The Best Yoga Mat

Updated on 20 December 2022

After 20 hours, a review of 23 popular yoga mats and our testing of 8 of them, we believe that the Manduka Eko Superlite offers the best value for money at the moment.

This comparison is certified 100% impartial and follows our selection process.

Our choice, Best mid-range

Manduka EKO Superlite

Its natural material, lightness, good grip on the ground and its thinness are very interesting features for yogis looking for a travel mat.

£ 50.00 on Amazon

Manduka EKO Superlite

The Manduka EKO is made from biodegradable natural rubber and offers excellent grip on all types of floors. When we tested it, we also liked the grip, but we noticed some slipping after washing and with sweaty hands, so it is best to clean the mat before use. It measures 180 x 61 cm and is only 2 mm thick. This means that it offers little cushioning and is less comfortable on the knees, but it insulates surprisingly well from the ground and provides balance.

 

 

Best budget

Kimjaly Essentiel

It is perfect for beginners or occasional yoga practice. Its affordability, lightness, good thickness and overall grip make it a success.

£ 7.99 on Decathlon

Kimjaly Essentiel

This model is made of PVC-free insulating foam with a grid pattern to provide a good grip for the hands. Although we found some manufacturing flaws in the surface during our tests, we found that the mat stayed well on the ground and insulated well from the cold. However, with its dimensions of 172 x 58 cm, it is still rather small and narrow for certain postures (Shavasana, Asanas, etc.). On the other hand, its thickness of 4 mm is ideal and does not sag under any circumstances. Another of its great advantages is its transportability, as it is ultra-light (350 g) and its 2 elastics allow you to keep it rolled up. Our only regret is the absence of a shoulder strap. Moreover, it is not suitable for dynamic yoga.

 

Best High-End

Yogamatata Ginkgo

In addition to its environmentally friendly design, its cork surface provides excellent grip and eliminates unwanted odours. It is a real guarantee of durability.

£ 89.00 on Yogamatata

Yogamatata

This yoga mat has an admirable design. After our tests, we can say that its main asset is its sturdy cork surface, which offers an excellent grip without retaining bad odours. It is a little heavier but still has perfect density and dimensions. The brand’s ecological footprint is also worth mentioning. In our opinion, it is suitable for all types of yoga and yogis, even for more intense exercises.

 

Mid-range alternative

Jade Harmony

Popular on the market, it is made of ecological and natural materials. Its thickness and surface provide the comfort, cushioning and grip needed to practice different types of yoga.

£ 69.95 on Amazon

Jade Yoga Harmony Professional

Recommended by a large number of yoga teachers, this model is suitable for all styles and can also be used as a fitness mat for its comfort. It is made of 100% natural rubber and is designed to be environmentally friendly. It offers good cushioning and excellent grip.

 

Our selection

Our choice, Best mid-rangeBest budgetBest High-EndMid-range alternative
Manduka EKO Superlite Kimjaly Essentiel Yogamatata Ginkgo Jade Harmony
Its natural material, lightness, good grip on the ground and its thinness are very interesting features for yogis looking for a travel mat. It is perfect for beginners or occasional yoga practice. Its affordability, lightness, good thickness and overall grip make it a success. In addition to its environmentally friendly design, its cork surface provides excellent grip and eliminates unwanted odours. It is a real guarantee of durability. Popular on the market, it is made of ecological and natural materials. Its thickness and surface provide the comfort, cushioning and grip needed to practice different types of yoga.
£ 50.00 on Amazon £ 7.99 on Decathlon £ 89.00 on Yogamatata £ 69.95 on Amazon

 

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How did we test?

To begin with, we place each mat on different floors (tiles, grass, parquet) to test its grip and insulating properties. We also assessed the adhesion of the surface by placing our dry or wet hands/feet on it, before and after cleaning. In addition, we observed whether it left traces of fingerprints and or retained odours, as well as its resistance to twisting and tearing.

We then practised yoga with each of the mats by varying the postures to analyse their use, dimensions, thickness and comfort. Finally, we judged their ease of transport (with or without accessories).

 

How to choose your yoga mat?

Before buying a yoga mat, you should determine whether you will use it on a regular or occasional basis, as there are differences in the characteristics of each model.

Tapis de yoga

Here are some criteria to consider before purchasing:

  • The materials: although PVC is cheap, resistant and offers pleasant comfort, its composition could affect intensive users. NBR Nitrile foam is a cheap, soft rubber, but it has not convinced all yogis. TPE foam, the “latest generation”, offers a material free of latex, PVC and chemicals (toxic or harmful). Finally, natural rubber is eco-friendly and more expensive.

  • The dimensions: these generally vary from 1.73 cm or 1.83 m in length and about 60 cm in width. Some postures, such as Savasana (on the back with arms and legs slightly open) require “XL” size mats, i.e. with a width of 80 cm. And although they are rarer to find, there are also round models (up to 1.90 m in diameter).

  • Thickness and density: these elements define their cushioning and therefore their comfort. As yoga is a particular practice, you need to be careful to choose a model with sufficient cushioning, so as not to cause your joints to suffer during exercise and to insulate you from the cold of the ground. It would also be interesting to do it in a completely natural way so that you can be more connected with nature, but the interesting thing is to have a denser model.

  • The quality of the surface: its main role is to provide an optimal anti-slip area so as not to affect the stability of the user. In addition, another important factor is that it can eliminate bad odours (as with a perspiration material).

Tapis de yoga

  • Weight: Some models are heavy. This can affect their transportability. If this is the case, it would be ideal to have two mats, one for use at home and one (lighter) for your travels.

Tapis de yoga

  • Maintenance: it is recommended to clean the mat after each use, before wrapping it. You can do this with a simple wipe (which will prevent the growth of bacteria). For thorough washing, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Also, please note that if your machine dries it, the drying time varies according to the material and density.

 

Other models we recommend

Manduka Prolite (£49.99 upon publication): a sustainable choice. This mat is made of ecological and sustainable materials. This model allows you to practice both yoga and sports at home or in the studio. Between its large surface area, its ecological design and its excellent stability, it meets the needs of regular yogis.

Manduka Pro (£112.80 upon publication): durable and environmentally friendly, but quite expensive. This practical yoga mat (180 x 60 cm) can be used for other sports activities. With its 6 mm thickness, it can withstand heavy loads and the most regular training sessions. It wicks away perspiration, and is comfortable and easy to clean, but is also a little heavy (3.4 kg).

 

Other models tested

Amazon Brand Umi (£39.99 upon publication): this TPE mat is easy to carry, non-slip and grips most floors. However, its composition is less natural and tends to leave footprints and handprints.

Kimjaly Grip+ 5mm (£34.99 upon publication): despite its natural rubber design, good grip and generous size, the surface is easily soiled, smells bad and the material flakes over time. It is also quite heavy (3.5 kg).

 

 

Translated by Ramsés El Hajje 

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