Best Yoga Mat of 2025

By Joshua Shafley

Looking for a yoga mat that doesn’t suck? I spent way too much time researching yoga mats so you don’t have to.

Let’s dive in.

1. Sweet Sweat Yoga Mat (Dual Sided)

Why it’s good:

• Big enough for even the tallest yogis (6 feet long)
• Dual-sided textures so you can flip it depending on your mood/workout
• Thick enough to protect your knees but not so thick you’ll wobble
• Comes with a strap so you’re not that person awkwardly hugging your mat on the way to class

The downsides:

• Some people say it’s a pain to clean (textured surfaces are like that)
• It’s on the heavier side (but hey, bonus arm workout!)
• No mention of eco-friendly materials if that’s your thing

2. BalanceFrom Extra Thick High Density Mat

Why it’s good:

• 1 inch of pure cushioning (that’s THICK – most mats are 3-6mm)
• Anti-tear material for when you’re feeling aggressive with your practice
• Great for people with sensitive joints or who need extra padding
• Won’t break the bank

The downsides:

• Good luck doing tree pose on this cloud – balance poses are harder
• It’s like carrying around a rolled-up carpet
• Foam traps sweat and smells (no one wants a stinky mat)
• Not great for hot yoga or intense sweat sessions

3. NewMe Fitness Yoga Mat with Printed Poses

Why it’s good:

• The 70 printed poses are perfect for beginners or anyone with yoga amnesia
• 5mm thickness hits the sweet spot between cushion and stability
• Lightweight and easy to lug around
• Works for both guys and girls despite the gendered marketing

The downsides:

• 68 inches might be short if you’re tall (no one wants their head hanging off during savasana)
• The printed poses might wear off over time (especially if you’re a sweaty yogi)
• Not as cushy as thicker options if you have joint issues
• Grip is just okay (nothing worse than sliding during warrior pose)

4. Amazon Basics 1/2 Inch Extra Thick Mat

Why it’s good:

• Thicker than standard mats without being a foam monster
• Cheap enough that you won’t cry if your cat uses it as a scratching post
• Comes with a carrying strap
• Simple design that doesn’t scream “YOGA ENTHUSIAST“

The downsides:

• Grip gets sketchy when sweat enters the chat
• Balance poses are trickier on thicker foam
• Probably won’t last as long as pricier options
• Not winning any environmental awards

Comparison Cheat Sheet:

Mat Name	Thickness	Best For	Like Dating Someone Who…
Sweet Sweat	6mm	Versatility	Has different personalities depending on the day
BalanceFrom	25.4mm (1″)	Joint protection	Gives really good hugs but makes it hard to stand on your own
NewMe Fitness	5mm	Learning poses	Constantly tells you what to do (but in a helpful way)
Amazon Basics	12.7mm	Saving money	Is reliable but not exciting

So which one should you get? Depends on what kind of yogi you are.

If your knees scream during cat-cow, go for the BalanceFrom mat.

If you’re still confusing your warrior poses, the NewMe Fitness mat has your back.

If you want one mat to rule them all, Sweet Sweat’s dual sides give you options.

And if you just want something decent without emptying your wallet, Amazon Basics will do just fine.

Remember, the best yoga mat is the one you’ll actually use. Namaste and all that.