On This Page
The Best Affordable Mattress of 2025
Our Top Picks
-
Best Overall Mattress
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam -
Best Hybrid Mattress
DreamCloud Classic Hybrid -
Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill -
Best Mattress for Guest Rooms
Dreamfoam Hybrid
Best Overall Mattress
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex proves you can purchase a high-quality memory foam mattress without breaking the bank. Six individual layers work together to cushion your body, minimize sinkage around the midsection, and leave you feeling refreshed and pain-free each morning.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- All-foam design cushions sore spots and prevents pressure buildup
- Zoned transitional layer pushes back to keep your midsection upright
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
Cons
- Limited edge support
- Strong off-gassing odor may linger for several nights after unboxing
Ratings
Our Take
Best Hybrid Mattress
The DreamCloud Classic is constructed similarly to many competing hybrids, but its sticker price falls well below average. Cushy foam layers, sturdy coils, and a breathable cover add to the appeal of this budget-friendly model.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Adaptive foam layers contour closely to align the spine and alleviate pressure
- Perimeter coils are reinforced to bolster edge support
- All orders include a 365-night sleep trial
Cons
- Strong initial off-gassing odor can persist for several nights after unboxing
- Foam layers can hinder movement on the surface
Ratings
Our Take
Best Cooling Mattress
The Cocoon Chill’s gel-infused comfort layer and phase change cover offset the heat retention that often occurs with all-foam mattresses, allowing you to stay cool and comfortable throughout the night. This mattress also excels at pressure relief and motion isolation.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cover incorporates phase change material designed to counteract heat retention
- Deep-cradling all-foam construction relieves pressure and absorbs vibrations
- Frequently comes with a free gift
Cons
- Lasting impressions might make you want to replace the mattress after a few years of use
- Foam compression could hinder movement and limit edge support
- Warranty claims incur transportation costs
Ratings
Our Take
Best Mattress for Guest Rooms
Since the average hybrid costs about $1,500 in a queen size, the Dreamfoam Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding is a bargain for budget-conscious shoppers. That said, the mattress provides the same levels of pressure relief, support, and temperature control as many of its more expensive competitors.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Memory foam comfort layer lightly contours without sinking too deeply
- Cooling gel infusion and steady internal airflow help you sleep cool
- Wide size selection including several RV-friendly options
Cons
- Limited support for back and stomach sleepers over 230 pounds
- Motion transfer may cause sleep disruptions for couples
- Only available in one firmness level
Ratings
Our Take
Compare Our Top Picks
| Mattress | Mattress Type | Ideal For | Value | Sleep Trial |
| Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam | Foam | Side and Back Sleepers | Great Value | 120 nights (30-night requirement) |
| DreamCloud Classic Hybrid | Hybrid | Combination Sleepers | Great Value | 365 nights (30-night requirement) |
| Cocoon Chill | Foam | Hot Sleepers | Good Value | 100 Nights (30-Night Requirement) |
| Dreamfoam Hybrid | Hybrid | Side Sleepers | Great Value | 120 nights (30-night requirement) |
When looking for a new mattress that won’t break the bank, I recommend doing your homework and reading as many reviews as possible to make sure that you’ll end up with a bed that’ll work for you. I’d also look for brands that offer sleep trials and make sure to purchase during a sale.
What Do Sleepers on a Budget Need to Know for a Good Night’s Sleep?
Many factors contribute to a good night’s sleep, such as bedroom environment, pillows, and mattresses. However, a high-quality mattress doesn’t necessarily require spending a lot of money. We’ll cover the factors that determine mattress prices, how to save money on a mattress purchase, and why the right bed is a worthwhile investment. In the video below, we’ll also offer some hands-on tips for buying a mattress while on a budget.
How Much Should You Spend on a New Mattress?
Most shoppers prefer to find a mattress that meets their needs while falling comfortably within their budget. For planning purposes, the average mattress cost in a queen size is around $1,100 to $2,200. However, plenty of options are available both below and above this price range.
Several factors can influence the overall price. Mattress size makes a big difference. Smaller sizes, like twin and twin XL, are the most affordable since they use fewer materials.
The type of material also impacts the price, since higher-end components cost manufacturers more to use. For example, all-foam mattresses tend to cost less than latex or hybrid models. That said, a high price tag does not guarantee higher quality, just as a low price tag does not necessarily reflect lower quality.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Cheaper Mattress
While each mattress model is unique, be on the lookout for these potential benefits and drawbacks to ensure you get the best mattress for your money.
Pros
- Approachable upfront cost
- Lower cost to replace when the mattress wears out
- Less financial risk if you’re unsure what’s best for you
- May leave money left over for sleep accessories
Cons
- Frequently less durable, which can shorten the usable lifespan
- Might use lower-quality materials with reduced performance
- May have less generous shipping, return, and warranty policies
What Should You Consider in a Cheap Mattress?
When you choose a mattress that’s affordably priced, it’s important to ensure it doesn’t sacrifice the features you need for a comfortable night’s sleep. We’ll break down the top things to look at when shopping for an affordable mattress.
Price
If you’re shopping for a mattress on a budget, the price is probably the first thing you’ll look at. Several factors can influence how much a mattress costs. Anything that costs manufacturers more will likely increase the sticker price for shoppers, including higher-end materials, larger mattress sizes, thicker designs, and more generous shipping, trial, and return policies. In addition, companies with brick-and-mortar stores often have to charge more to cover the costs of facilities.
Materials
Materials and pricing vary between mattress types, including foam, innerspring, hybrid, latex, and airbed models. Because of their more affordable materials, foam and innerspring mattresses tend to be the most budget-friendly.
Hybrids use more complex construction techniques, which often increases the price. Most latex models contain natural latex, which is relatively expensive, so they also tend to be on the higher end of the average price range. Airbeds are typically the most expensive due to their heavy-duty air chambers and built-in pumps.
Firmness
Budget-friendly mattresses come in a wide range of firmness options. Firmness is one of the most critical factors in overall comfort, but the ideal feel varies depending on your body type and sleep position preference.
Most sleepers prefer something close to the middle of the firmness range, around medium (5) or medium firm (6) on our 10-point firmness scale. However, side sleepers and individuals under 130 pounds typically need a softer surface for more contouring and pressure relief, whereas stomach sleepers and those over 230 pounds usually benefit from something a little firmer for even support.
Durability
The average mattress lasts around 7 to 10 years, though this varies depending on the mattress type, the quality of the materials, and the amount of wear and tear. Durability plays a significant role in overall value. If you purchase a cheap mattress that needs to be replaced within a few years, you may spend more over time. In contrast, a durable mattress that costs a little more may ultimately save you money by being comfortable for a longer period.
Budget-Friendly Tips for Buying a New Mattress
Shopping for a mattress isn’t easy, but it’s even more complicated if you’re trying to stay within a budget. We’ll share our tips to help you find the best budget mattress for you.
Do Your Research
Researching mattresses carefully can help you get the most for your money. For that reason, the best place to buy a mattress is often online. Buying a mattress online allows you to comparison shop, watch for sales, and avoid pressure from salespeople. If you prefer to shop in person, we recommend going in with a clear idea of what you’re looking for and how much you’re prepared to spend.
Look for Holiday Sales and Bundle Deals
Holidays are usually the best time to buy a mattress. There are often good mattress sales around holidays, which can shave a decent amount of money off the normal price.
If you’re looking for bedding or accessories, bundle deals can also be a good value. Some online mattress companies offer these additional items at a sharp discount with a mattress purchase. While buying everything at once increases the upfront cost, it may be more affordable than making separate purchases.
Pursue Free or Discounted Mattresses
There are a number of organizations that provide free or discounted mattresses for those in need. You may be eligible if you meet certain qualifications set out by various organizations.
Make the Most of Sleep Trials and Warranties
No one wants to be stuck with a mattress that doesn’t meet their needs, but it can be particularly problematic if you’re on a tight budget. Most online mattress companies offer sleep trials that allow customers to return the mattress if it isn’t as comfortable as they’d hoped. Similarly, if a defect arises, a warranty provides for mattress repairs or replacement so you don’t have to buy a new bed. Read the policies before making a purchase to learn the terms and conditions.
Account for Added Costs
If you’re setting up a bedroom from scratch, don’t forget to account for other costs associated with a new bed, such as bedding and a bed frame or other bed base.
It’s also worth reviewing the company’s shipping policy to see if there are shipping charges. Most online retailers offer free shipping, but fees may apply for some locations. Additionally, certain delivery options, such as in-home setup or expedited shipping, typically cost extra.
Finally, some mattress companies offer special features as add-ons to base models, such as a cooling cover or a pillow-top. While add-ons can make the mattress more comfortable for sleepers, they also increase the cost.
Discover More Mattress Solutions
While this guide outlines the best cheap mattresses across a variety of categories, our testing team also curated a list of the best cheap memory foam mattresses. We also put together a list of the best mattresses for the money at several price-points. And if you have a precise price range in mind, check out our dollar-specific mattress guides below.
More Mattress Options by Cost
How We Test
Our in-house team of reviewers and sleep product experts has decades of collective experience in the industry. We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses using our product testing methodology, ranging from some of the lowest-priced options on the market to high-end designs.
With each mattress, testers of different body weights and sleep position preferences perform a series of standardized tests to give us a comprehensive overview of how each mattress performs. To choose our top picks for the best cheap mattresses, we looked at low-priced models with high performance ratings.
Frequently Asked Questions
All-foam mattresses tend to be the cheapest, with traditional innerspring models coming in at a close second. You can also find affordably priced models with latex or hybrid designs, though the price-point is often a bit higher.
Whether it’s better to buy an expensive mattress depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. It’s often worth spending a little extra if you find a more durable model that better meets your needs.
An improved sleep experience and a longer lifespan might ultimately make a more expensive mattress a better value than an affordably priced alternative. That said, a quality lower-priced mattress may be ideal if you’re not planning on using the mattress long term or you anticipate your needs may change.
While mattresses generally last 7 to 10 years, you may find that more affordable models have shorter lifespans, perhaps five to eight years in many cases. A budget mattress may last longer if you use it infrequently, rotate it regularly, or use a mattress protector.
You should replace your mattress when it starts to negatively affect your sleep. If you notice sagging, lasting impressions, damaged areas, unusual noise, more aches and pains, or increased allergy symptoms, it may be a tipoff that it’s time for a new mattress.
Major shopping holidays are usually the best times to buy a new mattress at a discount. We typically see the best sales around New Year’s Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.
