The 6 Best Yoga Blocks

Best Overall Yoga Block

Manduka Cork

Weight (per block): 32.7 ounces | Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in

The Manduka Cork is one of the best blocks to invest in because of its excellent stability, grip, and durability. It's constructed out of a renewable, non-toxic, and biodegradable material — cork oak tree bark. The design has wonderfully molded corners and provides excellent grip and stability on each setting. The Manduka Cork also comes in a half-size if you need a thinner block for stretching. It stood up to our practice sessions as one of the most durable options — the surface is almost impossible to scratch up, and we observed blocks in studios that still looked great after years of use. The cork exterior showed no visible wear or accumulation of sweat stains, and it's easy to keep clean by wiping it down with a disinfectant. The exterior's fine grain also makes the surface easy to grip with sweaty hands. You can trust this block's grip and stability through your entire yoga practice, from flowing to flying into arm balances.

While we love the sturdiness of the Manduka Cork, it is one of the heavier blocks we tested. Although density keeps it firmly in place, some yogis prefer a lighter prop if they do many moving transitions. Another consideration when purchasing a cork block is the firmness; cork is less comfortable than a foam block. Even with the rounded edges, the cork feels hard when relaxing the body into the block, especially in holds on sensitive joints. If a softer cushion feels right or you have tender joints, you might prefer a foam option like the Manduka UnBlok for your practice. However, if you prioritize stability and grip, especially for inversion or strength-based practice, then the Manduka Cork is one of the most well-rounded blocks we tested. This block is an eco-friendly and durable investment that will support the evolution of your practice over time.

Options: Comes only in natural cork color; price includes one block

Best Foam Block

Manduka unBLOK

Weight (per block): 12.3 ounces | Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in

The Manduka unBLOK is one of our favorites because of its ergonomic shape and slip-resistant exterior. The unique shape increases versatility beyond your average square block. Made of sustainable recycled EVA foam, the unBLOK has a standard shape on one side and a comfortable-to-grip curve on the other, allowing you more freedom to play in various positions. As a foundation, it is one of the highest-performing foam blocks for stability. It is also more comfortable than cork in backbends or other poses where your bony bits compress against your block. Other blocks often can't release the knotty nest that builds between our shoulder blades, but we love to "unBLOK" this area. The curves are also excellent for wrist care because you can quickly shift your placement to find the most comfortable angle for your weight to lean into your hands. Although we love this block for relaxing poses, it is also a go-to prop for an athletic practice. From vinyasa flow to hot yoga to relaxation, the unBLOK is a winner.

Although we like the non-traditional shape of the unBLOK, we understand that the curves may not suit everybody. Those who prefer a flat and low surface, especially for arm balancing or handstand pike practice, may prefer a traditional block shape. Those who are used to a dense block that stays put may find the unBLOK to be a touch too soft and delicate. The foam material also makes it more susceptible to abrasions — although dense and durable for a foam block, its durability doesn't match bamboo or cork options. Yet, with proper care and storage, the unBLOK will support you through many years of practice. Take this one for a spin if you want a versatile block that works for any yoga style, from a sweaty vinyasa to candlelit yin. You'll enjoy the many ways you can use this innovative tool to deepen your body intelligence just as much as we do. If you love the idea of a non-traditional shape, the NamaStrength Cork Wedges and BaseBlocks StrongBlocks are also worth exploring.

Options: None, only comes in "Thunder" grey color; price is for one block

Wallet Friendly Cork Block Set

JBM International Strap and 2-Block Set

Weight (per block): 34.4 ounces | Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in

If you're seeking an incredibly supportive and grounding set of cork yoga blocks at a great price, the JBM International Strap and 2-Block Set is the pair for you. These dense, natural bricks stay where you place them and are strong enough to support the weight of heavier bodies and more weighted poses. The natural cork exterior also stays grippy when wet. We felt comfortable breaking a sweat and could trust our grip when trying complex poses or dynamic moves. This is an excellent set for inversions or handstand training. You can depend on their support in challenging asanas (yoga poses), where stability equals. Plus, we love that these are eco-friendly and give a natural touch to any yoga space.

Remember that the compacted cork of the JBM International blocks makes for an extra-firm prop, which isn't always the most comfortable beneath stiff joints. The firm corners are best suited for strength-focused practices, and they may not feel gentle enough for many yogis when their bodies are compressed on the block in a longer hold or stretch. This set also includes a strap, and although the strap is not as sturdy as other sets we tested, it has a softness that we appreciate when it pulls on the skin. Anyone looking for a prop with a high-performing balance between grip, stability, and durability will be satisfied with this bargain basement price for two solid cork blocks. They stay put, do not compress with use, and support more weight than most competitors.

Options: None, only comes in cork; price is for two blocks and a strap

Best Bang for the Buck

Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block

Weight (per block): 5.8 ounces | Size: 9 x 6 x 4 in

If comfort is your priority, consider incorporating the wallet-friendly Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block into your routine. Gaiam's EVA foam offers a super comfortable block that is soft on the outside but dense enough to provide a stable base for most poses. It is ultralight and easy to flow with during transitions in your practice. The beveled edges are easy to grip, and the non-slip surface provides a decent grip even when dripping with sweat. If you plan on traveling, it weighs much less than most cork options and won't weigh down your bag if you carry it to class. The Essentials Block is one of the most comfortable blocks in our lineup, with gentle yet robust support. Foam is the most relaxing option for yin, gentle stretching, or restorative practices. When laying our hips or spine on this block for several minutes, we felt grateful for the compassionate cushion.

Creature comforts can come at a cost, and the soft support and ultralight construction of the Essentials Block make it a mid-range performer regarding stability, grip, and durability. While this block performed above average when gripping the mat, it did become noticeably slicker when wet. For most poses, you can keep a good grip on its surface, but it requires more body engagement in poses like down dog. If you need a block for hot yoga or sweat a lot, you might prefer a grippier foam or cork. Although this prop is wide and stable, we wish it had more weight for some poses like arm balances or forearm stands. It is also less resilient than many cork blocks and showed surface-level scuffs after aggressive testing. Still, this block offers a trustworthy base to support and deepen most yoga poses, all at a steal of a price.

Options: Multiple color options; available as a pair or bundled with a strap

Ergonomic Wedges for Happy Wrists and Squats

NamaStrength Cork Wedges

Weight (per block): 7.1 ounces | Size: 8 x 4 x 1.65 in

If you have tension in the wrist joint, limited range of motion in the hands, or sensitivity from typing on the computer all day, the eco-friendly NamaStrength Cork Wedges can help support happy wrists. We tested these blocks with people who have various wrist and hand issues and received positive feedback. We used these blocks to play with poses that had previously been too painful for these folks to try, and they helped open up new poses and positions. Online users report successfully using the Cork Wedges to help arthritis, tendinitis, sprains and strains, and accumulated wrist pain from office work. One yogi advised in her review, "If you have pain or strain in your wrist, don't give up on yoga, get these instead." The Cork Wedges are very stable and easy to grip. We were also surprised and delighted that this was our favorite block for calf stretches and squats. Additionally, they are a helpful shape for deepening ankle mobility if your heels don't touch the floor in poses like Malasana (yogic squats).

The Cork Wedges are not traditionally shaped and do not replace a conventional block for many poses; figuring out the best way to use them for your body can take some time. Some users have trouble finding the best hand placement, so we recommend experimenting with the most ergonomic angle to bear weight on your wrists. We appreciate that these cork blocks are lightweight and come with a pouch. They are sturdy and grippy like traditional cork blocks, although the edges are a little crumbly and less durable than other award-winning cork options like the Manduka Cork. Overall, we are excited about how the Cork Wedges provide therapeutic support and are a tool that can open new practice areas or be a targeted mobility prop for wrists and ankles.

Options: None, only comes in one color; price is for two blocks

Strength Training Superblock

BaseBlocks StrongBlocks

Weight (per block): 16.2 ounces | Size: 8.5 x 6.3 x 5.5 in, parallette height: 5.7 in

Are you building strength and grace in your practice? The BaseBlocks StrongBlocks combine traditional yoga blocks with parallettes, a gymnastic tool used for strengthening and handstand practice. You can use the block the way you usually do in your practice and then insert the handle to use the parallette for cross-training. This innovative design is great for supplementary calisthenics, like core work in L-sits, or for traditional yoga movements. The rounded corners on this brick are comfortable to hold, and the tougher-than-average surface is grippy for a foam block. The length you get from the handles gives your feet space to glide through tough transitions while you build movement patterns and muscles. The handle also reduces strain from overextending the wrists, and we love how portable these props are — once you tuck the handles back in the block, they store easily. At two pounds, they are easy to throw in your workout bag or pack for a road trip.

Our testers expressed concern that this block may be too light for some physiques and that the handle is small if you have large hands. If you want something for serious strength training or have a heavier build, then consider buying your blocks and parallettes separately. Our tests found that the StrongBlocs were less stable than other award winners on the medium and high orientations when functioning as a typical yoga block. The irregular surface on the broadest side could also be distracting in some poses. However, the opportunities for strength-building with the parallette made them our favorite ultra-portable set to travel with for yoga and cross-training. This block is an excellent choice to interweave strength and flexibility training into your practice.

Options: None, only comes in black; price is for two blocks

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	88	Manduka Cork Best Overall Yoga Block	$24
	86	Jade Cork	$22
	81	Manduka unBLOK Best Foam Block	$26
	81	NamaStrength Cork Wedges Ergonomic Wedges for Happy Wrists and Squats	$39
	79	JBM International Strap and 2-Block Set Wallet Friendly Cork Block Set	$30
	72	Lululemon Inner Flow	$28
	70	Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block Best Bang for the Buck	$10
	68	REEHUT Yoga Block	$10
	67	Heathyoga Strap and 2-Block Set	$30
	66	Gaiam Block & Strap Combo	$18
	63	BaseBlocks StrongBlocks Strength Training Superblock	$49
	62	Hugger Mugger Bamboo	$31
	49	Wooden-Life Bamboo Block	$28
	45	Trideer 2-Pack	$34

Why You Should Trust Us

We researched multiple options on the market before purchasing the best yoga blocks to compare side-by-side. Over several weeks of testing, we incorporated these blocks into our arm balances, meditation sits, active vinyasa flows, and restorative practices. We bent backward and forward into each block, breathing and extending into our edge, to determine which props offer a good base for deep listening to the body. The best blocks give subtle support so you can find internal space to settle more deeply into your body, exploring new depths of body and mind in your yoga practice.

Our testing of yoga blocks spans four key rating metrics:

• Stability (30% of overall score weighting)

• Slip Resistance (25% weighting)

• Comfort (25% weighting)

• Durability (20% weighting)

Our primary yoga block tester is Kate Pitts, a dedicated Ashtanga yogi and a yoga teacher of Ashtanga, Yin, and Yoga Nidra. She received her certification in 2019 and currently serves as an apprentice with Shala Santosha, where she has opportunities to help students individualize their practice for their wellness needs, like injury recovery or working with terminal illness. She also loves teaching restorative classes and continues her study of Yin Yoga as an apprentice with Durga Excursions. Kate enjoys holding space for students to listen to their bodies and find more freedom from patterns in which they feel stuck, pushing past those edges to greater tranquility and joy. She feels that props can be integrated into your practice to support the system to release tension, explore new challenges, and build strength and grace.

Analysis and Test Results

Whether you have been practicing yoga for decades or are just starting, finding the right props amid a sea of choices may feel overwhelming or confusing. We sifted through this saturated market to thoroughly test the best yoga blocks; from our results and experience in the field, we offer options that will support your unique practice. Our recommendations will help you choose props to inform your self-care and the transformative experience you cultivate on your yoga mat.

Value

We compare and contrast every block or bundle's performance metrics with its price to find the products that offer you the most value. If an affordable product performs high across our scoring metrics, it's an overall high-value option — though other factors can play into this. Versatility is another contributing factor — the most versatile blocks are a good choice because they can fulfill more needs without buying more products. That said, you might want to hone in on options that excel in a particular area. For example, a remarkably comfortable block could be a good investment if you need a gentle cushion for restorative practice or healing from an injury.

Another thing to consider is how many props are appropriate for your practice. For most yoga practices, we recommend having two blocks because they open up possibilities to simultaneously deepen alignment, mobility, and relaxation on both sides of the body. Some yoga blocks are sold as solo props, while others in our lineup come bundled as a pair or with extra accessories like a yoga strap. These factors contribute to overall value, so think about your goals when considering the price. For example, a solo block may score the highest, but a set of blocks that ranked similarly may be of better value.

The Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block, one of the most wallet-friendly options, is an excellent choice for your journey with props — it performs well in both active flows and restorative classes. If you want a set, the Gaiam Block & Strap Combo includes a pair of matching blocks and a yoga strap. Although this set did not perform as high as other award winners in the durability metric because of its less durable foam, it is exceptionally comfortable for most styles of yoga.

The JBM International Strap and 2-Block Set is offered relatively cheaply and scored highly across all our metrics, making it one of the most dependable blocks that can meet the needs of most yogis. In general, blocks made out of cork are the best investment as they are versatile and durable enough to last for years. Plus, it is one of the more sustainable and planet-friendly options. That's high value.

The Manduka UnBlok may have a higher price point than budget foam blocks, but it is significantly more durable and offers exceptional performance for all styles of yoga. Since it provides functional, ergonomic support to sensitive areas like the wrists and spine beyond most yoga blocks, investing in one or even two UnBloks might be worthwhile if you want to treat your body.

Stability

Stability is the most critical metric in our testing of yoga blocks because a well-grounded foundation is essential for safety in many yoga poses. A strong base makes it harder to fall from poses that involve balancing your body weight on a block or two. Safety is a significant consideration when your balance needs a trustworthy foundation to protect delicate structures like the neck in poses like Sarvangasana (shoulder stand). It would be a shame to sustain a yoga injury due to your block slipping out.

We initially measured stability by placing a hand on each block while resting in a comfortable and safe yoga pose. As we twisted and rested our hands on the block faces, we gently shifted our balance to determine how easily each block could tip over. We aim to find which blocks are earthbound, supportive, and secure.

After assessing initial stability, we progressed to balancing through different movements with one leg on a block to see how well the block supported our weight in standing postures. We threw in the occasional hop by piking our feet off the block surface into handstands to compare how each block handled the velocity of an adult yogi's body weight in movement. Stability is critical in dynamic moves that combine balance and strength with the velocity of your movement. For example, stable blocks lessen the risk of faceplanting where you are when leaning forward in arm balances like Bakasana (crow).

While some blocks are stable only at the lowest setting, more substantial blocks made of cork or wood can be stable at medium and high orientations. Stability at higher settings places your hands higher in space, allowing your feet room to pass through the window of your arms. This helps you complete challenging transitions like jump-throughs — maybe without touching a toe to the ground. The JBM International is one of the most stable sets in our test, and we felt grounded even in dynamic arm balances on each orientation of the block. We enjoyed the even weight and grounded sensation of moving with these well-crafted cork bricks.

Cork and bamboo blocks are generally more stable than foam contenders because the materials are denser. The Hugger Mugger Bamboo block is one of the most stable blocks we've tested when it is dry and on a grippy surface. It does not compress or change shape under body weight. It is extra firm, like a strong tree trunk, and an extra inch of length in the design (10" instead of 9") broadens the support base. However, wood blocks can become very slippery when wet, so they are less stable if you are sweating or using them on surfaces with little friction, like wood floors or even some styles of yoga mats. Cork offers unwavering stability because of the combined weight and grip. You can trust the Manduka Cork for dynamic moves like straddling off the blocks into a handstand pike and resting your sacrum on the block for Sarvangasana (shoulder stand). The Jade Cork is also highly dependable as one of the most stable blocks on the market. We love how this block stays and grounds with our body into any pose.

We also love the ergonomic stability of the NamaStrength Cork Wedges. Like other cork blocks, they are grippy and do not budge. The wedge angles offer a more ergonomic grip for bone stacking in foundational and advanced poses. We love how these provide stability to yogis with wrist mobility issues, making poses like handstands and arm balances more accessible. They also help you find healthy alignment in foundational flows like sun salutations.

If you prefer a block that is also lightweight and comfortable, we found several stable foam options. The Gaiam Yoga Essentials Block is firm and broad enough to stabilize delicate balances, primarily when your body exerts downward pressure. Although it is not as stable as cork, sometimes it feels like the best option because it provides a firm yet gentle cushion when you enter a challenging balance.

The Manduka unBLOK was one of the most stable out of the foam blocks we tested because of the firmness of its material, grippy surface, and ergonomic edge. The curved edge engages the body's stability through the principle of bone stacking — imagine aligning your skeleton so that the strength of your bones takes your weight in a pose rather than overstraining muscles. By creating a surface where the bones can line up in the most supportive orientation to bear your body's weight load, this block serves as the foundation from which you can gently deepen your range of motion and find more stable alignment in many poses.

The BaseBlocks StrongBlocks are solid as a thinner yoga block, but we really appreciate how they double as parallettes for strength training. This is a great block to choose if you want to build strength and stability in your practice.

Slip Resistance

You want a block that grips the floor and has enough friction so that you can trust your hands not to slip. We simulated sweat on our hands by spraying them with water to ensure every block received the same moisture. Though it isn't common practice in the studio, we had fun trying each water-soaked block (don't try this at home!) to sort out which ones became a slip-and-slide and which gave our sweaty palms a secure grip. We also wanted to see how slip-resistant blocks were on different surfaces, including carpets and yoga mats of various materials.

After spraying our hands, our tests progressed from cautious hand-sliding to pushing off our feet into arm balances from the wet blocks. The surface texture of each block dictates its slip resistance. Some manufacturers design their yoga props to be slip-resistant, and some materials, like cork, become more grippy when wet. While any block will become slippery when sprayed with enough water, the over-the-top nature of our tests helped reveal the truly top-notch options.

The Manduka Cork, Jade Cork, JBM International Set, and NamaStrength Wedges became more grippy when sopping wet. Consider a cork block or one of the top-performing foam options if you sweat or practice hot yoga.

We trusted the non-slip surface of the foam Manduka UnBLOK for our most challenging moves, and since it is lightweight to carry and easy to hold, it would be our top choice for a sweaty vinyasa class or hot yoga.

We tested blocks side by side on different floor surfaces and yoga mats to see which blocks were the most grounded on the floor. The Lululemon Inner Flow was one of the grippiest foam blocks on any surface and in our hands.

We also appreciate the Gaiam Essentials non-slip surface, which maintained an above-average grip on yoga mats of different materials.

We love the grippy texture of the BaseBlocks StrongBlocks in their yoga block setting and also appreciate the option to grip the handles when our wrists are tender or for complimentary strength training. The Heathyoga Strap and 2-Block Set also has a firm and grippy surface and, with a thinner profile, is especially easy for small hands to hold.

Comfort

When resting on a prop, the middle way is often best; not too hard to relax but also not too soft for actual support. We aim for a sweet spot to land that is "just right." We tested blocks in long holds for up to ten or fifteen minutes, and our bones were not silent about which ones felt like bricks and which allowed us to release. The comparison made us grateful for blocks that are a little more cush. Yoga should feel good. Even if there is temporary discomfort in a stretch, your blocks should help your body feel better in the long run.

Foam is the most comfortable material for yoga blocks. It cushions best when stretching, especially if you are holding poses for long periods, sitting meditation, or flexibility training. We were grateful that the Gaiam Blocks never bit into our skin or distracted us with sharp edges.

The Manduka unBLOK was a favorite of our test team for comfort. The ergonomic curved edge gave our back the most relaxing sessions on the mat, supporting a gentle opening along the spine's natural curvature. Complementing these curves, this block does not poke like traditional square blocks. The unBLOK feels delicious on the lower back in a supported bridge and opens the shoulders in Savasana. The unBLOK is also our favorite for wrist comfort. The curved edge allows you to shift the angle at which you place weight on your wrist so it supports mobility throughout your practice.

On pace with the unBLOK are the NamaStrength Cork Wedges, which have angles of different degrees, allowing you to find the best alignment when you put weight into your wrists. These blocks can be a game changer if you have trouble flattening your wrists. They can open new opportunities for handstand and arm balance practice, helping to comfortably support your body weight. The Lululemon Inner Flow offers a different option for hand sensitivity; the design allows the palms to curl around the block's rounded edge. The curved edge enables the palm to curve, a gentler position to ease tension in tight hands. This round shape may feel nice if you have tightness in the palms or trouble laying your palms flat.

Some yogis prefer the comfortable feel of a rounded edge, and some practitioners found it relieved pain in their hands from conditions like carpal tunnel. This is worth considering if hand pain is one of your primary concerns. Overall, the UnBLOK is our top recommendation for most yoga practices as it addresses the needs of the palms and wrists while still functioning well as a block. The rounded edge of the Inner Flow limits its functionality and comfort at the medium and high orientations for many poses, especially reclined backbends.

We also love the Heathyoga, which has a lower profile and is incredibly comfortable to grip if you have smaller hands. This is a good choice if you need a thinner block to work on flexibility, for example, placing a block under the hips in a reclined Badakonasana (butterfly) or deepening the hip stretch in Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (king pigeon).

If you need a higher seat to work on flexibility, the Gaiam Essentials and Reehut Yoga Block make for a lovely cushion for your next stress-releasing stretch. The Manduka Cork has more beveled edges than other cork options, making it more comfortable on the hands in grips and more forgiving on the back when reclining into backbends.

Durability

Even though we can't test over many years, we design rigorous tests to gauge the resilience of each product. You want a block that does not scratch or scuff easily. Durable blocks also maintain shape and do not compress or dent under pressure. Another consideration is how easy your block is to clean and care for over time. We intentionally scratched and clawed our blocks and monitored their scars after a month of field testing. We found good options that can take a beating and still have years of practice life left.

To test this metric, we measured the blocks before beginning our test process and then observed any changes in size or shape over the testing period. Overall, it is apparent that blocks made of cork and wood hold up better than foam. Bamboo and cork blocks hold their shape and do not compress, though bamboo can show scuff marks more than cork. Foam blocks are ideal for gentler practices, but many pressed in when we sat, stood, and jumped on them. The foam material is also susceptible to surface-level damage, and almost all of our foam blocks had scars after the testing period. If sustainability is a consideration in your choice, cork and bamboo blocks proved to be sturdier and longer lasting.

The Manduka Cork impressed us by not showing a scratch despite testing this block outdoors and scratching it with various implements. Similarly, the Jade Cork surface was impenetrable during our fingernail stab test and didn't flake even with rigorous scratching. The JBM International cork blocks also held up to our strict scrutinizing, though they were less resilient on the edges, which flaked when we scratched too hard (and our test claws were brutal). The NamaStrength Cork Wedges are tough but also flaked on the edges with aggressive scratching. Even though they are durable, we scored them slightly lower because the cork grain is of less quality than other award-winning cork options. That said, they come in a linen travel bag that is easy to store or carry, and with care, they will last you a long practice life.

We recommend the Lululemon Inner Flow, Heathyoga bundle, or the Manduka UnBLOK if you want the softness of an EVA foam block but don't want to sacrifice durability. All three of those options are resilient even though they are foam. The moderate-density foam is more robust than most foam blocks and does not show as much wear and tear. The Inner Flow is the top-performing foam block because it was hard to scratch and showed hardly any wear after sustained use. Scuffs are almost impossible to see on the mottled pattern of this block. The foam is firm and does not noticeably compress under body weight.

If durability in terms of sustainability is your prime focus, you will likely be satisfied with either of the bamboo block options, the Hugger Mugger or the Wooden-Life Bamboo Block. If you want to balance comfort, slip resistance, and durability, the cork and higher-density foam blocks might be a better match for you.

Conclusion

Yoga props can help everyone find healthy alignment, deepen their poses, and try something new. The yoga and fitness market is saturated with options, so we hope our recommendations help guide you to the right prop. We enjoy every practice, from sweaty inversions to peaceful yin holds, which inform our experience and allow us to share the best yoga blocks available. We recommend a soft foam block if you want comfortable support in a compassionate, restorative practice. Cork blocks are more durable and stable, so we recommend those for a sustainable and dependable investment. Some blocks tailored to your specific goals, like strength training or wrist support, might suit your practice intentions. Whatever you choose, blocks are an excellent support for your inner relationship with a pose. As Lesley Fightmaster put it, It's not about the pose. Yoga is an inside job. We hope your chosen prop helps you support peace, strength, and health in your body and mind.

Namaste.