The best exercise mat for 2026, tested and approved by personal trainers

A high-quality exercise mat should have joint-friendly padding, solid stability and a nonslip grip that holds up whether you're flowing through sun salutations in yoga or grinding out burpees. That cushion and support matter more than you might think. Research on people with osteoarthritis shows that reducing joint stress during movement helps improve function and makes exercise feel more doable. Studies on resistance and core training also point to the value of a stable base, finding that a well-supported surface improves motor control and joint stability, while a flimsy or overly squishy one can throw off your force and form. Get the wrong mat and you'll spend half your workout adjusting, sliding, or babying your knees instead of focusing on the work.

With countless options filling online carts and store shelves, landing on the right mat takes some homework. So we rolled up our sleeves and put them to the test. Our team of seasoned personal trainers tried some of the latest and most-talked-about mats (along with some hidden gems), using them for everything from low-impact cardio to muscle-burning strength sessions. Think squats, lunges, planks and sit-ups, plus yoga, Pilates, weightlifting and stretches. We used bodyweight and weighted moves to see how each mat held up across a range of sweaty sessions.

To round out the testing, we also tapped gym owners and instructors for their top recommendations and must-have features. Every mat on this list earned its spot based on durability, comfort and slip-resistance, then we factored in price to judge overall value. Here's how the best of the bunch stacked up.

Best exercise mat overall

More exercise mats we like for 2026

Factors to consider when buying an exercise mat

Walters says there are four important factors to consider when purchasing an exercise mat:

• Thickness:The thickness of the mat helps protect your spine during exercises on your back or side. Some mats are thinner, lighter and more portable, while others are thicker and firmer for added support. 

• Density:Often confused with thickness, density refers to the mat's ability to withstand pressure over time. A denser mat is typically more durable and less likely to develop indentations, even with prolonged use. It's possible for a mat to be thin but dense, or thick but not dense. A thicker, less dense mat often provides softer cushioning for stretching or ab moves. But a denser (often heavier) mat provides more stability, making it appropriate for balance poses or higher-intensity exercises. 

• Portability:If you're planning to take your mat on the go, like to a yoga class, it's important to choose one that rolls up or comes with a handle for simple transport. For convenient storage at home, look for a mat that is designed to fold.

• Nonslip materials:These are crucial for ensuring safety and minimizing the risk of injuries during workouts. Opt for mats made from high-grip materials like natural rubber, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), which provide excellent traction and durability. Additionally, mats with textured surfaces offer enhanced grip, preventing slips during a range of exercises.

How we tested

As a personal trainer, I have extensive experience in using a variety of mats for personal and professional use. This gave me a solid background to research and select the mats to test for this piece. I also consulted two additional fitness trainers and gym owners to get their input on their favorite mats and the features they suggest to their clients. Based on my own expertise and the other experts' input, I researched and selected 18 of the newest and most popular models to see how they held up. Two other certified personal trainers and I used each mat during a range of cardio, strength-training and stretching sessions (including yoga and Pilates), performing exercises like squats, lunges, planks and sit-ups on each mat.

Based on our tests, each mat was rated for durability, comfort and slip resistance before factoring in the price to assess the mat's overall value. 

Other exercise mats we tested

Three brands of exercise mats didn't make it to the final list:

• ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat :This ProsourceFit exercise mat is exactly like the name says: It's a puzzle. Like a child's playroom floor, the mat fits together with pieces that connect like a puzzle. The mat was comfortable and easy to put together, but we didn't include this in our list because of the unconventional shape. This is better suited as a mat to place under larger pieces of fitness equipment or to use to cover the entire floor in a home gym.

• Microdry Deluxe Fitness Exercise Yoga Mat :The Microdry yoga mat is well known for its three layers of cushioning, including charcoal-infused memory foam. This mat offers excellent comfort, making it a great option for stretching, especially if you have back pain. However, the top surface isn't as grippy as some of the other mats we included on this list, making it less appropriate for exercises that require agile movements. This mat is likely best suited for yoga flow sessions or stretching exercises that involve lying down.

• Gaiam Longer/Wider Dry-Grip Yoga Mat :This yoga mat from Gaiam is just what it suggests — it's longer and wider than the standard mat, making it more appropriate for taller or larger individuals. At 5 mm thick, it isn't as cushioned as most of the other mats on our list, and while we found it comfortable, the mat just didn't feel as durable or as well-made as some. That said, it offers high-quality grip, making it a good choice for sweaty workouts.

• Primasole Folding Travel Yoga Mat :This ultra-portable mat folds like a towel and weighs less than 2 pounds, making it incredibly easy to pack for travel. While it offers decent grip and comes in attractive colors at just $16, our testing revealed significant limitations. The mat is quite thin with minimal cushioning, and it tends to move around during more dynamic exercises. Though it's fine for basic stretching in hotel rooms, serious practitioners will find the lack of stability and support frustrating. The Yogo Ultralight 4.0 offers superior travel functionality with better performance, making it our preferred travel recommendation despite the higher price point.

• WeGym Grip Mat :This PU and coconut fiber mat delivers strong grip, especially in dry conditions, and shares the same high-quality build as its suede sibling. It handles dynamic movements with ease, but our tests showed it wears faster than the suede version and tends to pick up dust and debris. It's a solid choice for most yoga styles, but the B The Method Mat outperformed it in wet grip and offers extra width for more space to move. Stock can also be hit or miss, with certain colors often unavailable. If you're a fan of WeGym's craftsmanship, the suede version edges ahead with better durability and a softer, more indulgent feel.

• Manduka PRO Yoga Mat :This well-known mat offers solid construction and reliable performance with good grip in dry conditions. However, at $138 for 6 mm thickness, it has poor value compared to our tested alternatives. The Balanced Body mat provides double the cushioning at less than half the price, while the B The Method offers superior grip performance for less money. The Manduka also becomes slippery when wet and is quite heavy for transport. While it's a decent mat, the price point makes it difficult to recommend when better options exist for less.

• ProsourceFit Bi-Fold Folding Exercise Mat :With 1.5 inches of padding, this folding mat delivers the cushioning you want for outdoor workouts on rough or uneven ground. The bi-fold design and sturdy carrying handle make it easy to load into the car, and the price is reasonable for the thickness. In testing, we found its grip lacking, and its bulk makes storage a bit awkward. Still, for those who specifically need thick, portable padding for outdoor sessions, it's a solid choice. For most cushioned floor work, though, the Balanced Body Pilates Mat performs better, and for a more versatile folding option, the Metis tri-fold mat is a better deal.

FAQs

How should I clean my mat?

To clean your exercise mat, you can prepare a simple cleaning solution. Walters suggests mixing four drops of free and clear dish soap with water in a small spray bottle. Spray the solution onto your mat, then wipe it down with a clean cloth. Be sure to let the mat air dry before storing it.

When should I clean my mat?

According to Walters, you should wipe down your mat after every workout. "Cleaning your mat after each use helps prevent the buildup of bacteria and lingering odors, keeping it clean and fresh for your next session."

What do you recommend for traveling with an exercise mat?

You might prefer a separate mat if you travel often. Renel Scarlett , coach and co-owner of the Works Health Club, suggests choosing "a mat that is easy to roll up and store, perhaps in a corner of your house or under the bed."

Are workout mats worth the money?

Generally speaking, yes, workout mats are worth the money. While you can technically get away with doing a range of exercises without a mat, mats make floor exercises (like planks, situps and stretching) more comfortable, and they offer extra cushion and support for standing moves (like jumping jacks, squats and lunges). If you're looking to place workout mats underneath your fitness equipment, they can help protect your home's flooring (a worthwhile investment) and can help dampen the sound of dropping weights. Ultimately, though, the choice is up to you. 

Meet our experts

• Renel Scarlett , coach and co-owner of the Works Health Club in Oldbury, England

• Erica Walters , a Pilates expert and owner of Pilates Fit Studio in Kentucky

Update, Apr. 22, 2026: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best overall mat remains unchanged. We are currently re-testing our pick for best mat for sweaty workouts.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.