At 76x80", king-size mattresses can be practical for couples who value personal space, co-sleeping parents, and those with large pets who seem to sneak under the covers. If you're ready to size up, our guide to the best king mattress features picks based on our expert testing and customer feedback. Topping the list is the Saatva Classic, a luxury innerspring hybrid we also crowned the best mattress of 2025 overall. You can customize the firmness and height of this handcrafted mattress — and if you don’t want to sleep apart from a fidgety partner, you can choose a split king as well.
King is the most expensive of the standard bed sizes, but our list spans a range of price points so you can find just what you need without going over your budget. Memorial Day mattress sales are just around the corner and should yield some of the strongest offers of the year — but don’t go shopping for a king mattress until you explore our recommendations...
Best king size mattress overall
The Saatva Classic tops our list as the best king-size mattress for most people and is also our highest-rated bed overall, receiving a perfect 5/5 in our recent retest.
This innerspring hybrid can be tailored to suit nearly any type of sleeper. It's available in three firmness levels — plush soft (3), luxury firm (5-7). or firm (8) — plus two height profiles (11.5 or 14.5 inches).
Inside, 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.
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.
Edge support is sturdy, so you can comfortably use every inch of the mattress. Motion isolation is excellent, especially for a spring-based bed. You'll be even less inclined to feel movement on such a large surface, but a split king option is available if you'd rather have some space between you and a fidgety partner.
With a maximum weight limit of 600lbs, the Saatva Classic can accommodate slightly above the average capacity of a mattress (500lbs). Larger bed-sharers should look at the WinkBed Plus further down the list; it can support up to 900lbs.
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.
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.
- Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review
Best king size value hybrid mattress
If the premium Saatva Classic is beyond your budget, the DreamCloud is a sound alternative. This 12" hybrid mattress combines individually-wrapped innersprings with multiple types of foam and a cozy top cover.
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. Unsurprisingly, it's also featured on our best mattress for couples list.
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 or Saatva Classic for their tremendous edge support.)
We're going to be testing an updated version of the DreamCloud Hybrid (albeit in a smaller size than king) in the coming weeks and will update our testing notes accordingly.
This luxury hybrid costs less than $800 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. It ships free in a box for you to unravel and set up. (White glove delivery is no longer an option.)
- Read more: DreamCloud Hybrid Mattress review
Best memory foam king size mattress
The successor to the Nectar Original, the new Nectar Classic Mattress features a lot of what we loved about the previous model while boasting improved comfort foam and an upgraded cooling cover.
Despite feeling firmer than advertised, it oozes pressure relief, making it an attractive option for any sleep position and most body types. That's another improvement over the Classic, which was limited in comfort for stomach sleepers and heavier bodies.
The Nectar Classic may have a lower mid-range price, but there’s no skimping on quality or performance here. Motion isolation is superb and the bed feel is a nice balance of comfort and support so we certainly recommend it for bed-sharers. We were also impressed with the new cool-to-touch cover as it feels very soft and tactile, although we’re keen to see how it fares during the balmy summer months.
Edge support has also been improved from the Nectar Original, although we'd only classify it as just above average for the Nectar Classic. Memory foam mattresses aren't usually known for boasting a strong perimeter, although the Siena below is a notable outlier — but it's also a good deal firmer than the Nectar.
The Nectar is among the best values out there, especially for a mid-range mattress. Permanent Nectar mattress deals 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.
- Read more: Nectar Classic Mattress review
Best king size mattress for heavy people
For sleepers over 250lbs, the WinkBed Plus is our top-ranked mattress for heavy people who are shopping for a king-size bed.
It has a maximum weight limit of 950lbs, which isn't the highest on the market but still much more than the 600lb limit of the Saatva Classic.
This version of the WinkBed features layers of zoned latex and dense foams, along with a bed of EliteEdge support coils that are stronger in the center (for lumbar support) and the perimeter (for edge support).
We tested a Luxury Firm WinkBed, which is softer (6.5/10) and features slightly different materials. With the WinkBed Plus, expect a firmer bed feel if you're under 300lbs (8.5/10) or a medium feel if you exceed that (6.5/10).
Either way, most WinkBed customers say the WinkBed Plus delivers an excellent balance of pressure relief and support, along with outstanding edge support so you can spread out as much as you'd like, and superb motion isolation so you and your bedmate can sleep in peace.
WinkBed mattress sales are always going on, but they rarely — if ever — deviate from the standard $300 discount. Due to its heavy-duty materials, the WinkBed Plus is more expensive than the standard model, with a king Plus fetching $1,899 on sale.
A risk-free 120-night trial is included — WinkBeds has waived its $49 returns fee — as is a lifetime warranty for peace of mind.
- Read more: WinkBed Mattress review
Best organic king size mattress
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.)
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 another good choice for heavy sleepers, but those on the lighter side might prefer something more plush. Adding a pillow top or a box top will yield a much softer surface, but these upgrades can nearly double the price of the mattress.
The Avocado Green's premium cost reflects the quality of its organic materials, but keep an eye out for Avocado mattress sales around major holidays. Shipping is free, but since a king-size 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.
- Read more: Avocado Green mattress review
Best cheap king size mattress under $500
Buying a cheap mattress often means sacrificing quality, but not so with the Siena Memory Foam mattress.
At $449 for a king, the Siena has a build similar to its mid-range sibling, the Nectar (#3). This 10" mattress features two tiers of foam, a shift-resistant cover at the base, and a top cover woven with moisture-wicking polyethylene fibers.
Contrary to Siena's self-assessment as a medium-firm mattress, our test models 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.
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 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.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
Meet our king mattress experts
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, Nectar, Saatva, DreamCloud and others, and has extensive experience at recommending mattresses for different sleep needs and budgets.
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 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.
Our mattress methodology goes into more detail about our rigorous testing methods.
Best king size mattress: FAQs
How to choose the best king size mattress
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.
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.
Here's what else you should consider when buying a king mattress:
- Firmness: 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.
- Sleep position: Side sleepers tend to go for cushier beds, while stomach sleepers usually prefer a flat, firm surface. Back sleepers generally go for medium-firm to firm.
- Your sleep issues: Overheat at night? A cooling mattress may be your best bet. Deal with lower back pain? Try a bed with targeted lumbar support. Prone to snoring? Seek a mattress that works well with an adjustable base.
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.
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-size. 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 Memorial Day sales in a few weeks, 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 during big holiday events.
