We all have our methods of coping with stressful times: confiding in our closest friends and family members, going on a five-mile run, wine. For lots of folks, yoga might also rank high on the list of first-line defenses. As we continue to spend more time at home, taking time to do some yoga is a two-birds-one-stone solution to getting some exercise while also working wonders for calming our mile-a-minute minds.
Not all of us may be able to shell out for a full home gym setup — but, odds are, a yoga mat to go with those free-to-cheap online videos is a worthy investment that we can justify. And, as anyone who’s mindlessly scrolled Amazon’s yoga mats selection, the internet has a seemingly endless selection of options. At first glance, you may think that they’re all more or less exactly the same. However, there are a few that stand out from the stack — and we’ve combed top sites to bring you the most popular ones with satisfied yogi-reviewers to prove it.
Welcome to Hype Machine, our hit-list of the top reviewed products across the web — according to a crowd of die-hard shoppers. Call this your 4-star & up only club, with entry granted by our devoted-to-the-goods shop editors.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. The product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat
Best For: Hot Yoga
This mat’s dry-wicking surface draws moisture away, a huge plus for anyone into the hot yoga scene. Its natural rubber backing offers the perfect amount of cushioning, too.
The Hype: 5 out of 5 stars and 163 reviews on Alo Yoga
Yogis Say: “This mat fulfilled my expectations. Slip resistant, enough cushion, picks up sweat and easy to clean. I use this for my HIIT workouts and it works great! By far worth the investment.” — Alo Yoga Reviewer
Alo Yoga Warrior Mat, $, available at Alo Yoga
Gaiam Classic Solid Color Yoga Mat 5MM
Best For: Basic Yoga
Gaiam’s classic mat is ideal for yogis not looking for anything fancy but still wanting solid support — the 5-mm thickness provides just enough cushioning for standard practice while the “sticky” textured surface will keep sweatier moves from sliding your body of place.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 36 reviews on Gaiam
Yogis Say: “Being quarantined at home, I started P90x last week. I am so glad I came across this page! So many colors to choose from! I want them all! I cleaned it before use as instructed and the stickiness of the matt helps with the side planks and green banana. The mat came faster than expected, like in 2 days! I like the width and length of it. I wish this product came with the straps. Otherwise no complaints. Thank you. I’m a happy camper!” — Gaiam Reviewer
Gaiam Classic Solid Color Yoga Mats (5mm), $, available at Gaiam
AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Thick Yoga Mat 6 Piece Set
Best For: Beginner Yoga
This yoga starter pack from Amazon’s in-house brand comes with blocks, a yoga belt, a hand towel, a yoga towel, and one very cushy mat — all for under $50.
The Hype: 4.7 out of 5 stars and 78 reviews on Amazon
Yogis Say: “This set is well worth its money. Alone all of these products are at least $15 each so to get all together in a bundle is a great deal. I always wanted a strap and blocks but felt like I could never justify buying all of these items if I’m only occasionally going to do yoga. These have taken my skills to the next level for sure. The mat is thick and luxurious not as much grip as I thought it would have but lovely still.” — Kel-Z, Amazon Reviewer
AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Thick Yoga Mat 6 Piece Set, $, available at Amazon
Organic Cotton Mart Organic Cotton Yoga Mat
Best For: Super-Soft Yoga
If you’re willing to sacrifice some slip factor, treat yourself to the ultra-plush feeling of doing some downward dog poses atop a woven mat made from organic cotton.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,739 seller reviews on Etsy
Yogis Say: “Beautifully made yoga mat. I know we will enjoy this mat for many years.” — Etsy Reviewer
OrganicCottonMart Organic Cotton Yoga Mat – Natural, Hand Weaved, $, available at Etsy
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat
Best For: On-The-Go Yoga
Advanced yogis may want to opt for Manduka’s PRO mat, but if you’re looking for a lighter option for added portability (not that you’re doing yoga anywhere other than your living room at the moment), this Lite version is perfect.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 841 reviews on Manduka
Yogis Say: “I used to use pro but wanted to have a light one to take it to yoga class. If you don’t need a portable one, I definitely recommend a pro mat, but if you need to travel with it, I would recommend this prolite. I’m really enjoying yoga with this mat.” — Anonymous Manduka Reviewer
Manduka PROlite Yoga Mat – Premium 4.7mm Thick Mat, $, available at Manduka
Toplus Yoga Mat – Classic 1/4 inch Eco-Friendly Non Slip
Best For: Planet-Friendly Yoga
This reversible mat isn’t just super cute and sturdy. It’s made of thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), a recycled foam material that’s also biodegradable. It’s a win for sustainability and your practice.
The Hype: 4.4 out of 5 stars and 1,232 reviews on Amazon
Yogis Say: “Holy anti-slip. I thought my previous mat was good but nope it had nothing on this one. This mat has a defined top and bottom. The pink bottom has waves cut into to add traction. They work great, unlike thicker mats I’ve had before. This one stays in its place on the floor, no entire mat sliding across the floor with this one. The purple top has a texturization that creates a visually attractive pattern while also providing an additional non-slip grip that works phenomenally. Seriously, I used to need traction gloves to work on handstands on my old mat now despite my hands being just as slippery they don’t slip.” – T. Martinez, Amazon Reviewer
TOPLUS Yoga Mat – Classic 1/4 inch Eco Friendly Non Slip, $, available at Amazon
Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat
Best For: Tall-Person Yoga
Lose yourself in Shavasana pose with a mat that’s long enough for the 5″8 and up crew.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 2,446 reviews on Amazon
Yogis Say: “Really like this mat. Thicker and longer which is just what I was looking for in my next mat. I’m 5’9″ and finally feel like I am fully on the mat where I lie down. It is a good grip, but I do still slip a little bit if I’m sweaty… Nothing like previous mats I’ve had, though.” — TMI-TMA, Amazon Reviewer
Heathyoga Eco Friendly Non Slip Yoga Mat, $, available at Amazon
Lululemon Carry Onwards Mat
Best For: Anywhere Yoga
You already love the leggings — and turns out, Lululemon’s mats are also pretty legit. This foldable mat is made from sustainably-sourced rubber that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified.
The Hype: 3.8 out of 5 stars and 29 reviews on lululemon
Yogis Say: “This was a surprise gift for my best friend and she loved it! She works out a lot and loves that she can fit it in her gym bag, wash it, and it’s not some bulky thing she has to carry around campus.” — Makayla, Lululemon Reviewer
lululemon Carry Onwards Mat Travel, $, available at lululemon
Gaiam Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm
Best For: Bringing The Studio To Your Apartment Yoga
With over 4,000 reviews (and counting), Gaiam’s OG yoga mat is a forever fave among yoga novices and experts alike due to its lightweight portability and a vast library of patterns and designs.
The Hype: 4.6 out of 5 stars and 4,009 reviews on Amazon
Yogis Say: “Yoga mat just arrived and it’s beautiful! I bought to match my living room to encourage more yoga at home and it is such great quality. The only criticism is that it arrived a couple of days after the delivery tracking said it had, but definitely worth spending a little more for the added thickness and design. 10/10” — Sarah H, Amazon Reviewer
Gaiam Yoga Mat – Premium 6mm, $, available at Amazon
YoFoMat Yoga Mat
Best For: Convertable Yoga
The lines on this foldable yoga mat make it this a perfect pick to use during meditation mat or as a comfortable sitting cushion.
The Hype: 4.3 out of 5 stars and 6 reviews on Bed, Bath & Beyond
Yogis Say: “I love this mat. The folds ensure I always use the clean side. It’s comfortable and is great for stretching, exercises, and of course Yoga! I like that it folds up easily for travel as well!” — Goldbearla, Bed, Bath & Beyond Reviewer
YoFoMat Yoga Mat, $, available at Bed Bath & Beyond
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat
Best For: Hot Yoga
If you’ve ever experienced a Slip-n-Slide situation during a Bikram class, then you know how important grip is to a positive yoga practice. This highly-rated mat passes the test.
The Hype: 4.5 out of 5 stars and 2,896 reviews on Amazon
Yogis Say: “I was skeptical. Then I found out what yoga could actually be like with a good mat. No joke. So worth it.” — Daveybear, Amazon Reviewer
Jade Yoga Harmony Yoga Mat, $, available at Amazon
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