Manduka vs Jade (2022): Comparing Top-Rated Yoga Mats

If you’re looking for a new yoga mat, there are a few things you need to consider. How much are you willing to spend? How thick should your mat be? Can I use it for hot yoga? A great way to answer these questions would be by looking into Manduka or Jade’s catalog.

Manduka is best known for its premium mats that combine comfort, function, and durability. Meanwhile, Jade is popular for the eco-friendly practices behind the production of their yoga mats. Between the two, novice and experienced yogis will find a wide selection of models to choose from. To narrow down the search, we’ve taken a look at the best yoga mats from the two trusted brands.

Manduka vs Jade Comparison Chart

Beginner Yoga Mats

Yoga poses for beginners are made easy with Manduka’s PROLite and Jade’s Level One yoga mats.

Manduka’s PROLite lineup is one of the brand’s best-sellers, and for a good reason. At 4.7mm thick, the mat offers dense support while being lighter than its PRO counterpart. Also, the PROLite boasts chemical-free construction that’s easy to clean. However, beginners may find the mat requires some break-in before its surface become sticky. It’s a tad bit expensive, too. But if you’re looking to invest in a mat for the long-term, the PROLite’s durability does not disappoint.

New yogis will also appreciate Jade’s Level One Mat. As its name implies, the Level One is specially made for beginners. The mat offers great grip and cushion that allow new yoga students to hold poses without worrying about slipping. Unlike Manduka’s PROLite, however, Jade’s Level One yoga mat features an open-cell surface. While this usually translates to excellent traction, it also means your mat is absorbing sweat, which could make it more difficult to clean over time.

Lightweight Yoga Mats

Avid travelers can still balance their chakras with the Jade Travel Mat and Manduka eKO Superlite Mat.

Whether you’re at home or in a hotel room, having a reliable yet lightweight yoga mat is always a good option. Jade’s Travel Mat is specifically made for these people on the go. Coming in at just 3.18mm and weighing only 3 pounds, the Travel Mat is a portable companion that folds to fit your overnight duffle bag, backpack, or carry-on. Despite its lightweight specs, the Jade Travel offers a solid grip and moderate cushion.

The Manduka eKO Superlite Mat is just as impressive, perhaps even more so. Manduka’s durable yet highly absorbent yoga mat is just 1.5mm thick and weighs only 2.2 pounds. The mat also comes with a stick-like surface that ensures stability as you hold or flow through poses. Because of its thinness, however, the eKO Superlite works best on carpeted floors or the grass.

Hot Yoga Mats

Sweaty yogis will like the Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat and the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat.

The Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat and the Jade Harmony Yoga Mat are just two staples perfect for humid yoga studios. Both are ideal for hot yoga or Bikram but are also suited for yogis who sweat profusely regardless of practice. Given their robust design, however, the GRP and Harmony mats are also versatile enough for other activities too, including Pilates and Hatha yoga.

Manduka’s GRP boasts a three-layer construction that handles sweat expertly. Aside from the non-slip surface, the mat also comes with a charcoal-infused rubber core that absorbs odor. The Harmony Mat, on the other hand, is Jade’s most popular offering. At 4.7mm thick, the Harmony offers impressive stability for standing poses. Just like Manduka’s GRP, it also features an open-cell surface, allowing for superior grip and absorption of perspiration.

Cross Training Mats

Moving from yoga to floor workouts is possible with the Manduka X and the Jade Fusion.

For those who practice more than just yoga, a versatile mat is necessary. Here, the Jade Fusion fits the bill. The Fusion mat is 7.9mm thick and comes with extra cushioning for comfort. Jade shares that its premium mat also balances firmness for stability and offers a reliable grip for both wet and dry conditions. This makes the Jade Fusion suitable for a range of activities, including core fitness practices, Pilates, and of course, yoga.

Manduka’s own foray into hybrid mats also boasts excellent traction. The Manduka X comes in a closed-cell construction that repels dirt, sweat, and bacteria. But the same design also creates the mat’s textured surface for a reliable dry grip. This makes it a great tool for weighted workouts, HIIT, kettlebells, and more. At 5mm thick, the Manduka X only weighs 3.7 pounds, too, making it easy to carry around at the gym.

Verdict

The Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat and the Jade Fusion are the best mats to spend money on.

Manduka and Jade are both reliable brands when it comes to yoga mats. They’re a tad bit expensive but are great investments for your yoga or fitness practice. Based on features and performance, however, we’re inclined to recommend the Manduka GRP Hot Yoga Mat and the Jade Fusion. Manduka’s specially designed mat for hot yoga does other mats better, thanks to its charcoal-infused rubber core. As a result, you get a mat that not only offers solid grip and stability but also keeps odors at bay.

Meanwhile, the Jade Fusion is our pick for an all-around mat. While it’s heavy and expensive, the Fusion does the Manduka X better with its solid traction for both wet and dry conditions. This makes it an all-in-one purchase for both yoga practice — including hot yoga — and floor workouts. Moreover, the extra cushion of the mat gives it an advantage when it comes to high-impact activities. The Jade Fusion is one of the brand’s best-selling, too, which tells you just how well-recommended the model is.

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