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.

Price-wise, we only included mattresses that came in at $1,000 or under for a queen size after discounts, but still performed well on many of our tests (more on that in the Buying Guide at the bottom of this page). And some of these beds are $1,000 or under for a queen size before any discounts are applied.

Our Top Pick for the Best Cheap Mattress

Budget mattresses aren’t always known for their durability, but we found the Emma Hybrid Comfort to be exceptionally supportive and sturdy, which tells us it should last a good long while and give you a lot of bang for your buck.

Best Budget Mattresses of 2023

• Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Overall Cheap Mattress
• Nectar – Best Cheap Mattress for Teens
• Bear – Best Cheap Mattress for Athletes
• Casper – Best Cheap Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid – Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
• Titan Plus – Best Cheap Mattress for Heavy People
• Nolah – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress
• Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Cheap Cooling Mattress
• Siena – Best Cheap Queen Size Mattress

Best Cheap Mattresses 2023 Video

Best Cheap Mattress Comparison

Emma Hybrid Comfort– Best Overall Cheap Mattress

Expert Opinion

While we believe that all of the mattresses on this list are a good value, the Emma Hybrid Comfort is an especially good deal because it’s manufactured with extremely durable materials, and it’s currently under $600 for a queen size after discounts. Emma specifically designed this mattress to support heavier sleepers and to cool down hot sleepers. Historically, durable materials and special cooling properties can significantly drive up the price of a mattress. But Emma manages to keep the Hybrid Comfort at an affordable price point.

We looked closely at the mattress’s construction in our mattress lab, and we found that the materials used reflect the company’s product description. Heavier sleepers should be well-supported by the Hybrid Comfort’s combination of high-density foam and sturdy coils in the support layer. In fact, these coils are zoned for targeted relief and support, so this should also be a good choice for back pain.

What our tester says: “There is essentially no pressure buildup around the back shown in the pressure map results. The supportive coils in this bed work well to maintain a neutral spine. Additionally, I didn’t really feel much pressure on my shoulders or hips when I laid down on my back, so it should be a good bed for joint pain in this position.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Being such a new mattress, there aren’t many customer reviews yet. But the ones that are posted on the company site praise the Emma Hybrid Comfort for its supportive feel and easy delivery.

Pros of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• This is a responsive mattress, and the ease of movement it allows should make it a nice option for combination sleepers.
• Even though this mattress has a more “on top of” feel, it still isolates motion well, so couples shouldn’t wake up from each other’s movements.
• Back and stomach sleepers should enjoy the firmer feel of this mattress.

Cons of the Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress

• Side sleepers might feel excess pressure buildup at the hip and shoulder, so we recommend they opt for a softer mattress.

For more, read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review or check out our roundup for the best mattresses. And if you’re feeling ready, click here to get the best deal.

Nectar – Best Cheap Mattress for Teens

Expert Opinion

For teenagers, we often recommend medium soft mattresses, as these beds are soft enough for younger kids, but can support them as they grow. And when it comes to medium soft mattresses, one of our favorites is the all-foam Nectar. When testing it, we gave it a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale — slightly softer than medium-firm. It has a thick layer of soft memory foam up top that provides a ton of contouring and pressure relief, and a support layer of firmer foam for stability. When lying on the Nectar, we get some sinkage, but never feel like we’re going to fall too far into its layers. A queen currently costs $1,049 before discounts, but children could also be comfortable on a twin, which is only $599 before discounts. All models include a 365-night trial and forever warranty.

Of course, teens aren’t the only people that will be comfortable on the Nectar. We also find it to be a solid choice for couples because of how good it is at isolating motion. When we tested out its motion transfer using steel balls and a seismometer, there wasn’t a lot of movement, which tells us that if you sleep with a partner, you’re unlikely to feel each other tossing and turning at night.

What our tester says: “I think the Nectar has a great classic memory foam feel. If you love deep sinkage and contouring, this is the mattress for you.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On Nectar’s website, you can find a whopping 47,000 reviews, with many of them praising how cushioning the memory foam felt on the sleeper’s back. A common theme seems to be the bed’s deep pressure relief.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• We think this is an especially comfortable mattress for side sleepers. They should get a good deal of contouring at their shoulders and hips — the areas of the body where they put the most pressure.
• Back sleepers should also be comfortable on the Nectar. The soft foam should fill in their lumbar region, and the firmer foam at the bottom of the mattress is supportive enough to help keep their spine in a neutral alignment.
• If you experience hip pain, you might be soothed by the Nectar. When we tested out the mattress with our pressure map, there was little to no pressure at the hips in all three sleeping positions.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• Stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers alike probably aren’t going to get the support they need on the Nectar. They should seek out a firmer mattress, perhaps one with a layer of springs.

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

Bear – Best Cheap Mattress for Athletes

Expert Opinion

Bear is a unique brand because it caters to athletes. The company has outfitted its flagship mattress with firm foams that support heavy musculature, as well as a cover made of Celliant. This is a soft and breathable material that helps stave off heat after a long workout. Additionally, the memory foam comfort layer contributes to cooling with an infusion of graphite gel. This makes the Bear a good match for hot sleepers.

Another component of Celliant: it’s designed to absorb your body’s energy, then redirect it back to you to assist with recovery and blood flow. While we haven’t independently verified this claim in our testing lab, there have been 10 peer-reviewed studies to back it up. Even without the the Celliant cover, we find the Bear to be an excellent choice for anyone with an active lifestyle due to the aforementioned support and cooling factors. 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, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The reviews on Bear’s website call out its firmness as a positive, and several folks have pointed out that the supportive foams have made it a great mattress for teenagers whose bodies are still growing. A lot of folks also love that the mattress was made without fiberglass.

Pros of the Bear Mattress

• When we tested out the Bear’s motion transfer, it was very low. So if you sleep with a partner, you shouldn’t be woken up by each other’s movements. When you pair that with the bed’s cooling capabilities, it’s one of the best mattresses for couples.
• 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.
• The foams in the mattress are responsive enough for combination sleepers to easily switch positions. 

Cons of the Bear Mattress

• 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 mattress review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for athletes. Or click here to get the best deal.

Casper – Best Cheap Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Expert Opinion

For combination sleepers, it’s essential that they find a mattress that keeps them more “on top of” the bed. Materials that allow the sleeper to sink in too much can trap movement and make it much harder to switch sleeping positions. This sinking feeling is more common in all-foam mattresses, but the Casper is one bed that avoids this. It’s an affordable all-foam mattress with a firmer feel and a transition layer that helps lift sleepers so they don’t press too far through the comfort layer.

To determine whether or not this is a good bed for combination sleepers, we put the Casper through our responsiveness test. This involves us rolling around on the mattress in different sleeping positions and determining how easy it is to go from back sleeping to side sleeping and so on. We found the Casper to be pretty responsive, and decided that it should be comfortable for most combination sleepers.

What our tester says: “When I first pushed into the Casper and sat on it, I thought it felt pretty soft. However, after laying down and rolling around on the bed, it felt firmer to me as it lifted me up and offered me support. Because of this, I decided to give the Casper a 7 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. This also turned out to be the average score from my coworkers. When compared to the industry standard of 6.5 for medium firmness, this bed is slightly firm.” – Bridget Chapman, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

Casper has an impressive collection of reviews (over 21,000), and many of them praise the zoned support and targeted relief.

Pros of the Casper Mattress

• The balanced feel of this mattress should make it a solid option for back sleepers.
• Lightweight stomach sleepers and side sleepers over 130 pounds should find the Casper to provide adequate pressure relief.
• Our pressure map showed some impressive results around the lumbar region, so it should help alleviate back pain for back sleepers. We think this is primarily due to the Casper’s zoned support, which provides targeted relief.

Cons of the Casper Mattress

• Heavy sleepers usually don’t do so well on an all-foam mattress like the Casper. They should seek out a more supportive mattress, such as a hybrid or an innerspring.

For more, read our full Casper mattress review or check out our roundup of the best mattresses for combination sleepers. Or if you’re already sold, 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 (usually under $1,000 after discounts) and includes a 120-night trial and a 10-year warranty.

When running the Signature Hybrid through our series of tests, we found that the mattress had nice, firm edge support. You should be able to spread out and utilize its entire surface without feeling like you’re going to fall off the bed. And when we tested out its motion transfer using our seismometer, we found that it successfully isolated movement and kept it from rippling throughout the bed.

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, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The reviews on Brooklyn Bedding’s website cover all of the brand’s various models, and praise the versatility of the company. Based on what customers say, they view the Signature Hybrid as a high-quality middle-of-the-road option — not as stripped-down and budget-friendly as the Dreamfoam Essential, but not as expensive and luxurious as the Aurora Luxe. Everything from the value price to its medium firm feel is balanced.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The Signature Hybrid is bouncy and responsive enough for combination sleepers to easily switch positions throughout the night.
• The coils in this mattress help promote airflow and prevent body heat from trapping in the layers. This makes the Signature Hybrid a good choice for hot sleepers.
• 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.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• 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 mattress 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.

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. After discounts, a queen size can often be found for under $1,000.

We should point that out that, when it comes to firmness, the Titan Plus is going to feel softer to heavy sleepers and firmer to average weight and lighter sleepers. For context, our reviewer experienced the bed as a 7.5 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, where Paulie felt that it was closer to a 6.5 (the industry standard for medium firm).

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, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

The Titan Plus has numerous testimonials from heavier sleepers, including a video review from a couple. Many of these reviews speak to how comfortable the mattress is for their body type, with some of them praising it as the most comfortable mattress they’ve ever slept on.

Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Even if they weigh under 250 pounds, back sleepers looking for a firmer feel or more support should like this mattress.
• 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.
• We recommend this bed for heavy couples because of its impressive motion isolation and edge support. You’re unlikely to feel your partner tossing and turning, and you should both be able to spread out across the entire surface of the mattress.

Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Because of the thick and durable materials, we found that the Titan Plus slept hot. You can purchase a cooling panel, but it costs extra.
• Side sleepers — even heavy ones — will need a softer mattress that has more pressure relief than the Titan Plus offers. We don’t recommend it for this sleeping position.

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

Nolah – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress

Expert Opinion

Traditional memory foam often gets a bad rep, as it tends to trap body heat and lead to sweating. Plus, some brands use low-quality foam, which results in premature sagging. With the Nolah Original, though, you’ll get a cooling, high-quality memory foam bed with all of the regular benefits. The best part? It’s set at an incredible price. Including discounts, you can often a queen for under $1,000.

In our mattress lab, we put the Nolah through our pressure map test. This test involves us spreading out a mat across the mattress surface and using it to track areas of high, moderate, and low pressure in the back- and side-sleeping positions. The map then uses thermal imaging to create a graphic of the body and its various levels of pressure. Lying on the Nolah, we saw impressive results in the back- and side-sleeping positions (mostly blue and a bit of green across the board). Side sleeping, we did notice a touch of yellow at the shoulder and hip. This is expected, as side sleepers put a lot of pressure on these areas. But the Nolah should be plush enough, as long as you’re not suffering from severe joint pain.

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. In general, I’d say back sleepers and side sleepers could especially enjoy this mattress.” – Madison Schaper, former editor

What Customers Say

Nolah’s flagship bed has a number of reviews on the company site, and a great deal of them are from back and side sleepers who find a lot to love in terms of the mattress’s level of comfort and support.

Pros of the Nolah Mattress

• As mentioned, the Nolah includes cooling technology that sets it apart from other memory foam mattresses. First off, the Nolah has a breathable Tencel cover, so you have some cooling properties when you lay down on the mattress. The Nolah also includes breathable proprietary foam in the comfort layer, which is designed to be more cooling than traditional memory foam.
• The Nolah tested well for motion isolation, which means that it’s ideal for couples who are easily disturbed by each other’s movements at night.
• The Nolah has more of a traditional memory foam feel, meaning it should feel slow-sinking and contouring. Fans of memory foam should find a lot to love in this bed.

Cons of the Nolah Mattress

• Combination sleepers might find that the Nolah isn’t responsive enough to comfortably switch sleeping positions throughout the night.

For more, read our full Nolah mattress review or check out our roundup of the best memory foam mattresses. Or click here to get the best deal.

Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Cheap Cooling Mattress

Expert Opinion

The Silk & Snow is a budget hybrid mattress that can usually be found for under $900 for a queen size. We think the main draw of the Silk & Snow Hybrid is its impressive cooling properties. For such a value mattress, cooling abilities like this can be hard to come by. But the Silk & Snow Hybrid includes cooling gel-infused memory foam and breathable coils to prevent hot sleepers from overheating. During our thermal gun cooling test, the Silk & Snow Hybrid only heated up 7.9 degrees when we laid on it, representing some good cooling ability.

The Silk & Snow Hybrid’s combination of memory foam and innerspring coils makes it a medium firm and responsive bed. That latter trait comes from the coils, which provided a good amount of bounce and made it easy for us to change sleeping positions. That means the Silk & Snow is a fantastic match for combination sleepers who switch between their back, stomach, and side at night.

What our tester says: “It is a great middle ground firmness for those who don’t want an ultra-firm bed, but also want to feel well-supported. It achieves this feel through a hybrid construction, utilizing some conforming foams in the upper layers and sturdy coils below.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer

What Customers Say

There are 3,000+ reviews on the Silk & Snow company site, and a large number of them have positive things to say about the delicate balance between comfort and support.

Pros of the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress

• This mattress did well on our pressure map test (lots of blue around the lumbar region). So, we think that it could be a good choice for anyone struggling with back pain.
• There’s enough support and pressure relief here for back sleepers to be comfortable.
• Side sleepers should also get the contouring they need from the Silk & Snow’s soft cover, foams, and medium firmness.

Cons of the Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress

• The Silk & Snow Hybrid didn’t do well on our edge support test. So, if you’re the kind of sleeper who likes to spread out and take up a lot of room on the bed, this may not be the choice for you.

For more, read our full Silk & Snow Hybrid mattress review or check out our roundup of the best cooling mattresses for other options. Or if you’re ready to purchase, 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.

When we laid down on the Siena, we definitely got more of an-top-of-the-bed feeling. However, the longer we stayed on the mattress, the deeper we sank in. This push and pull resulted in a firm feel with a little bit of cushioning. We should also talk about the Siena’s ability to isolate motion. We test this by dropping several steel balls of different weights onto the bed’s surface. We then measure the vibrations with a seismometer. If the vibrations are low, then movement is less likely to ripple across the mattress. The Siena excelled at this test, so you’re unlikely to feel a partner moving around at night.

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, former senior product editor

What Customers Say

On Siena’s website, there are nearly 1,200 reviews, with many customers commenting on how good the mattress felt on their back. However, a few folks did point out that, because of the firmness, it might take a few nights to get used to the bed. So give yourself a little time to break it in.

Pros of the Siena Mattress

• You should 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. This makes the mattress a natural choice for back sleepers.
• The Siena is the rare foam mattress that can accommodate stomach sleepers, who tend to put more pressure on a bed’s layers than side sleepers or back sleepers. But this mattress gets the job done, holding up stomach sleepers so that their hips are aligned with their shoulders.
• 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.

Cons of the Siena Mattress

• This isn’t going to be the best mattress for 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.

Here at Sleepopolis, we test a mattress’ pressure relief performance with a device called a pressure map. We spread the map across the surface of the mattress and lie down on it. A computer then uses color-coded thermal imaging to display how much pressure is being put on our body while on our back, side, and stomach. That way, we can recommend the right mattress for different sleeping positions. For instance, if the map shows little to no pressure while we’re lying on our side, then it’s going to be a good mattress for side sleepers.

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. For more international mattresses, see our roundup of the best Canadian mattresses.

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.

Best Times to Buy a Mattress Online

Some of the best mattress deals occur around holidays, specifically Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Cyber 5, and Christmas.

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
Emma Hybrid Comfort	Overall	$599	Emma Coupon	Read Our Review
Nectar	Cheap	$699	Nectar Coupon	Read Our Review
Bear	Athletes	$699	Bear Coupon	Read Our Review
Casper	Combination Sleepers	$995	Casper Coupon	Read Our Review
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid	Hybrid	$999	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Titan Plus	Heavy People	$937	Brooklyn Bedding Coupon	Read Our Review
Nolah	Memory Foam	$971	Nolah Coupon	Read Our Review
Silk & Snow Hybrid	Cooling	$700	Check Coupons	Read Our Review
Siena	Queen	$399	Check Coupons	Read Our Review

Bridget Chapman

Former 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.

Combination Sleeper