Best Cheap Sheets (2026)

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In order to achieve luxurious sleep, you might assume that you need to spend hundreds of dollars on fluffy pillows, thick duvets, and silk sheets, but there’s plenty of quality bedding at a reasonable price on the online market. When it comes to sheets, you can find well-made and cozy-feeling options under $100 if you know where to find them.

But how do you avoid getting swindled and selecting a budget-friendly set, only for them to hold up for a few washes and then become gauze-like? That’s where we come in. Our sleep experts have reviewed dozens of different sheets at just about every price point. We took a look at the sheets that offered the best value for the quality of product you received. Rest assured that the top picks listed below are guaranteed to give you the best bang for your buck. 

Our Verdict: What’s the Best Cheap Sheet Set?

The best cheap sheets out there are the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets, thanks to their comfortable, high-quality feel that combines cotton and bamboo for a silky, breathable sleep experience. They should also fit mattresses up to 17 inches thick comfortably. A queen-size set will only cost you about $160, thanks to frequent sales and discounts. Brooklyn Bedding also offers a 30-day return period and a 1-year warranty with this set of sheets.

The Best Cheap Sheets

How We Tested and Selected the Sheets

Obviously, the paramount factor in choosing the best cheap sheets is price. Sheets can cost anywhere from tens to hundreds of dollars, depending on your budget and where you’re shopping. But you want to be careful not to go too low on price, or you risk buying truly low-quality sheets.

For the sake of this list, we opted to include sheets that cost less than $200 for a queen-size set. This allows us to offer a variety of options for budget shoppers, like those that are good quality for closer to $50. But we also included a few picks for folks who want durable sheets that are closer to the coveted high-end, silky-soft feel. These will fall closer to or a bit above the $100 mark.

Our testers also rate the price of every sheet set they try out of 5, weighing the price tag against the experience they had. All the options on this list earned at least a 4/5 price rating, indicating excellent value.

A Saatva Organic Sateen Sheet Set in the packaging

On top of getting a good deal, you want to receive a quality product that’s made to last. Ideally, a good set of sheets should last a couple of years without showing signs of wear, such as large tears, threadbare spots, or fraying stitching. That’s why we give every sheet set a rating out of 5 for how durable it feels.

Our testers look at the materials used and their quality, and how stretchy or heavy-duty they feel when tugged or pulled. This might also include how they fare after a go in the laundry machine. We aimed to include sheets that earned at least a 4/5 for overall durability, so they should be worth any investment, even a smaller one.

Our expert assesses a Casper SuperSoft Sheet Set

The last area we considered is a bit subjective, but we wanted each of these sheets to not just look nice for the price, but feel it too. Whether it’s super-soft or pleasantly crisp, the feel of these sheets should ultimately bring you comfort and restful sleep. Different materials and weaves yield different sleep experiences, so it ultimately comes down to what you’re looking for in your sheets.

We do have a feel score, but this is obviously influenced by our tester’s opinions. While one person may like the matte sheen of cotton percale sheets, another might prefer the silkiness of viscose sateen sheets. Like the other two scoring areas above, we wanted to include sheets that earned at least a 4/5 for feel—and bonus points if the overall experience rating was high too.

A close look at a Peacock Alley Soprano Sateen Sheet

Our team of Certified Sleep Science Coaches selected the best cheap sheets by looking for top performers in the categories above: price, durability, and feel.

But our full process involves testing several aspects of a sheet set’s performance, including temperature regulation, fit, and more. We evaluate and score these factors using specialized technology as well as firsthand accounts of how sheets feel to testers with different body types.

Once we have all those scores, we calculate the overall score using a weighted formula. This overall score is a good indicator of a sheet’s general quality, and is always a number out of 5.

When deciding which sheets to feature in any roundup, we include only those with an overall score of 3.5 or higher. Even if a sheet set does certain things well, we won’t point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.

Our tester lounges on a mussed up Sleep Number True Temp Sheet Set

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  • Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM) and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
  • 40,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations

Learn more about Mattress Clarity.

Our tester smiles after whipping out a Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheet

Read about our testing experience with each of the sheet sets on our list below.

Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets – Best Cheap Sheets Overall

Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets

Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets

These rayon sheets include a blend of cotton and bamboo for soft, breathable, and cooling comfort.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.3 / 5
Read Full Review
Check Price
Pros
Deep pocket can fit thin and thick mattresses
Durable, cozy feel
Smooth sateen feel
Cons
May be too thick for hot sleepers
Short return window

If you’re looking for quality sheets at a price that won’t disappoint, you’ve found them in Brooklyn Bedding’s Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets. Described as “a great deal” by my colleague Kenny Timper, these sheets are available for as low as $119 for a queen-size set. They feature a blend of cooling bamboo and breathable cotton rayon, plus a deep-pocket fit to accommodate super-thick mattresses. Kenny awarded these sheets perfect ratings for both durability and fit, as well as a 4.5/5 price score.

These sheets are made with a blend of cotton and bamboo rayon fibers and have a thread count of 300, which is typical for a sateen weave. Kenny did note that the sheets felt thicker than others he’d tested. “It’s not an overbearing thickness, either,” he explained. “The quality is there, and they feel very durable.”

However, they didn’t just have a durable, utilitarian feel—Kenny also found they were pleasantly soft and comfortable. “While I wouldn’t call it buttery-smooth and cool as silk sheets, I enjoyed sleeping with them,” he said. “Overall, they leave me feeling cozy, and would probably work great for most sleepers.”

Kenny was also able to get them to fit over his quite thick mattress: the Titan Plus Elite, which stands 14.5 inches tall. “There was no fuss or struggling,” he said. “I could get the elastic band onto the corners of the mattress without any issue. It felt tight, but not too stretched out.”

However, Kenny encountered some issues with the cooling capabilities of these sheets. “Because they’re more substantial and heavyweight, I felt a bit more heat building up than my usual set,” he explained. “They’re likely a better choice for folks who sleep cold and need some extra warmth, or a winter or cold-climate-only sheet.” If you’re looking for more breathable sheets, you might like Brooklinen’s Percale Sheet Set, which Kenny had a better experience with in this regard.

As mentioned, you can get a queen-size set of these sheets for as low as $119. Brooklyn Bedding also offers a 30-day return window to try out the sheets for yourself, plus a 1-year warranty. If you encounter any issues with these sheets, we’ve also found the brand’s customer service to be top-notch and super responsive. 

Read more in our Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets review.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Price
4
Feel
5
Durability
5
Fit
3
Temperature Regulation
4
Experience
3
Customer Service

Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheet SetBest Cheap Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets

Choose Silk & Snow’s Egyptian Cotton Bed Sheets for a reasonably priced, breathable sheet set with a high-quality satin feel.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.2 / 5
Check Price
Pros
Lightweight feel
Soft and matte sateen finish
Deep-pocket fit
Cons
Elastic only around the corners
Thinner than expected

Egyptian cotton sheets are a favored choice for luxury shoppers, as they’re prized for their softness and durability, thanks to the use of long-staple cotton. However, if you desire the feel, but not the cost of this type of sheet, don’t worry. You can find high-quality Egyptian cotton sheets at a more affordable pricey. 

For example, there’s Silk & Snow’s Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set, which checks all these boxes. I tested them and rated my overall experience with them at 4.5/5. You can purchase a queen-size set for as low as $112 on the brand’s site.

As the name suggests, these sheets are made out of 100-percent long-staple cotton. These are longer cotton fibers that are known for making smoother, more durable sheet sets. They These Silk & Snow sheets have a lightweight feel but an overall thread count of 300, which I find respectable for cotton sateen sheets. When I received them, I was surprised to find them thinner than I expected, though not in a way that felt flimsy or poorly made. I could stretch and pull on them without worrying that they would tear.  

After testing about a dozen sheet sets, I’ve discovered that I don’t prefer the feel of sateen, so I ended up gifting these to a dear friend. These Egyptian Cotton sheets are definitely comfortable if you love a more matte, satin-like feel. My friend who received them thought they were absolutely luxurious—so if you love sateen, you’ll likely love these.

Cotton is touted as a breathable fiber, though I wouldn’t describe it as actively cooling. I’m a ridiculously hot sleeper, and I felt more cozy in these sheets than particularly overheated. My friend, however, had his A/C go out halfway through the year, and he had no complaints about these sheets’ cooling ability. I’d consider that a more appropriate test and a thumbs-up for most hot sleepers who want a lighter-feeling sheet.

These sheets are described as fitting mattresses up to 15 inches in height, and they indeed fit over my 14.5-inch Saatva Classic mattress. I wouldn’t call it a snug fit, though. My one gripe with these sheets is that the fitted sheet doesn’t have elastic all around the edges, just at the corners. This can leave the fabric billowing a bit, especially if your bedframe doesn’t let you easily access the bottom of your mattress. If your mattress is thinner than mine, you might have issues with excess fabric. Check out a sheet set with corner straps, like Quince’s Bamboo Sheets, to avoid this problem

These sheets usually retail for about $150, but sales can bring them closer to the $100 mark. For pure Egyptian cotton, I think it’s a reasonable price. They also come with a fairly generous 100-night sleep trial, which is rare for bedding, plus a 1-year warranty if you decide to keep them for yourself.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Silk & Snow Egyptian Cotton Sheet Set

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4
Feel
4
Durability
3.5
Fit
3.5
Temperature Regulation
4.5
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheet Set – Best Cheap Percale Sheets

Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheet Set

Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheet Set

Brooklinen’s high-quality set of percale sheets are the brand’s classic sheet set. They feel soft and crisp at the same time, perfect for cotton lovers.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.5 / 5
Read Full Review
Check Price
Pros
Excellent temperature regulation
Snug fit and no slipping
5-star hotel feel and smooth finish
Cons
Slightly pricier for budget sheets
No offered warranty

Percale refers to a specific weave, one of the most common for affordable sheets. Percale sheets have a crisp, matte feel that’s very lightweight and comfortable. Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Sheet Set delivers just that for about $160, on the higher end of affordability, but still reasonably priced. My colleague Kenny Timper particularly enjoyed these sheets, awarding them a number of 5/5 ratings; he was especially impressed with their durability, fit, temperature regulation, and the brand’s customer service.

These percale sheets are made of 100-percent long-staple cotton, known for its breathability and durability. They have a 270-thread count, which is on the higher side for a percale weave. Kenny called these sheets “sturdy,” and added that they survived a tumble in the washing machine. “I ran these through the wash, and even the extra-hot setting in the drier before testing, and everything looks pristine—not a thread out of place,” he said.

As for how they felt, Kenny likened them to hotel sheets. “They’re actually a bit softer and less crinkly than Marriott sheets, for example, so it’s a great choice if you want a five-star hotel feel in your bedroom,” he explained. “They’re super comfortable.”

They should also fit tall mattresses with ease. Kenny has a 14.5-inch bed and said the sheets fit like a glove. “There’s even some extra room to spare,” he said. “And after tossing and turning in bed all night, there’s pretty much no bunching beneath me. I’d call this a win.”

Percale is a popular weave for folks who sleep hot, and Kenny found these sheets to be nice and breathable. “These are pretty lightweight despite having a durable feel,” he said. “It’s cold in my room right now, but these are definitely allowing for airflow. I think they’d be a great summer sheet.”

At $160 for a queen-size set, Brooklinen’s Classic Percale Sheets are definitely closer to affordable luxury than cheap. They may not fit every budget, but for a luxury-hotel-like feel, we’d call the price pretty reasonable. But if you’re looking for a similar feel at a cheaper price, you might like the Quince Bamboo Sheet Set.

If you do purchase these sheets, you have 365 nights to try and return them. Just note that Brooklinen charges a $9.95 flat return fee. Read more about this set in our full Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheets review.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Brooklinen Classic Percale Sheet Set

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
4
Feel
5
Durability
5
Fit
5
Temperature Regulation
4
Experience
5
Customer Service

Quince Bamboo Bed Sheets – Best Cheap Bamboo Sheets

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set

Quince Bamboo Sheet Set

Quince’s Bamboo Sheets are an affordable option for high-quality, silky organic bamboo sheets.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.5 / 5
Pros
Reasonable price for organic bamboo viscose
Cool-to-the-touch feel
Silky-smooth surface
Cons
Not the snuggest fit for beds under 13 inches
No offered warranty

I’m a huge fan of bamboo sheets—they have a silkier feel than most cotton sheets, and they’re often the best at keeping me cool. When it comes to a bamboo set that won’t break the bank, check out Quince’s Bamboo Sheet Set, which usually retails at around $130 for a queen set. These bamboo sheets were a favorite of my colleague and fellow tester Nicole Davis; she gave them a perfect score for their luxurious feel, as well as high marks for price and overall experience. 

These sheets contain viscose from organic bamboo, a soft sateen weave, and a 300-thread count. Nicole said she’s washed these sheets more than 4 times, and they don’t show any signs of quitting. “They feel just as fine as the first time I used them, if a bit softer,” she said. “These are definitely quality sheets.”

She loved the sheet’s soft feel, and agreed with the brand’s description of the sheets feeling “silky-smooth.” She added, “I don’t have a lot of experience with luxury bedding, but these are way better than most hotel sheets I’ve encountered. These deliver on the luxury experience without the exorbitant cost.”

Bamboo has natural moisture-wicking properties that allow it to excel in cooling, and that was the case with these Quince sheets. “They feel pretty cool-to-the-touch, actually,” Nicole said. “I wouldn’t describe myself as a hot sleeper, but my husband is, and he says these keep his temperature comfortable at night.”

Nicole’s only qualm was that these sheets had quite a large depth for her average-sized mattress. “The website says they’ll fit beds up to 16 inches, and mine is only 12 inches tall,” she said. “I have to tuck the sheets all the way under the mattress or they’ll get untucked after a night of tossing and turning.” She noted the silky, slippery feel of the sheets might also exacerbate this, as she hasn’t had this issue with other cotton sheets from the brand. (For deep-pocket sheets that stay put, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Rayon Set.) 

Quince’s Bamboo Sheets retail for as low as $130 on sale. Nicole thought this was “better-than-average” for quality bamboo sheets. I’ll add that for an organic product, it’s especially impressive. Quince also allows returns for up to 365 days, giving you plenty of time to decide if they’re the right match for you.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Quince Bamboo Bed Sheets

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Price
5
Feel
4
Durability
3.5
Fit
4
Temperature Regulation
4.5
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Mellanni Iconic 4-Piece MicroFiber Sheet Set – Best Cheap Sheets on Amazon

Mellanni 4-Piece Iconic Microfiber Sheet Set

Mellanni 4-Piece Iconic Microfiber Sheet Set

There are more than 30 colors to choose with the Brushed Microfiber Bed Sheets from Mellanni Fine Linens. These sheets are also simple to care for and are priced affordably.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.2 / 5
Pros
Extremely affordable
Lightweight and breathable
Durable feel despite low price
Cons
Super-thin feel not for all sleepers
Regular depth may not fit mattresses over 13 inches

Amazon offers a plethora of cheap bedding options, though with the nature of the platform, it’s difficult to tell whether a deal is too good to be true. That isn’t the case with Mellanni’s Iconic 4-Piece MicroFiber Sheet Set. Though you can get these sheets for as low as $40 for a queen set, they deliver a comfortable sleep experience. My colleague Caine Wilkes noted they were “nothing fancy,” but gave the set 4/5 ratings for durability, fit, and cooling capability. 

Microfiber is a synthetic material that’s easy to care for and super-sturdy. These types of sheets aren’t often measured by thread count, since they behave differently from cotton and bamboo sheets. Mellanni describes these sheets as thin, airy, and lightweight, which Caine found to be true upon unboxing. He noted that they were thinner than he expected, but there wasn’t anything that led him to question their durability. 

“I could pull and stretch these sheets without any rips or snags, so I think they’ll hold up fine,” he said. “The only thing I noticed is that they’re pretty wrinkly, even though they’re described as wrinkle-resistant. But that’s purely an aesthetic thing.”

The thin, lightweight feel does make them a good option for hot sleepers. “Since they’re so thin, they’re not really insulating heat too much,” Caine said. “You could get away with the flat sheet and even a blanket if you’re a hot sleeper.”

But he did note that these sheets were still a bit too thin for his liking. “I can feel the texture of my mattress underneath me, which isn’t something I’ve encountered with other sheets,” he said. “It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it might be a bit jarring for some sleepers.” If you want a thicker sheet, you prefer Brooklyn Bedding’s Deep Pocket Rayon sheets.

Caine has a 13-inch mattress at home, and these sheets fit securely on it without slipping or bunching. He noted that although the sheets say they can fit mattresses up to 16 inches tall, he thinks they would be too snug for any bed bigger than his. “Luckily, Mellanni has ‘extra deep pocket’ sheets available for these folks,” he added.

Thanks to frequent markdowns on Amazon, I’ve seen these sheets as low as $30, but even at full price, they won’t break $50 for a queen-size set. Amazon’s return policies are also top-notch, so if you decide you don’t like them, it should be simple to return them for a refund or exchange. On Mellanni’s site, there’s mention of a lifetime warranty and a guarantee that you’ll love these sheets or get your money back.

Read more in our dedicated Mellanni Brushed Microfiber sheets review.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Mellanni’s Iconic 4-Piece MicroFiber Sheet Set

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4.5
Price
3.5
Feel
4
Durability
4
Fit
4
Temperature Regulation
3.5
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheets – Best Cheap Queen-Size Sheets

Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set

Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheet Set

These cotton-rich sheets offer a balance of softness and cooling performance at an affordable price point.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.3 / 5
Pros
Features corner straps for snug fit
Many patterns and colors to choose from
Affordably priced
Cons
Not the coolest out there
More of a soft but not luxurious feel

Queen-size mattresses are the most prolific, the perfect size for both single sleepers and couples looking for extra room to sleep. But outfitting this mattress with new and cozy sheets doesn’t have to cost you hundreds of bucks. The Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheets from Target get the job done for just $50.

My fellow tester thought that these sheets were “reasonably priced and get the job done, and comfortably.” She gave them a perfect 5/5 score for their snug fit, plus high marks for durability and her overall experience sleeping on them for a few nights. 

The Threshold Performance Sheets are made with 100-percent cotton, and as the name suggests, have a thread count of 400. For a sateen weave, this is a little bit better than average, but our in-house tester noted the feel of these sheets was “simple but durable.” She added, “We’ve washed these sheets twice, and on a bed with myself, my partner, and dogs, they’ve held up nicely. They’re a notch above other budget sheets I’ve tried.”

While not luxurious, our tester noted that these sheets were still plenty comfortable. “They do what they need to do—they’re soft and comfy, and I like the sateen finish,” she said. “I have no complaints, but I’m not too particular about my sheets. Still, they’ve earned a place in our regular rotation.”

Our tester also appreciated that sheets come with elastic bands for the corner, which is rarer with budget options. “I have a king-size bed, and I’ve found that most sheets always end up sliding off the corners,” she said. “But with these sheets, I haven’t encountered this issue even once. Plus, they’re easy to get on the bed, which is always a plus.” Target also notes that the maximum depth these sheets can accommodate is 18 inches, which is fairly impressive, and should cover most beds. 

Our tester did find out that the word “Performance” in the sheets’ title doesn’t refer to cooling capability. “These aren’t cooling sheets, but they’re not overly warm, either,” she said. “They’re a bit breathable, but I think the overall feel is more temperature-neutral.” Hot sleepers looking for a cooler sheet may like the Brooklinen Classic Percale set

The Threshold Sheets come in varying sizes and colors both online and in Target stores. A queen-size will typically run you about $50 to $55, depending on the style you prefer. “I’ve never had any issues returning something to Target, and I think that’ll be the case with these sheets,” our tester added. Target accepts returns within 365 days, whether you purchase in-store or online.

Mattress Clarity Test Results: Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheets

Poor
Average
Excellent

1
2
3
4
5
4
Price
3.5
Feel
4
Durability
5
Fit
3.5
Temperature Regulation
4
Experience
4.5
Customer Service

Other Sheets Considered

If you didn’t find what you were looking for above, here are some other fairly affordable sheets that might interest you:

  • Luxome Luxury Sheet Set – Though the name implies a high-ticket item and exorbitant price point, this isn’t the case for Luxome’s Luxury Sheet Set. You can get these sheets for less than $190 when on sale. Since the price is bumping up against our threshold, we left them out of this roundup, but if you’re looking for bedding with a crisp feel, these deep-pocket bamboo sheets will certainly deliver.
  • Nolah Cotton Blend Sheet Set – These sheets are made with a cotton-bamboo viscose blend. They’re breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you from overheating at night, as well as naturally hypoallergenic. On top of that, a queen set will run you only $129. These sheets can fit mattresses up to 17 inches thick, which is great for taller beds, but may be too much sheet to handle for folks with more moderately proportioned mattresses.

What Makes the Best Cheap Sheet Set

The best cheap sheets will not just be cheap, but durable and comfortable. I’ve already touched on how we measure star performers in each of these categories, but I’ll elaborate further so you can make an informed decision.

Price

After we take a set of sheets home or try them in the studio, we consider whether our experience and the product we received match the listed price. It’s not enough for a number to be low—we want a set of sheets to have excellent value. Some cheap products are truly cheap, meaning they won’t provide lasting comfort, and you’ll likely wish you had sprung for something more substantial. Generally, you’ll want to pay more than $50 for good-quality sheets, so we aimed to include bedding priced at or above this mark. 

Our testers ultimately awarded each sheet set they tested a price rating out of 5. Products that seemed appropriately priced for quality, construction, and experience tended to score 4/5. Any rating above that, and we likely consider that product a steal for the price.

When deciding whether the price is right for your budget, you may also want to look at the company’s policies, not just product reviews. While sleep trials are more common for online mattresses, I’ve seen many online bedding retailers offer longer return periods for their sheets. This gives you a chance to try before you commit to buying, hopefully alleviating any fear of the unknown. 

Durability

Most folks want a product that’ll last a while, and a low price point doesn’t necessarily mean you have to settle for less. There are many durable, low-priced sheets out there, and we aim to identify them in our tests. As mentioned, we rate the durability of a sheet set out of 5, and this is based on a few factors.

Casper SuperSoft Sheet Set on a bed with a cat

The most pertinent influence is how durable the sheets feel during testing. These sheets usually spend a week or so on our beds at home to get a feel for how they perform, so there’s plenty of hands-on experience—tugging, stretching, etc. We note whether the sheets feel likely to tear or fray from  rough handling, and if we have the time, we’ll even toss them in the laundry. Surviving a go-around in the washing machine is perhaps the best test for how long sheets will last. 

We also take a look at the thread count, if it’s listed, though this is a tricky metric. It’s not the case that big numbers always mean better quality and better durability. It often just means a tighter weave, which changes the feel of the sheets, not the construction. I’ll dive a bit more into that below if you’re interested, but we’re always sure to note if a thread count seems particularly low or high for the materials used.

Aside from what the sheets are made of and how sturdy they feel, we also might take into account any offered warranties. You might be surprised to learn that some sheets come with warranties, just like higher-end sleep products. We see longer warranties as a sign of confidence in the product’s longevity. The most common warranty length I’ve encountered is a 1-year warranty, which your sheets should hopefully outlast, but many other manufacturers are much more generous.  

Feel

You obviously want your sheets, however cheap, to feel comfortable. While we do rate the feel of each sheet set out of 5, it goes without saying that what feels good to one sleeper may feel horrible to another. I, for one, don’t love a percale weave as it feels like tissue paper to me, but I know plenty of other sleepers who love how crisp it feels. 

A close look at Threshold Performance 400 Thread Count Sheets

When we decide on the final rating, we try to temper our experience with a more holistic view, considering that we may not be the target audience. Of course, we don’t want sheets that are too scratchy and rough. Sheets that score well will offer some manner of softness, whether it’s a smooth matte or silky feel, and feel nice against your skin. 

The materials and weave of your sheets are what ultimately determines the feel. Don’t worry if you’re unsure of what you find comfortable or appealing; I go into more detail about these two categories in their own sections below.

What Else Is Important When Buying New Sheets?

Affordable doesn’t necessarily mean less comfortable. When it comes to choosing affordable sheets, take stock of what you want in your new bedding. Although price is the highest priority for budget sheets, finding the best sheets for you is based on a few personal preferences. If you’re stuck on what you think you want, keep reading to find out more. 

Materials

Many things that go into play when it comes down to the pricing of sheets. One of the key aspects is the material that’s being used. I’ll go over the most common types of sheets we see and which are best-suited to budget shoppers.

An image of a hand brushing across the TEMPUR-Pedic Rayon sheets.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the most widely used and known materials for bed sheets. This material is breathable which makes it an optimal choice for hot sleepers. If you’re wanting the classic crisp feel of sheets, cotton is a great affordable option. Its natural origins are also ideal for sleepers with allergies or sensitive skin. Organic cotton may appeal to sustainable shoppers, but know that it’s likely to be more expensive than other types.

Microfiber

Microfiber is made from polyester, a synthetic, man-made fiber which is a readily available material compared to others. The microfiber can be brushed, making it super soft. The texture is often compared to silk, though it comes at a fraction of the cost. This material is great for those who want simple-to-care-for sheets. Microfiber has wrinkle-resistant qualities for those looking for a smooth and tidy-looking bed.

Bamboo

Bamboo is made from bamboo fibers. This material is thin, soft, and moisture-wicking for sleepers who run hot. It has a more slippery feel than cotton or microfiber and can sometimes feel cool to the touch because of its thinner texture. You’ll often see bamboo listed as viscose, lyocell, or rayon.

All three are fabrics made from wood pulp, though bamboo’s most commonly used for bedding. Rayon is the umbrella term for viscose and lyocell. These are a more natural alternative to polyester, though the manufacturing processes for each differ slightly. 

Viscose fabric uses more chemicals in its production, which isn’t ideal for sustainability, but the result is an incredibly soft fabric that can make sheets feel silky-smooth. Lyocell is often preferred for bedding because of its durability. All should make for crisp, breathable bedding.

Linen

Linen sheets are made of spun flax, a natural fiber that gives them a uniquely robust feel. Before washing, linen sheets might even feel a bit scratchier than expected because of their durability. It’s another 100-percent natural option for the sustainable shopper, offering the same breathability as other sheets. They’re not the favorite pick for colder climates, and are marketed as more of a summer sheet—they personally make me think of luxury beach houses.

Weaves

The weave of a fabric essentially determines the sheet’s overall feel. You may see words like percale, flannel, and sateen, each corresponding to a different weave. Some weaves may feel crisper and smoother than others, and depending on what you want from your sheets, you may be inclined toward a certain weave.

Avocado Organic Linen Sheets Feeling

Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common weave types for sheets:

  • Percale – Percale sheets are crisp and lightweight, often lending them more breathability. 
  • Sateen – Sateen weaves yield a smooth, matte, or sometimes even silky feel. 
  • Flannel – Cozy is the best word to describe flannel sheets, which have the same soft and fuzzy feel as the clothing that shares its name. 
  • Twill – Twill sheets have a heavier, more durable feel. I often see twill weaves in clothing, like slacks, for example. 
  • Jersey – This is actually a knit, not a weave, but these sheets will feel like your favorite stretchy T-shirt.

Thread Count

Folks often tout a high thread count as the end-all, be-all of a high-quality sheet, but I’d have to push back here. Thread counts actually vary depending on the material and the weave of a sheet, and sometimes less is more when it comes to certain combinations. 

For example, high-quality linen sheets can be found with thread counts as low as 80 or 100. Egyptian cotton sheets can reach an 800-thread count. A higher thread count only means that there’s a tighter weave, not necessarily a thicker or bigger sheet. You can become an expert after reading our guide for decoding thread counts

Temperature Regulation

Sleeping too hot is a common complaint, and while a cooling mattress could be the answer, you might also want to outfit your current bed with some cooling sheets. That’s why we rate the temperature-regulating ability of all the sheets we test.

saatva sheets review soft feel

Some sheets are described as cooling, while others are cozy and meant for colder climates. We take this into account when writing our reviews. We sleep with each set for a few nights, noting how it compares to our usual sheets and sleep experience. Whether sheets are actively cooling, comfortably breathable, pleasantly cozy, or too stuffy, we’ll be sure to describe it in detail, then award it a score out of 5.

Fit

This is an often-overlooked consideration, but as someone who has a pretty tall bed, I want to make sure that my sheets fit my bed properly. Whether you’re sleeping in a twin XL mattress or a California king, you want your sheets to be snug as a bug—no slipping or sliding, regardless of how much you toss and turn. That’s why after testing these sheets for a few nights, we rate their overall fit out of 5.

Purple SoftStretch Sheets Corner

Maybe you like an oversized feel to your sheets, like when your flat sheet drapes over the side of your mattress. In that case, pay close attention to the description and dimensions of the top sheet and that of your mattress. Taller beds may not allow for as much of this drape.

Fitted sheets can also vary; some have more elasticity than others. The best fitted sheets usually have elastic all the way around the edges—sometimes, they’re only at the corner. Some even feature bands on each corner to ensure your sheets are properly anchored to the bed. If you’re a particularly rowdy sleeper, you might want to invest in a set that has these.

Moreover, be sure to consider the depth of your mattress. Standard beds are around 10 to 12 inches tall, which typical sheet sets will likely fit. But if you’re dealing with a particularly thick mattress, you may want to opt for deep-pocket sheets. These are specially designed for taller beds, ensuring that the sheet can stretch all around the mattress comfortably. (Note that if you have a thinner mattress, you may not want to deal with all the excess fabric from a deep-pocket set.) 

FAQs

What are the best cheap sheets?

In our opinion, the best cheap sheets overall are the Brooklyn Bedding Deep Pocket Rayon Sheets. These sheets should comfortably fit even the tallest mattresses, and they have a nice, silky, and breathable feel that should keep you from overheating. At under $120 for a queen set, we’d call them plenty budget-friendly for bamboo sheets.

Where can I buy the best cheap sheets?

If you’re really balling on a budget, you might want to start out by shopping on Amazon, where you can find some of the cheapest options out there. However, if you’re looking to spend just a smidge more on some higher-quality but still affordable products, there are plenty of independent online brands that are reasonably priced. We like Brooklyn Bedding, Brooklinen, and Silk & Snow, as you can see from our list. These brands all cut out the middlemen and sell directly to the consumer, cutting costs without sacrificing quality.

References

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Livvi DiCicco

Livvi DiCicco

Staff Writer, Certified Sleep Science Coach, Certified Stress Management Coach

About Author

Livvi has been writing and researching sleep-based content for over a year. This, alongside her penchant for napping and extreme tossing and turning, has made her something close to an “expert” in the realm of sleep science, sleep products, and sleep accessories. She’s been consulted for her knowledge of the sleep space by publications such as Authority Magazine, Bustle, and Livingetc.