The best cheap mattresses deliver comfort and support for a low price. However, there are some pitfalls when buying a budget bed, so we're here to steer you in the right direction. While the best cheap mattresses may not have the same high-end features as some of this year's best mattresses, a lot of quality beds are now available at an affordable price thanks to regular mattress sales.
Rest assured, each and every mattress in this guide been tried, tested, and slept on by our expert mattress testers, who have years of experience reviewing the best cheap mattresses. Plus, we’ve taken into account sleep trials, shipping and warranty periods.
We rigorously research and test the latest mattresses using our testing methodology to provide unbiased recommendations. We rate each mattress out of 5, and use our review data to inform our rankings. Read more about how we test mattresses.
Our top pick for best cheap mattress is the Siena Memory Foam Mattress, a supportive all-foam bed that is regularly discounted to $399 for a queen. In fact, you won’t pay more than $500 for a queen-size with any mattress included in this guide. The price of the best cheap mattresses tend to stay fairly stable, but you will occasionally see prices drop during monthly mattress sales. Now, let's take a look at this year’s best cheap mattresses to help you sleep better for less...
The best cheap mattress overall
The Siena Memory Foam mattress has an MSRP of $699 for a queen, which exceeds our max budget here. However, it hasn't sold at retail price since its launch in March 2022. It's consistently been heavily discounted, with the current $300 offer taking a queen size Siena mattress down to $399. The Siena is a three-layered, all-foam mattress, and we had high hopes for this model given that its parent brand, Resident, also makes the super-popular Nectar mattress (which is our best memory foam mattress pick). We weren't disappointed – the Siena punches well above its ultra-affordable price tag.
In our tests, we found the Siena sleeps very firm – there's not much of that typical memory foam 'hug'. That makes it a good choice for stomach sleepers or back sleepers who need that extra support, but side sleepers might find it doesn't have enough give around the shoulders and hips for a comfortable night's sleep.
We were also impressed with the edge support and motion isolation on offer here, making this a good choice for those who share a bed and don't want to be bothered by restless partners. Some lower-priced memory foams can trap heat, but we found the Siena performed well on that front – our lead reviewer never woke up sweaty, despite testing during some warm weather. The quality and affordability earn this model a spot high up in our list of the best mattresses for college students. The Siena Memory Foam mattress includes a 180-night trial, which is the longest on this list. This will allow you to test drive this cheap mattress throughout a couple of seasons. The warranty is more standard at 10 years.
- Read more: Siena memory foam mattress review
The best cheap mattress for front sleepers
While our best budget hybrid mattress recommendation overall is the DreamCloud, the Allswell is the best cheap hybrid mattress under $500 that we've found. As you might expect from Walmart's own bed-in-a-box brand, this offers a lot for a very low price (all the more impressive because this is a hybrid mattress with springs, and those are typically more expensive than all-foam models). At full price, a queen comes in at $317.
Beneath the luxurious-looking quilted top cover, you'll find a layer of charcoal- and copper-infused gel memory foam. These additions are designed to help with temperature regulation, by absorbing your body heat and helping to dissipate it. The foam layer sits on top of a tier of individually-wrapped coils, which are reinforced around the perimeter of the mattress to create sturdy edges that you can comfortably lie or sit on.
We tested an Allswell and were pleasantly surprised by how supportive it was for back and front sleeping. (Side sleepers may need more cushioning to feel satisfied here.) Motion isolation is also impressive, as is the edge support. That said, these impressions were based on our experience with a newly unboxed mattress. Per customer reviews, the Allswell tends to lose its shape over time with regular use, especially along the edges, so keep that in mind before buying this otherwise comfortable and inexpensive mattress.
Heavier bodies (over 200lbs) might find they sink right through the foam layer and won't get the full benefits there, while lighter-weight sleepers may need something with more contouring and plushness. As for temperature regulation, we didn't overheat on the Allswell but if you're prone to overheating, consider investing in one of the best cooling mattresses instead.
Allswell is no longer operating its own storefront, so instead of a 100-night trial you'll now have to abide by Walmart's 90-day return window, which is only eligible for unopened products. The 10-year warranty remains the same, per the product page.
- Read more: The Allswell mattress review
Best cheap mattress for side sleepers
The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam bed-in-a-box is one of the most well-known budget mattresses in America. It's among the best mattresses on Amazon, with an average rating of 4.4 stars out of 5 from ~148k customer reviews (July 2023). Part of its appeal is that it comes in four mattress heights – 6, 8, 10, and 12 inches. We tested the 10-inch version and found that it delivered a perfectly adequate night’s sleep for the low price, making it the best option for upgrading your main mattress without spending much.
The Zinus is made with toxin-free memory foam, plus green tea-infused foam with ActivCharcoal microparticles to naturally control odors and bacteria. Zinus rates it a 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale and in our experience, that's an accurate assessment. In fact, we recommend the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam as one of the best mattresses for side sleepers on a super-tight budget because it offers support along the shoulders, hips and knees without too much sinkage.
It also offers good pressure relief, so while it won’t be enough for people with long-term back and hip pain, it should be enough to boost general sleep comfort for most child and adult sleepers. We also noticed zero motion transfer with this mattress, making it a budget alternative to The Allswell for couples and restless sleepers.
The user reviews on both the Zinus website and on Amazon (the brand’s authorized third-party retailer) are largely positive, with most customers recommending it as a good balance of value for money versus comfort and support. We did spot some user reviews complaining that it’s too firm for lighter side sleepers, and others who said they had issues returning the Zinus during the trial period, but the brand’s customer services team responded in most cases with a solution.
Overall, if you want a decent memory foam mattress at some of the cheapest prices online, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam should be on your list. It's a best-seller on Amazon, and you'll have up to 100 days to return it there should you change your mind. Check out our guide answering how to return a mattress to Amazon.
- Read more: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress review
Best cheap mattress for back sleepers
The Essentia is Layla's cheapest mattress, regularly priced at $399 for a queen thanks to a standard $300 discount. While this affordable bed is often eclipsed by the Layla Hybrid, the Layla Essentia is popular with those looking for a cheap mattress from a reputable brand.
The mattress has a simple two-layer, all-foam design which is advertised on Layla's website as "super durable, long-lasting, and easy to care for" and is billed as a nine-inch medium-firm mattress made in the USA. It has a machine-washable, removable cover, too, with a breathable hexagon-stitch for cooling. The open-cell foam is also manufactured for maximum airflow, with tiny cell structures that act as microscopic passageways.
After sleeping on the Layla Essential Mattress, we agree with he brand's description of the bed as medium-firm and cooling. Our lead testers was pleasantly surprised with how cooling the Essential was for an all-foam bed, and didn't experience her regular night sweats or temperature-related discomfort (even during a hot Californian August).
We also agree with Layla that the Essential is a medium firm mattress and awarded it 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. We think this not-quite-soft-but-not-quite-firm feel will please back sleepers most of all, as it provides a balance of comfort and back support and promotes optimal spine alignment for back sleeping. However, heavyweight sleepers and stomach may want something sturdier. Side sleepers who dislike sinking into a memory foam mattress may appreciate the Essential's firmness, but side sleepers who prefer plush pressure relief may want to check out the Zinus Green Tea (#3) or the Dreamfoam Essential (#5).
The starting price of a Lyla Essential is usually $249 for a twin (MSRP:$549) thanks to an evergreen $300 off deal. This discount also means you'll always get a queen for under $500 — in fact, you'll even get a king for under $500. Extras include free shipping, a 10-year warranty and a 120-night sleep trial. These benefits are good but pretty standard, but you'll also get two free pillows with your order.
- Read more: Layla Essential mattress review
The best cheap mattress for RVs
The Dreamfoam Essential Mattress (originally called the Chill) is Brooklyn Bedding's budget option, and it's a great choice if you're looking for a straightforward, all-foam mattress. It's available in a huge number of sizes – not just your standard queen bed size, king size and so on, but also short versions and lots of RV sizes. If you're shopping for an awkwardly-shaped frame, this would be a great choice.
This mattress is available in five different depth options, ranging from 6 inches to 14 inches and getting progressively softer as the height increases. The minimum depth we'd recommend for most adults is 10 inches (which is the version we tested), but that comes in just above $500 for a queen, so isn't eligible for inclusion in this ranking. For that reason, we're talking about the 8 inch model here, but if you can stretch your budget, go for the 10 inch version.
There isn't a huge amount of contouring from the memory foam, so some side sleepers might find it a bit too firm (the best mattresses for side sleepers tend to be on the softer side to prevent pressure build-up in the shoulders and hips). The thicker versions will likely provide more cushioning, but those are lower mid-range rather than budget mattresses.
Motion isolation is very effective, which means this mattress will work nicely for couples on different sleep schedules. We were also fairly impressed with the temperature regulation here; all-foam mattresses tend to sleep warm, but this mattress remained fairly neutral during our tests. One area where it fell down a bit was edge support – it does sag a bit if you sit right on the edge.
Overall, though, we were impressed with the Dreamfoam Essential. While it's not the most luxurious mattress we've ever slept on, it delivers good comfort and support, decent build quality, and is excellent value for money. In fact, one of our testers actually purchased one for a spare room after testing it out, which is a fairly solid recommendation.
- Read more: DreamFoam Essential mattress review
Best cheap mattress for kids
The Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is another best-selling Amazon mattress, with over 134k reviews and a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 (July 2023). It comes in three height choices: 8, 10, or 12 inches. We tested the 8-inch version, which is the firmest of the bunch (6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale). However, if you want your mattress to hug you, go for the plush 12-inch version (5 out of 10 on the firmness scale).
All iterations of the Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress contain three layers. On top is a polyester-blend cover quilted with 1.5 to 2 inches of memory foam. That's followed by a 1.5 to 2.5-inch layer of supportive comfort foam, then a base layer of 6-inch durable steel springs to offer some bounce and airflow. The 8-inch Linenspa mattress that we reviewed suited our main tester, who's a lightweight stomach sleeper. However, average to heavier builds may want to consider the 10-inch or 12-inch versions – but even those may not offer enough support for larger sleepers.
Whilst the 12-inch Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be a decent luxury alternative for a main bedroom, we find that overall, this is among the best budget mattresses for guest rooms or kids' bedrooms – instances where there's little heavy-duty use. After all, the price is right, as you'd not want to spend a lot on a mattress that'll barely be used or need to be replaced within a couple of years, given how quickly kids can grow. The low price tag also means you don’t need to be too precious about it if you're buying this mattress for a younger child, but we'd still recommend using a mattress protector. A 10-year warranty applies, although you'll get 100 days to return it if you purchase via Amazon.
- Read more: Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress review
How we test mattresses
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks – that's roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress – and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more.
Cheap mattress FAQs
How much does a good cheap mattress cost?
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When you buy a cheap mattress, it’s a given that it won’t offer the same state-of-the-art features that luxury mattresses offer. Mattress sales occur all year and you’ll rarely have to pay the full retail price. Our selection of the best cheap mattresses all cost less than $500 for a queen size, but we acknowledge that they each come with their own limitations.
However, mattresses under $500 are still worth it as long as you check that they meet your criteria (e.g. soft or firm enough for your body type and sleep style). Also, some good quality mattresses for under $400 are sold on Amazon. There’s also a difference between the best cheap mattresses and the best affordable mattresses, which are between $500 and $1200 for a queen size and are of higher quality.
How to choose the best cheap mattress for you
There’s no denying that budget mattresses don't last as long as mid-range and premium models, which is why many of them come with limited warranties that only cover you for certain defects. It’s also fair to expect that you’ll be sacrificing some features in return for the cheapest prices, but as our list of budget mattresses shows, you don’t have to skimp on support and comfort if you’re clever about the mattress you pick.
When choosing a cheap budget mattress (a.k.a. any mattress that costs less than $500 for a queen size) in the sales, it’s important not to get so distracted by the low prices that you forget to check whether the bed is actually right for you. Figure out which type of mattress you need (see our guide on how to choose the right mattress for you), so you don’t buy on price alone. Always check warranties and return policies, and spend some time shopping around for bigger discounts. Also, look for the price history (some mattress brands have huge price drops throughout the year).
Our best tip is to only buy a cheap mattress that comes on a trial basis or that offers a money-back guarantee that extends for longer than 30 days. All of our top choices above tick this box. We’d also recommend looking through existing user reviews to see what customers think of the mattress – especially if they have been using it for longer than a year and can comment on durability; one of the biggest issues with budget mattresses.
When choosing the best cheap mattress for you, consider the following:
- Your sleep position (side, stomach, back or combi)
- Your body type (thin mattresses won’t offer enough support for heavier bodies)
- Whether you share your bed (you’ll need motion isolation and good edge support)
- The base you’re using it on (most budget mattresses are compatible with all bed types, though some can’t be used directly on the floor)
- Whether you can return or exchange it (if it doesn't work out, you'll want to send it back for something else)
Are cheap mattresses worth it?
Sometimes we have no choice but to buy a cheaper mattress. The current cost of living crisis means that many of us are looking to tighten our belts, and a mattress can be a big expense depending on the one you opt for. Memory foam and innerspring mattresses are cheaper than hybrids, while organic mattresses are the most expensive - that’s why you rarely see queen size latex beds for under $500.
From our experience, budget mattresses are a good stop-gap to get you through a period of time where you need a new mattress but have little to spend on one. You can get a decent queen size for under $300 or less, and many manufacturers are now offering finance plans to help spread the cost. Of course this applies to mid-range and luxury beds too, so you could consider whether a more expensive mattress bought in that way is better value in the long-term.
The other option is to take a good look at your current mattress and decide whether its lifespan can be extended by a great mattress topper. You can find some very effective ones for under $100 for a queen size, picking one to add softness, firmness or extra cooling. This really depends on the state of your current mattress though - if it’s sagging badly, then it’s time to move on for the sake of your back health. If the sagging is slight, a topper could help it to last for another year or two. We cover this more in our feature on how to fix a saggy mattress.
How long will a cheap mattress last?
The lifespan of a mattress will depend on its materials. On average, memory foam and hybrid models will last about 10 years, while innerspring beds have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
Build quality also determines the longevity of a mattress. Naturally, the more money you pay the longer you should expect your mattress to last. (The length of the warranty is another indicator of this.) However, we've been witnessing a trickle-down effect when it comes to sleep technology. While cheap mattresses may not match the calibre of their mid-range or premium counterparts, some of them will likely hold up for the better part of a decade thanks to the integrity of their materials and overall construction. (The Resident-owned Siena Memory Foam Mattress is a prime example.)
Whether you intend to buy a budget mattress for your main bedroom or a seldom-used guest bedroom, a great mattress protector will help it remain in sleep-worthy shape for as long as possible.
