5 Best Cheap Mattresses Under $500 (original) (raw)
1
Best Overall
Allswell Luxe 12-Inch Bed in a Box Hybrid Mattress
Now 30% Off
Credit: Allswell
Pros
- Panelists gave it high ratings for comfort and support
- Free shipping through Walmart
- Coils for added support
- Better airflow than all-foam beds
A favorite among our testers, Allswell's mattresses are affordable but don't skimp on quality. This 12-inch hybrid model combines layers of memory foam and coils for a medium-firm feel. The base of the mattress is constructed using individually wrapped coils that provide support and allow for better airflow than solid memory foam.
Next, you'll find a layer of copper-infused memory foam for pressure relief and comfort. On top is a plush quilted cover with a high-end look and feel. The biggest complaint about the mattress is the lack of edge support, which can make getting in and out of bed more difficult.
This bed-in-a-box is compressed and shipped straight to your door for free, and our testers and panelists said delivery is a breeze and setup is simple. If you're hesitant to purchase a mattress without trying it first, know that Walmart offers free returns for up to 90 days, so there's little risk involved.
Tester notes: Overall, users said the budget-friendly mattress felt like a pricey luxury model, with one who shared, "This mattress is supportive and plush, and it feels like a fancy hotel bed." Another said, "It feels like sleeping on a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price."
When asked, owners of this hybrid mattress unanimously agreed that they were happy with their purchase, and they gave it high ratings for comfort, support and sleep quality. One user added, "The price is highly worth it!"
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Allswell Mattress Review: The Best Budget Bed You Can Buy
| Materials | Memory foam and springs |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Firmness level | Medium firm |
| Height | 12" |
| Trial period | 90 days |
2
Best on Amazon
Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
Now 20% Off
Credit: Linenspa
Pros
- High ratings from our survey panelists
- Easy delivery and setup
- Over 99,000 five-star reviews on Amazon
- Most affordable option
Cons
- Shorter profile than other picks
- Some online reviewers say bed doesn't fully expand
Over 99,000 Amazon shoppers have given this mattress from Linenspa a five-star review, and it's a total steal at $240 for a Queen model at full price. The hybrid mattress is built with a base of steel coils for durability and a bouncier feel. Next is a layer of cushioning memory foam that contours to your body for pressure relief while you sleep. To top off the mattress is a quilted cover with more foam fill for added comfort.
The mattress has a shorter profile than others with a medium-firm feel. Some online reviewers have expressed frustration with the mattress expanding to its full height, sharing that their beds never actually reached its listed profile of 8 inches. The brand also offers 10- and 12-inch versions that incorporate even more plush foam if you prefer a bed with more cradling cushion and a little more height — both are still under $500 for a Queen model.
Tester notes: Dozens of our survey panelists loved the brand's beds and the great value they offer. One respondent who owns this 8-inch model said, "You won't find a better mattress for the price. The company is awesome, and the mattress arrived two days after I placed the order and was in perfect condition!" The user added, "Opening the mattress was easy and took less than five minutes until I had it on the bed frame."
Other respondents gave it high ratings for quick delivery, easy setup and feeling comfortable to sleep on from night one.
RELATED: The Best Hybrid Mattresses of 2024 for Comfort and Support
| Materials | Memory foam and springs |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King and California King |
| Firmness level | Medium firm |
| Height | 8" (also available in 10" and 12") |
| Trial period | 100 days through Amazon's mattress return policy |
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3
Best Cooling
Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Cooling Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
- Loftier profile than some other picks
- Testers say foam is contouring
- Cool-touch knit cover
Cons
- Testers wish there were more edge support
A good cooling mattress can be expensive, but this is a great option if you're a sweaty sleeper looking for a budget bed. The low-priced mattress has an impressive 12-inch profile, which is taller than most affordable beds. (The brand does warn that it can take between 24 to 72 hours for the mattress to fully decompress.)
The all-foam design starts with a base layer of sturdier foam for support. Next is a thin layer of foam that Zinus claims is infused with green tea and then an additional two inches of gel-infused memory foam intended to prevent overheating. It's all encased in a cool-touch cover.
Tester notes: Our testers who have slept on Zinus' Green Tea mattresses gave the beds high ratings for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature all night long. And they appreciate the cover, noting that it provides immediate cooling comfort when they lie down.
Testers also highlighted the pressure-relieving abilities, with one who shared, "The memory foam contours to every curve on your body." The same tester further added, "The mattress also provides pressure relief, which has helped me to fall asleep faster and stay asleep long." Some testers wished the bed had better edge support, explaining that they sunk in when sitting on the side of the mattress, but this is a common problem of all-foam beds — even some pricier models.
RELATED: The Best Cooling Mattresses for Hot Sleepers
| Materials | Memory foam |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Twin, Full, Queen and King |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Height | 12" |
| Trial period | 30 days through Amazon's return policy |
What Everyone's Shopping
4
Best All-Foam
Tuft & Needle Adaptive Foam Mattress
Pros
- Two layers of foam for pressure relief and support
- Lighter weight than other picks for easier setup
- Plush, cloud-like feel, according to testers
- CertiPUR-US and GreenGuard Gold certifications
Cons
- Some reviewers claim profile is shorter than listed
- One tester said sheets slip off during the night
This Amazon-exclusive bed is the top-performing brand Tuft & Needle's lowest-priced mattress model. With a slightly shorter profile of 8 inches (a 6-inch model is also available), the all-foam mattress weighs in at only 40 pounds, so it's not as cumbersome to set up as some other popular boxed mattresses, which often weigh over 100 pounds.
It consists of two layers of foam: a more structured, supportive layer for the base and a pressure-relieving layer on top for cushion and comfort. Plus, the foam is certified by CertiPUR-US and GreenGuard Gold, so you won't have to worry about harmful levels of VOCs.
The brand, through Amazon, offers a 100-day "any reason" trial period, so you're able to sleep on it for a few months before deciding if it's the bed of your dreams. It is important to note that some online reviewers have experienced issues with the mattress decompressing to its full 8-inch advertised profile, so it's on the shorter side — even for an affordable boxed bed.
Tester notes: Our survey panelists loved the memory foam bed, with one who said that it's "a good blend of soft and supportive for a great price." One tester wished the mattress were a little firmer, and explained that the foam material sinks in more than expected, which causes the sheets to slip off the corners of the bed.
However, the same tester is happy with the mattress overall, sharing "It’s very light and feels like sleeping on a cloud. It took a while for me to get used to, but now I sleep like a baby."
RELATED: The Best Mattresses in a Box of 2024
| Materials | Memory foam |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Height | 8" (also available in 6") |
| Trial period | 100 days through Amazon's mattress return policy |
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5
Best for Side Sleepers
Novilla Bliss Gel Memory Foam Mattress
Now 10% Off
Credit: Novilla
Pros
- High ratings for comfort
- Cushioning foam for pressure relief at shoulders and hips
- Reviewers said it has good motion isolation
- Testers said they experienced restful sleep on the bed
Cons
- Some reviewers said the bed didn't fully expand to listed height
This affordable mattress from Novilla is made of four layers of foam intended for both support and comfort. The bed features a base layer made with high-density foam for stability followed by two layers of foam designed for airflow and is topped with a layer of gel-infused foam for a plush feel.
I deal for side sleepers, the memory foam bed cradles your hips and shoulders for pressure relief without leaving you feeling like you're sinking too deeply into the mattress. If you prefer the feel of a firmer bed, opt for the 8-inch mattress, which uses a thinner layer of memory foam than the taller models.
Tester notes: The bed has a medium firmness level that one tester described as "right in the Goldilocks zone," adding that it's not too soft or too firm and feels just right. One tester and some online reviewers shared that the bed is on the thinner side, explaining that it didn't expand to its full 12-inch advertised profile. But they still say it's comfy and that they achieve restful sleep on the mattress.
They were especially impressed by the bed's motion isolation, with many remarking that they can sleep soundly all night long without being disturbed by moving partners or pets.
RELATED: 10 Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers, According to Testing
| Materials | Memory foam |
|---|---|
| Sizes | Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King and California King |
| Firmness level | Medium |
| Height | 12" (also available in 8" and 10") |
| Trial period | 100 days through Amazon's mattress return policy |
How we test mattresses
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we've reviewed hundreds of mattresses over the years. We first consider product information and construction and vet the mattress brands to ensure they're trustworthy before checking out many of the models in person. We also share mattresses with our consumer testers who sleep on the beds in their own homes and provide us with real-world feedback.
Along with testing mattresses, we survey our GH+ panelists about the mattresses they currently sleep on or have purchased. Our surveys have been completed by over 10,000 mattress owners, leaving us with over 170,000 data points for analysis that cover everything from overall comfort and sleep temperature to delivery and setup. We combine our expert analysis, consumer testing and survey responses to decide which mattresses are worth it.
Here's what we consider when picking the best mattress for you:
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LEXIE SACHS
✔️ Ordering & delivery: Our testers and survey respondents share insight about the ordering and delivery processes, letting us know how easy it was and whether or not their mattresses arrived on time. If they experienced any issues during the process, we ask them to share how the brands worked to resolve them.
LEXIE SACHS
**✔️ Setup: We evaluate if the mattress brands offer white-glove delivery service or require you to set up the bed yourself. We consider if the mattress properly takes its intended shape in a timely manner.
**✔️ Firmness level: Brands' firmness claims aren't always consistent with how consumers perceive them when using the mattresses, so we ask our testers and panelists to rate the firmness level of their mattresses: soft, medium, medium-firm, firm, etc.
**✔️ Temperature regulation: We consider brands' cooling claims and features, and our reviewers and testers rate whether or not they're able to maintain a comfortable body temperature while sleeping on the mattresses.
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**✔️ Edge support: We ask our testers and panelists to sit on the edge of their beds to determine if the mattresses sink under their body weight or if they're able to withstand the additional pressure.
**✔️ Comfort and support: Testers and panelists rate the overall comfort of their mattresses and have the opportunity to share their sleep experiences in an open-ended format.
**✔️ Sleep quality: We ask our testers and panelists to share if the mattress affects their sleep quality — for better or worse. We want to know if they woke up feeling refreshed or achy and sore, and we ask them to compare their ratings to other beds they've slept on.
**✔️ Additional feedback: Along with providing ratings for different features, we allow our reviewers the chance to share anything they specifically like or dislike about the mattresses and any other feedback they want us to know.
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What to look for when shopping for the best mattress
After years of evaluating mattresses of all kinds, we've put together some helpful tips for mattress shopping:
**✔️ Sleep position: While you're sleeping, it's important to achieve neutral spinal alignment to prevent aches and pains. Depending on your sleep position, you may require a mattress that's firm, medium or soft.
- Stomach sleepers should choose a firmer mattress.
- Side sleepers should opt for softer beds for pressure relief around the shoulders and hips.
- Back sleepers and combination sleepers should opt for a medium firmness mattress that's stable enough to sleep on your back, but plush enough that your hips and shoulders will be able to sink into the mattress slightly as you change positions.
**✔️ Body type: A soft, plush mattress may not be the ideal mattress for heavier people or those with larger frames who need more supportive beds. Instead of a plush mattress, try a firmer foam mattress or a hybrid option that combines foam with structured metal coils. Lighter-weight people tend to prefer softer mattresses and don't find as much comfort in firmer beds. Consider both your weight and your sleep position when choosing your mattress firmness level.
✔️ Pain sufferers: If you suffer from back pain, look for a mattress with pressure-relieving foams or one that combines plush foam and coils. According to medical experts, pain sufferers should sleep on medium-firmness level mattresses because they provide a balance of cushion and support.
**✔️ Temperature: Sweaty sleepers should keep an eye out for temperature-regulating or cooling claims. Know that memory foam materials are often dense and absorb and trap body heat, but there are some foams like those infused with copper particles, gel and phase-change technology that can help to regulate your temperature at night. We recommend hot sleepers choose a mattress that uses coils for improved airflow, whether it's a hybrid or innerspring model.
**✔️ Trial period: When you're shopping for an affordable mattress online, it can be hard to decide if it's right for you. All of the affordable mattresses featured have generous trial policies, so you're able to sleep on your new bed from between 30 to 100 nights before committing to your purchase. Review the brand and retailers' specific policies to determine if there are any associated fees for things like return shipping or pick-up.
Can a mattress under $500 still be good?
You can definitely find mattresses that perform well for a great value. These are some things you can expect when shopping for a more affordable bed:
**✔️ **Shorter profile and fewer comfort layers : One of the most noticeable differences in an affordable mattress is the height. Cheaper mattresses tend to have fewer layers of material inside, which can lead to a less comfortable feel, especially if you deal with back pain. An easy fix to add more height and improve comfort is to add a mattress topper.
**✔️ Firmer feel: Because there are fewer layers, cheaper beds tend to have a firmer feel. Firmer beds are ideal for stomach sleepers, while side sleepers need a softer surface and back/combo sleepers can choose a bed somewhere in between.
✔️ Questionable brands : It's best to choose a mattress from a reputable company because some low-priced beds from lesser-known brands are too good to be true. Besides buying from a well-known brand, both Amazon and Walmart offer affordable mattresses with supportive customer service and generous return policies.
✔️ Low-cost materials : Mattresses are made with metal coils, foam or a combination of the two (known as hybrid). A cheap spring mattress may be less comfortable than a hybrid model, so we recommend sticking with hybrids or adding a topper. If you're worried about the safety of foams in cheaper mattresses, look to see if the bed is CertiPUR-US or GreenGuard certified, which indicates that there are low levels of VOCs.
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When are mattresses the most affordable?
Although there are plenty of cheap mattresses available all year long, we recommend keeping an eye out for holiday-specific sales to find an even better deal! Many mattress brands discount their beds during major holidays including July 4th, Labor Day, President's Day and Memorial Day.
You can also shop for a discounted price during major sale events on Black Friday, Cyber Monday and Amazon Prime Day. It's normal for brands to offer competitive discounts starting around 10% off and running upwards of 40% off for specific models.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Home & Apparel Reviews Analyst Amanda Constantine joined the Textiles Lab in 2022 and has tested and reviewed other mattresses, including Puffy's beds, Saatva's Classic Mattress and Tempur-Pedic's collection. She has also worked with mattress brands and toured a mattress factory to learn more about mattresses, the materials involved and their manufacturing processes. Constantine used her categorical expertise and reviewed testing and survey data when researching and choosing picks for the best mattresses under $500.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.