Note: This is an unbiased review of the best eco-friendly yoga mats currently available. If you have a mat that you would like us to review, send us a message through our Contact Us page.

I know what it means to find the perfect yoga mat. The one that’s not too soft but not too firm, not too sticky but not too slippery, not too heavy but provides enough padding under your knees. I know how good it feels when you finally step onto 'The One'. That’s why, since founding DoYogaWithMe, I have been on a quest to find the world’s best yoga mats, test them, and report back to aid you on your personal quest.

Over the years, I have tested mats from just about every well-established brand and many from lesser-known up-and-comers. I have watched technologies, materials and designs evolve to meet the needs of an ever growing number of yogis, and I have observed how brands have risen (or failed to rise) to the challenge of a more sustainable future. If you’re ever going to find that perfect mat for you, there’s never been a better time than right now.

You just need to know where to start and this article is designed to simplify your choices. This list includes eco-friendly mats that are intended for home or studio practice. If you are looking for a yoga mat to take while travelling, check out my review Top 6 Travel Yoga Mats for Yogis on the Go. If you're looking for more yoga accessories, check out The Best Yoga Blocks and Straps: A Review and Our Favorite Yoga Bolsters, Meditation Cushions and Yoga Wheels.

We are choosing to go with a simple definition of eco-friendly: 1) The yoga mat contains no PVC (and preferrable no plastic materials) and 2) The company doesn't use single-use plastics (to wrap the mats or pad them when shipping). All mats below meet criteria #1. You will see that some use single-use plastic. We are currently encouraging them to find alternatives that are better for our fragile planet.

To start, if you want to see the mats, here's a video where I show you most of them and briefly discuss their features (Note: some mats below were added after this video was filmed):



Here's how I rated the mats:

1. For each mat I provide a summary (surface feel, thickness, weight, length, materials and where it was made), a description of my personal experience with it and I rate 9 features from 1 to 10, using the following system:

1 = Very poor

3 = Poor

5 = Average

7 = Good

9 = Excellent

10 = Exceptional

Important: The mats aren't necessarily the best from top to bottom. To find the best mat for you, check out each mats characteristics, including price. I have seperated the mats according to the following price categories:



(Prices are in US$)

$110-$160

$80-$109

$40-$79

Even More Important: all of these mats rate very high for eco, quality and performance. I am confident that you will be happy with any mat listed below. Go with the features that are important to you.

$110-$160 ECO-FRIENDLY YOGA MATS:

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 3/16” (4.2mm)

Weight: 5.5lbs

Length: 72.8"

Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane

Made in: China

Packinging: No plastic

Last posted price: $140

Pros

This beautiful yoga mat is slightly thinner and lighter than many of its “Everyday Practice Mat” competitors, but it still manages to be incredibly durable and supportive enough for knees and other bony joints. It feels great under the body, stays grippy in wet or dry conditions and comes with helpful alignment markers to help keep you balanced and aligned.

Best of all, this mat is produced by a company with an eco, and human-friendly vision. Liforme cares about the company’s impact on the planet, and they have tackled the challenge of a sustainable, non-toxic yoga mat by diving into the research and doing their own independent study. The result is a mat made from low-odor, non-toxic, PVC-free material that is heat bonded without the use of any toxic adhesives and biodegrades in normal landfill conditions in 1-5 years! Liforme also sends the mat with a mat bag and uses no plastics in their packaging - just a cardboard box.

Cons

The three downsides to this mat are price, absorbancy and the mat bag (I know, it was in the Pros!). The Liforme Yoga Mat is one of the most expensive mats on the market. It repels dirt for the most part but is fairly absorbent, so you need to clean the mat frequently. And it appears that you are unable to order the mat without the bag, so those who already have one could feel like they're paying for something they don't want.

If you would like to learn more about Liforme, check out their Our Story page and their informative video, History of the Yoga Mat.

The Liforme Yoga Mat:

Durability: 9 Padding: 9 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 10 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 10 Weight: Heavy Odor: Faint rubber odor

Click here to order the Liforme Yoga Mat from their website

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 1/8” (4.2mm)

Weight: 5.5lbs

Length: 72.8"

Material: Natural rubber and eco-polyurethane

Made in: China

Packaging: No plastic

Last posted price: $140 (use code DYWM30 to save $30)

Pros

This is a mat that values feel and functionality. The smooth surface provides the grip you need in both wet and dry conditions, while allowing for easy movement. Its weight keeps it anchored to the ground and the thickness and rubber provide decent padding under boney joints. The materials are eco-friendly and biodegradable, and the company plans to reduce all plastic packaging very soon.

Cons

The mat is fairly absorbent, which requires you to clean it quite frequently. It arrives with a faint rubber odor and is heavy enough that some yogis may want to consider a lighter mat, particularly if you plan to travel with it. Of course, price is a factor too. $110 is a lot for some folks.

The 2nd Wind Health Sticky Yoga Mat:

Durability: 9 Padding: 9 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 8 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Heavy Odor: Faint rubber odor

Click here to order the 2nd Wind Health Grippy Yoga Mat from 2nd Wind Health

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 5/16” (8mm)

Weight: 8.5 lbs

Length: 68" (74" also available)

Materials: Natural rubber and man-made materials (proprietary)

Made in: USA

Packaging: Unknown

Last posted price: $135

Pros

The Jade Fusion yoga mat presents a great combination of padding, grip and eco-friendly. It’s made mostly from natural rubber, with no PVC, making it eco-friendly and biodegradable - in fact, Jade was the first company in the industry to offer non-toxic mats! It’s really thick and incredibly supportive for bones and joints and has amazing grip in both wet and dry conditions. With their ‘Plant a Tree for Every Mat Sold’ initiative, U.S.-base production, and support for programs that bring yoga to those who couldn’t otherwise have access, the company has a strong tradition of responsible industry practices. To read more, visit their page ' What We Care About '.

Cons

At 8.5 lbs, this mat is really heavy - the heaviest mat in this review. The mat’s open-cell design provides an excellent stickiness, but it also absorbs moisture, meaning you’ll have to dedicate more time to keeping it clean. The natural rubber also comes with a few trade-offs. The Jade Fusion Yoga Mat has a distinct rubber smell that takes time to go away, it loses its stickiness if left in the direct sun, it won’t last as long as some synthetic mats, and it’s near the top of the range in terms of price. I'm also curious what the 'proprietary mad-made materials' are in their mats.

The Jade Fusion Yoga Mat:

Durability: 8 Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 9 Weight: Very heavy Odor: Smells like rubber; the smell lingers for a couple months



Click here to order the Jade Fusion mat from Amazon

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 5 lbs

Length: 72"

Materials: Cork and rubber

Made in: China

Packaging: No plastic

Last posted price: $130 (use code DYWM40 to save $40)

Pros

Practicing yoga on cork takes some time to get used to, but if it ends up working out for you, it has the potential to be your favorite mat of all. Cork simply feels good under the body. It's soft yet firm, provides great padding for joints and makes it easy to flow from one pose to the next. It's eco-friendly and biodegradable and it's lighter than other mats that provide similar support.

Cons

The main reason to not buy this mat is its grip. A cork yoga mat will feel slippery the first time you try it. However, the grip improves with moisture (so, if needed, you can splash a bit of water on your hands and feet before you start class) and over time you may learn how to adjust your practice to the cork surface.

The 2nd Wind Health Cork Yoga Mat:

Durability: N/A Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 8 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 10 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 8 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Very Heavy Odor: Faint rubber odor

Click here to order the 2nd Wind Health Cork Yoga Mat from 2nd Wind Health

$80-$109 ECO-FRIENDLY YOGA MATS:

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 1/4” (6.0mm)

Weight: 8 lbs

Length: 72"

Material: Rubber, calcium powder and vegetable oil

Made in: China

Packaging: No plastic on mats. Blocks wrapped in plastic, bubble wrap around yoga wheels.

Last posted price: $100

Pros

This mat, from Tranquil Yogi, is pretty much tied for first with the B Mat in this price category - it's just different, so it depends on what you want. The Oasis Essentials Mat is beautiful, feels great, provides exceptional grip under wet and dry conditions and has excellent padding. It has an impressive ingredient list, making it one of the most eco-friendly mats on the market. It delivers with a carrying strap and if you order from this page you receive 10% off.

Cons

The Oasis Essentials Mat is very heavy, so isn't the best mat if you want to carry it around. It looks like you can't purchase it without the carry strap and the mat arrives wrapped in plastic, which goes against the intention to be eco-friendly.

The Oasis Essentials Yoga Mat:

Durability: N/A Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 8 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Very heavy Odor: Faint rubber odor

Click here to purchase the Oasis Essentials Yoga Mat from Tranquil Yogi

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 5/32” (4mm)

Weight: 5.3 lbs

Length: 72"

Material: Cork and Rubber (heat bonded)

Made in: China, materials responsibly sourced from Spain and Thailand

Packaging: No plastic

Last posted price: $84 (use code DYWM10 for 10% off)

Pros

Urbivore is an eco-loving company started by two sisters who are on a mission to improve the health and well being of the planet and the people that live on it. All products that they offer are non-toxic and sustainable and they ship everything without plastic.



Their cork mat is top-of-the-line - durable, supportive and feels great under the body. To some, cork initially feels slippery, but it’s not like that when you practice. The smooth surface allows you to move easily on the mat while the grip improves with just a little bit of moisture. Cork also naturally inhibits bacteria, mold and fungal growth, lasts long and is odor free. The mat comes with a yoga mat strap.

Cons

Some people simply need more grip than cork can provide. As I said above, grip improves with some moisture, but some may prefer to have a stickier mat.

The Urbivore All-Natural Cork Yoga Mat:

Durability: 9 Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 8 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 10 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 9 Company Generosity: 9 Weight: Heavy Odor: No odor

Click here to order the Urbivore All-Natural Cork Yoga Mat from their website.

(use code DYWM10 for 10% off)

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 1/8” (4mm)

Weight: 6 lbs

Length: 78"

Material: Natural rubber

Made in: Unknown

Packaging: Mat wrapped in paper; unknown whether they use other plastic packaging

Last posted price: $105

Pros

Note: the links take you to the Prana homepage and give you free shipping. The Prana Indigena is made from 100% natural, non-Amazon rubber, provides excellent grip and, as one of the bigger mats available, is great for taller folks or anyone who wants more space for their heads and heels in savasana. It feels very nice under the body and provides surprising support given its thickness.

Cons

Like all other 100% rubber mats, this one is quite heavy and has a persistent rubber smell that takes time to fade. The open cell design also allows sweat to be absorbed, making it important to clean regularly.

The Prana Revolution Yoga Mat:

Durability: 7 Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 9 Wet Grip: 9 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Heavy Odor: Smells like rubber; the smell lingers for a couple months



Click here to order the Prana Indigena Yoga Mat from the Prana website

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 1/4” (6mm)

Weight: 6 lbs.

Material: Natural rubber and proprietary blend

Made in: Unknown

Packaging: Mat wrapped in paper, blocks, bolsters and meditation cushions wrapped in plastic.

Last posted price: $85

Pros

The Hugger Mugger Para Rubber is 100% natural rubber adhered with a proprietary blend of other components. Its surface is soft with excellent grip, more cushion than mats of a similar weight and a very nice feel under your hands and feet.

Cons

Because it is made of 100% rubber, it also smells like 100% rubber. The smell can be quite strong and can persist for longer than you might like. It’s also quite heavy and absorbs sweat, so you need to be on top of cleaning it.

The Hugger Mugger Para Rubber Yoga Mat:

Durability: 7 Padding: 9 Dry Grip: 9 Wet Grip: 9 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Heavy Odor: Smells like rubber; the smell lingers for a couple months

Click here to order the Para Rubber Yoga Mat from Amazon

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 4.5 lbs

Length: 68" (74" also available)

Materials: Natural rubber and man-made materials (proprietary)

Made in: USA

Packaging: Unknown

Last posted price: $80

Pros

This is Jade's most popular mat for good reason. It’s a mat that strikes a balance between many great qualities at a very reasonable price. It functions as a home or travel mat if you are willing to sacrifice some padding at home and commit to a little more weight on the road. It features good durability and padding, has excellent grip in wet and dry conditions, is made without PVC or other toxic chemicals and is produced by a company with a strong tradition of responsible industry practices. To read more, visit Jade’s page 'What We Care About'.

Cons

The open-cell design does require more attention to cleaning, and all Jade mats arrive with a distinct rubber smell that doesn't go away for a while. Also, if you leave this mat in the direct sun it will lose its grippiness!



The Jade Fusion Yoga Mat:

Durability: 8 Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 9 Weight: Fairly Heavy Odor: Smells like rubber; the smell lingers for a couple months



Click here to order the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat from Amazon

$40-$79 ECO-FRIENDLY YOGA MATS:

Surface feel: Smooth

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 5 lbs

Length: 72"

Materials: Cork and rubber (heat bonded)

Made in: China

Packaging: No plastic on mats. Blocks wrapped in plastic, bubble wrap around yoga wheels.

Last posted price: $75

Pros

I am so impressed with this yoga mat. This is the first cork yoga mat I have tried and I was skeptical at first. I didn’t believe that it could be sticky enough for me to feel comfortable in downward facing dog. But, in my opinion, it is. In fact, I like that it isn’t crazy grippy and sometimes makes me connect to my core to hold the pose. I also like that it doesn’t catch my hands or feet when I move. My body can flow a little easier and the surface feels smooth and supportive. And the grip gets better in wet conditions.

In fact, this is the most supportive mat that I have ever tried. The cork and rubber combination feels so good under my knees - it's soft and firm at the same time. I love it. It's also on the 'eco' top of the list because of the low environemental impact (it's also shipped with no plastic!) and it's one of the most affordable mats among the eco-friendly, high quality mats out there. As with the Oasis Essentials Yoga Mat, this mat also comes with a carry strap and you receive 10% off if you order from this link.

Cons

The main reason to not buy this mat is its grip. Grip is a personal thing and I personally like the grip this mat provides. But if you prefer a mat with amazing grip, this is not the mat for you (which is why I rated it an 8 for dry grip). Note that the grip improves with moisture, so you can dab some water on your hands and feet before class begins to improve the stickiness.

The Tranquility Essential Cork Yoga Mat:

Durability: N/A Padding: 10 Dry Grip: 8 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 10 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 8 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Very Heavy Odor: No odor

Click here to order the Tranquility Essential Cork Yoga Mat from the Tranquil Yogi

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 3 lbs

Length: 68"

Materials: Jute and PER / Polymer Environmental Resin (Oil extracted from biodegradable plant secretions to produce a plastic-like material)

Made in: Taiwan

Packaging: Mat wrapped in paper, blocks, bolsters and cushions wrapped in plastic

Last posted price: $45

Pros

This mat, made by Hugger Mugger, combines the grip and support of Jute with the durability of PER. Considering its weight (it's incredibly light at 3 lbs), it's surprisingly supportive for boney knees. We could almost call this a travel mat since it's so light. It is not a sticky mat by any means, but it does provide the kind of grip that some yogis may prefer (including me), allowing you to move more easily on the mat. It's eco-friendly and produced by a company that cares about its impact on the planet.

Cons

The Sattva Jute Yoga Mat may not provide the grip that many yogis prefer. It can slip in dry conditions and seems to lose its grip when wet. Some may also not like the feeling of jute, since it's quite coarse.



The Sattva Jute Yoga Mat:

Durability: N/A Padding: 7 Dry Grip: 8 Wet Grip: 6 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 8 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Light Odor: None

Click here to order the Sattva Jute Yoga Mat from Amazon

Surface feel: Textured

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 4 lbs

Length: 68"

Materials: Natural rubber and man-made materials (proprietary)

Made in: USA

Packaging: Unknown

Last posted price: $40

Pros

At $40, the Jade Level One has impressive padding for the joints, great grip when dry or wet, good durability, weighs a moderate four pounds, and is made from eco-friendly materials by a company that cares about their impact on people and the planet. Like all mats by Jade, the Level One Mat is made from sustainable resources with no PVC.

Cons

Jade's fantastic grip comes with the caveat that it absorbs sweat. You have to clean Jade mats more regularly than some competitors. As with all Jade mats, be prepared for a rubber smell that will linger for some time, and don’t leave this mat in the sun or it will lose its gripiness.



The Jade Level One Yoga Mat:

Durability: 7 Padding: 7 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 10 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 7 Company Generosity: 9 Weight: Light Odor: Smells like rubber; the smell lingers for a couple months



Click here to order the Jade Level One Yoga Mat from Amazon

Surface feel: Smooth and Textured

Thickness: 3/16” (5mm)

Weight: 2.4 lbs

Length: 72"

Materials: TPE (Thermoplastic Elastomer)

Made in: Taiwan

Packaging: Mat wrapped in paper, blocks, bolsters and cushions wrapped in plastic

Last posted price: $55

Pros

The greatest features of this mat are its weight, grip, padding and price. It's super light, so works well for travel, and provides surprising padding for joints.

Cons

I'm not familiar enough with TPE to comment, but the smell is a bit of a turn off for me. It isn't strong, but when I lie down I breathe it in. I haven't had it long enough to test its durability, but it seems like it's the kind of mat that would break down fairly quickly.



The Hugger Mugger Earth Elements Yoga Mat:

Durability: N/A Padding: 9 Dry Grip: 10 Wet Grip: 9 Eco-friendly: 9 Repels Dirt and Sweat: 8 Company Generosity: 7 Weight: Light Odor: Has a mild, undefinable odor

Click here to order the Earth Elements Yoga Mat from Amazon

DO YOU TRAVEL AND BRING ALONG YOUR MAT?

If you travel a lot for work or pleasure you don't want to lug around a bulky, heavy mat, there are a lot of good options that are lightweight and easy to carry around. Click here to see a list of our favorite mats that are easy to bring along when you travel or are on the go.

Note: the links in this article are affiliate links. If you end up purchasing something, DoYogaWithMe receives a small percentage of the sale.