Nectar Mattress
The Nectar Mattress combines cradling and support that can accommodate most sleepers across weight groups and position preferences. While many models that incorporate gel-infused memory foam carry a steep price tag, this popular all-foam model balances quality and affordability.
A mattress is a big investment. While some shoppers are prepared to splurge for their ideal sleep surface, modestly priced yet functional models are also widely available. Shopping on a budget may narrow your mattress options, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t find a comfortable solution that meets your needs.
We’ve tested hundreds of models and selected the best cheap mattresses based on their quality and performance. If your budget is flexible, check out our guide to the best mattresses to see highlights from our testers’ overall favorites. Alternatively, we’ve also compiled a guide to the best mattresses under $300 for shoppers on a tight budget.
Presidents’ Day Mattress Sales Are Here!
Presidents’ Day is a great time to purchase a new mattress. Many leading brands offer major sales and discounts throughout the month of February. Check out our list of Presidents’ Day mattress sales for details about the biggest deals.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following four options made our top picks list of 2024’s best cheap mattresses.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
Nectar Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Nectar Mattress proves a reliable, high-quality mattress can still carry an affordable sticker price. Its medium firm (6) feel delivers more support than the average all-foam model, and each customer receives a generous 365-night sleep trial with their purchase.
Buy from Nectar
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Not Ideal for Hot Sleepers
Pros
- Contains gel-infused memory foam designed for cooling, motion isolation, and pressure relief
- Includes a generous 365-night sleep trial and limited lifetime warranty
- Discounted bedding bundle available with purchase
Cons
- Impressions may form after a few years, possibly limiting the mattress’ lifespan
- Upgrading to a cover with cooling technology costs extra
- Close-conforming memory foam may restrict motion
The Nectar Mattress is a strong all-around option for shoppers on a budget. This all-foam model doesn’t sacrifice support while offering outstanding motion isolation and pressure relief.
Why We Like It
During partner tests, we found that the memory foam layer also does an excellent job of isolating motion and preventing movement from rippling across the bed’s surface. Our tests also revealed minimal pressure buildup. With a 12-inch profile and medium firm (6) feel, the Nectar received high ratings from the side sleepers on our testing team across all weight groups. Our back and stomach sleepers who weigh less than 230 pounds also enjoyed its balance of conforming and support.
How Does It Feel?
Our testing team found that the Nectar’s memory foam comfort layer provides a gentle hugging sensation that relieves pressure, making the mattress a good choice for sleepers who tend to experience pain or pressure points. Despite the thick memory foam layer, our testers noted that the bed’s transitional polyfoam prevented them from sinking too deeply. A dense polyfoam core completes the mattress and offers sturdy support.
Best Hybrid Mattress
Dreamfoam Hybrid
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Brooklyn Bedding
Side Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Responsive Hybrid Design
Cooling Gel Infusion
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
The popularity of the hybrid has soared in recent years. Many sleepers enjoy this mattress type’s inherent balance of cushioning, support, bounce, and cooling — but for shoppers with tight budgets, high-quality hybrid options are fairly limited. The Dreamfoam Hybrid is a rare exception thanks to thoughtful construction, strong performance, and an approachable sticker price.
Why We Like It
The Dreamfoam Hybrid’s medium firm (6) feel made it particularly popular among our side sleepers weighing up to 230 pounds, but the mattress earned favorable ratings from most of our team. Our tests also show the hybrid controls temperature well. The cooling gel infusion in the top foam layer, steady airflow through the coils, and breathable cover can all benefit people who run hot in bed and lose sleep as a result. Other standout qualities include sturdy edge support and enough bounce to facilitate movement across the surface.
How Does It Feel?
On its surface, the Dreamfoam Hybrid feels fairly plush. Down-like fibers are quilted into the cover and the memory foam comfort layer softens and adapts to your figure when it comes into contact with heat. This creates a cradle-like mold for your entire body, which in turn promotes even alignment and alleviates pressure along the spine, but the robust coils in the support core push back against your weight and prevent excessive sinkage. The coils also produce a light bounce when you get in and out of bed.
Best Cooling Mattress
Cocoon Chill
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
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.
Buy from Sealy
Hot Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Close-Conforming Foam
Phase Change Material
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
The Cocoon Chill by Sealy is an all-foam mattress featuring adaptive memory foam over dense polyfoam. With a thoughtful construction and innovative cooling features, the mattress is an excellent choice for sleepers who like the feel of memory foam but tend to overheat in bed.
Why We Like It
Based on our tests, the mattress best suits back and stomach sleepers of all weights and side sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds. It received the highest ratings from back sleepers on our team who weigh between 130 and 230 pounds. Our tests showed that the memory foam comfort layer conforms to the body and relieves pressure along the spine. The Cocoon Chill also performed really well on our motion isolation tests, so this bed is a safe bet if you’re trying to minimize sleep disruptions from a restless co-sleeper. Testers barely noticed when their partners moved around on the other side of the bed.
How Does It Feel?
The Chill’s foam layers contour gently to cushion your body while maintaining even support. With a medium firm (6) feel, the mattress cradles the body without sacrificing stability. We also noted that the polyfoam transitional layer should prevent excessive sinkage, and the high-density polyfoam support core stabilized the mattress when we shifted positions. The Chill’s phase change material cover is engineered to absorb and redistribute heat, maintaining a comfortable surface temperature in the process. This helps the mattress offset heat retention from the foam layers and sleep relatively cool.
Best Mattress for Couples
Minocasa Mino Hybrid Mattress
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Minocasa Mino Hybrid is designed with multiple foam layers that adapt to your body more effectively than other hybrid models we’ve tested. Meanwhile the coil base delivers excellent support, so most sleepers don’t need to worry about excessive sinkage with this model.
Buy from Minocasa
Couples
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Some Airflow
Pros
- Hybrid design with zoned support is similar to many high-end models
- Gel-infused memory foam is engineered for temperature control
- Three-layer foam comfort system offers notable pressure relief
Cons
- Not available in the most budget-friendly sizes: twin and twin XL
- Less responsive than many hybrids, which could inhibit movement
- Stomach sleepers over 130 pounds may sink too deeply to maintain good posture
Hybrid models offer great support, but sometimes at the expense of a good night’s sleep for couples. This is not the case with the Minocasa Mino Hybrid Mattress. Thick foam layers over robust coils give sleepers the best of both worlds when it comes to reinforcement and motion isolation.
Why We Like It
The bed has an overall medium firm (6) feel that earned high marks from our side-sleeping testers, especially those weighing up to 230 pounds. Back sleepers between 130 and 230 pounds also enjoyed the feel.
Our testers found the memory foam excelled at absorbing motion, so you’re less likely to feel nighttime movements of a co-sleeper. The adaptive foam layers were also ideal for relieving painful pressure buildup. This appealed to the side and back sleepers on our team, since this group sometimes experiences painful pressure points in the shoulders, hips, and spine.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress begins with a cool Tencel cover over a layer of memory foam that conforms closely to your body. This is followed by two polyfoam layers that have a firmer feel but still promote contouring. Beneath is a thick layer of pocketed coils that generate ample support to prevent your body from sinking too deep. The coils are zoned to provide extra support where it’s most needed.
Best Mattress for Pressure Relief
SweetNight Twilight
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The SweetNight Twilight is a high-quality hybrid that’s also affordably priced — a rare combo in today’s mattress market. Plush foam contours evenly to your body, alleviating pain and hot spots in the process, while sturdy coils stabilize the sleep surface and prevent you from sinking excessively.
Buy from SweetNight
Combination Sleepers
Medium Firm (6)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great Airflow
Pros
- Three affordable height options
- Luxe Euro-top hybrid design
- Discounted accessories available with purchase
Cons
- Isn’t sold in more affordable twin and twin XL sizes
- Insufficient support for many sleepers over 130 pounds
- Wear and tear could shorten the usable lifespan
Despite its below-average sticker price, the SweetNight Twilight is a strong performer. Our tests show the mattress is best suited to side sleepers who weigh at least 130 pounds, and back and stomach sleepers up to 230 pounds. A plush surface, robust coil support, and a gentle bounce to aid movement contribute to the well-rounded design.
Why We Like It
Temperature control proved to be one of the Twilight’s major strengths during our tests. Air flows freely through the coil system, and a cooling gel infusion in the middle foam layer helps dissipate heat close to the surface. We also found the mattress relieves pressure and isolates motion well compared to the average hybrid. Initial off-gassing odor is strong, but manageable — a couple nights in a well-ventilated room should flush out these smells after the mattress is unboxed.
How Does It Feel?
Like other foam hybrids we’ve tested, the Twilight feels invitingly cushy at first. As your body settles, the underlying layers push back against your weight to keep you on an even plane. The comfort system consists of three layers, each one progressively denser, and the third — composed of dense transitional polyfoam — forms a nice buffer between you and the support core. You can choose from profiles of 10, 12, or 14 inches. All three are designed for the same medium firm feel, but you’ll notice extra cushioning on the 14-inch model and a flatter, more even surface with the 10-inch model. The 12-inch profile offers a nice balance of the other two.
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.
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.
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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