Manduka PRO vs. PROlite vs. eKO vs. GRP Yoga Mats: Differences and Reviews 2024

How About Manduka Yoga Mats?

Manduka is a name that’s known and respected in the yoga world. Founded in 1997 by Peter Sterios, a former architect, the company has stayed true to its original ethos of crafting simple, enduring, and quality yoga products. It is widely hailed as the “Rolls Royce” of yoga mats by yoga teachers and practitioners worldwide.

From downward-facing dog to warrior pose, Vinyasa yoga to Hot yoga, and beginners to yogi pros, Manduka have designed yoga mats to fit your preferences and practices with pure ease. When you are giving your sun salutation after a perfect solo session or group class, Manduka want to make sure that you feel comfortable and secure with every move and confident with every pose. 

Ranging from Manduka's most dense yoga mat, the PRO mat to our super light travel yoga mat like the PROlite mat or the eKO lite mat, they've got expertly crafted yoga mats for everyone that fits your lifestyle.

Whether you are focusing on finding a mat that has more length to give you more space to practice or you are want a mat with extra cushion, or if you need traction during your sweat sesh with an option like the GRP Adapt mat, or you are looking for an eco-friendly yoga mat that does good for the earth while you do good for your body with the eKO mat, you'll find the perfect mat companion for you. 

Where to Buy Manduka Yoga Mat Cheapest?

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Manduka PRO vs. PROlite vs. eKO vs. GRP Overviews

• Manduka PRO Series 

About Manduka PRO Yoga Mats 

The PRO is the original and longest loved by all its fans. A mat that’s been continuously perfected since the brand’s inception. The #1 recommended yoga mat by teachers worldwide. Ideal for advanced practitioners who are looking for the highest possible support and Lifetime Guaranteed durability. The closed-cell construction provides dense support while the performance surface creates optimal movement, flowing between poses. Due to the closed cell structure the PRO keeps moisture on the top surface making it very easy to clean. The PRO Series offers ultimate durability, comfort and performance, with strong and dense support, ideal for those with sensitive knees and joints. Also for those taller people out there look out the longer versions available in this series.

The love for your PRO is not something that comes immediately, the PRO Series is formulated so that grip gets better with time as the mat is broken-in and practiced on. This process is unique and varies for each yogi but just like your favourite pair of shoes your PRO will be unique to you!

Design & Style

Professionally recommended, Manduka PRO Series yoga mat collection features the best yoga mats that will provide you with specific qualities for every preference. The PRO Series yoga mats come in different lengths and thickness to provide you with exactly what you need to make every pose you do feel comfortable and secure.

Explore the PRO 6MM, PRO Lite 4.7MM, PRO Squared 6MM, PRO L&W 6MM, and PROlite L&W 4.7MM, featuring mats with ultra-dense cushioning for superior stability and joint protection to thinner, lighter thickness, mats with more room to move and yoga mats that are designed just for kids! 

Quality & Durability

Made in Germany from PVC in an emissions free facility, the Manduka PRO Series is certified STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®️(12.HUS.17706 | Hohenstein HTTI) to keep you and your family safe from harmful substances. The Manduka PRO Series are designed to last and therefore offer a Lifetime Guarantee.

All PRO Series yoga mats have a closed cell surface, which will never absorb moisture or bacteria and it will make it easier to clean and keep it hygenic.

Manduka PRO Yoga Mats pros and cons

PRO Series Yoga Mats Price 

1. PRO 6mm (@$150): ultra dense and thick cushioning for superior stability and joint protection.

2. PROlite 4.7mm (@$138): thinner and lighter for ease of carrying to your yoga lesson.

3. PRO Squared 6mm (@350): built for your home studio.

4. PRO L&W 6mm (@$280): same benefits of the PRO mat, in a larger size.

5. PROlite L&W 4.7mm (@$108): same benefits of our PROlite mat, in a larger size.

• Manduka PROlite Series

About Manduka PROlite Yoga Mats 

The PROlite yoga mat is the perfect solution for people seeking a lightweight yoga mat with superior quality and comfort. Ideal performance yoga mat for the studio and on the go.

All PRO Series yoga mats have a closed-cell surface, which will never absorb moisture. Because of this, if you are warm/sweaty at all, the mat will feel slippery, so we always recommend pairing it with one of our hand towels to absorb moisture and provide extra traction or to apply our Yoga Grip Gel during your practice. If you're practicing hot yoga, we recommend a mat towel for full mat coverage. 

It’s a brilliant option if you’re looking for a lighter model (weight starts at 1.9kg) and more room on your mat, sending it straight into our round-up of the best yoga mats around. 

Design & Style

There aren’t any alignment lines or patterns to speak of on the Manduka PROlite range; this could be off putting for beginners that require a helping hand. The underside of the PROlite yoga mat features a proprietary dotted pattern that holds the mat firmly on the floor, and a textured top layer helps you flow through transitions without the sticky grip of other models, like the tried-and-tested Lululemon Take Form yoga mat. 

The PRO series yoga mats are all made using PVC (100% latex-free) and emissions-free manufacturing. They’re also OEKO-TEX®️ certified, which means they have tested for toxic chemicals and harmful substances. Each mat is recyclable via the Live On scheme — good news for those trying to up their sustainability efforts.

Quality & Durability

ll the beauty of Manduka signature PRO mat and lighter for on-the-go flow. The PROlite’s super-dense cushioning and textured top layer adapts to your body for unparalleled support and joint protection. A no-slip dot pattern on the bottom layer keeps the mat in place, while closed-cell construction seals out sweat. OEKO-TEX certified, the PROlite mat is mindfully made for mindful movers.

Designed with a closed-cell surface to prevent sweat and moisture from seeping into the mat, the Prolite promises to ward off bacterial growth and the unpleasant odor that can come with it. Also, Manduka offers a lifetime guarantee on the mat – a testament to their confidence in their mat’s durability.

Manduka PROlite Series Pros and Cons

PROlite Yoga Mats Price 

1. PROlite Yoga Mat 4.7mm (@$108): have excellent density, support & durability in a thinner, lighter more portable version.

• Manduka eKO Series

About Manduka eKO Yoga Mats 

Now on to the eKo®. Each one is hand made with natural non-Amazon harvested tree rubber which gives a unique pattern to every mat. This is the next generation of eco-friendly yoga mats. The closed-cell surface provides a stable practice with dry-grip. Manduka’s eKO mat is manufactured without any toxic glues or foaming agents and is more durable than other natural rubber mats found in the marketplace.

The eKO® Series has a nice firm grip, does not need to be “broken in”, and is a bit softer for the joints making its beginner friendly. However, the trade-off is that since it is natural, it will not have as long of a lifespan as the PRO mats. The natural rubber will oxidize and break down with time, so you’ll also need to be more careful with the way you treat and store these mats. Use rubber friendly cleaning agents and never store your mat in the sun.

The eKO mat provides a perfect balance of grip and drag with a springy responsive ride. Perfect for anyone looking for a connections to earth during their practice. Our eKO mats are made of natural tree rubber and are more sensitive compared to mats that are made of synthetic materials, we therefore do not recommend this mat series for Ashtanga or intense Vinyasa practices as the mat will wear out faster. 

Design & Style

Manduka EKO Series yoga mat collection is responsibly sourced, all-natural rubber with a responsive ride, that leaves a sustainable footprint that feels as secure as your warrior pose. 

Explore the selection of eco-friendly and biodegradable mats that are designed with your comfort and security in mind. From Manduka EKO 5MM to EKO Lite 4MM, to Manduka EKO SUPERLITE 1.55MM, you'll find mats that not only fit exactly what you are looking for but are designed with Mother Nature in mind. While you are focusing on your poses, they are focusing on making sure that they are doing the best to protect the earth with every move on the durable and natural rubber mats. 

eKO yoga mats are available in 5mm, 4mm and 1.5mm. Also available in long lengths, the eKO yoga mats can fit your need no matter if you're practicing at home or traveling.

Quality & Durability

Manduka eKO® yoga mats are responsibly sourced and eco friendly, made of all natural non Amazon harvested tree rubber.  These mats are naturally grippy with a responsive ride, and they firmly support your practice and our planet.

Manduka eKO yoga mats are uniquely eco friendly, because they are made of renewable, natural tree rubber. The closed cell surface provides a naturally grippy feel with dry grip. Manduka eKO yoga mats are manufactured without any toxic glues or foaming agents, and they offer a springy, responsive ride. They firmly support your practice and our planet as they are sustainable and biodegradable.

Manduka eKO Series Pros and Cons

eKO Yoga Mats Price 

1. eKO 5mm (@$100): natural rubber mat featuring a grippy top layer and ultra-cushioned ride.

2. eKO Lite 4mm （@$84）: a lighter version of the eKO for ease of carrying to your yoga lesson.

3. eKO Superlite Travel 1.5mm （@$52）:  the best foldable yoga mat, perfect for travel and super lightweight.

• Manduka GRP Series

About Manduka GRP Yoga Mats 

Manduka spent over three years engineering a yoga mat that could withstand hot yoga without a towel. The GRP (short for Grip Ride and Performance) launched as a single mat to be the ultimate hot yoga accessory — and one that could also work seamlessly in every other yoga environment.

Design & Style

Designed for ultimate grip, the GRP Adapt offers an all grip no slip design for a smooth and balanced practice in both wet and dry conditions. With a Satin Grip™ top layer for ultimate traction and Versa-Grip™ bottom layer engineered for zero mat slippage, you can seamlessly transition from pose to pose with unparalleled support.

Quality & Durability

The top layer is an open-cell polyurethane (PU) material with a smooth and soft feel. It’s a little more matte feeling than some other non-slip yoga mats. Manduka calls this layer a “satin grip,” which claims to offer unparalleled dry grip against sweat without needing to use a yoga towel. The bottom layer is constructed from foam rubber (more on this in a bit).

On mats like this, we usually get scuff marks in the middle from sweeping my legs forward or back from downward-facing dog. This isn’t necessarily a negative and doesn’t affect the function of the mat, it only matters if you were hoping for a yoga mat that always looks brand new.

The GRP Adapt mat is lightweight, coming in at six pounds, and we can confirm that the surface is very grippy. 

Manduka GRP Series Pros and Cons

GRP Yoga Mats Price 

1. GRP Adapt Yoga Mat 5mm (@$94): offers an all grip no slip design for a smooth and balanced practice.

Differences Between Manduka PRO, PROlite, eKO And GRP Yoga Mats

• The Specs

Manduka PRO

The Manduka Pro comes in 71” and 85” inch lengths and 26” width. 

The 71” length is great for anyone up to 6’ tall. If you’re a much taller person, the 85” length is going to be ideal for you. 

The standard 24” width is fine for most people but the 26” is the best for anyone 6’ or taller. Your knees will likely go off the sides on the 24” mat so the extra 2” makes a big difference. 

If you are looking for more practice space, the PRO mat is available in larger sizes.

1. PRO Extra Long - (Dimensions 215cm (or 200cm) x 66cm)

2. PRO Long & Wide - Don't have a dedicated workout room or yoga space? The PRO Long & Wide can transform your living room into a home studio with minimal effort (Dimensions 200cm x 132cm).

3. PRO Squared - Big enough for two. Plenty of room to roam on your own - or to practice with a partner (Dimensions 198cm x 198cm).

PRO Series Yoga Mats Specs Chart：

Manduka Prolite 

The Prolite yoga mat comes in 71” and 79” lengths and 24” width. 

It’s not as wide as the Manduka Pro yoga mat but the 24” is fine for anyone less than 6’ tall. If you’re taller you’ll want to go with the Pro version of the yoga mat. 

Prolite Series Yoga Mats Specs Chart：

Manduka eKO

From Manduka  EKO 5MM to our EKO Lite 4MM, to our EKO SUPERLITE 1.55MM, you'll find mats that not only fit exactly what you are looking for but are designed with Mother Nature in mind.

eKO Series Yoga Mats Specs Chart：

Manduka GRP

The dimensions of the mat are 71” long by 26” wide. This is a pretty typical yoga mat size.

71″ long is enough for people up to around 6 feet tall. If you’re taller, definitely check out the Jade Harmony (74″ length) or the 85″ Manduka Pro. B Mat also has an 85″ option with lots of color choices.

 GRP Series Yoga Mats Specs Chart：

• Durability:

Manduka PRO 

This is a remarkably durable mat that’s guaranteed for life. The heavy weight of the mat is a dead giveaway that this thing isn’t going anywhere. It won’t stretch during class, move around on the floor or rip/tear no matter how often you use it.

Manduka PROlite 

Manduka PROlite yoga mats  both sizes have enough weight to be taken seriously but they’re lighter than the Manduka pro mat. Part of that’s due to the mat being 1.3 mm thinner but the narrower width also contributes and it’s something to be aware of if you’re a bigger person. 

The durability of this mat is paralleled only by its big brother. It’s dense and heavy so you’ll never have to replace it or worry about tears and stretching. However, for peace of mind, it’s guaranteed for life in case anything did happen.

Manduka eKO 

It’s a very durable mat and built to last. The natural dyes used in the manufacturing process won’t fade or run and hold up as well as any other quality dye. At 5 mm thick, the natural rubber should never stretch or tear and you can feel that when you hold it in your hands.

Manduka  GRP 

This is a mat that doesn't tolerate slippage. Feel confident with every move and stick every pose with the GRP Series Collection. You can put in a solid yoga sweat sesh when you take our non-slip mat to any class or gain the ultimate traction even from home. 

Whether you are looking for the perfect mat to Hot yoga or you are exploring other practices, sweat with full confidence and do even the slowest flows having the ultimate grip. 

• Manduka Pro vs. Prolite
  

The Manduka PRO is a larger version of the PROlite. The PROlite was designed for yogis who want the look, feel, and quality of the PRO but want a thinner and lighter yoga mat. The PROlite is 1 mm thinner, weighs just 4 lbs, and often comes in more color varieties than the PRO.

They both come in a variety of colors with the Pro having more patterns and the Prolite only having solid color options. They also both have a closed cell surface which is easy to clean and doesn’t hold bacteria like an open-celled yoga mat.

The only real differences between them are: 

1. Size: The Manduka Pro comes in a larger length and width. 

2. Thickness: The Manduka Pro is slightly thicker. 

3. Weight: The Prolite is several pounds lighter than the pro.

• Manduka Pro vs. eKO 

For starters both the eKO Series and the PRO Series have been designed and engineered by yoga teachers to provide the ultimate surface to practice yoga. However, due to the different properties of the materials, they offer a different experience when practicing! Both mats exist in 3 versions. The Original, the Lite and the Travel.

below is the differences between eKO Series and the PRO Series: 

1. Size: The Manduka Pro comes in a larger length and width. 

2. Thickness: The Manduka eKO is slightly thicker. 

3. Weight: The  eKO is several pounds lighter than the PRO Series.

In summary both these mats are brilliant but if you are looking for ultimate durability, comfort, performance and already have a good base in yoga then head over to Manduka PRO. Whereas if you are wanting a natural experience, grippier ride with a spongier support then Manduka eKO is waiting for you!

•  Manduka PRO vs. Manduka GRP

Manduka GRP Yoga Mat: Addressing my primary gripe with the PRO mat, the GRP mat from Manduka is designed with a good, immediate grip in mind. It has an upper layer that provides anti-slip control, particularly in sweaty conditions, and a lower charcoal-infused rubber layer that breathes, absorbs, and eliminates odors. 

The tradeoff for grip is durability, though—the GRP isn’t included in Manduka’s lifetime warranty.2

Manduka PRO vs. PROlite vs. eKO vs. GRP: Which Yoga Mat Is Right For You?

You can’t go wrong with either of these Manduka yoga mats. When it comes to the Manduka PRO vs. PROlite vs. eKO vs. GRP, neither one of these mats is a loser. We’re comparing four premium yoga mats here so they’re all excellent quality and it’s going to be hard to find flaws with either. It comes down to your preference. 

Manduka PRO Series

The Manduka PRO is a solid investment if you're looking for a long-lasting yoga mat, and if anything happens, it is backed by a lifetime guarantee. This mat offers a beautiful balance of grip and smoothness for sliding transitions. It has an excellent textured surface dry grip but becomes more slippery when wet, so there are better options if you want a mat for hot yoga. The closed-cell design doesn't absorb moisture or grime, so it doesn't smell funky over time and is easy to clean. 

Buy it if:

1. You want more padding 

2. Like a firm feel 

3. Perform mostly dry yoga or have a yoga towel 

4. Want a chemical free mat 

5. You like something that’s easy to clean and doesn’t absorb moisture

6. You don’t mind the extra weight

7. You want a lifetime guarantee

Manduka PROlite Series 

If you’re looking for a larger or lightweight yoga mat from a reliable and popular brand, then the Manduka PROlite is a staple you can count on. It sits in the mid-range price market, and more affordable options exist, but you are partly paying for a brand many yoga teachers depend on — and the materials will last. If you’re looking for unparalleled grip, other yoga mats could serve you better.  

Buy it if:

1. You like the Pro but want something a little lighter 

2. You like moderate support under your joints

3. You perform mostly dry yoga or have a decent towel

4. You want something chemical free 

5. You want closed cell / easy to clean 

6. You want something that doesn’t absorb moisture

Manduka eKO Series

The eKO series of Manduka mats are the next generation of yoga products. Made from entirely natural materials, these mats are friendly to the environment and contain no nasty chemicals, such as toxic glues or foaming agents. The mat also boasts a remarkable sealed-cell surface which allows for a stable practice with wet-grip.

Buy it if: 

1. You want an eco-friendly zero waste mat

2. You don’t mind the weight

3. You like ample cushioning under your knees 

4. You do mostly dry yoga 

5. You like mats that are mostly rubber 

6. You prefer a closed cell / easy to clean surface

Manduka GRP Series

GRP Series mats are Manduka's grippiest yoga mats! Whether you are in a slow flow or a sweaty yoga session, the GRP Adapt Yoga Mat can support you in your practice. The GRP Adapt is the ideal all-around yoga mat, great for those who want to practice towel-free without having to worry about grip or slip.

Buy it if: 

1. You want a mat that’s designed for hot yoga and high sweat conditions 

2. You want a mat that uses body positive products / free from toxins 

3. You don’t need as much cushioning under your knees 

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