The one range that I can access easily is mats only. After hitting off of them long enough you start to know the sounds and the feel. Cheap range balls also act like impact tape. If I hear thud then click, I hit it fat. If click then thud (or nothing), ball first. If the ball mark is low on the face, thin. If it's high, I hit the mat first and the ball popped up before strike.. Can't trust the ball flight most of the time. You do what you have to to get some practice in. Can't afford a membership and the local public courses are always packed now it seems.

I feel the same way. I have my worst rounds after a session at the range with mats.

I practice off of mats due the proximity and availability of them. They can certainly provide false sense of security. I find when I go to a range which is grass I don't hit it as well. I have to be very careful how many times I practice off of mats

All my courses use mats, so I use them just for warm up or working on swing mechanics. Usually you can tell if a shot off a mat will translate to a good shot off turf, if you're honest with yourself. A session on mats will never equal a session off grass.
Kind of like going on a date and your girlfriend runs her fingers through your hair. If your wearing a toupee, it just doesn't feel the same. Or so I've heard. Although my wife tells me it goes a lot quicker now at my age.

the driving range i go to has mats

I don’t think it makes a big difference. I know if I hit the ball solidly.