Our experts have tested 50+ mattresses under $700 using our battery of objective & data-driven tests. Our best cheap mattress list analyzes all of our performance tests, data, and research to highlight the best-performing mattresses for sleepers on a tight budget.
Top Pick
Silk & Snow Hybrid
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is an extraordinary value mattress, earning a score within the top 36% of all mattresses to date, while the price is 50% less expensive than the average hybrid.
The 7 Best Cheap Mattresses for 2025
- Silk & Snow Hybrid – Best Cheap Mattress
- Vaya – Best All-Foam Mattress
- Siena – Best Ultra Cheap (Under $400)
- Zoma Start – Best For Sex
- Leesa Studio – Lowest Motion Transfer
- Nectar Classic – Best Memory Foam
- Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex – Best Pressure Relief
| Mattress Name | Overall Score | Type | Firmness | Price | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Silk & Snow Hybrid | 8.78 | Hybrid | Medium-Firm (6) | $700 | Review |
| Vaya | 8.75 | Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $699 | Review |
| Siena | 8.54 | Memory Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $399 | Review |
| Zoma Start | 8.51 | Foam | Medium-Firm (6.5) | $636 | Review |
| Leesa Studio | 8.46 | Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $639 | Review |
| Nectar Classic | 8.42 | Memory Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $649 | Review |
| Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex | 8.33 | Memory Foam | Medium-Firm (6) | $498 | Review |
A mattress can be inexpensive, but still be of good quality. Or a mattress can be downright cheap—costing a cheap price, but also made of cheap, low-quality materials.
At the end of the day, most sleepers aren’t looking for a cheap, uncomfortable mattress. But rather looking for an inexpensive mattress that also has good performance.
The best cheap mattresses will typically skip costly extras like high-profile thicknesses, extra comfort layers, cooling phase-change covers, and natural or organic materials.
In most cases, you want to spend at least $400 for a Queen size mattress. The performance and material quality drop off below that price point is quite severe. Most of the best value cheap mattresses are within the $500-$700 range.
For reference, the average cost for a mattress among all types tested to date is $1,379 for a queen-sized mattress. This considers all mattress types—foam, latex, hybrid, coil, adjustable, organic, and other specialty mattress types.
In our years of testing, we have found that foam mattresses and hybrid mattresses provide the best value in most cases.
Here are the average mattress prices for a queen-sized mattress, divided between foam and hybrid mattresses, from comparing 300+ mattresses tested to date.
- Average foam mattress: $1,103 / queen
- Average hybrid mattress: $1,383 / queen
For the best cheap mattress, we’re targeting high-performing mattresses that are priced at around 50% cheaper (or lower) than the average.
So with all these things in mind, let’s dive in.
Our Testing & Selection Process
300+
Mattresses Tested
To Date
43
Data Points Tested
On Each Mattress
92
Mattress Brands Tested To Date
Each best list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests. In addition, we consider mattress type, design, materials, value, price, and more.
For our Best Cheap Mattress list, we based our selections on the best-scoring mattresses, according to our battery of testing and formulaic-driven scoring.
Our tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors, including cooling, motion transfer, response time, edge support, sex, pressure relief, off-gassing, and company. In addition, we also test sinkage and bounce (though these are not scoring factors).
Our tests include objective and quantifiable data whenever possible. In addition, we use subjective assessment supported by data to round out our testing process.
Our scores are based on mathematical formulas and equations that utilize inputs from our data-driven testing.
In choosing the best cheap mattresses we looked at the totality of all of our tests, scores, data, and reviews to date. We analyzed this data alongside our established best mattress framework here.
In addition to achieving a high-performance score, all mattresses on this list have an affordable price tag.
When selecting the best cheap mattress, we’re looking at a combination of overall scoring performance, price, and US availability.
To be included within this list all mattresses:
- Had to cost $700 or less for a Queen mattress
- Had to have a performance score of 8.31 or higher.
- Had to be available for purchase within the USA.
Our Testing Team
Derek
Lead Tester
Kayla
Writer
Kyle
Tester
Nathan
Tester
Samantha
Data Analyst
Silk & Snow Hybrid
Best For
- Priced 49% less expensive than the average hybrid
- Excellent edge support for sitting and lying
- Great pressure relief for sleepers under 250 lbs, despite only having a 3.0″ comfort layer
Considerations
- Deep sinkage may not be ideal for some back or stomach sleepers
- High bounce won’t appeal to all sleeper preferences
- Off-gassing period took a full week to finish
Our Verdict
The Silk & Snow Hybrid is 11″ thick. It is made with a 1.0″ quilted cover, a poly foam comfort layer, and a pocketed coil base.
This mattress comes in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on our firmness scale).
The S&S Hybrid has deep sinkage and high levels of bounce. It offers deep engagement into the depths of the mattress, while still delivering fantastic pressure relief. This type of feel may not be suitable for everyone, but it’s a good option for those seeking a deeper contour while still being able to move around.
In terms of performance, the Silk & Snow Hybrid has a score of 8.78, which puts it among the top 36% of all mattresses tested to date. Compared to just other hybrids, it is within the top 32% of hybrids.
While having the highest performance score on this list, it is also among the most expensive. At $700 it just barely makes our “cheap mattress” cutoff. However, this is still 50% of the average hybrid mattress price. So it may not be the cheapest, but it is still a great value option.
Click here to read the full Silk & Snow Hybrid review.
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Silk & Snow Hybrid Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Silk & Snow Hybrid |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.78 |
| Price (Queen) | $700 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.34″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.9 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 7.42 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.1 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.8 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.54″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.1 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.1 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 7 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years |
Vaya
Best For
- Great cooling performance, especially for all-foam
- Lightning-fast material response time
- Low motion transfer, which is great for couples
Consideration
- Limited comfort material may not be suitable for heavier and/or side sleepers
- Bounce levels also limits ease of movement and sex
- Support while sitting at the edge could be better
Our Verdict
The Vaya is a 12″, all-foam mattress made up of poly foam and support foam. It has an extremely well-rounded performance and nearly beats out the S&S Hybrid for the best cheap mattress.
It is available in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on the firmness scale, where 10 is the most firm).
Due to its all-foam design with no memory foam, it has an incredibly balanced feel with both moderate sinkage and bounce levels. At only 3″ of comfort material, it does not provide quite as much pressure relief as other options on this list, but would still be suitable for many sleepers.
In our performance tests, the Vaya all-foam mattress earned a score of 8.75. This puts it within the top 38% of all mattresses tested to date and in the top 33% of all foam mattresses.
Similar to the Silk & Snow, its price is right at the $700 mark. This is 50% lower than the average mattress (all types) and 37% lower than just foam mattresses. All things considered, the Vaya is an amazing value and is the best all-foam cheap mattress on this list.
Click here to read the full review of the Vaya All-Foam.
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Vaya Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Vaya |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.75 |
| Price (Queen) | $699 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.14″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 9.1 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 6.91 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 10 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.2 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.38″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.7 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.0 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.2 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Siena
Best For
- Extraordinarily budget friendly
- Extremely low motion transfer
- 5″ of comfort material with excellent pressure relief
- Great for side sleeping with the thick comfort layer
Considerations
- Lower bounce and slow response make for a harder mattress to move around on
- Sex performance is among the lowest on this list (6.49″ bounce)
- Cooling tests showed slight heat retention issues but nothing terrible
Our Verdict
The Siena is the cheapest mattress on this list by a wide margin. This is a 10″ all-foam mattress that uses memory foam, poly foam, and support foam in its design.
It comes in a single firmness with a medium-firm feel (6 out of 10 on our firmness scale).
Due to the memory foam in the comfort layer, we see deeper levels of sinkage and lower levels of bounce. However, neither is too extreme. Overall, this creates a feel that is great for side sleeping but is also a little harder to move around on for some sleepers.
In terms of performance, the Siena earned a score of 8.54. This is just about average across all mattresses tested to date, but it does put it within the top 47% of foam mattresses.
While the score itself may not be the most impressive, the price is. At $399, a queen-size Siena is 71% less expensive than the average mattress. This is a phenomenal price, even if it has average overall performance. Furthermore, its excellent pressure relief is difficult to find in this price range.
Click here to read the full Siena review.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Siena Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Siena |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.54 |
| Price (Queen) | $399 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.34″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Deep |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 1.79 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.49″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.1 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 4.50″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good |
| Sex – Score | 7.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 5.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 9.4 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days |
| Company – Score | 8.8 |
| Trial | 180 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Zoma Start
Best For
- Back and stomach sleepers
- Exceptional edge support when sitting or lying at or near the edge
- Higher bounce can be great for couples and improves sex performance
Considerations
- Thinnest comfort layer on this list (2.0″), which is not great for heavier or side sleepers
- Motion transfer is high, but not awful (9.35 m/s²)
- Cooling and pressure relief are good, but not amazing
Our Verdict
The Zoma Start mattress is a 10″ all-foam mattress made of gel memory foam, poly foam, and an 8.0″ support foam layer. While 10″ is not unheard of for a cheaper mattress, the 2″ of comfort material gives it a firmer, more polarizing feel.
Zoma is only offered in a single firmness of 6.5 out of 10. While this is firmer than the other mattresses on this list, it is still within the popular, medium-firm to slightly firm level that is suitable for most sleepers.
This feel comes with minimal sinkage and high bounce. Therefore, the Zoma Start is a good choice for those who prefer a bouncy, active feel and don’t want too much contouring hug around their body.
In terms of performance, the Start earned a score of 8.51, which is just under the average 8.54 score across all mattresses tested to date. This puts it within the bottom 40% of all mattresses. However, looking at foam mattresses, specifically, it is within the top 49%.
Where the performance score may not impress, the price is fantastic. At $636, the Zoma Start is 42% less than the average foam mattress. This price-to-performance ratio easily earns a spot on this list. It’s best for those who prefer a medium-firm to slightly firm feel with less sinkage.
Click here to read the full Zoma Start review.
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6.5)
Zoma Start Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Zoma Start |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.51 |
| Price (Queen) | $636 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.73″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.0 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.35 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 9.4 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.3 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 0.5 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 10.37″ |
| Bounce – Feel | High |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.5 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.00″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 9.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 2.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 8.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 10 years |
Leesa Studio
Best For
- Extremely low motion transfer, (2.22 m/s²)
- Great pressure relief, especially for back and stomach sleepers
- High-quality foam materials
Considerations
- Low bounce from memory foam, which is less ideal for sex
- Edge support is lacking, especially for sitting
- Thin profile (10″) makes it less suitable for heavier sleepers
Our Verdict
The Leesa Studio mattress is a 10″ foam mattress made of memory foam, poly foam, and support foam, all wrapped up within a thin cover. It is designed as a budget alternative to the Leesa Original.
The Leesa Studio comes in a single firmness—6 out of 10 with a medium-firm feel, designed to appeal to a wide range of sleeper needs.
This mattress has moderate sinkage and very low bounce levels giving this mattress a restrained and balanced feel.
From a performance perspective, the Leesa Studio’s 8.46 score puts it within the bottom 35% of all mattresses tested to date. However, it is just about average in terms of the foam mattress category.
This mattress is priced at $639 for a queen, and that is less than half of the average mattress price ($1,103). Even for a foam mattress, this is a great price. For those on a budget, the Leesa Studio is a strong contender.
Click here to read our full Leesa Studio review.
Type: Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Leesa Studio Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Leesa Studio |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.46 |
| Price (Queen) | $639 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.00″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 10 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 2.22 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.6 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.6 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.0 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 6.22″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 7.2 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 6.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 6.6 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 3.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 10″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.9 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Company – Score | 9.5 |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Nectar Classic
Best For
- Fantastic cooling while retaining a classic memory foam feel
- Minimal sinkage, great for back or stomach sleepers
- Long 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty
Considerations
- Minimal sinkage and body contouring hug, despite memory foam
- Material responsiveness is slower than average
- Higher motion transfer than ideal (9.49 m/s²)
Our Verdict
The Nectar Classic is a memory foam mattress with an 11.5″ overall thickness. It has a thin cover and a comfort layer made of gel memory foam and poly foam. The base is a 7.5″ support foam for an all-foam design. It is the cheapest option in Nectar’s mattress lineup, but there are optional upgrades for extra cost.
This mattress is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, with a medium-firm feel.
The Nectar Classic doesn’t have quite a dramatic memory foam feel, as you might expect. It has a minimal level of sinkage with a limited contour around the body, and bounce levels were moderate (8.07″). This gives it a feel that’s similar to the Zoma Start (but with thicker comfort materials).
The Nectar Classic earned a score of 8.42, which is slightly below average (8.54). This 8.42 score puts it within the bottom 33% of all mattresses tested to date. However, for a memory foam mattress, it is in the top 48% of performance.
When looking at price, a queen-size Nectar Classic comes in at $649. This is 53% less expensive than the average mattress. Similar to the Leesa Studio, this is a great value despite its lower overall performance. The Nectar Classic shines in its cooling performance, edge support, and company policies.
Click here to read the full Nectar Classic review.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Nectar Classic Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Nectar Classic |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.42 |
| Price (Queen) | $649 |
| Cooling – Score | 9.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 1.91″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Minimal |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.0 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 9.49 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 7.4 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.6 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.3 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 8.07″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Moderate |
| Edge Support – Score | 9.4 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.25″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Excellent |
| Sex – Score | 8.2 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 8.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 4.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 8.3 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 6 days |
| Company – Score | 9.0 |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex
Best For
- An exceptionally thick comfort layer makes for excellent pressure relief
- Maintains fairly quick material response despite memory foams
- Under $500 for a queen mattress
Considerations
- Low bounce from memory foam is not the best for sex
- Long off-gassing duration (9 days)
- $99 return fee
Our Verdict
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex is a 13″ memory foam mattress with the most complex design on this list. It is made of copper-infused memory foam, zoned poly foam, support foam, and a 2″ thick quilted cover.
The CopperFlex is available in a single firmness, 6 out of 10, with a medium-firm feel.
This mattress provides a moderate amount of sinkage and very little bounce, resulting in a balanced contour and a restrained feel.
In our performance tests, the CopperFlex mattress earned an overall score of 8.33. This ranks the mattress in the bottom 30% of all mattresses tested to date. While performance may be somewhat lacking, its price is fantastic.
This mattress is priced under $500 for a queen-size, making it 64% less expensive than the average mattress (a savings of over $881). The CopperFlex is undoubtedly lacking in a few areas, but its fantastic pressure relief is hard to beat at this price point. Also, the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid version (for $999) is a massive jump in performance.
Click here to read the full Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex review.
Type: Memory Foam
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Performance
Cooling Test
Sinkage Test
Motion Transfer Test
Response Test
Bounce Test
Edge Support Test
| Factor | Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.33 |
| Price (Queen) | $498 |
| Cooling – Score | 8.0 |
| Sinkage – Depth | 2.07″ |
| Sinkage – Feel | Moderate |
| Motion Transfer – Score | 8.3 |
| Motion Transfer – Acceleration | 8.79 m/s² |
| Response Time – Score | 8.4 |
| Response Time – Mostly Recovered | 0.4 sec. |
| Response Time – Fully Recovered | 1.2 sec. |
| Bounce – Height | 5.49″ |
| Bounce – Feel | Very Low |
| Edge Support – Score | 8.6 |
| Edge Support – Sitting | 3.75″ |
| Edge Support – Lying | Good |
| Sex – Score | 7.0 |
| Pressure Relief – Score | 9.0 |
| Comfort Layer Thickness | 7.0″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 13″ |
| Off-Gassing – Score | 7.5 |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 9 days |
| Company – Score | 9.1 |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Best Mattress By Category
Have a specific mattress type, sleeping position, feature, or firmness in mind? At NapLab we’ve ranked the mattresses we’ve tested in 23 different specialized best lists. These lists can help you identify the mattresses best suited to specific performance criteria.
You can also see our best mattress guide for our overall best-ranked mattresses.
Best by Features & Price
Best by Position & People
