Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor
Buying a new mattress is a big decision. Not only are you going to be investing in something that you’ll (hopefully) have for years, but you’re also going to be dropping some pretty serious coin in the process. So you want to make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. However, everyone’s budget is going to be different, which is why, for this list of the best mattresses for the money, we’ve included a mix of affordable options, as well as some pricier ones. After discounts are applied, most of them can be found for under $1,000 for a queen, with the luxury mattresses coming in closer to $1,600. The one thing they all have in common, though, is that they offer an excellent value for what you’re paying. No matter what kind of mattress you seek, we think you’ll find one that feels like the perfect fit.
Our Top Pick for Best Mattress for the Money
We went with the Nectar because it provides a contouring memory foam feel while also giving you support with dense foam towards the bottom of the mattress. Former senior product editor Bridget Chapman also noted that this bed is a great choice for back and side sleepers, who should enjoy the balance of pressure relief and support it offers.
Best Mattresses for the Money 2024
- Best Overall Mattress for the Money – Nectar
- Best Mattress for Couples – DreamCloud Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Athletes – Bear Original
- Best Queen Mattress for the Money – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
- Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
- Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Plank Firm
- Best Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
- Best Memory Foam Mattress for the Money – Cocoon Chill
Best Mattress for the Money Video Review
What We Look For In The Best Mattress For The Money
Value for Money
When looking for the best mattresses for the money, the value of your mattress for how much you’re spending is a priority, and we know that. We made sure to find the most value-friendly beds without compromising on cooling, quality, comfort, and support. We tested all of these mattresses for these various things to make sure you are staying within your budget while still getting a quality mattress.
Durability
When looking for mattresses in a specific price range, you might also want to ensure your mattress is durable and will last you. We know this is important to you, so we tested the durability of each of these mattresses by examining the quality of the materials they are made with, their construction and laying on then ourselves to help you find the best mattress for the money without loosing out on durability.
Firmness
How firm or soft you like your mattress is a matter of personal preference, but just because you are looking for a budget-friendly mattress doesn’t mean it is going to be lumpy or too soft or firm. We tested all of these mattresses using our firmness scale, which ranks firmness 1-10 with 10 being the most firm, so you can decide what level of firmness is best for you and your needs.
Compare Best Mattresses for the Money
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| Nectar Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress | Titan Plus | Cocoon Chill Mattress | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | — | — | |||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain,
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Couples,
Back Sleepers, Hip Pain |
Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain, Seniors,
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Stomach Sleepers,
Back Pain, Seniors |
Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain, Hip Pain, Seniors
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Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Best Overall Mattress for the Money – Nectar
The Nectar delivers on classic memory foam: it’s soft, contouring, and provides a slow-sinking feel. Still, it provides solid support for most light to average weight sleepers. The cushioning memory foam allows for plenty of pressure relief on pain points, like shoulders and hips. Side sleepers especially should enjoy the pressure relief. Plus, a lengthy trial period, lifetime warranty, and affordable price make the Nectar a reassuring choice for many. Watch our video review to learn more.
What our tester says:
“I think memory foam lovers should be happy on the Nectar. This bed has a classic memory foam feel, so there’s lots of sinkage, contouring, and pressure relief. This can be great for anyone with shoulder pain or hip pain since it gives them cushioning at sensitive pressure points.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
We recognize that when discussing the best mattresses for the money, it’s not always about paying a low price. That being said, affordability doesn’t hurt, either. Despite being a high-quality memory foam mattress that offers sleepers luxurious contouring and pressure relief, you can usually find a Nectar queen size for at or under $1,000. This is a fantastic deal for a durable mattress that provides some excellent contouring and support. No wonder it’s our top pick.
To test how well this mattress cushions us, we put the Nectar through our pressure map test in our lab. For this test, we place a specialized mat across mattress to track which areas of the body have the most pressure buildup. In the side-sleeping position, our pressure map showed a lot of green and blue, meaning that it should be comfortable for these folks, but maybe a little firm for anyone who suffers from hip pain. For back sleeping, we found almost all blue, meaning that they shouldn’t feel pressure buildup in this position. If the Nectar was a bad mattress for pressure relief, we would have seen yellow, orange, or red.
Best Mattress for Couples – DreamCloud Hybrid
With soft foam and a sturdy layer of innerspring coils, the DreamCloud strikes a balance between comfort and support — a little bit of contouring up top and on-top-of-the-bed feel that comes from the bottom. It’s a fairly firm mattress that we think is most comfortable for back sleepers. It also has some luxury touches such as a cashmere-blend cover that are reminiscent of a high-end hotel. Learn more in our DreamCloud video review.
What our tester says:
“I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night. Thanks to its medium-firm to firm support, I think the DreamCloud is a durable mattress. It balances support with plenty of pressure relief for back sleepers.” – Bridget Chapman, former Sleepopolis senior product editor
Expert Opinion
After testing out the DreamCloud Hybrid, we determined it should be an incredible mattress for many couples out there wanting to save. First off, its breathable hybrid construction and cooling gel-infused foams should help keep body temperature down, even with two people in bed. We also found the DreamCloud scored incredibly well in support (4.5 out of 5) and did well overall in edge support, so you and your partner can spread out on this mattress without feeling like you’re about to fall off. And as for our responsiveness test, we determined this bed to have an incredibly bouncy feel that makes it one of the best mattresses for sex. On our motion transfer test, which involves dropping a 10-pound steel ball at three different heights, the DreamCloud Hybrid did show a bit of disturbance for larger movements. But overall, you and your partner shouldn’t wake each other up from tossing and turning at night.
Best Mattress for Athletes – Bear Original
Even though it’s made entirely of foam, the Bear has a firm, supportive feel that should be sturdy enough for back sleepers and stomach sleepers alike. Additionally, combination sleepers should be able to easily move around on its surface. You can also pay extra for a Celliant cover that may help with cooling and muscle recovery. Learn more in our video review.
What our tester says:
“I found the double poly foam construction produced a firm, supportive feel. Though you’re likely to sink into its top layer of memory foam, this sinkage is somewhat curbed by the taut poly foam transition layer. This means most folks are going to be positioned more “on top” of the structure than “in” it.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and mattress tester
Expert Opinion
If you’re an athlete on the hunt for the best mattress for the money, let us introduce you to the Bear Original, an all-foam mattress with a cover made of Celliant. We’re big fans of this material, as it helps the bed sleep nice and cool. It’s also designed to absorb your energy, then redirect it back to you, which may assist with blood flow and recovery. Even though we can’t verify these claims, we can definitely speak to the cover’s coolness, as well as the mattress’ firm foams that help support athletes’ musculature after a long workout. You can often find a queen size for less than $1,000 after promos and discounts. However, in the spirit of honesty, we do want to point out that this Celliant cover does cost $130, in addition to the total price of the Bear Original mattress itself.
Best Queen Mattress for the Money – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress combines a foam comfort layer and sturdy coils. This combination of materials makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. It comes in three firmness levels, and we recommend the Medium model for most back sleepers. It’s a great choice for shoppers who are looking for a new mattress on a budget. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“Given that the Signature Hybrid has some excellent bounce, I’d highly recommend this mattress for combination sleepers who often change positions multiple times throughout the night. I also think the Signature Hybrid could be a great fit for couples. You shouldn’t be overly disturbed by a restless partner on this bed, and it has nice, firm edge support.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When it comes to finding an affordable mattress, we love Brooklyn Bedding for its wide range of high-quality options. Because the company owns its own factory, they’re able to cut down on the usual manufacturing costs and pass the savings onto the customer. One of their most popular beds is the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid, a medium-firm hybrid that, after discounts, can often be found under $1,000 for a queen size.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Evolution
The Nolah Evolution’s hybrid construction offers the cushioning of memory foam with the responsiveness of coils. The Luxury Firm model is a good option for side and back sleepers due to its medium-firm feel, though there are Plush and Firm versions as well. Those who share a bed may also appreciate its low motion transfer, so you won’t be disturbed by a partner’s movements and its solid edge support to allow you to maximize surface area. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I laid down to rest on this mattress on my back — my primary sleep position. I felt comfortable, but also appreciated the cozy, plush top of the bed. After some time lying on my back, I switched over to my side. I didn’t find this position quite as comfortable, as I did feel some slight pressure buildup in my shoulder.” – Amelia Jerden, senior staff writer
Expert Opinion
When selecting the best mattress for side sleepers, we always measure a bed’s pressure-relieving abilities with something called a pressure map. Our reviewer spreads it across the mattress’ surface, and then a series of graphics shows them how much pressure their body is experiencing in different positions.
Best Mattress for Stomach Sleepers – Plank Firm
The Plank Firm more than lives up to its name with its ultra-sturdy foams and supportive feel. While this bed certainly isn’t for everyone, it should be an ideal fit for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers who want to feel more on top of their mattress than in it. For more information, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Plank Firm is one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. Both sides of the mattress, the firm side and extra firm side, should give these sleepers the support they need to keep their hips in line with their shoulders. Back sleepers who like a firmer feel should also be happy on the firm side of the Plank.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
When searching for the best mattress for the money, stomach sleepers often have a harder time than side sleepers and back sleepers because they need a lot more firmness and support. If a mattress is too soft or saggy, their hips could bow into the layers and cause back pain. Luckily, the flippable Plank Firm is ultra-sturdy, with both a firm and and extra-firm side. Stomach sleepers can flip between the two and see which one they prefer.
Best Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
The Titan Plus mattress is a durable mattress made with heavy sleepers in mind. It’s firm and features heavy-duty coils and Titanflex foam that makes it bouncy and easy to move around on. We think that heavy back sleepers and stomach sleepers should be especially comfortable. For more information on the Titan Plus, check out our video review.
What our tester says:
“I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
A Note On Weight and Body Type
We recognize that people come in all shapes and sizes, and people of every size deserve a mattress that works for their body type. We use the weight categories light, average, and heavy to more easily categorize sleepers based on how mattresses will perform for their body type, as most mattresses are designed for the group we call “average” (130 to 250 pounds). We consider heavy sleepers to be anyone over 250 pounds, and they tend to need more support to prevent them from sinking too far into the layers.
Expert Opinion
We like to get some outside help whenever we’re deciding on the best mattress for heavy people. If we’re going to recommend a bed to them, we want to make sure it’s being tested by someone with a larger body type. For the hybrid Titan Plus, we turned to a professional powerlifter named Paulie. He was able to press into the layers more than our reviewer, getting some nice pressure relief that may not be experienced by lightweight or average-weight sleepers. After all, the Titan Plus was designed specifically for sleepers over 250 pounds.
Best Memory Foam Mattress for the Money – Cocoon Chill
To offset the heating reputation of memory foam, Sealy has infused the Cocoon Chill mattress with cooling materials such as gel and phase change material. We found that it sleeps incredibly cool and is an affordable, comfortable option for back sleepers and stomach sleepers. For more information, watch our video review.
What our tester says:
“This bed does live up to its name — it sleeps super-cool. If you’re worried about overheating I think you’ll be happy with this mattress.” – Nichole Mondshein, lead reviewer and staff writer
Expert Opinion
There are many different types of mattress constructions out there because so many people have different sleeping preferences. Some like the sturdiness of an innerspring, and others enjoy an eco-friendly latex mattress. But one of the most popular mattress types by far is memory foam. This material has a fanbase who values a slow-moving feel, sinkage, and contouring over all else. And that’s exactly what the Cocoon Chill provides. It’s a slightly firm (7 out of 10) mattress that gives you plenty of support with high-density foundation foam, while still boasting stellar pressure relief results thanks to its cushioning cover and foam layer. Best of all, you can find this mattress for under $700 for a queen after discounts.
What to Look for In A Mattress for the Money
Now that we’ve covered all the mattresses, we want to highlight a few things we look for when deciding if a bed is a true value buy:
- Warranty: Does the mattress have a solid warranty? If so, you’re likely to get more miles out of it, which extends your purchase far beyond checkout.
- Quality of Materials: Mattresses built with high-quality materials are going to last longer than those designed with cheaper ones. That’s why it’s crucial to consider whether investing in a slightly more expensive bed is actually going to be more cost-effective in the long run. If you are less concerned with getting more “bang for your buck” and just want to get the cheapest mattress, check out our top picks for the best affordable mattresses.
- Value by Category: It’s important to remember that “value” doesn’t always mean “inexpensive.” Sometimes a $2,500 luxury mattress has great value when compared to other models in its category. Similarly, a $250 mattress may be a total dud when sized up to other “budget” brands. It’s all about assessing the materials used, the design elements at play, and the rest of the competitors in the space.
What We Mean By “Value”
When showing the best mattresses for the money, we look at all the features the mattress offers. This means we don’t look at the price on its own, but how it compares to its performance, materials, and warranty.
For example, if a mattress is made of high-quality materials, has a great warranty, and is reasonably priced, then we can conclude that you’re getting your money’s worth for the product. Similarly, a cheap mattress that performs poorly on our tests may not be the greatest “bang for your buck.”
What Kind of Mattress Type is the Best Value?
- Coil/spring mattresses feature layers of steel coils that help support the body. Sometimes, these coils are wrapped in foam for added comfort and pressure relief. While innerspring mattresses are typically the least expensive, they can also cause the most restless nights if the coil count is too low or the quality of steel used is poor. Additionally, you’ll want to replace your innerspring mattress around every eight years.
- Memory foam mattresses are comprised of layers of memory foam that adapt in real time to the curves of your body while you sleep. They’re typically more expensive than innersprings, though some folks find that the added layers of pressure-relieving foam are well worth the price. A good memory foam mattress should last you about 10 years.
- Latex foam mattresses are similar to memory foam mattresses in that they’re both made up of foam layers. But unlike memory foam, latex has a quick response to pressure, resulting in a bouncy material designed to keep the sleeper positioned on top of the bed. Latex also happens to sleep a little cooler than memory foam. With this added boost of temperature regulation and lift, you can expect to pay more for a latex bed. However, they typically last for up to 12 years.
- Hybrid mattresses can make great value buys because they essentially combine all the great elements of the aforementioned mattress types (the pressure relief of memory foam, the bounce of latex, the support of innerspring) into one convenient package. A good hybrid mattress will last you about 10 years.
- Pillow-top mattresses are characterized by the plush pillow-top cushion sewn into the top of the mattress. This feature can be applied to innerspring, memory foam, latex, or hybrid beds. As supportive and as comfortable as pillow-tops are, keep in mind that they can mean a slightly lower than average lifespan. The pillow-top portion (especially traditional pillow-tops) tend to be the first to go in terms of long-range performance.
What Affects the Price of a Mattress
Materials
Although it’s going to vary from bed to bed, latex mattresses tend to be at the higher end of the price spectrum. Hybrid and luxury beds may also be more expensive because they involve more craftsmanship and labor.
Manufacturing
If a company manufactures its beds in the United States, they’re sometimes able to cut out the middleman and give that cost back to the customer in the form of discounts.
Distribution
It’s almost always going to be cheaper to purchase a mattress online rather than in a brick-and-mortar store. That being said, shipping may get pricey depending on where you live. If you are shopping internationally, shipping may be even more complicated and expensive. We compiled a list of the best mattresses in Canada to help you navigate international mattress shopping.
Warranty
This is going to depend on the brand, but sometimes, mattresses with lengthier warranties are priced a little bit higher. The upside is that you’re getting a longer-lasting bed.
Why Does Warranty Affect Price?
When choosing a mattress, you may not even take notice of the different warranties that are offered. But, like any product you’re investing in, a solid warranty is important and shouldn’t be forgotten during your shopping process.
Some mattress companies offer great warranties, such as lifetime warranties, to ensure that you can get your mattress replaced or fixed if it is defective or recalled. These warranties protect you from having to buy a new mattress too soon. So, companies with awesome warranties may value their products at a higher price.
Do I Have to Buy a Box Spring?
“Do I even really need a box spring?”
When trying to save money on a new mattress purchase, this question inevitably comes up. After all, the value of a bed greatly increases if you don’t have to immediately purchase a heavy box spring to go with it. In general, box springs are mostly used to provide some extra height and stability to your bed. To know for sure if you need one, make sure to check the warranty. If it’s not required, you may be able to save a few bucks by ditching the platform all together.
While you may not need a box spring, you will want some type of foundation. Box springs, wood foundations, minimal metal wire frames, platform beds, steel slat frames, wood slat frames, or adjustable bases can all get the job done equally well. If you do opt for a slat frame, make sure you find one with rigid slats that are no more than 3 to 4 inches apart, and that they’re evenly spaced. These will provide good support.
How Can I Make My Mattress Last?
One quick way to add instant value to your mattress is to take care of it. From day one, use a high-quality mattress protector. Not only does this safeguard against spills and stains, it can also ward off bed bugs, dust mites, sweat, dirt, and other allergens that might try and make their way into your mattress. Make a point to wash your protector as often as you wash your sheets (at least every one to two weeks, ideally).
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure to spot-clean your mattress regularly. Sprinkle it with baking soda and vacuum it for quick odor elimination. Consider bleach or enzymatic cleaners for the harder-to-clean areas. Proper maintenance of your mattress will ensure that you’re getting the most for your money and it will last you for years to come.
How We Chose These Mattresses
Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches has reviewed more than 300 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.
Because this is a roundup of the best mattresses for the money, we focused specifically on the category of value. Even if a bed was on the higher end of the price scale, we wanted to make sure that it’s worth every cent. With that in mind, we only chose beds that scored a 4 out of 5 or higher on value. We also made sure to include some cheaper options that are under $1,200—and in some cases, under $1,000—for a queen size after discounts.
Click here to learn more about our methodology. And if you’re still not sure of the right mattress at the end of this article, you can take our mattress quiz to be shown a selection of mattresses curated to your sleep preferences.
FAQs
What is the best mattress for the money?
It’s all about what you value. Some customers may not mind paying more for a mattress if it means they’re getting higher-quality materials or a longer-term investment. But if we’re talking strictly about a lower price, we think the Nectar is one of the best mattresses for the money. It’s a pressure-relieving yet supportive foam bed that can often be found at close to or under $1,000 for a queen size before any discounts are applied.
What is the best king size mattress for the money?
We once again have to recommend the Nectar, and also, the Bear. Foam mattresses tend to be a bit cheaper than innerspring or hybrid mattresses, and the king size model of each of these beds can often be found for under $1,000 after discounts.
How much does a mattress cost?
Mattress prices vary widely depending on materials, construction, size, and brand. While there’s no magic amount that a mattress should cost, most quality beds will run you between $1,000 and $2,000 for a queen size. That’s the approximate price range we landed on for the products featured in this article.
What is the best value mattress for heavyweight sleepers?
We believe the Titan Plus — a bed designed especially for larger body types over 250 pounds — is an excellent value for heavy sleepers. Despite being a highly durable mattress, you can often find a queen size for under $1,500 before discounts and under $1,000 after discounts. That’s because it’s made by Brooklyn Bedding, a mattress company that owns its own factory and is able to pass what it saves on manufacturing costs back to its customers.
Best Mattresses for the Money of 2024
| Mattress | Best For | Price (Queen) | Coupon | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nectar | Overall | $1,099 | Nectar Coupon | Read Our Review |
| DreamCloud Hybrid | Couples | $1,199 | DreamCloud Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Bear Original | Athletes | $998 | Bear Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Queen | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Nolah Evolution | Side Sleepers | $2,449 | Nolah Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Plank Firm | Stomach Sleepers | $1,332 | Brooklyn Bedding Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Titan Plus | Heavy People | $1,249 | Titan Coupon | Read Our Review |
| Cocoon Chill | Memory Foam | $1,079 | Check Out Our 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