Finding time for exercise can be a challenge, but even a quick yoga session at home can make a world of difference for well-being. Recently, my old, very basic yoga mat finally gave out after about six years of (admittedly, sometimes infrequent) use. It was an inexpensive one from Amazon, and it served its purpose, but it was definitely time for an upgrade. This time, I decided to look into a brand I’ve heard a lot about: Manduka.
The two mats that seemed to be popular choices were the Manduka PRO and the Manduka eKO. They both have their fans, but they’re quite different, so I wanted to share what I learned to help anyone out there trying to decide which might be a better fit for their home practice.
The Contenders: Manduka PRO vs. Manduka eKO
- The Manduka PRO: This one is often called the “Taj Mahal” of yoga mats. It’s known for being super thick (6mm) and incredibly dense. A big selling point is its lifetime warranty, which is pretty impressive. It’s made from a high-quality PVC, which, while durable, is generally considered less eco-friendly in its production.
- The Manduka eKO: As the name suggests, this mat is positioned as the more environmentally conscious choice. It’s made from biodegradable natural tree rubber, with no toxic foams or glues used in its manufacturing. It’s a bit thinner than the Pro (5mm, though some say it feels even thinner) and doesn’t come with that lifetime warranty.
First Impressions: Unboxing and That New Mat Smell
When the mats arrived, there were definitely some initial sensory experiences.
- The PRO mat had a slight plastic-y smell right out of the packaging, which is fairly common for new PVC items.
- The eKO mat, which is made in Germany, had a much stronger, very distinct odor. The video I watched described it as being similar to dried shrimp – an interesting comparison! This is likely due to the natural rubber.
Digging Deeper: Material, Feel, and Eco-Considerations
This is where the two mats really diverge:
- Material & Durability vs. Eco-Friendliness:
- The PRO’s PVC construction and lifetime warranty mean it’s built to last. The idea is that you buy it once, and it stays with you, reducing the need for replacements, which is an environmental argument in itself, despite the PVC.
- The eKO is designed with the end of its life in mind. Being biodegradable, it’s meant to break down more kindly in the environment when you’re eventually done with it. This is a big plus if eco-materials are high on your priority list.
- Dimensions, Thickness & Feel:
- Both mats are generally a standard size (around 71 inches long, 26 inches wide, though there can be slight variations).
- The PRO is noticeably thicker and denser. This gives it a very solid, grounded feel, which can be great for stability in standing poses.
- The eKO, while technically 5mm, can feel a bit thinner but also more cushioned in a different way, perhaps due to the nature of the rubber. The eKO also has a more pronounced ribbed texture, which is designed for grip.
- Construction: Both mats feature a closed-cell construction. This is a good thing because it helps prevent moisture (hello, sweat!) and bacteria from seeping into the mat, which should make them more durable and hygienic in the long run.
Price Point
Generally, the Manduka PRO is the more expensive of the two, often retailing around $110, while the Manduka eKO is usually priced closer to $88. Prices can vary, of course, depending on sales and retailers.
Which One is Right for Your Home Practice?
This is where it comes down to your personal priorities and how you plan to use the mat:
- If maximum durability and cushioning for joints are your top concerns, and you like the idea of a lifetime warranty (perhaps envisioning this mat lasting you forever), the PRO might be the way to go. The solid, dense feel can be very reassuring.
- If eco-friendliness and a more natural material are higher on your list, and you prefer a grippier texture right out of the box, the eKO is a strong contender. The fact that it’s biodegradable is a big plus for many. The presenter in the video I watched actually leaned towards the eKO for its texture and feel, despite initially thinking the Pro would be the favorite.
The closed-cell construction of both is appealing for easy wipe-downs. The choice then becomes about balancing that long-term durability of the PRO against the more natural, biodegradable nature of the eKO. If your yoga mat might occasionally be used in a high-traffic area or you’re concerned about wear, the material might also be a bigger consideration.
Final Thoughts
Both the Manduka PRO and eKO are clearly high-quality yoga mats that are a significant step up from basic, cheaper options. The best one for you will likely depend on what you value most: the bombproof durability and dense support of the PRO, or the eco-credentials and grippy, natural feel of the eKO.
Hopefully, breaking down these differences helps you if you’re trying to make a similar decision!
What kind of yoga mat do you use at home? Any favorites or tips to share? Let me know in the comments!