The Zinus SmartBase series consists of affordable bed frames and foundations
What's In This Zinus SmartBase Review?
In this detailed review, we compare the different Zinus SmartBase foundations and recommend the best one for different kinds of situations
Zinus SmartBase Mattress Foundation Options
All these foundations are based on the Zinus SmartBase frame, which is a frame that combines the support of a box spring with the sturdiness and durability of a steel frame.
The Zinus SmartBase bed frame allows you to place your mattress directly on the foundation without having to buy a box spring.
Currently, Zinus sells six SmartBase foundations.
- SmartBase Zero Assembly
- SmartBase Heavy Duty
- SmartBase Mattress Foundation with Headboard
- SmartBase® Super Heavy Duty
- SmartBase® Low Profile
SmartBase Zero Assembly
Easiest to assemble
Clearance:
13”Price (queen):
$143Warranty:
5 years
SmartBase Heavy Duty
Best for most people
Clearance:
15” / 17”Price (queen):
$179 / $165Warranty:
5 years
SmartBase with Headboard
Best with headboard
Clearance:
13”Price (queen):
$209Warranty:
5 years
SmartBase Super Heavy Duty
Best for overweight people
Clearance:
13”Price (queen):
$194Warranty:
5 years
SmartBase Low Profile
Best low profile
Clearance:
4”Price (queen):
$145Warranty:
5 years
Let’s look at each SmartBase foundation
Easiest to Assemble: SmartBase Zero Assembly
If you want to spend as little time and effort as possible setting up a bed frame, we recommend the SmartBase Zero Assembly foundation.
You don't need any help to set it up. Even older customers say they had no trouble setting it up.
All you need to do is unfold the legs on each half of the foundation, then tighten the wingnuts. Connect the two halves of the base, and you are done.
If you live alone, are a senior, or don't have the strength to handle a heavy bed frame, the SmartBase Zero Assembly foundation is the best choice.
It provides the same benefits as other SmartBase frames. It’s extra-sturdy. It won’t buckle or squeak under the weight of a heavy mattress.
It includes a metal wire platform that saves you the trouble and cost of buying a box spring separately.
You also get 13” of under-bed clearance for storage.
The Zero Assembly SmartBase includes plastic leg caps to protect your floor, as well as recessed corner legs to protect your toes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Easy and fast assembly.
- Sturdy support.
- One of the cheaper SmartBase foundations.
- No box spring is needed.
- Under-bed storage.
Cons
- Center legs are not recessed – watch your toes.
Best for Most People: Zinus SmartBase Heavy Duty
If you are looking for a sturdy foundation, durable, easy to set up, doesn't require a box spring and provides loads of under-bed storage space, the Zinus SmartBase heavy-duty foundation ticks all those boxes.
The steel frame of the foundation is designed to hold up all kinds of sleepers, regardless of weight. It also offers excellent support, including center support, for heavy latex, memory foam and pocket coil mattresses.
Closely spaced wires on the frame eliminate the need for a box spring. You can place your mattress directly on the foundation.
Without a box spring, the Zinus heavy-duty SmartBase offers loads of under-bed storage.
The foundation comes in two height options: 16” and 18”. The 16-inch version has 15” of under-bed clearance, while the 18” version offers 17” of storage.
That’s high enough to store boxes under the bed.
Additional features include plastic caps to protect the floor and recessed legs both at the corners and center to prevent toe stubbing.
Similar to other Zinus SmartBase foundations, setup is easy and requires no tools.
Pros
- Plenty of under-bed storage.
- Excellent support.
- No box spring is needed.
- Recessed legs.
- Plastic caps on legs.
Cons
- One of the more expensive SmartBase foundations.
Best With Headboard: SmartBase Mattress Foundation with Headboard
You can add a headboard to any Zinus SmartBase foundation. But if you don't want the hassle of buying a headboard separately, Zinus offers a combined option.
The SmartBase foundation with headboard is a bit pricey, but you get to fully set up your bed immediately.
The headboard has the same modern minimalist design as the foundation. If it’s not the style you are looking for, buy one of the other SmartBase foundations and then buy your own headboard.
The foundation itself is pretty similar to other SmartBase bed frames. It offers plenty of support for all kinds of mattresses, and it includes center support.
It works great without a box spring since it includes a metal wire platform.
The 13” Clearance is a bit smaller than the SmartBase heavy duty but still high enough that you can store sizable boxes under the bed.
Setup is easy. You don't need any tools, even to attach the headboard.
One other thing; the headboard is height-adjustable. You can raise or lower it to suit your preferred style and mattress height.
Pros
- Includes height-adjustable headboard.
- Tool-free assembly.
- No box spring is needed.
- Great support.
- Decent under-bed storage.
Cons
- Pricey compared to no-headboard foundations.
- Not all legs are recessed – no toe stubbing protection.
Best for Overweight People: SmartBase Super Heavy Duty
If you weigh more than 230lbs, you likely sleep on a thick and heavy mattress. You need a foundation sturdy enough to support your weight and that of the mattress, especially if you sleep with your partner.
The SmartBase Super Heavy Duty is designed to offer extra support. The twin and twin XL sizes can support up to 2200lbs of weight, while the other sizes can support up to 4400lbs of weight.
If you compare the SmartBase Super Heavy Duty with other SmartBase foundations, you’ll notice that this one has plenty of extra reinforcements around the frame. Even the platform uses thicker wire to provide sturdier support to the mattress.
The Super Heavy Duty is not just great for plus-size sleepers; it’s also an excellent option for couples who want a foundation that’s guaranteed to last a long time.
Being heavy-duty, this SmartBase foundation is a bit heavier than the others. But you can still set it up yourself without any tools. Most people took 10-20 minutes to assemble it.
When fully assembled, the SmartBase Super Heavy Duty provides about 13 inches of under-bed storage. High enough to fit boxes and low enough that you can easily get in and out of bed.
Pros
- Heavy-duty support.
- Easy, tool-free assembly.
- Under-bed storage.
- No box spring is required.
Cons
- More expensive than the other SmartBase foundations.
- Not all legs are recessed.
Best Low Profile: SmartBase Low Profile
Low-profile foundations have two advantages: it’s easier to get in and out of bed, and they accommodate taller mattresses.
The SmartBase Low Profile foundation is only 5 inches high. Kids, someone disabled, a senior, and anyone else will have no trouble climbing on and off the bed.
Of course, this robs you of under-bed storage. The SmartBase Low Profile only has 4 inches of clearance.
The 5” height works great with extra-tall mattresses that are 12” or thicker. You can still get in and out of bed with ease.
The foundation offers plenty of support and works perfectly without a box spring. Assembling it takes just a few minutes with no tools required.
It’s easier to stab your toe on a low foundation like this one, so it’s great that all the legs are recessed. They also include plastic caps to protect your flooring.
Pros
- Great for taller mattresses.
- Easy to get in and out of bed.
- Sturdy support.
- Recessed legs.
- No box spring is required.
Cons
- No under-bed storage.
Shipping
Zinus offers free shipping for all their SmartBase foundations.
Delivery & Setup
Free shipping is only up to your door. It’s up to you to take the SmartBase bed frame inside and set it up.
Fortunately, the foundation is delivered in a compact box, and you can easily take it inside on your own.
The foundation comes partially assembled. All you need to do is straighten the legs, hand tighten all bolts, and join the two halves of the frame (for Full and bigger sizes).
It takes about 10-20 minutes to assemble the foundation, and you don't need any tools.
If you are moving or changing your bed's location, you can easily fold up the SmartBase foundation for easier portability.
Returns & Warranty
Each SmartBase foundation comes with a 100-night trial period. Returns are free.
If you decide to keep the foundation, it’s covered by a 5-year warranty.
Final Verdict: The Zinus SmartBase is Perfect For You If…
- You are looking for an affordable and well-constructed mattress foundation.
- You want a foundation with a higher than average weight capacity – 500+lbs.
- You'd love a foundation with plenty of under-bed storage.
- You want a foundation that’s easy to set up and doesn't require a box spring.
How the Zinus SmartBase Compares
Read our reviews of other adjustable bases to see how Zinus compares to other popular adjustable bases in the market.
- Lucid L300 Adjustable Base
- Nectar Adjustable Base
- Classic Brands Adjustable Bed Base
- Nolah Adjustable Base
- Sealy Adjustable Base
- GhostBed Adjustable Base
- Leesa Adjustable Base
- Purple PowerBase
Affiliate Disclosure
Affiliate Disclosure: I may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you purchase a mattress after clicking a referral link or using a coupon code on this site. That said, all content and opinions on this site are my own and are NOT affected by these payments.
This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
*Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates.
