When it comes to choosing a yoga mat, there’s more to it than meets your third eye chakra. Sourcing a stylish design might look good in a yoga class, but a mat that feels easy to move on and offers essential grip is key to perfecting your poses. From dynamic moves such as dolphin plank or crow pose to a restorative savasana at the end of your practice, using a supportive and comfortable yoga mat can make all the difference.
Grip, flexibility, and materials that clean easily are all important factors. You might also want to consider a mat that travels well and isn’t too heavy to carry to class. Or perhaps you’re after a design that you can use for Pilates, body balance, and a body-pump class too? If so, look for a versatile mat that is built to cater to all forms of exercise, not just pigeon pose. Our top pick is the Lululemon mat ($98), but for travel, you might want to consider the Manduka eKO Superlite ($52).
To assess each mat, I also called on the expert help of Maite Brines von Melle from Superhealth Playbook. Be sure to read our other health and fitness guides, including the Best Protein Powders, the Best Fitness Trackers, and the Best Walking Pads.
Updated July 2025: We added the Manduka Superlite, the JadeYoga Harmony, and the Sweaty Betty Balance. We also checked links and prices and removed out-of-stock picks.