person sleeping on mattress

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process.

Finding the right mattress can be a daunting task, no matter your budget. But a tight budget can complicate your search since mattresses can get pretty expensive. You’ll find plenty of options under $1,000, but that’s still a significant chunk of money — an amount not everyone can afford.

Inexpensive mattresses exist. If you are already on the hunt, there are a few options that jumped out at you. You may have concerns about their construction, safety, or durability.

It is true that cheaper mattresses can be less than good quality. It is possible to find a decent mattress under $300. It can be a little easier to find our top picks.

We considered four main criteria to find the best budget mattresses.

  • Price. We focused primarily on mattress price. Every mattress on this list has a base price of $300 or less.
  • Customer reviews. Reviews can provide a lot of insight into how a mattress will hold up, so we took a look at what other shoppers had to say about these mattresses. They have all received an average rating of at least 4.5 stars.
  • Company reputation and transparency. When making our recommendations, we look for mattresses from reputable brands that follow federal safety practices and have good business ratings.
  • Company policies. These mattresses all come with warranties and, with one exception, at-home sleep trials. Most reputable mattress brands offer sleep trials, but this is one benefit you might sacrifice when purchasing an inexpensive mattress.

Pricing guide

We have given prices for twin mattresses. We broke down those prices.

  • $ = under $200
  • $$ = $200–$250
  • $$$ = $251–$300

Best soft mattress under $300

Wayfair Sleep 10-inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: memory foam
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Firmness: plush
  • Trial length: 100 nights
  • Shipping and returns: free shipping and returns

Need a mattress that cushions you? This Wayfair exclusive might offer the cloud-like comfort you’re looking for.

Three layers of foam offer support and pressure relief, while the gel-infused top layer helps create the hugging sensation many side sleepers prefer. Several reviewers claim this mattress helped relieve back and neck pain and improved their sleep right away.

Some reviewers say that the mattress can feel a little warm, but that it is important to keep air moving through it.

While several side sleepers say this mattress offers just the right level of softness and support, stomach sleepers might find this mattress too warm and too soft. As one review notes, it may also take time for back sleepers to adjust to the plush feel.

Reviewers love this mattress for its value and the lack of chemical smells after unpacking. You have a few months to make sure you are right for the trial.

Pros

  • Side sleepers are good choice.
  • “It’s a good option for couples because of the There is minimal motion transfer. and support along the edges.”

Cons

  • It may be too soft for back and stomach sleeping.
  • “Reviewers think it’s too warm.”

Buy the Wayfair Sleep 10-inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress online.

Best queen mattress under $300

Linenspa Essentials 8-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 8 inches
  • Firmness: medium
  • Trial length: 100 nights
  • Shipping and returns: free shipping

One basic hybrid option is offered by Linenspa, a no frills mattress company.

Hybrid mattresses offer a good middle ground between innerspring and foam mattresses. This can be helpful for people who need something a little softer than traditional coils but more supportive than just foam.

“The memory foam over the coil base is designed to provide body-contouring comfort. Some reviewers say the mattress didn’t provide enough support, while others say it was too firm.”

This mattress has more than 15,000 reviews on Wayfair, and a good majority of reviewers give it a 5-star rating. In general, reviewers call this a comfortable mattress that offers solid (but not hard) support at a great price. Several reviewers even note this mattress helped with their low back and neck pain.

Pros

  • The price point for a queen is great.
  • The design for support and comfort is hybrid.
  • There is minimal motion transfer.

Cons

  • It may not be supportive enough for all of them.
  • Negative reviews describe it as too firm.

Buy the Linenspa Essentials 8-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress online.

Best cooling mattress under $300

Linenspa Essentials AlwaysCool 10-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 10 inches
  • Firmness: medium
  • Trial length: 100 nights
  • Shipping and returns: free shipping and returns

Research from 2018 shows that overheating at night can reduce sleep quality, so if you can’t cool off, you might find yourself tossing and turning and having a hard time getting the rest you need. In recognition of this concern, many brands now offer mattresses designed with unique cooling technology to help you get a better night’s sleep.

Though you won’t find cooling technology in many budget mattresses, this hybrid option from Linenspa features 2 inches of cooling gel-infused memory foam over its base coils and supportive foam layer.

This gel is designed to help break up heat pockets so the mattress maintains a comfortable temperature for sleep. A few reviewers say this gel did not, in fact, keep the mattress cool, but others praise the technology and say it made a noticeable difference.

Some people think the mattress lacks good edge support and motion isolation. The medium-firm surface makes it a good option for different sleeping positions, but “Reviewers think it’s too firm.” for their liking.

This mattress may work well for stomach sleepers, who generally need a firmer bed and often sleep warmer due to frontal body contact with the mattress.

Pros

  • “It’s cool to sleep.”
  • Medium firmness is suited to a wide range of people.
  • Good reviews.

Cons

  • Some reviewers think it is too firm.
  • It may not offer enough edge support for couples.

Buy the Linenspa Essentials AlwaysCool 10-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress online.

Best hybrid mattress under $300

Wayfair Sleep 9-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress

  • Price: $$$
  • Type: hybrid
  • Height: 9 inches
  • Firmness: medium
  • Trial length: 100 nights
  • Shipping and returns: free shipping

hybrid mattresses tend to be more durable than foam mattresses, and they offer sturdier support. People who sleep hot are more comfortable on hybrid mattresses.

Not everyone wants to sink into their bed, so foam and softer hybrid mattresses are a better option. If you prefer to rest securely on top, you will probably want to stick with a medium hybrid.

Many reviewers say the mattress is supportive and comfortable despite its firmness.

The memory foam on this mattress provides essential pressure relief and helps reduce motion transfer, two important features when sharing a bed with a partner.

Reviewers say this mattress helped relieve back pain. It is a fairly basic option. Sometimes simplicity is all you need.

Pros

  • hybrid may improve the quality of life
  • designed for There is minimal motion transfer.
  • It is a very friendly and friendly.

Cons

  • “Reviewers think it’s too firm.”

Buy the Wayfair Sleep 9-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress online.

Mattress Price Type Height Firmness Trial length
Wayfair Sleep 10-inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress $$ memory foam 10 inches plush 100 nights
Linenspa Essentials 8-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress $ hybrid 8 inches medium 100 nights
Linenspa Essentials AlwaysCool 10-Inch Medium Hybrid Mattress $$ hybrid 10 inches medium 100 nights
Wayfair Sleep 9-inch Medium Hybrid Mattress $$$ hybrid 9 inches medium 100 nights

If you have a strict shopping budget, you will pay more attention to price. It is helpful to note other mattress characteristics.

Mattress type

There are three main types of Mattresses: innerspring, foam and hybrid. As hybrid mattresses have grown in popularity, Innerspring mattresses have become somewhat of a rarity.

Side sleepers and people who prefer softer mattresses may prefer foam. People who sleep hot or need back and stomach support may prefer a firmer hybrid.

Since hybrid offer more support, they may be a better option for people who weigh over 230 pounds. If you are really trying to save, keep in mind that hybrid costs a bit more.

Materials

“The cheapest mattresses likely won’t have the highest quality materials.”

You may find blends of polyester in your mattress cover. The foam on your mattress will likely be called memory foam.

“This isn’t bad when companies are transparent about their products and meet safety regulations. It is still something to think about.”

Mattress performance

You should consider what benefits you need from your mattress.

Many lower priced options have poor motion isolation, especially hybrid options, which are connected and move as one unit. If you sleep with a partner and wake up every time they turn over, an inexpensive hybrid might not be a good option.

Good edge support can be missing from cheaper mattresses. You might end up rolling out of bed.

It is hard to find cooling technology at this price point.

Company policies

It is always a good idea to take advantage of sleep trials since you will not know how you will sleep on a mattress. All of our picks include an at- home trial.

“Many budget mattress brands won’t offer these trials. This is true when they sell through third-party retailers.”

“The mattress should have a warranty. Most brands will back their products for a long time. If you don’t set up your mattress in a certain way, you might void the warranty.”

“Inexpensive doesn’t always mean cheap, but many budget mattresses can’t compare with their higher priced counterparts.”

“Basic isn’t always bad. You may not need a mattress with extra features. You might not be aware of some important benefits of higher priced options.”

  • Longer sleep trials.
  • Longer warranties.
  • Natural, sustainable materials.
  • Longer mattress life span.
  • Better support and better resilience.
  • higher quality construction.

The mattresses we’ve recommended do meet specific flammability criteria, and they’re also CertiPUR-US certified. This certification means the foam used meets U.S. air quality standards: It’s made without toxic chemicals or ozone-depleting components and is verified as having low emissions. This may not be the case for every mattress you find, however.

If you have any allergies or sensitivities, you should be aware of the foam and other materials in your mattress. It is more important to choose a mattress with a trial period.

“The mattresses we recommend have a base price of $300 or less. Our recommendations don’t account for sales. You can find many more options at similar prices. The holiday season is a great time to shop.”

You can find older models of quality brands on Amazon. Outlet stores, clearance sections, and other discounts are great for buying in person. You might be able to negotiate a lower price.

“If you can’t avoid buying a used mattress, consider that some retailers may offer open-box discounts for products that were returned but never used.”

“If your mattress is the same size and height as your current one, you may not need to buy new sheets and bedding. You can save money by buying a mattress that doesn’t need a box spring.”

Which mattress is the highest quality?

When your price point drops, you have less options than if you had a high quality queen-size mattress. If you want to spend less than $300 on a mattress, you should consider brands like Linenspa and Wayfair Sleep.

Which affordable mattress is best for back pain?

Memory foam and hybrid mattresses may be good for back pain because they can offer cushiony comfort to pressure points while also maintaining spine alignment. All-foam and hybrid options are available at affordable prices.

Finding the right firmness for your preferences can be a factor. A mattress that is too soft may not provide the support you need. A medium-firm mattress is a good option.

Are any mattresses under $300 good quality?

It is likely that you are compromising on something if you spend $300 or less on a mattress. It could be the life span of your mattress. It is possible to find an inexpensive mattress that provides the support and comfort you need to sleep well.

If you’re shopping for a new mattress on a budget, you’ll be happy to know that there are options that provide lasting support without draining your bank account.

Low price doesn’t always mean low quality. But be sure to use the sleep trial and send your mattress back if it doesn’t work for you.

Crystal Raypole worked as an editor for GoodTherapy. Her interests include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. She is committed to helping decrease the stigma around mental health issues.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.