Our best mattress-in-a-box guide showcases the best-performing mattresses that come shipping directly to your door in a cardboard box. Order online and receive your mattress within a matter of days, backed by an in-home trial period with free returns (in most cases).
So without further ado, let’s dive into our top picks for the best mattresses in a box.
In This Guide
Winkbed Original | Amerisleep AS3 | Nolah Evolution 15 | Helix Midnight Luxe | Nest Bedding Sparrow | Bear Elite | GhostBed Flex | Mattresses We Considered | How We Choose
The 7 Best Mattresses In A Box
#1 Best Overall
Winkbed
9.95
Price: $1,499
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Memory Foam Hybrid
Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
9.77
Price: $1,499
Firmness: Medium (5)
Poly Foam Hybrid
Nolah Evolution 15
9.77
Price: $1,699
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium (5.5), or Firm (8)
Memory Foam Hybrid
Helix Midnight Luxe
9.76
Price: $1,780
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Poly Foam Hybrid
Nest Bedding Sparrow
9.76
Price: $1,705
Firmness: Firm (8)
Poly foam Hybrid
Bear Elite Hybrid
9.72
Price: $1,373
Firmness: Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7.5)
Memory Foam Hybrid
GhostBed Flex
9.72
Price: $1,687
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Winkbed Original
Best For
- Excellent cooling with a fast response time
- Contouring euro-top cover
- Greater for sleepers of all body types
Quick Specs
- 13.5″ thick with Euro-top
- 120-night trial
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The WinkBed mattress is a hybrid mattress that uses pocketed coils and a layer of gel-infused foam to provide comfort and support, with a Euro top finish. It offers a balanced feel with high-quality materials and is available in three different firmnesses as well as a special version for heavyweight sleepers (Winkbed Plus).
Performance on the Winkbed is tied with the top-performing mattress that we’ve tested to date (comparing over 166+ mattresses).
The cost of the Winkbed is 8% higher than the average price for a hybrid mattress, but with the added performance you get, the cost difference is negligible for most sleepers.
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium-Firm (6), Slightly Firm (7)
Winkbed Performance
Winkbed performance is fantastic across the board. In our performance tests, this mattress scored a perfect 10 out of 10 in 4 out of the 8 tests and had scores between 9.8 and 9.9 for the remaining categories.
The hybrid design provides a supportive coil base that is responsive and engaging, while also providing exceptional pressure relief with 5.0″ of comfort material above the coils.
It has a moderate level of bounce and low levels of motion transfer. The deep-contour top is a great option for side sleepers or sensitive sleepers who are often disturbed by a partner.
Despite the deeper contour, the mattress still has fantastic cooling performance and limited heat retention.
Winkbed is available in 4 different firmnesses (softer, luxury firm, firmer, and plus). The different options help ensure that there is an appropriate firmness for your preferences, body type, and sleeping position.
| Factor | Winkbed Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.95 |
| Price | $1,499 |
| Cooling | 10 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.38″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 5.85 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 9.91″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 2.25″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 |
| Comfort Material | 5.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | None |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 0 days |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid
Best For
- Modern memory foam feel with a balance of contour and fast response
- Medium firmness for extra pressure relief
- Less contour than Winkbed
Quick Specs
- 12″ with a thin cooling cover
- 100-night trial, free returns
- 20-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Amerisleep AS3 hybrid mattress is a 12″ tall hybrid with a thin, washable cover and a modern memory foam feel. It has a 3″ top layer of memory foam, which provides hug and contour, while balanced by a pocketed coil base for improved cooling and fast response.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.77 overall, which ranks it in the top 6% among all mattress types we’ve tested.
The AS3 hybrid mattress costs slightly below the cost of the average price for a hybrid, but performance is certainly above average, making it a fantastic value.
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium (5)
AS3 Hybrid Performance
The performance of the AS3 Hybrid is above average with an overall score of 9.77. The average score among all mattresses we’ve tested to date is 9.51.
This mattress excels in many areas, most notably with exceptionally low motion transfer, extremely fast response time, and exceptional pressure relief.
The AS3 hybrid has slightly less bounce than average (9.21″ on the AS3 compared to the average of 9.53″). If you like the feel of a hybrid, but don’t want high bounce the AS3 is a solid pick.
Cooling is also very good thanks to the pocketed coil base and the use of Bio-Pur, a plant-based memory foam.
| Factor | Amerisleep AS3 Hybrid Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.77 |
| Price | $1,499 |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.38″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 4.46 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 9.21″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.75″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.7 |
| Comfort Material | 3.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 8 days |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 20 years |
Softer Choice
Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid
Best For
- Lightweight side sleepers who want a soft feel
- Fantastic cooling performance
- Excellent pressure relief with 5.0″ of comfort material
Quick Specs
- 12″ thick with thin cooling cover
- 100-night trial, free returns
- 20-year warranty
Very Soft Feel (3.5 out of 10)
The Amerisleep AS5 Hybrid offers great performance that nearly matches that of the Amerisleep AS3, but offers a softer feel.
The AS5 has a firmness of only 3.5 out of 10.
Like the AS3, the AS5 uses a combination of memory foam and pocketed coils, but also includes a 2.0″ transitional poly foam as well.
This feel would be ideal for side sleepers, but it may not have adequate support for back or stomach sleepers.
Still, it’s a fantastic mattress if you’re looking for that softer feel.
Nolah Evolution 15 Hybrid
Best For
- Exceptionally good cooling
- Fantastic edge support for both sitting and lying
- Exceptionally good pressure relief with 6″ of comfort material above the coils
Quick Specs
- 15″ thick + Euro-top
- 120-night trial, $99 returns
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The Nolah Evolution 15″ mattress is a high-profile hybrid mattress that uses a blend of poly foam and pocketed coils for comfort and support. It comes in three different firmness levels—plush, luxury firm, and firm.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.77 overall, which ranks it in the top 6% among all hybrid mattresses we’ve tested to date. The Nolah costs 15% more than the average hybrid (comparing the 91+ hybrids we’ve tested to date). That being said, with the Nolah you’re getting a better mattress overall.
Nolah is thicker than average (15″ tall, 2.2″ thicker than the height of an average hybrid) and also has 6″ of comfort material, whereas the average among all hybrids is only 4.35″.
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4), Medium (5.5), or Firm (8)
Nolah Evolution 15 Performance
During our testing, the Nolah Evolution 15 had solid performance across the board. The thicker profile really allows the mattress to excel in more difficult areas like pressure relief and edge support.
If you’re concerned about a “bed in a box” being unsupportive or thin, the Nolah Evolution 15 shows that mattresses in boxes are capable of lacking nothing in performance or thickness compared to in-store options.
Cooling was fantastic and despite having the extra thick comfort foam layers, the response time was still extremely fast.
This mattress has 2.48″ of sinkage. Compared to the average among all hybrids (2.27″) this is deeper sinkage than average, but the faster response time helps to avoid any feelings of being stuck.
The biggest strike against the Nolah Evolution is the higher level of motion transfer (11.10 m/s²). Hybrids are more prone to higher levels of motion transfer because of the coils, but even so, these levels are higher than the average (8.10 m/s²).
| Factor | Nolah Evolution 15 Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.77 |
| Price | $1,999 |
| Cooling | 10 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.48″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 11.10 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.2 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 8.72″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.25″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 15.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.8 |
| Comfort Material | 6.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Helix Midnight Luxe Hybrid
Best For
- Plush, pillow-top contour for side sleepers
- Excellent pressure relief
- Great cooling
Quick Specs
- 14″ thick + pillow-top cover
- 100-night trial, free returns
- 15-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress is a hybrid mattress with a plush cover, good contour, and a medium-firm feel. It also has an optional cooling cover you can add for $199 for additional cooling performance.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.76 overall, which ranks it in the top 7% among all hybrid mattresses we’ve tested to date. The Helix Luxe costs 28% more than the average hybrid, but also is a thicker mattress and with higher performance.
The Midnight Luxe is 14″ tall, 1.2″ thicker than the height of an average hybrid (12.8″). It also has 5″ of comfort material, whereas the average among all hybrids is only 4.15″. These two key points help provide a luxury feel and boost the overall value of the mattress.
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Helix Midnight Luxe Performance
During our testing, the Helix Midnight Luxe performed like a true luxury hybrid. It scored a perfect 10 for extremely low motion transfer, extremely fast response time, and exceptional pressure relief.
Again, the thicker profile (like the Nolah Evolution) really takes this mattress to the next level.
It has great cooling and slightly less sinkage than average, compared to other hybrids we’ve tested. It has a plush feel without that sinking feeling.
It does have less bounce than average—only 7.47″ compared to the hybrid average of 10.49″. While this could be bad for sex performance, the limited bounce also helps limit motion transfer, which is good for couples.
| Factor | Helix Midnight Luxe Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.76 |
| Price | $1,899 |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.15″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 4.03 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.3 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 7.47″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.00″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.4 |
| Comfort Material | 5.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Trial | 100 nights |
| Warranty | 15 years |
Note: If you’re looking for a Helix Midnight mattress with more bounce, and don’t mind giving up the plush cover, check out the standard Helix Midnight. This mattress has 10.19″ of bounce, 35% more bounce than the Luxe, and also with a lower price tag.
Nest Bedding Sparrow
Best For
- Great pressure relief and comfort for sleepers of all sizes
- Excellent cooling, despite having a pretty significant level of hug and sinkage
- Lifetime Exchange Renewal program provides good value for long-term use
Quick Specs
- 12″ thick + quilted cover
- 365-night trial, free returns
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The Nest Bedding Sparrow is a poly foam hybrid with a quilted cover and balanced feel. It comes in three different firmness levels—plush, medium, or firm, making it suitable for a wider range of sleepers.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.76 overall, which ranks it in the top 7% among all hybrid mattresses we’ve tested to date. The Sparrow cost is 15% higher than the average price for a hybrid mattress.
But considering the benefits, the Sparrow is still a solid buy that consistently performs above average. The mattress is 1.2″ thicker than the average hybrid, the 6″ comfort layer is 1.84″ thicker than average, and the 365-night trial is over twice the average (average is 165 nights).
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Extra Soft (3.5), Medium (5), Firm (8)
Nest Bedding Sparrow Performance
During our testing, the Nest Bedding Sparrow had fantastic performance across the board, with perfect 10s for extremely fast response time, exceptional pressure relief, long trial, and long warranty.
The poly foam comfort layer and pocketed coil support provide great edge support with only 4.0″ of sinkage when sitting directly at the edge. These materials are excellent for cooling.
During our tests, I felt limited heat retention and the mattress was able to pretty quickly dissipate heat off of the mattress after lying down on it.
The Sparrow has deeper sinkage than average (2.7″) and higher levels of bounce as well (10.64″). Both sinkage and bounce are preferential factors, so it’s neither good nor bad, but certainly worth mentioning in terms of overall performance.
| Factor | Nest Bedding Sparrow Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.76 |
| Price | $1,812 |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.70″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 7.12 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.3 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.64″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.00″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 12.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.9 |
| Comfort Material | 6.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Moderate |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 2 days |
| Trial | 365 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Bear Elite Hybrid
Best For
- Fantastic cooling performance with phase change cover
- 3 firmness options
- 5″ of comfort material
Quick Specs
- 14″ with phase change cover
- 120-night trial, free returns
- Lifetime limited warranty
Why It’s Best
The Bear Elite hybrid mattress is a 14″ tall hybrid with copper-infused memory foal and a pocketed coil base. This mattress is available in three firmness levels, which makes it a solid pick for a wider range of sleepers.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.72 overall, which ranks it in the top 14% among all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
The Elite hybrid mattress costs $1373 for a queen, which is 5.5% more than the average ($1298), but you’re also getting a thicker mattress (14″), better materials, and a higher performance score (the average score for hybrids is 9.51).
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Soft (4.5), Medium-Firm (6), Firm (7.5)
Bear Elite Performance
Performance on the Bear Elite hybrid is excellent, scoring a perfect 10 for exceptional cooling, extremely low motion transfer, and extremely fast response time.
The 14″ thickness provides great pressure relief and overall comfort. This mattress has high levels of bounce which enhances sex performance.
Despite having a thicker profile, the Bear Elite does struggle in one area—edge support. When sitting directly at the edge, there was 4.75″ of sinkage. The average among all hybrids we’ve tested to date is 4.38″ so the Bear Elite is a little worse than that. Even so, we did found lying edge support to be excellent.
| Factor | Bear Elite Hybrid Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.72 |
| Price | $1,373 |
| Cooling | 10 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.14″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 3.74 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.32″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 4.75″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 14.0″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.8 |
| Comfort Material | 5.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 3 days |
| Trial | 120 nights |
| Warranty | Lifetime |
Ghostbed Flex Hybrid
Best For
- Great cooling performance
- Extremely fast response time
- Excellent edge support, only 3.25″ of sinkage sitting directly at the edge
Quick Specs
- 13″ thick + with quilted cover
- 101-night trial, free returns
- 25-year warranty
Why It’s Best
The Ghostbed Flex is a 13″ hybrid that uses memory foam, poly foam, and a support coil base. It’s a well-rounded performer, excelling in every category we test for.
This mattress has a fantastic performance score of 9.72 overall, which ranks it in the top 14% among all mattresses we’ve tested to date.
The Ghostbed Flex hybrid mattress costs 21% more than the average hybrid, but also has a higher performance score than average (9.51) so it is still a solid value.
Read Review
Type: Hybrid
Firmness: Medium-Firm (6)
Ghostbed Flex Performance
The Ghostbed Flex excels in our performance tests, sweeping the board with scores all in the upper 9’s and above.
The variety of materials allows the Flex to strike this really nice balance offering contour and hug, but also an extremely fast response time and great cooling.
The Flex isn’t going to give you that “stuck feeling” or create pressure relief issues from being too firm.
I will say, the bounce is fairly high on the Ghostbed Flex. In our tests, we measured a total bounce height of 10.65”. This is slightly more bounce than the average across all mattresses we’ve tested to date, which is 9.63”.
The higher bounce is a boon for the dance without pants. Ghostbed Flex earned a 9.8 / 10 for sex performance.
| Factor | Ghostbed Flex Performance |
|---|---|
| Overall | 9.72 |
| Price | $1,687 |
| Cooling | 9.5 |
| Max Sinkage | 2.15″ |
| Total Motion Transfer | 5.61 m/s² |
| Response Time | 0.4 sec. |
| Total Bounce | 10.65″ |
| Edge Support – Sitting Sinkage | 3.25″ |
| Mattress Thickness | 11.5″ |
| Sex Overall | 9.8 |
| Comfort Material | 2.0″ |
| Off-Gassing – Smell | Strong |
| Off-Gassing – Days | 4 days |
| Trial | 101 nights |
| Warranty | 25 years |
Mattresses We Considered
When selecting the best mattresses in a box, we’re looking at a combination of performance factors, material quality, firmness, and price, testing over 166+ mattresses.
Mattresses that were automatically excluded from this guide include:
- Mattresses not shipped in a box
- Mattresses not available in the US
- Mattresses with a performance score below 9.72
Below we discuss the mattresses that just barely missed the cut and / or were excluded based on the inclusion requirements set out in our best mattress selection framework here.
| Mattress | Score | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Purple Hybrid | 9.85 | Discontinued |
| Diamond Flurry Lux | 9.82 | Brand is not well known to most consumers |
| Purple Hybrid Premier 4 | 9.81 | Discontinued |
| Purple Hybrid Premier 3 | 9.76 | Discontinued |
| Elm Sleep Resort | 9.75 | Mattress is very new to the market |
| iSense Premier Hybrid | 9.75 | Relatively expensive compared to most mattresses in a box |
How We Choose The Best
Each “Best of” list is put through a customized performance analysis with specialized consideration given to our objective & data-driven performance tests, mattress type, design, materials, value / price, and more.
For our Best Mattress In A Box list, we based our selections on the best scoring / highest-performing mattresses according to our battery of objective tests.
These tests analyze performance across 8 critical factors.
Our testing and selection process is incredibly detailed and rigorous. The links below have detailed write-ups on our testing process, scoring formulas, and the precise criteria for how we choose the best mattresses.
