Best Cheap Mattress

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

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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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top cheap mattress picks and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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You should get a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank. Luckily, we’re here to help. Over the last 20 years, dozens of mattress companies entered the market, giving budget-conscious buyers more options than ever before. If you’re looking for the best affordable mattress, read on. We’ll go over mattress pricing, how more expensive options differ from lower-cost options, and how to decide which model is right for you and your wallet. The result is our roundup for the best budget mattresses.

Our Top Pick for the Best Cheap Mattress

The Helix Dusk is a great budget buy with a queen size costing less than $1,000. You get a lot of bang for your buck with it: It’s great for teenagers, back sleepers, and couples, and has excellent edge support (so you can use the whole space without feeling like you’ll fall off) and solid motion isolation.

Best Budget Mattresses of 2023

• Helix Dusk – Best Cheap Mattress for Teens
• Titan Plus – Best Cheap Mattress for Heavy People
• Nolah – Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Bear – Best Cheap Cooling Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best RV Mattress
• Layla – Best Flippable Budget Mattress
• Puffy – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress
• Dreamfoam Essential – Best Cheap Mattress Under $500
• Siena – Best Cheap Queen Size Mattress

Best Cheap Mattresses 2023 Video

Best Cheap Mattress Comparison

Helix Dusk – Best Cheap Mattress for Teens

Expert Opinion

The beauty of Helix’s hybrid mattress line is there’s something for every type of sleeper. Each bed offers a different firmness level, and sleepers can even take the Helix Sleep Quiz to figure out which bed is best for them. For teens, we recommend the Dusk. When testing it, we gave it a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale — slightly softer than medium-firm. That means it’s soft enough for younger kids, but can support them as they grow. A queen currently costs $1,373 before discounts, but children could also be comfortable on a twin, which is $936 before discounts. All models include a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

What our tester says: “I appreciate the edge support in this bed. It’s a nice feature that makes your mattress feel a little bigger, and is a great indication that this bed’s well-made. I’d expect it to last you a long time.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester

Who the Helix Dusk is Best for

• Couples: This mattress has stellar edge support, which is great for couples who want to utilize the full surface of the mattress.
• Back sleepers: They should especially enjoy the mix of contouring and responsiveness.
• Hot sleepers: The mattress starts with a comfort layer of latex-like Dynamic Foam that’s bouncy, pressure-relieving, and cooling. Then at the bottom of the mattress, a layer of individually wrapped coils leaves tons of room for airflow.

Who Should Avoid the Helix Dusk

• Heavy sleepers: We don’t think the Helix Dusk is supportive enough to keep sleepers over 250 pounds properly elevated.
• Stomach sleepers: Folks who sleep in this position put more pressure on the mattress than side sleepers or back sleepers, so they will probably need something more supportive than the soft Helix Dusk.

For more, read our full Helix Dusk review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for teens. You can also click here to get the best deal.

Titan Plus – Best Cheap Mattress for Heavy People

Expert Opinion

For an affordable and comfortable option for heavy sleepers, we always recommend the Titan Plus mattress. But because these folks put more pressure on a bed’s layers than other sleepers, we asked Paulie — a pro power lifter with a larger body type — to test it out. He felt that the three inches of foam allow for adequate pressure relief, and the sturdy coils and high-density base foam provided durable support. This isn’t surprising, as the Titan Plus was designed specifically for sleepers over 250 pounds. It’s priced at $1,249 for a queen before discounts and includes a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

What our tester says: “I think couples will find a lot to love with the Titan Plus because of its solid motion isolation and edge support. Overall, I felt super supported on this bed. I think it could be a nice fit for a lot of back and stomach sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Titan Plus is Best for

• Average weight back sleepers: Even if they weigh under 250 pounds, back sleepers looking for a firmer feel or more support should like this mattress.
• Average weight stomach sleepers: Similarly, stomach sleepers who weigh under 250 pounds should be comfortable on the Titan Plus, although it will feel a bit firmer to them than it does to heavyweight stomach sleepers.
• Heavy couples: We recommend this bed for couples because of its impressive motion isolation and edge support. You’re unlikely to feel your partner tossing and turning.

Who Should Avoid the Titan Plus

• Hot sleepers: Because of the thick and durable materials, we did feel that the Titan Plus slept a little hot. However, you can purchase a cooling panel for an additional charge.
• Side sleepers: Even heavy side sleepers will probably need more pressure relief than the Titan Plus offers. We don’t recommend the mattress for this sleeping position.

For more, read our full Titan Plus review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for heavy sleepers. Also, you can click here to get the best deal.

Nolah – Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers

Expert Opinion

Nolah’s flagship foam mattress uses a proprietary material called AirFoam, which is meant to contour the body like memory foam, all while sleeping much cooler. When lying on our backs, we found that the AirFoam treated the lumbar region to some soothing pressure relief. This led us to believe that the Nolah is an excellent fit for back sleepers. Just to be sure, we laid a pressure map across the mattress, which is a device that measures how much pressure a bed puts on different parts of the body. When back-sleeping, the graphics showed little to no pressure on the lumbar and spine. You can currently get the queen-size Nolah for $1,449 before discounts. This  includes a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed the body-contouring hug the Nolah mattress offered, especially while I was on my back. If you’re someone who struggles with back pain, the Nolah could be a good solution for you.” – Madison Schaper, former Sleepopolis staff writer and mattress tester

Who the Nolah is Best for

• Side sleepers: Like back sleepers, these folks need a mattress that has a mix of comfort and support. So they should be equally comfortable on the Nolah, which does a nice job cushioning the shoulders and the hips, where side sleepers put the most pressure.
• Couples: Like many foam mattresses, the Nolah has great motion isolation, so partners shouldn’t feel each other tossing and turning at night.
• Combination sleepers: For an all-foam bed, the Nolah is surprisingly bouncy and responsive, which makes it a natural fit for combo sleepers who need to move around to switch positions.

Who Should Avoid the Nolah

• Heavy sleepers: If you have a larger body type, you’ll probably want to consider a mattress with more support — likely one with a layer of springs.

For more, read our full Nolah review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for back sleepers. Or if you’re feeling ready, click here to get the best deal.

Bear – Best Cheap Cooling Mattress

Expert Opinion

Traditional memory foam tends to trap body heat and lead to sweating. But we felt incredibly cool sleeping on the all-foam Bear, thanks to its Celliant cover. This is a soft and breathable material that helps stave off heat. Also, the memory foam comfort layer contributes to cooling with an infusion of graphite gel. And of course, the Bear wouldn’t even be on this list if it wasn’t affordable. You can often get a queen at $998 before discounts. This includes a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty.

What our tester says: “I found the Bear to be especially comfy while back sleeping. Its top layer of memory foam did an excellent job filling in the space at my lumbar region, bringing both support and pressure relief to my spine.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Bear is Best for

• Athletes and active sleepers: The Bear can help these folks cool down after a long workout, plus Celliant may promote blood flow and recovery. While we haven’t independently verified this, several other studies have.
• Back sleepers: Even though the Bear is made entirely of foam, it has a high-density layer that’s supportive enough to help keep back sleepers’ spines in a neutral alignment — a key to healthy and restful sleep.
• Combination sleepers: The foams in the mattress are responsive enough for combo sleepers to easily switch positions. 

Who Should Avoid the Bear

• Side sleepers: They probably won’t get enough pressure relief from the Bear. They should seek out a softer mattress.

For more, read our full Bear review or check out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses. Or click here to get the best deal.

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress

Expert Opinion

Hybrid mattresses became popular for bringing sleepers the desired combination of pressure relief and support. We think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is a classic example of a bed that hits this sweet spot. When testing it out, we sank just a little bit into the upper layers of foam, but never too far. The support layer of individually wrapped coils propped us up and treated us to some bounciness. Another major perk is that the Signature Hybrid is offered in a Soft, Medium, and a Firm model. So, you can pick the firmness level that works best for your needs. It’s currently priced at $1,332 for a queen before discounts and includes a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

What our tester says: “Speaking to the Medium model, I found it to be a great match for couples. It has a nice medium-firm feel and does a great job providing support and absorbing movement.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is Best for

• Combination sleepers: The Signature Hybrid is bouncy and responsive enough for combo sleepers to easily switch positions throughout the night.
• Hot sleepers: The coils in this mattress help promote airflow and prevent body heat from trapping in the layers. 
• Couples: Anyone who shares their bed with a partner should enjoy the motion-isolating abilities of the foams. If either of you are a light sleeper, you’re unlikely to be woken up by the other person’s movements.

Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

• Lovers of luxury: The mattress has a fairly simple design without a ton of bells and whistles. So if you’re looking for a bed with more luxurious features, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.

For more, read our full Signature Hybrid review or check out our roundup of the best hybrid mattresses. Or if you’re ready to purchase, click here to get the best deal.

Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe – Best RV Mattress

Expert Opinion

When Brooklyn Bedding created the Aurora Luxe, they set out to make a hybrid mattress that’s incredibly cooling. They definitely pulled it off. It has a cover made of temperature-regulating Phase Change Material, and when we lie down on it, the bed is cool to the touch. Below that, multiple layers of memory foam have infusions of gel and copper for added cooling, and the support layer of coils leaves lots of room for air to flow through the mattress. And recently, Brooklyn Bedding made the Aurora Luxe available in a variety of affordably priced RV sizes (including short queen, RV king, and RV bunk), so you can load the bed into your vehicle and stay cool on the road.

What our tester says: “My favorite thing about this bed is how cooling it is. Even some of the best soft mattresses tend to sleep a little hot because of the snuggly foams they use. The Aurora Luxe really solves this problem with Phase Change Material and breathable pocketed coils. So hot sleepers who enjoy a soft feel should definitely check it out.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is Best for

• All sleeping positions: The Aurora Luxe comes in three different levels of firmness: Soft, Medium, and Firm. Side sleepers should be most comfortable on the Soft, back sleepers should opt for the Medium, and stomach sleepers will be the best match for the Firm.
• Couples: Given its cooling capabilities and ability to isolate motion (a key to not feeling your partner tossing and turning), the Aurora Luxe should be an excellent match for couples. They should also find it to be responsive enough for sex.
• Combination sleepers: The responsiveness of the mattress’ coils should make it easy for combo sleepers to switch positions.

Who Should Avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe

• Heavy sleepers: Except for back sleepers, larger body types over 250 pounds probably won’t be comfortable on the Aurora Luxe. They’ll want something with extra support.

For more, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mattress review or check out our roundup of the best RV mattresses for other options. Or if you’re ready to purchase, click here to get the best deal.

Layla – Best Flippable Budget Mattress

Expert Opinion

The all-foam Layla is an especially good value because for an affordable price (a queen can usually be found for under $1,000 after discounts) you get two mattresses in one. This comes courtesy of the bed’s flippable design, which gives the Layla both a soft side (about a 5.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale) and a firm side (about a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale). The side that’s best for you will depend on your sleeping position and firmness preference.

What our tester says: “The Layla is a memory foam mattress with the classic memory foam feel that many sleepers love. This bed features a lot of the material, so it epitomizes its characteristic sinkage and contouring hug. As far as sides are concerned, I think side sleepers will prefer the soft side and stomach sleepers will be better off on the ‘Firm’ side. Many back sleepers should feel comfortable, so long as they don’t mind a super-soft or super-firm feel.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Layla is Best for

• Side sleepers: They should be most comfortable on the Soft side, which will treat them to deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
• Back sleepers: They’ll probably be most comfortable on the Firm side, which should support their spine and keep it neutrally aligned.
• Stomach sleepers: They’ll also be a good match for the Firm side, with the dense foam keeping their hips elevated and in line with their shoulders.

Who Should Avoid the Layla

• Sleepers who prefer a medium-firm mattress: The Layla operates in extremes, with one side being very soft and the other being very firm. If you’re someone who prefers the balanced feel of a medium-firm bed, you may want to look elsewhere.

For more, read our full Layla mattress review or check out our roundup of the best flippable mattress for other options. Or if you’re ready to purchase, click here to get the best deal.

Puffy – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

Expert Opinion

​​The Puffy combines gel memory foam and high-density poly foam to offer a cloud-like sleep experience. When testing out this affordable mattress, we felt it did a great job of cradling the body and alleviating aches and pains. Our testers also reported that they felt the foam layers filling in the lumbar region, which tells us that back sleepers should especially feel comfortable on the Puffy. It’s currently priced at $1,049 for a queen after discounts and includes a 101-night trial and a lifetime warranty.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed the combination of pressure relief and support the Puffy offers. I think it will do a good job of reducing aches and pains that some people experience when sleeping on a mattress that isn’t the right firmness level for their sleep style.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Puffy is Best for

• Kids: The Puffy’s cushioning feel should feel comfortable for growing bodies, plus it has a stain-resistant cover that makes for easy cleanup. 
• Sleepers struggling with pain: Anyone with aches and pains could benefit from the medium-soft, supportive foams. They should get pressure relief without sinking too far into the mattress.
• Couples: The Puffy’s foams do a great job isolating motion, so couples shouldn’t feel bothered by each other’s movements. 

Who Should Avoid the Puffy

• Heavy sleepers: The Puffy does have the tendency to sag under weights overs 250 pounds, so larger body types may want to seek out something more supportive. 

For more, read our full Puffy review or check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattress. Or if you’re already sold, click here to get the best deal.

Dreamfoam Essential – Best Mattress for Under $500

Expert Opinion

While we believe that all of the mattresses on this list are a good value, only one of them is under $500 for a queen size, and that’s the all-foam Dreamfoam Essential. It actually comes in five different heights and firmness levels (6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, and 14”), allowing sleepers to pick the best option for their sleeping position and preferences. We tested out the 10” and found that it offered deep pressure relief. There’s also some high-density foam at the bottom of the mattress for support. Price-wise, the six-inch model starts at $393 for a queen after discounts, then goes upward from there. All of the sizes include a 120-night trial and 10-year warranty. 

What our tester says: “The main draw of this bed is how versatile it is. The Wanderlust comes in an extensive range of sizes and heights (including short queen, a popular RV mattress size) that make it a great fit for anyone looking for an RV, camper, or motorhome mattress that can meet more unique sizing needs.” – Logan Block, former Sleepopolis director of content and mattress tester.

Who the Dreamfoam Essential is Best for

• All sleeping positions: While we only tested out the 10”, the number of height options offers something for back sleepers, side sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combo sleepers alike.
• Hot sleepers: The Dreamfoam Essential has a swirl of gel in its memory foam to help you sleep cool.
• Traveling sleepers: The wide variety of sizes allows the Dreamfoam Essential to fit in many RVs. If you’re going on a trip and want something comfy for your vehicle, see our list of best RV mattresses for more details. 

Who Should Avoid the Dreamfoam Essential

• Lovers of luxury: While the Dreamfoam Essential is a high-quality mattress, it has a simple design with no extra features. If you want something with additional touches, you may want to look elsewhere.

For more, read our Brooklyn Bedding mattress comparisons or check out our roundup for the best mattresses under $500. And if you’re feeling ready, click here to get the best deal.

Siena – Best Cheap Queen Size Mattress

Expert Opinion

Although it’s made entirely of foam, the Siena is surprisingly supportive, its layers starting off soft, then getting firmer and firmer as you get to the bottom of the bed. That means it’s an exceptionally durable memory foam mattress, and at under $500 for a queen size after discounts, a solid (and affordable) long-term investment.

What our tester says: “The Siena has a simple, minimalistic design that gets the job done for stomach sleepers and a lot of back sleepers. I think it’s a great option for those after a firm mattress. It will keep sleepers propped up and slightly cushioned, which is especially a major win for stomach sleepers. I also think it’s fairly easy to move around on for an all-foam bed and has some solid edge support.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

Who the Siena is Best for

• Back sleepers: They’ll get some cushioning at the lumbar region from the Siena’s top layer of body-adapting memory foam, while also getting spinal support from the bottom layer of foundational foam.
• Stomach sleepers: It’s rare that a foam mattress can accommodate stomach sleepers, who tend to put more pressure on a bed’s layers than side sleepers or back sleepers. But the Siena gets the job done, holding up stomach sleepers so that their hips are aligned with their shoulders.
• Couples: With strong edge support, foams that are responsive enough for sex, and the ability to isolate motion, the Siena is a good match for anyone who shares their bed with a partner.

Who Should Avoid the Siena

• Side sleepers: They’ll probably want a softer mattress with more pressure relief.

For more, read our full Siena mattress review or check out our roundup of the best queen size mattresses for other options. Or if you’re ready to purchase, click here to get the best deal.

Things To Consider When Buying A Cheap Mattress

What should you consider besides price? Read on below or check out our guide to choosing a mattress for more in-depth information.

Firmness Level

Always consider your ideal mattress firmness level. Many sleepers prefer “universally comfortable” medium-firm mattresses. Generally, side sleepers should opt for soft to medium-soft mattresses, back and combination sleepers opt for medium-firm mattresses, and stomach sleepers opt for firm to extra-firm beds. These firmnesses should help you achieve a neutral spine alignment and meet your sleeping position’s unique pressure relief needs.

How We Rate Firmness

At Sleepopolis, we rate firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 1 being so soft it’s like sleeping on a giant cotton ball and 10 being so firm it’s like sleeping on concrete. We use 6.5 as the standard for medium-firm and most beds we test fall into the 5 to 8 firmness range.

Body Type

Before buying a mattress, consider your body type. Budget mattresses often work best and last longest for sleepers under 130 pounds because they need less support. Heavier people (over 250 pounds) should use caution when buying a budget mattress; these sleepers should opt for a budget hybrid or innerspring mattress. This will last longer and offer more support than a cheaper foam mattress. You don’t want to buy a budget mattress only to have it wear away quickly, costing you more in the long run.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is crucial for side sleepers and folks struggling with joint pain. These sleepers often need extra cushion to relieve pain and stiffness at night. In general, memory foam mattresses are good options for these sleepers. Memory foam alternatives can offer you the pressure relief you’re looking for at a reduced price.

Sales and Coupons

If you’re looking for a budget mattress, you might be looking for sales. Remember to check sales and coupons for not only cheap mattress brands, but any brands you’re interested in. During big holiday sale weekends like Black Friday and Memorial Day, you can score a more expensive mattress at a budget price. Check out our Sleepopolis mattress coupons and promo codes page to stay up to date on all the latest deals.

Shipping Costs

Remember to look at the calculated shipping costs, especially if you live outside the contiguous United States. You may need to pay for freight shipping. A cheaper bed without free shipping can end up being more expensive than a pricier mattress with free shipping. It’s a good idea to check the final price tag before finalizing your purchase. Take a look at our page for the best online mattresses to find beds with favorable shipping methods.

Trial Period and Warranty

Trial period and warranty length are important factors to consider, especially when choosing a budget mattress. Select a bed offering a 100-night or longer sleep trial. If your new bed isn’t comfortable, you’ll want the option of returning it.

Similarly, budget mattresses with 10-year (or longer) warranties are safer investments than budget beds without warranties. An affordable mattress with a generous warranty policy is typically well-made, and will be replaceable if it starts sagging quickly. Since premature sagging is a risk when purchasing a budget mattress, a good warranty policy is a nice quality assurance measure.

How Mattress Cost Is Determined

A mattress can be one of the most expensive items of furniture in your home. The price of a mattress is determined by several factors, including the ones outlined below.

Type

Certain types of mattresses are more expensive than others. High-tech features like customizable zones, automatic temperature and firmness control, under-bed lighting, and sleep-tracking systems tack on extra costs. Bespoke (made-to-order) mattresses are labor-intensive to manufacture and can cost as much as six figures. Extra comfort and support layers, pillow tops, and unique design features such as colored fabrics and quilting can boost the price of a mattress.

Construction

Both the quality of construction and build-time impact mattress price. A custom or hand-made model should be higher quality. It should have a price that reflects the time and attention required to make it. Machine-built or bed-in-a-box mattresses are constructed quickly without costly craftsmanship, allowing them to be priced lower.

Brand

Some mattress companies are able to command a higher price due to their position in the bedding market. There may be similarities in materials and craftsmanship across brands but marketing may be different, impacting reputation and price.

Country of Origin

Mattresses made in the U.S. or EU are often more expensive than those made in countries with less rigorous safety and environmental standards. Materials that are manufactured in countries with looser requirements may cost less, but could also give off a strong smell, become discolored, be vulnerable to defects, or degrade more quickly.

Certifications

Environmental, safety, or medical certifications are reflected in the price of a mattress. Certifications often require the use of higher-quality materials or different manufacturing processes that are more expensive and/or labor-intensive. These costs may add to the final price tag.

Retailers

Mattresses sold at brick-and-mortar stores tend to be more expensive than bed-in-a-box or traditional models that can be purchased online. The overhead of the typical mattress store can include rent, salaries, employee-related expenses, and storage. These costs are passed on in the form of higher mattress prices, fees, and/or delivery charges.

Materials

Organic mattresses with natural fibers such as wool and mohair, and luxury textiles like silk generally cost more than synthetic or mass-produced materials like poly foam, latex, and memory foam. The type of wood and gauge of the metal used in coils can also affect the cost of a mattress.

Average Mattress Cost by Construction

Type of Mattress Construction	Average Cost
Foam	$500-$1,200
Latex	$1,500-$2,500
Innerspring	$700-$1,500
Hybrid	$1,200-$2,500

If the mattresses featured on this page aren’t within your budget, we’ve also rounded up our picks for best mattresses under $1000 and best mattress under $500 to meet all budgets.

Foam Mattresses

Foam can refer to memory foam or poly foam. Memory foam is a viscoelastic material, so it has elastic properties that respond to pressure and heat. Poly foam has a similar chemical structure but excludes viscoelastic properties. Poly foam varies in density and has a springy, resilient feel.

Memory Foam

Memory foam is less expensive since its popularity as a bedding material grew. It’s often used in mattresses as a comfort layer. Memory foam mattresses have a plush feel and little bounce. This makes them very good at reducing motion transfer, so you’re unlikely to feel disturbed by a restless partner or pet on one of these beds. Memory foam is found in many of the best mattresses for couples.

Memory foam is also known for its sinkage and contouring ability. Original formulations of memory foam tend to retain body heat and “sleep hot.” Newer memory foam mattresses may incorporate cooling gel memory foam or an open-cell design to improve ventilation.

Poly foam

Poly foam is often used as a deeper support layer or pillow top fill. Low-density poly foam is less durable than high-density foam and can break down after a few years. Poly foam is the least expensive and most common mattress material.

Most foam mattresses are made from memory foam with poly foam transition, support, and base layers. These mattresses offer pressure relief and a plush feel. They’re recommended for side sleepers and those who prefer a soft to medium-firm surface.

Memory and Poly Foam Cost Guide

The cost of a foam mattress is influenced by the density and quality of the foams used. You should expect to pay around $500 to $1,200 for a good memory foam mattress. Denser foam is more durable and provides more pressure relief than low or medium-density foam, so it tends to cost more. Memory foam with cooling features is pricier than older-style memory foam with less ventilation. A simple memory foam bed without coils will cost more than a bed made primarily of poly foam. All-foam bed-in-a-box models can be particularly economical.

Less-expensive foam mattresses often use a low-density poly foam comfort layer on the surface. This type of foam can initially feel supportive, but can degrade and develop depressions after just a year or two of normal use. When shopping for a mattress, find out which material is used in the comfort layer and how long you can expect it to last.

Latex

Latex foam is a natural product made from the sap of the rubber tree. In contrast to memory foam, latex feels firmer, bouncier, and more responsive. Latex has little sinkage and is good for folks who prefer the feeling of sleeping on top of their mattress rather than in it.

Latex can be appealing to warm sleepers due to its natural cooling properties. The open-cell structure of latex encourages airflow, reducing the retention of body heat. Many latex mattresses and toppers contain small holes, permitting even more airflow. Changing positions and moving during sleep helps push air through the latex foam structure and disperse even more heat.

A latex mattress can be constructed entirely of latex, or it can include memory foam and/or poly foam for comfort, transition, or base layers. A mattress made from latex may contain internal steel coils for durability and support. See our picks for the best latex mattress to learn more.

Latex Cost Guide

Buyers can expect to spend more for a latex mattress versus one made from memory foam or poly foam. Even budget latex mattresses will cost more than foam models. Depending on the construction, you should pay roughly $1,500 to $2,500 for a quality latex bed. Latex foam is derived from a natural material that requires a more expensive and labor-intensive extraction and manufacturing process. It’s also more durable and supportive.

The cost of a latex mattress runs from the low end of moderate to expensive. A mattress made from organic latex will carry a higher price tag, as will one made primarily of latex with fewer other materials. Synthetic latex or latex blended with poly foam or memory foam is on the lower end of this price range, but still costs more than mattresses made from less expensive foams.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses use an internal network of steel coils for support and durability. Their comfort and base layers are constructed from memory foam, latex, or poly foam. An innerspring mattress offers responsive support and transfers more motion than a memory foam mattress. Their firm coil cores prevent deep sinkage and provide the kind of edge support that few foam mattresses can offer.

The internal coil structure of innerspring mattresses improves airflow and prevents the accumulation of heat. Hot sleepers like the layers made of cooling material, such as latex or gel-infused memory foam. We’ve rounded up the best innerspring mattresses if firm support is what you’re after.

Innerspring Cost Guide

The quality of the coil layers determines the price of an innerspring mattress. Interior coils made of lower-gauge steel are thicker and denser. They provide more substantial support than thinner coils with higher-gauge steel. Pocketed coils, or fabric-enclosed coils that operate independently, can boost both the price and durability of an innerspring mattress. For a good innerspring mattress, expect to pay around $700 to $1,500.

Some of the priciest beds available are innerspring mattresses made with high-end materials and coils lasting many years. Lower-end innerspring mattresses made with poly foam and high-gauge coils are typically within buyers’ budgets. The addition of low-gauge coils, design details, or high-quality comfort layers increases the price into the moderate or expensive category.

Bed-in-a-box mattresses need to be compressed and rolled, and are less likely to contain durable low-gauge coils. Bed-in-a-box models that do contain coils often utilize thinner, higher-gauge metal that’s easier to compress for shipment.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses use coils and layers of foam, providing pressure relief and support. The benefits of hybrid mattresses are similar to those of innerspring mattresses. Steel coils create space inside a mattress, providing increased airflow and breathability. The natural springiness of coils creates bounce and motion transfer. Comfort layers made of latex offer additional bounce, while memory foam layers offer conforming comfort that reduces motion.

Many hybrid mattresses provide substantial edge support, an indicator of durability. Another benefit of hybrids is deep compression support. This allows the body to sink into the top layers of the mattress without dropping too far into the support layer. For more, check out some of our picks for the best hybrid mattress.

Hybrid Cost Guide

Hybrid mattresses vary in price from budget-friendly to expensive depending on the construction, brand, and material. Increasing competition in the bedding industry and the wide availability of bed-in-a box mattresses have recently created many more options at the lower-cost end. A good hybrid mattress should cost around $1,200 to $2,500.

A hybrid bed-in-a-box uses lighter high-gauge metal coils that can be compressed without damage or resistance during shipment. Traditional hybrids without need for compression may use low-gauge coils. Materials of this quality will drive up the final cost.

What Makes Hybrids More Expensive?

Hybrids with thinner comfort or support layers cost less than those with denser layers or pillow tops. As a general rule, higher-density materials are more expensive, durable, and comfortable.

How to Find an Affordable Mattress

With so many low-cost options to choose from, how do you decide which mattress to buy? Let’s find the bed of your dreams.

Do Your Research

When it comes time to comparison shop, know what goes into manufacturing a lower-priced mattress. Thinner comfort layers, more poly foam, and memory foam without cooling properties help bring down cost. All-foam construction or higher-gauge steel coils are other cost-saving measures. Mattresses without safety or environmental certifications are also less expensive, but may not offer the same quality standards.

Understand Your Needs

Will your new purchase be supporting just you or a partner, too? Are you both of average weight or will you need extra support? Sleeping position matters, too. Additional firmness is important if you tend to sleep on your stomach. Make a list of preferences such as edge support, limited motion transfer, and plush feel. Remember, there’s a budget mattress available for almost everyone.

Shop Online

When price is a deciding factor, shop for the best mattresses online. Without the expense of showrooms, salespeople, and other overhead costs, online mattress companies are more cost-competitive. Mattress websites offer in-depth descriptions, reviews, and pictures of their products. They even have live chats with customer service specialists. If you are looking to get the best mattress at the best price, not just the cheapest one, check out our picks for the best mattress for your money.

Go for a Bed-In-a-Box

The majority of the best bed-in-a-box brands are available exclusively online, and the few that make their products available do so at the brick-and-mortar stores of other companies. Low overhead costs, simpler mattress designs, and direct-to-consumer shipping help bed-in-a-box companies stand out when it comes to price.

Know What You’re Buying

Watch for hidden costs such as sales tax, recycling or delivery fees, return shipment costs, and potential warranty expenses. Know which costs the company will cover if your mattress has flaws, develops premature sagging, or needs to be repaired. The warranties of some budget mattresses may be shorter or more limited, so read the fine print.

What to Expect from a Cheap Mattress

What can you expect when your mattress finally arrives? Take a look below to find out.

Mattress Quality

Reducing costs sacrifices some quality. The less you pay, the less durable your mattress will be. A good quality budget mattress should last you at least 5 years. Higher quality budget mattresses could last you up to ten years, and lower quality beds could start to break down in as little as two to three years. Materials like latex and steel coils indicate a more durable budget mattress.

Budget vs Expensive Support Levels

Budget mattresses can also be less supportive than more expensive mattresses. Heavier people should take this into account. If you need durable support, opt for a higher-priced budget mattress.

Value

To ensure you’re getting a product that’s worth the cost, keep in mind the buying considerations above. With a budget mattress, you should expect it to last five to seven years. If you’re looking for something longer-lasting but can’t afford it right now, buy a mattress topper to extend the life of your current mattress for a few months.

Choosing the Right Mattress Company

Before buying a value mattress from an unknown brand, do your research and read reviews. We’ve carefully vetted all the brands in this roundup, and a good way to vet a brand you’re unfamiliar with is to check the warranty and trial period. Longer trial periods and warranties are signs you’re getting a reliable product. You can also interact with the brand’s customer service team. A responsive, transparent team is a sign that you’re dealing with a reputable mattress company.

Other Mattress Costs

Be sure to account for delivery fees and new bedding costs when creating your final budget. Below, we’ll go over a few of the most common additional costs of buying a new mattress.

White Glove Delivery

If you purchase a bed-in-a-box but don’t want to set it up yourself, you can often pay an additional fee for white glove delivery. With this process, the delivery team will set up your new mattress. Some online brands offer white glove delivery for free (especially if they don’t sell boxed mattresses). Be sure to keep its potential cost in mind when choosing a new bed.

What is White Glove Delivery?

With white glove delivery, movers will set up your new mattress for you in your room of choice. They’ll also take away your old mattress for you if needed.

Mattress Disposal

Consider how to dispose of your old mattress when calculating the cost of your new bed. If you’re willing to handle disposal yourself, schedule a free bulk pickup with your town or city and purchase an inexpensive mattress disposal bag. If you’d like someone else to take your bed, you can purchase mattress removal service from many bed-in-a-box brands. Certain traditional non-boxed mattress brands have complimentary mattress removal with delivery. 

Frames and Bases

Depending on what type of bed frame or base you used with your old mattress, you may need to purchase a new one for your new mattress. When shopping for a new bed, look for one that’s compatible with your current bed frame or includes the new foundation cost in your mattress budget. Bed frames and bases vary in price, but you can find affordable options in our best bed frame roundup.

Assembly

If you’re buying a new bed frame and want someone to assemble it for you, add this cost to your mattress budget as well. You’ll want to budget a few hundred dollars for assembly.

FAQs

How much should a mattress cost?

There is no “one cost fits all.” The cost of a mattress comes down to a lot of factors including size, materials, the type of mattress, and so on. The average price for queen-size mattresses from well-known online brands comes in around $1,500, but it’s possible to find good options at lower price points.

What is the best time of year to buy a mattress?

The following weekends tend to have the best sales: Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. That said, a lot of companies have deals going on all the time, so check out the coupons page on Sleepopolis to find exclusive discounts.

How long will a low-cost mattress last?

Many value mattresses are built to last as long as more expensive beds. When in doubt, ask a mattress company representative and check your warranty. The length and conditions of a warranty can give you a good idea of the mattress’s reliability. Be careful to follow care instructions so your mattress performs as expected over the long-term.

I’m not on a strict budget. Why should I buy a lower-cost mattress?

A low-priced mattress can be a great option in certain circumstances for certain buyers, even those who don’t have to bargain-hunt. You might want to purchase a budget mattress if you need to furnish a guest room, if your child needs a new bed, if you’re sending a kid off to college, or if you need an extra mattress.

What’s the cheapest kind of mattress available?

A basic innerspring bed or a memory foam mattress are two lower-cost options. You may be able to upgrade to a mattress with higher-quality materials that will last longer and offer comfort for years to come.

How can I make a cheap mattress more comfortable?

The easiest way to make a cheap mattress more comfortable is by purchasing a mattress topper. You can even find quality mattress toppers for under $100. These accessories are designed to change the firmness of your mattress, whether it’s making it softer or firmer. This allows you to create a firmness level that’s comfortable for you and your individual sleep needs.

How We Chose These Mattresses

We’ve 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 gave every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factored in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

For our roundup of the best budget mattresses, we naturally placed a high importance on value and price. Despite all of the beds on this list currently being under or close to $1,200 for a queen size after discounts (with several being below $1,000 after discounts), they all still have an overall score of 4 or higher. Jump back to our mattress picks or click here to learn more about our methodology.

Best Budget Mattresses of 2023

Mattress	Best For	Price After Discounts (Queen)	Coupon	Review
Helix Dusk	Teens	$1,099	Helix Coupon	Read Our Review
Titan Plus	Heavy People	$936	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah	Back Sleepers	$1,159	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear	Cooling	$649	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Hybrid	$999	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe	RV	$1,698	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Layla	Flippable	$949	Layla Coupon	Read Our Review
Puffy	Memory Foam	$1,049	Puffy Coupon	Read Our Review
Dreamfoam Essential	Under $500	$393	Dreamfoam Coupon	Read Our Review
Siena	Queen	$399	Check Coupons	Read Our Review

Bridget Chapman

Senior Product Editor

About Author

Bridget is a Certified Sleep Science Coach and senior editor here at Sleepopolis. From testing mattresses to writing about various sleep health topics, her goal is to help you get a good night’s sleep. You can also find her in videos on our YouTube channel. Bridget graduated magna cum laude from San Diego State University with a degree in journalism and a minor in English. Before joining the Sleepopolis team, she was a TV news reporter and worked in cities across the country. She loves spending time outdoors, checking out new restaurants, snuggling with her pets, and of course — getting some quality Zzz’s.

Sleeper Type

Combination Sleeper