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 six beds to be some of the best cheap mattresses out there, covering a variety of price points and features for different types of shoppers.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Cheap Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Emma Hybrid Comfort as the best cheap mattress for its multiple layers of foam, supportive innerspring coils, and cooling technologies.Â
The Best Cheap Mattresses for Your Budget
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Affordable Firm Mattress
- Bear Mattress – Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers
- Nolah Original – Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
- Cocoon Chill Memory Foam – Best Budget Cooling Mattress
- Silk & Snow – Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Nectar – Best Cheap Medium-Firm Mattress
- Casper Original – Best Budget Mattress for Combination Sleepers
Compare the Best Cheap Mattresses
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| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Bear Mattress | Nolah Original 10" Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Silk & Snow Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Casper Original Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Soft: 6/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Foam | Foam | Foam |
| Cooling | -- | ✓ | -- | ✓ | -- | -- | -- |
| Sleep Position | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Side | Back & Stomach | Back & Side | Back |
How We Chose the Best Cheap Mattresses
Our Certified Sleep Coaches at Mattress Clarity have reviewed over 150 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.
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.
Best Affordable Firm Mattress – Emma Hybrid Comfort
Emma Hybrid Comfort
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Emma Hybrid Comfort
The Emma Hybrid Comfort is a hybrid mattress that is designed to support all weights while also promoting a cool night of sleep.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 8/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$725 - $1489
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
The Emma is an online mattress brand hailing from Canada. The Emma Hybrid Comfort builds on their original model by offering multiple layers of foam, supportive innerspring coils, and cooling technologies that helped keep me from overheating. I tested the mattress and, while it wasn’t comfortable in every position, it definitely didn’t lack support and durability. These features also don’t inflate the price and keeps it well on the affordable end compared to most mattress brands.
What Makes the Emma Hybrid Comfort Stand Out?
- The Emma Hybrid Comfort is supportive for most body weights, including heavier people. It has zoned coils that offer support to the back and prevent sagging after years of use.
- It sleeps cool. The Emma Hybrid’s materials, especially its innerspring coils, are designed to help dissipate heat and promote good airflow. I felt nice and cool, even after extended testing.
- Fans of a more firm mattress will appreciate the 8/10 firmness score we gave the Emma Hybrid Comfort. Both back and stomach sleepers can benefit from a more firm mattress.
|
Pros |
Cons |
| It sleeps very cool with heat-dissipating materials.
| Side sleepers may not get the necessary contouring needed to prevent pressure in the hips and shoulders. |
| Great for back and stomach sleepers who like a more firm mattress. | It will likely be too firm for most lightweight people. Unless they just sleep on their stomachs, lightweight people who weigh less than 130 pounds will want to find a softer mattress. |
Read our full Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Firm Mattresses.
Best Budget Mattress for Back Sleepers – Bear Mattress
Bear Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Bear Mattress
The Bear Original mattress sleeps cool and is quite comfortable. It's a particularly good option for athletes.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$786 - $1690
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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 Makes the Bear Mattress Stand Out?
- It works well for back sleepers who want support in their lower back.
- The comfort layer is soft enough for other sleeper types as well.
- Gel-infused comfort layers and other technologies help prevent you from overheating.
|
Pros |
Cons |
| It sleeps cool with heat-dissipating materials.
| Stomach sleepers may not get enough support on this mattress. |
| It’s a good combination of durability and affordability. | Those who want a bouncier feel may want to look elsewhere. |
Read our full Bear mattress review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress – Nolah Original
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$899 - $1798
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$899 - $1798
Nolah Original 10" Mattress
The Nolah Original 10" mattress works especially well for side sleepers, and it's sold at a value price.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$899 - $1798
The Nolah Original Mattress uses a proprietary type of memory foam called AirFoam, which the company claims offers good responsiveness, excellent pressure relief, and cooling properties. We put that to the test to see if the Nolah was truly an affordable option with useful features.
We rated the Nolah Original mattress at a 6/10, which is on the softer side. This is great for side sleepers who need a bit of cushioning on their hips and shoulders. But I also felt great on my back. I’d recommend it for lighter-weight and average-weight back sleepers. Overall, the Nolah stands out as a quality memory foam mattress that comes in at a lower price point, especially when compared to in-store mattresses of similar quality.
What Makes the Nolah Original Stand Out?
- Great cushioning for side sleepers
- Perfect for those who love a soft mattress feel
- Great for anyone who needs one of the best mattresses for back pain and best mattresses for hip pain
- High-quality materials for durability
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Good pressure relief from its plush feel.
| Stomach sleepers may prefer a more firm mattress like the Emma Hybrid mentioned above. |
| It has great cooling properties. | Those over 230 lbs may not get enough support. |
Read our full Nolah Original review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress – Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
One of Brooklyn Bedding's most affordable mattresses, the Essential has a balanced, medium-firm feel.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential
One of Brooklyn Bedding's most affordable mattresses, the Essential has a balanced, medium-firm feel.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
When it comes to value, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good place to start because the company owns its factory. They sell their mattresses direct-to-consumer and can price them particularly low. Out of their ever-growing line of products, the Essential is one of their most affordable, with a streamlined construction with foam woven into the cover, a transition foam layer, and a support layer of Ascension X coils. The top layer of foam is especially soft, but the coils add support and responsiveness, allowing sleepers to easily move around at night.
What Makes the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Stand Out?
- It’s a particularly good fit for back sleepers. That being said, heavier sleepers might have a different experience on this mattress.
- It’s an affordable mattress.
| Pros | Cons |
| The Essential should be great for teenagers who need a mattress that they can grow with. | If you want a firm mattress, this isn’t for you. We rated this mattress a 6.5/10 on our firmness scale, which makes this a slightly softer than a medium-firm mattress. |
| Though this has memory foam layers, it doesn’t make you feel like you’re sinking into it. | Since the Essential is fairly soft, it may not be supportive for heavier sleepers or average weight side sleepers. |
For more information, read our full Brooklyn Bedding Essential Mattress Review. For more hybrid options, see our roundup of the Best Hybrid Mattresses.
Best Budget Cooling Mattress – Cocoon Chill Memory Foam
Cocoon Chill Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Cocoon Chill Mattress
The notable cooling features of this bed include a Phase Change Material that's cool to the touch.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Cocoon Chill Mattress
The notable cooling features of this bed include a Phase Change Material that's cool to the touch.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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 Makes the Cocoon Chill Stand Out?
- It’s a firm mattress, making it a great fit for stomach and back sleepers.
- There’s also a hybrid model available for anyone who prefers coils in their mattress.
- Before discounts, a Queen is currently priced at $1,239.
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Cooling mattresses that are made from foam can be difficult to come by, so for that reason, the Cocoon Chill stands out! | Stomach sleepers may not feel supported enough on this mattress. |
| Though this mattress is memory foam, it’s still pretty firm. It ranks at a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. | 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. |
Read our full Cocoon Chill mattress review. Or for other recommendations, see our list of the Best Cooling Mattresses.
Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers – Silk & Snow Mattress
Silk & Snow Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
15-year warranty
Price Range
$600 - $900
Silk & Snow Mattress
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Material
Foam
Warranty
15-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$600 - $900
Silk & Snow Mattress
The Silk & Snow mattress is an all-foam bed with a gel-infused comfort layer. It works well for side sleepers who need pressure relief and couples who like beds with great motion isolation.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$600 - $900
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 Makes the Silk & Snow Stand Out?
- Silk & Snow sells three different mattresses: the original S&S, S&S hybrid, and S&S organic
- Has that classic slow-moving memory foam feel
- Though it’s based in Canada, Silk & Snow partners with U.S.-based factories to make ordering in the U.S. easier
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Great for side sleeping.
| Due to its slow-moving and cushioned memory foam feel, it’s not as bouncy and responsive. |
| Good for those who sleep hot. | Stomach sleepers may need a bit more firmness. |
Read our full Silk & Snow review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Best Cheap Medium-Firm Mattress – Nectar
Nectar Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
365 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Price Range
$599 - $1538
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
365 nights
Price Range
$599 - $1538
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Nectar Mattress
Nectar is a very comfortable memory foam mattress that happens to also be an amazing value.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$599 - $1538
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
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 Makes the Nectar Stand Out?
- Because of the gel infusion and a soft, breathable cover, the Nectar sleeps fairly cool.
- If you want more support, you can pair the Nectar with an adjustable base.
- Before discounts, a Queen is currently priced at $999.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
The Nectar is a great mattress for helping to alleviate joint and hip pain. |
Since the Nectar is an all foam mattress, it may trap some heat. The foam is infused with gel, though, which may help with cooling. |
|
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, so you have plenty of time to decide if this mattress is a good fit for you. |
Heavier sleepers may need more support than the Nectar offers. |
Read our full Nectar mattress review. Or for other options, check out our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
Best Budget Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Casper Original
Casper Original Mattress
Material
Foam
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$1095 - $1945
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
"From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Paul, Casper customerCasper Original Mattress
Casper mattresses work well for all sleeping positions, thanks to its unique zoned support system.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$1095 - $1945
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
"From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Paul, Casper customer
Casper Original Mattress
Casper mattresses work well for all sleeping positions, thanks to its unique zoned support system.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$1095 - $1945
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
"From the delivery of the box to the magical unfolding of the king size mattress to the first time laying on the bed, all smiles here! I have traveled for work for years, often sleeping on different beds at different hotels night after night."
Paul, Casper customerIn my testing, the Casper came in at a 7/10 on our firmness scale, which is just a bit more firm than average. The zoned support system (which gives more support in areas where it’s needed, like the lower back) also tends to make the Casper feel firmer while back and stomach sleeping.
Back sleepers may especially enjoy the support and help with aligning the spine, but most sleeper types can enjoy the more standard medium-firm feel. This makes it especially good for folks who toss and turn and need support in any position, otherwise known as combination sleepers.
What Makes the Silk & Snow Stand Out?
- It is an excellent mattress for back sleepers. Its Zoned Support system kept my spine perfectly aligned during testing while the top foam layers provided a bit of comforting contour.
- Lightweight and medium weight combination sleepers should love the Casper mattress. Its more balanced foam feel makes it easy to move around.
- Even though it’s easier to move around, there’s also good motion isolation which allows for less disruption when you or your partner shift around.
|
Pros |
Cons |
| Great for many sleeper types including back and lighter- to average-weight side sleepers.
| Side sleepers over 230 pounds may feel some pressure on their shoulders and hips. |
| Zoned support for extra contouring in the back where it’s needed. | Lacks a slow-moving memory foam feel, if that’s your preference. |
Read our full Casper mattress review. Or for other options, check out more of our Best Medium-Firm Mattresses.
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.
|
Pros |
Cons |
|
Cheap mattresses are better for your budget and can save you some money. |
Cheap mattresses may wear and tear faster over time, meaning they need to be replaced more often. |
|
Depending on the level of firmness you like, a cheaper option may be better for you as cheap mattresses might be firmer than more expensive ones. |
High-quality mattresses made from decent materials may be harder to find for lower prices. |
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 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
|
Holiday |
Date |
|
Presidents’ Day |
Third Monday in February |
|
Memorial Day |
Last Monday in May |
|
Independence Day |
July 4th |
|
Labor Day |
First Monday in September |
|
Veterans Day |
November 11th |
Best Mattress Sales to Buy a Cheap Mattress
|
Sale |
Date |
Details |
|
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. | |
|
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)! |
|
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. | |
|
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. | |
|
New Year’s Eve |
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. |
Summary
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Best Firm Mattress |
| Bear Mattress | Best for Back Sleepers |
| Nolah Original | Best Memory Foam Mattress |
| Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress |
| Cocoon Chill Memory Foam | Best Cooling |
| Silk & Snow | Best for Side Sleepers |
| Nectar | Best Medium-Firm Mattress |
| Casper | Best for Combination Sleepers |
While this is a list of the best affordable mattresses, you can find even more options with our best mattresses under $500.
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 2023.
