The best king size mattress 2024: tested and reviewed by experts

Best king size mattresses: image shows the Saatva Classic hybrid mattress placed on a stylish dark wood bedframe placed in front of a log fire in a cabin
(Image credit: Saatva)

The best king size mattress can offer you a huge amount of sleep space — measuring at 76x80 inches — and its roominess means it's a great size for couples. However, it can be difficult to search for the best king size mattress, especially when you need to take budget, sleep position, body type, and support and comfort preferences into consideration when deciding if a certain king size bed is the best mattress for your sleep style. 

That’s why our team of sleep product experts have rigorously tested a wide range of king size beds to collate a concise, narrowed-down list of the very best king size mattresses of the year. In addition to our in-house test data, we have also drawn on a wider testing panel and trawled through hundreds of verified consumer reviews. 

Our top pick for the best king size mattress is the Saatva Classic, a luxurious innerspring hybrid with customisable firmness options. Plus, we've included the best budget-friendly options (with prices starting from less than $500), which are now all reduced thanks to the Labor Day mattress sales this month. Here are our recommendations for this year’s top-rated king size mattresses, as tested by our team of experts…

Best king size mattress: Quick list

The best king size mattresses, tested by experts

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Our team has tested a wide range of king size mattresses to find this year's top rated models. Not all of the mattresses we have reviewed have made it into this guide, so the following picks are our top recommendations based on in-house testing and thorough consumer research.

Best king size mattress overall

Best king size mattress image shows the Saatva Classic on a beige bedframe overlooking the ocean

(Image credit: Saatva)
America's top rated king size mattress

Specifications

Type: Innerspring hybrid
Firmness (1-10): 3, 5-7, or 8
Height: 11.5 or 14.5"
Trial: 365 nights
Shipping: Free in-home delivery; $99 returns fee
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Premium

Reasons to buy

+
Custom firmness and height
+
Cool, supportive, and responsive
+
Industry-leading perks

Reasons to avoid

-
Costs $99 to send back
-
Some motion transfer

The Saatva Classic tops our list as the best king size mattress for most people and is also our highest-rated bed overall. This innerspring hybrid is available in three firmness levels – plush soft (3), luxury firm (5-7). or firm (8) – and two height profiles (11.5 or 14.5 inches) so it can be tailored to suit nearly any type of sleeper. (The WinkBed at #4 on our list comes in four firmness levels but only a 13.5-inch height.) Inside the Saatva Classic, you'll find a dual layer of coils and a foam encasement along the perimeter for stable edges. The middle third features a thin memory foam layer coupled with a higher concentration of 14.5-gauge recycled steel coils for targeted lumbar support. Everything is capped by a luxe 3-inch Euro pillow top. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

This design yields a cool, responsive sleep surface that keeps everything well-aligned. Although it lacks the sink-in comfort of an all-foam bed, we felt the queen luxury firm Saatva Classic mattress we tested delivered outstanding pressure relief. 

Price, trial and warranty

Frequent Saatva mattress sales mean you'll hardly ever pay the MSRP, but even after discounts this mattress often remains in the premium price bracket. However, keep in mind that each Saatva Classic mattress is handmade to order in the USA and comes with a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free in-room delivery with optional mattress removal. With this bonafide all-rounder, you certainly get what you pay for. 

King size Saatva Classic: was $2,595now $2,195 at Saatva
was $2,495 now $2,121 at saatva.com

King size Saatva Classic: was $2,595 now $2,195 at Saatva
The Saatva Classic is our current pick for best mattress in the world, so it's no surprise it tops our best king mattress guide as well. Right now you can save up to $400 on all sizes of the Saatva Classic, which includes the king size and split king. You'll also get some royal extras, including a year long trial and free white glove delivery.

Best king size mattress for couples

Best king size mattress image shows the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid mattress in a light bedroom, with colorful bedding

(Image credit: DreamCloud)
A luxury king size hybrid that could save you from a sleep divorce

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Firmness (1-10): 8
Height: 14"
Trial: 365 nights
Shipping: Free shipping and returns
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Mid-range

Reasons to buy

+
Luxe feel at a mid-range price
+
Best for back and front sleepers
+
Low motion transfer

Reasons to avoid

-
Too firm for some side sleepers
-
Edge support could be better

If the premium Saatva Classic is beyond your budget, the DreamCloud is a sound alternative. The lofty, 14-inch DreamCloud is a seven-layer hybrid mattress consisting of individually-wrapped innersprings and multiple types of foam. 

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

Our hands-on experience with a twin DreamCloud mattress revealed impeccable pressure relief and robust support, particularly for those dealing with joint or back pain. It has a firmer feel that's ideal for back and stomach sleeping; side sleepers and those who are lighter will prefer something softer like the all-foam Nectar at #3 on this list.

The DreamCloud also excels at isolating motion so you and your partner are unlikely to disturb each other with your movements at night. However, we found the edges to be lacking, so be aware if you tend to roll toward the sides while sleeping or sit on the edge to get in and out of bed. (In that case, we recommend the Avocado Green at #5 on this list for its tremendous edge support.)

Price, trial and warranty

This luxury hybrid costs less than $1,000 in a king during DreamCloud mattress sales. It also comes with a one-year trial and a lifetime warranty – but minus the return fees that Saatva charges. White glove delivery is an extra $199; otherwise, the DreamCloud ships free in a box for you to unravel and set up 

King size DreamCloud: was $1,785now $835 at DreamCloud
was $1,699 now $835 at dreamcloudsleep.com

King size DreamCloud: was $1,785 now $835 at DreamCloud
Frequent mattress sales ensure you never have to pay full price on the DreamCloud, meaning you can get this luxury-feeling mattress for a bargain price. The current sale has been running for a while, and it takes up to 50% off your mattress. That brings a king down to just $835 – an excellent price for the quality of the bed, and you'll get premium extras such as a lifetime warranty and year-long trial. 

Best budget memory foam king size mattress

Best king size mattress shows the Nectar Memory Foam mattress in a bedroom

(Image credit: Nectar)
The best budget king size memory foam mattress

Specifications

Type: All-foam
Firmness (1-10): 6.5-7
Height: 12 inches
Trial: 365 nights
Shipping: Free shipping and returns
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Lower-mid

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent motion isolation
+
Balanced support for side sleepers
+
Great value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacking support for larger sleepers
-
Not particularly luxe feeling

The 12-inch Nectar mattress has three distinct foam layers, sandwiched by a sturdy foam base and a polyethylene cover that wicks away moisture. Its medium-firm feel will suit most side sleepers, offering the right balance of support and contouring to alleviate pressure on the shoulders, hips, and knees. (If you're a back or stomach sleeper and/or on the heavier side, the DreamCloud or Avocado elsewhere on this list may be a better fit.)

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

Sleep with someone who fidgets or operates on a different schedule than you do? You'll want a king size mattress with superb motion isolation. Memory foam mattresses typically shine in this area – and the Nectar is our favorite among them all. Although we tested a twin model in our Nectar mattress review, it passed our drop tests with flying colors. Nectar customers who share a bed with a partner or kids also praise its ability to dampen nearly any movement.

Price, trial and warranty

Price-wise, the Nectar is among the best values out there, especially for a mid-range mattress. Frequent Nectar mattress sales mean you can bring home a king for well under a grand. Plus, you'll get a full year to trial it at home and a lifetime warranty if you elect to keep it. While it might not have as luxe a feel as some of the other options on our list, the Nectar is still a fantastic choice for couples and families seeking restful, uninterrupted sleep. 

King Nectar Mattress: was $1,820now $849 at Nectar
was $1,399 now $899 at nectarsleep.com

King Nectar Mattress: was $1,820 now $849 at Nectar
This generous up to 50% off Nectar mattress sale has been running for a while now, and we don't think it will be going anywhere any time soon. A king is only $849 in the sale, and with a 365-night trial and forever warranty, that's a fantastic deal.

Best king size mattress for heavy people

Best king size mattress shows the WinkBed mattress on a black wooden bedframe placed in a white bedroom

(Image credit: WinkBeds)
A comfy and cool king mattress for heavy bodies

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Firmness (1-10): 4.5, 6.5, 7.5 or 8
Height: 13.5"
Trial: 120 nights
Shipping: Free shipping and returns
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Upper-mid / Premium

Reasons to buy

+
Four levels of firmness
+
Targeted support and relief
+
Very good motion isolation

Reasons to avoid

-
Only available in one height
-
Not for chronically hot sleepers 

For those who struggle with back or joint pain, the WinkBed is an excellent choice to soothe your aches. Similar to the Saatva Classic at the head of this list, the WinkBed offers four levels of firmness, including a specialized Plus version to suit heavier individuals. However, the WinkBed only comes in a standard 13.5-inch profile, unlike Saatva's variable height options.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

What makes the WinkBed our top mattress for back pain is its targeted support and pressure relief via individually wrapped, zoned coils and a top layer of gel-infused foam. The middle third has a higher concentration of springs along with an enhanced foam layer for proper alignment. 

We slept on a queen luxury firm WinkBed and never woke up with any stiffness or discomfort throughout our review period. Couples will also appreciate the WinkBed's excellent motion isolation, but its temperature regulation isn't among the best we've experienced. Hot sleepers will want to explore the Casper Wave Hybrid Snow (below) instead.

Price, trial and warranty

In terms of cost, the WinkBed sits between the premium Saatva Classic and the mid-range DreamCloud. Evergreen WinkBed sales knock $300 off, placing prices in the upper mid-range category. (However, the latex-based WinkBeds Plus is a more expensive, premium model.) A risk-free 120-night trial is included – WinkBeds has waived its $49 returns fee – as is a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.

King WinkBed mattress: was $1,999now $1,699 at WinkBeds
was £1,999 now £1,699 at winkbeds.com

King WinkBed mattress: was $1,999 now $1,699 at WinkBeds
This month, and every month, you can save $300 on The WinkBed, bringing the price of a king size mattress down to $1,699 in the evergreen sale. That's a better price than the comparable Saatva Classic, and you can choose between four firmness levels (include a Plus for heavier bodies, which is slightly more expensive at $1,899 for a king). The extras aren't as good as Saatva – you only get a 120-night trial – but if budget is a big concern then The WinkBed is a worthy competitor.

Best organic king size mattress

Best king size mattress image shows a man and a baby sitting on the Avocado Green mattress

(Image credit: Avocado Green)
The best king size mattress for greener, cleaner sleep

Specifications

Type: Latex innerspring hybrid
Firmness (1-10): 7
Height: 11"
Trial: 365 nights
Shipping: Free shipping; $99 returns fee
Warranty: 25 years
Price bracket: Premium

Reasons to buy

+
Remarkable support all-around
+
Exceptional cooling properties
+
Responsive, with low motion transfer

Reasons to avoid

-
Pricey, with a $99 returns fee
-
Can't set it up alone
-
Too firm for lightweight sleepers

If you're in the market for a king bed that's eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and built to last, consider the Avocado Green. This organic mattress excels in all key areas of performance and stands out as one of the most durable beds we've ever tested. Its three-tier construction consists of a Dunlop latex comfort layer, over 1,400 tempered steel coils arranged in five ergonomic zones, and a 100% GOTS-certified organic cotton and wool cover. (A vegan version of this mattress is also available, sans wool.)

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

The queen Avocado Green mattress we slept on for our review won us over with its firm yet bouncy feel – which made its exceptional motion isolation all the more impressive. The natural cooling abilities of Dunlop latex combined with the breathable fibers in the top cover will appeal to hot sleepers seeking relief. Edge support is also top-notch, eliminating any fear of rolling off the bed. The Avocado Green supports up to 700lbs and is among the best mattresses for heavy people, but sleepers on the lighter side might prefer something more plush.

Price, trial and warranty

The Avocado Green's premium cost reflects the quality of its organic materials, but keep an eye out for Avocado mattress sales to keep some cash in your wallet. Shipping is free but since a king Avocado mattress weighs 134lbs, you'll want to call some friends to help you set it up – or opt for in-home setup starting at $249. It also comes with a one-year trial and a 25-year warranty, but you'll have to pay a $99 returns fee if it doesn't work out. 

King size Avocado Green Mattress:was $2,699 now $2,294 at Avocado Green
was $2,699 now $2,429.10 at avocadogreenmattress.com

King size Avocado Green Mattress: was $2,699 now $2,294 at Avocado Green
Avocado mattress deals don’t come around all that often, and there's rarely a massive saving. However, there's currently 15% off the king Avocado Green in firm, saving you over $400 (last month, it was $300 off). Your purchase comes with a 365 night trial, plus a 25 year warranty.

Best cheap king size mattress under $500

Best king size mattress image shows the grey Siena Memory Foam Mattress in an orange bedroom

(Image credit: Siena Sleep)
The ideal choice for sprucing up guest bedrooms for less

Specifications

Type: All-foam
Firmness (1-10): 6.5 (we'd rate it a 9)
Height: 10"
Trial: 180 nights
Shipping: Free shipping and returns
Warranty: 10 years
Price bracket: Budget

Reasons to buy

+
Only $499, with a 180-night trial
+
Strong edges and firm support
+
Sleeps cooler than we expected

Reasons to avoid

-
Longevity is still unknown
-
Lacks a body-hugging feel

Buying a cheap mattress often means sacrificing quality, but not so with the Siena Memory Foam mattress. At $499 for a king after an evergreen $300 discount, the Siena has a build similar to its mid-range sibling, the Nectar (#3 on this list). This 10-inch mattress features three tiers of foam, a shift-resistant cover at the base, and a top cover woven with moisture-wicking polyethylene fibers.

What it's like to sleep on: review notes

Contrary to Siena's self-assessment as a medium-firm mattress, our twin test model felt much firmer – we rate it a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. It doesn't offer the body-hugging sensation you'd get from many other all-foam beds, but we think it's a great choice for back sleepers. It also makes our list of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers. We were pleasantly surprised by the excellent edge support, and though we'd sooner recommend a specialized cooling mattress for chronic overheaters, the Siena holds its own in the temperature regulation department.

Price, trial and warranty

The Siena adds to its excellent value with a 180-night trial, giving you half a year to make up your mind. A 10-year warranty is also included, which is the industry average but still great for a budget mattress. The Siena only hit the market in March 2022, so the verdict is out on how it fares after years of nightly use. However, if you're looking for a budget-friendly king mattress that performs well right out of the box, the Siena is likely to exceed your expectations.

King Siena Mattress: was $999 now $499 at Siena Sleep 
was $999 now $499 at sienasleep.com

King Siena Mattress: was $999 now $499 at Siena Sleep 
There’s a permanent 50% off Siena mattress sale, always making the Siena memory foam king size mattress an extremely budget-friendly $499. Shipping is free, so you won’t be stung by any hidden costs either. This price doesn't waver, so we're not expecting anything better  – now is an excellent time to buy.

Meet our king mattress experts

Alison Barretta
Alison Barretta

Alison is one of Tom's Guide's most experienced mattress reviewers and has tested every type of mattress you can buy online. She has slept on mattresses from Casper, Necta, Saatva, DreamCloud and others, and has extensive experience at recommending mattresses for different sleep needs and budgets.

Claire Davies, Sleep Editor
Claire Davies

Claire is Tom's Guides mattress expert and leads all sleep and mattress coverage on the website. Claire has 15 years' product testing experience under her belt and is also a Certified Sleep Science Coach, so she is best placed to help you understand how a good king size mattress can boost your sleep.

How we test

The Tom's Guide mattress review process is fully editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties. To create honest recommendations, we try out and test every mattress and award a score out of five in five key areas: pressure relief, temperature regulation, support and comfort, edge support, and durability. We also compare our own data to user reviews and other mattresses we’ve tested, so we can give you a panoramic, objective idea of what type of sleeper the bed will suit. 

To get a good idea of what a mattress is like to sleep on, our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks (roughly how long it takes for a sleeper to adjust to a brand new bed) before sharing their honest, unbiased opinion. We also perform drop tests with weights to collect concrete data in areas such as edge support and motion isolation. 

While our mattress methodology goes into more detail about our rigorous testing methods, here are some of our most important processes:

Best king size mattress: FAQs

How to choose the best king size mattress

When choosing the right king size mattress for your needs, you'll need to consider both the available space in your bedroom and who will be sleeping in there – whether it's just yourself, you and a partner, or your family, including kids and/or pets. King beds come in a variety of 'flavors' so it's important to know ahead of time which one you'll need. 

Below is a quick rundown of the dimensions of several types of standard and specialty king bed sizes. Just know that if you're buying a specialty king, bedding and accessories will be much harder to come by:

  • Standard King: 76 inches wide by 80 inches long
  • California King: 72 inches wide by 84 inches long
  • Wyoming King:  84 inches wide by 84 inches long
  • Texas King: 80 inches wide by 98 inches long
  • Alaskan King: 108 inches long by 108 inches wide

Alternatively, you can opt for a split king if you and your partner have dramatically different preferences but don't want to sleep apart. Consisting of two twin XL mattresses, a split king measures 76 inches wide by 80 inches long – the same dimensions as a standard king bed. Some brands like Saatva and DreamCloud offer split king versions of their mattresses, usually at the same price as a standard king.

Beyond that, firmness (comfort) is the most important thing to consider when shopping for a king size mattress. Generally speaking, smaller individuals and side sleepers will want a softer mattress, while those with average-to-heavy builds or those who sleep on their backs or fronts will want a firmer option. A medium-firm mattress will suit most average-sized sleepers with no particular sleep needs. Combination sleepers will want to focus on the position they drop into at night.

What other factors should you keep in mind when buying a king matteess? Ample pressure relief is key for side sleepers and those who grapple with aches and pains. Chronically hot sleepers will fare well with a mattress made from breathable materials that won't trap heat. Sturdy edge support is crucial for anyone with mobility issues or people who like to sprawl out in their sleep. Superb motion isolation is a must if you share a bed but don't want to go the split king route.

All of our mattress reviews follow a standard methodology to test all of these features, ensuring we guide you toward a bed that'll offer you a comfortable and restful night's sleep.

Should you buy a king size mattress?

A king size mattress is ideal for solo sleepers who want as much space to sprawl out as possible. It's also good for families sharing a bed with kids or pets, as well as couples who crave a wider surface than a queen provides. Check out our detailed queen vs king mattress explainer if you're torn between these two sizes. 

Among specialty king sizes, the California king is the most popular. It's slightly narrower than a standard king at 72 inches wide, but its 84-inch length will offer more comfort for sleepers over six feet. 

If your room is narrower or you're taller than six feet, consider a longer California king (72x84 inches). Meanwhile, couples with wildly different sleep preferences may want to go for a split king, which is two twin XL mattresses pushed together to create a king-sized surface. 

If you and your partner have different sleep needs or one of you tends to toss and turn at night, a split king could be your best bet for peaceful co-sleeping. Split California king beds are also available, though more rare.

The best time to buy a king mattress is in the upcoming Labor Day mattress sales this September, or November's  Black Friday mattress deals, which often roll over into December's Cyber Monday mattress deals and sales.

When is the best time to buy a king mattress? 

There are 5 key mattress sale events every year when you can buy a king size mattress for less. The first big sale is the Presidents' Day mattress deals, which occur in February. This is a good time to buy a past-season model or a bed marked as final sale (i.e. really cheap but non-returnable) as mattress brands want to get rid of their old stock after the winter sales. 

Next, Memorial Day mattress sales are your last chance to buy a mattress before bed prices increase in the summertime. Some brands, such as Saatva, reserve their big discounts for the Labor Day mattress sales in September, but we view this as a dress rehearsal for the biggest sale event of the year: Black Friday.

The Black Friday mattress deals in November offer a huge amount of savings, with brands unleashing their biggest discounts of the year. Cyber Monday mattress deals (occurring on the Monday after Black Friday) follow behind, but it’s still a good time to buy a bed for less. 

What is a reasonable price for a king mattress?

The average cost of a king-size mattress is around $1,500, compared to about $1,200 for a queen. But don't take that as gospel – as our top picks show, prices for king mattresses vary based on the quality of materials, mattress type, and even the brand. Ultimately, you'll want to shop according to your budget.

Fortunately, mattress sales take place all of the time, and with the Labor Day mattress deals just around the corner in September 2024, you're likely to score some of the year's best savings if you wait just a little bit longer to buy. In any case, if you have your sights set on a specific king mattress, it's unlikely you'll have to pay the full ticket price, especially in big holiday events such as the Labor Day and Black Friday mattress sales.


Alison Barretta
Freelance reviewer and writer

Freelance writer and editor Alison is an expert mattress tester for Tom's Guide, and hails from Philadelphia, USA. Alison has reviewed a wide range of mattresses, pillows and other sleep accessories for Tom's Guide, putting the latest hybrid, memory foam and cooling mattresses from Casper, Nectar, Awara, Brooklinen and other leading brands through their paces. Alison has been sharing buying advice and retail news for over a decade. When she isn't reviewing mattresses, other home products or hunting for great deals to save you money, Alison can be found teaching/training in martial arts, fawning over skincare, and indulging in her quarantine-borne hobby: cooking.

With contributions from