Nowadays, you don’t have to be royalty to own a king mattress. All you need to sleep like a king is ample floor space. King mattresses are often used by couples who want maximum room to spread out, though they are equally comfortable for single sleepers.
Our team tested over 1,000 mattresses to choose the best king mattresses available today. Our top picks include models with high-quality components and sufficient structure to provide support across the bed’s large surface area.
Couples with different preferences may want to consider one of our picks for the best split king mattress. All of our choices for the best mattress of 2024 also come in standard king dimensions and some are available as split kings.
Best King Mattress
GravityLux by WinkBeds
With its zoned support system and exceptional pressure relief, the GravityLux by WinkBeds finds a comfortable balance between spinal alignment and cushioning.
The Best King Mattresses
Best Overall – WinkBeds GravityLux
Best Value – Bear Original
Most Comfortable – Helix Midnight
Best Luxury – Saatva Latex Hybrid
Best for Side Sleepers – Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
WinkBeds GravityLux
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The all-foam WinkBeds GravityLux combines excellent contouring with a high-density foam foundation that prevents excessive sinkage. You can pick between three firmness options, depending on your personal preference and sleep position. Side sleepers on our test team preferred the softer models while back sleepers gravitated toward the firmer models.
Buy From WinkBeds
Combination Sleepers
Medium Soft, Medium, Firm Options
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- Zoned transitional layer helps maintain spinal alignment
- All-foam construction relieves pressure points, particularly in soft and medium models
- Available in three firmness levels
Cons
- Edges sink under pressure
- Stomach sleepers over 230 pounds may need a bed with more structure
- Above-average price for an all-foam mattress
Why We Like It
The GravityLux begins with a Tencel cover engineered to help the mattress stay cool by wicking away excess heat and moisture. Underneath, there are four foam layers, each targeting a different need. The comfort system includes two types of foam engineered to regulate temperature and relieve pressure buildup. Our testers reported that the top 2-inch layer of gel-infused polyfoam felt plush while also promoting airflow and drawing away heat. A layer of AirCell, a proprietary open-cell memory foam, is designed to reduce heat retention.
A zoned transitional layer helps maintain spinal alignment by increasing support under your lumbar region and midsection while allowing more give beneath pressure-prone areas. The polyfoam support core provides a durable base that prevents sagging and sinkage.
How Does It Feel?
The WinkBeds GravityLux is an all-foam mattress available in three distinct firmness levels. With medium soft (4), medium (5), and firm (7) options available, this model will likely be comfortable and supportive for people across a wide range of body types.
During our tests, we observed that people under 130 pounds, particularly side sleepers, were most comfortable on the soft option. Our back and stomach sleepers, as well as those over 130 pounds, preferred the increased support of the medium and firm models.
Best Value Mattress
Bear Original
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Bear Original caters to sleepers who enjoy the feel of foam beds but need a bit more firmness. With a firm (7) feel, this model is more supportive than other foam models we’ve tested, but still conforms closely enough to relieve pressure buildup.
Buy From Bear
Budget Shoppers
Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- Affordably priced
- Foam helps absorb movement
- Firm surface is great for sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds
Cons
- Heat buildup may be too much for hotter sleepers
- May lack support for stomach sleepers
- Restricts some movement when changing positions
Why We Like It
While foam mattresses are quite popular, a common complaint is that they’re too soft and prone to uncomfortable sinkage. The Bear Original avoids this by having a firm (7) feel and offering even, sturdy support for people who weigh 130 pounds or more. A memory foam comfort layer contours lightly to alleviate pain and pressure points in sensitive areas, but the denser base layers reinforce the sleep surface to keep your body on an even plane — including around the midsection.
A cover made from Celliant-blend fabric encases the mattress. Celliant is engineered to feel cool to the touch, and our tests showed that body heat retention was minimal. The memory foam comfort layer, which is infused with graphite, is also designed to help with temperature regulation. Since the mattress is on the firmer side, we found sinkage to be minimal, leading to better surface airflow.
How Does It Feel?
During our hands-on tests, the Bear Original received favorable ratings from side sleepers weighing more than 230 pounds, as well as back and stomach sleepers weighing at least 130 pounds. Motion isolation tests showed little to no transfer when the other person moved on their side of the bed.
The Bear Original may be a good fit for you if you enjoy the contouring of memory foam but normally find all-foam mattresses too soft. The cooling Celliant-blend cover also helps cut down on uncomfortable heat retention, another common issue with foam beds.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Helix Midnight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
Comfort is subjective, but most of our testers agree the Helix Midnight nails that fine balance between plush cushioning and strong support. Consistent cooling, a strong perimeter, and a light bounce add to the appeal — not to mention the approachable sticker price.
Buy From Helix
Side Sleeepers
Medium Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Good Airflow
Pros
- Reinforced perimeter helps strengthen edge support
- Breathable cover and pocketed coils keep the sleep surface cool
- Above-average pressure relief
Cons
- May lack support for stomach sleepers
- Some people may feel restricted when changing positions
- Sensitive sleepers may notice some motion transfer
Why We Like It
The medium firm (6) Helix Midnight was originally designed for side sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds, but our tests show the mattress should meet the needs of most side and back sleepers up to 230 pounds. Stomach sleepers on our team under 130 pounds also found the mattress comfortable and sufficiently supportive. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper who weighs more than 230 pounds, a firmer Helix model such as the Dawn or Twilight may be a better match.
We awarded the Midnight favorable ratings for edge support, motion isolation, and pressure relief. While the foam may trap some heat, the coil system promotes enough airflow to maintain a consistent internal temperature. People who sleep exceptionally hot should consider the cooling cover upgrade, as the GlacioTex makes a significant difference in surface-level thermoregulation.
How Does It Feel?
The Midnight’s top layer is composed of memory foam, which adapts to your body and creates a pressure-relieving cradle for your unique curves and contours. Transitional polyfoam provides additional cushioning, but also pushes back to keep you on an even plane and creates a barrier between you and the support core, which contains pocketed coils and dense base foam. The perimeter coils are thicker to minimize sinkage when you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
Standard Midnight covers are made of knit polyester. This material is somewhat breathable, but you can upgrade to a cover made of GlacioTex phase change fabric if you run hot in bed. GlacioTex is engineered to dissipate body heat on contact and feel cool at all times.
Best Luxury Mattress
Saatva Latex Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Latex Hybrid is a well-rounded mattress that offers outstanding support and temperature control. The sturdy coil system and latex comfort layer generate ample pushback, with just enough responsiveness to gently cradle the body.
Buy From Saatva
Eco-Conscious Shoppers
Medium Firm
Motion Disturbance Potential
Great Airflow
Pros
- Sleeps cool thanks to excellent airflow
- Bouncier feel helps with switching sleep positions
- Zoned support and comfort systems engineered to prevent lower back pain
Cons
- Allows some motion to transfer from side to side
- Higher price-point may detract cost-conscious buyers
- Coils may produce some noise
Why We Like It
Saatva is well-known for producing high-quality mattresses, and its Latex Hybrid is no exception. The Saatva Latex Hybrid has excellent support, responsiveness, and temperature control — three characteristics often found in mattresses that include latex. This model’s price-point is higher than other latex hybrids, but its top-notch build, free White Glove delivery service, and eco-friendly materials may be worth the added cost for many sleepers.
How Does It Feel?
The top layer’s organic cotton cover and hand-tufted Euro-top create a plush feel, and a layer of organic wool helps to regulate temperature by wicking away moisture and heat. A 3-inch layer of Talalay latex provides responsive pressure relief and support under the lumbar region, thanks to its five-zone construction. The ventilated latex also generates airflow and increases breathability.
The pocketed coil core helps to promote proper spinal alignment. Each individually wrapped coil moves independently, decreasing the amount of movement that transfers across the bed. A cotton and wool pad makes up the base, keeping the mattress secure.
This medium firm (6) mattress is a suitable choice for most sleeper types and body weights, though the side sleepers under 130 pounds on our testing team found the mattress too firm.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar Mattress offers the quintessential hug that foam beds are known for, with a bit more firmness than all-foam competitors. Our testers recommend this model if you need the pressure-relieving benefits of foam combined with enhanced support for your lower back.
Buy From Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Minimal Motion Disturbances
Some Airflow
Pros
- Balanced pressure relief and spinal support
- Excellent cushioning beneath side sleepers’ hips and shoulders
- Little-to-no motion transfers from side to side
Cons
- Foam retains some heat
- Too soft for most stomach sleepers
- Combination sleepers may experience limited movement
Why We Like It
The Nectar Mattress is an all-foam mattress with a medium firm (6) feel. Stellar pressure relief makes it a great option for all side sleepers, as well as those who prefer the hugging sensation of memory foam.
The Nectar’s quilted polyester blend cover includes proprietary technology intended to help the mattress wick moisture away from the sleeper. This is followed by a layer of gel-infused memory foam engineered to reduce heat retention. The memory foam also effectively relieves pressure points by evenly contouring to your body.
How Does It Feel?
Our testers reported that the 3-inch polyfoam transitional layer below offered support and responsiveness while still preventing them from sinking too deeply into the mattress. The base layer consists of 7 inches of polyfoam that provide the upper layers with a durable platform while also limiting sinkage and sagging.
Our tests showed that, in addition to pressure relief, the Nectar Mattress also excels at motion isolation. You’re less likely to wake a partner since the foam absorbs movement instead of transferring it across the surface.
Who Is a King Mattress Best For?
A king is one of the larger standard size mattresses available on the market. It’s a good choice for couples who find queen sizes too small. It’s an especially good fit for couples who share the bed with children or pets.
The king mattress is the widest standard mattress size. In addition to being one of the best mattress sizes for couples, king mattresses are an excellent option for anyone seeking a bit of extra room, including people who co-sleep with kids, those who share the bed with a pet, and single sleepers who like to sprawl out.
King size bedding and frames are readily and widely available, though they are typically more expensive than other sizes. King beds require significant floor space, so be sure to measure your bedroom to see if a king will fit.
At 76 inches by 80 inches, king size mattresses are the same length as queen mattresses, but measure 16 inches wider. A queen mattress may be a better choice if you have limited space.
California kings are 72 inches by 84 inches. They have the same overall surface area as a king mattress, but are less wide and feature added length to accommodate tall sleepers. If you’re choosing between the two, think about whether you need your bed to be wider or longer.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| – Extra width gives you plenty of room to sprawl out – Long enough to accommodate sleepers around 6 feet tall – Widely available, with plenty of bedding and frame options | – More expensive than a smaller mattress size – Requires substantial floor space – May not be long enough for people taller than 6 feet – Large size makes it difficult to move once taken out of the box |
How to Choose a King Mattress
Choosing any mattress, including a king mattress, requires paying attention to several important details. Mattress construction, firmness, performance, and price are all critical factors to consider.
Mattress Material
Though there are thousands of different mattresses on the market, most models belong to one of four particular mattress types. You can find king mattresses in any of the following common constructions.
- Foam: Foam mattresses have a polyfoam support core and a comfort system that often includes polyfoam or memory foam. They are typically affordable and excel at pressure relief and isolating motion.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses have support cores made from pocketed coils, which lends structure, airflow, and bounce. They also have an ample comfort system, which may include layers of foam, latex, micro-coils, wool, or microfiber.
- Latex: Latex comes from the same trees that produce rubber, and mattresses that feature this material have the same buoyant, resilient quality. Latex mattresses are breathable and highly durable, though they can be expensive.
- Airbed: Airbeds have adjustable firmness levels. The air-filled support core can inflate and deflate to give you your desired feel. You can adjust each side of the bed independently, which is particularly beneficial for couples.
Some mattresses are also available in a split king size, which is essentially two twin XL mattresses next to each other. The split king’s major benefit is that each sleep partner can choose their own firmness level.
Firmness
Each mattress has a firmness rating that falls somewhere on our scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. Choosing a firm vs. soft mattress depends on your weight, favorite sleeping position, and personal preference. Considering all these factors together, it can help you pick a mattress that’s firm enough to support your spine, with enough cushioning to prevent discomfort from pressure points.
Motion Isolation and Edge Support
Motion isolation and edge support are two critical qualities for anyone who shares a bed.
A mattress with strong motion isolation traps movement where it happens rather than allowing it to transfer across the surface and wake your partner. Foam mattresses and hybrids with foam layers are typically excellent at isolating motion.
Strong support along the edges allows two people to use the entire mattress surface without sagging, sinking, or rolling toward the middle. Choose a mattress with a high-density foam perimeter or stronger perimeter coils to get maximum edge support.
Pricing, Trial, and Warranty
King mattresses and their accessories generally cost more than smaller mattresses because they require more materials to make. While construction, quality, and brand name all affect price, you can expect to spend between $900 and $2,000 for a good model.
Most mattresses sold online come with a sleep trial that usually ranges between 100 and 365 days. These trials allow you to test out your mattress in person and send it back for a refund if it’s not quite right for you.
Mattresses also come with a warranty, which protects your purchase by covering manufacturing or workmanship defects as well as material issues like cracking foam.
Transport and Setup
Because king mattresses are so large, buying one requires a bit of planning ahead. First, measure your bedroom’s floor space and any doorways the mattress needs to fit through. If you’ve got enough space, you can clear a path to make the delivery day easier.
We recommend asking a friend or partner to help you move the mattress. Even if it’s compressed and packed in a box, the mattress’ weight can make it difficult to move. For an extra fee, companies may offer White Glove delivery, where a team installs your mattress for you and may also remove your old one, along with any packaging.
Video: How to Choose the Right Mattress
Watch our video to learn more about the mattress-buying process and how to make sure you make the best decision for your needs.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
How We Test
In our Seattle-based sleep lab, we test every mattress the same way, using a methodology we’ve developed over nearly a decade. We examine a mattress’ performance, support, and feel using a series of objective tests as well as personal trials. Our team members have a diverse range of body weights and sleeping positions. They offer detailed feedback on how well each mattress meets their individual needs.
King beds are often shared, so when evaluating the best king size mattresses, we looked closely at factors important to couples, including motion isolation and edge support. We also included models in a range of firmness levels and constructions.
We put each mattress through a rigorous set of tests to evaluate performance metrics like support and durability. Our team also uses body-mapping technology and thermal imaging to measure pressure buildup and heat retention. We regularly update our top picks to reflect the current market’s best mattresses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone who wants a very wide bed should consider a king mattress. They’re convenient for couples, people who share the bed with their children, those with bed-hogging pets, and single sleepers looking for a luxe mattress. However, king mattresses and bedding usually cost more than other sizes and require substantial floor space, so plan accordingly.
A king bed is wider than both queen and California king beds, but shorter than a California king.
Queens are narrower than both king sizes and measure 60 inches by 80 inches, while standard king mattress dimensions are 76 inches by 80 inches. A California king has the same surface area as a standard king, but at 72 inches by 84 inches, it’s narrower and longer than a regular king. The best choice between a king vs. queen or king vs. California king mattress depends on whether width or length is more important for you.
If you have enough space in your bedroom, a king mattress is a good choice for couples. A king is 16 inches wider than a queen, which gives each partner plenty of room. However, king mattresses cost more than other mattress sizes, and you’ll need a fairly large bedroom to accommodate one.
A California king may be better if you or your partner is taller than 6 feet.
A king mattress’ price depends on factors like materials, construction, brand reputation, and quality. Prices generally run between $900 and $2,000 for a mid-range model. However, you can find budget-friendly options for less than $500, while luxury and specialty beds can cost over $3,000.
A split king bed is a king size mattress that’s split down the middle, similar to having two twin XL beds placed next to each other. Split kings are excellent for couples who want to share a bed but have very different needs. A split king gives your side of the bed a different firmness level and feel than your partner’s side.
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
Ask the Sleep Doctor
Have questions about sleep? Submit them here! We use your questions to help us decide topics for articles, videos, and newsletters. We try to answer as many questions as possible. You can also send us an email. Please note, we cannot provide specific medical advice, and always recommend you contact your doctor for any medical matters.