Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process.
In This Article
Buying a new mattress while keeping to a budget can be difficult. Of course, you shouldn’t compromise on quality at any price point, so I’ve listed beds that we heartily recommend for your comfort as well as your wallet.
Mattresses are notoriously expensive purchases. Thankfully, there are savings to be had by shopping online and having a bed delivered to your door. This bed-in-a-box concept grants you easy access to the best affordable mattresses available, along with generous trial periods to ensure that you’re satisfied.
I’ve tested and reviewed a lot of beds, and I know that a budget-friendly price can be a big selling point. On this list, I’ve picked out my favorite cheaper mattresses that should help you rest easy and avoid sticker shock.
What’s the Best Affordable Mattress?
The Nectar earned our Editor’s Pick due to its high-quality and multi-layered foam that provides support and comfort at a competitive price point.
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain, Joint Pain
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Kids
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Kids
Hot Sleepers
How We Chose the Best Affordable Mattresses
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person product tests that allow us to have a genuine understanding of how the mattress feels and performs.
We test for features that are valuable to consumers, such as temperature control, pressure relief, support, and more.
For this roundup, we included mattresses that are considered affordable but still of good quality. Ultimately, we wanted to feature budget-friendly mattresses that we feel confident recommending to our readers.
In choosing the beds to be featured, there were specific qualities we wanted the products to have. We also consulted the expertise of a medical professional on what to look for in a budget mattress.
A peek at how I conduct hands-on mattress testing.
Advice from a Medical Expert
We asked Dr. Po-Chang Hsu his advice on important qualities to look for when shopping for a budget mattress.
“Key qualities of a budget mattress include support, firmness, durability, and material safety. A mattress with good support helps spine alignment and can alleviate pressure points, which may prevent and alleviate back pain. A person’s sleep position can decide the firmness of the mattress. A back sleeper should look for a mattress of medium firmness, while a stomach sleeper needs a firmer mattress to optimize comfort. A budget mattress with good durability and warranty is more likely to retain its shape and support, which benefits the spine alignment of the sleeper. Finally, material safety is paramount when choosing a budget mattress. A mattress with low VOC emissions and certifications like CertiPUR-US suggests the mattress is not composed of harmful chemicals. As long as the budget mattress satisfies the criteria above (support, firmness, durability, and material safety), it is safe and healthy for sleeping.”
What We Want to See in a Budget Mattress
Queen Sizes Around or Below $1,000
Of course, the obvious factor for making it onto this list is the price. The cost of a mattress can vary depending on the size you get, but Queen-size mattresses are generally the most popular option. Therefore, we made sure to feature mattresses with Queen-size models around $1,000 or less.
Third-Party Certifications
You’ll find that the mattresses on this list have important third-party certifications to ensure the materials in them meet stringent standards for health and safety. The most common certification you’ll find among these beds is CertiPUR-US®, which means the foam in the mattress is free of harmful substances and has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Good Performance
Another signifcant factor for us was to include beds that have performed well for our testers overall. There’s understandably concern as to whether or not a cheaper mattress is going to be comfortable. Although certain beds will accommodate different sleepers better than others, we think the beds on this list should work for a wide variety of people.
As I said in my video review, Nectar gets the gold when it comes to value and policies. A mattress of this quality, at this price, is quite rare.
This brand has never flagged in its efforts to create an affordable, comfortable mattress that ships directly to the customer. The design of this flagship model has undergone a few updates over the years, but its price remains budget-friendly, and its motion-absorbing foams make it a great choice for couples who aren’t concerned about sleeping too hot.
How the Nectar Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Nectar is currently priced at $649 for a queen mattress. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Nectar outperforms other affordable mattresses in the areas of pressure relief, motion isolation, bounce, edge support and compatibility for couples.
Test
Nectar
Average
Pressure Relief
4.5
3.8
Support
4
4
Motion Isolation
5
4.1
Cooling
2.5
3.3
Bounce
4
3.9
Edge Support
4
3.5
Couples
4
3.6
What’s the Nectar Mattress Made Of?
The Nectar is 12 inches tall with three foam layers sandwiched between an upper and lower cover.
Its top cover is made with polyethylene fibers that slow heat buildup. Underneath is a 2-inch layer of memory foam that cradles sensitive joints and sleeps a bit cooler than former versions of the material, thanks to an infusion of gel.
Next is a 3-inch layer of responsive foam that brings support and responsiveness to the table. It gives lift to the spine and creates a cozy barrier between the top comfort layer and the base layer beneath it.
That base layer consists of 7 inches of ActiveSupport foam. It gives the mattress a sturdy foundation and, along with the shift-resistant lower cover, ensures that the above layers stay aligned.
My Take: Their policies are stellar, and the price point is arguably hard to beat. Their competitors really could take some notes.
What I Liked
It aces pressure relief – The Nectar’s all-foam construction takes a lot of strain off of the body, compressing underneath you to form a soothing, cradling surface.
It’s responsive – The Nectar is very responsive to movement atop the bed. Although the foam doesn’t offer instantaneous bounce-back, it still moves fairly quickly to support you. For an all-foam bed, that’s a big plus—you shouldn’t find yourself feeling stuck.
Awesome policies – In addition to its price, Nectar’s policies are some of the best in the industry, if not the best. They include free shipping and returns, a year-long sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.
Potential Drawbacks
Sinks too deep for stomach sleepers – When I laid down on my stomach, I noticed my lumbar region dipping a bit too low for comfort on the Nectar.
Won’t sleep especially cool – The Nectar does have a few cooling components within its design. But as an all-foam bed, it’s not going to be as cooling and breathable as a hybrid or innerspring model.
Customer Reviews of the Nectar Mattress
With thousands of reviews on Nectar’s website, the Nectar mattress has an average 4.8 out of 5 stars. One common customer complaint about the Nectar mattress is its longer-than-average break-in period, while many customers praise its excellent value and comfort once fully settled.
Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort Earned Best Cheap Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Not only is the Emma Hybrid Comfort an affordable mattress, it’s also (as its name spells out) a hybrid—so you get bracing foams on top of supportive springs at a cheap price. Its construction and firm feel make it a fitting choice for people who sleep on their stomach.
It’s worth noting that I, an infamous stomach sleeper, felt hardly any sinkage from this mattress. When I say it’s firm, I really mean it! But, when we used the pressure map during our testing, we saw that despite its bracing feel, it still delivered a surprising amount of pressure relief.
How the Emma Hybrid Comfort Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
Test
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Average
Pressure Relief
4
3.8
Support
5
4
Motion Isolation
3.5
4.1
Cooling
4
3.3
Bounce
4
3.9
Edge Support
3.5
3.5
Couples
4
3.6
What’s the Emma Hybrid Comfort Made Of?
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is 13 inches tall and has six total layers (seven if you count its lower cover).
At the surface is a soft, moisture-wicking cover. It’s followed by a layer of Airgocell® foam, a material engineered to divert extra heat. Underneath are two more foam layers: a sheet of cooling memory foam, and a sheet of more-supportive “HRX” (or High Resiliency Extra) foam.
The bed’s coil unit has individually wrapped springs that occupy seven different zones for specialized support under different areas of the body. They sit on top of a sturdy foam base.
My Take: Given all the deals that Emma runs on its site, it’s tough to find a more budget-friendly firm hybrid that’ll support stomach sleepers. It’ll feel too firm for some people, but if you’re plus-size or you value a robust, buoying bed, this one’s a great bed.
What I Liked
Keeps you lifted and aligned – My spine felt well-aligned on top of the Emma Hybrid Comfort, with no dipping around my midsection or hips. This aspect is a plus for people who often feel like they sink awkwardly on softer beds.
Pressure relief is surprisingly present – Because of how firm this mattress feels, I was skeptical that it would also provide impressive pressure relief. But our testing confirmed that it wasn’t letting too much pressure build around key areas, like the hips and shoulders.
Potential Drawbacks
Too firm for side sleepers – Even with the pressure relief on board, this bed will likely feel too hard for side sleepers and lightweight people.
Some crinkling – I noticed a noise during testing when I moved around on top of the Emma Hybrid Comfort. It’s a light crinkling sound that I believe is coming from one of the foam layers. It’s not disruptive, but something to note if you’re particular about noise.
Customer Reviews of the Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a relatively new mattress, but the reviews it’s gathered so far on the Emma website give it an average score of 4.8 stars out of 5. A few reviewers say that it’s even firmer than they anticipated, but most people—including some plus-size customers—are satisfied with how durable and supportive it felt.
Why the Bear Original Earned Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
If you’re experiencing back pain, owning a comfortable mattress is crucial. The Bear Original is designed with both budgets and backs in mind: it’s priced cheaply, but has phenomenal back support. If you can stretch your budget just a bit further, you can also add an innovative performance textile called Celliant® into its cover for an extra fee.
By reportedly converting body heat into infrared light, Celliant® may increase localized blood flow and reduce inflammation inside the body’s tissues. Additionally, Bear claims that the this textile can help you to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer. When you pair those qualities with a pleasantly firm feel, you get a very back-friendly bed.
“I did really like this bed when I laid on my back and when I laid on my stomach,” said my fellow tester, Mark. “It was firm enough for those two positions.”
How the Bear Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Bear Original is currently priced at $649 for a queen mattress. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Bear outperforms other affordable mattresses in the areas of pressure relief, support, bounce, and edge support.
Test
Bear Original
Average
Pressure Relief
4
3.8
Support
5
4
Motion Isolation
3.5
4.1
Cooling
2.5
3.3
Bounce
4.5
3.9
Edge Support
4
3.5
Couples
3
3.6
What’s the Bear Original Mattress Made Of?
The Bear Original is 10 inches high and has three key layers. They’re ensconced inside a breathable TENCEL™ cover, or, for an additional fee, a cover made with Celliant®. This performance textile purports to boost tissue recovery and blood flow in the parts of the body it touches.
Its first comfort layer consists of gel memory foam. This foam molds to the shape of your silhouette and soothes strained pressure points, while the gel inside it prevents heat from building up.
The dynamic transitional foam underneath it adds more support to the mix, and the base layer of high-density foam makes for a stable foundation.
Our Take: “It’s a great option for couples. It’s not likely you’ll disturb one another’s sleep.” – Stuart Petty, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
What We Liked
An appealing firmness – The Bear Original has a medium-firm feel—6.5 on our firmness scale—that most sleepers can appreciate. “It’s a little firmer than the typical all-foam mattress, which should make it a little bit more versatile for different kinds of sleepers,” said Stuart.
A standout textile – There aren’t many mattress brands that have thought to use Celliant® in their beds. If you’d like to try this textile out, consider whether it may be worth the added cost of the upgraded cover.
It dampens motion – The mattress’s all-foam design stands up well to motion transfer, so it’s especially recommended for couples, even if one or both people tend to toss and turn. “I’m pretty sure you could do a cannonball into this bed and your partner would be none the wiser,” said Stuart.
Potential Drawbacks
Too tough for side sleepers – “When I was laying on my side, [the Bear Original] was maybe just a little bit too firm. I was comfortable, but I do think I would have a hard time sleeping on it overnight,” said Mark. Stuart agreed: “I’d prefer something with slightly more sink for my wider shoulders.”
Not a lot of bounce – Because it’s an all-foam mattress, the Bear Original doesn’t have a ton of springiness to it. You’ll still feel lifted by the mattress (rather than stuck inside it), but it won’t have the same bounce as a hybrid model.
Customer Reviews of the Bear Original
According to Bear’s website, the Bear Original scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Customers appreciate the Bear Original mattress for its excellent pressure relief but have reported that its edge support may be lacking, which could affect those who use the full mattress surface.
The Siena is an all-foam bed that features a simple yet mindful construction; it’ll bring all the benefits of memory foam, like pressure relief and motion isolation, at a pretty decent price. A queen size sells for around $400 to $800 depending on active promotions.
Because the brand bypasses jazzy features that could ramp up the price, they can keep the cost of their mattress low while its feel stays comfortable and cool.
How the Siena Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Siena is currently priced at $399 for a queen mattress. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Siena outperforms other affordable mattresses in the areas of pressure relief, motion isolation, bounce, edge support and compatibility for couples.
Test
Siena
Average
Pressure Relief
4
3.8
Support
4
4
Motion Isolation
5
4.1
Cooling
3
3.3
Bounce
4
3.9
Edge Support
4
3.5
Couples
5
3.6
What’s the Siena Mattress Made Of?
The Siena is 10 inches tall with 5 layers, including a top and bottom cover. The top cover is quite breathable and encourages cooling airflow, whereas the bottom cover’s shift-resistant design holds the mattress firmly in place.
The first layer of gel memory foam molds to your body for palpable pressure relief. The gel inside the foam works to prevent heat buildup, so even though you feel cozily cradled, you shouldn’t get too warm.
Underneath the memory foam is a layer of more-supportive poly foam, made with a ripple in its structure that permits even more air transfer.
Additionally, between each layer of foam inside the bed, air pockets keep heat from accumulating. At the bottom of the bed is a thick foam foundation that anchors the comfort layers atop a durable base.
Our Take: The Siena is a no-frills bed that should nevertheless satisfy the key requirements for any quality mattress: a cozy feel backed by suitable support. If your budget doesn’t allow you to browse the latest and fanciest mattresses, the Siena will be there for you.
What We Liked
Foam means minimal motion – If you share your Siena with a partner, the foam layers should absorb motion well enough to prevent you from disturbing one another during sleep.
A firmness that’s likely to please – The Siena’s CertiPUR-US® certified foams have a medium-firm feel that should work well for most sleep styles and body types.
Generous trial period – When you order this bed, you’ll have 180 days to try it out in your home.
Potential Drawbacks
Not very springy – Because it’s an all-foam mattress, the Siena won’t be an optimal choice for people who want their beds to feel bouncy or very responsive.
A simple design – The Siena prioritizes baseline comfort and cooling over extraneous bells and whistles, so it’s a modest 10 inches tall and lacks bonus features that some sleepers find compelling.
Customer Reviews of the Siena Mattress
On the Siena website, this mattress scored approximately a 4.2 out of 5 stars from 1279 reviews. The A favorite among customers for its plush comfort, it may not suit those seeking a firmer sleeping surface, as per customer feedback.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Earned Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Essential is a mattress that balances coveted hybrid features with a budget-friendly price. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest mattresses on this list, with a full-price queen selling for less than $1,000.
Thankfully, its low cost doesn’t signal low quality. This bed was designed to be a simple yet reliable hybrid that will withstand years of use.
How the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is currently priced at $699 for a queen mattress. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Brooklyn Bedding Essential outperforms other affordable mattresses in the areas of bounce and edge support.
Test
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Average
Pressure Relief
3
3.8
Support
4
4
Motion Isolation
3
4.1
Cooling
3
3.3
Bounce
4
3.9
Edge Support
4
3.5
Couples
3
3.6
What’s the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress Made Of?
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential has four total layers and a 10-inch thickness.
It’s topped with two layers of high-density foam: a 1.5-inch quilted comfort layer, and a 0.75-inch transition layer. Both provide cozy pressure relief and a cushioned buffer between you and an 8-inch spring unit.
Every spring is made of durable steel that’s been rolled at one of Brooklyn Bedding’s American facilities. The coils are pocketed in individual sleeves so that they only compress when pressure is applied. The ones around the perimeter of the bed are also thicker, which means you’ll have more room to spread out without worrying about the edges dipping.
Underneath the coils is a high-density foam base. It gives the springs a solid anchoring point and ensures that the entire mattress has a firm foundation.
Our Take: We love that Brooklyn Bedding repurposes materials from its more ostentatious mattresses to build this affordable hybrid. It’s not as flashy as some models, but its efficient design translates to reliable performance and a welcome, cheap price.
What We Liked
Widely-liked firmness – The Essential’s medium-firm feel is meant to suit a broad range of comfort preferences, even if you and your partner are slightly misaligned on the ideal firmness for a bed.
Robust foams – All of the foams in this bed have a high density, which adds to the mattress’s lifespan.
Quality control – Brooklyn Bedding likes to keep a close eye on its products from design to delivery. Thus, the majority of the materials in the Brooklyn Essential are manufactured in-house.
Potential Drawbacks
A simple design – There aren’t many luxurious add-ons to this bed, as it’s meant to be a low-cost hybrid with comfort and durability as its main selling points.
Motion might transfer – The Essential likely won’t isolate motion as well as an all-foam bed.
Customer Reviews of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
According to Brooklyn Bedding’s website, the Essential mattress scores about 4.5 out of 5 stars. Users have noted that the Brooklyn Bedding Essential mattress offers a budget-friendly option for customers, however some have mentioned that it may not be as durable as higher-priced alternatives.
Looking for more info? Peruse our roundup of the best hybrid beds.
Why the Leesa Studio Earned Best Cheap Firm Mattress
If you’re looking for a firm mattress, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, nor does it have to break the bank. The Leesa Studio mattress is a great budget option for firm fans. This all-foam bed is rated a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, a truly firm bed. But, it’s balanced out by the pressure-relieving foam at the top, which allows for a slight cradle while the supportive foams underneath work to keep you lifted.
How the Leesa Studio Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Leesa Studio mattress is currently priced at $799 for a queen, closer to $640 with sales. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Leesa Studio outperforms other affordable mattresses in terms of its motion transfer and cooling ability.
Test
Leesa Studio
Average
Pressure Relief
3.4
3.8
Support
4
4
Motion Isolation
5
4.1
Cooling
3.5
3.3
Bounce
2
3.9
Edge Support
3.5
3.5
Couples
3.5
3.6
What’s the Leesa Studio Made Of?
The Leesa Studio mattress is 10 inches thick with four layers (if you include its cover). It starts out with a breathable knit cover that should feel soft and cool. Then, a 1.5-inch layer of contouring memory foam gives some cushion to the surface.
Underneath the comfort foam, a 1.5-inch layer of transitional foam features miniature air capsules to keep air flowing through the bed. Finally, the base layer acts as the foundational support for the bed. All of the foams in this bed’s construction are also CertiPUR-US® certified.
Our Take: The Leesa Studio is a great choice if you want a firm bed that won’t feel like a plank of wood (no offense if that’s your thing). It’s also perfect for budget shoppers. You can get a queen for just under $800 (down to $640 with sales and coupons)!
What I Liked
Isolates motion well – Couples should appreciate the Leesa Studio’s all-foam makeup. These foams work to absorb motion and ensure movements don’t travel across the mattress surface, reducing the risk of disturbing your partner’s rest.
Great for back and stomach sleepers – The Leesa Studio’s firm-but-pressure-relieving makeup is perfect for folks who sleep on their back and stomach. They shouldn’t sink in too far, but instead feel supported by the firm layers.
Potential Drawbacks
Too firm for side sleepers – Side sleepers, on the other hand, may want to look elsewhere. This bed may feel too unyielding, so they should consider a bed with softer comfort foams.
Not the bounciest – The foams in the Leesa Studio unfortunately aren’t very responsive. This may make it a bit difficult to move on the mattress surface if you switch positions in your sleep.
Customer Reviews of the Leesa Studio
On Leesa’s website, the Studio mattress has approximately 70 reviews and a score of 4.2 out of 5, with most customers praising this mattress as the best value for money. Many customers recommend this bed for its comfort and support level, but others said it was too firm for their preference.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid features great qualities sleepers can benefit from, like zoned lumbar support, pressure-relieving foam, sturdy coils, and strong edge support.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid features great qualities sleepers can benefit from, like zoned lumbar support, pressure-relieving foam, sturdy coils, and strong edge support.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid features great qualities sleepers can benefit from, like zoned lumbar support, pressure-relieving foam, sturdy coils, and strong edge support.
Why the Silk & Snow Hybrid Earned Best Cheap King Mattress
A king-size mattress often comes with a rather regal price tag that might deter some buyers. But the Silk & Snow Hybrid provides a royal sleep experience at just under $1,000 for a king, a rarity for high-quality mattresses.
This hybrid bed is made in Canada and feels akin to many hotel mattresses. Its medium-feel and balanced support and softness should also make it a good match for most sleepers.
How the Silk & Snow Hybrid Compares to Other Budget Mattresses
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is currently priced at $700 for a queen mattress. See how its performance ratings match up against the average of other mattresses under $1000 that we’ve tested. The Nectar outperforms other affordable mattresses in the areas of pressure relief, bounce, edge support and compatibility for couples.
Test
Silk & Snow
Average
Pressure Relief
4
3.8
Support
4
4
Motion Isolation
3
4.1
Cooling
3
3.3
Bounce
5
3.9
Edge Support
5
3.5
Couples
4
3.6
What’s the Silk & Snow Hybrid Made Of?
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is 12 inches tall with five total layers, including a top cover. This cover features an antimicrobial treatment to ward off unwanted bacterial growth.
The first layer underneath the surface is a layer of quilted, cushioning foam. Then, a layer of dense memory foam relieves any pressure buildup.
The coil unit underneath these foam layers consists of individually wrapped coils that are stronger in the middle of the mattress to target the lower back. Finally, the perimeter is reinforced with foam for sturdy edges.
Our Take: “With the balance of comfort and support, we found that the Silk & Snow hybrid works for all sleep positions and all body types, with top testing scores in spine alignment, pressure relief, responsiveness and edge support. It’s just an all-around superstar.” – Loren Bullock, Lead Product Tester
What We Liked
Bounce galore – The springs in the Silk & Snow Hybrid give the bed plenty of bounce. If you’re a restless sleeper, tend to switch positions, or enjoy certain nighttime activities, you should appreciate how easy it is to move around on this bed.
Zoned support – Zoning in the coil unit is a rare treat in a mattress of this price. Having strengthened coils in the center allows for the back to remain lifted and your body to stay in proper alignment.
Potential Drawbacks
Can feel too firm for some – Though the Silk & Snow has some comfortable foams on top, we thought this bed may still feel too firm for some sleepers. Lightweight sleepers and those who prefer their side may not be able to achieve a comfortable sink.
Not the coolest option – This bed has some cooling abilities built into it, thanks to its individually wrapped coils that allow for airflow, but it was nothing that totally impressed us. If you’re a hot sleeper, you may want to consider a dedicated cooling mattress.
Customer Reviews of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
On the Silk & Snow website, the bed earns an impressive 5 out of 5 stars overall. Customers appreciate the Mattress for its combination of supportive coils and pressure-relieving foam, but some find it a bit firmer than expected, which may not suit all sleep preferences.
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, Each of these beds are great mattresses for shoppers on a budget. Check out our featured recommendations below.
What may be considered a low price for one person, may not be for another. Therefore, when it comes to what is considered a budget mattress, we say that these fall into a range of $250 to $1,000 for a Queen, and last five to seven years depending on the frequency of use.
Budget-friendly mattresses can be found within every bed type, including innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex. However, memory foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be the cheapest among the different mattress types.
Cheaper mattresses don’t always come with the fancy construction of those in higher price ranges, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t made with quality materials that should help you sleep well.
When shopping for a mattress on a tight budget, there are several factors to consider before hitting “add to cart”. Along with the price, you should also consider the type of mattress it is, along with other important features related to the quality of the product and how it is expected to perform for different needs and sleep styles.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are the oldest and typically the cheapest type of mattress available. They consist of thinner comfort layers on top of a coil unit, which can have either interconnected or pocketed (independent) coils.
If you’re looking for a budget mattress without too many bells and whistles, a classic, no-frills innerspring is a good choice. Just be sure to monitor the bed for any sagging or poking from the coils.
Tester, Julia Forbes, looking at the construction of the Helix Midnight, an innerspring mattress
Average Price: A few hundred dollars for especially basic models with a short lifespan, and around $1,000 for more reliable versions.
Hybrid Mattress
Because they combine layers of foam with a supportive coil unit, hybrid mattresses can be tough to reconcile with a tight budget — they’re essentially two types of mattresses in one package.
Finding a cheap hybrid mattress may mean timing your search around holiday sales or scoping the internet for deals. You don’t want to compromise too much on the quality of the foams or the springs in the bed, so bypass any tempting offers that don’t share a lot of information about the bed’s makeup.
Average Price: There are few hybrids available for less than $1,000. You’re more likely to pay $1,500 and up for these beds.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is best known for its ability to contour the body, creating a responsive “cradle” as you sleep.
Like innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds made of only foam layers are some of the most affordable mattresses out there. You’ll want to ensure the quality of the foam before you buy, so look for foams that have been CertiPUR-US® certified — this designation means that they’re free of certain harmful chemicals and pass emissions standards.
Looking at the layers of a memory foam mattress while mattress testing
Average Price: Discounted and bare-bones models can go for around $500, but models with trustworthy and durable foams cost closer to $1,000 and up.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses incorporate latex foam, a poly foam alternative that’s derived from the sap of rubber trees. It’s a relative newcomer to the mattress scene and its advantages — heightened cooling, a comfortable-yet-springy feel, and impressive longevity, to name a few — mean it’s priced a bit higher than more traditional materials.
For many shoppers, the natural and eco-friendly origins of latex foam make it a desirable choice, but as with all mattress materials, latex can be processed and utilized in different ways. Be sure to look into how a mattress brand manufactures and certifies its latex before buying.
Average Price: You’ll typically pay more than $1,000 for a quality latex mattress, so keep an eye out for deals if you’re looking for a budget model.
Our lead product tester, looking at latex mattress construction
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Budget Mattress
Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position is always an important factor when shopping for a mattress.
Generally, we recommend softer beds to side sleepers, who need something to relieve pressure on the shoulder and hip. Medium-firm beds, which provide a nice balance of firm support with softer pressure relief are usually best for back and combination sleepers, and firmer beds that keep the hips lifted are better for stomach sleepers.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
A person’s body type and weight should be taken into consideration when shopping for a budget mattress.
While many heavyweight sleepers should be well served by the higher firmness levels in some budget mattresses, the extra weight may cause the cheaper materials and construction to break down more quickly. This may lead to issues with spinal alignment, as well as needing to replace the mattress more quickly. Conversely, very petite sleepers may not sink into these beds as rapidly, but they should still look out for softer options so they experience enough cushioning to avoid that ‘sleeping on a rock’ feel.
Many average-weight individuals are likely to sleep fine on a budget mattress, they will still want to consider the firmness level and how it correlates with their preferred sleep position before purchasing a budget bed.
Firmness
Firmness reflects how soft or hard a bed feels. Many budget beds have a medium-firm feel, which can serve a large population of sleepers.
However, it should be noted that many cheaper mattresses don’t come in multiple firmness options. Therefore, if you are someone who prefers a much softer bed, you may have issues finding one in a lower price range.
Cooling
Considering that many budget mattresses are made from memory foam or poly foams, materials that have a tendency to trap heat, temperature regulation may be a big concern when shopping for a budget-friendly mattress. Although it may not be economically feasible for manufacturers to incorporate the same kind of cooling technology that they do in their higher-end models, many of them do incorporate gel or other cooling materials in their budget mattresses to help keep sleepers from overheating.
Julia testing the cooling properties of each mattress using a temperature control gun as the bed cools down
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner or pet, preventing their nightly movements from waking you is probably a priority. Fortunately, many budget mattresses are made from memory foam, which is known for its motion-isolating properties. This means that many budget mattresses should do an excellent job at keeping a co-sleeper’s movements from traveling to the other side of the bed and waking their partners.
Sex
Sexually active couples typically enjoy beds that are responsive. If your bed is responsive, it can be easier to move around during intimacy without feeling stuck. Further, the amount of bounce that a mattress possesses is another feature that can help make sex more enjoyable.
Beds made from innerspring coils and latex are likely to provide optimal performance for sex, but unfortunately, it may be somewhat difficult to find a suitable budget mattress with latex because most latex models are naturally sourced and can be expensive. Many budget mattresses are made from foam, which is much slower to respond and may not have a lot of bounce.
If bounce and budget are top priorities, though, a great solution is a traditional innerspring bed, which can provide plenty of bounce at a cheaper price.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is important for sensitive areas like the shoulders, knees, and hips. If a mattress is too hard, pressure can build up around the parts of the body that come in contact with the mattress because they won’t have enough contouring. Mattresses that are too soft, though, can allow sleepers to sink too far into a bed, and this lack of support may also cause abundant pressure.
It is important to look for a mattress that will support you and disperse your body weight evenly. A good place to start is with medium-firm beds that typically provide the right balance of support and pressure relief to most sleepers, and fortunately, many budget beds have a medium-firm feel.
Edge Support
Julia Forbes testing edge support.
Couples and those who have a tendency to sleep on the edge of the bed will want to see if the outer perimeter has been reinforced. Reinforced edges are usually made by putting extra-strong coils or high-density foam around the outside of the bed.
However, this could be an area where budget mattresses decide to cut costs. Therefore, if this is an important consideration for you, you will want to make sure that it is a feature in the bed of your choice.
The price of a mattress is the focal point here. Since we’re reviewing budget mattresses, we made sure all models have a Queen size option with a general average near or slightly above $1,000. These beds reflect relatively cheap prices within the mattress industry, while still offering technologies, features, and materials that make them worth the money.
Material Quality
Julia Forbes testing for material quality and construction.
Mattresses on the lower end of the price scale are often made with cheaper materials, such as lower-quality memory foam or poly foam. Additionally, cheaper all-foam mattresses are more likely to use fiberglass in their production as a way to meet flammability standards in a low cost-matter. While this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, it does mean that you will have to be aware that there is potential for fiberglass to irritate your skin and respiratory system.
The mattress cover may also be made from cheaper materials, and this could cause it to wear down faster. This could lead to early sagging in the mattress that impact how supportive and comfortable it is.
Another component of material quality is third-party certifications. There are many affordable mattresses that still have important certifications like CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX, and GREENGUARD Gold. These certifications help ensure the mattress’ materials meet strict health and safety standards. However, some ultra-cheap mattresses may forego such certifications.
No matter the price, it’s smart to look at the background of the brand you’re purchasing from. However, this can be even more helpful if you’re buying a more budget-friendly mattress for more peace of mind. Some things to consider are whether the brand is well-known, how long they’ve been around, do they have generally positive customer reviews, and if they do any charitable or environmental initiatives that might be important to you.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Sleep trials are an excellent way to make sure that your budget-friendly mattress will work for you. These trials can last anywhere from 100 to 365 nights, depending on the brand. We advise getting a bed with at least a 100-night trial to give you enough time to know if you like your mattress, and if you don’t, you can send it back.
Sleep trials differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, make sure that you have a full understanding of the trial period for your specific mattress.
Warranties will vary amongst manufacturers but most will be at least 10 years long. Like with sleep trials, you will need to read your warranty carefully to see what it entails. However, having a warranty is a good sign that although your mattress may cost less, the manufacturer still stands by its durability.
How could a cheap mattress impact someone’s sleep and/or overall health?
“While a cheap mattress may seem like a good choice for those with a limited budget, a mattress that compromises support, durability, and material safety can be a health hazard. A mattress that lacks support or durability can lead to improper spine alignment and issues such as back pain. A cheap mattress made of unsafe materials with higher VOC emissions can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues. Compared to latex mattresses, cheap mattresses may have poor breathability, leading to overheating and poor sleep. An average adult spends one-third of their time a day in bed. Therefore, investing some money in a good mattress for sleep and health is crucial.” – Dr. Po-Chang Hsu
How to Save Money on a New Mattress
Buy Online
Buying online gives you easy access to numerous mattress brands and models, but one of the biggest advantages is that it can save you money. When you buy online direct from the manufacturer, you’re cutting out overhead costs that can come up when shopping in a traditional brick and mortar store.
Shop During Holidays and Sales Events
Mattress companies typically provide deals throughout the year, but they offer even bigger savings around major holidays and sales events. Along with slashing mattress prices, many top brands will offer special bundle deals to include some accessories with your purchase. Some popular times for mattress sales include Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
Do Your Research
Doing your research ahead of time can also help you save on a new mattress. This might include narrowing down what’s most important to you as a consumer and picking out beds that align with those needs. For example, if you’re not a hot sleeper, it wouldn’t make sense to splurge on a very cooling bed.
It’s also helpful to look into any specific return policies and whether this might incur additional costs if you don’t like the bed. Most online brands offer generous sleep trial periods, but in some cases, you may have to pay a return shipping fee. This isn’t always the case, but it’s good to know ahead of time to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Who Should Consider a Cheap Bed?
People with a guest room – If the bed is for the guest room, quality and durability aren’t nearly as important because the mattress won’t be under the pressure of everyday use. This may mean that even if you’re spending less, you want something that feels like a great mattress for the money.
Parents with teenagers – If the mattress is for a teenager, consider that they’ll likely be moving out of the house soon for college or their own apartment, and they may not need a long-lasting bed. However, if it’s for an adult, they may be more selective and require a higher-end experience.
College students – If you’re just using the bed while in college, it could be worth it to save for now. That way, when you graduate and get an apartment, you can then invest in a more luxurious mattress.
Who Shouldn’t Consider a Cheap Bed?
Heavy sleepers – Adults who are heavier will naturally put more weight and pressure on a bed. For this reason, if one or more of the sleepers weighs over 230 pounds, they’ll probably need a firmer and higher-quality mattress for maximum comfort and support.
People who need advanced comfort and support – If you’re dealing with significant back pain or joint discomfort, you will likely want a more high-end mattress that has an enhanced construction to help you feel more comfortable. Cheaper beds may not come with special features like a pillow top or zoned support, which are often helpful for those with back pain or joint sensitivity.
Price Ranges for Cheap Mattresses
Under $1,000
If you’re searching for a quality mattress under $1000, you have considerable options, especially if you’re buying online. We’ve found that online mattress companies are often able to offer premium quality at about half the cost of brick-and-mortar retailers because they cut out the middleman. In fact, many online mattress stores carry premium options at just under $1,000.
With this budget, you’re not limited to just memory foam mattresses, either. For people who love memory foam beds, you can get a top-of-the-line bed in this price range. When you’re buying a foam mattress, it’s important to remember that not all foams are created equal.
They come in varying levels of density, and higher densities generally perform better than lower ones. While evaluating different brands, you’ll see numbers ranging from 2.5 to 7.0 pounds per cubic foot.
Low-density foams are not inherently awful; however, they usually contain less material, which is one of the reasons they’re cheaper. There’s less material, so these cheaper mattresses are also liable to soften quickly and lose support, shortening the life of the mattress. Low-density foam beds tend to last five years (or less), while medium to high-density foam could serve you comfortably for up to 10 years.
If you come across a cheap bed with low-density foam, don’t discount it as low-quality right away. Many higher-quality mattresses have multiple layers of foam of varying density.
They work together offering a combination of support and comfort to give you a superior night of sleep. For example, you may see a high-density foam for the base layer and a very low-density number for the top layer.
Under $500
There are some genuine mattress deals under $500 out there, but you’re going to have to look a little harder and give up on a few of the luxury features.
At this inexpensive price point, you may be limited mostly to pure foam mattresses, though there are a few notable hybrid exceptions. Overall, the materials won’t be high-end, and you’ll sacrifice some durability.
For example, the coils you might find in beds less than $500 may not maintain the same buoyancy and support as the years go by. The foam can also be a lower grade. Again, as we mentioned above, lower-density foams tend to degrade more quickly.
Something else that should be a major consideration is how much support a cheap mattress might provide. In addition to breaking down faster, low-density foams tend to provide less support.
For some people, this isn’t a dealbreaker. People who like the feeling of sinking into their mattress may find this beneficial, provided they don’t develop any back pain. However, back and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night, shouldn’t compromise on support.
Still, if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice too much quality, you can find a gem or two that won’t break your wallet or your back.
Under $300
While you can certainly get a fair-quality product in this price range, we may not recommend this route to everyone. You’ll find that your options are more limited, and the durability of these beds might be subpar.
Like the $500 group, you should find that these cheap mattresses are mostly memory foam, though again, there may be a few hybrids available. Again, the quality will not be the same as the beds that cost between $500 and $1,000. However, there are some instances where this might be your best bet.
For example, if you’re looking for a short-term bedding solution, you might not want to spend a lot of money. If you’re in a short-term lease, it’s for a college apartment, or you are extra budget-conscious, you may find yourself needing a bed that’s a lower price.
Under $200
Your options are going to be limited, but there should be a couple of choices. Again, you’ll be sacrificing durability and support by getting a mattress at this cheaper price, but if it’s genuinely a short-term buy, then it might make more sense than splurging on something pricier.
Like the the ones around $300, you should find mostly memory foam beds at this price, along with a few hybrids with lower-quality materials.
One trick we should mention is that if you’re particularly budget-conscious, consider sizing down from a Queen to a Full. You may be able to save anywhere from $30 to $100 by scaling down.
Our recommended Queen mattress choice is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Full mattresses are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
If you’re buying the bed for a kid or teen or if you sleep alone and don’t need much space, you can save money without losing out on quality just by downsizing.
Under $100
When looking for a mattress under $100, your options will be more narrow, but you still have some choices, including a blow-up air mattress. The best chance you have of finding something decent that isn’t an airbed is to check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
If you choose this route, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of the product before committing and be careful about who you’re talking to. While most transactions tend to be positive, it’s still critical to be cautious when meeting someone from the internet.
While buying a used mattress is not for everyone, it’s not uncommon to find a mattress from a barely used guest bedroom that’s still in excellent condition, so don’t lose hope.
We also advise cleaning the bed thoroughly before sleeping on it and possibly letting it air out before putting it on your bed frame. Throw one some fresh sheets and you could enjoy a mattress that feels good as new.
While it’s fun to find inexpensive treasures online, we do recommend purchasing a new mattress for the best sleep, if your budget permits it. A quality product with fewer years on it could last you much longer and offer more bang for your buck in the long run.
Best Cheap Mattress FAQs
How Long Do Cheap Mattresses Last?
Cheaper mattresses will typically last from five to seven years. This will be dependent on factors such as if the bed is used daily or only occasionally as a guest bed, along with the sleeper’s body weight as added pressure could cause materials to wear faster.
Therefore, it is important to look for durable materials. Additionally, many budget mattresses provide warranties, and depending on what is covered, these warranties may help you replace your mattress if it wears out too quickly.
What Should I Look for In A Cheap Bed?
We mentioned Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as options earlier. Not only can you find used mattresses on these platforms, but many local furniture stores also run specials advertising their beds at rock-bottom prices to attract a local market.
However, a good place to search for deals is on Amazon. As the world’s largest marketplace, you can find almost anything you need there, and it can often reflect some of the lowest prices. If you want to spend less than $500, Amazon may be a good place to start as well as the web pages of many other mattress manufacturers.
The Swedish furniture maker has a reputation for aesthetically pleasing, bare-bones furniture designed for modern spaces. While they are not best known for their bedding options, their beds range in price from $159 to $899, plus they offer a 25-year limited warranty.
Within this range, they also offer innerspring, foam, and hybrid constructions. However, before you jump in your car and head over to Ikea for a bed, it may help you to know that their mattress firmness levels are generally firm to medium-firm. This means that if you’re a side sleeper, you may not feel as comfortable, but if you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you may be able to find something you like.
Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
References:
“What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?”. United States Environmental Protection Agency. Last modified January 4, 2024.
Up to 50% Off Mattresses
