If you have sore joints or need extra support during yoga poses, 3mm mats likely aren’t the best choice for you. However, while they’re not the greatest choice for those needing extra support, they’re excellent for folks wanting a universal mat. Portability: An option with great get-up-and-go credentials makes an ideal yoga companion if you’re a fan of alfresco sessions. Look for thinner mats that roll up easily and have a carry strap if you prefer Pilates in the park. Given its transformative benefits for mind and body, the barrier for entry to yoga is low. You need very little specialised clothing or equipment – in fact, all you need is a mat.

The best yoga mats of 2023 - tested by our experts

While most mats made from natural rubber can be heavy, IUGA's Pro Non Slip Yoga Mat weighs in at a relatively light and comfortable-to-carry 2.2 pounds (the manufacturer records 2.8 pounds, but we found it to be lighter when we weighed it in our Lab). We also love that it comes with a carrying strap for trips to and from the studio or gym. Skinner recommends mats with a carrying strap and protective case and something light enough to throw over your shoulders. “You can always double up your personal mat on top of a studio mat if a travel mat feels too thin,” she says. Although we loved the portability of Gaiam's Yoga Folding Travel Mat, we didn't appreciate how thin the mat was—it didn't offer much cushioning at all. And although it's budget-friendly, we found it to be pretty unstable and slippery while practicing. From our drive to push the edges of sustainable technology comes our Performance Jute Yoga Mat. Made partly from the natural fibers of the jute plant, the lightweight, 5mm mat is durable, sustainable and absorbs moisture, making it comfortable for even your sweatiest yoga pursuits.The ideal mat should match your needs in such a way that you are able to get better and better at your yoga or Pilates practice in the 1+ years of using it – so committing to choose the right one now will most definitely help upgrade your practice in the long term.

Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested by Verywell Fit The 18 Best Yoga Mats of 2023, Tested by Verywell Fit

We tested the long version of this mat (it’s available in two lengths), and with length comes weight. At 8.8 pounds, the Manduka PRO was easily the heaviest mat we tested—notably, the manufacturer states that it weighs 9.5 pounds. For such a heavy mat, and at this higher price point, we wish it came with a bag or carrying strap. For these reasons, this mat had some of the lowest portability, storage, and care scores of the entire test, at a 3 out of 5.

There are other factors to consider, too: texture and size. “I like a big, heavy mat for home practice, but when you’re travelling you need it to be lighter,” says Emma Henry, yoga teacher at Triyoga, who uses a Liforme travel mat or Lululemon ‘(Un)mat’ when she’s on the move. She also considers the ethics of a company: “what they’re doing to support yoga teachers and what they’re doing environmentally.” Yoga mats are an incredibly versatile piece of fitness equipment and an integral part of many home workout routines. Whether you’re going to a local studio or practicing at home, having a quality yoga mat that provides the right amount of grip and support is critically important. This mat feels a bit thinner than other mats we tested, so it would be better for faster-paced classes rather than restorative yoga. It would not be well suited for practices or exercises that require you to rest on your joints for a long period of time.

5mm Yoga Mat: Which One Is Better? 3mm vs. 5mm Yoga Mat: Which One Is Better?

Professional Quality: Our performance line of professional quality products are designed by yogis, for yogis, and created to inspire mindful movement. These products are designed with care and attention to high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and durable construction. Whether for personal or professional use, these products are built to last. Find the perfect mat or accessory that’s right for you and shop the rest of our Performance Line. Some 5mm mats may be made of synthetic materials, which may have a higher environmental impact than natural or eco-friendly options. 3mm vs 5mm Yoga Mat This sturdy mat from Gaiam has a pleasant blue and green lunar wave design that makes your practice feel luxurious. The mat is reversible, so you can choose whichever design suits your mood.

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The generous length and width provide plenty of space to move about freely, allowing you to stay focused during flows. We also love the beautiful color range and overall style, as well as easy spot clean care instructions. The 100% latex-free, recyclable, and OEKO-TEX certified PVC (free from hazardous chemicals) Manduka Prolite Yoga Mat is a favorite among yoga teachers and students. The Manduka PRO is known for requiring a bit of a break-in period before it becomes the non-slip mat people rave about. Compared to some of the other mats we tested, like Manduka's EKO Superlite Travel Yoga Mat, we were impressed by its out-of-the-box grip. We didn’t need to use a yoga towel to prevent slipping, like the brand recommended.

Best yoga mats for the home or gym UK 2023: Expert-tested Best yoga mats for the home or gym UK 2023: Expert-tested

This stylish yoga mat from lululemon provides excellent grip and stability for a variety of poses, making it our best overall runner-up. During testing, we noted the raised texture on the mat surface provided great traction so there was no slipping, even when our hands were sweaty. We liked the bubbly texture and found that it made the mat very grippy. If you need extra cushioning and your mat is too thin, fold it under your knees or wrists when you’re in a more challenging pose so that your joints are protected and you don’t suffer from any pain during or after practice Generally, a 3mm mat is lighter than a 5mm mat due to its thinner profile, making it easier to transport and convenient for those who are always on the go. Portabilitylululemon, known for their high-quality activewear (which we also put to the test in the Lab when finding the best lululemon leggings), makes this extra-large mat—a rare find for tall people. At 28 inches, it is the widest of all the mats we tested—and was second in length only to the Manduka PRO.