Best mattress in a box 2024: 11 expert-tested and rated options
We've slept on and reviewed all the latest mattresses in a box to bring you our top recommendations to the best ones to buy online
The best mattresses in a box provide the same levels of support, comfort and quality you'd get from traditional mattresses, except they're compressed, rolled and packed into a box for shipping to your front door. You can buy memory foam, hybrid, latex and innerspring beds-in-a-box, and our team of experts has spent thousands of hours sleeping on and testing all the latest models to bring you this guide to the top mattresses in a box to buy online today.
After compiling and comparing all our in-house test data and analyzing thousands of customer reviews, we've crowned The DreamCloud Hybrid as this year's best mattress in a box. It offers great back support and pressure relief, with a build quality akin to a luxury hotel mattress without the high price – the DreamCloud is over $1,000 cheaper than the Saatva Classic, the number one pick in our best mattress of 2024 buying guide.
But there's more to boxed mattresses than The DreamCloud Hybrid, and in this guide you'll find our top rankings for the best mattresses in a box for every sleeping position and budget. Now is a good time to buy too as this year's Black Friday mattress deals and sales are already going live, with some offering up to 50% off of our top-rated boxed beds.
1. The best mattress in a box overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a 5-star mattress at a 3-star price: Don't let the DreamCloud's boxed bed status and mid-range price fool you. We often recommend it as an alternative to the Saatva Classic if you want a luxury bed on a budget.
✅ Back or hip pain disrupts your sleep: The DreamCloud's combo of adaptive foam and wrapped innersprings relieves pressure from your lower back and hips whilst promoting proper alignment, resulting in diminished pain in those areas.
✅ You're on the verge of sleep divorce: The DreamCloud does an exceptional job of diminishing most movements so you and your partner can peacefully share a bed. The improved edge support will also make bed-sharing easier.
❌ You're a smaller side sleeper: The DreamCloud has a firmer feel than advertised. Although our average-sized side-sleeping tester eventually felt comfortable after a brief break-in period, not everyone is so patient.
❌ You want to sink into your bed: Though the DreamCloud has upper foam layers, you won't experience the deep pressure relief you would with a Nectar (#2) or Purple (#6).
🔎 The DreamCloud mattress doesn't sacrifice value for quality. Back pain sufferers in particular will feel at ease thanks to the contouring upper foams and sturdy coil base. Back and stomach sleepers will appreciate the all-over support but some side sleepers might crave something more plush from the get-go.
The DreamCloud is more than just the best mattress-in-a-box overall – we also rank it as this year's best hybrid mattress too. It offers excellent hip and back support and should be suitable for many back pain sufferers. Most body types and sleep positions will feel supported on this affordable hybrid, although some side sleepers (and especially those under 130lbs) might find it a bit too firm, even after an initial break-in period. If that's you, consider spending a little more for the Helix Midnight Luxe (#4), or go with the affordable all-foam Nectar Classic (#2).
At the top of the DreamCloud Hybrid you'll find thick layers of foam, which contour comfortably around your joints and relieve pressure. Beneath these is a tier of 8" wrapped springs that amp up the support and create space for air to circulate within the mattress. (We think the DreamCloud mattress regulated temperature well, too.)
Our panel of volunteers – who deal with everything from lower back pain to the occasional "dead hip" – indulged in this balanced bed feel and experienced diminished pain in those areas.
If you share a bed, the DreamCloud's high level of motion isolation will allow you and your sleeping partner to enjoy peaceful nights together. The edge support of the previous DreamCloud model was lacking in our experience, but the updated design we're currently reviewing features firmer coils along the perimeter to address that flaw.
What it's like to sleep on: Review notes
We slept on a previous-gen DreamCloud in a twin size for three weeks. Rated a 6.5 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale by the brand, our testers found it firmer than that, collectively rating it an 8. Browsing through customer reviews at DreamCloud, we see that plenty of customers seem to share our sentiments.
We often recommend the DreamCloud for those who want the hotel-quality look and feel of our number one-rated mattress overall, the Saatva Classic mattress, at a lower price point. Our testers were impressed by the DreamCloud's excellent build quality, and some long-time DreamCloud customers claim to still sleep comfortably on their bed years after purchase.
Tip from our testers: "If you're a heavier back or side sleeper, or just someone who likes the feel of a firmer mattress, the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is sure to satisfy. Our pain-laden sleepers found instant relief when resting on this hybrid. A subtle give in the hips and lower lumbar provided marked relief from tension in those areas."
Price, trials, warranty
As a rule, hybrids tend to cost more than all-foam mattresses, especially luxe-feeling ones like the DreamCloud, but this mattress consistently comes in at a mid to lower mid-range price, depending on when you buy. It stands out for undercutting most of the competition and delivering excellent value for money.
Because it's from the same parent company as the Nectar (also on this list), it comes with the same outstanding extras. You'll have a year to try it out before fully committing, and it's backed by a Forever warranty.
- Read more: DreamCloud mattress review
Features | In brief | Score |
---|---|---|
Support and comfort | Suits back and stomach sleeping best; side sleepers may need to be patient with breaking it in. | ★★★★½ |
Pressure relief | A more subtle hug, our testers found immediate relief in their lower back and hips. | ★★★★½ |
Temperature | Cashmere-blend cover wicks moisture while the pocket coils help with airflow. We didn't overheat. | ★★★★½ |
Motion isolation | Performed well in our drop tests, as we observed minimal transfer of movement across the surface. | ★★★★ |
Edge support | Originally lacking in this area, but the redesign with firmer perimeter coils will likely boost this score. Stay tuned. | ★★★½ |
Build quality | Our testers found it sturdy and luxurious, and long-time DreamCloud customers say it holds up well. | ★★★★½ |
DreamCloud mattress: from $419 at DreamCloud Sleep
The DreamCloud up to 50% off sale has been running for most of this year so we don't expect it to get any cheaper in this year's DreamCloud Black Friday sale. Even so, this is still fantastic value for money. A queen size DreamCloud Hybrid costs $665 with a 50% discount in this month's best DreamCloud mattress sale. You also get free shipping, a lifetime warranty and a year's trial.
2. The best memory foam mattress in a box
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You want a Tempur-like mattress for less: The Nectar isn't the cheapest mattress on this list (that would be its sibling, the Siena, at #3), but at a lower mid-range price point it's an incredible value, especially once you factor in the extras.
✅ You're after a truly balanced bed feel: With a firmness rating between 6.5 and 7 (out of 10), the medium-firm Nectar will appeal to many side and back sleepers who want to comfortably sink into their mattress without sacrificing support.
✅ You share a bed: Whether you bedshare with your partner, kids, or pets, the Nectar's superb motion isolation will leave you largely unbothered by their movements (and vice versa).
❌ You're a very hot sleeper: While the Nectar sleeps cooler than expected for a full-foam bed, a specialty cooling model like the similarly-priced Cocoon Chill (#8) or the premium Ghostbed Luxe (#7) will be a better fit if night sweats keep you up at night.
❌ You're over 230lbs: The Nectar may not provide enough support for heavier bodies. Consider a sturdier hybrid like the DreamCloud (#1), especially if you sleep on your back or front.
❌ You don't want a mattress with fiberglass: Removing the cover from the Nectar could potentially expose you to fiberglass, a common flame retardant that can potentially cause skin or breathing allergies. The Leesa Sapira (#9) doesn't contain fiberglass.
🔎 The Nectar Classic assumes its predecessor's spot as an excellent value for money for a balanced foam bed-in-a-box for side and back sleepers. Our testers rated it highly for motion isolation and were impressed by the top cover's moisture-wicking properties. Although free bedding is no longer standard, you'll still get a full year to try it out and a limited lifetime warranty.
Nectar's popular five-layer all-foam mattress hits that sweet spot between value and performance. In short, you're getting a superbly comfortable and good-quality mattress for an extremely reasonable price.
What it's like to sleep on: Review notes
We tested this 12" tall, all-foam mattress for two months and loved it. The medium-firm memory foam offers a fantastic balance of softness and firmness, providing luxury comfort without the feeling of sinking into the mattress. When our reviewers laid down, the mattress contoured to their bodies, providing full, tailored support and helping align their spines, while cushioning pressure points like shoulders and hips.
Most of our testers didn't find the Nectar lacking in support thanks to the high-density foam core, which prevented us from sinking too far into the surface. It may be a different story for sleepers over 230lbs or those who like to rest on their front. Upgrading to the Nectar Classic Hybrid could help with this; the DreamCloud at the top of our list is also a great choice for sleepers who could benefit from a firmer level of support.
We also noticed decent edge support (for a memory foam mattress) and very little motion transfer, making it a particularly good choice for couples. The quilted cooling cover prevented us from waking up in a sweat, but for chronically hot sleepers, we're inclined to recommend a specialty cooling mattress like the GhostBed Luxe (#7) or the similarly-priced Cocoon Chill (#8).
When it comes to sheer value for money, we think the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress you can buy. Nectar is often compared to Tempur-Pedic, as both brands are known for the body-hugging comfort of their foams. However, Tempur-Pedic mattresses are a splurge, while the Nectar is a bargain for those who want a similar level of cushioned pressure relief without overspending. Nectar is much more generous with its warranty and trial periods than Tempur-Pedic, too.
Tip from our testers: "[The Nectar] is one of the firmer memory foam mattresses we've tested, but we found it delivered an excellent balance of softness and support. You won't sink too far in, but there's enough contouring to comfortably cushion your joints. We think it offers a good middle-ground for most sleepers, but do factor in personal preference – some heavier people, as well as back and stomach sleepers, might prefer a firmer option."
Price, trial and warranty
You can ignore that MSRP, because these beds are never sold at full price. A queen will typically set you back around $649 during an evergreen sale. That's considerably cheaper than rivals Casper, Purple and Tempur-Pedic. Add to that a generous one-year trial period to decide whether it's right for you and a lifetime warranty to back up your purchase.
Nectar no longer offers free sheets and pillows in favor of a lower overall price, but you can add a bedding bundle at an extraordinary discount.
- Read more: Nectar mattress review
Features | In brief | Score |
---|---|---|
Support and comfort | On the firmer side of medium, with plenty of support and enough contouring for most side and back sleepers. | ★★★★½ |
Pressure relief | Akin to Tempur-Pedic, with ample cushioning for shoulders and hips | ★★★★½ |
Temperature | Surprisingly comfortable for an all-foam bed (we didn't sleep warm), but there are cooler options still. | ★★★★ |
Motion isolation | Among the best mattresses we've tested, as the Nectar does a stellar job of preventing movement from traveling across the surface. | ★★★★½ |
Edge support | Memory foam mattresses aren't usually known for steady edges, although the Nectar's edge support is passable. | ★★★½ |
Build quality | Made well relative to cost, but for best results, allow it to fully expand once you unbox it. Beware that it could take up to 48 hours. | ★★★★ |
Nectar Classic Memory Foam mattress: from $349 at Nectar Sleep
The current Nectar mattress sale improves the deal we see every month, raising the discount from up to 40% off to up to 50% off. But while the sale has technically been increased, the end price is the same: a queen Nectar Classic Memory Foam bed-in-a-box is $649. You'll get a year's trial, lifetime warranty and free shipping here too. It might not be the most exciting deal, but it's still a highly competitive price for a quality memory foam mattress in a box and we don't expect it to get much cheaper in this year's Nectar Black Friday sale so you're safe to buy now.
3. The best cheap mattress in a box
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're on a strict budget: At under $500 for the largest size (king), the Siena is a bonafide budget buy if you're not willing or able to splash out the cash for something else – especially if this is meant for temporary or irregular use.
✅ You don't like the sinking sensation of foam: Granted, there's a break-in period involved, but even after a month of sleeping on the Siena mattress in a box our testers still considered it much firmer than expected with minimal give. Back and stomach sleepers will enjoy this.
✅ You need top-notch motion isolation: The all-foam Siena absorbs most movement with ease. Consider this one if you share a bed with a fidgety partner or someone who operates on a different schedule than you do.
❌ You crave deep pressure relief: The Siena's pressure relief is subtle, but that may not be enough for side sleepers or those who need extra cushioning to alleviate back and joint pain. The Nectar (#2) is a softer lower-cost foam mattress.
❌ You're a hot sleeper: Since we felt like we were sleeping on top of the Siena rather than in it, we hardly broke a sweat. Still, this is an all-foam mattress and won't be as breathable as a hybrid or a specialty cooling model.
❌ You need a forever mattress: While we rated it well on initial durability, it may not have the lasting power of a hybrid like the DreamCloud (#1), which also boasts a lifetime warranty. You'll get 10 years of coverage with the Siena.
🔎 The Siena Memory Foam Mattress is proof that you don't have to shell out a lot of money for a quality mattress. Back and stomach sleepers will enjoy its outstanding support and subtle contouring, while couples and families will appreciate the low level of motion transfer. At this price, we strongly recommend it for a guest bed or a college dorm.
The Siena Mattress is the cheapest bed-in-a-box on our list, but performance-wise it holds its own among its higher-priced rivals – including its older sibling, the Nectar, which sits directly above it on this list.
What it's like to sleep on: review notes
When we called the Siena Mattress in for testing, we weren't expecting much from it. After all, how good can a cheap mattress in a box really be? Very good, is the answer, if it's made by the parent company behind Nectar and DreamCloud, both featured in this guide. Our lead tester reviewed the Siena Memory Foam Mattress and was very impressed by how well-made it is considering the cheaper price – a queen regularly goes for $399.
We recommend the Siena Mattress for stomach and back sleepers because we found it a very firm mattress – much firmer than Siena Sleep's rating of 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale; we rate it as a 9. That firmness ensures that you'll sleep on top of the mattress in both positions, which prevents your back and spine from dipping out of alignment and causing you lower back pain. Granted, you may need time to break it in, but even after a month of sleeping on it, our panel said it remained firm.
Of course, that does lead us to recommend that side sleepers look elsewhere in this guide. We feel the Siena is simply too firm for comfy side sleeping unless you're heavier or don't need anything decidedly plush, so you'd need a firmer bed to support you and prevent sinking. If you're a dedicated side sleeper looking to save on a mattress, we recommend the Nectar above.
We were also surprised by how cool the Siena slept, which is unusual for a budget all-foam box bed. However, that could be due to our testers feeling like they were sleeping on top of the surface rather than in it, limiting the foam's ability to emit our body heat right back at us. Still, we suggest seeking out a specialty cooling mattress or even a hybrid if you struggle with overheating.
The edge support on the Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box is very sturdy for its price, which means you can both sleep right up to each edge of your bed to maximize sleep space. You shouldn't have any issues getting in and out of bed, or when sitting on the edge to get dressed. More good news for couples is how the Siena absorbs motion well, so you shouldn't disturb each other too much if either of you are restless sleepers.
Tip from our testers: "If you're hoping to sink deeply into your foam mattress, you might be disappointed here. The Siena has a subtle cradling characteristic of a hybrid. Most stomach sleepers should be well supported along their hips, but some back and side sleepers may not find the pressure relief they need along their lumbar, shoulders and hips right away."
Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
Price, trial, warranty
The Siena is excellent value for money and a great cheap bed in a box from a trusted name. It's perpetually $300 off, even during major shopping holidays. Still, at $399 for a queen-sized mattress after discount, we're not complaining. The 180-night trial is also remarkable for this price point, while the 10-year warranty is standard, but still decent.
Features | In brief | Score |
---|---|---|
Support and comfort | Our testers found it firmer than advertised, but if you're a back or stomach sleeper, you won't mind this. | ★★★★ |
Pressure relief | Minimal give, which will be a detriment to lighter sleepers and strict side sleepers. | ★★★½ |
Temperature | Despite testing it in the summer, our testers didn't sleep warm on the Siena, but we think the lack of sinkage is a big reason why. | ★★★★ |
Motion isolation | On par with the Nectar as an all-foam bed that doesn't let much movement go beyond the source. | ★★★★½ |
Edge support | The Siena exceeded our expectations here, as we had no issue sitting on the sides of the bed. | ★★★★ |
Build quality | The jury is out on long-term durability, but our testers said it looks and feels more expensive than it actually is. | ★★★★ |
Siena Memory Foam mattress: was from $529 $199 at Siena Sleep
With a year-round up to 50% off sale, the Siena Mattress is our favorite affordable mattress in a box. A queen size will set you back only $399 (was $799), while a king is just $499 (was $976). On top of that, you'll get a 180-night trial and a 10-year warranty — fantastic benefits for an inexpensive bed in a box. Want even more? You can add a bedding bundle with mattress protector, sheets, and pillow for just $99.
4. The best mattress in a box for side sleepers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
✅ You're a dedicated side sleeper: A plush pillow-top and multiple comfort foam layers provide plenty of pressure relief, and the reinforced springs in the middle of the bed keep everything properly aligned.
✅ You also like to sleep on your back: Like to flip-flop between your side and your back? No problem. The Midnight Luxe's medium-firm bed feel will keep you supported, either way. It also makes bed sharing a fair bit easier.
✅ You share a bed: Restless partner? Overzealous pet? The Helix Midnight Luxe dampens movement so well, you'll feel like you're sleeping solo.
❌ You sleep on your stomach: This side sleeper mattress is back sleeper-friendly, but stomach sleepers won't find it firm enough for their tastes. The WinkBed (#5) and Helix Dusk Luxe (#10) are just a couple of other mattresses on this list that stomach sleepers should check out.
❌ You like to sit on the edge of your bed: The edge support isn't bad here, but we wouldn't call it amazing, either. We think the pillow-top hinders this bed's ability to offer a sturdy perimeter you can confidently sit on.
❌ You're on a budget: The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium mattress, even when it's on sale. You could opt for the Helix Midnight for less, but you'll lose out on the enhanced lumbar support and plush pillow-top.
🔎 The Helix Midnight Luxe is our favorite side sleeper mattress. As a hybrid, it doesn't provide the profound sink-in sensation of a full-foam bed, but its upper memory foam layers offer gentle contouring along the shoulders, hips and knees – key pressure points that affect side sleepers most. The Midnight Luxe also stands out for its minimal motion transfer, making it a good choice for couples and families.
The Helix Midnight Luxe is our favorite mattress for side sleepers with a plush pillow-top and enhanced lumbar support – elements that translate to a comfy sleep experience for back sleepers, too. As the middle child in the 3-model Helix Midnight lineup, we think it possesses the best mix of performance, luxury and overall value.
What it's like to sleep on: Review notes
Our lead tester slept on a queen-size Helix Midnight Luxe for seven weeks. Helix rates it a 5-6 (out of 10) on the firmness scale. We think it's a solid 6 out of 10, a true medium mattress.
The Midnight Luxe's premium pillow-top and ultra-responsive memory foam layers yield incredible pressure relief, while the steel coils (reinforced in the center for alignment) prevent sleepers from sinking too deep. Our lead tester was able to avoid the 'dead hip' she's prone to developing when resting on her side for too long, and her heavier back-sleeping partner felt comfortable and supported. Thus, we're also inclined to recommend it for back sleepers who don't want a decidedly firm bed.
Our lead tester is a restless sleeper who shares a bed with her partner, their two children, and their cat – but everyone was able to sleep peacefully thanks to the Midnight Luxe's superb motion isolation. Our objective tests revealed the same results. This bed just eats up movement.
Although our testers didn't overheat on this mattress, hot sleepers may want to consider an upgrade to the GlacioTex cooling Pillow Top cover for an extra $199 across all mattress sizes. This specialty material is cool to the touch but yields a slick surface that could make dressing your bed a hassle. There's also an optional ErgoAlign layer ($199) for even more lumbar support, which another one of our testers had the chance to try while visiting 3Z Brands in Arizona (she was a fan).
As with the Helix Midnight Classic, edge support is passable here – but if edge support is a priority for you due to mobility issues, we recommend the WinkBed (#10) as a mattress that excels in that area. We also wish it had side carry handles, which would make moving and rotating it less of a chore.
Tip from our testers: "The Helix Midnight Luxe provides outstanding pressure relief, crafted specifically for side sleepers. We found it to be both comfortable and supportive enough for back sleepers too. The inclusion of a plush, pillow top and enhanced zoned lumbar support make it worth the price hike from the Helix Midnight. However, stomach sleepers will likely find this mattress too soft to adequately support their spine."
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review
Price, trial, warranty
Regular Helix mattress sales cut between 20% and 25% off, but we've seen as much as 30% off around major holidays. Still, you'll never have to worry about buying this mattress at the list price. You have 100 nights to test it out. Better yet, Helix Luxe mattresses come with a 15-year warranty (versus 10 years for the Classic models). You'll often be able to score a pair of free pillows or a bedding set with purchase, too.
Features | In brief | Score |
---|---|---|
Support and comfort | Well-balanced for side and back sleeping, with the plush pillow-top adding sink-in softness. | ★★★★ |
Pressure relief | In our experience, no other mattress cushions the shoulders, hips, and knees best whilst side sleeping. | ★★★★½ |
Temperature | The included Tencel cover kept our testers comfy and dry – consider the GlacioTex upgrade if you sleep very hot, though. | ★★★★ |
Motion isolation | In our objective and real-world tests, the Midnight Luxe did an outstanding job of limiting movement. | ★★★★½ |
Edge support | We could comfortably sit on the sides and sleep up against the edge without fear of falling over. | ★★★★ |
Build quality | A durable, beautifully-made mattress that wouldn't look out of place in a luxury hotel. | ★★★★½ |
Helix Midnight Luxe: was from $1,373 $1,099 at Helix
The Helix Midnight Luxe mattress proves that luxury really can come rolled up in a box, and with the Helix mattress sale, premium sleep doesn't have to break the bank. There's 20% off all sizes of the Helix Midnight Luxe currently, reducing a queen to $1,899 (was $2,373) and you'll get two free luxury Helix Dream pillows too. It's not the best sale we've seen from Helix so if you aren't in a rush to buy, we expect something bigger for Black Friday.