Best mattress under 500
Luxurious mattresses made with top-notch materials cost up to $4,000 — and they are usually worth the money. But the good news is that you don’t actually need to spend this much to buy a comfortable product. The truth is: it's 100% possible to find a high-quality mattress within your price range even if it's under $500. Here, you'll find 10 great mattresses priced under $500 sorted by the most popular categories — all of them have the highest customer ratings and neither of them will disappoint you in terms of comfort and quality.
Best affordable mattress: Koala’s top-10
| Name | Ashley Furniture Chime 8 Inch Memory Foam | Linenspa 10 Inch Latex Hybrid Mattress | IKEA Hesstun (Medium Firm) | Zinus Pressure Relief Extra Firm iCoil® Hybrid Twin Mattress | Perfect Cloud’s Basics Mattress | Sweetnight Sunkiss | LUCID 10 inch Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress | LUCID 14 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress | Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Twin Mattress | Dreamfoam Elements Latex |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mattress type | Memory foam | Latex | Innerspring | Innerspring | Memory foam | Memory foam | Memory foam | Memory foam | Memory foam | Latex |
| Briefly about | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 8 inches Trial and Warranty: No trial/ 10-year non-prorated warranty You may like it because: It has both firm and soft characteristics and it's just "right". It's comfortable and very supportive. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-night free trial/ 10-year limited warranty You may like it because: Linenspa is one of the biggest affordable mattress brands. Also, this mattress is cheaper than natural latex mattresses but it is still 100% comfortable. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 12.5 inches Trial and Warranty: No trial/25-year Limited Warranty You may like it because: High-resilience foam allows you to relax properly, and a layer of soft filling adds a lot of comfort. | Firmness: Firm Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-night trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: It's surely the best affordable mattress for those who are looking for a firm product that is comfortable at the same time. It's also a good choice for those who sweat at night. | Firmness: Soft Thickness: 8 inches Trial and Warranty: 120-day trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: It’s one of the softest mattresses under $500 but it’s also supportive enough to provide you with proper spinal alignment. There is also a cooling layer here. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-days trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: Its firmness level is a golden mean — most users describe it as 6/10, which means it’s the right choice for those who prefer extra support. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty: No trial/10 year warranty You may like it because: That's what is usually called "good value-for-money". This mattress is ventilated and it has a great breathable cover. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 14 inches Trial and Warranty: No trial/10 year warranty You may like it because: It’s one of the thickest options for the money. Ventilated gel layer and bamboo charcoal support foam provide that supportive feel. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 8 inches Trial and Warranty: 100-night trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: Both memory foam and fabric are designed to keep you cool. This mattress will work great for all sleeping positions. | Firmness: Medium Thickness: 10 inches Trial and Warranty:120-day trial/10-year warranty You may like it because: This mattress is cool, very comfortable, and it has a very reasonable price. |
| Price for Twin size | $180 | $200 | $479 | $217 | $230 | $318 | $179.99 | $349 | $198 | $319 |
| Price for Queen size | $239 | $300 | $499 | $349 | $349 | $438 | $300; Price for King - $369 | $549 | $289 | $559 |
| Koala’s award | Best memory foam mattress | Best latex mattress | Best innerspring mattress | Best firm mattress | Best soft mattress | Best Queen mattress | Best King mattress | Best twin mattress | Best cooling mattress | Best mattress for allergies |
Ashley Furniture Chime 8 inch memory foam mattress overview: Best memory foam mattress
It's an 8-inch mattress with a memory foam layer that delivers support and comfort. It's not too soft — the manufacturer quotes the "medium" comfort level, so this product will work best for those who are looking for something both soft and firm. It is specifically engineered to provide its owner with perfectly balanced density and good lifespan: the polyurethane 6-inch core makes the mattress more solid, supportive, and more resistant to sagging, which prolongs its durability.
It comes rolled in a box, so you should give this mattress some time to inflate and only then try it. We should also mention that Ashley Furniture Chime mattress is made of hypoallergenic materials, which may be important for some of our readers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Both firm and comfortable, perfect if you need a supportive mattress
- Outstanding pressure relief
- Allows to reduce motion transfer
- It’s lightweight and easy to unfold
- Easy to set up
- Compatible with all mattress bases (adjustable bed, foundation, traditional, platform, and even floor)
Cons
- Some users say it’s too firm for them and their children
- When you open the box, it might smell a bit musty
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Zinus Memory Foam Queen Mattress | Best Price 10 inch Memory Foam | ARCTIC DREAMS Cooling Gel Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $151 | $224 | $223 |
| Queen price | $205 | $343 | $360 |
Linenspa 10 Inch latex hybrid mattress overview: Best latex mattress
This 10-inch latex hybrid mattress can not be called too plush — it provides a medium-firm feel and supportive experience, which means it's a perfect universal mattress for all sleep styles. It's made of latex foam with individually encased coils, which provides enough support, and 4 layers of foam and latex which grants a great pressure relief. It does have a bouncing effect, but it is statistically rather a useful feature than a bothering one according to the reviews of customers - it will help you to easily change your positions.
It may take up to 48 hours to inflate, so be ready to wait a bit before you can start to use your Linenspa mattress.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very good price for a luxury mattress
- Combines the support of a traditional mattress with plush feeling
- Great for all sleep styles
- Good option for toddlers
- 10-year warranty
- The mattress doesn’t retain heat
Cons
- The latex layer is not too thick (it's a 10-inch mattress with 7 inches of springs which leaves only 3 inches for latex layers). But it's still one of the best options for the money
- For some users, it’s too bouncy
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Lucid 12 Inch Latex Hybrid | PlushBeds Latex Mattress | Zinus Pressure Relief Gel Memory Foam Hybride Mattres |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $280 | $349 | $335 |
| Queen price | $430 | $449 | $335 |
IKEA Hesstun overview: Best innerspring mattress
This 12.5-inch mattress is perfect for those who prefer mattresses that are more on the soft side (even its "medium firm" version is quite soft). It's an innerspring mattress with two layers of individually wrapped steel coils, so it's perfect for couples as it provides a good motion isolation. The layers with springs are of different sizes, which is a unique option that gives twice as much resilience and comfort for fans of traditional mattresses.
This mattress comes non-rolled, and some people may consider it inconvenient because the transportation may be troublesome. However, the customers who are going to buy this mattress will be able to sleep on it within a few hours after it’s delivered.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 1-time exchange within a year
- A comfortable and supportive mattress
- Two layers of pocketed springs
- Thick layer of foam for proper pressure relief
- Perfect for those who prefer soft mattresses
- Provides enough heat regulation
Cons
- Not the most durable product
- If used by two plus-size sleepers, the mattress might sink in
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Zinus Pressure Relief iCoil Full Mattress | Serta SleepTrue Malloy |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $249 | $399 |
| Queen price | $336 | $399 |
Zinus Pressure Relief Extra Firm iCoil hybrid mattress overview: Best firm mattress
This 10-inch mattress is one of the best options for those who want something extra firm and supportive. The composition is: micro fiber, comfort foam layer, high-density foam layer, and pocketed springs. It is interesting that Zinu claim that they’ve put 10% more coils into this mattress, which means that the customers who choose this option will get a very supportive sleep surface. This, however, does not mean that this Koala’s best firm mattress will cause sleepers a back pain: the two foam layers are cushioning and pressure relieving.
Pros and cons
Pros
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Perfect for those who want an extra firm mattress under $500
- They offer free shipping
- This hybrid mattress is great for stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers
- It absorbs motion pretty well
- Very easy to unbox and unwrap
Cons
- Not the best option for those who are looking for a plush mattress
- The sides are not that firm
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Marley 12" Cooling Gel Memory Foam | Shiloh 12" Memory Foam |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $248 | $303 |
| Queen price | $399 | $413 |
Perfect Cloud’s Basics mattress overview: Best soft mattress
This is an 8-inch memory foam mattress with an extremely soft top layer. It’s cooling gel infused memory foam layer will pull heat away from your body and viscoelastic construction will contour your body shape. The manufacturers took care of not only the inside layers, but the outlook as well. Perfect Cloud’s Basics Mattress comes with a luxuruous premium textile stretch knit cover, so once you lay on it, you will feel not only that cushioning all lovers of soft mattresses adore, but also the satisfying touch of a premium fabric on top.
If you are searching for a very soft mattress you just can’t miss this Perfect Cloud’s product.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very supportive and very soft
- Viscoelastic construction works great for all sleeping styles
- The cooling gel makes this product perfect for hot sleepers
- Designed in the United States and backed by 10-year warranty
Cons
- For some users, this mattress feels too soft (that's ok, what's too firm to one may be too soft to another)
- The edges are too soft and don’t provide enough support, so you may roll out of the bed if sleep closely to the edges
- This mattress tends to start sinking fast
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Novilla Bliss | Zinus Pressure Relief Mattress |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $210 | $200 |
| Queen price | $340 | $279 |
SweetNight Sunkiss mattress overview: Best Queen mattress
Choosing this flippable mattress means choosing two sleeping bases simultaneously. One side of this mattress is softer, the other one is more firm — so it's really a good choice for those who don't have any preference on firmness and for those who just want to get a great Queen mattress under $500. Sweetnight Sunkiss mattress provides back pain relief and coolness for stomach and back sleepers who should try the firmer side, and pressure relief, and cushioning for side sleepers who most likely choose the softer gel memory foam side.
The high-density poly-foam layer will provide you with enough support - if you prefer softer mattresses - and it is almost the same firm as its firm HD poly foam side. It is not recommended for heavy sleepers, though: they may find themselves feeling “trapped” when sleeping because this SweetNight mattress is not firm and bouncing enough.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Perfect for those who suffer from back pain (firm side) and for those who just want to find a soft mattress (soft side)
- Easy to install and to flip over
- Adapts to your sleeping style
- Provides cooling effect
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
- Emits chemical odor when new
- May be not bouncy enough for some sleepers
- Some users say that the firm side is too firm
- According to the reviews, the firm side doesn’t get softer with time
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Mellow LAGOM Hybrid with Foam Encasing Pocket Spring | SweetNight Breeze |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $348 | $288 |
| Queen price | $552 | $478 |
LUCID 10 inch plush gel memory foam mattress overview: Best King mattress
This mattress is among the best options to buy if you’re looking for a King size under $500 that will provide you with a firm enough sleeping surface, good breathability, and that nice cushioning feeling some people like. It's perfect for side and back sleepers, as well as for those who suffer from back pain — thanks to its memory foam layer, this mattress is very soft and comfortable, but customers often say that this mattress is much firmer than they expected. It is also not very bouncy, which means you may experience it a bit difficult to change your position because of the memory foam upper layer.
Pros and cons
Pros
- You won't sink in this mattress (not more than 1/2-1 inch)
- Almost no bad odor, even when new
- Low concentrations of volatile organic compounds and no PBDEs, so it's a good choice for children
- Great for side sleepers as it doesn’t create disturbing pressure points
Cons
- Not the best edge support
- According to some reviews, it’s not really waterproof, and even special waterproof protectors can't help
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Linenspa 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress | IKEA MATRAND |
|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $295.85 | $249 |
| Queen price | $400 | $499 |
LUCID 14 inch gel memory foam mattress overview: Best twin mattress
This is a thick, 14-inch mattress of medium firmness that feels and looks like a memory foam classic. There is a ventilated layer (for a good breathability), a charcoal-infused support foam (which will keep your mattress fresh and odorless), and a plush top layer, and they will work for your comfortable night’s sleep every day for 7-10 years. It's a perfect option for back, side, and stomach sleepers, as well as for hot sleepers.
It still has some drawbacks though: this mattress is not as soft as customers usually expect, and it is one of the most expensive mattresses on our list. But, it costs every penny you spend, if you value its pros more than its cons.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Works great with adjustable bases
- Gel memory foam responds better than traditional foam
- CertiPUR US certified memory foam
- Provides pressure relief thanks to the gel layer
- Great breathability
- Provides stability and support
- No strong chemical odor
Cons
- Not all types of bases are recommended by a manufacturer
- Not the most durable product
- Not the most plush mattress in the world, a bit more to the firm side
- A bit more expensive than other mattresses on this list
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Perfect Cloud Atlas | Sweetnight Ocean Blue | Marshmallow 12" Memory Foam Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $300 | $248 | $276 |
| Queen price | $450 | $358 | $425 |
Zinus Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress overview: Best cooling mattress
This 8-inch cooling mattress is very lightweight (only 26.5 lb), which means you will be able to set it up easily and without calling several friends to ask for help. It’s also a great choice for you if you usually wake up sweating - as the name of this mattress suggests, it provides the sleeper(s) with a fresh cooling feeling with its gel-infused top foam layer and the channels between the three other layers of memory foam made for proper breathability.
If you prefer classic all-foam very soft mattresses and usually sleep on your side, we recommend you taking into consideration this option.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 100% memory foam mattress for fans of this type
- Channels in foam layers that allow for air to escape
- Very affordable price for such a high-quality cooling mattress
- The cooling gel part really works — if you're a hot sleeper, you'll feel it
- It's comfortable and not too firm
Cons
- It can significantly sink with time
- Not all users like Zinus customer service
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Zinus Cooling Green Tea Mattress | Dreamfoam Chill Memory Foam 8" | Mellow EIRA Quilted Top Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $187 | $200 | $179 |
| Queen price | $271 | $320 | $263 |
DreamFoam Elements latex mattress overview: Best mattress for allergies
It's a great choice for almost all allergy sufferers — many people are allergic to mold and dust, and if you are one of them, you’ll have no such problems with this mattress. However, if you are allergic to latex, you should try other hypoallergenic mattresses (according to the statistics, latex allergy is one of the rarest allergies in the USA).
Under the top foam layer of this mattress, there is a Talalay latex layer, which is the pride of the DreamFoam company, as the process of getting this soft, natural, and unique type of latex is pretty difficult and long, which makes Talalay latex mattresses quite expensive. Luckily, this very mattress can be called affordable.
You should know that DreamFoam Elements latex mattress appeared on our top because of the discount - its regular Queen price is $699, and $559.20 during a sale.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It's very supportive
- Cheaper than other latex mattresses
- Easy to unpack
- It has a cooling layer
- Contains Oeko-Tex Class 1 certified Talalay latex
Cons
- Some users say that it's too firm
- Its regular price for Queen size is above $500
Other similar mattresses for your choice:
| Name | Mellow LAGOM Hybrid 10" | Sweetnight Ocean Blue | Lucid 10 inch Plush Memory Foam Mattress |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twin price | $300 | $248 | $190 |
| Queen price | $456 | $358 | $299 |
Choosing the best budget mattress: Factors to consider
These are points you should take into consideration when choosing your best mattress. If you need a more detailed guide on how to choose a mattress right for you - we have one!
| # | Description |
|---|---|
| Mattress type/ material | Innerspring mattresses (the ones with steel coils) are cheaper but not as durable as other types, and they are not the quietest type of mattress. Memory foam mattresses are very supportive, they work best for people who suffer from back pain, and they offer very soft cushioning. Latex mattresses offer pressure relief and retain less heat than other mattress types (except for gel ones). Hybrid mattresses combine several benefits of the above mentioned materials but they are more expensive. Choose your best option! |
| Size | The smallest size adults can comfortably sleep on is called "twin" — it's perfect for people who are shorter than average, but it works much better for children. Full size mattresses are wider (+15 inches) compared to a twin (and adults can pay attention to this size if they sleep without a partner). Queen and King mattresses are much bigger (60x80 inches and 76x80 inches). |
| Firmness | There are soft, medium, and firm mattresses, and firmness is actually one of the most subjective things in the world. If you like it soft, choose plush/soft mattresses, if you like it firm (and want to feel more support), choose the firm ones. If you are not sure, medium-firm mattresses are what you need. |
| Thickness | If your price range is under $500, you have two options: 8-12 inches (standard) and 12-16 inches (thick). Thick mattresses work best for plus-size sleepers, as well as for people with arthritis. Standard size is perfect for people with back pain and for those who weigh less than 130 pounds. |
| Sleeping style | Sleep on your side? Choose a soft mattress. If you are a back sleeper, a firmer mattress will work great for you. If you are a stomach sleeper, try a medium-firm one. |
| Noise | Noisy mattresses aren’t a good choice. To choose the quietest one, find a quiet bed base (not a metal one) and focus on mattresses without springs (latex, memory foam). |
| Durability | Want your mattress to last as long as possible? Choose a 100% latex mattress — they last 9-13 years on average. Memory foam products last 7-11 years and innerspring ones last approximately 7-10 years. |
| Trial and warranty | If there is a trial period, you can test the mattress and return it if you don’t like it. Warranties range from 5 years to lifetime but 10-20 years will be enough: one should replace the mattress every 7-10 years or even less. |
Conclusion
Top of the best mattresses under 500 can be very long, but we tried to limit ourselves with the best options for each mattress type. Our job is 100% done if at least one of the suggested mattresses seems great for you! Scroll up to see the table with the top again, save this page if you like it, and please feel free to come back to Koala to see more ratings and useful recommendations!
FAQ
What is the best mattress for back pain on a budget under 500?
Lucid 10 inch Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress is the best affordable mattress for those who suffer from back pain — it's supportive, soft, and very comfortable.
What if I get a cheap mattress with a high-quality mattress topper?
If your mattress is old, a high-quality topper will not really help. What's more, the best toppers cost up to $200-$300, and it's possible to find an affordable high-quality mattress that will really improve your sleep quality for the money.
What is the best gel foam mattress under 500?
The mattress you're looking for is Lucid 10-inch Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress — it's cool, it has a ventilated design, high-quality cover, and it's comfortable.
What’s the best full mattress under 500?
Zinus Pressure Relief Pillow Top Hybrid Full Mattress is surely the best full mattress under $500. It's supportive, comfy, pressure-relieving, and hypoallergenic.
How to choose a cheap good quality mattress right for me?
Choose the right firmness, size, and thickness. Choose the right mattress type — say, if you want to buy a quiet product, innerspring mattresses will not be the best choice but if you want to save money, they are what you need. Check if there is a trial period and warranty. And read as many reviews as possible!
