Shopping for a quality, affordable mattress is overwhelming. Even if you’re willing to spend a little extra for comfort and performance, it’s hard to judge which beds will give you your money’s worth.
Best Mattress for the Money
Saatva Classic
The Saatva Classic’s unique, versatile design makes for a luxurious sleeping experience that also promotes proper sleep posture and spinal alignment. Our testers agree – its excellent performance more than justifies the premium price tag.
To help, we’ll share our list of the best mattresses for the money. We’ll also explain what to look for in a mattress, provide tips on finding the best deals, and answer frequently asked questions.
For a more comprehensive guide to mattress shopping, check out our picks for the best mattress of 2024. Also, those who want to save money by shopping online should be sure to read our guide to the best online mattresses.
The Best Mattresses for the Money
Best Overall Mattress – Saatva Classic
Most Comfortable Mattress – DreamCloud Mattress
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nectar Mattress
Best Mattress for Couples – Tuft & Needle Mint
Best Cooling – Cocoon Chill
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Saatva Classic
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Saatva Classic has a sophisticated design that includes plush foam layers over a coil-on-coil system. The result is a bed that excelled in multiple performance areas during our tests. The different firmness and height options make this a strong choice for many types of sleepers.
Buy From Saatva
Combination Sleepers
Soft, Medium Firm, Firm Options
Fair Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Available in three firmness levels and two heights
- Two layers of pocketed coils provide responsive support
- Pillow top and memory foam offer targeted pressure relief
Cons
- Coils allow some motion transfer
- Above-average price-point
Why We Like It
The Saatva Classic scored better-than-average marks in every one of our performance testing categories. This innerspring model uses foam and lumbar reinforcement to provide a combination of pressure relief and spinal support that many other models lack.
With its top-quality materials and highly durable construction, the Saatva Classic provides a comfortable surface for a wide range of sleepers as well as a long lifespan.
How Does It Feel?
The Saatva Classic comes in three firmness levels: Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm. These correspond to soft (3), medium firm (6), and firm (8). You can also choose between 11.5- and 14.5-inch profiles. Though each model varies slightly to achieve its intended feel, all three versions share a similar construction.
Beneath the organic cotton cover, a plush polyfoam Euro-top designed to relieve pressure points helps maintain a healthy spinal posture. A strategically placed memory foam and wire pad enhances overall lumbar support by reinforcing your lower back. The coil-on-coil support core feels responsive, but not too bouncy. Our testers found that they could shift positions without too much motion transferring across the mattress’ surface.
The support core has a high-density foam rail wrapping its perimeter, bolstering the edges. The coils also allow for plenty of airflow throughout the mattress. Our team reported that they felt cool throughout the entire night while sleeping on this model.
Most Comfortable Mattress
DreamCloud Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The DreamCloud Mattress has a thick three-layer comfort system that offers excellent cushioning, while a thick coil base delivers sturdy support. Most sleepers on our team gave the bed high marks for overall comfort.
Buy From DreamCloud
Back Sleepers
Medium Firm
Good Value
Plush, Supportive Surface
Pros
- Foam comfort layers over pocketed coils provide superb cushioning and support
- Affordable price-point for a hybrid
- Soft, breathable cashmere cover
Cons
- Too firm for most side sleepers under 130 pounds
- Only one firmness level available
Why We Like It
The DreamCloud Mattress is a hybrid model that balances support and comfort. Its medium firm (6) feel accommodates most sleepers. It has a competitive price-point for a hybrid, especially considering the quality of its materials and its accompanying sleep trial.
With a soft cover, multi-layered cushioning, and pocketed coil core, we found this hybrid suited many sleeper types with its balance of pressure relief and responsiveness.
How Does It Feel?
The DreamCloud starts off with a three-layer comfort system that delivers supportive pressure relief. Our side-sleeping testers over 130 pounds as well as our back- and stomach-sleeping testers found the mattress suited their needs. The top layer has polyfoam quilted directly into the cashmere blend cover for comfort and a soft feel. Gel-infused memory foam and polyfoam layers contour alongside your body, cushioning joints.
The pocketed coil support core has individually wrapped coils that move independently from one another. Our team found that the combination of foam and coils gave the mattress an excellent blend of responsiveness and motion isolation. Our testers who sleep hot also rated this mattress highly. They found the gel-infused memory foam, cashmere blend cover, and pocketed coil support core promoted airflow and temperature control.
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers
Nectar Mattress
Sleep Doctor’s Review
If you’re looking for a foam bed without excessive sinkage, the Nectar Mattress strikes a nice balance. This model is firmer than many other foam beds we’ve tested, performing well with our side-sleeping testers who need pressure relief for the shoulders and hips and support for the lower back.
Buy From Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- All-foam construction cradles the body and relieves pressure
- Breathable cover and gel-infused foam are designed to regulate temperature
- Excellent motion isolation
Cons
- Foam may produce a temporary odor after unboxing
- Heavier individuals may find that the memory foam limits ease of movement
Why We Like It
Side sleepers prefer a mattress with plenty of contouring to alleviate pressure points that develop along their hips and shoulders. The all-foam Nectar Mattress cushions sore spots by compressing and absorbing impact. Its medium firm (6) feel is best suited for side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers under 230 pounds.
This model is a good fit for all side sleepers as well as those with sore joints, as the mattress contours to your body while maintaining proper spinal alignment.
How Does It Feel?
The cover is made from a breathable polyester blend designed to combat heat retention. The comfort system starts with a layer of gel-infused memory foam with phase change material (PCM). It hugs your body to deliver acute pressure point relief without absorbing too much heat. A transitional polyfoam layer keeps your spine evenly supported, preventing you from sinking too deeply into the mattress.
The Nectar’s support core consists of 7 inches of high-density polyfoam, providing strong support throughout the entire mattress. A no-slip cover keeps all the layers secure and prevents it from moving on the bed frame.
During our sleep trials, this mattress performed especially well during motion isolation testing. The foam layers absorb movement effectively, meaning you can switch sleeping positions without disturbing your partner. Those who favor a more traditionally responsive mattress should consider a model with a coil support core rather than foam.
Best Mattress for Couples
Tuft & Needle Mint
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Tuft & Needle Mint has a medium firm (6) feel that appealed to a wide range of testers on our team. The foam layers relieve pressure buildup and virtually eliminate motion transfer across the surface.
Buy From Tuft & Needle
Couples
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Open-cell foam with cooling gel and graphite is engineered to keep sleepers cool
- Absorbs sound and motion to avoid sleep disturbances
- Medium firm feel is comfortable for a wide range of sleepers
Cons
- Too soft for most stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Foam may emit a temporary odor due to off-gassing
Why We Like It
The all-foam Tuft & Needle Mint has a balanced feel and a well-rounded performance, making it an excellent fit for couples. It’s a versatile pick for those who need a mattress that meets multiple sleepers’ needs. The medium firm (6) feel is most appropriate for side and back sleepers as well as stomach sleepers who weigh under 230 pounds.
With high-quality construction and a cooling design, we found this mattress supports the needs of a wide range of sleeper types, making it a great pick for those who share the bed.
How Does It Feel?
The Mint has three layers, beginning with 3 inches of graphite and gel-infused polyfoam. The proprietary foam has an open-cell structure designed to increase airflow, while the graphite and gel wick away excess moisture. The middle gel-infused polyfoam layer is engineered to further enhance cooling. Together, these layers cradle your body, absorbing impact beneath pressure points without allowing too much sinkage.
The support core is crafted from 6.5 inches of foundational foam that keeps your spine evenly aligned. Perimeter reinforcement increases the mattress’ overall edge support. The mattress cover features a zipper, making it removable and easy to clean. The Mint has an 11.5-profile.
Though this model scored highly across the board, our testers found it particularly successful at regulating temperature and isolating motion, two factors that are important for couples. Hot sleepers and people in warm climates can comfortably share this mattress without it overheating. Couples can also get in and out of bed without waking their partners, as this model’s foam construction provides top-notch motion isolation.
Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill
Sleep Doctor’s Review
The all-foam design of the Cocoon Chill is ideal for sleepers who need strong contouring to relieve painful pressure buildup. We also found the phase change material in the cover helps the bed run slightly cooler than competing foam beds.
Buy From Sealy
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm
Great Value
Close-Conforming Foam
Pros
- Cover is designed to wick away heat and moisture
- Foam layers successfully isolate motion
- Regulates temperature better than many other all-foam models
Cons
- 10-inch profile may be too low for those who prefer tall beds
- Contouring foam construction is not very bouncy
- Below-average edge-support makes getting in and out of bed more difficult
Why We Like It
The Cocoon Chill is engineered to sleep cooler than other all-foam mattresses. During in-house testing, our sleep product experts found that the mattress had above-average temperature regulation while also providing excellent support. The medium firm (6) feel suits most types of sleepers and weight groups, though our trials indicated that back sleepers preferred this mattress more than other sleeper types.
The Cocoon Chill also scored highly in the motion isolation and temperature control categories. The thick foam layers don’t allow movement to transfer across the bed, so you can switch positions without disturbing your partner. Memory foam is well-known for providing significant pressure relief, and the Cocoon Chill’s design is no different. The foam molds to your body’s shape, cradling sore spots and relieving pressure points.
How Does It Feel?
The three-layer model begins with a contouring memory foam that hugs your body. The transitional layer below helps isolate motion by preventing movement from transferring across the surface. Together, these two layers provide deep and effective pressure relief.
The polyfoam support core is designed to provide strong support while preventing excessive sinkage. A stretch knit cover with phase change material (PCM) wraps the entire mattress. The PCM is engineered to draw heat away from the mattress while you sleep. As a result, this model feels more temperature neutral than other similar all-foam mattresses.
With the number of mattresses available today, it can be difficult to find one that is the best value for your money. Many factors determine a mattress’ overall value besides its price, including its quality, features, sleep trial and warranty length, and shipping details. A high-value mattress will cater to your needs or preferences in these different areas.
What Makes a Mattress a Good Value?
A mattress is a good value if it provides the support and features you need without exceeding your budget. Keep in mind that mattress cost is different from value. For example, an inexpensive mattress without pressure relieving properties won’t be a good value if you have back pain, no matter how little the cost. Similarly, if you aren’t a hot sleeper, spending extra money on a luxury cooling mattress won’t necessarily deliver a good return on investment.
In order to find the best mattress for the money, consider your personal preferences and needs, including your budget.
What Affects the Price of a Mattress?
When it comes to mattresses, higher prices do not automatically mean higher quality. The cost of a mattress depends on a number of different factors.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Materials | Generally, mattresses made from natural materials such as latex, cotton, and wool are more expensive than all-foam models. Hybrid beds with pocketed springs beneath comfort layers also tend to cost more. |
| Construction | Mattresses with more complex construction tend to carry higher prices. Extra comfort layers, unique design elements, and proprietary features may all drive up the price of a bed. |
| Quality | While price doesn’t correspond directly with quality, there is still a loose correlation between the cost of a mattress and how well it’s built. Often, more expensive mattresses use higher quality materials like high-density foam or organic latex, which increase the mattress’ performance and durability. |
| Size | The bigger the mattress, the higher the price. For example, a couple could save money by choosing a queen size bed instead of a king. |
| Brand | Well-known brands are often priced higher than ones fighting to make a name for themselves. Direct-to-consumer brands that sell exclusively online may offer extra savings compared to brands you’ll find in a physical store. |
| Special Features | Special features such as advanced cooling technology and adjustable firmness are usually reflected in a mattress’ price. |
Best Mattress Type for the Money
Mattress types are based on the materials used in their construction. Each material has different characteristics that affect the mattress’ performance and overall value.
Foam
Foam mattresses are constructed from either memory foam, polyfoam, or a combination of the two. They adapt to hug the sleeper’s body and often provide excellent pressure relief.
Foam mattresses are the most affordable type of bed, but they also vary the most in quality. For a good value foam mattress, opt for one that uses high-density foam, which is more durable. Also, hot sleepers should look for gel-infusions or breathable covers that help counter the material’s tendency to trap heat.
Hybrid
Hybrid mattresses consist of a coil support system with foam or latex comfort layers on top. They aim to provide a balance between the responsive support of innerspring mattresses and the adaptive pressure relief of foam.
They tend to cost a bit more because of the complex construction, but they’ve become so common that it’s not hard to find affordable models.
Latex
Latex is made from the sap of rubber trees, and provides a surprisingly bouncy surface that cushions and relieves pressure without contouring. Latex mattresses are more expensive, but since the material is considerably more durable than foam, these beds can still be a good value for the money.
Innerspring
Traditional innerspring mattresses consist of a base of coils, a thin comfort layer and a cover. They are breathable, extremely bouncy, and generally less expensive. However, they offer little in the way of cushion or pressure relief.
Some mattresses labeled as innerspring may actually use hybrid elements like comfort layers, which can drive up the price.
Airbed
Airbeds, not to be confused with air mattresses, allow you to adjust the firmness using a remote control or an app. Often, each side can be adjusted separately. This feature makes them a good choice for couples with wildly different firmness needs. However, because of the technology involved, Airbeds are considerably more expensive than other types of mattresses.
Potential Costs to Keep in Mind
When budgeting for a bed, it’s important to remember the potential costs beyond the mattress itself. These may involve shipping and delivery, setup, and returns.
Many online retailers include free shipping and returns. A few include White Glove Delivery, where professionals set up the new bed and take away the old one. Others offer it for an additional fee.
You may also need to purchase a bed frame or foundation, or new bedding, especially if your new mattress is a different size than the one you’re replacing.
Tips for Finding the Best Deal on a Mattress
Once you’ve chosen a mattress, there are a few tricks to find the best possible price.
Consider Shopping Online
Price often varies depending on where you buy a mattress.
Going to a store allows you to try out the mattress and get help from a salesperson. Often, you can bring home a new mattress the same day.
However, shopping online offers a wider selection, and often better prices. Specifically, many mattress-in-a-box companies have popped up in the last ten years that sell directly to the consumer to cut overhead costs and offer higher quality and lower prices. Many offer free shipping and generous sleep trials where you can try out the mattress risk-free.
Utilize Sleep Trials and Warranties
Sleep trials and warranties both add value to the mattress by providing peace of mind.
Sleep trials allow a specified number of nights where you can try out the mattress and return it for a full refund if you’re not satisfied. These range anywhere from 30 to 365 nights. Often, the feel of a mattress changes as you break it in, so sleep trials are a great way to ensure that your mattress meets your expectations over time.
Warranties protect against manufacturing defects, and may range anywhere from a year to a lifetime. Make sure to read the company’s policies for the warranty and sleep trial before making the purchase.
Shop Sales and Discounts
Mattress companies offer major sales and discounts during holidays, with the deepest price cuts arriving at Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Also, you can find coupons and discounts online year-round, and many companies offer price matching.
Take Advantage of Bundle Deals
If you’re planning to purchase bedding or a foundation to go with your mattress, you may be able to take advantage of bundling deals. Many companies offer discounts when you purchase pillows, sheets, or foundations at the same time as the mattress.
Video: How to Buy a Mattress on a Budget
You don’t have to sacrifice quality construction or comfort to find a budget-friendly mattress. Watch our video to take a look at the materials, construction, performance, and overall value of a mattress.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
How We Test
After years of testing sleep products across all price-points, we’ve learned how to identify the mattresses that deliver the best value for the money. Our top choices were subjected to our rigorous testing methodology, which involves in-person testing, technology-aided data collection, and the most up-to-date research on health and sleep.
Since each individual has different needs for a mattress, our testing team spans a wide range of body types, sleeping positions, and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best mattress for the money is the one that accommodates your needs while staying within your budget. You can further assess the quality of a mattress by considering its materials, construction, special features, and whether it comes with a sleep trial or warranty.
The best time to buy a mattress is usually around holidays, especially on Cyber Monday and Black Friday, when stores and companies offer major discounts. That said, you can often find coupons and discounts year round with a quick online search. Some companies also offer price-match guarantees.
While mattress quality corresponds loosely to price, a more expensive mattress is not necessarily better. A number of factors may raise the price of a mattress, from brand name recognition to special features that only benefit certain types of sleepers. It’s best to consider what’s important to you in a mattress rather than focusing exclusively on price. There are plenty of great mattresses available at mid-range or budget prices.
Mattresses range in price from $500 to over $2,500, and you should plan to spend somewhere in the middle range, depending on your budget. Each sleeper has unique needs, and the mattress that accommodates yours may not be the most expensive one. How much you need to spend will depend on the mattress’ size, type, and special features, among other factors.
You can make your mattress last longer by using a mattress pad to protect the surface, and by cleaning and rotating the mattress regularly. These steps help the mattress hold its value, as performance tends to decline with heavy wear and tear.
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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