The 10 Best Pilates Mats of 2025, According to Instructors

If you want a travel-friendly mat with serious padding, the STOTT PILATES Pilates Express (7.5/10) stood out in our testing for its 10mm thickness and easy Velcro roll-up system. We found the cushioning feels fantastic for back and elbow-heavy Pilates work and the integrated straps make it easy to bring to class. During our review it did warm up quickly in direct sun and felt narrow at 22 inches for wide-stance moves, so it’s a great lightweight cushion but not ideal for every taller or outdoor practitioner.

At $19.69 the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat (6.5/10) is a budget-friendly, portable choice: its 6mm thickness offers solid joint cushioning and the carrying strap makes it easy to bring to class. In our testing the textured surface helped with stability, but grip is only medium and it can become slippery during sweaty sessions. During our review some units flaked and emitted a chemical odor on unboxing, so plan to air it. Overall, our experience shows it’s a practical starter mat, though frequent practitioners may prefer a more durable, sweat-resistant option.

If you want a mat that feels like a long-term investment, the Manduka PRO (score: 8/10) is a solid choice — in our testing its ultra-dense cushioning gave outstanding joint support during Pilates sessions and heavier load work. We found the closed-cell surface kept sweat out and made cleanup simple, and the lifetime guarantee really underscores durability. During our review the mat's weight and the initial slippery break-in period were its main drawbacks, so it's best suited for home or studio use rather than daily commuting.

If joint comfort is your top priority, the Solana's one-inch thickness delivers plush support that we really noticed in our testing, especially for elbows and tailbone work. We found the non-slip surface gripped hardwood floors well, but during our review the extreme thickness did undermine balance in standing Pilates moves and made the mat bulky to carry despite the included nylon strap. At a 5.5/10 score it’s great for restorative practice at home, but not ideal if you need precision or portability.

The STOTT PILATES Eco Mat scored a 6.5/10 and in our testing impressed with its eco-friendly TPE build — it’s PVC- and latex-free and recyclable, which is appealing if sustainability matters. We found the included carry strap useful for classes, but during our review some units warped in heat and a glittery surface option shed particles, which hurt the overall finish and grip under pressure. For casual practice it’s a decent, affordable green option, though reliability concerns are worth noting.

Chakras Aura Cork stood out in our testing as a light, natural option that pairs a fine-grain cork surface with a 6mm cushioning profile, earning it an 8/10 for balance of feel and eco-friendliness. We found the cork grip improves with moisture so sweaty sessions actually increase traction, and at about 2.8 pounds it’s genuinely easy to transport. During our review cork required more upkeep to stay fresh and odor-free, and users with very dry hands might need a little extra tack to get the best grip.

As a collaboration mat, the LFC x Yogi Bare earned an 8.5/10 in our testing thanks to exceptional grip and eco-conscious natural rubber construction that many instructors love. We found the 4mm thickness gives plenty of protection for pilates joints while still keeping the surface responsive, and the grip held up even during sweaty flows. During our review the mat's 2.5kg weight and susceptibility to scuff marks limit portability and pristine appearance, and the $87.75 price may feel premium for some buyers.

The Mat 5mm is one of our top-rated picks (9.5/10) because it balances plush cushioning and eco-friendly materials so well — in our experience the 5mm thickness protects knees and hips without killing balance. We found the moisture-absorbing grippy surface maintained traction during sweaty sessions, and using FSC-certified natural rubber was a big plus for sustainability-minded practitioners. During our review its 5.24-pound weight and tendency to stain, plus latex content for allergy-prone users, are the trade-offs to consider.

The Liforme Original earned a 9/10 in our review for one simple reason: its grip is exceptional and alignment markers make precise Pilates positioning much easier. In our testing the biodegradable, non-toxic materials felt high quality and aligned with eco-conscious shoppers, but we found the mat is heavier and pricier than many competitors, which reduces portability. During practice the alignment lines were incredibly helpful for form, though some users might find them visually distracting during flowing sequences.

The Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat is perfect if you prioritize cushioning — in our testing the high-density 1-inch foam delivered plush protection for sensitive joints and the ribbed non-slip surface kept poses stable. We found the included carrying strap handy, but during our review an initial chemical odor and the mat's thickness made balance work trickier, especially for standing Pilates. At a 6/10 it’s a comforting option for low-impact sessions, though taller users should check the 71-inch length before buying.

For budget shoppers, the Fitvids All Purpose mat is an economical pick at $16.99 and earned a 5/10 in our review for basic cushioning and portability — the 1/4-inch thickness and strap make it fine for occasional practice. We found the eco-friendly materials appealing, but during our testing grip stability and long-term durability were concerns when used for vigorous sessions. If you need a short-term or travel mat it’s a decent value, but frequent practitioners will likely outgrow it quickly.