The Yoga mat is, in a way, the trademark of yoga. And surely, it’s one of the basic equipment you need for practice. Every yogi has its yoga mat.

With yoga being widely practiced all over the world, there are kinds of yoga mats. Numerous budget-friendly and affordable yoga mats are quality-made.

This article will tell you everything you need to know about yoga mats. It will give you a list of the best cheap yoga mats you can find online. So, read on.

What is a Yoga Mat?

A yoga mat is a special kind of mat that is used for practicing yoga. It serves the purpose of providing a cushioned surface that prevents slipping. With that, it allows the practitioner to safely and comfortably perform yoga poses.

Most yoga mats have the standard measurement of 72” (or 182 cm) in length and around 24” (or 60 cm) in width. Yoga mats are usually between 4 and 5 mm thick, but the range can go from 2 to 7 millimeters. Understandably, there are variations of these parameters, so every yoga practitioner can find what suits them best.

Today, since yoga is quite practiced all over the world, there are thousands of different yoga mats, varying in size, color, thickness, patterns, production process, materials used, and so on. 

Yoga Mat History

First, ancient yogis of India practiced yoga barefoot directly on the soil. If they used any kind of cushioning, it usually was skinned from deer or tigers. But, only the rich yogis could afford those, and with yoga principles, as they are, we can imagine that the number of rich yogis was really low.

As yoga practice slowly gained popularity in the west, people started using cotton or rubber as a ground cover for their practice. It was only in 1982 that Angela and her father, Richard Farmer started working on an underlying carpet for yoga. By the 1990s, the Hugger Mugger company made the first yoga mat as we know it today. And in the 2000s, the EcoYoga company started making eco-friendly mats made from natural materials.

Today, you can find a lot of different yoga mats, suitable for everyone’s needs. Varying in materials, size, patterns, and price, there is something for every yogi. The next section will help you determine what it is that you need from a yoga mat.

What to Look for in a Yoga Mat?

Yoga mats are an inseparable part of yoga practice. Without it, you risk slipping or injuring yourself during practice. Even though most yoga studios offer mats for public use, either free or for a small price, owning your yoga mat can allow you to practice yoga where ever you want, but will also keep things more hygienic. 

The choice of the kind of yoga mat you need is on your preference and needs. Almost all of the yoga mats available on the market will be suitable for yoga practice. Knowing the differences between mats can help you decide what you want to go for.

Thickness and Weight

The standard thickness for yoga mats is between 4 and 5 mm, with the most common one being 1.8” or 3.1 mm. That thickness is perfect for yoga practice with a lot of flow, which requires the practitioner to be steady on the ground and be able to balance their body. Also, a thinner mat is less likely to get in the way of practice and won’t move, bend or curl at the sides.

Thinner mats are better at providing stability for active poses with a lot of balancing. The process is also helped by the yoga mat material. If textured, it will provide a bigger grip.

Thicker mats, on the other hand, are better for more therapeutic, slow practices since they provide more support. Savasana pose, for example, will be much more comfortable if done on a thicker, softer mat.

Regarding weight, the numbers go from 2 lbs (0.9 kg), up to 7 lbs (3 kg). Weight depends on two aspects – first the materials used for the mat, and then its thickness. Something in the middle is the golden rule, but it all depends on your preferences.

Thickness is way more important than weight, so consider the weight only after all of the other preferences are met. If you do find a mat with suitable thickness, and then it turns out it’s too heavy – you can go for a lighter option. But, don’t sacrifice yoga mat size or thickness only because of the weight.

If you plan on traveling or have a long commute to the yoga studio where you practice, you might want to go for something lighter. In the last period, travel yoga mats are also available. They are thinner, lighter, and smaller than traditional mats, so I wouldn’t recommend them for everyday use.  

Materials and Durability

Yoga mat materials can be done from PVC, TPE, or Eco-friendly materials. The material affects the price, the weight, and the durability of the yoga mat. Thicker mats last longer since they have far more material on them, but are also heavier and might be more expensive.

PVC is a man-made material with plastic at its base. It’s durable, easy to clean, and offers a considerable amount of grip. But, since it’s non-absorbent it might become slippery after sweating. PVC doesn’t contain any latex, so that is a plus for those with allergies. But, it’s also non-degradable and the least eco-friendly option.

TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, is another man-made material made from plastic and rubber polymer blends. It’s more eco-friendly than PVC, with the ability to be recycled. But, TPE is less durable than the PVC option.

Eco-friendly mats are done from natural materials such as natural rubber, cotton, or jute. They are less grippy than other options on this list, but they do provide some degree of traction for the body. They are also less durable than the polymer ones but are sustainable and environmentally friendly.

15 Best Cheap Yoga Mats – the List

To help you on your quest to find the best cheap yoga mat suitable for you, I’ve made a list of the 15 best yoga mats with reasonable pricing. They are perfect for both beginners and experienced yogis that don’t want to spend a lot of money on a yoga mat. The price range for my list is from $10 to $50, but if you do want to spend more on it – you could find more expensive yoga mats for up to $150.

1.    AmazonBasics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Mat

Amazon Basics Thick Mat is a very cheap mat, with a high rating from thousands of users. It’s extra-thick, made from a polyester base, and suitable for more relaxed poses.

Specifications:

• 74” x 24” x 0.5”
• Weights 2.2 lbs or 0.9 kg
• Extra thick mat 
• Lightweight
• Textured

Pros:

• Foam construction for traction and stability
• Elastic straps 
• Shoulder strap for easy carrying

Cons:

• Produced by a non-yoga company
• Some users reported an unpleasant smell
• Might get lumpy
• Might get tears and cracks easily
• It may be too soft for some practitioners

2.    BalanceFrom GoYoga Mat

Another cheap option that is suitable for more therapeutic, laying down poses. It’s quite thick, so it provides support when relaxing, but might bend uncomfortably on standing up poses that require stability and balancing. It comes with an extra knee pad, which makes it perfect for people who can’t freely bend their knees or have problems kneeling on hard surfaces.

Specifications:

• 24” x 8” x 8”
• Weights 2.2 pounds or 0.9 kg
• 1/2″ Extra Thick
• Made from foam

Pros:

• Comes with a knee pad for even bigger support
• Double-sided non-slip surfaces
• Slip-resistant
• Shoulder strap for easy carrying

Cons:

• Only suitable for hand wash
• Extra thick

3.    Sunny Health & Fitness Yoga Mat

Made from PVC this is a durable yoga mat, available in blue and purple colors. It’s one of the cheapest options on our list, suitable as a backup mat.

Specifications:

• 68” x 24”
• Weights 2 Pounds
• 6 mm thick 
• Resilient PVC material
• Versatile
• Compact and easy to travel

Pros:

• Non-slip
• Inexpensive as compared to more durable mats 
• Good for beginners 
• Can be used as a backup mat
• Suitable for more uses – exercising or Pilates included
• Lightweight

Cons:

• PVC made
• Might have a chemical smell
• Not suitable for hot yoga
• Might tear quickly

4.    WWWW PIDO TPE Yoga Mat

Made from TPE, this mat is more environmentally friendly and recyclable. But, some users claim unpleasant smells or fast tearing of the material. It is double-sided and with anti-slip texture, but some users report that it’s slippery anyways.

Specifications:

• 72” x 24”
• Weights around 2.2 pounds or 0.9 kg
• 1/4 “ or 6mm thick
• Environmentally friendly made from TPE
• Double-sided

Pros:

• Various textures with beautiful designs
• Anti-slip texture
• Portable
• Easy to clean
• Double-sided
• Waterproof

Cons:

• Practitioners report that it might be slippery
• Too slim for some yogis
• Not wide enough for some users

5.    Heathyoga Eco-Friendly Non-Slip Yoga Mat, Body Alignment System

One of the longer mats on our list, the Healthyoga non-slip mat is in the middle of the price range. Available in multiple colors, this mat is perfect for beginners.

Specifications:

• 72” x 26”
• Weights 2.2 Pounds or 0.9 kg
• 0.23” or 6 mm thick
• TPE material
• Velcro strap and Carrying strap

Pros:

• Without latex, PVC, or any heavy metal
• Non-slip
• Easy for transportation due to velcro strap and carrying strap
• With alignment lines to help new practitioners to position right
• Anti-tear material
• With three layers

Cons:

• It’s slippery for some users
• Not wide enough for some users
• The alignment lines don’t work for shorter or smaller practitioners
• Can’t stand higher temperatures

6.    HappYness Yoga Mat

The HappYness yoga mats come in a variety of colors, designs, thicknesses, and pricing. One of the things that set them apart is the big number of different designs they offer – suitable both for younger and older practitioners.

Specifications:

• 72” x 24” 
• Weights 2 lbs or 0.9 kg
• 0.23” or 6mm thick
• Eco-friendly TPE material 
• Includes carrying bag 
• High density, high elasticity, 100% non-toxic

Pros:

• Eco-friendly material 
• With a carrying bag 
• Available in multiple colors
• High density
• 100% non-toxic

Cons:

• The back may hold dirt if practiced outside
• Might stretch with time
• Hand Wash Only

7.    TOPLUS Yoga Mat

The Toplus yoga mat had an anti-skid and anti-slip design, for both the top and bottom sides. It’s good for beginners and professionals alike.

Specifications:

• 72” x 24”
• Weights 2.3 pounds or 1 kg
• 0.23” or 6 mm thick
• TPE material
• Carrying strap
• Dual-layer and tear-proof design
• Waterproof

Pros:

• Eco-friendly
• Lightweight
• Without toxic materials
• Durable and Versatile
• Portable

Cons:

• Very slippery for some users
• Manufactured in China

8.    Yoga Direct Deluxe Extra Thick Yoga Sticky Mat

One of the cheapest yoga mats on our list, The Yoga Direct Deluxe Sticky mat is one of the most sold basic yoga mats.

Specifications:

• ‎72” x 24”
• Weights around 3 pounds or 1.3 kg
• 1/4” or 6mm thick
• Made from PVC material

Pros:

• Available in multiple colors
• Decent for the price
• Available in neutral white color
• Standard size

Cons:

• Made in Taiwan
• Not on the eco-friendly side
• For some people, it doesn’t have enough of a grip
• Doesn’t come with handles for portability
• Hand wash only

9.    Manduka eKO Superlite Yoga Travel Mat

This mat is thinner than the rest of the mats on our list, but that can be a big advantage for people that travel with their mat. It also has quite a good grip and doesn’t slip. Some yogis buy it to use as a top cover on their studio-available mats.

Specifications:

• 68” x 24”
• Weights ‎2.6 Pounds or 1.1 kg
• Made from non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Made from non-Amazon harvested natural tree rubber
• Quite grippy
• Suitable for traveling

Cons:

• Might be too slim for some users
• Might be too short for some practitioners
• Some users report a strong rubber smell
• Not for machine cleaning, only hand wash

10.   Devonlosky Yoga Mat, Non-slip Eco-Friendly Exercise Yoga Mat

On the high price range, the Devonlosky yoga mat is suitable for both novice and experienced yoga practitioners. It has standard size and thickness, but its reviews claim a better grip compared with other mats.

Specifications:

• 72” x 24″
• 1/4” or 6mm thick
• Weights  1.76 Pounds or 0.8 kg
• Made from Eco-friendly TPE Material
• 2 sided
• Done with 2 levels
• Has carrying strap

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Lifetime warranty
• Eco-friendly
• Quite grippy
• Non-slip bottom
• Suitable for traveling
• Available in 6 colors
• Has carrying strap

Cons:

• Not for machine cleaning, only hand wash
• At the high end of the price range

11.   Sivan Health and Fitness 1/2-Inch Extra Thick 71-Inch Long NBR Comfort Foam Yoga Mat

This mat is suitable for all kinds of practice and exercising and not just yoga. Also, it’s in the middle of our price range, so it might be a nice, balanced decision.

Specifications:

• 71” x 24”
• Weights 1.8 pounds or 0.8 kg
• 1/2” or 6mm thick
• Extra thick NBR foam
• Ribbed surface on one side with a smooth surface on the other
• Integrated carry strap

Pros:

• Non-slip surface
• Durable and Long Lasting 
• Portable
• Easy to clean

Cons:

• A little shorter than standard mats, but not a big difference
• Might be too thick for some practice
• Hand wash

12.   ProsourceFit Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat

The ProsourceFit mat is suitable for both yoga and pilates. It comes in 2 different thickness sizes, so you can choose what suits you better. Nonetheless, even the slimmer one might be too soft for standing poses. It has a non-slip surface with ultra foam comfort.

Specifications:

• 71” x 24”
• Weights 4.5 pounds
• Thickness of both 1” and 1/2″ (or 2.5 cm or 1.2)
• Thick NBR foam
• Non-slip surface
• Carrying strap

Pros:

• Non-slip surface
• Comes with a carrying strap
• Water-resistant
• Available in 8 colors
• Available in 2 different sizes

Cons:

• Might be uncomfortable for standing poses
• Some people consider it slippery
• Some practitioners report some unpleasant smell
• Made in China

13.   Gaiam Yoga Mat Premium Print Reversible Extra Thick Exercise & Fitness Mat

The Gaiam yoga mat is suitable for all types of yoga. What attracts most customers to it are the multiple pattern options they have. Their mats are reversible, so you get two patterns on the same mat. Aside from that, these yoga mats are a little bit shorter than the others.

Specifications:

• 68″ x 24″
• Weights 2.49 lbs or 1.13 kg
• 1/2” or 6mm thick
• Non-toxic & 6P free PVC 

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Thick and durable
• Versatile
• Comes in a variety of styles
• Reversible
• Non-toxic & 6P free PVC material

Cons:

• Can be a little short for taller practitioners
• It has a strange odor when unpacked

14.   Frenzy Bird 1/4 Inch Thick TPE Yoga Mat

Another standard size cheap yoga mat, that’s suitable for professionals and new yoga practitioners. It comes with lines and marks on the upper layer, suitable for right positioning of the body parts.

Specifications:

• 72” x 24”
• Weights 1.8 pounds or 0.8 kg
• 1/2” or 6mm thick
• TPE Eco-Friendly Material
• Non-PVC, non-toxic and non-heavy-metals
• Non-slip, high-density, high resilience, and crack resistance
• Double-sided design
• Excellent grip and cushioning
• Body alignment lines and marks
• Skin-friendly strap for easy carrying 

Pros:

• Eco-friendly materials
• Double-sided design
• Lines and marks for body alignment
• Carrying straps
• Suitable for hot yoga

Cons:

• Some users report the two layers splitting after some usage
• Might be slippery for some users
• Not reversible
• Shouldn’t be exposed to the sun

15.   BalanceFrom All-Purpose Yoga Mat

Another highly used and appreciated mat that can be bought together with yoga blocks, for a reasonable price. It’s also available in 7 colors, with anti-tear properties. Some users complain that it’s not sturdy at all and stretches easily.

Specifications:

• 69″ x 23″
• Weights 1.8 lbs or 0.8 kg
• 1/2” or 6mm thick
• Double-sided non-slip surfaces
• Moisture resistant
• There is an option to buy a set of a yoga mat and blocks

Pros:

• Double-sided non-slip surfaces
• Easy to clean
• Lightweight
• Easily portable
• Can be bought with blocks too
• Available in 7 colors

Cons:

• Might be small for taller practitioners
• Some users complain about easy tearing
• Some users claim that it’s not sturdy at all

How to Store and Care for Your Yoga Mats

Most mat producers advise their customers to hand wash yoga mats. Since the design is made to provide support, most of the mats can’t withstand strong machine wash cycles. So, before putting your yoga mat in your machine washer, make sure that you’ve read the care instructions that came with the package.

One easy way to take care of your yoga mat is to wipe it down after every usage. You can do so with a wet wipe, store-bought mat cleaners, or homemade cleaning products. You can bring a bottle of cleaner and a clean towel to your practice and clean the mat right after you finish your practice.

To wipe the yoga mat, spray some of the cleaning solutions and wipe it in circular motions, including all the corners and the central, most used area.

With time, there might be discolored, dirty spots on the yoga mat. This is a good sign that you should clean your yoga mat thoroughly. Do so by submerging your mat into soap water, and if possible, leave it for half an hour. Then, wash it clean and leave it to air dry.

Make sure that your yoga mat is completely dry before rolling it up and storing it. If it’s still damp, the surface might be suitable for developing bacteria or fungi.

Conclusion

Yoga mats are one of the basic equipment for yoga practice. They have been in use since the 1980s and by today, there are tons of different options.

The price range for yoga mats varies, starting from $20 up to $150. But, most expensive doesn’t mean best. So, I’ve made a list of the top 15 best cheap yoga mats you can buy online.

If I’ve missed some, or if you have any experience you want to share with our yoga fellows, feel free to do so in the comments. I would love to hear about your experience with yoga mats!