Compare grip, thickness, material and durability
Dense, long-lasting mats with strong grip
High-density cushioning that resists compressionPRO range carries a lifetime guaranteeClosed-cell surface resists moisture absorptionRequires a break-in period for full gripPremium price bracket
Alignment markings and excellent wet grip
Etched alignment markers on the surfaceStrong grip even when dampEco-friendly natural rubber baseGenerous size for taller practitionersPremium pricing
Natural rubber with high open-cell grip
Natural rubber sourced sustainablyOpen-cell surface grips immediatelyTrees planted with each mat soldMultiple thickness optionsNatural rubber odour initially
Widely available mats at accessible prices
Very widely stockedBroad range of prints and thicknessesLightweight options for travelLow entry priceSuited to beginners and occasional practice
Dual-surface mats with a grippy top layer
Polyurethane top layer for wet gripAntimicrobial additive in the undersideReversible smooth and textured surfacesRecognisable designPremium pricing| Product | Manduka 9.6 | Liforme 9.1 | Jade Yoga 8.5 | Gaiam 8.0 | Lululemon 7.4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlights | High-density cushioning that resists compression · PRO range carries a lifetime guarantee · Closed-cell surface resists moisture absorption · Requires a break-in period for full grip · Premium price bracket | Etched alignment markers on the surface · Strong grip even when damp · Eco-friendly natural rubber base · Generous size for taller practitioners · Premium pricing | Natural rubber sourced sustainably · Open-cell surface grips immediately · Trees planted with each mat sold · Multiple thickness options · Natural rubber odour initially | Very widely stocked · Broad range of prints and thicknesses · Lightweight options for travel · Low entry price · Suited to beginners and occasional practice | Polyurethane top layer for wet grip · Antimicrobial additive in the underside · Reversible smooth and textured surfaces · Recognisable design · Premium pricing |
Editorially scored by our research team.
Every score out of 10 is assigned by our editors from published pricing, features, fees, coverage and support terms — not from user-submitted reviews. Scores are our own opinion and change as products change. Read our full methodology.
Manduka is our top-scoring pick in Yoga Mats, at 9.6/10 — it highlights “High-density cushioning that resists compression”.
Liforme scores 9.1 and is the one to compare against it — it highlights “Etched alignment markers on the surface”.
Both scores are our editors’ assessment of published specifications, pricing and terms against the criteria in our rating methodology — they are not aggregated customer reviews.
Almost every complaint about a yoga mat is really about grip — hands sliding forward in downward dog, feet drifting in warrior. Two different properties are involved and they behave differently.
Dry grip is how the surface holds when you are not sweating. Wet grip is how it behaves once you are, and they are frequently opposite. Closed-cell surfaces repel moisture and can become slippery when damp; open-cell surfaces absorb it and grip better as you sweat, at the cost of absorbing odour and needing more cleaning.
If you practise hot yoga or sweat heavily, prioritise wet grip or plan to use a mat towel. If you do gentle or restorative work, dry grip and cushioning matter more.
One thing worth knowing: some high-density mats need a genuine break-in period and feel slick for the first few weeks. That is normal for that construction rather than a fault.
Thicker is not better. It is a trade between joint cushioning and stability.
Around 3mm gives the best floor feel and balance stability, and is what most experienced practitioners prefer.
5 to 6mm adds cushioning for knees and wrists, at some cost in balance.
8mm and above is comfortable for restorative work and Pilates and genuinely unstable in standing balance poses.
If your knees are the problem, a standard mat plus a folded blanket under the knee is usually better than a thick mat everywhere.
PVC is durable, grippy when dry, inexpensive and not biodegradable.
Natural rubber grips very well, cushions nicely and is biodegradable. It is heavier, has a distinct smell for the first weeks, and is unsuitable for anyone with a latex allergy.
TPE is light, recyclable and cheaper, and generally wears out faster.
Cork grips better as it gets damp and is naturally antimicrobial, usually bonded to a rubber base.
Avoid the cheapest foam mats if you practise regularly. They compress permanently, flake, and tear at the corners within months — the cost per year is worse than a decent mat.
Standard mats run about 68 inches long, which is short for anyone over roughly 5'10". Longer mats exist and are worth seeking out if your hands or feet hang off the end.
Weight matters if you carry it. A dense rubber mat can be heavy enough that you stop taking it to class, which is a real consideration — many people own a heavy mat for home and a thin folding one for travel.
Wipe after sweaty sessions and let the mat dry flat or hanging, never rolled damp. Avoid alcohol and harsh cleaners on rubber and cork, which break down the surface — a dilute mild soap solution is enough.
Roll with the top surface facing outward for closed-cell mats so the edges lie flat; store out of direct sunlight, which degrades rubber quickly.
Signs it is finished: permanent compression where your hands and feet land, flaking, or grip that no longer returns after cleaning.
Some mats include printed or etched alignment guides — a centre line and positional markers for hands and feet. For self-taught practitioners these are genuinely useful, giving immediate feedback on whether you are square without a teacher watching.
Experienced practitioners often find them unnecessary and occasionally distracting. If you practise mostly in class, they add little; if you practise alone at home, they are one of the few features that changes how you practise rather than how the mat feels.
Dense mats that perform well at home are heavy to carry. Many regular practitioners end up with two: a substantial mat that stays at home, and a thin folding travel mat that packs into a suitcase.
Travel mats are typically 1 to 2mm and offer almost no cushioning — they are designed to be laid over a studio mat for grip and hygiene rather than used on a bare floor. If you will practise directly on hard surfaces while away, take the cushioning into account rather than buying on packed size alone.
Materials, dimensions and warranty terms vary by manufacturer. Confirm current specifications before purchase, and check the length against your own height rather than assuming the standard fits.