Chosen By Experts And Advocates
At Mattress Nerd, our team tests upwards of a dozen new mattresses per month, with models ranging from under $500 to over $2,000. We run each mattress through the same comprehensive tests, regardless of the price tag. Through our testing, weve found the mattresses on this list to be high quality, comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, affordable. To learn more, check out our review process.
Love & Sleep: Best Budget Mattress For Lightweight Sleepers
The Love and Sleep mattress by Nest Bedding gives you a very affordable mattress available in two comfort options. This well priced bed offers an all foam build that can be bought in a firmer or more medium feel. Giving you options that make this mattress even more appealing.
Why Choose the Love and Sleep?
This mattress is also Greenguard Gold certified, making it more green and healthier too. This makes it an awesome choice for you little ones room. Or any room that needs an affordable yet comfortable mattress.
The Love and Sleep mattress will easily cocoon your body for great pressure relief but also move with you to ensure you wont get stuck. It also provides a solid durable base foam for years of durability and use. Making it a true winner on our best bed on a budget list.
Read our full review HERE or BUY your Love & Sleep mattress now at NestBedding.com.
Where Should I Look For A Cheap Bed
We mentioned Craigslist as an option earlier. Not only can you find used mattresses here, but many local furniture stores also run specials advertising their beds at rock-bottom prices to attract a local market.
However, a good place to search for deals is on Amazon. As the worlds largest marketplace, you can find almost anything you need there, and it can often reflect some of the lowest prices. If you want to spend less than $500, Amazon may be a good place to start as well as the web pages of many other mattress manufacturers.
Find Out More:
Don’t Miss: Unboxing Dreamcloud Mattress
Why You Should Trust Us
Im Wirecutters associate staff writer for sleep, and Ive researched and tested mattresses for several of our mattress guides, as well as for our guides to sleep-tracking apps and wearable sleep trackers. For this guide, I interviewed Stephen Carr, a professor of materials science and engineering at Northwestern University and an expert on the polyurethane foams commonly used in inexpensive mattresses. I corresponded with Christine Hibbard, vice president of consumer insights for FXI, a company that supplies foam to many mattress companies. I spoke with Jamie Diamonstein, chief product officer at Leesa, the company that makes one of the top picks in our foam and hybrid mattress guides. And I interviewed Hilary Murphy, vice president of merchandising for Mattress Firm, a national chain of mattress stores. In addition to testing cheap mattresses side by side in Wirecutters office, Ive slept on five finalists at home. And because Im still in my 20s, cheap mattressesfrom the first cheap innerspring I had as a kid to my twin XL dorm mattressarent too far in my past, so Im well equipped to separate the decent and passable from the very bad.
Common Myths About Mattresses
Theres a ton of misinformation out in the world about mattresses, and were here to debunk those myths. Here are a few common myths about mattresses and the truth behind them.
Myth: You cant buy a mattress without lying on it first.
The largest difference people point out between buying a mattress online vs. in-stores is that fact that you cant lie on it first to test it out. In reality most online mattress retailers offer a generous risk-free trial period.
If you decide the mattress isnt right for you in that time window, you can typically return it for a full refund. Lying on a mattress for 10 minutes in a store wont show you how well you can really sleep on the mattress anyways since it can take up to 30 days to fully break in a mattress.
Myth: The best mattress should accommodate all types of sleepers.
Everyone has individual preferences and needs. It would be impossible for one mattress to be a universal bed to appeal to all types of sleepers. The best mattress is the one thats best suited to your individual needs.
Myth: Gel memory foam beds are ideal for hot sleepers.
While memory foam mattresses infused with gel are cooler than all-foam beds, they still arent the greatest choice for hot sleepers. Innerspring or hybrid beds would be the best choice for hot sleepers, because the coils leave more room for air to flow through.
Myth: The more expensive the mattress, the better quality it is.
Myth: All mattresses require a box spring.
You May Like: Mattress That Comes In A Bag
Understand How Material Affects Cost
Natural latex is costly and time-consuming to produce. As such, latex mattresses can cost anywhere from $700 for a basic twin to more than $6,000 for a premium king, according to direct-to-consumer mattress manufacturer Purple.
But you should still consider buying one if your budget allows. Latex has some key advantages over all-foam or innerspring mattresses. They have better edge support, a higher initial firmness level, and better airflow, which could justify the added cost. Just set realistic pricing expectations.
Best Pillowtop: Signature Design By Ashley 12
The plushness of this cheap mattress with pillowtop will give you a luxe feel, regardless of the fact that itâs a bargain buy. The Chime 12-inch Hybrid Mattress from Signature Design by Ashley is constructed with 13-gauge pocketed coils for stability and edge support, dual layers of support foam, and a 1.5-inch quilted foam pillowtop for an ultra-plush sleeping surface.
The super-soft pillowtop provides both support and softness, so itâs a good choice if youâre shopping for a mattress that will support your head, shoulders, and hips while still giving you a cushy, cozy feel. This mattress is available in all standard sizes, and there’s also a 10-inch version.
Read Also: Texas King Bed Vs California King
Guide: How To Decide Budget For A Cheap King Mattress
Opting for the cheapest option in the market does not seem to be a viable option right now. If we find a mattress worth sharing on this list, we do update our recommendations as we have done in the past.
Our list is divided into three major price blocks viz. under $1000, under $500, and under $300.
In this guide, we will formulate a strategy for you to pin down a budget range for you. This will help you pick the best mattress for you.
We are sharing the most crucial factors that you need to consider while deciding your budget.
Best Air Mattress: Intex 24
Essential features for quick, convenient set-upâlike an internal pumpâmake this roomy but affordable air mattress a top pick. While thereâs no headboard on this Queen-sized air mattress from Intex, it does offer a lofty 24-inch raised sleeping surface with a plush pillowtop feel.
Not only do the flocked sides help your sheets stay in place, but they also make the mattress more puncture-resistant. The roomy mattress has a weight limit of 600 pounds and can comfortably sleep two adults. Plus, a carry bag is included for easy portability and storage.
If your child is growing quickly and youâre in need of a cheap mattress that can keep up, consider this unique option from Ikea. The ÃMSINT Pocket Spring Mattress is designed to extend from 47 to 74.75 inches and is ideal for extendable beds that are common for toddlers and young children. At the same time, this innerspring mattress offers comfort and support, with important features like individually wrapped pocket springs and a soft top layer of foam. Another plus? The cover is removable and machine-washable.
Keep in mind that only the main 47-inch section of the mattress features springs since the areas that require the most support are the shoulders and hips. The extendable sections of the mattress, which allow it to expand to 61 inches or 74.75 inches in length, offer soft support for the legs.
Don’t Miss: I Love My Pillow Mattress Topper
White Glove Delivery Vs Bed
White glove delivery is what nearly all shoppers experienced when they were buying their beds from a brick and mortar retail store. A team of professional movers brings your new mattress into your home and removes the old mattress.
Bed-in-a-box delivery is typically done through a ground shipping service and arrives in a box. These products are constructed with materials that have been made to compress so they can be vacuum sealed into their packaging.
Learn Lessons From Your Old Bed
Do you twist and turn and grit your teeth trying to find your mattress sweet spot? Do you wake up feeling drained or achy? Do you find that, curiously, you sleep better in a hotel? If not, you will eventually. Younger people can sleep just fine on almost any surface, including a piece of plywood, says Bonnet. We all become lighter sleepers as we age, and pain and other medical problems make this worse.
Theres no set rule for when to replace a mattresswe test them to approximate eight to 10 years of usebut there are some telltale signs that you should. Some you can plainly see, such as rips, divots, or stains . Others you can feel, for example if your hips and shoulders now sink deeply into the mattress. Still other signs you cant see at all: Your mattress and bedding provide an ideal environment for dust mites that can trigger allergies or even asthma. So if you wake up sniffling every morning, your mattress may be to blame.
You can use other observations to guide your choice in something new. If you feel lumps or sharp points, that could indicate damage to the inside of your mattress, so look for a model with a high durability score in our ratings. If you and your partner wake each other up while tossing and turning, look for a high stabilization rating.
Read Also: Best Base For Casper Mattress
Check Out The Mattress Return Policy
Most mattress manufacturers and reputable online direct-sales vendors offer no-risk trial periods. Dissatisfied customers can return mattresses for full refunds during that period, but some last longer than others. For example, Leesa gives you 100 days to try a mattress.
Ive seen no-risk trial periods as short as 60 nights and as long as 365 nights. A new mattress is a major investment, one you hope and expect to last many, many years. So you owe it to yourself to take your time to ensure you make the right call. All other things being equal, go with the mattress with the more generous trial period.
Another potential catch is the cost of a return. Some traditional retailers charge restocking fees ranging from 10% to 20%, which can add up on a mattress purchase. Free returns are increasingly common, but you may have to pay return shipping fees too. Before you buy, look into the companys return policy.
How To Buy A Mattress Online
With the emergence of more and more direct-to-consumer online mattress brands, many shoppers have taken their mattress browsing from the local mattress showroom to the internet. Its hard to beat the benefits. Buying a new mattress online often means a lower price tag, greater convenience, and a better selection.
The process of ordering a mattress online can seem daunting and even a little risky, but it doesnt have to be. Buying a mattress online through the manufacturer is just as safe as buying from a brick-and-mortar store. Online shopping even comes with extra perks, like in-home sleep trials, that allow for an easier, low-risk experience.
If youve never purchased a mattress online, well provide you with everything you need to know about this unique shopping experience so that you can find the best mattress for your needs.
Recommended Reading: Casper Mattress Ikea Slats
Question To Ask At Mattress Showrooms Before Buying A New Mattress
Before you check out with the mattress you have finalized, there are a few things you must ask. They include
- Do you have any sleep trials on the mattress? If yes, what are the rules you must follow?
- What is the return policy like?
- Whats the warranty of the mattress?
- Are there any additional charges?
- How much will you have to pay for delivery?
You can also ask the showroom about white glove delivery. Here, the showroom will help recycle your old mattress. The team will first drop off the new mattress at your home and remove the old mattress. However, additional charges may apply here.
Also, a pro tip that you can keep in time is to purchase during big holidays, such as Memorial Day, Black Friday, and more.
Furniture Stores
Your neighborhood furniture store may harbor your favorite mattress! While a furniture store carries all the important household items you will need, they also have selected mattress pieces, making it the best place to get a mattress. While they may not offer a huge variety, you will likely find all the popular variants. Most people find furniture stores a better choice as several are available in your local area.
One more point to note is that mattresses at furniture stores may not come with sleep trails or other additional features. Therefore, talk to the store manager and ask all the important questions before purchasing. Then, lets take a look at some of the pros and cons of buying a mattress from a furniture store.
Pros
Cons
Department Stores
Pros
Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid: Best Mattress For Average Size Sleepers
Brooklyn Bedding has been adding to their mattress selection giving more options to every sleeper. Their best addition may be their Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid. This bed is not only super comfortable and supportive but comes in at an insanely affordable price point.
Why Choose the Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid?
Sometimes with more affordable mattresses you compromise quality and comfort. However, that is further than true with this mattress making it our #3 pick for Best Mattress on a Budget.
The Brooklyn Bowery uses a 6 coil system and pairs it with two layers of conforming yet responsive foams for an ideal medium feel that will work for many sleepers. The upgrade from the original all foam Brooklyn Bowery improves almost every benefit of this bed.
Making it better at sleeping cool, superior edge support and added durability and support. Giving you a bed that will last in comfort and quality for years to come with out breaking the bank. Proving to have even more reasons why this new Brooklyn Bedding mattress easily slid into the top slot for the best affordable mattress.
Read our full review HERE or BUY your Brooklyn Signature NOW at BrooklynBedding.com.
Read Also: Purple Mattress Faq
What Features Should I Look For In A Mattress
Among our best mattresses picks, Casper, Purple, Helix and Leesa all sell mattresses that arrive at your door in a box or bag. Whats more, these companies offer mattresses with positive reviews from both customers and other sites, good return policies and warranties and quality materials theyve also received notable commendations for customer service.
While many of the bed-in-a-box companies have made some efforts at sustainability, if eco-friendly products and natural mattress materials are important issues for you, consider companies like Boll & Branch, Avocado Green Mattress and Birch by Helix.
Free shipping is definitely a factor you should look for in an online mattress company. Come on, if their main business is online and theyre shipping a heavy product, they should make delivery convenient for you.
If you want more bang for your buck, some mattress companies will throw in free pillows, bedding or other products to seal the deal.
You May Like: Can I Cancel My Mattress Firm Order
Where Is The Best Place To Buy A Mattress
Which is the best place to buy a new mattress? You have not gone through the pros and cons of all the available options. Of course, if you want something on an urgent basis, you can always choose a furniture store or a department store. But, if you are looking for something particular and think having salespersons answering your questions will be helpful, a good place to buy a mattress is a mattress shop.
Also Check: Wyoming King Bed Sheets
Heres Everything You Need To Know About Where To Buy Cheap Mattresses Online
A good mattress is the key to a great nights sleep, and a great nights sleep can restore your energy levels, put you in a good mood and set you up for the day ahead.
But buying a mattress doesnt have to cost an arm and a leg.
Looking for an affordable sleeping solution that wont compromise on comfort? Weve got the lowdown on where to get mattresses that offer the support you need, without breaking the bank.
Where to buy cheap mattresses online
Do You Save Any Money When You Buy Online
Yes, when you buy online. You drop a few middlemen, stores, and thereby cost involved to run those businesses. The last 5 years have seen a massive shift. Consumers are buying from online channels instead of brick-and-mortar stores.
Many manufacturers pass on the savings as a discount when you buy online. It has been possible by selling through online mode and ditching physical stores.
Read Also: Can You Put Purple Mattress On Box Spring
What About Coil Count
You may hear people talk about coil counts. There is a reason Ive written this much and havent really mentioned them until now. Theyre generally not important, as long as youre not getting the least-expensive mattress. There are too many variables to consider to compare coil counts in one mattress to another. Type of coil, gauge of the coil, the number of turns, whether or not its doubled up on the inside, etc. One mattress might have 1,000 coils, and another will have 900, but the 900 coil mattress might have a lot more steel in the coils overall.
The one thing I can say is to avoid is any mattress that has 420 or fewer Bonnell coils in a queen size. Those are only suitable for guest rooms, and theyre barely good for that. If the number is above that, youre probably fine.
You May Like: Purple Mattress Need Box Spring
