The 7 Best Bath Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

06 May.,2024

 

The 7 Best Bath Mats of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

This bath mat was very easy to wash and dry, but we found some signs of fraying post-wash, which raised some concerns about its long-term durability and appearance. However, this bath mat is one of the least expensive options we tested, and we think its texture and performance lend to its overall value.

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This bath mat performed well in terms of absorption but was pretty middle-of-the-line in terms of drying time. Additionally, while this bath mat remained stable on the floor for the most part, it did move if you pushed hard enough. That being said, we think its slip-resistance is significant enough to suit most people.

Stepping onto a soft bath mat can truly enhance your post-shower experience, and the Sonoro Kate Bathroom Rug offers a plush texture that really stood out during our testing. This microfiber bath mat is made from thousands of individual vertical yarns, visually resembling our best non-slip pick, the Gorilla Grip Bath Rug . We liked that it feels very thick underfoot, providing ample padding and cushioning for added comfort.

During our testing, we found the bath mat did not excel in terms of water management due to the small spaces in between the bamboo slats. When we poured a significant amount of water onto the mat, a lot of it went through the spaces and onto the floor beneath. While this shouldn’t be too much of a nuisance for most when stepping out of the bathtub or shower, it may not be the best pick for households with kids and pets who may produce larger amounts of water.

In terms of construction, we were big fans of the bath mat’s sturdiness and durability. The bath mat proved very slip-resistant, as it was able to withstand pressure without budging or moving at all.

Additionally, while this bamboo bath mat isn’t as soft as fabric bath mats, we still found it to be surprisingly pleasant. Its smooth surface felt quite comfortable, and the bamboo never became slippery, even when wet. Because the bath mat doesn’t hold water, it’s very easy to clean and resistant to bacteria.

Similar to stone bath mats, bamboo bath mats provide a hard surface underfoot, but this product really outperformed most fabric bath mats in most testing categories. During our testing, its aesthetic appeal immediately stood out to us—its chic look contributes to its overall versatility, as it would be a great addition to bathrooms and poolsides alike.

If you dislike the feeling of soggy towels and mildewed fabric bath mats, the ToiletTree Bamboo Deluxe Bath Mat may be for you. Whether you live in a particularly humid climate where fabric drying times are longer, or have a high-traffic bathroom where family members often take back-to-back showers, hard bath mats can help prevent the uncomfortable feeling of a damp fabric underfoot.

During our tests, we were pleased to find this lightweight bath mat is very easy to launder, making it convenient for regular cleaning. Despite some curling around the edges post-wash, this bath mat held up very well with no signs of wear.

This highly absorbent bath mat performed well during our lab tests, but we did notice it didn’t dry out much after 15 minutes, indicating that it might hold onto moisture for longer periods of time. This bath mat also has a latex-sprayed backing, providing grip and stability against the floor.

Made with 100 percent cotton, the L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Bath Mat is a solid and reliable pick. While we found the texture to be exceptionally soft, it was definitely on the thinner side. If you’re looking for something that provides a padded surface when you step out of the shower, you’ll want to opt for a thicker bath mat, such as our best overall Genteele Bath Mat . That being said, its timeless design and decorative border make for a classic look we found to be more stylish than many of the other fabric mats we tested.

You should switch your fabric bath mat out for a new one about once every two years, as fabrics lose their absorbency over time. This will also prevent musty odors. Washing your bath mat every two to four weeks should suffice. On the other hand, hard bath mats made from materials like diatomaceous earth and bamboo may have longer lifespans and won’t need to be replaced or cleaned as frequently.

That being said, its high-quality construction means it's not only one of the most stylish options we tested, but also one of the most durable. It’s also exceptionally easy to clean, and you won’t have to worry about laundering the product. At $90, this bath mat is certainly an investment, but we think it’s well worth the cost, especially if you value performance, durability, and hygiene over comfort.

One of the main drawbacks of stone bath mats is its comfort level. Note that the Dorai Bath Stone Mat won’t provide that familiar plush, soft feeling underfoot. Instead, we found the texture resembled that of a chalkboard, and it was quite cold to the touch underfoot.

In our testing, we found this stone bath mat was one of the fastest drying options we tested. We like that it won’t harbor moisture for long periods of time, which makes it more resistant to bacteria growth. Additionally, this bath mat performed about the same as fabric ones in terms of absorption, but really stood out at preventing any water seepage onto the floor below. We also found this mat is quite stable and doesn’t slide easily under pressure or weight.

Made from ceramic-like diatomaceous earth, stone bath mats are a far cry from their fabric counterparts—but after trying them out for ourselves, we think they’re definitely worth your consideration.

What’s more, it even dried significantly in just 15 minutes. However, testers had varied experiences regarding whether or not there was a significant visual difference between the used and unused areas. While one tester reported the fibers immediately bounced back to their original shape after stepping on the mat, another noted that the fibers stayed matted down after walking away, which made the mat less attractive. All things considered, this issue is really about visual appeal over quality, and we still think this bath mat’s impressive performance earns it a spot on this list.

This microfiber chenille bath mat is constructed with vertical fibers that almost resemble a patch of grass visually. The construction feels quite heavy and durable, and we liked how well it held up after washing and drying. This bath mat provided a comfortable thickness that felt very plush. It was also one of the most absorbent options we tested, as the bath mat soaked up all the water instantaneously.

The Gorilla Grip Bath Rug is aptly named—its heavy-duty rubber backing keeps the mat stable and secure on your floor. This feature is especially important if you plan on placing your bath mat in a high-traffic area, live in a household with children, or have mobility limitations. Even when wet, we found its effective grip did an excellent job of preventing slippage.

While it's machine-washable, the manufacturer recommends letting it air-dry to prevent warping the rubberized back. Post-wash, we did not notice any fraying or wear to the material—however, we did notice the corners of this mat curled slightly inward. Despite these minor drawbacks, this bath mat’s comfort level and slip resistance are hard to beat at this price.

This bath mat also has a thermoplastic rubber backing to help it grip your floors and prevent slipping when you step out of the shower. We found the non-slip backing was highly effective, as it took quite a bit of effort to slide the mat around.

The Lifewit Bath Mat earned high scores in every testing category, and we think it offers exceptional value at its price point of just $23 (considering the median price point of all the options we tested was around $36). Woven from microfiber (a synthetic textile known for its exceptional absorbency), the ultra-thick, high-pile weave is soft and feels fluffy underfoot. Because of the sheer amount of fabric this bath mat is constructed with, we found the dry time quite long compared to other options we tested. Additionally, you’ll want to note this bath mat shed a bit during our tests, so be prepared for frequent vacuuming (at least at first).

Additionally, we appreciate that this product is available in five different sizes and 19 different color options, making it great for most bathrooms and decor styles . Just note larger sizes may be a bit awkward to wash in a standard washing machine.

We laundered this bath mat and were happy to find the care instructions simple—we recommend vacuuming it for a quick refresh before washing. Post-wash, this bath mat maintained its quality quite well, with no fraying or other signs of wear, which can be an issue amongst bath mats with shaggier textures.

Like all of the options on this list, it proved highly absorbent. It effectively locks in water preventing any seepage through to the floor underneath . However, because of its denser construction, you’ll find it has a longer drying time than more lightweight options. Additionally, when we placed the bath mat over the floor, we found that despite some resistance from the grippy bottom, we were still able to move the mat with our foot. It definitely provided adequate slip resistance suitable for most households, but note that it was not the top performer in this category.

Of all the bath mats we tested, our favorite is the Genteele Bath Mat. Made with plush memory foam, we love how cushiony this bath mat feels underfoot, providing luxurious comfort. While many popular bath mats resemble the feeling of a flimsy towel, this one truly feels like a proper bath mat. During our testing, we found that the thick, responsive inner foam layer and velvety-soft microfiber outer material provided an ultra-comfy “sink-in” feeling. This bath mat also stood out in terms of quality and durability, as it feels quite sturdy, soft, and well-made.

Final Verdict

Earning high marks across the board, the Genteele Bath Mats is our best overall bath mat. We're big fans of the cushiony memory foam texture and dense construction. Our best budget pick is the Lifewit Bathroom Bath Mat, which offers a fluffy and soft shag texture along with top-notch slip resistance.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

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How We Tested Bath Mats

To help you make the best choice for your needs, we've tested 29 of the most popular bath mats on the market in The Lab. First, we assessed the comfort of each bath mat, noting the quality, texture, and thickness of each bath mat upon arrival. We observed how the mat felt underfoot, and whether or not it was sturdy or flimsy. While we found that most of the fabric bath mats we tested were quite pleasant underfoot, the most comfortable mats had thicker padding to add a bit of cushiony plushness—however, those bath mats also tended to have longer drying times.

We then evaluated the performance of each bath mat by pouring ¼ cup of water onto each bath mat, noting absorbency. We then inspected whether or not any water seeped through the bath mat and onto the surface underneath. Additionally, we held each mat sideways to see if any water dripped off or if the bath mat successfully held all the water. We also measured the amount of moisture on the bath mat immediately after pouring the water as well as after 15 minutes in order to evaluate the drying time. Finally, we tested slip resistance both before and after getting the bath mat wet, pushing down on the product to see whether or not it moved around. 

Next, we assessed each product’s ease of cleaning, noting whether or not the bath mat required any special instructions, took longer to dry compared to other bath mats, or was particularly difficult to fit into the washer and dryer. After laundering each fabric bath mat, we tested durability by inspecting each product, noting whether or not there were any visual imperfections or signs of wear. A common trend we found during testing was that after drying each fabric bath mat, quite a few experienced some curled edges, which can be common with options that have non-slip backings.

Finally, we assessed the bath mats’ value by comparing their retail prices with their overall quality and performance. We also considered that certain materials may be more expensive than others. We analyzed our testing scores and insights, along with our supplemental research, to compile this list of the best bath mats.

The Spruce / Henry Wortock

What to Look for in a Bath Mat

Material

When deciding on a bath mat, you’ll first want to determine whether you prefer a fabric bath mat or a hard bath mat. Fabric bath mats are more comfortable than hard bath mats, providing a soft surface when you step out of the shower. Most fabric bath mats can be washed and dried normally. Just note that they are more prone to shedding, fraying, and fading over time compared to hard bath mats and will likely have a shorter lifespan.

Fabric bath mats come in various materials, the most common being cotton and synthetic blends such as polyester, chenille, or microfiber. All are notably absorbent, but synthetic fabrics often dry more quickly and resist shrinking compared to natural fabrics. Microfiber is known for its exceptional absorbency, holding several times its weight in water, and it has a luxurious velvety feel.

If you're a fan of microfiber, consider the Lifewit Bathroom Rug Bath Mat (our best budget pick), but if you prefer natural textiles, the L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Bath Mat (our best cotton pick) is also an excellent choice.

Hard bath mats are generally more suited for those who value durability and hygiene over comfort. They are typically made of bamboo, diatomaceous earth, cork, and wood. You won’t need to worry about regularly laundering a hard bath mat, as they usually just need a quick wipe-down whenever you need a refresh. They also will last you longer and won’t need to be replaced as often as fabric bath mats. Because hard bath mats do not harbor moisture as fabric would, they are also less prone to bacteria growth. This also means a faster drying time.

Non-slip Backing

You'll also want to look for an anti-skid, rubberized backing. This will help your bath mat stay in place and safeguard your floors from moisture damage while adding traction underfoot to prevent you from slipping when you step out of the tub or shower. 

All of the bath mats on our list have a rubberized backing, but not all are created equal. In our tests, we found that bath mats with thermoplastic rubber (TPR) and latex backings were more grippy than those with polyvinyl chloride (PVC) backings. Our best for slippery floors pick, the Gorilla Grip Original Chenille Bath Mat, has a TPR backing and stayed very secure for the entire duration of our tests.

Size and Thickness

When shopping for a bath mat, one of the most important things to consider is size. Make sure you get a design small enough to fit comfortably in your bathroom but also large enough to be functional and not just decorative. "Think about your space and how you'll use it," says textile expert Saana Baker of The Textile Eye. "Would a long runner be nice in the space, or perhaps two smaller mats?"

It's a good idea to measure your bathroom, as well as your bathtub and/or shower before ordering a rug. The mat doesn't have to span the entire length of your shower or bath, but it should cover the area where you step out. Need specific dimensions? The Gorilla Grip Bath Rug, our best for slippery floors pick, is available in 12 sizes, so you'll definitely find something that fits your space.

In addition to size, you'll also want to consider the thickness of your bath mat, also referred to as the pile height. While thick rugs like the Sonoro Kate Bathroom Rug (our best soft pick) are nice and plush underfoot, Baker says to make sure there's enough clearance under your bathroom or shower door to prevent it from getting caught. If you don't necessarily want a fluffy mat but instead are looking for a supportive option, our best overall pick, the Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat, has a thick inner core of memory foam for a comfortable standing experience. For a thinner option, we recommend our best cotton pick, the L.L. Bean Premium Cotton Bath Mat.

Care and Maintenance

Most fabric bath mats are machine-washable, though some have to be hand-washed or spot-cleaned. If you want a low-maintenance rug, make sure to confirm it can be washed and dried. Note that some machine-washable bath mats can't be put in the dryer, since the heat may warp the non-slip backing. Other lower-pile options can also be vacuumed, which makes weekly cleaning much easier.

If you want to skip laundering altogether, opt for a hard bath mat, which typically just needs a quick wipe-down. For a deeper clean, you can use soap, water, and a towel.

The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a commerce writer who specializes in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. To compile this list, she consulted lab testing insights, assessed numerous customer reviews, and conducted supplemental research about the topic. All of the products in this roundup met our quality standards during the research process and performed the best during our lab and home tests. She has also worked on numerous other related roundups, including Best Showerheads, Best Towels, and Best Bath Pillows.

Our Experts:

  • Saana Baker, textile expert and creator of The Textile Eye
  • Heather Adams, senior editor at The Spruce

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