Yoga blocks are an incredibly versatile way to enhance your yoga practice.
For beginners, they support flexibility and balance as you lengthen and tone your muscles.
For more advanced yogis, they ease pressure points and improve stability, allowing you to hold difficult poses for longer, and expanding your range of motion.
The versatile shape of yoga blocks allows them to progress along with your practice, because they can be placed on different faces to provide different amounts of height or width as needed.
They are also lightweight and portable, making them easy to take to and from your class or studio along with your yoga mat.
So many yoga classes and studios use yoga blocks as part of their practice, that it’s normal for people to want their own blocks to use in their personal yoga routines.
But there are a lot of different blocks to choose from, and not all are created equal. Here is our review of the best yoga blocks available today.
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To skip ahead to our top recommendations, our favorite yoga blocks are:
The REEHUT Yoga Blocks are lightweight and sturdy, made of non-toxic EVA foam. They are non-slip and moisture proof, available in a good range of colors. They are a good choice for a less dense, softer yoga block to support flexibility and balance.
The Clever Yoga Yoga Blocks are also lightweight, and made of non-toxic EVA foam. They resist odor and bacteria, and are easy to clean. The bi-color design is bright and attractive, and the denser foam of these yoga blocks make them a good choice for poses where they need to support your weight.
YOGU Yoga Blocks come in non-toxic EVA foam, but are also available in natural cork wood if you want more firm support from a natural material. They are moisture-resistant and slip resistant, and also available in a smaller, 9x6x3 inch size if you prefer the smaller yoga block.
Editor Pick Best Yoga Blocks
Yoga Blocks Buying Guide
There are a few things that all yoga blocks have in common, so here’s an overview of things to know when you are shopping for yoga blocks.
Standard Yoga Block Size
Most yoga blocks come in a standard size of 9 x 6 x 4 inches, while some are available in a slightly smaller size of 9 x 6 x 3 inches.
Generally speaking, the larger size is better for beginners, because the extra width provides more stability when it is on edge, and more height when it is laid flat. It’s a better size for people who need security and stability as well as support.
The smaller size is usually better for more advanced yoga students, who have greater balance and flexibility.
However, many yoga studios teach and practice with the smaller size, in 9 x 6 x 3 inches. If that is the size you practice and are comfortable with, it’s best to stay with that size regardless of your ability level.
Beveled Edges
Almost all yoga blocks that are made of foam have beveled edges, while blocks made of cork have either beveled or rounded edges. This is to provide extra comfort while gripping, leaning, or laying on the block.
Low quality yoga blocks will have inconsistencies in size and bevel angles.
These inconsistencies will usually not be noticeable when you are using a single block, but may become quite noticeable if you are using two at a time, and need the same amount of height, support, and grip on both blocks.
Yoga Block Materials
Eva Yoga Block
Most modern yoga blocks are made of EVA foam. EVA foam is the same material frequently used in pool noodles, craft foam, cushioned summer sandals, and more.
It is a closed cell thermoplastic foam, known for being soft, durable, water resistant, shock absorbing, and insulating. It comes in various densities depending on the product.
EVA is considered environment-friendly because it has no chlorides, heavy metals, phenols, or latex, and is manufactured with no production waste, so there are no wasted resources during the manufacturing process.
From a manufacturing process, it is highly recyclable, because old EVA foam can easily be made into new EVA foam.
However, post-consumer recycling opportunities are extremely limited, and few businesses specialize in recycling this plastic material. EVA foam yoga blocks range from soft to stiff, depending on the brand.
Cork Yoga Block
Cork is a natural product made from the bark of cork trees. Cork is harvested once the trees reach maturity, and the process of harvesting cork does not harm the tree; the bark heals, and is later harvested again.
Cork trees live an average of 300 years, and cork is harvested every 9 years or so. Because cork is a valuable resource that can be harvested without killing trees, it is considered to be a highly sustainable material.
Cork is naturally lightweight, firm, springy, and water-resistant, making it useful in yoga blocks as well as for wine stoppers, sandals, and other common products.
Read Also: 5 Best Cork Yoga Mats
In yoga blocks, cork is usually firmer and denser than foam, so it is more sturdy and supportive in poses where the block needs to support your weight.
It is not as comfortable, however, for some poses where you lay or lean on the block, and cork is heavier when traveling.
If you want to get the most use out of a cork yoga block, consider periodically applying a cork sealant. Sealing the cork will help it resist water, prevent drying out and crumbling, and preserve it for longer.
8 Best Yoga Blocks Review
1. REEHUT Yoga Block
The REEHUT Yoga Block comes in a set of one or two yoga blocks, and available colors include black, purple, grey, blue, pink, and turquoise. The blocks are made of high-density EVA foam, so they are lightweight and sturdy. They are moisture-proof and non-slip, so they provide stability and won’t slip even when you sweat. They are also 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly.
PROS:
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Non-slip and moisture resistant
- No chemical smell
- Also comes in 9 x 6 x 3 inch size
CONS:
- Might not be dense enough to support your entire body weight if you’re a tall person
2. Yoga Block by Clever Yoga
The Yoga Block by Clever Yoga is sold individually, and these blocks are bi-colored, available in blue/grey, blue/light blue, and purple/blue colors. They weigh less than 7 ounces, and are made of high-density EVA foam. These blocks are sturdy and stable, with only a slight give.
The closed-cell foam won’t absorb moisture, so they remain supportive and non-slip during a yoga session. The closed cells also make them resist bacteria and make them easy to clean. EVA foam is non-toxic and eco-friendly. This yoga block is backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
PROS:
- Sturdy and super lightweight
- Resists odor and bacteria, and is easy to clean
- Dense enough to support your entire body weight, with only a slight give under pressure
CONS:
- The blocks are a bit soft and should be a bit more dense
3. YOGU Yoga Blocks
The YOGU Yoga Blocks come in a set of one or two, and are available in black, blue, grey, pink, purple, or turquoise, or in natural cork wood. They are also available in the smaller, 9 x 6 x 3 inch size.
The colored blocks are made of high-density EVA foam, and are slip-resistant. The cork wood blocks are made of real cork wood, which is naturally dense and supportive, with some give. These yoga blocks are backed by a 90-day satisfaction guarantee and a 1-year warranty, however, they do charge shipping when they are returned.
PROS:
- Sturdy and lightweight
- Also comes in 9 x 6 x 3 inch size
CONS:
- A bit small if you’re using props when doing yoga
4. Gaiam Yoga Block
The Gaiam Yoga Block is sold individually, and comes in a wide range of colors, including apple green, black, blue teal, deep purple, fuchsia, grey, lush teal, marbled granite, purple, storm grey, and vivid blue. It also comes in three tri-color options, including skyline and teal tonal colors, and in premium decorated black, and natural cork wood options.
The colored blocks are standard density, made of durable, latex-free EVA foam, and weigh just 4.6 ounces. They are easy to grip and have a non-slip surface. They can be spot-cleaned if necessary.
PROS:
- Wide range of color options
- Easy to clean
- Extremely light weight
CONS:
- Standard density foam is soft, and may not be supportive enough for some poses
5. Fledo Yoga Blocks (Set of 2)
The Fledo Yoga Blocks come in a set of two, with a choice of colors including blue, grey, purple, rose red, and turquoise. They are made of durable, eco-friendly EVA foam. They are non-absorbent to resist moisture and bacteria, and are easy to clean.
PROS:
- Portable and light weight
- Come in a good range of colors
- Affordable price
CONS:
- Foam is inconsistent density, which may reduce stability
- Beveling is inconsistent size, which may impair grip
6. yogree Yoga Blocks
The yogree Yoga Blocks come in single blocks or a set of two, and are available in black, blue, grey, lavender, purple, or turquoise. They are made of high density EVA foam, and are lightweight and non-slip. They resist moisture and bacteria, and are easy to clean.
PROS:
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
CONS:
- Sets of two may not be identical with each other in size
- Foam is soft and not very dense
7. Peace Yoga Set of 2 Cork Wood Yoga Blocks
The Peace Yoga Set of 2 Cork Wood Yoga Blocks come in a pair of natural cork wood blocks with an attractive shell design. Cork wood is naturally dense and supportive, with just a little give for comfort. Cork also naturally resists moisture and slipping.
PROS:
- Cork is a natural material
- Design is attractive
CONS:
- Cork is dry and chips on the edges, making these blocks less durable
- Cork is heavier than foam
8. Heathyoga Yoga Block (2 Pack) and Yoga Strap Set
The Heathyoga Yoga Block (2 Pack) and Yoga Strap Set pairs a set of two 9 x 6 x 3 inch yoga blocks with a matching yoga strap. The set is available with bi-color blocks in grey, green, purple, and red. The blocks are made of high-density EVA foam, with a closed cell structure that doesn’t absorb moisture and resists bacteria. They have a slip-resistant surface for security and stability. The included strap is 8 feet long and 1½ inches wide, with 2 adjustable D rings. The strap is made from organic cotton.
PROS:
- Complete set of blocks and strap is good for beginners
- Blocks are available in attractive colors
- Blocks are naturally non-slip and moisture resistant
CONS:
- Strap is often missing from the shipment, or inconsistent with the product description
FAQs:
Is it best to get one block or two?
Generally speaking, it is best to get two matching yoga blocks, even if you feel that you only need one right now.
There are a few reasons for this.
One is that it is best to allow blocks to dry out thoroughly between uses, to prolong the life and density of the foam. Rotating between two different blocks allows each one to dry completely.
The second reason is that there are some poses or workouts that require two blocks, and you will want both blocks to be the same size, shape, weight, and density.
If you start with one block and add another later, even if it’s the identical product, it’s likely that the newer block will be firmer or have more defined edges than the old one, and the difference will be noticeable in poses where you need bilateral or symmetrical support.
For most people, it’s best to get two and, if you are only using one, alternate between them.
How do I know what yoga block density is right for me?
When using a yoga block to support balance in poses like trikonasana, baddha konasana, child’s pose, and others, the block is there to help you develop flexibility. It isn’t fully supporting your weight, it’s just improving your balance and stability.
For these poses, or for bridge and fish pose, a less dense, slightly softer block is ideal for your comfort.
However, in poses and workouts where your full body weight is on the blocks, for hand-, head-, or arm-stands, or for sitting or lying on the block, a yoga block needs to be firm enough to remain stable when it is supporting your entire body weight.
It also needs to be durable enough to support your weight and return to form, giving you the same support workout after workout.
Unfortunately, there are no industry standard benchmarks for firmness, so there is often no better solution than to try different blocks in different poses and see what works best for you.
Conclusion
For an all-purpose, lightly supportive, durable yoga block, we recommend the REEHUT Yoga Block. These blocks are affordable, durable, attractive, supportive, and lightweight. The non-toxic foam is moisture resistant, and won’t slip or skid during your practice. We like the choice of colors, and the choice of sizes. It’s a good option for most poses and uses.
For more advanced yogis who have more specific needs in a yoga block, we recommend the Gaiam Yoga Block as a good alternative. Gaiam is a respected name in yoga equipment, and their blocks are sturdy, durable, and reliable.
We like that Gaiam has so many options in yoga blocks, so you can choose between large and small sizes, foam or cork materials, and different block densities to get the level of support that is perfect for your yoga practice. They are also available in attractive colors and patterns that simply look nice when you are using them. The wide range of options means that Gaiam has the yoga block that is perfect for your needs, whatever they are.
Allen Wei is someone who believes in living his best life, focusing on balance, happiness, and relaxation. He fosters a positive lifestyle in terms of his body, mind, and environment, and he is a huge proponent of learning to be balanced via relaxation techniques integrated into our busy lives.
