We Tried Them: 8 Yoga Mats That Are Actually Worth the Investment

If you've ever slid around helplessly in Downward-Facing Dog or cringed as your knee buckled in Low Lunge, you know that a good mat makes all the difference in your yoga practice. In truth, it's an investment—not just for a more tolerable class but also to ensure that you avoid pain or potential injury. (And this is true whether you're a beginner or have logged a near-daily practice for years.)

But personal preference, your go-to practice (hot or hatha?), and price point are all factors that can influence which mat is actually right for you. With that in mind, we're rounding up eight yoga mats that we've tried and fully endorse—whether you're hitting the hot yoga studio, the road, or anywhere in between.

If you prefer hot yoga…

Manduka's Grp mat has a leather-like surface with serious traction, eliminating the need for a yoga towel, no matter how sweaty things get. But what takes this highly innovative mat to the next level is its charcoal-infused rubber core, which absorbs sweat and eliminates odor. After toting this mat along to a particularly steamy series of classes, we can fully vouch for these impressive features.

If you're looking for a sustainable option…

Jade has earned its place as one of the most popular mats on the market and is a favorite of yoga pros everywhere thanks to the brand's signature top-notch design and commitment to the planet. Each mat is made with natural rubber (a renewable resource) and without any additional synthetic plastics or PVC.

It's also worth calling out the superior grip. Other mats on the market are often slippery at first, which means you typically have to break them in. But if you'd rather skip that step, know that you'll have great traction on your Jade from the get-go.

If your knees need extra padding…

Most yoga pros will advise against ultra-cushy mats since the extra thickness can affect your balance. Aurorae's Classic Thick Mat offers that extra bit of comfort without any sacrifice to your practice—a godsend for sore knees. Plus, it's made from recycled materials and free of any toxins. 

If you're a sucker for good design…

Then you'll adore Yellow Willow's mats, which all feature prints that are guaranteed to earn you compliments from the rest of the class. These mats also feature a microsuede top that absorbs sweat and offers additional grip, so it's basically a cute yoga towel and quality mat all rolled into one. 

If you travel a lot…

You could sacrifice a high percentage of your carry-on space with your usual mat, or you could opt for Yogo's travel-friendly option, which weighs less than two pounds, can fold to fit in tiny spaces, and even features detachable handles. A sweet bonus: For every mat purchased, the company plants a tree in Africa.

If You Want Something Easy to Carry...

If you're planning on bringing your mat with you on the go a lot but don't want a travel-size one, it might be best to opt for a lightweight option. This one from Lululemon is a little over two pounds—yes, you read that correctly. It rolls up compactly and has an antimicrobial additive to prevent mold and mildew from getting on the mat. It also absorbs moisture and gives a textured grip.

If You Want More Space...

Alo Yoga's Warrior mat has a roomy, oversize design with dimensions of 6.2 feet by 2.2 feet x 4.2 millimeters. It has a matte finish, is cushioned, and is free of formaldehyde and PVC.

If you'd rather skip the mat altogether…

YogaPaws makes it possible with its signature gloves and socks, which really do imitate the feel and grip of a mat. Just slip them on and take your practice virtually anywhere.

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