The Best Exercise Mats in Australia (2026): 8 Picks for Home Workouts

Which exercise mat should most Australians buy in 2026?

If you want one short answer, buy the Miramat Extra Large Premium for a dedicated home workout space, the METEOR 80cm Ultra-Wide if you want most of that comfort for under $50, or the Amazon Basics 12.7mm Extra Thick if you just need a reliable, cushioned mat for the lowest price. All three are in stock on Amazon Australia right now, all carry real star ratings, and all three solve the same core problem: stopping your knees, wrists and spine from grinding into a hard floor while you exercise at home.

We are NestPath, an Australian first-home-buyer site, and we look at home gear the way a new homeowner does. You have just moved in, the spare room is empty, and you want to train without paying for a gym membership or wrecking your floorboards. An exercise mat is the cheapest, highest-impact thing you can put in that room. The catch is that the category is flooded with near-identical foam rolls, so price and marketing thickness numbers do most of the talking and the real differences hide in the detail.

This guide cuts through that. We studied the listings, the verified Australian reviews, the material types and the dimensions, then matched each mat to the job it actually does best. Below you get eight picks organised by use case, a plain-English buying section, care advice that makes a cheap mat last for years, and a frequently asked questions block answering the things Australians actually search before buying. Prices and ratings were checked against Amazon Australia and are accurate at the time of writing, though both move, so confirm on the product page before you commit.

How did we evaluate these exercise mats?

We research and study mats from a distance rather than claiming to have stress-tested every one in a lab. As an independent aggregator, our job is to weigh the evidence that already exists and turn it into a clear recommendation. Here is what shaped these picks.

• Verified Australian availability and ratings. Every mat here is in stock on Amazon Australia with a genuine star rating and a real review count, checked at the time of writing. We dropped anything unavailable or thin on feedback.
• Material and density, not just a thickness number. A 10mm mat made of airy foam can feel worse than a dense 7mm one. We looked at NBR, TPE, PVC and EPE foam construction and how each behaves under load.
• Real dimensions for real bodies. We checked length and width against the kind of movements people do, because a 173cm mat leaves a tall person hanging off the end during a plank.
• What owners repeatedly praise or complain about. Recurring themes in Australian reviews, like slipping when sweaty or a strong initial smell, carry far more weight than any single five-star line.
• Value across the whole price band. We compared mats from about $35 to $179 so there is an honest pick whether you want cheap and cheerful or a floor-saving centrepiece.

What is the best exercise mat for a home gym setup?

The Miramat Extra Large Premium is the best mat if you are turning a spare room, garage or living-room corner into a workout zone. At 200 x 120cm it is roughly twice the area of a standard mat, so you can do burpees, skaters, kettlebell swings and weighted floor work without your hands or feet ever sliding off onto bare floor. It holds a 4.7 star rating from 117 Australian reviews, the joint highest rating in this guide, and it ships from Brisbane, which Australian owners repeatedly call out as a reason the price feels justified.

The construction is the point here. This is a 7mm thick mat built from dense, double-sided non-slip foam that weighs about 6.4kg, so it stays flat and planted on carpet, tiles or floorboards even during high-impact circuits. Reviewers with tile and concrete floors describe never feeling the ground through it, and several mention the same mat still performing five years on, which is the kind of longevity that turns a $179 spend into good value over time. It is genuinely thick enough to sit gym equipment like a bike or a bench on top without marking the floor underneath.

It is also low fuss to live with. Two storage straps let you fold it down, and any mess wipes off with a damp cloth and mild soap. For a first-home buyer who wants one mat that does everything from yoga to weights and protects the floor they are still paying off, this is the clearest recommendation in the lineup.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is the most expensive mat here at $179, and at 6.4kg it is not something you roll up and carry to a class, it is a stay-at-home fixture. A few owners note that the surface can get slippery under sweaty hands and feet during intense sessions, with a towel being the usual fix. If portability matters more than floor coverage, one of the lighter rolled mats below will suit you better.

What is the best value exercise mat under $50?

The METEOR 80cm Ultra-Wide is our value pick because it solves the single most common complaint about budget mats, that they are too narrow, while keeping the price at $49.99. It is roughly 80cm wide against the usual 61cm, about 30 percent more room, so your hands and feet stay on the mat during push-ups, wide-stance Pilates and any movement that drifts sideways. It holds a 4.3 star rating from 101 Australian reviews and is made by an Australian brand that designs to local feedback.

Underneath the extra width is 10mm of high-density NBR foam, the same plush, joint-friendly material the pricier comfort mats use, weighing about 1.3kg so it feels solid rather than airy. NBR is the soft, spongy foam most people picture when they think of a thick exercise mat, and at 10mm it takes real pressure off knees, wrists and hips. The honeycomb fabric-bound edges are a genuinely smart touch, since the edges are where cheap NBR mats usually start fraying and peeling first. It rolls up with a carry strap and is machine washable on a gentle cold cycle, which is rare at this price.

For a beginner or anyone who found a standard 61cm mat cramped, this is the easiest upgrade to recommend. You get most of what a premium comfort mat offers, in a usable extra-wide size, for under fifty dollars.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

A small number of recent reviewers felt the thickness was less than expected, and a couple reported the carry strap missing from the box, so check yours on arrival. As with all thick NBR mats, it can shift on carpet during standing exercises and may carry a faint rubbery smell at first that airs out within a day or two. None of these stops it being the best sub-$50 mat we found.

What is the cheapest exercise mat actually worth buying?

The Amazon Basics 12.7mm Extra Thick is the cheapest mat in this guide at $34.90 and, by a huge margin, the most reviewed, with more than 94,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars. When a mat this affordable has that volume of feedback behind it, you can buy with real confidence that you are getting a known quantity rather than a gamble.

It is a genuinely thick 12.7mm mat measuring 188 x 61cm, which is long enough for most adults to lie down fully without their head or feet hanging off. The textured foam surface gives traction and the elastic strap plus included shoulder strap make it easy to roll up and stash. Australian owners repeatedly describe it as nicely thick and well made for the price, with several noting it is half what they would pay for the same thing in a physical shop. For lying-down and kneeling work, stretching, and gentle floor routines, the extra cushioning is exactly what tired joints want.

This is the mat to buy if you are not sure how much you will use it yet, or you simply want the lowest-risk entry point. It is also a sensible second mat to leave at a parent's place or take camping, given how little it costs.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

That softness is a trade-off. One thoughtful long-term reviewer points out that very thick, squishy mats can feel unstable for balance poses like single-leg standing or headstands, where a thinner firmer mat wins. It can also mark easily and may have a plastic smell out of the packaging that fades after a day or two of airing. For comfort-led floor work it is excellent, just not the pick for precision balance practice.

What is the best exercise mat for yoga and Pilates?

The Gaiam Essentials Thick Yoga Mat is the standout for dedicated yoga and Pilates, carrying a 4.6 star rating from more than 44,000 reviews, the second highest review count in this guide. Gaiam is a long established yoga name, and this Essentials line is its value workhorse, pairing 10mm of cushioning with a textured, dual sided non slip surface that helps you hold poses on hard or tile floors.

At 182.9 x 61cm and about 1.27kg, it is a comfortable all-rounder for yoga, Pilates, stretching and general floor work, and it comes with an easy-cinch carry strap so it travels to class without unrolling in the car. Owners specifically praise it as a thick, comfy Pilates and stretching mat, and several use it well beyond exercise, as standing-desk padding or a play surface, which speaks to the durability of the higher-density foam. It is marketed as low-odour and wipes clean with a damp cloth, no special sprays needed.

If your training leans toward mat-based practice rather than jumping and weights, and you want a trusted brand without paying boutique prices, this is the one to reach for. The colour range is wide, though as one reviewer notes, not every shade suits a neutral living room.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Like every soft foam mat it can carry an initial smell that needs a few hours in fresh air to clear, and the very plushness that makes it comfortable for floor work makes it less ideal for standing balance poses. It is also a single-person width at 61cm, so taller or broader users doing wide movements may prefer the extra-wide options above.

What is the best lightweight, portable exercise mat?

The adidas Fitness Mat is the pick if you want a recognisable brand and a thinner, easy-to-carry mat for general training. It holds a 4.4 star rating from 775 reviews and is built from 7mm NBR foam with a ribbed base for floor grip and a smooth top for stable footing, weighing only about 0.74kg so it rolls tight and tucks away easily.

At 176 x 61cm it is a touch shorter than the thick comfort mats, which is the trade-off for how light and packable it is. It is PVC-free NBR, which adidas positions as the more sustainable option, and owners describe it as comfortable to lie or kneel on for a home setup. One honest Australian reviewer points out you can find similar foam at a cheaper price elsewhere without the logo, which is fair, but the adidas version brings a known brand, a clean design and a solid 4.4 average behind it.

This suits someone who values simplicity and portability over maximum cushioning, or who wants a tidy-looking mat that does not dominate the room. For ground exercise and general training it does the job without fuss.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At 7mm it offers less padding than the 10mm-plus mats, so people who spend a lot of time directly on their knees may want more. An older review flags weaker non slip backing on some units, and as a 61cm wide mat it is single person sized. For its weight and price, though, it is a dependable everyday option.

What is the best extra-wide exercise mat for two people or big movements?

The CAMBIVO Large and Wide Yoga Mat is the answer when you want serious floor coverage in a rolled, storable mat rather than a heavy fixed one. At 183 x 114cm it is nearly twice the width of a standard mat, giving you and a partner room to stretch side by side, or one person plenty of space for foam rolling, cardio and barefoot bodyweight training. It carries a 4.1 star rating from 71 reviews and ships with a carry bag, a microfibre towel and two straps.

It is made from 6mm TPE with a double layer, tear resistant mesh core, which helps it last longer than a single layer mat and keeps the weight manageable at about 1.42kg despite the size. The two-toned textured surface is designed to grip wood and tile floors, though the maker notes it is not ideal on top of a rug. Australian owners love the size for home workouts and weights floor work, with several calling out how much more freely they can move without touching cold floor.

Pick this if width matters most and you still want something you can roll up and put away between sessions. It is the most flexible of the big mats here.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

At $89.99 it is one of the pricier rolled mats, and a minority of reviewers found the TPE dented under heavy or repeated use, so it favours bodyweight and mat work over dropping weights on it. The 6mm thickness is comfortable but not as plush as the 10mm NBR mats. If you want maximum cushion, look to the thicker picks instead.

What is the best folding mat for tumbling, kids and martial arts?

The Goplus Folding Gymnastics Mat is the pick when impact protection and quick storage matter more than a flat rolling mat. It is a tri fold mat filled with 5cm of high density EPE foam under a wipe clean PU leather cover, and it folds down to a compact block with carry handles. It holds a 4.7 star rating, the joint highest in this guide, from 31 reviews.

At 180 x 60cm unfolded it suits gymnastics practice, tumbling, martial arts, stretching and kids' play, and the thick EPE foam genuinely cushions knees, elbows, wrists and backs during landings in a way thin yoga mats cannot. The hook-and-loop fasteners let you join several mats into a bigger landing area, and the zippered cover comes off for a deeper clean. At about 2kg with handles it is easy to move room to room or fold into a cupboard.

This is the one to choose if there are kids in the house learning cartwheels, if you train martial arts at home, or if you simply want chunky impact padding you can pack away in seconds. It is a different tool from a yoga mat, and it does that job well.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The firm folding foam is built for impact absorption, not the soft give of a yoga mat, so it is not the most comfortable choice for slow floor stretching. The seams where the panels fold are visible underfoot, and its review count is smaller than the big sellers here, though the 4.7 average across those reviews is strong. For tumbling and play it is hard to beat at the price.

What is a good budget yoga mat with a bit of style?

The Myga 6mm Printed Yoga Mat rounds out the lineup for anyone who wants a patterned mat that looks good in a room rather than a plain black slab. It holds a 4.4 star rating from 66 reviews, comes in eight printed designs, and is a 6mm PVC mat measuring 173 x 60cm at about 1.4kg, light enough to sling over your shoulder to a class.

The 6mm thickness is the classic yoga sweet spot, enough cushioning for comfort while keeping a firm, stable surface for balance work, which the thicker squishy mats sacrifice. The textured surface is designed to resist sweat and wipe clean easily. It is a sensible choice for yoga, Pilates, meditation and gentle floor exercise where you want a stable feel and a mat you are happy to leave out on display.

Consider this the design-led budget option. It does not chase maximum thickness or extra width, it aims to be a good-looking, dependable everyday yoga mat, and for that brief it delivers.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

It is PVC rather than the eco-leaning TPE or NBR of some rivals, and one Australian reviewer found the printed side slippery while the reverse side gripped perfectly, so flip it if you have the same issue. At 6mm it is firmer and less cushioned than the thick comfort mats, which is the trade-off for its stability. For style-conscious yoga at a fair price, it is a likeable pick.

How do you choose a good exercise mat?

Match the mat to the exercise you do most. Soft, jumpy HIIT and weights want a big, dense, planted mat. Slow yoga and balance work want a firmer mat that does not wobble. Here is what actually matters once you get past the marketing.

What thickness of exercise mat is best?

For most home exercise, 6mm to 10mm is the sweet spot. Around 6mm gives a firm, stable surface that suits yoga and balance poses, while 8mm to 10mm and above adds cushioning that protects knees, wrists and spine during floor work, kneeling and stretching. Go too thick and very soft, beyond about 12mm, and standing balance poses can feel unstable. If you mostly lie and kneel, choose thick. If you stand on one leg a lot, choose firmer.

Is a foam or rubber exercise mat better?

It depends on the job. NBR and other foam mats are lighter, softer and warmer underfoot, ideal for comfort-led floor work and cushioning joints. Dense rubber-style and high-density foam mats, like the large premium mats here, are heavier and grippier, which is what you want for weights, jumping and keeping the mat planted. There is no single winner, only the right material for your training style.

What size mat do you need?

A standard mat is about 173 to 188cm long and 61cm wide, which fits an average adult lying down with little room to spare. If you are tall, train with a partner, or do wide stance movements, an extra wide mat around 80 to 120cm wide, or an extra large floor mat, stops your hands and feet slipping off. Measure your space first so a big mat actually fits where you plan to train.

What material should you avoid?

The main thing to watch is cheap PVC that contains harmful phthalates, and any mat that off-gasses a strong chemical smell that never fully fades. Better mats state they are PVC-free, phthalate-free, or made from NBR or TPE. A faint rubbery smell that airs out in a day or two is normal and not a red flag, a persistent harsh chemical smell is.

How do you clean and care for an exercise mat?

Most mats only need a wipe-down. After a session, use a damp cloth with mild soap or a diluted vinegar solution, wipe both sides, then let the mat air dry fully before rolling it up, because trapped moisture is what causes smells and breakdown over time. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can degrade foam.

A few habits make a cheap mat last for years. Air a new mat out for a day or two before first use to clear any factory smell. Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, which makes foam brittle and faded. Do not wear shoes on soft foam or TPE mats, since grit and hard soles tear the surface. Roll it with the top side out, or store it flat, so the edges do not curl. If your mat is machine washable, like some NBR mats, follow the gentle cold-cycle instruction and air dry rather than tumble drying.

If your mat slips when you sweat, a common complaint even on great mats, lay a thin towel over the contact zones or use a dedicated grip towel. It is a cheaper fix than replacing a mat you otherwise love.

What else do you need for a home workout corner?

A mat is the foundation, but a few inexpensive extras turn it into a proper training space. These pair naturally with any mat above and are easy to add over time.

• Resistance bands for strength work without weights, ideal for small apartments.
• A foam roller for recovery and rolling out tight muscles after a session.
• A set of dumbbells to progress your floor and standing exercises.
• A kettlebell for swings and full-body conditioning on a large, planted mat.
• A skipping rope for cardio you can do beside the mat.
• Yoga blocks to support poses and build flexibility safely.
• An ab roller for core work that a thick mat makes far more comfortable.

How do the other mats compare?

The lineup above covers the clear winners, but a quick word on how they sit against each other. The Miramat and Goplus share the top 4.7 star rating, but they are completely different tools, one a huge flat floor mat, the other a folding impact block. The Amazon Basics and Gaiam dominate on review volume, with more than 94,000 and 44,000 ratings respectively, so they are the safest bets if sheer track record reassures you.

The METEOR and CAMBIVO both chase extra width, with the METEOR cheaper and thicker in foam while the CAMBIVO is wider and roomier for two. The adidas and Myga are the thinner, lighter, more portable end, better for travel and balance work than deep cushioning. There is no bad mat in this guide, only the right one for how and where you train, which is exactly why we organised them by use case rather than forcing a single ranking.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best exercise mat to buy in Australia?

For a home gym setup, the Miramat Extra Large Premium is our top pick thanks to its 200 x 120cm size and dense 7mm foam. For value, the METEOR 80cm Ultra-Wide gives extra-wide 10mm comfort for $49.99, and the Amazon Basics 12.7mm Extra Thick is the cheapest mat we trust at $34.90 with over 94,000 ratings.

What thickness of exercise mat is best?

Between 6mm and 10mm suits most people. Around 6mm gives a firm, stable surface that is best for yoga and balance work, while 8mm to 10mm or more adds cushioning for knees, wrists and spine during floor work and stretching. Very thick, squishy mats above 12mm can feel unstable during standing balance poses.

Is a foam or rubber exercise mat better?

Foam mats such as NBR are lighter, softer and warmer underfoot, which is ideal for comfort-led floor work. Denser rubber-style and high-density foam mats are heavier and grippier, which is better for weights and jumping because they stay planted. The right choice depends on whether you prioritise cushioning or stability.

How thick should a mat be for HIIT and jumping?

For high-impact training, a denser mat in the 7mm to 10mm range that stays planted matters more than raw thickness. A large, heavy mat like the Miramat or a high-density NBR mat absorbs impact and resists sliding, while a very soft thick mat can feel unstable and shift during dynamic movements.

What size exercise mat do I need if I am tall?

Look for a mat at least 183cm long, and ideally an extra wide or extra large mat if you do wide stance movements. Standard 173 to 188cm by 61cm mats fit average adults, but taller users and big movements benefit from the 80cm-plus widths of the METEOR and CAMBIVO or the 200 x 120cm Miramat.

How do I stop my exercise mat from slipping when I sweat?

Lay a thin towel or a dedicated grip towel over the areas where your hands and feet land, which is the most common fix even on highly rated mats. Make sure the mat is clean and fully dry before use, and choose a textured non-slip surface. On carpet, a heavier dense mat is far less likely to shift.

Build out the rest of your home setup

An exercise mat is one piece of a healthy, well-equipped first home. If you are kitting out a workout corner or the wider house, these NestPath guides pair naturally with this one.

• Best foam rollers in Australia for recovery after every mat session.
• Best resistance bands in Australia for strength work in small spaces.
• Best dumbbells in Australia to progress your floor exercises.
• Best kettlebells in Australia for full-body conditioning.
• Best ab rollers in Australia for core work your mat makes comfortable.
• Best gym flooring in Australia if you are protecting a whole room.

About the author

Anish Puri founded NestPath in 2026 after going through the Australian first-home-buyer process himself. NestPath focuses on Australian first-home buyers because the existing review sites are American, generic, or both. Anish handles editorial selection across the homeowner hub. Reach out: hello@nestpath.com.au