The Best Online Mattress of 2026

UPDATED

Buying a mattress online may seem daunting at first, but it can actually open up a world of new bed options and save you money. There are thousands of mattresses available online, and with a little research, you can find the best model for your needs.

Shopping online allows you to compare prices and look for deals. Though you can’t try a mattress before buying, most retailers include a sleep trial that lets you return a mattress if you don’t like it.

We’ll highlight our favorite online mattresses and explain why each one made the cut. Our picks for best mattress of 2025 also include online mattresses, and you can also consider the best mattresses in a box for models that ship easily to your door.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall Mattress

Helix Midnight

9.1/10

20% off sitewide

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Many of our testers felt comfortable on the Helix Midnight thanks to the balanced foam hybrid construction and mid-range firmness level. We found the adaptive memory foam comfort layer greatly reduced pressure buildup in the joints. Meanwhile, the pocketed coils and perimeter reinforcement prevented excessive sinkage across the surface.

Ideal for Combination Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Medium-Firm Balanced Support
Value Good Value

Best Value Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

8.6/10
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

25% off sitewide

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It’s hard to find an online mattress that’s as sophisticated and wallet-friendly as Brooklyn Bedding’s CopperFlex Memory Foam. Six individual layers deliver a plush comfort system reinforced with zoned transitional foam and a dense, sturdy base.

Ideal for Side and Back Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Plush, Supportive Surface
Value Great Value

Best Foam Mattress

Nectar Mattress

8.8/10
Nectar Mattress

Save up to 50% on mattresses + up to 66% off bundles

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The Nectar is a standout all-foam mattress thanks to its cushy, adaptive surface and sturdy support system. Pressure relief and motion isolation are two defining strengths, and the sticker price is hard to beat.

Ideal for Side Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Close-Conforming Foam
Value Great Value

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Nolah Evolution 15

9.1/10
Nolah Evolution 15

30% off sitewide + extra $50 off with code: SD50

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Side sleepers should get the deep contour they need from the Nolah Evolution 15, a luxury hybrid with four foam layers in its comfort system. Zoned coils provide additional support with extra cushioning around the shoulders and hips, two areas where side sleepers often exert more pressure on their sleep surface and sink excessively.

Ideal for Most Sleepers
Firmness Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Feel Plush, Supportive
Value Good Value

Best Luxury Mattress

Saatva Classic

9.4/10

$300 off orders of $1,000 or more

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The Saatva Classic is a luxury innerspring available in three firmness levels and two profiles, ensuring a comfortable option for most sleepers. Premium features such as targeted pressure relief from the pocketed minicoils and extra spinal support from the lumbar pad make the Saatva a standout option.

Ideal for Back Sleepers
Firmness Soft (3), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Feel Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Value Fair Value

Best Mattress for Back Pain

Bear Elite Hybrid

8.4/10
Bear Elite Hybrid

40% sitewide with code: SD40

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The Bear Elite Hybrid is a great solution if back pain is keeping you up at night. Thick foam layers and zoned construction help ensure extra cushioning for your sore spots and targeted support where you carry more weight.

Ideal for People With Back Pain
Firmness Medium (5), Medium Firm (6), Firm (8)
Feel Plush, Supportive Surface
Value Good Value

Best Mattress for Couples

Lull Original Premium Mattress

8.7/10
Lull Original Premium Mattress

65% off Lull mattresses

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The Lull Original is a quintessential memory foam mattress consisting of a cushy top layer and a sturdy support system. A true medium firm (6), the mattress conforms to your figure and alleviates pressure in your most sensitive areas without sinking or compressing too much.

Ideal for Side Sleepers
Firmness Medium Firm (6)
Feel Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Value Good Value

Compare Our Top Picks

Mattress Mattress Type Ideal For Value Sleep Trial
Helix Midnight Hybrid Combination Sleepers Good Value 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam Foam Side and Back Sleepers Great Value 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Nectar Mattress Foam Side Sleepers Great Value 365 nights
Nolah Evolution 15 Hybrid Most Sleepers Good Value 120 nights (30-night requirement)
Saatva Classic Innerspring Back Sleepers Fair Value 365 Nights ($99 Return Fee)
Bear Elite Hybrid Hybrid People With Back Pain Good Value 120 nights (30-night break-in period)
Lull Original Premium Mattress Foam Side Sleepers Good Value 365 Nights

Buying a mattress online is one of the most accessible and least expensive ways to buy a mattress, but the sheer amount of options on the market can make it difficult to choose the perfect bed for you. I recommend taking your preferred sleeping position and body weight into consideration to help narrow down your choices.

How to Choose an Online Mattress

Since buying a mattress online means it’s trickier to test it out in person (though some brands do have showrooms), here are a few important details to keep in mind to make sure you get the best mattress for your needs. 

Types of Mattress

Most of today’s mattresses fall into one of five types. All of these are available online. 

  • Foam: Made completely from polyfoam or memory foam, this type of mattress relieves pressure well and isolates motion effectively. 
  • Latex: A latex mattress typically has one or more layers made from bouncy, responsive, natural or synthetic latex. This material alleviates pressure point pain and is an excellent choice for those seeking a durable option.
  • Hybrid/Innerspring: Hybrid and innerspring mattresses have support cores made from pocketed coils that lend structure and pushback. Their comfort systems can vary widely and may feature foam, microcoils, latex, pillow-tops, or Euro-tops. 
  • Airbed: An airbed has an air chamber as a support core. You can use a remote to change its firmness level – great for those that want that optionand couples with different preferences. 

Foam models are typically the easiest to ship because they compress significantly. Airbeds and latex mattresses are the hardest to move and may require help during setup. 

Firmness

Mattresses come in a range of firmness options. Our team assigns them a firmness level based on a 10-point scale. Softer mattresses have lower numbers, while firmer models have higher numbers. You can determine which firmness level is right for you by considering your body weight and sleeping position. You can narrow down options while shopping online by only looking at models within the ideal firmness range for your body. 

Size

If you plan to buy a bed online, make sure that you purchase one in a size that matches your space. Some models come compressed in a box, while others are sealed in plastic. Measure your hallways and doorways to ensure you can get your intended mattress into your bedroom, especially if it doesn’t ship compressed. 

Off-Gassing

After foam is manufactured, trace chemicals remain. It’s called off-gassing when those chemicals are released into the air. While these low-volatile organic compounds (VOC) aren’t harmful, they often smell unpleasant for a short time. Unwrap your mattress in a well-ventilated area and wait at least 24 hours before use to avoid odors. 

Budget

You can find online mattresses to fit any budget. Materials, construction, brand, warranties, and shipping practices all affect how much you should expect to pay for a model. While prices vary depending on mattress type and quality, you should expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a mid-range to luxury model. 

Sleep Trial and Warranty

Online retailers know that shoppers are nervous to buy a mattress without trying it first, so many companies offer sleep trials. Most trials last between 100 and 365 days and allow you to test a mattress and send it back for a full or partial refund if it’s not right for you. Typically, online mattresses also carry a warranty that can cover a range of issues including manufacturer or material defects. 

How to Shop for a Mattress Online

Before committing to an online purchase, you should weigh the pros and cons and consider whether buying a mattress online or in-store better fits your needs. 

Buying Online vs. In-Store

You can find fabulous beds both online and in person, and the main difference between the two is the shopping experience. 

Buying a bed through an online retailer is a great option for those with minimal access to brick-and-mortar stores. Sleepers with limited mobility, those in rural areas, and people without personal transportation may find it easier to shop online. If you know exactly what type of mattress you’re looking for, you can also save money by searching for deals or discounts. 

Though shopping in person requires the ability to get to the store, it may be preferable for people who need to feel a mattress before committing to a purchase. Trying out models in person is also helpful in order to choose which mattress construction you want. In-person shopping has the benefit of talking to a live person to get answers to your questions, but many online brands have chat and phone support.

Buying Online Buying In-Stores
Pros
  • Huge variety of mattresses available
  • Ability to shop sales and compare retailers
  • Ability to try out each model in person
  • In-person advice and customer service available
Cons
  • Unable to test models in person
  • Can be overwhelming
  • Limited inventory compared to online retailers
  • Rural areas have limited in-person shopping

Choosing a Reputable Brand

There are hundreds of mattress brands online, so you do need to do your homework. You can narrow your focus to quality sellers by purchasing from established brands and manufacturers. Avoid drop-shipping companies or pop-up sellers that don’t have a history or customer reviews. 

Research a brand’s warranty and sleep trial policies, then read customer reviews to learn how a company deals with issues in real life. You can also get a feel for a company’s quality by contacting their customer service.

Shipping, Delivery, Setup, and Returns 

When you buy a mattress online, the company ships it directly to your house. Often, but not always, shipping is free within the contiguous U.S. Some models come compressed in a box while others arrive fully expanded. Make sure that the shipping policies are compatible with your home and lifestyle or consider paying for White Glove delivery if you need help setting your mattress up. 

Measure doorways and hallways before purchasing a bed and use a partner to help move mattresses or boxes into your bedroom. 

Why You Should Buy a Mattress in a Box — Video

We explain why a mattress in a box is an easier and more convenient option than buying in a brick-and-mortar store.

Discover More Mattress Solutions

Explore more options and find the best mattress for your needs by taking a look at more of our buying guides.

More Mattress Types

How We Test

At Sleep Doctor, we personally test each mattress that we recommend and put every model through the paces in our test lab. Over the years, we’ve tested over 1,000 models and have a solid understanding of what makes a bed worth the money. 

During testing, we compare how mattresses perform across a series of tests including temperature regulation, motion isolation, overall support, and pressure relief. Our findings are particularly helpful for people shopping online because shoppers can learn how a mattress will perform for their body weight and sleeper type.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is buying a mattress online better?

Buying a mattress online is better than shopping in-store if you want the ability to compare many models and look for deals and discounts. There is a huge volume of online mattresses available, so it’s helpful to narrow your focus to a particular mattress type and firmness level when shopping.

How much does an online mattress cost?

Online mattresses vary in price depending on materials and construction, but you can expect to pay between $600 and $2,000 for a mid-range to luxury queen size model. Foam mattresses tend to be quite affordable, and budget shoppers can find models for as little as $200. Organic materials and complex constructions increase production costs, which translate to higher consumer prices. 

What is the best place to buy an online mattress?

You can buy mattresses in many places online, but the best place to purchase one is from a reputable manufacturer or established third-party retailer. Look for existing customer reviews and check company policies to determine whether a brand is high-quality. Avoid pop-up retailers or manufacturers with limited online footprints. 

When is the best time to buy a mattress online?

The best time to buy a mattress online is generally within a week of a U.S. holiday. Retailers often discount mattresses and accessories close to President’s Day, the 4th of July, Christmas, Cyber Monday, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Amazon Prime Day, and other major holidays. By shopping these sales, you can save hundreds or thousands of dollars on a mattress.

Can you return an online mattress?

If you buy a bed from a high-quality online retailer, you can often return the mattress. Returns are typically free or have a flat fee that covers shipping. Make sure to check company policies and customer reviews before committing to a purchase, especially if you think you may need to return the mattress.

About the Author

David Rubin

David Rubin

Director of Product Testing for Sleep Doctor

Position: Side Sleeper

Temperature: Hot Sleeper

Chronotype: Lion

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. Since then, David has researched everything from bedtime routines to mattress toppers in his quest for a great night’s sleep.

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