One of the most common questions we get from yogis is: Should I choose the PRO or the eKO?
The truth? You can’t go wrong with either. Both are designed by yoga teachers, beloved by practitioners worldwide, and built for an exceptional practice experience. But depending on your priorities—cushion, grip, stability, or longevity—one may be a better fit for you.
Both the PRO® Series and eKO® Series come in three versions: Original, Lite, and Travel. Here’s how they compare.
THE PRO® SERIES: For Unmatched Stability & Lifetime Durability.
The PRO® The PRO® is our original mat and the #1 choice of teachers around the globe. Built with dense, closed-cell construction, it offers incredible stability, joint protection, and a smooth performance surface that supports seamless movement between poses.
Why yogis love it:
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Lifetime Guarantee – Designed to last for decades of practice.
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Firm support cushion – Combines dense stability with cushioned comfort for knees, hips, and inversions.
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Easy to Clean – Closed-cell surface keeps moisture and bacteria out.
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Room to Move – Available in extra-long, long & wide, and squared formats.
The PRO®’s grip improves over time as you practice. For some yogis, this less “sticky” feel is an advantage, offering freedom of movement. For others, especially if you tend to sweat heavily or practice hot yoga, a yoga towel can help enhance traction.
Sustainability note: While made from PVC, PRO® mats are manufactured in Germany to be toxin-free, phthalate-free, and emissions-free. Their longevity makes them one of our most sustainable choices, as you may never need to replace it.
If you are looking for more practice space, the PRO mat is also available in larger sizes.
- PRO Extra Long - For taller practitioners (Dimensions 85x26").
- PRO Long & Wide - Need extra practice space to move? The PRO Long & Wide provides a larger foundation for tall, broader frames or those looking for more freedom and expression in their practice (Dimensions 85x52").
- PRO Squared - Big enough for two. Build a home studio or practice with a partner (Dimensions 78"x78").
THE eKO®: Textured with Natural Grip.
The eKo® Series is made from natural, non-Amazon-harvested tree rubber—each mat featuring its own unique marbled pattern. It delivers a naturally grippy, grounded feel right out of the box.
Why yogis love it:
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Textured Grip – Delivers a steady, confident hold from your very first practice.
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Natural Materials – Rubber sourced with care, free from toxic glues and foaming agents.
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Softer Underfoot – A slightly springy feel that cushions joints without sacrificing stability.
What to know about natural rubber:
Because eKO® mats are made from plant-based materials, they will naturally oxidize and break down over time. This is part of their life cycle. To keep yours in top shape:-
Use only rubber-safe cleaning agents.
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Store it away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
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Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure.
eKO® mats are best suited for slower flows, restorative practices, and moderate-intensity vinyasa. We don’t recommend them for daily Ashtanga or very vigorous flows, as the surface will wear faster. For those styles, a PRO® or PROlite may be a better long-term choice.
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Which Mat is Right for You?
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Choose the PRO® if:
You want ultimate durability, joint-friendly stability and cushion, and a lifetime of practice. Ideal for yogis who practice regularly. -
Choose the eKO® if:
You want a sustainably made, natural grip mat. Great for beginners and anyone seeking a softer, earth-connected feel.
Bottom line: Both the PRO® and eKO® are exceptional, but the best mat for you comes down to your priorities—longevity and stability or natural grip.
A Note on Sweat & Hot Yoga Towels
Both the PRO® Series and eKO® Series are built with closed-cell construction. This means it is non-porous, so sweat, dirt, and bacteria stay on the surface of the mat instead of soaking in—making them more hygienic and easier to clean. However, in very sweaty practices or hot yoga, that same closed-cell surface can become slick. For those classes, we always recommend pairing your mat with a hot yoga towel. It not only absorbs moisture but also enhances grip, so you can move with confidence no matter how heated the flow.
The Manduka Team’s Picks
To help you decide, this time we went around office and asked the Manduka team which mats they prefer to practice on and why, to give you some insider knowledge.
Linda Lindgren – Customer Care
Favorite: PROlite 4.7mm
“The PROlite is my most beloved yoga partner! I didn’t realize how bad my old yoga mats were until I got to try it. What I appreciate with the PROlite is the density and support of the mat, but also the easy maintenance. I can use it outdoors without worrying that it will get damaged and it is easily cleaned. I also like the smooth surface of the PROlite when laying down on the mat. If I take a tougher class were I know I will start to sweat more, I usually have a Manduka hand towel on the side to quickly wipe my hands on and continue practicing.”
Rebecca Levy – Sales
Favorite: eKO Lite 4mm
“My go-to mat for years has been the eKO Lite 4mm mat. I like the 4mm thickness because it gives me more cushion than a thin travel mat, but is also lighter than 5mm or 6mm mats. I like that the eKO Lite is made of rubber, so I know that the product I’m using is a natural material that will eventually biodegrade when I’m done with it. I normally practice a strong vinyasa flow, but since I don’t sweat a ton and I generally have dry hands, the eKO grip is perfect for me. The rubber gives it a stickier feel than the PRO and PROlite, and I also like that it is a little softer and squishier on my joints.”
Fanny Bausse – Marketing
Favorite: PRO Travel 2mm
“My PRO Travel is my most-used piece of equipment. I love the stability and the consistency the mat provides and how easy it is to carry to my local studio. I always take it with me to places as an extra hygiene barrier on Studio mats. The closed cell surface of the PRO makes caring for it really easy. Even after weekly outdoor sessions each spring/summer my PRO is still in top condition. I also prefer the PRO Travel as it's not always easy to walk around with a mat rolled up for longer journey, the fact I can fold it up, throw it in my bag and head out is perfect!”
