Best mattress in a box on a budget

Finding a balance between comfort and support in a mattress with the right price tag can be a hassle. You don’t want to end up with a cheap mattress that leaves you with aches and pains and gives you a bad night of sleep. However, it is possible to find a bed that works for your comfort preferences at a low price.

In this guide, we will teach you what to look for in a mattress and what the appropriate price range is for a decent mattress. Expensive mattresses often feature additional layers, materials, or target specific sleeper types, but those bells and whistles are not always needed for a great night’s sleep. One of our top picks is sure to be the right mattress for your body type, comfort preferences, and your budget.

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The Best Affordable Mattresses For Your Budget

  • Nerd’s Pick – Nectar
  • Best Affordable Mattress for Couples – Helix Midnight
  • Best Affordable Luxury Mattress – DreamCloud Original
  • Best Affordable Mattress for Combination Sleepers – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
  • Best Cheap Queen Mattress – Leesa Studio
  • Best Affordable Mattress for Side Sleepers – Nolah Original
  • Best Affordable Mattress for Active Lifestyles – Bear Original
  • Best Affordable Organic Mattress – WinkBeds EcoCloud
  • Best Affordable Hybrid Mattress – Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid
  • Best Affordable Cooling Mattress – Dreamfoam Hybrid 

Chosen by Experts and Advocates

At Mattress Nerd, our team tests upwards of a dozen new mattresses per month, with models ranging from under $500 to over $2,000. We run each mattress through the same comprehensive tests, regardless of the price tag. Through our testing, we’ve found the mattresses on this list to be high quality, comfortable, supportive, and, most importantly, affordable. To learn more, check out our review process.

Nerd’s Pick: Nectar

Nerd’s Pick

Nectar Mattress

Best mattress in a box on a budget

The Nectar is a value memory foam mattress that excels at providing pressure relief and minimizing motion transfer. The medium-firm feel is ideal for cradling pressure points. Plus, it comes with a yearlong trial period and Lifetime warranty.

Nerd Score 3.7/5

Read Full Review

Best mattress in a box on a budget

Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

We updated this guide in October 2022 to ensure our top-tested boxed mattresses were in stock and reflected accurate prices.


Mattresses that ship to you in a box are more popular than ever thanks to their more affordable prices and convenient set up that make bed shopping a breeze. Rather than scheduling and waiting around for a delivery service to carry your mattress into your home, boxed mattresses that you buy online get compressed and rolled up to be delivered as a package. As easy as this process may be, it's still important to do your research before you buy in order to find the best boxed mattress for your needs.

The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab extensively evaluates mattresses for every preference, including innerspring mattresses, memory foam mattresses, hybrid mattresses, latex mattresses and more. Our analysts research the brands and mattress materials, try out the beds firsthand, have testers sleep on them for extended periods and survey our testerpanel to get in-depth reviews on the mattresses they already own. Our recent surveys alone had responses from over 10,000 mattress owners.

Our top picks:

  • Best mattress in a box on a budget

    Best Overall Mattress in a Box

    Casper Original Mattress Casper

    Read More

  • Best mattress in a box on a budget

    Best Value Mattress in a Box

    Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress Allswell

    Read More

  • Best mattress in a box on a budget

    Best Luxury Mattress in a Box

    TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress Tempur-Pedic

    Read More

  • Best mattress in a box on a budget

    Best Cheap Mattress in a Box

    Linenspa 8-Inch Hybrid Mattress Linenspa

    Read More

  • Best mattress in a box on a budget

    Best Mattress in a Box on Amazon

    Tuft & Needle Original Mattress Tuft & Needle

    Read More

You can find more information about how we test and shopping tips to help you choose the perfect mattress at the end of this article. First, here's everything you need to know about our recommendations for the best mattresses in a box, with prices listed for queen sizes.

      Best Overall Mattress in a Box

      Casper

      Casper Original Mattress

      Mattress height12 inches
      Firmness levelMedium firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
      Trial period100 days

      Best Value Mattress in a Box

      Allswell

      Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress

      Mattress height12 inches
      Firmness levelMedium
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
      Trial period90 days

      Best Luxury Mattress in a Box

      Tempur-Pedic

      TEMPUR-Cloud Mattress

      Mattress height10 inches
      Firmness levelsMedium
      Available sizesTwin, Twin Long, Full, Queen, King, Split King, California King
      Trial period90 days
      Discount code30% for GH readers with the code "CLOUD30"

      Best Cheap Mattress in a Box

      Linenspa

      Linenspa 8-Inch Hybrid Mattress

      Mattress height8 inches
      Firmness levelMedium firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Short Queen, Queen, King, California King
      Trial periodn/a

      Best Mattress in a Box on Amazon

      Tuft & Needle

      Tuft & Needle Original Mattress

      Mattress height10 inches
      Firmness levelMedium firm
      Trial periodTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
      Available sizes100 days

      Most Innovative Mattress in a Box

      Purple

      The Purple Mattress

      Mattress height9.25 inches
      Firmness levelMedium firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
      Trial period100 days

      Best Hybrid Mattress in a Box

      Bear

      Bear Elite Hybrid

      Mattress height14 inches
      Firmness levelsLuxury Plush, Luxury Firm, Extra Firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
      Trial period120 days

      Best Mattress in a Box for Back Pain

      Nolah

      Nolah Evolution 15 Mattress

      Mattress height15 inches
      Firmness levelsPlus, Luxury Firm, Firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split King
      Trial period120 days

      Best Soft Mattress in a Box for Side Sleepers

      Puffy

      Puffy Lux Hybrid

      Best Firm Latex Mattress in a Box

      Avocado

      Avocado Latex Mattress

      Mattress height9 inches
      Firmness levelFirm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King, Split California King
      Trial period365 days

      Best Reversible Mattress in a Box

      Layla

      Layla Mattress

      Mattress height10 inches
      Firmness levelsSoft and firm
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
      Trial period120 days

      Best Mattress in a Box for Couples

      Helix

      Helix Dusk Luxe

      Mattress height14 inches
      Firmness levelMedium
      Available sizesTwin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
      Trial period100 days

      How we test mattresses in a box

      Each boxed mattress is evaluated by the scientists and product experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab to make sure they'll have a stress-free delivery and set up along with a comfortable feel. We review the materials, specifications, noteworthy features and any relevant performance claims from the start. We also research the brands to check for common complaints and to make sure we feel comfortable recommending the company to our readers. Sometimes mattress brands that put a lot of effort into their marketing end up having red flags for quality or customer service, so they get eliminated from our review.

      We then try out the mattresses in person. They're tested by our product experts and consumer testers to get as much feedback as possible. We first survey users after several weeks, then again after extended periods to see how well the mattresses hold up. Beyond that, we also survey our tester panel to get further feedback on the mattresses they already own. In recent years, we've surveyed more than 10,000 mattress owners and reviewed responses to more than 170,000 questions.

      Throughout this testing period, each mattress is evaluated for aspects like:

      • Ease of ordering and delivery: Our reviewers rate the shopping experience and speed of delivery. They also share whether they experienced any issues and how potential problems were resolved.
      • Ease of set up: This one is especially important for boxed mattresses since users typically set it up themselves. Testers describe their set up process and whether the mattress took proper shape quickly.
      • Firmness rating: Our reviewers specify the firmness of the mattress, which is an important step because the listed rating from the brand doesn't always match what users feel in real life. This is especially true for boxed mattresses, where the foam and hybrid models may feel softer than expected.
      • Edge support: Users sit on the edge of the bed and tell us whether it holds up under pressure or sinks with their weight.
      • Comfort: Our testers rate the mattresses for comfort and support, as well as how much they enjoyed sleeping on it initially and over time.
      • Temperature regulation: Reviewers rate how comfortable their body temperature remained while sleeping on the mattress, regardless of whether or not it claims to be a cooling mattress.
      • Overall sleep quality: We also check whether the mattress affects how well they sleep and whether they experience soreness upon waking. Our respondents then give the mattress an overall satisfaction score and can compare the mattress to previous beds they've slept on.
      • Additional feedback: In open-ended questions, reviewers let us know any specific likes, dislikes and additional comments they have from reviewing the mattresses.

      What exactly is a "mattress in a box"?

      The main difference between a boxed mattress and a traditional mattress is how it gets delivered. Mattresses in a box are compressed, rolled up and shipped like mail. Not all are actually in boxes; some use bags or other packaging materials, but the bottom line is that you order it online and can expect it to arrive at your door like a package, then you can set it up in your own time.

      Most boxed mattresses contain only foam or a hybrid of foam with small coils. This is because traditional innerspring mattresses aren't able to get compressed and rolled. The beds will vary in terms of weight and how easy they are to set up, but some will offer the option to have it set up for you for an extra cost.

      How much does a mattress in a box cost?

      Most mattress-in-a-box models cost between $1,000 to $1,500 for a queen size. If you're on a budget, you can find affordable options under $500 that are still worth it, and on the flip side, you can find luxury models closer to $2,000 and beyond if you're willing to splurge. In general, the more you spend, the more layers the bed will have.

      How long does a mattress in a box last?

      Just like a regular mattress, a boxed mattress should be able to last eight to 10 years. That being said, it's better to look for signs that your mattress needs to be replaced rather than following a timeline. Visual warning signs include lumps or indents where you sleep. And if you wake up feeling sore or you sleep better when you're not in your own bed, there's a good chance it's time for a new mattress.

      If you're looking for a quick fix and not ready to replace your entire bed, you can try a mattress topper to add a layer of comfort. Toppers are typically several inches thick and can add firmness, pressure relief or plush softness with materials like memory foam, latex, down or fiberfill.

      Is it safe to buy a boxed mattress online?

      Most of the time, yes. It may feel strange to buy a mattress without feeling it in person, but the truth is it's hard to get a sense of how comfortable any mattress willfeel to sleep on without actually sleeping on it. Most online mattress brands allow you to keep the mattress for around 100 days and if it's not a good fit, you can get a full refund. The companies will then donate or recycle your discarded mattress. Just make sure you read the fine print on the return process before you complete the purchase to avoid any headaches later on.

      That being said, customer service varies greatly between mattress brands. It's something we asked our survey respondents about before selecting our top mattresses, and we always check company complaints before we recommend them. Even though some brands may earn rave reviews in other mattress guides, we avoid recommending any that have a high level of consumer complaints, outstanding lawsuits and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) violations that mislead shoppers. As a quick check, you can try looking at consumer comments on the brand's social media pages.

      What to consider when shopping for a mattress-in-a-box

      Delivery options: Most mattresses ship in a box (where you set it up yourself), while some offer the option for a white glove delivery service (where they do all the work and can even take your old mattress). Interestingly, most testers found the DIY set-up to be less of a hassle than scheduling a delivery. Plus, for many the idea of contact-free delivery is even more appealing.

      • Return policy: There should be a trial period so you can sleep on your new bed for at least a month to make sure it's a good fit for you. If you don't like it, most brands will pick up the mattress and donate it. Make sure you check beforehand whether there are any fees, and what the process is like to complete a return. We recommend prioritizing trial periods over mattress warranties to ensure you can get a refund for any reason.

      • Materials: Foam mattresses offer pressure relief and contour to the shape of your body, while innerspring and metal coils have a firmer and bouncy feel. Hybrid mattresses combine the two, though boxed hybrid mattresses tend to be softer than traditional innerspring models that can't be rolled up.

      • Certifications: Most boxed mattresses are made with foam, so look for legit third party certifications like CertiPUR-US (all of our foam recommendations have it) or GreenGuard to avoid unsafe levels of offgassing chemicals. If a mattress uses organic claims, look for certifications like the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS). Just note that a mattress with memory foam should never be considered natural or organic.

      • Your bed's base: Typically you don't need a box spring with boxed mattresses, but some mattress materials, especially foam, work better on a flat, hard surface. If you have a bed frame with slats, they should be close together to avoid mattress sagging. And don't forget to measure the frame to ensure the mattress will fit; while mattress sizes are typically consistent, there have been instances of fit issues in our tests. If you sleep on an adjustable base, make sure to opt for a mattress that works with an adjustable bed. Most foam mattresses are compatible because they can easily bend.

      Your sleep preferences: How you sleep affects what type of mattress you'll need; the goal is to keep your spine aligned. Side sleepers need a softer surface to take the weight off pressure points like hips and shoulders, stomach sleepers need a firmer surface for support, and back or combo sleepers can fall somewhere in between.

      Why trust Good Housekeeping

      Lexie Sachs is the Executive Director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees all bedding content and testing. She has been actively researching and reporting on boxed mattresses that you can buy online since they first became popular in 2014. Since then, she has extensively reviewed dozens of models by meeting with brands, surveying real mattress owners and conducting consumer tests. Lexie has also personally tried out all types of boxed mattresses, with a wide range of price points, materials and shipping methods.

      Lexie Sachs Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab Executive Director Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper and Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she researches, tests and reports on fabric-based products ranging from sheets, mattresses and towels to bras, fitness apparel and other clothing.

      What is the best affordable mattress to buy?

      Our Best Budget Mattresses of 2022 Rating.
      #1 Tuft & Needle Original..
      #2 Zinus Cooling Green Tea Gel Memory Foam..
      #3 Zinus Green Tea Cooling Swirl Memory Foam Hybrid..
      #4 Zinus Pressure Relief Euro Top iCoil Hybrid..
      #5 Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam. #6 Zinus Pressure Relief Cloud Memory Foam..

      What is the highest rated boxed mattress?

      The Best Mattresses in a Box.
      Best Overall. DreamCloud Mattress. SHOP NOW. ... .
      Best Value. Nectar Mattress. ... .
      Best for Side Sleepers. Helix Midnight. ... .
      Most Comfortable. WinkBed. ... .
      Best for Back Pain. Nolah Evolution 15. ... .
      Best for Couples. Bear Elite Hybrid. ... .
      Best for Combination Sleepers. Layla Hybrid. ... .
      Best Pressure Relief. Leesa Sapira Hybrid..

      Are mattress in a box worth it?

      If you're looking for convenient delivery and set-up, an affordable price, a quality mattress that's both supportive and plush, and an extended trial period, a bed in a box is likely the right choice for you.

      Which mattress type is cheapest?

      So what do you get with a really cheap mattress? Generally speaking, most mattresses in the under-$500 price range are all-foam or foam-forward hybrids, rather than innerspring. (As we explain in our guide to the best innerspring mattresses, a decent-quality coil mattress typically costs at least $500 for a queen.)