Best Budget Mattress to Buy in 2025: Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

With the rise of mattress-in-a-box companies and the popularity of marketplace websites like Amazon, there’s never been more choice when it comes to budget mattresses.

If you’re on a tight budget, shopping for a new mattress can be more difficult. There’s a greater discrepancy in quality levels, so user reviews are especially important. You’ll also find budget mattresses cater to what’s popular, so if you have specialized needs, you’ll want to research carefully.

For this guide on the best budget mattresses, we’ve set a maximum budget of $1,200. This gives you plenty of options to consider at a low price. All prices shown are for the queen size.

Here are our editors’ recommended best budget mattresses in 2025.

Watch Our Zoma Start Video Review

Next on our list is the Zoma Start Mattress, a memory foam mattress for athletes who snore. We like the Zoma to silence snoring because it’s built with Triangulex™ technology to promote healthy sleeping positions.

The Zoma Mattress stands 10 inches tall and has three carefully-crafted layers. While the Zoma is built to feel medium, some reviews mention it feels medium-soft; so it’s on the softer side of the firmness scale.

Every Zoma mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.

What the testers say: “As the most inexpensive model that Zoma offers, the Zoma Start has a lot going for it affordability-wise. Of course, as someone who’s raised a family, I know it’s not just about what you spend but the value you get with it—no one wants to buy something that’s quick to break or bust into pieces, and that especially applies to a commitment like a new mattress.” – Dr. Nilong Vyas MD, MPH, Zoma Start Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Start Mattress

Watch Our Vaya Mattress Video Review

The Vaya Mattress has a simple, clean design and a medium feel that will appeal to all sleepers and budgets. Despite its low price, the Vaya is made with quality, CertiPUR-US® certified foams.

The Vaya Mattress comes with free shipping and an industry-standard 10-year warranty. You can try out your Vaya Mattress risk-free with a 100-night sleep trial, during which time you can return the bed if you find it’s not right for you.

What the testers say: “I was pleasantly surprised by the Vaya Mattress’s comfort and support, especially considering its budget-friendly price point. The mattress offered a medium firmness that struck soft comfort and necessary support, making it versatile for different sleeping positions.” – Dr. Jordan Burns DC MS, Vaya Mattress Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Vaya Mattress

Watch Our Amerisleep AS2 Video Review

The AS2 mattress by Amerisleep is a medium-firm model, a great choice for back and stomach sleepers. It’s 12 inches thick and made from three layers of superior, eco-friendly foam.

Amerisleep offers a 100-night sleep trial and a 20-year warranty with the purchase of the AS2. In the first 10 years, customers receive repairs or a replacement without additional cost, and in the last 10 years, Amerisleep will replace the mattress at a prorated cost.

What the testers say: “These days I know money is tight for a lot of my patients, just as it is for many others. Buying a new mattress can be a big step for many, and it helps to know that what you’re getting is reasonably priced with high expected value. Drawing upon what I have seen of the AS2’s durability, I can say it met and exceeded my expectations for its value.” – Dr. Jennifer Miller, PT, DPT, AS2 Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Amerisleep AS2 Mattress

Watch Our Zoma Hybrid Video Review

Finding a quality hybrid mattress under $1,000 used to be nearly impossible. Most budget hybrids either skimped on the coil system or used cheap foam that broke down quickly. But the Zoma Hybrid changes that game completely.

What makes the Zoma Hybrid special in the budget category is that it doesn’t feel like a compromise. The company originally designed it for professional athletes, which means they couldn’t cut corners on quality or performance.

You’re getting individually wrapped coils, gel memory foam, and responsive comfort layers. All the same features found in premium hybrids. The main difference is the price, thanks to Zoma’s direct-to-consumer model and regular sales.

The 12-inch thickness puts it right in the sweet spot for hybrid mattresses. It’s substantial enough to provide real comfort and support, but not so thick that it becomes unwieldy or overly expensive.

Plus, with over 1,300 customer reviews averaging 4.8 stars, it’s clear that people are genuinely happy with their purchase. At this price point, that level of satisfaction is pretty remarkable.

What the testers say: “The quality craftsmanship and materials used in this American-made hybrid give me confidence in its long-term durability. Hundreds of pocketed support coils surrounded by dense base foam supply exceptional stability and reinforced edges thanks to their durable steel construction. The reinforced perimeter maintains its integrity against long-term compression for consistent edge-to-edge support.” – Dr. Jordan Burns DC MS, Zoma Hybrid Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Zoma Hybrid Mattress

Watch Our Nolah Natural 11″ Video Review

With the Nolah Natural 11, you’re getting two full layers of organic latex, an organic cotton cover, and individually wrapped coils. This is the same construction you’d find in mattresses costing twice as much.

The company can offer this pricing because they manufacture directly in their Arizona facility and sell straight to customers, cutting out the retail markups that inflate prices elsewhere.

The hybrid design is particularly smart for a budget option. Pure latex mattresses can sometimes feel too bouncy or firm for some sleepers, but the coil system underneath provides familiar support while the latex layers handle pressure relief and cooling.

And, with a 120-night trial and lifetime warranty, you have plenty of time to make sure it’s the right fit.

What the testers say: “The Nolah Natural 11” mattress had a medium firmness level that was both supportive for the spine and cushioning for pressure points, which is ideal for various sleepers. The response time was notable, with the latex and coil design providing a buoyant feel that adapted quickly to movements, making it easy to change positions.” – Dr. Jordan Burns, Nolah Natural Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Nolah Natural 11

Watch Our Vaya Hybrid Video Review

In a world where mattress companies love to overcomplicate things with fancy technologies and marketing gimmicks, Vaya takes a refreshingly straightforward approach. Their hybrid mattress focuses on doing the basics really well. At under $1,000 for most sizes, the Vaya Hybrid delivers genuine hybrid construction without the premium price tag that usually comes with it.

What makes Vaya stand out in the budget hybrid category is their “simple but effective” philosophy. Instead of trying to reinvent the wheel with proprietary technologies that may or may not work, they use proven materials and construction methods that have been working for years.

You get CertiPUR-US certified foams, individually wrapped coils, and solid edge support. All the features that make a good hybrid mattress work. The 14-inch thickness puts it in premium territory, but the pricing stays firmly in budget range.

Vaya can offer this value because they’re a direct-to-consumer company that skips the retail markups. You’re not paying for fancy marketing campaigns or celebrity endorsements. Just a well-made mattress that does what it’s supposed to do.

With a 100-night trial and 10-year warranty, they give you plenty of time to make sure it’s the right fit.

Watch Our Glacier Summit Hybrid Video Review

Finding a cooling mattress that doesn’t cost a fortune used to be like searching for a unicorn. Most budget mattresses either skip the cooling features entirely or use gimmicky materials that don’t really work. But the Glacier Summit Hybrid changes that completely.

The game-changer is is its GlacierTech Elite cover, which feels instantly cool to the touch. Most cooling mattresses rely on gel-infused foam or basic breathable covers, but Glacier has developed their own cooling fiber technology that actively pulls heat away from your body.

Combined with the hybrid construction and multiple ventilated foam layers, it creates a sleep environment that stays consistently cool all night long. The value proposition here is incredible.

What the testers say: “When I tested the Glacier Summit Hybrid firsthand, the cooling properties were immediately noticeable. Upon lying on the mattress, I felt the “Glacier Ice cold” effect, which is achieved through the GlacierTech cooling cover. The cover’s material has excellent breathability, which was evident during my testing. During my hands-on evaluation, I noticed that the mattress remained cool to the touch even after lying on it for an extended period.” – Dr. Jordan Burns DC MS, Glacier Summit Hybrid Reviewer

Read Our Full Review of the Glacier Summit Hybrid Mattress

Mattress Types to Consider

There are many different types of mattresses to consider. The four most popular types are memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid.

The majority of the best budget mattresses are made from poly-foam, memory foam, or are hybrid mattresses. Your budget will go further with a memory foam or hybrid mattress, as there are plenty of high-quality options available in a lower price range. Here’s a look at each of these mattress types.

Memory Foam Mattresses

Memory foam beds are a popular choice, especially when it comes to budget and affordable versions. They’re typically made from polyurethane, or poly-foam, although some contenders to traditional memory foam are now made with partially plant-based materials. Some foam mattresses are infused with copper, cooling gel, or graphite to help you stay cool.

Mattresses made from memory foam often have a top comfort layer, which gently compresses on impact. This gives you the feeling of being cradled without sinking in too far. This, combined with memory foam’s ability to bounce back, means you feel comfortable and supported in the right places.

Memory foam mattresses tend to be good for people who need additional pressure relief, like those with back pain. Many brands have incorporated mattress layers with targeted support and pressure point relief, designed to contour to your body and keep it in the most comfortable position.

You’ll find memory foam mattresses are less bouncy than innerspring or hybrid versions. This means they’re better at motion isolation, so you’re less likely to be disturbed by movement in the night.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses have a similar feel to memory foam mattresses, as they offer a balance of support and comfort. They offer a good level of “push back” against your body, so are a good choice for anyone looking for pressure point relief.

People who sleep hot may enjoy latex mattresses since this mattress type is naturally more cooling. They also have great motion isolation properties. If you enjoy the bounciness of a spring mattress but not the disturbance from movement, latex could be a good material to try.

The naturally hypoallergenic properties of latex make it a good mattress type for those with allergies. They’re resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites— so they’re easy to keep clean and fresh.

Latex mattresses tend to be more expensive than foam or innerspring mattresses, which is why they don’t feature in our list of best budget mattresses. While they’re a bigger investment, they also last longer on average than other mattress types. If you’d prefer a latex mattress, it may be worth saving up for and investing in one made from 100% natural latex. Alternatively, you could search for a  brand that offers a monthly payment plan.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses are a more traditional type of mattress, although they’re still available and popular today. These mattresses feature a coil system and with a layer of foam or fiber padding as a pillow top, which makes them a good choice for anyone who finds they sleep hot on a foam or hybrid mattress.

The coil system in an innerspring mattress can feature coils that are grouped together or individually pocketed. The individual coils allow for more targeted support, as they can flex more freely beneath you.

Innerspring mattresses tend to be on the firm side. They allow you to sleep “on top” of the mattress, compared to the slight sinking you feel with memory foam, latex, or hybrid mattresses. While this means innersprings are a suitable choice for back or stomach sleepers, side sleepers may find they need more cushioning than an innerspring mattress offers.

For people who prefer a bouncy mattress, an innerspring bed is a good choice. Movement is easier with an innerspring than other types of mattresses. This could be especially useful if you have back pain or difficulty moving around. Innerspring mattresses absorb motion transfer poorly, so you may find yourself waking at night from the feeling of movement on the mattress.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress combines two or more types of mattress technology to offer the benefits of both. Many hybrid mattresses are a mix of innerspring and memory foam, but latex is another popular material choice for the top comfort layer.

Hybrid mattresses are a great option for people who enjoy the feel of one mattress type but need the benefits of another. This could include someone who prefers the bounce of an innerspring but needs additional pressure point relief from a memory foam or latex top layer.

If your hybrid mattress features an innerspring coil system it’s likely to sleep cooler than an all-foam or all-latex bed. This makes hybrids a popular choice with people who find they wake up at night feeling too hot. Some hybrids combine the airflow benefits of a coil system with a copper or gel-infused memory foam for additional cooling properties.

Sleeping Position

We all sleep differently, and it’s important to look for a mattress to suit your sleeping position. The best mattresses should offer a mix of firm support and cushioned comfort where you need it most.

Side Sleepers

Side sleeping is the most popular position. While many people sleep on both sides, we only recommend sleeping on your right side. Sleeping on your left side can cause discomfort and put additional pressure on your internal organs.

In the side sleeping position, your spine is curved and your shoulders and hips rest on the mattress, so it’s important to look for a mattress offering good contouring. This will help your spine stay in the correct alignment and alleviate pressure point pain.

Side sleepers often favor a mattress with a soft to medium feel. Memory foam, latex, and hybrids are best mattresses for side sleepers. An innerspring mattress may not feel comfortable enough.

Back Sleepers

Sleeping on your back is often said to be the best sleeping position. In this position, your spine is naturally aligned, and there’s no unnecessary pressure on your body.

Back sleepers generally opt for a firm mattress with a comfort layer no more than a few inches thick. This gives them the right level of firm support without sinking too far.

If you sleep on your back, you may find a medium-firm to firm memory foam mattress offers a good level of support. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses are also a good option for back sleepers.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleeping isn’t considered an optimal sleeping position, but if it’s comfortable for you it’s possible to reduce the negative effects with the right mattress.

If you’re a stomach sleeper, it’s important to find the best mattress for stomach sleepers to reduce the negative effects of this sleeping position. People who sleep on their stomachs should look for a firm and supportive mattress to keep their bodies aligned correctly and reduce unnecessary curvature of the spine. Stomach sleepers may benefit from a thinner top comfort layer, much like back sleepers.

Stomach and back sleepers have similar needs when it comes to mattress type and firmness level. They often favor a medium-firm to extra firm mattress, with a good level of support and not too much cushioning.

Mattress Budget

When it comes to buying a mattress on a budget, it’s important to know your upper limit. In this best budget mattress guide we’ve focused on beds in the $150 to $1,200 range to showcase what’s available.

If you need a more affordable solution, look for mattresses under $500. There are plenty of options out there for even the smallest budgets, which is great if you’re a student or are buying an occasional-use mattress in a guest room.

You can also watch out for mattress sales. Popular days to score a good discount on a new mattress include:

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

Great deals on mattresses can also be found around spring when brands commonly make improvements and introduce new models. You may be able to get an impressive discount on last season’s model around this time with mattress coupons and promo codes.

The best budget mattresses we’ve featured in this guide are made from high-quality materials with generous sleep trials and warranties. If your budget can stretch further, you’ll probably have more options.

No matter your budget, you’ll be able to use expert guides and user reviews to find a mattress that’s right for you.

SEE ALSO: How Much Does a Mattress Cost?

Sleeping Cool and Airflow

When you’re asleep at night your body works hard to regulate your temperature and avoid overheating. You’ll experience the most restful sleep if your body maintains a cool temperature. Your mattress should help transfer heat away from your body.

Different mattress types encourage airflow and sleeping cool in different ways. Innerspring mattresses have excellent airflow, thanks to the natural spaces in between coils. This means they often sleep cooler than other types of mattresses.

Latex mattresses are naturally cooler than traditional memory foam, however, they may retain more heat than a spring mattress. Hybrids are also a good choice to help you sleep cool, especially if they combine multiple cooling technologies.

Temperature control used to be a common concern for memory foam mattress owners. Today, mattress companies remove this worry by combining cooling technologies with foam. It’s common to see foam layers infused with cooling gel, copper, or graphite. These elements help wick away heat and regulate temperature. You’ll also see memory foam beds featuring an open-cell structure. This is another way to improve airflow and help move heat away from the mattress at night.

Sleep Trials, Warranties, and Return Policies

Sleep trials, mattress warranties, and return policies act as assurances to the customer that they’ve made the right choice. Always read through each, and know the details before committing to a purchase.

Sleep Trial

A sleep trial allows customers to try a new bed in the comfort of their own home. This risk-free, trial period lasts between 90 to 120 nights. If the customer is not happy with the mattress, most companies will issue a full refund.

Warranty

A warranty serves to protect a mattress from defects and sagging greater than 1 inch (this measurement may vary depending on the brand). Always read the fine print and know what to expect from the manufacturer and what the manufacturer expects of you.

Return Policy

Should a sleep trial not be offered, look at the return policy. A return policy lasts for 30 days— the same amount of time it takes for the body to adjust to a new mattress. If the customer is not satisfied with the bed, they can return it for a full refund.

Other Things to Consider

How much should I expect to pay for a good mattress?

We believe you can find a queen size mattress that meets your needs in the $500 to $1,500 price bracket. Cheap mattresses lower than $300 may contain low-quality materials and are more likely to break down within a year of ownership. This budget gives you plenty of choices when it comes to mattress types, thickness, firmness level, and features, but the price will depend on the type of mattress you choose and the size of the mattress.

Latex and hybrid beds will cost more— latex because of its natural material and hybrids because of the number of materials they contain. Memory foam and innerspring beds are often available in the low to mid-level budget range.

Are cheap mattresses worth it?

Some may say yes if they only intend on using the bed for a short time, but we would have to say no. Cheap mattresses are made with poor-quality materials that usually smell of chemicals and break down after only two or three years. While they may seem like a good deal, they’re not long-lasting and need to be replaced sooner than high-quality beds. You’re better off paying more from the get-go for a bed that’ll last you for years to come.

What’s the best budget mattress for upper and lower back pain?

Medium to medium-firm mattresses are an excellent way to relieve back pain—the right firmness depends on your preferences. Side sleepers experiencing back often find relief sleeping on a medium mattress that supports the back while conforming to the heavier shoulders and hips. Back sleepers typically find a medium-firm mattress promotes a neutral spine alignment.

What’s the best budget mattress for side sleepers?

A good mattress for side sleeping cradles the hips and shoulders while supporting the spine’s neutral position. Some budget mattresses even feature targeted support in these areas for greater effect. We recommend a mattress at least 10 inches thick, to ensure it offers plenty of cushion that’s backed up by a durable base.

What’s the best budget memory foam mattress?

Budget memory foam mattresses should fully mold to the body for pressure and pain. The mattress should be well-made enough to minimize off-gassing, the process behind an unpleasant “new mattress smell.” We enjoy the foam mattresses that Amerisleep, Zoma, Vaya, and Ecosa offer and would recommend them to sleepers of all styles.

Conclusion

When looking for a place to buy a mattress, it’s important to set a budget and research the best options available at the right price tag. Mattresses should be viewed as an investment toward better sleep. We all need healthy sleep to be happy and healthy, and if we don’t replace our mattresses every so often, and try to extend the life of a saggy, uncomfortable bed, it’ll take a toll on our overall health.

There’s plenty of quality mattress choices out there, which makes narrowing down the best budget mattresses difficult. From memory foam to hybrids, there’s a solution for every preference and sleep style.

The key to finding the best budget mattress is to set a budget, then research the best mattress options available at the right price tag. From there, you can explore mattress reviews and ask questions about comfort and durability. With our useful guide and your own research, you’ll be able to find a good mattress in no time.

Dr. Burns tests each mattress at eachnight’s facility to make sure the recommendations are based on real, expert reviews.