Queen is the most popular bed size in America, but it's tempting to size up to a king if you want as much room to sprawl at night as possible. When it comes to buying a new mattress, size is one of the most important factors to take into consideration. If you're stuck between a queen mattress vs king, we've put together this handy explainer to help you find the right bed size.
This year's best mattresses for all sleepers and budgets come in queen and king sizes, so you have plenty of choice. Nearly all of them are discounted in this month's mattress sales, too, so you'll save money. Unsurprisingly, you'll spend more for a king than a queen, with the differential between them increasing as you climb price brackets.
Queen mattress vs king: Key differences
- Both suit couples, but a queen takes up less floor space
- A king mattress is 16" wider, with room for kids and/or pets
- Queen mattresses cost less than king mattresses
The biggest difference between a queen and a king is obviously the size. Both are 80” long, but there’s a 16” difference in width.
A queen is a narrower option (60") that can still comfortably accommodate couples, but it will depend on your height and weight. It's also a great option for a guest room and older teens.
A king mattress will give you considerably more space to spread out at 76" wide, and can be an excellent choice for larger couples, co-sleeping parents, and those who share their bed with a restless sleeper. However, the downside is that it'll take up more floor space in your bedroom.
You’ll also find a significant price difference between the two sizes and, as you move up the price brackets, this gap will become larger. So, a queen could be the better choice if you’re on a tighter budget.
Queen mattress vs king: Dimensions
- A queen mattress measures 60” wide by 80” long
- A king mattress measures 76" wide by 80” long
- A queen will comfortably fit into most bedrooms
Queen and king mattresses are roomy, but the space you need to get comfortable depends on several factors.
At 60" wide by 80" long, a queen-size bed is plenty for most solo adult sleepers. But, if you are particularly tall, heavier in weight, or like to stretch out, then you might want to consider a king-size mattress, which is 76" wide by 80" long.
While it is possible for co-sleepers to comfortably share a queen, if one of you is restless or sleeps hot, then you both might benefit from the extra space on offer from a king. If you sleep solo but occasionally have a pet on the bed, then a queen is a good option.
Queen is the most popular bed size among adults because it comfortably fits into most bedrooms. (King mattresses are best reserved for palatial master bedrooms.) It's also easier to maneuver than a king, making it a wise choice if you frequently move house.
The extra width from a king will allow both solo and co-sleepers to stretch out properly, which is crucial not only for healthier alignment but also helpful if either of you sleeps hot, as both sleepers will have enough space for air to circulate instead of getting hot and bothered. This effect is further enhanced if you sleep on the best cooling mattress.
The best mattress in a box brands sell queen and king — and in some cases, you'll find split variations that are essentially two mattresses in one. (Split king is more common.)
Fortunately, mattress trials are common, so if you need to size up or down after the first month of setting up your new bed, you'll be able to return or exchange it. That makes replacement much easier if you bought the wrong mattress size.
Queen mattress vs king: Pros and cons
- Both sizes are widely available, but you'll spend less for a queen
- Queen suits most couples, but larger sleepers may need more space
- King can accommodate families, but it's more unwieldy for rotating
Queen and king mattresses have their strengths and weaknesses — before you commit to a size, it's good to know how each will mesh with your preferences.
Many couples opt for a queen, as those of average weight and height will find there’s plenty of room to share. They’re also a great choice for teenagers and guest rooms and could be ideal if you one parents wants to co-sleep with their child. Single pet owners will also appreciate the extra space for their animals.
The slightly smaller size of a queen mattress allows it to fit into a standard bedroom. It's also easier to rotate and flip (as applicable) and maneuver about, particularly useful when you’re moving house or renovating your bedroom.
On the downside, queen mattresses could be a bit of a squash for those of a larger build or taller height. You'll also be sleeping closer to a partner, which could be a problem if they’re a restless sleeper (although most modern mattresses have good motion isolation).
That closer proximity could also make it harder to stay cool at night. However, if you’re a hot sleeper but can't spare the space or cost for a king, we recommend investing in one of the best cooling mattresses.
The 76" width on a king-size mattress makes it cozier for heavy sleepers who need more room to spread out. Couples will also appreciate the extra space, as it reduces the risk of any disturbance from a restless partner, as well as helping with temperature regulation, as you’ll be farther apart.
With a king, there’s room to fit you, your partner, and kids and/or pets on the bed. If you're fortunate to have a larger bedroom than average, sizing up to a king will give you that hotel mattress experience at home without fretting over space. (The last thing you want to do is clutter your sleep space.)
The extra size also means that king mattresses are more unwieldy than queens, making them trickier to move about or rotate/flip. Moving a king mattress will be at least a two-person job.
Budget-wise, a queen is always going to be cheaper than a king, as it’s smaller, so if you’re trying to save money, a queen may be the way to go.
Queen mattress vs king: Prices
- Queen mattresses are cheaper than kings
- Both sizes are regularly discounted in online sales
- Price difference depends on what price bracket a mattress falls into
As you might expect, you’re always going to pay more for a king mattress than a queen. But the exact difference will depend on the price bracket of the mattress you’re buying.
At the budget end, the difference could be only $50, rising up through a few hundred dollars for mid-range mattresses and over $500 for premium ones.
Here are the typical prices of queen vs king mattresses for some of the best mattresses in the US as of September 2025...
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Queen size | King size |
Saatva Classic | Queen MSRP: $2,139 | King MSRP: $2,639 |
DreamCloud Classic | Queen Sale: $699 | King Sale: $899 |
Nectar Premier | Queen Sale: $949 | King Sale: $1,099 |
Helix Midnight Luxe | Queen MSRP: $2,399 | King MSRP: $2,924 |
Bear Elite | Queen MSRP: $2,427 | King MSRP: $2,855 |
Siena Signature | Queen Sale: $359 | King Sale: $449 |
The WinkBed | Queen Sale: $1,499 | King Sale: $1,699 |
Tempur-Pedic TempurAdapt | Queen MSRP: $2,199 | King MSRP: $2,899 |
Avocado Green | Queen MSRP: From $2,099 | King MSRP: From $2,899 |
Queen mattress vs king: What is a queen size?
A queen bed size (60" x 80") is convenient for co-sleepers who want a space-saving bed that's still comfortable enough to support two people. This size is also a good option for solo sleepers who are taller or like to spread out, as well as older teenagers who are ready to upgrade from a twin or full bed size.
Since queen is the most common bed size among US adults, shopping for accessories and furniture is easier, with more options available. You'll also spend less for a queen-size than you would for a king.
Below are some of the best queen mattresses we've tested...
Queen mattress vs king: What is a king size?
A king bed size (76" x 80") will provide couples with extra space to spread out, provided they have a bedroom that's large enough to hold it. With room for small kids and/or pets, it's the best bet for families who like to make sleep a group activity.
If either you or your partner are over 6 feet tall, consider a California King bed size instead. At 72" x 84" inches, it's also a sound option if you have a bedroom that's longer than it is wide. Despite the difference in dimensions, a California king costs the same as a standard king.
King is the most expensive option of all the standard mattress sizes, but since it's a fairly popular size, king-size accessories are generally easy to come by. Take a look at some of the best king mattresses we've reviewed...
Queen mattress vs king: Which should you buy?
For most adults, whether they sleep solo or coupled, a queen mattress will offer enough space while being manageable enough to fit inside a standard (or slightly smaller) bedroom. If it's only a matter of budget, queen will be the better option in the long run, especially after taking accessories and bed frames into account. You'll be spending less overall.
On the other hand, size up to a king if you or your partner is of a larger build and/or prone to sleeping hot — you'll have more space to comfortably settle without feeling like you're on top of one another. If you’ve got kids and/or pets, the larger size of a king mattress will give you plenty of room for everyone to pile on for a cuddle or two.
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