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Written by
Austin Meadows
Many consumers share the misconception that a high-quality mattress will cost thousands of dollars. This may be true for some models, but budget-friendly beds are also widely available. Despite affordable price-points, these mattresses offer the same high-quality materials and strong performance as many of their more expensive counterparts.
Several factors play a role in mattress pricing. These include mattress type, materials, size, and special or unique features. The cost of a mattress also varies from brand to brand. Online mattress companies typically offer lower prices compared to brick-and-mortar stores, who face more overhead costs. For our best budget mattress guide, we’ve focused solely on models from online brands. Our testing team selected the picks below based on factors like expected durability, quality of materials, unique construction details – and of course, sticker price.
This guide will discuss how to find a mattress that’s both comfortable and easy on your wallet. Our picks for the best budget mattress models sold today are described in detail below. Scroll a bit further to find a detailed guide that includes an overview of different mattress types and tips for first-time mattress buyers.
Best Overall
Available in different firmness levels, the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid caters to a wide range of sleepers. Regardless of your sleep position and body weight, there is likely a comfortable option for you – and at a reasonable price-point compared to competing hybrids.
What It’s Made of
The bed is designed in three different firmness options – soft (4), medium firm (6), and firm (8). All versions are constructed with a comfort layer made of TitanFlex polyfoam, which combines the feel of foam with a touch of bounce and responsiveness that is typically associated with latex. Next is a transitional layer of Variflex polyfoam, which has a firmer feel, followed by a support core of pocketed coils. A quilted top provides extra cushioning on the surface. The thickness of each layer varies by firmness level.
How It Performed
Since the bed is available in different firmness options, most types of sleepers should be able to find a bed that suits their body type and sleep preferences. The soft version caters to sleepers who enjoy beds with close contouring, particularly side sleepers who need cushioning for the hips and shoulders. The medium firm version provides a more even balance of contouring and support, which is suitable for both back and side sleepers. The firm option is the most supportive, which is ideal for stomach sleepers and people who weigh more than 230 pounds.
The Signature Hybrid sleeps fairly cool, thanks to the interior air circulation through the coil system. The bed also provides decent pressure relief in all firmness options, though the amount of pressure relief you receive from any given bed will depend on your body weight and sleep position.
Brooklyn Bedding offers a 120-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty with all mattresses. Shipping is free throughout the contiguous U.S.
Lab Notes
“The Signature Hybrid is a very well-rounded and versatile bed. Everyone in the lab found a firmness level that worked for their weight and sleep position.”
Most Comfortable
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The Nectar’s price makes it a high-value mattress compared to other memory foam models. However, the mattress still performs at the same level as – if not better than – a lot of more expensive all-foam beds.
What It’s Made of
The Nectar is constructed with three memory foam layers over a support core of high-density polyfoam. Though the mattress has a medium firm feel, the memory foam conforms very closely to the sleeper’s body to create a deep cradle many liken to sleeping “in” – as opposed to “on” – the mattress. This results in exceptional pressure relief and ample cushioning for the shoulders, spine, and hips.
How it Performed
We recommend the Nectar to couples due to its superior motion isolation and noise-free design. Thanks to a dense and durable support core, the Nectar’s edge support is better than average compared to other memory foam models. The bed’s mid-level feel is suitable for most sleepers regardless of body type of sleep position.
That said, lighter side sleepers will likely find the mattress too firm, while heavier stomach sleepers note uncomfortable sagging around the midsection. Like other memory foam mattresses, the Nectar may also absorb and trap body heat, causing it to sleep warm.
The company also offers a 365-night sleep trial and a lifetime warranty, both of which are longer than average.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“After testing the Nectar, we found it performed at the same level – if not at a higher level – than many competing memory foam mattresses with more expensive price-points. An affordable all-foam mattress with comparable quality is hard to come by, and the year-long sleep trial only sweetens the deal for people who want to save on their purchase.”
Best Firm
Helix Sleep’s mattress lineup includes more than a dozen hybrid models, each one catering to different shoppers based on their body type, sleep position, firmness preferences, and budget. The Helix Twilight is one of the company’s most supportive models. With a firm (7) feel and a sturdy support system, the Twilight contours to a very minimal extent and maintains a flat, even surface for most sleepers.
What It’s Made of
The Twilight is constructed with a memory foam comfort layer that conforms evenly without hugging or sinking too much, and this is followed by a transitional layer of dense polyfoam. Pocketed coils and high-density base foam make up the support core. The coils promote steady airflow to keep the mattress cool, and also provide push-back along the perimeter whenever you sleep near the edges or get in and out of bed.
How It Performed
Those who prefer to sleep on their backs or stomachs should find the mattress particularly comfortable, since these positions generally require extra support. The Twilight is also suitable for side sleepers who weigh more than 230 pounds. A responsive surface makes the mattress fairly easy to move across for most people.
The Twilight has a reasonable sticker price compared to other hybrids. Those who’d like a bit more cushioning can opt for the Twilight Luxe, an upgraded version of the mattress with a pillow-top and zoned coils that costs a bit more than the standard Twilight. Shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S. The mattress is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The Twilight is ideal for shoppers on a budget looking for a firmer memory foam hybrid. The nice thing about Helix is that all of their standard hybrids cost the same, so those who want a mattress with a softer feel than the Twilight won’t need to spend more.”
Best for Back Pain
The T&N Original from Tuft & Needle is available for a very affordable price compared to other all-foam beds. Premium foams and a highly supportive feel make the mattress a good pick for anyone seeking a balanced sleep surface.
What It’s Made of
The T&N Original is made with a comfort layer of open-cell, graphite-infused polyfoam over a high-density polyfoam support core. The foam offers semi-close conforming and very good pressure relief, but the surface has a medium firm feel and the polyfoam is somewhat responsive. This gives sleepers the combined feeling of sleeping “on” and sleeping “in” their mattress.
How It Performed
Like other all-foam models, the T&N Original excels at motion isolation and does not produce any noise when bearing weight. These attributes make the mattress ideal for people whose sleep is easily disturbed by movement or noise. The comfort layer material is also fairly breathable, allowing the bed to sleep cooler on the surface than many of its all-foam competitors. The high-density base offers decent stability and support, as well.
While the T&N Original is a good choice for sleepers in any position who weigh less than 230 pounds, it may be too soft and prone to sagging for heavier individuals – back and stomach sleepers in particular. Edge support may be another issue, as a lack of perimeter reinforcement may cause deep sinkage when owners get in and out of bed.
Tuft & Needle also offers a 100-night sleep trial and 10-year warranty for the mattress.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“An affordable sticker price is part of the T&N Original’s enduring popularity, but it’s also a high-quality mattress with a lot to offer. Our tests showed it’s a good fit for hot sleepers, couples, and people with pressure points.”
Best for Side Sleepers
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The Layla Mattress is an all-foam mattress that combines copper-infused memory foam comfort layers with polyfoam in a flippable construction. Each side offers a vastly different feel in terms of firmness, with a suitable option available for a wide variety of sleepers.
What It’s Made of
One side has a medium soft (4) feel on the 10-point firmness scale, while the other side is firm (7). The medium soft side consists of 3 inches of copper-infused memory foam over 2 inches of a zoned polyfoam, which provides targeted support to different areas of the body. The firm side has 1 inch of the copper-infused memory foam over 4.5 inches of polyfoam.
How It Performed
The memory foam provides deep cradling and pressure relief for sleepers of all sizes, while its copper infusion works to draw some excess heat away from the body. The cover is made of a breathable blend of polyester, viscose, and spandex, with a Thermo-Gel cooling agent sewn in that responds to heat.
The Layla Mattress’s versatility makes it a solid option for sleepers of all sizes and sleeping positions. Sleepers who weigh less than 130 pounds will likely prefer to sleep on the medium soft side, while the firm side is better suited to the needs of sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds.
The Layla Mattress has a price that is around the middle of the pack for an all-foam mattress. The bed comes with a 120-night sleep trial and is covered by a lifetime warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“If you’re shopping for a reversible mattress on a budget, you can’t do much better than the Layla. High-quality materials and two distinct feels make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants versatility in their mattress, and a lightweight build lets you flip between surfaces without too much hassle.”
Best for Back Sleepers
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is a medium firm (6) bed offered at a reasonable price-point compared to other hybrid models of similar quality and construction. While the firmness level will appeal to a wide range of weight categories, sleepers who weigh more than 130 pounds may benefit especially well from the bed’s excellent support.
What It’s Made of
The mattress begins with a quilted polyfoam layer followed by a thicker layer of memory foam. This comfort system conforms closely to the body and cushions areas where pressure buildup may occur. Beneath is a pocketed coil system that is zoned to provide extra support to heavier parts of the body and promote healthy sleep posture. A firm foam encasement around the perimeter of the bed provides excellent support for sleepers who have trouble getting in and out of bed or tend to sleep close to the edges.
How It Performed
The foam comfort system and coil support core create a balance of cushion and support that is well-suited for side sleepers, who require pressure relief in the shoulders and hips but enough support to prevent excessive sinkage in other areas of the body. The coil system should ventilate the bed’s interior, and cooling gel infusions in the foam are meant to reduce heat retention, making this an appealing option for sleepers who tend to overheat.
Silk & Snow ships free within the contiguous U.S. and Canadian provinces. The mattress is backed by a 15-year warranty and comes with a 100-night sleep trial. A 30-night break-in period is required, after which customers may return the bed for a full refund.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“The S&S Hybrid contradicts the idea that high-quality hybrids need to be expensive. We especially enjoyed how comfortable the mattress felt for people over 230 pounds, and this was thanks to the lumbar support pad and zoned, foam-encased coils.”
Best Cooling
The Zoma Mattress is an all-foam model designed to cradle the body and alleviate pressure without sacrificing support. While a strong performer across the board, the mattress has an approachable price-point that should appeal to shoppers on a budget.
What It’s Made of
The Zoma Mattress has a memory foam comfort layer that is “zoned,” or divided into different firmness levels. Other components include a transitional foam layer that provides added reinforcement for your body, followed by a stabilizing base layer of high-density polyfoam. Its feel is considered medium (5) and contours somewhat closely.
How It Performed
The zoned comfort layer provides more support and reduces sinkage for areas where people tend to carry more weight, such as the midsection and hips, and softer cushioning for the head and neck, shoulders, and legs.
The overall medium feel makes this mattress best suited to people who weigh up to 230 pounds. Plush padding for their shoulders and hips promotes even spinal alignment and pressure relief for side sleepers, while back sleepers can rest on the surface without sinking excessively. We also recommend the mattress for couples. The foam absorbs motion to cut down on transfer across the surface and minimize sleep disturbances for co-sleepers, and the mattress itself is completely silent.
Zoma offers free shipping and returns for all customers in the contiguous U.S., and the mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“It’s tough to find a budget-friendly memory foam mattress with this level of sophistication. The three-zone design and cooling channels make the Zoma a standout for sleepers with pressure points and those who run hot. If you want more bounce, the Zoma Hybrid is also really approachable in terms of pricing.”
Best for Stomach Sleepers
Despite its luxurious construction and high-quality materials, the CoolBreeze from Dynasty Mattress costs significantly less than the average memory foam mattress. The mixed-material design is ideal for people who want a combination of contouring and responsiveness.
What It’s Made of
The CoolBreeze is built with a pressure-relieving memory foam comfort layer, followed by secondary memory foam and latex layers. The mattress is available in three firmness levels: medium (5), medium firm (6), and firm (8).
How It Performed
The memory foam cradles the shoulders and hips to ensure even spinal alignment for side sleepers, while maintaining a fairly supportive feel for back sleepers. Additionally, the CoolBreeze provides excellent motion isolation and does not produce any noise when bearing weight. These characteristics make the mattress a great option for people who experience sleep disruptions due to their sleep partner’s movements. The zipper can be unzipped and machine-washed, as well.
That said, edge support is somewhat weak in this mattress and owners will notice significant sinkage when getting in and out of bed. The mattress also absorbs and traps a fair amount of body heat. As a result, it may sleep too warm for some.
Buyers also receive two free pillows with each purchase, along with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.
Lab Notes – What Our Testers Thought
“Don’t be fooled by the CoolBreeze’s affordable pricing – this is a thoughtfully designed mattress with a luxurious, high-profile build and quality materials. All three firmness levels provide decent support for an all-foam bed, but our testers over 230 pounds all agreed the firmest option was exceptionally comfortable.”
At Sleep Foundation, we’ve tested enough mattresses to understand the sticker price of a new bed doesn’t always reflect its quality or long-term value. Our team of sleep experts has personally tested hundreds of mattresses using a wide range of metrics to guide our evaluations. For this list, we focused on models with approachable price-points that also perform quite well in certain areas – even compared to their costlier competitors.
Our rigorous, hands-on testing process involves feedback from sleepers with varying weights and position preferences. They’ll take turns lying on each mattress to test for support, ease of movement, and motion isolation. We also use special tools to measure temperature neutrality and determine whether sleepers experience less or more pressure as their bodies settle into the mattress. The selections above reflect our latest findings, but rest assured we’ll continue to reevaluate our list, test out new mattresses as they become available, and update our top picks accordingly.
Online mattresses – also known as “mattresses in a box” or “beds in a box” – may be cheaper, but they offer the same high-quality materials, comfortable designs, and durability of their more expensive competitors. Today’s online shoppers can choose from hundreds of brands and retailers.
Buying a cheap mattress online is a fairly straightforward process. First, customers should research affordable mattress options by comparing different brands and models. After narrowing down their final picks, they should review product materials and specs to see which model offers the right firmness, comfort, and support. To purchase a mattress model, simply select the desired size from its product page and follow the checkout instructions.
Be sure to look for coupons and discounts on the brand’s website – these promotions can reduce the bed’s asking price by hundreds of dollars. Many online brands also offer sales for certain holidays, such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day. Sales for consumer holidays like Amazon Prime Day (July 15), Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving), and Cyber Monday (the Monday after Thanksgiving) are also common.
Mattress shoppers should take many different variables into account in order to choose the best inexpensive mattress. Some mattress brands can be misleading with their marketing jargon, advertising beds with features like “universal comfort” and “unlimited durability” that simply don’t exist. Instead of focusing on inaccurate descriptions, take time to research the following characteristics.
Certain mattress features and characteristics can drive up the price-point by a considerable margin. These include the following:
This list is not exhaustive. If a mattress has a relatively high price-point, be sure to read the specs to see why. The cost may reflect special features like those described above – but in some cases, the bed might be overpriced.
We recommend reading the fine print on a mattress brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies before purchasing a new bed, especially if you are buying online. These policies are fairly consistent across different brands, but careful research will help shoppers avoid hidden fees. This section includes a general overview of what to expect for mattress shipping, returns, and warranties.
Options: The vast majority of online brands offer free ground shipping within the contiguous U.S. Some also ship for free to Alaska, Hawaii, and/or Canada. Most standard ground deliveries reach their destination in two weeks or less. If standard shipping will take too long, customers may be able to select expedited shipping for an added charge. A third option, if available, is White Glove delivery. This includes in-home assembly and old mattress removal, but the wait time is often longer – typically two to three weeks.
Rates: Standard ground shipping is normally free within the contiguous U.S. Customers in Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and other non-contiguous locations that qualify for delivery may pay anywhere from $100 to $600 for mattress shipping. Expedited shipping will also incur extra charges, but usually no more than $50. If White Glove delivery is not free, expect to pay at least $150 for in-home assembly and old mattress removal.
Method: For standard ground shipping, the mattress will be compressed with a machine press, wrapped in plastic, and delivered in a compact box. Couriers will leave the box on the customer’s doorstep, and a signature will not be required. The same is true for expedited deliveries. White Glove couriers deliver mattresses in trucks, and will not compress the beds for shipping. A signature is usually required for a White Glove delivery and an adult 18 years or older should be at the residence when the couriers arrive.
Sleep Trial: Online brands usually offer a sleep trial, during which customers can test out a mattress, then decide whether to keep the bed, exchange it for a different model, or return it for a refund. Most sleep trials last at least 90 nights, and some span one year or longer. In some cases, customers must “break in” the mattress for a certain length of time (usually 30 nights) before they can return the bed for a refund. This allows your body to adjust to the mattress fully before you decide it’s not for you.
Cost: Most online mattress brands offer free returns within the sleep trial period. In most cases, the company will send couriers to pick up the mattress from the customer’s residence, then transport it for recycling or donation. Alternatively, the customer may be asked to dispose of or donate the mattress themselves. Returned mattresses are never restocked or resold. Some brands charge return fees, but these charges are usually less than $100.
Refund: Once a mattress has been returned to the company, customers should receive a refund on the original form of payment – though this process can take up to 30 days. If the customer is asked to recycle or donate the mattress, they may need to submit photographic proof to the company.
Exchanges: Some brands allow mattress exchanges during the sleep trial for different models, sizes, or both. Exchanging for a more inexpensive model will require paying the difference, whereas exchanging for a lower model results in a partial refund.
Length: All mattresses come with a product warranty, which covers products that develop defects. Most mattress warranties span 10 years in length, but 15-, 20-, and 25-year warranties are also available. “Lifetime” warranties cover the mattress as long as the original buyer retains ownership.
Costs: If the warranty is non-prorated, then owners do not pay for repairs and replacements of defective mattresses, though they may need to cover shipping and transportation charges for sending the mattress to the manufacturer for defect inspection.
If the warranty is prorated, then owners must pay a certain percentage of the original mattress price to replace their bed with a non-defective model. This percentage typically increases on an annual basis. For example, a 20-year warranty with 10 years of non-prorated coverage will become prorated in year 11, when owners typically need to pay 55 percent of the original price (or 5 percent for each year of ownership) to replace their mattress. In year 12, they will pay 60 percent. This rate increase will continue until the warranty expires.
Covered Defects: Most mattress warranties list all covered defects. These often include measurements for indentations in the surface that indicate a defect, also known as a “sagging depth.” Other recognized defects may include physical flaws in the mattress that cause early deterioration and manufacturing defects with the cover. On the other hand, physical damage that occurs due to inadequate foundational support or owner abuse is never covered. Additionally, warranties will not cover issues that arise over changes in the owner’s personal mattress preferences.
In addition to potential shipping, return, and warranty costs – as well as the mattress itself – shoppers may face other expenses when purchasing a new bed. Please consider the following add-ons when selecting a mattress.
The majority of models sold today fall within one of five categories: hybrid, innerspring, latex, airbed, and foam. These categories are fairly consistent in terms of general construction and materials. However, every individual model offers a unique design and customers will notice significant variations within each mattress type. In this next section, we’ll take a closer look at each mattress type.
Definition: A hybrid is a specialized type of innerspring mattress composed of comfort layers of memory foam or latex, along with a support core of pocketed coils. Although softer and firmer hybrids are available, most have a feel that falls between medium soft and medium firm.
Balanced Feel: Hybrid mattresses offer the contouring and pressure relief of all-foam and latex beds coupled with the strong support and exceptional breathability of innersprings. For this reason, many sleepers consider hybrids the most balanced mattress type. Although the average hybrid costs between $1,600 and $2,000, many hybrid models – including the Allswell listed above – are available for much less.
Definition: The oldest type of mattress still sold today (as well as the cheapest), innersprings consist of polyfoam comfort layers over support cores of open bonnell, offset, or continuous wire coils. Innersprings generally feel somewhat firm and are very responsive, resulting in an exceptionally bouncy surface.
Steady Cooling: Innerspring coil layers promote strong air circulation. As air travels through the interior of the mattress, it will regulate the overall temperature and help sleepers stay comfortable. And because most innersprings conform very little, sleepers experience less sinking and more surface cooling. Innersprings are usually quite affordable, with an average price-point of $900 to $1,100.
Definition: Latex, a material produced from rubber tree sap, is naturally durable and resilient. Mattresses made with latex often have very long lifespans compared to other beds. The material gives the surface a very responsive feel. Latex is also breathable, resulting in above-average temperature neutrality for this mattress type.
Responsive Pressure Relief: Latex conforms to sleepers to cradle the body and alleviate pressure. However, the material’s responsive feel prevents sleepers from sinking too much. This makes latex beds a good option for sleepers with pressure point issues who don’t enjoy the deep body cradle of foam. Latex mattresses can be somewhat pricey with an average price-point of $1,600 to $2,000, but budget models are available in the $800 to $1,200 range.
Definition: Airbeds feature motorized air chambers in their support cores. Owners can add or remove air from these chambers to adjust the overall firmness of the mattress. Standard airbeds contain at least two chambers, but some have six or more. Airbeds may also be equipped for different firmness levels on each side.
Unparalleled Customization: Many of today’s airbeds can be adjusted to feel soft, firm, or anywhere in between. This can be especially beneficial for sleepers who enjoy different firmness levels on a nightly basis, as well as couples with contrasting preferences. However, “budget airbeds” are virtually non-existent. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for a queen size model, and many exceed the $3,000 mark.
Definition: Foam mattresses may be built with comfort layers of polyfoam or memory foam. Those that contain both materials in the comfort system are known as mixed-foam models. The support core is always made of high-density polyfoam, and dense transitional layers may also be included for extra sleeper support.
Exceptional Contouring: Memory foam conforms closely and evenly to the sleeper for good weight distribution, spinal support, and pressure relief throughout the body. Polyfoam also conforms, but a little less so. Foam mattresses are generally low-priced. The average model costs between $900 and $1,200, but many foam beds – including six of our seven top picks – are available for $800 or less.
| Mattress Type | Average lifespan | Average Price |
|---|---|---|
| Innerspring | 5 to 7 years | $900-$1,100 |
| Foam | 6 to 7 years | $900-$1,200 |
| Hybrid | 6 to 7 years | $1,600-$2,000 |
| Latex | 8 years or longer | $1,600-$2,000 |
| Airbed | 8 years or longer | $2,000-$2,400 |
The cost of a mattress often depends on where and when customers look for a new bed. Online brands tend to be much cheaper than brick-and-mortar sellers. Additionally, shoppers can save money with holiday sales, comparison shopping, and bundling.
Online mattress brands frequently offer sales and promotions that align with holidays. These sales will be prominently advertised throughout the company’s website, including the homepage and individual product pages. Many brick-and-mortar sellers offer holiday sales as well, but customers may need to contact or visit the store to learn about these promotions.
In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at what to expect from different holiday sales.
| Holiday | Date | Sales Info |
|---|---|---|
| President’s Day | 3rd Monday in February | Because President’s Day is a federal holiday that falls on a Monday, most people receive a three-day weekend. This is also the first major sales holiday of the year, so shoppers should look for new coupon and discount codes from different brands. |
| Memorial Day | Last Monday in May | Like President’s Day, Memorial Day is a Monday holiday typically observed over a three-day weekend. Memorial Day is one of the most common mattress sales periods, meaning online brands offer promotions to compete with brick-and-mortar sellers. Expect sizable discounts and coupons. |
| Independence Day | July 4th | If July 4th falls on a Friday through Monday, people normally receive a three-day weekend. Otherwise, it will be a floating mid-week holiday. That said, online brands often offer sales throughout Independence Day week. |
| Amazon Prime Day | July 15th | Beginning on July 15th each year, Amazon.com offers a two-day sale for people with Prime memberships. The sale includes lower prices on popular items, as well as free or discounted shipping throughout the U.S. An Amazon Prime membership currently costs $119 per year or about $12 per month. Students can become members for an annual fee of $59. |
| Labor Day | First Monday in September | Mattress brands often begin sales on the Friday of Labor Day weekend and extend them to the Monday holiday. Generous discounts and coupons for adult and child beds are fairly common. |
| Veterans Day | November 11th | Veterans Day is always held on November 11th and may fall on any day of the week. Many mattress brands use Veterans Day to kick off sales and promotions that extend throughout the holiday shopping season. Additionally, customers should look into the policies of different brands, as some offer discounts to past and present military personnel. |
| Black Friday | The day after Thanksgiving | Considered the kick-off to holiday shopping season, the consumer holiday known as Black Friday always takes place the day after Thanksgiving. Black Friday usually entails massive online and brick-and-mortar sales. Most major brands offer some sort of Black Friday promotion. This may include not only sales and discounts but also price-matching for other brands. |
| Cyber Monday | Monday after Thanksgiving | Cyber Monday is a consumer holiday akin to Black Friday, but it exclusively applies to online sales. In many cases, online mattress brands will link Black Friday and Cyber Monday with a weekend of sales and promotions. Expect steep discounts for Cyber Monday. Many brands also offer free bedding supplies, as well as bundling options to help shoppers save money. |
As with other products, finding cheap beds online requires extensive research into different brands and models. When browsing mattress websites, keep an eye out for the following:
Although buying a mattress online is usually the cheapest option, brick-and-mortar stores have one notable advantage: price negotiation. In their quest to complete a sale and receive their commission, sales staff may knock down the price of a new bed.
The wide selection of inexpensive mattresses means that you needn’t compromise when buying on a budget, so the best affordable mattress is one that supports your body type in your preferred sleep position while fulfilling your personal preferences. Different people require different things from a bed, so there will never be one mattress that is best for everyone.
Before shopping for a new mattress, consider what your unique needs are. Once you know what you’re looking for in a bed, you can narrow down your choices by reading independent reviews and learning more about how different budget mattresses perform. A dealbreaker for one person may be a must-have for another, so focus on performance in various categories rather than relying on marketing jargon.
While there are budget-friendly options for most types of mattresses, all-foam and innerspring models have the lowest average price. These designs are straightforward, making them less pricey than complex hybrid mattresses. They also use less expensive materials than beds with natural latex. However, these qualities do not make them worse than beds with a higher average cost.
Depending on your needs, innerspring and all-foam mattresses can provide years of comfortable nighttime support. All the same, buying on a budget doesn’t mean settling if you have your eye on a hybrid or latex mattress. Some of these beds are available at surprisingly low prices, and you can usually snag extra discounts through online promotions or by waiting for a sale.
Just because a mattress has an affordable price-point doesn’t mean it’s low-quality. In fact, a budget mattress may meet your needs better than a model that costs twice or even three times as much.
The ideal mattress for any sleeper provides adequate support to prevent their body from sinking excessively, but also feels soft enough to cushion the spine and alleviate pressure. This is why firmness level is one of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a new mattress. If you find an inexpensive mattress with a firmness level that corresponds to your body type and sleep position, then there’s a good chance this mattress will meet your needs.
The best way to determine whether or not a mattress is right for you is to sleep on it. Most online mattress brands offer sleep trials that allow you to test out the bed for at least 90 nights. If you decide the mattress feels too soft or too firm before the trial period ends, you’ll be able to return it in exchange for a full refund – though small return fees may apply in some cases. We recommend taking full advantage of sleep trials in order to find the mattress that’s best for you.
Mattress prices vary widely depending on materials, construction, warranties, and shipping. The most affordable models can cost under $300 while high-end mattresses can run well over $5,000, though a high sticker price doesn’t always mean better sleep. When choosing a mattress, the most important thing to consider is whether a model is suited to your specific sleep habits. Even if a mattress is the right price, it may be the wrong mattress for your needs.
Online companies that manufacture inexpensive mattresses often save money by cutting out retail spaces and shipping mattresses directly to consumers. Many sleepers can find a mattress that’s comfortable and supportive for under $1,000 or even $500. If there’s a model that’s just out of your budget, it may be worth waiting to purchase – many mattress sellers run holiday sales that can greatly lower the cost.
Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Sleep Product Tester
Austin is a professional writer and researcher who has covered sleep science and sleep products for over a decade.
Sleep Product Tester
Austin is a professional writer and researcher who has covered sleep science and sleep products for over a decade.
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