Best Affordable Mattress

By clicking on the product links in this article, US-Mattress and Mattress Advisor may receive a commission fee at no cost to you, the reader. Read the full disclosure statement.

1.) Nectar - Best for Couples

Looking for an affordable mattress that you can share with a partner? Look no further than to the Nectar, a gel memory foam mattress that’s comfortable for back sleepers, side sleepers, and stomach sleepers alike. It also minimizes motion transfer, making it ideal for couples who want to sleep without disrupting one another.

Learn more in our Nectar mattress review.

2.) Casper Element - Best Mattress for Kids

The Casper Essential is an excellent budget mattress, especially for kids. Essentially, it’s a streamlined version of the Casper Original. Made up of three layers of foam, it offers great spine and edge support, helping support your little ones. It also offers a lot of the same memory foam comforts as the Original, but for a much more modest price. The Element is one of the best mattresses for kids due to its quality, durability, and low price point.

Learn more in our Casper mattress review.

3.) Helix Midnight - Best Hybrid Mattress

The Helix Midnight is a hybrid built to keep sleepers cool, but also helps to relieve stress on pressure points. Its coil system holds up the hips and shoulders and provides needed lumbar support. It also prevents motion transfer, a great perk for couples shopping for a new mattress on a budget.

Learn more about this mattress in our Helix Midnight Mattress Review.

4.) Tuft & Needle - Best for Combination Sleepers

The Tuft & Needle mattress is known as a good “universal mattress,” meaning it’s well-suited for all sleeping positions including combination sleepers. Its memory foam design offers plenty of breathability, support, and pressure relief. It’s also great for those who are seeking a firm mattress.

Learn more in our Tuft & Needle mattress review.

6.) Layla - Best Flippable Mattress

The Layla is a flippable mattress, with a soft and a firm side that you can choose from. Its memory foam interior is infused with copper to help soak up extra body heat while distributing your weight evenly.

Read more about the Layla in our Layla Mattress Review.

7.) Cocoon Chill - Best Cooling Mattress

One of the best cooling mattresses, this all-foam bed uses a unique cooling cover that draws away heat to help you sleep cool. The three foam layers in the Cocoon Chill also provide excellent back support and respond to your movements as you settle down.

8.) Brooklyn Bowery - Best Memory Foam Mattress

Looking for a budget-friendly mattress that will help you maintain a good posture, alleviating back and joint pain? The Brooklyn Bowery is comprised completely of memory foam, making it compatible with all sleep styles while promoting healthy spine alignment.

Learn more in our Brooklyn Bowery mattress review.

9.) Allswell - Best for Side Sleepers

This hybrid mattress offers the best of both worlds: The comfort of memory foam and the support of pocket coils. Different firmness options provide flexibility for all sleep positions, but it’s an especially good option for side sleepers.

Compare the Best Mattresses for the Money

Mattress Name	Quick Overview	Special Offer
Nectar	Material: Gel memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 2-5 business days Trial Period: 365 nights Warranty: Lifetime warranty as long as you own the mattress Price: $	Check Price
Casper Element	Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.4/10 Delivery: 2-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year warranty Price: $	Check Price
Helix Midnight	Material: Hybrid Firmness: Medium Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.9/10 Delivery: 3-7 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 15-year limited Price: $	Check Price
Tuft & Needle	Material: Foam combo Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.9/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 1-5 days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year warranty Price: $	Check Price
Layla	Material: Copper-infused foam Firmness: Medium-soft; Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.5/5 MA Score: 8.8/10 Delivery: 3-7 days Trial Period: 120 nights Lifetime Warranty Price: $	Check Price
Cocoon Chill	Material: Memory foam Firmness: Medium-soft, Extra-firm Customer Rating: 4.6/5 MA Score: 8.7/10 Delivery: 5-7 days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10 years Price: $	Check Price
Brooklyn Bowery	Material: Foam combo Firmness: Medium Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.5/10 Delivery: 3-4 business days Trial Period: 120 nights Warranty: 10-year warranty Price: $	Check Price
Allswell	Material: Hybrid (foam and innerspring) Firmness: Medium-firm Customer Rating: 4.8/5 MA Score: 8.2/10 Delivery: 3-9 business days Trial Period: 100 nights Warranty: 10-year limited Price: $	Check Price

MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the mattress’ performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

Compare Features and Materials

Nectar	Casper Element
What’s inside: Memory foam quilted cover: The mattress cover is soft and cushioning Gel memory foam layer: Promotes even weight distribution and pressure relief Adaptive memory foam: Supports the body and offers edge support Base support layer: A sturdy, supportive layer of foam Bottom cover: Helps your mattress stay on the bed frame	What’s inside: Cover: Made of recycled fabrics and materials Comfort foam: Layer that is breathable and hugs pressure points Support layer: Dense foam serves as the mattress base
Scored best in: Edge support Motion transfer Pressure relief	Scored best in: Edge support Spine alignment Motion transfer

Helix Midnight	Tuft & Needle
What’s inside: Cooling cover: Breathable and soft mattress cover Foam support layer: Cushions and supplies pressure relief Transition foam: Extra support layer that is a barrier between foam and coil layers Coil system: Coils that help with spine alignment, motion isolation, and pressure relief Foam base: Stabilizes the mattress	What’s inside: Top comfort layer: The upper layer of foam adapts to your movements and helps mediate body heat Bottom layer: The bottom layer provides sturdiness and structural support Mattress cover: Fabric promotes airflow and keeps you cool all night long
Scored best in: Spine alignment Pressure relief Motion transfer Edge support	Scored best in: Edge support Pressure relief Spine alignment

Allswell	Layla
What’s inside: Cooling foam layer: Improves breathability and promotes airflow Base layer: Pocket coils reinforce the mattress and help with motion isolation	What’s inside: Cover: Made with a special process to be extra soft and covers the entire mattress Firm side: Copper infused foam that helps with cooling and boosts up pressure points Core: Helps with support for both sides of the bed and ensures long-term durability Support layer: Works with the soft side in alleviating pressure on the body while keeping you cool Soft side: Thicker layer of copper-infused foam
Scored best in: Motion transfer Spine alignment Cooling	Scored best in: Pressure relief Responsiveness Edge support

Cocoon Chill	Brooklyn Bowery
What’s inside: Cooling cover: Draws in excess heat and transforms it into a cool sleeping surface Foam top layer: Allows enough give to conform to the body Customizable middle layer: Choose between a soft or firm middle layer based on your preferences Foundational layer: Final foam layer that helps reinforce the mattress	What’s inside: Cover: Soft and allows air to pass through Support foam layer: Unique foam that mimics buoyant, pressure-relieving latex foam Comfort foam layer: Allows a transition between foam layers Base layer: High-density foam offers extra support
Scored best in: Spine alignment Motion transfer Edge support Responsiveness	Scored best in: Spine alignment Responsiveness Motion transfer

Purchasing an Affordable Mattress

As you look for a great mattress at a reasonable price point, it’s helpful to have some clear parameters. There are some fairly expensive mattresses on the market today, and while many of them are well worth it, they don’t necessarily fit every budget. Please know that you can get an excellent mattress for under $1,000, and sometimes for closer to $500.

Affordable mattresses come in a variety of firmness levels and accommodate a range of body types. And, most offer at least a 100 night trial, if not longer; so, if you want to verify that your money is being well spent, rest assured that you’ll have some time to get used to your new sleep mattress.

Shopping Considerations

While comparing affordable bed-in-a-box options, there are a number of specific categories to keep in mind.

Performance Factors

Set-up: Will it take a while to get your mattress set up? And can you expect any off-gassing (unpleasant odors) when you open the box?

Pressure relief: When you go to sleep at night, your body weight concentrates at a few critical pressure points. This can lead to some aches and pains come morning, but a pressure-relieving mattress will help to evenly distribute your body weight.

Spine alignment: Something else that helps you avoid back pain and joint pain? Ensuring good posture all night long. A mattress made for spine alignment is critical here.

Durability: Budget shoppers want to find a low price, but also a mattress that will hold up over many years. Be sure to seek a mattress made with high-quality, durable materials.

Motion transfer: A mattress that’s rated well for motion transfer will help you to remain fast asleep even if your partner gets up in the middle of the night.

Temperature regulation: Breathable mattress materials will help you avoid overheating as you sleep.

Responsiveness: A responsive mattress will adapt to the movements of your body, providing a comfortable, contouring sleep experience.

Edge support: Mattresses rated well for edge support will maintain their shape and prevent sagging at the corners.

Mattress type: The type of mattress you purchase can affect multiple factors, from sleep position to the price tag. Side sleepers will enjoy the pressure relief memory foam and latex mattresses offer. Back and stomach sleepers may opt for more supportive, firm hybrids and innerspring mattresses. Look for an affordable mattress that will help you achieve your best night’s sleep without breaking the bank.

Shipping and Delivery

As you shop at online mattress stores, always pay attention to shipping times and costs. Note that most mattress companies will offer free shipping in the United States. This is true no matter which price range you’re in.

Related: How to find the best mattress in a box for your sleep style

Environmental Impact & Sustainability

Some shoppers will be passionate about finding a cheap mattress made with eco-friendly or recycled materials. Look for signs that your mattress is CertiPUR-US certified. For more options, check out our list of the best organic mattresses.

FAQ About Affordable Mattresses

1. How does a sleep trial work?

   From the minute your mattress arrives at your home, you’ll have a certain number of nights to test it out and make sure you like it. If at any point during that trial period, you decide you don’t like the mattress, you can return it for a full refund. This provides an added layer of peace of mind, no matter the price tag on your mattress.

2. Will I need to buy a foundation for my mattress?

   Most of these mattresses have adjustable bases you can buy. However, you can also try them out on any box spring or flat surface. You can even use your mattress on the floor.

3. What happens to my mattress if I choose to return it?

   Most mattress companies donate unwanted mattresses to local shelters or mattress recycling programs.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best Affordable Mattresses

• Nectar - Best for Couples
• Casper Element - Best for Kids
• Helix Midnight - Best Hybrid Mattress
• Tuft & Needle - Best for Combination Sleepers
• Layla - Best Flippable Mattress
• Cocoon Chill - Best Cooling Mattress
• Brooklyn Bowery - Best Memory Foam
• Allswell - Best for Side Sleepers

About the Author Josh Hurst

Josh Hurst lives and writes in Knoxville, TN. A recovering insomniac, he has a long-standing appreciation for the power of a good night's sleep.