Best Cheap Mattresses

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Finding a balance between comfort and support in a mattress with the right price tag can be a hassle. You don’t want to end up with a cheap mattress that leaves you with aches and pains and gives you a bad night of sleep. However, it is possible to find a bed that satisfies your comfort preferences at a low price.

In this guide, we will teach you what to look for in a mattress and what the appropriate price range is for a decent mattress. Expensive mattresses often feature additional layers, materials, or target specific sleeper types, but those bells and whistles are not always needed for a great night’s sleep. One of our top picks is sure to be the right mattress for your body type, comfort preferences, and your budget.

Bottom Line: What’s the Best Affordable Mattress?

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam earns our pick for best affordable mattress because of its low price, across-the-board quality, and its solid support, particularly for back sleepers.

The Best Affordable Mattresses For Your Budget

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Best Affordable Mattresses: Video Review

Watch this video to hear directly from Mattress Nerd about the best cheap mattresses and why.

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How We Test Our Top Picks?

At Mattress Nerd, our team tests upwards of a dozen new mattresses per month, with models ranging from under $500 to over $2,000. We run each mattress through the same comprehensive tests, regardless of the price tag.

nerd mattress testing lab
Testing mattresses in the Nerd lab

Through our testing, we’ve found the mattresses on this list to be high quality, comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, affordable. To learn more, check out our review process.

Best Affordable Mattress Overall: Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

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Best Overall

Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

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A budget-friendly foam mattress, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex has a firm feel, with an infusion of copper to help wick away moisture. This bed is both more supportive and responsive than your average memory foam mattress.
Nerd Score
4.4 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
7.5/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.5 / 5
Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex
Supportive for back sleepers
Very responsive
Excellent edge support
Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex
A bit firm for side sleeping
Not compatible with adjustable bases

The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam mattress is great for anyone looking for a quality mattress on a budget. In addition to being at an affordable price point, this bed’s foam is infused with copper to help wick away moisture, plus its antimicrobial properties may keep the mattress cleaner. 

The CopperFlex’s cover is also supposed to help regulate temperature, but it rose by more than 8 degrees over a 5-minute window during our cooling test. Although most folks should still sleep comfortably, hot sleepers may want to consider a different mattress that will run a little cooler throughout the night.

Despite being a completely foam construction, this Brooklyn Bedding mattress has a firm feel, making it very supportive for back and stomach sleepers. It’s also a very responsive mattress, which means moving around and shifting positions on the bed will be a breeze. Some side sleepers may not feel enough pressure relief to be comfortable, especially if you have sensitive joints.

This bed-in-a-box comes with free shipping and returns, a limited lifetime warranty, and a 120-night trial.

What our testers say: “It’s so easy to move around on this bed. There’s hardly any sink or contouring despite its foam construction. I think it’d make a great bed for combination sleepers, or sexually active couples who prefer a firmer mattress.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester

Who Might Like the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

  • Back and stomach sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • Sexually active couples

Who Might Not Like the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory Foam

  • Side sleepers
  • People who prefer a softer mattress

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding website, this mattress scored 4.5 out of 5 stars based on over 700 reviews. Reviews say this mattress was a great way to upgrade their bedding on a budget, as it is comfortable and sleeps cool all night. The few negative reviews mostly focus on people’s firmness preferences, saying the bed is too soft or too firm for their liking.

Not sure if the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex is right for you? Check out other recommendations for the best mattresses for combination sleepers.

Best Affordable Foam Mattress: Nectar Classic Memory Foam

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Best Foam Mattress

Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress

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The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.
Nerd Score
4.3 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-Firm 6/10
Sleep Trial
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Average Customer Rating
4.7 / 5
Pros of the Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Excellent motion isolation
Sleeps cool for a foam mattress
Good responsiveness
Cons of the Nectar Classic Memory Foam
Lacks a bit in pressure relief
Lacks in edge support

If you’re looking for a memory foam mattress that won’t break the bank, we recommend the Nectar Classic. The high-quality foam layers of the Nectar provide good contouring and reduce motion transfer across the bed, all while costing less than $700 for a queen mattress. Although it won’t have the bounce or responsiveness of your typical hybrid mattress, our testers also found this bed to be easy to move around on. Paired with stellar motion isolation, we’d recommend the Nectar Classic Memory Foam for couples, especially if one member is a restless sleeper. 

That said, the cushioning may prove a bit too soft for heavier sleepers or people who tend to sleep on their stomachs. However, fans of memory foam weighing less than 230 pounds will enjoy Nectar’s hugging contouring, especially when lying on their back or side.

Customers receive a lengthy 365-night sleep trial, a “forever” warranty, free shipping, and returns with the Nectar Classic.

What our testers say: “As an average-weight sleeper, I loved the feeling of a balance between the hugging feel of memory foam and the unexpected responsiveness of the foam layers—I didn’t feel stuck in the mattress. However, some of the softer upper layers may cause heavier folks to sink too far into the mattress, causing discomfort and misalignment.” Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester 

Who Might Like the Nectar Classic Memory Foam

  • Hot sleepers
  • Back sleepers
  • Folks who share their bed with a partner or pet

Who Might Not Like the Nectar Classic Memory Foam

  • Stomach sleepers
  • Heavyweight sleepers

Other User Reviews

On Nectar’s website, this mattress earned 4.7 out of 5 stars based on over 54,000 reviews. Users love the pressure relief this bed provides, with some saying it’s one of the most comfortable mattresses they’ve owned. There were some complaints that the mattress was too soft or firm to stay properly aligned, and others said that it sleeps hot—a common issue with memory foam beds.

Read our full Nectar mattress review for more details. If you aren’t interested in the Nectar Classic, check out our list of the best memory foam mattresses for more great options.

Best Affordable Mattress for Couples: Helix Midnight

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Best for Couples

Helix Midnight Mattress

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Finding an affordable mattress that accommodates both members of a couple can be difficult, but the Helix Midnight makes it easy with quality construction and a middle-of-the-road feel.
Nerd Score
4.3 / 5

Product Details

Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-Firm 6/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Average Customer Rating
4.7 / 5
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
Great for side sleepers
Sturdy perimeter
Good at relieving pressure
Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress
Foam is hard to move around on
Not great for heavyweight (over 230 lbs) back and stomach sleepers

Helix Sleep makes several mattresses in a variety of firmness levels, but there is a reason that the Helix Midnight is their best seller. It has a medium-firm feel that suits all types of sleepers, regulates body temperature at night and does a good job of isolating motion on either side of the bed, all factors which are very important if you and your partner would like to sleep comfortably at night.

The Helix Midnight contours around all sizes of side sleepers and most back sleepers to promote spinal alignment and help alleviate back pain in sensitive sleepers. Its medium-firm feel is pleasing to a wide variety of sleepers, and the addition of the coils provides extra support for stomach sleepers to keep their hips lifted. A queen Helix Midnight costs right around $900, and there is a more elevated “Luxe” version of the Helix Midnight that costs approximately $500 more.

This bed is complete with free shipping, as well as its 100-night trial and 10-15 year warranty.

What the testers say:Motion isolation is the mattress’s ability to limit the spread of movement from one side of the bed to the other. This is important if you sleep with a partner or pet. We tested the Helix Midnight in our lab and found very little motion transfer across the surface of the mattress, probably due to the dense memory foam comfort layer.” – Loren, Lead Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • Side sleepers of all body types—lightweight (< 130 lbs), average-weight (130–230 lbs), and heavyweight (> 230 lbs)
  • Couples
  • Memory foam lovers concerned about overheating
  • Value shoppers

Who Might Not Like the Helix Midnight Mattress

  • Heavyweight back sleepers and stomach sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • Fans of extra soft or extra firm mattresses

Other User Reviews

The Helix Midnight rates 4.5 stars out of 5 on the Helix website. The main negative is that reviewers tend to find it too soft for their liking and feel as though they’re sinking. But overall, users say they’re getting a great nights’ sleep and some pain relief.

See our full Helix Midnight mattress review for more info!  Not sure the Helix Midnight is the Mattress for you? Check out other great recommendations for our best mattresses for couples!

Best Affordable Luxury Mattress: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

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Best Luxury Mattress

DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

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The DreamCloud is a luxury hybrid bed that features a cashmere cover and gel-infused foam. It rates highly in motion isolation, temperature regulation, responsiveness, and every other category we rated it on.
Nerd Score
4.4 / 5

Product Details

Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Medium-Firm 6.5/10
Sleep Trial
365 nights
Warranty
Lifetime warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Average Customer Rating
4.6 / 5
Pros of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
Good motion isolation
Hotel-like feel
Cooling features
Cons of the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid
May be too firm for side sleepers with hip or shoulder pain
May be too soft for heavyweight stomach sleepers

Many luxury beds come with a premium price tag to match their quality, feel, and comfort, but that’s not always the case—especially with the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, our pick for the best affordable luxury mattress. After discounts, you can get a queen-size DreamCloud for under $1,000 and still enjoy the luxury, hotel-like feel of its plush quilted top and cashmere cover.

Additionally, the gel-infused foam comfort layer combined with the solid support of the coils strikes a balanced feel and provides great pressure relief, especially for back sleepers. The innersprings also give this mattress solid responsiveness, making the DreamCloud a great choice for combination sleepers and sexually active couples. That said, it may prove a bit firm for lighter side sleepers, or soft for heavier stomach sleepers.

Even more impressive is the 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty that come with the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. Plus, you’ll also get free shipping in the contiguous United States…sorry, Alaska and Hawaii; you’ll have to pay for shipping.

What our testers say: “While testing the DreamCloud, I noticed a true, blue hybrid feel. I felt cushioned by the soft memory foam top layers, but the coils still offered enough support. This balance of comfort and elevation is a dream cocktail for back sleepers.” Becca, Lead Mattress Tester 

Who Might Like the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

  • Combination sleepers
  • Back sleepers
  • Couples

Who Might Not Like the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid

  • Side sleepers with sensitive joints
  • Heavyweight stomach sleepers

Other User Reviews

On the DreamCloud website, the Classic Hybrid received 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 9,000 reviews. Users rave about the mattress’s balanced comfort and support and its cool feel. However, there were complaints about the mattress’s lackluster edge support, with several customers saying the edge would sink considerably when seated.

Read our full DreamCloud Mattress review to learn more, or check out our list of the best luxury mattresses for more great recommendations.

Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers: Nolah Original

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Best for Side Sleepers

Nolah Original 10″ Mattress

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The Nolah Original is a budget-friendly mattress that works especially well for side sleepers.
Nerd Score
4.7 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-Firm 6/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8 / 5
Pros of the Nolah Original Mattress
Good option for people with back pain
Easy to move around on
Good motion isolation
Cons of the Nolah Original Mattress
Bad edge support
Below-average performance for most stomach sleepers

Thanks to our super scientific pressure map in the Mattress Nerd lab, we’re able to determine how well a mattress performs for side and back sleepers. And, according to our readings, the Nolah mattress does exceptionally well when it comes to supporting the sensitive pressure points of side sleepers. Not only that, but it does so at the affordable price of $1,149 for a Queen.

The three foam layers of the Nolah mattress provide comfort and support, particularly to lightweight and average-weight side sleepers—demographics which require ample comfort and support in order to avoid hip and shoulder pain.

Plus, this mattress comes with a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty. Comfort, support, and dependability at a fair price. What more can you ask for?

What our testers say: “Nolah mattresses were built with a latex-like foam that operates like a hybrid, giving you the bounce of latex and the cushioning of coils. The Nolah Original is specifically built for side sleepers, and it’s one of the best mattresses for side sleepers on the market.” – Becca, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Side sleepers
  • Sleepers with back pain
  • People who sleep hot

Who Might Not Like the Nolah Original Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers
  • Innerspring mattress lovers
  • People who enjoy the “hugging” feel of memory foam

Other User Reviews

On the Nolah website, this mattress earned 4.7 out of 5 stars. Reviews said that this mattress is the perfect balance between support and softness.

Read our full Nolah mattress review to learn more! 

Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles: Bear Original

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Best for Active Lifestyles

Bear Original Mattress

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Bear claims this mattress’s Celliant technology promotes muscle recovery by converting body heat into infrared energy.
Nerd Score
4.6 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Medium-Firm 7/10
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Hip Pain
This bed should be comfortable for anyone struggling with hip pain since it contours the hips and keeps them supported.
Average Customer Rating
4.7 / 5
Pros of the Bear Original Mattress
Great for lightweight and average-weight sleepers
Relieves pressure very well
Easy to move around on
Cons of the Bear Original Mattress
Retains heat
Poor motion isolation

Whether you start each day with a jog or like to lift weights at your local gym, recovery is an essential part of an athletic lifestyle, and an essential part of recovery is a great night’s sleep. The Bear mattress, specifically designed with athletes in mind, promotes deep sleep and muscle recovery at the affordable price of $995 for a Queen.

Constructed with graphite-gel memory foam, transition foam, and high-density support foam, the Bear mattress provides exceptional pressure relief—a quality which helps prevent aches and pains around sensitive areas like your shoulders and hips. Not only can this help you sleep more comfortably after a long workout, but also help you perform more capably and confidently the following day. In short, if you’re after a bed that will support your active lifestyle but not break your bank then the Bear mattress may be right for you.

You can test out the Bear with its 120-night trial and lifetime warranty, along with free shipping and returns.

What our testers say: “The Bear mattress should be great if you’ve had a hard workout or long hike and need a little extra care for your bones and tissues.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Bear Original Mattress

  • Back and stomach sleepers
  • Combination sleepers
  • People with active lifestyles

Who Might Not Like the Bear Original Mattress

  • Heavyweight sleepers
  • Hot sleepers
  • Couples

Other User Reviews

On the Bear website, this mattress scored approximately 4.4 out of 5 stars, from 10,000 reviews. Customers love the firmness level of this mattress and say it helps them get restful nights of sleep. However, there were complaints of poor edge support, leading to the sagging of the mattress. 

See our Bear mattress review for more information. Not sure the Dreamfoam Mattress is for you? Check out our other expert-recommended mattresses for athletes to find your perfect night’s sleep.

Best Affordable Cooling Mattress: Silk & Snow Hybrid

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Best Cooling Mattress

Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress

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The Silk & Snow Hybrid is made of high-density memory foam and pocketed coils for a balanced responsive feel and a cool mattress surface. Additionally, the zoned lumbar support is great for back and stomach sleepers who need their spines supported and hips elevated for a good night’s sleep.
Nerd Score
4 / 5

Product Details

Material
Hybrid
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options
Sleep Trial
365 nights
Warranty
15-year warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Side Sleepers
This bed offers pressure relief at both the shoulders and hips, making it a great fit for side sleepers.
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Hot Sleepers
This bed features extra cooling technology, making it great for hot sleepers.
Average Customer Rating
4.0 / 5
Pros of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
Balanced feel
Multiple firmness options
Performs well at cooling
Cons of the Silk & Snow Hybrid
Lacks in edge support
Plusher versions are more expensive

You don’t have to pay top dollar for the best cooling mattress when you have an option like the Silk & Snow Hybrid available. The breathable coils at the base pair with the gel-infused memory foam at the top to provide exceptional cooling for its price, plus it creates a balanced feel for most sleepers looking for both comfort and support.

The Silk & Snow Hybrid has three firmness options available, and while the medium-firm and plush models are more expensive, they all come in at $1,000 or less for a queen mattress, making them a budget-friendly choice for most folks. Along with its solid cooling features, our in-house testers found the Silk & Snow Hybrid to be very responsive and easy to move around. It also prevents motion from transferring across the bed pretty well, so this mattress is a good pick for couples.

This Canadian-made mattress comes with a 15-year warranty, a 365-night sleep trial, and free shipping.

What our testers say: “I didn’t feel this mattress heat up at all while I was testing it. It kept a cool temperature the entire time and will likely satisfy the majority of hot sleepers.” – Mattress Nerd In-House Tester

Who Might Like the Silk & Snow Hybrid

  • Couples
  • Hot sleepers
  • Combination sleepers

Who Might Not Like the Silk & Snow Hybrid

  • Side sleepers with shoulder pain
  • People with mobility issues

Other User Reviews

On the Silk & Snow website, this mattress scored approximately 4.6 out of 5 stars, from more than 4,000 reviews. Customers credit this mattress with its affordability and great comfort, with a few comparing it to sleeping on a cloud. However, there were complaints that it was too firm for some users and that the build quality didn’t last as long as they would’ve liked. 

Looking for a great deal? Check out our list of the best mattresses for the money for some great options with high value.

Best Affordable Firm Mattress: Plank Firm

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Best Firm Mattress

Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress

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With a different firmness on each side, this sturdy mattress accommodates a surprisingly wide range of sleepers.
Nerd Score
4 / 5

Product Details

Material
Foam
Firmness
Multiple Firmness Options
Sleep Trial
120 nights
Warranty
Limited Lifetime Warranty
Shipping
Free shipping
Price
$$$$$

Our Recommendation

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:
Back Sleepers
This bed’s strong support is ideal for back sleepers because it helps keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Stomach Sleepers
This mattress is ideal for stomach sleepers as its firm support promotes spinal alignment.
Back Pain
This bed is a good match for anyone struggling with back pain, as it cushions the lumbar region and has enough support to keep the spine neutrally aligned.
Seniors
This bed is perfect for senior sleepers, as it provides them support and easy mobility.
Average Customer Rating
4.8 / 5
Pros of the Plank Firm Mattress
Compatible with all body types and sleeping positions
Easy to move around on
Fantastic edge support
Cons of the Plank Firm Mattress
Sleeps warm
Not the best option for couples

If you’re looking for a firm feel, the Plank Firm mattress is a fantastic value product for its cheap price. It’s difficult to find such a supportive, durable mattress for a low price, but you can find this model for under $1,500 before discounts.

The Plank Firm is flippable, boasting two different firmnesses. The firm side ranked a 7.5/10 on our firmness scale, and the extra firm side ranked a 9/10 on our firmness scale. Heavier back and stomach sleepers of heavier weights should do well on the extra firm side, while lightweight sleepers will want more softness on the firm side. 

With the Plank Firm, you can enjoy free delivery, a 120-night trial, and a 10-year warranty.

What our testers say: “The Plank Firm is priced on par with its online competition, and significantly lower than luxury name brands—especially considering that it has a firm side and extra-firm side all in one mattress. Also, it comes with a 120-night risk-free sleep trial, so you can sleep on it before making a final decision.” – Rachael, Editor & Mattress Tester

Who Might Like the Plank Firm Mattress

  • People who find most beds too soft
  • Back & stomach sleepers
  • Side sleepers who prefer a firm mattress
  • People with back pain

Who Might Not Like the Plank Firm Mattress

  • Side sleepers who want deep cushioning
  • Hot sleepers
  • Couples concerned about motion transfer

Other User Reviews

On the Brooklyn Bedding site, this mattress scored 4.8 out of 5 stars, from over 2,000 reviews. Praise is given to the firmness of this bed that helped the back pain of users. There were some complaints about the mattress not expanding after being removed from the box.

See our full Plank Firm mattress review for more information. Not sure the Plank Firm is your perfect fit? Check out our other best firm mattresses recommended by our experts.

How Much Does a Good Mattress Cost?

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How much should you pay for a decent mattress? Mattress price is largely dependent on the size of the mattress and construction type. Mattresses can range from around $300 to $7,000, with many options in between each end of the spectrum. You might be wondering what’s the big deal between a lower end mattress and one that is more expensive? Sure, there are mattresses out there for $300 that provide a place to lay your head, but that’s about it.

When shopping for a mattress, there are important considerations that each individual sleeper must evaluate in order to pick the best mattress for their respective budget. For our suggestions, see our list on the best mattress for the money.

How Much Should You Spend on a Mattress?

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What’s the Cheapest Type of Mattress?

Of all the different mattress types available, the most budget-friendly is memory foam. Memory foam mattresses range anywhere from $250 to $1,000 and last roughly seven years. A durable mattress features a strong support base and a top layer that prevents unnecessary sagging. The best memory foam mattresses use high-density foam to support larger sleepers, combination sleepers or stomach sleepers– in addition to lighter sleepers.

These same sleepers often need mattresses with additional layers and a stronger construction, leading to a higher price.

An innerspring mattress provides extra bounce and breathability for hot sleepers, and is often stronger for larger sleepers. Hybrid mattresses combine the foam layers of a memory foam bed and the coil construction of an innerspring mattress.  A decent hybrid mattress ranges anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 and lasts about 10 years. Hybrids are more durable than memory foam, and you will pay for that.

Latex mattresses can reach prices up to $3,000 because of their naturally sourced materials, which cost more to produce. Latex mattresses often incorporate natural wool or cotton to increase breathability and increase the organic materials within the mattress construction. However, like hybrids, latex mattresses are highly durable, lasting up to 15 years and less likely to sag than layers of foam. 

What To Expect from a Cheap Mattress? 

  • Firmness & Feel: The most common mattress firmness is a medium-firm feel, resting somewhere in the middle of our mattress firmness scale. With 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest, most budget mattresses will be a 5 or 6 level of firmness. Because of this, the best affordable mattresses will appeal to a wide range of sleepers. The medium firmness will prevent combination and stomach sleepers from feeling stuck within the foam layers. Back and side sleepers will benefit from the softer foam top layers that provide optimal pressure relief.
  • Motion Isolation: While not everyone loves the feel of a memory foam mattress, foam absorbs motion transfer between couples better than an innerspring coil mattress. The best mattress for couples is able to suit multiple sleeping positions while preventing motion spread across the bed. Young couples looking for a durable and quality mattress should find a bed that works in our list above.
  • Edge Support: Mattresses with a foam encasement or a coil base will have stronger edge support than a standard all-foam mattress. For those who spend time on the edge of the bed or couples who need to maximize the sleepable surface, edge support should be considered in their mattress choice. See our article on edge support in mattresses for more info.
  • Pressure Relief: As with many of the mattresses on this list, pressure relief is common in mattresses with foam layers that contour around pressure points at the hips and shoulders. While pressure relief is found in other mattresses, we believe that these affordable mattresses excel in this area.
  • Spine Alignment: Spinal alignment is important in all sleeping positions, especially back and stomach sleepers. For proper spinal alignment, a mattress must have pressure relief and a strong support layer. Hybrid mattresses and dense foam mattresses should provide firm enough support to keep the spine aligned and keep the hips lifted on top of the mattress. To learn more, check out our article on spine alignment and sleep.
  • Durability: Mattress durability ranges on the materials used. We estimate that most of the mattresses on your list will last about seven years, a good amount of time for budget mattresses. If you begin to notice normal wear on your mattress, there are things you can do to prevent or fix mattress sagging.
  • Temperature: Some of the mattresses on our budget list incorporate gel-infused memory foam, coils, or phase-changing materials to combat overheating. Many of these construction additions can be found in more expensive mattresses but you may want to consider a cooling mattress topper for less of an investment. 

Where To Buy A Cheap Mattress?

When debating mattress price, quality is key, but the price tag is important too. If you don’t want to compromise on quality but are worried about spending too much, shop online. The best online mattresses are generally cheaper than mattresses sold in a store.

That’s because online mattress retailers cut out all the middle man costs, floor markups and mattress salesman tricks. Online mattresses are sold direct-to-consumer, so you don’t have to worry about a salesman trying to make a commission off you. 

Plus, online retailers often have incredible sales on the best mattresses and many mattresses are available for purchase at third-party retailers like Amazon. Check out our recommendations on the best mattresses on Amazon for mattresses available for purchase. For more info, check out our article on buying a mattress online vs. in-store.

Pros and Cons of Cheap Mattresses

Pros

  • Cheap mattresses are easier on your wallet (obviously).
  • An affordable mattress is less of a commitment—perfect for starter or transitional mattresses.
  • A cheaper mattress may allow you to worry less when it comes to spills, pets, or children staining or damaging the mattress.

Cons

  • The quality of construction may not be on par with more expensive mattresses.
  • The materials in a cheap mattress may degrade faster, meaning you will need to purchase a new one sooner than you’d expect.
  • They may not offer the comfort and support that you seek in a mattress.

Should You Consider A More Expensive Mattress?

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Beware that if you go the cheaper route and purchase a lower quality mattress, you put yourself at risk for a number of negative physical symptoms. These include low back pain, joint pain, waking up achy, and sleep loss that can lead to memory issues, increased blood pressure, weight gain, and depression.  Our best advice is to take your sleep trial period seriously and pay attention to how your body adjusts to the new mattress.

Is it supportive enough? Does it wear out easily? Does it limit motion transfer enough? Is there enough edge support? Is your sleep suffering from being on the mattress? Most brands give you an average of 100 nights to try the bed out, so take it seriously and pay attention to how your sleep changes sleeping on the new mattress. If you decide you might want something a bit more expensive, check out our list of the best luxury mattresses.

Best Affordable Mattress FAQ

Where can I buy a cheap mattress?

Most mattress retailers will offer what they consider an affordable option. However, we find that online mattress stores cater to budget shoppers much more than brick and mortar shops do. Many of the top brands sell at least one model that can be purchased for under $1,000, plus they often run generous sales that can save you hundreds of dollars.

How can I make a cheap mattress more comfortable?

Consider a mattress topper for some added comfort. They are much more affordable than replacing your mattress outright and they can make a world of difference if you purchase the right one. Check out our list of the best mattress toppers for more information.

What is the best cheap mattress?

It depends on your sleep preferences, budget, and body type. We stand by all of the products on this list as great options that are more affordable than the average high-quality mattress

Which mattress lasts the longest?

We won’t lie, there is at least a slight correlation between a mattress’s cost and its longevity. More expensive mattresses tend to last longer because of their high-quality construction.

That said, it doesn’t mean a more affordable mattress can”t last you for upwards of ten years As you’re shopping, always keep an eye out for hybrid mattresses. This type is more likely to maintain its structural integrity, even at a lower price point. Also, rotate your mattress frequently, as it can prevent sagging from occurring in one particular area.

How cheap is too cheap for a mattress?

There isn’t a simple answer to this question. You might stumble upon a $400 mattress that suits your needs perfectly. The important thing is that you do your research and read reviews of the product. If the product has no reviews then that”s probably a bad sign.

Recap of the Top Rated Affordable Mattresses

MattressAward Nerd Score
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Memory FoamBest Affordable Mattress Overall4.4/5
Nectar Classic Memory FoamBest Affordable Foam Mattress4.3/5
Helix Midnight Best Affordable Mattress for Couples4.3/5
DreamCloud Classic HybridBest Affordable Luxury Mattress4.4/5
Nolah OriginalBest Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers4.7/5
Bear OriginalBest Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles4.6/5
Silk & Snow HybridBest Affordable Cooling Mattress4.0/5
Plank FirmBest Affordable Firm Mattress4.0/5
Loren Bullock

Loren Bullock

Lead Mattress Tester

About Author

Loren is the Lead Mattress Reviewer at Mattress Nerd. She has prioritized sleeping for as long as she can remember, rarely deviating from seven to nine hours each night. As an editor on Mattress Nerd, Loren aims to help people achieve optimal sleep health and pick the best sleep accessories for their needs. You can find her testing mattresses, exploring the best sleep hacks, and telling you about her findings on Mattress Nerd’s YouTube channel and on TikTok.

Combination Sleeper

Education & Credentials

  • Certified Sleep Science Coach