Best Adjustable Beds (2026)

Tired of waking up with stiff muscles or lower back pain? An adjustable bed frame might be the solution you’ve been looking for. These frames offer customizable positions for your head and feet, allowing you to find the perfect sleeping posture, alleviate discomfort, and improve overall sleep quality. 

“An adjustable base is a great way to tweak your sleep setup, since it can help align the spine and take pressure off the joints,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta, a quadruple board-certified physician specializing in pulmonary and sleep science. “It can also help keep airways open by elevating your upper body, which may reduce snoring and ease mild sleep apnea symptoms.” Adjustable beds are also a great way to upgrade your overall sleep experience with fancy features like massage.

To get you started on your journey, we’ve gathered our top picks for the best adjustable beds, frames, and bases. Each option differs in style, design, and features, but all are crafted to provide superior comfort and flexibility. Whether you struggle with back pain, snoring, or simply need a better way to relax, I’ve got you covered. 

Best Adjustable Beds

Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.

What I Looked For in the Best Adjustable Bases

Range of Motion

Performance

User Experience

Testing Methodology

Expert Review

Range of motion refers to how extensively and smoothly the bed can adjust to different positions. When testing adjustable beds, we ensure they can achieve positions like zero gravity (around 15 degrees of elevation for the feet and 30-45 degrees for the head) and anti-snore (10-15 degrees head elevation).

We measure these angles and test the smoothness of transitions between positions to ensure every sleeper can find a comfortable position to settle into. We even give a rating for the TV-watching and zero-gravity positions out of 5. You’ll notice that every frame on this list earned 4 or higher for each. 

To get a feel for how effectively an adjustable base operates, we carefully assess motor performance, noise levels, and weight capacity. We test each bed’s lifting capacity with various mattress weights and ensure that the noise isn’t too loud for bedroom use during operation. 

We rate every base’s noise level out of 5, thanks to a decibel meter. The ideal level for “whisper-quiet” operation is below 45 decibels, with many of these bases falling in the 35 to 40 range. 

You can also take a glance at our overall rating, which gives a holistic view of how the base performed across the board. Every base earned at least a 4.4 out of 5.

A responsive, user-friendly control system is essential for daily use, so we evaluate both the remote functionality and any smart features included. We test wireless response time, assess the clarity of button layouts, and verify the reliability of preset positions. 

For smart bases, we check app connectivity, voice control compatibility, and the stability of wireless connections. At the end of testing, we have ratings for remote control features, as well as an overall ease of use score, each out of 5. Only bases with an ease of use score of 4 and above made the cut.

We assembled and evaluated each adjustable bed and base using our review methodology to get a clear sense of its performance and quality. Each adjustable bed has been personally tested by a member of our team to help determine who it might be a good fit for. All of the adjustable bases on our list have been tested and scored for durability, range of motion, motor power, ease of experience, and much more.

Our team of certified sleep science coaches has tested more than 500 mattresses and sleep accessories over the last decade, allowing us to guide more than 145,000 people to the best mattress for them. Not only do we use and evaluate these products ourselves, but we also consult with Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, who’s quadruple-board certified in pulmonary, sleep, internal, and critical care medicine, to ensure we keep up to date with the latest in sleep science and medicine.

Additionally, Dr. Joe Tedesco, DPT, OCS, ATC, CSCS, comes into our studio to personally test sleep products and give a medical perspective on each, and experts such as Lauren Panoff, MPH, RD, regularly verify our articles.

Nectar Premier Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed Overall

Nectar Premier Adjustable Bed Frame

An upgrade of Nectar’s Comfort Classic Adjustable Base, the Premier features several luxury touches, including a massage feature, four USB ports, and five preset modes. And the split king size allows for two different angles at the same time.

Sleepopolis Score

4.7 / 5

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Product Details

Material

Steel, Plastic

Trial Period

60-night home trial

Warranty

2‑year warranty

Financing

Available

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Return Policy

Free returns

Why the Nectar Premier Adjustable Base Earned Best Overall

If you’re looking for the best of the best in adjustable beds, the Nectar Premier Adjustable Base is a great place to start. It’s one step up from the brand’s original adjustable base, featuring add-ons like massage and underhead lighting. It earned a near-perfect 4.8 out of 5 overall score, thanks to multiple 5-out-of-5 ratings for noise level, ease of use, and its zero-gravity preset.

What Stood Out About the Nectar Premier Base

Our in-house tester recommended this base for anyone who’s “looking for all the little extras.” Along with massage and underhead lighting, the base also comes with USB charging ports and app functionality. “I love this option because if I don’t lose the remote, you can bet one of my dogs will chew it,” she added.

Adjusting was also “very smooth,” per our tester. “It also moves seemingly faster than most bases I’ve tested,” she said. On top of that, it was also extremely quiet: “This is the quietest adjustable bed I’ve tested this far. It’s also a really muted hum, not any annoying squeakiness or pitchiness like you get with some beds.”

She highlighted the Zero G position as one of her favorites on this frame.  “If you sleep with your feet elevated and your head slightly elevated, you usually experience significant pressure relief, and I definitely do with this base.”

Our tester was also able to set memory positions without much strife. This allows you to save your favorite positions, rather than try to find that sweet spot every time you hop into bed. “I like that there are two settings so you can make one for sleeping and one for reading — or, in my case, watching TV and drinking wine,” she added.

What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar Premier Base

While our tester enjoyed her experience with this base overall, she was a bit put off by the remote’s complexity. “There are 17 buttons — that’s a TV-remote-level of buttons,” she said. “There are six buttons in the middle of the remote. These are used to move the head and foot up or down, but it’s not clear which button does what, because all the arrows are positioned over the foot-end of the bed.”

After a more streamlined design? The Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base earned a perfect rating for its easy-to-use remote. Read more in our Nectar Premier Adjustable Base review, where we tested out a split-king model.

Nectar Premier Adjustable Base Sleepopolis Scores

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4.8

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Saatva Adjustable Base Plus – Best Luxury Adjustable Bed

Saatva Adjustable Base Plus

The Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is a luxury adjustable bed featuring custom settings that allow sleepers to program their favorite positions, in addition to the pre-set positions available on the wireless remote.

Sleepopolis Score

5.0 / 5

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Product Details

Material

Steel, Polyester

Warranty

25-year warranty

Financing

Available

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy

No returns

Why the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus is the Best Luxury Base

When I think of luxury, the name Saatva comes to mind. Perhaps I’m biased, as I sleep on a Saatva Classic mattress every night, but the quality of this brand is undeniable. It shines through in the Adjustable Base Plus, our pick for the best luxury adjustable bed frame.

This base earned 5 stars for its zero-gravity preset, which should have you feeling as weightless as an astronaut. It also earned high marks for noise level, ease of use, and its TV-watching position, helping it to earn an admirable overall rating of 4.4.

What Stood Out About the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus

“This is a fantastic choice if you’re a back sleeper (like me) and you want to relieve pressure on your lower back,” our in-house tester said. She particularly praised the bed’s zero-gravity position, which lifted her head and feet slightly to keep the pressure off her spine.

Our tester had the opportunity to test the split-king version of this base, so she got to witness how each side of the frame moves. “The bed is very smooth in movement, nothing rough or jerky,” she said. “It moves quickly enough that you’re not waiting forever to get into position, but slowly enough that it feels safe.”

She also enjoyed the added touches that elevated the experience, including the underhead lighting, saying, “Great for safety and nighttime trips to the bathroom!” The massage was a little on the lighter side, but she noted that could’ve been due to the thickness of the mattress she tried.

Finally, the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus should operate relatively quietly. “Some adjustable bases just have a soft whirring noise, but this one is slightly more high pitched,” our tester noted. “It’s not loud, just different.”

What to Keep in Mind About the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus

While Saatva describes the wireless remote as “easy-to-use,” our tester begged to differ. She could figure out what some of the buttons meant by process of elimination, but added, “you definitely need to look up how to program a setting.” 

The remote also comes with a flashlight; though a hit with my colleague Riley Otis, our in-house tester thought this was “excessive” in the age of phone flashlights. “If you’re bougie enough to have a Saatva adjustable base, I’d think you wouldn’t need a flashlight on your remote,” she said.

For a decidedly plain and intuitive remote, check out the DreamCloud Adjustable Base. Or read more in our full Saatva Adjustable Base Plus review.

Saatva Adjustable Base Plus Sleepopolis Scores

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4.4

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Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Bed for Back Pain

Silk & Snow Adjustable Bed – Enhanced Model

The Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base features customizable massage settings, multiple presets, and a sleek, comfortable design that’s sure to please all who rest on it.

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Product Details

Material

Wool, Steel, Cotton

Trial Period

30‑day return window (original packaging required)

Warranty

10‑year limited warranty on the frame

Financing

Available

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy

Flat-rate return fee

Why the Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base is the Best Base for Back Pain

Tired of waking up with an achy back? The culprit may just be your mattress. The good news is that an adjustable base can help with pesky back pain, adjusting your body to ensure your spine is aligned and comfortable. Dr. Joe Tedesco notes that, “If you experience pressure buildup or if your mattress doesn’t adequately support your spine, raising your feet or head on the adjustable base can help improve comfort and alignment.”

Our recommendation for sleepers with back pain is the Silk & Snow Adjustable Base. Its zero-gravity preset earned two thumbs up from tester Riley Otis, who rated it at a perfect 5-out-of-5. I recommend upgrading to the Enhanced model for bonuses like added lumbar support and massage.

What Stood Out About the Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base

“In zero-gravity, I feel completely weightless on this base,” Riley said after trying out this position. “I really love the way my spine feels and how it relieves pressure at each vertebra. I think people with body aches and pains will also like this position, as it relieves pressure, especially around the low back.”

The Enhanced version of this base also boasts a “lumbar boost” feature. “It was really cool to feel the bar rising under my lower back and giving me a little extra boost,” Riley said. “I think people with back pain or other conditions can benefit from this niche level of customization to achieve the most comfortable sleep experience.”

She also thought the remote was “sleek and stylish,” and praised the considerate effort put into its quality and design. “It somehow felt more professional and heavier than the cheap plastic ones we usually have,” she explained. “Everything is intuitive and clearly labeled, and the speckled tan color is aesthetically pleasing.”

The massage features on the Enhanced model were also pleasant, though Riley likened it to more of a “light vibration” than deep-tissue shiatsu. “The bed also has USB ports on either side for easy charging of devices, which is a plus,” she added.

What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow Adjustable Base

The Silk & Snow Adjustable Base earned a near-perfect 4.9 overall rating, with Riley finding little to complain about. She did note that the setup process was quite involved, though it wouldn’t be an issue if you had a helping hand.

“The hardest part was flipping the base over, but it was easy with two people,” she said. “It’s a tool-free assembly, so I was just happy to not use a wrench. But Silk & Snow doesn’t provide any white-glove delivery or in-home assembly.”

Want someone else to do the work? The Helix Adjustable Base offers in-home setup for select zipcodes.

Silk & Snow Enhanced Adjustable Base Sleepopolis Scores

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DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Base – Best Split-King Adjustable Bed

Why the DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Base is the Best Split-King Base

Split-king mattresses are a popular choice among couples with varying preferences, as it allows each sleeper to have their own mattress — including individual firmnesses, and, if you so desire, adjustable frames. We had the opportunity to try out the DreamCloud Adjustable Bed Frame in its split-king iteration, and it should deliver the comfort couples need.

The DreamCloud base earned 5-out-of-5 ratings for its ease of use and zero-gravity preset, as well as a 4.5 for remote design, from my colleague Riley Otis. This led her to award the base an impressive 4.6 overall score.

What Stood Out About the DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Base

Riley was able to unbox the split-king base by herself, as it contained two twin-XL-sized bases that were easy to handle on her own. “It’s a no-tools required process, so all you have to do is twist on the legs and plug in a few cords,” she said. “But, if you get a queen or king, I think you may need a second person to help you move and flip the frame.”

She noted it wasn’t the fanciest base she’d ever tried, but she particularly enjoyed the straightforward operation. “This base operated as expected: smoothly, quickly, and with minimal noise.” 

“The buttons on the remote are intuitive,” she added. “You have your basic head and leg elevation, anti-snore, zero-gravity, flat, and 2 customizable presets.” It also had a built-in flashlight, which Riley thought was a nice added touch to combat fumbling around in the dark.

Riley called the zero-gravity setting “pretty typical” for an adjustable base, but enjoyed it nonetheless. “It provided the expected experience — weightless with zero pressure building at the lower back,” she explained. “It really does place you in the optimum position.”

What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Base

The one thing Riley noted about this base was that it didn’t have a preset button for TV-watching, which is rare to see. “To achieve this level of elevation, you’ll have to press the up button continuously,” she explained. So, it’s definitely not impossible, but it may be annoying for those who like quick, low-effort adjustability.

Many other bases offer this feature, including the Nectar Premier Adjustable Base. For more about this frame, you can read our full DreamCloud Adjustable Base review.

DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Base Sleepopolis Scores

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4.5

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4.6

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Helix Adjustable Base – Best Adjustable Base for Massage

Helix Adjustable Base

The Helix Adjustable Base is easy to use and offers quiet, seamless adjustment to the zero-gravity position or to the reading and watching TV positions. In addition to basic head and foot elevation, Helix’s base features massage, USB ports, and underfloor lighting.

Sleepopolis Score

4.6 / 5

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Product Details

Material

Polyfoam, Steel, Polyester

Trial Period

30 nights

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Financing

Available

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Return Policy

Free returns

Why the Helix Adjustable Base Earned the Best Adjustable Bed for Massage

Head and foot adjustments are all well and dandy, but did you know that many adjustable bases offer massage functions? While most are on the lighter side and barely rock the boat, the Helix Adjustable Base packs a punch with its massage features. Our in-house tester praised how she could “actually feel it” through the layers of mattress, and awarded the base a number of 5-out-of-5 ratings, including ease of use.

What Stood Out About the Helix Adjustable Base

“This massage is pretty powerful and I could really feel the vibrations,” our tester said after giving it a try herself. “When I use massage guns, my nose starts itching. When I have used other massaging adjustable bases, nothing happens. But my nose started itching on the Helix! So it must be a good, powerful massage!”

There are multiple options for the massage function, including three timers and three levels for the head and foot, which can be programmed separately. Our tester also liked the feel of the remote itself: “It’s that soft, matte rubber — the little things, you know?

Aside from the spa-level treatment, our tester also enjoyed the comfort she found while resting in the bed’s zero-gravity position. “The angles for the head and feet are fantastic at making you feel weightless,” she explained. “I felt no pressure in my lower back at all.”

The base also features USB charging ports, under-bed lighting, and customizable presets. “This adjustable base may be more expensive on paper, but it offers a lot more than the average base,” our tester added. “If I were in the market for an adjustable bed, I would strongly consider this one!”

What to Keep in Mind About the Helix Adjustable Base

While still quiet, the Helix Adjustable Base did sound noticeably louder than the other bases our tester tried. She used the decibel app to measure the sound of the motor whirring, and found it came in at 45 dBA. “This is allegedly like ‘rustling leaves,’” she said. “And though it’s a touch louder than the other bases I have tested, none of it is loud, clanking, or disruptive.”

For a quiet motor, I recommend the Nectar Premier Adjustable Base. Read more in our full Helix Adjustable Base review.

Helix Adjustable Base Sleepopolis Scores

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4.9

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Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base – Best Affordable Adjustable Bed

Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base

The Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base comes with head-to-foot tilt adjustments, plus zero gravity and anti-aging posture presets. There are two USB ports and a built-in power-down battery box that is a self-sufficient and energy-efficient source of power.

Sleepopolis Score

4.8 / 5

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Product Details

Warranty

2-year warranty

Financing

Available

Shipping Method

Free shipping minus HI and AK

Return Policy

No returns

Why the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe is the Best Cheap Base

While many adjustable beds can cost upwards of thousands of dollars, budget shoppers don’t have to throw away their dreams just yet. Brooklyn Bedding’s Ascension Luxe Power Base is a great affordable option that’s simple yet effective in its design. Despite lacking all the fancy features like lighting or massage, it earned a near-perfect 4.8 overall score.

What Stood Out About the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe

Our product tester called this “a simple, easy-to-use base.” He said, “There isn’t a lot of additional functionality apart from just adjusting the head and the foot. If you’re just looking for that, this is a great pick.”

Adjusting on this base wasn’t just simple, but also smooth. “There was no jerking or unexpected movements, even with a thicker mattress on the base,” our tester said. 

The Ascension Luxe Power Base does feature two presets: TV-watching and zero-gravity positions. Each was a hit with our tester, though he particularly enjoyed the latter, where his feet and head were slightly elevated. “I did feel some nice pressure relief on my lower back, which had been hurting from an injury,” he added.

Noise also shouldn’t be a problem on this adjustable base. Our tester likened it to “rainfall or a low-volume white noise machine.” He added, “I don’t think the noise should be a deterrent for anyone considering this adjustable base, and it might even be soothing for some sleepers.”

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe

The Ascension Luxe Power Base will get the job done for folks who are only looking for adjustability, but luxury shoppers after something more high-end will likely feel let down. If you’re looking for features like massage, USB charging, and the ability to save your favorite custom positions, I recommend the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus instead.

Read more in our full Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base review.

Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Adjustable Power Base Sleepopolis Scores

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4.8

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Other Adjustable Frames Considered

Not inclined toward any of the options above? Here are two other bases our sleep experts have tested that might tickle your fancy:

Nolah Smart Adjustable Base

The Nolah Smart Adjustable Base combines advanced features like voice control, massage settings, zero gravity, and wall-glide technology with great value. We left it off the list because it doesn’t come in a traditional king-size, though it does have a split-king option. 

Bear Adjustable Flex Bed

This base comes with everything you need: individual head and foot adjustment, zero-gravity presets, and adjustable legs. It’s available in king, queen, and twin XL sizes. However, the Bear Adjustable Flex Bed is non-refundable and exchangeable, and does not include a home trial period.

What is an Adjustable Bed?

An adjustable base (also sometimes called an adjustable bed) is a customizable bed frame that allows sleepers to alter the position of their mattress. Most allow for elevation of the head and/or feet, but many feature additional luxurious options and special features. Some folks use these frames to put themselves in a nice reading or TV-watching position, and others use them to enhance comfort during sleep.

Adjustable beds typically require assembly, and often they’re extremely heavy, so consider grabbing a friend to help you or stick with a model that’s pre-assembled.

Once you’ve got it all set up, you can adjust the positions with an included remote. Many models come with presets (zero-gravity, anti-snore, etc.). When you’re ready to snooze, you can lower the setting to a different position that suits your comfort level and sleep soundly.

Why Buy an Adjustable Bed?

Adjustable beds can help people with various health conditions, particularly those affecting sleep and circulation. These beds allow users to elevate their heads and feet independently, which can help reduce acid reflux and heartburn during sleep. The ability to raise the head of your bed can also promote better breathing and alleviate symptoms of sleep apnea, asthma, and snoring by maintaining optimal airway alignment throughout the night.

Dr. Dasgupta, along with many studies, recommend elevating the head of the bed for certain conditions: “Sleepers with acid reflux or sleep apnea could benefit from an open airway.” 

These beds can also help older adults with chronic pain, arthritis, and mobility issues. Elevating the legs can help reduce swelling and improve circulation for individuals with edema or varicose veins. Meanwhile, the zero-gravity position, which simulates weightlessness by slightly elevating both the head and feet, can help relieve pressure on the spine and joints, potentially reducing back pain and promoting more restful sleep.

“I recommend an adjustable base for a wide variety of people,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. “They help find your perfect sleeping position because of the customization for the legs, back and head. This flexibility allows you to find comfort, reducing pressure points in your back, hips or shoulders. Elevating the head or legs keeps your spine aligned, alleviates any muscle strain, and reduces pain symptoms of arthritis or sciatica by improving circulation and reducing swelling.”

Our medical product tester, Dr. Joe Tedesco, noted that some folks should steer clear of adjustable beds. “Strict stomach sleepers generally do not need an adjustable base, as elevation can increase spinal extension and lead to misalignment,” he said. “Otherwise, I’m fully supportive of adjustable bases as a tool for pressure relief, especially when you can fine-tune or program specific positions.”

What Goes into a Great Adjustable Bed

The best adjustable bed frames will be high performers and easy to use. Below, I’ll dive deeper into how we determine whether an adjustable base meets this criteria.

Range of Motion

Though all adjustable bases move, not all of them move in the same ways. Most frames can independently raise your head and feet or do both at the same time, but some come with additional premium features. We take a look at every preset and how far you can maneuver a base to create truly individualized comfort. 

Common Presets

Below are some of the most common preset positions you may discover when shopping for an adjustable bed frame of your own. Again, brands usually list these in the “details” section of the product, so if there’s one that sounds particularly interesting to you, make sure to look for it by name in that section.

• Zero-gravity: This position raises both the head and foot of the bed in a way that’s supposed to make the sleeper feel weightless. The foot of the base is raised slightly higher than the head in an effort to promote better blood flow and circulation.
• Anti-snore: Folks with sleep apnea and those who deal with snoring may be particularly well-suited to this position, which raises the head slightly upward. This can help open the airway. 
• TV: As the name suggests, this position is all about raising the head of the bed so you can better watch TV or read a book from the comfort of your bed.
• Flat: And finally, the flat-back position. Most adjustable bed frames have a “flat” button that allows you to return to a neutral sleeping position.

Wall-Hugging

Another thing we look out for when researching adjustable bed frames is whether or not a frame has a wall-hugging design. Frames that feature this design are able to maintain the same distance away from your bedroom wall when adjusted, rather than moving away from it. This saves space and makes for a more seamless bedroom aesthetic. You’ll also have an easier time reaching your nightstand. 

Performance 

An adjustable bed’s performance includes more than basic head and foot elevation. We look at everything from response time to how quietly the motor operates. The ideal adjustable bed frame shouldn’t take too long to move into position, and neither should it squeal or screech.

Noise

When looking for an adjustable bed, it can be easy to overlook the noise level of the base’s motor and moving parts. However, it’s more important than you think, especially when you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep. No one wants to be disturbed by loud whirring or clanking when adjusting the bed, especially if your partner makes small tweaks to their side.

We use a decibel meter to determine how loud a base sounds, specifically during our evaluation of the TV-watching and zero-gravity positions. As the base maneuvers into position, the meter records the sound of the motor. 

Ideally, you’ll want a decibel rating below 45 dBA. This is often likened to gentle rainfall or the hum of a refrigerator, which shouldn’t disturb most sleepers. Many of the bases we’ve tested were much lower, which we’d call “whisper-quiet” operation — a must-have if you’re prone to waking. 

User Friendliness

A good adjustable base should be seamless to use, but some have more of a learning curve. Ideally, your base should feel uncomplicated and easy to operate, scoring at least a 4 out of 5 for ease of use.

Remote Control

We rate a base’s remote functionality as well as its overall ease of use. Less buttons are usually better, unless they have straightforward labeling. We’ve encountered remotes where there are either too many buttons or confusing icons that require a cryptologist — or more likely, trial and error to figure out what they do. This brings down the remote score, and ultimately, the overall ease of use rating.

App Control

Some bases also come with app functionality, which can come in handy if you either lose the remote or don’t want to reach for it; let’s face it, most of us are bringing our phones into bed, anyway. 

Just like with a remote, we don’t want an app to feel clunky or cumbersome, and there should be little lag time between you inputting adjustments and the base moving. For peace of mind, the app should also work without Wi-Fi or otherwise connect easily.

What Else to Consider When Shopping

When shopping for an adjustable bed, you may be overwhelmed by all the different brands and models on the market. To make your shopping process a bit easier, here are some other factors you may want to consider before making your purchase.

Construction

One of the most important things to consider when shopping for an adjustable bed frame is its construction. This might seem like an obvious point, but it’s easy to get distracted from the basics when thinking about all the other more “exciting” features that may come with an adjustable base.

High-quality adjustable bed frames are typically made of steel, a sturdy material that’s both flexible and supportive. Also look for a frame with a height weight capacity, ideally over 500 pounds. This ensures it can handle a high-quality mattress and two sleepers on top.

Assembly

Ease of assembly is another major factor when shopping for an adjustable bed frame. While many bases advertise “tool-free assembly,” it’s not always so simple. A lot of steel frames are incredibly heavy, with some weighing upwards of 200 pounds. This can make it difficult for some to set it up on their own. If you aren’t too good with assembling furniture or physically can’t due to pain or disability, consider snagging a frame that’s pre-assembled. 

Some brands offer white-glove delivery, which includes setup and removal of your old mattress or bed frame, while others may charge extra for this service. Be sure to confirm delivery times and whether any setup fees apply, as well as whether the base is delivered in one or multiple pieces for easier handling.

Extra Features

Aside from adjustability, many of these frames boast features that bring a little extra pizazz to the sleeping experience. Whether these extra add-ons are worth the price will come down to your personal preferences. Here are some of the most common features I see in upgraded bases:

• USB Ports: These are built into the frame so you can plug in your phone or a reading light without digging around for an extension cord behind your bed. If you sleep with a partner, look for a frame that features ports on both sides of the bed. 
• Massage: Many adjustable bed frames also come with massage settings. Some bases offer multi-speed settings that allow sleepers to experiment with different levels of intensity. And some have massage “modes” so users can localize the vibrations to certain areas of the base. This can add a little luxury and relaxation to your bedtime routine.
• Under-bed lighting: Under-bed lighting illuminates the space beneath your bed, which can help during late-night trips to the bathroom or when you’re trying to avoid waking up your partner. Some bed frames even offer adjustable lighting modes, so you can control the brightness to suit your needs.
• Custom leg heights: A model that offers custom leg heights may be worth considering. These frames allow you to individually adjust the height of each peg. If you have a super-thick mattress, like a lofty sleep surface, or want to make getting in and out of bed easier, adjustable height is a bonus.
• Zero-clearance design: This means you can take the legs off the adjustable base and place it directly on your existing frame. Just make sure that your frame or foundation is designed to support it.
• Headboard bracket: This attaches to your adjustable frame so you can use a traditional headboard in your sleep setup. Most of the time, this needs to be purchased separately.
• Sleep tracking: Some newer, cutting-edge bed frames can help you track your sleep via integrated sensors or smartphone apps. These apps monitor your sleep patterns and provide feedback on your sleep quality. The feedback typically includes how much time you spend in each sleep stage and whether or not you get adequate rest. Using these apps, you can view your sleep data on your smartphone and reference it while adjusting your bed position or environment for a better night’s sleep.

Mattress Size

I’ll also note that certain mattress types are more commonly associated with adjustable bases. It’s rare that you’ll find a base that can work with a twin or full-size mattress. The most common types are queen, king, split-king, and California king adjustable bases. Ensure your preferred base matches the dimensions of your mattress — and don’t forget to consider your bed’s height too, to make sure it’s compatible with an adjustable frame.

Price

An adjustable bed is an investment, but a worthwhile one if you’re looking for enhanced comfort and personalized sleep. A high-quality adjustable base will likely run you at least $1,000 (if you’re purchasing a queen-size and above), but affordable options are out there. 

Cheaper frames may not have all the bells and whistles, like underhead lighting, USB charging ports, or massage — but if you’re in it solely for the adjustability, you may be satisfied with a more straightforward model. Our favorites for folks on a budget are the Brooklyn Bedding Ascension Luxe Power Base and the DreamCloud Classic Adjustable Bed Frame.

Trial and Warranty

It’s common to have a lengthy sleep trial for mattresses, but it’s less common to have sleep trials for adjustable bases, so don’t worry if you come across one that doesn’t allow returns. If you really want to try one out before committing, there are some on the market that do allow returns.

You’ll also want to make sure your adjustable base has a lengthy warranty. You’ll likely keep your base for many years, and coverage from a warranty can help to pay for repairs or a replacement in case something goes wrong. 

We see lengthy warranties as a sign of confidence in the product’s durability: Manufacturers are willing to cover defects for a certain period, so it follows that they expect the base to outlast this timeframe. 

FAQs

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