When you’re shopping for a new mattress, your first decision is where to begin. Online? At a dedicated mattress store? Or will you get a better deal at a department or big-box store? Clearly, you have options, and we’re here to arm you with all the information you need to make the best decision about the best place to purchase a mattress.
The Mattress Clarity team, which includes seven certified sleep science coaches, has personally tested over 500 mattresses. Our insights and recommendations have helped more than 43,000 readers buy a new bed, so we know a thing or two about the shopping and buying experience. In this buying guide, we weigh the pros and cons of shopping in-store and online so you can decide what works best for you.
The Best Place to Buy a Mattress: Our Video Guide
Prefer to watch a video on mattress shopping than read about it? Check out our helpful video guide on the best place to buy a good mattress.
Top Places You Can Purchase a Mattress
If you’re shopping for the best mattress, your options break down into online and brick-and-mortar options that include dedicated mattress stores, furniture stores, and department stores. Let’s go over the benefits and drawbacks for each option, along with what to consider before deciding which route makes the most sense for you.
Online
For most people, buying a new mattress online means the best selection and price. The catch is being willing to do some research so you can compare different brands, models, and options. You’ll also need to decide between shopping directly from a manufacturer’s website or buying one of the best mattresses on Amazon.
Generally, we recommend shopping directly from the manufacturer. That’s usually the best way to take advantage of sales pricing and company policies like the sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and the warranty. Most mattress companies offer evergreen and seasonal sales that knock hundreds off the retail price for the very best deals, and shopping directly is usually the best way to enjoy those savings. Some companies don’t honor return or warranty policies on mattresses that are sold through a third party, and buying direct helps ensure your purchase is protected in the event of issues down the line.
The biggest hurdle to buying a high-quality mattress online is that you can’t see it in person before making the purchase. That’s why most online mattress brands offer lengthy sleep trials that give you anywhere from 100 nights to a full year to test the mattress from the comfort of your own bedroom. If the new mattress isn’t adding up to better sleep, most companies will assist with mattress disposal and offer a full refund.
Online mattresses are often shipped for free, especially mattress-in-a-box models. Some brands even offer complimentary white-glove delivery, which includes setup of your new mattress and removal of your old mattress.
We share helpful tips in our article on how to buy a mattress online.
The Best Places to Buy a Mattress Online
If shopping online feels like the way to go, consider these top mattress brands:
- Saatva has earned a reputation as a luxury online mattress brand. The Saatva Classic is its flagship model, an innerspring model with multiple upgrades and a choice of both firmness and height.
- Helix mattresses are designed for specific sleep styles, which can make it easier to zero in on appropriate firmness. The Helix Midnight Luxe is a bestseller—a hybrid with a medium to medium-firm feel to accommodate most side sleepers.
- Nolah is a popular online mattress brand, and the Nolah Evolution is its premier model. It’s a 14-inch hybrid with zoned support, cooling upgrades, and three firmness options to suit stomach, side, and back sleepers alike.
- Nectar is known for its affordable memory foam and hybrid mattresses. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam has a surprisingly responsive feel considering the all-foam construction and a queen model is priced under $650.
- DreamCloud has a similar collection as Nectar, but its memory foam and hybrid models come with upgrades like quilted cashmere covers. The DreamCloud Classic is an entry-level model with the classic hugged sensation of softer memory foam beds.
- WinkBed sells a luxury hybrid mattress in four firmness options to accommodate different body types and sleep styles. The WinkBed Plus is designed to accommodate more weight, with a more durable construction to resist premature sinking and sagging.
Mattress Stores
If you prefer to shop in person, you may ask: What is the best mattress store? If you want to try out mattresses from different manufacturers, retailers, such as Mattress Firm and Mattress Warehouse, are a good place to start because they offer a selection of beds from different brands. Some mattress companies, such as Tempur-Pedic and Sleep Number, have their own storefronts. And, online brands such as Saatva and DreamCloud have stores that also serve as showrooms.
Either way, shopping at a mattress retailer gives you the freedom to physically test out mattresses before dropping hundreds or even thousands of dollars. That can be a good thing if you’re not familiar with different materials or construction, and you aren’t sure what might work best for your preferred sleeping position.
Although stopping at a mattress store will let you feel the bed, spending a few awkward minutes on a mattress is not the same as sleeping on it nightly. We often recommend buying a mattress online because manufacturers generally offer lengthy sleep trials that allow you to return your mattress without the caveats (exchanging for another mattress, restocking fees, etc.) associated with trial periods for store-bought beds.
Plus, having a salesperson on hand to answer questions and offer recommendations may be appealing. On the downside, you could find yourself on the receiving end of a high-pressure sales pitch from someone angling for a commission.
Keep in mind that you’ll likely pay more for a mattress if you buy it from a store than you would online. Mattress stores tend to inflate prices, so timing your purchase to a sales window is usually the best strategy.
Before purchasing, always ask about the store’s return or exchange policy. Inquire about the warranty as well.
Furniture Stores
Many traditional furniture stores carry mattresses, but the selection can be limited. But there may be more furniture stores in your area than specialty mattress stores, so it could be a more accessible option.
Salespeople in furniture stores are likely to be a little less knowledgeable about mattresses than those at mattress stores. But if you have a general idea of the mattress that best accommodates your sleep style and body type, shopping in a furniture store can be a good option. Many furniture stores offer seasonal sales as well, which can mean good savings.
Shopping for a mattress at a furniture store can be wise if you’re considering pairing it with a bed frame, box spring, dresser, or nightstand. Some stores offer discounts for this type of bundle.
Again, make a point of asking about return policies and warranties.
Department Stores
If specialty mattress and furniture stores aren’t an option, consider a retailer like Macy’s, Ikea, or Sam’s Club. These retailers occasionally carry exclusive versions of models from well-known online brands, like Casper or Leesa, and one of the best mattresses at Costco is from the retailer’s signature Kirkland line. But because materials or constructions vary slightly, it can be tricky to make a direct price comparison.
These retailers offer a wide range of products beyond mattresses, so don’t expect a showroom-style setup. In fact, you may not be able to test out the mattresses at all.
It’s best to call ahead to see what’s available at your local store, and you should be prepared for a limited selection. It’s also unlikely that the salespeople will be especially knowledgeable about the best mattress for your needs.
Is It Better to Buy a Mattress Online or in a Store?
It’s not inherently better to buy a mattress online versus in a store. It comes down to personal preferences and considerations like your budget and needs. There are advantages and trade-offs no matter which way you go.
Buying a Mattress Online
Buying a Mattress in a Store
Best Place to Buy a Mattress FAQs
What’s the best mattress store?
There’s no single best mattress store, since the best place to buy a mattress depends on how you prefer to shop. Online shopping can be a good option if you have a general idea of what mattress type will suit your body type and sleep style, you want to compare prices, materials, and reviews, and you like the idea of a long sleep trial. In-store shopping may be better if you’re unsure about your needs, have chronic issues to address, or prefer feeling materials in person before making a decision.
Where’s the best place to buy a cheap mattress?
Look online or at a big-box retailer if you want the best cheap mattress. Timing it to sales windows like Black Friday or Presidents’ Day can often save you more money.
How can I try an online mattress in person?
Some online mattress brands partner with showrooms so you can test beds in person before buying. If you can’t find the mattress you want, check the sleep trial. In most cases, you can test a bed out at home for 100 to 365 nights and get a full refund if it doesn’t work out.