Finding a mattress under $300 may require more research than finding a model at a higher price-point. However, it’s certainly possible to find an affordable bed that’s both comfortable and supportive. Choosing the right mattress for your needs means taking a close look at your sleep preferences.
Our top picks include mattresses that suit a range of sleeping positions and body types, as well as beds with features that accommodate hot sleepers, couples, and kids. Each of these beds performed well in our tests when compared to mattresses outside this price range.
Read on for what to look for when shopping for a bed in this price range, including materials and what time of year you can find the best deals. We’ll also examine the pros and cons of each mattress type so you can determine the best affordable mattress for your personal sleep habits.
Find Your Perfect Mattress
We know mattresses work differently for different types of sleepers. Use the filters below to help narrow down your options for your best bed.
Read on to see why the following options made our top picks list of 2024’s best mattresses for under $300.
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
Best Overall Mattress
AmazonBasics Memory Foam Mattress – 8″ – Plush
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
If you’re shopping with a tight budget, the 8″ AmazonBasics Memory Foam Mattress – Plush gives you considerable bang for your buck. Plush comfort layers adapt to your body, while the dense support core is convoluted to circulate air throughout the interior. You won’t find many mattresses below $300 that are this thoughtfully constructed.
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Side Sleepers
Medium Soft (4)
Plush, Close-Conforming Foam
Good Airflow
Pros
- Plush comfort layers cushion the body to align the spine and reduce pressure buildup
- Convoluted base layer stabilizes the mattress and promotes steady airflow
- Excellent motion isolation for couples
Cons
- Strong off-gassing odor for the first few nights after delivery
- Indentations likely to appear after a few years of use
The AmazonBasics collection includes a handful of affordably priced all-foam mattresses ideal for guest rooms, kids, and shoppers with limited budgets. One of the most popular entries in this series is the Memory Foam Mattress – Plush, which consists of three individual layers built onto an 8-inch profile. A medium soft (4) feel with close contouring makes this model well suited to side sleepers, particularly those weighing up to 230 pounds.
Why We Like It
The mattress feels quite plush and contours deeply to the body. As such, we’re recommending it for side sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. People who use these positions and weigh more did not receive enough support from the mattress — a firmer, thicker model should be a better fit.
Motion isolation is a major strength of this mattress. Since the foam layers absorb movement so well, neither you nor your sleep partner should notice much motion transfer when the other person changes positions or gets up during the night. We also noticed above-average temperature control during our tests. We’ve attributed this to steady circulation through the convoluted base layer.
How Does It Feel?
The mattress feels quite plush and contours deeply to the body. As such, we’re recommending it for side sleepers who weigh 230 pounds or less and back and stomach sleepers under 130 pounds. People who use these positions and weigh more did not receive enough support from the mattress — a firmer, thicker model should be a better fit.
The topmost layer is composed of adaptive memory foam that softens when it comes into contact with body heat and forms a close mold around your figure’s unique curves. This cloud-like cradling effect can help align your spine and alleviate painful pressure points in the shoulders, lower back, and hips. Dense transitional foam provides additional cushioning.
The high-density base foam layer features a convoluted design similar to that of egg-crate foam toppers. This allows air to pass through the mattress interior and offset heat retention in the upper foam layers. A breathable cover made from a cotton-polyester blend encases the mattress. You can also select this mattress in 6-inch, 10-inch, and 12-inch profiles.
Most Comfortable Mattress
Ashley Chime Signature Design
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Ashley Chime Signature Design is a foam hybrid that strikes a balance between pressure-relieving foam layers and robust support from the coil system. A mid-range firmness level made this mattress comfortable for most of our testers who weigh up to 230 pounds.
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Couples
Medium (5)
Plush, Supportive Surface
Great Airflow
Pros
- Hybrid design promotes spinal alignment
- Reinforced perimeter enhances edge support
- Foam comfort system offers top-notch pressure relief
Cons
- Some back and stomach sleepers may find the mattress too soft
- The surface may not have enough bounce for couples who prefer responsiveness for sex
The Ashley Chime Signature Design Mattress has an exceptionally comfortable feel, especially considering its low price-point. The hybrid mattress has a medium (5) firmness level that successfully blends responsive coils and pressure-relieving foam.
Why We Like It
The back and stomach sleepers on our testing team who weigh up to 230 pounds particularly enjoyed this model’s support level. Our testers found that the foam layers were particularly helpful for side sleepers who were prone to aches around their hips and shoulders. The coils are individually wrapped to reduce motion transfer, which ensures that you can switch sleeping positions without disturbing your bed partner. Hot sleepers in particular will likely appreciate this mattress, as the gel-infused foam and pocketed coil core work in tandem to control temperature. The coils allow air to flow freely throughout the mattress, while the gel infusion is engineered to keep the foam layers cool.
You can purchase the Ashley Chime Signature Design Mattress in five sizes, including California king.
How Does It Feel?
High-density polyfoam is quilted directly into the mattress’ polyester cover, and the surface has a plush feel that cushions joints and relieves pressure. The gel-infused memory foam transitional layer further alleviates pressure buildup by hugging your body’s shape and absorbing impact.
The pocketed coil support core offers a slight bounce and strong support. The coils around the perimeter are higher-gauge than the center coils, which our testers found increased the mattress’ overall edge support. In total, this model measures 10 inches tall.
Best Mattress for Kids
Linenspa Innerspring
The Sleep Doctor’s Review
The Linenspa Innerspring is specifically designed to accommodate growing bodies. A low profile allows you to put the mattress in a bunk bed or other small spaces while allowing kids to get in and out of bed on their own. The firm feel also promotes spinal alignment for young kids.
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Bunk Beds
Firm (7)
Bouncy, Supportive Surface
Great Airflow
Pros
- Low-profile design fits easily in small spaces
- Excellent edge support
- Lightweight build makes it easy to move
Cons
- The mattress will most likely feel too firm for many side and back sleepers
- Kids who prefer a mattress for more cushioning may feel uncomfortable
The Linenspa Innerspring Mattress has a compact and lightweight design, making it a practical choice for kids. At 6 inches tall, it fits easily within bunk beds, RVs, boats, and other tight spaces. This innerspring model ranks as a 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale, giving it a traditional firm feel that especially suits stomach sleepers.
Why We Like It
Though this model’s construction isn’t as complex as other designs, our testing team found it to be quite durable, which is unusual for mattresses at this price-point. Our tests showed that the low-profile design and excellent edge support make the mattress a good option for stomach sleepers who sleep hot. The robust support extends around the mattress’ perimeter, allowing kids to sleep at the edge of the bed without sinking. Hot sleepers also enjoyed this model during our testing. Our tests showed that air moves easily through the mattress’ coils, allowing for very good temperature control.
How Does It Feel?
The Linenspa Innerspring has a simple design that incorporates two layers. The first is a layer of polyfoam quilted into a polyester cover. The material has a cushioning effect that keeps the surface from feeling too firm despite the bed’s strong support system. This is followed by the support core, which consists of Bonnell coils that offer consistent support across the bed’s surface.
Why You Should Trust Us
Our team of sleep product experts has tested hundreds of mattresses, examining how each one feels and performs across a variety of metrics. During the review process, members of our team try out each mattress to determine its comfort and firmness level. Our team members reflect different weight groups and sleeping preferences, which helps us ensure that our rankings represent the greatest possible population.
In addition to our sleep trials, we also put each mattress through a series of tests, measuring how well it relieves pressure, controls temperature, and isolates motion. We also inspect the mattress’ materials to better understand their quality and durability — two important factors to consider when picking an affordable mattress.
How to Choose a Mattress Under $300
The best mattress for you is one that supports you while also addressing any other needs you might have. The right mattress also falls within your budget and fits your sleep space.
“Materials and construction play a big role in a bed’s sticker price. If you’re looking for a mattress on a limited budget, try starting with foam and innerspring models. These beds offer excellent pressure relief and are often more affordable than latex and hybrid beds.”
Your Sleeping Position and Habits
To pick the best mattress, first consider your body weight and sleeper type. Stomach, back, and side sleepers all tend to prefer different firmness levels, as do people with different body types. It’s important to choose a mattress that can keep your spine evenly supported. If you sleep with a partner, make sure to also consider their needs.
Once you narrow your choices down to models that support your body type and sleeping style, think about other characteristics you might need in a mattress. For example, zoned support or lumbar pads can help address back pain, while cooling technology is designed to combat heat retention.
Firmness Level
Our firmness scale ranges from 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest mattress and 10 being the firmest. Most adults prefer a model that falls between 5 and 7, as mattresses within this range offer support and comfort for a wide range of sleepers. However, your weight, sleeper type, and personal preferences all affect which firmness level is best for you.
Side sleepers often feel pressure points beneath their hips and shoulders, so a softer mattress might be a good fit for them. Stomach sleepers require robust support, as their midsections can sink into a mattress that’s too soft. Back sleepers need a blend of cushioning and support, which a mattress with mid-range firmness can provide.
Additional Costs
Your mattress is just one component of your bedroom’s setup. You’ll also need to budget for a mattress foundation, box spring, or frame. These days, many mattresses are compatible with multiple bed base styles, but you should still make sure you know what your chosen mattress requires.
Sheets, pillows, and other bedding essentials also add to your bed’s total cost. Typically, the bigger the mattress, the more expensive the bedding. You may also want to consider a mattress topper if you’re looking to extend your current mattress’ lifespan while saving up for something more expensive.
What Affects the Price of a Mattress?
Several factors affect a mattress’ overall price-point, including the mattress type and its construction.
Mattress Type
There are several types of mattresses. Typically, you should expect to pay more for a mattress with a complex design or high-quality materials.
| Mattress Type | Starting Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Foam | $250 | All-foam mattresses have multiple layers of foam. Foam costs vary widely depending on firmness, density, and cooling infusions. These models have a relatively simple construction, so they tend to be less expensive than other mattress styles with more complex designs. |
| Latex | $1,000 | Latex is made from rubber trees and is often sustainably harvested, which increases the overall cost. The material is costly to source and manufacture, so the mattresses constructed with it are generally more expensive. |
| Hybrid | $1,000 | Hybrid mattresses have coil support cores with comfort layers on top. These beds often feature multiple layers and come in different materials that vary in price. Because of their complex designs, these types of mattresses tend to cost more than beds with simpler constructions. |
| Airbed | $2,000 | Airbeds have adjustable firmness levels, thanks to their use of inflatable air chambers. They tend to have intricate designs and usually incorporate electronic components, which can increase their overall price-point. |
| Innerspring | $250 | Innerspring mattresses have a similar construction to hybrid mattresses, and some companies even use the names interchangeably. However, certain models are more affordable than hybrids because they have fewer comfort layers |
Quality of Materials
At their most basic, mattresses include a cover, one or more comfort layers, and a support core. The quality of each of these components can vary widely depending on how they’re made. High-quality mattresses use premium materials that are durable and likely to last. Consequently, these mattresses tend to be more expensive.
While many mattresses under $300 have well-made components, a more expensive mattress may have a longer lifespan, a more intricate design, and additional features.
Mattress Construction
Some mattresses have simple constructions with just a few layers, which can help keep the price-point low. As mattress constructions get more complex, they require more materials and labor, which increases the price. Mattresses can also include other features like edge reinforcement, cooling infusions, or zoned support systems that cost more to include.
Mattress Size
Mattress prices also increase with size. You should expect to pay more for a king size mattress than a twin because a king’s larger dimensions require more materials. Bedding and accessories for larger mattresses also tend to cost more than bedding and accessories for smaller mattress dimensions. Some manufacturers have unusual, irregular, or custom sizes that also cost more to build.
Where you Buy the Mattress
Where you choose to purchase your mattress may have an effect on the overall cost. Some online retailers both manufacture and sell their mattresses, which can decrease markups and retail costs. However, this isn’t always the case, and some shoppers may prefer to try their mattress out in a brick-and-mortar store.
Shipping and Warranties
Shipping policies vary by company, with some offering free White Glove delivery and others passing shipping charges along to customers. Make sure to look into a company’s shipping information to determine if they deliver to your address. Many companies only ship within the contiguous U.S. and upcharge for deliveries to Alaska, Hawaii, or Canada.
Warranties also differ between companies, and not all manufacturers are transparent about the details. In addition to warranty length, you should check to see exactly what the warranty covers and if it’s prorated or limited. A comprehensive warranty could potentially save you money if your mattress contains a defect.
Finding the Best Deal on a Mattress
Finding a comfortable and supportive mattress under $300 can take time and effort. However, shopping strategically can help you get the best deal possible.
Shop Holiday Sales
The mattress industry holds sales regularly, and companies often offer their models at significant discounts. For the best deals, shop on major holidays such as Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Presidents Day. Companies often offer sales during the week leading up to these holidays as well.
Purchase Online
Mattress manufacturers and third-party retailers both cut down on costs by selling their mattresses online, and many companies pass on the savings to their customers. Selling their products online allows companies to forgo retail space and ship directly to consumers from their warehouses. Additionally, you can often find a wider selection of mattresses online than you can in a store.
Use Coupons and Discounts
Outside of holiday savings, you can also find discounts in the form of coupon codes, free shipping, or bundled items. Some companies also offer free accessories like bedding, pillows, or foundations with the purchase of a mattress, which can save you money.
About The Author
Staff Writer, Product Testing Team
Garen is a health and lifestyle content creator. She realized the importance of sleep when her children made getting a good night’s rest more challenging. Garen is always learning something new about the wide world of sleep and sleep products. Married with two girls, ages 7 and 11, she is a book nerd and a lover of pop music, travel, and the Pacific Northwest.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Neutral Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Wolf
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