When you're considering investing in a new mattress, your first instinct may be to stick to a small budget. However, as a new bed could potentially last you over 15 years, it's worth weighing up whether you want an affordable mattress or a luxury mattress. But is it worth spending extra for high-quality materials and craft quality?
Our top picks for this year's best mattresses for all sleepers feature a range of beds, from affordable to more luxury options, and it doesn't always come down to just price. Here at Tom's Guide, we deem an 'affordable' price tag to be between $500 and $1,000. And, some of the best luxury mattresses sit in this range, despite the indulgent feel and superior support and comfort. Often, it comes down to the perks you get with your purchase, the materials used, specific certifications and how it's built, rather than simply the price.
So, if there some luxury affordable mattresses, what are the difference between the two? We're going to take a deeper look to help you choose what kind of mattress is right for you. With the Presidents' Day mattress sales coming up, you can expect some big discounts even from the most luxury mattresses, so it's a good time to invest.
Affordable vs Luxury mattress: What is an affordable mattress?
- 'Affordable' mattresses cost between $500 and $1,000 for a queen
- The best affordable mattresses will be comfortable and supportive
- It will typically boast fewer comfort layers than a luxury mattress
The term 'affordable' will differ from household to household, depending on your own personal finances. However, for the purpose of this piece, we'll focus on mid-range mattresses that sit between $500 and $1,000 for a queen. Several of the mattresses that feature in our best hybrid mattress and best memory foam buying guides are mid-range mattresses that excel in durability, comfort and support.
However, in order to keep costs low, some concessions will need to be made. An affordable mattress will likely have fewer layers than a luxury mattress, and will be subsequently thinner, too.
The best beds in this category have been crafted to cater to specific sleeping styles, as well as featuring some premium materials. For example, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid is one of the best mattresses for under $1,000, thanks to its cashmere blend cover and pressure-relieving memory foam. An evergreen 50% off means a queen costs $665 and it comes with a lifetime warranty and 365 night sleep trial
If that's still slightly beyond your budget, check out our best cheap mattress guide, which features the best beds priced at $500 and under for a queen.
Affordable vs luxury mattress: What is a luxury mattress?
- Luxury mattresses cost between $1,000 and $5,000 for a queen
- Luxury mattresses boast premium materials, like lambswool and cashmere
- Luxury mattresses are specialist beds that target specific sleep issues
Luxury mattresses are those which boast an elevated build quality, with an expensive look and feel to match their higher price point. Whether it's the latest in cooling technology, the addition of a sumptuous pillow top or boasting the latest in organic or hypoallergenic credentials, luxury mattresses will offer something extra to your sleep that sets them apart from their more affordable counterparts.
Most luxury mattresses sit in the upper mid-range and premium price category. However, while you can expect to pay more for a luxury mattress, a high price doesn't automatically equate to a premium product. For example, one of our top luxury picks is the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress, and a queen is just $665 in an evergreen 50% off DreamCloud mattress sale.
You can usually tell if a mattress is luxury if it boasts high-quality materials, such as cashmere, lambswool or organic latex. A luxury mattress will have multiple layers in order to provide superb support, so you can expect it to be thicker, too.
They will also often harness the power of technology in order to craft a bed that targets a specific sleep ailment, such as temperature regulation or motion isolation. You can also expect more customizable options, like firmness and mattress thickness.
Affordable vs luxury mattress: Price & trials
- Affordable mattresses cost between $500 and $1,000 for a queen
- Luxury mattresses typically range between $1,000 and $5,000 for a queen
- Luxury mattresses usually come with longer sleep trials and warranties
When comparing affordable and luxury mattresses, price is a key difference between them. The term 'affordable' will mean something different to everyone, but beds ranging between $500 and $1,000 for a queen are generally considered budget-friendly. Mattresses in this category tend to have a shorter sleep trial and warranty period, which is an indication of its overall quality - but not always.
For example, a fantastic budget mattress, the Cocoon by Sealy Chill comes with free white glove delivery, which includes the delivery of your new mattress and the removal of your old one - those are perks that are usually reserved for premium mattresses.
Luxury mattresses typically range between $1,000 and $5,000 for a queen and usually come with a longer sleep trial and warranty. However, like some affordable mattresses offer generous benefits, some premium beds come with conservative extras. The Saatva Classic mattress, which tops our best luxury mattress guide, does come with a 365 night sleep trial, lifetime warranty and free white glove delivery, though.
While you will spend more for a luxury mattress than an affordable one, a bed crafted from premium materials, such as latex, will have enhanced durability. So while you'll be spending more initially, your luxury bed will likely last longer, which could save you money in the long run.
Affordable vs luxury mattress: Comfort & support
- The best affordable mattresses can offer support for specific sleep styles
- The best luxury mattresses can target specific sleep requirements
- Luxury mattresses use premium materials to provide outstanding comfort
More affordable mattresses will cater to specific sleep positions and styles, but some concessions will be made in order to keep prices down. That might be build quality, the number of comfort layers provided or the quality of materials that make up the bed. That may impact the overall comfort and durability of your bed. However, an affordable mattress that meets your specific sleep needs can still be a great option.
For example, the Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a fantastic affordable memory foam bed, thanks to its combination of support, breathable foam and incredible value for money. (Read our Nectar Memory Foam mattress review for more in-depth test analysis.)
In contrast, luxury mattresses will have a complex design, with multiple layers of different materials – innersprings for bounce, cradling memory foam for pressure point relief and motion isolation, and perhaps a pillow top for added plushness. This results in an elevated sleep experience that targets specific sleep issues, such as back pain.
The higher quality, often more natural materials last longer, so you can often expect longer warranties and a longer mattress lifespan. For example, latex mattresses often come with a 25-year warranty, whereas standard foam mattresses are often only covered for 10-15 years.
Affordable vs luxury mattress: Which should you buy?
Buy an affordable mattress if...
✅ You’re on a tighter budget: At Tom’s Guide, we always recommend buying the best mattress you can afford - and what that exact figure is will be different for everyone. If you have a smaller budget, opt for an affordable mattress.
✅ It’s not your main mattress: If you’re buying a new mattress for a guest room, RV or holiday home, opt for an affordable mattress over a luxury bed and spend your hard earned cash on a mattress you'll spend the bulk of your time sleeping on.
✅ You don’t require a specialist bed: Some luxury mattresses are specialist beds, including the best mattresses for back pain or the best mattresses for heavy people, command a higher price tag. If you don't require a specialist bed, you might be better suited to an affordable luxury mattress, like the DreamCloud.
Splurge on a luxury mattress if...
✅ You have a bigger budget: If money isn't a concern, invest in the best mattress you can afford for an unrivalled sleep experience.
✅ You suffer from aches and pains: Many of the year’s best affordable mattresses cater to most sleep requirements and positions, but will make a few concessions in order to keep prices down. However, if you need (or want) a specialist bed that offers outstanding lumbar support, it’s worth stumping up the extra cash for a luxury bed.
✅ You want your mattress to last longer: Premium materials, such as latex, means that a luxury mattress will likely last longer than an affordable one. For context, most mattresses require replacing every 7-10 years, while a latex one can last over 20 years if you look after it.
