These Super Comfy Mattresses Cost Less Than $500
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These Super Comfy Mattresses Cost Less Than $500
We most recently reviewed this article in January 2023 to ensure all picks, vetted by our Lab experts, are in stock and listed with accurate pricing.
A nice mattress can make a world of difference when it comes to achieving a great night's sleep, but quality mattresses can cost a fortune. Many mattress models are priced at more than $1,000, which isn’t always practical. Whether you’re shopping for your own bedroom, a guest room or a temporary living situation, you can find a comfortable bed that will leave you feeling well-rested without having to splurge on a new mattress. In fact, our research shows there are some affordable mattresses that perform just as well as (and sometimes better than) beds from more expensive brands.
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, our Textiles Lab analysts review mattresses of all kinds — from hybrid mattresses to latex mattresses to memory foam mattresses — to find the best mattresses on the market, including the best low-cost mattresses. We analyze beds in our Lab and share them with consumer testers who try them out and provide us with real-user feedback. As part of our analysis, we also survey our panelists who share their thoughts on the mattresses they personally own or have purchased in the past. In our most recent survey, we received responses from more than 10,000 mattress owners and collected over 170,000 pieces of data for review.
At the end of the article, you can read more about how we test mattresses and find helpful mattress shopping tips, but first, here are our favorite cheap mattresses — all under $500 for a Queen model.
walmart - 2/6
1) 10" Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress
Allswell
walmart.com
$349.00
Allswell mattresses are a favorite among our tester panel, and this one is the brand's cheapest model that is affordable yet doesn't skimp on quality. The hybrid construction utilizes both coils and memory foam and isn't too soft or too firm. As a bonus, the mattress is compressed and delivered in a box with free shipping and free returns (up to 90 days), so there's little risk in trying it out.
What it's made of: The base of this mattress has individually wrapped coils to provide support and airflow for cooler sleep. The next layer is copper-infused memory foam for comfort and pressure relief. And it's topped with a plush quilted cover that looks and feels more luxurious than its price suggests.
Testing notes: Owners of this mattress unanimously told us they were happy with their purchase. Users gave it high ratings for everything from ease of delivery and setup to comfort, support and sleep quality. One described it as "firm yet comfortable" while another said "the price is highly worth it!" It is important to note that some users found the mattress to be firmer than they expected, so keep that in mind if you prefer a softer, more cushiony bed.
Allswell - 3/6
2) 8-Inch Hybrid Mattress
Linenspa
amazon.com
$231.23
Not only is this model a total steal, but it also has over 93,000 five-star reviews on Amazon and a 4.5-star average rating. This 8-inch version is the most affordable and has a firmer feel, but you can upgrade to its 10-inch mattress for a medium feel or 12-inch mattress that's even more plush — all still under $500 for a Queen.
What it's made of: The mattress is primarily innerspring with steel coils for durability and a more traditional "bouncy" mattress feel. On top, you'll find a layer of cushioning memory foam that is meant to contour to your body while you sleep for pressure relief. A quilted cover incorporates even more foam for even more comfort.
Testing notes: Linenspa was another top-rated brand from our survey panelists. Dozens of users raved about the mattress' great value, and one owner of the cheapest 8-inch version told us, "You won't find a better mattress for the price. The company is awesome; the mattress arrived two days after I placed the order and was in perfect condition!" The same user also said, "Opening the mattress was easy and took less than five minutes until I had it on the bed frame."
Linenspa - 4/6
3) Adaptive Foam Mattress
Nod by Tuft & Needle
amazon.com
$499.00
Tuft & Needle is one of the top-rated mattress brands according to our panel, and this Amazon exclusive is its lowest-priced model. It has a shorter profile, but the benefit is that a Queen weighs only 40 pounds so it's not as heavy to set up as other boxed mattresses on the market (which can weigh well over 100 pounds). Plus, the brand offers an "any reason" 100-day trial period so you can test it out for months to make sure you love it before committing.
What it's made of: This is an all-foam mattress composed of two layers: a more structured, supportive layer of foam on the bottom and a pressure-relieving layer on top to help you feel like you're being cradled. The foam is certified by CertiPUR-US and GreenGuard Gold, so you don't need to worry about harmful levels of VOCs.
Testing notes: One survey panelist who owns a mattress from the brand shared that it's "a good blend of soft and supportive for a great price," and another added that hers is "way better than a spring mattress." Some reviewers say that the bed doesn't fully decompress to an eight-inch profile, so it is on the thinner side —even for an affordable mattress.
Tuft & Needle - 5/6
4) Olaf Mattress
Mellow
amazon.com
$292.96
Cooling mattresses can get pricey, but this one's your best bet if you're a hot sleeper and shopping on a budget. Despite the low cost, the all-foam mattress is an impressive 12-inches high (though the brand does warn that it can take up to three days to fully decompress).
What it's made of: The all-foam mattress is designed with a base layer of sturdy foam for comfort and support and a top layer of gel-infused memory foam to prevent overheating. A quilted pillow top layer is filled with extra padding for a plush feel, and it's surrounded by a special outer cover that's designed to stay cool to the touch.
Testing notes: This mattress has a medium firmness rating, but our tester and reviewers describe the bed as a bit soft, which is ideal for those who like a plush surface, but it may not be best for someone looking for a more supportive mattress. Our tester told us this mattress "feels luxurious and cradles my body, no matter what position I'm sleeping in." A reviewer agreed, saying that the bed is "super soft and molds perfectly to the body."
Mellow Home - 6/6
5) Start Mattress
Zoma
zomasleep.com
$499.00
While some cheaper mattress models may be too firm for side sleepers, this all-foam model may be a better fit. The cushioning, responsive foams can relieve pressure and cradle a side sleeper's shoulders and hips. You have 100 nights to try it out before committing, but you have to keep the mattress for at least 30 days to avoid a $99 early return fee.
What it's made of: First is a durable foam base for spinal support. Next is a thin layer of responsive foam that's meant to feel bouncy and make getting in and out of the bed easier. On top is a layer of cooling gel-infused memory foam for pressure relief that's surrounded by a stretch cover.
Testing notes: One of our testers who tried a mattress from the brand shared that it was softer than she initially expected and said it lacked enough support for her to easily sit up in bed. However, after just a few days, she was already used to the plush feel and thought it was comfortable to both sleep and lounge on. Plus, she's a side sleeper and didn't wake up feeling sore or stiff. She and another tester were impressed by how quickly their mattresses decompressed and loved that they were ready to sleep on in just a few hours.
Zoma