Mala beads are special prayer beads used in meditation and spiritual practices.
They’ve been around for thousands of years, originating in India.
These beads help people focus their minds and count mantras or breaths during meditation.
Mala beads are more than just pretty jewelry – they’re tools for inner peace and mindfulness.
A typical mala has 108 beads, plus one larger “guru” bead.
People often wear them as necklaces or bracelets.
Malas can be made from different materials like wood, stone, or seeds.
Each type of bead is thought to have its own energy and benefits.
Some people choose malas based on what they want to focus on in their spiritual journey.
When buying mala beads, it’s important to think about the material and quality.
Natural materials like wood or stone are often preferred.
The knots between beads should be tight and secure.
It’s also good to consider the size of the beads and how they feel in your hands.
We spent many hours researching and testing various mala beads to find the best ones for meditation and everyday wear.
Best Mala Beads
We’ve picked out some amazing mala beads for you to check out.
These traditional Buddhist prayer necklaces come in lots of pretty styles and materials.
Our list has great options whether you’re into meditation or just like how they look.
LOYALLOOK Mala Bead Bracelets
We think these mala bead bracelets offer great value for anyone looking to start or expand their collection.
Pros
- Variety of colors and styles
- Affordable set of 12 bracelets
- Versatile for wear as bracelet or necklace
Cons
- Some beads may chip easily
- Color may bleed if wet
- Not the highest quality materials
We recently tried out these LOYALLOOK mala bead bracelets and were pleased with what we got.
The set comes with 12 different bracelets, giving us plenty of options to match our outfits or moods.
We liked how we could wear them as bracelets or wrap them to make necklaces.
The beads are made of wood and feel light on the wrist.
Each bracelet has 108 beads, which is great for traditional meditation practices.
We found the elastic cord made them easy to put on and take off.
The Chinese knot in the center adds a nice touch.
While not the fanciest mala beads out there, we think these are perfect for beginners or as gifts.
They’re a good way to try out different styles without spending too much.
Just be careful not to get them wet, as the color might come off.
All in all, we’re happy with this affordable set of mala bead bracelets.
Anzhongli Sandalwood Mala
We think this mala bracelet is a great choice for anyone starting a meditation practice or looking for a stylish wooden accessory.
Pros
- Smells nice
- Lightweight and comfy
- Versatile design
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky
- Not water-resistant
- Smell may fade over time
We’ve been using this Anzhongli mala bracelet for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed.
The sandalwood beads give off a lovely scent that helps us relax during meditation.
It’s super light too, so we barely notice it’s there when we wear it all day.
One thing we love is how versatile it is.
We can wrap it around our wrist a few times as a bracelet, or use it as a full mala for counting during meditation.
The 108 beads are smooth and feel nice to touch.
We found it helped us stay focused when our minds started to wander.
The elastic cord makes it easy to put on and take off.
But be careful – it’s not meant to get wet.
We learned that the hard way when we forgot to take it off before washing our hands.
The beads lost some shine after that.
Also, the size can be a bit tricky.
It was a bit loose on our small wrists when wrapped five times, but too tight with four.
Despite these small issues, we think it’s a great value for the price.
SoulGenie Rosewood Mala
We think these mala beads are a great buy for anyone looking for a high-quality, handmade meditation tool.
Pros
- Smooth, well-made beads
- Comes with a velvet storage pouch
- Versatile for meditation and style
Cons
- Tassel may fray over time
- Red thread might be brighter than expected
- Some users may prefer larger beads
We recently got our hands on these SoulGenie Rosewood Mala beads, and we’re impressed! The deep ruddy brown beads feel smooth and cool to the touch.
We love how they glide through our fingers during meditation.
The mala comes with 108+1 beads, which is perfect for traditional mantra chanting.
We found the 7-8mm size comfortable to hold, though some might prefer slightly larger beads.
The hand-knotted construction adds a nice touch and helps prevent the beads from bunching up.
One thing we really like is the included velvet storage pouch.
It’s great for keeping the mala safe and clean when we’re not using it.
The tassel looks nice, but we noticed it can fray a bit with regular use.
Still, for the price, we think these mala beads offer great value and quality.
Hamoery Tiger Eye Bracelet Set
We think this bracelet set is a great buy for anyone looking to add some style and positive energy to their life.
Pros
- Beautiful natural stone beads
- Elastic fit for most wrists
- Can be used for aromatherapy
Cons
- May be too tight for some
- Stones can feel heavy at first
- Cord might break with rough use
We tried out these Hamoery bracelets and were impressed by their looks and feel.
The tiger eye and matte agate stones have a nice weight to them and look much pricier than they are.
The elastic cord lets them stretch to fit most wrists easily.
One thing we really liked was how we could add a drop of essential oil to the lava rock beads.
The scent lasted for hours, giving us a boost throughout the day.
It was a nice way to enjoy aromatherapy on the go.
We wore these bracelets for yoga and meditation, and they seemed to help us focus.
The smooth stones felt cool against our skin, which was calming.
While they’re great for spiritual practices, we also enjoyed wearing them as everyday accessories.
They looked good with both casual and dressier outfits.
GEHECRST 7 Chakra Mala Necklace
We think this mala necklace is a great buy for anyone looking to start or enhance their meditation practice.
Pros
- Beautiful 7 chakra gemstones
- Versatile as necklace or bracelet
- 108 beads for traditional use
Cons
- Durability concerns
- Darker colors than pictured
- Knots may loosen over time
We tried out this GEHECRST mala necklace and were impressed by its beauty.
The 7 chakra stones give it a colorful, eye-catching look.
We liked that we could wear it as a necklace or wrap it around our wrist as a bracelet.
The 108 beads make it perfect for counting mantras during meditation.
We found it helped us stay focused.
The pointed pendant adds a nice touch and feels good to hold.
It’s weighty enough to feel substantial without being too heavy.
We did notice the colors were a bit darker than the picture shows.
The knots between beads seemed a little loose, so we worried about long-term durability.
But for the price, we think it’s a good value.
It makes a nice gift for yoga lovers or anyone interested in chakra balancing.
Green Aventurine Mala Beads
We think these mala beads are a good choice for anyone looking for an affordable and versatile piece of jewelry.
Pros
- Attractive green aventurine stones
- Versatile as a bracelet or necklace
- Good value for the price
Cons
- May not fit all wrist sizes
- Some users report fragility
- Not a traditional Buddhist mala
We tried out these AD Beads green aventurine mala beads and were pleased with their look and feel.
The 6mm stones have a nice weight to them and a pretty green color.
We liked that we could wear them as both a bracelet and a necklace.
When we put them on, we noticed they might not fit everyone’s wrists.
If you have larger wrists, you may need to use them as a necklace only.
The stretchy cord feels a bit thin, so we were careful when handling them to avoid breaks.
These beads are nice for the price, but they’re not a true Buddhist mala.
We think they’re best for anyone who wants a pretty piece of stone jewelry with a mala-inspired look.
Just keep in mind they may chip if dropped, so treat them gently.
GVUSMIL 108 Mala Beads Bracelet
We think this mala bead bracelet is a great buy for yoga lovers and spiritual seekers looking for a versatile piece of jewelry.
Pros
- Beautiful natural gemstones
- Versatile as bracelet or necklace
- Good value for money
Cons
- Some beads may have imperfections
- Elastic cord feels a bit cheap
- Colors may differ from photos
We recently tried out this GVUSMIL mala bead bracelet and were impressed by its looks and feel.
The 8mm amazonite beads are a lovely blue-green color that catches the eye.
We liked how we could wrap it around our wrist as a bracelet or wear it as a long necklace.
The 108 beads are perfect for meditation or prayer practices.
We found the weight nice – not too heavy but solid enough to feel grounding.
The lotus charm adds a nice touch.
While using it, we noticed some small marks on a few beads, but this seems normal for natural stones.
We did wish the elastic cord felt a bit sturdier.
It works fine, but we wonder how long it will last with regular use.
The color was also a bit lighter than we expected from the photos.
Still, for the price, we think this mala offers good value.
It’s a pretty, useful piece for yoga fans or anyone who likes natural stone jewelry.
Amazonite Mala Beads
These Amazonite mala beads are a great buy for anyone looking to add a touch of spirituality to their jewelry collection.
Pros
- Beautiful natural stones
- Versatile as necklace or bracelet
- Comes with gift packaging
Cons
- Tassel may be fragile
- Some found it too long
- Knots between beads can loosen
We tried out these mala beads and were really impressed by the quality.
The Amazonite stones have a lovely soft blue-green color that catches the light nicely.
Each bead is hand-knotted, which adds to the overall look and feel of the piece.
We loved how versatile these beads are.
At 43 inches long, we could wear them as a necklace or wrap them around our wrist as a bracelet.
The 108 bead count is perfect for meditation or prayer practices too.
The necklace came in a nice gift box with a cloth bag, making it ready to give as a present.
While most people loved the beads, a few mentioned the tassel was a bit delicate.
We also noticed the knots between beads can loosen over time, so gentle handling is best.
All in all, we think these mala beads offer great value for the price.
Buying Guide
Looking for the perfect mala beads? We’ve got you covered with some helpful tips! Here’s what to keep in mind when shopping:
Materials
Mala beads come in many materials.
Some common options include:
- Wood (sandalwood, rosewood)
- Stone (jade, amethyst, lapis lazuli)
- Seeds (rudraksha, bodhi)
- Glass or crystal
Pick a material that speaks to you and matches your intentions.
Number of Beads
Traditional malas have 108 beads.
But you can also find:
- Wrist malas with 21 or 27 beads
- Quarter malas with 27 beads
- Half malas with 54 beads
Choose based on your preferences and how you plan to use it.
Guru Bead
This is the larger bead at the end of the mala.
Look for one that’s:
- Easy to feel with your fingers
- Matches the rest of the mala
- Has meaning to you
Quality
Check that the beads are:
- Evenly sized and shaped
- Smoothly finished
- Securely strung
High-quality malas will last longer and feel better to use.
Energy
Trust your intuition! Pick a mala that:
- Feels good in your hands
- Has colors you’re drawn to
- Matches your meditation goals
We hope these tips help you find your perfect mala beads!
