Why Trust NCOA

Key Takeaways

• Our Reviews Team chose the Nectar Original as the best king-size mattress overall due to its affordable price and suitability for most sleepers.
• King-size bed pricing varies from just below $1,000 to luxury models priced at well over $2,000.
• Our recommendations for the best king-size mattresses of 2024 include options for different budgets, sleep positions, and firmness preferences.
• Our experts consider feedback from hands-on mattress testing and analysis, including pressure pad data.
• If you’re choosing a king-size bed because you sleep with a partner and want more room, it’s important to consider features like motion isolation and edge support.

Your sleep needs can change over time, and what you need from a mattress can change with new circumstances. If you are sharing your bed with a partner or child, a king-size mattress can provide both sleepers with the most space to stretch out. Whether you sleep differently than you used to—people 60 and older may require more daytime naps, sleep less at night, experience frequent insomnia episodes, and wake up more often—or have kept up the same lifelong sleep habits, a quality mattress is a crucial piece of the sleep equation. ^[1] Li J, et al. Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep Medicine Clinics. Nov. 21, 2017.

If your current mattress is starting to show signs of wear and tear, it may be time for an upgrade. And if you have the space and budget, a king-size mattress can provide plenty of room to stretch out whether or not you sleep with a partner. 

Waking up with aches and pains might be a sign it’s time to make a change. In this review, we share our expert take on the six best king-size mattresses based on our testing.  ^[2] Jacobson B, et al. Changes in Back Pain, Sleep Quality, and Perceived Stress After Introduction of New Bedding Systems. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. March 2009

Best king-size mattress in 2024

• Nectar Original: Best King-Size Mattress Overall
• DreamCloud Original Hybrid: Best Affordable King-Size Mattress 
• WinkBed: Best King-Size Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Saatva Classic: Best King-Size Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Helix Midnight: Best King-Size Mattress for Back Pain
• Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best Firm King-Size Mattress

Nectar Original: Best king-size mattress overall

Our expert take on the Nectar Original mattress

The Nectar Original has multiple layers of plush foam to help relieve pressure on the body and joints. ^[3] Bai D, et al. Relationship Between a Pressure Redistributing Foam Mattress and Pressure Injuries: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. Nov. 9, 2020 It’s a good pick for back and side sleepers but might not work for combination sleepers who switch positions frequently during the night or for people with mobility issues.

Nectar rates the firmness as medium-firm, and our Reviews Team agrees the mattress hits this sweet spot exactly. In testing, the mattress also performed well in keeping the spine in neutral alignment. Also, if you sleep with a partner and have different sleep schedules—an issue that can cause disruptions in sleep—the Nectar mattress provides some of the best motion isolation of all the models we’ve tested. ^[4] Elsey T, et al. The Role of Couple Sleep Concordance in Sleep Quality: Attachment as a Moderator of Associations. Journal of Sleep Research. Feb. 20, 2019.

If you don’t love memory foam’s sinking, contouring feel, this mattress may not be for you. Higher-weight folks might also have issues with sagging over time, based on the non-responsive nature of the foam revealed in testing.

The Nectar Original foam mattress has a classic memory foam feel, ideal if you’re looking for an ultra-soft surface that offers plenty of pressure relief. The bed-in-a-box Nectar Original has a medium-firm feel that’s ideal for most sleepers.

Our tester on the Nectar Original mattress:

“When sleeping on my side, the Nectar Original supports my torso and midsection well. I don’t feel crunched to one side when I am laying on my side.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• Side and back sleepers who appreciate the body-contouring pressure relief
• People who sleep hot
• Couples looking for better motion isolation to prevent partner-related sleep disruptions

Who should avoid it

• People who need extra support, especially in the lumbar region
• Anyone who doesn’t love the feel of memory foam

DreamCloud Original Hybrid: Best affordable king-size mattress

Our expert take on the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress

The DreamCloud Original Hybrid is a hybrid model with foam and innerspring layers designed to provide proper spinal alignment and comfortable support. A breathable quilted cushion top adds an extra layer of softness for an overall plush feel.

Despite its medium-firm rating, our Reviews Team felt the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress provided plenty of support and pressure relief for back and side sleepers. Testing revealed it’s a poor choice for stomach sleepers, though.

While a medium-firm mattress generally works well for most, whether it’s comfortable may depend on your body type. Based on our testing, we think it would work best for lightweight to medium-weight side and back sleepers who find firmer mattress models uncomfortable.

When it comes to motion isolation, it’s not the best-performing mattress, but it’s not the worst, either. We wouldn’t recommend it for couples with significant weight or height differences since you’re likely to feel big movements across the mattress.

The DreamCloud Original is a plush mattress ideal for those who prefer a softer sleep surface but still want solid support and pressure relief.

Our tester on the DreamCloud Original Hybrid mattress:

“I noticed that the top layer was definitely slower-moving, as if the pillow-top contains some type of traditional memory foam. The other layers were quick to respond, though.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• People who love memory foam’s soft, enveloping feel but also want plenty of support
• Side sleepers who need pressure point relief around the hip and shoulder areas
• Back sleepers who like a softer bed but don’t want to skimp on spinal alignment

Who should avoid it

• Stomach sleepers, since the surface is too plush to provide adequate support
• Those looking for top-notch motion isolation

Visit our DreamCloud mattress review.

WinkBeds Original: Best king-size mattress for side sleepers

Our expert take on the WinkBeds Original mattress

The WinkBeds Original is an all-around support pro, from mattress center to edge, including “extra-edge anti-sag support” that prevents sleepers from rolling off the sides of the mattress when sleeping or sitting.

It’s a good pick for most side, back, and combination sleepers. If you gravitate toward sleeping on your side but tend to toss and turn occasionally, the WinkBeds Original may work for you. Testing also showed the mattress does a good job of keeping the spine in neutral alignment and preventing joint-related pressure points in a side sleeping position.

Our Reviews Team felt the brand’s 6.5 firmness rating for the luxury firm model was accurate. If you’re a higher-weight sleeper or simply like a firmer feel, you may find the firm version of the WinkBeds Original to be a better fit for your sleep needs. It’s important to note that different body types may have different firmness preferences. What feels firm to a lighter-weight person may not feel as firm to a higher-weight individual.

One major advantage of the WinkBeds Original is its ability to isolate movement despite a hybrid construction. In testing, we found that the mattress provided very good motion isolation with little movement overall.

And while the bed won’t actively lower your body temperature, it’s better at dissipating heat than an all-memory foam mattress due partly to its gel-infused pillow top and breathable cover. It’s also our pick for the best cooling mattress for side sleepers.

The WinkBeds Original is a hybrid bed-in-a-box mattress with four firmness options: softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus. Its foam and innerspring layers provide plenty of full-body support and pressure relief. Our Reviews Team tested the luxury firm model.

Our tester on the WinkBeds Original mattress:

“When I am on my side, I feel like my hips and shoulders are resting on top of the mattress, but my spine remains relatively straight and feels very neutral.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• Side and back sleepers who crave extra support and pressure relief to help with aching joints
• People who tend to toss and turn at night or have mobility issues
• Hot sleepers who can’t stand the sweaty feel of non-cooling memory foam

Who should avoid it

• People on a budget
• Heavier sleepers who may prefer a firmer version of the WinkBed

Visit our WinkBeds mattress review to learn more.

Saatva Classic: Best king-size mattress for combination sleepers

Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress

The Saatva Classic is a luxury mattress packed with quality materials and coveted features. You can choose between three firmness options: plush soft, luxury firm (the option we tested), and firm. The mattress is also available in two height options: 11.5 and 14.5 inches.

In addition to health- and earth-conscious organic materials, the mattress has a zoned construction, so you feel supported regardless of how you sleep. The hybrid mattress also has an antimicrobial cover made of organic cotton and a natural, plant-based flame barrier.

Our Reviews Team found it the perfect option for combination sleepers, due to a responsive feel with minimal sinkage. Our testers noted the mattress offers the best support when the sleeper’s back is aligned with the mattress’s lumbar region. Because the mattress has plenty of bounce-back—which is great for combination sleepers—there’s a tradeoff regarding motion isolation.

Sleeping with a partner can be comforting, but picking a mattress that works for different sleepers can be challenging. The Saatva Classic is a high-end mattress that appeals to various folks, including back, side, stomach, and combination sleepers, making it a good pick for couples with different sleep styles.

Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress:

“When I sleep on my stomach, my spine feels neutral. I like that the mattress is soft, but I can still easily switch positions.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• Combination sleepers needing extra back support
• Sleepers with chronic pain who need both pressure relief and support
• People looking for a mattress made with non-toxic, eco-friendly materials

Who should avoid it

• Those who prefer a softer sleep surface
• Anyone whose top concern is motion isolation

Visit our Saatva mattress review to learn more.

Helix Midnight: Best king-size mattress for back pain

Our expert take on the Helix Midnight mattress

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress that combines supportive steel coils with multiple layers of various foams, including memory foam near the top and dense support foam at the base.

Our Reviews Team felt the mattress scored slightly higher in firmness than the advertised medium feel. Some sleepers might still find the medium-firm surface too soft—side sleepers in particular. Our testers also found the mattress allowed for ease of movement, which is a good feature if you have a chronic pain condition like arthritis or back pain.

What our testers loved most about the Helix Midnight was the gentle support. The mattress offers enough of a firm surface to prevent the sagging that can knock your spine out of alignment but also offers some softness for added comfort. Those who like the overall design and feel of the Helix Midnight but wish it were a tad softer may want to try the Helix Midnight Luxe with its built-in pillow top, which is our pick for the best mattress overall and the best mattress for back pain.

The Helix Midnight is advertised as designed for side sleepers, but we think it’s a better fit for back sleepers, especially those needing extra lumbar support to help with lower back pain. According to one 2021 review, a medium-firm mattress is ideal for people with back pain. ^[5] Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021

Our tester on the Helix Midnight mattress:

“I found the foam layers very responsive. When I slept on my back, it offered gentle support, which I found to be very comfy.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• People with aches and pains who need support with a soft feel
• Back, stomach, and combination sleepers
• People with chronic pain conditions who are looking for pressure relief

Who should avoid it

• Side sleepers, especially lighter-weight folks
• People who sleep hot

Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best firm king-size mattress

Our expert take on the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress

The Emma Hybrid Comfort has a firm feel—a 7.5, according to our Reviews Team—thanks to multiple layers of thick, dense foam. The addition of coils helps distribute weight, providing an even layer of support throughout the mattress. Our Reviews Team felt the firmer feel and construction make the mattress a good pairing for higher-weight individuals. A firmer mattress may also be a good fit for people who want plenty of back support but like the feel of a hard versus medium-firm sleep surface. ^[6] Hong T, et al. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress – An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology (Basel). July 8, 2022.

We also like the responsiveness of the mattress, a feature well-suited to combination sleepers. In testing, sleepers had no issues switching positions or moving around. While most people find a medium-firm mattress to be ideal, firmness is a preference. If you prefer a firmer sleep surface, the Emma Hybrid might fit your sleep style.

Our testers noted that they wouldn’t recommend it to people with back pain. Based on first impressions, they also had concerns about the durability of this mattress. The different layers seem to bounce back at varying speeds, which may lead to balance issues and sagging over time.

The Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress is an affordable pick that’s ideal for higher-weight sleepers because of its firm feel and zoned support design.

Our tester on the Emma Hybrid Comfort mattress:

“During testing, I found this most comfy for stomach sleepers because it is firm but lacks support in curvy areas of the spine in other sleep positions.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who will love it

• People who prefer a firmer sleep surface
• Higher-weight sleepers of all types
• Combination sleepers

Who should avoid it

• Side sleepers, especially those with joint pain
• People concerned about durability

How we test king-size mattresses

Our Reviews Team spent over 2,000 hours researching more than 100 mattresses, including king-size mattresses, and surveyed over 1,200 mattress owners to learn what is most important in a king-size bed. We also consult with experts to gain an understanding of what factors play a role in comfort, reducing chronic pain, and improving ease of movement in a mattress.

We conduct hands-on testing of every mattress we include in one of our reviews. Once we narrowed down our options to the best king mattresses you can buy online, we mystery shopped these mattresses and set them up in our testing lab. Using a standardized, 42-question testing form, we rated each model across a number of categories and created a scorecard using those scores. Then, by weighing those scores, we calculate one overall score for each mattress. Every mattress chosen for this round up has a minimum score of 8 out of 10.

• Firmness: Mattress firmness is typically rated on a 1 to 10 scale, with extra soft beds rating a 1 and extra firm a 10. Mattress firmness is  subjective, and what feels too firm to one person might be just right for another. Knowing this, we tried to describe our experience of the mattress in testing, to give shoppers an idea of what they might be able to expect from each model.
• Edge Support: If you are buying a king-size bed because you are sharing it with another person, and you are most comfortable when you can stretch out at night, edge support is a factor worth considering. This measures how little the edges of a bed collapse under the weight of a sleeper. This is also an important consideration for anyone with mobility limitations, as it is easier to get up out of bed if the edge can adequately support your weight. 
• Motion Isolation: Knowing that many people buy a king-size mattress because they plan to share their bed with a partner, pet, or child, we measured motion isolation in each model we tested. We did this by dropping a 10-lb weight on the bed while our tester laid on another part of the bed, then reported if the motion transferred throughout the mattress or was isolated to the spot where the weight was dropped. This factor is especially important to light sleepers who might be disturbed by their partner’s movements.
• Cooling capabilities: If you’re a sleeper who tends to run hot, it is worth considering how well a mattress regulates temperature. Some mattresses are naturally cooling, with innerspring coils and natural materials promoting air flow. The opposite is true of memory foam, which traps heat and can increase the temperature of the sleeper. Some brands improve the cooling capabilities with added materials. For example, gel-infused memory foam feels cool to the touch and phase change materials pulls heat away from the sleeper.

To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.  

We continuously test new mattresses each month and make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. Using a standardized, 42-question testing form, we evaluate each new model independently, rating it in the categories we feel are most important to a comfortable and supportive king-size mattress.

How to choose a king-size mattress

We chose the Nectar Original Memory Foam as the best overall king-size mattress, but we also know this mattress won’t be a good fit for every sleeper. There are many factors that play into what makes a mattress comfortable for each person, and personal preference is an important consideration before making a purchase. 

If you are looking for a new king-size mattress, here are some of the most important considerations to keep in mind. 

Firmness

Medium-firm mattresses are best for many, but since each person interprets mattress firmness differently, firmness in a mattress is subjective, changing from person to person. The right firmness level for you is what feels most comfortable, supporting a neutral spine, and helping you get a good nights’ sleep.  

Surface support

A supportive mattress fills the gaps between your body and the surface, providing reinforcement in the areas where you need it most. Many clinicians use the term “spinal alignment” to describe how a mattress supports the spine in a neutral position, which is comfortable for most. 

Responsiveness

Responsiveness in a mattress refers to how quickly the mattress bounces back after it is compressed. This can be especially important for sleepers with mobility issues or chronic pain, with a responsive mattress aiding in movement instead of leaving them feeling “stuck in” a mattress. 

Different kinds of king-size mattresses

A conventional, king-size mattress is 80 inches long and 76 inches wide, but there are different kinds of king-size mattresses that may be a better fit for certain situations. These are the different mattress sizes and styles available for king-size beds.

Standard King 

A standard King mattress is popular for sleepers sharing a bed with a partner, a child, or a pet. Standard King-size mattresses are 80 inches long and 76 inches wide.

Split King

A Split King mattress is the same size as a standard king but it is split down the middle. This is a popular choice for couples with different comfort preferences. It may also work well for light sleepers who prefer not to have any motion transfer when their partner moves in bed. A split king can work well with adjustable beds as well, check out our roundup of the best split king adjustable beds to learn more. 

California King

Because a California king is longer than a standard king but isn’t as wide, it may be a good fit for a taller person who has a smaller bedroom. These mattresses measure 84 inches long and 72 inches wide. 

Alaskan King

By far the largest king-size bed, an Alaskan king mattress might be comfortable for heavier people who share a bed with a partner or families who cosleep with more than one child. An Alaskan king-size mattress is 108 inches wide and 108 inches long.

RV King

An RV king is designed to offer more space than a queen while still fitting in an environment that is short on space. These mattresses specifically fit in an RV and measure 80 inches long and 72 inches wide.

Short King

A short king may also be called an RV king, but has slightly different dimensions than a true RV king. This mattress is 75 inches long and 72 inches wide, making it wider than a queen-size mattress but shorter than Twin XL, Full XL, Queen, and King beds.

Compare the best king-size mattresses as of 2024

*White glove delivery includes the delivery, unpacking, assembly, and placement of your new mattress or bed inside your home and the removal of your old mattress.

Bottom line

No matter what size mattress you’re buying, it’s important to consider factors like cost, materials, and trial periods. But your unique sleep preferences, including your go-to sleep position, can also impact the right mattress size for you. And that may mean you need to consider a king-size mattress. 

All the king-size mattresses on our list will be solid options, but some may suit your needs better than others. While the all-foam Nectar Original is our top pick for best king-size mattress due to its combination of comfort and value pricing, you might prefer a hybrid mattress, like the DreamCloud Premier or WinkBed. Ultimately, all the mattresses on our list have been extensively tested by our Reviews Team, so you can make an informed decision about the mattress that fits your needs and sleep style. 

Additional mattress shopping resources

• Best mattress for back pain
• Best mattress for side sleepers
• Best mattress for back sleepers
• Best affordable mattress
• Best mattress for shoulder pain
• Best mattress for hip pain

Frequently asked questions

What is the best king-size mattress?

Your ideal king-size mattress depends on your budget, preferred sleep position, and sleeping situation. Overall, we found the Nectar Original, DreamCloud Premier, and Saatva Classic are good options for most sleepers.

What is a reasonable price for a king-size mattress?

King-size mattresses provide more room to stretch, so they often have a higher price tag than other mattress sizes. In most cases, you should expect to pay between $1,000–$2,000. Luxury models typically run over $2,000.

What is the size of a king-size mattress?

A king-size mattress measures 76 inches by 80 inches. A California king is slightly longer but less wide at 72 by 84 inches.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org

Sources

1. Li J, et al. Sleep in Normal Aging. Sleep Medicine Clinics. Nov. 21, 2017. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5841578 
2. Jacobson B, et al. Changes in Back Pain, Sleep Quality, and Perceived Stress After Introduction of New Bedding Systems. Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. March 2009. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2697581/ 
3. Bai D, et al. Relationship Between a Pressure Redistributing Foam Mattress and Pressure Injuries: An Observational Prospective Cohort Study. PLoS One. Nov. 9, 2020. Found on the internet at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33166300/ 
4. Elsey T, et al. The Role of Couple Sleep Concordance in Sleep Quality: Attachment as a Moderator of Associations. Journal of Sleep Research. Feb. 20, 2019. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6702108/ 
5. Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/ 
6. Hong T, et al. The Influence of Mattress Stiffness on Spinal Curvature and Intervertebral Disc Stress – An Experimental and Computational Study. Biology (Basel). July 8, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9311775/