What Yoga Mat Should I Buy? A Teacher’s Honest Guide to the Top 5 Mats on the Market
If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me what mat they should buy, I could quit teaching yoga and retire at 30. Just kidding—but seriously, this question comes up constantly. So I figured it was time to put together a guide to help you choose the right mat for your practice.
When I first started practicing, the options were pretty limited—maybe a third of what’s available today. Now? It can feel totally overwhelming. The good news is, after years of testing mats (and sweating on a lot of them), I’ve got opinions. Lots of them.
Why a High-Quality Mat Matters
In my opinion, investing in a good mat is essential to deepening your practice. I still remember the difference I felt when I switched from a $15 Gaiam mat I grabbed at Target to the Manduka Pro—it completely changed how I moved through my practice. That said, good mats can get pricey, so before you drop $100+, here’s what I recommend.
My Top 5 Yoga Mats (Ranked)
5. Manduka Pro Yoga Mat
Price: $138 USD
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight: 7.5 lbs
This was my first real yoga mat investment. I was surprised to see it’s now $138—pretty sure I paid closer to $100 back in 2015 (thanks, inflation). I recently gifted mine to a friend because it was just collecting dust. It’s a solid mat, but not my go-to anymore.
Pros:
Built to last over 10 years
Rarely shows wear and tear
Cons:
Takes a long time to break in
Heavy and bulky to carry
4. Temploo Ecoyoga Mat
Price: $100 USD
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 1.3 lbs
I discovered this mat on my retreat at Jungle Keva in Tulum. I was skeptical at first (I’m picky about mats), but I was genuinely impressed. It's made from natural jute fiber, which is both eco-friendly and biodegradable.
Pros:
Amazing grip—even during sweaty flows
Lightweight for its thickness
Environmentally conscious
Cons:
Textured surface can be harder to clean
Takes longer to dry after deep cleaning
3. Manduka eKO Yoga Mat
Price: $110 USD
Thickness: 5 mm
Weight: 7 lbs
This one has a closed-cell surface, meaning it resists moisture and bacteria (sweaty yogis, rejoice). It also comes in multiple lengths and has a lightweight travel version (which I’ve also loved).
Pros:
Grippy and sweat-friendly
Easy to clean
Eco-friendly
More affordable than other high-end mats
Cons:
Shows wear after about a year of daily practice
Still pretty heavy
2. Jade Harmony Yoga Mat
Price: $92 USD
Thickness: 4.8 mm
Weight: 4.2 lbs
I don’t own one (yet), but I’ve practiced on enough to know it’s a great mat. One of the studios I teach at stocks them for rentals—which is a win for everyone. Every time I use one, I think, “Why haven’t I bought this yet?” Also, everyone I know who owns one loves it.
Pros:
Made from natural rubber (a renewable resource)
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Comes in multiple lengths
Jade plants a tree for every mat sold
Cons:
Open-cell surface absorbs sweat and dirt
Needs frequent cleaning
Can be slippery when new
1. Lululemon The Mat 3mm
Price: $88 USD
Thickness: 3 mm
Weight: 3.96 lbs
This is the mat I currently use and I’m OBSESSED. I don’t love thick mats, so this one is perfect. If you prefer more cushion, it also comes in a 5 mm version. It’s light, grippy, eco-conscious, and with my yoga teacher discount, I paid just $63. We love an affordable, high-quality find.
Pros:
Incredible grip—even when drenched in sweat
Eco-friendly and easy to clean
Lightweight and travel-friendly
Great price point
Cons:
Some users report a strong rubber smell at first
Too soon to report on long-term durability (but I’ll keep you posted)
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend $150 for a high-quality mat. My top picks—Lululemon The Mat 3mm and Jade Harmony—are excellent investments that come in under $100.
Personally, I’m not a fan of thick mats. While extra cushioning may feel good on the knees, it can actually hinder joint alignment. Good joint health often relies on micro‑adjustments guided by tactile feedback: you press down, feel the mat respond, and adjust your alignment. A very thick mat blunts this feedback loop, so small misalignments go unchecked and accumulate stress in joints like the shoulders and hips. The feedback loop between your body and the floor is important—thicker mats can dull that connection, which may lead to misalignment and joint stress over time.
That’s one of the reasons I love the Lululemon 3mm—it gives me the grounded, responsive feel I want in my practice. If you need extra knee support, I recommend adding small yoga knee pads so you can get the best of both worlds.
I hope this guide helps you find the mat that supports your unique practice. If you have questions or want to share your own mat experience, drop a comment below!
