Do you often purchase things based on customer reviews? Pick a restaurant based on its Google stars? We at Golf Glee also care deeply about what consumers have to say about products. That’s why we’ve broken down the best indoor golf putting greens based on Amazon reviews. 

The top mat has 21,000 reviews with an average rating of 4.6/5 stars. The next most reviewed mat has 6,000 with an average rating of 4.5/5 stars. That’s a big gap, so why is that? And is the hype real for the top seller? We’ll tell you what we think, plus share our top five recommendations for indoor putting mats below.  

I am a victim of my own bad decisions when it comes to buying indoor mats. So, from my wrongdoings, I’m here to help you find the right one. Before I get into my top 5 recommendations, I will cover a few introduction questions you might have. Let’s get into it.

What is an indoor putting mat?

An indoor putting mat is a surface you can lay out on the floor to putt golf balls on. Indoor putting mats are designed to fit inside of an office or a living room, are usually portable, and sometimes they will include a mechanism to retrieve your ball (ball return).

Are indoor putting greens worth it?

Yes. Indoor mats and putting greens are worth it, following the theory that more practice is always better. Indoor putting greens can act as a great gift for kids, golfers of all types, Dad, your uncle, or any businessman. The more you surround yourself with golf, the better you will become, and the more inspiration you will have because it’s fun!

What’s the purpose of indoor mats?

1.) FUN GAME! Indoor greens can act as a fun game for active kids and teenagers, and can be an alternative to video games. Golf has a lot of barriers to entry (those greens fees ain’t cheap!); an indoor putting mat will bring inspiration and serve as a pressure-free way to get into the sport.

2.) IMPROVE YOUR GAME: Indoor greens can act as a tool to work on your putting even if the weather’s bad. If this is your primary purpose, then you will want to look for a mat that has the smoothest roll when you putt.

3.) STRESS RELIEVER: Like a stress ball, indoor greens can act as a stress reliever for the office or everyday life. Hit a few putts between sales calls and dreaded Zoom meetings.

4.) SAVES YOU TIME: Instead of driving to a local course, indoor greens can save time by letting you work on your putting at home.

What are indoor putting mats made of?

The material of mats varies, but they are often made of:

• Carpet
• Resin 
• Turf
• Foam

What is the average size of a putting green in a house?

Indoor putting mats are designed to fit indoors, but sizing can vary. The most common sizing is around 16 inches wide and 9 feet long. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of options out there, so it will depend on your needs and wants!

3’x9′: The most popular putting mat on Amazon

16.25”x 9’: Other popular 4 star+ options

What should I consider when picking a putting mat?

When making your decision on which mat to buy, you need to answer this question: Are you buying the mat as a tool for direct practice to improve your putting? Or are you buying this to have fun with golf?

Most online indoor putting mats will not completely flatten out, and because of that, the ball may have a bit of a bumpy ride. And that’s okay! However, if you are buying this as a tool to improve your game, you will want the green with the smoothest roll—this will cost a little extra, but it’s worth it!

The top 5 most reviewed mats on Amazon

With 21,939 reviews: PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3′ x 9′)

This 3′ x 9′ par three is easy to set up in your living room or even the corner of a home office. One of the best things about this mat is it does a good job of keeping balls from not rolling off the back. The cutout edges prevent “missed putts from rolling off,” a reviewer wrote. Because this mat has foam backing, the putts tend to roll smoother than its competitors at a similar price. 

“Foam backing proves to be a little better than putting just on thin astroturf. Good bargain, good purchase.”- Amazon customer review 

However, because there is not an exaggerated incline right before the hole, the hole is shallower, which means the balls tend to bounce out instead of dropping in. Some reviewers complained about this.

With 6,385 reviews: SKLZ ACCELERATOR PRO – Indoor Golf Putting Mat with Auto-Ball Return

Why the ramp at the end? It allows for a deeper hole so the ball actually drops and stays in the hole. This is a more traditional style with a ball collector. It is narrow at 5×7 feet, so the size is perfect if you don’t have a lot of space. It features a slight incline at the end and a slip-proof rubber-backed mat. The ball return makes it easy to keep putting as the ball comes right back to you. 

Storing this mat might be more of a challenge as it doesn’t fold up like a typical mat would. The gravity-fed ball return ensures that no parts break down like on a motorized ball return. Alignment stripes help guide your putt. Some reviewers added a backstop to the mat because, otherwise, if you overshoot, it’ll go off the mat and away from you. Easy to assemble. Hole size is regulation.

With 4,292 reviews: SKLZ Golf Indoor Putting Green, 3 x 9 feet

One reviewer mentions that if you put the mat on a hard surface, the balls bounce out. But placing the mat on carpet solved that problem. This mat has three regular-sized cups. This mat has a slight foam backing and an upslope at the holes. It is easy to set up and store. However, many customers have complained the ends “do not lay flat,” leading to creases and a bumpy ride. It’s affordable, but you risk some quality with this one. 

With 3,750 reviews: AbcoTech Indoor Golf Putting Green with Auto Ball Return

Style: Putting Mat with Auto Ball Return

The AbcoTech Putting Mat with Auto Ball Return features two holes instead of one—one regulation size and one smaller to help with honing your precision when putting. It also has an alignment guide. Some Amazon reviewers complained of bumps and grooves on the mat. Balls on this mat won’t roll the smoothest, but for its affordable price, the mat is perfect for fun.

With 2,273 reviews: PERFECT PRACTICE Putting Mat

This mat has two holes: one regulation size and one smaller. “This is perfect if you want to work on your putting,” one reviewer wrote. If a true roll of the golf ball concerns you, one reviewer put textbooks on this one for a couple of weeks and steam ironed it to get it to lay perfectly flat. 

So, which putting mats are worth it? My top 5 recommendations for every situation

Best for style: AbcoTech Indoor Golf Putting Green With 3 Holes

Style: Putting Mat with Fringe

This green is unique in its design because of how it keeps the balls from rolling off. The higher synthetic turf acts like bumpers—plus, it looks stylish! This one truly brings the golf course into your living room.

For the new golfer: PUTT-A-BOUT Par Three Golf Putting Green (3′ x 9′)

This green is affordable, easy to set up, and rolls well. There is no exaggerated steep incline near the hole like many indoor mats. Plus, with three holes, you’ve got more opportunities to practice different shots.

For the office: PERFECT PRACTICE Putting Mat

Designed in collaboration with former world #1 Dustin Johnson, this mat is a little better than most you’ll find on Amazon. The green rolls a little smoother, and with furnished wood on the sides, the mat looks a little more aesthetically pleasing; perfect for the office!

For the serious golfer: Birdie Ball

The number one complaint we found with most indoor putting mats available on Amazon is that they do NOT represent a “true roll,” meaning they’re lumpy in some spots. 

That’s not the case with Birdie Ball! With its cutting-edge foam technology, this mat will give you a genuine silky smooth roll. 

Best affordable option: SKLZ ACCELERATOR PRO

This one is a classic. If you want this for the kids and you’re not losing sleep over “true roll,” then this will be perfect.

Bonus! For the most fun: GoSports BattlePutt Golf Putting Game

A cross between golf and beer pong, this indoor putting mat brings the fun back to the game and to any party. It is a 2-on-2 game, so grab a partner! Perfect for pool parties, tailgating, or just passing the time with your pet T-rex (is anyone still reading this?).