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Luxury mattress technology has trickled down to the mid-range sector in the last few years, meaning it's entirely possible to buy a super-comfy, supportive and breathable mattress for under $1,000 for a queen. And after multiple rounds of testing, we've ranked the very best mattresses under $1,000 here.
We conduct seven robust tests in our lab to capture objective data on the areas of a mattress that most affect your sleep comfort. We also sleep on a mattress for at least three weeks at home before subjectively rating it. Read our mattress methodology here.
Some of these mattresses are such good value for money they also rank highly in our overall guide to the best mattresses of 2026. These include the DreamCloud Classic, the highest-scoring mattress under $1,000 we've tested, and the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam Mattress for hot sleepers.
Our guide to the best mattresses under $1,000 includes options to suit every sleeping position and health need. Some even come with a year's sleep trial, a lifetime warranty, and free bedding. All of them are discounted in this year's best Memorial Day mattress sales, making now a great time to buy.
Update (May 2026): This list now includes the Nectar Premier (best memory foam), EGOHOME Black (best for side sleepers), Cocoon Chill (best cooling), and Awara Classic Hybrid (best latex). We also expanded our FAQ to help you on your buyer's journey.
The best mattress under $1,000 overall
The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is not only our top-rated mattress under $1,000 — and we also consider it the best mattress in a box you can buy.
It embodies the core elements that helped its predecessor (the DreamCloud Hybrid) take the top spot on this very list while adding a few small touches that improve the overall sleep experience. For instance, the edge support here is much stronger, while the new CloudQuilt cover fosters even cooler sleep.
Our testing panel rates the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid a 6 out of 10 on the firmness scale. That's a stark contrast to the 'extra firm' rating from the brand, but we don't necessarily see this as a bad thing. It is plenty supportive despite its softer-than-advertised feel. The top comfort foam layer cushions the joints and contours the body, but we still felt that 'lift' from the transition foam and the coils. We rate it best for side and back sleeping.
Stomach sleepers, on the other hand, may find the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid too soft for their midsection. In that case, we'd recommend the dual-sided Plank Firm (#7 on this list). It's also a sound choice for couples, as this all-foam mattress dampens movement better than the hybrid DreamCloud.
DreamCloud mattress sales are ongoing, and a queen-size DreamCloud has been holding steady at $649. Add the 365-night trial period and lifetime warranty, and you have a stellar value for money. We consider it a budget-friendly rival to the Saatva Classic mattress, our favorite mattress of 2026 overall.
- Read more: DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress review
The best mattress under $1,000 for stomach sleepers
The Siena is our favorite cheap memory foam mattress and our top budget buy if you’re looking to spend well below $1,000. Right now, a queen is on sale for $294. That's a $65 drop from last year's price. It still comes with an 180-night trial, which is generous for the cost and longer than what some luxury brands offer. (The warranty is a standard 10 years.)
What makes the Siena a remarkable value is its overall build quality — it doesn’t feel or look like a cheap mattress, with a 4-layer build reminiscent of its sibling brand, Nectar. It’s a 10” all-foam build with a 1.75-inch gel memory foam comfort layer, an 8.25-inch dense foam base, and a breathable cover with a shift-resistant bottom.
This mattress offers a firmer-than-advertised feel, so we recommend it for front and back sleepers. Side sleepers will miss that ample cushioning for their joints, so the Nectar (#3) or EgoHome (#4) will be better choices in that case. That’s not to say there isn’t any pressure relief at all, but the lack of a transition layer results in a subtle hug from a modest layer of memory foam.
The Siena does an excellent job of dampening movement. We also found the sides of the bed sturdy for sitting, although we didn't feel as comfortable sleeping right up to the edge. The breathable cover and lack of prominent sink likely prevented our main tester from overheating during warm summer nights, but we’d sooner suggest the specialist Cocoon Chill (#5 on this list) for chronically hot sleepers working with a limited budget.
- Read more: Siena Memory Foam Mattress review
The best memory foam mattress under $1,000
The Nectar Premier is our top-ranked memory foam mattress overall — and it's also a tremendous value compared to similar Tempur-Pedic models. A queen-size regularly goes for $949, and it comes with a full year's trial and a forever warranty.
This all-foam mattress is packed with a pressure-relieving comfort foam that molds to every nook and cranny of your body, followed by a duo of responsive foam and dense foundational foam to keep your spine in proper alignment. The result is a well-balanced bed that's suited to most types of sleepers. We rate it medium-firm, or 7 out of 10 on the firmness scale.
It may not be the singular winner in every performance category, but the Nectar Premier is consistent. The upgraded cooling cover is a nice touch and helped our testers remain comfortable throughout the night, while the edge support is above-average for an all-foam bed. It also dampens movement well, albeit not on the level of the EgoHome (#4).
We see Nectar mattress deals every month, but don't expect the price to drop much lower than this. The Nectar Premier is close to that $1,000 ceiling, but if you're willing and able to stretch your dollar a little bit further, you'll be getting a well-rounded mattress in return. (And it'll still cost you much less than a comparable Tempur-Pedic.)
- Read more: Nectar Premier Mattress review
The best mattress under $1,000 for side sleepers
Next to the Siena, the EGOHOME Black Memory Foam Mattress is the most affordable option on this list, but whereas the Siena has our mark of approval for stomach sleepers, the EGOHOME is among the best mattresses for side sleepers on a budget. A queen regularly sells for less than $400 and comes with a 10-year warranty and a 100-night trial.
This may sound like a contradiction, but the EGOHOME is a medium-firm (7.5/10) mattress that doesn't provide the kind of contouring you'd find in the Nectar (#3), yet when it comes to side sleeping, the top comfort layers molded to our shoulders and hips, while the foundational foam kept our lower back stabilized. We actually found it comfortable for back and front sleeping, too.
The dense foams of the EGOHOME absorb nearly every movement with ease, so we're inclined to recommend it for anyone who shares a bed with a restless partner or overactive pet. The edges are sturdy enough to sit on or sleep up against.
Unfortunately, the copper-gel foam doesn't do much to draw heat away from the surface, as we often woke up feeling stifled. If you're prone to sleeping hot and able to stretch your budget, upgrade to the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (#8) for top-notch cooling and a similar bedfeel.
- Read more: EGOHOME Black Memory Foam Mattress review
The best mattress under $1,000 for hot sleepers
The Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress (aka, the Cocoon Chill) has long been our favorite cooling mattress for savvy shoppers. You'll have to use a coupon code to COCOON35 to knock 35% off the retail price, which drops a queen-size to $597 (reg. $919). Better yet, it often comes with a freebie — either bedding or a Visa gift card — along with a 10-year warranty and 100-night trial.
In terms of firmness, we think the Cocoon Chill sits between the Siena (#2) and Nectar (#3). It's not cushiony soft, but it does provide enough give to alleviate pressure buildup for side and back sleepers. If you want the added plushness of a pillow top, consider the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid (#8) instead.
Foam mattresses are known for trapping heat, so what makes the Cocoon Chill so different? It has a specialist cover woven with Phase Change Materials, so it feels soothing upon contact while absorbing and dissipating heat. The lack of a profound sink also likely prevents considerable heat buildup. Our tester didn't wake up sweaty once on this mattress.
Couples will like the Cocoon Chill's ability to absorb movement. (That means fewer interruptions in your beauty sleep.) The lone flaw here is edge support — we find it's sufficient for an all-foam bed, but if you want to maximize your sleep surface, try a hybrid with reinforced edges such as the DreamCloud (#1).
- Read more: Cocoon Chill Memory Foam Mattress review
The best latex mattress under $1,000
Latex mattresses are known for their durability and breathability, but they're also notorious for their premium price tags. However, the Awara Classic Hybrid is consistently priced under $1,000 — a queen-size goes for $799 — all while including generous extras such as a one-year trial and a lifetime warranty.
(It also holds some impressive mattress certifications at this price point, notably GOLS and FSC-certified organic latex, Eco-INSTITUT (for low emissions), and New Zealand Wool.)
We're in the process of testing this one, but our early verdict is positive. It's the 'softest' latex hybrid mattress we've tried so far, but the 2-inch natural latex comfort layer and individually-wrapped coils provide enough pushback, making us feel like we're sleeping on top of the mattress instead of in it.
That latex-and-coil construction also yields excellent motion isolation, while the thicker perimeter coils provide stable edges to sit on or lean against. If you're on the verge of a sleep divorce from a restless sleeper or a total bed hog, the Awara may help keep you two together. (It also comes in a split king option.)
Another benefit of going with an organic mattress is cooler sleep. Latex is a naturally breathable material, and the coils help with airflow. That said, if you deal with severe night sweats, you'll want to look for a mattress with more cooling power, such as the Cocoon Chill (#5) or CopperFlex Pro (#8).
The best firm mattress under $1,000
The Plank is a dual-sided mattress with a Firm side and an Extra Firm side. Our favorite firm mattress overall, this two-in-one design also comes at an attractive price, with a queen-size normally selling for $999 on sale. It comes with a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty, and is available in a broad range of sizes (including RV king).
It consists of a 6-inch layer of high-density foam bookended by a pair of 0.75-inch quilted covers. The flat top of the Extra Firm side did give way to some very minimal contouring that felt great against our backs, while the Firm side, which adds a 2-inch layer of comfort foam and has a track-and-jump quilt pattern, added subtle cushioning and kept our hips steady whether we were on our backs or bellies.
The edge-to-edge support here is incredible, as we could comfortably use every inch of the bed. It supports up to 950lbs, so it’s a great mattress for heavy people, too. Our one qualm is temperature regulation, as the dense foam doesn’t allow for much air to flow through. You can add a GlacioTex cooling cover, which will put it over the $1,000 limit for a queen.
Unsurprisingly, we advise against the Plank if you or your partner favor your side, as there’s just not enough give for the shoulders and hips in this position (Our head tester occasionally woke up with a dead arm when she transitioned to her side.) For combination side sleepers, we like the balanced feel of the CopperFlex Pro (#8) or Bear Original (Also Tested).
- Read more: Plank Firm Mattress review
The best mattress under $1,000 for combi sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hybrid narrowly meets our threshold, at just under $1,000 for a queen. Granted, it's not the only cooling model to grace this list — the all-foam Cocoon Chill (#5) is an even more affordable option for fighting night sweats — but the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid closely resembles a luxury hotel mattress in every way except cost.
With a medium-firm (7/10) level of comfort, most side and back sleepers will find the CopperFlex Pro Hybrid balanced enough for their liking, with a responsive surface that aids in ease of movement for combi sleepers. Stomach sleepers may find it comfortable for a while, until the plush pillow top starts to give in. (The Plank at #7 is our pick for stomach sleepers.)
We slept on this mattress in an attic bedroom during a three-month period that included a grueling British heat wave. The GlacioTex cooling cover, copper-infused foams, and airy coils ushered in cozy nights without overheating. With strong edges and minimal motion transfer, it's a sound choice for couples. However, we wish there were side handles for easier handling when rotating or moving the mattress.
Benefits include a 120-night trial and a lifetime warranty. The standard Brooklyn Bedding mattress sale cuts 25% off MSRP, but shop closer to major holidays, and you could score 30% off, dropping the price of a queen to around $930 — or spend even less if you find our semi-exclusive 32% coupon.
Also tested and recommended
These mattresses didn't make the final cut, but we still recommend them if you're looking to spend less for a new bed...
How we tested the best mattresses under $1,000
The Tom’s Guide mattress review process is editorially independent and not influenced by any third parties.
Our expert mattress testers sleep on each mattress for at least three weeks — that's roughly how long it takes for your body to get used to a new mattress — and spend hours scientifically testing the performance of each product.
Mattress firmness is subjective, so each lead reviewer also forms a trusted and experienced testing panel made up of people with different sleep needs and body types. We have side sleepers, back sleepers and stomach sleepers, with lighter, average and heavier bodies, who rate each mattress using a specific set of performance criteria.
Together, these processes enable us to produce accurate, well-balanced and data-backed mattress reviews, to help you easily decide whether the mattress you’re interested in really is the best choice for you. Read our full mattress methodology for more.
FAQs
How to choose the best mattress under $1,000
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
If you're seeking to purchase a cheap queen mattress, price is obviously a motivating factor in your final decision. But it shouldn't be the only one (nor the most important). Below are other essential criteria to consider when choosing a budget mattress:
- Your sleep preferences: These include your dominant sleep style (back, front, side), desired firmness, plus any issues you hope to remedy (such as back pain, overheating, or a restless partner).
- User reviews: Seek feedback from professionals (like ourselves) and everyday shoppers who have needs similar to yours. Read the good, the bad, and everything in between (which is most experiences)..
- Trial period and returns: Your body takes 21 days to adjust to a new mattress; most mattress brands offer a 100-night trial, with a select few providing a full year to test it out. Also, know what to expect if you decide to send it back, as some brands charge return shipping fees.
- Warranty terms: The longer the warranty, the more confident a brand is in the integrity of its mattress. Even so, understanding how mattress warranties work will save you any hassle should anything go wrong.
Are mattresses under $1,000 any good?
A mattress is a big ticket purchase, but it's possible to save some money and avail of a top-notch product, especially if you need to buy a new bed right away.
Sure, some of these lower-priced models won't boast the same luxury materials you'll find in luxury hybrid or organic mattresses. But these days, a queen-size mattress costing under $1,000 from a well-known brand is going to range in quality from very good to excellent.
And if you're a savvy shopper, you'll know that regular mattress sales mean rarely having to pay full price. As manufacturers fight to attract business, we've been witnessing some competitive mattress deals throughout the year, especially during major shopping holidays like the upcoming Memorial Day sales in May.
As a result, mattresses that would normally cost beyond $1,000 for a queen become far more reasonable — doubly so if they include hundreds of dollars in free bedding such as pillows, bed sheet bundles, and mattress protectors.
How cheap is too cheap for a mattress?
A common myth surrounding mattresses is that the more you spend, the better it'll be for your sleep. But take it from us — knowing how to buy a mattress for your sleep needs is what's most important. In other words, you don't need to take out a small loan for a new bed.
That said, higher costs usually come with better craftsmanship and materials. If you're shopping for your 'forever mattress,' we recommend making it a sizeable investment in your sleep. Of course, this will come down to your budget and what you're able or willing to spend.
A cheaper mattress is a good option for short-term or limited use — for example, a spare bedroom or college dorm. There may also be a time when you need to purchase a new primary mattress unexpectedly due to circumstances beyond your control. In that case, going for a less expensive bed can tide you over until you can afford something more substantial.
But what if your mattress is in otherwise fine shape, but you're not sleeping well on it? This is where a mattress topper can come in handy. It'll cost you a fraction of the price of a fully-formed mattress (or as much as a cheap mattress) while boosting the comfort and support of your existing bed.
How much should you spend on a mattress?
There's no clear-cut answer to this question, as you should spend as much as you're comfortably able to.
Also consider the use case; if you need something temporary, you don't need to break the bank — but for a longer-term solution, a more expensive build will generally last you a good while.
We break mattress pricing down into three categories; these are based on the cost of a queen, which is the most common bed size among adults in the US:
- Budget: $500 or below — Basic foam, hybrid, or innerspring models that are best for limited or temporary use
- Mid-range: $500 to $1,500 — Majority of the boxed mattresses fall into this category; these will suit most sleepers who need a bed longer term
- Premium: $1,500+ — Where you'll find the best quality materials and most complex builds, designed for decades of use; often delivered flat via free white glove delivery
