Best Inexpensive Mattresses Under $500

Chester McKinley

By Chester McKinley

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • A good mattress is essential for quality sleep, yet many people think they need to spend thousands of dollars to get one. The truth is that advances in materials and manufacturing have made it possible to find comfortable, durable mattresses at reasonable prices. Many budget-friendly mattresses now include features like memory foam, cooling technology, and proper spine support.

    Getting enough restful sleep affects both physical and mental health. A mattress that provides good support helps reduce back pain, neck stiffness, and morning aches. The right amount of cushioning also prevents pressure points from forming during sleep. Many affordable mattresses today offer these benefits without the premium price tag.

    When shopping for an inexpensive mattress, three key factors matter most: support, durability, and materials. The mattress should maintain proper spine alignment and show minimal sagging over time. Quality materials like high-density foam and sturdy springs help ensure the mattress keeps its shape. After testing and analyzing dozens of budget mattresses, we found several options that deliver comfort and value without compromising on important features.

  • Amazon Basics 10′ Hybrid Mattress

    10

    This budget-friendly hybrid mattress delivers impressive comfort and support at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    10

    This budget-friendly hybrid mattress delivers impressive comfort and support at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    Pros

    • Excellent temperature regulation from gel-infused foam
    • Strong edge support prevents sagging
    • Quick and easy setup process

    Cons

    • Initial chemical smell takes time to dissipate
    • Might be too firm for side sleepers
    • Limited motion isolation for light sleepers

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a compact box and expands quickly once unwrapped. Within 24 hours, it reached its full 10-inch height without any lingering packaging creases. The quilted top layer feels soft to the touch while maintaining a medium-firm support level underneath.

    Steel coils provide sturdy support across the entire surface. The edge support stands out compared to other mattresses in this price range. Sitting on the side of the bed feels stable and secure, with minimal sinking even after several months of use.

    The cooling gel foam layer works well to regulate temperature throughout the night. Many budget foam mattresses trap heat, but this hybrid design allows air to flow through the coil system. The mattress strikes a nice balance between comfort and value, making it an excellent choice for guest rooms or anyone seeking quality sleep without spending a fortune.

  • MOLBIUS 10′ Full Hybrid Mattress

    9.7

    The MOLBIUS hybrid mattress offers excellent value with its mix of memory foam comfort and pocket coil support at a budget-friendly price point.

    9.7

    The MOLBIUS hybrid mattress offers excellent value with its mix of memory foam comfort and pocket coil support at a budget-friendly price point.

    Pros

    • Impressive pressure relief from memory foam top layer
    • Strong edge support from pocket coil system
    • No fiberglass materials used in construction

    Cons

    • Takes up to 3 days to fully expand
    • Slightly softer than advertised medium-firm feel
    • Initial chemical smell needs time to dissipate

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a box and expands quickly once unwrapped. After testing it for several nights, the memory foam top layer provides nice cushioning while the pocket coils underneath prevent that ‘stuck’ feeling some foam mattresses have.

    Temperature regulation works well thanks to the breathable design. The individually wrapped coils allow air to flow through the mattress core while sleeping. Motion transfer is minimal – a glass of water barely ripples when someone moves on the other side.

    Edge support stands out compared to other mattresses at this price. Sitting on the side feels stable and secure. The CertiPUR-US certified foams give peace of mind about safety, though there is a slight ‘new mattress’ smell for the first few days that fades with proper ventilation.

  • Zinus 6′ Green Tea Memory Foam Twin Mattress

    9.5

    For budget-conscious shoppers seeking a reliable twin mattress, the Zinus 6-inch Green Tea Memory Foam model delivers impressive comfort and support at an affordable price point.

    9.5

    For budget-conscious shoppers seeking a reliable twin mattress, the Zinus 6-inch Green Tea Memory Foam model delivers impressive comfort and support at an affordable price point.

    Pros

    • Strong pressure relief for side and back sleepers
    • Minimal off-gassing compared to other foam mattresses
    • Green tea infusion helps maintain freshness

    Cons

    • May be too thin for heavier sleepers
    • Takes up to 72 hours to fully expand
    • Edge support could be stronger

    The mattress arrives tightly compressed in a surprisingly compact box, expanding quickly once unwrapped. After letting it breathe for 48 hours, the green tea scent becomes subtle and pleasant rather than overwhelming.

    Testing revealed excellent pressure relief, especially around shoulders and hips. The three-layer design includes a supportive base foam topped with comfort layers that cradle the body without that trapped-in-foam feeling some memory foam mattresses create.

    Side sleepers under 200 pounds will find good spinal alignment on this mattress. The foam responds well to movement and stays cool through the night thanks to its breathable cover. At this price point, the quality and comfort exceed expectations for a basic twin mattress.

  • FDW 10-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress

    9.4

    This budget-friendly gel memory foam mattress offers impressive comfort and cooling features at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    9.4

    This budget-friendly gel memory foam mattress offers impressive comfort and cooling features at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    Pros

    • Excellent temperature regulation from gel-infused foam
    • Quick and easy setup from box to bed
    • Washable cover adds convenience

    Cons

    • Takes 72 hours to fully expand
    • Medium-firm feel might be too soft for some
    • Initial chemical smell needs time to dissipate

    The mattress arrived tightly rolled in a compact box, making it simple to move through doorways and up stairs. After letting it expand for three days, it reached its full 10-inch height without any issues.

    The top layer of gel-infused memory foam makes a big difference in sleep quality. Unlike traditional memory foam that traps heat, this mattress stays cool throughout the night. The foam responds well to movement and springs back quickly when changing positions.

    The high-density base foam provides good support for back and side sleeping. While testing the edges, they remained stable without too much sinking. The washable cover feels soft and stretchy, making it easy to remove and clean when needed.

  • Ablyea Hybrid Queen Mattress

    9.3

    The Ablyea Hybrid Queen Mattress offers remarkable value with its blend of comfort and support at a budget-friendly price point.

    9.3

    The Ablyea Hybrid Queen Mattress offers remarkable value with its blend of comfort and support at a budget-friendly price point.

    Pros

    • Excellent edge support prevents sagging
    • Strong motion isolation for undisturbed sleep
    • Cool and breathable surface stays comfortable

    Cons

    • Takes 3 days to fully expand
    • Initial mild odor needs time to dissipate
    • Slightly bouncier than expected

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a compact box, making it easy to move through doorways and upstairs. Setting it up takes minimal effort – just unbox, unroll, and wait for it to expand. The surface feels plush yet supportive right away.

    Memory foam layers combine nicely with the individually wrapped coils. The springs provide targeted support while the foam contours to the body. This design works well for both back and side sleeping positions. Edge support remains firm even when sitting on the sides.

    The 3D knitted cover helps regulate temperature during sleep. Air flows freely through the coils and foam layers to prevent heat buildup. Movement on one side of the bed stays isolated, so partners won’t disturb each other when changing positions at night. The medium-firm feel hits a sweet spot that suits most sleeping preferences.

  • Best Price 8′ Memory Foam Mattress

    9.1

    This budget-friendly memory foam mattress offers impressive comfort and support at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    9.1

    This budget-friendly memory foam mattress offers impressive comfort and support at a fraction of the cost of premium brands.

    Pros

    • Adapts quickly to body temperature and shape
    • Green tea infusion keeps mattress fresh
    • Easy to move and set up

    Cons

    • Initial firmness may take time to adjust to
    • Edge support could be stronger
    • Some heat retention on warm nights

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a compact box, making it simple to transport through narrow doorways and up stairs. After unpacking, it expands to its full size within 24 hours and has minimal off-gassing smell compared to other foam mattresses.

    Three layers work together to create a supportive sleep surface. The memory foam top layer responds to body heat, while the middle comfort layer and dense base provide stability. The green tea infusion adds a subtle fresh scent that helps mask any new-foam smell.

    Side sleepers will notice pressure relief in their shoulders and hips as the foam contours to their curves. Back sleepers get good spinal alignment from the supportive base layer. The breathable cover helps with airflow, though like most foam mattresses it can retain some warmth during hot weather.

  • Sigolit 12′ Hybrid Mattress

    9

    This budget-friendly hybrid mattress offers good value for those seeking a medium-firm sleep surface with decent pressure relief and motion isolation.

    9

    This budget-friendly hybrid mattress offers good value for those seeking a medium-firm sleep surface with decent pressure relief and motion isolation.

    Pros

    • Strong motion isolation prevents partner disturbance
    • Quick and easy setup from box to bed
    • Good temperature regulation throughout the night

    Cons

    • Edge support weakens with regular use
    • Takes 72 hours to fully expand
    • Initial chemical smell lingers for a few days

    The mattress arrived tightly packed in a box and expanded nicely within the first few hours. The memory foam top layer provides a comfortable sleep surface that cradles pressure points without feeling too soft.

    Testing revealed solid motion isolation performance. Someone can toss and turn on one side while their partner sleeps undisturbed on the other. The individually wrapped coils add a nice bounce without transferring movement across the bed.

    Night sweats weren’t an issue thanks to the breathable design. The gel-infused cover helps regulate temperature well. While the edges could be more supportive, the mattress delivers impressive comfort and support for its price point.

  • Novilla Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

    8.7

    The Novilla queen mattress offers excellent value with its cooling gel memory foam and pressure relief features at an affordable price point.

    8.7

    The Novilla queen mattress offers excellent value with its cooling gel memory foam and pressure relief features at an affordable price point.

    Pros

    • Stays cool through the night
    • Great motion isolation for couples
    • Easy setup with minimal off-gassing

    Cons

    • Edge support could be stronger
    • Takes up to 72 hours to fully expand
    • May be too soft for stomach sleepers

    The four-layer foam design creates a comfortable sleep surface that cradles the body without feeling too soft. The gel-infused top layer works well at regulating temperature, making night sweats less common. The mattress remains cool even after several hours of use.

    Setting up the mattress is straightforward – it expands quickly once removed from the box. A slight new-foam smell dissipates within 24 hours. The cover feels soft and breathable against the skin, adding to the overall comfort.

    Motion transfer is minimal, making it great for light sleepers who share a bed. The foam layers absorb movement well, so you won’t feel your partner tossing and turning. The mattress offers good pressure relief for side and back sleepers, though some might want more firmness.

  • Mubulily 10′ Hybrid Mattress

    8.7

    This affordable hybrid mattress delivers impressive comfort and support for its price point, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality sleep.

    8.7

    This affordable hybrid mattress delivers impressive comfort and support for its price point, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious shoppers seeking quality sleep.

    Pros

    • Strong motion isolation from individually wrapped coils
    • Stays cool throughout the night
    • Good pressure relief from memory foam layers

    Cons

    • Edges feel less stable than premium brands
    • Takes up to 3 days to fully expand
    • Initial chemical smell needs time to dissipate

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a box, making it easy to move through doorways and up stairs. After unboxing, the hybrid design expands nicely to its full 10-inch height. The gel memory foam top layer feels plush yet supportive.

    Edge support could be better, as sitting on the sides causes noticeable sinking. The individually wrapped coils do an excellent job limiting motion transfer. Partners won’t disturb each other when getting in and out of bed or changing positions.

    The cooling features work well. The gel-infused foam and breathable design help regulate temperature throughout the night. Memory foam conforms nicely to body curves while the coils prevent that ‘stuck’ feeling some foam mattresses can cause. For the price, this mattress offers solid value and comfort.

  • Sleepmax Hybrid Queen Mattress

    8.6

    The Sleepmax Hybrid offers excellent value with its blend of comfort and support at a wallet-friendly price point.

    8.6

    The Sleepmax Hybrid offers excellent value with its blend of comfort and support at a wallet-friendly price point.

    Pros

    • Great motion isolation for couples
    • Strong edge support prevents sagging
    • Cool sleeping surface

    Cons

    • Takes 3 days to fully expand
    • Initial chemical smell
    • Might feel too firm for side sleepers

    The mattress arrives tightly rolled in a box, and setup takes minimal effort. After removing the packaging, it starts expanding right away. The top layer feels plush and inviting, while the lower layers provide firm support.

    The Euro top design adds an extra touch of comfort. Each night’s sleep reveals the effectiveness of the motion isolation – when someone moves on one side, the other person barely notices. The edges stay sturdy when sitting or sleeping near them.

    Temperature control stands out as a key feature. The mattress stays cool throughout the night, unlike many foam-based options that trap heat. The medium-firm feel works great for back and stomach sleepers, though some side sleepers might want something softer.

Buying Guide

You need a few key things before shopping for a low-cost mattress. Start with measuring your bed frame to confirm the correct size. Write down your budget – quality budget mattresses typically range from $200-600.

Consider your preferred sleeping position. Side sleepers need softer mattresses for pressure relief. Back and stomach sleepers do better with firmer support.

Body weight affects mattress choice. Lighter people (under 130 lbs) often prefer softer mattresses. Heavier people (over 230 lbs) need firmer support and thicker mattresses.

The most common budget-friendly mattress materials are:

  • Memory foam: Offers good pressure relief
  • Innerspring: Provides bounce and airflow
  • Hybrid: Combines foam and springs
  • Polyfoam: Basic support at low cost

Look for these important features:

  • At least 10 inches thick for adequate support
  • Breathable cover materials like cotton or polyester
  • Dense base foam (1.8 pcf or higher)
  • CertiPUR-US certified foams for safety

Test the return policy and warranty terms. Many companies offer 100-night trials. The warranty should cover defects for at least 5 years.

Read verified customer reviews focusing on durability and support. Pay attention to comments from people with similar body types and sleep positions.

Check for hidden fees like shipping or return costs. Some retailers charge extra for delivery or mattress removal.