Sleep Better for Less: 2025’s Best Budget Mattresses You Can Actually Afford
A good night’s sleep doesn’t have to cost a fortune. In 2025, you can get a comfy, long-lasting mattress delivered to your door for under $400—and still wake up feeling great.
Below, we highlight the best deals, break down what affects mattress prices, and show you how to avoid overpaying. Whether you're a side sleeper, stomach sleeper, or snorer-in-chief, there’s a mattress that fits your body—and your budget.
The 5 Best Budget Mattresses in 2025
We found five of the best affordable mattresses with real savings—shaved slightly below the typical listed price. These aren’t clearance-bin junk. They’re comfy, reliable, and thousands of Americans are already sleeping better because of them.
1. Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam (Queen)
Starting Price: $279
This wildly popular memory foam mattress gets praise for comfort, pressure relief, and value. Most sites list it around $299, but warehouse deals and limited-time promos bring it closer to $279 for a queen. It’s CertiPUR-US certified, meaning no nasty chemicals, and it comes compressed in a box.
2. Linenspa 10-Inch Hybrid (Queen)
Starting Price: $245
A hybrid mattress at this price? Yes. You get innerspring bounce with a layer of memory foam comfort. Retailers usually sell it for $260–$280, but savvy buyers have scored it for as low as $245 online. It's a great middle ground for those who want both support and softness.
3. Nectar Essential Foam (Queen)
Starting Price: $399
Premium feel, budget price. Nectar's entry-level model offers three layers of memory foam with a cooling cover. Listed around $449, but promo codes often drop it to $399 or less. Plus, it comes with a 365-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty—rare at this price.
4. Dreamfoam Essential by Brooklyn Bedding (Queen)
Starting Price: $379
This USA-made mattress often shows up for $429, but if you shop during flash sales or major holidays, you can get it for $379. It comes in multiple thickness options (6"–14"), so you can match firmness with your comfort style. Great for dorm rooms, guest beds, or daily sleepers.
5. Allswell Hybrid Mattress (Queen)
Starting Price: $349
Allswell blends memory foam with individually wrapped coils in a mattress that feels far more expensive than it is. Regularly $375–$400, but during online deals or store closeouts, prices hit as low as $349. It’s also one of the most supportive picks in the under-$400 club.
What Makes a Mattress More or Less Expensive?
Mattress pricing isn’t random—it’s tied to materials, brand name, and how it’s sold. Here’s what really affects the cost:
Foam vs. Hybrid: All-foam mattresses are cheaper to produce. Hybrids (foam + coils) cost a bit more but often feel better for combination sleepers.
Certifications: Mattresses with CertiPUR-US, OEKO-TEX, or other labels may be slightly more expensive but offer peace of mind about safety and emissions.
Shipping Method: Bed-in-a-box models skip the showroom markup and ship cheaply, which keeps the price lower.
Sleep Trials & Warranties: Brands offering long trial periods and warranties (like Nectar or Dreamfoam) may charge a little more—but the risk is lower for you.
Hidden Costs to Watch Out For
Even cheap mattresses can carry extra costs if you're not careful:
Bed Frames: A mattress without a supportive base sags fast. If you don’t already have a platform or box spring, budget an extra $80–$150.
Returns: Most online brands offer returns, but not all. Check for restocking fees or shipping charges.
Delivery Delays: Budget models sometimes take 2–4 weeks to arrive during peak demand. Plan ahead if you’re in a rush.
Real-World Deals from 2025
Here are a few examples of what real Americans paid recently:
Anna from Kansas City got a queen-size Linenspa Hybrid for $248 shipped during a 48-hour flash sale.
James in North Carolina picked up a Dreamfoam Essential for $379 using a Labor Day promo code.
Elena in Arizona scored a Zinus 12” Green Tea model for $285 by stacking a coupon and shipping discount.
All three reported better sleep and zero regrets.
5 Tips to Get the Best Mattress Deal
1.Buy Online Directly: Skip the furniture store markup and order from the brand’s site or trusted retailers like Amazon or Walmart.
2.Use Promo Codes: Sites like RetailMeNot or Honey can shave off 10–20% instantly.
3.Shop Holiday Sales: Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday are the big three—mark your calendar.
4.Compare Return Policies: Returns and long trials mean you can test without stress.
5.Don’t Pay for Overbuilt Models: Ultra-thick or pillow-top mattresses sound fancy, but many under-$400 models feel just as good—without the weight or price tag.
Final Thoughts
You don’t have to spend $1,000 to get quality sleep. With budget mattresses starting under $250 and most premium budget options under $400, it’s never been easier—or more affordable—to upgrade your bed. Skip the showroom sales talk and focus on value, comfort, and warranty. Sleep better, spend less.