How to find a good queen mattress for under $500 — 3 things you should know

A man and woman smiling and lying on their fronts on a mattress with a for sale sign behind them
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The average American spends around $754 on a new mattress according to a 2024 study by The Roundup. This can make finding a decent mattress under $500 a little tricky. But it's not impossible.

Some of our top picks in this year’s best mattress guide for all sleepers and budgets come under the $500 price point, like the Cocoon by Sealy Chill Memory Foam mattress and the Siena Memory Foam mattress.

However, many budget mattresses may not last a long time and are often made from cheap materials. Here, we're exploring what you need to know when choosing a mattress under $500, so you don't have to compromise comfort and support to stick to your budget.

What is a cheap mattress?

Anything under $500 for a queen could be considered a cheap mattress. When considering a more budget option, it's likely some questions might arise, like "Should I buy an expensive luxury bed in order not to sacrifice a good night’s sleep?" or "Does a low-cost mattress really mean no quality and value?"

While more luxury mattresses will likely last longer and be made from higher-quality materials, the best cheap mattresses can still offer great support and comfort. So, you shouldn't have to sacrifice good-quality sleep if you're working with a budget.

3 things you need to know before buying a cheap mattress

 1. Issues with durability 

A couple putting a new mattress cover on a mattress and repairing it

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Mattresses which come at a lower price will generally have a shorter lifespan compared to more expensive models. They are often made from cheap materials and construction and will wear out quicker than the standard 6-10 years for a mattress.

Cheap beds are usually mass-produced and mainly made by machines, resulting in low-manufacturing costs. This means you can expect the standard of craftsmanship from these models to be lower than more expensive or made-to-order models. To avoid this, opt for brands that are well-regarded and well-reviewed that offer entry-level mattresses for a lower price.

If what you’re looking for is a reliable bed that'll last for years, the initial low cost on the tag may be redundant as you’ll spend more on repairs or replacements over time, all adding up to the cost of a slightly pricier but longer-lasting bed. 

2. Fewer support layers

Support layers constitute the support core structure of a mattress and are an important component contributing to quality sleep. Not having the right support can compromise the user’s spinal alignment and may increase the strain on their shoulders, hip or back. 

Consistently sleeping on a bed with poor support may even prove to be dangerous for those with back pain, as this increases the pressure while you toss and turn to find a comfortable sleeping position. This is why the best mattresses for back pain are often priced over $500 for a queen.

The layers of the Saatva Contour5 Mattress

(Image credit: Saatva)

To be cost–efficient, the number of support layers in a cheap mattress may be fewer or made from low-density materials which may not be strong enough to stabilize the whole bed. Other advantages of a high-quality support layer, like motion isolation and better airflow, also may not be present in budget models. 

When shopping for a mattress under $500, pay attention the materials used near the base of the bed, where the support layers are. This will indicate how much pressure relief you can expect.

3. Cheaper materials 

A low-cost model will include cheaper alternatives to materials used in pricier mattresses. These could start right from the core structure to the mattress covering fabric which makes a bed soft and comfy. 

Instead of a generous addition of natural fibers like cotton, wool or hemp known to be light, soft and breathable, synthetic fabrics like polyester may be used for the top layer in cheap mattresses. 

A hand placed on the surface of a white mattress sinking into the surface a little

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Similarly, cheap polyurethane may be added in place of high-quality memory foam for the support layer or thinner spring gauges which may get damaged faster compared to stainless or tempered steel. 

To make a cheap mattress feel more luxurious, you can add breathable mattress toppers, protectors, or pads. But it's important to note hot sleepers may struggle on a mattress under $500 without proper cooling materials.

Should you buy a cheap mattress?

If premium comfort and a lush cozy feel is non-negotiable for you when it comes to sleep, then a cheap mattress might not deliver. However, a mattress under $500 can be perfectly suitable for those shopping on a budget without specific sleep needs. Especially if you opt to shop from a reputable brand where you can rely on for high-quality materials and good build quality.

If you experience joint pain, a bad back, or hot flashes, it's may be worth upping your budget a little to ensure you prioritize your health and comfort.

It's also important to note that more expensive mattresses will last longer, so if you don't want to spend extra on replacing your mattress or repairing it, a slightly larger initial investment could be a good idea.

Top 3 cheap mattresses to shop today

Sienna Memory Foam mattress: Was from $529now from $199

Sienna Memory Foam mattress: Was from $529, now from $199

With five quality layers, the Siena Memory foam bed includes a sturdy foundational foam and a 1.75 inches of responsive gel memory foam. Our testers for the Siena Memory Foam mattress review enjoys uninterrupted sleep thanks to the great pressure relief, adequate support and comfort. A queen size mattress is available at just $399 (was $769). It comes with a 180-night trial and a 10-year warranty with free shipping and returns.  

Cocoon Chill Memory Foam by Sealy mattress: Was from $619now from $399

Cocoon Chill Memory Foam by Sealy mattress: Was from $619, now from $399

The 10” tall memory foam mattress is known for its cooling properties making the best choice for a hot sleeper. The Cocoon Chill Memory Foam by Sealy mattress review found it had a medium firm feel with great motion isolation and conforming support properties. The is a good option for anyone who is willing to stretch their $500 budget for extra support as the queen size is now available at $699 (was $1,079). It comes with a stress-free 100-night trial and 10-year warranty in addition to free shipping and returns. 

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress:Was from $399now from $249

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress: Was from $399, now from $249

Designed to provide pressure relief, motion isolation and coolness throughout the night, the mattress has green tea infused in both the memory foam and the responsive comfort layer. A queen size of this bed is now available at $399. You can read more about this mattress in our Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress review, but our testers rated it as a great option for side sleepers, the mattress comes with a 100-night trial, 10-year warranty and free shipping. 

Becky George
Sleep Staff Writer

Becky is a Sleep Staff Writer at Tom’s Guide covering all things sleep-related including product reviews, research studies, news and explainers. She works on specialist bedding content and is responsible for buyer’s guides like the best pillows for all sleepers and best mattress protectors focusing on popular brands such as Tempur-Pedic, Avocado, Coop Home Goods and more. Becky is a PPA accredited journalist who is keen to explore the intricacies of sleep, its effects on skincare, mental wellbeing and work performance. While not thinking of sleep, she can be seen reading in cosy bookshops or learning about global food culture. 

Read more
A cheap mattress on a bed frame
How to buy a cheap mattress and get it right — 5 expert tips
A hand feels a cheap mattress under $100 for a queen to see if it's worth buying.
Can you get a good cheap mattress under $100 for a queen? I'm a sleep writer — here’s my take
A cheap mattress on a bed frame
Cheap mattresses aren’t just for people on a tight budget — why I’d buy one
Siena Memory Foam Mattress unboxing
Can you get a good night’s sleep for under $400? I slept on a cheap mattress to find out
We test the best cheap mattress, the Siena Memory Foam, to find out if its good value
Best cheap mattress 2025: we tested the top budget beds under $500 for a queen
A couple go mattress shopping together
I'm a sleep writer, the best cheap mattresses all have these 5 key features
Latest in Mattresses
Zoma Boost mattress
What is graphite in a mattress and does your cooling mattress need it?
Two people sit on top of the Plank Firm flippable double-sided mattress in a bedroom
I've been using a luxury mattress for a year and my sleep is better than ever — here's why
Woman changing bedding
How to get rid of bed bugs and dust mites from your bedding and pillows if a hot wash isn’t an option
Two women sit on the Nolah Natural 11 Mattress
I'm a sleep editor and I'm ditching my memory foam bed for an organic mattress — here's why
The Saatva RX in a sunny bedroom
Take 15% off the Saatva RX mattress in better than Black Friday flash sale — save up to $599
Saatva Solaire adjustable mattress with one side of the bed raised slightly, and a blue price drop label over the top of the image
Hurry! Saatva's adjustable firmness mattress hits lowest price in epic one-day sale — save up to $989 now
Latest in Features
Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e composite image.
7 ways Google Pixel 9a beats the iPhone 16e
The outline of a hand holding a phone, wrapped in barbed wire to indicate censorship
What are anti-censorship features and how is Proton VPN leading the way?
Casetify Bounce Suitcase
I ditched my Away Carry-On for a bright red suitcase made by a phone case brand, and I was shocked by how much I liked it
Astell and Kern HB1
I just turned my wired audio headphones into Bluetooth cans with this DAC — and the sound quality is shockingly good
Bare feet poking out of the covers at the end of a bed
Twitching in your sleep? Expert shares 5 most common causes of hypnic jerks
Two people sit on top of the Plank Firm flippable double-sided mattress in a bedroom
I've been using a luxury mattress for a year and my sleep is better than ever — here's why