Best for cushion that lasts
Manduka PRO 6mm
FitScore for Thick Yoga Mat
- WarrantyLifetime
Choose it if you want a dense 6 mm cushion that does not compress, on a 71 by 26-inch surface, for many years of practice.
Best for low price and light weight
Gaiam Premium 6mm
FitScore for Thick Yoga Mat
- WarrantyLifetime
Choose it if you want a light 3.3 lb mat with 6 mm of cushion at a low price.
Overall winner for a thick, cushioned mat: Manduka PRO 6mm, by 5.4 points (70.9 against 65.5) with the weights of our best thick yoga mat guide. It leads on comfort, durability, practicality and features. The Gaiam Premium 6mm leads on affordability.
Manduka PRO 6mm wins 4 rounds- Gaiam Premium 6mm wins 0 rounds
- =1 tie
Product photos from Amazon. FitScore weights are explained below.
Manduka PRO vs Gaiam Premium: both are 6 mm, latex-free PVC mats with a lifetime guarantee. The PRO is dense, 71 by 26 inches and 7.5 lb, OEKO-TEX certified and made in Germany; the Gaiam is light, 68 by 24 inches and 3.3 lb, at a far lower price. Our FitScore puts the PRO ahead for a thick, cushioned mat.
Head-to-Head Specs
Here are the two side by side. A check mark shows the stronger spec on each line. Check both warranties before you order: the FTC explains how to read a product warranty. The CDC recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week for adults, and a regular yoga practice can count toward it. Harvard Health Publishing describes the physical and mental benefits of a regular yoga practice.
| Specification | Manduka PRO 6mmFitScore 70.9 | Gaiam Premium 6mmFitScore 65.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Studio mat | Studio mat |
| Material | PVC | PVC |
| Surface | Closed-cell (wipes clean) | Not stated |
| Thickness | 6 mm | 6 mm |
| Size (length × width) | 71 × 26 in✓ | 68 × 24 in |
| Weight | 7.5 lb | 3.3 lb✓ |
| Latex | Latex-free | Latex-free |
| Alignment marks | No | No |
| Strap or bag | Not included | Not included |
| Folds | No | No |
| Certification | OEKO-TEX Standard 100 | None named |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Specs won | 1 of 12 | 1 of 12 |
Check Amazon for current pricing and availability.
FitScore Duel
Both scores use the weights of our best thick yoga mat guide (how we score). Comfort (40%) counts most, then durability (20%), performance (15%), practicality and affordability (10% each) and features (5%). The Manduka PRO 6mm ranks #1 in that guide. The Gaiam Premium 6mm ranks #2 in that guide. The order flips with other weights: in our best yoga mat for beginners guide the Gaiam Premium 6mm scores 63.3 against 58.2 for the Manduka PRO 6mm.
Key Differences
- Surface: Closed-cell (wipes clean) on the Manduka PRO 6mm; not stated on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
- Size (length × width): 71 × 26 in on the Manduka PRO 6mm; 68 × 24 in on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
- Weight: 7.5 lb on the Manduka PRO 6mm; 3.3 lb on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
- Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on the Manduka PRO 6mm; None named on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
Round 1 of 5
Manduka PRO vs Gaiam Premium: Grip, Dry and Wet
Tie. Neither model has a clear edge here.
Grip depends on the surface material and how it handles sweat.
Material: both list pVC.
Performance score in this comparison: Manduka PRO 6mm 50, Gaiam Premium 6mm 50.
Round 2 of 5
Durability and Warranty
Manduka PRO 6mm wins this round
Material and guarantee are the stated measures of how long a mat lasts.
Warranty: both list lifetime.
Durability score in this comparison: Manduka PRO 6mm 94.56, Gaiam Premium 6mm 90.26.
Round 3 of 5
Cushion and Stability
Manduka PRO 6mm wins this round
Cushion comes from thickness and how dense the material is.
Thickness: both list 6 mm.
Both are 6 mm, but the PRO is more than twice as heavy for a similar size: that density is why its cushion does not flatten under a knee.
Comfort score in this comparison: Manduka PRO 6mm 88, Gaiam Premium 6mm 66.
Round 4 of 5
Weight, Size and Carrying
Manduka PRO 6mm wins this round
Weight: 7.5 lb on the Manduka PRO 6mm, 3.3 lb on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
Size (length × width): 71 × 26 in on the Manduka PRO 6mm, 68 × 24 in on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
The Gaiam is less than half the weight, easy to carry to class; the PRO suits a mat that stays in one spot.
Practicality score in this comparison: Manduka PRO 6mm 35, Gaiam Premium 6mm 28.
Round 5 of 5
Materials and Extras
Manduka PRO 6mm wins this round
Latex: both list latex-free.
Alignment marks: both list no.
Certification: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 on the Manduka PRO 6mm, None named on the Gaiam Premium 6mm.
Features score in this comparison: Manduka PRO 6mm 55, Gaiam Premium 6mm 30.
Who Should Buy Each
Daily home and studio practice
Pick the Manduka PRO if you practice often: teachers keep the same mat for 10 to 20 years, though it is heavy and slick until broken in.
Beginners and occasional practice
Pick the Gaiam Premium for a first mat or a gentle class: owners like the soft feel, though grip weakens once hands sweat and the cushion compresses with heavy use.
Consider Instead
Gaiam Essentials 10mm
If neither fits, look at the Gaiam Essentials 10mm: it offers a higher affordability score than the Manduka PRO 6mm. It ranks #3 in our best thick yoga mat guide.
Final Verdict
Overall winner for a thick, cushioned mat: Manduka PRO 6mm. Pick the Manduka PRO for a dense cushion that lasts for years; pick the Gaiam Premium for a light, low-priced 6 mm mat.
Manduka PRO 6mm vs Gaiam Premium 6mm FAQ
With the weights of our best thick yoga mat guide, the Manduka PRO 6mm scores higher: 70.9 against 65.5. It leads on comfort, durability, practicality and features, while the Gaiam Premium 6mm leads on affordability.
Both are 6 mm latex-free PVC with a lifetime guarantee. The PRO is 71 by 26 inches and 7.5 lb, dense and OEKO-TEX certified; the Gaiam is 68 by 24 inches and 3.3 lb.
If you practice several times a week, the PRO keeps its cushion for years; for a few gentle sessions a week, the Gaiam is enough.
Neither is made for sweaty practice: both are PVC, which slides when wet. Look at a polyurethane or cork mat for hot yoga.
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