While some higher-end bed-in-a-box mattresses can cost upwards of $3,000, there are plenty of more affordable products out there that still offer a good night’s sleep. That’s why we put together this roundup of the best affordable mattresses. We’ve found these eight beds to be some of the best cheap mattresses out there, covering a variety of price points and features for different types of shoppers. Not only do all of these mattresses have an appealing price point, they also excel in quality. Every mattress our sleep testers assess is run through a series of trials to determine their strengths and weaknesses. The products on this page represent our top choices for affordable mattresses that don’t sacrifice quality for budget.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Affordable Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Nectar as the overall best cheap mattress because its medium-firm feel is compatible with multiple sleeping positions and can suit various body types. This mattress is also made with high-quality, supportive foams that help with pressure relief across the body.
The Best Cheap Mattresses for Your Budget
- Nectar – Best Cheap Medium-Firm Mattress
- Silk & Snow – Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
- DreamCloud – Best Affordable Mattress for Sex
- Bear Mattress – Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
- Siena Original – Best Affordable Mattress Under $500
- Cocoon Chill Memory Foam – Best Budget Cooling Mattress
Best Cheap Mattress Video Review:
Compare the Best Affordable Mattresses
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| Nectar Mattress | Silk & Snow Mattress | DreamCloud Original Mattress | Bear Original Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Siena Mattress | Cocoon Chill Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||
| Best For |
Back Sleepers,
Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers |
Back Sleepers
|
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Seniors |
Hot Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
Back Sleepers,
Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers |
Side Sleepers,
Back Sleepers, Kids |
Back Sleepers,
Hot Sleepers, Side Sleepers |
How We Chose the Best Cheap Mattresses
When considering cheap mattresses, we wanted to balance affordability with your ability to get a cozy night of sleep, and peace of mind with your purchase. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs. Here are three key things we weighed in compiling our final picks for the best cheap mattresses:
Durability
Ultimately, a mattress with subpar materials will cost you more in the long run if you have to replace it, since some very inexpensive mattresses might start to sag or lose structure quickly. In making our roundup, we considered the type and robustness of mattress materials, including the number of layers, density of foams, and types of coils used (in the case of hybrid mattresses). Each bed’s materials met our standards for adequate durability, although we noted based on our testing which mattresses went above and beyond as far as durability.
Support
Even a cheap mattress needs to provide adequate support to keep your spine aligned and hips elevated. We sought options that offered decent firmness and support, especially for sleepers with back issues.
Warranty and Sleep Trial
Some cheaper mattresses may not come with a trial period or generous return policy, which is important in case you find the bed is too firm or not firm enough, causes sleep problems, or doesn’t suit your sleep position. We choose mattresses that boast more generous sleep trials and warranty terms — after all, if you’re the type of conscientious buyer looking for a cheaper mattress, you don’t wan’t to be stuck with a non-refundable bed you hate.
Best Cheap & Affordable Mattresses
Nectar – Best Cheap Medium-Firm Mattress
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isn’t supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
Our Expert’s Take
A medium-firm mattress is likely to have a good balance of comfort and support that should appeal to a lot of different sleepers. The Nectar embodies this beautifully with its flagship bed — an all-foam mattress with a thick layer of gel-infused memory foam up top. After that, the mattress gets progressively firmer toward the bottom with a transition layer of soft conventional foam and a support layer of high-density foam. This construction should bode well for side sleepers and back sleepers, who should get some decent pressure relief from the gel memory foam without feeling like they’re getting swallowed up by the bed.
What the testers say: “The Nectar has a slow-moving feel that most people associate with memory foam. When I rested on the Nectar, I felt myself slowly sinking into the surface. The top layers conformed to the shape of my body, and I felt some nice body contouring.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Nectar
- Like several mattresses on this list, the Nectar has a medium-firm construction that works very well for back sleepers. It allows their hips to sink below the surface, but not so much that their spines are thrown out of alignment.
- The edge support on the Nectar is fairly robust. Under the weight of our heaviest tester (weighing in at a little more than 250 lbs), the edge sank 3.5″. That’s solid for an all-foam bed, and testers acknowledged as much by giving Nectar a 4/5 edge support score.
- Another area where the Nectar excels for an all-foam mattress is in the cooling category (4.5/5). The bed’s surface only heated up 1.9 degrees F after a tester rested on the Nectar, according to our heat gun analysis.
What to Keep in Mind About the Nectar
- We don’t recommend the Nectar for most stomach sleepers, as it’s not firm enough to provide adequate support. That said, if you’re a lightweight stomach sleeper then you might find that this mattress works quite well for you.
- If you like a bed with a lot of bounce, consider a bed with coils, like the DreamCloud. The Nectar’s middling responsiveness score (3/5) is to be expected, given that the bed is catered toward lovers of slow-moving memory foam.
Other Customer Reviews
The Nectar mattress has over 50,000 reviews on the company website, and their average rating comes out to 4.7 out of 5. One of the most enthusiastic review headlines reads, “[This mattress] SAVED MY LIFE!” However, there are some negative reviews that state the mattress traps heat and begins to sag after a short period of time.
Nectar Mattress Specs
| Material | Foam Mattress |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 365 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 83 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 12”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $649.00 |
Read our full Nectar mattress review. Or for other options, check out our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Silk & Snow Mattress – Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Silk & Snow Organic Mattress is a high-quality mattress that offers a balance of support and comfort with sustainably sourced materials.
Our Expert’s Take
We rated the Silk & Snow at a 6.5/10 which is a medium-firm feel. It’s got a great balance of comfort and support for many sleeper types, but side sleepers may especially enjoy its pressure relief. It may not be quite supportive enough to suit stomach sleepers who sometimes need more firmness to get the support they need. Our best firm mattresses is a good list if that’s more your taste.
The Silk & Snow has a classic memory foam feel. You’ll sink into its foam layers and feel good body contouring on your joints. This is ideal for most side sleepers.
What the testers say: “The Silk & Snow has a stereotypical memory foam feel. You’ll gently sink into its foam layers and feel lots of body contouring around your shoulders and hips. This is great news for people who like to rest ‘inside’ the mattress rather than on top.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Silk & Snow
- This bed has a classic sinking feel that memory foam fans will love.
- As the name implies, the Silk & Snow sleeps pretty cool thanks to the gel infused into its layers, which should work to absorb excess heat.
- At a versatile medium-firm feel, the Silk & Snow should work best for most back and side sleepers seeking a balance of cushioning and support.
What to Keep in Mind About the Silk & Snow
- Due to its slow-moving and cushioned memory foam feel, the Silk & Snow is not as bouncy and responsive as the Brooklyn Bedding Essential. If you like to switch sleeping positions throughout the night or you want a mattress that’s great for sex, this one might not be for you.
Other Customer Reviews
Based on 1,560 reviews on the Silk & Snow website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5. One user describes it as, “firm and yet soft at the same time”, which we believe to be an apt description, as we consider it very comfortable and supportive.
Silk & Snow Mattress Specs
| Material | Foam Mattress |
| Warranty | 15-year Warranty |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 76 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 10”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $725.00 |
Read our full Silk & Snow review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
DreamCloud – Best Affordable Mattress for Sex
The DreamCloud is a hybrid mattress that offers great support for back sleepers and nice cooling for hot sleepers. Its mix of foam and coils ensures you get the right amount of support, while its breathable materials ensure you don’t sleep too hot. It is a bouncier mattress, and if you prefer more of a memory foam feel, consider the Nectar mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
There are a few factors to consider when looking for a good mattress for sex. The first and most important consideration is responsiveness. The DreamCloud has great responsiveness, meaning it’s easy to move around on and you won’t likely feel stifled by the mattress. The next factor, temperature regulation, is more important to some people than others. Basically, if you overheat easily, you may want a mattress that helps keep you cool during sex. We tested the DreamCloud with our thermal camera and found that it rose by 8.5 degrees after our tester had rested on it for several minutes. This is a bit on the high side, but it didn’t affect the feel of the mattress too much, so we scored it a 4/5 on our cooling test.
What the testers say: “Couples looking for a good mattress for sex usually want to pick something bouncy and responsive; this will make it easier for them to move around and reposition on the mattress. The DreamCloud mattress fits the bill for sure, and sexual partners should find it to be a great match.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the DreamCloud
- A queen-sized DreamCloud mattress comes in at well under $1,000. Plus, purchase of this mattress comes with a lifetime warranty, which we think is a huge value add.
- Most of our mattress testers felt good to excellent when they rested on their stomachs on the DreamCloud. Since it’s on the firmer side, it does a good job of keeping lightweight and average-weight sleepers from sinking below the mattress surface. However, it’s not quite firm enough to support heavyweight stomach sleepers.
- Despite it being on our list for a budget bed, it has a cashmere-blend cover that gives it a luxurious feel.
What to Keep in Mind About the DreamCloud
- While we think it’s a great option for sex, the DreamCloud doesn’t do the best job of accommodating couples who are trying to sleep. Specifically, it doesn’t do a good job of isolating motion. So, if your partner tosses and turns you are more likely to feel it on your side of the bed. If this is a concern of yours, we suggest you consider the Bear Original instead.
Other Customer Reviews
Based on 5,059 reviews on the DreamCloud website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5. Many customers rave about the DreamCloud’s comfort, including some who describe sleeping well with a partner on the mattress. The only 1-star review on the website describes the mattress as being too heavy and difficult to move.
DreamCloud Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid Mattress |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial Period | 365 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 78 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 12”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $665.00 |
Read our full DreamCloud Mattress review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Mattresses for Sex.
Bear Mattress – Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers
The Bear Original is a memory foam mattress with broad appeal. It provides good support and pressure relief for side and back sleepers who weigh less than 230 lbs and comes with plenty of cooling features. It isn’t firm enough for most sleepers who weigh more than 230 lbs, though. If you need a more supportive bed, check out the Plank Firm. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
Bear is known for its more affordable yet still comfortable and durable mattresses. The original Bear is a memory foam mattress that fits the bill with its cooling features, great pressure relief, and back sleeping benefits where lumbar support come in handy.
The Bear also has an optional cover woven with Celliant, which helps keep sleepers cool. Its balance of comfort and pressure relief should help many types of sleepers feel supported, but back sleepers will likely enjoy the feel even more.
What the testers say: “The Bear mattress offers a great balance of comfort and support, which is great news for back sleepers. When I slept on my back, I felt my hips gently sink into the top foam layer. Thanks to the high-density support foam underneath, I got plenty of lumbar support in this sleeping position.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Bear
- Most back sleepers should find the medium-firm firmness of the Bear does a fantastic job of keeping them comfortable and supported. Heavyweight back sleepers might find the Bear comfortable, though there’s a chance it will be too soft for this group.
- Regardless of preferred sleeping position, the Bear does a good job for all lightweight sleepers (under 130 lbs), particularly lightweight back sleepers. The top comfort layer of the Bear is soft enough to provide lighter people with sufficient pressure relief.
- The Bear is pretty cooling for a memory foam bed, thanks to the gel-infused foam and breathable cover on top.
What to Keep in Mind About the Bear
- Those who want a bouncier feel may want to look elsewhere. Being an all-foam mattress, the Bear has a doughy feel that many will find comfortable, but that also can make it difficult to move around on. Combination sleepers especially may find this to be a problem, and should consider the Brooklyn Essential instead.
- The Bear scored a 3.5/5 on our edge support test, in which we measure how much the perimeter of the mattress sinks when one of our testers sits on it. The Bear sank close to four inches, which could lead to discomfort if you tend to sleep toward the edge of the bed.
Other Customer Reviews
The Bear mattress has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 10,595 customer reviews on the company website. Many 5-star reviews call out the affordability of the Bear, stating that the mattress has great value.
Bear Mattress Specs
| Material | Foam Mattress |
| Warranty | Lifetime Warranty |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 70 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 10”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $998.00 |
Read our full Bear mattress review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Essential is an excellent no frills mattress at a bargain price for hybrid mattress lovers on a budget. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
When it comes to value, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good place to start because the company owns its factory. They sell their mattresses direct-to-consumer and can price them particularly low. Out of their ever-growing line of products, the Essential is one of their most affordable, with a streamlined construction with foam woven into the cover, a transition foam layer, and a support layer of Ascension X coils. The top layer of foam is especially soft, but the coils add support and responsiveness, allowing sleepers to easily move around at night.
What the testers say: “The Brooklyn Essential felt similar to most hybrid mattresses I have tried. It had a bit of that soft foam feel right on top, but the coils lent a good amount of bounce too. I did sink in a little when I lay down, but I never felt like I was stuck. Overall, it was very easy to move around and change positions.” – Marten, Lead Reviewer
What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- The hybrid construction of the Brooklyn Bedding Essential gives it a good amount of bounce. This is an important factor for combination sleepers, who tend to have an easier time switching sleeping positions on a springy mattress.
- This same construction also creates a balanced feel of support and comfort, which is only heightened by the bed’s medium-firm feel.
- The topmost foams provide enough pressure relief to accommodate most back and side sleepers.
What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Essential
- If you want a firm mattress, this isn’t for you. We rated this mattress a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which lands it in the medium-firm zone. If you’re looking for something a bit firmer, check out the DreamCloud.
- Since the Essential is fairly soft, it may not be supportive for heavier sleepers or stomach sleepers.
Other Customer Reviews
Based on 548 customer reviews on the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress has an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Users rave about the quality of the hybrid construction and the great night of sleep that the Brooklyn Bedding Essential provides.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress Specs
| Material | Hybrid Mattress |
| Warranty | 10-year Warranty |
| Firmness | Medium-firm |
| Trial Period | 120 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 100 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 10”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $932.00 |
For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress Review. For more hybrid options, see our roundup of the Best Hybrid Mattresses.
Siena Original – Best Affordable Mattress Under $500
The Siena Original Mattress delivers budget-friendly, all-foam comfort with medium firmness, great for back and side sleepers seeking value. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
We love the convenience of purchasing mattresses online. For a great deal, take a look at the Siena mattress. A discounted queen runs just under $500.
It’s an all-foam bed providing plush pressure relief for your hip and shoulder if you sleep on your side. Lightweight back sleepers should feel a good amount of body contouring, too. This mattress has a great trial period (180 nights). This means you have plenty of time to decide if this mattress works for your needs. If you keep it, it has a 10-year warranty.
What our testers say: “While I don’t think this bed is a perfect choice for some heavyweight sleepers, most average-to-lightweight sleepers should find some good pressure relief on the Siena mattress. If you’re on a budget and want memory foam, or just don’t want to drop a lot for a guest room, the Siena is a good choice!” – Elisa Regulski, Reviewer
What We Love About the Siena Original
- The Siena is softer than medium-firm, and sleepers should experience lots of pressure relief around their shoulders and hips.
- This mattress has a classic slow-moving foam feel. You might find yourself sleeping “inside” the mattress rather than on top of it.
- If you decide the Siena mattress is not a good fit for you while in its 180-night sleep trial, you can return your mattress for a full refund.
What to Keep in Mind About the Siena Original
- We don’t recommend the Siena mattress for heavyweight sleepers. Heavier people might “bottom out” and feel the support foam layer against their shoulders and hips, causing uncomfortable pressure.
- The Siena may absorb some heat in its memory foam layers. Particularly hot sleepers should consider buying a mattress with advanced cooling features, like the Cocoon Chill.
Other Customer Reviews
On Siena’s website, the Siena Original mattress has a 4.5/5 star rating based on 1,851 customer ratings. Many customers are impressed with its value and its ability to relieve pressure on their joints. However, heavier sleepers mentioned that the Siena mattress was too soft to provide them with adequate support.
Siena Mattress Specs
| Material | Foam Mattress |
| Warranty | 10-year Warranty |
| Firmness | Soft |
| Trial Period | 180 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 68 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 80”L x 10”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $399.00 |
Read our full Siena Mattress review for more information.
Cocoon Chill Memory Foam – Best Budget Cooling Mattress
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy offers a budget bed with cooling technology and contouring all-foam support, ideal for hot sleepers seeking pressure relief. Learn more in our video review.
Our Expert’s Take
The Cocoon Chill is a memory foam mattress that boasts excellent cooling features like Phase Change Material. This makes the top of the mattress feel cool to the touch! While it does have memory foam in its construction, it has more of a responsive foam feel instead of a soft foam feel.
What the testers say: “Like its name suggests, the Cocoon Chill is great at dissipating heat. The cover is made out of a soft phase change material, which makes the mattress feel cool to the touch. Oftentimes, all-foam mattresses can overheat, but you likely won’t have to worry about the Cocoon Chill getting hot at night.” – Elisa, Editor & Product Tester
What We Love About the Cocoon Chill
- The Cocoon Chill impressed us with its ability to keep us cool. This is especially notable because it’s an all-foam bed, and all-foam beds tend to trap heat and do a so-so job of regulating temperature. The cover of the Cocoon Chill is made with phase change material, which feels cool to the touch.
- Another surprising quality, considering the all-foam nature of the Cocoon Chill, is its great edge support. As we sat and lay on the perimeter of the mattress it barely sank under our weight. This is great news for those who like to use every inch of their bed’s surface.
- Couples should also enjoy the Coocon Chill’s ability to absorb motion and keep it from traveling across the bed’s surface.
What to Keep in Mind About the Cocoon Chill
- This mattress doesn’t allow you to sink into the mattress as other foam mattresses do—you’ll feel like you’re sleeping on top of it instead. While not necessarily a bad thing, it might be an issue for memory-foam lovers who enjoy feeling like they’re being hugged by their mattress. If that sounds like you, consider the Silk & Snow mattress.
Other Customer Reviews
The Cocoon Chill has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, based on 8,444 on the company website. Only 51 of the over 8,000 reviewers gave the mattress 1 star, but these customers claim that the mattress is uncomfortable and breaks down after some time. That said, the vast majority of shoppers have nothing but good things to say about the Cocoon.
Cocoon Chill Mattress Specs
| Material | Foam Mattress |
| Warranty | 10-year Warranty |
| Firmness | Firm |
| Trial Period | 100 Nights |
| Shipping | Free Shipping |
| Weight (Queen) | Up to 64 lbs |
| Dimensions (Queen) | 60”W x 79.5”L x 12”H |
| Price (Queen- Before Discounts) | $1,079.00 |
Read our full Cocoon Chill mattress review. Or for other recommendations, see our list of the Best Cooling Mattresses.
How We Tested the Best Cheap Mattresses
Our Certified Sleep Coaches at Mattress Clarity have reviewed over 600 mattresses using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing. We score our mattresses based on a few factors, including support, edge support, cooling, motion transfer, durability, trial period, and warranty. Our rigorous testing and reporting process has helped over 4,500 readers purchase the best mattress for their needs.
For this roundup, we added price as an additional factor and only included mattresses that are at or below $2,000 with the cheapest option on this list coming in at around $370. If you’re looking for the cheapest options available with the best quality, check out our list of the best mattresses for your money. If you still can’t decide what mattress is best for you and your budget after browsing through our recommendations, try taking our mattress quiz for more personalized suggestions.
Pros and Cons of a Cheap Mattress
There are upsides and there are downsides to cheap mattresses. If you aren’t sure a cheap mattress is right for you, take a look at the pros and cons.
What to Look For When Buying a Cheap Mattress
Think a cheap mattress is right for you? Don’t buy the first low-cost mattress you come across. Take your time, think of the following, and make sure your mattress is still a worthy investment.
Quality
The quality of your mattress will depend greatly on the type of material the mattress is made from and the quality of the materials used. Most good-quality memory foam, innerspring, and hybrid mattresses should last between 7 and 10 years, while latex mattresses should last between 12 and 15 years, but lower-quality materials may cause mattresses to sag sooner than that and cause discomfort while sleeping. To avoid this, try to aim for well-built mattresses in the $1,000 to $2,000 range if possible.
Durability
To get the most for your money, you need a durable mattress, so it needs to be made well. This means making sure that your mattress materials are high-quality, but also be sure to look for mattresses that are designed well with layers that are built to last long-term.
Firmness
No matter how much you spend on a mattress, you want it to be comfortable, and much of your comfort will come from the firmness of your mattress. You can check out our walkthrough on which firmness level is best for you to get a feel for what to look for in a mattress.
Edge Support
Being able to use the entire surface of your mattress ensures that you get the most value out of it. However, some mattresses sink in around the edges. If you find a mattress in your price range, be sure to check that it has decent edge support so that it lasts longer.
Typically, hybrid mattresses tend to have better edge support since the combination of springs and foam tends to be a bit sturdier than other mattress types. Some hybrid mattresses even have a reinforced perimeter to further support around the edges, so it’s great to be aware of features like this when you’re shopping for a mattress.
How Mattress Cost is Determined
In addition to the quality of materials used, other factors that influence the price of your mattress include:
Mattress Features
Some mattresses are naturally going to be more expensive because they are more high-end and have features like temperature and firmness control, lighting, systems to track sleep, and other technological features. Custom-made mattresses can also include several features that would add to the overall cost of a mattress. In general, custom-made mattresses will hardly ever be cheap.
Mattress Brand
High-end name brands can have higher costs due to their demand and position in the mattress market. Two similarly made mattresses with similar features and materials may have two different price points because one brand is more popular than the other.
Mattress Construction
As mentioned above, mattress materials help influence the overall cost of a mattress, but other factors including extra support and comfort layers, quilting, and other design features can make a mattress more costly. Also, whether or not materials are organic and hypoallergenic can influence the price. Bed-in-a-box and machine-constructed mattresses tend to cost less than hand-constructed mattresses.
Additional costs
Finally, make sure you keep in mind any additional costs you may incur, such as shipping and a box spring or bed foundation when deciding on your mattress budget.
How Much Money Should You Spend on a Mattress?
We’ve found that the average price of a queen-size mattress tends to be around $1,000 or more, with some more established brands costing closer to $2,000. Generally, it would follow that anything less than $1,000 is considered a budget option.
You’ll have to weigh a discounted mattress against its overall quality. There might be a quality or support reason the mattress is priced under $500, or you might have stumbled upon the deal of a century. Make sure you also take a good look at a bed’s construction and read reviews on its feel and longevity. Most mattresses should last you 10 years; a budget mattress might cost less but show more signs of wear and tear before you reach that mark.
Of course, there are a few hidden gems out there. We’ve done our best to highlight everything you might need to know about these lower-cost beds in the hopes that you’ll find one that matches your needs without draining your wallet.
How to Save Money on a Mattress
- Consider what type of mattress you want.
- Get a smaller mattress size if you can.
- Shop online instead of in stores.
The first two bullet points are already covered in the previous section. To save money on a new mattress, it’s important to consider what type and size of mattress you need. Shoppers on a budget should shy away from luxury mattresses like airbeds or any smart mattresses with advanced technology. Also, keep in mind that twins, twin XLs, and full-size mattresses will be cheaper than larger sizes like queens, kings, California kings, and split king mattresses.
Finding Coupons
Around President’s Day, the Fourth of July, Amazon Prime Day, Labor Day, Veteran’s Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Christmas, there are a ton of great deals to watch out for. Check out our overview of some of the best holidays and sale periods to buy mattresses below.
Best Holidays for Mattress Sales
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Holiday |
Date |
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Third Monday in February | |
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Last Monday in May | |
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July 4th | |
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First Monday in September | |
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Veterans Day |
November 11th |
Best Mattress Sales to Buy a Cheap Mattress
|
Sale |
Date |
Details |
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January |
Winter white sales are typically held throughout January, as many big box stores and online retailers discount home accessories to get rid of inventory. The sale dates differ from retailer to retailer, so be sure to keep an eye out for deals throughout the month. | |
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Amazon Prime Day |
Varies |
Amazon Prime Day (which has evolved to be a two-day event) is held at different times each year. During Prime Day sales, consumers can find great discounts from well-known online mattress companies (including some of the ones listed in this best cheap mattress roundup)! |
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The day after Thanksgiving |
Black Friday is one of the most well-known shopping holidays. Consumers can find discounts both in-store and online, and deals often last for several days as they blend in with Cyber Monday. | |
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The Monday after Thanksgiving |
Traditionally known as the best day to get discounts online, Cyber Monday has evolved to be Cyber weekend, often encompassing the weekend after Black Friday as well. | |
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December 31st |
Mattresses are frequently on sale during the post-holiday season, specifically as a New Year’s Eve event. This could be an ideal time to buy if you’re looking for a good deal. |
How to Make an Affordable Mattress More Comfortable
Not ready to buy a new mattress just yet? Here are some easy and cost effective ways to make your current bed feel more comfortable.
Use a Mattress Topper
Mattress toppers can help revitalize your bed – without breaking the bank. Memory foam mattress toppers offer additional pressure relief, while latex toppers make your bed feel more breathable and cool. Take a look at our list of the best mattress toppers for some options.
Rotate and Flip Your Mattress
To ensure your mattress remains supportive and comfortable, we recommend rotating it every three to six months. This helps prevent the mattress from sagging, and it can extend the lifespan of your bed.
If you have a flippable mattress, you can also turn the mattress upside down and experience a renewed sense of comfort and support. It’s important to thoroughly understand your mattress’s construction before flipping it, however. There aren’t many flippable mattresses on the market these days.
If you turn over a mattress that is not designed to be flipped, you won’t feel comfortable at all. Most mattresses contain support layers at the bottom and comfort layers on top. If you rest directly on the support layer, you could develop joint pain.
If you’re looking for a flippable mattress, check out Layla. This bed has a soft and a firm side, which allows sleepers to customize their level of support.
Try a Mattress Pad
Mattress pads protect against spills and stains, which extends the life of your mattress and offers some peace of mind. For even more cozy comfort, opt for a heated mattress pad that can soothe muscle tension and keep you warm.
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nectar | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Silk & Snow | Best for Side Sleepers |
| DreamCloud | Best Mattress for Sex |
| Bear Mattress | Best for Back Sleepers |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress |
| Siena Original | Best Affordable Mattress Under $500 |
| Cocoon Chill Memory Foam | Best Cooling |
Still, searching for your perfect mattress? Take our mattress finder quiz to receive tailored recommendations!
Featured image: Tekkol/Shutterstock
FAQ
What is the best affordable King-size mattress?
If you’re going solely off price, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is going to be your best bet. It’s a quality bed that’s currently priced under $600 for a King. If you want something slightly more durable, opt for the Dreamfoam Chill, which is currently around $700 for a King. And you can always check out our roundup of the best King-size mattresses for more choices.
Where can I buy a cheap Twin mattress?
While you can always go to a brick-and-mortar store, shopping online is going to be your best bet for both discounts and convenience. Checking out our roundup of the best Twin mattresses is a great place to start.
Where can you buy a cheap air mattress?
An air mattress is a super-affordable way to add an extra bed to a guest room. And not to sound like a broken record, but we once again recommend looking online. You’ll often find discounts not available in stores, especially around the holidays. Check out our best air mattresses for some more tailored recommendations.
How do you make a cheap mattress more comfortable?
There are several ways. The most effective method is to add a mattress topper. Some toppers soften a mattress and others make it firmer — it all just depends on what you want. Take a look at our list of best mattress toppers for some suggestions. Also, if your mattress is beginning to sag over time, you can rotate it or add a sturdy sleep foundation beneath, such as a box spring or even a simple piece of plywood.
How much is a cheap Queen mattress?
All of the mattresses in this roundup are priced as Queens, so this should give you a fairly good range. The least expensive is the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam (currently about $369 for a Queen-size) and the most expensive is the Tuft & Needle Hybrid (currently about $1,695 for a Queen-size). It’s worth noting that hybrids tend to be more expensive, and every bed here except for the Tuft & Needle is under $1,500, which would be considered affordable for a Queen. If you’re looking for more Queen options, see our best Queen-size mattresses of 2025.
