Head to head
Amazon Basics Yoga Blocks vs Gaiam Yoga Block (2026)
Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks vs Gaiam Yoga Block compared: pair against single, cost, foam, and which block you should buy.
#1 in our rankings · Best overall
Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2
Best for: Most home practices, and anyone who wants one block under each hand for symmetrical poses.
#2 in our rankings · Best single block
Gaiam Yoga Block
Best for: Seated meditation, hip openers, and anyone who needs one block to add to a block they already own.
Our recommendation
Buy the Amazon Basics pair if you want two blocks for two-handed poses: it costs less per block than any single here and covers far more poses. Buy the Gaiam Yoga Block if you need one block for seated work, hip openers, or to add to a block you already own. Both are 9 by 6 by 4 inches of foam, but one is a pair and one is a single, and that decides it.
Pair against single
The Amazon Basics set gives you two matching blocks, so both hands get the same lift in downward dog, triangle, and seated forward bends. The Gaiam block is sold one at a time, which suits seated meditation and hip openers, but leaves you short for any two-handed pose. If you are unsure, the pair is the safer buy.
Foam and edges
Both blocks are EVA foam with a non-slip surface, but the edges differ: the Amazon Basics blocks have rounded edges, while the Gaiam block has beveled edges. Both stay comfortable in long holds. The Gaiam foam is latex-free, which matters if latex is a concern, while the Amazon Basics foam is high-density and a little firmer under a palm.
What they share
Both are 9 by 6 by 4 inches, both are light enough to carry to class, and both wipe clean with a damp cloth. Neither matches cork for standing balance work, and neither should be expected to: both are foam blocks built for general practice, and both do that job well for very little money.
Choose Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2 if…
- You want a block under each hand
- You want the lowest cost per block
- You practise standing poses and stretches
Choose Gaiam Yoga Block if…
- You need one block for seated work
- You already own a block and want a second
- You want latex-free foam with beveled edges
Spec-by-spec comparison
| Spec | Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2 | Gaiam Yoga Block |
|---|---|---|
| Price tier | Budget | Budget |
| Material | High-density EVA foam | Latex-free EVA foam |
| Dimensions | 9 x 6 x 4 inches each | 9 x 6 x 4 inches |
| Pack | Set of 2 | - |
| Colour | Black | Black |
| Edges | Rounded | Beveled |
| Weight | - | 4.6 oz |
| Best for | Most home practices, and anyone who wants one block under each hand for symmetrical poses. | Seated meditation, hip openers, and anyone who needs one block to add to a block they already own. |
| Skip if | You want the firmest possible support for standing balance work, or you need a wedge shape for your wrists. | You need a block under each hand, or you want the firmest support for standing balance poses. |
Strengths and limitations
Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2
Strengths
- Two standard 4 inch blocks in one set, so both hands get the same lift in poses like downward dog and triangle.
- The rounded edges stay comfortable in long holds, where a crisp corner would dig into the palm.
- The high-density foam wipes clean with a dry cloth, and the pair is light enough to carry to class in one tote.
Limitations
- The foam is cut rather than moulded, so the two blocks in a pair can differ slightly in height when stacked.
- Soft foam dents under a full standing load, so a foot on the block feels less steady than on cork.
- The plain black foam scuffs easily on rough floors, and marks show on the dark surface.
Gaiam Yoga Block
Strengths
- The beveled edges stay comfortable through a long stretch, whether the block sits under a hip, a sacrum, or a hand.
- At 4.6 oz it is light enough to carry to a studio without noticing it in the bag.
- The latex-free EVA foam has a non-slip surface that holds still on the mat, and it spot-cleans with mild detergent.
Limitations
- The foam has a slight give, so under a heel in a standing lunge it feels vague next to a cork block.
- It is sold one at a time, so a pair costs double and buyers who need two should buy a set instead.
- The soft foam picks up marks from shoes and rough floors, and the black colour shows dust.
How they fit the wider field
- Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2: ranked #1 (Best overall) in The Best Yoga Blocks. Read the full Amazon Basics Non-Slip Yoga Blocks, Set of 2 review.
- Gaiam Yoga Block: ranked #2 (Best single block) in The Best Yoga Blocks.
Neither one quite right? The full rankings cover 10 picks matched to different buyers.
Made your call?
Questions, answered
Which one is better for a home practice?
The Amazon Basics pair, for most home practices, because two blocks cover standing poses, seated work, and stretching. The Gaiam block is better only if you genuinely need one block, for seated meditation or a hip opener.
Can I mix the two?
Yes. Both are 9 by 6 by 4 inches, so a Gaiam block pairs neatly with an Amazon Basics block. The heights match, which is what matters, though the colours and edges will differ.
Which one lasts longer?
Both last well with normal use. The Gaiam latex-free foam resists hardening a little better in sunlight, while the Amazon Basics high-density foam holds its shape well under a palm. Store either out of direct sunlight and both will last years.