We Love the 11 Best Cheap Mattresses of 2023

Best Overall

Linenspa 8-Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

4.4

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Don’t let the thinner nature of Linenspa’s Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress fool you; this mattress packs a lot of support into its 8-inch thickness! The medium-firm feel makes it a good option for both back and side sleepers, while the CertiPUR-US certified memory foam provides pressure-relief to every type of sleeper. 

The memory foam is quilted into the cover, and beneath that another foam layer offers body-hugging comfort. Meanwhile, the steel springs offer support and just the right amount of bounce. While other hybrids with the same benefits can cost well over $1,000, this one comes in at under $300, which is another reason it tops our list. Additionally, if you’re looking for something more plush, the same mattress is available in both 10-inch and 12-inch thicknesses to offer more cushioning support, albeit at an extra cost.

While some customers find this mattress to leave a bit to be desired in terms of edge support, there is also no shortage of purchasers that praise it for the overall quality relative to its lower price tag, with many of them referring to the overall value as exceptional. With over 130,000 customer reviews, this mattress still boasts a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.

Price at time of publish: $250 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory foam, steel springs | Firmness: Medium, medium-firm, plush | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, full XL, queen, short queen, king, California king}

Best Rated

Zinus Memory Foam 12-Inch Green Tea Mattress

4.5

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Available in thicknesses of six, eight, 10, and 12 inches, the Green Tea Mattress from Zinus is designed to fit your specific needs. A base layer is particularly dense to provide pressure relief throughout the mattress as well as stable edge support. Above that, a layer of comfort foam offers a cloud-like feel, but without making sleepers sink in too deeply. Finally, the eponymous green tea layer that tops this mattress is no gimmick- the foam is infused with green tea and purified charcoal to keep the mattress fresh while also keeping your joints from experiencing stress. Aside from the green tea infusion, this mattress is a real “what you see is what you get” pick; it’s a simple design that offers tremendous support.

One potential shortcoming with this mattress is that some customers noticed mild sagging over time. But, with Zinus’ 10-year limited manufacturer’s warranty, the company is in the business of helping to keep your mind at ease.

Price at time of publish: $429 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, California king}

Best Pillow Top

Signature Design by Ashley 12-inch Chime Mattress

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For a pillow top mattress that doesn’t break the bank, look no further than Ashley’s Chime 12-inch Plush Hybrid Queen Mattress. While there are 360-individually wrapped 13-gauge pocket coils inside of this mattress offering lumbar support and breathability, it’s the plush feel of the pillow top that really draws us in. A 1.5 inch HD super soft quilt foam elevates the plushness of this mattress way beyond other hybrids on the market, but make no mistake, it still offers tremendous lumbar support. Gel memory foam and support foam also work in tandem to ensure a night of sleep that is not only comfortable, but well supported all around. 

One drawback with this mattress is that despite the support it offers, the pillowtop may make it a bit too soft for some. However, that hasn’t prevented it from receiving a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating on Amazon.

Price at time of publish: $330 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Gel memory foam, coils | Firmness: Plush | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king}

Best Mattress in a Box

Allswell 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress

4.8

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One of the great convenience innovations of the past 20 years is the mattress in a box method of shipping. And when it comes to the mattress in a box, Allswell has it figured out with The Allswell Mattress. While other mattresses in a box can be cumbersome and difficult to carry, Allswell took care of that issue, creating a convenient shipping box with wheels and handles. Now that’s smart engineering! 

In terms of the mattress itself, The Allswell features a top layer of charcoal and copper-infused memory foam for maximum heat absorption and transfer. Additionally, individually wrapped coils, which are rare in boxed mattresses, help to avoid motion transfer while also aiding in keeping your edges supported for the long-run. 

One potential drawback with this mattress for some is there’s only one firmness option, and some customers feel it’s a bit too firm for their needs. However, there’s no shortage of customers who feel it offers just the right amount of firmness while still allowing you to be comfortable.

Price at time of publish: $449 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory foam, coils | Firmness: Medium-firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Best for Back Sleepers

Serta Perfect Sleeper Elkins II 10 Inch Firm Mattress

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With a contouring coil system designed to offer pressure point relief and back support, the Serta Perfect Elkins II is an ideal option for back sleepers who aren’t looking to break the bank. In addition to the back support this mattress provides, the individually wrapped coils help to avoid motion transfer. Surrounding that, a foam rail offers protection against edge roll off. And while it may have a lower price tag, this mattress doesn’t skimp on its eco concerns; it uses recycled and biodegradable products. 

Some customers felt the Serta Perfect Elkins II was a bit too firm for their needs, with one reviewer saying that they opted for a mattress pad to create a more plush feel. However, that same firmness is not only advertised, but also what many other customers choose it for. 

Price at time of publish: $920 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory foam, coils | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Best Memory Foam

Siena Queen Mattress Memory Foam 10 Inch

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While Siena’s Memory Foam Mattress comes in at just under $400, it offers just as much quality memory foam as mattresses that are more than triple that price. A layer of responsive memory foam that is highly adaptable makes this mattress great for all different sizes and shapes, while still offering supreme cushioning. Beneath that, two inches of polyfoam provides support and features a ripple for breathability. Finally, a bedrock layer of five and a half inches of foundational foam makes sure that all of the layers above it can work their magic.

For some heavier sleepers, a complaint has been that the mattress tends to leave an imprint over time. The good news is Siena offers a 180-night trial, which provides ample time to see if you experience this issue or anything else that makes this mattress not right for you.

Price at time of publish: $700 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory Foam | Firmness: Medium firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Best for Stomach Sleepers

Sealy Response Essentials 8.5-inch Firm Tight Top Mattress

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As Dr. Ribeiro tells us, stomach sleepers should seek firm mattresses “to prevent sagging of the lower back and kinking of the neck.” The Sudley Firm Mattress from Sealy Essentials is very firm and features 525-coils to provide a “sleep-on-top-of-the-bed” feel and to aid in keeping the mattress cool by promoting airflow. At the same time, a pressure-relieving gel foam will provide some cushioning to the firmness, with one 5-star reviewer saying, “This mattress is firm yet plush. It provides support and comfort.”

One drawback with this mattress is it can take some time to break in and get adjusted to. However, the overall support and ability to help keep the spine aligned makes this option a winner in our book, and a 120-night trial lets you figure out for yourself is this the right choice for you.

Price at time of publish: $700 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Coils, gel foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king}

Best for Side Sleepers

LUCID 10 Inch Queen Hybrid Mattress

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Lucid’s 12-inch Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Hybrid Mattress is a dream for side sleepers. The combination of a medium firmness and the foam/innerspring build combine for excellent support while aiding in alignment. The steel coils are individually encased and high-gauge, providing immense pressure relief for a wide range of body types. Above and below the coils are two-layers of base foam which offers not only durability, but exceptional support. Plus, this mattress is designed to handle any amount of weight, and it’s also versatile in its ability to work with metal grids, platforms, slats, box springs, or adjustable bases.

While the cover features Tencel, which is great for moisture control, it’s unfortunately not removable. However, Lucid has accounted for that with bamboo charcoal infused into the memory foam for odor-reducing and moisture-wicking abilities. 

Price at time of publish: $500 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Innerspring, memory foam | Firmness: Medium | Sizes: Twin, twin XL full, full XL, queen, king, California king}

Best Cooling

Dreamfoam Essential 6 Inch

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Buying a great quality mattress that keeps you cool shouldn’t completely empty your bank account. The Dreamfoam Essential’s 6-inch option features a two-inch top layer of gel swirl memory foam that aids in cooling. The foam has an open cell structure, designed intentionally to promote airflow and breathability, allowing your excess heat to be able to escape. This mattress is also available in eight, 10, 12, and 14-inch thickness options, for more money. The six-inch option is firmer than the rest, with a four-inch high density layer underneath the gel swirl memory foam that provides firmness and durability.

One drawback with this mattress is that it’s a bit thinner than other options, and it may be a bit firm initially for some sleepers. However, customers really seem to be drawn to the cooling and the company with users quite satisfied with the fit, finish, comfort, cooling, shipping, and packaging. 

Price at time of publish: $524 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Memory foam | Firmness: Firm | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, short full, full XL, queen, short queen, Olympic queen, king, short king, RV king, California king, split California king, RV bunk}

Best Innerspring

Wayfair Sleep 8" Plush Pillow Top Innerspring Mattress

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While many other brands don’t offer an innerspring mattress that comes in a box, this Wayfair Sleep 8” Medium Plus Hybrid mattress does just that. Steel pocket springs offer comfort by reducing spinal and joint pressure, while also helping to eliminate motion transfer so couples can sleep easier. Above that, foam provides excellent added comfort so you can fully benefit from the pressure relief beneath. To top it all off, a stylish two-tone knitted breathable cover keeps you cool, and makes this mattress look far more expensive than just a few hundred bucks. With how affordable this mattress is, you may even want to consider upgrading to a bigger size!

We particularly appreciate the springs, which provide extra comfort, which are particularly helpful for those who may wake up with aches and pains. One drawback with this mattress, however, is it has a bit of a shorter trial-period than other mattresses on our list, offering only a 100-night trial. 

Price at time of publish: $340 for a Queen

_{Material Type: Innerspring, memory foam | Firmness: Plush | Sizes: Twin, full, queen}