Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch vs BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat
Both made our Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga shortlist, at #1 and #3. Here's how they differ and who each one suits.
- BuyOnceRight Research Desk
- Updated
- 4 min read
Quick verdict
Choose the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm if you want studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips. Choose the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat if you'd rather have 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat. Overall we rank the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga list.
Winner overall: Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm vs BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat compared
Every difference that matters, in one table.
| Attribute | ||
|---|---|---|
| Our ranking | #1 of 4 in Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga | #3 of 4 in Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga |
| Pick label | ||
| Brand | Manduka | BalanceFrom |
| Key features | 6mm closed-cell PVC construction; Lifetime guarantee; Dense, stable cushioning | 1/4-inch (6mm) high-density foam; Double-sided non-slip texture; Includes carrying strap |
| Biggest strength | Studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips | 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat |
| Main trade-off | 26 lbs makes it impractical for carry-on or weight-limited flights | Less cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive knees |
| Best for | travel | sensitive knees |
Which should you buy?
#1 pick
Choose the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm if…
- Studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips
- Durable enough to survive being checked as luggage without damage
- Familiar full-size feel for practitioners who don't want to compromise on their usual mat
Best for: travel
Prefer the alternative? See the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat section.
#3 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 Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm section.
Pros and cons of each
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm
Pros
- Studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips
- Durable enough to survive being checked as luggage without damage
- Familiar full-size feel for practitioners who don't want to compromise on their usual mat
Cons
- 26 lbs makes it impractical for carry-on or weight-limited flights
- Bulky roll size takes up significant suitcase space
- Overkill for short trips where a lighter mat would suffice
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
Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm vs BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat: common questions
Which is better, the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm or the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat?
Choose the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm if you want studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips. Choose the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat if you'd rather have 6mm foam gives noticeably more knee comfort than a standard 3 to 4mm studio mat. Overall we rank the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm higher: #1 versus #3 in our Best Yoga Mats for Hot Yoga list.
What is the difference between the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm and the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat?
The Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm stands out because studio-grade grip and cushioning for travelers relocating temporarily rather than flying short trips, while 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. The trade-offs differ too: the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm's main caveat is that 26 lbs makes it impractical for carry-on or weight-limited flights, and the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat's is that less cushioning than the Gaiam's 10mm option for the most sensitive knees.
Is the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm worth it over the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat?
For most buyers, yes: it's our #1 pick. Consider the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat instead if 26 lbs makes it impractical for carry-on or weight-limited flights is a deal-breaker for you.
Who should buy the BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat instead of the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm?
The BalanceFrom GoYoga All-Purpose Yoga Mat suits sensitive knees, while the Manduka PRO Yoga Mat 71-Inch 6mm is best for travel.