Best Bed Frames, Expert-Tested and Reviewed (2026) 

Saatva’s Santorini Bed Frame is our pick for the best bed frame overall because it’s the perfect combination of style, performance, and durability. This brand provides luxury in all forms from beds to bases, and the Santorini frame exudes deceptively simple, regal elegance. 

I got to see this bad boy in our studio and was honestly awed by the level of craftsmanship. I gave it a volley of 4.5/5 scores in almost every category, including materials, assembly, and overall experience. I think its overall score of 4.4/5 is a bit modest, but perhaps I’m biased—I sleep on a Saatva mattress, myself, and can’t say enough nice things about this brand and its products.

If you’re worried about putting together a king-size frame, Saatva also offers in-home setup for select shoppers. However, our assembly team of two didn’t have any noticeable issues when putting it together. The headboard took an extra bit of finagling to slot into place, but the frame arrived with all the necessary tools and instructions to get it put together in just about 12 minutes. However, given the size of this frame, it would probably be a more difficult and lengthy effort for a single person. Once I evaluated all the notes, I settled on a 4.5/5 score for assembly.

During assembly, I noticed that the materials used in this frame’s construction were high-quality and comfortable. The upholstery feels soft to the touch, and the wooden bits of the frame look and feel rigid. The slats in the center are thick, evenly spaced, and unlikely to shift around when bearing the weight of your mattress. I rated the materials at a 4.5/5, as I expect this bed frame to last a long time.

Getting on the frame, I was able to move around without any wobbling. The only part that moved was the headboard, and I had to grab it and purposefully shake it to get it to wiggle. Otherwise, the frame remains steady and doesn’t make any noise—perfect for any nighttime dalliances. With its 4.5/5 experience score, I think it should be a great pick for shoppers looking for sleek stability.

The unfortunate downside to this product is the price. Saatva is a luxury brand, so it makes sense that things skew toward the higher end. Without the headboard, this bed retails for around $900, but the headboard nearly doubles it. The quality of the product definitely reflects the high price tag. Although I found the simple design elegant, I could see where some folks might want more bang for their buck in the way of a flashier frame. I will note that this frame comes with a generous year-long trial and lifetime warranty, so it’s truly an investment piece.

Want something more affordable? Check out The Frame by Brooklyn Bedding.

Not all bed frames come with a headboard, and some may sell one separately. The Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage, however, has an upholstered headboard that lends it a crisp, sophisticated look (and makes it much easier to lean back and read in bed). My fellow tester Cait Giddings felt the frame was “extremely secure,” and gave it a 4/5 for materials and a 4.5/5 for her overall experience.

If you’re low on storage space, you’ll be happy to know that this frame also has a deep drawer that pulls out at the foot of the bed, blending in seamlessly with the upholstered sides. It should allow you to keep clutter out of sight while maintaining its sleek, put-together design.

Cait thought the frame was well-made, overall. “The cover fabric feels pretty smooth and high-quality—not ratty or cheap,” she said. “The base doesn’t seem like it will show signs of wear very quickly.” The storage compartment is located in the footboard, pulled out by a fabric handle. It’s built to look like any other side of the frame, so when tucked away, it looks like a regular upholstered frame. 

She did notice that the drawer didn’t close as smoothly as she would like, sometimes getting caught when you pulled it out. “Nor does it seem like you could store much inside there before it became too weighed down,” she added. This is why she docked a point in the materials department.

Getting onto the bed on top of the frame, though, Cait didn’t have any concerns with its stability. “I bounced a bit on the mattress and it didn’t feel like the frame would shift or break beneath me—it felt pretty rock-solid,” she said. She also didn’t notice any creaking from her zealous movements, so it should work great for sexually active folks wanting to focus on the main event, or any light sleepers who are easily awoken by noise.

This frame comes in at $700 for a queen, but sales can often bring it closer to $500. “It seems pretty high-quality to me for the price,” Cait said. She also called the company policies “excellent,” drawing attention to the free shipping, month-long trial, and five-year warranty that come with this frame. Price and customer service, therefore, earned 4/5 scores.

The main issue with this frame reared its head in the assembly. The frame didn’t come with instructions, so the team had to reference a picture of the assembled frame to figure out where to start. “That said, the assemblers noted it was intuitive once they started going,” Cait explained. They used a power drill to speed along the process, which took about 35 minutes. Although this isn’t horrible, the average Joe might struggle, especially if their order comes sans instructions, as well.

With all that we encountered during the somewhat lengthy setup, Cait also would’ve appreciated the option of professional assembly at an additional cost, especially since they forgot the instructions for us. 

Want easier assembly? Check out the Nectar Bamboo Platform Frame. 

Platform bed frames are great options if you don’t want to fork over the extra cash for a foundation or box spring. Most platform beds often have plenty of clearance underneath for extra storage, too. Nectar’s Bamboo Platform Bed Frame has all this and more. 

This wood platform bed frame features a no-tool setup with Japanese-style joinery that allows you to simply slot each piece together, eliminating all the hassle and resulting in a versatile, minimalist design. This is why our testers gave the assembly for this frame a perfect 5/5 rating, contributing to its overall score of 4.4/5.

Unboxing the components only took about 10 minutes, and with no tools or hardware to take stock of, our tester Matt Schickling found the overall setup was simple. “Assembly was a breeze,” he said. It only took him and his testing partner 20 minutes to assemble this frame. He noted that one person could probably do it, but “it would be difficult to balance the legs as you’re slotting in the platform boards.” The slats were pre-assembled and were unfurled seamlessly onto the frame. 

The materials of these components are made of a solid wood that Matt called “sturdy and durable.” And though there weren’t any nuts or bolts, nothing slipped or slid out of place. “We moved the mattress from one location to another and everything stayed together well,” Matt said. The slats were also thick, which should help to keep your bed properly supported. He thought the frame, as a whole, should hold up for years, and gave the materials a score of 4.5/5.

The wood bed frame also held up well when Matt got on it. “I’m a heavy sleeper, and when I kind of ‘jumped’ in it, the frame did wobble a little, but not to the point of concern,” he said. However, he thought that this might not translate so well for sexually active couples, as the headboard might bang against the wall during any vigorous nightly activities. Other than that issue, though, the frame remained stable.

“The price is in-line with the quality,” Matt said about the frame on its own, as he thought the headboard was a harder bargain. “It’s only $100 less than the bed itself for the matching wood headboard,” he explained, which is the one we opted for. You can also purchase a more affordable fabric headboard with a $199 upcharge, or forgo a headboard entirely. But Matt thought the frame itself had great overall value, especially since it comes with a two-year warranty and 60-night sleep trial. He gave the price a final score of 4/5.

Want an included headboard at a reasonable price? Take a look at DreamCloud’s Claremont frame.

DreamCloud’s Claremont Bed Frame earned respectable scores of 4s and above across the board, coming in at a 4.1/5 for overall score. My colleague Matt Schickling called this upholstered bed frame a “really good, stylish bed frame that seems pretty durable.” It’s available in two color options and is equipped with sturdy slats for a box-spring-free setup. However, the slats are easily removable, allowing you to insert an adjustable base inside the frame, if you so choose. 

I also consider the Claremont as one of the best bed frames with an included headboard. Considering that you can bring this home for under $500 for a queen-sized bed frame, we think you’re getting an excellent deal on a high-quality product. 

Once this bed arrived in our studio, Matt was able to set up and assemble this bed frame with relative ease to begin testing. It comes in two boxes: one for the base and the other for the headboard. Putting the two parts together was made simpler by the clear instructions and the Allen wrench that was provided. 

“You had to unscrew the bolts a little bit with the Allen key to get the side boards to fit on cleanly, but ultimately, they did easily,” Matt said. Fortunately, he was able to quickly screw the legs into the corners of the frame. Matt thought one person could get this entire job done, but it is easier with two and only took 20 minutes with the help of his testing partner, so he rated the assembly at 4.5/5.

When putting the frame into action, Matt thought that it “feels secure with one person on it.” He did note that if you moved particularly aggressively, there was a bit of wobbling. But this was remedied when he ensured all the bolts were tightened up. He also noticed some slipping and sliding on the hardwood floor, but it remained more stable on a rug or carpeted area. Matt noted that it was “pretty quiet,” and, in turn, recommended it for couples who don’t want distractions during sleep or sex.

As he moved around on the frame, Matt also found the materials used in its construction were “pretty sturdy,” and “of a good quality, overall.” He noted that the headboard’s upholstery could show signs of wear and tear more quickly than wood or metal, especially if you have pets or children. And though the rest of the frame felt strongly supportive, he noted, “The slats are not as broad or sturdy as other beds we have tested.” For a sub-$500 price tag, though, it’s a level of craftsmanship that should hold up, as Matt gave the materials a 4/5 score

Alongside simple quality with a nice price, DreamCloud offers a two-year warranty with this product. You also have 60 nights to try it out before returning—a rarity for most bed frames purchased online. “DreamCloud is known as a responsive brand,” Matt said, so you shouldn’t have any trouble contacting customer service for any concerns or to initiate a return.

If you’re looking for something with more added features, check out Silk & Snow’s Bed Frame with Storage.

Maybe you’re not after high-end bed frames or remote-controlled bases, but just a base that keeps your mattress off the ground without breaking the bank. Brooklyn Bedding, known for its affordable yet high-quality products, has a frame for you. 

Simply named, “The Frame,” this metal bed frame is made from reclaimed U.S. railroad tracks, keeping things durable despite its sub-$200 price tag. It also features tool-free, click-in assembly. With this in mind, it’s unsurprising that the frame earned two perfect scores in the price and assembly categories, leading to an overall score of 4.4/5.

According to my colleague, Kayla Godfrey, this bed frame only took a mere five minutes to install. “The rails didn’t need any assembly and came ready to put together,” she said, calling it a “very easy design, overall!” Even with the perfect score it earned in assembly, I’ll note that this frame requires a foundation or box spring for proper use, so make sure that you have both on hand to be prepared for setup. 

Kayla noted that the bed frame was basic, and the lack of box spring, foundation, or headboard led her to knock a few points off in terms of materials. However, it still held up against force. When our team moved the frame around the studio or simply shook it, it didn’t make any noise. “The metal does not clang or shift and feels really solid,” Kayla said. 

How sturdy the frame itself feels in use may also depend on whatever foundation you use with it, but you have plenty of leeway; Brooklyn Bedding notes this frame can support up to 2,500 pounds, which should be plenty of room for any foundation and mattress, plus the folks on top. 

Where this bed really stands out, obviously, is the price. A queen-size frame costs only $175, with sales bringing it down to about $130. It’s also backed by a fairly generous three-year warranty and 30-day return policy. It’s difficult to find a heavy-duty frame that doesn’t break the $500 mark, but if you choose The Frame, you may have to purchase a box spring or headboard if you don’t have one on hand. Still, as Kayla said, “I think this is a great price for someone just looking for a way to elevate their bed off the ground and be able to install and break down quickly.” 

Want a base that doesn’t need a foundation? Check out the Helix Madison Bed Frame.

Adjustable bases and frames are a great way to level up an already comfortable setup. Dr. Raj Dasgupta recommends these bases for certain shoppers. “Adjustable bases are great for older adults, those with pain concerns, or folks who like to read or watch TV in bed, looking to reduce strain on the spine,” he said. They offer features such as individual head and foot positioning, as well as pre-set positions like zero-gravity and anti-snore. 

One of our favorite adjustable bases to test was the Nectar Premier Adjustable Bed Frame. This is a step up from the brand’s traditional adjustable base, featuring built-in massage alongside app control, not just a wireless remote. My colleague Matt Schickling rated his overall experience with this base at 4.5/5, citing a smooth operation that allowed him to maneuver into any comfortable position he desired.

The Nectar Premier Adjustable Base comes with a few presets that we commonly see in this type of frame: zero-gravity, TV, reading, and snoring. Matt particularly enjoyed the zero-gravity position, in which his feet and head were elevated just so to offer a “weightless” feeling. “Zero-gravity feels great on the lower back,” he said. “I feel suspended with pressure relief in my shoulders, hips, and lumbar region.”

“The TV position is basically sitting straight up, like you’re sitting in a recliner, which differs from other beds,” Matt noted. He thought this was impressive and helpful if you need to reach something on your bedside table. “Of course, you can manually adjust the bed however you want to watch TV,” he added. “This base has such a wide range of motion.”

Matt also appreciated how quiet the base operated. “This was the quietest motor we had tested—impressively quiet for the range of movement,” he said. This could be particularly helpful if you opt for the split-king model (which we tested), as it will allow for independent movement of each side of the bed. If you share the bed with a partner, you might even be able to sleep through any adjustments made on their side. 

While Matt had a positive experience testing this base, overall, he did note some areas that could be of concern. While the preset buttons on the remote were straightforward, he found that the up and down controls for the head and foot of the bed required some trial-and-error. “It takes a little bit of playing around to get the hang of it, but it shouldn’t be a long-term issue,” he said. 

If you’re looking for a simpler base, you might like the Helix Madison frame, which is straightforward to put together. 

The Quince Solid Wood and Performance Fabric bed is our pick for the best durable bed frame because it’s made from premium materials like solid ash wood. According to our tester, the construction quality is some of the best she’s seen in a bed frame. “It’s extremely secure,” she said, adding, “I tried to make it squeak and shake by jumping, rolling, and bouncing around, but it didn’t make a sound or budge an inch.” Accordingly, we scored the materials on this bed a perfect 5/5.

“The wood is extremely dense and sturdy,” our tester noted, “But it’s also beautiful, with the soft upholstery adding a natural texture to the headboard.” She added that this bed has become her permanent frame, scoring the experience 5/5 stars, as well.

The Quince Solid Wood and Performance Fabric bed is a luxury item built with premium materials, and the $1,300 price tag reflects it accurately, earning a 4/5 score for price. However, if you have the budget for it, our tester said the value is unmatched. “This is a luxury bed frame, but the value of this product is unbeatable—excellent quality and a timeless aesthetic with a lifetime warranty.”

This bed arrived in three large boxes, but our tester did not have to move them herself because Quince offers complimentary white glove delivery. “Quince sent me a link to schedule a delivery date that worked for me,” she said. “They called 30 minutes before arriving and brought all three boxes upstairs for me.” 

For an extra fee, Quince will also assemble the bed for you. Our tester chose this option and said the frame was fully assembled quickly after arrival. “I had cleared all of the items away from the space, but they assembled it in less than 15 minutes, nonetheless, and put my mattress on the frame. It was a great experience!” If you have experience assembling furniture, you could probably put this frame together yourself with little difficulty; everything is clearly labeled and the instructions are easy to follow. Therefore, we awarded a 5/5 for delivery and assembly.

Our only callout for this bed is the lack of extra features. This isn’t an adjustable bed and has no tech components, which may deter some shoppers. However, our tester said the simplicity is part of the appeal, adding, “The frame is just stunning. IIt looks extremely classy, so I can’t recommend it enough!”

If storage is one of your top priorities when looking for a bed frame, the Sundays Wave Bed is worth considering, in our humble opinion. This bed features a storage compartment underneath the mattress that you can access by lifting up the metal slat base. The storage area is, essentially, the same size as your mattress, and Sundays includes a black mat you can put down to keep items from resting on the floor.

“Accessing the storage compartment is straightforward,” our tester said, “And the base is easy to lift, especially without a mattress on it.” While adding the mattress (naturally) makes the base heavier, she said it’s still manageable, scoring her overall experience a 4.5/5.

Sundays offers free in-home delivery and assembly for the Wave Bed to all Canadian provinces and the continental U.S., earning it a perfect 5/5 in this category. However, our testing team decided to assemble the bed themselves just to check the setup difficulty; they were impressed by the simplicity, with our one tester noting, “I assembled the bed on my own without needing extra tools or help moving the boxes—it only took about 20 minutes.”

After finishing assembly, our tester rated the materials at 4/5, adding that they seemed durable and stable, but lacked noteworthy features. “The exterior is wrapped in a polyester fabric that Sundays calls ‘Latte LiveLife Performance Fabric’,” she said. “It’s supposed to be stain- and moisture-resistant, but otherwise felt pretty ordinary.” However, she also noted that the covers are removable for easy washing and care.

Our tester did have strong feelings about the price of this bed, which retails for around $2,590. “Based on the materials and overall construction, I didn’t see anything that justified that kind of price tag,” she said. “The five-year warranty also seems underwhelming for such an expensive product.” Accordingly, we rated the price a 3.5/5.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly bed frame with sizable storage, check out the Silk & Snow Bed Frame with Storage, which retails for roughly $730.