The best affordable mattresses can provide the most restful night’s sleep you’ve had in years (especially since you aren’t lying awake at night worrying how to pay for it). Our sleep experts have collectively tested over 100 beds and deem the Cocoon Chill the No. 1 budget mattress for its balanced medium-firm feel and cooling prowess. But if that’s not your speed, browse the rest of our top picks, which all range between $300 and $1,000 for a queen.
The best affordable mattresses offer support and comfort at a budget-friendly price.
Illustration: Forbes / Photo: Retailer
Remember: Affordable and cheap aren’t the same thing. All of our picks come personally recommended by our sleep experts and feature high-quality materials and excellent build quality. Several of these budget beds even come with generous trial periods, lifetime warranties and free accessories for an exceptional value. Ready to save money and sleep soundly? Here’s our list of the best affordable mattresses.
Type: Foam or hybrid | Height: 10 inches | Firmness level: Medium | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You’re a back or front sleeper who deals with occasional overheating.
Skip if: You’re a dedicated side sleeper or have severe night sweats.
The Cocoon Chill Mattress by Sealy takes the crown as our best affordable mattress—and it’s a specialty cooling mattress, at that. Although temperature-regulating materials are becoming more commonplace among value mattresses overall, the Cocoon Chill was among the first to introduce the concept at a lower price point than its premium counterparts. Its cooling prowess comes from the top cover made with a phase change material that’s designed to absorb and release heat. Beneath that are layers pressure-relieving memory foam, motion-dampening comfort foam and a 6-inch polyfoam base. (The hybrid version swaps the polyfoam for a core of 900 individually-wrapped coils, yielding better airflow and stronger edge support.)
You can ignore the “ending tomorrow” warnings on the product page because as far as I’ve seen, this mattress is always discounted by 35% off. It’s held steady at $699 for a queen and $899 for a queen hybrid. To sweeten the deal, Sealy throws in a free set of pillows and sheets (valued at $179). You get 100 nights to try it at home, with free returns plus a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
Pros:
Always on sale and includes a free bedding set
Available in either foam or hybrid
Effective cooling at a low price
Cons:
Cover might not be cool to touch, as advertised
What our experts say: Alison Barretta, Forbes Vetted contributor and co-author of this article, slept on an all-foam Cocoon Chill and was impressed by its cooling abilities. “The cover didn’t have an obvious cool-to-the-touch feeling as advertised, but nonetheless it did its job because I didn’t severely overheat like I’ve done with some other all-foam mattresses. However, it doesn’t have as deep of a sink as a typical foam bed so that could be a contributing factor here.”
Best Affordable Bed In A Box
This Fiberglass-Free Bed Includes A Lifetime Warranty
Buy if: You want a fiberglass-free mattress made in the U.S.
Skip if: You prefer beds with deep pressure relief.
Despite its low price point, the Bear Original doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. For one, it doesn’t contain fiberglass, a flame-retardant material that can potentially irritate your skin and lungs. It also boasts a couple of notable mattress certifications from CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold for its non-toxic components. This memory foam mattress is made with athletic recovery in mind, but most sleepers can benefit from its breathable Tencel cover and Dynamic Foam for a keen balance of relief and support. Regular Bear mattress sales drop the price of a queen-size bed to as low as $650, with a lifetime warranty and a free sleep bundle (pillows, sheets and mattress protector) thrown in. If you have some room left in your budget, consider upgrading to white glove delivery service (from $100) and a Celliant-infused cooling cover for at least $75 more.
Pros:
Includes a lifetime warranty
Good firmness for front or back sleeping
Cons:
Side sleepers may want something softer
Not a lot of sinkage
What our experts say: Forbes Vetted senior mattress and sleep editor Bridget Chapman says she found the Bear to be quite supportive for an all-foam mattress: “It also tested well for motion isolation, which is a good sign for two people sharing the bed who don’t want to wake up from each other’s movements. I think it’s a great value overall, but I do think it’s a bit firmer than advertised so keep that in mind.”
Buy if: You need a solid mattress for a guest bed, dorm room or temporary use.
Skip if: You need a reliable “forever mattress.”
The Allswell is a great mattress that has earned our kudos in other stories (including our roundup of the best mattresses for sex). It has a sensation that’s beyond medium-firm, making it a great choice for back and stomach sleepers in particular. The gel-infused memory foam layer dampens movement as well as it relieves pressure, while the springs give it a responsive feel that makes it easy to change positions. Just don’t intend for it to be a “forever mattress” as reviews suggest that it doesn’t stand up to heavy use well (especially when it comes to long-term edge support). As a guest bed or a dorm mattress, however, you can’t go wrong, especially at under $350 for a queen.
Note that Walmart only offers 90-day returns for unopened mattresses. There’s no proper sleep trial included.
Pros:
Available for less than $350 in a queen
Appeals to those who like firmer beds
Great for temporary or short-term use
Cons:
There’s no proper sleep trial
Not built to last
What our experts say: Barretta says the budget Allswell mattress exceeded her expectations. “Although I didn’t get on with it when side sleeping, I was very comfortable whenever I flopped onto my stomach. My back didn’t buckle and I was well supported. The responsive surface made it easy to switch positions when I needed to, as well.” She said she was impressed by its breathable materials and sturdy edges—but warns that the latter will likely deteriorate quickly if you sit on the bed often.
Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
This Popular Foam Mattress Comes With A 1-Year Trial
Editor’s Pick
Nectar
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress (Queen)
Type: Foam or hybrid | Height: 12 inches | Firmness level: Medium | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You’re a side sleeper who craves cushioned pressure relief.
Skip if: You want more support for back sleeping.
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress has a balanced feel that suits many types of sleepers but especially those who favor their side. An adaptive memory foam layer reduces pressure buildup in the lower lumbar, shoulders and hips to keep your spine aligned and mitigate any nagging back pain in the process. It stands out for its low motion transfer (great for co-sleepers) and a moisture-wicking cooling cover that won’t leave you sweating every morning. The Nectar is consistently one of the best values out there with a lifetime warranty and a risk-free one-year sleep trial. Considering a queen Nectar mattress usually goes for less than $650, those are impressive perks for the cost. For sturdier edges and even cooler sleep, add springs with the the hybrid version for at least $100 extra.
Pros:
Includes a lifetime warranty and a one-year trial
Great for side sleepers
Dampens movement well
Cons:
May not be as supportive for some back sleepers and most stomach sleepers
Cover is removable, but you can’t wash it
What our experts say: Chapman says, “The Nectar offers doughy sinkage that I think a lot of side sleepers (and some back sleepers) could really enjoy. The thick layers of foam do a great job providing pressure relief and isolating motion. I think it’s a great value for anyone looking for a softer bed with sinkage.” Barretta agrees, adding that it sleeps “surprisingly cool for an all-foam bed, let alone one that’s not a specialty cooling model.” (However, the Nectar Premier Copper Mattress may be a better option if you deal with severe night sweats.)
Buy if: You’re a back sleeper who prefers a firmer feel.
Skip if: You’re a side sleeper who wants to feel hugged by their bed.
If the Nectar above is just out of your price range (and perhaps seems too soft), check out its younger sibling instead. The Siena Memory Foam Mattress offers a comparable level of quality for hundreds of dollars less. Despite its slim, 10-inch profile, it offers a good deal of support as you slumber. (Expect a firmer-than-advertised feel, especially when you break it in.) It may not boast the one-year trial and lifetime warranty that Nectar provides, but the Siena does include a 180-night trial, which is the longest we’ve spotted for a sub-$400 foam mattress. A queen costs $399, while a twin comes in at just under $200. Once again, ignore the countdown clocks as Siena’s mattress sale seems to be a permanent occurrence.
Pros:
A very cheap mattress with a long trial period
Firmer feel caters to front and back sleepers
Absorbs movement well, so good for couples
Cons:
Side sleepers may really need to break this in
Don’t expect much of a ‘hug’
What our experts say: “I found the Siena to offer quite a firm, lifted feel. There’s not a lot of sinkage on this bed, which makes it a good fit for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers. It did a decent job in my testing for edge support and motion isolation, as well,” says Chapman.
Type: Foam | Height: 12 inches | Firmness level: Medium-firm | Trial period: Contact your local Costco | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You want Casper’s cooling tech at a more attainable price.
Skip if: You want to sink deep into your sleep surface.
Casper recently refreshed its entire line of mattresses, including its Costco-exclusive models. The new Casper Cooling Select Mattress features a cool-to-the-touch cover to aid in temperature regulation, according to the brand. The construction of this 12-inch mattress otherwise remains the same as the base Select model with a durable foam base, 3-zone support foam, pressure-relieving memory foam and a breathable top layer of foam. This mattress does skew firmer, so it may not be the best option for side sleepers who want something to cradle their pressure points. The biggest caveat is the mattress sizes are limited. It only comes in a full, queen, king and California king. It comes with Costco’s risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee and a 10-year warranty.
Pros:
A cool-to-touch cover helps draw away heat
Zoned foam support layer for targeted relief
Very good edge support and motion isolation
Cons:
May skew too firm for some side sleepers
Limited sizes and no proper sleep trial
What our experts say: Chapman tested the standard version of the Casper Select, saying,“I was really impressed by the Casper Select Mattress. It shares a lot of similarities with the Casper Original, but it’s a little bit better in my opinion—which honestly totally surprised me. It tested well for motion isolation and edge support, which are both nice perks for couples. I found it comfortable for back and side sleeping.”
Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
Nab A Cozy Mattress For Your Camper At A Discount
Brooklyn Bedding
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Type: Hybrid | Height: 11 inches | Firmness level: Soft, medium or firm | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: Your camper could desperately use a new mattress.
Skip if: You’re seeking something slightly more affordable.
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid comes in three comfort levels—soft, medium or firm—but even more impressive is the range of bed sizes it comes in. There are several RV king bed sizes as well as less traditional dimensions like short king, Olympic queen and split California king. The medium firmness, which should appeal to most sleepers, contains 1.5 inches of comfort foam, a 1-inch layer of transitional foam and a base unit of 8-inch individually encased coils. That means your shoulders and hips get gently cushioned when lying on your side, while your lower spine remains aligned when sleeping on your back or stomach. And when you change positions, the bed quickly adapts to your body. Add a cooling pillow top for an additional fee if you want more contouring without feeling smothered. You can often score 25% to 30% off the retail price.
Pros:
Comes in three firmness levels
Broad range of RV and non-traditional sizes
Optional cooling pillow top
Cons:
At the higher end of the budget bracket
This hybrid doesn’t sink too much
What our experts say: “Although not a super fancy bed, the Signature Hybrid is a solid option for a lot of folks out there due to its multiple firmness options, good edge support, responsiveness and cooling features. Despite it being Brooklyn Bedding’s value buy, I found it to still have quality features,” says Chapman.
Best Affordable Mattress For Back Pain
A Hotel-Quality Bed That's Easy On The Joints (And Wallet)
Buy if: You’re a back sleeper seeking relief from back pain.
Skip if: You’re a smaller side sleeper who needs something softer.
If you want a comfortable value mattress for back pain, our pick is the DreamCloud, a luxury hybrid with a competitive price. This 12-inch bed features a supportive core of 8-inch coils plus multiple layers of memory foam to soothe your sore joints and keep the motion transfer at a minimum. (However, it does skew a little firm so we’d recommend it for back and front sleepers.) It’s topped by a breathable cashmere-blend cover that looks and feels luxurious. A current 50% off sale drops the price of a queen to less than $700. Although DreamCloud no longer throws in a free bedding set, you can still add one to your cart at a significant discount. You get a generous one-year trial and a forever warranty, too.
Pros:
A hotel-quality mattress at a great low price
Keen balance of support and contoured comfort
Includes generous trial and warranty periods
Cons:
Firmer than advertised
Edge support could be better
What our experts say: Barretta, who deals with bouts of lower back pain, found the DreamCloud exquisitely comfortable. She wasn’t the only one: “One of my side-sleeping volunteers, who regularly deals with a ‘dead hip,’ didn’t feel any discomfort in that area when she tried the DreamCloud. Meanwhile, a larger back-sleeping volunteer with lower lumbar pain was amazed at how quickly the mattress formed to his body and evenly distributed his weight.”
Buy if: You want a mattress that effectively dampens your partner’s movements.
Skip if: You’re of a larger build, as this has a rather short profile.
At less than $1,000 for a queen, Tuft & Needle’s Essential T&N Original foam mattress is an affordable bed that doesn’t require you to sacrifice comfort. T&N’s proprietary foam layer is designed to be more responsive than traditional memory foam, for added pressure relief plus reduced motion transfer so your co-sleeper’s fidgeting no longer disrupts your slumber. It also includes reinforced edge support so you can get in or out of bed without waking your partner. If either of you sleeps hot, there’s a cooling combo of gel beads plus graphite-infused foam to help regulate temperature. As with all Tuft & Needle mattresses, a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty apply.
Pros:
Great support for the price
Reinforced edges for sitting
Minimal motion transfer
Cons:
Firmer than advertised
Not supportive enough for heavier bodies
What our experts say: “I felt the best back sleeping on the Tuft & Needle Original because its foam layers do a good job of filling in the lumbar region while also keeping you supported. I also appreciate the cooling features built into this bed since all-foam mattresses tend to trap heat,” says Chapman.
Best Affordable Latex Mattress
A High-End Organic Mattress Without The High-End Price Tag
Buy if: You want an organic mattress with plenty of bounce.
Skip if: You’re a strict side sleeper or sleep with a restless partner.
Mattresses made with certified organic materials tend to be pricier than their foam-based counterparts, but the Awara is an affordable entryway into the world of eco-friendly sleep. It’s a superb value for any mattress—let alone one crafted from GOLS-certified latex and New Zealand wool. Whether you sleep on your back or stomach, the Awara can provide sufficient relief for key pressure points in the hips, shoulders and legs for proper alignment in any position. If you’re prone to overheating at night, the Awara wicks away body heat thanks to a combo of breathable Dunlop latex, individually wrapped coils and a cotton and wool blend fabric cover. It comes with a one-year trial and a lifetime warranty, too. Not bad for under a grand (for a queen).
Pros:
Made with certified-organic materials
Ample bounce for ease of movement
Sleeps comfortably cool
Cons:
On the higher end of affordabiity
Weak motion isolation
What our experts say: “I’d consider the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid to be a firm, supportive mattress that would be best suited for stomach sleepers,” says Chapman. “The latex in its upper layers helps make the bed bouncy and easy to move around on, so it could work for some stomach/back combination sleepers as well. And between its airflow-promoting coils and natural, breathable materials, I found it’s a good cooling option.”
Buy if: You want a decidedly firm bed that keeps your spine aligned
Skip if: You’re a dedicated side sleeper
We consider this affordable all-foam bed to be the best extra-firm mattress you can buy. The Plank has a dual-sided design, so you can shift between ultra-firm support and firm support with more pronounced contouring. It’s also endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association (ACA), which concluded that its firm support helps reduce stress on the spine to keep everything properly aligned—so you don’t wake up with a sore back. For the hot sleepers who are reticent to buy an all-foam bed, consider adding a GlacioTex cooling cover for an extra fee. There are a broad range of sizes so you can easily outfit your camper or unusually-sized bed frame, too. The Plank is regularly on sale for at least 25% off, so don’t expect to pay more than a grand for a queen.
Pros:
Flippable design for dual comfort levels
Chiropractor-approved for back pain relief
Available in less common bed sizes
Cons:
This is not a side sleeper’s mattress
At the higher end of affordability
What our experts say: Chapman says, “This is truly one of the firmest beds on the market. It provides a flat, solid sleep surface with a touch of cushion for added comfort—though one side has more cushion than the other. It tested well for motion isolation, responsiveness and edge support—which are perks for many sleepers and couples alike.”
Senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon have collectively tested over 100 beds and are both certified sleep science coaches.
Author and contributor Alison Barretta has a decade of experience reviewing products and sharing buying advice. She’s published dozens of mattress guides, including guides to the best hybrid mattresses and memory foam beds.
We have a large library of sleep and mattress guides that touch on all sorts of devices, accessories and mattresses for every sleep need.
We’ve built relationships with some of today’s biggest bedding brands so that we can keep up with the latest trends in the sleep industry.
We revisit this regularly to make sure our recommendations are accurate and current. It was last updated in March 2024 by Alison Barretta to include additional shopping tips, add pros and cons for each entry and introduce several new picks, including the Cocoon Chill as our best affordable mattress overall.
How We Chose The Best Affordable Mattresses
To find the best affordable mattresses, we first looked to reputable brands that are historically less expensive like Nectar, Allswell and Brooklyn Bedding. We then looked at specific models and relied on our team’s experience with different beds; all of our picks come personally recommended.
To narrow down our list further, we compared each model by its construction, height, firmness, trial period, warranty and, of course, price. We prioritized mattresses that excelled in performance and affordability, meaning each has a durable, supportive construction and a fair price tag to match.
Lastly, we made sure to choose mattresses that cater to different sleep styles. (The best bed for a side sleeper likely wouldn’t fare well for stomach sleepers and vice versa.)
What To Consider When Buying An Affordable Mattress
Price is obviously a factor when deciding on an affordable mattress, but it’s not the only criteria you should consider. Ultimately, you need to select a mattress that’s as good a fit for your sleep style and preferences as it is your budget.
Firmness
Generally speaking, soft to medium mattresses are best for side sleepers, medium-firm mattresses are ideal for back and combination sleepers, and firmer mattresses are well-suited for stomach sleepers. Individuals with chronic back pain should also seek out a firmer mattress.
However, firmness is subjective. Body weight and height affect how soft or hard a mattress feels and varies from one person to another. This is why being able to test a mattress via an at-home trial is important.
Sleep Style
Yoursleep style refers to how you (and your co-sleeper, if applicable) position yourself while you sleep. Do you often fall asleep and wake up on your side, back, stomach or a combination of each? Knowing your sleep style heavily influences how firm or soft you need your mattress to be for optimum alignment and pressure relief.
Body Weight
Smaller sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds should fare well with a soft to medium-soft mattress since they don’t usually sink too deeply into their beds. Meanwhile, heavier sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may want to consider a firm to extra-firm level of support to accommodate them. Average-weight sleepers can typically look for a medium-firm mattress that balances comfort and support.
Note that the average mattress can handle up to 250 pounds per side (500 pounds total). If you and/or your sleeping partner exceed that, seek a specialty model made with durable materials like high-density foam, reinforced coils or latex. Such mattresses have much higher weight limits (up to 1,100 pounds total).
Materials
Mattresses come in a variety of materials: Some are made entirely of foam, while others are a combination of foam and springs. Here’s how each stack up in terms of affordability:
Memory foam:Memory foam mattresses are typically the most affordable option because foam is a less expensive material than latex or coils. However, it can be a less durable material than other types since foam has a tendency to sag or falter overtime if it’s not dense enough. Look for a mattress with high-density foam to make sure the mattress is both affordable and long-lasting.
Hybrid: With layers of both foam and springs, these beds offer the best of both worlds when it comes to balancing comfort and support. However, because this type combines a mix of materials, it can run a bit pricier. You can still find affordable hybrid mattresses, but you may have to compromise on features like pillow tops and cooling covers, which typically cost more.
Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses, which are made from coils and a thin comfort layer, are another historically affordable mattress type. However, they also aren’t the most comfortable since they lack thick comfort layers. Nowadays, innerspring beds feature more comfort materials.
Latex:Latex is the most durable and naturally pressure-relieving mattress material, but it’s also the most expensive. You likely won’t find a high-quality latex bed for less than $1,500 for a queen, so if a low price tag is your number one priority, we suggest choosing a different mattress type that can offer similar pressure-relieving benefits but for half the price (like a hybrid or foam bed).
Special Features
Look for specialty materials that address any sleep issues you regularly deal with. For instance, hot sleepers should look for mattresses with a specialty cooling cover that wicks moisture and draws away body heat. Meanwhile, mattresses with zoned coils or ergonomic foam layers provide targeted support and pressure relief—especially helpful for sleepers with back or joint pain. If your sleeping preferences are fluid, a flippable design with dual firmness levels gives you the benefit of two beds in one.
Trial And Returns
Buying a mattress sight unseen is a risk that retailers are keenly aware of, which is why they offer at-home trials. The industry standard for home trials is 100 nights, with a 30-night minimum so your body can sufficiently adjust to your new mattress. Some brands are extremely generous in this regard and offer up to a one-year trial, which gives you the chance to feel how well a mattress performs across all seasons.
So what happens if you decide your new mattress isn’t the right fit? Most companies allow you to return it free of charge and grant you a full refund before your trial period is over.
Warranty
Familiarize yourself with the terms of your mattress warranty so you don’t unknowingly void it. For instance, removing a fixed cover or placing your mattress on an improper frame can potentially render your mattress ineligible for warranty coverage.
A brand could offer varying warranty periods among its own line of mattresses. For example, Helix bestows 15 years of coverage for its Elite and Luxe lines of mattresses; its less expensive entry-level models are backed by 10-year warranties. Some manufacturers (like Awara and Nectar) grant lifetime warranties for all of its mattresses.
Caring For Your Affordable Mattress
Cheaper beds may not last as long as their more expensive counterparts but knowing how to clean a mattress can guarantee you years of comfy sleep, no matter how much money you paid for it.
One of the easiest ways to prolong the lifespan of your mattress is to invest in a mattress protector. This safeguards your bed from stains and spills, as well as dust mites, pet dander and bed bugs. Look for a mattress protector that’s machine washable; you can clean it with your sheets and pillowcases.
Rarely do mattresses come with a removable cover you can wash. Instead, pull out the vacuum cleaner about once every three months and use the upholstery attachment to pick up any debris sitting in the crevices. Rotate the mattress (or flip it, if possible) about twice a year to prevent indentations from forming in the center.
You can deep clean your mattress at home using a vacuum cleaner with the proper attachments or a garment steam cleaner, then following up with a mild cleaning solution to lift away grime and bacteria. Finish off with a generous layer of baking soda to deodorize.
Of course, you want to read the care instructions for your mattress before doing any spot treatments and deep cleaning.
What Is A Good Mattress At A Reasonable Price?
There’s no clear-cut answer to this because everyone has their own definitions of a “good mattress” and a “reasonable price.” It’s relative to whatever you need to sleep comfortably, and how much you’re willing and able to spend.
That said, our experts deem the Cocoon Chill as the best affordable mattress overall. This medium-firm cooling mattress is available as an all-foam or hybrid and is always on sale for well below the average cost of a mattress (around $1,500 for a queen these days). Better yet, it includes a free set of pillows and sheets, which come in handy if you’re buying a less popular bed size or sizing up/down from your previous mattress.
As our list shows, there are plenty of options out there for shoppers who don’t want to spend a lot on quality materials and fantastic perks. The Nectar Mattress and the Bear Original rival the Cocoon Chill in overall value and they’re all similarly priced. If you want a full year to try out your bed, check out the Nectar. Meanwhile, if you’d prefer a mattress made without fiberglass, go for the Bear Original.
What Do I Avoid When Buying A Cheap Mattress?
Don’t be swayed by price alone. We could say this for any mattress—the most expensive beds may not be the most comfortable for you. However, if you’re looking to spend as little as possible, you still want to buy with your preferences in mind. There are plenty of affordable mattress options out there, though some may prove too thin, too springy or just not a good match for your sleep style and build.
At the end of the day, what’s most important is finding a mattress that’s good for your sleep and meshes with your needs. The best way to know if a mattress is the right fit for you is actually trying it. As long as you choose a budget mattress with a substantial trial and great warranty, so that you can test it in the comfort of your own home and feel at ease over time, we think they are a great option.
