I’ve been writing about mattresses for over five years, and the best lesson so far is that you should invest as much as you can in your sleep comfort. However, that doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune to get yourself a great mattress.
In fact, the Siena Signature Mattress, now $294 for a queen at Siena Sleep, is one of the top five mattresses we tested in our guide to the best mattresses. Better yet, our best cheap mattress guide is full of beds offered us incredible comfort and are all under $500 for a queen.
5 budget beds that punch above their price points
What to look for in a good cheap to mid-range mattress
Buying a budget bed can be a bit of a gamble, but it becomes less so if you how to choose a cheap mattress.
The first thing to think about what mattress suits your sleep position. Side sleepers will get on best with softer beds, while back and stomach sleepers should look at the firmer end of the spectrum.
As a general rule, medium-firm is a good all-rounder that suits most people, but you’ll also need to think about what materials your mattress is made with. Memory foam mattress are cost-effective, but the best hybrid mattresses offer a mixture of supportive springs and cushioning foams.
As for benefits, a long trial period of 100 days or more is a must, because it’ll give you plenty of time to really get to know your mattress, but it’s also worth paying attention to the warranty period as it’s a good reflection of how long the manufacturer expects its mattress to last for.
Finally, be sure to look for reviews of any mattress you’re thinking of buying. Most sleep brands and retailers have reviews on their sites, which can give you a good idea of what customers think about , but be sure to check professional reviews too. Here at Tom’s Guide we’ve reviewed over 120 mattresses and we know what to look for, so if a mattress gets a strong review from us you can be sure it’s worth your money.
How do they compare with luxury mattresses?
Full disclosure: while there are some really good cheap to mid-range mattresses out there, even the best of them don’t match up with the best luxury mattresses.
A case in point is our very favorite mattress overall, the Saatva Classic. It comes in three firmness options and two heights, and it’s made with durable premium materials. It also comes with free white glove delivery and a forever warranty.
And while a cheaper mattress could well prove to be quite comfortable for you, you can’t be entirely sure that it’ll provide you with all the support you need. Some premium beds offer zoned support, so that each part of your body is comfortably cushioned and your spine stays nicely aligned at night.
For example, our best mattress for side sleepers, the Helix Midnight Luxe, provides extra support for shoulders and hips to relieve pressure points. And if that’s not right for you, Helix makes a whole range of mattresses designed for every sleep style and preference, so you can find your just-right option.
Our top luxury alternatives
A well-picked cheaper mattress can serve you well, but if you can afford to spend more you should absolutely do so.
Pricier doesn’t always mean better, but if you choose wisely you’ll be rewarded with quality sleep for years to come, and these three premium options are guaranteed to deliver just that.