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Searching for the best yoga blocks for beginners? This list of the top 10 yoga blocks on the market has got you covered!
Yogis rely on yoga blocks and yoga bolsters to make poses more comfortable, improve their flexibility, and generally take their yoga practice to the next level.
Whether you are new to yoga or have been practicing for years, a pair of yoga blocks is an important part of your workout for safety, comfort, and advancing your skill level.
As a yogi and certified yoga teacher with more than a decade of experience, I’ve put together this list of the top yoga blocks on the market, plus how to choose the right one for you.
In a hurry? Click here to see my favorite yoga block now!
Read more:
- The Ultimate Guide to the Best Yoga Bolster for You
- The Absolute 8 Best Travel Yoga Mats for Your Next Adventure
- Ultimate Guide to the Best Meditation Chair with Back Support
Best Yoga Blocks for Beginners Comparison Chart
Check out our yoga blocks comparison chart to decide which is best for you.
Yoga blocks come in different shapes, sizes, weights, materials, and price ranges. You’ll find more information on how to choose the best one for you on my buying guide below.
You can also read more information on each one of the most recommended yoga blocks for beginners in my detailed reviews below.
Name | Shape | Size (inches) | Material | Extras | Our Rating (/5) | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manduka unBLOK | Rounded side | 9.1 x 5.9 x 3.9 | Recycled EVA foam | No | 5 | See price on Amazon |
Hugger Mugger | Rounded edges | 9 x 5.5 x 3.5 | Ethically sourced cork | No | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
42 Birds | Brick-shaped | 9 x 6 x 4 | Recycled premium cork | No | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
Gaiam Yoga Brick | Brick-shaped | 9 x 5.5 x 3 | Recyclable cork | No | 4.9 | See price on Amazon |
IUGA | Beveled edges | 9 x 6 x 3 | EVA foam | Set of 2 blocks and a yoga strap | 4.8 | See price on Amazon |
Hugger Mugger Bamboo | Brick-shaped | 10 x 6 x 4 | Bamboo | No | 4.3 | See price on Amazon |
JBM | Brick-shaped | 9 x 6 x 4 | EVA foam | Set of 2 blocks and a yoga strap | 4.7 | See price on Amazon |
Gaiam Latex-Free | Beveled edges | 9 x 6 x 4 | Latex-free EVA foam | No | 4.6 | See price on Amazon |
Reehut | Beveled edges | 9.1 x 5.9 x 4 | EVA foam | No | 4.4 | See price on Amazon |
Manduka | Radius edges | 9.1 x 5.9 x 3.9 | Recycled EVA foam | No | 4.8 | See price on Amazon |
Yoga Block Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Yoga Block for You
There are a few things to consider when selecting the best yoga block for you.
The material that is made of, the firmness, and the size, all these factors play an important role in getting the most out of your yoga blocks.
Material
You can purchase yoga blocks made from different kinds of materials. From foam and cork to bamboo, the selection is enormous.
It’s important to remember that each material has its pros and cons though.
Cork is a natural ingredient and it is very slip-resistant and firm, but it’s heavy.
EVP foam, on the other hand, is softer, less slip-resistant, but lighter, more portable, and very affordable.
I also recommend opting for eco-friendly yoga blocks made of ethically sourced and recycled materials, for a more ethical and sustainable yoga workout.
Firmness
How you plan to use your yoga block will affect how firm or soft you want it to be.
If you plan to support your head or neck, a softer foam block would be beneficial, while it would be better to use a firm block for achieving balance or supporting more weight.
Even foam yoga blocks can be dense and very firm depending on how they are manufactured, so it’s important to pay attention to these details when purchasing your yoga block.
Size and weight
Yoga blocks come in different sizes and weights. This is mostly a matter of preference, but it also determines how your yoga block performs.
If you have smaller hands, I recommend a block that is 3-inches wide, not the standard 4-inches, since this will give you a better grip.
The size also affects the weight of your block and how sturdy your yoga block feels.
If you plan to travel with your yoga blocks, then size and weight should also come into consideration.
Remember that the best yoga blocks are those with a balance between these two factors though. This will allow you to feel comfortable and safe while using your yoga block.
Top 10 Best Yoga Blocks for Beginners
Manduka unBLOK Recycled EVA Foam Yoga Block
The Manduka unblock is a nice recycled EVA foam yoga block that is unique in its design. Unlike most yoga blocks, which are brick-shaped, this yoga block has a rounded side.
Many yogis like using this block for restorative yoga and to prepare for back-arching poses.
Its unique ergonomic shape, which helps to achieve certain poses more easily, is also great for beginners.
The unBlock is made from very durable, recycled EVA foam, measures 3.9 x 5.9 x 9.1 inches, and weighs 10.6 ounces. The EVA ensures that the block is easy to keep clean, lightweight, and will last a long time.
The size also makes it sturdy on its end and will work for most yogis.
If you are looking for a block to help give you balance or a foam block that is an eco-friendly option, this is the perfect one for you.
Pros:
- Ideal for restorative yoga and backbends
- Easy to clean
- Lightweight yet sturdy
- Very durable
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Its round-shaped size may not please everyone
Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block
The Hugger Mugger cork block is a favorite among many yogis.
It is ethically sourced from natural cork using a sustainable harvesting process.
Unlike many cork yoga blocks, this one weighs only one-pound thanks to the type of cork used in its construction. This means that it’s light and easy to take along to your favorite class.
This block has rounded edges and a naturally slip-resistant surface that does not emit gasses. This makes it one of the most environmentally friendly and ethical products on this list.
Its size of 3.5 x 5.5 x 9-inches is a good in-between size, not too thick or thin, and very versatile.
Beginners will love the size, weight, and durability of this yoga block.
The eco-friendly materials put it over the top and make it a yoga block that any yogi would be proud to have in his or her studio.
Pros:
- Made of ethically sourced natural cork
- Slip-resistant surface
- Very stable and firm
- Versatile
- Durable
Cons:
- May feel too heavy for some yogis
Order the Hugger Mugger Cork Yoga Block here.
42 Birds 100% Recycled Cork Yoga Block
The 42 Birds Recycled Cork Yoga Block is made from recycled premium cork mats, mostly from Portugal and Spain.
Not only does it recycle this natural, sustainable source, it is also antimicrobial and self-cleaning.
The blocks measure 9 x 6 x 4 inches, a standard size for many yoga blocks. Each block weighs 2.2 pounds and is very firm.
This means that the block is more stable, but also more challenging to take with you to class or on vacation.
If you plan to use this block in your home or leave it in a studio, this would be a good choice for you though.
Another point to consider is that 42 Birds brand is involved in preservation efforts and donates a portion of their proceeds from each purchase to non-profit organizations that support cork forests and wildlife.
If you want to have a great yoga block and feel good about your purchase, look no further.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Antimicrobial and self-cleaning
- Very stable and firm
- Environmentally conscious brand
Cons:
- Heavier than other options on this list
Click here to buy the 42 Birds Recycled Cork Yoga Block.
Gaiam Cork Yoga Brick
The Gaiam cork yoga brick is another great eco-friendly yoga block option. This one is made from 100-percent natural, recyclable cork.
It is a small yoga block, measuring 9 x 5.5 x 3-inches and weighing 1.65 pounds. For a budget cork yoga block, it is fairly light, but that has more to do with its smaller dimensions than the material used in its construction.
If you prefer a smaller cork block, this is the right one for you.
However, do keep in mind that if you plan to travel with these blocks, they are a little heavy for their size.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Ideal for those who prefer smaller blocks
- Comfortable and firm
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Heavy for its size
Get the Gaiam Cork Yoga Brick here.
Iuga EVA Foam Yoga Block
This foam yoga block by Iuga is a great option for those who like to travel with their own blocks.
This set includes two blocks measuring 9 x 6 x 3-inches and weighing approximately 10 ounces each. As a bonus, it also comes with a yoga strap.
The edges are beveled for comfort. Combined with the 3-inch depth, it is great for yogis with smaller hands.
The EVA foam is dense, meaning it is strong and resistant to bacteria and odor and is easy to clean. If it gets dirty, water and a mild soap will do the trick.
This is an excellent light option that is also smaller in size, thus more travel-friendly than a larger foam or cork yoga block.
Pros:
- Great for travel
- Set of 2 blocks and a yoga strap
- Very comfortable
- Perfect for yogis with smaller hands
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- May feel too small for bigger yogis
Order the Iuga Yoga Block here.
Hugger Mugger Bamboo Yoga Block
If you are looking for a very firm home studio yoga block that feels sturdy and secure, you’ll enjoy using a bamboo yoga block.
This one by Hugger Mugger has a hollow core that keeps the weight down to a manageable 2.49 pounds.
It is larger than other yoga blocks at 10 x 6 x 4-inches, but that improves its stability.
Bamboo is a strong, sturdy material. It is also a sustainable resource, making this block very environmentally-friendly.
The major downsides to wooden yoga blocks are the weight and the fact that they aren’t as slip-resistant as foam or cork.
However, if you feel more secure with a heavier, less wobbly block, this one is a good option.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Very sturdy and secure
- More stable than smaller blocks
- Durable material
Cons:
- Not as slip-resistant as foam or cork
Buy the Hugger Mugger Bamboo Yoga Block here.
JBM High-Density EVA Foam Yoga Block
If you want a sturdy EVA foam block with a bit of weight to it, then the JBM EVA foam yoga block is a great option.
This dense EVA foam is heavier than some of the others on this list. But that extra weight makes the product feel stable, while still much lighter than cork.
This 9 x 6 x 4-inch deep block weighs only 11.2 ounces.
If you enjoy traveling with your yoga blocks and want a sturdy size and weight, this is a no-brainer.
Pros:
- Sturdy and stable
- Lighter than cork or bamboo
- Great for travel
Cons:
- Heavier than other products on this list
Gaiam Latex-Free EVA Yoga Block
Offering the same slip resistance and antimicrobial benefits of EVA foam, the Gaiam Latex-Free Yoga Block is perfect for those allergic to latex or with health or skin concerns.
This block is by far the lightest on this list, weighing only 4.6 ounces and measuring 9 x 6 x 4-inches. This means it’s incredibly light if you like to travel with your yoga blocks.
However, it may also feel too light to offer you stability, which is important during yoga for both safety and effective relaxation. Keep that in mind as something to consider if you choose this yoga block.
The Gaiam Latex-Free Yoga Block comes in a variety of colors, which will make it easy to match up to your yoga mat or yoga bag, for maximum comfort and style.
Pros:
- Lightest yoga block on this list
- Perfect for travel
- A great option for yogis allergic to latex
- Slip-resistant and antimicrobial
- Wide variety of colors
Cons:
- Not as stable as other heavier options
Click here to order the Gaiam Latex-Free Yoga Block.
Reehut EVA Foam Yoga Block
A great and inexpensive yoga block that is perfect for beginners or to have on hand in a studio is the Reehut EVA Foam Yoga Block.
This yoga block is made with an extra dense foam that is on the firm side. This is great for restorative poses.
This block measures 9.1 x 5.9 x 4-inches and weighs 5.6 ounces, but is also available in a 3-inch depth that weighs 4-ounces.
The only problem with the smaller option is that due to its depth and low weight, it may not be the most stable block when you need true stability.
If you’re looking to increase your yoga block collection or try out yoga blocks for the first time, these yoga blocks have lots of options and come in at a very low cost.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Available in two different sizes
- Firm and stable
- Great for beginners
Cons:
- The smaller option offers less stability
Click here to buy the Reehut Yoga Block.
Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
The Manduka recycled foam yoga block is another great option for the eco-conscious yogi.
This EVA foam yoga block is made from at least 50-percent recycled foam from both industrial and post-consumer resources.
It is firmer than most foam blocks and retains the best advantages of EVA yoga blocks.
It measures 9.1 x 5.9 x 3.9-inches and weighs a mere 9.6 ounces. For a standard-sized yoga block, this is actually very light.
This yoga block has rounded radial edges, which some people prefer over a beveled edge since it allows you to use your hand flat more easily than a narrower edge.
If you wish to take your yoga blocks with you to class and like having a standard block, this is the perfect choice for you.
Pros:
- Eco-friendly
- Firmer than most foam blocks
- Very light
- Radius edges for maximum comfort
Cons:
- May feel too rigid for some yogis
Get the Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block here.
So there you have it. The best yoga blocks on the market for beginners, for a comfortable, safe, and advancing yoga practice.
At the end of the day, only you can determine which yoga block will work best for you. Consider your practice level and style and how you would like these to evolve in the future.
And don’t be afraid to explore the different options on this list until you find the right match.
Read more:
- 10 Best Travel Yoga Pants: Versatile, Comfy, & Stylish
- 12 Best Organic Yoga Clothes for Travel or the Studio
- Top 10 Best Yoga Shoes for Travel and Outdoors
- 10 Best Mexican Yoga Blankets: Ultima Guide to Buying & Using
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