Best Yoga Mats in 2026

1. Thickness: cushion vs stability

Thicker mats give knees and wrists more cushion on hard floors; thinner mats feel steadier in balancing poses. Most full-size mats on our list are 4–6 mm. 8 mm gives the most cushion; 1.5 mm travel mats give almost none.

2. Match the surface to how much you sweat

Closed-cell mats (like the Manduka PRO and eKO) keep moisture out of the mat, so they are durable and easy to clean, but sweat stays on top and many people add a towel. Open-cell rubber and absorbent tops (like lululemon’s grippy side) grip better when damp. For heated classes, check that the brand says the mat is made for them: Liforme, for example, says its mats are not.

3. Material and latex

Natural rubber mats grip well but can contain latex; Jade, Manduka (eKO), lululemon and Liforme all warn people with latex allergies. PVC mats like the Manduka PRO and Gaiam Classic are labelled latex-free.

4. Weight, if you carry it

Thick natural rubber is heavy: Jade’s 8 mm Fusion weighs about 8.5 lb. If you commute to class, a lighter mat or a foldable travel mat makes more sense.

5. Length

Choose a mat longer than you are tall. Many standard mats are 68 in; Manduka suggests people over about 5 ft 11 look for an extra-long mat.

Caring for it: wipe it with a damp cloth and a cleaner made for its material, let it dry fully before rolling, never soak or machine-wash it, and keep natural rubber out of direct sunlight.

We shortlisted current mats from established brands and compared them on what each brand publishes: thickness, size, weight, material, latex information, grip and cleaning guidance, warranty and price. Facts come from each manufacturer’s product, FAQ and warranty pages, checked on the date at the top of this page. We have not tested these mats for this guide, and brands cannot pay for placement. Read our review process and affiliate disclosure.