You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to invest in your sleep—sometimes a new mattress that suits your body type and sleeping position is all it takes to achieve quality rest. The best affordable mattresses keep you comfortable through the night with quality materials, reputable certifications and comfortable constructions—without you losing sleep over its price tag. Our mattress and sleep editors, Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon, have collectively tested over 120 mattresses and relied on their own expertise, in addition to our contributors, to round up the picks highlighted below. We named the Cocoon Chill the best overall because it’s a comfortable memory foam mattress with additional cooling tech, but right now, a queen size costs under $700.
The Cocoon Chill Mattress is an affordable memory foam bed with added features (but not extra … [+]
But if the Cocoon Chill doesn’t seem like the right fit, browse the rest of our top picks, which range between $300 and $1,000 for a queen. All of the mattresses on our list come personally recommended by our sleep experts after extensive testing and discerning shoppers like you for their quality and performance. Better yet, several of these affordable beds have generous trial periods, lifetime warranties and free accessories to add to their already-exceptional value.
Type: Foam | Height: 10 inches | Brand firmness rating: Medium (6) | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You occasionally sleep warm and don’t want to overspend on cooling tech
Skip if: You are a strict side sleeper in search of a truly soft mattress
The Cocoon Chill Mattress by Sealy takes the crown as our best affordable mattress—and it’s a specialty cooling mattress, at that. Although temperature-regulating materials are becoming more commonplace among value mattresses overall, the Cocoon Chill was among the first to introduce the concept at a lower price point than its premium counterparts. Its cooling prowess comes from the top cover made with a phase change material that’s designed to absorb and release heat. Beneath that are layers of pressure-relieving memory foam, motion-dampening comfort foam and a 6-inch polyfoam base.
Alison Barretta, Forbes Vetted contributor and co-author of this article, slept on an all-foam Cocoon Chill and was impressed by its cooling abilities. “The cover didn’t have an obvious cool-to-the-touch feeling as advertised, but nonetheless it did its job because I didn’t severely overheat like I’ve done with some other all-foam mattresses. However, it doesn’t have as deep of a sinking feel as a typical foam bed, so that could be a contributing factor here.” Dillon adds, “It’s slightly firmer than a true medium and should be good for most sleeping positions, unless you’re a petite side sleeper who wants a particularly soft mattress or back and stomach sleeper in need of a true firm bed.”
Ignore the “ending tomorrow” warnings on the product page because as far as we’ve seen, this mattress is always discounted by 35% off. It’s held steady at $699 for a queen and $899 for a queen hybrid. To sweeten the deal, Sealy throws in a free set of pillows and sheets (valued at $179). You get 100 nights to try it at home, with free returns plus a full refund if you aren’t satisfied.
Expert tip: Sleepers around 250 pounds or more should consider the Cocoon Chill Hybrid for additional support.
Type: Foam | Height: 10 inches | Brand firmness rating: Medium-firm (7) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You’re a front or back sleeper seeking a fiberglass-free mattress
Skip if: You’re a side sleeper who requires a bed with a softer touch
Despite its low price point, the Bear Original doesn’t cut corners when it comes to quality. For one, it doesn’t contain fiberglass, a flame-retardant material found in some cheap mattresses that can potentially irritate your skin and lungs. It also boasts a couple of notable mattress certifications from CertiPUR-US and Greenguard Gold for its nontoxic components. Inside are several layers of foams, including the brand’s proprietary foams and gel-infused memory foam, which helps regulate temperature. It comes fitted with a breathable Tencel cover, but you can upgrade to a Celliant-infused cover, made with athletic recovery in mind.
Chapman says she found the Bear to be quite firm and supportive for an all-foam mattress: “It also tested well for motion isolation, which is a good sign for two people sharing the bed who don’t want to wake up from each other’s movements. It also has good edge support for an all-foam mattress, which could be thanks to its firm profile.”
Bear mattress sales drop the price of a queen-size bed to as low as $650, with a lifetime warranty and a free sleep bundle (pillows, sheets and mattress protector) thrown in. If you have some room left in your budget, consider upgrading to white glove delivery service (from $100) and a Celliant-infused cooling cover for at least $75 more. Learn more in our full Bear Mattress review.
Expert tip: According to Chapman, “I think it’s a great value overall, but I do think it’s a bit firmer than advertised so keep that in mind.” As a result, it’s best for stomach and back sleepers who prefer a firmer bed.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 12 inches | Brand firmness rating: Medium-firm | Trial period: N/A | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You’re a back sleeper, stomach sleeper or have a heavy body type and you want a supportive mattress with good edge support
Skip if: You (or a co-sleeper) primarily sleep on your side or want a cushier, softer mattress
The Allswell Mattress from Walmart is one of the most affordable hybrid mattresses you can get your hands on, with a price tag that’s hundreds of dollars cheaper than competitors. Its medium-firm profile makes it a great choice for back and stomach sleepers in particular, or heavier sleepers over 250 pounds who want ample support and pressure relief. The gel-infused, CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam layer dampens movement and provides contouring comfort, while the springs give it a responsive feel for better ease of movement.
Barretta says the budget Allswell mattress exceeded her expectations. “Although I didn’t get on with it when side sleeping, I was very comfortable whenever I flopped onto my stomach. My back didn’t buckle and I was well supported. The responsive surface made it easy to switch positions when I needed to, as well.”
Allswell claims that the cover is cooling, but we didn’t experience that during testing. With that said, we found that it does offer a lifted feel that keeps you cooler because you aren’t nestled into the foam’s layers.
Note that Walmart only offers 90-day returns for unopened mattresses. There’s no proper sleep trial included.
Expert tip: While Barretta was impressed by its breathable materials and sturdy edges—she warns that the latter can likely deteriorate quickly if you sit on the bed often.
Type: Foam | Height: 12 inches | Brand firmness level: Medium-firm (6.5) | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You’re a back, stomach or combination sleeper who doesn’t want to feel their partner’s movements
Skip if: You’re a strict side sleeper who prefers a soft, plush and cushy mattress
The Nectar Memory Foam Mattress has a true memory foam feel that molds to the curves of your body, but it costs much less than popular memory foam beds like a Tempur-Pedic mattress. An adaptive memory foam layer reduces pressure buildup in the lower lumbar, shoulders and hips to keep your spine aligned and mitigate any nagging back pain in the process. Then, the top cover is woven with cooling fibers to help draw heat away from your body. During testing, we found it stands out for its low motion transfer (great for co-sleepers) and it has surprisingly decent edge support for an all-foam mattress.
Chapman says, “The Nectar used to offer doughy sinkage, but the new Nectar Classic model has a contouring memory foam feel with a little more responsiveness. The thick layers of foam do a great job providing pressure relief and isolating motion. I think it’s a great value for anyone looking for a true memory foam bed.”
The Nectar is consistently one of the best values out there with a lifetime warranty and a risk-free one-year sleep trial. Considering a queen Nectar mattress usually goes for less than $650, those are impressive perks for the cost. For sturdier edges and even cooler sleep, add springs with the hybrid version for at least $100 extra. You can learn more in our full Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review and Nectar Classic Hybrid Mattress review.
Expert tip: The Nectar Luxe may be a better option if you deal with frequent night sweats because of its enhanced cooling abilities.
Type: Foam | Height: 10 inches | Brand firmness level: Medium-firm (6.5) | Trial period: 180 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You spend most of the night on your stomach or back and/or you value a mattress that absorbs motion transfer
Skip if: You’re a side sleeper who wants to feel hugged by their bed or weigh over 250 pounds
If the Nectar above is out of your price range, the Siena Memory Foam Mattress offers a comparable level of quality for hundreds of dollars less. Despite its slim, 10-inch profile, it offers a good deal of support as you slumber. Like Nectar, it has gel-infused memory foam that helps regulate temperature and an all-foam construction that’s great at absorbing motion. However, it offers a firmer feel.
“I found the Siena to offer quite a firm, lifted feel. There’s not a lot of sinkage on this bed, which makes it a good fit for stomach sleepers and some back sleepers. It did a decent job in my testing for edge support and motion isolation, as well,” says Chapman.
It may not boast the one-year trial and lifetime warranty that Nectar provides, but the Siena does include a 180-night trial, which is the longest we’ve spotted for a sub-$400 foam mattress. A queen costs $399, while a twin comes in at just under $200. Once again, ignore the countdown clocks as Siena’s mattress sale seems to be a permanent occurrence.
Expert tip: Expect a firmer-than-advertised feel, especially as you break it in.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 8, 10 or 12 inches | Brand firmness level: Medium-firm, medium or medium-plush | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You want a versatile hybrid mattress where you can choose between a variety of height and firmness options
Skip if: You prefer an all-foam mattress or are looking for a long-term mattress
The Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid is one of the lowest-priced mattresses on our list, yet it offers a great deal of flexibility so you can tailor it to your needs. Choose from an 8-inch, 10-inch or 12-inch model. (In this case, the taller the mattress, the softer it is.) Its simple construction combines tempered steel coils with CertiPUR-US certified foam, and the pillow top adds a little extra cushioning.
“The Linenspa hybrid offers a firmer feel that tested well for back and stomach sleeping. It has some nice bounce to it, so you can easily switch from one position to another,” says Chapman.
Whether you want an affordable hybrid for the primary bedroom, a child’s bedroom or a guest room, it’s one of the best mattresses on Amazon worth checking out. Most sizes qualify for free Prime 2-day shipping so you don’t have to wait too long to receive it, either.
Expert tip: Chapman says it’s best suited for petite sleepers if it’s going to be slept on regularly since it’s not as supportive/durable as other beds on this list.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 12.25 inches | Brand firmness level: Soft (3), medium (5) or firm (7) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You want a simple hybrid mattress that accommodates most sleeping positions and body types
Skip if: You want a memory foam mattress that offers more sinkage and contouring
When you live with back pain, you want a supportive mattress that keeps your spine in proper alignment and doesn’t easily wear over the years. The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is made with a system of thick pocketed coils that support the spine and it comes in three comfort levels—soft, medium or firm—giving you the option to accommodate your body’s specific needs.
The medium firmness, which actually feels around a medium-firm, should appeal to most people with back pain (unless you’re a strict side sleeper). It contains 1.5 inches of comfort foam, a 1-inch layer of transitional foam and a base unit of 8-inch individually encased coils. That means your lower spine remains aligned when sleeping on your back or stomach. And when you change positions, the bed quickly adapts to your body so you don’t experience that “sink-in” feel.
“I don’t live with back pain, but my fiancé does,” says Dillon. “He appreciates the balanced firmness of the mattress and that it doesn’t let your back sag into the bed. Once we were finished testing, I gave the mattress to a close family friend who told me that they no longer wake up with pain—they even wrote me a thank you letter.” Chapman adds, “Although it’s not a super fancy bed, the Signature Hybrid is a solid option for a lot of folks out there due to its multiple firmness options, good edge support, responsiveness and cooling features. Despite it being Brooklyn Bedding’s value buy, I found it to still have quality features.”
You can often score 25% to 30% off the retail price. Learn more about its performance in our in-depth Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress review.
Expert tip: If you’re a particularly hot sleeper or just want a generally cushier and plusher feel, we recommend upgrading to the cooling pillow top.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 12.25 inches | Brand firmness level: Soft (3), medium (5) or firm (7) | Trial period: 120 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You want a simple hybrid mattress that accommodates most sleeping positions and body types
Skip if: You want a memory foam mattress that offers more sinkage and contouring
When you live with back pain, you want a supportive mattress that keeps your spine in proper alignment and doesn’t easily wear over the years. The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid is made with a system of thick pocketed coils that support the spine and it comes in three comfort levels—soft, medium or firm—giving you the option to accommodate your body’s specific needs.
The medium firmness, which actually feels around a medium-firm, should appeal to most people with back pain (unless you’re a strict side sleeper). It contains 1.5 inches of comfort foam, a 1-inch layer of transitional foam and a base unit of 8-inch individually encased coils. That means your lower spine remains aligned when sleeping on your back or stomach. And when you change positions, the bed quickly adapts to your body so you don’t experience that “sink-in” feel.
“I don’t live with back pain, but my fiancé does,” says Dillon. “He appreciates the balanced firmness of the mattress and that it doesn’t let your back sag into the bed. Once we were finished testing, I gave the mattress to a close family friend who told me that they no longer wake up with pain—they even wrote me a thank you letter.” Chapman adds, “Although it’s not a super fancy bed, the Signature Hybrid is a solid option for a lot of folks out there due to its multiple firmness options, good edge support, responsiveness and cooling features. Despite it being Brooklyn Bedding’s value buy, I found it to still have quality features.”
You can often score 25% to 30% off the retail price. Learn more about its performance in our in-depth Brooklyn Bedding Signature Mattress review.
Expert tip: If you’re a particularly hot sleeper or just want a generally cushier and plusher feel, we recommend upgrading to the cooling pillow top.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 10 inches | Firmness level: Medium-firm | Trial period: 365 nights | Warranty: Lifetime
Buy if: You want a breathable mattress with more bounce and less sinkage
Skip if: You’re a strict side sleeper or sleep with a restless partner
Latex mattresses tend to cost more than those made with memory foam, but they’re also cooler, more durable and less resistant to bacteria, mold and mildew. The Awara Mattress pairs natural Dunlop latex with individually wrapped coils for a balance of support and gentle pressure relief. (You don’t sink too deeply into this one.) This combo—along with a cotton and wool blend fabric cover—helps the mattress breathe so you don’t wake up in a sweat each morning.
“I’d consider the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid to be a firm, supportive mattress that would be best suited for stomach sleepers,” says Chapman. “The latex in its upper layers helps make the bed bouncy and easy to move around on, so it could work for some stomach/back combination sleepers as well. And between its airflow-promoting coils and natural, breathable materials, I found it’s a good cooling option.”
It comes with a one-year trial and a lifetime warranty, too. Not bad for a bed that costs under a grand (for a queen).
Expert tip: Latex hybrid mattresses are ideal for hot sleepers because they promote airflow and don’t retain heat like memory foam or polyfoam beds.
Type: Hybrid | Height: 12 inches | Brand firmness rating: Medium-firm (5-7) | Trial period: 100 nights | Warranty: 10 years
Buy if: You want an accommodating mattress that doesn’t feel like traditional memory foam or you sleep with a partner
Skip if: You want a particularly firm or soft bed (this one lands right around the middle)
The Leesa Studio Chill is the cooling hybrid version of the brand’s budget Leesa Studio Mattress, but it’s comparable to other higher-quality mattresses in the Leesa line of beds. Coming in at under $1,000 for a queen size (during sales, which come often), it offers premium features at a good value. With up to 1,032 pocketed coils that are reinforced to be stronger along the edges and under the hips, it’s a durable and supportive hybrid mattress that suits almost any body type. Stacked above are three layers of foam, including copper-infused foam for temperature regulation, which contribute to the bed’s blended feel. It’s not like memory foam where it slowly bounces back to normal once pressure is released—it’s a little lighter and airier, which is pretty standard across Leesa’s mattresses.
“When I first tested it, I was surprised to see a price tag under $1,000,” says Dillon. “It’s a really good bed for the money, and has features that are found in beds that cost hundreds of dollars more. Leesa gives this mattress a 5 to 7 on the scale and I think it falls on the soft end of that scale (5). I found that it’s ideal for most sleeping positions if you weigh under the 250-pound range, as it offered a nice cushion for the shoulders and hips while I was on my side and kept my spine from sagging when I was on my back or stomach.”
Expert tip: Opt for a firmer mattress if you’re a heavy back or stomach sleeper over 250 pounds, like the firm Leesa Sapira Chill.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
- Senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman and sleep editor McKenzie Dillon have collectively tested over 120 beds and are both certified sleep science coaches. Dillon co-authored this article and contributed her and Chapman’s testing insights throughout.
- Co-author and contributor Alison Barretta has a decade of experience reviewing products and sharing buying advice. She’s published dozens of mattress guides, including guides to the best hybrid mattresses and memory foam beds.
- We have a large library of sleep and mattress guides that touch on all sorts of devices, accessories and mattresses for every sleep need.
- We’ve built relationships with some of today’s biggest bedding brands so that we can keep up with the latest trends in the sleep industry.
- To supplement our research and expertise, we’ve included insights from Milly McEwan, Product & Design Manager at RJ Living.
- We revisit this regularly to make sure our recommendations are accurate and current. It was last updated in November 2024 by McKenzie Dillon, who re-evaluated our top picks, added more tested insights and included the Leesa Studio as the best affordable hybrid mattress.
How We Chose The Best Affordable Mattresses
- To find the best affordable mattresses, we first looked to reputable brands that are historically less expensive like Nectar, Allswell and Brooklyn Bedding.
- We then looked at specific models and relied on our team’s experience with different beds; all of our picks come personally recommended.
- To narrow down our list further, we compared each model by its construction, height, firmness, trial period, warranty and (of course) price.
- We prioritized mattresses that excelled in performance and affordability, meaning each has a durable, supportive construction and a fair price tag to match.
- Lastly, we made sure to choose mattresses that cater to different sleep styles. (The best bed for a side sleeper likely wouldn’t fare well for stomach sleepers and vice versa.)
What To Consider When Buying An Affordable Mattress
Price is obviously a factor when deciding on an affordable mattress, but it’s not the only criteria you should consider. Ultimately, you need to select a mattress that’s as good a fit for your sleep style and preferences as it is your budget.
Firmness
Generally speaking, soft to medium mattresses are best for side sleepers, medium-firm mattresses are ideal for back and combination sleepers, and firmer mattresses are well-suited for stomach sleepers. Individuals with chronic back pain should also seek out a firmer mattress.
However, firmness is subjective. Body weight and height affect how soft or hard a mattress feels and varies from one person to another. This is why being able to test a mattress with an at-home trial is important.
Sleep Style
Your sleep style refers to how you (and your co-sleeper, if applicable) position yourself while you sleep. Do you often fall asleep and wake up on your side, back, stomach or a combination of each? Knowing your sleep style heavily influences how firm or soft you need your mattress to be for proper alignment and sufficient pressure relief.
Body Weight
Smaller sleepers who weigh less than 150 pounds should fare well with a soft to medium-soft mattress since they don’t usually sink too deeply into their beds. Meanwhile, heavier sleepers who weigh over 230 pounds may want to consider a firm to extra-firm mattress to support them. Average-weight sleepers can typically look for a medium-firm mattress that has a near-equal balance of comfort and support.
Note that the average mattress can handle up to 250 pounds per side (500 pounds total). If you and/or your sleeping partner exceed that, seek a specialty model made with durable materials like high-density foam, reinforced coils or latex. Such mattresses have much higher weight limits (up to 1,100 pounds total).
Materials
Mattresses come in a variety of materials: Some are made entirely of foam, while others are a combination of foam and springs. Here’s how each stack up in terms of affordability:
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are typically the most affordable option because foam is a less expensive material than latex or coils. According to McEwan, “Memory foam mattresses are becoming increasingly popular because of their contouring properties and even for their pressure relief. They are available at a range of different price points, which make them a great choice if you want a good mattress on a budget. Look for a medium-density mattress if you want a blend of support and comfort while not breaking the bank.”
- Gel-infused foam: McEwan says, “A gel-infused foam mattress is designed to improve temperature regulation and make the sleeping experience a little bit cooler (which is perfect if you are a warm sleeper). These mattresses can be found at a range of different price points and are my recommendation if you tend to sweat when you sleep.”
- Hybrid: With layers of both foam and springs, these beds offer the best of both worlds when it comes to balancing comfort and support. However, because this type combines a mix of materials, it can run a bit pricier. You can still find affordable hybrid mattresses, but you may have to compromise on features like pillow tops and cooling covers, which typically cost more.
- Innerspring: Innerspring mattresses, which are made from coils and a thin comfort layer, are another historically affordable mattress type. However, they also aren’t the most comfortable since they lack thick comfort layers. Nowadays, innerspring beds feature more comfort materials.
- Latex: Latex is the most durable and naturally pressure-relieving mattress material, but it’s also the most expensive. However, McEwan says, “synthetic or blended latex options can be more affordable. They are a durable and supportive option that are worthwhile, especially if you can find a synthetic or blended latex mattress within your budget.” The Awara Mattress on our list is a latex hybrid and sells for under $1,000 for a queen.
Temperature
All sleepers benefit from a breathable mattress to prevent overheating at night. Generally speaking, hybrid, latex and innerspring mattresses are good for regulating temperature, but memory foam mattresses are prone to trapping heat in its layers.
Components like cooling covers and gel-infused foams have become more common among today’s affordable mattresses—most notably the Cocoon Chill, which tops our list—but the advanced cooling tech found in the best cooling mattresses often commands a higher price.
Trial And Returns
Buying a mattress sight unseen is a risk that retailers are keenly aware of, which is why they offer at-home trials. The industry standard for home trials is 100 nights, with a 30-night minimum so your body can sufficiently adjust to your new mattress. Some brands are extremely generous in this regard and offer up to a one-year trial, which gives you the chance to feel how well a mattress performs across all seasons.
So what happens if you decide your new mattress isn’t the right fit? Most companies allow you to return it free of charge and grant you a full refund before your trial period is over.
Warranty
The average length of a mattress warranty is 10 years. Familiarize yourself with the terms of your mattress warranty so you don’t unknowingly void it. For instance, removing a fixed cover or placing your mattress on an improper frame can potentially render your mattress ineligible for warranty coverage. Also, lifetime warranties are usually prorated after a certain point, which means you eventually have to pay for repairs or replacements.
Customer Reviews
Reading customer reviews can help you gauge how well a mattress performs for someone with your sleep needs. Several sites allow you to filter reviews by age, sleep style and bed size—although in most cases you can perform a keyword search to find the information you’re looking for. While 5-star and 1-star reviews can be telling, don’t overlook the feedback that falls in between, either.
All of the affordable mattresses on our list rate at least 4 stars (out of 5) and have received lots of praise for their overall value for money.
Caring For Your Affordable Mattress
Cheaper beds may not last as long as their more expensive counterparts but knowing how to clean a mattress can guarantee you years of comfy sleep, no matter how much money you paid for it.
One of the easiest ways to prolong the lifespan of your mattress is to invest in a mattress protector. This safeguards your bed from stains and spills, as well as dust mites, pet dander and bed bugs. Look for a mattress protector that’s machine washable; you can clean it with your sheets and pillowcases.
Rarely do mattresses come with a removable cover you can wash. Instead, pull out the vacuum cleaner about once every three months and use the upholstery attachment to pick up any debris sitting in the crevices. Rotate the mattress (or flip it, if possible) about twice a year to prevent indentations from forming in the center.
You can deep clean your mattress at home using a vacuum cleaner with the proper attachments or a garment steam cleaner, then following up with a mild cleaning solution to lift away grime and bacteria. Finish off with a generous layer of baking soda to deodorize.
Of course, you want to read the care instructions for your mattress before doing any spot treatments and deep cleaning.