Best mattress under $500

The 10 Best Mattresses Under $500 [2023]: Reviews and Buying Guide

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Shopping for a good mattress under $500?

You've come to the right place.

Shopping for a mattress in the sub $500 range no longer means you have to settle for a cheap foam mattress that sags after a few months.

There are plenty of high quality and comfortable mattresses that don't break the bank, today.

I list & review what I believe are the 10 best options sold online today.

If you have a larger budget, check out my reviews of the best mattresses under $1,000.


What’s In This Buying Guide?


The 10 Best Mattresses under $500

  1. For Couples: Allswell Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress
  2. Temperature Regulation: Classic Brands Cool Gel 14-Inch Mattress
  3. Body Conforming: Best Price Mattress 12″ Memory Foam Mattress
  4. For Bunk Beds & Day Beds: Signature Sleep Memoir Mattress
  5. For Most Sleepers: Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress
  6. Latex: Sunrising Bedding 8″ Natural Latex Mattress
  7. For Back Pain Relief: LUCID Bamboo Charcoal Hybrid Mattress
  8. Temperature Regulation: Zinus Ultima Comfort Mattress
  9. For Pain Relief: Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress
  10. Most Comfortable: TUFT & NEEDLE Adaptive Foam Mattress
MattressAwardMaterialSizeFirmnessNight trialWarranty
Allswell
Allswell mattress
Best for couplesMemory foam and pocket coils10” thickMedium firm100-nights10 years
Classic Brands
Classic Brands Cool 1.0 Ultimate Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Bonus 2 Pillows Mattress, Queen, White
Link goes to Amazon
Best temperature regulationGel memory foam14” thickMedium30-days return10 years
Best Price
12" Memory Foam Mattress-Queen
Link goes to Amazon
Best body conformingMemory foam12” thickMedium30-days return10 years
Signature Sleep
Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Queen Size
Link goes to Amazon
Best for bunk beds and day bedsMemory foam12” thickMedium-firm30-days return10 years
Linenspa
Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress - Medium Feel - Queen
Link goes to Amazon
Best for sleepers of all stylesMemory foam10” thickMedium30-days return10 years
Sunrising Bedding
Sunrising Bedding 10 Inch Natural Latex Hybrid California King Mattress, Gel Memory Foam, Encased Pocket Coils, Medium Firm, Sleeps Cooler, CertiPUR-US Certified, 120 Night Trial, 20 Year Warranty
Link goes to Amazon
Best latexNatural latex and pocket coils8” thickFirm120-nights20 years
Lucid Bamboo Charcoal
LUCID 10 Inch Queen Hybrid Mattress - Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Infused Memory Foam - Moisture Wicking - Odor Reducing - CertiPUR-US Certified
Link goes to Amazon
Best for back pain reliefMemory foam10” thickMedium-firm30-days return10 years
Zinus Ultima
Zinus 6 Inch Foam and Spring Mattress / CertiPUR-US Certified Foams / Mattress-in-a-Box, Queen
Link goes to Amazon
Best cheap mattressMemory foam6" thickMedium-firm30-days return10 years
Dreamfoam Arctic
Dreamfoam mattress
Best for pain reliefEnergex foam10” thickMedium-firm120-nights10 years
Tuft & Needle
TUFT & NEEDLE Original Mattress - Queen
Link goes to Amazon
Best comfort T & N Adaptive foam10” thickMedium-firm100-nights10 years

1. Best for Couples: Allswell Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress

Allswell Gel Infused Memory Foam Mattress

Couples need a supportive mattress that accommodates different sleeping positions and sleeps cool. The best mattress under $500 that meets these requirements is the Allswell gel-infused memory foam and pocket coil mattress.

Pros

  • The hybrid design provides extra support for couples.
  • Graphite and copper gel memory foam keeps the mattress cool.
  • It is backed by a 10-year warranty.
  • 100-night home trial.

Cons

  • Too firm for most side sleepers.

Our Review

The Allswell mattress combines pocket coils and memory foam to provide a nice balance between firm support and soft pressure relief.

The 10″ tall mattress starts with a layer of graphite and copper infused memory foam. The memory foam relieves pressure on your back, shoulders, and other pressure points while the copper and graphite help you sleep cooler.

Below the memory foam is a 7″ pocket coil base. The pocket coils provide edge-to-edge support, improve ventilation, and reduce motion transfer.

Because the comfort layer is relatively thin, the Allswell mattress ranks as medium-firm in terms of comfort. Heavier sleepers may experience it as a firm.

We recommend it mostly for couples that sleep on their back or stomach.

We do not recommend the Allswell mattress for side sleepers, as it is too firm to provide adequate pressure-point relief.

If one of you is a side sleeper or you are worried the mattress will be too firm, we recommend adding the Allswell down alternative mattress pad to your order. You'll still spend less than $500 if you buy the Queen size mattress and pad.

But you won't need to buy a cooling pad. The Allswell innerspring mattress sleeps cool thanks to the ventilation-boosting pocket coils and copper and gel-infused memory foam.

The Allswell mattress comes with a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.


2. Best Temperature Regulation: Classic Brands Cool Gel 14-Inch Mattress

Classic Brands Cool 1.0 Ultimate Gel Memory Foam 14-Inch Bonus 2 Pillows Mattress, Queen, White

If you tend to sleep a bit hot, we recommend the Classic Brands 14″ gel memory foam mattress. It uses gel memory foam and open-cell foam to keep you cool.

Pros

  • Sleeps cool.
  • Excellent pressure relief.
  • The thick base provides plenty of support.
  • Free pillows included.

Cons

  • So-so pillows.
  • Not comfortable for stomach sleepers.

Our Review

Buying a memory foam mattress is usually a bad idea for hot sleepers. But if you love the feel of memory foam, you can still find some cool options like this budget-friendly Classic Brands 14″ mattress.

The Classic Brands mattress uses two techniques to keep temperatures down. One, it has gel memory foam in the top layer. The gel absorbs heat from your body, making you cooler.

Two, the second layer consists of open-cell support foam. It improves airflow within the mattress, which helps dissipate excess heat and keep you cool.

The Classic Brands mattress is surprisingly thick for a sub $500 mattress. Don't worry if it looks like a pancake when it's delivered; customer confirms that it expands to the full 14″.

The tall profile results in a thicker than average high-density base layer, which provides plenty of support, especially for couples and heavier folks.

So while the top two layers do sink in quite a bit, the base keeps you from bottoming out.

The Classic Brands mattress has a medium feel that's great for back sleepers weighing under 230lbs and side sleepers of any weight.

We do not recommend Classic Brands for stomach sleepers. Its plush feel won't keep your spine properly aligned. Get the Allswell mattress above instead or check out our reviews of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers.

The Classic Brands mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a standard 30-day Amazon return period.

Oh, it also comes with two free pillows, though most customers thought they were just ok.


3. Best Body Conforming: Best Price 12″ Memory Foam Mattress

12" Memory Foam Mattress-Queen

If you prefer a mattress that hugs your body, you'll love sleeping on the Best Price Mattress 12″ memory foam mattress. It is especially great for side sleepers.

Pros

  • Excellent pressure relief – great for side sleepers.
  • Supportive base.
  • Helps with back pain
  • It is backed by a 10-year warranty.

Cons

  • Fiberglass fire retardant under the cover – do not remove the cover.
  • It can feel a bit too warm for some sleepers.

Our Review

The cloud-like feel of this mattress comes from the two layers on top. The first layer is 1″ memory foam that wraps around your body, particularly your pressure points like your shoulders and hips.

The second layer uses extra-soft polyfoam to provide further pressure relief as you settle into the mattress. It ensures heavier folks still enjoy a nice deep hug.

A 6.5″ thick base counters the comfort layers to keep you from bottoming out.

The Best Price Mattress has a medium feel, making it a great choice for side sleepers and light & average weight back sleepers.

It's also a great choice for people with back pain. The mattress cushions your back while providing adequate support to keep the spine aligned.

Side sleepers with shoulder or hip pain also say the mattress greatly reduced or eliminated the pain.

Where the Best Price Mattress loses points is temperature regulation. The ventilated second layer helps a bit with cooling, but hot sleepers say the mattress can still feel too warm on some nights.

There's also an issue with the fire retardant used in the mattress. It's fiberglass, which can be dangerous when inhaled. Do not remove the mattress cover if the cover gets dirty or stained, spot-clean it with gentle detergent and cold water.

The Best Price Mattress comes with a 10-year warranty and a standard 30-day Amazon return period.


4. Best for Bunk Beds & Day Beds: Signature Sleep Memoir Mattress

Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Queen Size

If you are looking for a comfortable low-budget mattress for a bunk bed or day bed, we recommend the Signature Sleep Memoir mattress. The two-layered mattress provides just the right amount of firm support and soft body contouring for a good night's sleep.

Pros

  • Good support and contouring.
  • Budget price.
  • CertiPUR-US certified foam.
  • 10-year warranty.

Cons

  • May be too thick for some bunk beds.
  • Limited durability – expect it to last around five years.
  • Not ideal for hot sleepers.

Our Review

The Signature Sleep Memoir mattress has a simple two-layer design: a 4″ memory foam layer on top and an 8″ high-density base.

This combo delivers a medium-firm comfort feel that works well for most sleepers, including couples. The mattress may feel a bit firm at first, but it softens after a few nights.

Having no gel foam or open-cell foam, the Memoir mattress can feel a bit too warm for hot sleepers. If you sleep hot but still want the Memoir mattress, consider getting a cooling pad as well.

The Signature Sleep Memoir mattress can be used with ordinary beds as well as bunk beds, day beds, and trundle beds. You can even place it on a sleeper sofa to make it more comfortable for guests.

Note, however, that it may be too thick for some bunk beds. If it's a child who'll sleep on the mattress, make sure there are at least five inches between the top of the mattress and the railing. If it's less than that, get a thinner mattress.

The Signature Sleep Memoir mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.


5. Best For Sleepers of All Styles: Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress - Medium Feel - Queen

Not sure which mattress fits your comfort needs? We recommend the Linenspa memory foam hybrid mattress.

Its hybrid construction and medium feel make it a good choice for all types of sleepers.

Pros

  • Fits different sleeping styles and needs.
  • Good balance of support and pressure relief.
  • Sleeps cool.
  • Responsive – great for sex.
  • 10-year warranty.

Cons

  • Limited durability.
  • Some motion transfer.

Our Review

The Linenspa mattress is what we call a universal comfort mattress. That is, it feels comfortable for almost all types of sleepers.

To meet the comfort needs of different types of sleepers, the Linenspa balances between soft contouring and firm support.

Two foam layers on top, one of them being memory foam, provide a plush sleeping surface that hugs your body and relieves pressure points.

If you are a side sleeper, the soft foam ensures you don't wake up with a sore hip or shoulder.

As you settle into the mattress, the innerspring base holds your weight and keeps you from sinking further.

Most sleepers will experience Linenspa as a medium comfort mattress – it feels nice and plush without bottoming out.

Heavier folks may experience it as being firmer, which is good because it means you are getting the support you need.

As for cooling, the Linenspa mattress stays cool thanks to the high level of airflow within the innerspring base.

We also love how bouncy it feels. Couples will be glad for the bounciness during certain ‘physical activities.'

On the downside, the bounciness can wake you up when your partner shifts, especially if you are a light sleeper.

The Linenspa mattress comes with a 10-year warranty.


6. Best Latex: Sunrising Bedding 8″ Natural Latex Mattress

Sunrising Bedding 10 Inch Natural Latex Hybrid California King Mattress, Gel Memory Foam, Encased Pocket Coils, Medium Firm, Sleeps Cooler, CertiPUR-US Certified, 120 Night Trial, 20 Year Warranty

Latex mattresses, especially those made with natural latex, are not cheap. But we found one very affordable one, the Sunrising Bedding 8″ natural latex mattress.

Pros

  • Affordable for a natural latex mattress.
  • Provides firm support for stomach sleepers and heavier folks.
  • Sleeps cool.
  • Great for sex.
  • Backed by a 20-year warranty.

Cons

  • Not ideal for side sleepers or anyone looking for a soft mattress.

Our Review

If you don't like the mushy feel of memory foam mattresses or you find them too hot, a natural latex mattress is the best alternative.

Normally, you'd need to pay well over $1,000 for a good quality natural latex mattress. The Sunrising Bedding 8″ mattress comes in at under $500.

The reason is that cheap is that it is not all-latex. Only the top layer is. The base consists of pocket coils.

But the thin top layer is enough to give you all the benefits of sleeping on a natural latex mattress: firm support, responsive feel, and excellent temperature regulation.

The spring base provides extra support and adds to the bouncy feel of the mattress. It also maintains good airflow to keep the mattress cool.

The Sunrising mattress has a firm feel. If you are looking for a soft body-conforming mattress, this is not it. We also don't recommend it for side sleepers, as it doesn't offer adequate pressure-point relief.

The Sunrising Bedding natural latex mattress comes with a 120-night home trial and a generous 20-year warranty (latex mattresses last longer than foam mattresses).


7. Best for Back Pain Relief: LUCID Bamboo Charcoal Hybrid Mattress

LUCID 10 Inch Queen Hybrid Mattress - Bamboo Charcoal and Aloe Vera Infused Memory Foam - Moisture Wicking - Odor Reducing - CertiPUR-US Certified

For back pain, you need a medium-firm mattress that provides a balanced mix of firm support and soft comfort. The Lucid 10″ bamboo hybrid mattress is our top pick for sleepers experiencing back pain.

Pros

  • Reduces back pain.
  • Good support and pressure relief.
  • Bamboo charcoal helps with odor and moisture control.
  • Pocket coils keep the mattress cool.
  • 10-year warranty.

Cons

  • Not ideal for side sleepers.

Our Review

The Lucid bamboo charcoal mattress has a hybrid design that balances between support and comfort.

The comfort section of the mattress consists of three layers of foam: 1.5″ bamboo charcoal memory foam, 1″ Aloe Vera foam and 1″ support foam.

The bamboo charcoal in the memory foam keeps the mattress feeling and smelling fresh by absorbing moisture and odors. Aloe Vera, in the second layer of foam, adds to the overall fresh feel of the mattress.

As you settle into the foam layers, you'll hit the firm coil base. A 5.5″ layer of encased coils hold up your weight, to ensure your spine stays aligned. The coils also improve responsiveness and keep the mattress feeling cool.

The combination of the soft upper layers and the firm base ensures a good sleep posture, which reduces or even eliminates back pain.

In addition to the four-layer, the Lucid hybrid mattress also has a dedicated edge support system that ensures you get adequate support even when sleeping near the edge of the mattress.

Lucid has a medium-firm comfort feel, which is the firmness level most doctors recommend for back pain relief. But it's only ideal for back and some stomach sleepers.

If you sleep on your side, you'll find the Lucid hybrid mattress too firm for your comfort.

Lucid offers a 10-year warranty for their bamboo charcoal hybrid mattress.


8. Best Cheap Mattress: Zinus Ultima Comfort Mattress

Zinus 6 Inch Foam and Spring Mattress / CertiPUR-US Certified Foams / Mattress-in-a-Box, Queen

Looking for the cheapest good quality mattress you can get? We recommend the 6″ Zinus Ultima comfort mattress, which comes in at under $200 for the Queen size.

It's perfect for a kid's bed, as a guest mattress or as your main mattress. It's also a great choice for RVs and boats.

Pros

  • Cheap.
  • Good support and pressure relief.
  • It is made with CertiPUR-US certified foam.
  • Backed by a 10-year warranty.

Cons

  • Don't expect it to last long.
  • Some off-gassing when new.
  • Not ideal for heavy sleepers.

Our Review

You are probably thinking, how comfortable can a 6″ mattress be?

The Zinus Ultima is certainly not pillowtop comfortable, but you'll be surprised at how good it feels. It has only two layers: a 1.5″ memory foam layer and a 4.5″ high-density base.

As long as you weigh less than 230lbs, the two layers provide adequate pressure relief for your back and shoulders and support to keep your spine in the right posture.

Now, the Ultima mattress is not for all sleepers. It has a medium-firm feel that works best for stomach and back sleepers. If you are a side sleeper, look for a mattress with a softer feel.

We also do not recommend Zinus Ultima for people who weigh more than 230lbs. The 6″ thickness of the mattress is not enough to support you. The mattress may feel great at first, but it'll sag after some time.

The Zinus Ultima mattress is one of the best deals on a comfortable mattress you'll find. But check your expectations, specifically when it comes to longevity. You'll get about five years out of the Ultima mattress, which we think is worth it.

If you are using the mattress in a guest room or for occasional use in an RV or boat, it will last longer.

The Zinus Ultima mattress comes with a standard 10-year warranty.


9. Best for Pain Relief: Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress

Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams Mattress

The Dreamfoam foam mattress has a plush quilted cover that provides instant pressure and pain relief when you lie down on the bed.

We recommend the Dreamfoam mattress if you have back, hip, or shoulder pain.

Pros

  • Relieves pressure and pain.
  • Good support from the extra-thick base.
  • Sleeps cool.
  • More responsive than most foam mattresses.

Cons

  • Not ideal for those who prefer the deep hug of memory foam.

Our Review

If you are experiencing hip, back, or shoulder pain, you need a mattress that's soft enough to cushion the painful area yet firm enough to support your entire body.

The Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams mattress is perfect. It starts with a 0.75″ plush quilted cover that hugs you as soon as you lie on the mattress.

The softcover cushions the painful area from too much pressure.

As you settle into the mattress, a 2.5″ Energex foam layer provides deeper contouring a well as support.

Energex foam is a type of foam with the body-conforming ability of memory foam and the responsiveness of latex foam. It keeps you from feeling stuck in the bed and makes it easier to change sleeping positions and get in and out of bed, which is helpful if you have an aching back or hip.

Another advantage of Energex foam is that it doesn't trap as much heat as memory foam, so you won't get overheated. To ensure you sleep, the Dreamfoam mattress contains a cooling gel that draws heat away from your body.

The high-density foam base of the Dreamfoam mattress is extra-thick at 7.5″. This allows it to provide adequate support even for heavier folks. It also improves the lifespan of the mattress.

The Dreamfoam Arctic Dreams mattress has a medium-firm comfort feel. It's a great choice for back and stomach sleepers. It's also good for sleepers weighing more than 230lbs.

The Dreamfoam mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty.


10. Best Comfort: TUFT & NEEDLE Adaptive Foam Mattress

TUFT & NEEDLE Original Mattress - Queen

With advances in materials and manufacturing, memory foam is no longer the only choice when you are looking for a comfortable mattress. The Tuft & Needle mattress uses a proprietary type of foam that provides better support than memory foam, hugs your body, and sleeps cool.

Pros

  • Great support and pressure-point relief.
  • Sleeps cool.
  • 10-year warranty.
  • 100-night trial.

Cons

  • Too firm for side sleepers.

Our Review

Most people looking for a comfortable mattress automatically think of memory foam. While memory foam mattresses are comfortable, they have their downsides. They tend to sleep hot, they don't provide adequate support for some sleepers, and some people find them uncomfortably mushy.

The Tuft & Needle mattress incorporates all the advantages of memory foam with none of its downsides.

The secret is the proprietary T&N Adaptive foam in the first layer. It's an open-cell structure foam design that adapts to your body weight and sleeping position.

It feels soft enough to hug your pressure points but retains enough firmness to keep you supported. It also feels more responsive than memory foam, so you don't feel like you are stuck in the bed.

The T&N Adaptive foam is also great if you sleep hot. It doesn't trap heat like memory foam.

Under the T&N Adaptive foam is the base, a 5.5″ layer of high-density foam that provides overall support and ensures longevity.

The two layers are wrapped in a cool and breathable softcover.

The Tuft & Needle has a universal comfort medium-firm feel. It's mostly ideal for back and stomach sleepers.

For side sleepers, we recommend a good old memory foam mattress. Tuft & Needle doesn't quite cushion your hips and shoulders as well as memory foam. See our reviews of the best mattresses for side sleepers.

The Tuft & Needle mattress comes with a 100-night trial period and a 10-year warranty.


Buying Guide: What To Look For In The $500 Range

Signature Sleep Memoir 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress, Queen Size

You are probably expecting to find thin and uncomfortable mattresses that reek of chemicals when shopping for a sub $500 mattress.

You'll indeed find some terrible options. But there are some great ones as well, as long as you know what to look for.

Here's what to consider and expect when you are looking to spend less than $500 on a mattress.

Type of Mattress

You'll find two types of mattresses in this price range: innerspring and foam mattresses. That's because these are the cheapest mattresses to manufacture.

Innerspring mattresses consist of a thin layer of foam at the top and a thick base of coils. Choose an innerspring mattress if you weigh more than 230lbs, you are a hot sleeper, or you sleep on your back or stomach.

Innerspring mattresses have great support and good airflow that keeps the mattress cool.

On the downside, an innerspring mattress can be a bit too bouncy for your liking. This is especially a problem if your partner turns and tosses a lot at night. You might be awakened by their movements.

Foam mattresses under $500 typically consist of a thin layer of memory foam on top and a thick base made with high-density polyfoam, which is cheaper than memory foam.

Get a foam mattress if you like a mattress that's softer and has a deeper hug. But beware of overheating foam mattresses.

If you get a memory foam mattress, make sure it's one with cooling gel, graphite, open-cell foam, or some other cooling technique/material.

A foam mattress is great if you sleep lightly and are easily awakened by your partner's movement. The foam absorbs motion well, ensuring you sleep peacefully.

Comfort & Firmness

There are many comfortable mattresses for under $500, so don't settle for a terrible mattress simply because you are on a budget.

The most important thing is to choose the right firmness level. If you sleep on your back or stomach, get a medium-firm or firm mattress. If you sleep mostly on your side, you'll need a soft or medium mattress that'll hug your side.

Also, consider your weight. The heavier you are, the firmer the mattress you should get.

When looking for a comfortable mattress, check how thick the comfort layers are. These are the layers above the mattress base. A comfort section that's at least 2″ thick is ideal regardless of your sleeping position.

Temperature Regulation

If you sleep hot, consider buying a latex or innerspring mattress. These mattresses have the best temperature regulation.

If you prefer a foam mattress, look for one that has gel foam, open-cell foam, or copper-infused foam. A breathable cover is also important for keeping the mattress cool.

Fire Retardant

One of the most common complaints we have seen regarding budget mattresses is fiberglass under the cover.

The problem, however, is usually with the owners of those mattresses, not the mattresses themselves.

Many budget mattresses use fiberglass as a fire retardant. They'll put a strict warning on the cover that it should not be removed. But some people still go ahead and do it, and they end up having to throw out their bedding and clothes.

If you are worried about the mattress cover getting dirty, get a mattress protector. But do not remove or wash the mattress cover unless the manufacturer says it is safe to do so.

Longevity

Longevity is where you'll find the biggest difference between budget and pricier mattresses.

A $1,000 mattress like Casper will last 8-10 years. A sub $500 foam or innerspring mattress will last 5-7 years.

Because budget mattresses use lower density foam, they tend to sag sooner than premium mattresses.


Final Verdict: Which Is The Best Mattress Under $500?

Linenspa 10 Inch Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress - Medium Feel - Queen

In our opinion, the Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress is the best mattress under $500. It is very affordable and fits the comfort needs of most sleepers.


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