What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Nine top picks from a sleep expert
Our sleep experts have slept on and tested all the latest mattresses to find the best mattresses in a box of 2025

Mattresses in a box changed the sleep industry. The convenient packing and delivery process allows shoppers to pick a new bed from the comfort of their home, without having to haul a bulky mattress round the staircase. Nowadays, mattresses in a box encompass everything from luxury hybrids to organic latex to cheap memory foams, providing a blend of value for money and comfort that has landed many boxed beds in our best mattress of 2025 guide.
We’ve spent thousands of hours testing all the latest mattresses in a box, and we can confirm that these beds rival traditional mattresses for support, comfort, and versatility. Our number one pick is the DreamCloud Hybrid mattress. This luxury feeling bed offers head-to-toe support at an affordable price, with all the convenience we expect from a mattress in a box.
Another advantage of boxed mattresses? They tend to be cheaper than their traditional counterparts, and with the Presidents’ Day mattress sales on the horizon, we’re expecting some exciting discounts. Read on to find our top pick mattresses in a box, all tested and approved by sleep experts.
1. The best mattress in a box overall
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Quick summary
The DreamCloud is more than just the best mattress-in-a-box overall – we also rank it as one of this year's best hybrid mattresses too. It offers excellent hip and back support which should provide relief for those with back pain. 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).
One of our favorite things about the DreamCloud is the value for money it offers. An evergreen DreamCloud sales places it in the lower mid-range price bracket and the benefits are premium: a 365-night trial and lifetime warranty. Only the Nectar Classic in this guide offers comparable extras (although the Bear Hybrid Elite at #7 has a lifetime warranty.)
Read what we liked, didn't like, and how to buy it ▼
The DreamCloud mattress doesn't sacrifice value for quality. It's our favorite mattress in a box because it combines the budget-friendly pricing we expect of a boxed bed with a versatile, supportive sleep feel.
Our review: in more detail
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 regulates temperature well, too, although not as well as the Bear at #7.)
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. We slept on a previous-gen DreamCloud in a twin size for three weeks, rating it 8 out of 10 on the mattress firmness scale. That is firmer feel is ideal for back and stomach sleepers, but it took a while for our side sleeping testers to get comfortable. Side sleepers with a lighter build should consider the Helix Midnight Luxe (#4) or the Nectar Classic (#2.)
I often recommend the DreamCloud for those who want a hotel-quality look and feel
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.
I 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.
What we like about it...
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
✅ A 5-star mattress at a 3-star price: Don't let the DreamCloud's boxed bed status and mid-range price fool you. I often recommend it as an alternative to the Saatva Classic if you want a luxury bed on a budget.
✅ Soothes for back and hip pain: The DreamCloud's combo of adaptive foam and wrapped innersprings relieves pressure from your lower back and hips whilst promoting proper spinal alignment, resulting in diminished pain in those areas.
✅ Fantastic for bed sharers: 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.
What we don't like about it
❌ Too firm for lighter side sleepers: The DreamCloud has a firmer feel than advertised, and lightweight side sleepers are likely to wake up with a numb arm. The Helix Midnight Luxe (#4) has a similar build with softer cushioning.
❌ There's limited sink: Though the DreamCloud has upper foam layers, you won't experience the deep pressure relief you would with a Nectar (#2) or Purple (#6). This is a mattress you lie on top of.
❌ It takes some time to break in: Your first night on the DreamCloud might not be as comfortable as you were expecting, as this mattress needs to be broken in (especially for side sleeping.) The Leesa Sapira (#9) is comfortable for side sleepers right from the get-go.
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 |
When, where and how to buy
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.
The DreamCloud mattress sale is evergreen, so you can ignore the Total Value pricing (DreamCloud's alternative to the MSRP.) A twin will typically cost you $449, a queen $665 and a king $835.
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.
DreamCloud mattresses are also sold on third-party sites, including the DreamCloud Amazon store. While the prices here tend to echo the brand's prices, you can sometimes spot good deals on older models.
The DreamCloud Mattress delivers an excellent performance from a lower price bracket. It's supportive for back and stomach sleepers, with the cushioned surface offering relief from aches and pains. Side sleepers can also get comfortable on the DreamCloud, although it might take a few weeks to break in — but you have 365 nights to test the bed at home, so that's ample time to adjust.
Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review
2. The best memory foam mattress in a box
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Quick summary
Nectar is a popular mattress in a box brand and its flagship Nectar Classic Memory Foam is an excellent value bed in a box. The balanced foam feel is ideal for side and back sleepers, but stomach sleepers should consider a firmer mattress such as the Siena (#3). Our testers rated it highly for motion isolation and were impressed by the top cover's moisture-wicking properties.
The Nectar is a medium-firm mattress that leans towards firm, but we found it delivered an excellent balance of softness and support. You ease into the upper foam layer which comfortably cushions the joints, but the dense foams beneath prevent you from sinking too far. While not as marshmallow-y as the Leesa Sapira (#9), this is a good middle ground for most sleepers.
Read what we liked, didn't like, and how to buy it ▼
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.
Our review: in more detail
We tested this 12" tall, all-foam mattress for two months and loved it. The firmer (we rated it 7.5 out of 10) 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.
The high-density foam core provides impressive support, ensuring our testers didn't sink too far into those comfort foams. But 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.
When it comes to sheer value for money, the Nectar is the best memory foam mattress you can buy
The Nectar has decent edge support (for a memory foam) although it can't compare to the all-foam Plank Firm (#5). And there's 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 Bear (#7) or the similarly-priced Cocoon Chill (#8).
When it comes to sheer value for money, I 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.
What we like about it...
✅ 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.
✅ 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.
✅ A dream for couples: Whether you bed share with your partner, kids, or pets, the Nectar's superb motion isolation will leave you largely unbothered by their movements (and vice versa). Plus, the medium-firm feel suits a range of sleep styles.
What we don't like about it
❌ It can sleep warm: 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 Bear (#7) will be a better fit if night sweats keep you up at night.
❌ Less support for heavy people: 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.
❌ Average edge support: Memory foam mattresses often struggle with edge support, but while the Nectar's weaker sides aren't unusual, it might be an issue if you have limited mobility. The Siena (#3) and Plank (#5) are all-foam beds with sturdier perimeters.
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. | ★★★★ |
When, where and how to buy
You can ignore the MSRP (or Total Value) at Nectar, because these beds are never sold at full price. A queen will typically set you back around $649 during the evergreen Nectar mattress 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's sale prices rarely change, even over the major holidays, so we think it's always a good time to buy. The occasional flash sale might net you a discount but these are hard to predict and rarely include queen sizes.
We have sometimes spotted some good deals from third-party retailers, including the Nectar Amazon store. But for the most part, you'll find consistent pricing on the Nectar Classic.
It might be firmer than our testing team were expecting, but the Nectar Classic still has contoured pressure relief that will cradle side sleepers and prevent the dreaded numb arm. I'd also recommend the Nectar Classic for back sleepers, although stomach sleepers should look for a mattress with more support at the hips.
Read more: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress review
3. The best cheap mattress in a box
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Quick summary
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.
Back and stomach sleepers will enjoy its outstanding support and subtle contouring, while couples and families will appreciate the low level of motion transfer. Side sleepers should look for something softer (like the Nectar), but with decent temperature regulation and strong edge support, the Siena is an impressive all-rounder. At this price, we strongly recommend it for a guest bed or a college dorm.
Read what we liked, didn't like, and how to buy it ▼
The Siena Memory Foam Mattress is proof that you don't have to shell out a lot of money for a quality mattress.
Our review: in more detail
When we called the Siena Mattress in for testing, we weren't expecting much. 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 was very impressed by how well-made it is considering the cheaper price – a queen regularly goes for $399.
I recommend the Siena Mattress for stomach and back sleepers – it's 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.
How good can a cheap mattress in a box really be? Very good, is the answer
Of course, that does lead us to recommend side sleepers look elsewhere in this guide (like the Siena's cousin, the Nectar.) The firmness does lend sturdy edge support to the Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box, meaning you can sleep right up to the edge of your bed to maximize space. You shouldn't have any issues getting in and out of bed, or when sitting on the edge to get dressed.
We were also surprised by how cool the Siena slept, which is unusual for a budget all-foam box bed. However, that could be because you don't sink into the surface, limiting the foam's ability to emit our body heat right back at us. For very hot sleepers, the Cocoon (#8) has better cooling and a similar firm feel. But you'd struggle to improve the motion isolation: the dense Siena memory foams absorb all but the most vigorous of movement.
What we like about it...
✅ It's budget-friendly: 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.
✅ There's little sink for stomach and back sleepers: 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.
✅ 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.
What we don't like about it
❌ Lacks 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.
❌ Not suitable for very hot sleepers: 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 like the Cocoon (#8.)
❌ Questionable durability: 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.
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. | ★★★★ |
When, where and how to buy
The Siena is excellent value for money and a great cheap bed in a box from a trusted name. It's perpetually discounted and the Siena mattress sales rarely change. 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.
For the most part, Siena keeps the sale year-round. However, we have spotted some better discounts in recent months, with Black Friday 2024 reducing a queen to $379 direct from Siena — and even cheaper on the Siena Amazon store.
I wasn't expecting much from the Siena Memory Foam Mattress — at less than $400 for a queen, it's a real budget buy. But the Siena bed in a box impressed me with its full-body support and light cushioning. As a stomach sleeper, I'd happily drift off on it. Cheaper all-foam beds tend to have a lot of sag, something the Siena avoids thanks to its firm feel. On the flipside, there's just not enough pressure relief for side sleepers.
Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
4. The best mattress in a box for side sleepers
Specifications
Reasons to buy
Reasons to avoid
Quick summary
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, it possesses the best mix of performance, luxury and overall value (but if you're on a tighter budget, the Helix Midnight Core is equally supportive, if not as luxuriously plush.)
As a hybrid, it doesn't provide the profound sink-in sensation of a full-foam bed. if that's what you're after, consider the Nectar at #2. But the Midnight Luxe has upper memory foam layers to 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.
Read what we liked, didn't like, and how to buy it ▼
Designed and crafted for side sleepers, we feel the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress hits the brief — and proves you can get luxury in a box.
Our review: in more detail
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 avoided the 'dead hip' she's prone to developing when resting on her side for too long, and her heavier back-sleeping partner also felt comfortable and supported. Combined with top-notch motion isolation, it's an excellent choice for couples with diverse sleep needs (but the Leesa Sapira at #9 might come out on top for two side sleeping bed sharers.)
The premium pillow-top and ultra-responsive memory foam layers yield incredible pressure relief
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. The Bear Elite in Soft (#7) is another alternative.
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 DreamCloud, edge support is passable here – but if edge support is a priority for you due to mobility issues, I recommend the Plank Firm (#5) as a mattress that excels in that area.
What we like about it...
✅ Crafted for dedicated side sleepers: 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.
✅ But comfortable for back sleepers: 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.
✅ Eats up movement: Restless partner? Overzealous pet? The Helix Midnight Luxe dampens movement so well, you'll feel like you're sleeping solo.
What we don't like about it
❌ Too plush for stomach sleepers: This side sleeper mattress is back sleeper-friendly, but stomach sleepers won't find it firm enough for their tastes. Side sleepers should check out the Plank Firm (#5) and Helix Dusk Luxe instead.
❌ Middling edge support: 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, unlike the flat surface of the supportive Plank Firm.
❌ Cheaper alternatives: The Helix Midnight Luxe is a premium mattress, even when it's on sale. The Helix Midnight from the Core range offers similar support for side sleepers, although you'll miss out on the plush pillowtop.
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 |
When, where and how to buy
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. A queen has an MSRP of $2,373 but you'll never pay that much — we see it on sale for $1,899 all the time. If you aren't in a rush to buy, it's worth waiting for the 25% discount to kick in, as it comes round several times a year.
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.
I've listened to multiple side sleeping team members rave about the Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress, praising the luxuriously plushness and balanced feel. With cooling and supportive upgrades available, this mattress can suit a lot of sleepers. But not if you lie o your stomach — try the Helix Dusk Luxe instead.
Read more: Helix Midnight Luxe Mattress review