Skip to content
BuyOnceRight: buy once, buy right
Yoga Mats · Head-to-head

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat vs prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat

Both made our Best Yoga Mats for Beginners shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.

Quick verdict

Choose the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat if you want 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat. Choose the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat if you'd rather have natural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood. Overall we rank the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Yoga Mats for Beginners list.

Winner overall: BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

Side by side

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat vs prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat compared

Every difference that matters, in one table.

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat versus prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat
Attribute
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat product photo
BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga MatCheck price
prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat product photo
prAna E.C.O. Yoga MatCheck price
Our ranking#1 of 5 in Best Yoga Mats for Beginners#3 of 5 in Best Yoga Mats for Beginners
Pick labelBest overall
BrandBalanceFromprAna
Key features1/4-inch (6mm) high-density foam; Double-sided non-slip texture; Includes carrying strap5mm closed-cell natural rubber; Two-sided texturing for grip; Non-toxic, PVC-free construction
Biggest strength6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio matNatural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood
Main trade-offLess cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive kneesHeavier than dedicated ultralight travel mats at roughly 5 lbs
Best forsensitive kneestravel
Decide

Which should you buy?

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

#1 pick

Choose the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat if…

  • 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat
  • Cheapest way to test whether extra cushioning actually helps before spending more
  • Double-sided texture keeps grip reasonable despite the softer surface

Best for: sensitive knees

Prefer the alternative? See the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat

#3 pick · Best overall

Choose the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat if…

  • Natural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood
  • 5mm thickness is a reasonable middle ground between cushioning and packability
  • PVC-free build is a plus for travelers minimizing synthetic materials in luggage

Best for: travel

Prefer the alternative? See the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat section.

Check price on AmazonFull details
The trade-offs

Pros and cons of each

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat

Pros

  • 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat
  • Cheapest way to test whether extra cushioning actually helps before spending more
  • Double-sided texture keeps grip reasonable despite the softer surface

Cons

  • Less cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive knees
  • Foam compresses and loses support faster than denser rubber over heavy use
  • Not as stable during standing poses as denser mats at the same thickness

prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat

Pros

  • Natural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood
  • 5mm thickness is a reasonable middle ground between cushioning and packability
  • PVC-free build is a plus for travelers minimizing synthetic materials in luggage

Cons

  • Heavier than dedicated ultralight travel mats at roughly 5 lbs
  • Rubber smell can be noticeable in a closed suitcase until it airs out
Answers

BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat vs prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat: common questions

Which is better, the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat or the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat?

Choose the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat if you want 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat. Choose the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat if you'd rather have natural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood. Overall we rank the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Yoga Mats for Beginners list.

What is the difference between the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat and the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat?

The BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat stands out because 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat, while the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat stands out because natural rubber grip holds up well on varied surfaces like hotel carpet or hardwood. The trade-offs differ too: the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat's main caveat is that less cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive knees, and the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat's is that heavier than dedicated ultralight travel mats at roughly 5 lbs.

Is the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat worth it over the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat?

For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat instead if less cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive knees is a deal-breaker for you.

Who should buy the prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat instead of the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat?

The prAna E.C.O. Yoga Mat suits travel, while the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat is best for sensitive knees.

Keep researching