EKO VS. PRO: Which Yoga Mat Is Right For You?

"Which Yoga Mat Is Right for You the PRO or the eKO?"

This is one of the most common questions we hear from yogis and it’s a good one! Both the PRO® and eKO® mats are amazing in their own ways. They’ve been long-time favorites in the yoga community and are our best sellers for a reason. But depending on your needs, one might be a better fit for you.

To start, both the PRO and eKO Series were thoughtfully designed by yoga teachers with the goal of creating the ideal surface for your practice. While they both deliver excellent performance, they feel quite different because they’re made from different materials. That means your experience on the mat will vary depending on which one you choose.

Each series comes in three versions: the Original, the Lite, and the Travel so no matter your lifestyle or practice style, there’s likely a perfect match waiting for you.

The PRO® Series For Unmatched Cushioning and Stability

If you're looking for serious support and durability, the PRO® Series is your go-to. It’s the original Manduka mat and a longtime favorite among dedicated yogis around the world. In fact, it’s the most recommended mat by yoga teachers globally.

Perfect for experienced practitioners, the PRO® delivers firm, dense cushioning that really supports your body especially helpful if you have sensitive knees or joints. Its closed-cell surface keeps sweat and moisture from seeping in, which not only makes it more hygienic but also super easy to clean.

This mat is built to last (and comes with a Lifetime Guarantee!), so it’s a great choice if you’re in it for the long haul. And if you're on the taller side, you’ll love that the PRO Series also comes in longer sizes to give you extra space to move.

Your PRO Will Grow With You

Falling in love with the PRO doesn’t always happen overnight. In fact, the grip on this mat actually improves over time as it breaks in with regular use. It’s a bit like your favorite pair of well-worn shoes it molds to your practice and becomes uniquely yours. The more you use it, the better it gets.

Now, let’s talk about sustainability. Yes, the PRO is made from PVC, which might raise eyebrows at first. But here’s the thing: Manduka has gone the extra mile to make this mat as eco-conscious as possible. It’s completely free of toxins (phthalate-free), and the manufacturing process is certified emission-free. Plus, it’s OEKO-TEX certified in Europe, meaning it’s safe for both you and the planet. And with its incredible durability, this might just be the last mat you ever buy literally. So take your time picking a color you’ll love for years.

A Mat for the Committed Yogi

The PRO is named the PRO for a reason it’s not for everyone. We sometimes hear from folks who are disappointed when they don’t get instant grip or slide a little during practice. The truth is, this mat is designed for yogis who already have a strong foundation in their practice.

If you’re newer to yoga, or if you sweat a lot through your hands and feet, you may prefer a mat with more natural grip or you can always pair your PRO with a yoga towel for added traction. Some yogis love the smooth glide the PRO gives when transitioning between poses, while others prefer that extra sticky feel to help them stay anchored. It all comes down to what kind of experience you want from your mat.

If you love having extra space to stretch out or want to turn your home into your personal yoga sanctuary the PRO Series has you covered with a few larger size options:

• PRO Extra Long – Need more length? This version gives you that extra bit of room to flow without running out of mat.
  (Available in 215 cm or 200 cm length x 66 cm width)

• PRO Long & Wide – Don’t have a dedicated yoga room? No problem. This mat can easily turn your living room into a full-on home studio.
  (200 cm x 132 cm)

• PRO Squared – Big enough for two, or just perfect for sprawling out on your own. Great for partner practice or a little extra freedom in your movement.
  (198 cm x 198 cm)

The eKO® Series – For a Naturally Grounding Practice

Now let’s talk about the eKO®. If you’re looking for a more connected, grounded experience, this might be the mat for you.

Each eKO® mat is handmade from natural, non-Amazon-harvested tree rubber meaning no two mats are exactly alike. The unique marbled patterns give every mat its own personality, while the natural materials bring you closer to the earth literally and spiritually.

This is Manduka’s next-gen eco-friendly mat. Its closed-cell surface offers reliable dry-grip and stability, helping you feel secure as you move through your practice. Even better, it’s made without toxic glues or foaming agents, and it’s more durable than most other natural rubber mats out there.

So if you're drawn to sustainability and want a mat that feels grounded and natural under your hands and feet, the eKO® could be just what you're looking for.

🌱 The eKO® Series: Naturally Supportive, Instantly Grippy

If you're looking for a mat that’s ready to go from day one, the eKO® Series could be just what you need. These mats have a naturally firm grip and a softer, more cushioned feel—making them a great choice for beginners or anyone who needs extra joint support.

Made from sustainably sourced natural rubber, the eKO mats offer an earthy, springy feel that helps you stay grounded throughout your practice. Unlike some mats, there’s no “break-in” period—just unroll and go.

That said, natural materials come with trade-offs. Rubber, by its nature, will oxidize and break down over time—especially if not cared for properly. To keep your eKO mat in good shape, clean it with rubber-safe cleaners and store it away from sunlight and heat.

Best For Slower, Grounded Practices

The eKO mat strikes a great balance between grip and drag, offering a responsive surface that supports steady, controlled movements. It’s ideal for slower-paced styles like Hatha, Yin, or gentle Vinyasa. However, because natural rubber is more delicate than synthetic materials, we don’t recommend the eKO for Ashtanga or power-style Vinyasa practices—it’ll wear out faster under intense use.

If you're practicing more rigorous flows, a PRO or PROlite mat will be more up to the task—they're built to handle heavy use for years, even decades.

Pair With a Yoga Towel for the Best Experience

Whether you go with the eKO or PRO series, we highly recommend using a yoga towel. It keeps sweat at bay, helps prevent slipping, and protects your mat—extending its life. Not sure how a towel fits into your flow? Check out our Guide to Yoga Towels to see how it can make a big difference in your practice.

Both mats are fantastic but it really depends on what you’re looking for. If durability, comfort, and top performance are your priorities and you already have a solid yoga foundation then Team PRO is the way to go.

On the other hand, if you want a more natural feel, a grippier surface, and a bit of that cushy, springy support, then Team eKO is ready to welcome you.