Best Affordable Mattress (2025): Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

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If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress, you want something that fits your sleep style.

You probably have an idea of whether you like the sinking feeling of memory foam, or the more firm, bouncy feel of a latex mattress.

Your most significant concern might be finding something for a low price. If you’re looking for a bed that won’t break the bank, the options below could help your body and your budget.

Want to Know the Best Affordable Mattress?

• Zoma Start: It is our choice as the best affordable mattress because it offers premium comfort and pressure relief at a budget-friendly price. With its Triangulex™ zoned support and responsive foam layers, the Zoma Start keeps your spine aligned while ensuring a cool, comfortable night’s sleep without breaking the bank.

Best Affordable Mattresses

Our Take:

When my team and I tested the Zoma Start, we immediately recognized it as a mattress designed with value in mind without compromising on essential comfort. I found its balance between affordability and performance refreshing, especially for a mattress that supports recovery-driven sleep.

Despite being priced lower than many competitors, it still feels thoughtfully engineered, offering features that genuinely improve rest rather than being just a “budget option.”

In my experience, the Zoma Start delivers consistent support that works well for different sleep positions.

Whether I was lying on my back or turning to my side, the mattress cushioned pressure points without that sinking feeling you sometimes get with cheaper foam beds.

It reassured me that this is not just a low-cost mattress—it’s a smart choice for anyone who wants restorative sleep on a reasonable budget.

Read Our Full Review of Zoma Start Mattress

Our Take:

When we first looked at the Vaya Mattress, what stood out to us was its simple yet effective design that focuses on comfort without driving up the cost. This mattress is one of the most budget-friendly all-foam beds on the market, but it doesn’t compromise on support or pressure relief.

That makes it an ideal choice for shoppers who want the benefits of memory foam without paying a premium.

We also like that the Vaya Mattress is versatile. It’s designed to feel comfortable for most sleeping positions, whether you’re a side sleeper needing pressure relief around your shoulders and hips, or a back sleeper who needs steady lumbar support.

It has just enough cushioning to feel plush, but not so much that you sink in uncomfortably. For the price, it delivers a balance of comfort and quality that’s hard to beat.

Our Take:

The Amerisleep AS2 stood out to me right away because of how well it handled temperature regulation. I’ve tried a lot of memory foam mattresses, and many of them run hot, but the AS2 manages to stay cool and comfortable all night.

What impressed me most was how it combined breathability with solid support, giving me that refreshing, well-rested feeling when I woke up.

Unlike other affordable foam beds, the AS2 doesn’t just promise cooling—it actually delivers it. I could feel how the breathable cover and open-cell foams worked together to keep airflow moving.

For someone who tends to overheat at night, that cooling relief makes a huge difference, and it’s one of the reasons I think this mattress deserves recognition as the best cooling option in the affordable category.

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2

Our Take:

When I tested the Zoma Hybrid, what stood out to me was how it blended the pressure relief of foam with the sturdy support of coils.

I could feel the difference right away compared to an all-foam bed—the bounce and airflow from the coil system made it feel more dynamic and balanced.

It gave me the cushioning I wanted without sacrificing responsiveness, which is why I think it’s a perfect pick for sleepers looking for hybrid comfort at an affordable price.

I also appreciated that this mattress doesn’t just add coils for the sake of calling itself a hybrid. Each layer works together to maximize recovery-driven sleep, from the comfort foams up top to the pocketed springs beneath.

For me, that combination makes it versatile enough for couples and active sleepers alike. It’s supportive, breathable, and easy to move around on—qualities that can be hard to find in budget-friendly hybrids.

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Hybrid

Our Take:

When we think of a luxury mattress, we imagine a bed that feels indulgent yet practical — and that’s exactly what the Vaya Hybrid delivers.

It combines plush comfort foams with the responsive support of pocketed coils, creating a sleep experience that feels both cradling and elevated.

Unlike many high-end hybrids that come with intimidating price tags, the Vaya Hybrid brings a touch of luxury into the affordable category.

What impressed us most was how versatile this mattress feels. It doesn’t just cater to one type of sleeper — side, back, and even combination sleepers can enjoy its balance of cushioning and support.

The coil system enhances airflow, reduces motion transfer, and adds a subtle bounce that memory foam alone can’t provide.

For anyone looking to upgrade their sleep without overspending, this mattress delivers a luxury feel at a surprisingly reasonable price.

Types of Mattresses

Before you can decide on the best affordable mattress for you, it’s important to understand the different types of mattresses. Each mattress company says their mattress is the best for high-quality sleep and provides a long list of reasons why.

With more knowledge on the different types of mattresses, you can skip through the spin and make an educated decision for your favorite sleep positions and body type.

a. Innerspring

An innerspring mattress relies on an inner support system of steel coils. These are some of the most common mattresses we see on the market. There are several different types of coil mattresses, but you will most commonly find ones using the Marshall coil. It is a coil individually wrapped in titanium or steel to help contour to the body and provide pressure relief. The Marshall coil limits motion transfer better than other coil systems.

Generally, more coils mean more support points. Padding or other upholstery materials and foams cover the innerspring to make the bed more comfortable. Pillow-top padding is the most common top layer for innersprings.

b. Memory Foam

Memory foam is a synthetic material, an artificially made compound called polyurethane. It acts like a sponge with pockets that trap air. When pressure is applied, it compresses and molds to the object.

When the pressure disappears, the memory foam returns to its original shape. This makes it good for adjustable bed frames. Many companies will use a memory foam layer to provide contouring for sleepers with back pain.

Memory foam mattresses are a popular option for the mattress-in-a-box industry. Memory foam is easier to roll and pack, making it easier to deliver to your door in a small space.

Memory foam is advertised for comfort-lovers, but at times, is questioned for its breathability. The material is known to trap heat. Companies are developing memory foam with different designs to increase breathability and make for a good night’s sleep.

c. Gel Foam

Gel foam mattresses were introduced as a solution to the overheating caused by memory foam mattresses. Now, many companies use a combination of the two. The gel in gel foam mattresses fixes the problem of trapped body heat by enhancing air circulation.

This can make gel foam mattresses pricier than the typical memory foam mattress, and the gel beads could eventually cause the mattress to break down faster than it should.

d. Latex

Latex mattresses come from rubber trees. Unlike memory foam mattresses, they offer some bounce. There are three types of latex mattresses: natural latex foam, synthetic latex foam, and blended variations. Natural latex uses processed rubber tree sap to produce foam layers.

This type of mattress will appeal to people looking for an organic option. Those shoppers will want to focus on natural latex foam. Synthetic latex is often constructed from styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It will have less bounce than natural foams.

e. Hybrid

Hybrid mattresses combine foam layers and a coil system to offer the combined benefits of all-foam and innerspring beds. These mattresses have more structure than an all-foam mattress and are easier to move. They also have more contouring than traditional innerspring. They can have a high price point but may have the right mix of foam layers and structure for certain sleeping positions.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

Before finding the best affordable mattress for you, you’ll need to figure out what kind of sleeper you are. Every budget mattress is built for certain sleeping positions and body types.

A quality mattress only goes so far if it is not the right type of mattress for you.

1. Sleep Position

One of the biggest determinants of whether you’ll feel comfortable in your mattress is your sleeping position. Here’s how each position will affect your experience of your mattress.

Side

Side sleepers need more pressure relief since most of their weight falls on the hips and shoulders. The best mattresses for side sleepers are soft to medium in firmness.

Back

Back sleepers need both support and pressure relief. The support keeps the spine in its natural alignment to prevent back pain. For back sleepers who already have back pain, the pressure relief is critical to keep a sore back calm.

Stomach

While there are some concerns about sleeping on your stomach, many sleepers gravitate to this position during the night. Stomach sleepers need a moderate amount of support to keep their neck in line and hips in their natural position.

However, if you can avoid sleeping on your stomach, it’s worth trying. One peer-reviewed article by John Schubbe, DC, says sleeping on the stomach is the “most stressful position for the back and neck.”

Combination

It’s common for sleepers not to have a favored sleeping position. If this is you, there are new mattresses with layers of foam and structure to conform to a changing sleep pattern throughout the night.

2. Motion Isolation

Motion isolation means a mattress absorbs movement and keeps it from transferring throughout the mattress. This is good if you share a mattress or move around a lot during the night.

High-density memory foam mattresses are known for having good motion isolation. The foam has a sinking feeling for sleepers, which means it keeps a sleeper secure by contouring to the body.

Innerspring mattresses, by contrast, have less motion isolation. Because these mattresses use springs to give the mattress a bouncy feeling, movement is more likely to transfer from one end of the mattress to another.

3. Mattress Size

A way to save money on your new mattress is to get a smaller mattress size. In all the mattresses we reviewed above, we considered the cost of a queen-sized mattress. But a full mattress is not much smaller and can save you money.

Looking at the mattresses above, downsizing to a full size mattress can save you anywhere from $50-$200. That could allow you to consider a more expensive mattress at a smaller size.

4. Mattress Toppers

Mattress toppers can be a way to increase the comfort of your current mattress rather than buying a new one altogether. They’re made out of different materials, and each material has different benefits.

Cotton mattress toppers are among the less expensive options. However, they can lose shape and structure. Wool mattress toppers are more durable but also more expensive. They are naturally flame retardant and resistant to dust mites and other allergens.

Memory foam mattress toppers are great for people who want to add body-contouring comfort to their mattress. These mattress toppers can add the feel of a memory foam mattress to an innerspring or latex mattress base. But memory foam toppers can cause problems for people who sleep hot.

Latex mattress toppers can last up to 20 years, so if you’re looking for a durable option, this is a good bet. Like wool, they are also dust mite resistant.

5. Online vs. In-Store Purchases

It may seem like a better deal to get your mattress in-store. That way, you can test it out in person and decide which type of mattress you prefer. However, buying a mattress in-store can add some costly expenses.

Mattress stores will offer you the option of taking the mattress with you. But if you have a small car, it can be impossible to fit the mattress.

Instead, you will have to pay an additional fee for mattress delivery. You could also rent a truck to transport the mattress, but that is going to cost you as well.

Many online mattress companies, especially mattress in a box brands, offer free shipping options. They also offer ways to return the mattress for free. Be sure to check out what shipping options a mattress company offers before considering how much you are willing to spend on a mattress. The added shipping could break your budget if you’re not careful.

6. Sleep Trials and Warranties

Companies are relying on trial periods to give customers time to make sure their mattress is right for them. You should check to see how long these trial periods last before making a purchase.

Most companies will say it can take up to 30 nights to adjust to a new bed. You can develop “sleep postures” based on your old mattress, meaning your body gets used to a certain style of sleeping even if it doesn’t provide proper support. Most sleep trials last 100 days.

If you aren’t enjoying the mattress by the end of the 100-night trial period, companies have return policies posted for exchanging or returning the product all-together.

Another thing to consider when it comes to affordability is the warranty offered with the mattress. Many companies provide a 10-year warranty to make sure your product lasts the average lifespan of a mattress. But some mattress companies are even more generous, offering 12-, 15-, and even 20-year warranties. Warranties can help you replace an old mattress for free or at a fraction of the price.

How to Make the Best Affordable Mattresses Last?

The average lifespan of a mattress is about 10 years.

However, proper care is essential to make your mattress lasts as long as possible. This means giving your mattress the right support and protecting it from stains, tears, and pests.

1. Support Your Mattress

The right support will keep your mattress from sagging or wearing.

For an innerspring, this means putting a good box spring beneath the mattress. For a memory foam mattress, the support is different.

Memory foam mattresses work best with a slatted bed frame or an adjustable bed frame. If you’re using a box spring with a memory foam mattress, you need to add a thin piece of plywood between the bed layers.

2. Use Mattress Protectors

Mattress protectors keep your bed protected from spills and other accidents.

They also shield your mattress from body oils and sweat, along with dust. Dust and humidity can lead to dust mites, which will degrade your mattress and make allergies worse.

3. Rotate the Mattress

It’s important to rotate a mattress at least every six months.

This encourages even wear on the mattress, especially when you’re first getting used to your new, affordable bed.

4. Protect the Mattress in a Move

A mattress can get damaged as you navigate down a staircase or in the moving truck as you drive from one place to the next. Cover your mattress well during a move to ensure it stays in good shape.

5. Keep Out Bedbugs

Bedbugs are a sure way to shorten the lifespan of a mattress.

If you’re concerned about how long a mattress lasts in a place where bedbugs are common, such as a crowded apartment building, you can buy a special mattress protector to seal the entire mattress and make it infestation-proof.

It will add to the cost of your mattress but will save you money in the long run.

Buyer Beware

It may seem alluring to buy the mattress with the cheapest price tag. An online search for the “best affordable mattress” will give you thousands of options, some with extremely low prices. But a low price doesn’t always mean the best value.

Some mattress companies will cut corners to produce a lot of mattresses quickly and at a low cost. However, this means the manufacturers do not build their mattresses to last. They can use low-quality cotton and foam, which will degrade quickly.

The chemicals used to create the foam or synthetic latex layers of these cheaply made mattresses are not environmentally friendly and can even be toxic. You can find chemicals like mercury, lead, and chlorofluorocarbons in poorly made memory foam mattresses.

These chemicals can cause headaches, dizziness, and skin irritation if serious enough. The off-gassing from newly unpackaged memory foam can also give off a bad odor. It’s important to research how a mattress is made before making any purchases. That’s why we vetted the above mattresses to make sure the companies were using quality products that will not only last but will keep you healthy.

Saving Big with Mattress Sales

Major mattress sales happen throughout the year, and many mattress brands do more than just discount their popular models. They may also offer significant savings through exclusive bundles, so a mattress sale is a great way to upgrade your bed all at once.

Some of the best time to buy a mattress include:

• Presidents Day Mattress Sales
• Memorial Day Mattress Sales
• 4th of July Mattress Sales
• Labor Day Mattress Sales
• Columbus Day Mattress Sales
• Black Friday Mattress Sales
• Cyber Monday Mattress Sales

Commonly Asked Questions

How thick should a mattress be?

If you can afford it, you should always try to buy a mattress that’s at least 10 inches thick. Beds this thick should feature sufficient support and cushion for a good night’s sleep. A thinner bed may also wear out quicker than a thicker mattress.

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft mattress?

Some people will sleep better on a soft mattress, others need a firmer bed. To determine what’s best for you, try considering your preferred sleep position and body weight. Back and stomach sleepers need a firmer mattress than a side sleeper does. A heavier person should have a mattress with a firmer feel to withstand their weight, while a mattress for a petite sleeper should be soft enough to offer full-body pressure relief.

Do you need a box spring with a memory foam mattress?

No, and you can even damage your new memory foam mattress by keeping it on a box spring. Box springs have their interior coils spaced too far apart to offer consistent support, which leaves areas where your mattress can dip down and damage its materials. Instead, you should keep your memory foam mattress on a slatted or solid surface.

What is the best time to buy a mattress?

We’re not joking when we say the best time to buy a new mattress is when you realize you need one. Sleeping on a mattress that’s grown unsupportive and uncomfortable can affect your nightly recovery, leaving you suffering the effects of sleep deprivation the next day.

That said, there are a few big mattress sales days spread throughout the year. Look for good deals around Presidents Day, Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, and Black Friday.

What should I look for when buying a memory foam mattress?

The two biggest considerations when you’re buying a memory foam mattress are its firmness and its cooling features. Sleeping on the wrong firmness will almost guarantee that you’ll wake up with a bad back, so you want to choose a firmness that matches your sleeping style. A mattress with a sleep trial can offer you the security of a full refund if you pick the wrong firmness.

Traditional memory foam had a tendency to overheat, so you’ll want to see what a manufacturer does to counteract that. Do they use plant-based foams or infuse cooling gels? Plenty of modern memory foam beds qualify as cooling mattresses, you just have to look for them.

What is a good quality inexpensive mattress?

By staying within its budget limits, a good quality, inexpensive mattress should balance comfort and support. You can search for high-density foam models with or without supportive coils to prevent sagging.

There are many affordable options with comfort boosting covers and supportive edges, having warranties that help you find a budget mattress that feels much more expensive than it is.

Also, try to wait for deals during sales, this can help you find more value when looking for the best affordable mattress.

Can I get a moderate priced mattress without compromising on quality?

Yes, you can find the best moderately priced mattress by looking for mid-range mattresses that use high-density foam and sturdy coils for support.

Budget mattresses deliver comfort similar to higher-end options at affordable prices, featuring premium foams, zoned coils, and breathable covers, making them among the best moderate priced mattress options.

Buying direct from trusted brands that offer long warranties and sleep trials shows that even a budget-friendly mattress can deliver years of restful, healthy sleep.

High-Quality at a Low Price

The best mattress is one that helps you sleep well, not one that keeps you up at night worrying over its price tag. At the same time, a low-quality cheap mattress can hurt you in the long run, causing back pain and degrading long before it should. It takes time to find the right mattress at the right type, so we did the research for you.

We hope the information and suggestions above help you make the right choice from among the best affordable mattresses on the market.