Nectar Classic vs Zinus Green Tea: Which budget memory foam mattress should you buy? 

Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress on a white bed base. Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress on a gray bed base.
(Image credit: Nectar/Zinus)

When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, choosing the right mattress is crucial. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam and the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress (also known as the Zinus Original Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress) are two affordable mattresses that prove that a quality night’s sleep doesn’t necessarily require a premium price tag.

The Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress features in our best mattress guide thanks to its suitability for all sleepers and full body cushioning, while the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is our top-rated memory foam mattress on Amazon. So how do they fare against each other when it comes to price, design, comfort and temperature regulation?

For starters, regular mattress sales from both brands mean these budget beds are always going to be cheaper than their MSRP. So, let’s take a look at the Nectar Classic Memory Foam and the Zinus Green Tea to find out which is your perfect fit.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs Zinus Green Tea: Price & Trial

  • Both mattresses are budget-friendly
  • Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress has a 100-night trial
  • Nectar Classic Memory Foam has a 365-night trial

Already two of the best cheap mattresses on the market, evergreen sales from both brands mean you’ll never have to worry about paying full MSRP. Nectar mattress sales typically offer between 40% and 50% off, and right now you can get a queen for just $649 (was $1,563) during the brand's 50% off sale (though Nectar now use 'total value' rather than MSRP, which is a little confusing as the discount seems larger).

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is already cheaper at MSRP, but regular sales knock the price down even further. Right now, the Zinus website is offering up to 37% off, so you can get a queen for $499 (was $599). You can also buy this mattress from retailers like Amazon and Walmart, but you might not get the same benefits.

Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping, beating out the Zinus, which includes a trial of 100-nights and a 10-year warranty. Both brands offer free shipping and returns.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: was from $1,063

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress: was from $1,063 now from $349 at Nectar
Nectar have a permanent sale so you’ll never have to pay full MSRP for this mattress. Right now, a queen is down to just $649 (was $1,5163) as part of the brand's 50% off sale (though Nectar now calculate the 'total value' rather than MSRP, so the discount seems bigger). You'll also get a 365-night sleep trial, free shipping and a lifetime warranty.

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress:was from $399

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress: was from $399 now from $249 at Zinus
This Zinus mattress is cheap even when at full MSRP but a permanent sale means its . The discount varies between sizes, but you can currently get anywhere between 14% and 37% off. Right now a queen has 16% off bringing the cost down to just $499 (was $599). Zinus also offer a 100-night sleep trial, 10-year warranty and free shipping.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs Zinus Green Tea: Materials & Design

  • The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is 12” tall with three internal layers
  • The Zinus Green Tea mattress is 10” tall with three internal layers
  • Both mattresses have an all foam design

Both mattresses rate highly on our best memory foam mattress guide thanks to their quality all-foam designs and affordability. The Nectar Classic Memory Foam has three internal layers starting off with a soft, breathable cover with cooling fibers. Next is 1” pressure relieving memory foam, followed by a 3” responsive support foam and final 8” layer of foundational foam. All this is encased in a heavy-duty bottom cover.

The Zinus Green Tea mattress has a similar design with 10” profile. It starts with a soft breathable cover before a layer of pressure-relieving foam that has been infused with green tea to help keep the bed fresh. Next is a responsive comfort layer that also has a green tea infusion before a final durable base layer at the bottom.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs Zinus Green Tea: Comfort & Support

  • Both mattresses are medium-firm
  • The Nectar Classic Memory Foam is a good choice for side, back and combination sleepers
  • The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam is best for side sleepers

Both of these mattresses have a medium-firm feel, though they sit on different sides of that rating.

During our Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress review, our testers found that it did sit more on the firmer side, but it's a great choice for side, back and combination sleepers thanks to the pressure-relieving foam which contours the body and the responsive support layer. Stomach sleepers may find that it’s still a little too soft.

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress does feel softer and delivers the traditional memory foam 'body hug' feel. During our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review, we noted that it does a great job of relieving pressure points and cushioning the joints, making it ideal for side sleepers, and some back sleepers.

As memory foam beds, both do a good job of isolating motion, with the Nectar Classic Memory Foam scoring perfect marks, and the Zinus Green Tea also performed exceptionally well in this area. Neither mattress does incredibly well when it comes to edge support, though the Nectar fared better than the Zinus during our testing.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs Zinus Green Tea: Temperature regulation

  • The Nectar Classic Memory Foam has cooling fibers in the cover
  • The Zinus Green Tea uses infused foams for a fresher sleep
  • Neither mattress is a specific cooling mattress

All-foam mattresses tend to sleep warmer than their hybrid counterparts, though the Nectar Classic Memory Foam does use a specialised cooling cover, woven with cooling fibers to help draw away and disperse excess body heat. We felt it slept cooler than other all-foam mattresses, but those who regularly sleep hot would need a specialized cooling bed.

The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam, meanwhile, uses memory foam layers that are infused with green tea, and whilst this isn’t cooling as such, the idea is that the mattress stays fresh. We felt that during warmer nights, it would keep the average sleeper comfortable, but noted the bed did feel a little stuffy some mornings.

Aforementioned super hot sleepers should consider looking at our guide for the best cooling mattress, which has a range of cooling mattresses that suit all sleep styles and budgets.

Nectar Classic Memory Foam vs Zinus Green Tea: Should you buy?

Buy the Nectar Classic Memory Foam if…

You have a little more spending power: Whilst the Nectar Classic Memory Foam is a budget-friendly mattress when on sale, it’s still more expensive of the two. If you have a bit more cash to splash, you'll also benefit from a longer sleep trial and warranty.

You move around a lot at night: If you’re a combination sleeper, this is a great option as we felt the Nectar Classic Memory Foam suits all sleeping positions.

You share a bed: The motion isolation on this mattress is exceptional, so couples won't disturb one another if they're moving around at night.

Buy the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam if…

You’re a side sleeper: This mattress offers sink-in softness that perfectly cushions the shoulders and hips, which is ideal for side sleepers.

You want a traditional memory foam feel: This mattress is one that you’ll sink right in to so if you like the classic memory foam hug then it’s the perfect fit.

You're on a tight budget: If you’re looking for an all-foam mattress that doesn't break the bank, this bed is a great choice.

Rachael Penn
Contributor

Rachael is a freelance journalist based in South Wales who writes about lifestyle, travel, home and technology. She also reviews a variety of products for various publications including Tom’s Guide, CreativeBloq, IdealHome and Woman&Home. When she’s not writing and reviewing products she can be found walking her Sealyham and West Highland terrier dogs or catching up on some cringe-worthy reality tv.