Most of us aren’t made of money. We have plenty of essentials – things such as rent, gas, and food – that we need to spend our hard-earned cash on. That means when it’s time to buy a mattress, there isn’t too much left in the piggy bank.
Now, a mattress is just as important as rent, gas, or food. We spend a third of our lives in bed, so a supportive and comfortable mattress is a real necessity!
While there is no one right mattress for everyone, I’ve put together a list of my favorite mattresses that cost less than $500, and they are all high-quality models that won’t bleed the customer dry. If you’re looking for one of the best budget mattresses, you’re in the right spot. These are some of the cheapest options out there that still offer great quality.
For those who can afford a super expensive mattress, congratulations, I’m happy for you (truly). For everyone else, read on to find a great affordable mattress!
Our Top Picks
The best mattresses under $500 are:
- Dreamfoam Chill – Best Cooling Mattress
- Allswell – Best Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding – Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
- Zinus – Best Memory Foam Mattress
- Lucid – Best Hybrid Mattress
- Linenspa – Best Queen Size Mattress
As I mentioned earlier, there is no one right mattress for everyone and finding the right mattress really depends on the customer’s weight, sleeping positions, and feel preferences.
With that in mind, I chose these six mattresses because they should be a good fit for many different types of sleepers. Don’t stop reading now, we’ve got some great mattresses to check out that should be a great fit for the right type of sleeper.
Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Chill is a cooling, affordable memory foam mattress that comes in multiple thicknesses.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Chill is a cooling, affordable memory foam mattress that comes in multiple thicknesses.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Hip Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from hip pain.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam Mattress
The Dreamfoam Chill is a cooling, affordable memory foam mattress that comes in multiple thicknesses.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
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 Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight, average weight, and heavyweight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
If you are looking for a mattress that costs less than $500 and is also good for hot sleepers, take a look at the Dreamfoam Chill. It is a memory foam mattress with some great heat-dissipating materials.
First off, it features a cover that is designed to promote airflow through the top of the mattress. Second, the memory foam is infused with gel to keep the mattress from trapping too much heat.
With the Dreamfoam Chill, you also have options. You can choose between their 6″, 8″, 10″, 12″, and 14″ models. We reviewed the 12″ model and found it to have a great balance of comfort and support. Back sleepers should definitely check it out!
How Makes The Dreamfoam Chill Stand Out?
- The Dreamfoam Chill comes in five different heights, giving you multiple firmness options.
- The Chill is designed to let heat escape during the night so that you don’t overheat.
- The 12″ model should be a great fit for back sleepers.
- It is a high-quality, affordable bed in a box mattress.
Read the full Dreamfoam Chill mattress reviewÂ
Allswell Mattress
The Allswell is a supportive mattress that should be a great fit for back and stomach sleepers, and it is also a very good value.Â
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Allswell Mattress
The Allswell is a supportive mattress that should be a great fit for back and stomach sleepers, and it is also a very good value.Â
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Allswell Mattress
The Allswell is a supportive mattress that should be a great fit for back and stomach sleepers, and it is also a very good value.Â
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 6.5/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
When we think of stores that offer great deals, I’m sure most of us think of Walmart. The big-box store is so, well, big that they can sell quality products with a much lower profit margin.
In the last few years, Walmart jumped in the bed-in-a-box game with its line of Allswell mattresses, and the company offers the Allswell, Allswell Luxe, and Allswell Supreme. The original Allswell mattress is their most affordable mattress, and it is available for under $400.
The Allswell mattress contains supportive coils and then a thin foam comfort layer above that. On our firmness scale, the Allswell was close to a 7.5/10, making it one of the firmest mattresses on this list. Its design makes it an ideal choice for stomach sleepers and back sleepers who want some extra support, or sleepers who suffer from back pain and can benefit from a firmer mattress that supports spine alignment.
Considering its quality components, coils and premium foams, I would expect the Allswell to cost much more. It really is a supportive, quality mattress sold for a value price, so it’s an awesome mattress overall.
What Makes The Allswell Mattress Stand Out?
- The Allswell is a very supportive mattress because of its coils and thin comfort layer.
- The Allswell is a particularly good fit for fans of firmer mattresses and those who have back pain.
- Back sleepers and stomach sleepers should get the support they need and the appropriate firmness.
- It is a significantly responsive mattress, so sleepers shouldn’t get the feeling of getting stuck.
The full breakdown and Allswell mattress review is available here
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.
Material
Foam
Trial Period
120 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.
Material
Foam
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
120 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery is an affordable mattress that a lot of people will like because of its value and the pressure relief it provides.
Material
Foam
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
120 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
If someone is looking for an especially good value, Brooklyn Bedding is always a good start. Out of their ever-growing line of mattresses, the Bowery is their most affordable; with discounts, a Queen-size Bowery costs less than $700.
The Bowery is a streamlined mattress: it contains Energex foam, a transition foam layer, and base foam. The Energex foam is especially soft but also responsive so sleepers will sink into the mattress but shouldn’t have too much trouble moving around at night.
The Bowery also has that memory foam feel. However, because this mattress is a hybrid, it’s more responsive than an all-foam mattress, meaning you won’t get stuck in the mattress.
What Makes The Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Hybrid Mattress Stand Out?
- The Bowery is an affordable, yet high-quality mattress.
- It is a particularly good fit for lighter back and side sleepers.
- The Bowery contains breathable foams, so it shouldn’t trap an extreme amount of heat.
- It has a memory foam feel, but it’s also easy to move around on.
The full breakdown and Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Hybrid mattress review is available here
Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid Mattress
The Zinus is a cooling, comfortable hybrid mattress that is also a fantastic value.
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 Nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid Mattress
The Zinus is a cooling, comfortable hybrid mattress that is also a fantastic value.
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 Nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Hot Sleepers
If you often overheat while you sleep, this mattress should help you stay cool.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
Zinus Cooling Copper Adaptive Hybrid Mattress
The Zinus is a cooling, comfortable hybrid mattress that is also a fantastic value.
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Soft: 6/10
Trial Period
100 Nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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 Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.Financing Options
Financing options are available for this mattress.
As a company, Zinus is all about options and, just scanning their website or Amazon, they seem to have countless mattress models available. They have 8″, 10″, 12″, and 14″ memory foam mattresses as well as hybrid options as well.
As a side sleeper and hot sleeper, I opted to review their 12″ Cooling Copper Adaptive hybrid mattress, and I was not disappointed. Lying on my side, the thick memory foam comfort layer relieved almost all the pressure on my shoulders and hips. We also tested the mattress using a pressure map, and it performed quite well. Watch our individual video review of the Zinus to see how well it relieved the pressure!
Also, with its gel infusion, the Zinus does not sleep too hot. Memory foam can be known to trap heat and make sleepers wake up sweaty in the middle of the night, but I did not have that experience on the Zinus.
For those back and stomach sleepers, the Zinus 10 model should be a better fit. As I said, Zinus has so many mattresses to choose from, it’s not too hard to find the right fit for the right price!
What Makes The Zinus Mattress Stand Out?
- The 12″ model is a great option for side sleepers as it provides fantastic pressure relief.
- The company also offers a 10 model for those back and stomach sleepers out there.
- The Zinus should be a good fit for hot sleepers because it contains copper and other cooling materials.
The full breakdown and Zinus mattress review is available here
Lucid Hybrid
The Lucid Hybrid mattress is a great value and features a balance of comfort and support
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
100 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Warranty
10-year warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
Lucid Hybrid
The Lucid Hybrid mattress is a great value and features a balance of comfort and support
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year warranty
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
100 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
Lucid Hybrid
The Lucid Hybrid mattress is a great value and features a balance of comfort and support
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-firm: 7/10
Trial Period
100 nights
Warranty
10-year warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
Like Zinus, Lucid offers quite a few mattress options. Customers can choose from a large number of models with varying thicknesses and designs, but I received the Lucid 10″ Memory Foam Hybrid to review.
The Lucid contains two layers of memory foam as well as innerspring coils. When I lie on my side on the Lucid, that memory foam really melts the pressure away, so it’s a great mattress for side sleepers. Also, when I move to my back, the coils offer me the support I need while the memory foam contours to the curves of the body.
In the end, this mattress has all the benefits of memory foam without the drawbacks. The memory foam is also infused with charcoal, a material known for helping with heat dissipation. Combining that with the airflow-promoting coils, the mattress should sleep quite cool throughout the night.
Also, with the coils, sleepers shouldn’t sink in so far that they get stuck. This is a major complaint regarding memory foam mattresses, but it is generally very easy to move around on the Lucid.
What Makes The Lucid Mattress Stand Out?
- The company offers many types of mattresses, so most types of sleepers should find what they need.
- The 10″ model should be a great option for the majority of back sleepers and side sleepers.
- The gel infusion should make the Lucid a cooler-sleeping and breathable mattress.
- It should be easy to move around on the mattress, even though it contains soft memory foam.
The full breakdown and Lucid mattress review is available here
Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Trial Period
30 nights
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Trial Period
30 nights
Price Range
$$$$$
We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.
Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Firm: 7.5/10
Trial Period
30 nights
Warranty
10-year limited warranty
Shipping Method
Free shipping
Price Range
$$$$$
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 Sleepering
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleepering
Ideal for average weight and heavyweight stomach sleepers.Like some of these other companies, Linenspa has quite a few mattress models to choose from. They offer innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex mattresses with varying thicknesses, but I reviewed their 8″ memory foam hybrid mattress.
This model should be a great match for stomach sleepers and lightweight sleepers. It is a thinner mattress, so heavy people might have to worry about bottoming out and feeling too much pressure.
For those back sleepers and stomach sleepers who need a bit more support, Linenspa offers a 10″ version of the memory foam hybrid. Also, the 12″ model they offer should be a better fit for side sleepers.
Whatever models customers choose, it will be very affordable. The 8″ model I reviewed is only $189 for a Queen-size! So, lightweight sleepers can save some serious money by choosing the Linenspa 8″ memory foam hybrid.
What Makes The Linenspa Mattress Stand Out?
- The Linenspa mattresses come in many shapes and sizes, meaning any type of sleeper should find an appropriate fit from one of the models.
- The 8″ memory foam hybrid is very affordable and costs less than $200 for a Queen-size.
- The 8″ model should work for lightweight sleepers and some stomach sleepers.
- This model should be a good fit for children and teens overall.
The full breakdown Linenspa review is available here
RELATED: Best Mattresses To Buy
How to Choose a Mattress Under $500
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice comfort when shopping for a mattress. You can certainly find a quality mattress for under $500, if you know what to look for. Be sure to read mattress reviews, comparison shop, and keep an eye out for mattress sales and coupons. Additionally, shopping for an online mattress is a great way to save money since direct-to-consumer sites have less overhead than brick and mortar stores, meaning they can sell mattresses at a more affordable price. And, if you want to get the most bang for your buck, you can opt for a smaller sized mattress that is made of higher quality materials. The smaller the mattress is, the cheaper it is to make, so you can take your dollar further when shopping.
RELATED: Queen vs. Twin Beds
In addition to finding a mattress within your budget, make sure you take the following factors into consideration during your search:
- Mattress Materials: Your mattress’ lifespan is directly impacted by the quality of its materials. Try to get a mattress made of high-quality materials, such as high-density foams, to get the most time out of it.
- Mattress Longevity: In addition to getting a more durable mattress made of quality materials, you can make your mattress last longer by using a mattress protector and flipping your mattress regularly.
- Cooling Features: If you typically sleep hot, then you may want to look for a cooling mattress for under $500 that enables greater temperature regulation at night. Mattresses with gel infusions, such as the Dreamfoam Chill, can keep them from trapping too much heat.
- Motion Isolation: Motion isolation is a particularly important factor for couples to consider. Motion isolation refers to the amount of movement you feel when someone else shifts in a bed. Memory foam is particularly good at reducing this motion transfer.
- Mattress Type: Memory foam mattresses are typically the most affordable options, while latex mattresses tend to be the most expensive. Additionally, different types of mattresses are best for different situations. For example, innerspring mattresses tend to sleep cooler than memory foam because of their layer of coils, which creates more airflow. However, memory foam mattresses are great for couples because they result in less motion transfer. Consider the factors that are most important to you and the type of mattress that best meets those preferences.
- Sleeping Position: Consider what your normal sleeping position is when deciding which mattress to buy. Side sleepers often need a thicker, softer comfort layer, while stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress with a thinner comfort layer. Back sleepers are usually satisfied with a 2-inch comfort layer that helps fill the gap in the lumbar area that is created when sleeping on their backs.
RELATED: Best Mattress for Your Sleep Position
Can You Get a Good Mattress for Under $500?
Yes you can! Shopping online can make it easier to find a quality mattress for under $500. Just make sure you have a clear understanding of what you want from your mattress to make it easier to compare your options. Additionally, mattresses are frequently on sale, so keep an eye out for holiday promotions and mattress coupons.
How to Make Your Mattress More Comfortable
For those who think they need a new mattress but are worried about spending too much, consider these other ways to make your mattress more comfortable.
Use a Mattress Topper
A mattress topper is a great way to spruce up an old mattress without having to invest in a whole new mattress. A topper can change the feel of the mattress as well as the firmness. For instance, a memory foam mattress topper can add some of that slow-moving pressure relief to the top of an older mattress, and it can also make the mattress considerably softer.
Mattress toppers can also help cool down a hot sleeping mattress, as there are a variety of toppers that contain gel, graphite, and copper, all designed to create a much cooler-sleeping surface.
Finally, toppers are more budget-friendly than most mattresses. We have reviewed a number of the best mattress toppers, and many of them cost less than $100. So, before splurging on a new mattress, think about whether a topper can help because they can provide a more budget-friendly alternative to a new mattress.
Rotate or Flip Your Mattress
Rotating and/or flipping a mattress can be recommended by the mattress manufacturer to more evenly distribute wear across the mattress. Rotating the mattress can help keep the spine in neutral alignment, which is key to getting a good night’s sleep. Most mattresses nowadays do not need to be flipped, but if you have an older mattress that does require flipping, doing so can lengthen the life of your mattress.
Before rotating or flipping your mattress, check what your mattress manufacturer’s recommendations are, since some mattresses are not meant to be rotated or flipped.
Try a Mattress Pad
While thinner than a mattress topper, a mattress pad can provide an additional thin layer of comfort to an uncomfortable mattress for a much cheaper price than buying a new one. A mattress pad is typically attached like a fitted sheet, and some options can help prevent dust mites and allergies in addition to comfort.
RELATED: Mattress Topper vs. Mattress Pad
Final Thoughts
Here’s a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses under $500:
| Mattress | Best For |
| Dreamfoam Chill | Best Cooling Mattress |
| Allswell | Best Mattress for Back Pain |
| Brooklyn Bedding | Best Mattress for Side Sleepers |
| Zinus | Best Memory Foam Mattress |
| Lucid | Best Hybrid Mattress |
| Linenspa | Best Queen Size Mattress |
There’s no reason to go into debt just for a mattress, and just looking above, there are many mattresses that are very nice but don’t come with an exorbitant price tag. Check out some of our other pricing guides if your budget is a big factor in your decision:
If anyone has a question about these mattresses or even want a personal mattress recommendation, leave a comment below!
FAQs
What is the best, least expensive mattress?
There really is no one best affordable mattress. However, I really do believe that one of these five companies is a good place to start: Allswell, Zinus, Brooklyn Bedding, Lucid, and Linenspa.
What is a good price for a mattress?
Online mattresses can range in price from the low hundreds up to many thousands of dollars. It is important to consider the quality of materials as well as comfort, support, and durability.
Keeping that in mind, paying under $500 for a nice bed-in-a-box mattress is a good deal.
Why are mattresses so expensive?
First off, mattresses can be expensive because they contain premium materials. Latex, high-end memory foam, and pocketed coils can also drive up the price of a mattress.
Second, mattresses sold in-store are often more expensive because of markup and large profit margins. Online mattresses are usually sold for less than those found in-store.
Where can I buy a cheap mattress?
Shopping for mattresses online is a good place to start. As mentioned above, mattresses sold in-store are frequently more expensive due to their markup. All of our favorite mattresses under $500 that we listed above are bed-in-a-box mattresses that you can purchase online!
