Where to Find the Best Affordable Yoga Mats on Amazon
- Randi Owsley
- Jun 12, 2024
- 6 min read
We Reviewed the 5 Best Affordable Yoga Mats on Amazon for All Levels
Yoga mats are an essential piece of gear for anyone interested in practicing yoga. They provide a cushioned, non-slip surface, making your practice safer and more comfortable.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned yogi, having the right mat can significantly improve your experience.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Yoga Mat
First, the material is crucial, as it affects durability, comfort, and grip. Eco-friendly materials, like natural rubber, are popular for their sustainability and performance.
Second, thickness is another critical aspect; a thicker mat offers more cushioning, which is important for those with sensitive joints. Third, Length and width are important too, especially for taller practitioners who need extra space.
Finally, it's also worth considering the weight and portability of the mat, especially if you travel often or take your mat to a class. Some mats come with carrying straps or bags, making them easier to transport.
We reviewed various affordable yoga mats available on Amazon to determine the best options for every need and budget.
Best Affordable Yoga Mats
Here is our list of the best yoga mats available on Amazon. We have carefully selected options to suit different needs, skills, price points and preferences.
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Yoga Mat, Under $20
This yoga mat is perfect for anyone looking for extra padding and support during workouts.
Pros
Offers excellent cushioning
Easy to clean
Comes with a convenient carrying strap
Cons
Can be a bit slippery
Large size may be hard to store
Not the best for advanced yoga poses
We found the Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat to be a great choice. The extra thickness provides excellent support for the knees and wrists, making long sessions more comfortable. The material feels durable, and it springs back into shape easily after use.
Though it offers good traction, we've noticed it can be a bit slippery on certain floor types. It's definitely something to keep in mind if you plan to practice intense, fast-paced workouts. The mat's size, while great for spacious areas, might be challenging to store in smaller spaces.
Its easy-to-clean surface and included carrying strap make it a convenient choice for those who need portability. Overall, this mat is a solid choice for those focused on comfort and support in their yoga or exercise routines.
Signature Fitness Yoga Mat, Under $15
This mat impresses with comfort, durability, and portability, making it a great addition to any yoga routine.
Pros
Excellent grip prevents slipping
Comfortable thickness for joint support
Lightweight and easy to carry
Cons
Potential for tears with intense use
Might be too thin for some users
Limited padding for high-impact exercises
We enjoyed using the Signature Fitness Yoga Mat. We first noticed its superb grip, allowing us to hold poses without any slipping. This feature is especially useful during more challenging workouts, where stability is essential. The thickness of the mat provides enough cushion for our joints, making it much more comfortable than doing yoga on a hard floor.
One of the standout features is its portability. The mat is lightweight, and the included carrying strap makes it easy to transport to and from classes. It also rolls up neatly, which helps in storing it away without taking up too much space.
On the downside, we did find that it has the potential to tear under very intense use, especially if you're incorporating high-impact exercises into your routine. Some users might also find the mat too thin if they prefer extra cushioning.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the overall value this mat offers is difficult to beat, especially considering its affordable price point.
Retrospec Solana 1/2" Yoga Mat, Under $25
This yoga mat is a great choice for those seeking comfort and stability during their workouts.
Pros
Thick and comfy for pressure relief
Non-slip surface for added safety
Durable for everyday use
Cons
Initial chemical smell
Material tears easily
Can be bulky to travel with
This mat feels incredibly soft and thick, making it perfect for exercises that put pressure on joints. The extra thickness provides excellent comfort, especially for yoga and pilates. We also enjoyed the non-slip surface, which helps us stay balanced and safe during our sessions.
As for durability, it holds up well even with daily use. It's reassuring to know that this mat can withstand intense workouts without showing too much wear and tear. Cleaning it is straightforward too; just a quick wipe with soap and water.
One thing to note is the initial factory smell. Letting it air out for a few days helps.
Additionally, while the thickness is a plus for comfort, it can make balancing poses a bit challenging and can be a hassle if you need to carry it around. Despite these minor issues, the Retrospec Solana 1/2" Yoga Mat offers great value, comfort, and safety.
Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat, Under $25
This mat offers excellent cushioning for comfortable yoga sessions and floor exercises.
Pros
Excellent thickness for joint support
Lightweight and portable with strap included
Versatile for various exercise types
Cons
Shows signs of wear after heavy use
Slightly bulky to store
Limited color options
The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is a great choice for beginners who need extra cushioning. We found the 2/5-inch thickness to be just right for supporting our joints during yoga poses and other floor exercises. The included carrying strap makes it easy to carry around, which is a big plus for those constantly on the go.
Read our detailed review of the Gaiam Mat.
While it offers great support and portability, the mat does show some signs of wear and tear after repeated use. We noticed some stretching marks after intense workouts, but it still performs well. Its lightweight nature ensures it’s easy to roll up and store, even if it’s on the bulkier side.
The teal color we tested has a calming effect, though we wish there were more color choices. Overall, this mat strikes a good balance between comfort, portability, and durability, making it a worthy investment for your fitness needs.
Retrospec Solana 1" Yoga Mat, Under $40
A great choice for anyone needing extra cushioning and support during yoga or workouts.
Pros
Thick padding reduces stress on joints
Non-slip surface ensures stability
Easy to clean and maintain
Cons
Large size may be bulky for some
Slight initial odor
Can feel too soft for balance poses
We recently tried out the Retrospec Solana Yoga Mat, and its one-inch thickness makes a noticeable difference in comfort. This mat provided excellent cushioning for our knees and wrists during various poses. Also, the generous size is more than enough for most users, measuring 72” by 24”.
Another standout feature is its non-slip material. We felt secure and steady throughout our practice, even in more challenging positions. This is a significant plus for those concerned about slipping during workouts.
Transporting the mat is easy with the included nylon strap. This is handy for taking it to the gym or yoga studio, though some might find the mat a bit bulky. Despite its thickness, the mat is surprisingly lightweight, which we appreciated.
Initial unpacking revealed a slight odor, but it faded after airing out for a day. Cleaning the mat is simple – just use soap and water, then hang it to dry. This makes the upkeep straightforward.
Yoga Mat Buying Guide
When picking the best yoga mat from Amazon, it's important to weigh key features. Each of these factors can improve our yoga experience and ensure we get the most from our practice.
Thickness
A thicker mat provides more cushioning for your body. You should look for mats that are at least 5mm thick if we need extra support. Thinner mats are easier to carry but might not be as comfortable for longer sessions.
Material
Yoga mats come in various materials like PVC, rubber, and TPE. PVC mats are durable but not always eco-friendly. Rubber and TPE mats are more environmentally friendly and provide good grip.
Material | Pros | Cons |
PVC | Durable, long-lasting | Not eco-friendly |
Rubber | Eco-friendly, good grip | Heavier |
TPE | Eco-friendly, lightweight | Less durable over time |
Texture
Texture affects grip and how much we slip during poses. Mats with a raised texture offer more grip, which can help in maintaining stability. Smooth mats are easier to clean but might be slippery when wet.
Size
Most standard mats are around 68 inches long. If you are taller, you should consider extra-long mats, often around 72 inches or more.
Portability
Think about how often we travel with our yoga mat. Lightweight mats with straps or carrying cases are more convenient for on-the-go use.
Price
Price can range widely. While it's tempting to go for cheaper options, investing in a higher-quality mat can make a big difference in our practice. Budget options might wear out faster, while premium mats often offer better durability and comfort.
Taking Care of Your Yoga Mat
Keeping our yoga mat clean is important. You should clean it regularly to get rid of dirt and sweat. This helps keep it fresh and looking new.
Using a natural cleaner is a good choice. Many cleaners have chemicals that could damage the mat. You can also mix water with a bit of vinegar or mild soap.
After cleaning, you must let the mat dry properly. You should hang it up or lay it flat in a well-ventilated area. Avoid putting it in direct sunlight, as this can cause it to wear out faster.
Sometimes, we might use a yoga towel on top of our mat. It can help keep the mat cleaner and provide extra grip during our practice. It’s easy to wash the towel after each use.
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