If shopping for the best mattress has given you sticker shock, consider this: The most expensive mattress sold in retail stores in the United States is a completely handmade $400,000 model from a brand called Hästens. It's said the store will send employees to your home periodically just to fluff it. Most of us don’t want or need a six-figure mattress (although the fluffing might not be bad). But knowing the difference between the best affordable mattress and one that will need replacing in a few years isn’t always obvious. 

It’s not difficult to overpay for a mattress. “The MSRP of most mattresses is two to three times what they actually cost to make,” said Andy Bloom, owner of Home Mattress Center, which has locations in Wilmington and Newark, Delaware. The price depends on a lot of factors: materials, construction, special features like cooling or zoned support. “Still,” Bloom said, “you can get a  decent queen set for less than $1,000 if you know what to look for.” 

We tested a range of mattresses and found eight that fit our criteria for the best affordable mattresses. Our overall pick, the Nectar Memory Foam, had the highest testing score of any mattress we tested—and one of the lowest prices. Find out how we tested and chose our winners, and what you need to know about buying a quality mattress for less.

Best Overall

Nectar Memory Foam

9.9 out of /10

Features high quality materials and a medium-firm feel and earned the highest overall score in our testing

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Best Memory Foam

Leesa Original

8.3 out of /10

High quality memory foam at a budget-friendly price with value perks like free shipping and a lifetime warranty

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Best Hybrid

Helix Midnight

8.7 out of /10

Great pressure relief for all positions while also offering the durability of a higher-end hybrid at a lower cost

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Best affordable mattresses

• Nectar Memory Foam: Best Affordable Mattress Overall 
• Leesa Original: Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress
• Helix Midnight: Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress
• DreamCloud Classic Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress in a Box
• Bear Original: Best Affordable Cooling Mattress
• Saatva Classic: Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers
• Silk & Snow: Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers
• Plank Firm: Best Affordable Firm Mattress

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Comparing the best affordable mattresses

Top features of the best affordable mattresses

We looked for the following features when choosing the best affordable mattresses

Nectar Memory Foam: Best Affordable Mattress Overall

We chose the Nectar Memory Foam as the Best Affordable Mattress Overall because it delivers a lot of value for a highly affordable price (under $700). It also earned the highest overall score of any mattress in our tests. 

Nectar Memory Foam

Best Overall

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• Nectar Mattress Review
• Gel-infused foam is designed to reduce heat buildup

• Great for couples due to its excellent motion isolation
• Medium-firm feel for balanced support

Nectar Memory Foam features

• Our pain relief score: 4.31/5
• Accessibility score: 4.3/5
• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent value for the price
• Great motion isolation
• Supportive in multiple sleep positions

Cons

• Lying edge support feels weaker than seated edge support
• May feel too firm for people who prefer a very soft mattress
• Limited airflow despite staying cool

Leesa Original: Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress

We chose the Leesa Original as the Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress because of its superior support, comfort, and cooling for just under $1,000 for a queen size. While it is slightly costlier and less responsive than our overall winner (the Nectar Memory Foam), the Leesa Original still earned top scores in our tests.

Leesa Original

Best Memory Foam

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• Memory foam construction designed for pressure relief
• Strong edge support for a foam mattress

• Cooling performance rated 4/5

Leesa Original features

• Our pain relief score: 4/5
• Accessibility score: 3.5/5
• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 5-7/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Budget pricing (a queen size is just under $1,000)
• Excellent pressure relief for back and side sleepers
• Free shipping and lifetime warranty add strong value

Cons

• Not great for stomach sleepers
• May not have enough support for sleepers with a higher weight
• Does not do much to dampen motion

Helix Midnight: Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress

We chose the Helix Midnight as the Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress because it delivers the feel and features of a premium bed at a lower price. At $1,373 for a queen mattress, it costs less than many hybrids while still feeling well-made and supportive. 

Helix Midnight

Best Hybrid

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• Helix Mattress Review
• Strong, stable edges

• Even pressure relief for any position
• Strong edge support with reinforced piping

Helix Midnight features

• Our pain relief score: 4.5/5
• Accessibility score: 4/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Great all-around pressure relief
• Supportive edges for sitting and sleeping
• Feels more luxurious than many budget options

Cons

• Not very responsive 
• Motion isolation is only average
• White-glove delivery not available

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress in a Box

We chose the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid as the Best Affordable Mattress in a Box because it delivers premium features at a price most people can actually afford. At just $699 for a queen, it’s one of the least expensive beds we tested. 

Dream Cloud Classic Hybrid

Best Mattress in a Box

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• DreamCloud Mattress Review
• Lowest-priced hybrid mattress on our list
• Excellent support for back and stomach sleepers

• 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty
• Optional white glove delivery for $199

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid features

• Our pain relief score: 3.9/5
• Accessibility score: 3.9/6
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6.5/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent price for a hybrid
• Longest trial period in the industry
• Responsive and easier to move on

Cons

• Weak edge support
• Some motion transfer from coils
• Not a good fit for those who need extra edge stability

Bear Original: Best Affordable Cooling Mattress

We chose the Bear Original as the Best Affordable Cooling Mattress because it delivers top-tier temperature control at a reasonable price. Many memory foam beds trap heat. But this one had the lowest recorded temperature increase of any mattress we tested, with an under-$1,000 price tag that makes it a real bargain

Bear Original

Best Cooling

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• Bear Mattress Review
• Perfect 5/5 cooling score with minimal heat retention

• Supportive of all sleep positions
• Made without fiberglass in the U.S.

Bear Original features

• Our pain relief score: 3.4/5
• Accessibility score: 3.5/5
• Mattress type: Memory foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 7.1/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Superior cooling technology
• Good motion isolation for shared beds
• Compatible with adjustable beds

Cons

• Edge support could be stronger
• Firm feel may not suit all sleepers
• Less pressure relief than hybrid models

Saatva Classic: Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers

We chose the Saatva Classic as the Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers because it delivers top comfort and support at a price that still offers strong value. While it is the highest-priced bed on our list, frequent sales and free white-glove delivery make it feel more like a best-value mattress than a luxury splurge. 

Saatva Classic Luxury Firm

Best for Side Sleepers

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• Saatva Mattress Review
• Available in three firmness levels

• Great pressure relief for all positions
• Free white-glove delivery and a 365-night trial

Saatva Classic features

• Our pain relief score: 4.9/5
• Accessibility score: 4.6/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 6/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Excellent pressure relief for side sleeping
• Strong edge-to-edge support
• Feels high-end for a best budget mattress

Cons

• Bounce may disturb very light sleepers
• May trap heat

Silk & Snow Hybrid: Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers

We chose the Silk & Snow Hybrid as the Best Affordable Mattress for Back Sleepers because it delivers reliable back support and other features at a bargain price. This hybrid mattress excelled in most of our testing categories but costs significantly less than most hybrid mattresses. 

Silk & Snow Hybrid

Best for Back Sleepers

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• Great value for the money, including a 365-night sleep trial
• Superior pressure relief for back

• Strong edge support and good motion isolation

Silk & Snow Hybrid features

• Our pain relief score: 4.1/5
• Accessibility score: 3.9/5
• Mattress type: Hybrid
• Brand’s firmness rating: 5/10

Pros and cons

Pros

• Exceptional back support (4.5/5)
• Comfort system effectively isolates motion (rare for a hybrid)
• Good at cooling for hot sleepers

Cons

• Low bounce means mobility might take more effort
• No white-glove delivery option
• Only mattress on thai list without a lifetime warranty (only 15 years)

Plank Firm: Best Affordable Firm Mattress

We chose the Plank Firm as the Best Affordable Firm Mattress because it delivers two levels of firmness for the price of one. For someone looking for a firm, supportive memory foam mattress, the Plank stands out among affordable mattresses.

Plank Firm

Best Firm Mattress

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• Plank Mattress Review
• Flippable design with firm and extra-firm sides

• Strong edge support and excellent motion isolation
• Cooling tech for hot sleepers

Plank Firm features

• Our pain relief score: 3.44 (Firm side), 2.63 (Extra Firm side)
• Accessibility score: 4.34
• Mattress type: Foam
• Brand’s firmness rating: 8/10 (Firm side), 10/10 (Extra Firm side)

Pros and cons

Pros

• Double-sided so you can flip between firm and extra firm 
• Excellent edge support
• Great motion isolation

Cons

• May be too firm for some, especially lighter-weight sleepers
• Below-average pressure relief scores
• No white glove delivery option

Our process testing the best affordable mattresses

Our team has spent thousands of hours researching and testing mattresses so you can feel confident in our reviews. For this review, we personally tested 30 mattresses identified through our research to offer great value. Each mattress was put through a rigorous testing process by older adults to ensure we have real-world data about how they perform.

To find the best affordable mattresses, we tested mattresses using pressure-sensing devices and other equipment, such as heat measurement guns. We also recruited older adults to test the mattresses and report on their experiences. Here are some of the features we considered when making our selections:

Price

Mattresses can range in price considerably. The cost depends on size, materials, and construction, among other factors. We tried to keep our recommendations to around $1,500 or less for a queen-size, but took the entire value of the mattress into consideration. That meant looking at what you get for that price. Some brands offer free shipping or extended trial periods, or will remove your old mattress. We also considered what kind of warranty is offered on the mattress. 

Firmness

A mattress may feel more or less firm than its brand rating, depending on body weight, personal preference, and other factors. Research has found that most people benefit from a medium-firm mattress (between a 5 and 7 out of 10 on a firmness scale).¹ We had our older adult testers lie on each mattress and report how firm it felt. We included testers with different body weights because body weight can impact how firm a mattress feels. Check out our understanding the mattress firmness scale article for more insight.

Pressure relief 

We used a pressure map, a mat with sensors that detect how much pressure different areas of the body feel when lying on the mattress. Blue and green are great pressure relief; yellow, orange, and red show places where pressure builds up. We looked for mattresses showing low pressure under key points like shoulders, knees, hips, and low back in different sleeping positions.

Pain relief

Pain and sleep problems are increasingly common as we age, so finding a mattress with the right mix of support and comfort can be key to restful sleep.² We used a method that is unique to NCOA to calculate each mattress’s pain relief score, a measure of how good it is at easing pain. Mattresses with a high pain relief score have a winning combination of pressure relief, firmness, and more.

Sleeping position

You may prefer a different mattress depending on what position you sleep in. You may need a different kind of pressure relief if you sleep on your side versus your back, for example. We had older adults test mattresses in all positions, and took our pressure readings from each position to give a fair assessment.

Body weight

Not every mattress has the capacity to hold higher weights. Some are specifically designed to appropriately distribute higher weights, which can be helpful even for couples of average weight. In general, firmer mattresses tend to offer more support for higher weights. We noted the weight of who tested each mattress in our review so you can make an informed judgement about how the mattress might work for you. 

Good trial period and warranty

Just because a mattress is affordable doesn't mean it shouldn't be durable and from a trustworthy brand that offers quality customer service. Many brands offer a trial period where you can try a mattress in your home for a period (usually between 120 and 365 nights) and return it for a full refund if it doesn’t meet your needs. Warranties can vary as well. We looked for brands with long trial and warranty periods. 

How to extend the life of an affordable mattress

Buying an affordable mattress doesn’t mean you’ll have to replace it quickly. How long a mattress lasts depends on many factors, including use, care, and how well it is constructed. “On average, a decent mattress should last you between 8–10 years,” said Bloom. “An inexpensive mattress will last as long as an expensive one, but the pricier mattress may retain its original feel for longer,” he said. You can extend the life and feel of your mattress by caring for it properly. Here are some smart ways to protect your investment, whatever the cost. 

Rotate your mattress regularly

Turning your mattress helps it wear evenly. Every 3–6 months, rotate it 180 degrees so your head and feet switch places. For king-size mattresses, you can do one-quarter rotations, Bloom said. Foam and hybrid mattresses especially benefit from this, since even pressure helps prevent deep body dents.

Get a good mattress protector

A mattress protector acts like a shield. It can block spills, sweat, dust mites, and allergens that can break down mattress layers over time. Look for one that is waterproof, breathable, and washable and follow the care instructions on the label. 

Pair your mattress with a supportive foundation

Your mattress needs the right base. Neglecting to use the right foundation may even void your warranty in some instances. “Mattresses definitely need a solid foundation,” said Bloom. They used to be called box springs, but once mattresses went one-sided, they switched to foundations. There are different kinds, and the main difference is height. Foam and hybrid beds work best on solid platforms or slats that are no more than four inches apart. A weak or bending foundation can cause sagging and shorten the life of your mattress. If you don’t want a foundation, something called a bunkie board can work. 

Consider a topper later in the mattress’s life

As your mattress ages, a topper can bring back some of that new-bed comfort. Adding one around year three to five is a low-cost way to refresh how your bed feels. This simple upgrade can help you get more good years out of your mattress.

What to look for when choosing an affordable mattress

When you’re shopping for an affordable mattress, the goal is to find the most comfortable, supportive bed for the least amount of money. Here’s how to shop smart and get the most value for your money.

Understand the difference between price and value

A “cheap” mattress often cuts corners, while an affordable one balances comfort, durability, and a good warranty. “For innerspring or hybrid mattresses, 800 coils or better is pretty much the industry standard,” said Bloom. More is better. For foam mattresses, the denser the foam, the better the quality. You may have to hunt for it, but if you can find the ILD number of the mattress, that will tell you how dense the foam is (higher is denser). You can also look for third-party certifications like CertiPUR-US or OEKO-TEX, which show the materials meet basic health standards.

Avoid common marketing traps

With mattresses, you are often paying for the name, just as you do with generic versus name-brand medications. “You may save around 25% or 30% by going with a lesser-known brand or bed-in-a-box model,” said Bloom. 

Decide which features matter and focus on those

Pick one or two features you can’t live without. Maybe you can't live without a cool mattress, or one with good edge support. Focus on models that get good reviews for those qualities instead of premium brands that claim to do it all. 

If you can, try it out

If you can’t get to a showroom, choose a mattress brand that offers a long trial period and good return policy. “At the end of the day,” said Bloom, “if you can't sleep on it, it's worthless.”

Compare trial periods and warranties

Many affordable mattress brands offer long or even lifetime warranties. Make sure to ask about any return fees or other charges. 

What to expect from a mattress under $1,500

“Buying a mattress is a little like ordering a pizza,” said Bloom. “The more you add to it, the more the price goes up.” A premium hybrid mattress will have a higher coil count, zoned support, or an additional layer of coils (sometimes called micro or nano coils). Memory foam mattresses will use denser foams and more layers of foam. These will literally make the mattress taller in height, which often means you need special deep-pocket sheets for it, too. 

“Luxury mattresses that cost three, four, or five thousand dollars are very thick,” Bloom said. The mattress covers may have natural fibers like alpaca, wool, or even cashmere, or be embedded with Celliant, copper, or other cooling technology. 

You can still get a good quality, supportive mattress without these features. “You can get a decent queen-sized set for around $899,” Bloom said. His approach is to start with how it feels. He has customers try a firm, medium-firm, and plush mattress. “I can’t tell you how many people say they want a firm or a plush bed and end up going with the complete opposite,” he said. After settling on a firmness, try mattresses that firm in different price ranges. Work your way down from the most expensive to the least expensive that still feels comfortable to you. “You don’t always feel the difference between a $1,000 and a $2,000 bed,” he said. “If you don’t, then you don’t need to spend the money.”

He recommends shopping sales. “You can typically save between 20% and 50% off regular prices during these sale cycles,” Bloom said. “The biggest sales happen during Presidents’ Day Weekend (February), Memorial Day (late May), Labor Day (early September), and Black Friday/Cyber Monday (November).”

Don’t forget to ask about warranties and trial periods, which can provide peace of mind, especially if you haven’t had a chance to try the mattress out in a store before buying it. And don’t pay sticker price. “You can always negotiate a little bit,” Bloom said. “If you ask for something reasonable, like free delivery or pillows, you’ll probably get it.”

How much do the best affordable mattresses cost?

The best affordable mattresses we chose cost between $649–$2,139 for a queen-sized mattress. Along with size, other things that contribute to the cost of a mattress include: 

• The materials used in its construction
• Any certifications it may have
• Added features such as a cooling layer or pillow top
• Any extras offered by the brand.

Extras can include free shipping, white-glove delivery (where a mattress is delivered directly to your bedroom), or a lifetime warranty. 

Comparing costs of the best affordable mattresses

Frequently asked questions

What is the best affordable mattress overall?

The best affordable mattress is one that provides the comfort and support you need at a price you can afford. We chose the Nectar Memory Foam as the best affordable mattress overall because it had the highest overall score of any mattress we tested.

Are affordable mattresses durable?

Yes, the durability of a mattress has more to do with its construction, materials, and care than how much it costs. You can find our recommendations for the best affordable, durable mattresses in this review.

How long should a budget mattress last?

A budget mattress or any decent mattress should last 8–10 years with proper care and regular use.

What’s the difference between affordable and cheap mattresses?

The difference between affordable and cheap mattresses can be many things, including the brand name, mattress features, warranty, and materials used in construction.

Can you find a good hybrid mattress under $1,000?

Yes, you can find a good hybrid mattress under $1,000 for a queen size, especially if you are willing to avoid features like zoned support or plush pillowtop covers. There are several good hybrid mattresses under $1,000 on this list. 

Questions? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.