For added comfort and stability, this block stood up to the competition. (Alo)
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.
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."
Sizing: Standard | Materials: EVA foam | Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 9 inches | Weight: 0.6 pounds
The Alo Uplifting Yoga Block is our best overall yoga block thanks to its beveled edges, excellent grip (even when sweaty) and durable EVA foam. Plus, despite weighing less than a pound, the block remained stable and supportive, even when our balance was shaky during half moon pose.
If you're only going to buy one type of yoga block, many of our experts agree that a foam block is your best bet. They're generally lighter and more comfortable than wood or cork blocks, making them more versatile — which rang true during testing. The Alo Uplifting Block was lightweight for core exercises, comfortable during restorative poses and stable during balance work.
The biggest drawback is the price. At $28 per block, it's certainly not a budget-friendly option, especially if you purchase two. However, if you plan on using it regularly, the quality makes it worth the higher cost. We also like that it comes in multiple colors including various neutrals, black, white and even a highlighter yellow, allowing you to flex a little style or match your mat, if you're so inclined.
Sizing: Standard or "lean" | Materials: Sustainably sourced fine-grain cork | Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 9 inches | Weight: 2.2 pounds
The Manduka Cork Yoga Block stands out from the competition for its sturdy, eco-friendly construction. Specifically, the block is made from dense, fine-grain cork, giving it an impressively solid feel even during challenging poses. The material also makes it easy to grip, even when your hands get sweaty, and the beveled edges offer a comfortable grip.
While I ultimately preferred the smoother texture and lighter weight of the overall winner, I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the Manduka Cork Block is even during restorative poses.
Manduka products aren't cheap — you'll lay out just under $50 for a set of these blocks — but they will likely last longer. According to yoga instructor Marisa Barsotti, "My personal brand of choice tends to be Manduka for mats and blocks. They are more expensive, but I have had the same props for over a decade."
You can also get this block in the "lean" size, which is a little shorter and narrower than the original, making it a slightly more travel-friendly option. We also tested this version and have included it in our "other products we tested" section below.
Sizing: Small (large size also available) | Materials: Sustainably harvested cork | Dimensions: 3 x 4.75 x 9 inches | Weight: 1.1 pounds
The JadeYoga Small Yoga Block is the same height as a standard block but thinner and narrower, making it particularly good for those with smaller hands. We also found the block easier to maneuver, which is handy when you're trying to make adjustments quickly during your flow.
The block is crafted from sustainably harvested cork, which is naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant. Similar to the Manduka block, the JadeYoga Block has a dense cork construction that provides plenty of grip and stability. The only downside is that the edges aren't beveled, so the block isn't quite as comfortable under your back or hips.
The Jade cork block is also 1.1 pounds lighter than the Manduka block. We appreciated the lighter weight, especially during abdominal exercises. Plus, its smaller footprint is convenient if you plan to practice outdoors or take it with you on vacation.
JadeYoga also offers a large version of the block, which features the same high-quality, sustainably sourced construction but is the width and thickness of a standard yoga block.
Sizing: One size | Materials: Dense foam, ethylene vinyl acetate | Dimensions: 3.5 x 5.9 x 9.8 inches | Weight: 0.8 pounds
Featuring a smooth, curved edge on one side, the Lululemon Inner Flow Yoga Block kept our hands more comfortable while holding half moon and standing splits than the brick-shaped blocks we tried. I found it to be a good joint-saving alternative if your wrists are often sore after using traditional yoga blocks.
The curved block is made from dense foam and offers good stability and grip. Even during a fast-paced vinyasa flow, I didn't have issues with my hands sliding around. That said, the block is very firm. While the firmness is helpful for stability, I found it too hard for restorative poses where I placed the block under my back, neck or legs.
The cost is another important consideration, especially since it only comes with one block. Still, if you plan on using it regularly, and the pain in your hand or wrist keeps you from enjoying your practice, then the Inner Flow Yoga Block is worth the splurge.
Sizing: Standard | Materials: EVA foam | Dimensions: 4 x 6 x 9 inches | Weight: 0.3 pounds
For a no-frills yoga block that won't break the bank, it's hard to compete with the Gaiam Yoga Block. The foam block is firm without being uncomfortable and weighs just 0.3 pounds, making it easy to maneuver or take on the go. It also offers beveled edges and a non-slip surface for a comfortable and supportive grip. Additional highlights include multiple color choices, an easy-clean surface and a 2-pack option for less than $20.
While the block doesn't offer the same sturdiness as the JadeYoga or Manduka cork blocks, we found the option from Gaiam to be stable and supportive enough for most basic yoga practices. However, this might not be the block for you if you plan on doing more advanced inversions and arm balances. Also, keep in mind that the block has a distinct chemical smell that takes a couple of weeks to dissipate.
Sizing: Wedge | Materials: Cork | Dimensions: 1.65" H x 3.9" W x 7.65" L | Weight: 0.6 pounds
While not a yoga block in the traditional sense, if you're working on arm balances or your wrists start to ache while doing planks, this set of NamaStrength blocks may be exactly what you need. The shape itself is a patent-pending design intended to prevent overextension at the wrists. You can also place your hands in different positions to find the right balance (so to speak) for your needs.
When comparing this set of blocks to other curved options — the Lululemon Inner Flow Yoga Block and the Manduka unBlok — we found it was definitely better at reducing wrist strain thanks to the wedge shape and the ability to personalize your wrist angle. That said, you should see this block as an addition to your yoga practice, not a replacement for other blocks, especially if you need the added height of a standard block to safely perform certain poses like forward folds. The NamaStrength Cork Wedges are low-lying and only intended to be used on one side, so you can't flip them around to "add length" to your arms or to add substantial support to seated or lying poses. We found we liked to keep these and a set of standard blocks at the ready to use at different points of our practice.
But it's also worth noting that these blocks aren't a one-hit wonder. Yes, they help save your wrists during yoga, but they can also be used to stretch your calves or to offer a light foot massage. Their lightweight design makes them easy to throw in a bag and use whenever needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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
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.
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