Want to sleep like royalty? Consider upgrading to an aptly named king mattress. These beds take the crown when it comes to space and luxury. Theyโre a popular option for couples, big bedrooms, or anyone looking to treat themselves.
Iโve tested and reviewed over 500 different mattresses, looking at everything from their construction to how they performed. In order to find the best king mattresses, I looked at things like price, durability, and features that might be important to couples. (Though thereโs no judgment here if youโre buying a king size mattress to have it all to yourself.) In the end, Iโve rounded up ten mattresses that should appeal to a wide audience, but Iโve made notes of who I think theyโre best for and who might want to stay away.
Our Verdict: Whatโs the Best King-Size Mattress?
Our expert reviewers chose the Nectar as the best king-size mattress thanks to its versatile firmness, affordable price, and cooling features that excelled in the mattress lab.
Best King-Size Mattresses
- Nectar โ Best King-Size Mattress Overall
- Helix Midnight โ Best King-Size Mattress for Couples
- Saatva โ Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
- DreamCloud Premier โ Best Pillow Top King-Size Mattress
- Leesa Sapira Chill โ Best King-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Winkbed โ Best King-Size Innerspring Mattress
- Bear Elite Hybrid โ Best King-Size Mattress for Muscle Recovery
- Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Priced King-Size Mattress
- Nolah Evolution โ Best Luxury King-Size Mattress
- Titan Plus โ Best King-Size Mattress for Support
Top Deals
- Nectar โ Save Up to 50% on Mattresses & 66% on Bundles
- Helix Midnight โ 20% Off Sitewide with Code MARCH20
- Saatva โ $300 Off Orders of $1,000 or More
- DreamCloud Premier โ Up to 60% Off Mattresses + 66% Off Bundles
- Leesa Sapira Chill โ 20% Off Select Mattresses; Up to 25% Off Adjustable Base and Mattress Bundle
How We Tested and Selected the Best King-Size Mattresses
King-size mattresses are most often purchased by couples and families. Ensuring your mattress has good motion isolation is crucial to prevent co-sleepers from disturbing each other, especially for those who are restless sleepers.
Having a king bed gives you the luxury of spreading out, but some folks might still migrate to the edges to make use of this extra surface area. So, I made sure to find beds with a solid perimeter, so you can sit or lay at the edges without worrying about falling off.
King-size mattress lovers might feel more favorable to a bouncy mattress with more give-and-take, so we noted mattresses that feature more of a responsive feel, while also including a mix of bouncy and slower moving models.
Our team of certified sleep science coaches selected the best king-sized beds by looking for top performers in the categories above: motion isolation, edge support, and responsiveness.
But thatโs not all we considered. Our testing methodology also includes categories like cooling and pressure relief, and we used a combination of subjective and objective tests with specialized technology to get the broadest picture of a particular mattress for different body types and sleep styles.
We tally these scores to calculate each bedโs overall score using a weighted formula. It gives us a reliable indicator of a mattressโs general quality on a scale from 1 to 5.
As we decide which beds to feature in any roundup, we only include quality mattresses with an overall score of 3.5 out of 5 or higher. Even if a mattress does certain things well, we wonโt point you towards it if it falls below this baseline.
Learn more about how we test mattresses at Mattress Clarity.
- 500+ mattresses tested in person
- 30+ data points collected for each bed
- Certified Sleep Science Coaches on staff
- Expert input from our Chief Medical Advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta (MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM) and our Chief Medical Product Tester Dr. Hannah Habeeb (DPT)
- 43,000+ readers who bought a new bed based on our recommendations
Learn more about Mattress Clarity.
Key Mattress Highlights
- Supportive with a conforming feel
- Helps to maintain spinal alignment
- Great value for the price
- Adapts to any sleep style for consistent comfort
- Keeps you cool throughout the night
- Relief from pressure points
- Dual-coil layers
- Memory foam crown for back relief
- High-density foam for edge support
- Reinforced edge support system
- 14-inch luxury hybrid profile
- Breathable cashmere-blend cover
- Noticeably cool-to-the-touch cover
- Gel-infused foam layers help to dissipate heat
- Balance of comfort and responsiveness
- Sturdy edges that donโt sag
- Breathable cover that stays cool and dry
- Extra support for your lower back
- Cooler sleep with copper-infused foam
- Extra support for your lower back
- Good for couples who toss and turn
- High-airflow coils for advanced cooling
- Bouncy and responsive foam layers
- VariFlex foam prevents bottoming out
- Breathable organic cotton cover
- Zoned AirFoam supports spinal alignment
- Luxurious Euro topper for pain relief
- Heavy-duty support for all body types
- Optimal firmness for spinal alignment
- Maintains its shape and support for years
Compare the Best King-Size Mattresses
| | | | | | | | | | |
| Nectar Mattress | Helix Midnight Mattress | Saatva Classic | DreamCloud Premier Mattress | Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid | WinkBed Mattress | Bear Elite Hybrid Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Nolah Evolution Hybrid Mattress | Titan Plus Core | |
| Rating | ||||||||||
| Firmness | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Medium-firm: 7/10 | Multiple firmness options | Medium-firm: 6.5/10 | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Multiple firmness options | Firm: 7.5/10 |
| Material | Foam | Hybrid | Innerspring | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Cooling | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | โ | ||||
| Best For | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Back Pain |
Our Best King-Size Mattresses Video Review
The Best King-Size Mattresses: Our Testing Experience
Nectar โ Best King-Size Mattress Overall
The Nectar is an affordable all-foam mattress that offers lots of pressure relief and body contouring. It works well for most side sleepers, because it helps cushion shoulders and hips. It is also a good option for couples, because it isolates motion well. However, the Nectar mattress isnโt supportive enough for most stomach sleepers and heavyweight people. If you tend to sleep hot at night, you may want to look for a mattress with more cooling features. Learn more in our Nectar mattress video review.
All-foam beds are popular choices for their cushioning, and getting one in king-size should only elevate the experience. Enter the Nectar, the brandโs classic memory foam mattress. This bed doesnโt have the typical slow-moving feel of most foam beds, but rather a more balanced one. Its strong cooling (5/5), motion isolation (4.7/5), and response (4/5) scores should appeal to most king-size mattress shoppers.
My fellow in-house mattress tester loved this bed on her back: โOn my back, the support feels incredibleโalmost like Iโm weightless. The mattress distributes my body weight evenly, so no single area is taking on too much pressure. Everything feels balanced and stable. My lower back feels well-supported, though some people might prefer a touch more contouring in that area. Still, thereโs no noticeable pressure or misalignment in this position.โ
That said, she noticed more pressure buildup in her shoulders. This is because despite being a foam mattress, the Nectar prioritizes support over pressure relief, so some side sleepers may have trouble sinking comfortably into the surface. But as a heavyweight sleeper myself (270 lbs), I wouldnโt consider this bed firm enough to support this category either. I liked the Nectar sleeping on my back best, similar to my colleagueโs experience.
Firmness: 7/10
This mattress has an โon-topโ feel that skews it slightly firmer than true medium-firm.
Pressure Relief: 3.7/5
Below average. The Nectar offers better pressure relief for back sleepers.
Edge Support: 3.4/5
Below average. While lying down along the edges of the Nectar Classic mattress feels seamless, thereโs a lot more sinkage when youโre seared at the perimeter.
Cooling: 5/5
Exceptional. The bedโs cooling cover has a crisp feel.
Motion Isolation: 4.7/5
Above average. Most disturbances should be stifled on the Nectar Classic, allowing light sleepers to sleep peacefully.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy nature of foam can make moving around a challenge on the Nectar mattress.
But donโt let that deter you from considering the Nectar. I found its responsiveness impressive for a foam mattress, and when you combine that with its high motion isolation score, it yields a nice bed for couples. Itโs not as bouncy as a hybrid, but it should provide enough response (4/5) to move around on the surface if you need to change positions during sleep or sex. It also didnโt trap heat like most foam beds, thanks to its cooling cover, so it might satisfy hot sleepers who prefer this type of mattress.
Want something with more pressure relief? You might like the Nolah Evolution. Otherwise, read our full Nectar Classic review to find out more.
Helix Midnight โ Best King-Size Mattress for Couples
The Helix Midnight is Helixโs most popular model because of its medium-firmness and works well for back and side sleepers. The top layers of foam provide good pressure relief, but the coils offer a good amount of support. It wonโt trap heat thanks to those coils, and you can even opt for a cooling cover. Be sure to watch our video review to learn more about the Helix Midnight.
The Helix Midnight mattress is one of the brandโs most popular: a hybrid mattress with a medium-firm feel, offering both support and softness. The Midnight stands out as our favorite king-size mattress for couples because of its all-around quality in the sleep lab. For starters, we gave this bed a 4.4/5 for edge support, which is a sign of a sturdy, well-constructed hybrid mattress.
We also gave it a 4.3/5 for pressure relief. My fellow tester Riley Otis enjoyed the bed on her back and side especially. She also noted the bedโs responsive (4/5) surface, โit was really easy to switch sleeping positions because of the bouncy coils.โ
This bounce didnโt dampen the bedโs ability to isolate motion (4/5), though, as during our tests, I wasnโt disrupted by my teammateโs movements. This means the Helix Midnight should be a great bed for couples, especially if one of you happens to be a light sleeper.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Midnight is medium-firm, great for both side and back sleepers.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. Itโs pretty cushiony around sensitive joints.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. Our tester felt secure when sitting or lying near the edges.
Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. It didnโt wow us with its cooling performance.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We felt some movement in our test.
Response: 4/5
Below average. It has some sink, but itโs still springy enough for easy movement.
I also only noticed a very slight amount of sinkage when I sat down on the Helix Midnightโs edge, which helped it earn its 4.4/5 edge support score. I also felt secure while lying down. On a king Midnight mattress, youโre going to be able to make full use of the surface area.
You might have noticed the Helix Midnight earned a minimum 4/5 in almost every performance category. This means itโs a pretty well-rounded mattress. However, thereโs still some folks Iโd recommend look elsewhere. Stomach sleepers or those of a heavier weight, you guys might want to find something firmer. (Iโd recommend checking out Helix Dawn or Helix Plus mattresses for both these groups.) It also didnโt wow us with its cooling abilities (3.5/5), though it didnโt noticeably overheat.
Read our full Helix midnight mattress review for more information.
Saatva โ Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
The Saatva is a luxurious hybrid innerspring mattress that should be a great long-term investment. It is available in multiple firmness options, so it should work for the majority of sleeping positions, and its Luxury Firm model is one of the best mattresses for back sleepers. However, lightweight side sleepers and fans of memory foam should look elsewhere. Learn more in our video review.
If youโve visited some of our other best-of lists you may have noticed that the Saatva appears quite often. Itโs true โ we love this mattress, and the testing data speaks for itself. The two sets of coils, combined with a plush pillow top, deliver that luxury hotel feel that so many people look for. Sleepers who struggle with back pain will appreciate how the bed will keep your spine in its natural alignment, a reason it earned a perfect 5/5 edge support score from mattress testers.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the Saatva Classic feels pretty firm.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Even with its firmer feel, the Saatva offers great pressure relief.
Edge Support: 5/5
Exceptional. You can sit and lie down on the edges of the Saatva Classic with minimal sinkage.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Saatva Classic has a comfortable, temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 2.7/5
Below average. We could feel every little movement our fellow testers made on the Saatva.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Thanks to its two innerspring layers, the Saatva Classic is plenty bouncy.
I donโt think Iโve seen a mattress that has our backs more than the Saatva. This mattress is outfitted with a variety of unique features that are tailored to lumbar support and combating pain in this region. In the Euro pillow top, thereโs a crest of memory foam shaped to contour to the lower back. The zoned support in the first coil unit keeps it firmer in the center of the mattress, and also contains a spinal wire, which is an S-shaped rod to help coax your spine into the proper posture. The second coil unit not only backs up the support of the first, but contributes to the bedโs overall durability.
One of our writers, Livvi, owns a Saatva mattress and said her favorite feature is the bedโs bounce (5/5), explaining, โI flail around like a fish in my sleep, and I never feel โstuckโ on the bedโs surface when I do so.โ She also found the Luxury Firm model to be surprisingly versatile: โI switch between my back, side, and stomach and feel pretty comfortable in each position.โ
Unfortunately, this responsiveness leads to sub-par motion absorption. With a 2.7/5 motion isolation score, itโs safe to say that if youโre a light sleeper with a restless partner, stay away.
If you want a bed with better motion isolation, you might like the DreamCloud Premier, also on this list. Read our full Saatva mattress review for more information.
DreamCloud Premier โ Best Pillow Top King-Size Mattress
The DreamCloud Premier is a luxurious hybrid that gives you the feeling of sleeping in a nice hotel. Its combination of foam, coils, and cooling materials make it an ideal pick for both back sleepers and hot sleepers as well. At the same time, it is plush enough for the majority of side sleepers. However, if you sleep on your stomach, take a look at the firmer DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress. Learn more in our video review.
Pillow top beds are known for their luxurious feel on the surface, and upgrading to a king-size in one of these fancy beds will have you living the life of royalty. Might I suggest considering the DreamCloud Premier for this category: its plush cashmere and foam blend pillow top provides luxurious cushioning that helps relieve pressure in sensitive areas of your body. This thick, plush surface also makes the bed a star in absorbing motion, for which I gave it a 4/5 score.
Firmness: 6/10
The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid has a medium-soft feel.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. Back sleepers will reap the most pressure relief on the DreamCloud Premier.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. The edges barely buckled when sitting or lying down on the DreamCloud Premierโs perimeter.
Cooling: 3.5/5
Below average. This mattress did retain quite a bit of heat in our cooling test, so it likely wonโt appeal to hot sleepers.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. The dense pillow top of the DreamCloud Premier should absorb some motion.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. This hybrid mattress has a super-bouncy feel.
The hybrid construction underneath the quilted pillow top provides ample support, so this mattress really has the best of both worldsโthe comfort of a soft foam mattress and the support and durability of an innerspring mattress. I felt the DreamCloud Premierโs build merited an edge support score of 4.4/5.
For me, I most enjoyed it while sleeping on my back, as the pillow top contoured to my body while the pocketed coils kept my spine aligned. I think back sleepers of all sizes should find their match with the Premier, and a fair amount of side sleepers too, thanks to the pressure relief the Premier offers.
Despite this being a well-rounded mattress, thereโs some things to keep in mind. The Premier didnโt have the most robust cooling, probably the fault of its thick comfort layers. We only gave it a 3.5/5, so not the worst, but definitely not its shining feature.
These same softer top layers may make this a difficult bed for stomach sleepers, too. These folks might want to check out the original DreamCloud hybrid for a firmer feel.
Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review for more information.
Leesa Sapira Chill โ Best King-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a cool, comfortable bed that pairs a plush pillow top with supportive zoned coils. Itโs available in three firmness options, so many sleepers should be able to choose a model that works for their sleeping position. This isnโt the cheapest option for a cooling mattress, though. Instead, check out the Cocoon Chill.
The Leesa Sapira Chill in a king size is a treat for side sleepers, thanks to its plush pillow top and above-average pressure relief (4.5/5). Itโs available in three firmness levels, and we found the Medium option to be slightly softer than the industry standard for medium firm. Perhaps most impressively, both our lightweight and heavyweight testers loved it while reclining on their sides.
โYou sink, but in the right way, if that makes sense. I could literally fall asleep right now,โ said our lightweight tester. Our heavyweight tester added that he felt โvery aligned, spinally,โ and even deemed the bed โspinalicious.โ Although he has a shoulder thatโs prone to soreness, he felt enough cradling pressure relief around that area to unreservedly recommend this mattress.
Firmness: 6/10
The Medium Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has a slightly softerโbut still mediumโfeel.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Our testers encountered plenty of pressure relief in the back- and side-sleeping position.
Edge Support: 4.3/5
Above average. The Leesa Sapira Chill Hybrid has excellent edge support for sitting and lying down at the far reaches of the bed.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. True to its name, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a pleasantly cool-to-the-touch feel.
Motion Isolation: 3.8/5
Below average. Youโll likely feel your partner moving around on the other side of the bed, just like we did.
Response: 4/5
Below average. Though itโs a hybrid mattress, the Leesa Sapira Chill has a doughy pillow top that makes it harder to move around on.
The Sapira Chill also performed extremely well in edge support (4.3/5) and held its own when it came to responsiveness (4/5). We might have liked to see some more temperature-regulating action from a mattress with โChillโ in its name, but its cooling capabilities were still pretty good (4/5).
The only place where it scored lower than a 4 on our tests was in motion isolation (3.8/5)โoften a bit of a sticking point for hybrids. โThe pillow top did a handy job of absorbing the motion, but it couldnโt totally counteract the springiness of the mattress construction,โ said our tester. If youโre a side sleeper who needs total stillness, weโd recommend the Nectar instead.
Read our full Leesa Sapira Chill review for more information, or consult our list of the best beds for side sleepers.
WinkBed โ Best King-Size Innerspring Mattress
The WinkBed is a versatile mattress that provides zoned support and cooling comfort for a fair price. This bedโs excellent responsiveness makes it a good fit for combination sleeper that want a bed thatโs easy to move around on. For couples looking for motion isolation, though, this probably isnโt the best choice. Instead, check out the Nectar Premier Copper. Learn more in our video review.
The WinkBedโespecially the king-sizeโis a luxurious hybrid mattress with a traditional innerspring feel. This is because of the tall, sturdy coil unit that makes up the bulk of the bedโs support system. These individually wrapped coils are zoned so thereโs concentrated support in the center and along the perimeter of the mattress, providing necessary lift for the lower back. This earned the bed its near-perfect 4.4/5 edge support score.
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm model of the WinkBed has a true medium-firm feel.
Pressure Relief: 3.8/5
Below average. Back sleepers gleaned the most pressure relief on the WinkBed.
Edge Support: 4.4/5
Above average. We only noticed some minor sinkage when seated on the edge of the mattress.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. As we used our thermal gun to record the bedโs surface temperature, we could see the number going down, even after someone lay on it for seven minutes.
Motion Isolation: 3.7/5
Below average. The WinkBed has just-alright motion isolation, as we could feel our partnerโs movements. However, they werenโt too egregious.
Response: 3/5
Below average. The WinkBedโs thick pillow top impeded our ability to seamlessly move around on the bedโs surface.
The WinkBed comes in multiple firmness options, but we personally tested the Luxury Firm model of this bed. I found it to have a lifted feel with some pressure relief from the pillow top. My fellow mattress tester noted that she โfelt greatโ on her back and side.
She added that โit wasnโt ideal for stomach sleeping, but some lightweight stomach sleepers might like it.โ I also found it too soft to keep my hips elevated in that position, so as a heavier sleeper, I might need something firmer.
Additionally, during our motion isolation (3.7/5) tests, I noticed disturbance in the water glass and some from my fellow testerโs movements as we tried out the bed together. (For a hybrid with better motion isolation, you might like the Helix Midnight, also on this list.)
For more information about this bed, read our full WinkBed mattress review.
Bear Elite Hybrid โ Best King-Size Mattress for Muscle Recovery
The Bear Elite Hybrid is Bearโs most high-end mattress. It offers luxury features, like zoned support and extra height, while still offering the temperature regulation Bear mattresses are known for. Based on our testing results, weโd recommend this mattress to average-weight side and back sleepers, as well as hot sleepers. If youโre looking for a cheaper option, check out the Bear Star Hybrid. Learn more in our video review.
Athletes looking for a king size bed that could help optimize recovery may find that the Bear Elite Hybrid checks the boxes. Bear designs its beds for athletes who may deal with aches and pains, and the secret is the Celliant technology in its upgraded cover. The claim is that this material may assist with blood flow to promote muscle recovery, and can also keep you cool at night. While we canโt speak to whether or not the Celliant technology actually helps promote blood flow, we will say that the support and pressure relief (4.3/5) we felt on the mattress might help mitigate aches and soreness.
Firmness: 6/10
The mid-range model for the Bear Elite Hybrid skews slightly soft.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. The Bear Elite offers better pressure relief for back sleepers.
Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. The edges barely budged when sitting or lying down on them.
Cooling: 2.5/5
Below average. We had conflicting results in our cooling test, but it heated up quite a lot.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. We could feel movement from the other side of the bed, but itโs likely not enough to wake a light sleeper.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Even with the softer pillow top, moving around was a breeze.
The Bear Eliteโs solid edge support score (4.6/5) is in part thanks to the individually-encased coil layer, along with extra coils around the perimeter. These coils also give the bed some bounce serious (5/5), which one of our testers noted โmade it easy to move around on top of this bed. You shouldnโt feel โstuck insideโ this mattress.โ
This bed comes in Soft, Medium, and Firm options, and we tested the Medium, and Iโd recommend it for most back and side sleepers.
One thing to keep in mind is the Bear Eliteโs price. As the name implies, this mattress is on a more luxurious level, and the cost reflects the quality of its instruction and performance. This might deter most budget shoppers. Bear has a cost-friendly option, the Bear Original, but this is an all-foam bed as opposed to a hybrid. But it has the same Celliant cover option, and better motion isolation than the Eliteโs (4/5).
Read our full Bear Elite Hybrid mattress review for more information.
Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid โ Best Priced King-Size Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature is an affordable, no-frills bed with a medium-firm feel that should work for a wide variety of sleepers. While itโs made with durable materials and should last up to 10 years, it isnโt the most luxurious option. If youโre looking for a premium bed, check out the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe. Learn more in our video review.
When we say โbest pricedโ we donโt necessarily mean cheapest. Rather, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid earns a spot on this list because of its great value. The company owns its own factory, so the brand is able to cut out the middleman and price beds lower than many of the comparable competitors. A king is priced at just a little over $1,000 after discounts. Compare this with its 4/5 scores (or higher) in edge support, pressure relief, and cooling, and itโs easy to see why it earned this spot.
Firmness: 7/10
The Medium model of the Signature Hybrid has a slightly firmer feel.
Pressure Relief: 4/5
Average. Back sleepers should glean the most pressure relief from the Signature Hybrid.
Edge Support: 4.2/5
Above average. The edge of the mattress only dipped when you sat down on it.
Cooling: 4.5/5
Above average. Despite the Signature Hybridโs lack of dedicated cooling technology, it has a breathable and temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 4/5
Average. You can still feel movement on the Signature Hybrid, but itโs relatively muffled.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The Signature Hybridโs pillow top may impede some sleeperโs movements, but itโs still a fairly responsive mattress.
The Signature comes in multiple firmness levels, but we tested out the Medium model. Mattress tester, Livvi DiCicco, thought that it โworked best for back sleepingโ but she noticed some pressure buildup on her side along pressure-prone areas (hips and shoulders). As for stomach sleepers, weโd suggest you opt for the firm option to ensure your hips are properly lifted. Some heavyweight folks might want something firmer, too, to keep them from sinking in too far to the bed.
This bed is considered on the simpler side, but it still performs well in most categories. For example, the bed is swaddled in a thin, breathable cover that should keep you from overheating โ with an option to upgrade to the Cloud Pillow Top for an even cooler feel (more than the 4.5/5 rating our testers gave the standard model of bed).
If you want a hybrid mattress with more cushioning for sensitive joints and robust support for stomach sleeping, you might like the Nolah Evolution Hybrid.
Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review for more information
Nolah Evolution โ Best Luxury King-Size Mattress
The Nolah Evolution Hybrid mattress is available in three firmness levels. The Luxury Firm model works well for many back and side sleepers. This mattress has many cooling features, and it isolates motion well. Itโs not a great option for most people who weigh over 300 lb, though. If you fall in this category, you may need more lumbar support. Watch our Nolah Evolution mattress review video to learn more.
If youโre upgrading to a bigger bed, why not upgrade to an even more luxurious one? You might be wondering how we define luxury in a bed. Well, most of it comes down to the quality of materials and construction. With a height of 15โ, along with sturdy coils for support and an Edge Support System for a strong perimeter (4.6/5), The Nolah Evolution should last you for at least 10 years while maintaining its structural integrity and comfortable feel.
The Nolah Evolution earned high marks in both response (4/5) and motion transfer (5/5), which is a rarity, as these categories tend to cancel each other out. However, this might make it even more appealing to couples, per our in-house mattress testerโs claims: โWhen getting intimate, many couples want a mattress that has good responsiveness and bounce. If this is top of mind, the Nolah Evolution is a great pick. Its comfortable top layers wonโt make you feel stuck inside, and the innersprings create a nice bounce.โ
Firmness: 6.5/10
The Luxury Firm Nolah Evolution has a true medium-firm feel.
Pressure Relief: 4.5/5
Above average. Both side and back sleepers should get pressure relief from the Evolution, but the latter will feel much more contouring.
Edge Support: 4.6/5
Above average. When sitting on the edge of the Nolah Evolution, the pillow top compressed a bit but otherwise remained stable.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The Evolution isnโt actively cooling, but it should provide a comfortable temperature-neutral feel.
Motion Isolation: 5/5
Above average. This mattress has exceptional motion absorption, so you shouldnโt feel any movement from your side of the bed.
Response: 4/5
Below average. The doughy pillow top might slow down some sleepers as they switch positions on the Evolution.
Temperature-regulating features like its special heat escape gusset, open-celled foam, and cooling cover provide airflow and earned the Nolah Evolution a strong 4/5 in this area. The edge support on this mattress is also enviable; I only recorded about 3.5โ of sagging when I sat on the perimeter. I felt the foams collapsing a bit, but not the coils, hence its 4.6/5 score.
As a luxury mattress, itโs worth a pretty penny, so the major downside to the Nolah Evolution is the price โ especially for an already pricey king size bed. Thankfully, we have a swath of affordable options on this list, like the Nectar or Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.
Read our full Nolah Evolution mattress review for more information.
Titan Plus Core โ Best King-Size Mattress for Support
The Titan Plus mattress works well for many heavyweight back and stomach sleepers. Itโs quite firm, coming in at 9/10 on our firmness scale. This means that many side sleepers wonโt get the pressure relief they need along their shoulders and hips. Watch our Titan Plus mattress review video to learn more.
An unsupportive mattress can lead to sleepers sinking too far into the mattress, throwing the spine out of alignment and potentially causing discomfort. With the Titan Plus Core, this isnโt an issue. As a heavyweight sleeper myself (6โ7โ and 270 lbs, for reference), you could say Iโm the target demographic for this mattress, and the one thatโs the most difficult to please when it comes to support. But I found this bed to be super supportive (earning an edge support score of 4.2/5), keeping my spine in a comfortable position when on my back and stomachโeven when lying along its perimeter.
Firmness: 7.5/10
The Titan Plus Core has a firmer feel to better support heavyweight sleepers.
Pressure Relief: 4.3/5
Above average. Moving around on top of the Titan Plus Core is completely effortless.
Edge Support: 4.2/5
Above average. We only noticed some slight sinkage while seated on the edge of the mattress.
Cooling: 4/5
Average. The surface of the Titan Plus Core feels cool and wicks away excess heat.
Motion Isolation: 4.3/5
Above average. We could feel some movement in our coupleโs test, but nothing too disruptive to interrupt sleep.
Response: 5/5
Exceptional. Moving around on top of the Titan Plus Core is completely effortless.
Mattresses designed for heavy people often fall on the firmer side, and this is true for the Titan Plus. We gave this bed a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale. This not only brings support and durability but also a sturdy perimeter, thanks to the industrial-strength coils. I felt secure both sitting and lying down near the edges on this bed, resulting in a 4.2/5 score. This can help couples spread out and make full use of their king-size space. Speaking of couples, the motion absorption (4.3/5) on this bed is surprisingly strong. Couples with partners who are easily disturbed should find that it works well enough to stifle even the smallest of movements.
Though the Titan Plus Core is great for support for many sleeper types, I would hesitate to say itโs great for all side sleepers. It still might be too firm to provide the proper pressure relief. On that note, sleepers of an average or lighter-weight may find this mattress too unyielding. So if you share the bed with a differently sized partner, you may want to look for a more versatile mattress, like the Saatva Classic.
Read our full Titan Plus mattress review for more information.
Other King Beds We Researched and Tested
As you might expect, there are quite a lot of king size mattresses out there and only so many spots on our list. Hereโs some beds we often recommend that didnโt quite make the cut this time around:
- Birch โ The Birch Natural mattress by Helix is the brandโs organic, sustainable answer to mattress shopping. This latex hybrid has plenty of bounce and a swath of certifications proving its green status. Itโs often our top pick for one of the best organic mattresses, a category that didnโt make it into this list.
- Silk & Snow Hybrid โ This hybrid mattress by Canadian company Silk & Snow packs everything youโd ever want into a mattress for a fraction of the price, without sacrificing quality (or cooling ability, hence the name). It didnโt make it onto this list, but stands proudly on our best mattresses under $1,000 line-up.
- Bear Original โ We already have a Bear mattress on the list, but if youโre looking for more memory foam options, consider the Eliteโs affordable, all-foam cousin. This firm foam bed also features the optional Celliant cover, and stuns in support and motion transfer, making it a great bed for couples.
How We Tested the Best King-Size Mattresses
When we test mattresses, we go over a plethora of performance categories and even go so far as to cut open a mattress to see what itโs really made of. For king mattresses, we prioritized a few scoring categories that we thought would appeal most to these shoppers.
Motion Isolation
Since king mattresses are usually favored by couples, itโs important to know whether or not a bed transfers motion. If your partner has ever moved around on their side of the mattress, and this disturbed you on your side, you have experienced motion transfer. This can make it difficult to stay asleep if your partner shifts positions and gets out of bed during the night. Usually, mattresses with thick memory foam are great at isolating motion, but some coil mattresses work as well.
Our Chief Medical Advisor, Dr. Raj Dasupta, is a quadruple-board certified physician specializing in sleep science, and asserts that โa bedโs ability to isolate motion can be linked directly to its material quality, construction, and overall comfort. A mattress with good motion isolation can also offer undisturbed sleep with a partner, contributing to an overall more peaceful sleep environment.โ
Edge Support
Edge support is crucial for many reasons. If you like to spread out, if you like to sleep on the edge, or even if you find yourself sitting at the edge of your bed to tie your shoes. Itโs also helpful for those with mobility concerns or who otherwise have trouble getting in and out of bed. For king mattress shoppers, a number of these might call to you. The strength of a bedโs perimeter can also be a marker of quality and durability.
In order to test edge support, we actually measure how much the perimeter of each mattress sags when different testers rest on it with a ruler or tape measure. The more it sags, the worse score it receives in this category. Weโll also compare it to how โsecureโ we feel, if we feel liable to fall off, for example.
Response
Response is a mattress-testing term that basically means bounce. A responsive mattress is useful for many things, not just jumping on the bed. If you switch positions when you sleep, a mattress with poor response might make it more difficult to move on a cushy surface. The same logic applies for sexually active folks.
I often test response by pressing into the top of the mattress and seeing how long it takes for the surface to โbounce back.โ The quicker it takes, the higher the response score. Our testers also move around on the bed and give their thoughts as to how difficult it feels.
Durability
Since king-size mattresses are usually a big financial investment, most people want to ensure they will last a long time. This is why itโs important to look for a mattress thatโs made with high-quality, long-lasting materials, such as sturdy coils, durable latex and/or high-density foams.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta outlined some markers of a durable mattress: โAside from high-quality and well-performing materials, itโs important to look at the brandโs offered policies and reviews of the product. You should also maintain regular upkeep of your mattress.โ This might be anything from choosing a proper bed frame to rotating your mattress once a month.
For determining a durability score, we take a look at the construction of the mattress and the quality of its materials (and any certifications for them, such as CertiPUR-US certified foams), combining this with our opinion based on how the bed looks and feels. See our best mattresses that wonโt sag for some durable options.
What Else Is Important When Buying a King Mattress?
Besides the categories mentioned above, thereโs a lot that can influence your decision process when it comes to deciding on a new mattress. If youโre still overwhelmed by choice, hereโs some more things to consider so you can narrow the field in online mattress shopping.
Sleeping Position
Your sleeping position can dictate what kind of mattress you should buy. If youโre a back sleeper, you may have the easiest time choosing a bed: a blend of pressure relief and support is usually best (think medium-firm). Side sleepers often require softer, more pressure-relieving beds to cradle their shoulders and hips. Stomach sleepers may require extra-supportive beds to keep their midsection lifted.
Combination sleepers may need a mattress that helps them feel comfortable and supported in all of these positions. It may help to have a responsive surface that allows them to switch between them more easily.
Body Type
Your body weight and height can have a big influence on the type of mattress that best suits your needs. Dr. Raj Dasgupta noted that โfirmness will feel different based on how much you weigh. Those lighter in weight will likely find a mattress firmer than those of a heavier weight.โ
With that in mind, hereโs our general recommendation for each weight category:
- Heavyweight sleepers (more than 230 lbs): These sleepers might be most comfortable on a firmer bed so they are better supported without unwanted sinkage.
- Average-weight sleepers (130 lbs to 230 lbs): Generally, these folks have the most options to choose from. Anything from soft to medium, medium to firm, depending on their preferred sleeping position.
- Lightweight sleepers (less than 130 lbs): These sleepers may prefer a softer bed to allow them to sink in comfortably,
You might also want to consider things like your height. For instance, tall people might prefer the extra length of a California king.
Support
You hear a lot about how a mattress has good support, but what does this actually mean? Per Dr. Raj Dasgupta, โa mattress that provides optimal support typically has contouring and responsive materials in its layered construction, and is zoned for proper spine alignment.โ Proper spine alignment refers to the natural position of your spine, usually a gentle S-shape, when youโre lying down. You want a mattress that promotes this comfortable posture, rather than wrenching you out of it by being too firm or too soft. We test a mattress in each sleeping position to ensure that the spine is aligned in each, going off our personal experience and how comfortable we feel.
Related: Best Firm Hybrid Mattress
Pressure Relief
Itโs not enough for a mattress to be supportive. A too-firm mattress can keep you in the correct posture, but it can also cause pressure to build up in areas that dig into the mattress. We tend to see this with side sleepers, usually around the hips and the shoulders.
For a mattress with good pressure relief, Dr. Raj Dasgupta recommends you stick to โmedium-soft to medium firm beds, with high-quality materials such as latex or foam, which are known to relieve pressure points.โ
FAQ: What is the Best Mattress for Pregnant Women?
Cooling
If you tend to sleep hot, or find yourself overheating when you share the bed, make sure to prioritize a king mattress that sleeps cool. As a general rule, all-foam beds sleep hotter than innerspring, latex and hybrid mattresses. Some mattresses include design features for the express purpose of sleeping cool, while others donโt.
We put every mattress we review through a rigorous thermal regulation test involving a thermal camera that measures heat retention. With this device, weโre able to see how effective each mattress is in retaining heat or releasing the excess. Weโll record the temperature of a mattress before and after lying down on it for five minutes to see just how much it increases, and based on that number, we assign the bed a score. Learn more in our roundup of the best cooling mattresses.
Bedroom Size
Something you might not think about while mattress shopping is the size of the room itโs going to be in. Iโd recommend measuring the space before making a final decision on a king size mattress. Youโll want to make sure that a king mattress (76โณ x 80โณ) will fit comfortably in your space. Make sure you consider the other furniture in your room that will have to fit around your bed. The last thing you want is to invest in a king mattress only to find that it doesnโt work for the space you have.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider no matter which size mattress youโre buying. Know your budget before you start shopping so you donโt find the mattress of your dreams only to discover that itโs beyond your price point. Many mattresses list their prices based on smaller sizes first, so make sure you select โkingโ when youโre shopping.
Most king-size mattresses are close to $2,000, as to be expected for the sheer amount of bed youโre getting. For reference, the average price of the mattresses on this list is about $2,141. So it would follow that anything around that mark (or below it) is reasonable. Note that some luxury mattress brands may charge more for premium quality and features, but itโs up to you if theyโre worth the extra splurge.
Types of King Sizes
When people picture a king-size bed, they typically imagine aโฆ big bed. But there are actually several varieties under the โking mattressโ umbrella. Hereโs a quick overview of the different-sized king mattresses:
| Size | Dimensions |
| King | 76โณ x 80โณ |
| California King | 72โณ x 84โณ |
| Eastern King | 76โณ x 80โณ |
| Split King | Two 38โณ x 80โณ pieces |
| Split California King | Two 36โณ x 84โณ pieces |
| Alaskan King | 108โณ x 108โณ |
| Wyoming King | 84โณ x 84โณ |
| Texas King | 80โณ x 98โณ |
Best King-Size Mattress FAQs
What is the lifespan of a king size mattress?
Most mattresses, including king mattresses, last between 7 to 10 years. Those of a higher or lower quality may last longer or shorter respectively, depending on their construction. You can also take a look at the length of a companyโs warranty to get an idea of how long they expect their mattress to last.
What is the average price of a king size mattress?
The average price of our best king size mattresses is about $2,141. Generally, king-size beds fall around the $2,000 mark.
What size is a king size mattress?
A king size mattress is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long. Itโs a bit larger than a queen mattress (60โ x 80โ), and has around the same surface area as a California king (72โ x 84โ), just wider.
Are king beds square?
King beds are not square, theyโre rectangular (with a longer width than length). However, they are more square than California kings, which are narrower.
How much does a king size mattress weigh?
The average weight of our best king size mattresses is about 123 lbs. A king mattress can weigh anywhere from 70 lbs to 150 lbs.
Recap: Best King Beds of 2026
| Mattress | Superlative |
| Nectar | Best King-Size Mattress Overall |
| Helix Midnight | Best King-Size Mattress for Couples |
| Saatva | Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain |
| DreamCloud Premier | Best Pillow Top King-Size Mattress |
| Leesa Sapira Chill | Best King-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| WinkBed | Best King-Size Innerspring Mattress |
| Bear Elite Hybrid | Best King-Size Mattress for Muscle Recovery |
| Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid | Best Priced King-Size Mattress |
| Nolah Evolution Hybrid | Best Luxury King-Size Mattress |
| Titan Plus | Best King-Size Mattress for Support |