Best Mattresses Under $2,000

A mattress is a big purchase, but there are plenty of high-quality models on the market for under $2,000. While they may not have as many luxury features as the most expensive beds, you’ll have no shortage of options.

Choosing the right mattress is critical to your comfort and sleep quality. Regardless of how much you’re prepared to spend, you must also assess your preferences, needs, and priorities to find the ideal model for you.

Whether you are looking to save money or want to leave room in your budget for a new frame or fresh bedding, most shoppers want to get the best deal on a mattress. To help in your search, we’ll examine some of the best mattresses under $2,000. In addition to mattress properties, we’ll discuss company policies, performance ratings, what to look for in a mattress, other expenses to consider, and tips on how to save money on your purchase.

Dive Deeper – In-Depth Mattress Guides

If you’re still not sure which mattress to choose for your needs, take a look at our suggestions broken down by price point.

How to Choose a Mattress Under $2,000

With a budget of $2,000, shoppers will have plenty of quality options. However, it is important to prioritize certain features to ensure that you are getting the most for your money.

Price is not the sole aspect to consider when assessing quality. Additional key factors, including mattress construction, sleeping position, body type, and whether you sleep with a partner, should also be taken into account.

What to Look For in a Mattress

There are many aspects to consider when purchasing a mattress. While the following factors may be critical to determining which mattress is a good fit for you, your unique needs and preferences are most important.

In some cases, marketing campaigns can distract shoppers from key details by using fancy buzzwords that could leave customers confused or overwhelmed. To avoid distractions, shoppers should typically focus on the following criteria.

Price:
For many shoppers, price is a primary concern when choosing a mattress. While higher-priced mattresses may include more special features, that does not necessarily mean they’re better. Shoppers should consider price alongside quality and materials. The best overall value usually balances performance, quality, and price.

Sleeping Position:
Back, stomach, and side sleepers differ in which firmness they find ideal. Side sleepers are more likely to prefer a slightly softer feel with more contouring so that their hips and shoulders can sink in, while stomach sleepers usually find a firmer option more comfortable. Back sleepers typically favor a medium feel or firmer that cradles their hips without sagging. Finding the right mattress for your sleeping position and body type can help promote good sleep posture and relieve pressure buildup.

Quality Materials:
A mattress’ materials are vital to determining its performance. Materials influence breathability, pressure relief, motion isolation, durability, and all other aspects of mattress performance. Certain components cost less to produce than others, lowering the price of a mattress without necessarily compromising on quality. However, some low-quality materials could wear out prematurely, leading to mattress sagging, indentations, or deterioration.

Firmness Level:
The firmness level is traditionally measured on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest.

Body weight and sleep position determine what firmness you are likely to prefer. Side sleepers and those who weigh under 130 pounds frequently enjoy a softer mattress for extra contouring. Stomach sleepers and those who weigh more than 230 pounds generally need a firmer mattress for more support.

Pressure Relief:
Pressure relief helps to reduce aches and pains caused by the body pressing against the mattress. A lack of pressure relief may lead to painful pressure points and spinal misalignment.

Mattresses can relieve pressure and support the spine by evenly distributing the sleeper’s weight without sagging. Finding a mattress that suits your sleeping position and weight is key to maximizing pressure relief.

Motion Isolation:
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress can minimize the effect of movement on the surface of the bed. This is crucial for couples whose sleep may be disrupted by one partner’s movements. Mattresses with substantial foam comfort systems traditionally absorb vibrations well, though other materials can also excel in this area.

Temperature Regulation:
Temperature regulation is how well a mattress disperses warmth. Overheating can occur when the mattress absorbs body heat and traps it against the body. Memory foam tends to have this issue, so many models that use the material have designs or special features to mitigate this effect. Mattresses that are more breathable typically have better temperature regulation.

Edge Support:
Edge support refers to how sturdy the mattress is along the perimeter. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses often have stronger coils underneath the edges for more reliable support. Some also use a firm foam encasement to reinforce the perimeter. A strong edge can resist sagging and make it easier to use the full mattress surface without feeling like you may roll off.

Contouring:
Contouring is how well a mattress hugs and conforms to your body. Memory foam is most often associated with exceptional contouring, but polyfoam and latex also frequently perform well. The right level of contouring can enhance pressure relief to limit body aches. However, increased contouring can also reduce airflow and trap heat. Many close-conforming models have cooling features to counteract heat retention.

Mattress Type:
Mattress type refers to how the mattress is designed. Common mattress types include foam, hybrid, latex, and innerspring, each of which has potential benefits and drawbacks. There is a lot of variety even within mattress types, so a sleeper should compare the features to determine which model is a good fit for them.

Mattress Types

Most models share some features with other mattresses of the same type, though their unique designs make them distinct from each other. For example, innerspring mattresses have coil cores, which typically add bounce and breathability. However, an innerspring model may also have a thin comfort system or pillow-top for added pressure relief, expanding its appeal.

Understanding the common traits of the different mattress types can help steer you in the right direction, but to find your ideal model, you’ll need to look more closely at its unique characteristics.

Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses include features of two or more of the other mattress types, such as a memory foam comfort layer and a pocketed coil core. By combining mattress components, hybrid models often provide the benefits of multiple mattress types while minimizing their drawbacks. While hybrid models often cost more than other options, shoppers should be able to find options for under $2,000.

Innerspring

Innerspring mattresses are a classic, traditional option. These models have a coil support core that typically provides edge support, breathability, and bounce, making innerspring mattresses an appealing option for sleepers that want to use the full mattress surface, those prone to overheating, and anyone who prefers a responsive sleep surface. Since innerspring models tend to be more affordable, they may also be ideal for value-minded shoppers.

Innerspring models usually have little to no comfort system, so potential drawbacks frequently include pressure buildup and motion transfer. If these issues arise, a mattress topper may help.

Foam

All-foam mattresses use multiple layers that may include memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex. They often excel at contouring to the body and distributing weight evenly, making them popular with those who are prone to aches and pains.

However, memory foam tends to retain heat. Some manufacturers try to counteract this effect with components designed for cooling, including gel and copper infusions, hole-punched foam, and phase change material. Memory foam can also be more difficult to move around on due to its close hug and slower response to changes in pressure. On the other hand, it provides good motion isolation for couples.

Polyfoam is typically more breathable and responsive than memory foam, but it usually doesn’t perform quite as well in motion isolation and pressure relief. Additionally, low-density polyfoam may break down more quickly.

Latex

Natural latex is one of the most durable materials used for mattress construction, making it appealing to some value-minded shoppers. While a natural latex model usually costs more upfront, it may make up for it over the life of the mattress. More affordable synthetic and blended latex options are available, but they are typically less durable.

Latex is made using either the Dunlop or the Talalay process. Dunlop latex tends to be denser and more durable, while Talalay latex is lighter and airier. Both contour to the body with minimal hug and have a subtle bounce, making it easier to move on the surface.

What Can Affect the Price of a Mattress?

There are several different factors that can affect the price of a mattress, including materials, construction, and expected lifespan.

Quality and Type of Materials: Mattress materials and quality affect pricing. Since high-quality components usually cost manufacturers more to produce or purchase, consumers can expect to pay more for mattresses that use them. Materials manufactured in the U.S. also tend to cost more due to expenses associated with facilities and labor.

Durability: Durability refers to how long a mattress will retain its beneficial properties. Choosing a durable model is essential for you to get the most value out of your purchase. A high-quality option that lasts a long time will usually end up costing you less in the long run than replacing a low-quality mattress every few years.

Mattress Layers: Mattresses consist of layers that serve different purposes. Three types of layers are most common. The comfort layer usually relieves pressure, the transition layer blocks the sleeper from interacting with the firm core, and the support layer prevents excessive sinkage. Additional layers are likely to add to the cost of the mattress, particularly if they contain proprietary materials and/or increase the mattress profile.

Density: This is the measurement of the pounds per cubic foot (PCF) of foam. Dense foam layers generally increase the price of a mattress and enhance its motion isolation, durability, and contouring. Lower-density options tend to be more affordable, responsive, and breathable, but they may also be less durable.

Proprietary Technology: Some manufacturers use special technology to set their models apart. Proprietary materials are often engineered with specific goals, like enhancing the temperature control, adding bounce, or providing more pressure relief. These features generally make a mattress more expensive, but they can be an attractive selling point for some customers.

Shipping Rates, Returns, and Warranties

Shipping

After you place an order, most mattress companies will take a few days to process it and send it out for shipment. Some direct-to-consumer companies only produce a mattress after it is ordered, so this may take a little longer depending on customer demand. Mattress-in-a-box models ship compressed and vacuum-sealed in a box. Upon receiving the package, customers will need to move it into their home, unbox it, and allow the mattress to decompress.

Some companies also offer White Glove delivery, a service where carriers come to your home and set up the mattress for you. This delivery option usually costs extra and takes longer than free shipping.

Many companies offer free shipping within the contiguous United States. However, they may charge an extra fee for shipping to Alaska, Hawaii, or U.S. territories. Some companies also offer expedited shipping for an additional charge.

Returns

No matter how much research you do beforehand, there is always a possibility that a mattress may not suit your needs. Most companies offer a trial period so you can return the mattress if it isn’t right for you.

It is helpful to read the terms and conditions of a trial policy before making a purchase to have a thorough understanding of the process. Some companies may require that you try the mattress for a certain amount of time before requesting a return to give your body time to adjust. While many companies will refund the full cost of the mattress, some charge for shipping, handling, or processing. Mattresses generally must be in good condition to be eligible for the trial period, and there may be a limit on the number of returns allowed per household.

Most companies will arrange pickup of the mattress, so there is usually no need to drop off the mattress on your own.

Retailers have several methods of handling returned mattresses. Many companies donate them to charity, others recycle them, and a few offer them to their employees.

Warranties

A warranty is a guarantee that the company will be responsible for a refund, repair, or replacement if the product is defective or otherwise does not meet the company’s standards. These are used to provide shoppers with a better sense of security when making a purchase. Most companies automatically include a warranty with a mattress purchase.

Warranty periods may span several years or decades. A few companies offer lifetime warranties, providing coverage for as long as you own the product. These policies only apply to the original mattress owner, and the company elects the appropriate remedy if it determines there is a qualifying defect.

Some warranties are prorated, meaning that the company charges an increasingly large percentage of the purchase price for repairs and replacements the further you are in the warranty period. For example, a company may fully cover repair or replacement if the mattress is within the first half of the warranty period but charge 50% of the purchase price if it is more than halfway through.

Companies differ in their definition of defect. Most cover issues like splitting or cracking foam and lasting indentations over a certain depth. Problems that occur from misuse, abuse, or accidents will not be covered by the warranty.

Additional Mattress Costs

When purchasing a new mattress, other components may also be necessary to complete your setup. Bedding, bed frames, pillows, and additional services can increase the expense, however, so you may need to leave extra room in your budget.

Bed Frames and Bedding: Many customers choose to purchase a bed frame and bedding when buying a new mattress. Some companies offer bundle discounts for buying these items together, which may help you save money.

If you have an existing bed frame and sheets you hope to use, check to make sure that they will accommodate your new mattress. While you should pay attention to size, there are also other factors to consider. Mattress warranties typically clarify the type of support a mattress needs, and using an improper foundation could void the policy. Additionally, thicker mattresses may need deep pocket sheets in order to fit properly.

Mattress Removal: If you have an older mattress that you want to replace, some companies will offer to remove it for an additional charge or as part of White Glove delivery. If your mattress company does not offer old mattress removal, you can donate it to a charitable organization or recycle it. However, the mattress must still be in good condition to be eligible for donation.

Expert Assembly: Expert assembly is one of the services provided with White Glove delivery. It may be especially helpful for those who live alone and do not have anyone to help them move a mattress, or those with mobility issues who may need assistance.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress

A mattress is a large purchase that should last for years, and finding a good deal can make a big difference in what you can afford. Fortunately, several methods can help you get a good deal on your purchase.

Shop During Mattress Sales

Mattress sales often occur around holidays. Presidents’ Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day are just a few of the occasions when you can find mattresses on sale. Many companies also participate in major sale events, including Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Buy Online

Online shopping is another method to save money. Mattresses prices are often lower online than in brick-and-mortar stores due to having lower overhead costs.

Another benefit of online shopping is access to reviews and customer testimonials. These can provide insight into a mattress’ performance, durability, and overall value so that you have a better idea of what you’re getting for your money.

Coupon Codes, Referrals, and Discounts

Using coupon codes, referrals, and other discounts is another way to save on your mattress purchase. By entering a code at checkout or using a referral link, the price may be cut by a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of the list price, or you may receive a free accessory, such as a pillow or sheets.

Comparison Shop

If a mattress is sold through multiple retailers, comparison shopping could help you get the best price. However, shoppers should remember to read shipping and return policies since these may vary between sellers.

Some third-party mattress vendors price match with competitors, which may be worth investigating if you prefer one particular store.