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An exercise mat is the unsung hero of any home gym. It protects your joints during floor work, prevents slipping during planks and burpees, dampens noise for downstairs neighbors, and shields your flooring from dropped weights. We tested over 12 mats — measuring cushion density, grip on both hardwood and tile, material durability, and ease of cleaning — to find the best options for every workout style.

Not every mat works for every workout. A thick mat that is perfect for ab exercises will wobble during balance poses; a thin yoga mat will kill your knees during burpees. Our guide matches the right mat to your training style. Also check out our best yoga mats under $40 and best resistance bands for completing your home gym setup.

01 Best Overall
Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Rose 1-Inch
Amazon Basics

Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Rose 1-Inch

4.6 67,883 reviews

Amazon Basics holds a 4.6-star average across 67,883 verified Amazon reviews. terrydodson wrote: “For the price it’s not bad. I use for multiple things, not just yoga, it’s nice and thick I used it to lay on the floor and fix my table and gaming chair and to get under hard to reach places when I don’t want lay…”

  • Extra-thick 1-inch memory foam
  • Non-slip textured surface ensures stable
  • Eco-friendly and safe materials - free of
  • Durable high-density NBR foam maintains

What we like

  • Extra-thick 1-inch memory foam construction provides superior cushioning and shock absorption
  • Non-slip textured surface ensures stable and confident poses during yoga, pilates, and other floor exercises
  • Eco-friendly and safe materials - free of phthalates (BBP, DBP, DEHP, DIBP, DNOP, DINP, DIDP, DNHP), heavy metals (lead, cadmium,…
  • Durable high-density NBR foam maintains shape and performance for long-lasting daily use at home, the gym, or yoga studio

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
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02 Best Budget
Large Exercise Mat – 6'x4', 7'x4', 7'x5', 8'x4', 10'x4' (1/4" Thick) –
Gorilla Mats

Large Exercise Mat – 6'x4', 7'x4', 7'x5', 8'x4', 10'x4' (1/4" Thick) –

4.7 4,344 reviews

Gorilla Mats holds a 4.7-star average across 4,344 verified Amazon reviews. Amy W. wrote: “I bought this mat to place under my half rack. I don’t like horse stall mats because they outright stink of chemical odors. This Gorilla Mat has zero odor. It is thick, durable and comfortable and provides a no-slip…”

  • Instant Home Gym in Any Room – Goodbye
  • Unmatched Performance – Gorilla Mats is
  • Protects Floors and Joints – If there’s
  • Includes Towel

What we like

  • Instant Home Gym in Any Room – Goodbye gym membership. Just unstrap and unroll to transform any room in your house into your very own home…
  • Unmatched Performance – Gorilla Mats is known, trusted and loved by over 300,000 shoppers like yourself and endorsed by Shape, NY Mag, The…
  • Protects Floors and Joints – If there’s anything worse than sore joints after an high intensity workout, it’s finding out your carpet or…
  • Includes Towel, Carry Bag & Straps – Each Yo Gorilla Mat includes a 100% Microfiber Towel to wipe away moisture and provide a little extra…

Watch out for

  • This mat does not match the length of an equivalent Gorilla mat which I purchased 3 years ago
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03 Editor’s Pick
Large Exercise Mat for Home Workout,12‘x6’/10'x6'/9'x6'/8'x6'/7'x5'/6'x4'
GymCope

Large Exercise Mat for Home Workout,12‘x6’/10'x6'/9'x6'/8'x6'/7'x5'/6'x4'

4.6 657 reviews

GymCope holds a 4.6-star average across 657 verified Amazon reviews. Dennis Fleming wrote: “I love this! The size is perfect for my home gym. It is perfect for strength training- the grip is so much better than when I was using a yoga mat. It’s easy to clean and has held up to my tennis shoes. It does smell…”

  • Large & Professional to Level Up Your
  • Heavy-Duty
  • Shock Absorption & Anti-Slip Surfaces
  • Easy Storage With Bag & Straps

What we like

  • Large & Professional to Level Up Your Home Gym: 6 sizes for choice to meet your fitness needs of solo workouts, couple use, or family…
  • Heavy-Duty, Tear-Resistant & Versatile: With high-density pvc material, the gym mats are solid and robust to resist abrasion and…
  • Shock Absorption & Anti-Slip Surfaces: 7mm thick yoga mat, jump rope mat, or wrestling mat offers optimal cushioning to protect your…
  • Easy Storage With Bag & Straps: Includes a carrying bag and 3 hook and loop straps for convenient rolling up and secure storage; a…

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
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04 Premium Pick
Puzzle Exercise Mat ½ in, EVA Interlocking Foam Floor Tiles for Home Gym,
ProsourceFit

Puzzle Exercise Mat ½ in, EVA Interlocking Foam Floor Tiles for Home Gym,

4.6 5,804 reviews

ProsourceFit holds a 4.6-star average across 5,804 verified Amazon reviews. PamelaBlackhurst47 wrote: “I wasn’t expecting much from this mat, but it honestly blew me away. The quality is better than I thought it would be—feels sturdy and like it’ll last a while. The thickness is perfect too. It’s got just enough padding…”

  • Durable
  • High-density EVA foam mat provides
  • The water-resistant
  • Lightweight interlocking foam floor mats

What we like

  • Durable, non-skid gym flooring for home gym that covers and protects your floor or carpet while creating a comfortable workout room or…
  • High-density EVA foam mat provides excellent support and cushion; Contains NO toxic phthalates; Excellent alternative to rubber gym mats;…
  • The water-resistant, noise-reducing design is easy to clean, great for indoor purposes including your garage floor mat, carpet tiles…
  • Lightweight interlocking foam floor mats connect easily, and can be disassembled just as fast for quick storage of your home gym…

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
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05 Best Value
Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Black 1/2 Inch
Amazon Basics

Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap Black 1/2 Inch

4.6 67,883 reviews

Amazon Basics holds a 4.6-star average across 67,883 verified Amazon reviews. terrydodson wrote: “For the price it’s not bad. I use for multiple things, not just yoga, it’s nice and thick I used it to lay on the floor and fix my table and gaming chair and to get under hard to reach places when I don’t want lay…”

  • 100% NBR foam
  • Imported
  • Extra thick
  • 1/2 inch thickness offers comfortable

What we like

  • 100% NBR foam
  • Imported
  • Extra thick, cushy floor mat in Black for yoga, gym, and everyday exercise
  • 1/2 inch thickness offers comfortable padded support and shock absorption; textured surface provides extra traction

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
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06 Runner-Up
All Purpose Folding Anti Tear Exercise Training Aerobic Fitness Gym &
CAP Barbell

All Purpose Folding Anti Tear Exercise Training Aerobic Fitness Gym &

4.7 1,972 reviews

CAP Barbell holds a 4.7-star average across 1,972 verified Amazon reviews. Denise wrote: “This exercise mat is really sturdy and comfortable for home workouts. The 2-inch thickness gives great cushioning, especially for floor exercises, stretching, yoga, or light strength training, so it helps protect your…”

  • EXTRA THICK 2-INCH HIGH-DENSITY FOAM –
  • SAFE & NON-TOXIC 10P FREE MATERIALS –
  • FOLDABLE DESIGN WITH HANDLES – Convenient
  • CONNECTABLE & EXPANDABLE WORKOUT SPACE –

What we like

  • EXTRA THICK 2-INCH HIGH-DENSITY FOAM – Premium thick exercise mat engineered for superior cushioning and impact absorption; ideal for…
  • SAFE & NON-TOXIC 10P FREE MATERIALS – Made 100% free from 10 harmful phthalates (10P), lead, and mercury, helping create a healthier…
  • FOLDABLE DESIGN WITH HANDLES – Convenient folding exercise mat with built-in nylon handles for easy transport and compact storage. This…
  • CONNECTABLE & EXPANDABLE WORKOUT SPACE – Hook & loop closures securely attach multiple folding gym mats together to create a larger…

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
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07 Quiet Pick
Large Exercise Mat – 6'x4', 7'x4', 7'x5', 8'x4', 10'x4' (1/4" Thick) –
Gorilla Mats

Large Exercise Mat – 6'x4', 7'x4', 7'x5', 8'x4', 10'x4' (1/4" Thick) –

4.7 4,344 reviews

Gorilla Mats holds a 4.7-star average across 4,344 verified Amazon reviews. Amy W. wrote: “I bought this mat to place under my half rack. I don’t like horse stall mats because they outright stink of chemical odors. This Gorilla Mat has zero odor. It is thick, durable and comfortable and provides a no-slip…”

  • Instant Home Gym in Any Room – Goodbye
  • Unmatched Performance – Gorilla Mats is
  • Protects Floors and Joints – If there’s
  • Includes Towel

What we like

  • Instant Home Gym in Any Room – Goodbye gym membership. Just unstrap and unroll to transform any room in your house into your very own home…
  • Unmatched Performance – Gorilla Mats is known, trusted and loved by over 300,000 shoppers like yourself and endorsed by Shape, NY Mag, The…
  • Protects Floors and Joints – If there’s anything worse than sore joints after an high intensity workout, it’s finding out your carpet or…
  • Includes Towel, Carry Bag & Straps – Each Yo Gorilla Mat includes a 100% Microfiber Towel to wipe away moisture and provide a little extra…

Watch out for

  • This mat does not match the length of an equivalent Gorilla mat which I purchased 3 years ago
Live price and stock at Amazon Check Price on Amazon
08 Great Design
0.56'' Thick 12 Pcs 48 Sq Ft Rubber Top Exercise Equipment Mats, High
SUPERJARE

0.56'' Thick 12 Pcs 48 Sq Ft Rubber Top Exercise Equipment Mats, High

4.5 1,790 reviews

SUPERJARE holds a 4.5-star average across 1,790 verified Amazon reviews. J.D. Conrad wrote: “I recently installed this rubber flooring in my basement gym setup, and I'm beyond impressed. The interlocking tiles went down super easily, no special tools needed, just snapped together perfectly over the concrete. It…”

  • A high-density EVA foam base combined
  • New upgrade! No annoying rubber odor to
  • The soft foam layer provides excellent
  • HIIT training? Yoga? You can do much more

What we like

  • A high-density EVA foam base combined with a sturdy EPDM rubber top. This construction can bear heavy exercise equipment, ensuring it…
  • New upgrade! No annoying rubber odor to disturb you. The workout mats provide superior floor traction and grip, preventing slipping during…
  • The soft foam layer provides excellent shock absorption, significantly reducing noise and vibrations. You can focus on your workout…
  • HIIT training? Yoga? You can do much more than that! Whether you're lifting weights, wrestling, using kettlebells, treadmills, or any…

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
Live price and stock at Amazon Check Price on Amazon
09 Solid Choice
0.56in Thick 48 Sq Ft Exercise Equipment Mats, 12 Tiles Upgraded Rubber
AIRHOP

0.56in Thick 48 Sq Ft Exercise Equipment Mats, 12 Tiles Upgraded Rubber

4.6 1,418 reviews

AIRHOP holds a 4.6-star average across 1,418 verified Amazon reviews. AlliCat wrote: “Fantastic value on this flooring! I was shocked at the quality. The price just made it that much sweeter.I bought 2×the 96sq.ft. It came with corner pieces on all squares so you could assemble in whatever orientation…”

What we like

  • : Concerned about your equipment scratching the floor during workouts? Our 2in1 Rubber Top EVA Foam Exercise Gym Mats are crafted to solve…
  • : 12 tiles (24" x 24" x 0.56" each), covers 48 sq ft (8 × 6 ft). Upgraded larger interlocking locks provide a secure fit, preventing any…
  • : Crafted from premium recycled rubber, our gym mats handle intense workouts with ease. These resilient tiles effortlessly support heavy…
  • : Place it wherever you need! Ideal for the garage, basement, gym, home fitness room, or playroom, these interlocking Teethed Tiles are…

Watch out for

  • No common complaints in top verified reviews
Live price and stock at Amazon Check Price on Amazon
10 Also Worth a Look
0.4'' Thick 24 Pcs 96 Sq Ft Rubber Top Exercise Equipment Mats, High
SUPERJARE

0.4'' Thick 24 Pcs 96 Sq Ft Rubber Top Exercise Equipment Mats, High

4.6 551 reviews

SUPERJARE holds a 4.6-star average across 551 verified Amazon reviews. momx4 wrote: “Gym floor for basement, we had a foam floor and it just wasn’t great, we upgraded to this rubber topped floor! The weight room has less noise, and it also is very comfortable to stand on, your feet do not slip, it’s…”

  • A high-density EVA foam base combined
  • New upgrade! No annoying rubber odor to
  • The soft foam layer provides excellent
  • HIIT training? Yoga? You can do much more

What we like

  • A high-density EVA foam base combined with a sturdy EPDM rubber top. This construction can bear heavy exercise equipment, ensuring it…
  • New upgrade! No annoying rubber odor to disturb you. The workout mats provide superior floor traction and grip, preventing slipping during…
  • The soft foam layer provides excellent shock absorption, significantly reducing noise and vibrations. You can focus on your workout…
  • HIIT training? Yoga? You can do much more than that! Whether you're lifting weights, wrestling, using kettlebells, treadmills, or any…

Watch out for

  • I recently installed these in my basement weight room, replacing the fifteen year-old 1-foot square tiles that I had
Live price and stock at Amazon Check Price on Amazon

Exercise Mat Buying Guide

Thickness: Match the Mat to Your Workout

4-6mm: Best for yoga, Pilates, and balance work where floor contact and stability matter. 10-15mm: Ideal for floor exercises, ab work, stretching, and anyone with sensitive knees or joints. 6-8mm (dense): The all-around choice for mixed workouts including HIIT, bodyweight training, and light weights. Thicker is not always better — excessive cushion compromises stability during standing exercises.

Material Matters: TPE vs. NBR vs. Natural Rubber

TPE is lightweight, non-toxic, and grippy even when wet — the best all-around material. NBR provides maximum cushion and is excellent for joint protection but can be slippery with sweat. Natural rubber offers premium grip and durability but weighs more and is not suitable for latex-allergy sufferers. Avoid cheap PVC — it off-gasses, loses grip quickly, and breaks down faster.

Size: Bigger Than You Think

Standard yoga mats (24" x 68") are too small for HIIT and floor exercises where you move laterally or need full-body coverage while lying down. For home gym use, look for at least 24" x 72" — and if you do dynamic workouts, a 36" x 84" mat gives you room to move without constantly repositioning. If you are over 6 feet tall, 84" length is a must.

Noise and Floor Protection

If you live in an apartment or above someone else, mat thickness and density directly affect noise transmission. A 15mm NBR mat dampens jump impact significantly better than a 6mm TPE mat. For weight training areas, consider dedicated equipment mats or interlocking rubber tiles — they protect both your floor and your weights from damage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How thick should an exercise mat be?

It depends on your primary exercise type. For yoga and balance work, 4-6mm provides the ideal balance of cushion and stability. For floor exercises like ab work and stretching, 10-15mm gives comfortable joint protection. For heavy HIIT or weightlifting, a thinner, denser mat (6-8mm) prevents instability during dynamic movements. Mats thicker than 15mm can compromise balance and are typically only needed for physical therapy or exercises with significant knee contact.

What is the best mat material for home workouts?

TPE (thermoplastic elastomer) is the best all-around choice — it is lightweight, non-toxic, grippy when wet, and more eco-friendly than PVC. NBR (nitrile butadiene rubber) offers the most cushion and is ideal for joint-sensitive exercises. Natural rubber provides excellent grip and durability but is heavier and not suitable for latex-allergy sufferers. Avoid cheap PVC mats — they off-gas, lose grip when wet, and degrade faster.

What size mat do I need for a home gym?

Standard yoga mats (24" x 68") work for yoga and stretching. For HIIT, floor exercises, or any workout where you move laterally or need extra length for lying down, a large exercise mat (24-36" x 72-84") is significantly better. If you are over 6 feet tall, look for 84" length mats. For dedicated home gym spaces, large format mats or interlocking floor tiles (4'x6' or larger) protect both you and your flooring.

How do I stop my exercise mat from sliding on hard floors?

The most effective solution is a mat with a textured rubber bottom — most quality exercise mats include this. If your current mat slides, place a thin non-slip rug pad underneath. Avoid placing mats on dusty floors, as dust acts as a lubricant. Some mats also slide less when slightly damp, so a light mist of water on the floor underneath can help. On carpet, sliding is rarely an issue.

How do I clean and maintain an exercise mat?

Wipe down your mat after every workout with a damp cloth or a 50/50 water and white vinegar spray. Deep clean weekly by scrubbing with mild soap and water, then air drying flat — never machine dry or expose to direct sunlight for extended periods, as heat degrades most mat materials. Store rolled (not folded) to prevent creases. A well-maintained mat lasts 2-5 years depending on material and usage intensity.

The Bottom Line

The right exercise mat depends entirely on how you train. Match the thickness and material to your primary workout type, size up if you do any dynamic movements, and invest in a quality material that will last years rather than months. A good mat costs $20-$40 and makes every workout more comfortable and effective. Explore more picks in our fitness and outdoors collection.