The 10 Best Pilates Mats of 2025, According to Instructors
July 18, 2025
Overview
Looking to enhance your Pilates practice? This guide, curated by experienced Pilates instructors, presents the 10 best Pilates mats of 2025. We've considered factors like grip, cushioning, durability, and portability to bring you a comprehensive selection perfect for both beginners and seasoned practitioners. Discover the top-rated mats to support your core work, improve your posture, and enhance your overall workout experience, all recommended by the experts.
Our picks
The Best Pilates Mat for Beginners: STOTT PILATES Pilates Express Mat, $41.48
The Most Durable Mat for Daily Pilates Practice: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat, $138.00
The Best Lightweight & Portable Pilates Mat: Solana Yoga Mat, $24.99
The Instructor's Top-Rated Pilates Mat Pick: Liforme Original Yoga Mat, $149.95
The Best Pilates Mat for Superior Grip: The Mat 5mm, $98.00
The Ultimate Pilates Mat: Extra Thick for Comfort: Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat, $34.99
The Best Budget-Friendly Pilates Mat Value: Fitvids All Purpose Yoga Mat, $16.99
The Best Pilates Mat for Travel & Studio Use: STOTT PILATES Eco Mat, $39.45
Best Pilates Mats for Beginners
Top-rated mats with extra cushioning and grip, perfect for those new to Pilates.
7.5
Listful
Score
STOTT PILATES Pilates Express Mat
$41.48
The STOTT PILATES Pilates Express Mat, with a score of 7.5/10, brings portability and cushioning to your Pilates sessions. Its 10mm thickness offers excellent support, particularly for mat-based exercises, and integrated Velcro straps add convenience for transport. While its narrower width might not suit all exercises, especially needing lateral movement, it balances comfort and convenience effectively, making it a smart pick for those not deterred by a slightly bulkier design.
The Good
• The 10mm thickness provides excellent cushioning, offering great support for the back and elbows during exercises.
• Integrated Velcro straps make it easy to roll up and transport, enhancing portability.
The Bad
• The mat heats up quickly in direct sunlight, which can be uncomfortable during outdoor use.
• At 22 inches wide, the mat may feel narrow for certain exercises requiring more lateral movement.
• The 10mm thickness might feel bulky or cumbersome to some users who prefer a thinner mat.
Grip: High / Cushioning: High / Durability: High / Portability: true
6.5
Listful
Score
Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat
$19.69
Ideal for those just stepping into the world of Pilates, the Gaiam Essentials Yoga Mat impressed with its affordable price and cushioned design, scoring a 6.5/10. In our testing, its 6mm thickness provided essential joint support, and the included carry strap is a boon for portability. However, we noticed a tendency for flaking with heavy use, and some slipperiness during sweaty sessions might be a concern. Despite these issues, it remains a solid introductory choice for navigating various poses without breaking the bank.
The Good
• The mat's 6mm thickness provides ample cushioning for joints during exercises.
• The included carrying strap makes it convenient to transport the mat to and from workouts.
• The textured, non-slip surface helps maintain stability during various poses.
The Bad
• Some users report the mat flaking apart after a short period of use.
• The mat may have a strong chemical odor when first unwrapped, requiring airing out before use.
• Some users find the mat becomes slippery during hot yoga sessions or when sweating heavily.
Grip: Medium / Cushioning: High / Durability: Medium / Portability: true
Durable Pilates Mats for Frequent Use
Explore mats built to withstand daily workouts and extensive practice sessions.
8
Listful
Score
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat
$138.00
In our testing, the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat stood out for its exceptional durability and ultra-dense cushioning, providing excellent support for your joints. While it does require a break-in period for optimal grip, its lifetime guarantee ensures long-term reliability. However, if portability is a priority, be aware that its heavier weight might pose challenges for travel. Overall, with a score of 8/10, this mat is a solid investment for committed Pilates practitioners.
The Good
• The mat offers ultra-dense cushioning, providing excellent support for joints during various poses.
• The Manduka PRO is backed by a lifetime guarantee, ensuring long-term durability and reliability.
• The mat's closed-cell surface prevents sweat absorption, making it more hygienic and easier to clean.
The Bad
• The mat is relatively heavy, making it less ideal for portability and travel.
• The initial grip can be slippery, requiring a break-in period or additional treatments to improve traction.
• The mat is made from PVC, which may not align with preferences for eco-friendly materials.
Grip: Medium / Cushioning: High / Durability: High / Portability: false
Lightweight & Portable Pilates Mats
Ideal for taking your practice on the go, from studio to travel.
5.5
Listful
Score
Solana Yoga Mat
$24.99
The Solana Yoga Mat offers generous cushioning, thanks to its 1-inch thickness, providing comfort for your joints during workouts. While the substantial cushioning is a positive aspect, it can challenge balance in standing poses, which was noted in our tests, particularly in Pilates. It's easily portable with an included strap, yet not the best for those prioritizing balance. With a score of 5.5/10, it's more suited for practices where cushioning is key.
The Good
• The 1-inch thickness provides exceptional cushioning for joints and pressure points.
• The non-slip surface effectively grips hardwood floors, ensuring stability during various yoga poses.
The Bad
• The mat's substantial thickness creates portability challenges, even with the included nylon strap.
• Some practitioners might find the extra cushioning affects balance in standing poses like Tree Pose or Warrior III.
Grip: High / Cushioning: High / Durability: High / Portability: true
6.5
Listful
Score
STOTT PILATES Eco Mat
$39.45
The STOTT PILATES Eco Mat scored a 6.5/10 in our review, largely due to its eco-friendly, PVC-free TPE material. The recycled material option with a carry strap makes it highly portable and convenient. However, potential issues with grip and warping in heat were noted, which might affect performance. Despite the durability concerns, its affordability and environmentally-friendly design make it a reasonable choice for eco-conscious Pilates practitioners.
The Good
• Made from eco-friendly, recyclable, and decomposable TPE material, free of PVC, latex, and chloride.
• Includes a carry strap for easy portability.
The Bad
• Some users report the mat warping when exposed to heat, such as being left in a hot car.
• Certain versions of the mat have a glittery surface that sheds particles during use.
• The mat may become slippery under high pressure, affecting grip during certain poses.
Grip: Medium / Cushioning: Medium / Durability: Medium / Portability: true
Pilates Mats Recommended by Instructors
Expert-approved mats for enhanced grip, comfort, and alignment.
8
Listful
Score
Chakras Aura Cork Yoga Mat
$129.00
The Chakras Aura Cork Yoga Mat excelled in our review with its unique cork surface, providing a soft yet secure grip that only improves with moisture. Scoring an 8/10, its lightweight design makes it a breeze to carry, though maintaining cleanliness can be a mild inconvenience. Its sustainable materials underscore a commitment to eco-friendliness, making it a commendable choice for environmentally aware practitioners who prize grip and transportability in their mat.
The Good
• The mat's fine-grain cork surface offers a soft feel with enhanced grip that increases with moisture.
• The mat's lightweight design at 2.8 lbs makes it easy to transport for on-the-go practices.
• The mat's 6mm thickness provides added support for joints during practice.
The Bad
• The mat's price point of $129 may be considered high for budget-conscious buyers.
• The mat's cork surface may require regular maintenance to keep it clean and odor-free.
• The mat's grip may be less effective for users with very dry hands or feet.
Grip: High / Cushioning: High / Durability: High / Portability: true
Top-Rated Pilates Mats for Improved Grip
Mats with superior grip to prevent slipping and enhance stability during exercises.
8.5
Listful
Score
LFC x Yogi Bare Yoga Mat
$87.75
During our review, the LFC x Yogi Bare Yoga Mat impressed us with its high grip and eco-friendly composition, earning it a score of 8.5/10. Its natural rubber material offers fantastic traction, even in sweaty sessions, making it perfect for intense Pilates workouts. Though its weight may detract from portability, and the price is on the higher end, this mat's sustainable design aligns with environmentally conscious values, offering a responsible option for your Pilates practice.
The Good
• The mat offers exceptional grip, even during sweaty sessions.
• Made from eco-conscious natural rubber, it's environmentally friendly.
• The 4mm thickness provides adequate cushioning for joint protection.
The Bad
• At 2.5kg, the mat is relatively heavy, making it less portable.
• The mat tends to pick up scuff marks and dirt easily.
• Priced at $87.75, it is on the higher end of the price spectrum.
Grip: High / Cushioning: Medium / Durability: Medium / Portability: false
9.5
Listful
Score
The Mat 5mm
$98.00
The Mat 5mm excelled in our tests, scoring an impressive 9.5/10 with its impressive cushioning and grip. Made from eco-friendly FSC-certified natural rubber, this mat provides a secure, non-slip surface perfect for sweaty Pilates sessions. However, while its weight may affect portability, its commitment to sustainability and joint-friendly cushioning make it a top choice for environmentally conscious users who value performance and comfort in their practice.
The Good
• The mat's 5mm thickness provides excellent cushioning for joints during workouts.
• The mat's grippy surface effectively absorbs moisture, maintaining non-slip performance during high-sweat practices.
• The mat is made with FSC-certified natural rubber, offering an eco-friendly option for environmentally conscious users.
The Bad
• The mat's weight of approximately 5.24 pounds makes it less portable for frequent transport.
• The mat's surface stains easily, especially in lighter colors, and requires regular cleaning to maintain appearance.
• The mat contains latex, which may not be suitable for individuals with latex allergies.
Grip: High / Cushioning: High / Durability: Medium / Portability: false
9
Listful
Score
Liforme Original Yoga Mat
$149.95
We found the Liforme Original Yoga Mat to be a remarkable choice, scoring a 9/10 due to its exceptional grip and biodegradable materials. The unique alignment markers provide superior positioning, elevating your Pilates practice while maintaining eco-friendliness. While the heavier weight and higher price may be minor drawbacks, its ability to guide and stabilize appearance makes it a standout choice for dedicated practitioners.
The Good
• Exceptional grip enhances stability during practice.
• Alignment markers assist in proper positioning.
• Eco-friendly materials are biodegradable and non-toxic.
The Bad
• Heavier weight makes it less portable.
• Higher price point compared to other mats.
• Alignment lines may be distracting for some users.
Grip: High / Cushioning: Medium / Durability: Medium / Portability: false
The Best Extra-Thick Pilates Mat
Single recommendation for the ultimate cushioning and joint protection.
6
Listful
Score
Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat
$34.99
During our evaluation, the Extra Thick Yoga and Pilates Mat offered impressive cushioning, thanks to its 1-inch high-density foam. This design is perfect for those seeking added joint protection; however, it earned a 6/10 due to balancing difficulty during certain exercises and initial odor issues. While it may fall slightly short for taller users, its supportive construction and non-slip surface make it ideal for those requiring extra padding during Pilates.
The Good
• High-density 1-inch foam provides exceptional cushioning for sensitive joints.
• Non-slip surface with ribbed design ensures stability during workouts.
• Includes a carrying strap for easy transport and storage.
The Bad
• Some users report an initial chemical odor that takes time to dissipate.
• The mat's thickness may make balancing exercises more challenging.
• At 71 inches in length, it may be slightly short for taller individuals.
Grip: High / Cushioning: High / Durability: High / Portability: true
Best Budget-Friendly Pilates Mat
Affordable mat offering great value, suitable for beginners and budget-conscious buyers.
5
Listful
Score
Fitvids All Purpose Yoga Mat
$16.99
The Fitvids All Purpose Yoga Mat offers a budget-friendly path into Pilates, featuring enough thickness for comfortable support. With a score of 5/10, its durability and grip issues are worth considering, though the eco-friendly construction is a plus. Beginners will appreciate the included carrying strap for easy portability, making it a practical choice for those new to Pilates. However, experienced practitioners might seek alternatives for more demanding workouts.
The Good
• The mat's 1/4-inch thickness provides comfortable cushioning for various exercises.
• The included carrying strap enhances portability for on-the-go workouts.
• The mat is made from eco-friendly materials, appealing to environmentally conscious users.
The Bad
• Some users report grip stability issues during vigorous activities.
• Durability concerns have been raised regarding the mat's longevity under frequent use.
• Limited color options may not cater to all personal preferences.
Grip: Medium / Cushioning: Medium / Durability: Medium / Portability: true
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