What's the best mattress in a box 2025? Nine top picks from a sleep expert

The Siena Memory Foam Mattress in a box on the floor in front of a bed frame, ready to be unboxed
(Image credit: Future)

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

This year's best mattress in a box for nearly all sleepers, delivering hotel-level comfort for less than its rivals

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, polyfoam, coils
Firmness (1-10): 6.5 (we rate it as an 8 out of 10)
Height: 12"
Sleep trial: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Mid-range

Reasons to buy

+
Luxury bed for an affordable price
+
Supportive but pressure relieving 
+
Breathable and sleeps cool

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be too firm for lighter sleepers

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.)

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

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

The best mattress in a box for sleepers who crave the hug of memory foam at a lower price than a Tempur-Pedic

Specifications

Type: All-foam
Materials: Memory foam, other foams
Firmness (1-10): 6.5 (we rate it between 6.5-7)
Height: 12"
Trial: 365 nights
Warranty: Lifetime
Price bracket: Lower-mid range

Reasons to buy

+
Outstanding value for money
+
Balanced for side and back sleeping
+
Long trial and warranty

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes a while to expand
-
Larger sleepers may find it too soft

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.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

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

A great value memory foam mattress in a box that outperforms its smaller price tag

Specifications

Type: Memory foam
Materials: Gel memory foam, foam
Firmnes: 6.5 (we rate it as a 9)
Depth: 10”
Trial: 180 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Price bracket: Budget

Reasons to buy

+
Remarkable support
+
Sleeps cooler than expected
+
Includes a 180-night trial

Reasons to avoid

-
Firmer than expected
-
One of the shorter beds on our list

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.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

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

Our top-rated luxury boxed mattress for super-comfy side sleeping – it suits back sleepers, too

Specifications

Type: Hybrid
Materials: Memory foam, coils, other foams
Firmness (1-10): 6
Height: 13.5"
Trial: 100 nights
Warranty: 10 years
Price bracket: Premium

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent pressure relief
+
Fantastic motion isolation
+
Comfy for back sleeping too

Reasons to avoid

-
Lacks side carry handles

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.

Expert verdict
A photo of sleep staff writer Ruth jones
Expert verdict
Ruth Jones

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

5. The best firm mattress in a box