10 Best Yoga Mats

Whether heading into a favorite in-person class, pulling up an online class whenever it fits into your schedule or creating your own practice, for dedicated yogis, prioritizing yoga is essential for mental and physical wellbeing. To get the most out of your practice, seasoned practitioners know that having the right mat that's designed for your skill level and the type of classes you're taking can make all the difference.

How to Choose the Right Yoga Mat

A few things to keep in mind when starting your search. If you sweat a lot or are doing heated classes, grip is of utmost importance so you can hold your poses without slipping or sliding. On the other hand, if protecting your joints is your number one goal, look for a mat with extra cushion and support. Need a portable mat? Consider the mat's weight, since it can range from two to six pounds. And lastly, if you have a latex sensitivity, be sure to select a mat that is rubber- and latex-free.

We've found the best yoga mats, including budget-friendly options, hot yoga-ready selections, mats for traveling and instructional mats for beginners. Get ready to perfect your downward dog.

Best Overall Yoga Mat

A favorite of yoga teachers, this high-performance mat's grip actually improves the more you use it. Each mat is handcrafted in Germany using a process that ensures no toxic emissions are released and is available in standard and extra-long lengths. Designed for ultimate support and stability, as well as joint protection, the ultra-dense cushioning gives you the comfort and grip needed for any yoga practice.

Best Budget Yoga Mat

If you're just starting out or need a more budget-friendly option, the IUGA mat is durable, lightweight and perfectly cushioned for less than $30. This double-sided mat gives you maximum traction for holding and moving through each of your poses, and the underside has an exclusive bone pattern that stops the mat from sliding on the floor. Additionally, a carry strap is included so that you can easily tote your mat to class without adding to the cost.

Best Beginner Yoga Mat

For those just starting their yoga journey, this mat takes the guesswork out of aligning your body correctly with guidance cues. A central line visually guides you into the correct stance while boxes at the top and bottom of the mat help you settle into proper hand and feet placement. And even if you've been practicing for a while, the guidelines are useful for mastering poses. Made from 100 percent natural rubber, the non-slip material helps to improve balance and stability and is easy to clean.

Best At-Home Yoga Mat

This highly rated yoga mat is known for its incredible grip, no matter how sweaty your workout gets. It's made from ethically sourced, all-natural rubber and is free of formaldehyde, PVC and other toxins, giving you peace of mind as you rest your head in child's pose at the end of a session. The oversized design is anti-odor, dry-wicking and slip-free, though it is a bit heavier than its counterparts — weighing in around six pounds — making it the perfect mat for your at-home practices.

Best Travel Yoga Mat

Finding your center doesn't have to stop when you hit the road or air. This ultra-lightweight (only two pounds) and highly compact design folds flat (into a 10"x12" square) to fit into a carry-on or tote bag. The thin design has a sticky texture that helps you hold poses even when away from your usual practice setting.

Best Sustainable Yoga Mat

Not only are Jade Yoga products known for their excellent level of comfort and traction, but they're also one of the most sustainable options on the market. In addition to being made in the United States from natural rubber, every mat purchased gives back to the earth with a planted tree. Their Harmony mat is made with open cell natural rubber, which provides an ideal grip for holding long poses and flowing through an energetic practice.

Best Hot Yoga Mat

As the temperatures rise in your hot yoga class, you won't have to worry about slipping on this two-in-one mat. No need to add a towel to the top of your mat since this design bonds the two together to create a better grip as the mat gets wetter. Unlike a lot of other mats, this one is machine washable to keep it completely odor-free. Just be sure to hang it to dry.

Best Latex-Free Yoga Mat

The topcoat of this mat wicks away moisture and guarantees you'll keep your grip. Not only does it keep you slip-free, but its 5mm of cushioning is easy on your joints. If you have a latex sensitivity, the rubber-free construction of this mat is ideal, and it's also manufactured free of the top six most harmful phthalates.

Best Thick Yoga Mat

If extra cushion is your biggest requirement, try this super-thick mat — available in 10mm and 15mm options. The high-quality foamed material reduces the impact on your joints, while still providing a non-slip surface and remaining moisture resistant.

Best Cork Yoga Mat

Eco-friendly and a smart choice for sweaty practices, this dual-layer mat has a shock-absorbent and supportive rubber bottom topped with a moisture-absorbing cork top. Perfect for a hot yoga class or a challenging vinyasa practice, cork mats have superior grip when wet. If not used for a heated workout, you'll need to spray water where your hands and feet are to get the necessary grip.