
Buy it if: You want a mat that won't slip around.
Don't buy it if: You want a thicker option.
How to find the best yoga mats on Amazon
Why you can trust Woman & Home
- What will you use the mat for? Firstly, when deciding how to choose a yoga mat for you, I always tell people to consider what they'll be using the mat for. Is it just yoga and meditation? Or will you need a multi-use mat that offers enough stability and grip for home workouts like HIIT and weightlifting?
- 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, like the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat or Cork Tec option.
- Will you be traveling 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.
- What materials do you prefer? Rubber and cork are more eco-friendly but often heavier and more expensive. While foam mats are ultra-dense and cushioned, they might not be as durable.
- How often will you use your mat? If you're planning to practice 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.
Is foam or rubber better for a yoga mat?
Both materials have pros and cons but put simply, it depends on your preference. If you want a thick, lightweight yoga mat and you don't intend on getting too sweaty or you don't mind it being slightly slippery when wet, opt for foam. You can always learn how to clean a yoga mat. If you don't mind your mat being a little heavier, given the additional support they offer, go for rubber.
Here's a little more information on both materials to help you make a decision:
- Foam yoga mats often have closed-cell surfaces, which means they don't absorb sweat, moisture, or bacteria and are easier to clean. However, for this reason, they can become a little slippery the more you sweat, and they take some time to wear in for the best grip. Foam mats are usually thicker than rubber mats, offering extra protection for joints. They're usually a lightweight option too, making them portable and easy to travel with.
- Rubber mats are made from natural materials, and are an eco-friendly option that's easy to clean. They are often more expensive than foam mats, but a great investment for experienced yogis or those looking to get serious about their practice. Rubber yoga mats strike the right balance between not being too hard or too soft, so you feel stable as you move. However, rubber yoga mats are heavy and not easy to travel with. What's more, they aren't suitable for those who are allergic to latex.
Do I need a 4mm or 6mm yoga mat?
This is also down to personal preference but, ultimately, if you're in need of a little extra joint support, opt for the 6mm yoga mat. If you're intending on using your mat 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 (see the Lululemon Reversible Mat for details) or even 2mm and 1mm, although these are prone to ripping.
For yogis 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.
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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.
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