7 Best Meditation Benches of 2023 | Folding, Arched, Angled, and More!
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7 Best Meditation Benches of 2022

The Mindful & Modern and Bluecony meditation benches are a great choice for your practice.

By PS EDITORS | Reviewed by HANNAH SCHMIDT

Last Update: December 10, 2022

​Disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you purchase through our links. Read more here. 

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  • Sitting cross-legged for long periods of meditation is no picnic.

  • A top-rated meditation bench can help with comfort and proper posture.

  • Use this guide to find the best companion for your practice.

  • Also, check out the ten best yoga blocks of 2022.

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What's Covered In This Article:

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How comfortable you are during meditation depends on what you choose to sit on.

 

There are two ways to go about it – practice yoga poses to increase flexibility until you can sit for long periods or invest in supportive props for kneeling poses. The former is the best way to do it, but it can take months, if not years, of practice.

 

The second option involves investing in the best meditation bench you can afford.

 

“Meditation benches are kindly tools that let you sit tall as you meditate,” says Hannah Schmidt, a Restorative Yoga instructor. “Their ergonomic design lifts the sacrum higher than the front body, which helps keep the spine neutral and relieves pressure on the knee joints,” she adds.   

 

Simply put, a meditation bench promotes proper posture, checks backaches, and prevents tingling in the feet. It is a must-have yoga prop for beginners, inflexible yogis, and seniors. But benches are pricey and there are dozens to choose from.

 

We've come across several meditation benches that are sturdy, gorgeous, and economical, but they did nothing to support proper posture. In fact, it’s easier to end up with pretty furniture than a bench that transforms your daily practice.

 

So, we put together some buying advice and rounded up seven top-rated meditation benches in the current market. Scroll down to the buyer guide to learn how to pick the best meditation bench or continue below to the product reviews. 

TL;DR - Quick Answer

The Mindful & Modern bench is an enduring companion for at-home meditation or a grab-and-go bench for vacations and yoga retreats.

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If you want an arched seat, Spoko benches are hand crafted seats made of premium materials and certified by a Posturologist.

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Lastly, the Pomoloso Meditation bench is made of sustainable bamboo timber with a plush genuine Sheekskin seat. The proprietary leg design makes it one of the best meditation benches all types of meditators.

Best Overall: Mindful & Modern Folding Meditation Bench

"A sturdy bench for meditation with top-notch functionality and great reviews."

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Key Features:

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  • 17” x 7.5” x 8.2”

  • Made of bamboo

  • Cushion seat included

  • Folding Design

  • Washable Cover

  • Carry bag included

  • Weighs 4.65 lbs

The Mindful & Modern meditation bench offers fantastic support for yogis with tight hips. It features foldable legs with magnetic hinges that pop into an open and close position. The lightweight bench is made of bamboo timber and comes with a thick cotton carry case and cushion.

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What we think:

 

Our top pick is a bamboo meditation bench with a flat but slanted bench seat, measuring 7.5 inches in the rear and 6 inches at the front. The seat height is suitable to tuck your heels under the bench in kneeling yoga poses.

 

The meditation stool is easy to sit on, and the wobble-free legs don't scoot when you reposition yourself. More importantly, it takes the pressure off your back and assists you in maintaining the best posture during practice. We advise pairing it with a stacked blankets or a folded yoga towel to cushion your knee joints.

 

Overall, the bench is a shoo-in for meditation, regardless of your size. It can even be used as a prop for Yin or Restorative Yoga. It comes at an accessible price, making it the best choice for both beginners and experienced meditators.

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Robust and well-finished

  • Folding design is portable

  • Glowing customer reviews

  • Reasonably priced, high value 

Reasons to Skip:

 

  • Seat height is 6 inches

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Best Overall

Best Value: Monk & Llama Meditation Bench

"A top-rated meditation bench that doesn’t skimp on features to keep costs low."

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Key Features:

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  • 16" x 8.2" x 7"

  • Bamboo meditation stool

  • Folding design

  • Padded removable cushion Machine washable cover

  • Cotton carry bag included

  • 5 color options

This one is an economical and ergonomic folding meditation bench made of sustainably sourced bamboo. The seat has an inspirational quote etched into one side of the seat and the brand logo on another. It features a removable cushion, a carry bag, and a meditation journal, making it the best choice for budget-bound meditation. However, skip it if you are tall or plus-sized.

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What we think:

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The Monk & Llama bench features an ergonomic build that helps you maintain the best posture for kneeling or cross-legged sitting postures. The legs are angled, so the seat slants forward to elevate your hips and relieve pressure on the knees.

 

The base of the meditation stool is stable and the seat cushion stays put thanks to the high-quality velcro straps. The cushion itself is well padded and prevents strain on the sit bones. The cushion cover is removable and washable, too.

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To transport the meditation bench, you can fold it flat and slip it into the organic cotton carry case that comes with it. However, the weight capacity (250 lbs.) and seat height (6") imply it’s not ideal for plus-sized yogis or those with large feet.

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Excellent value for money

  • Free journal, cushion, and bag

  • Compact and portable

  • Best choice under $50

Reasons to Skip:

 

  • Doesn’t come with a seat cushion

  • Maximum weight is 250 lbs.

  • Not for yogis over six feet tall

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RELATED: 10 Best Eye Pillows for Yoga, Sleep, Migraines, and More (2022)

Best Budget

Best Reviews: Florensi Meditation Bench 

"A wobble-free, comfy, and economical meditation bench with great reviews."

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Key Features:

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  • 18” x 7” x 6”

  • Bamboo meditation stool

  • Folding design

  • Cushion seat included

  • Removable/washable cover

  • 3 color options

Florensi offers one of the best ergonomic benches for meditation. Made from sustainably sourced bamboo, it sports angled and hinged legs with no-slip grips to keep stable and there's a detachable cushion with a removeable/washable cover. It's available in four options and comes with  a cotton carry bag for transport.

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What we think:

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The Florensi bench is a solid bamboo meditation stool with foldable legs, a flat seat that angles forward by 5-degrees, and a detachable cushion. The cushion is well-paded for comfort, and the bench folds flat for easy storage.  

 

You can use this bench to practice pranayama or meditation in a variety of cross-legged yoga poses. It makes it easy to open the chest and keep the spine neutral – important for proper posture. You can also use it for or as a generic floor seat.

 

Overall, it's a top choice to transform your practice without breaking the bank. It has great reviews that appreciate the workmanship, sturdy build, and comfortable cushions. However, the seat height is 6”, so look elsewhere if are 5’10 and above.

Reasons to Buy

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  • Lightweight but sturdy

  • Velcro straps for cushion

  • Easy to store and transport

  • Excellent value

Reasons to Skip:

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  • Seat height is low (6-inches)

  • Not ideal for inflexible beginners

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Related: 7 Best Yoga Knee Pad Cushions | Top Picks with Reviews

Best Reviews

Best Curved: Spoko Ikuko Meditation Bench

"One of the best travel-sized benches for meditation, kneeling, and prayer."

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Key Features:

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  • 16.1” x 8” x 8”

  • Solid Birchwood

  • Curved and arched seat

  • Removable legs

  • Carry bag included

  • Posturologist certified

  • 2 wood finishes

Handcrafted using birch wood, Spoko offers one of the best meditation benches for sitting low to the ground. The curved seat is more forgiving than hard, flat seats, making it an excellent choice for seniors and beginners. The bench ships in three, easy-to-assemble pieces, and the disassembled pieces easily fit in a travel bag.

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What we think:

 

Spoko benches are pretty and ergonomic, ideal props to use if you love to travel. This is one features an arched seat and removable legs and can handle upto 500 lbs. of weight. The bench is available in a brown and blonde wood finish.

 

This meadtiation stool is deisnged to promote proper posture, reduce pressure on the knees, and allow you to stay relaxed for long periods of meditation. The bench height is not adjustable but the weight capacity and height work for everyone.

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You can use this bench for meditation, prayer, or as a low floor seat. Many yogis prefer the gentle arch of curved benches, which yields a better open sitting angle. Plus, it’s lightweight and disassembles easily, making it the best choice for travel.

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Solid Birchwood bench

  • Posturologist-certified design

  • Premium materials

  • Removable legs

  • Works for everyone

Reasons to Skip:

 

  • Relatively pricey

  • Solid wood is heavier than bamboo​

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Related: The 10 Best Yoga Blankets for Warmth and Comfort (2022)

Best Curved

Best for Travel: Bluecony Meditation Bench

"A wobble-free, comfy, and economical meditation bench with great reviews."

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Key Features:

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  • 16.5” x 8.2” x 7”

  • Hand crafted in Canada

  • Solid cherrywood

  • Curved and arched seat

  • Removable legs

  • Free carry bag included

  • 3 wood finishes

Bluecony meditation benches are handcrafted in Canada and adapted for an open sitting angle and the Seiza position. We adore their portable meditation stool as it’s lightweight, has removable legs, and fits neatly in the organic cotton carry bag that comes with it. The bench is available in 3 sizes and wood finish options.

 

What we think:

 

This robust bench for meditation is made of solid cherry wood with three finish options – natural, walnut, and black. It’s has an arched seat that promotes an open sitting angle, allowing you to maintain proper posture while meditating. 

 

These meditation benches are available in three seat heights – 6, 7, or 8 inches.

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7" is ample height to straddle over the calves in kneeling poses. Taller yogis should choose the 8" version. The 6" version is best for those 5'5 and under. The low seat height is also an excellent choice if you sit cross-legged for meditation.

 

With three height and finish options, this is one of the best alternatives to a zafu/zabuton or floor cushion. It has excellent reviews from buyers who've used it at-home and on-the-go. Plus, it’s a great furniture to vibe up your yoga space.

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Bluecony also sells a preassembled bench if you don’t want a travel version.

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Made of solid cherry wood

  • Ergonomic design

  • Removable legs

  • Cotton carry bag included

  • Excellent value for money

Reasons to Skip

 

  • Expensive

RELATED: 7 Best Yoga Towels for Grip, Hygiene, and Slip-Free Sessions (2022)

Best for Travel

Best Back Support: Mindful and Modern Folding Meditation Chair

"This made-for-meditation seat  covers everything from sitting to supine postures."

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Key Features:

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  • 42” x 18” x 5”

  • Folding meditation seat

  • Metal frame

  • Angled back support

  • Velvet upholstery

  • Washable cover

  • Smaller version available

The Mindful & Modern meditation seat is a lot like a beach chair but with foam padding. The chair features soft velvety covers that are removable and washable and comes with a free buckwheat-filled floor cushion. We've featured it for its chic aesthetic, flexible design, and the best back support for meditating yogis. 

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What we think:

 

This meditation chair is essentially a hinged metal frame with 3.3” of padded foam support. The seat can be used for 5 different meditation positions. It folds flat effortlessly, so it can be stored discreetly under a bed. You can take it to class in the back seat of your car or simply use the buckwheat cushion as a floor pillow.

 

Overall, this is a multi-use seat that works well for yoga, relaxation, meditation, or other low-to-the-floor activities. It’s pretty good for Savasana me-time, and  an excellent choice for yogis who take comfort and mindfulness seriously.

 

Mindful & Modern also sells a more portable version of this meditation bench.

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Excellent adjustability

  • Comfortable for long sessions

  • Removable and washable cover

  • Easy to store or transport

Reasons to Skip:

 

  • Pricey

  • Not ideal for plus-sized yogis

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Related: 10 Best Yoga Mat Bags for Commutes, Biking, and Travel (2022)

Best Back Support

Best for Seniors: Pomoloso Meditation Bench

"Chic enough for young yogis and comfortable enough for seniors!."

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Key Spec:

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  • 17” x 7.5” x 6.7”

  • Bamboo meditation stool

  • Genuine sheekskin seat

  • Food grade lacquer

  • Proprietary leg design

  • Hand washable cover

This meditation bench is made of sustainable bamboo and finished with food-grade lacquer. It has a flat seat that's 17 inches wide and 7.5" deep. The bench comes with a real Sheepskin seat cover (Australian Merino Wool) that can be attached to be bench via snap locks under the seat. The bench ships with a (free) organic linen eye pillow but no cushion or carry bag.

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What we think:

 

The Pomoloso bench is designed to support your back and knees during meditation. The fluffy seat cover adds an extra layer of comfort and makes it a striking piece of décor when not in use.  The proprietary leg design lets you roll forward or backward to find the best angle for meditation and the curved legs make it easy to slide in and out of poses.

 

The bench looks premium, feels comfy, and adds an element of luxury to your space. It's has hinged feet, so it's easy to store and move about. You can also use the bench for prayer or sitting low to the ground. We chose it because it strikes the best balance between form and function - a top choice for just about anyone. 

Reasons to Buy:

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  • Sheepskin seat (Merino wool)

  • Proprietary leg design

  • Easy to store or transport

  • Excellent value for money

Reasons to Skip:

 

  • Not vegan

  • No carry bag included

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Best for Seniors

Buying Advice: How to Pick the Best Meditation Bench for Your Practice 

A meditation bench is best used to meditate in cross-legged yoga postures like Sukhasana or kneeling postures like Hero Pose, Thunderbolt Pose, or the traditional Japanese seiza position. In the case of the latter, you have to tuck your feet beneath the seat. As always, the perfect bench is relative to individual preference. Here are the key features to consider when you pick the best meditation bench for you.

 

Design

 

Most meditation benches are made of wood, laminate, or bamboo timber. Bamboo is sustainable sourced, lightweight, and relatively cheaper. Solid wood is also an excellent choice as wooden benches last long and look gorgeous. If portability is important, opt for a folding design with hinged feet. The sea can be flat, slanted, or arched/curved. Arched seats don't need a cushion. But if you buy a bench with a cushion, ensure that the cover is removable and washable.

 

Flat vs. curved seat

 

A meditation bench can have a flat or curved/arched seat. You need a seat cushion for a hard flat seat and most benches have one included in the design. Benches with a curved seat don't ship with a free seat cushion, but then again, their inherent arch yields a comfortable seat. Benches with curved seats are considered to be the best type in the yoga community. However, they are more expensive because they are handcrafted and it's not easy to bend solid wood.

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Seat height

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The seat height of a kneeling bench plays a key role in finding the best position for your body type. It should have sufficient height to tuck your feet under it while kneeling, and the best height is hooked on how big your feet are. According to yoga instructors, a 6” seat height is ideal for short yogis (<5’5), 7” works if you stand between 5'5 and 6'0, and an 8" seat height is recommended for tall people, seniors, or those with large feet. Lastly, beginners should avoid a bench with a 6" seat height as it demands a tight squeeze and flexible hamstrings. 

 

Maximum weight capacity

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You should feel safe and stable when you meditate and that’s only possible if the bench is stouct and steady. The design of the feet and weight capacity plays a major role in this regard. Solid wood and bamboo benches can handle 300 to 500 lbs. However, the capacity differs among products. So, it’s wise to check the maximum weight capacity of a bench before you buy it.

 

Other features

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We recommend folding meditation benches as they are easy to store or transport. These benches have hinged legs, so you can fold the bench and carry it to class. However, this feature is irrelevant if you only practice at home.

Buying Advice

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a meditation bench?

 

A meditation bench can help improve posture and relieve strain on the lower back and knee joints, resolving a few physical difficulties associated with meditating for long periods. It is not mandatory to own one, but we recommend a bench for seniors, beginners, or anyone with backaches or poor lower body flexibility.

 

Are meditation benches comfortable?

 

Meditation benches are supportive yoga props that make your practice more comfortable. They reduce pressure on your lower back and knee joints, allowing you to remain comfortably seated for long periods of meditation. Benches help maintain proper posture and spinal alignment. They are one of the best assisting props to make meditation more comfortable.

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Is a meditation bench worth it?

 

A meditation bench is a supportive tool for daily practice if you are inflexible or unable to sit on the floor for long periods. It provides support and comfort in cross-legged or kneeling sitting postures, making meditation more accessible.

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How high should a meditation bench be?

 

The height of a meditation bench should be between 6 to 8 inches for you to tuck your feel under the seat comfortably. A 7" seat height is the most popular choice and ample for most people. 6" is generally for pros with flexible legs or people shorter than 5'5. On the other hand, ensure that your meditation bench is 8 inches high if you have large feet or tight (read: inflexible) legs.

FAQ

Our Review Process

Our yoga equipment reviews are an amalgam of independent research and/or product testing. Our writers also consult yoga influencers, instructors and fitness experts to narrow down the best attributes to look for in a particular product.

 

We created this roundup based on 4 attributes - build quality, design/features, user reviews and the price-performance ratio. We looked at 30 meditation benches and hundreds of verified user reviews before hand picking the best of the best.

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Why Trust Prana Sutra

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Hannah Schmidt practices Yin and Restorative Yoga, two styles that rely heavily on props. Her first-hand experience gives her a keen sense to sniff out the best products in the vast e-commerce landscape. She has used meditation stools in her practice and currently uses an eye-catching, custom-build meditation bench. 

Why Trust Us
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