11 Best Affordable Yoga Mats Of 2024 (Under $30)
Michelle Thielen, R-CYAMT, is a yoga therapist who has been teaching somatic movement through dance and yoga for over 25 years. She is also a keynote speaker and the author of Stretching Your Faith and Exit Wilderness. She founded the Christian Yoga Association in 2018 to act as a bridge between faith-based yoga practitioners and educators.
Read full bio of Michelle Thielen
Aditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is an associate commerce editor with 5 years of experience and specializes in reviewing fitness and health products.
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Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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rajeshwari das Rajeshwari is a dedicated fitness and lifestyle enthusiast, deeply committed to enhancing our readers’ well-being and vitality. She has a master’s degree in Journalism & Mass Communication from the University of Calcutta.
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In This Article
If you are a yoga enthusiast, then you know the value of the best high-quality affordable yoga mats. A good-quality yoga mat keeps you safe and cushioned while you practice various postures and sequences. Whether you do casual yoga or are an avid practitioner, your practice is a special space where you may find peace and strength as it provides you support, grip, and comfort. Yoga mats may appear the same at first glance, but each is designed for various purposes. They cater to various physical needs, workout sessions, and preferences. Depending on your specific practice, there is a mat that will fit your unique needs. With so many mats on the market, it can be confusing which one is right for you. Here we will cover the mats that work best for your practice and your budget. Take a look at our list of 11 top-rated yet affordable yoga mats of 2024 with high reviews. Scroll down to pick yours today.
[table “5850” not found /]11 Best High-Quality Inexpensive Yoga Mats – 2024 Update
1. Best Overall:BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
This eco-friendly BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat is made from high-density material. It is 68” long and 24” wide while effectively cushioning the spine, knees, hips, and elbows against hard surfaces. It features double-sided non-slip surfaces and provides incredible slip resistance to avoid any injury. This mat is also moisture-absorbent and moisture-resistant, which effectively brushes off sweat. Its padding and grooves offer superior grip and balance. This mat is ¼” thick for extra comfort and softness for bone landing. It’s lightweight, travel-friendly, and convenient to carry. Lastly, its anti-tear aspect makes it super durable. Multiple reviewers shared their practical insights about the product and said that it offers good cushioning for knees and folds up easily.
Specifications
- Material: High-density foam
- Color: Blue
- Thick cushion
- Affordable
- Eco-friendly
- Anti-tear
- Lightweight
- Includes carrying strap
- Multi-purpose
- Non-slip
- Double-sided
- Flexible
- Moisture-resistant
- Travel-friendly
- Convenient
- Not lengthy enough for tall people
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Color: Navy Blue
- Extra-long
- Non-toxic
- Thick cushion
- Eco-Friendly
- Lightweight
- Non-slip
- Flexible
- Double-sided
- Multi-purpose
- Moisture-resistant
- Travel-friendly
- None
- Material:High-quality foam
- Color:Purple, black, blue, gray, pink, and red
- Comfortable
- Thick cushioning
- Provides support
- High shock absorption
- Breathable material
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to carry
- Lightweight
- Budget-friendly
- None
- Material:Rubber
- Color:Blue
- Breathable
- Durable
- Premium-quality material
- Lightweight
- Easy to carry
- Slip-resistant surface
- Budget-friendly
- None
- Material:Foam
- Color:Black, blue, rose, and violet
- High-quality material
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight
- Breathable material
- Durable
- Non-slip surface
- BPA-free material
- Suitable for meditation
- Multiple color options
- Slightly expensive
- Not suitable for all styles of yoga or faster-paced exercises
- Material: Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
- Color: Black
- Anti-skid
- Lightweight
- Phthalate-free
- Non-toxic
- Flexible
- Travel-friendly
- Dioxin-free
- Moisture-resistant
- May not be ideal for Yin or Restorative Yoga
- Material: NBR Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) foam
- Color: Purple
- Anti-skid
- Lightweight
- Travel-friendly
- Flexible
- Moisture-resistant
- None
- Material: Foam
- Color: White
- Lightweight
- Anti-skid grip
- Flexible
- Travel-friendly
- Multi-purpose
- Convenient
- None
- Material: Foam
- Color: Green
- Lightweight
- Slip-resistant
- Durable
- Flexible
- Textured finish
- Anti-skid grip
- Travel-friendly
- None
- Material:Polyolefin Elastomers Foam ( POE)
- Color: Red, Purple, Gray, Pink, and Black
- Premium material
- Eco-friendly material
- Offers extra cushioning
- Tear-resistant
- Waterproof material
- Odorless
- Easy to clean
- Durable
- Portable
- Anti-slip texture
- None
- Material: 50% Polyester, 50% Nylon
- Color: Black
- Lightweight
- Anti-skid grip
- Gravity cinch closure
- Flexible
- Waterproof
- Travel-friendly
- None
- Material
- Thickness
- Size
- Determine Your Primary Use:
Pros
Cons
Quick Tip2. Best Non-Toxic: Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat
The Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat is a quarter-inch thick, which provides additional cushioning to all your joints while practicing yoga. It also comes with a non-slip surface with a textured finish for increased traction and grip. It allows you to perform many exercises and workout routines without the fear of slipping. This mat is extra-long, measuring 72 inches, making it ideal for taller individuals. Many reviews indicate that the dual-sided mat has a fine texture that holds onto the floor underneath and also increases grip for the user. Choose good health with this yoga mat as it’s made of PVC that is non-toxic and 6P free, meaning it is phthalate-free. The mat is also free of DEHP, DBP, BBP, DINP, DIDP, and DNOP, making it eco-friendly.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
3. Best Cushioning:Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat
Make your yoga and exercise sessions comfortable yet intense and fruitful with the Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat. It is made from high-quality textured foam that provides proper traction and great stability to ensure that you enjoy the exercise sessions. The mat is 0.5 inches thick which adds more comfort and provides adequate shock absorption to ensure undisturbed meditation. It is easy to carry due to its sophisticated design that includes an elastic shoulder strap. The mat is made with high-quality material that is breathable and skin-friendly. It is available in a variety of attractive colors and at a reasonable price. The rave reviews on Amazon shared they loved the product and its cushioning and thickness.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat Best Overall | Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat Best Non-toxic | Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat Best Cushioning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Foam | Nitrile Butadiene Rubber | Foam |
| Color | Blue | Navy | Purple |
| Weight | 1.5 Pounds | 1.4 Kilograms | 2.48 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 68 x 24 x 0.25 inches | 72 x 24 x 0.25 inches | 74 x 24 x 0.5 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | - | 65,605 |
| Price | $17.99 | $18.95 | $17.95 |
4. Best Portable:CAP Barbell Fitness Yoga Mat
Higher-intensity sessions are now enjoyable with the CAP Barbell Fitness Yoga Mat. It is built with a high-quality rubber bottom and top that ensures slip-resistant support and cozy cushioning for both exercise and meditation sessions. One can use the mat for a variety of exercises beyond yoga. Many reviews have noted that it is lightweight and easy to carry and remains as a perfectly portable product. This economic mat comes in an adequate size to suit people of all body types and is available at a really attractive price with no compromise in quality.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
5. Best Ergonomic:Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat
The Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat is premium in quality, high in comfort, and ideal for long workout sessions. Its extra-thick, non-slip, and comfortable material allows you to exercise freely without getting fatigued and reduces the chances of injury. The yoga mat is ergonomically designed to alleviate stress on your pressure points such as joints, knees, and hips.
The material used is durable and breathable. It is skin-friendly and does not cause allergies or rashes even while performing breathing exercises or meditation that require you to sit still for longer periods. The mat is lightweight, easy to roll, and can be carried along to perform exercise or yoga sessions anywhere and anytime. Reviewers shared their hands-on experience and mentioned that the thickness of the yoga mat is ideal for protecting knees and relieving pain in the feet. The product is very durable and comes in an adequate size to fit all body types. Yoga trainer and educator Michelle Thielen of YogaFaith encourage practitioners to step off the mat when practicing balancing postures as the thick cushion can cause instability and falls. “Thick yoga mats are ideal for Yin or Restorative yoga but should not be used for Vinyasa or Power yoga where the movements are a faster pace.”
Specifications
Pros
Cons
6. Best Lightweight:ProsourceFit Yoga Mat
This ProsourceFit Yoga Mat is 1/8″ thick. It is made of PVC material with no phthalates, dioxins, furans, or heavy metals. It can accommodate tall individuals as it measures 72″ long and 24″ broad. Its thin construction improves comfort on rough surfaces, helping you to better balance and concentration. It efficiently protects your knees and elbows from all sorts of flooring. This mat has an extremely high slide resistance. This mat is also moisture-resistant, which efficiently sweeps away sweat and makes it extremely easy to clean. Its cushioning and grooves provide a better grip and balance. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and convenience.
Michelle Thielen of YogaFaith suggests a mat such as this if you’ll be moving or ‘flowing’ in postures and sequences. “This mat allows the hands, feet and other body parts to easily move or glide through, whereas with thick cushioned mats limbs tend to get stuck, which not only can slow the movement down but also cause injury. Thicker cushioned mats can be great with slower movements and styles such as Yin, Restorative or a Gentle Yoga practice, a thinner mat like this may not be ideal if you have joint issues, practice seated, kneeling, pronated or supinated postures for longer periods of time.”
Specifications
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Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has received 741 reviews from customers on Amazon, indicating its popularity and reliability.
7. Best Flexible:Wakeman Store Yoga Mat
This Wakeman Store Yoga Mat is a quarter-inch thick, providing additional padding to all of your joints while practicing yoga. This mat is extra-long, spanning 71 inches by 24 inches, and is made specifically for tall individuals. This dual-sided mat has a delicate texture that adheres to all types of flooring. It aids in enhancing the user’s grip. NBR PVC foam is used in the manufacturing of this yoga mat. It also has a non-slip surface with a textured finish for further traction and grip. This enables you to do a variety of activities and sweating routines without the worry of sliding. This mat may be used for a variety of exercises beyond yoga. Very light weight, easily roll it up and carry it everywhere you go.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
8. Best Convenient:Yoga Direct Yoga Mat
Make your morning yoga sessions pleasurable with the Yoga Direct Yoga Mat. This mat features vertical and horizontal stripes that provide great grip and slip resistance. Its foam composition is highly robust and lightweight. The mat is 72 inches by 24 inches and 14 inches thick. The material creates a good cushion, which will protect your elbows and knees, and is simple to clean. The protected mat is an excellent choice for yoga or training with many types of equipment.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
9. Best Slip-Resistant:CAP Barbell HHY-CF004G Yoga Mat
The CAP Barbell HHY-CF004G Fitness Yoga Mat is tiny, measuring 1/8″ thick. Its slim design increases comfort on uneven terrain, allowing you to better balance and concentration. It effectively shields your knees and elbows from all types of flooring. This mat has an incredibly strong sliding resistance to keep you safe. This mat is also moisture-resistant, which effectively sweeps away sweat and makes the cleaning process a breeze. Its cushioning and grooves are grip-enhancing and improve balance. Its compact size makes it perfect for travel and convenience.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
10. Best Tear-Resistant:FEELTU Thick Yoga Mat with Strap
The Feeltu Thick Yoga Mat can be used in gym, home, and outdoor places to perform workout and yoga sessions. It is made from high-quality polyolefin elastomer foam which gives you great comfort, has amazing breathability, and is highly durable. The yoga mat is eco-friendly, tear-resistant, and odor resistant. The mat is adequately sized with ample thickness for enhanced comfort. This yoga mat provides great lateral support and excellent traction to ensure one does not develop injuries or feel fatigued. Reviewers on online forums shared that the product is affordable, non-skidding, and provides enough cushioning to protect the knees from hurting. It comes with a carry strap for easy portability and is made from non-slip material. It is waterproof, available in many color options, and deep cleaning it is a breeze!
Specifications
Pros
Cons
11. Best Durable:Manduka Go Move Yoga Mat
Manduka Go Move Yoga Mat is made from 50% recycled polyester and 50% virgin nylon. This mat is 68″ long by 1″ thick. It is easy and noise-free, thanks to the first-in-class gravity cinch closing. It efficiently protects your spine, hips, knees, and elbows from rough flooring. Its double-sided non-slip sides provide exceptional slip resistance to avoid injury. This mat is moisture-resistant, which efficiently sweeps away sweat and makes it extremely easy to clean. Its cushioning and grooves provide a better grip and balance. Its lightweight design makes it ideal for travel and convenience. This mat’s anti-tear properties make it extremely long-lasting and durable. To get a better understanding of the product and learn about a tester’s experience of using it, you can check out this video on YouTube.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
A high-quality dedicated yoga mat is essential for performing various asanas and yoga styles, however, this doesn’t mean you should spend a fortune on it. On the contrary, some yoga mats are made of high-quality materials and are inexpensive. If you’re looking for such a yoga mat but need help deciding which decent option to pick, here is a buying guide for your help.
How To Choose The Best High-Quality Inexpensive Yoga Mat
Yoga mats are available in various materials, including cork, natural rubber base, and PVC. Find a yoga mat material that allows you to stay warm on the cold, hard floor.
Yoga mats made of cork and cotton offer superior traction and a good mix of grip even when wet with a bit of sweat or more. If you work out outdoors in a park, pick a material like cotton which can be easily washed afterward. On the other hand, if you go to a studio, carrying a heavy yoga mat on foot isn’t ideal, so consider a more portable one, keeping in mind the terms of comfort. Additionally, natural yoga mats, such as cotton, jute, and wool, might feel abrasive on the skin, but these mats are often more skin-friendly in the longer run.
When deciding on the ideal thickness for a yoga mat, there should be a happy balance between comfort, insulation, and portability. The typical yoga mat is between 3 and 5 millimeters thick. However, the thickness of yoga mats can range from 1.5mm to 10mm.
Those who practice yoga outdoors might benefit from investing in a portable mat. They may be foldable into a manageable size and weight and are only 1.5 mm thick. However, if you suffer from joint pain or plan to practice yoga on a hard surface, you should invest in a 6-10 mm thick yoga mat.
What works best for your body and your yoga practice will determine your mat size. The typical mat size is 68 by 24 inches, which is ideal for most people. However, a 72 or 74-inch long mat may suit you better if you’re tall. If you want additional room, you may also get extra-wide mats.
General Tips on Selecting a Mat By Michelle Thielen
- Static stretching and Hatha-based (isolated postures)
- Vinyasa-Flowing
- Restorative and Yin
- Determine the Kind, Sticky or Smooth:
- ‘Sticky’ for static or Hatha-based
- Smooth for Vinyasa or more flowing, dance-like movements
- What Suits Your Practice Best, Thick Cushion or Thinner Thickness:
- Thicker is best for slower, gentler, more static postures and movements – much more comfortable on joints, but not great for balancing postures – simply stepping off the mat for balancing postures is best.
- Thinner is great for travel or the teacher that teaches at numerous locations, great for hot classes and balancing postures, or for those who desire to feel more grounded/closer to the earth.
- Materials Used, Do You Have Allergies or Sensitivities?
- Many mats give off a strong odor, research the mat’s materials if you have sensitivities or allergies.
- Sustainability: Be kind to the earth when selecting a mat and know if the company gives back to the community or the environment if this is important to you.
- Where is it made? Think about the efforts to get products to your home. Try to support your local community or small business whenever possible.
- How Often Do You Practice: Daily-Monthly-Every Few Months?
- How serious you are about practicing yoga should affect your investment in a mat.
- Once a day versus once every few months may help you determine the best type of investment for your needs and budget.
Infographic: Benefits Of Using A High-Quality Yoga Mat
Yoga helps in imparting spiritual stability as well as physical well-being. However, to reap the best benefits of this ancient practice, you need to do it perfectly. Having a high-quality yoga mat can make all the difference to your practice. Check out the infographic below to find out some amazing benefits yoga mats can add to your daily routine.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
The Bottom Line
We are aware of the fact that a good yoga mat is essential for a great workout session. Yoga mats effectively cushion your elbows and knees by providing them with comfort and protection from causing possible injuries. However, with the wide variety of yoga mats available in the market, making a choice for you can be difficult. Try the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat for its excellent cushioning, the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat for its non-toxic material, or the Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat for its shock absorption qualities. These mats are lightweight, flexible, and travel-friendly. Their anti-skid designs ensure safety and stability during yoga sessions. However, avoid yoga mats that are not long enough for tall people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thickness for a yoga mat?
The standard thickness of a yoga mat is around 3-5 mm.
Is a thicker or thinner yoga mat better?
A thicker yoga mat is considered more comfortable. It offers a better cushion and allows you to do yoga for longer hours without the risk of fall, slip, or accident.
Why am I slipping on my yoga mat?
If you are slipping on the yoga mat, it may be because you are sweating a lot. You can fix the problem by washing it with mild detergent or shampoo.
What is the correct side of a yoga mat?
The correct side on which you should perform your yoga is the one that is a little bumpy. On the other hand, the smoother side should face downwards.
How often should I wash my yoga mat?
You should clean your yoga mat off any gunk and buildup after every session by spraying white vinegar. Also, you can deep clean and wash it once a month.
How long does a yoga mat last?
A high-quality yoga mat can last more than a year if properly cared for.
Do you need a yoga mat on the carpet?
No, but you can use a yoga mat on a carpet.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
The author of this article, Aditi Naskar, has a diploma in health and wellness. She has a keen interest in reviewing and writing comprehensive articles about fitness equipment. She has curated this list after reading product specifications and user reviews on various trusted e-commerce sites. These yoga mats have anti-slip grip, are made with waterproof material, and ensure stability during performing yoga exercises.
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