Twin and twin XL mattresses are the two smallest standard adult mattress sizes, capable of comfortably accommodating a solo sleeper. When buying a new bed, picking the right size is an important consideration: so is a twin XL or twin mattress better for you?
Every bed in our best mattress guide is available in a twin and XL twin size, giving you plenty of choices for every sleep style (and budget). As the name suggests, twin XL is slightly bigger than twin, but only in length — better for taller people, but not that much more spacious.
As smaller sizes, twin XL and twin are also two of the cheapest beds options, and regular mattress sales can help you save even more. Below we've rounded up the key differences between XL twin mattresses vs twin mattresses, plus how to decide which size is right for you.
Twin XL vs Twin mattress: key differences
- Twin XL mattress are 80" long, while twin mattresses are 74" long
- Both twin and twin XL beds have a width of 38"
- Twin XL beds are better for taller people, twin beds suit children and teens
The primary difference between an XL twin mattress and a twin mattress is length: a a twin is 75 inches long, compared to the 80 inch long twin. Those five inches might not sound like much, but they do impact who the bed is best suited for.
Both twin and twin XL mattresses have a width of 38 inches, which is just enough space for one adult. However, if you like room to stretch out, consider a full mattress instead. A full — traditionally one size up from the twin XL — is 53 inches wide, which is significantly more space for an adult sleeper.
Twin XL mattresses are best suited to children or teens who are growing rapidly, as well as tall adult solo sleepers, plus any adult solo sleepers seeking a bit more space. But as Twin XL mattresses are longer, they're typically more expensive than a twin size from the same brand. It can also be hard to find bedding accessories to match, as this is a less common size (although availability is improving).
Twin mattresses can also suit adult sleepers, but you might find your toes dangling off the bed. These mattresses are great for children and teens, and can be comfortable for adults with a shorter build. They're also generally the cheapest adult mattress size.
Twin XL vs Twin mattress: dimensions
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Twin XL | Twin |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 80 inches | 75 inches |
| Width | 38 inches | 38 inches |
| Surface area | 2,850 inches | 3,040 inches |
| Best for | Solo sleepers, tall adults, growing teens | Solo sleepers, short adults, children and teens |
| Drawbacks | More expensive, harder to find bedding | Too short for some adults |
Twin XL mattress dimensions measure 80 inch length by 38 inch width. Twin mattress dimensions typically measure 75 inch length by 38 inch width (some twin mattresses are 74 inches long).
The extra length of the twin XL gives taller sleepers more leg room, but both have a width that's only comfortable for solo sleepers. Both mattress sizes should fit easily in almost any bedroom, including children's bedrooms and dorm rooms. However, if you have a particularly spacious bedroom, a twin or twin XL might seem out of proportion.
Twin XL mattress: pros and cons
- Added length can accommodate people measuring six feet tall (and taller)
- Suitable for children and teens with growth spurts
- Can be more expensive than a twin and harder to accessorize
The biggest advantage to a twin XL mattress is the extra five inches of length. Measuring 80 inches long, there's enough room in a twin XL mattress for adults upwards of six feet tall.
The long length, compared to a small width (just 38 inches), makes twin XL beds some of the best mattresses for college students. They're small enough to fit into a dorm room with limited space, but long enough for a fully grown college student to not feel squeezed in.
Twin XL mattresses can also be comfortable for adult solo sleepers with a smaller living space. However, it can be a tight fit if you like to stretch out in bed. You might find your arms falling off the edge when starfishing.
For that reason, twin XL beds can best suit children and teens — particularly growing teens who are shooting up before your eyes. The extra length can accommodate growth spurts without dominating the space in a child's bedroom.
Twin XL beds are becoming increasingly common, but they aren't as easy to come by as the standard twin size. And they're often more expensive. You might end up spending over than $100 more for an XL twin mattress compared to a twin.
In addition, it can be harder to accessorize your twin XL bed. You might find fewer bed frames available for twin XL, and you might also struggle to find bed sheets and bedding that suits your needs (although the market is growing).
Twin mattress: pros and cons
- The smallest adult mattress size, measuring 75 inches by 38 inches
- Good for children, teens, and bedrooms with limited space
- Can be too small for solo sleeping adults
Twin mattresses are the smallest standard adult mattress size, measuring just 75 inches long by 38 inches wide. Twin beds are big enough to fit an adult solo sleeper, but if you're tall (or even average height) you might find things get cramped.
Twin mattresses are ideal for children and teens who have outgrown kids bed sizes but don't need a full. A twin bed can fit into almost any bedroom, including dorm rooms and small guest rooms.
As the smallest mattress size, twin beds are generally also the cheapest size. If you want a high quality mattress for less, consider opting for a twin size — you'll get all the benefits of the build, without the added price tag of the best queen mattresses.
It's relatively easy to shop for a twin mattress, as nearly all adult beds are available in this size. However, some smart beds and mattresses with integrated specialist features aren't always available in smaller builds. For example, the Saatva Solaire Adjustable Firmness Mattress is only available in a twin XL, not a twin.
Twin XL vs Twin mattress: price difference
- XL twin mattresses can be more expensive than twin mattresses
- A few brands sell twin and twin XL mattresses for the same price
- Both sizes are regularly discounted in online mattress sales
Twin and twin XL mattresses are typically the most affordable sizes in a mattress line up. They're cheaper than full size mattresses, and significantly less expensive than the popular queen size bed.
Twin XL beds are sometimes more expensive than twin beds, and the price difference can be over $100. However, a few brands do offer twin and twin XL beds at the same price point, much like king vs Cal king mattresses.
Depending on the quality and the features of the mattress, both a twin and twin XL bed can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Below we'll explore the price difference between twin and twin XL beds from some of our favorite brands (we've focused on MSRP, but these beds are frequently discounted in mattress sales):
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Twin XL size (MSRP) | Twin size (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|
| Saatva Classic: | $1,495 | $1,395 |
| DreamCloud Mattress: | $1,213 | $1,130 |
| Siena Mattress: | $594 | $529 |
| Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress: | $1,623.75 | $1,373.75 |
| Nectar Classic Mattress: | $1,130 | $1,063 |
Twin XL vs Twin mattress: which should you buy?
Buy a twin XL mattress if...
✅ You're a solo sleeper with a taller frame: If you measure around the six feet mark, an XL twin mattress should accommodate you comfortably, without cold feet sticking out the mattress.
✅ You're shopping for a growing teen: Twin mattresses are good for teens, but twin XL mattresses might be better if your child has been shooting up lately and you want room for any growth spurts.
✅ You're an adult with a small bedroom: Even with those few extra inches of length, twin XL mattresses still have a smaller build that allows them to fit into dorm rooms and studio apartments.
Buy a twin mattress if...
✅ You're on a tighter budget: Twin mattresses are typically cheaper than twin XL mattresses, making them a good choice for shoppers looking to buy a quality bed for less.
✅ You're shopping for a child: For kids transitioning from a child's bed to an adult mattress, a twin should provide ample room for the sleeper without dominating the bedroom.
✅ You want plenty of bedding options: As a standard size, you can find a variety of sheets, toppers, mattress protectors, and more to fit a twin mattress.
