At 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, a king is the largest standard mattress size. And it's easy to see why it's so appealing: all that space is ideal for bed-sharing couples, co-sleeping families, and solo sleepers who love to stretch out. So what are the best king mattresses you can buy?
Our mattress methodology consists of seven robust tests conducted in our Sleep Lab to capture objective data on the areas of a mattress that most affect your sleep comfort: pressure relief, temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. One of our testers also sleeps on a mattress for at least three weeks and gathers feedback from a broader panel of expert testers. For this guide, we focused on king-size mattresses that are comfortable for bed-sharers across a range of price points.
We've tested over 140 mattresses and can tell you the 7 king-sized beds that are worth your hard-earned dollars. You'll find most of them in our guide to the best mattresses of 2026, but the ones highlighted below most deliver the strong edges and consistent feel you need in a king-size bed (plus good motion isolation for bed sharers.)
King mattresses are more expensive than smaller sizes, but our list features options across a range of budgets, from sub-$500 to over $2,000. The good news is that there's nearly always a mattress sale in play, meaning you'll rarely (if ever) have to pay full MSRP.
September 2026: We know that with rising living costs, many of us are looking for a bargain, so we've updated this guide to include the Siena Signature and the EGOHOME, providing more options for every budget. We've also double checked the prices to ensure they're accurate.
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 review.
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). Which means this innerspring hybrid can be tailored to suit nearly any type of sleeper.
Inside, you'll find a dual layer of coils, with a foam encasement along the perimeter for stable edges. The central third of the bed (where your lower back rests) features a dense 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 found 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 for a spring-based bed. We tested a queen and predict on a king-size, you'll feel even less movement 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 in our Also Tested section; it can support up to 900lbs.
During major holidays the Saatva mattress sale tend to cut $400 off all sizes of the Saatva Classic. That drops the price of a king Saatva Classic to $2,329. The next time we expect to see that sale in play is Black Friday.
While Saatva's prices have steadily risen, keep in mind that you also get a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with your purchase, as well. 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 Classic 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 queen DreamCloud Classic mattress revealed impeccable pressure relief and robust support, particularly for those dealing with joint or back pain. We rated it a 6 out of 10 for firmness, which will suit side and back sleepers best. Stomach sleepers will prefer a firm bed, such as the Plank Firm below.
The edge support is above-average, scoring a 4/5 in our tests, so you and your co-sleeper(s) can use every inch of this mattress and still feel supported. It earned a 3.5/5 for temperature regulation, so unless you or your partner are very hot sleepers, you're likely to remain at a neutral temperature on this mattress.
Motion isolation was the DreamCloud's weakest area in our tests; granted, having a king-size mattress will help mitigate some of that movement, but if you want to feel as little disruption as possible, a memory foam mattress like the EGOHOME below or the Nectar Premier (in our Also Tested section) will be better. A split king DreamCloud is available, as well.
This luxury hybrid may have gone up in price slightly (which is a trend we're seeing across the sleep industry), but a king-size still costs less than $1,000 during year-round 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 at DreamCloud.)
- Read more: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress review
Best cheap king size mattress under $500
You might not be as familiar with the name EGOHOME as you are with the other options in this guide, but it's quickly establishing itself as a mattress brand that offers an excellent blend of comfort and value for money. A king-size is regularly under $500 in year-round sales.
We've tested the memory foam version of this 12" mattress and found it to offer the sink-in support we expect from all-foam beds. We recommend the EGOHOME to both side and back sleepers, with our lighter-than-average weight lead tester praising it for its contouring support along the shoulders, hips, and knees. (We also reviewed the hybrid version, which goes for just over $550 in a king.)
Edge support is reliable, scoring an impressive 5/5 in our objective and real-world tests. And as we expected, this all-foam mattress dampens movement well. But despite its supposedly cooling copper-infused foams, it can feel a little stuffy, especially during the warmer months. You can offset this with cooling bedding, or try a hybrid instead for better breathability.
With its exceptional build quality and comfort vs price, the EGOHOME is a value for money pick, scraping in at under $500 for a king during the Labor Day sales. You can buy directly from the brand, which nets you an at-home test period, but you can usually find a lower price when buying from Amazon — albeit at the cost of the 100-night trial.
Best king size mattress for side sleepers
The Helix Midnight Luxe offers unparalleled support for those who sleep on their sides, providing blissful cushioning along the shoulders, hips, and knees. However, it's also superbly comfortable for back sleepers, too.
Our sleep editor Nicola describes the Luxe as the best bed she's tested, praising it for its strong motion isolation, support around the edge and effective temperature regulation for most people. (But there are now two cooling upgrades available for very hot sleepers, adding a GlacioTex cover and graphite cooling bands.)
As well as being the best mattress for side sleepers, we rate it highly for its back pain relief. Zoned lumbar support and a plush pillow top help support the spine while relieving pressure and tension in that area. It scored a 4/5 for edge support, as well, so you can sit or lie against the sides of the bed safely.
We should point out that the plush pillow top layer can make it ever so slightly laborious to shift positions on. If you're someone who likes to move freely and easily throughout the night, we'd suggest the Saatva at the top of this list, thanks to its responsive sleep feel.
Regular Helix mattress sales cut between 20% and 27% off. For Labor Day, all sizes of the Midnight Luxe are 25% off, bringing the price of a king-size to $2,249. It comes with a 120-night sleep trial and a limited lifetime warranty. Standard shipping is free, or pay extra to have it delivered and set up in your home.
- Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review
Best firm king size mattress
The Plank Firm is the best firm mattress we've tested, and while that won't sound appealing to everyone, hard mattress fans will love its unyielding feel. We recommend it to back and stomach sleepers who want a bed that holds their spine in reassuringly healthy alignment.
An all-foam bed that boasts a dual-firm design, one side is firmer than the other. Godsend or gimmick? That's for you to decide. But if you do find yourself wishing for a different feel, all you have to do is flip. (However, that's easier said than done without side handles.)
As you'd expect from a firm mattress, the sides are reassuringly solid. Our lead tester Ruth described resting on the edge as feeling as though she were sitting in a chair. Again, since it's a memory foam mattress with minimal resistance, it isolates motion incredibly well. (That's good news for couples)
However, we did find that it's prone to trapping heat, so for hot sleepers seeking a firm bed, we'd recommend the naturally cooling Saatva Zenhaven below. The Saatva is an ultra-premium buy at an eye-watering $4,000 for a king, however. For a firm all-foam mattress that won't hold onto heat (or break the bank), we recommend the Siena lower down the list.
A king Plank Firm is usually discounted between 25% and 30% off during year-round sales. In this year's Labor Day mattress sales, it's 30% off, which brings a king-size to $1,072.40. It comes with a limited lifetime warranty and a 120-night trial. Considering its flippable design, that's a solid value for what's essentially a 2-in-1 mattress.
- Read more: Plank Firm mattress review
Best organic king size mattress
Like the Plank above, the Saatva Zenhaven is a dual-sided, flippable mattress. However, unlike the Plank, the Zenhaven is crafted from sustainable, natural materials like New Zealand organic wool and organic cotton, which is why it's our top organic mattress recommendation.
The Zenhaven is a 10" latex mattress, which makes it naturally cooling, durable, and hypoallergenic. It's a great option for hot sleepers and those with allergies. Our lead tester slept on it during a warm spring and didn't find herself reaching for the air con. (It scored a 4.5/5 for temperature regulation.)
One side is classified by Saatva as 'luxury plush,' but we found it to be slightly firmer than advertised (more like medium-firm), while the other side is 'gentle firm.' Both sides are comfortable for back and stomach sleepers, depending on your body type and tension preference.
Due to the dual-firmness, we recommend the Zenhaven to all sleepers. We found the gentle firm offered the better motion isolation out of the two sides, and it's also the side we would recommend to back and stomach sleepers. (Side sleepers will fare better on the luxury plush) But with a king-size mattress weighing 165lbs, you'll definitely need help flipping it over.
The Zenhaven is the second priciest mattress in Saatva's luxurious lineup, second only to the adjustable Solaire (Also Tested). You'll pay in the region of $4,000 for a king-size Zenhaven, depending on Saatva mattress sales. It's $425 off in this year's Labor Day sales, dropping a king Zenhaven to $3,724.
Granted, it's still expensive. However, Saatva's latex mattresses are durable, so you might still be sleeping on this bed in 20 years. As with all Saatva mattresses, the Zenhaven comes with a 365-night sleep trial, free White Glove Delivery, and a lifetime warranty.
- Read more: Saatva Zenhaven mattress review
Best cheap king size mattress under $400
Our favorite cheap mattress, the Siena Signature, comes from Resident Sleep, which is the brand behind DreamCloud. It's the most affordable king mattress on this list, but the quality and performance are on par with (or even beyond) the higher-cost beds we've tested.
Unlike the EGOHOME all-foam bed, the Siena does not have that body-hugging sensation you might expect from an all-foam mattress. Instead, it's dense and firm with minimal contouring. This works well for stomach sleepers and even back sleepers who like a firmer bed. Side sleepers won't find it contouring enough at the joints (the EGOHOME is the winner here).
Because it lacks that deep sink, the Siena doesn't hold a lot of heat, but with a 3.3/5 score in temperature regulation, we would advise hot sleepers to look for something more breathable (preferably a hybrid). On the other hand, the Siena's edges are sturdy, and among the best we've tested for an all-foam bed. (We scored it a 4/5.)
Motion isolation is where the Siena truly shines, and among the top mattresses we've tested, it scored the highest in our drop tests (4.76/5). Even if your partner falls into bed with some force or tosses a lot during the night, you're unlikely to be bothered. There's also the option of buying a split king for under $500.
Speaking of price, the Siena is always on sale, with minor price fluctuations throughout the year. Surprisingly, a king-size Siena ($349) costs less than a queen-size ($359) for Labor Day, meaning you can get more sleep space for less. Also impressive is the 180-night risk-free trial, which is among the longest on this list.
- Read more: Siena Signature Memory Foam mattress review
Also tested and recommended
We've tested so many great king-size mattresses that we couldn't possibly fit them into one guide. Below are the honorable mentions that didn't make the final cut, but still deserve your attention.
King-size mattresses we're currently testing
The testing never stops for us. Below are three mattresses we're currently testing for consideration for this list. Stay tuned for our complete reviews of each, and see whether they make the cut.
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 use, 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 do you 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.
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.
Why should you buy a king size mattress?
A king size mattress is ideal for families sharing a bed with kids or pets, as well as couples who crave a wider surface than a queen provides. It's also good for solo sleepers who want as much space to sprawl as possible. 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.
