Sometimes you have to operate within a tight budget while mattress shopping, but that doesn’t mean you’ll be stuck with a bad mattress. Our testing team examined dozens of low-cost models to find the best mattresses under $200. Admittedly, this budget limits your options. Still, even though you won’t find a lot of bells and whistles, you can get a mattress that provides cushioning, support, and comfort.
The Best Mattresses Under $200
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Best Overall Mattress
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Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress
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Most Comfortable Mattress
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Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
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Best Price Green Tea Mattress – 6″
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Best Overall Mattress
Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress
$179 from Olee Sleep (queen)
$179 from Olee Sleep (queen)
The Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress has an enhanced plushness that sets it apart from other foam beds. During tests, we found the bed offered strong pressure relief and motion isolation, and was best suited for side sleepers under 230 pounds.
Ideal For
Side Sleepers
Firmness
Soft (3)
Feel
Close-Conforming Foam
Cooling
Minimal
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Isolates motion well, so movements won’t travel
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Plush feel appeals to people who want to feel hugged by their mattress
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Virtually silent in response to movement
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Cons
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Too soft for sleepers over 230 pounds
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Lack of bounce can increase the feeling of being stuck in place
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Produces an off-gassing odor upon being opened
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Our Take
The Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress is a minimalist design with a very approachable price tag. Registering as a 3 on the 10-point firmness scale, the plush surface cushions pressure points in the hips, shoulders, and spine. The soft feel is especially suited to side sleepers under 230 pounds or back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. Heavier people may need a firmer model that provides greater reinforcement below the torso.
Why We Like It
This low-profile model packs quite a punch. We found each of its foam layers targets a different aspect of comfort, including pressure relief, heat retention, and sagging. We believe this plush mattress would be especially ideal for side sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
At 6 inches tall, we found the foam model is ideal for people who prefer low-profile beds. The mattress’ polyester jacquard cover has a textured yet soft finish. A comfort layer made from Durafoam cradles the body to alleviate pressure buildup. Gel infusions are engineered to minimize heat retention, which is sometimes an issue with memory foam that closely hugs the body.
The support core uses high-density Durafoam to stabilize the mattress and help minimize excess sagging. We found the edge support and durability may not be as robust in comparison to a more luxury model, but periodically flipping or rotating the mattress can extend its lifespan. Our testers found both foam layers absorb motion and noise well, so co-sleepers are less likely to be awakened by their partner’s movements. Some couples or hot sleepers may overheat at times, as the dense foam core isn’t especially breathable.
Shoppers should note that the Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress does not offer any king options.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Check Price at Classic Brands
Check Price at Classic Brands
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a low-profile bed best suited for sleepers who want a foam mattress with a little less sink. During testing, the bed earned the highest marks from side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds.
Ideal For
Back Sleepers
Firmness
Medium Firm (6)
Feel
Plush, Supportive Surface
Cooling
Moderate
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Available in four profile options
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Great for sleepers weighing 230 pounds or less
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Effectively isolates motion to prevent sleep disruptions from a bed partner’s movement
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Cons
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Lacks support for sleepers over 230 pounds
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Edges may fold under body weight, limiting the usable bed surface
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Lacks responsiveness and may inhibit movement
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Our Take
Finding a comfortable mattress that falls below the $200 threshold can be challenging. The Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam – 6” is a medium firm (6), all-foam mattress with light cushioning and contouring to improve your spinal alignment and evenly distribute your weight without sinking or sagging too much. These qualities make the mattress ideal for side and back sleepers who usually find all-foam models too soft.
Why We Like It
We found this mattress to be a good fit for those who like all-foam designs but worry about sinking. Its firm support combined with its adaptive comfort system conform to the body and promote healthy spinal alignment.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress consists of an adaptive memory foam comfort layer over a dense polyfoam base. The topmost layer is infused with cooling gel intended to dissipate body heat on contact. A stretchy polyester cover encases the foam layers. Thanks to the all-foam design, the mattress performed well during our motion isolation tests for couples and makes no noise whatsoever.
Side and back sleepers who weigh up to 230 pounds are most likely to find the mattress comfortable. The adaptive foam layer provides adequate cushioning for the shoulders and hips – two common areas of pressure buildup for side sleepers – while back sleepers should be able to lie comfortably without sinking too much around the midsection.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Price Green Tea Mattress – 6″
Check Price at Best Price
Check Price at Best Price
The 6-inch model of the Best Price Green Tea Mattress offers an even mix of cushioning and support, with a firmer feel than some competing foam beds. Our testers recommend this bed for side sleepers who enjoy a firmer feel but still need some cradling.
Ideal For
Couples
Firmness
Firm (7)
Feel
Close-Conforming Foam
Cooling
Above Average
Pros & Cons
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Pros
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Green tea infusion designed to promote temperature regulation
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Available in a short queen size for use in RVs
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Comes with a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year limited warranty
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Cons
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Doesn’t adequately support back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
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Too firm for side sleepers under 130 pounds
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Our Take
The Green Tea Mattress – 6” from Best Price is an all-foam model that contours evenly without too much sink. Thanks to a three-layer design topped with adaptive memory foam, side sleepers receive the cushioning they need to sleep comfortably without feeling sharp pressure points in their shoulders and hips. The mattress is also a good choice for back sleepers who enjoy light contouring. If you prefer a softer feel and don’t mind exceeding the $200 threshold, the mattress is also available in a thicker profile of 8, 10, 12, 14 inches.
Why We Like It
The Best Price Signature Green Tea Mattress packs three foam layers into a 6-inch profile, resulting in light cushioning on the surface and sturdy reinforcement in the bottom layers. We recommend the mattress to side and back sleepers looking for a bed that feels adaptive yet firm. Couples and people who tend to overheat should also find the mattress comfortable.
The mattress is available in seven sizes, including a short queen for RV owners.
How Does It Feel?
The memory foam is infused with cooling green tea intended to reduce heat retention and maintain a comfortable surface temperature. Transitional and support layers of polyfoam push back against your weight while cushioning sensitive areas along the spine. A soft, jacquard-knit polyester cover encases the foam layers.
Our tests show the Signature Green Tea Mattress provides decent motion isolation and does not produce any noise. Both of these factors make the mattress a great fit for couples. The above-average temperature control should also appeal to hot sleepers, especially if they’ve slept too hot on other all-foam mattresses.
If you’re interested in seeing a wider list of options at different price-points, refer to the best mattresses of 2024. If you want to see mattresses over $200 that are still low-cost, check out our guide to the best cheap mattresses.
Best Overall Mattress
Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Mattress
$179 from Olee Sleep (queen)
SHOP NOWA gel-infused, minimalist foam design with a cushy, softer feel.
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Most Comfortable Mattress
Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Check Price at Classic Brands
SHOP NOWAn all-foam model with a medium firm (6) that provides extra support and wide appeal.
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Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Best Price Green Tea Mattress – 6″
Check Price at Best Price
SHOP NOWA firmer memory foam mattress that doesn’t sink too deep, with thicker, cushier versions available.
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What Affects the Price of a Mattress?
Multiple factors affect the price of a mattress, including the mattress type and materials, size, brand, special features, and shipping policy. While price often roughly corresponds to quality, it’s not always the case that a more expensive mattress is better than one with a lower price tag.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Mattress Type | Mattress type is determined by internal materials, which are a key driver of mattress prices. Because foam is more economical to produce, all-foam mattresses are a budget option. Coil-based innerspring mattresses are also frequently inexpensive. In contrast, hybrid, airbed, and latex mattresses involve more expensive materials and are rarely available for under $200. |
| Size | A larger mattress almost always costs more than a smaller one of the same brand and model. This is because a larger mattress size requires more materials and more packaging. Even among low-cost models, queen or king sizes may cost more than $200. In addition, most budget mattresses have a considerably shorter height than more expensive models. |
| Brand or Manufacturer | Some well-known brands and manufacturers command a premium because of their reputation or recognition in the market. This premium sometimes, but not always, corresponds to better quality. As you would expect, luxury brands almost never sell mattresses for less than $200. |
| Material Quality | As a general rule, the more a manufacturer spends on materials, the higher the price of a mattress. It’s rare to find the highest-quality materials or handcrafted construction in a mattress under $200. Eco-friendly and organic materials also usually exceed this price-point. Standard foams and metal coils are more commonly used in budget mattresses. |
| Special Features | Special mattress features often come with a higher price tag. For example, many proprietary materials, cooling technologies, zoned support systems, pocketed coil systems, reinforced perimeters, pillow-tops, and reversible firmness designs cost significantly more than $200. |
| Shipping and Delivery | The costs for getting a mattress to your home can impact the total price. For most mattresses under $200, you’ll get a mattress that comes compressed in plastic and shipped in a box that arrives at your doorstep. This packaging method helps reduce shipping costs, but it means that you have to unbox and set up the mattress on your own. |
Materials and construction play a big role in a bed’s sticker price. If you’re looking for a mattress on a limited budget, try starting with foam and innerspring models. These beds offer excellent pressure relief and are often more affordable than latex and hybrid beds.
How to Shop for a Mattress for Under $200
No matter your budget, it’s natural to want to get the best return on investment. But when you’re limited to choosing a mattress under $200, it can help to apply certain tips for getting the most value for your dollar.
Shop Online
When you buy a mattress online, you have access to a wide selection of products, far exceeding anything you’ll find in a single physical store. This makes it easier to compare models and browse for the best prices. Coupon codes and discounts can bring prices down even more.
The online shopping experience is more convenient, and you can save on time and gas by shopping from the comfort of your home. Most online mattresses also come with free shipping and a sleep trial that allows you to test the mattress out.
Browse Holiday Sales
Holidays and long weekends are among the best times to buy a mattress because most in-store and online retailers have major sales.
President’s Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day are often regarded as the best official holidays for mattress sales. In addition, unofficial shopping holidays like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Amazon Prime Day often lead to significant price cuts on a wide range of mattress types at different price-points.
Utilize Sleep Trials and Warranties
A sleep trial is the mattress industry term for a return policy. During the sleep trial, you can try out the mattress in your home and return it for a refund if you aren’t satisfied. This helps ensure that you don’t get stuck spending money on a mattress you don’t like. Most online mattresses come with a sleep trial.
A warranty provides longer-term protection against defects in your mattress. However, it’s important to know that warranties rarely cover wear and tear or minor softening of the materials.
Consider Additional Costs
If you’re setting up a bedroom, keep in mind that you may have costs beyond the mattress itself. Items like a bed frame, a box spring, pillows, and bedding can add to the total amount you have to spend.
If you need multiple items, look for a bundle deal, which can cut down on the overall price and reduce the likelihood that you’ll have to pay for shipping for any individual item.
Video: How to Shop for a Mattress on a Budget
Finding a mattress that is both affordable and high-quality can seem impossible. Thankfully, there are plenty of great, budget-friendly options that don’t require you to sacrifice quality construction.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
If you want to explore other top mattresses in other categories, check out our in-depth buying guides.
How We Test
When we test mattresses, we use a well-tuned process to see how all the options measure up. This includes objective testing of heat retention and pressure relief, as well as subjective input from our testing team.
We have team members with different body weights and sleep positions, and their diverse perspectives enable us to identify all the benefits and downsides of each mattress. After researching and testing a host of brands and models, we use both the objective data and subjective ratings from our team to determine which mattresses offer the best performance and value.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best mattress under $200 is one that cushions your body for comfort and pressure relief but doesn’t sink or sag in a way that jeopardizes spinal support. While you may not get every feature you want in a budget mattress, you should find one that lets you settle into sleep and avoid aches and pains in the morning.
A decent mattress generally costs between $150 and $500 depending on the mattress size. The lowest-cost mattresses usually involve some sacrifice in terms of the design, materials, or features. While you always have to work within your budget, you also want to look for a balance between what you can afford and what meets your sleep needs.
All-foam mattresses are generally the most affordable mattress type, but innerspring beds are also available for around the same price-point. Foam mattresses have two or more layers of foam, which could be memory foam or polyfoam. Innerspring mattresses are made with metal coils that have a thin layer of fabric on top.
Whether a soft or firm bed is better depends on your sleeping position, body weight, and personal comfort preferences. In general, a softer mattress is better if you weigh under 130 pounds and sleep on your side. A firmer mattress is better if you weigh over 230 pounds or sleep on your back or stomach.
For many sleepers, a medium (5) or medium firm (6) mattress offers the best balance of comfort, pressure relief, and support.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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