Our best mattress guide is full of hybrid mattresses, and that’s because these innovative, modern beds offer a balance of comfort and support. While a hybrid mattress is any mattress made from a combination of foam and springs, the type of foam can vary (usually, it’s memory foam or latex foam) as can the height and features.

So, we’ve included a wide variety of mattresses to suit different sleep positions, nocturnal needs, and budgets (thanks to frequent mattress sales). Every mattress in this guide has been tested and slept on by our diverse panel of experts, and you can find full reviews for each entry. Here’s the top 9 that testers loved…

1. The best hybrid mattress overall

A handcrafted luxury innerspring hybrid, the Saatva Classic is the premium bed that keeps on impressing us no matter how many times we test it. We felt the Classic did the one thing every hybrid mattress should do: combine body-cradling comfort of foam layers with the airflow-boosting support of springs. With three firmness levels to choose from, its luxurious design doesn't let any sleep position down, and that's why we've crowned the Saatva Classic the best hybrid mattress on the market.

While put through our mattress testing methodology, the Classic was the only mattress we've ever tested to score a perfect 5 out of 5 in more than one testing area. It had a low heat absorption rate during our temperature regulation tests, displayed stable edges for sleeping and sitting during our edge support tests, and its pressure relief is excellent for cushioning side sleepers, supporting front and back sleepers, and providing ease of movement for restless sleepers. The only segment in which the Saatva Classic didn't achieve a flawless score was motion isolation, as there was some slight motion transfer.

While not a specialist cooling bed, the Saatva Classic's temperature control performs just as well as many of the top cooling mattresses on the market. However, if keeping night sweats at bay is your primary concern and you're working with a smaller budget, consider the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro (see Also Tested section). While the Bear Elite had the fastest cooling rate of any bed we've tested, the mid-range CopperFlex Pro offers great temperature control, too.

The only people who should be hesitant to buy are couples weighing over 300lbs each, because the weight capacity of the Saatva Classic is 600lbs. (Check out the WinkBed instead.)

As for the luxury price tag, we should point out that we awarded the Classic the highest score for value for money, thanks to its above-and-beyond performance and industry-leading benefits: free white glove delivery, a one-year sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty.

2. The best mid-range hybrid mattress

While the Saatva Classic is the best hybrid mattress overall, the DreamCloud Classic is the best-mid range hybrid mattress (with the joint title of best affordable hotel hybrid mattress, too). The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid may be a mid-range bed on paper, but its design and performance surpass its relatively affordable price tag to become a de facto luxury mattress. Its cushioning comfort, support for back and side sleepers, and great temperature control makes the DreamCloud Classic both the best mattress in a box and the best mid-range hybrid mattress

In terms of sleep comfort, the DreamCloud performed at its best when it came to edge support, pressure relief, and temperature regulation (all three areas scored a near-perfect 4 out of 5). During our tests, reviewers felt supported while sleeping close to the edge, and its quilted cover provided the best pressure relief to our back and side-sleeping testers. The bed was also great at keeping a neutral sleep temperature, thanks to airflow-boosting coils and a breathable cover. Like the Saatva Classic, the DreamCloud Classic picked up its lowest score (a decent 3.5 out of 5) in motion isolation, as our tests found that motion transfer from a restless partner is enough to wake light sleepers up.

For shoppers comparing several options, the biggest difference between the DreamCloud Classic and its rivals is the gap between its price tag and performance. There are cheaper options on the market, though, especially if you want a mattress in the budget price tier. The EGOHOME Black 12" Hybrid Mattress offers excellent support and pressure relief to side sleepers, but its under-$400 price tag doesn't have the luxurious feel of the DreamCloud.

Apart from disappointing front sleepers (our testers complained that their hips "sank" too much in this position), the DreamCloud Classic is still an impressive bed-in-a-box that punches above its price point. Between $699 and $649 for a queen (depending on the DreamCloud mattress sale), the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid comes with generous benefits, too: a 365-night sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns.

Grabbing the DreamCloud for $649 doesn't mean you're getting the Classic for the lowest price of the year, but last year's Black Friday saw a queen sold for $699 plus a free bedding bundle worth over $500.

3. The best hybrid mattress for a guest room

The insanely popular (and frequently sold out) EGOHOME Black 12" Hybrid Mattress offers medium-firm comfort for side sleepers at a budget price. With copper-infused memory foam and supportive springs, the EGOHOME Black 12" Memory Foam Hybrid is our top choice if you want to refresh a guest room mattress for less than $500.

Performance-wise, the EGOHOME Hybrid delivered the strongest results in edge support, with our lead tester awarding it a perfect score for making her feel completely stable sleeping close to the edge due to a co-sleeping husband, pets, and children. She also awarded EGOHOME Hybrid's temperature regulation a strong 4 out of 5, as it prevented her hot-sleeping husband from overheating. Motion isolation was another standout feature, with our tester barely feeling her co-sleepers' movements. As for pressure relief, the EGOHOME scores a 3.5 out of 5, as it only supports side sleepers and some back sleepers (despite claiming it suits all sleepers).

Against similarly priced hybrids, it performs especially well for side-sleeper comfort. But if you're willing to stretch your budget slightly and cross into the lower mid-range price bracket, then the luxury DreamCloud Classic and supportive-for-all Siena Signature Hybrid are great options, too.

As with most hybrid mattresses over the last year, the EGOHOME has crept up in price. We used to see a queen-size go for $399 or less during sales. Today, a queen EGOHOME hybrid is discounted to under $500, which is barely within cheap mattress territory (under $400 in a queen).

Prices could drop further during Black Friday sales, but we'd be pleasantly surprised to see them return to pre-2026 levels. Still, a sub-$500 queen-sized mattress that performs well is always worth a look. Your houseguests (and your wallet) will appreciate it

4. Best luxury hybrid mattress

The ThermoBalance LX Elite combines premium, cooling materials with a high-quality, pillow-top design, providing a luxurious sleep experience for a luxury price tag. It uses Talalay latex for responsive pressure relief, Phase Change Material (PCM) for cooling, and a zoned coil system for targeted support. It’s a splurge at over $2,000 for a queen, but the ThermoBalance LX Elite earns its premium price with the feel and performance of the best luxury hybrid mattress.

From cooling performance to motion isolation, the ThermoBalance LX Elite delivered a well-rounded sleep experience. Edge support achieved a perfect score, as our tester felt comfortable while sleeping close to the edges, while motion isolation and temperature control scored 4 out of 5. Pressure relief scored a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5, as it provided incredible comfort and support for back sleepers but missed out on a 5 out of 5 owing to its lack of bounce when changing positions.

While the ThermoBalance LX Elite did deliver on its promise of luxury hotel-style comfort, there are much cheaper choices in the premium price category. The Saatva Classic (usually under $2,000 for a queen) delivers back support and hotel-style comfort for all sleepers and has excellent cooling. Speaking of which, the Bear Elite Hybrid offers the fastest cooling rate of any mattress we've tested, and it's less than $1,500 for a queen. We've also tested the mid-range Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (see Also Tested), which is a good choice if you want a cooling and supportive bed under $1,000.

Restless sleepers may feel like they're "stuck" in the mattress when changing position (which could exacerbate discomfort for hot sleepers), but there's no denying that the ThermoBalance LX Elite's luxury design mirrors its luxury price tag, even if the price does rule out a lot of shoppers. However, invest at the right time by catching Brooklyn Bedding's federal holiday-themed 30% off sale, where a queen goes from $3,199 down to $2,239.30.

5. The best hybrid mattress for side sleepers

The Helix Midnight Luxe is the best mattress for side sleepers, and it's no surprise — it's a medium-firm bed-in-a-box designed especially for side sleeping. Our side-sleeping testers loved how it relieved key side-sleeping pressure points in the shoulders and hips, and they were equally impressed with how it supported their lumbar region (lower back) while back sleeping. While the luxury hybrid sits in the premium price tier, the sleep comfort it brings to its target audience earns the Helix Midnight Luxe the title of best hybrid mattress for side sleepers.

Across our objective and subjective tests, the Helix Midnight Luxe showed clear strengths in pressure relief, earning a near-perfect score of 4.5 out of 5. This high score comes from the sink-in softness it offers in the shoulder and hip region. Edge support and temperature control both scored 4 out of 5, with the Midnight Luxe offering sturdy sides for sleeping and breathability for a comfortable sleep temperature. Motion isolation scored a middling 3.5 out of 5, as its hybrid design has a "bounce" that could be disruptive when sharing a bed with a restless sleeper.

The Helix Midnight Luxe isn't the brand's only mattress made for side sleepers; the Helix Sunset Luxe, featured in our Also Tested section, is a softer version of the Midnight Luxe (the only thing that separates the two is a different comfort layer), though we should point out that the Midnight Luxe scored better across the board. While the Helix Midnight Luxe is our top hybrid pick for side sleepers, it's certainly not the only luxury hybrid mattress ideal for this sleep position. The DreamCloud Classic offers a premium quilted design that's ideal for side sleepers, and it costs over $1,000 less than the Midnight Luxe.

Side sleepers and back sleepers are likely to appreciate the way the Midnight Luxe balances body-hugging comfort with lumbar support, but stomach sleepers will likely find the mattress too soft. Hot sleepers would also be better off looking for a cooling hybrid, such as the Bear Elite, as the Midnight Luxe's temperature regulation is only "decent".

However, it's worth the premium price tag for anyone prioritizing side-sleeping comfort, especially when you shop during major holidays. The current sale cuts 25% off all sizes of the Midnight Luxe, which brings a queen-size to $1,874. Be on the lookout for our semi-exclusive 27% off discount as we approach Black Friday for greater savings.

6. Best budget hybrid mattress

If you can't commit to one position at night, then the Siena Signature Hybrid (formerly the Siena Premier Hybrid) is worth your consideration. The responsive feel plus one-size-fits-all support makes it a great hybrid mattress for combination sleepers. Better yet, it's a budget buy, with a queen-size going for $500 or less during regular sales. It's our top hybrid mattress choice for shoppers looking for a cheap but reliable bed.

Our lead tester praised the "keen balance" of "ample" comfort and "firmer support" for a lower mid-range price, scoring pressure relief a 4 out of 5. The Premier Hybrid even provided enough comfort to aid her recovery from a bout of sciatica. Edge support and temperature regulation also scored a solid 4 out of 5, as the edges were supportive for sleeping and the coil-heavy design boosted airflow. (There are only two thin foam layers above the coil tier for boosted airflow.) Motion isolation was a little weaker, as we did observe motion transfer during our tests.

The Siena Signature covers all sleep positions, but if you oscillate between two positions only, then you can look at the mid-range DreamCloud Classic (which supports back and side sleepers). Still, the only other mattresses we tested that support all sleep types are the Saatva Classic, the Bear Elite Hybrid, and the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro (also in our Also Tested section), but they're bona fide premium purchases.

Still, frequent Siena mattress sales ensure you're getting excellent value for money, even if prices have risen slightly. (That's happening all across the industry, however.) Right now, a queen-size Siena is on sale for $389, and it comes with a 180-night sleep trial, which is one of the longest out there. If you're shopping for a mattress for college, we highly recommend this cost-friendly bed.

7. The hybrid mattress for hot sleepers

At first glance, the best cooling mattress Bear Elite Hybrid feels like a hybrid mattress built for keeping night sweats at bay — but it brings a lot more to the table than advanced cooling. Its three firmness options make it universally comfortable, with the Medium version bringing support to back, stomach, and side sleepers of our testing panel. Its state-of-the-art cooling tech does steer the Bear Elite Hybrid into the premium price bracket, but its mixture of advanced temperature control and body-cradling support makes the Bear Elite the best cooling hybrid mattress on the market.

During our testing period, the Bear Elite delivered its strongest results in temperature regulation. It showcased the fastest cooling rate of all the mattresses we've tested, earning it a perfect 5 out of 5. Pressure relief, meanwhile, scored a near-perfect 4.6 for pressure relief thanks to the comfort and support it offered to all sleep positions. Its hybrid design did result in some motion transfer, scoring it an adequate 3.2 out of 5. However, the weakest area was edge support, with the sides being sensitive to weight. Keep this in mind if you or your sleeping partner have mobility issues.

We didn't find any other mattress during our extensive testing that offered a faster (or equally fast) cooling rate. However, the Saatva Classic did come close, offering lower heat absorption and a great cooling rate. If you'd like a cooling mattress for a mid-range price, you could also check out the under-$1,000 Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress (see our Also Tested section). It doesn't have the advanced cooling of the Bear Elite, but its heat-dissipating materials do make it a worthy cheaper rival.

Taking both price and performance into account, the Bear Elite Hybrid delivers the top-of-the-line cooling you'd expect from a luxury-priced hybrid. Bear mattress sales range between 30% and 35% off, but right now, use our code TOMS40 to knock 40% off, which reduces the price of a queen Bear Elite to $1,370.

8. Best organic hybrid mattress

In a vacuum, the Awara Classic Hybrid is an impressive organic latex hybrid mattress. Compare the bed to other organic mattresses on the market, and it is hard to believe that this bed falls into the mid-range price tier. At under $1,000 for a queen, the Awara Classic Hybrid stands out from the other best organic mattresses by offering premium, sustainable materials without a premium price tag. Mix the value for money with a number of eco awards and certifications, and the Awara Classic Hybrid becomes the best organic hybrid mattress on the market.

The Awara Classic is an updated model of the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress. Over the testing period, we've found that the Classic provides enough flexibility to prevent pressure buildup when side sleeping while also offering enough support when back and stomach sleeping. The natural bounce of latex is notorious for transferring motion to the other side of the bed, but thankfully our lead tester never felt her husband's movements.

In terms of competition, the Awara doesn't really have much, as there aren't many mid-range certified-organic latex hybrids on the market today. However, if you're looking for a cheaper mid-range hybrid and organic materials aren't a priority for you, you could try the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid, which offers more cushioning support and sink-in plushness.

Prices have gone up for the Awara Classic due to rising production costs, so a queen-size is now on sale for $999. (It was previously between $799 and $899.) Still, relative to other organic mattresses out there, this is still a great value for money, especially when you factor in the lifetime warranty and one-year risk-free trial that are included.

9. Best hybrid mattress for heavy bodies

Sometimes, it feels like weight capacity is an afterthought for a lot of luxury mattresses who aim to please all types of sleep positions but not all body types. However, the WinkBed Plus is designed especially for plus-sized individuals and couples who weigh over 250lbs each, making it the best hybrid mattress for heavy bodies (and the best mattress for heavy people overall).

The WinkBed Plus uses a layer of durable latex and a banded coil system for extra support. The design also features a Tencel cover for temperature regulation, which our lead tester awarded a 4 out of 5 score. The WinkBed's edge support (which our lead tester scored a 4.5 out of 5) is also sturdy thanks to a reinforced perimeter. Motion isolation also scored a near-perfect 4.5, but pressure relief is where it gets trickier to score. While our lead tester scored the Luxury Firm version of the WinkBed a 4 in this area, the brand says that the feel may vary depending on your weight and sleep position.

There are surprisingly not many mattresses on the market with a relatively high weight capacity. Of course, there is a sizeable minority, and that includes mattresses that aren't exclusively designed for heavier bodies. For example, the premium-priced Avocado Green (see Also Tested section) has a weight capacity of up to 700lbs per sleepers, making it a great eco-friendly choice for plus-sized couples.

Overall, if you want to invest in a durable mattress designed for heavier bodies and can support both you and your partner, then we highly recommend the Plus version of the WinkBed. It is quite an investment, however, with a queen priced at $1,999. WinkBed deals are regular, though, so there's really no right or wrong time to buy.

Also tested and recommended

As mentioned above, we've tested over 80 hybrid mattresses, and the vast majority have offered an excellent balance of comfort and support. However, we've chosen our top nine to showcase the best of the best, but here are some honorable mentions that we've tested, reviewed, and loved.

Hybrid mattresses we're currently testing

The testing never stops for us. Below are a couple of highly-regarded hybrid mattresses we're in the process of evaluating. Stay tuned for our complete reviews of each, and whether they make the cut for this list.

How we test hybrid mattresses

The Tom's Guide mattress review process is fully editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties.

To create unbiased product recommendations, we research and test the latest hybrid mattresses in four key areas: temperature regulation (how well a mattress prevents excess heat buildup); pressure relief (how well a mattress reduces pressure buildup); motion isolation (how well a mattress prevents a co-sleeper's motions transferring to the other side of the bed); and edge support (how sturdy the perimeter of the mattress is for sitting and sleeping).

After analyzing our test data and conducting extensive user review research, we rate each key area out of 5, while we rate the hybrid mattress as a whole out of five.

When rating each key area, we conduct both subjective and objective tests. The subjective tests are based on the testers' personal thoughts on testing and sleeping on the mattress. Lead testers will sleep on a bed for at least three weeks, and report back on what they liked and disliked about the experience. Later, a wider testing panel assists the lead testers with lab-based subjective tests.

Objective tests, meanwhile, involve conducting measurable experiments to collect quantitative data. Combining subjective and objective results creates a wider and more accurate overview of the mattress, and it also helps us compare a mattress with structurally similar mattresses we've tested.

We expect hybrid mattresses to have better temperature regulation than all-foam mattresses as their springs are naturally ventilating, creating a more breathable bed. To test a hybrid mattress's temperature regulation, we perform two subjective tests (one at-home test and one in our lab).

At their room-temperature home, the lead tester sets a stopwatch and records their initial impression of the mattress's temperature when lying down. They then repeat the same process at the 5-minute, 10-minute, and 15-minute mark. Meanwhile, at the temperature-controlled lab, a tester will measure by touch how much heat a mattress absorbs from a heating pad and how quickly it then dissipates it.

The objective temperature regulation test is a lab-based thermal imaging camera test. The point of the experiment is to see how much a mattress absorbs and retains a tester's body heat when lying down on it for 15 minutes, and how quickly the mattress then dissipates that heat within 15 minutes of the tester leaving the mattress.

Every part of the mattress (including corners, center, and the "hotspot" where the tester lay) has its temperature measured with a thermal imaging camera. For every minute of the 30-minute experiment, each area's temperature is recorded, along with the room's temperature and humidity level.

Pressure relief involves measuring how comfortable and supported a tester feels on the bed. While hybrid mattresses are often firmer than all-foam mattresses due to their addition of springs, plenty of hybrid mattresses can be on the plusher side.

At home, a tester will perform a subjective test by observing how well cushioned their pressure points felt throughout the review period, while also testing how responsive the surface is by performing a hand compression test.

Still, most hybrid mattresses are on the firmer side of the firmness spectrum, so we usually expect to see high scores in the following support-measuring tests. A lab-based, subjective pressure relief test involves aligning a laser with the spine of a supine tester. Then, after 10 minutes, we check to see if the two are still aligned — if they're not, it's probably because the body has started sinking in, so the mattress might not have great support.

A similar but more objective test is also performed with 10kg and 25kg weights. The laser pen is aimed at the surface of the bed, so when we put the weight on the mattress, the laser will hit the tape measure to show how far into the surface it's sunk. The indentation depth then tells you how much the body part will sink into the mattress.

Four tests are conducted for motion isolation, and this is because hybrid mattresses aren't the best at isolating motion due to their bouncy coils. That said, many of the best hybrid mattresses above have springs that are all individually wrapped in fabric to limit motion transfer.

The subjective tests involve a bed-sharing reviewer recording how much of their partner's movements they felt at home, while a lab-based subjective test involves the first tester simulating motion-based interruptions (such as tossing and turning and getting up and out of bed) on a bed where a second tester simulates a sleeping person. The second tester then reports back on how much of the movements she felt.

The objective motion isolation test involves dropping a heavy slam ball onto a mattress with an accelerometer strapped to it. The device records the initial impact absorption (IIA), which is how much the mattress moves immediately after the drop, and motion dampening speed (MDS), which is how long the mattress takes to stop the vibrations (otherwise known as a decay rate)

,Last but not least, we measure edge support, which is usually quite sturdy in hybrids thanks to spring tiers with reinforced edges. The subjective tests involve a tester sitting on the edge of a mattress and observing how stable it feels while bouncing and pushing it down, and how well it accommodates you when getting up. The main reviewer also records how safe they feel when sleeping close to the edges.

In the lab, we also perform a roll-off test, which involves a tester measuring how near the mattress's edge another tester needs to be before they roll off the bed. The most important test however, is the weight test, which involves placing a 25kg weight along the parameters of the mattress and recording how far the weight sinks. The further it sinks, the weaker the edge support

Back to top ▲

Hybrid mattress buying advice from our experts

Back to top ▲

What to consider when buying a hybrid mattress

While there are plenty of things to look for in a good hybrid mattress, that doesn't mean the best hybrid mattress for one person is the right hybrid for everyone else. That's why it's important to consider the following things when shopping for a hybrid mattress:

Height: When deciding how thick your mattress should be, you need to consider your sleep style, body weight, and requirements. For example, most adults and sleep styles should find hybrid mattresses with a height between 8" to 12" comfortable and supportive. On the other hand, adults over 250lbs, couples, and some side sleepers will need something deeper (around 12" to 16") for extra support and comfort. Those with mobility issue, however, may need something with a lower profile to help them get in and out of bed easier.

Price and deals: Most hybrid mattresses are premium, with the average sale price of a queen hybrid around $1,250. For comparison, a queen size memory foam bed is typically around $989. We always reccomend buying a hybrid mattress that suits your budget, be it premium (such as the Saatva RX at #7), mid-range (such as the DreamCloud at #2) or budget (see the Linenspa at #9). Also, shop around different brands and third-party retailers, and time your mattress shopping around major sale events and federal holidays if you can. These big sales are the best times to buy a mattress.

Trials and warranty: A lot of hybrid mattresses nowadays offer extra-long trials and warranties. Some brands, such as Saatva, DreamCloud, and Nectar now offer year-long sleep trials and lifetime warranties, which gives you plenty of time to try out your new hybrid bed. These generous benefits are huge pluses, but we find that a trial of 100 nights or a warranty lasting 10 years is plenty. However, cheaper mattresses (or beds bought on retail sites such as Amazon) don't offer sleep trials, so you need to make sure you're comfortable with a standard return policy - or, in the case of final sale mattresses, no returns at all.

Weight capacity: If you and/or your partner is over 250lbs, you may want to consider the weight capacity of your chosen hybrid mattress. Most hybrid mattresses can handle up to 500lbs combined.

Firmness: A lot of hybrid mattresses are medium-firm, as this firmness level is a crowd-pleaser that suits most bodies and sleep styles. However, some sleepers may need something softer or plusher, and some hybrid mattresses (such as the Classic at #1 and the Bear Elite Hybrid at #6) come with different firmness options to choose from. Visit our guide to how firm a mattress should be if you're unsure which comfort level suits your sleep needs.

Back to top ▲

Best hybrid mattress: Frequently asked questions

Back to top ▲

Back to top ▲

Back to top ▲

We've put loads of different instant cameras so that we can find the best around, thoroughly checking all their features and how well they take those snaps. If you're looking for a new camera, we know all the best options.

The best right now is the Fujifilm Instax mini Evo. It's a slightly more expensive option, but its image quality is the very best we've ever seen, and its compact form factor fits into a bag with no issues at all. A bit too rich for your blood? No problem, there are cameras here to suit every budget. Here are the best instant cameras of 2026.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide

While they may not be professional devices, we still put the best instant cameras through their paces to find out which one you should buy. That's thanks to our dedicated camera testing team, who love taking photos with cameras big and small. Most of the reviews you'll find here are taken by keen photographer Nikita Achanta, who, before writing for Tom's Guide, was a sub-editor and writer for Canon EMEA. Then there's Reviews Senior Editor Peter Wolinski, who takes professional shots alongside running Tom's Guide's reviews team.

Here are the tests the reviews team put the best instant cameras through before they land on the list proper.

• We take them out and shoot some pictures. What better way is there to see how well a camera works than to take some pictures and compare them to its closest competitor? Not many, that's for sure.
• We try different lighting. Just because a camera works well in daylight doesn't mean it's going to work well when things get darker. We make sure to take photos in a bunch of different conditions to get a better idea of performance in different lighting scenes.
• Making sure it's easy to use. A point-and-shoot camera can't get you bogged down in image settings and other options. You should be able to point it at a thing, press the shutter, and get an image spat out with a whir. Anything more would be too complicated.
• Is there an app and is it good. We install any companion apps and test them — they're something that can get in the way of taking snaps as much as they can help, so we want to make sure that they work well.

The best instant cameras you can buy today

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo is the best instant camera overall, merging the experience of a dedicated digital camera of the 2000s, the fun of 70s and 80s instamatics, and the design aesthetics of 50s and 60s SLRs.

The Instax mini Evo offers extensive creative control. It has a dedicated dial to choose from 10 filters and a lens dial to choose from 10 lens effects, such as fisheye, double exposure and color shift. Combined, you get 100 combinations at your fingertips for any situation and photography style. The photos this camera produces are lovely. In our testing, the camera performed exceptionally well in both bright and low-light conditions. We also enjoyed the ease of use and portability. The camera weighs just over 10 ounces so it’s comfortable to carry it around your neck.

Compared to similarly priced cameras, such as the Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro, the Instax mini Evo provides way more creative control. The print quality is also a lot better. Additionally, the camera stores 45 photos so you can go back and print the ones you like. It also comes with a microSD card slot for more storage. You can also transfer images from the camera to your smartphone, but this applies only to the ones that have been printed.

If you're on a budget, this isn't going to be the right camera for you, and we'd recommend the Polaroid Go Gen 2, which you can read about just below. If you can stretch your budget though, the mini Evo offers way more than the Polaroid, thanks to its huge array of creative controls and excellent low light performance.

Overall, the Instax mini Evo is a stellar camera and while it will set you back $199, we feel like it’s well worth the money.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini Evo review

The best budget instant camera

If you're on a budget, there are plenty of options for you, but the Polaroid Go Gen 2 is the best of the bunch. As Polaroid claims, this is the world’s smallest instant camera, and it really is “take anywhere-able” as you can slip it into your pocket and go about your day.

With a maximum aperture of f/9, a top shutter speed of 1/300 second and a built-in flash, it delivers superb and detailed retro prints, especially in bright conditions. With the addition of a double exposure mode which was missing from the original Go, you can get really creative with your shots.

There’s also a selfie mirror and self-timer, and both are fun to use. User-friendly with only 3 buttons, this little beauty can be used by anyone, even someone who isn’t well-versed with the semantics of photography. The Go Gen 2 also boasts great battery life as a single charge will last you between 15 and 18 shots.

The camera, however, doesn’t perform as well in low-light conditions and might have you considering other options like the Instax mini Evo above, if that’s a dealbreaker. Similarly, there is no dedicated macro mode so shooting a flower, for example, up close takes a bit of trial and error. Film is also relatively expensive — a single print will cost you approximately $1.12.

That being said, the Go Gen 2 is the cutest camera I’ve shot with and is super user friendly (although not quite as user-friendly as the Instax mini 12, our top pick for beginners). It looks and feels premium, and it’s easy to carry, making it the ideal travel companion.

• Read our full Polaroid Go Gen 2 review

The best instant camera for beginners

Looking for one of the best instant cameras but don’t want to get bogged down with the technical side of photography? The Fujifilm Instax mini 12 might be the one for you. It’s for beginners venturing into the world of instant photography for the first time, thanks to the ease of use.

The camera furnishes just a single adjustment: turning the lens barrel one click sets it to shoot at a normal distance, and turning another click sets it for close-ups and selfies. And the resulting images are bright, detailed, and the colors are faithfully reproduced. Photos develop in just under 90 seconds, and cost 75 cents apiece. The compact and lightweight body also make it very easy to travel with the Instax mini 12. A dedicated smartphone app allows you to quickly scan and share your prints on social media too.

In our testing, most shots turned out the way we envisioned, and we loved how easy it was to use the camera, as there’s only the shutter button you need to familiarize yourself with.

However, the Instax mini 12 doesn’t feature a self-timer or double exposures — features present in the similarly priced Polaroid Go Gen 2. Also, photos taken in very bright light may be over exposed. The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro doesn’t have this issue, so if you value correct exposures over anything, consider other options than the Instax mini 12.

Overall, the Instax mini 12 is excellent for beginners and travelers who want to capture memories in mini prints.

• Read our full Fujifilm Instax mini 12 review

The best instant camera for video

The Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema is the latest addition to Fuji’s lineup of hybrid instant cameras, and at the time of writing, it’s the only instant camera that can shoot video — and it does a great job. Its design is inspired by Super 8 cameras from years past, and it’s the perfect blend of modernity and nostalgic aesthetics.

A delight to handle thanks to its compact design and an additional, attachable grip, the Instax mini Evo Cinema sports a well-laid out control scheme that’s easy to get to grips with. One of its biggest selling points is the Gen Dial that lets you choose one of 10 decade-specific effects, such as grainy footage from the 1930s and YouTube-esque framing from the 2010s. This, combined with the Degree Control dial that lets you adjust the contrast and grain, gives you access to 100 effect combinations for any and every situation.

The Instax mini Evo Cinema borrows its imaging tech from the Instax mini Evo and the Instax Wide Evo, enabling you to shoot 5MP images featuring bright and vivid colors. Alongside being able to shoot stills and print directly from your smartphone, the Instax mini Evo Cinema can record 600 x 800 or 1080 x 1440 video and add it to your print as a QR code. This QR code can then be scanned, and the video can be viewed by anyone, anywhere in the world. It’s like a cross between the Instax mini Evo and the Instax mini LiPlay+, as it can record clear audio too.

Its user-friendly companion app lets you edit videos, add opening and closing titles, and a digital copy is saved to internal storage or a microSD card, in case you want to share your creations on social media. It offers fantastic value for money, and it’s the best instant camera for video out there.

• Find out more in our Fujifilm Instax mini Evo Cinema review

The best instant camera for weddings

The Fujifilm Instax mini 41 is the best instant camera for weddings. It’s like the Instax mini 12 but for grown-ups, thanks to its sleek, dark, premium body. It’s extremely easy to use with just a couple of buttons on its body, so even those who aren’t familiar with the semantics of photography can take photos with it. It can be passed around your wedding to document everything without any worry at all. And for selfies with the bride and groom, there’s a selfie mirror on the front as well as a close-up mode for detailed shots.

The Instax mini 41 takes lovely photos regardless of the lighting conditions — so whether it’s an indoor or outdoor wedding, or it’s taking place at night, this camera will capture great photos. Prints are quick to develop, and color reproduction is accurate. If you want to share your wedding snaps on social media, the Instax Up! app lets you quickly scan them on any smartphone.

One of the Instax mini 41’s drawbacks is that its flash is always on — which isn’t the case with the Instax mini 12. But this also means that the camera takes good photos in dimly lit environments, like wedding dance floors!

The cherry on top of an already delicious cake? It's long battery life. Utilizing two AA batteries, the Instax mini 41 can take a total of 100 shots before the batteries need replacing. No need to worry about putting the camera on charge between film pack changes.

Overall, the Instax mini 41’s premium build and design, ability to take stunning photos, long battery life and great low-light performance make it the best instant camera for weddings.

• Find out more in our full Instax mini 41 review

What to look for when buying an instant camera

Instant cameras are not exactly instant. You have to wait at least 90 seconds for the picture to "fill in" to view the finished result, but we often found it took several minutes for the completed image to fully bake, revealing richer color and sharper focus.

Zink vs. Fujifilm Instax

Some instant cameras use the Fujifilm Instax film cartridges, which come in several sizes and varieties. This is the photo paper that Polaroid cameras have traditionally used: the paper is exposed to light, and the chemicals react to produce an image.

Other instant cameras use Zink paper, which uses heat to activate colors in the paper. The advantage to Zink is that you don’t have to worry about accidentally exposing the paper to light, as you do with Instax film. However, we’ve found that Zink prints tended to be less vibrant overall.

Does it print everything you shoot?

With traditional instant cameras, every photo you took was printed out. That's still the case for a good number of modern instant cameras, but given the cost of film, that approach can be very pricey — 50 cents and higher per shot, in some cases. However, some instant cameras now let you preview each shot so you can decide if you want to print it out or not. It could save you money in the long run.

Digital storage

While not universal, some of the new instant cameras have a microSD card slot, and save a digital copy of every photo you take. Not only does this make it easier to make a second print, but you can also share that photo on social media a lot more easily.

Smartphone app

Still other instant cameras can connect via Bluetooth to a smartphone app. This opens up a few more features, such as the ability to use the camera to print photos taken with your smartphone, add filters, stickers, and more.

FAQs

Here are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about instant cameras.

How we test instant cameras

We test instant cameras in the same way we test full mirrorless cameras: that is to say, we put them through their paces. Obviously, we look at how much the camera costs, but we also consider how much money you're going to spend in the long term, too, with things like film cost, ink cartridge prices and battery expenditure.

Then we test the cameras in a range of scenarios to give a complete evaluation of their pros and cons. We'll always test out our instant cameras shooting in the types of places and scenarios you would: indoor selfies with friends, group shots, outdoors in the street and, of course, with any cute pets we come across along the way!

We always make sure to shoot with the cameras in daylight as well as low light to work out how well the cameras perform in challenging conditions. We test out all of their features and components to see how much control they will give you over exposure and how much creativity they'll offer with things like filters.

This naturally allows us to test out the camera's focusing and any other neat features, like screens, audio recording or digital storage. After all this, we'll have a great feel (literally) of what the camera feels like in use, how comfortable it is to hold, and how well its built.

If there's an app, we'll use it to edit our photos, as well as print smartphone images if we can. Of course, we print out all our instant photos and evaluate the quality of the prints, the aesthetic of the camera filters and film, plus the colors, sharpness and definition. While doing this, we also get a good idea of how long the camera spends printing.

What does all this mean? That you can rest assured we've put the instant cameras in this list through rigorous testing, and the best picks come highly recommended.

The majority of the 140+ mattress we've tested to find the best mattresses of 2026 have been boxed. Everything from budget-friendly foam mattresses to luxurious hybrids, and even eco-latex beds, come in a box nowadays. And don't worry. While the packing process sounds intense, it has no impact on the final quality of your boxed mattress.

In the Black Friday mattress deals we expect to see savings from nearly all our favorite bed in a box brands. So if you need a new mattress but you're dreading getting every inch of a queen up the stairs (or dealing with pushy furniture store sales assistants), sit back, relax, and discover the best mattresses in a box for every sleep style and budget.

How we test mattresses in a box

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. We also sleep on a mattress for at least three weeks and receive feedback from an expert testing panel. Finally we assess value for money and user scores before feeding data into our bespoke scoring system to create an overall review score. See all our mattress reviews here.

Best mattress in a box overall

The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress takes the top spot because it delivers exceptional comfort in a convenient and affordable package — just what we expect from a mattress in a box. One of the best hybrid mattresses we've tested, the mid-range price undersells the quality of this bed, particularly when you consider the "outstanding performance" our expert testing team noted.

During our mattress review process the DreamCloud Classic earned high marks across the board. With 4/5 stars for pressure relief, the DreamCloud was most popular with the side sleepers in our testing panel, as the quilted top contours to the body to alleviate sore shoulders. The temperature regulation is also excellent (4/5) and the "airy design" prevents excess heat from getting trapped. co-sleepers, you might notice some disruption — our tests found large movements bounced across the bed — but good edge support (4/5) means you can lie far away from your partner as they toss and turn.

While we think the DreamCloud Classic delivers a touch of luxury, for true indulgence you might want to upgrade to the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid (although it's over double the price.) And for those seeking a more eco-friendly build, consider the Awara Natural Hybrid, made with latex foams. You'll struggle to get a better value hybrid but the Allswell is an option for shoppers on a budget — if you don't mind sacrificing some support and a lot of cushioning.

The DreamCloud isn't perfect but it's as close as we think you'll get in this price range; excellent for side sleepers, supportive for back sleepers, and breathable all-over. No wonder we gave it full marks for value for money, as it goes above and beyond the mid-range price tag. And in the permanent DreamCloud mattress sale, it's always a good time to buy — a queen is around $699.

Best budget mattress in a box

Siena’s Signature Mattress is a boxed bed highlight, a low cost mattress that still delivers when it comes to comfort and support. Our testing team was (pleasantly) surprised by its performance in our Sleep Lab, although for an all-foam bed, you don't get much body contouring. However, you do get an exceptional amount of support, particularly for a mattress that's only $329 for a queen.

We put every mattress through the same testing process, from the cut-price Siena to the luxury Saatva; so the Siena held its own against some stiff competition. Particularly when it comes to motion isolation — it simply eats up movement from even fidgety co-sleepers. Edge support is also impressive (4/5), with the sturdy build supporting you right up the perimeter. In fact, the support all-over is exceptional, although pressure relief suffers from a lack of contouring (side sleepers, watch out.) And while 3.3/5 for temperature control indicates some heat build-up, it's a good score for a cheap foam bed.

If you have the money to invest in durability and you still prioritize firmness, the Plank Firm should offer a longer lasting build. The Nectar Classic is another good alternative, for those who want support in the master bedroom. But if you want to keep to a low budget but enjoy a softer feel, try the Zinus Green Tea Mattress.

We know budgets can be tight nowadays and if you’re looking to upgrade your sleep without breaking the bank, you’ll struggle to do better than the Siena. This firm feel means it does best suit back and stomach sleepers but combination sleepers should appreciate the touch of pressure relief. And it's always on sale, so you can shop now with confidence (a 180-night trial doesn't hurt either.)

Best memory foam mattress in a box

We rate the Leesa Original as the best memory foam mattress you can buy online, and that's in large part because it feels as you expect an all-foam bed to feel. What do we mean by that? Think foams you can sink into, plenty of cushioning and no bounce. It's ideal for side sleepers but still delivers enough support for back sleepers and in our Sleep Lab, it performed well across testing metrics.

Whether a hybrid or all-foam, every bed we test goes through the same mattress methodology. The Leesa Original uses dense foams, including an eco-friendly GreenFlex foam, to create impressive pressure relief (3.9/5). It hugs the shoulders and hips (keeping side sleepers happy) while holding the spine at a neutral angle (comfortable for back sleepers). There's not enough support for stomach sleepers (try the Plank Firm instead) but there's ample strength at the sides. We awarded edge support 4.5/5, because you can comfortably sit or lie on the perimeter. A 3.8/5 is also better than average for temperature control; expect minimal heat build-up.

The Leesa's biggest competitor is the Nectar Premier, which used to hold a spot in this guide. The Leesa won out thanks to its superior support for back sleepers but the does offer better motion isolation (and a more luxurious feel). To up the luxury again, consider the DreamCloud Luxe Memory Foam. Or for shoppers on a budget, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam or SweetNight CoolNest mattresses offer a similar 'hug', although they're unlikely to deliver the same durability.

While we're calling the Leesa Original a memory foam mattress, it's worth noting that alongside traditional foams it's made with a GreenFlex BioFoam. That helps justify the price tag, which is around $1,000 for a queen in the regular Leesa mattress sales. You also get a 365-night trial and a limited lifetime warranty, matching the best extras in this guide.

Best cooling mattress in a box

Night sweats and overheating disrupt your circadian rhythm, which in turn disrupts your sleep. — the best cooling mattresses aim to kick out excess warmth so you can rest undisturbed. From our testing, there's no better boxed bed for cooling than the Bear Elite. A hybrid mattress packed with cooling tech, our lab testing shows it simply offloads heat to keep you dreaming comfortably.

Temperature regulation is a key part of out mattress testing process and the Bear Elite earned full marks here. It absorbs heat and then quickly chucks it out, ensuring you aren't bothered by lingering warmth. Of course, that's not enough to earn a place in this guide and the Bear Elite also delivers exceptional pressure relief courtesy of deep cushioning (and it comes in three firmness levels, to appeal to all sleepers.) The motion isolation is okay but heavy movement will likely disrupt light sleepers. Unfortunately, edge support is a weak point — our testers found themselves slipping off the sides.

Dedicated cooling mattresses are pricey but if you're looking for a breathable design on a tighter budget, we were impressed with the DreamCloud Classic and the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (both under $1,000 for a queen.) For luxurious cooling, the Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance LX Elite is an indulgent choice, as is the Saatva Classic (although this one is delivered flat, instead of boxed.)

The Bear Elite Hybrid is ideal for chronic hot sleepers; those who frequently find their snooze cut short by overheating. The pressure relief of the Medium model we tested is also exceptional for side sleepers, although the Helix Midnight Luxe is better overall for side sleepers who don't sleep warm. A queen is typically around $1,485 in the standard Bear 30% off sale but if you can wait for a major holiday, Bear's biggest discount nets you 40% off.

Best mattress in a box for side sleepers

We've got a lot of side sleepers on our testing team and it's the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress that impressed them the most, earning the title of best mattress for side sleepers. The Midnight Luxe proves that boxed mattresses can be just as luxurious as their traditional counterparts (and just as pricey), as a deep indulgent pillow top makes this bed a side sleepers dream.

Pressure relief is a must for side sleepers and our tests show the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress nails it. It's soft at the shoulders and hips but with an underlying support that also holds your spine straight, making it a winner for most back sleepers, as well. However, some of our team did feel 'stuck' in the plush top. Outside of pressure relief, the Helix impressed across the board, with a breathable feel (4/5) and sturdy edge support (4/5.) Light sleepers might notice some disruptive movement but our lead tester frequently shared the Midnight Luxe with two kids plus a cat, and she still loved it.

As it's built using high-quality materials to suit a specific type of sleeper, we think the Helix Midnight Luxe is good value for money (4/5.) However, side sleepers looking for a more affordable option should consider the DreamCloud Classic. And if the motion transfer is a deal-breaker, the Leesa Original delivers side sleeper comfort without the bounce.

It's not just side sleepers who'll get on with the Helix Midnight Luxe; most back sleepers on our testing team loved it too. Overall, it's a strong all-rounder but the luxury price tag puts it behind our number one choice, the DreamCloud. If you're looking to save, Helix mattress sales are regular and it's worth waiting for 25% off —it's particularly prevalent around holidays.

Best firm mattress in a box

Mattresses in a box encompass every type of bed, including the uber-firm (and undoubtedly divisive) Plank Firm mattress. This is an all-foam bed like no other (at least, there's not many like it), a flippable design that's firm on one side and extra firm on the other. Our testers agreed this sturdy build results in incredible full-body support and at $1,099 for a queen in the sale, it's a competitive price for a niche design.

It's a tale of two halves when it comes to pressure relief on the Plank. For side sleepers, it's far too hard for comfort. For back and stomach sleepers, the flat and unyielding design keeps the lumbar lifted and aligned to prevent back ache. This super-firm feel also results in next-level edge support; you could park a car on the sides. The foams have a 'deadened' feel which won't appeal to everyone but they do create exceptional motion isolation. However, the temperature regulation is a let down; our tester found themselves kicking off the covers many nights on the Plank Firm.

There aren't many beds like the Plank Firm around but the Siena mattress is a budget-friendly alternative for back and stomach sleepers. The Nectar Classic also offers firm support for less, although both options come without the Plank Firm's flippable USP. And we've touched on the deadened feel of the Plank (essentially, when you move the mattress stays completely still) so if you're after a bed with some bounce, consider the hybrid Helix Dawn mattress or the hybrid Plank Firm Luxe (a similar design with a layer of springs).

The Plank isn't a crowd-pleaser — side sleepers should stay away — but it's one of the best mattresses for stomach sleepers we've tested and the non-stop support helps reduce strain on the spine. It's also a design you won't come across elsewhere and if you're looking for support, we think it's worth the $1,099 price tag for a queen in the sale. You'll usually snag 25% off at Plank but look out for 30% off around the holidays.

Best mattress in a box for back and hip pain

If you wake up with more aches and pains than before you went to sleep, you probably aren't getting the support you need from your mattress. But a boxed bed can help. The best mattresses for back pain aren't the realm of traditional or specialized beds, as the WinkBed mattress — a luxury hybrid mattress with integrated lumbar support — proved to our testers.

During our testing process one feature of the WinkBed stood out: edge support. The sturdy sides allow you to push against the mattress when getting in and out of bed, so there's no extra strain on your back. Overall, pressure relief impressed and with three firmness levels to choose from as well as a Plus model for sleepers over 250lbs, there's a WinkBed for nearly everyone — our tester recommends the Luxury Firm for back and side sleepers. The motion isolation also impressed, meaning sudden movements shouldn't cause a jolt but while our tester agreed the mattress was breathable, she didn't think the Frost Cooling cover upgrade was worth the money.

While the Luxury Firm feel is the most popular from WinkBed, dedicated side sleepers might want to opt for the Softer feel — or go for the Helix Midnight Luxe, which is quite literally made for you and offers excellent back support. The Bear Elite Hybrid is another good alternative, for those who need a cooler sleep space. Mattresses for back pain do tend to come with a high price tag but if you're after an affordable alternative, the DreamCloud is your best bet.

The dedicated support features of the WinkBed makes it a winner for soothing aches and pains, and the Plus option means it suits a type of sleeper even some of our top rated beds don't cater too. At $1,799 for a queen in the year-round sale we do think there are some luxury mattresses that deliver more for the money (the Saatva Classic, for one) but we do expect durable support if you're willing to invest.

Best organic mattress in a box

We told you boxed beds cover every type of mattress and that includes eco-friendly favorites like the Awara Natural Hybrid. Swapping traditional memory foam for organic latex and wool, at just $899 for a queen the Awara is one of the most affordable latex beds on the market. But our testers found it can hold its own against even pricier competitors, thanks to a responsive cushioned feel that side sleepers should love.

Over years of mattress testing, we've often noted that latex beds have a firmer feel than memory foam mattresses. The Awara bucks this trend. Yes, it's still a mattress you lie on top of but the responsive design means it moves around the body to cradle the shoulders and hips, making it suitable for side sleepers. The supportive overall is excellent, including at the perimeter, so our bed sharing lead tester could sleep right up the side. And you're unlikely to overheat, as we've found latex is a naturally breathable foam. But while the motion isolation is good. light sleepers are likely to notice some disruption from a partner moving.

The Awara's organic build does contribute to a slightly higher price tag so if you don't mind ditching the latex, the DreamCloud Classic delivers a better all-round performance for less. But if eco-materials are your top priority, the Avocado Green is a stand-out organic mattress. Or for something plusher, the Naturepedic Concerto Pillowtop is one of the best organic beds we've tested for side sleepers.

Eco-friendly shoppers often struggle to find a quality organic latex mattress on a budget but at just $899 for a queen year-round, the Awara shows greener shopping doesn't have to break the bank. And it doesn't skimp on performance, with a responsive and cushioned feel that will suit side and back sleepers. Light sleepers might find the bouncier feel disruptive (a softer foam hybrid will be a better alternative) but for most couples its as good for your sleep as it is the planet.

Best luxury hotel mattress in a box

Standing 15 inches tall and with a dense, plush pillow top, the DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is so luxurious even the fussiest princess wouldn't notice if you hid a whole bag of peas underneath. This is true indulgence in a mattress and the "marshmallow-y" soft feel makes it perfect for side sleepers. At $2,099 for a queen it's most certainly an investment but it might be worth it if you want to recreate the feel of a 5-star luxury hotel mattress at home.

Some mattresses perform in all areas of testing to earn a place among our favorites while others deliver in one stand-out metric. The DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid is the latter. Our lead tester described the pressure relief as "sensational", with a true body-hugging feel that will impress side sleepers. However, you are swallowed by the mattress; that makes it hard to change position and if you do move, anyone else in the bed is likely to feel some disruption. But despite this close foam 'hug', it earned 3.5/5 for temperature regulation, meaning most can avoid sweaty nights. The edge support is decent (3.5/5) but with such a tall build those with limited mobility might struggle to get on and off.

For side sleepers looking to indulge without feeling like they're lying on a melting marshmallow, we recommend the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress. Conversely, for even more squishy softness, try the DreamCloud Luxe Memory Foam or the Helix Sunset Luxe. And while we found the temperature regulation decent, hot sleepers should opt for the superior cooling of the Bear Elite Hybrid or the Brooklyn Bedding ThermoBalance LX Elite.

The DreamCloud Ultra Hybrid delivers a luxurious feel to side sleepers and back sleepers. But the impressive height and plush foams are both its best feature and biggest disadvantages — it's a hard bed to move around on and to get in and of. And at $2,099 for a queen, we think there are better value luxury beds out these. However, we spend roughly one-third of our lives in bed and if you want to enjoy that time in gooey comfort, this might be worth the indulgence.

Best mattress in a box for night sweats

The mattress in a box market is expansive which is why you can now find a bed to suit every sleep style; for those with hip and joint pain who find warm nights are making their aches worse, the ThermoBalance LX Elite from Brooklyn Bedding is the mattress for you. It's luxurious (and expensive — a queen is $2,239.30 in the best of the Brooklyn Bedding sales) but packed full of specialist features and latex foams to enhance the sleep experience.

The ThermoBalance LX Elite features 'triple cooling technology' and our tester found the mattress remained comfortably neutral even during an unseasonably warm spring (4/5); that means you're unlikely to exacerbate pains by kicking the covers off in a sweat. The sturdy edges (5/5) will also benefit aching joints, as you can push against the mattress without losing support. On that note, our lead tester is a marathon runner who needs a bed to ease strain at the hips, something the ThermoBalance LX Elite excels at (and it comes in three firmness levels, to suit every sleep need.) However, while the sink-in foams absorb most disruptive movement, they also make changing position a touch difficult.

We were impressed at how efficiently the ThermoBalance LX Elite wicks away night sweats but our lead tester has also slept on the Bear Elite Hybrid and found it cooler. However, if cooling doesn't matter to you and it's sore-spot soothing pressure relief you want, consider the Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt mattress. And for those on a tighter budget, Brooklyn Bedding's CopperFlex collection delivers luxury-looking comfort for less.

Night sweats and hip pain are a one-two punch of snooze disruptors and a particularly common sleep complaint of perimenopausal and menopausal women. With pressure relieving foams, three firmness levels, good cooling and strong edge support, the ThermoBalance LX Elite offers an all-round solution. However, it's a pricey investment — 30% off sales that appear around the holidays are your best chance to save.

Also tested

This guide highlights the best of the bunch, but perhaps there's an option that didn't make the cut that might be just what you're looking for. You can also take a look at our other specialist guides if you know you want something cooling, firm, or suitable for back pain.

Some of the other mattresses-in-a-box that we've reviewed include:

How we test mattresses in a box

The Tom's Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by third parties. We conduct market research to see which new boxed mattresses are being released, then contact the brands for review samples. Every mattress in this guide has been selected by our editorial team.

Our mattress testing process is conducted in two parts: lab testing and an at-home sleep experience. This allows us to collect both objective and subjective feedback, to ensure our reviews are accurate and fair.

We test each mattress for key performance indicators. As well as comfort, support, and pressure relief, we test temperature regulation, motion isolatio,n and edge support.

For our temperature regulation tests, we deploy a thermal imaging camera to closely measure temperature changes. First, we ensure the temperature of the Sleep Lab is between 65 and 70°F, which is the best temperature for sleep. Using the thermal imaging camera, we then take a temperature reading at the four corners of the mattress, the center of the bed, and a designated hot spot (roughly where the middle of our tester will be).

Our tester then lies on the mattress for 15 minutes; every minute we take the same six measurements to monitor the MTI (Maximum Temperature Increase). The tester then leaves the mattress, and we again monitor for 15 minutes to determine how quickly the bed sheds heat.

To test for motion isolation, we use a drop test: a 5kg slam ball is dropped from 24 inches above the mattress onto one side of the bed, while an accelerometer on the other side measures the Initial Impact Absorption (IIA — initial force of the movement) and Motion Decay Speed (MDS — how long it takes the movement to stop.) We repeat the test 10 times and take an average.

We also conduct lab-based tests using members of our team to complete a series of low, medium, and high force movements (such as changing position) on the mattress, while another team member lies next to them and records what they feel.

Our edge support lab tests are two-fold, combining weight tests (placing 25kg at the side and foot of the bed to measure sinkage and response time) with the 'roll-off' test: how far can we get to the edge of the bed before we fall?

Comfort is subjective, but to objectively understand pressure relief and support we place a series of weights (10kg and 25kg) in designated 'sleeping areas' on the mattress. Using a laser pen we measure the initial sink of the weight, the sinkage after 5 minutes, and the recovery time. We also use our laser pen to measure spinal alignment — after 10 minutes lying on the mattress, is our testers spine still aligned?

Alongside lab testing, each mattress is taken home and slept on by a member of our sleep team for a period of at least three weeks. As well as providing valuable insight into comfort and support, our testers offer feedback on temperature regulation, motion isolation and edge support.

And to better understand the overall appeal of the mattress, we ask secondary testers with different body types and sleep needs to try the mattress and complete a feedback survey.

We also consider value for money: what are you getting for the price and does the cost match the mattress? Finally, we analyze customer reviews and brand claims, using this information to direct further testing.

We score all key criteria out of 5, based on a scoring rubric combining subjective and objective data. These scores are then added together to give a total score out of 5 for each mattress.

Beds in a box come in a variety of builds, feels and price points. This rigorous testing helps us better understand each mattress comparatively and objectively, to ensure we only recommend the best.

Mattress in a box FAQs

Mattress in a box expert buying advice

How to choose the best mattress in a box

With more and more options available for buying a mattress in a box, it’s now easier than ever to find something that suits your sleeping position, body weight and any particular needs you might have when it comes to getting a restful night’s sleep.

Things to look out for when buying a bed-in-a-box online include:

Features – If you need extra features from a mattress to help you sleep, then there’ll be something for you, whether you sleep hot, need more pressure relief, or extra support for backache. Plenty of mattresses now come with innovative tech and eco-friendly materials too, so whatever your concerns, it should be covered.

Firmness – just like standard mattresses, beds in a box come in a variety of firmnesses. If you know you will likely need a firmer mattress for instance, check before you buy to ensure you are getting the most comfortable choice for you.

Trial period and free delivery/returns – many top brands offer mattress trials on their mattresses, giving you the chance to try the mattress out for yourself. It’s always a good idea to take advantage of trial periods, and if you decide the mattress isn’t for you, check that you can get a full refund.

This takes a lot of the stress out of buying a mattress online, especially if the mattress is expensive. Also check if the company offers free returns so there’ll be no surprises if you do need to send the mattress back.

Reviews – online reviews often give you extra information about the mattress, including feedback after a few weeks’ use and a closer assessment of the feel and comfort for different body weights. If you have decided on a boxed mattress, compare a few user reviews on the brand websites with those elsewhere too.

At Tom's Guide, we have nearly 20 years of experience testing, benchmarking and, of course, playing games on a wide range of rigs to help you find the best gaming laptop for you.

Our top recommendation right now is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, as this lightweight 14-inch gaming laptop delivers great performance and visuals with its gorgeous OLED display. For pure performance power, the mighty Razer Blade 16 (2026) is worth considering. If it's a value-worthy purchase that still delivers excellent gaming performance, the MSI Katana 15 HX is worth grabbing.

As the RAM crisis continues, gaming laptops have become a lot more expensive than they once were. As with the best graphics cards, even the latest laptops with great but entry-level specs can set you back well over $1,000 / £1,000, so value is more important than ever. While also showcasing the best gaming laptops we've tested with top-end performance, we've kept the cost in mind to help you find a gaming machine that's worth every penny.

With Nvidia launching DLSS 5, along with Nvidia's RTX Spark N1X and Intel's XeSS 3 turning laptops of all kinds into capable gaming machines, there's a lot of exciting movement in the gaming laptop space. We'll be keeping you updated on the latest, and for now, this guide will help you find the best gaming laptops for all types of gamers.

Why you can trust Tom's Guide

We love a gaming laptop here at Tom's Guide — and one of our favorite things to do with them is giving them a good stress test. We've been doing it for 20 years now, and our current testing team is our most experienced yet. You'll find Tony Polanco heading up testing here; he's our Senior Computing writer who's been testing laptops for a whole load of time. Then there's Jason England, our Computing managing editor, who's been lucky enough to wield some of the world's finest gaming laptops. Finally, there's our dedicated reviews team, who love nothing more than putting a gaming laptop to task.

Here are the kind of tests our reviewing team do to check out the best gaming laptops.

• We use them as our primary devices. These are computers first and foremost, and that means they need to be good at stuff beyond games. To find out how good they are we use them day by day to replace our regular machines.
• We play games. because, lets face it, that's what you're here for. We play the latest games to see how they handle the most graphically intensive titles, but also the classic games that you know and love.
• We lab-test them. Look, numbers and benchmarks are more than just good ways of finding out how well a laptop performs — they're fun. And a great visual way of comparing performance across different devices.
• We check out those screens. We do loads of tests on the screen to see how color accurate, bright and sharp they are. After all, if you're buying online, you want to make sure they're good before you drop those dollars.
• We test the battery. Gaming laptops are never going to be the longest lasting machines, but we want to make sure that they're last at least a decent amount of time. We see how long it takes to drain the battery doing different activities, from gaming to heavy workloads.

The best gaming laptops you can buy today

The best gaming laptop overall

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 continues to be our favorite gaming laptop we recommend to most gamers, as it's a powerful ultraportable machine with a stunning OLED display that can play the latest AAA PC games at high settings while being light enough to carry around anywhere. Our only real complaint is to watch out for its short battery life.

Under the hood, the Zephyrus G14 delivers top-tier specs for playing games and handling demanding workloads, from video editing to AI tasks. But really, when you're able to play Cyberpunk 2077 with Ultra settings at over 130 fps (with help from Nvidia's DLSS), gamers will see the benefits of playing on this machine.

The visual experience is just as impressive. The 14-inch 2880 x 1800 OLED panel offers a 120Hz refresh rate, which translates to crisp visuals and vibrant colors during both work and play. Games and movies truly pop on this display, and the combination of high resolution and OLED contrast brings out detail you just don’t see on most laptops in this class.

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

49

015304560

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	49

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

47

015304560

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	47

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

129

037.575112.5150

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	129

1 of 3

The CNC-machined aluminum body feels rigid and lightweight, and Asus has clearly invested in thermal management. Upgraded heat pipes and larger fans kept the keyboard and palm rests cool, even during extended gaming sessions. In our experience, we never experienced thermal throttling, even after hours of stress testing.

Battery life remains the one real compromise. We averaged 5-6 hours in typical use, enough for a cross-country flight but not a full workday away from an outlet. Otherwise, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 remains the best gaming laptop for most.

We've tested the latest Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 2026, and while it's still a powerful, premium gaming laptop, it's more expensive than its predecessor and you're still getting the same GPU options. It's a powerhouse with the upgraded Intel Panther Lake chip, and the redesigned ventilation means zero throttling, but we found the fans to still be quite noisy. Since the latest model starts at just over $3,000, we still recommend getting the 2025 model for value.

• Read our full Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2025) review

The best gaming laptop for value

At a time when gaming laptops are getting pricier, the MSI Katana 15 HX stands out for its competitive starting price and unexpectedly strong gaming performance, delivering more value than most gaming laptops at this tier. It shows that even with the base configuration we tested, including an Intel Core i7 14650HX CPU and RTX 5050, you can get an impressive gaming machine for less right now.

Digging into the numbers, the Katana delivered a strong showing in our gaming benchmarks. We measured an average of 159 fps in Counter-Strike 2 at 1440p with settings cranked up, matching the display’s fast 165Hz 15-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) panel. What impressed us was the vibrant colors this display boasts, giving games and media a vividness that made everything on show a treat for the eyes.

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050) Gaming Tests

Benchmark performance settings: 1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

29

07.51522.530

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	29

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

26

07.51522.530

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	26

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

91

0255075100

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	91

1 of 3

What's more, the Katana’s performance kept pace with our expectations for a modern gaming laptop in this range. We never noticed any lag or sluggishness during a week of real-world use, whether gaming or multitasking. The trade-off comes in sound: under heavy loads, the fans get noticeably loud, but not once did we notice the Katana 15 HX get too hot.

If you’re looking for an affordable gaming laptop that delivers on high-refresh QHD gaming and accurate color, the Katana 15 HX makes sense, as this is a standout value buy for gamers focused on performance per dollar.

• Read our full MSI Katana 15 HX review

The best premium gaming laptop

For top-of-the-line specs in a supremely slim, lightweight and premium gaming laptop, set your sights on the Razer Blade 16 (2026). Just from the look of it, it's hardly surprising our reviewer, Tony Polanco, said it's one of the "loveliest-looking gaming laptops" around. Just make sure your bank account is prepared for its high cost.

Razer's latest 16-inch beast comes in a fantastically thin, portable design, but still leaves room for its vivid and bright 16-inch 2.5K (2560 x 1600) OLED display with a wicked-fast 240Hz refresh rate and 0.2ms response time, bringing out the best in visually stunning titles like Cyberpunk 2077 and fast-paced competitive shooters like Counter-Strike. It is quite glossy, though, so it's best used in darker rooms.

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

65

020406080

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	65

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

58

015304560

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	58

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

182

050100150200

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	182

1 of 3

Expect to crank up the settings to max, especially with the higher configurations available for the Blade 16. With the Intel Core Ultra 9 358H chipset and RTX 5090 GPU in the model we tested, this gaming laptop was reaching above 70 fps at 1440p resolution without DLSS 4 turned on, and that was with maxed-out graphics settings in AAA titles. No matter the game, this machine can make it shine.

Interestingly, another big perk is Blade 16's battery life. Gaming laptops aren't known to last too long, even when not gaming, but you can expect close to 13 hours of battery for productivity, which is an impressive feat (though still expect just under 2 hours while gaming).

When put under pressure, we noticed the Blade 16 gets loud and hot, likely due to its slim profile. Keep that in mind, and you'll find a premium gaming laptop that will last you for years to come. That is, if you have the funds, considering it can cost you up to $5,599 with the best specs. At the very least, prices start at $2,399 for lower configurations.

• Read our full Razer Blade 16 (2026) review

The best ultraportable gaming laptop

Put simply, this is the power of roughly an RTX 4070 gaming laptop in something the size of a tablet. The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a Microsoft Surface Pro that ingested a whole lot of caffeine, and it's one of my favorite gaming systems ever. And now, for all you Death Stranding fans out there, there's the Asus ROG Flow Z13 Kojima Edition, and it boasts the highest configuration you can get for this marvelous gaming 2-in-1.

At just 11.8 x 8 x 0.6 inches, it's easily the smallest system on this list, and I know when I say the words "integrated graphics," a lot of you reading this guide will recoil in horror. But stick with me. AMD's Strix Halo chips are a true marvel in gaming performance.

I'm talking Cyberpunk 2077 at a solid 30 fps and Red Dead Redemption 2 at 60 fps (at the right settings, no less). If you turn on FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) tech for frame generation and resolution scaling, you can easily get these games running at over 100 fps. And they look really rather pretty on that 500-nit display with a vibrant 82% DCI-P3 color gamut. But going the integrated route reveals two key superpowers here: battery life and versatility of play.

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|FSR Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

13

03.757.511.2515

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	13

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

21

07.51522.530

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	21

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

70

020406080

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	70

1 of 3

Most of the laptops on this list will struggle to make it much further past the one-hour mark when disconnected from the charger. At over two hours in our lab testing, that integrated GPU knows how to slow sip that battery juice and keep you playing for longer (of course, mileage varies based on what kind of games you're playing).

Then there's the versatility. This is a 2-in-1, after all, and while the keyboard attachment feels shockingly good to play on, with good key depth and tactility, you could just ditch it altogether, pull out a Bluetooth controller, and play on your own dedicated superpowered tablet, too!

So long as you're prepared for a couple of other tablet-esque frustrations, like the limited number of ports and the price tag attached to this, there's nothing better for ultraportable gaming right now.

• Read our Asus ROG Flow Z13 (2025) review

The best 16-inch gaming laptop

The Alienware 16 Area-51 2026 is a marvelous upgrade over last year's still-excellent Area-51, now boasting an absolutely outstanding glare-free OLED panel. It may only be a minor update, but with the latest Intel CPU and graphics card from Nvidia, it's quickly become our favorite 16-inch gaming laptop right now.

This beast is built for gamers who want a roomy, immersive 16-inch (2560x1600) OLED display that cuts the glare and delivers a blistering 240Hz refresh rate right at your desk. As we've seen throughout testing, that big, anti-glare panel makes games look stunning and motion feel great.

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080) Gaming Tests

Benchmark performance settings:
1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

62

020406080

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	62

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

56

015304560

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	56

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

191

050100150200

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	191

1 of 3

Under the hood, you can configure it with up to an Intel Core Ultra 9 290HX Plus and an Nvidia RTX 5090 GPU. In our hands-on testing, the review unit’s RTX 5080 and high-end CPU combo cranked out an impressive 110 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at native resolution and default graphics settings (that's with frame generation off). In short, this system can handle demanding gaming loads, from AAA PC gaming to fast-paced competitive play. In fact, it even beats the powerful Razer Blade 16 (2026) in a few games, and that boasts an RTX 5090 (with a less powerful CPU, though).

Of course, battery life is abysmal, at just over 1 hour when gaming and 3 hours and 33 minutes in our tests, and expect to leave this at your desk rather than traveling around with it, thanks to its hefty 7.4-pound weight. If you’re planning to travel with your gaming rig or game away from a power outlet, this is a limitation you’ll feel.

If you want a pure 16-inch gaming powerhouse that prioritizes visuals and performance, and you don’t mind staying plugged in, the Alienware 16 Area-51 is a pick that won't disappoint.

• Read our full Alienware 16 Area-51 (2026) review

The best 18-inch gaming laptop

There are plenty of big-screen gaming laptops to choose from, but it's rare to find one that can also fit in a normal backpack. That's where the Razer Blade 18 comes in — packing mightily powerful specs into a big yet slim chassis that can be carried around.

Yes, of course, it's going to be heavy at 6.9 pounds, and it comes with the standard hefty Razer price tag too. But for what you get, this is a seriously good option for serious gamers. With a sustained 280W of power delivered to the CPU and GPU, this is capable of some beasty frame rates with all the ray tracing goodness turned on.

Compared to the astronomically expensive MSI Titan 18 HX, the Blade wins out easily — Metro: Exodus is 9.5% faster on Extreme detail, Marvel Rivals is 20.8% faster on Ultra, and Assassin's Creed: Shadows is a whopping 24% faster at Ultra detail.

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

65

020406080

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	65

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

74

020406080

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	74

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

213

075150225300

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	213

1 of 3

Plus, a plethora of ports (including Thunderbolt 5) and a phenomenal 4K 240Hz display mean you can embrace DLSS 4 and multi-frame gen and not lose any of that buttery smoothness. And since it's Razer, the laptop parts also get plenty of TLC — the keyboard feels amazing to use with an ocean of a touchpad, the speakers are clear with nice bass, and thermal management is kept optimal with a massive vapor chamber.

Yes, that $5,000 price tag for the RTX 5090 version will sting, but for the ultimate large display experience on the go, this is the one to pick.

• Read our full Razer Blade 18 (2025) review

The best desktop replacement

Desktop replacements need to do three things well: be powerful (duh), have a great screen and nail the ergonomics. Not only does the HP Omen Max 16 tick the boxes on all three, but it also does so at a slightly lower price than the rest of the pack.

Yes, at a starting price of $3,000, that cost is still going to sting. But given you're looking at $4k upwards for systems of a similar spec, this is actually value for money for those who want as much of a desktop as possible without the space for a giant tower.

Performance-wise, you're looking at well over 60 fps in all your favorite AAA titles at the highest settings, which can be multiplied with DLSS 4 and multi-frame gen (thanks to that RTX 5090), and the high wattage pumping through all the components (and strong heat dissipation) meant I got blistering fast sustained performance, too.

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

71

020406080

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	71

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

51

015304560

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	51

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

175

050100150200

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	175

1 of 3

Then let's talk about the screen up top — a gorgeous QHD+ OLED panel with a silky smooth 240Hz refresh rate. Normally, you're looking at Mini LED screens that can run this fast, and to see the flash flood of color of OLED this smooth is a treat for the eyes.

Of course, you're not here for the battery (it's a desktop replacement), so it should come as no real surprise that you're getting under 90 minutes of gameplay on one charge.

But there's no mistake about it, if you want the most performance possible to give a gaming desktop-esque experience without taking up too much space with a tower, the Omen Max 16 would be my choice. Oh, and the wealth of ports and that sleeker chassis give it pride of place on any desk (as well as unlocking great cooling).

• Read our full HP Omen Max 16 (2025) review

The best upgradeable gaming laptop

Gaming laptops are great and all, but I feel like you do miss out on one of the best bits of the best gaming PCs — the modularity and upgradeability. Seeing the ever-increasing spec demands of AAA titles in the next few years can be worrying, but none of that matters with the Framework Laptop 16.

Put simply, this is a gaming laptop that you can customize, repair and upgrade on your own time. And it's super simple, thanks to the expansion slots and a comprehensive guide to do so! This means while you get some top-notch options included (the RTX 5070 Ti in here is an impressive dedicated GPU for 1080p, 1440p and even some 4K gaming in our testing), you're not limited to it when new GPUs come out in the future.

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070) Gaming Tests

1080p|Max Settings|DLSS Off

< Prev

Cyberpunk 2077

Next >

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

38

010203040

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	38

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

35

010203040

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	35

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

132

037.575112.5150

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	132

1 of 3

And even if you go for the "DIY version" that you build yourself, it only takes 15 minutes to put together, and with the vast array of port options you can add to it, I managed to find the perfect arrangement of sockets and performance for me with the greatest of ease.

On the face of it, this is quite a chunky option, and to get the downsides out of the way, the screen up top is a little dim, and those keyboard deck panels can slide around a little.

But for the chance to be able to upgrade, repair or even switch the ways you use it through the super easy modularity of the Laptop 16 makes these gripes fade into the background in my experience.

• Read our full Framework Laptop 16 (2025) review

Performance test results compared

When you're buying a gaming laptop, you want to know how well it can run the best PC games.

That's why we run every gaming laptop we review through a series of performance tests in 3DMark and a number of games, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Doom: The Dark Ages, Black Myth: Wukong, Cyberpunk 2077 and Grand Theft Auto V.

In 3DMark, we run several tests on each laptop, including Fire Strike, Time Spy, Fire Strike Ultra, Time Spy Extreme, Speed Way, Steel Nomad, and Port Royal. Each of these benchmarks shows how well a laptop can handle graphics, and the higher the number, the better.

Here's how each laptop compares. Take note: not all benchmarks could be performed for each laptop, but here's a general look at how they scored.

Best Gaming Laptops 3DMark Benchmarks

Slide through to see different results from our 3DMark tests

< Prev

3DMark Fire Stirke

Next >

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

37411

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

36218

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

32769

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

31779

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

30564

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

24243

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

18985

010,00020,00030,00040,000

3DMark Fire Stirke Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	37411
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	36218
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	32769
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	31779
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	N/A
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	30564
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	24243
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	18985

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

15527

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

14641

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

10376

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

14737

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

11082

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

7988

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

6123

05,00010,00015,00020,000

3DMark Fire Stirke Ultra Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	15527
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	14641
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	10376
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	14737
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	11082
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	7988
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	6123
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	N/A

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

12061

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

10662

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

8252

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

10216

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

8157

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

6100

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

4560

03,7507,50011,25015,000

3DMark Time Spy Extreme Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	12061
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	10662
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	8252
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	10216
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	8157
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	6100
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	4560
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	N/A

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

16285

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

15715

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

10376

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

13558

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

11167

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

8676

05,00010,00015,00020,000

3DMark Port Royal Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	16285
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	15715
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	10376
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	13558
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	11167
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	8676
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	N/A
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	N/A

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

65

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

65

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

71

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

62

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

49

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

38

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

29

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

13

020406080

FPS

Cyberpunk 2077 Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	65
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	65
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	71
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	62
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	49
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	38
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	29
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	13

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

74

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

58

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

51

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

56

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

47

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

35

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

26

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

21

020406080

FPS

Black Myth Wukong Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	74
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	58
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	51
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	56
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	47
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	35
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	26
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	21

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

213

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

182

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

175

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

191

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

129

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

132

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

91

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

70

075150225300

FPS

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	213
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	182
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	175
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	191
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	129
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	132
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	91
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	70

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

2334

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)

1600

07501,5002,2503,000

3DMark Speed Way Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	N/A
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	N/A
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	N/A
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	N/A
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	N/A
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	N/A
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	2334
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8060S)	1600

1 of 8

• ▲ Back to the top

Battery benchmarks: comparison

We run every laptop we review through battery tests, which measure how long it can last on a full charge, both while gaming and while doing less demanding work like browsing the web.

Below you'll find a chart of how long these laptops last while gaming using the PCMark 10 benchmark tool. This is typically far less time than they would use while just browsing the web, so while these battery times are the most conservative, when doing less demanding work, you can generally expect between 8 and 12 hours of battery life from these laptops on a full charge.

Ultimately, what you do on your laptop, how bright you set the screen and what power settings you use will all affect how long your laptop lasts before running out of juice — but this chart will help you compare and find the best gaming laptop for your needs.

Best Gaming Battery Life Test Results

Using the PCMark 10 benchmark tool, here's how long each gaming laptop lasts while gaming

Battery life (hh:mm:ss)

Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)

01:56:00

Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)

01:41:30

HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)

01:23:00

Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)

01:45:00

Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)

02:09:00

MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)

01:21:00

Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)

01:02:00

Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8050S)

02:15:00

0123

hours

Battery life (hh:mm:ss) Data

Product	Value
Razer Blade 18 (RTX 5090)	1.9333333333333333
Razer Blade 16 (RTX 5090)	1.6916666666666667
HP Omen Max 16 (RTX 5080)	1.3833333333333333
Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (RTX 5080)	1.75
Framework Laptop 16 (RTX 5070)	2.15
MSI Katana 15 HX (RTX 5050)	1.35
Alienware 16 Area-51 (RTX 5080)	1.0333333333333334
Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Radeon 8050S)	2.25

• ▲ Back to the top

Also tested

Our computing experts at Tom's Guide review dozens of gaming laptops every year, and while some may have their faults, they could suit your needs or budget. So, have a look at the other machines we've tested.

• ▲ Back to the top

Best Gaming Laptops: Frequently Asked Questions

• ▲ Back to the top

How to choose the best gaming laptop

Everyone has different needs, so think about the requirements that are essential to you.

• Performance: Since recent gaming laptops hold a lot of power, you can expect them to manage any game you throw at them. But it's a matter of how much power you're getting. Generally, the higher the price, the more performance a laptop offers, meaning being able to turn settings in games to max without the system melting. With Nvidia's latest GeForce RTX 50-series and AMD's recent GPUs here, though, you can also get a lot more out of a machine thanks to DLSS 4 (and DLSS 4.5) and Multi Frame Generation. Essentially, more frame rates at higher resolutions, and a good middle-ground example is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. However, RTX 40-series aren't out of the game yet, as these can pull off some major performance gains in the latest PC titles.
• Portability & Battery: Plan on gaming on the go or sticking to your desk for gaming sessions, with the ability to transport it? Gaming laptops are well known to lack strong battery life, but that doesn't mean there aren't any that can last a while. Take the Asus ROG Flow Z13 as an example, which is ultraportable and can last over 2 hours while gaming (and much longer while not). If you're more inclined to have a beast for your PC setup, laptops like the 18-inch Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 are it; just don't expect it to run long when it's not plugged in. Otherwise, if you're not planning on gaming just anywhere, you'll want to look at the best gaming PCs.
• Productivity: The good thing about gaming laptops is that they have plenty of power for professional tasks as well, such as video rendering or CAD work. As they can be an expensive purchase, it might be worth looking at getting a machine that can pull double duty as a gaming and work laptop. Machines like the Razer Blade 16 are good examples of this, offering a design that’s slim enough to easily take to work, yet also has powerful enough specifications for AAA gaming.

• ▲ Back to the top

How we test gaming laptops

To find the best gaming laptop, we run every machine through a rigorous suite of benchmarks and real-world tests to gauge how it will perform during everyday use. We measure the average brightness and color quality of each laptop's display using our in-house light meter and colorimeter.

For general performance, we run our machines through tests that include Geekbench 6 (CPU performance), as well as various 3DMark tests to measure graphics capabilities. We also run a file transfer test to measure how fast a machine's hard drive is, and a custom battery test that has the machine browse the internet over Wi-Fi until it runs out of juice.

We also run benchmarks for popular games such as Assassin's Creed Shadows, Black Myth: Wukong and Red Dead Redemption 2 on every gaming laptop we test. For more information on our testing process, check out our guide to how we test.

• ▲ Back to the top