Practice makes perfect - as does a little supportive help
If you’ve ever sighed in envy at the yogi next to you, who can effortlessly get their palms flat on the ground in standing splits and then fly forward, perfectly balanced, in warrior three, it’s time to invest in a yoga block.
Not only can they help modify a pose when you’re wobbling, but more advanced yogis can also use a block to deepen and enhance their practice.
What are yoga blocks used for?
Kind of like a building brick to any good practice, there are many different uses for yoga blocks. As a prop, the block can be used to:
Support tight hips and knees: If you have tight hips, you might find poses like pigeon really uncomfortable. Using a block can help lift the hips and make the posture easier.
Add height and balance to standing postures: Even well-practiced yogis might find it difficult to balance now and again, so having a block to lean a hand on can make all the difference. What’s more, if you struggle to get your hand on the floor in postures like half moon pose, using the block can add extra height and make things feel a little easier.
- Essential reading: The best yoga mats | The best yoga retreats in the world
Add length to certain postures for more advanced yogis: Of course, the more you practice yoga, the easier certain postures will become. If you’re getting a bit bored in your evening flow class, using a block can help you lengthen and challenge yourself.
For a guide to what to look for in a yoga block scroll to the bottom of this article.
To help you work out which to invest in, we’ve rounded up our favorite yoga blocks:
Best for style-conscious yogis
Sweaty Betty Yoga Brick
Buy now: Sweaty Betty (UK) / Sweaty Betty (US) | £10

If you want your block to match your kit and your yoga mat, this Sweaty Betty brick is a good place to start. That said, it doesn’t just look cool, it’s affordable, lightweight and good for beginners and experienced yogis alike.
We were impressed with the weight of the block – it’s light and compact enough to comfortably carry around with you, while still being useful during practice.
The only downside we could find is that it is a little softer than some of the other blocks on this list, so if you’re using it for balance, it might wobble a little.
Dimensions: Length 22.5cm x Width 15cm x Height 7cm
Best for sustainability
Manduka Cork Brick
Buy now: Yogastudio (UK) / Manduka (US) / Amazon | £18

Thicker and more solid than a standard brick, yet still lightweight thanks to its fine-grain cork, this Manduka yoga block is seriously popular, and it’s easy to see why. The rounded edges of the block make it easy to grip, no matter how sweaty your palms might be, and it feels reassuringly solid when using it in balancing postures.
Yogis who are worried about the impact their kit might have on the planet will also be reassured to hear the cork block is naturally renewable and sustainable, with no toxic chemicals used in the manufacturing process.
It’s probably not one to carry around with you, as it’s one of the heaviest blocks on the list. The only other criticism we could find is that this block is one of the more expensive yoga bricks on the list, but if you can afford it, it’s worth it.
Dimensions: Length 23cm, Width 15cm, Height 10cm
Weight: 1.1kg
Manduka Recycled Foam Yoga Block
Buy now: Manduka (US) / Amazon | £15

Extremely soft and comfortable, if you’re a yogi who loves Manduka’s ethos, but wants a soft block to carry around with you, this one ticks all the boxes. The lightweight block is made from at least 50% recycled EVA foam, so is good for the environment, while also being comfortable and supportive during practice.
Slightly larger than some of the other yoga bricks on the list, the Manduka block feels extremely sturdy and supportive, with rounded edges for comfort. The slip-resistant grip is handy for sweatier yoga classes and the firm support is great when you’re trying to balance. Of course, the downside of the heft is that it might take up more space in your backpack, but we’re still a big fan.
Dimensions: Length 23cm, Width 15cm, Height 10cm
Weight: 0.4kg
Best budget block
Yogamatters Yoga Block
Buy now: Yogamatters (UK) / Yogamatters (US) | £6

One of the lightest blocks on test if you’re traveling a lot, this is a great option. It’s also perfect for beginners who might want to invest in two blocks, thanks to its affordable price tag. A little thinner than other yoga bricks on the market, it’s particularly comfortable if you don’t want to be raised too high from the mat in Child’s Pose or Hero Pose.
That said, if you do find you need extra height in standing postures, two of these blocks can easily be stacked on top of one another.
Scratch-resistant and with rounded edges for comfort, the foam block is comfortable to sit on, while still being supportive when used for balance. It’s also available in a wide range of colors to suit every yogi – in our eyes, it’s a good buy.
Dimensions: Length 30cm, Width 20cm, Height 5cm
Weight: 0.15kg
Best for traveling light
Yogamatters Pocket-Sized Cork Wedge
Buy now: Yogamatters (UK) / Yogamatters (US) | £3

If you want a yoga block you can easily slip into your backpack and carry on the underground, or even in your hand luggage to a yoga retreat abroad, look no further. The pocket-sized cork wedge really is just that, and at 0.06kg, it’s extremely lightweight.
It’s probably not a yoga block to use for every session, as a classic block shape will be a lot more versatile, but the wedge can come in handy when it comes to preventing hyperextension, or as a prop in downward-dog to ease the pressure on the wrists.
The obvious downside here is that the wedge won’t be all too useful in certain classes, and you might still need a separate brick. That said, for £3 it’s extremely transportable, it has rounded edges to make it comfortable to use and it’s made from cork, so is eco-friendly.
Dimensions: Length 10cm, Width 9cm, Height 3cm
Weight: 0.06kg
Best for hot yoga
Gaiam Yoga Block
Buy now: Gaiam (US) / Amazon | £6.29

No matter how sweaty your yoga session might get, this block won’t budge. We were impressed at how reassuringly stable the block felt, thanks to the non-slip foam which really does what it says. One of the thicker blocks on the market, it’s a good choice for beginners or those who are particularly inflexible and need the extra inches to make things more comfortable.
A brand you can trust, Gaiam has been making yoga products for over 25 years, so they know exactly what you need when you unroll the mat. The only downside with this one is that it is a little heftier if you’re carrying it with you, but if you’re planning on keeping your yoga block in your living room, this is a good choice.
Dimensions: Length 23cm, Width 10cm, Height 15cm
Weight: 0.68kg
Best for seated postures
Yogamatters Egg Shape Yoga Block
Buy now: Yogamatters (UK) / Yogamatters (US) | £10

We’ll answer the obvious question first – this egg-shaped yoga block is particularly comfortable to sit on, or use under the back in backbends. While it might look odd on your mat, the curved contours of this clever little brick are an absolute game-changer when it comes to the floor section of a yoga class.
Made from EVA foam, the block is soft and comfortable for reclining postures, as well as being soft on the hips and seat bones in seated postures. It’s light enough to carry between classes with you and oddly enough, the egg shape does seem to take up less room in your yoga bag.
Advanced yogis will also find the block handy in forward bends, as moving your hands along the curved edges of the block can deepen the posture. The only downside here is that the egg shape won’t come in too handy when it comes to adding height unless you have a couple to stack on top of one another.
Dimensions: Length 30.5cm, Width 12cm, Height 7.5cm
Weight: 0.4kg
Best for backbends
Yoga Design Lab Yoga Wheel
Buy now: Amazon | £44

Not your average yoga block, this wheel from the Yoga Design Lab is designed to help open the chest, shoulders and back in seated postures. The wheel has been designed to be comfortable as yogis stretch across it, making the transition into backbends smoother for beginners.
Well practiced yogis will also find plenty more uses for the wheel, such as supporting forearm stands and adding core stabilization to postures (just search #DharmaYogaWheel on Instagram for more inspiration).
With a little cushioning on the wheel, the coating is sweat-resistant and easy to grip even with sweaty palms. It’s definitely a more specialized yoga tool, but for those looking to enhance their practice, it can really help.
Dimensions: Width 13cm, Height 32cm
Weight: 1.3kg
Best for beginners who want to practice at home
VLFit Set of Two
Buy now: Amazon (UK) | £7.99

In some postures, it can be handy to have more than one yoga block at your side. This set of yoga bricks might not last forever, but for less than £10 they’re an affordable option.
Made from ECO-friendly EVA foam, the blocks feel solid when used for stability, yet the rounded edges are still soft enough to sit on. The blocks are lightweight enough that if you wanted to, you could easily carry them to class with you and they’re available in a number of different colors to suit every kind of yogi.
A good, affordable option that’s also available on Amazon Prime, so should you need them for tomorrow’s practice, they’ll probably arrive in time.
Dimensions: Length 23cm, Width 15cm, Height 7.5cm
Weight: 0.2kg
What should you look for in a yoga block?
Not all yoga blocks are created equal. Despite being a relatively inexpensive piece of kit, it’s a good idea to invest in one that ticks all the right boxes for you. Here’s what to think about before adding one to your basket:
Weight: If you’re planning on carrying the block with you to and from your yoga class, it’s a good idea to look at the weight of the block, combined with your mat, kit and yoga towel. A foam block, for example, will be much lighter than a wooden block.
Size: Most yoga blocks are around 22cm by 15cm, but some will be thinner or longer. If you’re a particularly short yogi, it’s a good idea to think about how much extra height you need before investing.
Material: Lastly, as well as affecting the weight of the yoga block, the material will affect what you can use the block for. For example, a cork block will be more stable if you’re using the yoga block to balance, but a foam block will be squishier if you’re using the block to sit on or during backbends.