![\"Mary](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/DSC_1108-scaled.jpg\")
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Not all yoga mats are made equal.<\/strong> As a connoisseur of various branches of yoga and many different yoga mats, we know there is a lot of variation from the material to the texture, thickness, and price.<\/p>\n Plus, you will find that the most important qualities of a yoga mat vary depending on your practice. You may opt for a highly portable travel mat or an inch-thick mat to provide extra cushioning for your joints.<\/p>\n No matter what you are looking for, we’ve got you covered. In this comprehensive buyer’s guide, we break down our top picks and provide high-quality recommendations for every type of yoga practitioner. <\/p>\n If you don’t know what you are looking for, that’s OK, too. We know it can be hard to sift through all the options to find the yoga mat that’s right for you. That’s why we have compiled the how to<\/strong> choose buyers guide<\/strong><\/a> and FAQ<\/strong><\/a> <\/strong>section. Compare the options side-by-side with the comparison chart<\/strong><\/a>. Otherwise, scroll through our guide to see the best yoga mats of 2023. <\/p>\n Editor\u2019s Note: We updated our yoga mats buyer\u2019s guide on October 31, 2023, to make sure the selection was still top notch. <\/em><\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTextured top and bottom layers, durable construction, available in an extra-long option<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tRelatively heavy, expensive<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n At the top of this list, and for very good reason, is the\u00a0Manduka PRO Yoga Mat<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($150). This is certainly not a cheap yoga mat, but we think you will agree that its high-quality construction justifies the price tag.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Made with closed-cell PVC, this mat is easy to clean and keep free of bacteria; plus, it\u2019s built to last without harmful chemicals and is also latex-free.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This high-density, cushioned yoga mat provides an all-around comfortable experience. The mat has a textured top layer to keep your hands and feet in place as you transition between poses, and the dotted bottom layer prevents the mat from moving around on the floor.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n This added stability and the nonslip surface can make a real difference in your yoga practice and help prevent injury from falls.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Manduka claims to be the most recommended brand by yoga teachers. And while that\u2019s impossible to prove, our experience with the PRO Mat is overwhelmingly positive. The mat is relatively heavy, compared to others on this list, and the most expensive by a significant margin.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Therefore, we recommend the\u00a0<\/a>Manduka PRO Yoga Mat<\/strong><\/a><\/strong>\u00a0for people who practice yoga seriously and frequently and are looking to invest in a reliable mat.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tVariety of designs, lightweight, affordable<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSlightly smaller than standard, not as durable as other brands<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n At its affordable price point, the\u00a0Gaiam 6 mm<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($30) is definitely the best yoga mat for beginners. This is a quality mat of standard thickness and a nice light weight. You will find this mat available in various fun designs, from funky and bold to modern and sleek.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n It is a little smaller in both length and width than most other mats. If you are taller or like having that extra space, this might not be the mat for you. But for others looking to give yoga a try or wanting to expand their practice on a tight budget, the\u00a0Gaiam 6 mm\u00a0is a great selection.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n One common complaint with more budget-friendly mats (like this one) is that they are not as durable as others. You may find that the mat sheds over time, particularly in the spots where you put your hands and feet. Because the mat is just one layer, you could use both sides to increase its lifespan if you notice rips or tears.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n However, if you expect to use your mat multiple times a week, we would recommend a more expensive mat as an investment in durability. This Gaiam 6 mm<\/strong><\/a> is best for beginners and casual yoga practitioners.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEco-friendly<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tHeavier, not as slip-proof when wet<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n We have to give props to the\u00a0Jade Harmony Yoga Mat<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0($92). This mat is a high-end product, coming in around the top of the price range. It makes sense when you learn that the mat\u2019s sustainable, natural rubber construction is eco-friendly, containing no toxins or ozone-depleting gasses.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n On top of the eco-conscious materials, we love the slip-free surface of the rubber mat. Being one material top and bottom, the mat will stay secure on your floor as well.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Take note, however, that some testers complained that the mat becomes more slippery when wet. This mat, therefore, might not be the best option for hot yoga practitioners or those who sweat a lot, but you could also invest in a slip-free yoga mat towel like Yogitoes. Otherwise, the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat<\/a><\/strong> is one of our favorites. <\/p>\n<\/div>\nThe Best Yoga Mats of 2023<\/h2>\n
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\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Overall Yoga Mat\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tManduka PRO\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t71\u2033 x 26\u2033 (extra-long option is 85\u2033 long)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t7.5 lbs. (extra-long option is 9.5 lbs.)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t100% latex-free high-density cushion made from PVC<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Manduka-pro-mat-1.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tMary Murphy<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at REI<\/a>Check Price at Backcountry<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/a><\/h4>\n
\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Budget Yoga Mat\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGaiam 6 mm\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t68\u2033 x 24\u2033<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t6 mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t3.2 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tPVC<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/gaiam-mat.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tMary Murphy<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at Amazon<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tRunner-Up Best Yoga Mat\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tJade Harmony\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t68\u201d x 24\u201d<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t5 mm<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t4.5 lbs.<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOpen-cell natural rubber<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Jade-Harmony-e1642019685191.jpg\")
<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\tPros\t\t<\/h4>\n
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\n\tMary Murphy<\/span>
\n<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\tCheck Price at REI<\/a>Check Price at Jade Yoga<\/a><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\t\t\t\tBest Thick Yoga Mat\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetrospec Solana 1\u2033\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\t\tSpecs\t<\/h3>\n
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t72\u2033 x 24\u2033<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t1\u2033 (25.4 mm)<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNot provided<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSmall-cell dense foam rubber<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
![\"The](\"http:\/\/setupjunkie.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Retrospec-Solana-Yoga-Mat-e1641933030329.jpg\")
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