Written by Julia Forbes, Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
A new mattress is almost always a big investment. Even if you’re holding out for a deal, you’ll want to pay enough to ensure you’re getting a bed with quality support and safe materials. So, how do you find the best affordable mattress amongst a lot of online noise?
I’m here to help—I’ve tested and reviewed beds on the full spectrum from no-frills to total luxury. Below, you’ll find my favorite budget-friendly mattresses that should help you rest easy without straining your wallet.
Best Cheap Mattresses
- Bear Original – Editor’s Pick
- Nectar – Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
- Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Cheap King Mattress
- Siena – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress
- Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Cheap Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
- Leesa Studio – Best Cheap Firm Mattress
Our Top Cheap Mattresses, Reviewed
Compare the Best Cheap Beds
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| Bear Original Mattress | Nectar Mattress | Brooklyn Bedding Essential | Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress | Siena Mattress | Emma Hybrid Comfort | Studio by Leesa Mattress | |
| Rating | |||||||
| Firmness | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7/10 | Firm: 7.5/10 | ||
| Material | Foam | Foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Foam | Hybrid | Foam |
| Cooling | — | — | — | ||||
| Warranty | Lifetime warranty | Lifetime warranty | 10-year warranty | 15-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty | 10-year warranty |
| Shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping | Free shipping |
| Trial Period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 180 Nights | 365 nights | 100 nights |
| Best For | Hot Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hip Pain | Back Sleepers, Back Pain, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Couples | Back Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Hot Sleepers | Side Sleepers, Back Sleepers, Kids | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Hot Sleepers | Back Sleepers, Stomach Sleepers, Side Sleepers, Kids |
How We Chose the Best Affordable Mattresses
At Sleep Advisor, our mattress reviews are based on findings from in-person product tests.
My fellow testers and I will judge a bed’s performance across several categories, including support, bounce, motion isolation, and more.
To date, we’ve tested more than 150 beds, and our results have helped more than 2,500 readers find their next mattress.
For this roundup, we wanted to feature budget-friendly mattresses that we’d feel confident recommending—that is, they should be priced affordably without compromising on baseline quality.
What We Want to See in a Budget Mattress
Queen Sizes Around or Below $1,000
To qualify for a spot on this list, a mattress needs to be offered at a relatively low price. The cost of a mattress can vary greatly depending on its size, but queen-size mattresses are generally the most popular option. Therefore, we made sure to feature mattresses with queen-size models priced at $1,000 or less.
Third-Party Certifications
You’ll find that the mattresses on this list have important third-party certifications to ensure the materials in them meet stringent standards for health and safety. The most common certification you’ll find among these beds is CertiPUR-US®, which means the foam in the mattress is free of harmful substances and has low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions.
Good Performance
There’s understandable concern about whether or not a cheap mattress is going to be comfortable or durable. That’s why our testing process grades each bed across performance categories we can feel and measure.
Although certain beds will accommodate different sleepers better than others, we think the beds on this list should work for a wide variety of people.
Our Top Affordable Mattresses, Reviewed
Bear Original – Editor’s Pick
The Advisor Says: With a name that inspires hibernation, it’s no surprise we found the Bear Original to be an attractive all-foam mattress at its fair price. It’s got a firmer feel that’s sure to please folks looking for support—and a surprising amount of bounce.
Why the Bear Original Earned Best Cheap Mattress Overall
The Bear Original is one of the best options if you’re looking for a foam mattress that brings the support. Its firmer feel makes it a great pick for back and stomach sleepers—a rarity when it comes to foam mattresses.
A queen-size is currently valued at $998, but frequent discounts bring the price closer to $650.
Nectar – Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
The Advisor Says: We believe that Nectar offers a quality bed backed up by generous policies, and for under $1,000 for a queen (after discounts). If you’re looking for a firmer foam mattress on a budget, the Nectar Classic has you covered.
Why the Nectar Earned Best Cheap Mattress for Back Pain
Nectar was one of the first online mattress brands to highlight generous policies and dense foam layers at a budget-friendly price. Its flagship model, the Nectar Classic, is also a great bed if you’re dealing with back pain.
Its memory foam construction balances comfort and support, working to relieve pain as it cradles sensitive areas while keeping you lifted. It should also work great for couples, thanks to its high edge support and motion isolation scores.
It’s currently valued at $1,563 for a queen, but discounts often lower the price to approximately $650.
Brooklyn Bedding Essential – Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
The Advisor Says: Brooklyn Bedding packs everything you might want in a bed into the Essential, making it an apt moniker. We recommend this mattress to budget shoppers looking for a bouncy hybrid that’ll get the job done without breaking the bank.
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Essential Earned Best Cheap Hybrid Mattress
The Brooklyn Essential is a mattress that balances coveted hybrid features with a budget-friendly price. In fact, it’s one of the cheapest mattresses on this list, with a full-price queen selling for less than $1,000. (With discounts, this price can lower to around $650.)
Thankfully, its low cost doesn’t signal low quality. This bed was designed to be a simple yet reliable hybrid that will withstand years of use.
Silk & Snow Hybrid– Best Cheap King Mattress
The Advisor Says: Silk & Snow charmed our testers with their supple-yet-supportive hybrid mattress—not to mention their supply-line transparency and relatively low prices. This bed is cradling on top, bracing on the bottom, and its zoned support came through for the stomach sleepers among us. Its biggest drawbacks? Its motion isolation and cooling are simply average.
Why the Silk & Snow Hybrid Earned Best Cheap King Mattress
A king-size mattress often comes with a rather regal price tag that might deter some buyers. But the Silk & Snow Hybrid provides a royal sleep experience at just under $1,000 for a king, a rarity for high-quality mattresses. In fact, when certain sales are active, you can purchase a king for around $800 and a queen for around $700.
This hybrid bed is made in Canada and feels akin to many hotel mattresses. Its medium-feel and balanced support and softness should also make it a good match for most sleepers.
Siena – Best Cheap Memory Foam Mattress
The Advisor Says: For buyers on a budget, the Siena should be very appealing. It’s a simple, three-layer foam mattress with great motion isolation and a medium-firm feel. We don’t recommend it for heavier folks or for people who tend to sleep hot—both demographics will do better with a hybrid bed—but if you’re a light- to average-weight back or stomach sleeper, this is a great money-saving option.
Why the Siena Earned Best Memory Foam Mattress
The Siena is an all-foam bed that features a simple yet mindful construction; it’ll bring all the benefits of memory foam, like pressure relief and motion isolation, at a pretty decent price. A queen size is valued at approximately $800, but can sell for around $400 at the height of sales season.
Because the brand bypasses jazzy features that could ramp up the price, they can keep the cost of their mattress low while its feel stays comfortable and cool.
Emma Hybrid Comfort – Best Cheap Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
The Advisor Says: The Emma Hybrid Comfort is Emma’s answer to the affordable hybrid. With well-balanced performance scores, this bed should please a wide variety of budget shoppers, but especially those looking for a lifted, bouncy mattress.
Why the Emma Hybrid Comfort Earned Best Cheap Mattress for Stomach Sleepers
Not only is the Emma Hybrid Comfort an affordable mattress, it’s also (as its name spells out) a hybrid—so you get bracing foams on top of supportive springs at a cheap price. Its construction and firm feel make it a fitting choice for people who sleep on their stomach.
It’s worth noting that I, an infamous stomach sleeper, felt hardly any sinkage from this mattress. When I say it’s firm, I really mean it! But, when we used the pressure map during our testing, we saw that despite its bracing feel, it still delivered a surprising amount of pressure relief.
This bed costs around $1,500 for a queen at full price, but we’ve seen discounts that cut the cost to $700 or so.
Leesa Studio – Best Cheap Firm Mattress
The Advisor Says: The Leesa Studio is a firm, all-foam option that shouldn’t strain your wallet as much as its competitors. Although it’s probably too hard for side sleepers, back and stomach sleepers should enjoy its bracing foam foundation. Just don’t expect too many fancy extras or cooling components at this price.
Why the Leesa Studio Earned Best Cheap Firm Mattress
If you’re looking for a firm mattress, it doesn’t have to be uncomfortable, nor does it have to break the bank. The Leesa Studio mattress is a great budget option for firm fans. This all-foam bed is rated a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, a truly firm bed. But, it’s balanced out by the pressure-relieving foam at the top, which allows for a slight cradle while the supportive foams underneath work to keep you buoyed.
The Leesa Studio mattress is currently priced at $799 for a queen, closer to $600 with sales.
Other Cheap Mattresses We Tested
While these mattresses didn’t make our list, Each of these beds are great mattresses for shoppers on a budget. Check out our featured recommendations below.
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Compare Prices of the Best Affordable Mattresses
| Mattress | Best For? | Queen Price (with Sales) | Full Review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Original | Best Overall | $649 | Bear Mattress Review |
| Nectar | Back Pain | $659 | Nectar Mattress Review |
| Brooklyn Essential | Hybrid | $699 | Brooklyn Essential Review |
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | King Size | $700 | Silk & Snow Mattress Review |
| Siena | Memory Foam | $399 | Siena Mattress Review |
| Emma Hybrid Comfort | Stomach Sleepers | $659 | Emma Hybrid Comfort Mattress Review |
| Leesa Studio | Firm | $599 | Leesa Studio Mattress Review |
What Is a Budget Mattress?
We all work with different budgets, so what you might consider a budget option might not be as affordable for someone else. Therefore, when it comes to what is considered a budget mattress, we say that these fall into the range of $250 to $1,000 for a Queen. Additionally, a budget mattress should last five to seven years, depending on the frequency of use.
You can find budget-friendly mattresses in every bed type, including innerspring, memory foam, hybrid, and latex. However, memory foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be the cheapest.
Cheaper mattresses don’t always come with the fancy construction of those in higher price ranges, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t made with quality materials that should help you sleep well.
Advice from a Medical Expert
We asked Dr. Po-Chang Hsu his advice on important qualities to look for when shopping for a budget mattress.
“Key qualities of a budget mattress include support, firmness, durability, and material safety. A mattress with good support helps spine alignment and can alleviate pressure points, which may prevent and alleviate back pain. A budget mattress with good durability and warranty is more likely to retain its shape and support, which benefits the spine alignment of the sleeper. Finally, material safety is paramount when choosing a budget mattress. A mattress with low VOC emissions and certifications like CertiPUR-US suggests the mattress is not composed of harmful chemicals. As long as the budget mattress satisfies the criteria above (support, firmness, durability, and material safety), it is safe and healthy for sleeping.”
What to Look for in a Cheap Mattress
When shopping for a mattress on a tight budget, there are several factors to consider before hitting “add to cart.” Along with the price, you should also consider the type of mattress and other important features related to the quality of the product and how it is expected to perform for different needs and sleep styles.
Type of Mattress
Innerspring Mattress
Innerspring mattresses are the oldest and typically the cheapest type of mattress available. They consist of thinner comfort layers on top of a coil unit, which can have interconnected or pocketed (independent) coils.
A classic, no-frills innerspring is a good choice if you’re looking for a budget mattress without too many bells and whistles. Just be sure to monitor the bed for any sagging or poking from the coils.
Average Price: A few hundred dollars, especially for basic models with a short lifespan, and around $1,000 for more reliable versions.
Hybrid Mattress
Because they combine layers of foam with a supportive coil unit, hybrid mattresses can be tough to reconcile with a tight budget — they’re essentially two types of mattresses in one package.
Finding a cheap hybrid mattress may mean timing your search around holiday sales or scoping the internet for deals. You don’t want to compromise too much on the quality of the foams or the springs in the bed, so bypass any tempting offers that don’t share a lot of information about the bed’s makeup.
Average Price: Very few hybrids are available for less than $1,000. You’re more likely to pay $1,500 and up for these beds.
Memory Foam Mattress
Memory foam is best known for its ability to contour the body, creating a responsive “cradle” as you sleep.
Like innerspring mattresses, memory foam beds made of only foam layers are some of the most affordable mattresses out there. You’ll want to ensure the quality of the foam before you buy, so look for foams that have been CertiPUR-US® certified — this designation means that they’re free of certain harmful chemicals and pass emissions standards.
Average Price: Discounted and bare-bones models can go for around $500, but models with trustworthy and durable foams cost closer to $1,000 and up.
Latex Mattress
Latex mattresses incorporate latex foam, a poly foam alternative derived from the sap of rubber trees. It’s a relative newcomer to the mattress scene, and its advantages — heightened cooling, a comfortable yet springy feel, and impressive longevity, to name a few — mean it’s priced a bit higher than more traditional materials.
For many shoppers, the natural and eco-friendly origins of latex foam make it a desirable choice. However, as with all mattress materials, latex can be processed and utilized in different ways. Before buying, consider how a mattress brand manufactures and certifies their latex.
Average Price: You’ll typically pay over $1,000 for a quality latex mattress, so keep an eye out for deals if you’re looking for a budget model.
Other Considerations When Shopping for a Budget Mattress
Sleeping Position
Your preferred sleeping position is always an important factor to consider when shopping for a mattress.
Generally, we recommend softer beds to side sleepers who need something to relieve pressure on the shoulder and hip. Medium-firm beds, which provide a nice balance of firm support with softer pressure relief, are usually best for back and combination sleepers, and firmer beds that keep the hips lifted are better for stomach sleepers.
Weight/Body Type of Sleepers
You should always consider your body type and weight when shopping for a budget mattress.
While many heavyweight sleepers should be well served by the higher firmness levels in some budget mattresses, the extra weight may cause the cheaper materials and construction to break down more quickly. This may lead to issues with spinal alignment and the need to replace the mattress more quickly. Conversely, very petite sleepers may not sink into these beds as rapidly, but they should still look out for softer options so they experience enough cushioning to avoid that ‘sleeping on a rock’ feel.
Many average-weight individuals are likely to sleep fine on a budget mattress. Nonetheless, they will still want to consider the firmness level and how it correlates with their preferred sleep position before purchasing a budget bed.
Firmness
Firmness reflects how soft or hard a bed feels. Many budget beds have a medium-firm feel, which can serve a large population of sleepers.
However, it should be noted that many cheaper mattresses don’t offer multiple firmness options. Therefore, if you are someone who prefers a much softer bed, you may have issues finding one in a lower price range.
Cooling
Considering that many budget mattresses are made from memory foam or poly foams, which tend to trap heat, temperature regulation may be a big concern when shopping for a budget-friendly mattress. Although it may not be economically feasible for manufacturers to incorporate the same kind of cooling technology that they do in their higher-end models, many of them incorporate gel or other cooling materials in their budget mattresses to help keep sleepers from overheating.
Learn More: Best Cooling Mattresses
Motion Isolation
If you sleep with a partner or pet, preventing their nightly movements from waking you is a priority. Fortunately, many budget mattresses are made from memory foam, known for its motion-isolating properties. This means that many budget mattresses should do an excellent job keeping your partner’s movements from traveling to the other side of the bed.
Sex
Sexually active couples typically enjoy responsive beds. If your bed is responsive, it can be easier to move around during intimacy without feeling stuck. Further, the amount of bounce that a mattress possesses is another feature that can help make sex more enjoyable.
Beds made from innerspring coils and latex are likely to provide optimal performance for sex, but unfortunately, it may be somewhat difficult to find a suitable budget mattress with latex because most latex models are on the more expensive side. Many budget mattresses are made from foam, which is much slower to respond and may not have a lot of bounce.
If bounce and budget are top priorities, a great solution is a traditional innerspring bed, which can provide plenty of bounce at a lower price.
Pressure Relief
Pressure relief is important for sensitive areas like the shoulders, knees, and hips. If a mattress is too hard, pressure can build up around the parts of the body that come in contact with it because it won’t have enough contouring. However, mattresses that are too soft can allow sleepers to sink too far into a bed, and this lack of support may also cause abundant pressure.
Related: Best Mattresses for Pressure Relief
It’s important to look for a mattress to support you and disperse your body weight evenly. A good place to start is with medium-firm beds that typically provide the right balance of support and pressure relief to most sleepers, and fortunately, many budget beds have a medium-firm feel.
Edge Support
Couples and those who have a tendency to sleep on the edge of the bed will want to see if the outer perimeter has been reinforced. Reinforced edges are usually made by putting extra-strong coils or high-density foam around the outside of the bed.
However, this could be an area where budget mattresses decide to cut costs. Therefore, if this is an important consideration for you, you will want to ensure it’s a feature in the bed of your choice.
Read more about bed edge support here.
Budget and Value
The price of a mattress is the focal point here. Since we’re reviewing budget mattresses, we made sure all models have a Queen-size option with a general average near or slightly above $1,000. These beds reflect relatively cheap prices within the mattress industry while still offering technologies, features, and materials that make them worth the money.
Material Quality
Mattresses on the lower end of the price scale are often made with cheaper materials, such as lower-quality memory foam or poly foam. Additionally, cheaper all-foam mattresses are more likely to use fiberglass in their production as a way to meet flammability standards in a low-cost matter. While this isn’t necessarily a deal breaker, it does mean that you will have to be aware that there is potential for fiberglass to irritate your skin and respiratory system.
Discover our top mattresses without fiberglass
The mattress cover may also be made from cheaper materials, which could cause it to wear down faster. This could lead to early sagging in the mattress, which impacts its support and comfort.
Another component of material quality is third-party certifications. Many affordable mattresses still have important certifications like CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX, and GREENGUARD Gold. These certifications help ensure the mattress’s materials meet strict health and safety standards. However, some ultra-cheap mattresses may forego such certifications.
Learn more: Mattress Certifications Explained
Brand Reputation
No matter the price, it’s smart to look at the background of the brand you’re purchasing from. However, this can be even more helpful if you’re buying a more budget-friendly mattress for more peace of mind. Some things to consider are whether the brand is well-known, how long they’ve been around, whether they have generally positive customer reviews, and if they have any charitable or environmental initiatives that might be important to you.
Sleep Trial and Warranty
Sleep trials are an excellent way to make sure that your budget-friendly mattress will work for you. These trials can last anywhere from 100 to 365 nights, depending on the brand. We advise getting a bed with at least a 100-night trial to give you enough time to know if you like your mattress. If you don’t, you can send it back.
Sleep trials differ from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, make sure that you have a full understanding of the trial period for your specific mattress.
Warranties vary among manufacturers, but most are at least 10 years long. Like with sleep trials, you will need to read your warranty carefully to understand what it entails. However, having a warranty is a good sign that although your mattress may cost less, the manufacturer still stands by its durability.
How to Make a Cheap Mattress More Comfortable
- Add a mattress topper – A mattress topper is an excellent way of improving your sleep without buying an entirely new bed. Toppers can enhance your bed’s firmness and feel, pressure relief, support, and surface-level cooling.
- Rotate your mattress – Rotating your mattress should help you get even wear and tear. If you sleep in one spot only, you might eventually make a dent in that area of the mattress, so rotating it once or twice a year could help prevent that.
- Use an adjustable base – An adjustable base makes it easy to sleep on an incline by raising the head of the bed. This can make the mattress more comfortable to sleep on by easing pressure on the lower back. However, you should always double-check if your bed of choice is compatible with an adjustable base because not all beds are.
How could a cheap mattress impact someone’s sleep and/or overall health?
“While a cheap mattress may seem like a good choice for those with a limited budget, a mattress that compromises support, durability, and material safety can be a health hazard. A mattress that lacks support or durability can lead to improper spine alignment and issues such as back pain. A cheap mattress made of unsafe materials with higher VOC emissions can exacerbate allergies and respiratory issues. Compared to latex mattresses, cheap mattresses may have poor breathability, leading to overheating and poor sleep. An average adult spends one-third of their time a day in bed. Therefore, investing some money in a good mattress for sleep and health is crucial.”
Dr. Po-Chang Hsu.
Factors That Influence Mattress Prices
Mattress Construction/Design
Some mattress types are more expensive than others due to the complexity of their construction. For this reason, we often see hybrid and latex beds with higher price tags than innerspring and memory foam beds. A hybrid mattress is usually pricier than an innerspring because it contains more foam and is typically more comfortable, whereas latex is often pricier than memory foam because these beds usually incorporate more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing practices.
Mattress Materials and Features
Beds made of higher-quality materials are going to be more expensive than those made from cheap materials. Some materials are more expensive to produce, and a good example is latex. Latex is derived from natural sources and goes through an extensive process to become the latex we find in mattresses. Some features like a cooling cover and reinforced edges can also amp up the price.
Environmental Certifications
Mattresses with environmental certifications are more expensive than those without any. These certifications emphasize the quality and safety of the materials and the overall mattress, so it makes sense that a certified mattress is going to cost you more.
Shipping Costs
Most mattress brands have free shipping, at least within the contiguous United States. However, returns are sometimes not free, depending on the brand. Shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada is also not free in many cases, which can impact the overall price you pay for the bed.
Brands and Retailers
Some brands are more expensive than others. In some cases, it’s because they make higher-quality mattresses using better materials. Other times, it’s because the brand’s been around longer and has a well-known reputation.
How to Save Money on a New Mattress
Buy Online
Buying online gives you easy access to numerous mattress brands and models, but one of the biggest advantages is that it can save you money. When you buy online directly from the manufacturer, you’re cutting out overhead costs that can come up when shopping in a traditional brick-and-mortar store.
Shop During Holidays and Sales Events
Mattress companies typically provide deals throughout the year, but they offer even bigger savings around major holidays and sales events. Along with slashing mattress prices, many top brands will offer special bundle deals to include some accessories with your purchase. Some popular times for mattress sales include Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Do Your Research
Doing your research beforehand can also help you save on a new mattress. This might include narrowing down what’s most important to you as a consumer and picking out beds that align with those needs. For example, if you’re not a hot sleeper, it wouldn’t make sense to splurge on a very cooling bed.
It’s also helpful to look into any specific return policies and whether this might incur additional costs if you don’t like the bed. Most online brands offer generous sleep trial periods, but in some cases, you may have to pay a return shipping fee. This isn’t always the case, but it’s good to know beforehand to avoid unwanted surprises.
Who Should Consider a Cheap Bed?
People with a guest room – If the bed is for the guest room, quality and durability aren’t nearly as important because the mattress won’t be under the pressure of everyday use. This may mean that even if you’re spending less, you want something that feels like a great mattress for the money.
For More Details: Best Mattresses for Guest Room
Parents with teenagers – If the mattress is for a teenager, consider that they’ll likely be moving out of the house soon for college or their own apartment, and they may not need a long-lasting bed. However, if it’s for an adult, they may be more selective and require a higher-end experience.
College students – If you’re just using the bed while in college, it could be worth it to save for now. That way, when you graduate and get an apartment, you can then invest in a more luxurious mattress.
Who Shouldn’t Consider a Cheap Bed?
Heavy sleepers – Adults who are heavier will naturally put more weight and pressure on a bed. For this reason, if one or more of the sleepers weigh over 230 pounds, they’ll probably need a firmer and higher-quality mattress for maximum comfort and support.
For More Details: Best Mattresses for Heavy People
People who need advanced comfort and support – If you’re dealing with significant back pain or joint discomfort, you will likely want a higher-end mattress with enhanced construction to help you feel more comfortable. Cheaper beds may not have special features like a pillow top or zoned support, which is often helpful for those with back pain or joint sensitivity.
Price Ranges for Cheap Mattresses
Under $1,000
If you’re searching for a quality mattress under $1000, you have considerable options, especially if you’re buying online. We’ve found that online mattress companies are often able to offer premium quality at about half the cost of brick-and-mortar retailers because they cut out the middleman. In fact, many online mattress stores carry premium options at just under $1,000.
With this budget, you’re not limited to memory foam mattresses. People who love memory foam beds can get a top-of-the-line bed at this price range. When you’re buying a foam mattress, it’s important to remember that not all foams are created equal.
They come in varying density levels, and higher densities generally perform better than lower ones. While evaluating different brands, you’ll see numbers ranging from 2.5 to 7.0 pounds per cubic foot.
Low-density foams are not inherently awful; however, they usually contain less material, which is one of the reasons they’re cheaper. There’s less material, so these cheaper mattresses are also liable to soften quickly and lose support, shortening the life of the mattress. Low-density foam beds tend to last five years (or less), while medium to high-density foam could serve you comfortably for up to 10 years.
If you come across a cheap bed with low-density foam, don’t immediately discount it as low-quality. Many higher-quality mattresses have multiple layers of foam of varying density.
They work together, offering a combination of support and comfort to give you a superior night of sleep. For example, you may see a high-density foam for the base layer and a very low-density number for the top layer.
Under $500
There are some genuine mattress deals under $500 out there, but you’ll have to look a little harder and give up on a few of the luxury features.
You may be limited mostly to pure foam mattresses at this inexpensive price point, though there are a few notable hybrid exceptions. Overall, the materials won’t be high-end, and you’ll sacrifice some durability.
For example, the coils you might find in beds less than $500 may not maintain the same buoyancy and support as the years go by. The foam can also be a lower grade. Again, as we mentioned above, lower-density foams tend to degrade more quickly.
Another major consideration is how much support a cheap mattress might provide. In addition to breaking down faster, low-density foams tend to provide less support.
For some people, this isn’t a dealbreaker. People who like sinking into their mattress may find this beneficial, provided they don’t develop back pain. However, back and stomach sleepers, as well as combination sleepers who switch positions throughout the night, shouldn’t compromise on support.
Still, if you’re on a tight budget but don’t want to sacrifice too much quality, you can find a gem that won’t break your wallet or your back.
Under $300
While you can certainly get a fair-quality product in this price range, we may not recommend this route to everyone. Your options will be more limited, and the durability of these beds might be subpar.
Like the $500 group, you should find that these cheap mattresses are mostly memory foam, though again, there may be a few hybrids available. Again, the quality will not be the same as the beds that cost between $500 and $1,000. However, there are some instances where this might be your best bet.
For example, if you’re looking for a short-term bedding solution, you might not want to spend a lot of money. If you’re on a short-term lease, it’s for a college apartment, or you are extra budget-conscious, you may find yourself needing a bed at a lower price.
Under $200
Your options are going to be limited, but there should be a couple of choices. Again, you’ll be sacrificing durability and support by getting a mattress at this cheaper price, but if it’s genuinely a short-term buy, then it might make more sense than splurging on something pricier.
Like the ones around $300, you should find mostly memory foam beds at this price, along with a few hybrids with lower-quality materials.
One trick we should mention is that if you’re particularly budget-conscious, consider sizing down from a Queen to a Full. By scaling down, you may be able to save anywhere from $30 to $100.
Our recommended Queen mattress choice is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long. Full mattresses are 54 inches wide by 75 inches long.
Related: Best King Mattress
If you’re buying a bed for a kid or teen or if you sleep alone and don’t need much space, you can save money without sacrificing quality by downsizing.
Under $100
When looking for a mattress under $100, your options will be more narrow, but you still have some choices, including a blow-up air mattress. The best chance you have of finding something decent that isn’t an airbed is to check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace.
If you choose this route, it’s crucial to inspect the condition of the product before committing and be careful about who you’re talking to. While most transactions tend to be positive, it’s still critical to be cautious when meeting someone from the internet.
While buying a used mattress is not for everyone, it’s not uncommon to find a mattress from a barely used guest bedroom that’s still in excellent condition, so don’t lose hope.
We also advise cleaning the bed thoroughly before sleeping on it and possibly letting it air out before putting it on your bed frame. Throw one some fresh sheets, and you could enjoy a mattress that feels as good as new.
While it’s fun to find inexpensive treasures online, we do recommend purchasing a new mattress for the best sleep if your budget permits it. A quality product with fewer years on it could last you much longer and offer more bang for your buck in the long run.
Best Cheap Mattress FAQs
How long do cheap mattresses last?
Cheaper mattresses typically last five to seven years, though this will depend on factors such as whether the bed is used daily or only occasionally as a guest bed, as well as the sleeper’s body weight since added pressure could cause the materials to wear faster.
Therefore, it’s important to look for durable materials. Additionally, many budget mattresses provide warranties, and depending on what is covered, these warranties may help you replace your mattress if it wears out too quickly.
What should I look for in a cheap bed?
We mentioned Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace as options earlier. Not only can you find used mattresses on these platforms, but many local furniture stores also run specials advertising their beds at rock-bottom prices to attract a local market.
However, a good place to search for deals is on Amazon. As the world’s largest marketplace, you can find almost anything you need there, and it can often reflect some of the lowest prices. If you want to spend less than $500, Amazon may be a good place to start, as well as the web pages of many other mattress manufacturers.
Find Out More: Top Rated Beds on Amazon
What do you think of Ikea mattresses?
The Swedish furniture maker is known for their aesthetically pleasing, bare-bones furniture designed for modern spaces. While IKEA isn’t best known for their mattresses, their beds range from $159 to $899 and come with a 25-year limited warranty.
Within this range, they also offer innerspring, foam, and hybrid constructions. However, before you jump in your car and head over to your nearest store, it may help you to know that their mattress firmness levels are generally firm to medium-firm. This means that if you’re a side sleeper, you may not feel as comfortable, but if you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you may be able to find something you like.
Looking for more information? Read our Ikea mattress review.
Julia Forbes
Sleep Advisor Mattress Tester
About Author
Julia is a product tester at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.
Stomach Sleeper
Education & Credentials
- Certified Sleep Science Coach