We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. Promise.
11 Best Cheap Mattresses That Won’t Break the Bank (or Your Back)
Legitimately comfy mattresses under $1,000? Say less.
![cheap mattress cheap mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cheap-mattresses-64878843ddeef.png?crop=1.00xw:0.336xh;0,0.621xh&resize=1200:*)
Sad but true fact of life: Most mattresses are expensive AF. Whether you’re looking to buy a foam mattress, innerspring mattress, or hybrid mattress, you can usually expect to drop at least $1,000 on a new bed—which is, ya know, a lot of dough. And while a comfortable, supportive mattress is def worth the splurge (you spend about a third of your life sleeping, after all!), there are cheap mattress options that will satisfy both your back and your wallet. The best cheap mattresses will give ya high-quality sleep on a budget, and if you’re looking for mattresses under $1,000, then you’ve come to the right place.
Just because a mattress is affordable doesn’t mean it’s made from budget materials. All of our cheap mattress picks are made with CertiPUR-US certified foams, meaning they’re free of harmful chemicals and additives. We’ve also got mattresses made with latex, which sleeps cooler than foam (shout-out to hot sleepers) and can actually be made with natural materials (unlike foam, which is always synthetic). Here’s a sneak peek at the very best affordable mattresses on the market rn.
Our top picks for best cheap mattresses in 2023:
Ranging from $250 to just under $1,000, here are the best cheap mattresses your money can buy—and be sure to scroll to the end for tips on how to find the best cheap mattresses. Side note: The prices listed are for queen-size mattresses, although these options all come in other sizes—including twin, full, and king—as well.
Novilla 10" Serenity Hybrid Mattress
![10" Serenity Hybrid Mattress 10" Serenity Hybrid Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686582195-81rLvhkwIUS.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Novilla 10" Serenity Hybrid Mattress
Pros
So responsive, which makes it easy to shift positions
Designed to actually keep you cool
Cons
Doesn’t have the best edge support
Trial period could be longer
People tired of waking up in a puddle of sweat should turn their attention to this cooling mattress from Novilla. Made up of a gel-infused foam layer, polyfoam, and pocket coils to optimize airflow, this option sleeps amazingly cool—and it even comes topped with a bamboo rayon cover to help regulate your temp. Best of all, it is WAY cheaper than your average hybrid mattress but will still give you the responsiveness you’d expect. Oh, and side note: It’s also available in a 12-inch model.
- Type: Hybrid
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 6.5/10 or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 30 nights
THE REVIEW: “This hybrid mattress is phenomenal!” one buyer raves. “The gel memory foam enhanced cooling feature is really amazing. It keeps your body temperature stable, so you don’t get hot when sleeping. The motion isolation is another feature that we love. Highly recommend this Novilla mattress. We are so impressed, and it has exceeded our expectations!”
Siena Memory Foam Mattress
![Memory Foam Mattress Memory Foam Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686583922-71uLzuYtAnL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Siena Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
Isolates motion well
Offers amazing relief for pressure points
Cons
Lacks significant edge support
Sleep a bit too warm for some reviewers
Another great all-foam pick, this mattress from Nectar’s sister company Siena is seriously high quality (and so, so affordable). The tri-layer design includes a layer of gel-infused memory foam followed by two layers of polyfoam, all topped with a cooling poly-blend cover. Reviewers love how it provides amazing motion isolation and cushy pressure relief—and you’d never guess that it costs a mere $400.
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 6/10 or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 180 nights
THE REVIEW: “I loved this mattress straight out of the box,” one reviewer notes. “There was no funky smell—it was instantly comfortable and easy to unbox. I did want to add some height to it, so I got a 4-inch mattress topper to put on top of it, but it wasn’t necessary for the comfort. Highly recommend!! This is better than any of our other memory foam mattresses we’ve purchased.”
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
![Hybrid Mattress Hybrid Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1685732339-71dp6Umjh7L.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress
Pros
Fabulous motion isolation and responsiveness
Sleeps *so* cool
Cons
Reviewers say edge support could be better
Doesn’t provide enough sinkage for some
Looking for a high-profile mattress that won’t set ya back too much cash? Go with this very luxe hybrid mattress from DreamCloud, which boasts a 14-inch profile (!!) made up of memory foam, polyfoam, and pocketed coils. Thanks to its thicker comfort system, this mattress offers an A+ blend of contouring and support—and it even comes topped with a quilted cashmere cover for an extra touch of luxury.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Height: 14 inches
- Firmness: 6.5/10, or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- Trial Period: 365 nights
THE REVIEW: “I love this bed!” one review reads. “I was hesitant about getting a bed in a box, but it exceeded all expectations. It’s soooo comfortable. It’s soft at the top but a sturdy medium firmness. My boyfriend’s a back sleeper and I’m a side/stomach sleeper. We both get a great night’s sleep. It also keeps us cool at night. It’s such a great feeling to get in bed on top of a cool mattress. 5 stars!”
Zinus 12" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
![12" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress 12" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1683319540-81r9nu45RL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Zinus 12" Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
Provides deeply contouring pressure relief
Amazing motion isolation for couples
Cons
Can be v challenging to switch positions
Reviewers say you can expect to experience some off-gassing
Lovers of plush, slow-sinking foam mattresses will wanna check out this bestseller from Zinus. With three inches of memory foam and two inches of transitional polyfoam, this 12-inch model lets ya sink right in for ah-mazing pressure relief. What’s especially cool about this mattress is the unique memory foam, which has green tea extract and charcoal infusions designed to absorb moisture and fight odor buildup. Don’t need as much cushion? You can always opt for the 6-, 8-, or 10-inch version of this mattress instead.
- Type: Foam
- Height: 12 inches
- Firmness: 5/10 or medium soft
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Short Queen, King
- Trial Period: 100 nights
THE REVIEW: According to one buyer, “This mattress is like lying on a cloud that hugs you in all the right places. You sink right in but not too much. I’m a side sleeper, and this works perfectly for me. If you need a budget mattress, this is fantastic.”
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
![Memory Foam Mattress Memory Foam Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1685729799-81MQtfnAc3L.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Nectar Memory Foam Mattress
Pros
Provides deep sinkage and contouring
Great pressure relief for those with joint pain
Cons
Edge support could be better
Can be tricky to switch positions, per some testers
For an affordable mattress that doesn’t sacrifice quality for price, go with this all-foam option from Nectar. This fan-fave mattress boasts a thick 12-inch profile, which is made up of a gel-infused memory foam comfort layer, polyfoam transitional and support layers, and a cooling cover made from polyester, nylon, and polyethylene. And thanks to its medium-firm feel, this bb provides both body-cradling sinkage and pressure-relieving support.
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Height: 12 inches
- Firmness: 6/10 or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 365 nights
THE REVIEW: “I am 59 years old and have to say this is the best mattress I’ve slept on,” writes one tester. “I have back, hip, and shoulder pain and am a side sleeper (because of chronic tonsil and sinus issues), but this mattress gives me a fantastic night sleep! I love it!”
Allswell 10" Hybrid Mattress
![10" Hybrid Mattress 10" Hybrid Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1615487148-c6927cab-1a6a-4f62-96cd-8716af75c2bf_2.b20d6a9ddae6c1ce610b338b776eaf27.jpg)
Allswell 10" Hybrid Mattress
Pros
Has little motion transfer, so good choice for couples
Boasts great edge support
Cons
Some say it initially has slight synthetic smell
Features less than an inch of memory foam
This just in: You don’t have to drop a ton of cash to get a hybrid mattress, and this v affordable option is proof. It’s topped with a layer of copper- and charcoal-infused memory foam, underneath which you’ll find a base layer of pocketed coils—which give the mattress bounce and support—and a high-density foam base. It’s not the cushiest mattress out there, but for those who like firmer support, this is a very solid choice.
- Type: Hybrid
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 7/10 or slightly firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 100 nights
THE REVIEW: One reviewer writes, “I bought my first Allswell right out of college when I was on a hunt for an affordable mattress. Five years later, I bought four more—one for each guest bedroom. Every person who stays at my house is obsessed with this mattress and is shocked when I tell them that it’s this affordable/from a box. Genuinely cannot rave about it enough!!!”
Lucid 10" Latex Hybrid Mattress
![10" Latex Hybrid Mattress 10" Latex Hybrid Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686578514-81vxPJ8chNL.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Lucid 10" Latex Hybrid Mattress
Pros
Has impressive amount of edge support
Does a nice job of isolating motion transfer
Cons
Trial period is pretty short
Not a great fit for side sleepers
If you’re someone who likes the feel of a springy, supportive bed, then you should try one with a latex layer, like this hybrid mattress from Lucid. This pick features two comfort layers—one made of buoyant and the other of moldable, gel-infused memory foam—as well as a support layer of pocketed coils, giving the mattress a fab balance of comfy pressure relief and responsiveness. Need a lil more cushion? This mattress also comes in a 12-inch model.
- Type: Hybrid
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 7/10 or slightly firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 30 nights
THE REVIEW: “I spent many hours researching different brands and this was the best bang for the buck. Best decision ever,” one review reads. “We wanted a firm bed. This is the one! It is very firm but seems to cradle your curves without too much give. The latex allows a nice recoil, yet allows for movement without disturbing your partner. Love our bed!!!”
Pros
Amazingly responsive and supportive for all-foam mattress
Good edge support and motion isolation
Cons
Probs won’t provide enough contouring for side sleepers
Doesn’t sleep as cool as some would like
Calling all back sleepers: This firmer-than-average all-foam mattress is calling your name. Designed by German engineers, this bed combines a mix of Airgocell foam, memory foam, and dense poly foam for deep pressure relief as well as zoned support sections to give it some structure. If you want a supportive foam mattress that still gives you some contouring, then this is the one for you.
- Type: Foam
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 7/10 or slightly soft
- Available Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King
- Trial Period: 100 nights
THE REVIEW: As one customer writes, “As someone who works a 9-to-5 job sitting at a desk all day and lifts heavy weights frequently, I have developed serious lower back issues over time. As such, it was important for me to find a mattress that would conform to my spine and enhance my sleep quality. Luckily, I stumbled upon Emma’s memory foam mattress, and I could not be happier with my purchase. Getting out of bed in the morning, I feel refreshed and ready to start my day.”
Leesa Studio Mattress
![Studio Mattress Studio Mattress](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vader-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/1686584170-91H1bbqWZ5L.jpg?crop=1xw:1.00xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Leesa Studio Mattress
Pros
Offers great support and pressure relief
Has amazing motion isolation
Cons
May not offer enough sinkage for side sleepers
Def not the most responsive mattress
Hi, did you know that Leesa has a budget-friendly all-foam mattress? Made with a knit polyester cover, a layer of contouring memory foam, and two layers of stabilizing polyurethane foam, you should’'t expect a classic memory foam feel from this bb. Instead, it provides impressive support and pressure relief with a firmer-than-average feel, which both back and stomach sleepers will <3.
- Mattress Type: Foam
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 7.5/10 or slightly firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 100 nights
THE REVIEW: “This Leesa mattress is amazing!” one review reads. “It is SO comfy. We’ve been sleeping on it for a few months now and we sleep great—I don’t feel my partner moving around or getting up as much as I used to, and when I lie down, I can feel the pain in my back being relieved. Definitely worth the money and so easy it get into an apartment or upstairs.”
Pros
Great temperature regulation for hot sleepers
Responsive and easy to shift positions
Cons
May not provide enough contouring for some
High motion transfer not great for couples
If you’re someone who often changes positions in the night, then a springy, highly responsive mattress is a must. That’s why combo sleepers love this mattress from Awara, which provides a thin layer of bouncy natural latex over firm pocketed coils. Reviewers also love how this eco-friendly option is topped with moisture-wicking wool and encased in a cotton-blend cover, both of which work to keep you from experiencing those dreaded night sweats. And JSYK, finding an organic mattress under $1,000 is srsly rare.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Height: 10 inches
- Firmness: 6.5/10 or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King
- Trial Period: 365 nights
THE REVIEW: “This bed was a dream from the first night’s sleep,” raves one tester. “I am delighted with it. No aches and pains when I wake up and equally comfortable when I sleep on my back or side. This is miraculous to me after what I went through with another more expensive brand that left me in pain.”
Pros
Design helps to absorb motion transfer
Sleeps way cooler than other options
Cons
Doesn’t offer a ton of pressure relief
Reviewers say to expect some off-gassing
If you share a bed, then having a mattress with decent motion isolation is key—and this bed from Canadian company Silk & Snow is specifically designed to absorb motion transfer. This hybrid model is composed of an antimicrobial cover, a top layer of quilted cooling polyfoam, a comfort layer gel memory foam, and a zoned pocketed coil core, all of which help to keep you from feeling your partner’s every move during the night.
- Mattress Type: Hybrid
- Height: 12 inches
- Firmness: 6/10, or medium firm
- Available Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, Cal King, Split King
- Trial Period: 100 nights
THE REVIEW: According to one tester, “My husband and I were incredibly nervous about ordering a mattress online without trying it out. We finally settled on this one based on reviews and cost and we are so happy we did! The delivery was seamless, and the mattress regained its shape within a few hours after unpacking it. No funky odors. Sleeps relatively cool as advertised. Firm but the top is cushiony. Minimal movement transfer. We’re sleeping much better than we did with our previous mattress as well!”
QQ: What is considered cheap for a mattress?
![linebreak linebreak](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cosmoecomm-breakerline-1670621201.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Wondering what is considered cheap for a mattress? Generally speaking, a mattress is typically considered cheap if it costs less than $1,000 for a queen-size. Ofc, the price depends on the quality of the materials, as well as the type of mattress you buy. Foam mattresses tend to be the least expensive option, and while they’re great at offering contouring, pressure relief, and motion isolation, they tend to sleep warm and aren't super responsive.
If you are looking for a mattress that sleeps cool and provides a more responsive feel, then you may want to upgrade to a hybrid mattress, which combines an innerspring support core with a foam or latex comfort system. Because it’s like two beds in one, hybrid mattresses tend to be more expensive than all-foam models—but you’ll still find plenty of cheap hybrid mattresses with great quality for the price.
How to choose the best cheap mattress
![linebreak linebreak](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/cosmoecomm-breakerline-1670621201.jpeg?crop=1xw:1xh;center,top&resize=980:*)
Not sure what to look for when shopping for a budget mattress? Here are a few tips to get ya started.
Read the reviews
Sleep preferences are suuuuper personal and often depend on your body type or weight. Generally, if you weigh under 130 pounds, for example, you’ll probably prefer a plush memory foam mattress instead of a hybrid model, while folks who weigh over 230 pounds may feel more comfortable with a firmer innerspring option. This is why it’s important to find a review from someone with a similar body type and sleeping habits before buying a mattress. If they love it, then there’s a good chance you will too.
Consider whether you are a hot or cold sleeper
If you’re a hot sleeper, the quickest way to end up miserable is by picking out a non-breathable mattress that will leave you waking up in a puddle of sweat daily (yuck!). Typically, memory foam mattresses warm up in response to body heat, which allows ’em to soften and contour to your body shape—but unfortch, the dense material is also prone to heat retention. Anyone who runs hot will prob wanna opt for an innerspring or hybrid mattress, which are better designed to promote airflow.
Keep your sleep habits in mind
Your go-to sleep position should also influence your mattress pick. Side sleepers do best with medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses, while back sleepers should look for a medium-firm to firm mattress. And while stomach sleepers definitely do best with a firm mattress, combination sleepers will wanna invest in a medium-firm mattress that facilitates easy movement throughout the night.
Corinne Sullivan is an Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers a variety of beats, including lifestyle, entertainment, relationships, shopping, and more. She can tell you everything you need to know about the love lives of A-listers, the coziest bedsheets, and the sex toys actually worth your $$$. She is also the author of the 2018 novel Indecent. Follow her on Instagram for cute pics of her pup and bébé.
Watch Next
![Video player poster image preview for All Sections Playlist - Cosmopolitan US](https://hips.hearstapps.com/vidthumb/images/screen-shot-2022-02-03-at-3-13-42-pm-1643919322.jpg?crop=0.9962319639738993xw:1xh;center,top&resize=1200:*)
![only murders in the building only murders in the building](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/screen-shot-2021-10-04-at-1-51-50-pm-1633380735.png?crop=0.306xw:0.544xh;0.468xw,0.0228xh&resize=360:*)
Psst, You Can Buy Selena's 'Only Murders' Necklace
![gifts for gf gifts for gf](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gifts-for-girlfriend-64c95cb115690.png?crop=0.505xw:1.00xh;0.248xw,0&resize=360:*)
Need Good Gift Ideas for Your Girlfriend? Done
![rollaway beds rollaway beds](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/rollingbed-3-64c95af024f0c.jpg?crop=0.505xw:1.00xh;0.455xw,0&resize=360:*)
These Rollaway Beds Are Great Space-Savers
![gifts gifts](https://hips.hearstapps.com/hmg-prod/images/gifts-for-brother-64c957d7d8206.png?crop=0.505xw:1.00xh;0.00321xw,0&resize=360:*)
Need a Kick-Ass Gift for Your Bro? Right This Way