Updated October 29, 2026 · 7 min read
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Short on time? Our picks
Best overall for yogaHeathyoga TPE yoga matdouble-sided grip, alignment linesCheck price on Amazon →
Best thick mat for kneesGaiam 10mm thick mat46,000+ ratingsCheck price on Amazon →Yoga and home workouts · 2026
The best yoga mats
A good yoga mat grips your hands and feet so you do not slide in downward dog, cushions knees and wrists, and does not smell or fall apart after a few months. The best mat depends on what you do: yoga flow, hot yoga, Pilates or floor workouts.
We compared the best-selling yoga and exercise mats on Amazon on grip, thickness, material, size and what hundreds of thousands of buyers say. Below is one clear mat for each kind of practice, plus how thick your mat should be.
Quick answer: the best yoga mats
- Best overall for yogaHeathyoga TPE yoga mat · double-sided grip, alignment lines
- Best thick mat for kneesGaiam 10mm thick mat · 46,000+ ratings
- Best for home workoutsFitvids 1/2 inch mat · 94,000+ ratings
- Best printed matGaiam Premium 6mm print · 4.7★ · many designs
- Add for hot yogaNon-slip yoga mat towel · silicone grip
If you want one answer: buy the Heathyoga TPE yoga mat. It has a double-sided non-slip surface, alignment lines to help you set up poses, and eco-friendly TPE material that is free from latex and PVC. Buyers praise its quality, thickness, cushioning and alignment lines. If you mostly do floor exercises and need extra knee padding, choose the Gaiam 10mm thick mat.
Pick by practice
Heathyoga TPE
Grip for standing poses, enough cushioning for knees, and alignment lines to keep you centered.
Gaiam 10mm thick
Extra-thick foam for kneeling, stretching and core work on hard floors.
Fitvids 1/2 inch
A big, cushy mat for sit-ups, stretching and bodyweight workouts, at a low price.
Yoga mat towel
Lay a grippy microfiber towel over your mat so sweaty hands do not slide.
The best yoga mats, reviewed
Heathyoga TPE Yoga Mat
You need this if: you practise yoga or Pilates and want grip, cushioning and a healthier material.
- MaterialTPE, latex and PVC free
- GripDouble-sided non-slip
- ExtrasAlignment lines, strap
- Ratings4.5★, 9,500+
Why we recommend it: It balances grip and cushioning better than cheap foam mats. Buyers mention quality, thickness, cushioning, comfort, look and the alignment system. The lines help beginners place hands and feet correctly in poses, and the TPE material is soft and low-odor.
Keep in mind: TPE is not as grippy as natural rubber for very sweaty practice. Add a yoga towel for hot yoga.
Gaiam 10mm Thick Yoga Mat
You need this if: you want extra cushioning for knees, hips and spine on hard floors.
- Thickness10mm (2/5 in)
- MaterialHigh-density NBR foam
- ExtrasEasy-cinch strap
- Ratings4.6★, 46,000+
Why we recommend it: It is one of the most popular thick mats. Buyers praise its quality, thickness, comfort, softness and value. The 10mm foam takes pressure off knees and wrists during floor exercises, stretching and gentle yoga.
Keep in mind: Very thick mats can feel wobbly in balance poses. Durability is mixed in reviews.
Fitvids 1/2-Inch Exercise Mat
You need this if: you want a big, cushy mat for floor workouts, stretching and core.
- Thickness1/2 inch
- Size71 x 24 in
- GripDouble-sided non-slip
- Ratings4.5★, 94,000+
Why we recommend it: It is one of the most-reviewed exercise mats on Amazon. Buyers mention quality, thickness, comfort, value and portability. The thick foam is great for sit-ups, planks and stretching on hard floors.
Keep in mind: It is too soft for most yoga balance poses. Choose the Heathyoga for yoga.
Gaiam Premium 6mm Print Yoga Mat
You need this if: you want a stylish mat with good cushioning for regular yoga.
- Thickness6mm
- MaterialPVC, 7P free
- DesignsMany prints
- Ratings4.7★, 22,000+
Why we recommend it: It has the highest rating here. Buyers praise the design, value, cushioning, look and colors. At 6mm it is a good balance between comfort and stability for yoga flows.
Keep in mind: Grip is the most mixed topic in reviews. It suits gentle and everyday yoga more than sweaty, fast flows.
Alternative: the Amazon Basics extra thick mat is a cheap 1/2-inch foam mat similar to the Fitvids, with more than 70,000 ratings. Buy one or the other, not both.
Yoga mats compared
| Mat | Best for | Thickness | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heathyoga TPE | Yoga, Pilates | About 6mm | 4.5★ (9,500+) |
| Gaiam thick | Knees, floor work | 10mm | 4.6★ (46,000+) |
| Fitvids | Home workouts | 1/2 inch | 4.5★ (94,000+) |
| Gaiam Premium print | Style, gentle yoga | 6mm | 4.7★ (22,000+) |
Ratings were checked on Amazon in October 2026. Prices change often.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
| Thickness | Best for |
|---|---|
| 3 to 4mm | Travel, hot yoga, balance-heavy flows |
| 5 to 6mm | Most yoga and Pilates |
| 8 to 10mm | Sensitive knees, gentle yoga, floor stretching |
| 1/2 inch (about 12mm) | Sit-ups, core and bodyweight workouts |
Thicker mats are more comfortable but less stable. For yoga, most people do best with about 5 or 6mm. For floor workouts, thicker is better.
▶ How to Choose the Best Yoga Mat for BeginnersDecathlon explains mat thickness, materials and grip for different kinds of practice. The video loads from YouTube only when you press play.
Yoga mat materials
- TPE: light, soft, latex free and low odor. Good grip for the price.
- PVC: durable and affordable, but less eco-friendly. Grip varies.
- NBR foam: thick and cushy for floor workouts, less stable for yoga.
- Natural rubber: the best grip and durability, but heavier and not for latex allergies.
Best yoga mat for hot yoga
Sweat makes most mats slippery. The best setup is a grippy mat plus a microfiber yoga towel with silicone grip on top, like the non-slip yoga mat towel, which buyers praise for grip and hot-yoga use. Spray the towel lightly with water before class to activate the grip.
What size yoga mat do you need?
Standard mats are about 68 to 72 inches long and 24 inches wide, which suits most people up to about 6 feet tall. Taller people should look for mats around 72 inches or longer so their head and feet stay on the mat in lying poses. Wider mats give more room for floor workouts. The Fitvids mat is 71 by 24 inches.
Yoga mat for Pilates
Mat Pilates involves lots of rolling on the spine and lying exercises, so a slightly thicker mat, around 6 to 10mm, is more comfortable than a thin yoga mat. The Heathyoga works well for both, and the Gaiam 10mm is a good choice if your back or hips are sensitive.
Why does my new yoga mat smell?
Many foam and PVC mats have a light smell when new, from the manufacturing process. Unroll it in a well-ventilated room for a day or two and wipe it down with mild soap and water. TPE mats like the Heathyoga are known for being low odor. If a smell is very strong or does not fade, contact the seller.
What else do you need for yoga at home?
- Yoga blocks: bring the floor closer in stretches and standing poses.
- A yoga strap: helps with hamstring and shoulder stretches.
- A towel: for hot or sweaty sessions.
- A quiet corner: enough room to stretch your arms out on all sides.
Yoga mats for kids
Kids can use any light, non-toxic mat. Shorter, lighter mats are easier for them to carry and roll. Bright printed mats like the Gaiam Premium often encourage kids to join in.
How to clean a yoga mat
- Wipe it after each use with a damp cloth or a mix of water and a little mild soap.
- Let it air-dry completely before rolling it up.
- Keep it out of direct sun, which breaks down foam and fades colors.
- Roll it with the top side facing out so the edges lie flat.
When to replace a yoga mat
Replace your mat when it starts flaking, loses grip even after cleaning, or has permanent dents where your hands and knees go. With regular use, budget foam mats last about a year, and premium mats last longer.
Build out your home practice with resistance bands, a foam roller and adjustable dumbbells. Yoga mats also make great fitness gifts.
Related: Complete your kit with the best yoga blocks.
Got questions?
Frequently asked questions
What is the best yoga mat?
For most yoga and Pilates, the Heathyoga TPE mat, with double-sided grip and alignment lines.
What is the best yoga mat for hot yoga?
A grippy mat plus a microfiber yoga towel with silicone grip on top.
How thick should a yoga mat be?
About 5 to 6mm for most yoga. 8 to 10mm for sensitive knees and floor work.
What is the best thick yoga mat for knees?
The Gaiam 10mm thick mat, with high-density foam that cushions knees and wrists.
What is the best mat for home workouts?
The Fitvids 1/2 inch mat, a big, cushy mat for core and bodyweight exercises.
Is TPE or PVC better for yoga mats?
TPE is lighter, latex free and lower odor. PVC is durable and cheap. Both work well.
How do I stop my yoga mat from slipping?
Clean it regularly, break in new mats with a few sessions, and use a yoga towel for sweaty practice.
How often should you replace a yoga mat?
When it flakes, loses grip or stays dented, often about once a year with regular use.
How we chose
We compared the best-selling and best-reviewed yoga and exercise mats on Amazon in October 2026. We looked at grip, thickness, material, size and price, and read Amazon’s review topics and verified buyer reviews to see what buyers praise and complain about. We picked one mat for each kind of practice. We have not tested these mats in person, no brand paid for placement, and prices change often. Read our full method.
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