--- source_url: "https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-yoga-mats-guide/" title: "7 Best Yoga Mats of 2026 for Every Budget" mirrored_at: 2026-09-02T01:00:59.485Z host: www.yogajournal.com cited_in_42a: true mirror_canonical: "https://index.42a.ai/www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-yoga-mats-guide/index" --- > **Original source:** https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-yoga-mats-guide/ Published February 11, 2026 11:41AM _At_ Yoga Journal_, we’ve spent the last three years researching, practicing on, and critiquing dozens and dozens of contenders to bring you the best yoga mats for your specific needs. Need the best budget yoga mat? Our experts recommend the [Gaiam Premium 5mm](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Yoga-Mat-Exercise-Workouts/dp/B07GQ8JDSG?tag=yogajournaldotcom-20) at  $25. Obsessed with hot yoga? You’ll be pleased with our uncontested pick for best hot yoga mat, the [Liforme Classic](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Yoga-Mat-Exercise-Workouts/dp/B07GQ8JDSG?tag=yogajournaldotcom-20)._ It all started with a flimsy foam mat that I bought for less than $20. I was trying yoga for the first time ever and, unconvinced that I would want a committed relationship with the practice, I kept my expenses to a minimum. In the end, I kept practicing yoga. But I also kept practicing on that unsatisfying yoga mat. My hands slid precariously during Down Dog. My feet slipped as I transitioned from Warrior 2. And my mat wrinkled and wriggled beneath me no matter how I moved. Not having experience on other mats to compare it to, I assumed some slipperiness was normal and cursed my way through classes. It wasn’t until more than a decade later that I replaced that mat with a sturdier, pricier, more sustainable model. The difference was, in a word, dramatic. No more sliding. No more cursing. No more aching knees. I instantly understood what students meant when they talked about not being constantly distracted through class. I’m not saying changing mats changed everything about my practice. But it changed a lot. In the decade since, I’ve seen, tried, and heard raves about an array of yoga mats from other students, teachers, and online reviews. As a teacher at studios and gyms and as an editor at _Yoga Journal,_ I’ve essentially spent the last three years of my life studying and researching yoga mats to discern which are the most highly rated and why. Then I and 18 other testers started stretching, sweating, transitioning, arm balancing, and Savasana-ing on various mats to understand what works and what doesn’t about each. The one thing that became abundantly clear? There is no such thing as any single best yoga mat. But there is the absolute best yoga mat for your specific needs. Depending on how you practice, you might prioritize grip, portability, cushiness, affordability, [sustainability](https://www.yogajournal.com/accessories/eco-conscious-yoga/), or any of several other essentials. Whatever your practice looks like, whether you’re quickly transitioning all over your mat in a heated vinyasa class or seeking a place where you can try to find some stillness and restoration, you need a mat that conforms to your needs, not the other way around. Following are the best yoga mats that do exactly that. ## **Best Yoga Mats: At a Glance** - **Best Affordable Yoga Mat:** [Gaiam Premium 5mm ($25)](https://www.amazon.com/Gaiam-Yoga-Mat-Exercise-Workouts/dp/B07GQ8JDSG?tag=yogajournaldotcom-20) - **Best Mat for Hot Yoga:** [Liforme Classic Yoga Mat ($160)](https://www.amazon.com/Liforme-Yoga-Mat-Eco-Friendly-Biodegradable/dp/B09X66N6GX?tag=yogajournaldotcom-20) - **Best Yoga Mat You’ll Never Need to Replace:** [Manduka Pro ($110)](https://www.manduka.com/products/manduka-pro-yoga-mat) - **Best No-Toxic-Anything Yoga Mat:** [Jade Harmony ($100)](https://www.amazon.com/JadeYoga-Yoga-Exercise-Stretching-Non-Slip/dp/B000EC9LQ8?tag=yogajournaldotcom-20) - **Best Upcycled Yoga Mat:** [Suga Recycled Wetsuits Yoga Mat ($99)](https://www.sugamats.com/buy/sugamats) - **Best Cork Yoga Mat:** [42 Birds Cork Yoga Mat ($80)](https://42birds.com/products/cork-yoga-mat) - **Best Mat for Creative Aesthetics:** [Yune Natural Rubber Yoga Mat ($85)](https://yuneyoga.com/products/yune-natural-rubber-yoga-mat) ## Best Budget Yoga Mat ### Gaiam Premium 5mm ![Gaiam Yoga Mat purple on white background](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Gaiam-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy Gaiam) **Material:** Latex-free PVC **Thickness:** 5mm **Dimensions:** 68 x 24 inches **Weight:** 2.6 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Ethereally lightweight \+ Array of colors and designs \+ Reliable for beginners – Slightly slippery – Smaller dimensions than most mats If you’re new to yoga or an infrequent practitioner seeking a serviceable yet affordable yoga mat, consider Gaiam. The longtime mat-maker produces a dizzying array of options in the $20 range with differing thicknesses, surfaces, colors, and designs. The unanimous choice for best budget yoga mats among our testers? The Premium 5mm. Don’t be fooled by the basic looks of these budget yoga mats. The sturdily spongy material delivers a respectable amount of cushioning between the floor and you. “Cushy!” is how one millennial tester described the Premium, noting it’s more comfortable than the other budget yoga mats she tested during standing, kneeling, sitting, and reclining poses. Similarly, my 78-year-old Mom, a newbie-to-yoga, experienced substantially more confidence standing and transitioning on the Premium 5mm compared to other testing options in that price category, finding the rest to be “too hard” and “too slippery.” ![Aerial shot of Gaiam purple yoga mat on hardwood floor with cat in frame](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Gaiam-Yoga-Mat_h-1.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Renee Schettler) Manufactured from latex-free foam, the yoga mat is also astonishingly lightweight, making it ideal if your commute to class includes lugging your mat as you walk several city blocks or hop a couple subway lines. Disclosure: This is quite similar to the mat I initially practiced on for my first 10 years of yoga, yet it’s evolved to be substantially less slippery and more cushioned. Will this be your forever mat if you end up taking a lot of yoga classes? Probably not. But it will be the most reliable budget yoga mat in the $20-something price range for you to practice on while you decide what traits you most appreciate in a mat before investing more money in a more durable option. It’s also the option that delivers the most vibrant array of colors and patterns, which drew a lot of gushes from testers. **Bottom Line:** If you’re new to yoga or practice only occasionally and aren’t certain you want to commit a lot of money, this budget yoga mat is an exceptional option. Our testers prefer the less common 5mm to the 6mm model. ## **Best Hot Yoga Mat** ### **Liforme Classic Yoga Mat** ![Liforme Classic Yoga Mat green on white background](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Liforme-Classic-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy Liforme) **Materials:** Natural rubber base + eco-polyurethane surface **Thickness:** 4.2mm **Dimensions:** 73 x 27 inches **Weight:** 5 1/2 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Grippy AF \+ No toxic anything \+ Aesthetically lovely – Smudges and scuffs easily In recent years, the Liforme Classic has become increasingly ubiquitous at hot yoga studios. Although it’s tempting to assume its status has everything to do with its sleek appearance, you’d be wrong to write it off as a fashion statement. Among the many, many brands contending for best hot yoga mat, the Liforme soundly delivers functionality with the surprising grip of its smooth surface, which remains intact even when you’re dripping sweat throughout class. Practicing on this hot yoga mat means no more sliding around on your mat during Chaturanga or worrying whether you’re attempting an arm balance on a Slip N Slide. That grip also applies to the mat’s underside, which adheres to the floor to ensure there’s no annoying sliding or wrinkling happening beneath you as you take yourself through a Sun A or otherwise transition all around your mat. Although one tester complained about the weight of the mat, others found it substantially less heavy compared to other similarly dense yoga mats, despite the Classic’s generous length and width. It’s definitely something I’d commute to class with if I still lived in Manhattan and had to walk to class. That said, the relative lightness is largely due to its slender 4.2mm thickness, which means if you require more cushioning for your knees or wrists, think twice. I don’t find the lack of cushiness to be an issue, even when I practice yin or restorative yoga on a hardwood floor, and have zero complaints. Another tester, a YouTuber with millions of followers, especially appreciates that thinness for her at-home practices during which she throws it down on a carpeted floor. She describes it as “perfect.” Think of Liforme as the black dress, er, leggings of yoga mats—simple, sophisticated, and serviceable. And if black feels too blah for you, the hot yoga mat comes in an array of colors and designs, from understated to flamboyant. Note that repeatedly sweating and scuffing your hands and feet against the surface will smudge that lovely aesthetic a little. Also, it does scratch rather easily, so beware leaving it unrolled and unattended around four-pawed roommates. One last aesthetic mention. Those alignment lines grooved into the surface of the mat draw varied responses. One tester, a self-described “Type A,” mentioned that she became distracted and borderline obsessed by them. Other testers found them to be either helpful or a non-issue. **Bottom Line:** If you practice vinyasa or hot yoga, you’ll get years and years of reliable grip from the Liforme—as well as some enviable looks from others at the studio. As far as I’m concerned, the biggest disadvantage of this mat is its price tag, although it regularly goes on sale. ## Best Yoga Mat You’ll Never Need to Replace ### Manduka Pro ![Manduka PRO Yoga Mat yellow on white background 6mm](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Manduka-PRO-Yoga-Mat-6mm_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy Manduka) **Material:** OEKO-TEX Standard 100 PVC **Thickness:** 6mm **Dimensions:** 71 x 26 inches **Weight:** 7.5 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Dense cushioning \+ Wider than many mats \+ Easy to clean – Slippery when sweaty – Heavy There’s a reason why so, so many yoga teachers consider the Manduka Pro their go-to yoga mat. Namely, the mat’s dense cushioning, which provides a sturdy foundation for any practice. It simply will not wrinkle or slip beneath you, no matter how quickly you transition or jump back. As one tester said, it can feel like a “betrayal” when your mat wrinkles or slides beneath you. Seriously, even as you make your way from a revolved lunge facing one side of the room to side lunge facing the opposite side, the Pro won’t budge beneath you. When I upgraded to the Manduka Pro yoga mat a decade ago, I upgraded my yoga practice. Its stability meant I was no longer distracted by hands and feet sliding or the mat shifting on the floor each time I transitioned. Its slightly textured surface meant arm balances became less daunting as I was no longer worried about the mat moving underneath me. And its durability meant I could practice on this yoga mat almost every day—actually, I usually unrolled it more than once a day—for close to 10 years and it still looked almost new. When my [Manduka Pro was stolen](https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/balance/stress-balance/my-yoga-mat-was-stolen-im-letting-karma-take-care-of-it/), I immediately replaced it with the same exact model. Others find it supportive as well in an inclusive way. A yoga therapist I know who has practiced exclusively on the Pro for years swears that its dense cushioning adequately supports “all bodies,”  including those with “achy knees.” She found the thickness created a stable yet cushioned experience for kneeling in [Camel](https://www.yogajournal.com/poses/types/backbends/camel-pose/?scope=anon), arm balancing in Side Crow, as well as reclining in [Legs Up the Wall](https://www.yogajournal.com/teach/teaching-methods/cues-for-legs-up-the-wall/). That means as reliable as this yoga mat is for vinyasa, it’s also a fave among those who practice yin and restorative. ![Manduka Yoga Map flipped to show top and bottom high grip fabric](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Manduka-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Renee Schettler) The Pro doesn’t absorb sweat, which makes cleaning it a cinch and practicing hot yoga on it an adventure. More than one tester cautioned about throwing a [yoga towel](https://www.yogajournal.com/accessories/props/yoga-towel/) on the mat if you’re taking any sort of heated yoga class or if you simply sweat a lot. It’s sound advice. The biggest complaint I hear about the Pro? The breaking-in process for almost all Manduka mats, which is prolonged but worth the patience required. Read the fine print included in the packaging on how to flatten those furled edges and tame any slight slickness during your initial practices. It’s also quite heavy, making it a strong option if you have the luxury of simply tossing it in the trunk and driving to class (but less great if you need a portable, [travel-sized yoga mat](https://www.yogajournal.com/accessories/travel-yoga-mats/)). Manduka mats are now eligible for purchase with [FSA/HSA funds](https://www.manduka.com/collections/hsa-fsa-eligible-yoga-products?srsltid=AfmBOor7_P1kwJpemvABOLncJVmjPPxHPENi9FmBd89vk8_-8AbgliUc). **Bottom Line:** Whether you teach or take yoga, if you show up regularly to any sort of practice, this yoga mat will also show up for you. Bonus: Manduka guarantees their mats will last a lifetime. We don’t doubt it.  ## **Best No-Toxic-Anything Yoga Mat** ### **Jade Harmony** ![Jade Harmony Yoga Mat orange on white background](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Jade-Harmony-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy JadeYoga) **Material:** Natural rubber **Thickness:** 4.7mm **Dimensions:** 68 x 24 inches **Weight:** 5 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Unearthly grip \+ Made of natural rubber – Attracts fuzz and fur – Not for outdoor use There are a lot of claims among yoga mat makers regarding sustainability and renewability. Although many brands back those words with efforts, that’s not always the case. Yet Jade has executed on eco-friendliness since day one, using only natural rubber in the stateside manufacturing of the mats since 2000. The other trait Jade is known for is yoga mats with grip. And when I say grip, I mean GRIP. The Jade Harmony yoga mats feature a natural rubber material with a much more obviously textured surface than other brands. Imagine tiny suction cups literally attaching your hands and feet to the mat. That’s what it’s like to move on this mat. That grip is especially helpful for anyone who practices hot yoga, perspires with gusto, or simply likes a lot of traction. “It’s ideal for my chronically sweaty hands and feet,” explained a tester who’s practiced on this model for years. “I never slide. NEVER.” One of our testers has long sold Jade—and only Jade—yoga mats at her studio. Another tester switched allegiances to the Harmony after practicing on it only a few times. ![Tester image of blue Jade yoga mat showing aerial shot of yoga mat](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Jade-Yoga-Ma._h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Renee Schettler) That traction, though, can slightly hinder seamless transitions around the mat. Personally, I don’t care to detach myself from the yoga mat each time I want to move. Also, the intensely textured surface holds onto more than just the undersides of your hands and feet. It also attracts fuzz, fur, dust, lint from yoga towels, and anything else that’s not locked down, which makes cleaning it a relatively high maintenance affair and not something you can get by with a few simple swipes. One longtime Jade aficionado suggests taking the mat into the shower with you or hosing it down. But be prepared to wait for it to dry. As for thickness, one new-to-Jade tester shared their affinity for the [eco-friendly mat](https://www.yogajournal.com/accessories/eco-friendly-yoga-mats/), explaining it has “a well-constructed feel for being relatively thin.” If you’re accustomed to having cushioning for your knees or practice a lot of yin and restorative, you might find the thickness lacking in this model, but Jade also makes a more cushy version, the [Fusion](https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=18009&pw=322993&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjadeyoga.com%2Fcollections%2Fyoga-mats%2Fproducts%2Ffusion-mat&website_id=322993). It also manufactures a [thinner,  foldable, travel-size version](https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=18009&pw=322993&url=https%3A%2F%2Fjadeyoga.com%2Fcollections%2Fyoga-mats%2Fproducts%2Ftravel-mat&website_id=322993). No matter the thickness, the surface on the yoga mat is exactly the same. Consider yourself warned that it will start to show signs of wear over time wherever your hands and feet are commonly placed. Aesthetically speaking, all testers commented on its lovely and muted earth colors and jewel tones that are, as one tester explained, “less nondescript than most yoga mats.” **Bottom Line:** If you fancy sustainability and grip, the Jade Harmony pretty much delivers exactly that. It simply depends which qualities are your priority. Also, every single tester noted that they respect the company’s commitment to planting a tree for each mat sold. As do I. ## **Best Upcycled Yoga Mat** ### **Suga Recycled Wetsuits Yoga Mat** ![SugaMat Recycled Wetsuit Yoga Mat on white background](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/SugaMat-Recycled-Wetsuit-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy Suga) **Materials:** 100 percent recycled neoprene surf wetsuits **Thickness:** 5mm **Dimensions:** 72 x 25 inches **Weight:** 5 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Made exclusively from recycled wetsuits \+ Dense cushioning \+ Easy to clean – Different (but not bad!) textured vibe You’ve got to love a company that not only keeps materials out of a landfill but upcycles them into yoga mats. As the folks at Suga like to say, they “reincarnate” suits, or more specifically, they turn “petrochemical based landfill clogging neoprene monsters into highly functional instruments of yogic bliss.” I’d say that description pretty much nails it. Suga, whose name draws from “surf” and “yoga,” makes a yoga mat with a subtly textured surface that’s somewhat unprecedented in the yoga space. The vibe to be a little reminiscent of the low-to-the-ground, pre-shag carpeting I played on as a kid at my grandparents’ house. It’s not uncomfortable or odd or even unwelcome, as far as I’m concerned. It’s simply different. And it makes for a surprisingly supportive, slide-free yoga mat. The material is also reassuringly dense. That thickness that ensures a cushy space to practice, whether you’re kneeling, arm balancing, or stretching out in Savasana. It also rolls out flat immediately after you take it out of the box. Although you might not see a lot of these sustainable yoga mats in your local studio, Suga has an enthusiastic fan base with overwhelmingly appreciative online reviews for its concept as well as its practical application. We understand why. Besides, for some of us, it’s the closest we’ll ever get to surfing, and there’s something a little badass about that. **Bottom Line:** If you practice any sort of yoga, like to support sustainability and small businesses, and fancy yourself a little different than the rest of the crowd, this is likely the mat for you. ## **Best Cork Yoga Mat** ### **42 Birds Cork Yoga Mat** ![42 Birds cork yoga mat on white background](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/42-Birds-Cork-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy 42 Birds) **Materials:** Natural rubber base + 100-percent recycled natural cork surface **Thickness:** 5mm **Dimensions:** 72 x 26 inches **Weight:** Less than 2 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Sustainably sourced \+ Ethereally lightweight \+ Somehow makes cork seem elegant – Slightly slick when not sweaty There’s no shortage of cork yoga mats out there. In fact, the number of options can be confusing as well as overwhelming. Yet there’s a marked performance difference among them. Some companies make products whose only cork presence seems to be a graphic cork design imprinted on rubber. Others err on the side of too little or no rubber, resulting in a stiff, slippery, yet all-natural yoga mat. 42 Birds manages to deliver  an exemplary balance of lightweight cork and grippy natural rubber, earning it the title of best cork yoga mat. ![](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/42-Birds-Cork-Yoga-Mat_h-1.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Renee Schettler) As with most cork surfaces, the surface of this yoga mat is grippier when slightly wet, so a spritz of water or a heated practice that quickly brings on sweating will help your hands and feet stay put. Although the yoga mat feels exceptionally lightweight and airy, you’d be wrong to assume it’s delicate. The mat is surprisingly cushy and supportive. I’m still mystified as to how something so airy could also be so durable and unscathed after all the standing, transitioning, balancing, sitting, and reclining I put it through. As one online reviewer noted, “Not to be dramatic, but this is the yoga mat I’ve been looking for my whole life.” And yes, there’s a simple elegance to its bare look, even when rolled and tucked in the corner of your apartment. So go ahead and put your sustainable vibe on display. But that cork surface will easily take on smudges, so beware where you stash it. **Bottom Line:** If you schlep your yoga mat several city blocks or subway lines to class, or you simply want a renewably sourced mat, this uber-lightweight option is likely what you need. And if you appreciate cushiness and grip in a cork mat, then 42 Birds is definitely what you want. ## **Best Yoga Mat for Creative Aesthetics** ### **Yune Natural Rubber Yoga Mat** ![Yune Natural Rubber Yoga Mat grey on white bagkround](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Yune-Natural-Rubber-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Courtesy Yune) **Material:** PER (Polymer Environmental Resin) **Thickness:** 6mm **Dimensions:** 72 x 24 inches **Weight:** 2 pounds **Pros and Cons** \+ Array of color and design options \+ Lightweight \+ Value – Only modest cushioning “Typically, when you buy a yoga mat, you’re confronted with a decision—function or fashion,” explained one of our testers, a yoga teacher and graphic designer, of the Yune. “Not with this one.” As a frequent handstander and arm balancer, she found the Yune to be the “perfect thickness” and “impossibly grippy.” It also satisfied more than just arm balancers. Several other testers reported feeling “completely confident” on the Yune while practicing vinyasa. And everyone appreciated how it lies flat and rolls up slender for ease of storage as well as lugging it to and from class. ![Tester image of black Yune yoga mat showing bottom and top of mat](https://cdn.yogajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Yune-Yoga-Mat_h.jpg?width=3840&auto=webp&quality=75&fit=cover) (Photo: Renee Schettler) I found the thickness to seem less than it actually is, which means there’s adequate cushioning without the mat being cumbersome to roll, carry, or store. Our arm balancer also explained that it also “basically adheres to the floor,” which quickly earned her trust. That said, if you prefer ample cushioning or a mad crazy grip in your mat, you might find the design-savvy Yune to be slightly wanting. Now, about those expressive designs. Your artful options include an array of patterns for specific astrological signs, contemporary art, space-age vibes, even depictions of [Peanuts characters](https://www.peanuts.com/about-peanuts). Yune makes dozens of patterns, each “printed digitally with UV inks,” according to its website. Translation? Minimal environmental impact. **Bottom Line:** If you prefer a mat that delivers well in all categories and gives you a pleasingly different aesthetic than most mats, you want a Yune. ## **FAQs** Have a question about these or other yoga mats and aren’t finding the answer here? Ask us in a comment below! ### **How much should I spend on a yoga mat?** It depends. If you practice yoga only occasionally, then you might not need to spend $100 on something you use infrequently. But if you find that each time you practice yoga, your budget yoga mat frustrates and distracts you during class, then it’s time for an upgrade. You already have a sense of what you like and don’t like about your mat. Do you want something with more cushioning? More grip? More space? A hot yoga mat for sweaty classes specifically? These are legit desires for a mat and any of the above options will deliver. Expect to pay approximately $100 for a reliable mat that you’ll probably never need to replace. Also, keep in mind, many yoga mats regularly go on sale. Bookmark our [Deals page](https://www.yogajournal.com/deals) for easy reference for everything yoga-related that’s on sale. ### **What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?** A common thickness for yoga mats is anywhere from 4mm to 6mm. If you practice mostly restorative or yin yoga, which means you’re typically sitting or reclining on your mat, you might want to consider something thicker for additional comfort. If you practice styles of yoga that involve standing in poses, beware mats that are thicker than 6 mm and come labeled as “exercise mats.” These sometimes feel more like a mattress than a mat, which makes finding your balance tricky. ### **How to clean a yoga mat** It depends a little on what type of mat you have. But also, you need to think as much about how frequently you clean it. Ideally, you’d wipe it down after each practice and occasionally do a more thorough cleaning. And no, essential oils are not sufficient to kill germs. Here’s [the cleaning advice you need, straight from a microbiologist](https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/how-often-should-you-clean-your-yoga-mat/). ### **How long will a yoga mat last?** There’s a lot of factors to consider. Don’t expect a mat that cost $24 to last you for years if you practice on it almost every day. Typically, the thinner and more foam-like the material, the more quickly it will show signs of wearing and start to degrade. That said, many of the mats above are designed to last for the duration of your years of yoga practicing and come with a lifetime guarantee. Things that can impair the longevity of your mat include forgetting it outside in the sun and keeping it where animals can lounge on, scratch, or bite it. ## **How We Test the Best Yoga Mats** Every year, Yoga Journal editors and testers evaluate various models of yoga mats for grip, stability, cushiness, portability, and more. We retest the mats we already own as well as explore newcomers to the market. It began three years ago, when I asked 18 Yoga Journal editors and testers to ditch our usual mats to sweat, balance, kneeling, transition, stretch, and sit on different models. We unroll these contenders at studios, stretch on them at home, toss them in our car trunks, lug them along city sidewalks, and (sometimes) scrub them down immediately afterward. Then we do it again and again and again. And, because infatuation sometimes comes crashing down after a few weeks or months of reality, we also took into consideration comments from students and teachers who have been practicing on the same mat for years—and, in some cases, decades. Then I asked testers to rank the mats they tried from one to 10 and answer several open-ended questions. Why we do this comes back to the difference I experienced when I upgraded my $17 yoga mat to a sturdier, densely cushioned, more grippy mat. The difference had nothing to do with how the mat looked and everything to do with how my practice immediately changed. No longer did I become distracted by my hands sliding in Down Dog, my feet struggling to stay put during Warrior 2, and my knees screaming at me during Low Lunge. I could focus on my mat before then. But in an instant, that focus and ability to transition seamlessly from pose to pose became something I’d previously not experienced. So to help you find that same sensation of safety and single-pointed focus on your mat, I seek insights everywhere, including reading online reviews and introducing myself to strangers at studio classes and even mat-toting strangers in parking lots and inquire what they love about their mat and what they wish was different. I take in a lot of feedback—and a few strange looks—in an attempt to share the most reliable mats with you Keep in mind, not a lot changes in yoga mats from year to year, so you’ll probably see a lot of familiar names here. Some brands might introduce new colors or slightly different designs, but if it continues to work, we’re not going to fault it for being timeless. We’re also always open to exploring something we haven’t tried before. ## **Meet The Testers** Our yoga mat testers include longtime teachers, occasional students, even those in their 70s who’ve never stepped foot on a mat before. [Arundhati Baitmangalkar](https://www.instagram.com/arundhati_baitmangalkar/), yoga teacher trainer and host of [Let’s Talk Yoga podcast](https://letstalk.yoga/) [Tamika Caston-Miller](https://www.instagram.com/tamika_castonmiller/), yin, restorative, somatic flow, and yoga nidra teacher trainer and founder of Ashé Yoga Stephanie Acosta, vinyasa yoga teacher and founder of [Yogis Unidos](https://www.instagram.com/yogisunidos/) [Brady Garrison](https://www.instagram.com/bradyyoga/), hot, vinyasa, and yin yoga teacher and teacher trainer [Ben Ko](https://www.instagram.com/hellobenjamin/), longtime student of Ashtanga and vinyasa yoga student and hair stylist [Ashlee McDougall](https://www.instagram.com/ashlee.mcdougall/), vinyasa yoga teacher and co-owner of Yoga Loft Tucson [Denver Clark](https://www.instagram.com/embodiedhealth_/), yoga therapist, anatomy teacher, and teacher trainer [Jenny Clise](https://www.instagram.com/jennyclise_/), yoga therapist, author of [_The Complete Guide to Yoga Props_](https://www.powells.com/book/the-complete-guide-to-yoga-props-9781718223608), and social media editor at YJ [Holly Fiske](https://www.instagram.com/upsidedownmama/), yoga and movement teacher, author and app creator, and founder of [UpsideDownMama](https://www.upsidedownmama.com/) [Yogi Bryan](https://www.instagram.com/yogi_bryan/), yoga and meditation teacher and creator of the [Sleep With Yogi Bryan app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sleep-with-yogi-bryan/id1617592958) Alex Tzelnic, longtime student of meditation as well as phys ed teacher Phoebe Digges-Elliott, yoga teacher and movement enthusiast [Sierra Vandervort](https://www.instagram.com/thelocalmystic/), yoga teacher and writer Jane Schettler, newbie to yoga who likes to stretch in front of the TV Sara Waits, newbie to yoga who lives in yoga leggings [Lisa Jhung,](https://www.instagram.com/lisajhungwrites/) intermittent yoga student of 25 years and longtime runner Laura Harold, digital editor at YJ Calin Van Paris, digital editor at YJ [Renee Marie Schettler](https://www.instagram.com/reneemarieschettler/), yoga teacher and [editor in chief](https://www.reneeschettler.com/) of YJ _We updated this guide with additional mats and testing notes for 2026._ ### RELATED: [The Very Best Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats](https://www.yogajournal.com/lifestyle/best-non-toxic-yoga-mats/) and [5 Travel Yoga Mats That You’ll Want to Take Everywhere](https://www.yogajournal.com/accessories/travel-yoga-mats/).