The 10 best yoga mats for zen-like comfort

From downward dog to Shavasana: supportive mats for every pose.

A woman holding one of the best yoga mats on a pink background.

by Gemma Lavers |
Updated on

The best yoga mats act as your little sanctuary, sacred space, and personal oasis in the chaos. The second you step on the mat, you're transported to a world of zen – much like Aladdin's magic carpet, minus the genies. As we embark on this journey to enhance our yoga practice, one thing is clear: not all yoga mats are created equal.

The best yoga mats, at a glance

• Best overall yoga mat: Core Balance Yoga Mat – View on Amazon
• Best yoga mat for grip: Sweaty Betty Supergrip Align Yoga Mat – View on Sweaty Betty
• Best cork yoga mat: Bulk Yoga Mat – View on Bulk

Deriving from the Sanskrit word 'yuj', meaning to unite or join, yoga is more than just a workout. It's a way of life. Dating back thousands of years, yoga encompasses various practices, including physical poses (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama) and meditation. Its principle relies on cultivating balance on and off the mat, within the mind and spirit. Although often passed off as a low-intensity workout, yoga is actually a sacred union of movement and breathwork and invites yogis to connect with their deepest selves and the world around them.

Feeling convinced and ready to connect? Armed with your yoga block and yoga socks, we're here to help you feel prepared for your yoga sessions. And you never know, the quest for the ideal mat might be as enlightening as the practice itself.

Our expert pick of the best yoga mats

Please note: All prices are correct at the time of writing. Prices, stock and deals are subject to change without notice.

Best overall yoga mat

Core Balance Yoga Mat
Price: £12.99

Starting strong with the Core Balance yoga mat. With just the right amount of thickness (6mm), it offers enough cushioning to support your body without compromising your connection with the floor. Made from PVC foam, this mat provides a non-slip surface that feels 'sticker' than other yoga mats. This is so you can get that greater grip throughout poses. So whether you're mastering mountain climbers, conquering burpees, or powering through floor sprints, this mat has got your back – literally. And, when the class finishes, simply roll it up, secure it with the attachable strap, and you're good to go.

Pros

  • 6mm thick - the perfect balance between stability and comfort
  • Made from a 'sticky' feeling PVC foam for grip
  • Comes with an attachable carry strap

Cons

  • Best for bare footwork as shoes leave a lasting mark on the mat

Best yoga mat for grip

This Sweaty Betty yoga mat is made from an extra-grippy rubber blend, ensuring you stay firmly grounded as you flow through your poses. Its sleek rectangular silhouette with square edges not only adds a touch of sophistication to your yoga space but also provides ample room for movement. What makes this yoga mat different is its unique pattern points, strategically placed on the mat to align with certain yoga poses.

Pros

  • Rectangular silhouette with square edges
  • Pattern points align to yoga poses for better balance and posture
  • Sleek colour

Cons

  • Hair and dust seems to stick to it

Best cork yoga mat

A cork yoga mat is a great choice purely because of its exceptional grip alongside antimicrobial and hypoallergenic features. Cork yoga mats are also highly durable and long-lasting, capable of withstanding regular use without deteriorating or losing their integrity over time. Plus, this Bulk yoga mat will be perfect for any yoga you participate in – whether that be hot yoga or not. This is because cork's natural properties offer insulation, keeping the mat cool in hot conditions and warm in cooler conditions.

Pros

  • Lightweight to carry
  • Includes a shoulder strap for easy transport
  • Cork is naturally anti-bacterial and is eco-friendly

Cons

  • Not much cushioning

Best yoga mat with 3D texture

Lululemon Take Form Yoga Mat
Price: £74 (was £128)

www.lululemon.co.uk

We love this Lululemon Take Form yoga mat because of its unique 3D texture. There's nothing more annoying than spending your entire yoga class staring at your mat, so these 3D bumps help you feel your way around the mat. All without looking down. Made with FSC-certified rubber, each practice becomes a step towards environmental stewardship as you connect with the earth beneath you.

Pros

  • Grippy top layer to absorb moisture and help you stay grounded
  • Made with natural rubber that's sustainably-sourced
  • The 3D texture is there to help you feel your way around the mat and stay centred without looking down

Cons

  • Contains latex so individuals with rubber or latex allergies should steer clear

Best high-end yoga mat

Designed to ignite strength and grace in your practice, this Alo Yoga Warrior mat offers support and grip. Its oversized design means you'll never fall off the mat, while its anti-odour, dry-wicking and slip-free qualities are all bonuses. Although we've voted this mat as 'the best high-end yoga mat', it feels luxurious. That's thanks to the matte finish and gorgeous colour selection, so you can find a mat that matches your mood.

Pros

  • Anti-odour, dry-wicking and slip-free, wet or dry
  • Oversized design so you never find your feet off the mat
  • Made with ethically sourced, premium, all-natural rubber

Cons

  • A little heavy

Best yoga mat for yogis on a budget

For yogis on a budget, this Opti Basic yoga mat is a fantastic choice. Cheap and cheerful, this mat boasts a bright blue colour, an easy-to-clean surface and a lightweight PVC material. Weighing only 1kg, this mat is perfect if you're a regular yoga classgoer or want to practice yoga at home. Although, if you prefer a thicker yoga mat to protect your knees and joints, this one might not be the best for you as it's only 4mm thick.

Pros

  • Great value
  • Easy to clean
  • Made from a lightweight PVC material

Cons

  • Not the most grippy yoga mat on our list

Best thick yoga mat

The Reebok yoga mat is perfect for yogis who prefer their mats to have a little more cushioning than normal. 6mm is a fair amount of cushioning for a yoga mat, and you'll still be able to feel grounded, just with a little more support. This mat also has a non-slip bobbled grip on both the top and bottom, with a compact yet pliable texture of offers the stability you're looking for. Plus, if you want to take your mat from class to class, it comes with a handy carry strap and is easily rolled.

Pros

  • Non-slip bobbled grip on both the top and bottom for stability
  • Comes with a handy carry strap
  • Lightweight design for easy portability

Cons

  • Best for yogis who prefer a thicker yoga mat

Best yoga mat with body alignment lines

YOGATI Yoga Mat With Alignment Lines
Price: $29.99

The unique feature of the YOGATI yoga mat is its alignment lines, which help perfect your poses and stay focused in your classes. The mat is also 6mm thick and features a double-layer structure which means the mat suits any surface, whether that be hard or soft floor. Made from TPE, YOGATI's mat promises to be the mat you gravitate towards time after time.

Pros

  • Features a double-layer structure that ensures superior grip
  • Integrated body alignment lines to help you perfect your poses
  • Crafted from TPE so it's environmentally-conscious

Cons

  • Dry clean only, which isn't ideal for regular sweaty yoga sessions

Best patterned yoga mat

It would be impossible to ignore the pattern on this KIMJALY mat. Available in three different colour options: green, blue and Bordeaux (aka deep red), this mat is sure to make a statement when you unravel it in your classes. At 8mm thick, this yoga mat is on the chunkier side of things, but it's perfect for those who need maximum support during their flow. A final great thing about KIMJALY's mat is that it's easily washable by hand. All you need is a soft cloth and soapy water.

Pros

  • Comes with a carry strap so you can easily take the mat anywhere
  • Great coloured pattern selection
  • The mat can easily be wash by hand with a soft cloth and soapy water

Cons

  • The 8mm thickness of this mat isn't for all yogis

Best cotton yoga mat

Finishing with a mat that can be used in combination with other yoga mats on our list, but also on its own. Although, if you are doing the latter just be careful not to slip. The KIMJALY cotton mat takes inspiration from the Indian roots of yoga, with its mottled design and cotton material. It can easily be carried, as the cotton means it can be folded into a square or rolled up, and easily washed too. Plus, at 4mm thick, this cotton mat helps you feel the most grounded you can.

Pros

  • Easily folded into a square or rolled up for easy transportation
  • Machine washable at 40 degrees to remove any bacteria or sweat
  • Can be used either by itself or on top of another mat

Cons

  • Because of the cotton material it slides on most floors, so is better used in conjunction with another mat

Buying the best yoga mat: FAQs

What thickness of mat is best?

As you've probably seen with some of our picks, a standard thickness of yoga mat is anywhere from around 4mm-8mm. This is because this thickness offers good balance, cushioning and stability. All while giving your joints enough support, but still allowing you to feel grounded during your practice.

If you suffer from sore joints or knees, opting for a thicker yoga mat of 6mm or more might be more appropriate. On the other hand, if yoga for you is all about a connection with the ground, a thinner mat of 4mm or less may be better.

What is a yoga mat actually for?

The humble rectangle isn't just a piece of foam or rubber or your run-of-the-mill exercise mat. On the surface, it's there to provide cushioning to your knees and joints during certain poses. But, the best yoga mat represents much more than that. Your mat is a space where you can unleash your inner warrior, flow through your practice and find stillness in the chaos. So a mat is not just for grounding your feet, it's for lifting your spirit and embracing the journey towards self-love, one pose at a time.

How often should I replace my yoga mat?

How often you should be replacing your yoga mat really depends on how much love you're showing it. If you're reaping the benefits of yoga and using your mat daily, for serious downward dog action or sweaty hot yoga sessions, it's a good idea to replace it every six months to one year. If you use your mat less than that, you might be able to get away with longer.

There are some key signs to look out for when weighing up whether it's time to bid adieu to your mat. They are; noticeable wear and tear, unpleasant odours and if it has lost its spring. It's essential to know that a good mat makes for a good flow - so treat it with care!

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Gemma Lavers is a Health & Fitness Writer for What's The Best. From understanding nutrition to practising yoga and Pilates to delving into the psychology of motivation. She enjoys demystifying the latest fitness trends and staying on top of the dynamic health landscape, whether that's the best gym leggings, fitness trackers or the benefits of yoga**.

When Gemma’s not writing, she can be found attending Pilates, yoga and Zumba classes. She’s also a bit of a home workout aficionado, constantly trying out new ways to keep her moving at home. Between writing, exercising and shopping, there’s nothing she loves more than hopping on a plane and exploring new cultures.

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