The best yoga blocks you can buy

Why you'll love it: The Gaiam Yoga Block is comfortable to grab, soft to the touch, and heavier than most lightweight foam blocks for increased stability.

Gaiam is a respected name in the yoga world, so it’s no surprise that its basic yoga block is a popular choice. Simple as it may be, the Gaiam yoga block offers a ton of color options ranging from solid hues to printed and engraved designs, and even stacked color patterns. The foam surface can be washed with light detergents or your favorite yoga spray cleanser and can either be air-dried or towel-dried.

One of the common downsides to foam yoga blocks is their lack of long-term durability. Over time, the sweat and oils from your skin tend to build up on the surface of the foam, making them more slippery and less attractive to look at. Regular washing can usually help protect the surface for longer periods.

A lot of the appeal of foam yoga blocks is the soft, smooth surface that gives a little bit when you’re reaching for comfort or support in the middle of a stretch. But sometimes, foam blocks can feel flimsy when they’re super lightweight and portable. Gaiam yoga blocks combine that squishy foam surface with a weightier overall block. Each one weighs 1.5 pounds and measures 9 x 6 x 4-inches so you won’t have to deal with your blocks wobbling when you need them most.

Pros: Combining a little more heft and stability with the soft surface layer of a foam block will surely make a lot of yogis happy

Cons: If you’re looking specifically for a lightweight foam yoga block, this heavier foam version isn’t going to do the trick

Buy the Gaiam Yoga Block on Amazon for $9.99 and up (price varies — originally $20.50)

Why you'll love it: The YogaRat Block and Strap Set also includes a cotton yoga strap so you can practice with your own equipment no matter where you are.

YogaRat’s block and strap set is a great start for beginner yogis, or anyone looking to personalize their yoga equipment instead of borrowing shared studio items. The YogaRat yoga block is lightweight and portable, and the surface is soft and squishy like many popular foam blocks.

The 9 x 6 x 4-inch block is made of eco-friendly, non-toxic EVA foam, and the closed cell antimicrobial surface wicks away moisture instead of absorbing sweat. The block is easy to clean and it comes in a variety of different color options.

The YogaRat strap is woven from thick 100% cotton material and comes in as many colors as the block, so you can rock a matching set. At 1.5 inches wide and 8 feet long, the strap is a great addition to a block for yogis who are either just beginning or looking to deepen their practice. Straps can increase flexibility and help you reach into deeper stretching poses, and of course, you’ll have also have the block beside you for balance and stability.

Even in the most pristine yoga studios, sharing equipment can get a little gnarly. Instead of trying to block out the germy thoughts, taking a class with your own block and strap set is a great solution for the extra hygienic yogis out there.

Pros: Budget-smart option includes both a block and a strap for beginner yogis or anyone squeamish about sharing studio equipment

Cons: Lightweight foam is typically soft to the touch, so this isn’t a great choice for yogis that prefer a more sturdy block to hold on to

Buy the YogaRat Block and Strap Set on Amazon for $8 - $19.99 (price varies)

Why you'll love it: The Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block combines the eco-friendly benefits of recycled foam material with the look and feel of a sturdy cork block.

Manduka’s Recycled Foam Yoga Block is one of the lightest options out there, at 0.6 pounds, which is impressive for a 9 x 6 x 4-inch block. The cork-like surface is made from 50% recycled foam material, and its sturdy, firm structure allows you to grip and hold on for balance during challenging poses. Turning recycled foam into a cork-style block gives the best of both worlds — softness to the touch and lightweight portability packed into a stable block that isn’t going anywhere during inversions.

The block’s rounded edges make it comfortable to use in any position, without bumping up against the awkward angles of a straight or beveled edge yoga block. And of course, Manduka products carry the brand name trust of one of the yoga world’s leading companies. High-quality production standards mean that these blocks are sure to last a long time, and the eco-friendly, recycled materials give a natural look.

This Manduka block is more expensive than some of the other options on our list, but for yogis committed to the environment, a higher price tag is often par for the course. Yogi reviews claim that this block is a long-lasting, durable option thanks to both the recycled material structure and the easily washable surface.

Pros: Eco-friendly recycled foam is lightweight and portable but still sturdy and firm in the style of most cork blocks

Cons: This is one of the more expensive yoga blocks out there, so if you’re looking for a no-frills stability block this price tag may not be worth it

Buy the Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block on Amazon for $16.00 and up (price varies) Buy the Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block on Zappos for $11.99 (price varies — originally $16.00)