Better your balance with the best yoga blocks of 2025, tested and reviewed

Often stacked in a corner of a yoga studio or tucked away in a closet, yoga blocks are "a greatly underutilized prop," according to registered yoga teacher Mandy Enright. While it may be tempting to think they're only for beginners or those with limited flexibility, Enright emphasizes that "everyone can benefit from using blocks, regardless of experience level." The key is finding the best yoga block for your practice.

On the most basic level, yoga blocks help bring the ground closer to your fingertips; or stated another way, they shorten the distance you need to move to touch the "ground." After all, it's comparatively easier to bend over and touch the top of a block than it is to bend over and touch the ground itself. However, as our experts shared, blocks have many other benefits, including improving alignment and deepening stretches. They can also provide support during restorative poses, like restorative fish pose, and even be used for extra resistance during abdominal workouts.

"For people who are growing their yoga practices and working toward more advanced postures, blocks are a key tool. Blocks can help with arm balances, inversions and press practices. They're also excellent for enhancing balance. You can make balancing poses more challenging if you try the pose while standing on a block," explains Enright.

Ultimately, shopping for yoga blocks is relatively simple — materials usually consist of foam, cork or wood, and blocks generally come in a standard size, although there are a few exceptions to the rule. To better understand the uses of yoga blocks and the differences between types, our team spoke with three yoga instructors, researched more than 10 yoga brands and put 11 blocks to the test. Here are our top picks for the best yoga block of 2025.

Table of contents

• Best yoga block overall

• More yoga blocks we like for 2025

• Yoga block materials

• Factors to consider when purchasing yoga blocks

• How we chose

• Other yoga blocks we tested

• FAQs

• Meet the experts

Update, June 23, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our No. 1 pick for best yoga block remains unchanged. We also completed additional testing and added a category for "best wrist savers."

Best yoga block overall

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More yoga blocks we like for 2025

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Yoga block materials

Yoga blocks vary in size and even shape. However, the most significant differentiating factor is material. In general, yoga blocks are made from cork, foam or wood, each having pros and cons.

• Cork: Cork blocks are eco-friendly and lightweight. Enright says that she recommends cork blocks for more challenging poses, like arm balances, because they don't slide around as much. However, Barsotti warns that cork blocks "absorb sweat and smells and are difficult to clean."

• Foam: According to Enright, "foam blocks are my recommended all-around block to invest in." Not only are they often the least expensive, but foam blocks are also lightweight, versatile, comfortable for restorative poses and easy to clean. The main downside? They're not as eco-friendly as cork or wood blocks.

• Wood: Wood blocks are generally heavier and longer-lasting than cork or foam blocks. However, Barsotti notes that they're not as comfortable in restorative poses and can get slippery during sweaty yoga sessions.

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Factors to consider when purchasing yoga blocks

From advancing posework to simply making yoga more accessible, yoga blocks are an important investment for any yoga practice. If you're just starting your journey, it can be confusing to understand what your options are and which blocks to choose.

Some factors to keep in mind include:

• Material: Yoga blocks come in various materials, including wood, foam and cork. The right choice depends on your practice style and how you plan to use the block. Consider what matters most to you, whether it's durability, ease of cleaning, cost or environmental impact to find the material that best suits your needs.

• Size: Standard yoga blocks are 9 inches tall, 6 inches wide and 4 inches deep. However, smaller and larger blocks are available, which may be more comfortable depending on your hand size and range of flexibility.

• Shape: Most yoga blocks are shaped like rectangular bricks. However, some blocks have one rounded side or are fully egg-shaped, which may be more comfortable for backbends and reclining poses.

• Price: Yoga blocks have varying prices and are usually sold individually. If you want to purchase two, consider lower-cost options to help you stay within your budget.

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How we chose

To determine the best yoga blocks, we talked to three yoga experts, reviewed options from over 10 yoga brands and put eight blocks to the test.

During testing, we considered how comfortable the blocks were and how sturdy they felt during a 45-minute yoga class. We also noted how easy each block was to clean.

I've practiced yoga for more than 15 years and have grown to appreciate the benefits of yoga blocks, both in restorative and balance poses. I also have pretty tight hamstrings and have found yoga blocks essential for bringing the floor closer to my fingertips. In addition to the criteria above, I was particularly interested in blocks that are heavy enough for stability yet comfortable enough to support my lower back and neck in supine positions.

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Other yoga blocks we tested

• Vuori Yoga Block: We appreciated the block's soft surface and beveled edges. However, it didn't offer the same grip or stability as the Gaiam Yoga Block or the Alo Uplifting Yoga Block.

• Trideer Yoga Block: This budget-friendly block was a close runner-up to the Gaiam Yoga Block — it comes at an affordable price point, has beveled edges, is firm without being uncomfortable and offers a decent grip. However, the block feels just slightly less stable and durable than Gaiam's version.

• Wild Mingo Eco Yoga Block: We love the artwork featured on the Wild Mingo yoga blocks — it brings playfulness and joy to any yoga practice. We also like that these are constructed of eco-friendly recycled EVA foam. When it comes to functionality, they check all the boxes too — they're grippy, offer a beveled edge that's comfortable to hold and provide a firm and stable surface to support you in even the most challenging balance poses. The only reason they didn't make the list? The price. At $30 for one (or $55 for two) they're the most expensive block on this list. We just weren't quite sure that from a functionality standpoint (aesthetics aside), that they outperformed the top picks on this list.

• Manduka unBlok Recycled Foam Yoga Block: While we love the wrist-friendly curved design on two sides of this block, we ultimately found that we preferred using the NamaStrength wedges when we wanted wrist support, then more traditional blocks when looking for extension support to achieve deeper poses. Plus, at $26 for a single block, you have to spend more than $50 if you want bilateral support.

• Manduka Lean Cork Yoga Block, 2 Pack: Truly, if you're looking for a high-quality, compact block, this one or the JadeYoga Small Yoga Block (which we picked above) are going to be good bets. This block is slightly shorter and more narrow than the Jade version and costs a few bucks more when you buy the pair. Both are made from eco-friendly cork and weigh the same amount. The only reason the Jade came out on top was the (almost negligible) difference in price.

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FAQs

How do I use yoga blocks?

There are countless ways to use yoga blocks during your practice. For example, blocks can be used during standing poses to help maintain balance or bring the ground closer to your fingers if you aren't quite flexible enough to touch the floor. Blocks can support your neck or lower back when seated or lying down. Yoga blocks can also be used during strength exercises and core work.

What are the benefits of using yoga blocks?

According to yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist Ilene Cohen, "Yoga blocks are versatile props that offer numerous benefits to practitioners of all levels. They provide support, enhance alignment and deepen stretches, making them an invaluable addition to any yoga practice."

What's the difference between a rectangular and a curved yoga block?

Standard yoga blocks are shaped like rectangular bricks and can be used in various ways during your practice. Curved yoga blocks have either one rounded side or are fully egg-shaped and are designed to be more comfortable on your hands and neck.

How many blocks do I need?

Enright recommends purchasing two yoga blocks, allowing you to have one on either side of your mat. However, if cost is of concern, one block is still a great starting point.

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Meet the experts

• Marisa Barsotti, RD, LD, Ayurvedic health educator, 200-hour RYT and owner of Digest Peacefully

• Ilene Cohen, MS, RDN, yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist

• Mandy Enright, Food + Movement Dietitian, 500-hour RYT and author of 30-Minute Weight Loss Cookbook: 100+ Quick and Easy Recipes for Sustainable Weight Loss

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Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.