I recently learned that “yoga mat comparisons” are actually this deep. They seem to be evaluated on five points: cushioning, non-slip performance, feel/texture, ease of portability, and how easy they are to maintain—but when you look at a bunch of options for yourself, you can see that each one has pretty distinct characteristics.

For beginners, thickness typically ranges from 5mm to 10mm. The thicker the mat, the higher the cushioning, but that can also make poses less stable. When I look at yoga mat comparison sites, the Maruichi Recovery yoga mat is known for being hard to slip on with its 5mm thickness, while Soomloom is praised for its plush, “fluffy” feel at 10mm. Gruper comes in at 8mm, and it feels like a balanced type.

Also, the materials vary—TPE, rubber, nitrile rubber, and more—and whether it supports wiping with water makes a huge difference in how much effort maintenance takes. You can also see that the selection criteria change depending on whether you’re a heavy sweater or someone who dries quickly.

If portability is what you prioritize, something like Feetlu’s foldable type or other lighter options might be better. For something you only use at home, you might not need storage bands either. It turns out that it really depends on how you plan to use your yoga mat. Which points matter most to you?