Head-to-head · Best Thick Yoga Mats

Lululemon The Mat 5mm vs Manduka PRO

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Manduka PRO comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.4 vs 4.7). The gap is mostly about Dedicated home or studio practitioners who want maximum cushioning and lifetime durability and don't need to carry the mat far. — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #2 in Best Thick Yoga Mats

Lululemon The Mat 5mm

4.4

$98as of May 28

Lululemon The Mat 5mm is the grip champion of the thick-mat tier, scoring 81/100 at OutdoorGearLab and 4.2/5 at Garage Gym Reviews. Its polyurethane top layer keeps hands and feet planted even in heavy sweat, and the reversible construction lets you choose a grippy smooth side or a cushioned natural-rubber side. The 5mm thickness gives joint-friendly padding without sacrificing balance-pose stability. It is on the heavy side at 5.2 lbs and commands a premium, but for hot-yoga and high-sweat practitioners the traction is hard to beat.

Strengths

— Outstanding grip, especially in sweaty sessions, thanks to the polyurethane top layer
— Reversible design pairs a grippy smooth side with a cushioned natural-rubber side
— Antimicrobial additive helps prevent mold and mildew

Watch-outs

— At 5.2 lbs it is fairly heavy for daily carrying
— Natural rubber has a noticeable initial smell that fades over time
— Polyurethane top layer can absorb stains and needs careful cleaning

$98 · Buy at shop.lululemon.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Thick Yoga Mats

Manduka PRO

4.7

$138as of May 28

The Manduka PRO is the benchmark thick yoga mat, topping OutdoorGearLab's testing with a 91/100 score. Its 6mm of ultra-dense PVC cushioning protects joints while staying firm enough for stable balance poses, and the closed-cell surface keeps moisture out. Reviewers across OutdoorGearLab and Live Science praise its near-indestructible build, with teachers reporting mats lasting a decade-plus. The trade-offs are real: it is heavy at 7.5 lbs, needs a break-in period, and can slip when wet, so it suits a dedicated home or studio practice more than a daily commute.

Strengths

— 6mm of dense, supportive cushioning that protects knees, hands, and feet without going soft
— Legendary durability backed by a lifetime guarantee; teachers report mats lasting 10-plus years
— Closed-cell surface seals out moisture and sweat, keeping the mat hygienic

Watch-outs

— Heavy at 7.5 lbs, which makes it a poor choice for carrying to and from class
— Requires a break-in period before the grip reaches its best
— Can get slippery when wet, limiting it for hot yoga

$138 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Lululemon The Mat 5mm

Lululemon The Mat 5mm shares the natural-rubber, grip-focused approach of the JadeYoga Harmony but adds a polyurethane top layer that excels in sweat, where the closed-cell Manduka PRO struggles; it is slightly thinner than the 6mm Manduka PRO, Gaiam Premium 6mm, and Heathyoga 6mm but more grippy than all three.

Manduka PRO

The Manduka PRO is the thickest and most cushioned of the group at a true 6mm, matching the Gaiam Premium 6mm on padding but far outclassing it on density and durability, while the JadeYoga Harmony and Lululemon The Mat 5mm offer grippier natural-rubber surfaces at a slightly thinner 5mm; the Heathyoga 6mm matches its thickness at a fraction of the price.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Lululemon The Mat 5mm	Manduka PRO
Thickness	5 mm	6 mm
Weight	5.2 lbs	7.5 lbs
Dimensions	71 x 26 in	71 x 26 in
Material	Natural rubber + polyurethane	PVC (OEKO-TEX certified)
Surface	Reversible (grippy / cushioned)	Closed-cell, textured
Antimicrobial	Yes	—
Sustainability	FSC-certified rubber	—
Best Use	Hot yoga / sweaty practice	Studio / home
Warranty	—	Lifetime guarantee
Grip	—	Improves after break-in

← See the full ranking of best thick yoga mats