Best Mattress Under $500

With so many different options on the market, it can be overwhelming to shop for a new mattress. We’ve curated a selection of some of the best mattresses under $500 that offer excellent value for the money, from memory foam to hybrid. We’ll share construction details, performance assessments, sleeper recommendations, and other information to consider to help you decide the right mattress for you.

How to Choose a Bed Under $500

Shoppers should keep in mind that price is not the only indicator of quality and it is possible to find a cheap mattress that will meet your needs. You won’t need to sacrifice comfort and support for a mattress under $500, but there are some things you should know as you shop online for a budget-friendly bed. We’ll cover what to look for to get the best value for your money.

Sleeping Position

Your preferred sleep position is important to consider when shopping for a new mattress. For most side sleepers, a slightly plusher mattress will cushion the shoulders and hips, align the spine, and reduce pressure throughout the body. Back and stomach sleepers often need more support for their midsections and usually look for a firmer model.

Quality Materials

Durable construction with high-quality materials can enhance the life expectancy of a mattress, potentially saving you money by reducing the need for regular replacement. Well-made coil cores should be quite durable and provide support and bounce for years to come. Latex is usually of exceptional quality and can last a long time, but its higher price-point may rule out this option for shoppers on a budget.

Most mattresses under $500 use at least one layer of foam. High-density foam tends to provide better conforming, support, and motion isolation than foams with lower densities while resisting long-term impressions.

Firmness Level

Mattress firmness refers to the initial feel you experience when you lay down. This is subjective, meaning that what feels comfortable to one person may feel too soft or too firm for someone else. However, the mattress industry has developed a 10-point firmness scale with 1 being the softest and 10 being the firmest to make it easier to see how mattresses compare.

A sleeper’s optimal firmness level will depend on their body type, preferred sleeping position, and personal preference. Most sleepers favor a medium to medium firm mattress, though individuals who weigh under 130 and side sleepers may prefer a slightly softer feel, and those who weigh over 230 and back and/or stomach sleepers may need a supportive, firmer feel.

Pressure Relief

A mattress with significant pressure relief can reduce tension on key areas to ease discomfort and aid spinal alignment. Different designs, materials, and mattress layering and construction methods have differing abilities to relieve pressure depending on each person’s body type and sleeping style. Pressure tends to be highest at certain parts of the body that carry more weight or that have a greater effect on spinal alignment, like the hips and shoulders.

Motion Isolation

A mattress with good motion isolation reduces motion transfer by absorbing vibrations. A high level of motion transfer means that it’s much easier to notice when someone else moves on the mattress, but strong motion isolation may prevent you from feeling much if any movement emanating from the other side of the sleep surface. This trait is primarily important for people who share their bed with another person or a large pet.

Temperature Regulation

Certain mattresses sleep hotter than others due to their materials and construction. Softer mattresses that have a lot of sink and mattresses with significant contour can cut off airflow around the sleeper’s body. Some materials, like memory foam, frequently retain heat from the body during the night, though special cooling features may help counteract this tendency. A mattress with good temperature regulation can curb uncomfortable overheating during the night.

Edge Support

Mattresses with a reinforced perimeter should provide solid edge support instead of sagging. People who sit or sleep on the edge of the mattress often prefer models that excel in this area. Edge support can also extend the usable surface area of the mattress and improve the lifespan of the bed, so it may be a priority for couples and those who don’t want to replace their mattress as soon. Strong edges are most common in models with a coil core.

Contouring

Contouring is how much the mattress cradles the sleeper’s body. Mattresses that contour more closely can relieve pressure and help promote proper spinal alignment by spreading out the force of the sleeper’s weight more evenly across the surface. Memory foam is most known for its contouring capabilities, but polyfoam and latex also usually perform well in this area.

Mattress Types

Each mattress has distinct features due to differences in quality, materials, and construction. Generally, mattress manufacturers use the internal construction to determine the mattress type. The mattresses varieties you’ll most likely encounter are referred to as hybrid, innerspring, foam, and latex.

• Hybrid: A hybrid mattress combines the benefits of coils and foam. Mattresses with a hybrid construction typically feature a support core made with pocketed coils and a layered comfort system. The comfort system may contain any number of materials, including latex, microcoils, and wool, but foam is most common.
• Innerspring: Simply put, an innerspring mattress is made of sturdy coils. Introduced in the 1800s, innerspring mattresses have a characteristically bouncy surface and are inherently more breathable. They’re also often budget-friendly and have a more traditional feel.
• Foam: All-foam mattresses are usually made with layers of memory foam, polyfoam, and/or latex over a high-density polyfoam base. These models are easy to ship because they can be compressed and expand to their original form when unpacked. Foam, especially memory foam, tends to excel in contouring and motion isolation.
• Latex: Latex can have different properties depending on how it is processed. In most cases, the latex used in direct-to-consumer online mattresses is natural. This material is made by removing sap from rubber trees, processing it into liquid latex, then pouring it into molds. Manufacturers use two processes to create natural latex mattresses: Dunlop and Talalay. Dunlop latex has a slightly firmer feel, while Talalay latex is typically lighter and airier.

What Can Affect the Price of a Mattress?

Most mattresses have the same basic design, featuring a supportive base and conforming comfort layers. However, mattress prices differ greatly, starting around $150 and reaching several thousand. Several specific traits influence the cost of a mattress.

Quality and Type of Materials: Material matters for performance, comfort, and durability.Components that cost the manufacturer more to buy or produce increase a mattress’s price-point. For example, mattresses made with natural materials like organic latex will often have a higher price tag since they can increase the cost of production.

Mattress Layers: From two-layer mattresses to complex designs with multiple layers of proprietary foams and springs, mattresses come in a wide array of configurations. You’ll typically pay more for a bed with more layers, especially if this increases the overall thickness of the mattress. Some beds also have zoning that provides targeted support and pressure relief by varying the firmness under different body parts.

Durability: Durability refers to how long a material will keep its desirable properties. High-quality models are typically more durable and more costly. Finding the best overall value requires striking a balance between durability and affordability.

Density: Density refers to how much the foam weighs. It is measured in pounds per cubic foot, commonly called PCF. Higher-density foams are usually more durable, closer conforming, and better at isolating motion, but they’re also frequently more expensive and less breathable.

Shipping Rates, Returns, and Warranties

Before purchasing your mattress, we recommend reading the fine print on a mattress brand’s shipping, return, and warranty policies. It’s important to note that each retailer has different policies, and these could influence the convenience and overall value of your purchase.

Most mattresses sold online are shipped compressed, shrink-wrapped, and delivered in a cardboard box. To set up a mattress-in-a-box, carefully remove the box and plastic and let the bed expand. Larger sizes like the King mattress or the California King can be heavy to move and may require two people. Most expansion occurs within a few hours, but it may take a few days to reach its full size.

Shipping: Mattress companies frequently offer free ground shipping within the 48 contiguous states. Customers in Alaska and Hawaii may have to pay additional delivery fees. Shipping times vary depending on where the mattress ships from and what method the company uses.

White Glove Delivery: For an extra charge, many companies offer White Glove delivery. Usually, a third-party service will get in touch with you to organize a delivery window. Then, a team will set up the new mattress for you and remove the packaging. Some White Glove delivery services also offer old mattress removal, though this may cost extra.

Sleep Trials: Online mattress companies usually offer trial periods during which you can sleep on the bed at home and return it if you don’t like it. To make up for not being able to try out the mattress in a store, sleep trials are usually around 100 days but vary by brand. Some companies require that you try the bed for a minimum number of nights to give your body time to adjust before initiating a return.

Returns: If your sleep trial doesn’t go well, most companies allow mattresses to be returned or donated during an eligible window if you’ve purchased the bed directly from them. Mattresses purchased through Amazon or other third-party retailers frequently follow different return policies and procedures.

Warranties: Most mattresses come with a limited warranty policy. If your mattress develops an eligible defect, many brands will provide repairs or replacements.

Warranties typically cover body impressions over a specified depth and cracking or splitting of the foam. Physical damage that occurs from misuse or improper support are not covered and may void the warranty. Warranties also do not usually cover normal wear and tear, changes in softness or resilience, and commercially used products. Shipping and handling fees may apply, and some manufacturers charge a prorated fee for repairs and replacements.

Defective mattresses can be repaired, replaced, or refunded at the company’s discretion. Customers should register their mattresses for warranty coverage to ensure they’re protected.

Additional Mattress Costs

A few additional costs may arise as you complete your bedroom setup. These may include mattress delivery, old mattress removal, and new furniture and accessories. Leaving room in your budget for these expenses can help ensure you don’t overspend.

Expert Assembly: White Glove delivery sends an expert assembly team to deliver your mattress, set it up, then remove the box and packaging materials. While some companies include this service for free, it usually costs $100 or more.

Mattress Removal: Once your new mattress arrives, you may no longer need your old bed. Some companies offer old mattress removal as an extra service with White Glove delivery, which may cost an additional fee. Other companies do not offer old mattress removal at all, so it’s up to the customer to dispose of their unwanted bed.

Most communities have strict laws surrounding old mattress disposal, and disposing of a heavy, bulky mattress can be a hassle. If the mattress company doesn’t offer this removal service, you may be able to find a similar option with a local haul-away company or through your city waste disposal program. You can also reach out to a nonprofit in your area for mattress donation programs.

Bed Frames: A bed frame is an important component of your bedroom that looks good, helps keep your mattress properly supported, and is usually necessary to avoid voiding your warranty. This may be a frame, box spring, adjustable base, or a platform. Since some mattresses have specific support requirements, you may want to review manufacturer recommendations before purchasing a frame to ensure compatibility.

Mattress Pad: Mattress protectors, pads, and toppers all rest on the surface of the mattress. Protectors are usually designed to shield against allergens, dust mites, and often liquids. Pads are relatively thin layers that add a bit of cushioning to the surface of the bed. Toppers often measure 1 to 4 inches thick and are designed to alter the sleep surface more notably.

Bedding: When you buy a new bed, you may also need new bedding to accommodate it. Whether you’re changing mattress sizes or getting an especially high- or low-profile mattress, new sheets may be in order. Additional bedding, like pillows, blankets, and comforters, can further transform your sleep space.

How to Get the Best Deal on a Mattress

Shop During Mattress Sales

Many online mattress brands offer sales for major holidays, such as President’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veteran’s Day. Some retailers also offer major discounts and sales for consumer holidays, like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday.

Coupon Codes, Referrals, and Discounts

Many brands offer coupon codes when customers sign up to receive marketing emails. Some also provide incentives to past customers who successfully influence a friend to buy a mattress from the same company.

Comparison Shop

One major benefit of looking for a mattress online is that you can comparison shop to find the best deal. Many third-party retailers offer price-matching, which may enable you to purchase from your preferred vendor at a more affordable price.

How We Test: Your Comfort Is Our Science

Our industry-leading product testing team cares deeply about improving your sleep. Having a holistic understanding of a mattress’s role as part of a sleep system is paramount to our testing process. Since a bed’s comfort and feel depend largely on body weight and sleeping position, our testing team represents a wide range of body types, sleep positions, and comfort preferences.

In our Seattle-based Test Lab, we use an objective, hands-on process to evaluate mattresses across performance categories. The following are the key guidelines that inform our performance ratings. Our ultimate goal is to ensure you have all the information you need to make the best purchase decision for you.

How We Determine Our Overall Scores

To determine a mattress’s overall score, we assign weighted percentages to performance categories based on how important they are to the individual sleep experience. For instance, areas like pressure relief and temperature control tend to matter more to people than something like off-gassing, and because more people sleep on their side and back than on their stomach, we weigh those positions more heavily.

Dive Deeper – Mattress Guides by Price

If you’re still not sure which mattress will fit your specific needs, take a look at our exhaustive list of suggestions sorted by price point.