The right exercise mat protects your joints, your floor and your equipment. The wrong one slides, dents or tears within weeks.
We compared six exercise mats for different jobs: floor workouts, large HIIT spaces and weight training. For specific setups, see our best exercise mats for home gym and best exercise mats for strength training.
Top 3 Exercise Mats
- 10 mm high-density NBR foam
- Textured anti-slip surface
- Easy-cinch carrying strap
- Wipe-clean surface
Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat
- 1/2 in. thick NBR foam
- Textured surface for traction
- Carrying strap
- Standard yoga-mat size
- Sizes 6×4 ft up to 12×6 ft
- 7 mm high-density PVC
- Anti-slip surfaces
- Carry bag and straps
Exercise Mat Comparison
| Exercise Mat | Best For | Key Specs | Amazon Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Gaiam Thick Exercise Mat | Best Overall | 10 mm high-density NBR foam; Textured anti-slip surface; Easy-cinch carrying strap | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 2. Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat | Most Cushioned Value | 1/2 in. thick NBR foam; Textured surface for traction; Carrying strap | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 3. GymCope Large Exercise Mat | Best Large Mat | Sizes 6×4 ft up to 12×6 ft; 7 mm high-density PVC; Anti-slip surfaces | 4.7/5 | Check Price |
| 4. Retrospec Solana 1-Inch Exercise Mat | Thickest Roll-Up | 1 in. extra-thick foam; Non-slip material; Strap included | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
| 5. ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat (48 sq ft) | Best Coverage | 12 interlocking 1/2 in. EVA tiles; 48 sq ft coverage; Water-resistant, noise-reducing | 4.6/5 | Check Price |
| 6. SUPERJARE Rubber-Top Gym Flooring | Best for Weights | 0.56 in. thick; 48 sq ft of tiles; EVA foam base with EPDM rubber top | 4.5/5 | Check Price |
1. Gaiam Thick Exercise Mat – Best Overall
- 10 mm high-density NBR foam
- Textured anti-slip surface
- Easy-cinch carrying strap
- Wipe-clean surface
Pros
- ✓ 46,000+ ratings
- ✓ Comfortable for knees and spine
- ✓ About $25
Cons
- ✗ Initial foam odor
- ✗ Not for shoes or weights
- ✗ Can slide on smooth floors
Gaiam’s 10 mm thick mat is our best all-round exercise mat. The high-density NBR foam cushions knees and spine for core work, stretching and bodyweight training, and the textured surface stays put on most floors. Over 46,000 buyers rate it 4.6 stars.
It costs about $25 and includes a carry strap. It is not meant for shoes or heavy weights; see our strength training picks for that.
Best for: Floor workouts, stretching and Pilates
May not fit: Lifting heavy weights
2. Amazon Basics Extra Thick Exercise Mat – Most Cushioned Value
- 1/2 in. thick NBR foam
- Textured surface for traction
- Carrying strap
- Standard yoga-mat size
Pros
- ✓ 70,000+ ratings, the most here
- ✓ Very cushioned for floor work
- ✓ About $27
Cons
- ✗ Too soft for balance poses
- ✗ NBR foam can dent
- ✗ Not for heavy weights
Amazon Basics’ 1/2-inch mat has 70,000+ ratings and extra cushion for about $27.
Too soft for balance poses.
Best for: Sensitive knees
May not fit: Standing balance work
3. GymCope Large Exercise Mat – Best Large Mat
- Sizes 6×4 ft up to 12×6 ft
- 7 mm high-density PVC
- Anti-slip surfaces
- Carry bag and straps
Pros
- ✓ Room for full-body workouts
- ✓ Shoe-friendly, tear-resistant surface
- ✓ 4.7 stars
Cons
- ✗ About $76 for mid sizes
- ✗ Heavy to roll
- ✗ Thinner than foam mats
GymCope’s large PVC mats run up to 12 x 6 ft and handle shoes.
Pricier.
Best for: HIIT and jump rope
May not fit: Small rooms
4. Retrospec Solana 1-Inch Exercise Mat – Thickest Roll-Up
- 1 in. extra-thick foam
- Non-slip material
- Strap included
- Phthalate and latex free
Pros
- ✓ Thickest roll-up mat here
- ✓ 15,000+ ratings
- ✓ Great for sore joints
Cons
- ✗ About $40
- ✗ Bulky to store
- ✗ Too soft for standing work
Retrospec Solana is 1 inch thick for maximum joint comfort.
Bulky.
Best for: Joint pain
May not fit: Storage
5. ProsourceFit Puzzle Exercise Mat (48 sq ft) – Best Coverage
- 12 interlocking 1/2 in. EVA tiles
- 48 sq ft coverage
- Water-resistant, noise-reducing
- Phthalate-free
Pros
- ✓ 61,000+ ratings
- ✓ Covers a whole workout area
- ✓ Easy to expand
Cons
- ✗ EVA dents under heavy weights
- ✗ Seams can lift
- ✗ About $50
ProsourceFit’s 48 sq ft puzzle mat covers a whole workout area.
Dents under weights.
Best for: Full workout zones
May not fit: Heavy lifting
6. SUPERJARE Rubber-Top Gym Flooring – Best for Weights
- 0.56 in. thick
- 48 sq ft of tiles
- EVA foam base with EPDM rubber top
- Interlocking
Pros
- ✓ Rubber top handles weights and shoes
- ✓ Cushions and quiets drops
- ✓ 2,000 ratings
Cons
- ✗ About $90
- ✗ Not as tough as solid rubber
- ✗ Seams need care
SUPERJARE’s rubber-top tiles handle dumbbells and shoes.
About $90.
Best for: Strength workouts
May not fit: Yoga
How to Choose an Exercise Mat
Thickness
6 to 10 mm suits mixed workouts; 1/2 in. or more cushions floor work; thin rubber is best under weights.
Size
Standard mats are about 6 x 2 ft. Large 6 x 4 ft or bigger mats give room for HIIT and jump rope.
Material
NBR and TPE foam are soft and light; PVC is tougher with shoes; rubber handles weights.
Shoes and weights
Foam mats dent under dumbbells and shoes. Use rubber flooring for lifting.
FAQ
How thick should an exercise mat be?
About 6 to 10 mm for general workouts; thicker for floor work on hard floors.
Can I use a yoga mat for HIIT?
Yes, but a larger, tougher mat lasts longer under shoes and jumping.
What mat is best for weights?
Rubber or rubber-top flooring. Foam mats dent under dumbbells.
Final Verdict
Gaiam’s thick mat is the best exercise mat for most floor workouts. Choose GymCope for a big HIIT space, or SUPERJARE’s rubber-top tiles if you lift weights.
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