8 Best Affordable Mattresses | 2024 Picks

Finding the right mattress doesn’t just make you more comfortable—it can significantly impact your overall health. Raj Dasgupta, MD, board-certified sleep medicine specialist, previously told SELF, “A good mattress can help with back pain, keeping your spine aligned, and making you feel more rested.” Conversely, the wrong mattress can lead to sleepless nights, sore muscles, and exacerbated back issues.

When shopping for an affordable mattress, it’s essential to focus on support and materials, according to Nitun Verma, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. “The right mattress should support spinal alignment while preventing pressure points, heat buildup, joint pain, and muscle stiffness,” he explains.

When shopping for a mattress, prioritize features that promote restful sleep and long-term health. Along with the above, looking for options that minimize motion transfer is key if you share your bed, while safe, hypoallergenic materials can help avoid exposure to harmful chemicals. Comfort is personal and can depend on factors like mattress firmness, softness, and adjustability, which may shift with life changes. For added value, choose mattresses with risk-free trial periods.

One savvy way to get more bang for your buck is to plan your mattress purchase around major holiday sales like Memorial Day, Black Friday, or Presidents Day, when steep discounts make even premium options more accessible.

From firmness to certifications to durability, this guide will help you navigate the world of affordable mattresses, so you can sleep soundly without breaking the bank.

• Best Overall: Casper The One
• Best Affordable Innerspring Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Affordable Memory Foam Mattress: Bear Original
• Best Affordable Latex Mattress: Silk & Snow Organic
• Best Affordable King-Size: Nectar Memory Foam

• Pressure relief for achy joints
• Open-cell foams help prevent overheating

• May be too firm for side sleepers

Firmness is one of the key features to consider when picking a mattress, and research finds medium-firm mattresses like The One by Casper (a revamp of the brand’s former Casper Element Pro Mattress), to have the most universal appeal. Dr. Dasgupta also suggests going with a medium-firm option if you’re unsure of what will work best for you for similar reasons.

This Casper bed is made from a just-forgiving-enough memory foam that one SELF reviewer says “hugged [her] body while pressing back against it,” creating the perfect cradle for catching quality z’s while alleviating the neck and lower back pain she was used to waking up with.

• Available in a variety of firmness levels
• Offers good back pain relief

• Poor motion isolation
• Returns cost $99

Combining traditional coils with hyperelastic foam, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid offers a bouncy, responsive feel that's easy to move around on. One tester noted that its combination of coils and foam made this mattress feel springy but still supportive, making it a good choice for combination sleepers or those who need a mattress that supports frequent movement. Reviewers praise it for its ability to reduce back pain, so it’s a great option for back sleepers in need of extra lumbar support.

• Excellent motion isolation
• Cooling properties keep you comfortable
• Lifetime warranty

• Firmer surface may not suit side sleepers
• Edge support is average

The Bear Original is a medium-firm memory foam mattress that offers impressive support, cooling properties, and excellent motion isolation, making it a great pick for couples. Our testers thought it did a great job of keeping movement on one side of the bed contained, which means if one person gets up or shifts positions during the night, it won't disturb the other. They also noted that the mattress provides more support than typical foam models; it still contours to your body (like you’d expect with memory foam), but keeps you lifted—no sinking or sagging here.

• Affordable price point for an organic mattress
• Uses ethically sourced materials
• Effective at alleviating back pain
• Excellent lumbar support and pressure relief

• May not be comfortable for side or stomach sleepers
• Shorter warranty compared to other models
• Requires a 24–48-hour off-gassing and decompression period

Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than memory foam, but priced at $1,200 for a queen size, this one is a steal compared to others in this category. Despite its lower price, it doesn’t skimp on quality, using ethically sourced organic materials. Testers found this mattress especially beneficial for back sleepers, noting that it alleviates pain in the lumbar region and helps reduce soreness in areas like hips and shoulders. One tester even used a heat map to assess pressure points and found the mattress provided excellent relief for tension buildup when sleeping on their back.

• Good cooling properties
• Lifetime warranty and 365-night trial

• Poor edge support, especially in the corners
• Pressure relief around the hips and shoulders could be better for side sleepers
• Motion isolation may disturb light sleepers

The bigger the mattress size, the more money you’re going to spend, which makes this entry feel all the more rewarding. The Nectar Memory Foam mattress offers an ultra-comfortable, plush sleeping experience while maintaining solid support, making it a great option for those seeking an affordable king-size mattress. One tester said lying on the bed felt like “being on a pile of soft dough.”

Our testers also noted that the Nectar excelled in cooling performance; and side sleepers will likely appreciate the comfort, though some testers did mention that pressure relief around the hips and shoulders could be improved. However, edge support is lacking, with reviewers noting difficulty getting in and out of bed due to weak corner support.

Best Affordable Mattress for Combination Sleepers: Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress

Pros

• Responsive and comfortable feel
• Durable construction

Cons

• Limited cooling features compared to some competitors

The Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress is an ideal choice for people who need a mattress that stays comfy even if they’re changing positions throughout the night. Its adaptive foam contours to your body without excessive sinkage, offering just the right amount of responsiveness for side, back, and stomach sleepers. Our tester noted, “My sleep hasn’t magically fixed itself with the Mint mattress, but I have definitely noticed a huge improvement. My husband especially appreciates the lack of motion transfer since he’s a light sleeper and I tend to move around a lot.”

We haven’t had the chance to sleep on these ourselves, but they’re all highly rated by customers who’ve put them to the test at home. If reviews are any indication, these mattresses deliver solid comfort and support without breaking the bank.

Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress: Helix Midnight

Pros

• Great for pressure relief
• Excellent motion isolation
• Breathable cover for cooling

Cons

• May not be firm enough for stomach or back sleepers

The Helix Midnight strikes the perfect balance of comfort and support, making it ideal for side sleepers and those who toss and turn. One reviewer shared, "My husband and I both toss and turn while sleeping. We thought we wanted a soft bed, but I’ve had great sleep on firm mattresses. We were matched with the perfect combination. He doesn’t wake up with sore hips anymore, and he actually wants to go to bed instead of falling asleep on the couch.” The medium firmness offers excellent pressure relief, especially around the hips and shoulders, while its breathable knit cover and individually wrapped coils keep you cool and isolate motion, making it a great choice for couples.

Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers: Leesa Original Mattress

Pros

• Aerated foam for additional air flow
• Feels plush like a cloud

Cons

• Average edge support

The Leesa Original Mattress is a top choice for side sleepers, who tend to prefer plush beds. Dr. Dasgupta explains, “Side sleepers usually like softer mattresses because they cushion your hips and shoulders,” and the Leesa excels in this area. Its foam layers contour to the body, delivering targeted pressure relief, especially for the spine, while maintaining an overall supportive feel. With a medium firmness, it’s ideal for those who prefer a softer mattress but don’t want to feel like they’re sinking into the floor. The breathable cover helps with cooling, and its motion isolation makes it a solid for more than one sleeper.

When evaluating mattresses for this guide, we drew on expert-informed criteria to ensure we recommended options that balance affordability with comfort, support, and durability. Our approach incorporates insights from sleep specialists Michael J. Breus, PhD, and W. Chris Winter, MD, along with extensive product testing and research. Here’s a closer look at the factors we prioritized:

To save money, consider purchasing during major holiday sales like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Presidents' Day, or Memorial Day when mattress retailers offer deep discounts. Additionally, shopping online can often lower costs, as it eliminates the need for physical store overhead, which the Sleep Foundation notes can lead to higher costs for consumers. Signing up for email alerts or using promotional codes can also unlock exclusive discounts.

Affordable mattresses can be comfortable, especially when made from memory foam or polyfoam, which are commonly used in budget models. These materials provide adequate support and cushioning for most sleepers. However, according to the Sleep Foundation, cheaper mattresses may not offer the durability or advanced features—such as temperature regulation or better motion isolation—that you find in higher-end models. Comfort largely depends on your preferences and the specific materials used.

If your budget allows, a more expensive mattress can be a wise investment. These models often feature longer-lasting materials and better overall construction, with benefits such as enhanced support, cooling technology, and reduced motion transfer, according to the Sleep Foundation. It also suggests that pricier mattresses tend to offer more advanced features and better warranties, which can provide additional value in the long term, particularly for sleepers with specific needs or those looking for lasting comfort.

Foam mattresses, particularly those made from lower-density polyfoam or memory foam, are typically more affordable than hybrid or latex options, the Sleep Foundation points out, adding that foam mattresses are a popular choice for cost-conscious consumers as they balance affordability with comfort. Innerspring mattresses are another budget-friendly choice, with the average costing between $500 and $1,200, according to the Sleep Foundation. Although they may not offer the same level of comfort or support as foam alternatives.

Low-cost mattresses can be a solid option for those on a budget or looking for temporary solutions. They often provide decent comfort and support but may not last as long as pricier models. The Sleep Foundation explains that while budget mattresses may not be as durable or luxurious, they can still deliver value, particularly if you find one that suits your comfort needs. If you’re able to test it in-store or take advantage of a trial period, low-cost options can be a good deal​.