The best cheap mattresses under $500, tested and reviewed

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In 2025, there are more options than ever when it comes to budget mattresses, and we are committed to uncovering the most high quality. Gone are the days when "affordable" meant sacrificing comfort — today's sub-$500 options rival the best mattresses thanks to manufacturing innovations and fierce market competition. After immersing myself in budget sleep solutions — consulting sleep medicine specialists, spending countless nights testing 15 of the best cheap mattresses, and visiting a mattress factory — I've uncovered genuine gems that deliver where it matters most.

The standout Allswell Hybrid provides exceptional value with its minimal motion transfer and superior edge support — a dream come true for couples sharing a bed. Its firmer construction offers remarkable spinal alignment for stomach and back sleepers while keeping a cozy sleep temperature ideal for those who run cold at night. Side sleepers should consider the Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress. Its pressure-relieving comfort layer cradles hips and shoulders while still supplying essential support.

Learn more about how Business Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.

Our best cheap mattress recommendations

Best overall, hybrid: The Allswell Mattress - See at Walmart

Best overall, foam: Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress - See at Amazon

Best cooling: Zinus Cooling Comfort Hybrid Mattress - See at Amazon

Best for side sleepers: Siena Memory Foam Mattress - See at Amazon

Best for edge support: Novilla Bliss 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress - See at Amazon

Best upgrade: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress - See at Nectar

Best overall, hybrid

Not many hybrid mattresses cost less than $500. I tested five for this guide, and Allswell, a Walmart-exclusive brand, had the best offerings. The Allswell Mattress is the best cheap hybrid mattress I tested because I had the best sleep quality on it. However, it was too firm for side sleeping, my preferred position. So, I mainly slept on my stomach and back. If you're a side sleeper, you may find more comfort with the Allswell Luxe, which also stays well under the $500 threshold. It's thicker, softer, and very comfortable for all sleeping positions. Read our Allswell Luxe Mattress review for more details on how it stacks up.

The 10-inch Allswell mattress I recommend features a series of foam layers: a top layer of high-density CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam for support, gel-infused memory foam to keep you cool and relieve pressure, and comfort foam for added body contouring. The thick layer of individually wrapped coils offers support, durability, and airflow. Thin, high-density foam at the base adds durability to the bed.

The coils provided great edge support in our tests, and the motion isolation was also good, suggesting this is a smart choice for couples. 

The Allswell was among the hottest mattresses I tested and didn't dissipate heat well, which makes it great for people who tend to get too cold at night but not ideal for hot sleepers. 

Read my full Allswell Mattress review.

Best overall, foam

The medium firmness of the Zinus 12-inch Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam is ideal for different sleep styles and combination sleepers on a budget. I slept comfortably on the Zinus on my side, stomach, and back. In addition to being the best cheap foam mattress, it's our best mattress for couples on a budget. The edge support and motion isolation were impressive. You can feel comfortable laying on the edge when your partner hogs the bed, and their movements at night are less likely to disturb your sleep.

The Zinus Cooling Green Tea mattress features three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foam: cooling gel-infused memory foam, soft memory foam for pressure relief, and durable base foam. In my tests, the materials did a good job of keeping the mattress cool. 

The Zinus Cooling Green Tea mattress comes in four thicknesses, 6 to 12 inches. I tested the 12-inch mattress, and from my experience, I wouldn't recommend going thinner than 10 inches. Otherwise, you sacrifice support.

Best cooling

For hot sleepers on a budget, the Zinus Cooling Comfort Hybrid Mattress is a terrific value. This innovative bed consistently outperformed competitors in temperature regulation during our testing. Using a laser thermometer, we confirmed that this mattress stays remarkably cool overnight and rapidly dissipates accumulated heat when you shift positions.

The secret lies in its design. Three layers of CertiPUR-US certified foams work harmoniously: adaptable comfort foam, cooling gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief, and transition foam for balanced support. These rest atop individually wrapped coils that promote airflow while keeping proper spinal alignment. The OEKO-TEX-certified cover adds a final touch of breathability.

While marketed as medium-plush, I found it was closer to medium-firm — making it especially suited for back and stomach sleepers who need cooling comfort without sacrificing support. It earned a spot in our best mattresses for stomach sleepers guide. The Zinus Cooling Comfort has five thickness options, though we recommend the 10-inch and thicker models for optimal support.

The bed does have limitations: Motion isolation isn't its strongest feature, and the edge support is just average. Yet, these minor drawbacks are easily outweighed by its supportive comfort and outstanding cooling properties at a fraction of the cost of the other options in our best cooling mattresses guide.

Best for side sleepers

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress's softer-than-average feel makes it the best cheap mattress for side sleepers. I slept comfortably on my side, though my sleep quality was average. I especially liked that the bed stayed cool and dissipated heat, making it the best affordable cooling mattress option.

The Siena has three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam. It has impressive motion isolation, passing my bowling ball test and showing low vibrometer readings. The edge support isn't as remarkable, but still pretty good. The side sank significantly as I sat on it, but I felt supported as I lay on the edge. These factors suggest that Siena would serve couples well.

The setup was effortless, and the initial odor dissipated after a few days.

For more options, check out our guide to the best mattresses for side sleepers.

Best for edge support

Budget mattresses can have a reputation for weaker edge support, making simple tasks like putting on your shoes while sitting on the side and getting in and out of bed more difficult. The Novilla Bliss Memory Foam Mattress is the best cheap mattress for edge support; its edges sank less than the others, and I didn't feel like I was falling off when lying on the periphery.

With rare exceptions, I've found that 10 inches is the minimum thickness for a supportive mattress. The Novilla meets this threshold with 10 inches of CertiPUR-US-certified foam.

The Novilla Bliss is softer than average, making it great for side sleepers. While testing it, my sleep quality was average. I gravitated toward my side but also slept on my stomach a little. However, I wouldn't recommend this mattress for stomach sleepers because it lacks the support to align your spine.

While the Novilla isn't our top pick for couples, it's still an excellent mattress under $500 — it's around $300 — for people who share a bed. It passed my bowling ball test but had a high vibration reading on my vibrometer. These results suggest you won't be jolted awake as your partner moves at night, but you may still feel it. 

The setup was effortless. It only took about five minutes, and the initial foam odor dissipated by bedtime.

Best upgrade

Having slept on cheap mattresses for several months, I can tell you that $500 usually isn't enough to buy a mattress that can provide a consistent good night's sleep for most people. If you can spend just $150 more, you can get a much better night's sleep with the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress, the best cheap upgrade mattress I've tested. 

The Nectar also reigns as one of the best memory foam mattresses and is a top option among the best mattresses for back pain. It provides outstanding pressure relief and has a medium firmness that will appeal to most sleeping styles. I primarily slept on my side while testing it, and my back remained pain-free despite my history of back pain.

The Nectar mattress features three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers: a cooling top layer of memory foam, a middle transition layer for pressure relief, and a supportive foam base layer.

The motion isolation and edge support were excellent in my tests, making this a good choice for couples. However, hot sleepers may want to look elsewhere, as the Nectar Classic didn't dissipate heat well.

Nectar offers a yearlong trial and a lifetime warranty — the longest on this list — as well as free shipping and returns. 

Read my full Nectar Classic Mattress review.

What we're testing next

Mattress manufacturers are coming out with more and more options for budget-conscious shoppers, and we continue to test them to make the best cheap mattress recommendations. For our next round of testing, here's what we look forward to looking at.

Brooklyn Bedding Select 14 Inch Hybrid Mattress: I'm wrapping up week two of sleeping on the Brooklyn Bedding Select, and my body is adjusting to it. The cooling gel memory foam is doing an outstanding job of keeping me cool, though my sleep quality was poor during the first week of testing, a common issue when switching to a new mattress.

Kin by Tuft & Needle: Tuft & Needle has impressed us with its pricier offerings. The Kin is an Amazon-exclusive line with four thickness options. The thicker 10-inch and 12-inch queen foam options are out of our price range for this guide, but we're curious to see what the 8-inch foam offers in terms of support.

Wayfair Sleep mattresses: Virtually all of Wayfair Sleep's 70+ mattresses are under $500. We're intrigued by the many options that vary in firmness, thickness, and cooling materials.

What to look for in the best cheap mattress

Trial period: Only one mattress I tested was available in showrooms, and I don't recommend it. Since you can't try most cheap mattresses before you buy them, a long, risk-free home trial is crucial. Ensure there aren't any catches in the return policy, such as restocking or shipping fees.

Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least 10 years. Your mattress should remain free from major defects for at least that long. If it doesn't, you should be able to replace it free of charge. All mattresses in our guide have warranties of at least 10 years.

Firmness: Side sleepers, petite individuals, and older people prefer softer mattresses. Firm beds are better for stomach sleepers and heavier folks, and back sleepers fall in between. Finding a mattress that keeps your spine neutral while you sleep is key. 

Motion isolation and edge support: If you plan on sharing a bed with someone, motion isolation and edge support are necessary. A mattress with good motion isolation will keep you from being disturbed when your partner moves about. Good edge support gives you more space on your bed since you'll feel comfortable and supported even when lying on the periphery.

You won't find a perfect mattress for under $500. You need to be ready to compromise on comfort and quality. This may work for guest rooms and younger folks, but if you are older and suffer from aches and pains, I recommend spending more for a higher-quality mattress if you're able. Fortunately, many brands offer payment plans.

For more detailed buying advice, check out my article on how to choose a mattress.

How we tested the best cheap mattresses

I tested all the mattresses in this guide, sleeping on each for at least 14 nights. I tried the queen, the most popular bed size. Each mattress was subjected to a battery of tests to determine its comfort, motion isolation, edge support, and more.

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: I assessed a mattress's firmness based on my experience testing dozens of mattresses. I noticed which positions I was most comfortable in: my side, stomach, or back. Also, I wore a Garmin Forerunner 945 watch to track my sleep quality.

Trial and warranty: Beyond noting the home trial period and warranty length, I combed through the small print to find any catches, such as return shipping and restocking charges. Ideally, you should expect a 90-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. All the picks in our guide meet or exceed these minimums.

Motion Isolation: A mattress with good motion isolation will keep you undisturbed as your partner shifts. I have two tests for this. First, I dropped a bowling ball from 4 feet above the mattress, landing one foot from a soda can placed on the mattress. The bed didn't have very good motion isolation if the can fell over. If it stayed upright, the motion dampening was excellent. I also placed a vibrometer across the bed from where the bowling ball landed and compared the intensity of the vibrations. The Siena had the lowest vibration value at 6.8 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The Sleepy's Basic Innerspring Mattress was the worst at 8.5.

Edge support: I tested this in two ways. First, I sat on the edge of the mattress and measured how much it sank. If it dropped less than 4 inches, the edge support was pretty good. My other test was to lay on the edge and roll until I fell. If my body got beyond a 45-degree angle before falling, then the bed had good edge support.

Setup: I timed how long it took to set up the mattresses without help in the morning. At bedtime, I checked whether the "new bed smell" had dissipated or lingered. I also moved the mattress around several times and noted how much it flopped around, if it had handles, and other aspects that made it hard or easy to move.

Want to learn more? Check out our article on how we test mattresses.

Cheap Mattress FAQ

Are budget mattresses worth it?

While I've found you get what you pay for with mattresses, if you can only afford a budget mattress, it may be worth it. "There are budget-friendly mattresses that can be supportive and friendly to your wallet," said Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon. "I recommend looking for a medium to firm mattress with a good warranty."

It's also true that cheap mattresses aren't as supportive or comfortable as pricier beds and typically won't last as long. Sleeping on a budget mattress for a few nights here and there likely won't negatively impact you, especially if you're an average sleeper with no special needs like chronic pain or overheating when you sleep. Yet, if you're going to sleep on a bed every night, consider spending a little more on an option that will give you long-term comfort.

Should I consider a more expensive mattress?

If you can afford one, yes. Unless you're looking for a mattress for a guest room or aren't picky about comfort, you'll be better off with a more expensive mattress. Based on my experience testing over 100 mattresses, you should count on spending at least $1,000 on a mattress you plan on sleeping on every night for the next 10 years.

Where can I get a cheap mattress?

Your best bets for budget mattresses are online only brands like Novilla and Zinus, which provide quality queens under $500 with free shipping and generous trials. For even lower prices, check out big retailers during holiday sales, or consider Walmart and Amazon Basics house brands starting around $200. Shop during major holidays for up to 50 percent off, or look for older and floor models at local stores for steep discounts.

Are cheap mattresses comfortable?

After seven months of testing, I found some comfortable, cheap mattresses. Yet none offered the zoned support I crave. "Inexpensive mattresses can be comfortable," said Huff. "Ideally, look for a mattress with a return policy in case you notice discomfort one to two months in."

When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Retailers are always looking for reasons to have mattress sales. Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Prime Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday are great times to buy a mattress because manufacturers offer great sales. Since new lines are usually launched in June, spring is a smart time to get good deals on older models.

Check out our regularly updated best mattress sales article for the latest deals.

What mattress types are less expensive than others?

All the mattresses I recommend in this guide are made primarily of foam except one. All-foam mattresses are cheaper than the hybrid, latex, adjustable air, and innerspring models. I found no latex or adjustable air models for under $500. I considered six hybrid or innerspring models; the only ones I recommend are from Allswell (the Allswell and the Allswell Luxe) and Zinus.

What is the average price of a mattress?

The median price for the 13 mattresses in my best mattress guide is $1,499, the price for my top pick, the Leesa Sapira Hybrid. Check out our article on how much mattresses cost for more details.

Do cheap mattresses have fiberglass?

Some cheap and pricier mattresses contain fiberglass, typically used as insulation or a fire retardant in mattresses. When directly exposed to the ultra-fine material, if you remove a mattress cover or it rips, it can cause upper respiratory, eye, and skin irritation. Here's the info I could track down for the mattresses in this guide:

• Allswell: According to an email correspondence with a Walmart rep, Allswell mattresses do not contain fiberglass.
• Zinus: Newer versions do not contain fiberglass; instead, they opt for a carbon-rayon sleeve. You can read Zinus' statement regarding its use of fiberglass. 
• Novilla: According to a company representative, none of Novilla's mattresses contain fiberglass. The mattresses feature fire-retardant cotton.
• Siena: Siena does not contain fiberglass.
• Nectar: Nectar no longer uses fiberglass in its mattresses. Instead, they use rayon as a fire retardant. There is, however, an ongoing suit about fiberglass exposure.

Best overall, hybrid: The Allswell Mattress

 

There aren't many hybrid mattresses under $500; we tested three for this guide, and this Walmart brand hybrid was the best. I had the best sleep quality on this bed, but it was too firm for side sleeping, my preferred position. So, I mainly slept on my stomach and back. If you're a side sleeper, you may want to check out the 12" Allswell Luxe. We often see it on sale for under $400. It's thicker, softer, and very comfortable for all sleeping positions. Read our Allswell Luxe review for more details on how it stacks up.

The base Allswell we recommend has two layers: a top layer of charcoal and copper gel-infused, CertiPUR-US-certified memory foam to keep you cool and a bottom layer of individually wrapped coils for support, durability, and airflow. The coils provided great edge support in our tests, and the motion isolation was also good, suggesting this is a smart choice for couples. 

The Allswell was among the hottest mattresses we tested and didn't dissipate heat well, which makes it great for people who tend to get too cold at night but not ideal for hot sleepers. 

Read our full Allswell Mattress review.

Best overall, foam: Zinus 12 Inch Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam Mattress

 

For an affordable foam mattress, the medium firmness of the Zinus 12-inch Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam is ideal for a broad range of sleepers, making it well-suited to different sleep styles and combination sleepers. It's also our top pick for couples. The main features to evaluate when assessing how well a mattress suits couples are edge support, motion isolation, and firmness. The Zinus checks all the boxes.

While sleeping on it, I was comfortable on my side, stomach, and back. The edge support and motion isolation were among the best mattresses under $500 that we tested, so you can still feel comfortable laying on the edge when your partner hogs the bed, and their movements at night are less likely to disturb your sleep.

The Zinus Cooling Green Tea mattress features three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam: cooling gel-infused memory foam, soft memory foam designed to offer pressure relief, and durable base foam. In my tests, the materials did a good job of keeping the mattress cool. 

It comes in four thicknesses, from 6 inches to 12 inches. I tested the 12-inch mattress, and from my experience, I wouldn't recommend going thinner than 10-inches. Otherwise, you sacrifice support.

Best edge support: Novilla Bliss 10 Inch Memory Foam Mattress

 

At $300, the Novilla Bliss Memory Foam Mattress is the cheapest mattress we recommend. It also has the best edge support. A bed with outstanding edge support offers more space between you and your partner, as you can feel comfortable lying on the edge. It makes putting your shoes on while sitting on the side easier and helps you get in and out of bed. The Novilla's edge sank less than the other models in this guide, and I didn't feel like falling off when lying on the periphery.

With rare exceptions, I've found that 10 inches is the minimum thickness for a supportive bed. The Novilla meets the bare minimum with 10 inches of CertiPUR-US-certified foam.

The Novilla Bliss is softer than average, making it great for side sleepers. While testing it, my sleep quality was average. I gravitated toward my side but also slept on my stomach a little. However, I wouldn't recommend this mattress for stomach sleepers because it lacks the support to keep your spine aligned.

While the Novilla isn't our top pick for couples, it's still an excellent mattress under $500 for people who share a bed. It passed my bowling ball test but had a high vibration reading on my vibrometer. These results suggest you won't be jolted awake as your partner moves at night, but you may still feel it. 

The setup was effortless. It only took about five minutes, and the initial foam odor dissipated by bedtime.

Best for side sleepers: Siena Memory Foam Mattress

 

The softer-than-average feel of the Siena Memory Foam Mattress makes it an ideal mattress under $500 for side sleepers. I slept comfortably on my side, though my sleep quality was average. I especially liked that the bed stayed cool and dissipated heat, second only to our best cooling pick.

The $400 Siena has three layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foam. It had impressive motion isolation, passing my bowling ball test and showing low vibrometer readings. The edge support wasn't as impressive but was still pretty good. The side sank significantly as I sat on it, but I felt supported as I lay on the edge. These factors suggest the Siena would serve couples well.

The setup was effortless, and the initial odor dissipated after a few days.

Best cooling: Lucid 10 Inch Memory Foam Plush Mattress

 

To test the best cooling mattresses, I use a laser thermometer to measure the surface temperature before I sleep on it and compare it to the temp right after I get up. Then, I measure it again 2 minutes later to assess how well it dissipates heat. Only two mattresses stayed cool and dissipated heat well: the Siena above and the Lucid 10-inch Memory Foam Plush Mattress. The Lucid did the best overall.

The $350 Lucid Plush mattress gets its cool feel from the top layer of gel-infused memory foam. Below is a layer of transition foam, then a bamboo charcoal-infused base foam for durability. All foams are CertiPUR-US-certified.

You can pick from three firmness options: firm, medium, and plush. I chose plush because softer mattresses help align my spine when on my side. Stomach and back sleepers may want to opt for the firmer options. 

The Lucid mattress passed my bowling ball test for motion isolation. However, the edge support was awful. The edge sank significantly, and I felt uncomfortable sitting or laying on it like I would fall off.

While the mattress was easy to set up, the initial odor stuck around after I unboxed it. Another negative is the short trial period: only 30 nights.

Best upgrade: Nectar Memory Foam Mattress

 

Having slept on cheap mattresses for several months, I can tell you $500 usually isn't enough to buy a mattress that can provide a consistent good night's sleep for most people (though experts may disagree.) If you can spend just $200 more, you can get a much better night's sleep with the Nectar Memory Foam Mattress, the best mattress I've tested for under $1,000.

The Nectar is featured in our guides to the best memory foam mattresses and best mattresses for back pain because it provides outstanding pressure relief and has a medium firmness that will appeal to most sleeping styles. I primarily slept on my side while testing it, and my back remained pain-free despite my history of back pain.

The Nectar mattress features three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers: a cooling top layer of gel memory foam, a middle transition layer for pressure relief, and a supportive foam base layer. Even when my bedroom was hot, I stayed cool while sleeping on the Nectar. When I got up, the heat dissipated quickly.

The motion isolation was excellent in our tests, and the edge support was good but not great. Still, this is a good choice for couples. 

Nectar also offers a yearlong trial and a lifetime warranty — the longest of any other mattress on this list — as well as free shipping and returns. 

Read our full Nectar Mattress review.

What to look for in an affordable mattress

Trial Period: Only one mattress I tested was available in showrooms, and I don't recommend it. Since you can't try most cheap mattresses before you buy them, a long, risk-free home trial is crucial. Ensure there aren't any catches in the return policy, such as restocking or shipping fees.

Warranty: Look for a warranty of at least 10 years. Your mattress should remain free from major defects for at least that long. And, if it doesn't, you should be able to replace it free of charge. All of the mattresses in our guide have warranties of at least 10 years.

Firmness: Side sleepers, petite individuals, and older people tend to prefer softer mattresses. Firm beds are better for stomach sleepers and heavier folks, and back sleepers fall in between. The key is finding a mattress that keeps your spine neutral while you sleep. 

Motion isolation and edge support: If you plan on sharing a bed with someone, motion isolation and edge support are necessary. A mattress with good motion isolation will keep you from being disturbed when your partner moves about. Good edge support gives you more space on your bed since you'll feel comfortable and supported even when lying on the periphery.

You won't find a perfect mattress at the under $500 price point. You need to be ready to compromise on comfort and quality. This may work for guest rooms and younger folks, but if you are older and suffer from aches and pains, we recommend spending more for a higher-quality mattress if you're able. Fortunately, many brands offer payment plans.

For more detailed buying advice, check out our article on how to choose a mattress.

Our affordable mattress testing methodology

I tested all the mattresses in this guide, sleeping on each for at least 14 nights. I tried the queen size of each mattress, the most popular bed size. Each mattress was subjected to a battery of tests to determine its comfort, motion isolation, edge support, and more.

Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:

Attribute	The Allswell	Zinus Cooling Green Tea	Novilla Bliss	Siena	Lucid Plush	Nectar
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest)	7	5.5	5	5	4	6
Motion isolation (1 awful to 10 best)	7	6	7	9	8	8
Edge support (1 awful to 10 best	7	6	9	6	1	7
Heat dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool)	4	7	5	8	9	7
Trial period (nights)	100	100	100	180	30	365
Warranty (years)	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years	10 years	Lifetime

Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:

Comfort: I assessed a mattress's firmness based on my experience testing dozens of mattresses. I paid attention to which positions I was most comfortable in: my side, stomach, or back. Also, I wore a Garmin Forerunner 945 watch to track my sleep quality.

Trial and warranty: Besides noting the home trial period and warranty length, I combed through the small print to find any catches, such as return shipping and restocking charges. Generally, you should expect a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty. 

Motion Isolation: This aspect is important if you share a bed. A mattress with good motion isolation will keep you undisturbed as your partner shifts at night. I have two tests for this. First, I dropped a bowling ball from 4 feet above the mattress, landing one foot from a soda can placed on the mattress. The bed didn't have very good motion isolation if the can fell over. If it stayed upright, the motion dampening was excellent. I also placed a vibrometer across the bed from where the bowling ball landed and compared the intensity of the vibrations. The Siena had the lowest vibration value at 6.8 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity scale. The Sleepy's Basic Innerspring Mattress was the worst at 8.5.

via GIPHY

Edge support: I tested this in two ways. First, I sat on the edge of the mattress and measured how much it sank. If it sank less than 4 inches, the edge support was pretty good. My other test was to lay on the edge and roll closer to the edge until I fell. If my body got beyond a 45-degree angle before falling, then the bed had good edge support.

Setup: I timed how long it took to set up the mattresses without help in the morning. At bedtime, I checked whether the "new bed smell" had dissipated or lingered. I also moved the mattress around several times and noted how much it flopped about, if it had handles and, other aspects that made it hard or easy to move.

Want to learn more? Check out our article on how we test mattresses.

Cheap mattress FAQs

Are budget mattresses worth it?

While I've found you get what you pay for with mattresses, if you can only afford a budget mattress, it may be worth it. "There are budget-friendly mattresses that can be supportive and friendly to your wallet," said Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based board-certified orthopedic surgeon. "I recommend looking for a medium to firm mattress with a good warranty."

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Are cheap mattresses comfortable?

After 5 months of testing, I found some cheap mattresses that are comfortable. Yet, none offered the zoned support I craved. "Inexpensive mattresses can be comfortable," said Huff. "Ideally, look for a mattress with a return policy in case you notice discomfort 1 to 2 months in."

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Should I consider a more expensive mattress?

If you can, yes. Unless you're looking for a mattress for a guest room or aren't picky about comfort, you'll be better off with a more expensive mattress. Based on my experience testing over 70 mattresses, you should count on spending at least $1,000 on a mattress you plan on sleeping on every night for the next 10 years.

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When is the best time to buy a mattress?

Retailers are always looking for reasons to have mattress sales. Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Prime Day, and Black Friday/Cyber Monday are great times for buying a mattress because manufacturers offer great sales. Since new lines are usually launched in June, spring is a smart time to get good deals on older models.

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What mattress types are less expensive than others?

All the mattresses I recommend in this guide are made primarily of foam except one. All-foam mattresses tend to be cheaper than the hybrid, latex, adjustable air, and innerspring models. I found no latex or adjustable air models for under $500. I tested three hybrid or innerspring models for consideration, and I only recommend one, the Allswell.

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Are spring or foam mattresses better?

It depends and comes down to personal preference. Hybrid and spring mattresses tend to be more durable, supportive, and breathable with a bit of bounce. Foam mattresses are usually more affordable and do a good job of cradling your body, offering the "sinking in" feeling that some sleepers enjoy.