Are you interested in the best exercise mats for under £20? We review seven budget-friendly workout mats that offer solid value, realistic comfort and no overblown promises, all under £20 at the time of review.
Best 7 Exercise Mats Under £20 – Budget-Friendly Comfort Without the Hype
Let’s get one thing straight early on, these are budget exercise mats, not luxury studio-grade flooring. And that’s absolutely fine. Not everyone needs a £60 yoga mat blessed by monks and endorsed by influencers. Sometimes you just want something comfortable between you and a cold, unforgiving floor.
All the exercise mats in this guide were under £20 at the time of our review, which means compromises are inevitable. Thinner foam, simpler materials and marketing claims that should occasionally be taken with a polite eyebrow raise. That said, value matters, and some of these mats genuinely punch above their price.
Why a Budget Exercise Mat Still Makes Sense
For home workouts, stretching, yoga, Pilates or even the odd plank you swear you’ll hold longer next time, a basic mat can do the job perfectly well. Budget mats are ideal for beginners, casual exercisers or anyone who does not want to commit serious money to something that may end up rolled in a corner.
Comfort, Grip and Reality Checks
At this price point, comfort usually comes from basic foam thickness, grip from textured surfaces, and durability from not abusing it too much. Claims of “joint-saving technology” or “professional-grade cushioning” should be taken lightly. These mats aim to be good enough, not revolutionary.
Who These Mats Are Best For
If you are starting out, working out at home, need something portable, or simply want decent value without regret, you are in the right place. Just remember, under £20 buys practicality, not perfection, and that is exactly how we have judged them. Next up, we dive into the 7 options, separating the genuinely useful from the merely optimistic.
Top 7 Exercise Fitness Mats
#1, Xn8 Sports Yoga mat 10mm & 15mm Thick
The Xn8 Sports Yoga Mat is one of those budget finds that feels like it should cost a bit more than it does, which is always a good start. Available in both 10mm and generously cushioned 15mm thicknesses, this mat clearly leans towards comfort rather than minimalism. If your knees complain during planks or your lower back protests during floor work, this extra padding is very welcome.
Made from NBR foam, the mat offers decent shock absorption for home workouts, Pilates, stretching and low-impact training. It is not trying to be a high-performance studio yoga mat, and that honesty works in its favour. Grip is acceptable on most indoor floors, although like many NBR mats, it can feel slightly soft underfoot during fast transitions or balance-heavy poses.
It is lightweight, easy to roll, and comes with a carry strap, which is practical rather than fancy. Durability is good for the price, though this is not the mat you want to drag across concrete daily. For under £20, it does exactly what most people need without pretending to be indestructible.
Key Points
- Available in 10mm and very cushioned 15mm options
- Comfortable for joints, knees and lower back
- NBR foam offers softness over firmness
- Good for home workouts, Pilates and stretching
- Lightweight with carry strap included
- Grip is decent, not elite
- Strong value for the price point
#2, OZE Sports Yoga Mat
The OZE Sports Yoga Mat takes a simpler, no-nonsense approach, and that is not a criticism. This is a classic 10mm NBR foam mat designed for comfort, basic grip and affordability. It does not shout about innovation, but it quietly gets on with the job.
At 10mm thick, it provides enough padding for floor exercises, HIIT warm-ups, Pilates and general fitness routines without feeling overly spongy. The cushioning strikes a reasonable balance, softer than thin yoga mats but firmer than ultra-thick options. This makes it a decent all-rounder for mixed workouts.
Grip is solid on indoor surfaces, though like most budget foam mats, it may slip slightly on very smooth floors if you sweat heavily. Cleaning is straightforward, a quick wipe-down does the trick, and the included carry strap makes storage easy.
This mat is best viewed as a reliable starter or backup option. It does not promise miracles, but for under £20, it delivers comfort, simplicity and usability without unnecessary fluff.
Key Points
- 10mm thick NBR foam for balanced cushioning
- Suitable for HIIT, Pilates and general workouts
- Lightweight and easy to store
- Simple wipe-clean maintenance
- Includes carry strap
- Grip is good, not premium
- Sensible budget choice for everyday use
#3, Maximo Multipurpose Fitness Yoga Mat
The Maximo Multipurpose Fitness Yoga Mat is all about comfort first and questions later. At 12mm thick, this is one of the more cushioned mats in the under-£20 bracket, making it a solid choice for anyone whose workouts involve plenty of floor contact. Knees, hips and elbows will definitely appreciate the extra padding.
Made from high-density NBR foam, it delivers a soft, forgiving surface that works well for yoga, Pilates, stretching and general home workouts. It is not built for speed or intense balance-heavy flows, but for slower, controlled movements, it does the job comfortably. The non-slip claim mostly holds up on standard indoor floors, although like most foam mats, grip can reduce once things get sweaty.
Portability is a plus here. It rolls easily, comes with a carrying strap and is light enough to throw in the boot of the car for outdoor use. A standout feature at this price point is the lifetime warranty, which adds reassurance, even if you never plan to use it.
Key Points
- Extra-thick 12mm cushioning, great for joints
- High-density NBR foam for comfort-focused workouts
- Suitable for yoga, Pilates, stretching and floor exercises
- Non-slip surface works well indoors
- Lightweight with carry strap included
- Multiple colour options
- Lifetime warranty adds value
#4, Bionix Premium Printed Travel Yoga Exercise Mat
The Bionix Premium Printed Travel Yoga Mat leans more towards versatility and portability than pure padding. At 10mm thick, it sits comfortably in the middle ground, offering enough cushioning for most workouts without feeling overly soft or bulky.
The high-density NBR foam provides decent shock absorption, making it suitable for yoga, Pilates, bodyweight exercises and general home fitness routines. Grip is respectable on indoor surfaces, and the lightly textured finish helps with stability during slower movements. That said, this is still a budget mat, so expectations should remain sensible, it is supportive, not studio-grade.
One of its more practical strengths is portability. The built-in self-strapping system makes rolling and carrying easy, and while it is slightly heavier than some competitors, it still travels well. The printed designs add a bit of personality, which is a nice bonus if plain black mats leave you uninspired.
Overall, this is a good all-rounder for people who want comfort, easy transport and a bit of visual flair, without spending more than £20.
Key Points
- 10mm thick NBR foam for balanced cushioning
- Suitable for yoga, Pilates and home workouts
- Non-slip textured surface for basic stability
- Self-strapping design for easy transport
- Slightly heavier but still portable
- Multiple colour and design options
- Sensible choice for casual to regular use
#5, KAYMAN Multi-Purpose Yoga Mat
The KAYMAN Multi-Purpose Yoga Mat is a classic example of a lightweight, no-nonsense mat aimed at everyday home workouts. At 6mm thick, it sits firmly in the “just enough cushioning” category, offering basic joint protection without becoming spongy or unstable.
Made from high-density TPE foam, this mat is better suited to yoga, stretching, Pilates and light resistance workouts rather than high-impact training. It performs best when your movements are controlled and steady. The ribbed surface helps improve grip, and while it is not completely slip-proof, it holds up reasonably well on most indoor floors.
Portability is where this mat shines. It is extremely lightweight, rolls up easily and includes a built-in strap, making it ideal for anyone who wants a mat they can quickly grab and go. Sweat resistance is another plus, it wipes clean easily and does not soak up moisture like cheaper foam mats can.
This is not a luxury mat, but for the price, it does what it promises and keeps things simple.
Key Points
- 6mm thick, stable rather than cushioned
- Lightweight and very easy to carry
- Ribbed surface improves basic grip
- Sweat-resistant and easy to clean
- Best for yoga, Pilates and stretching
- Good budget choice for casual use
#6, Core Balance Yoga Exercise Mat
The Core Balance Yoga Mat is one of the more “training-focused” options in the budget category. At 6mm thick, it prioritises stability over softness, which makes it particularly suitable for yoga poses, balance work and faster-paced bodyweight exercises.
Made from PVC foam, it feels noticeably grippier than many thicker NBR mats. The textured surface helps prevent slipping, especially during moves like mountain climbers or burpees. That said, it is important to use good technique, as aggressive foot movement can wear down the foam over time, which is normal at this price point.
Comfort is decent rather than plush. You get enough padding for hands and knees, but those wanting extra cushioning for longer floor sessions may prefer a thicker mat. Portability is solid, it rolls up compactly and includes a carry strap, although it is slightly heavier than some competitors.
Overall, this mat suits people who value grip and stability more than softness.
Key Points
- 6mm thickness, ideal for balance and stability
- Grippy PVC foam with textured surface
- Works well for yoga and bodyweight exercises
- Compact roll-up design with carry strap
- Slightly firmer feel than thicker mats
- Better for active workouts than slow floor work
#7, Kingdom Fitness 15mm 20mm Extra Thick Yoga Mat Set
If cushioning is your top priority, the Kingdom Fitness Extra Thick Yoga Mat is the softest landing in this entire list. With a chunky 15mm thickness, this mat is unapologetically plush and designed to protect knees, hips, elbows and backs when the floor is less than forgiving.
Made from high-density NBR foam, it offers excellent shock absorption and feels reassuringly comfortable for Pilates, stretching, meditation and slower-paced workouts. However, that thickness comes with a trade-off. Balance-based yoga poses can feel a little wobbly, especially if you are used to thinner mats. This is not a flaw, just the nature of extra-thick foam.
Grip is decent thanks to the double-sided non-slip surface, although it is still foam at the end of the day. Fast transitions or sweaty sessions may reveal its budget roots, but for most home users, it performs well enough.
Where this mat really stands out is value. You get the mat, a carry bag, a strap and even a resistance band, which makes it one of the most complete bundles under £20. It feels aimed at beginners or comfort-first users rather than serious yogis.
Key Points
- Very thick 15mm cushioning for joint comfort
- Excellent for Pilates, stretching and floor work
- Less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses
- Comes with carry bag, strap and resistance band
- Easy to clean and moisture resistant
- Best for comfort over precision
Conclusion - Which One Should You Actually Buy?
Let us be honest, these are not premium studio-grade mats, and they are not pretending to be. They earned a place on this list because of their price, not because they reinvent home fitness. Under £20, compromises are inevitable.
- If you want maximum comfort, go for the Kingdom Fitness 15mm mat. It is ideal for beginners, sore joints or anyone doing lots of floor-based work.
- If stability and grip matter more, especially for yoga, the Core Balance 6mm mat is the better option. It feels firmer, more controlled and less sponge-like.
- For portability and casual use, mats like KAYMAN or Maximo strike a good middle ground, lightweight, simple and easy to live with
- If you are training daily, sweating heavily or holding advanced poses, spending more than £20 will genuinely make a difference.
Final Word
But if you want a reliable mat for home workouts, stretching or getting started without committing serious money, these options do the job just fine in our opinion. Think of these mats as honest budget tools, not miracle products. Treat their spec descriptions with a pinch of salt, train smart, and they will serve you just fine.
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