Best Cheap Bed Frames (2024)

Written by Amelia Jerden, Senior Staff Writer

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Cheap bed frames that don’t sacrifice quality — yes, they actually exist. If you’re ready to replace your squeaky bed frame or just want to upgrade your aesthetic, we have plenty of options that won’t break the bank. When deciding on the best cheap bed frame for you, the most important thing to consider is what it’s made from — steel, iron, and hardwoods are typically your best bet. There are a few other factors too, like weight capacity, and construction, but we’ll get to those in a bit.

To start, we’ll dive into our picks for the best cheap bed frames. Our team did all of the heavy lifting by sifting through countless frame options, diving into all the specs, and picking apart the features to make our choices. Let’s get into it.

Our Top Pick for Cheap Bed Frames

The Nectar Bed Frame snagged our top spot because it’s simple to assemble and offers a durable steel frame. It also has a chic design despite its low price point.

Best Cheap Bed Frame 2024

Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard – Best Overall
AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame – Best Foldable
Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame – Best Wood
Linenspa Contemporary Platform Bed Frame – Best Storage

Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard – Best Overall

The Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard featured a tufted headboard and comes in two color options. It's easy to assemble at home and comes at an affordable price.

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Expert Opinion

This bed frame offers a stylish, premium look for an affordable price. It is fully upholstered and includes a headboard and wooden slats for firm support, withstanding up to 700 pounds of weight. Due to its sturdiness, we think it’s a great option for couples. Coming in at under $800 dollars, this frame is a steal, especially because it doesn’t require a box frame and comes with a headboard, which saves you cash.

What our tester says: “I think the Nectar bed frame is a great option for anyone looking to upgrade their bedroom on a budget. The tufted headboard and upholstery definitely give this bed frame an elevated look over a simple metal frame.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

What Customers Say

Customers usually talk about this bed frame being sturdy and of comparable quality with higher-priced bed frames. Reviews also consistently mention the easy assembly.

Pros of the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard

It has a stylish look, thanks to its upholstery. It comes in two colors: linen and gray.
It has slats for support, so it doesn’t require any box spring or foundation.
This frame is sturdy, making it a good option for couples looking for a durable bed frame.

Cons of the Nectar Bed Frame with Headboard

People who want a minimal look may not like the upholstered headboard.
It doesn’t come in a twin XL or split king size.
Some of the materials, like the plastic legs, are not of the highest quality.

Do you like what you see? Don’t buy it without a good deal. Or check out our Nectar bed frame review to learn more.

AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Platform Bed Frame – Best Foldable

This frame could be a great option for most budget shoppers. It's made of durable steel alloy with a clean black finish. Customers say it’s easy to assemble or disassemble, and it collapses to a transportable size.

Sleepopolis Score

4.70 / 5

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Expert Opinion

At just over $100 for a queen size, this bed frame is a great option for budget shoppers. It’s made of strong steel alloy with a clean black finish, focusing more on function than form. It’s easy to assemble and disassemble and is foldable, making it easy to transport when moving homes. If you move a lot, this folding bed frame can make your life a bit easier. Keep in mind that with all the moving parts, this bed may be more likely to squeak over time.

What Customers Say

Customers say this bed frame is very easy to assemble and disassemble. Its foldability makes it a good option for guest beds and college students who often switch rooms.

Pros of the AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Bed Frame

The AmazonBasics frame’s easy assembly and disassembly make it a great choice for those who move frequently.
It is very affordable, even compared to some of the other options on this list.
It has a sizable under-bed storage space.

Cons of the AmazonBasics Foldable Metal Bed Frame

It has a significantly lower maximum weight (250 pounds) than competitors, so it may not be suitable for heavy sleepers or couples.
This frame’s ultra-minimal look may not work for those who prefer a more stylish bed frame.

Do you want this bed? Click here to get the best deal.

Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame – Best Wood

The Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed has a rustic look and comes in at an affordable price.

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Expert Opinion

This bed frame is well-designed and sturdy, designed for a weight of up to 700 pounds. Its rich wood design gives it a stylish look that can add a little oomph to your bedroom aesthetic. The frame is also fairly easy to assemble, according to reviewers. There are about eight inches of clearance under the bed — perfect for storage, especially if your room doesn’t have many storage options. The solid wood and modern look make this budget bed frame a top choice.

What Customers Say

Customer reviews often highlight this bed frame’s premium look, ease of assembly, and durability. Many reviewers felt the frame was well worth the price.

Pros of the Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame

It’s easy to assemble; it comes with the needed tools, so no worries about breaking out the toolbox.
It’s sturdy and durable, thanks to the use of solid wood and an interior steel frame.
It has a stylish, quality look that could fit into many bedrooms.

Cons of the Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame

Reviews say that it easily comes loose and needs to be tightened.
The color is too bright for some people’s liking.

Do you like this high-quality bed frame? Get the best deal.

Linenspa Contemporary Platform Bed Frame – Best Storage

The Linenspa Metal Platform bed frame is simple, minimalistic frame with lots of underbed storage.

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Expert Opinion

Looking for an elegant, budget-friendly bed frame? The platform frame by Linenspa comes in matte black, giving it the ability to match almost any bedroom. It’s made of steel and is quite durable for 200-500 pounds. It combines the support of a traditional bed frame with the convenience of a portable one, so you can fold it up easily if you need to move.

You won’t need a box spring for this frame, which can save you money in the long run. There are 12 inches of under-bed storage space to keep your bedroom neat and organized, too. Keep in mind that this frame can get squeaky and that there may be some mattress slippage due to the flat design.

What Customers Say

Customers praise this bed frame’s 12 inches of storage space and ease of assembly. Some customers even noted they were able to assemble the frame all by themselves — it’s that easy.

Pros of the Linenspa Contemporary Platform Bed Frame

It offers substantial under-bed storage space, which is a benefit for those lacking other storage options.
It’s lightweight and modular, making it easy to move and assemble and disassemble.
It’s compact and easily fits with any room design.

Cons of the Linenspa Contemporary Platform Bed Frame

It squeaks easily, which can be annoying for those who toss and turn.
The flat design makes mattresses slide easily.

Do you like this modular bed frame? Look for the best deal.

What to Look for In A Cheap Bed Frame

You’ll find plenty of cheap bed frames on the market, but that doesn’t mean they’re worth your hard-earned cash. Some cheap frames are bound to break quickly and frequently, forcing you to waste even more money and time buying new ones. When shopping for a cheap bed frame, here are a few things to help you make the right decision.

Materials

What materials is your bed frame made of? Some manufacturers use low-grade materials to achieve a low cost, and the bed frame easily wears out or gets damaged. Your bed frame should preferably be wood, steel, or iron. Upholstery is a plus to watch out for. Avoid bed frames with significant plastic materials because they can easily crack.

Design

The design of your bed frame matters a lot, and it’s not all about aesthetics either. Some bed frames allow you to adjust the height, while others are fixed. Keep in mind whether you need a frame that is collapsible, which can be helpful for people who move a lot. Consider whether you need a frame with plenty of space underneath for storage or if you need a durable design that will accommodate couples. Design plays a role in how the bed is set up, too, so decide if you prefer something with a boxspring or a headboard. Lastly, go for a design that fits your space and style.

Price

We’re reviewing affordable bed frames, so price is a serious consideration. Choose a bed frame that matches your budget and offers a good bang for your buck. Bed frames don’t have to be expensive to offer great comfort and quality. We have listed the best affordable options on the market. Always keep in mind that some cheap bed frames offer more quality than the others. Additionally, some save you even more money if they don’t need a boxspring, and if they come with a headboard.

Weight Capacity

Consider your weight and that of other people sleeping on the bed. Choose a bed frame that can handle your weight. If you have a partner, ensure the bed frame can comfortably support both your weights, in addition to the weight of your mattress.

Installation

Your bed frame should be easy to assemble and disassemble. It should also be easy to transport, which makes foldable frames desirable. You don’t want something that stresses you out when it needs to be moved. Wooden slats are often easy to set up, so keep that in mind as well. Some of the frames on our list, like the Zinus Moiz Wood Platform Bed Frame, come with the tools you need to assemble it. Easy peasy.

How We Chose These Cheap Bed Frames

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

To select these bed frames, we evaluated the price, value, materials, ease of use, and customer reviews to determine our selections. Click here to learn more about our methodology.

FAQs

Are cheap bed frames worth it?

Yes, there are cheap bed frames that are durable and made of high-quality materials like wood, steel, and iron. They can last quite a few years, so they can definitely be worth it if you don’t have the budget.

What is considered cheap for a bed frame?

Cheap bed frames usually cost from $50 to $800 for a queen size. Expensive bed frames can cost upwards of $3,000.

Is it cheaper to build or buy a bed frame?

It may be cheaper to buy a bed frame. It really depends on the materials and tools that you’ll need to build your own. Consider the time it will take you to build a bed frame as well.

Is it worth buying a good bed frame?

Yes, buying a good bed frame can help increase your sleep quality. However, if you can’t afford it and you have to go into debt for an expensive bed frame, it may make more sense to purchase a cheap bed frame while saving up for a more expensive option.