You can easily spend upwards of $1,000 on a mattress, but it’s definitely not necessary. No matter what the salespeople at chain mattress stores may tell you, there are plenty of high-quality, comfortable mattresses that won’t break your budget.
We scoured the internet for the best cheap mattress reviews and rounded up the best, most comfortable options. Mattresses can cost anywhere from $200 to nearly $2,000, but we paid attention to the more affordable mattress options that’ll give the most bang for your buck.
And if you aren’t in desperate need of a new mattress, definitely wait until Black Friday, Labor Day, and Memorial Day sales. These are usually the best times to save on mattresses.
For even more deals, read up on our other best value guides, like lists for cheap coffee makers and affordable couches. Also, download the KCL app to get all our best tips sent right to your phone.
Our Favorite Cheap Mattresses:
- 10-Inch Arviso Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
- Spa Sensations by Zinus Serenity 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
- Zinus 10-Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
- HAUGESUND Spring Mattress
- Chime 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress
- Allswell 10-Inch Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress
- Sleepy’s Rest 9.5-Inch Firm Innerspring Mattress
1. 10-Inch Arviso Medium Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
With more than 11,900 5-star reviews, this memory foam mattress ($163.99, Wayfair) has medium support and is made with three layers of hypoallergenic gel memory foam to keep you cool. It arrives rolled up in a box but expands to full size within 72 hours of unrolling. Plus, the price includes a 10-year limited warranty.
Keep in mind that the twin size of this mattress can support up to 250 pounds total, and all the other sizes support up to 500 pounds total.
Related: We’re Obsessed With These Cheap Microwaves Under $100
2. Spa Sensations by Zinus Serenity 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress
This luxurious memory foam mattress ($240, Walmart) is so comfortable, reviewers swear it feels like it’s a high-end brand. It’s made with memory foam specifically designed to relieve pressure points and conform to your body shape. The foam contains green tea extracts and active charcoal that help keep odors away and the mattress clean. It even comes with a 10-year warranty and ships for free.
If you’re on a really tight budget, you can save even more by getting the 8-inch option ($179 for a full) instead.
3. Zinus 10-Inch Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
A nice feature of this medium-firm memory foam mattress ($237.30, Walmart) is that it’s made with cooling foam to keep even the hottest sleepers comfortable all night. The mattress ships in a box and can take up to 72 hours to fully expand. If you’re hesitant about buying a mattress in a box, 60% of Walmart shoppers gave this mattress a perfect five stars.
“This mattress provides complete support for my lower back as well as all other areas,” one reviewer writes. “No transfer of motion, no squeaks, and very easy to change positions.”
4. HAUGESUND Spring Mattress
This medium-firm spring mattress ($279, Ikea) has 575 5-star reviews, with many reviewers commenting on how well it holds up over time. (But for good measure, the mattress also comes with a 10-year limited warranty). It’s made with individually wrapped pocket springs, which means you can toss and turn without disturbing your partner. We like that it’s compatible with both slatted platform beds and boxsprings.
In-home delivery from Ikea is pretty pricey, but if you live near a store location you can order online and pick up the mattress for free. To save even more at Ikea, use the Ikea credit card for an extra 5% off.
5. Chime 12-Inch Hybrid Mattress
This ultra-plush hybrid innerspring mattress ($289.99, Ashley Furniture) provides the same support as a traditional coil mattress but easily contours to your body for a comfortable night’s sleep. A layer of gel memory foam keeps the mattress firm enough to provide support while keeping you cozy all night long.
Reviewers say the mattress in a box is very easy to set up and surprisingly comfortable. One reviewer said this mattress works well with an adjustable bed frame. Plus, new customers can get up to $100 off their first order when they sign up for emails.
6. Allswell 10-Inch Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress
With more than 2,600 5-star reviews and an under $300 price tag, this bed in a box ($299, Walmart) is an incredible deal. It’s made with memory foam for comfort, individually wrapped coils for support, and a top layer of copper gel to keep you cool all night long. Reviewers say it’s easy to unbox and “assemble” (which basically just includes letting it inflate on its own for several hours). Also, many have commented that it doesn’t have that plastic smell that most other boxed mattresses have for a few weeks.
“It’s just the right amount of coil and just the right amount of foam,” says one reviewer. “Cool to the touch and comfortable.”
7. Sleepy’s Rest 9.5-Inch Firm Innerspring Mattress
While this mattress ($359.99, Mattress Firm) has 2,550 perfect reviews and an extra-supportive coil system, the true highlight is the pressure relief system. It combines 1.6 inches of breathable foam and the brand’s “energy foam” that’s supposed to distribute weight and body heat evenly so that you feel cool and supported. It comes with free silver service delivery that you can schedule any time you like and also includes a 5-year warranty.
Tell us what you think