I have been practicing yoga five days a week for over five years, and blocks are the one prop I refuse to skip. They save my wrists in low planks and let me actually reach the floor in standing forward folds. After cycling through cork, EVA foam, and bamboo blocks, these are the ones I keep using.
Quick Comparison
| Product | Material | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Manduka Cork Block | Cork | Stable support |
| Gaiam Essentials Foam | EVA foam | Beginners |
| Hugger Mugger Cork | Cork | Hot yoga |
| Lotuscrafts Cork | Cork | Eco buyers |
| BalanceFrom GoYoga Set | EVA foam | Budget two-pack |
1. Manduka Cork Block - Best Overall
This is the block I reach for every single morning. Dense, heavy in a reassuring way, and the rounded edges actually save your hands when you stack two on top of each other for an inversion prep. Cork grain provides real grip even when my palms are sweaty. It is the priciest single block I own, but it has survived five years of being kicked, dropped, and tossed in a sweaty bag. Buy two if your budget allows.
2. Gaiam Essentials Foam - Best for Beginners
When my partner started yoga I bought her a pair of Gaiam foam blocks because they are cheap, light, and forgiving. The EVA foam is firm enough to hold weight without crushing but soft enough that landing a knee on one does not hurt. They are not ideal for standing poses where you press into the block, because they compress, but for seated work and restorative practice they are perfect.
3. Hugger Mugger Cork - Best for Hot Yoga
I compared this block during a 90-minute hot class and it absorbed sweat without going slick the way foam does. Slightly lighter than the Manduka with a finer cork grain. The surface darkens with use, which I think looks great, but if you care about appearance be aware. Solid mid-priced option that has held up well after a year of three classes a week.
4. Lotuscrafts Cork - Best for Eco Buyers
Lotuscrafts uses cork from Portuguese oak forests harvested without felling the tree, which I appreciate. Build is on par with Hugger Mugger, slightly softer corners. I keep one in my office for desk stretches because the price is friendly and the quality does not feel compromised. A good pick if sustainability is on your checklist.
5. BalanceFrom GoYoga Set - Best Budget Pair
If you need two blocks and a strap for under twenty dollars, this is the set. The foam is slightly softer than Gaiam and the molding shows seam lines, but for a guest room or kids practicing along you cannot beat it. I have used this exact set at three Airbnbs and they always do the job.
How to Choose
Material is the big decision. Cork blocks last decades, grip beautifully when wet, and feel stable in standing poses, but they weigh more in a tote bag. Foam blocks are featherlight, cheap, and gentle on joints, but they compress under hard pressure and squeak on hardwood. If you only buy one pair, go cork. If you travel often or need them for restorative practice, go foam. Size matters too. The standard 4x6x9 covers most adults, but taller or stiffer bodies often appreciate the 5x8x10 dimension for extra height in folds.
Frequently asked questions
Cork or foam for beginners?+
Foam if you mostly use blocks for support under your hands or hips during seated work. Cork if you do a lot of standing balances where you need a stable surface that does not compress.
Do I need one block or two?+
Two. Most class sequences and home routines will eventually call for one under each hand or both under your sit bones, and having only one limits your options.
What size block should I buy?+
Standard 4x6x9 inches works for most adults. Taller practitioners or anyone with limited flexibility may prefer the slightly larger 5x8x10 size for more lift.