Top 4 Mattresses Under $300
- Editor’s Choice For Best Mattress Under $300 :AllswellStarting at $279 Shop Now
- Best Memory Foam Mattress Under $300 :Lucid 10 Inch Gel Memory FoamStarting at $170 Shop Now
- Best Foam Mattress In A Box Under $300 :Tuft Needle NodStarting at $269 Shop Now
- Best Queen Mattress Under $300 :AmazonBasics Memory Foam MattressStarting at $146 Shop Now
Like a television or even a car, mattresses come in a range of prices from budget-tier to luxury. While it’s true you get what you pay for, some sleepers simply don’t need to spend more than $300 on a new mattress, or don’t have the means to. Luckily, the online bed in a box market offers solid wallet-friendly options for people who want a decent mattress that will effectively get the job done (put you to sleep).
We like to pair our mattress guides with a helpful YouTube video review for anyone who’d rather listen than read. Otherwise, continue on below to get the scoop on our top choices.
Compare the Best Mattresses Under $300
Editor’s Choice For Best Mattress Under $300
In the budget category, there are very few beds that use a coil support system because all-foam beds are less expensive to manufacture. The Allswell is a hybrid mattress that doesn’t use a traditional innerspring chassis. Instead, it has pocketed coils, which are typically better for isolation motion without compromising support.
The top layer is made with memory foam, but it’s not overwhelming in the slightest. We think it has more of a neutral-foam feel, and is more responsive than traditional memory foam. Firmness wise, we rated Allswell in between medium and medium-firm, making it best best for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and combination sleepers.
Why we like the Allswell mattress so much — Pound for pound, we’re not sure that you can find a better value than the Allswell mattress. The bed is made in the USA, and has a pocketed coil support system that can handle a variety of sleepers from petite to heavy. Hands down, it’s one of the best hybrid beds online for under 300 dollars.
Best Memory Foam Mattress Under $300
The Lucid 10″ mattress is a non-spring dense memory foam mattress that comes in a soft, medium, or firm option. If you’re a side sleeper, you might think about the plush mattress. If you’re a combo sleeper, you might look into the medium option. And if you’re a back/stomach sleeper, perhaps the firm model makes sense.
While the bed is extremely affordable, it still holds the CertiPUR-US certification (like the other beds on this list), which means essentially that the mattress is safe to sleep on.
Why you might consider the Lucid Gel Memory Foam Mattress — This mattress is one of the most popular picks on Amazon, and we’d have to agree with the masses. If you like memory foam, this mattress delivers. Many cheap memory foam mattresses are available in just one firmness level. The Lucid 10″ Gel Memory Foam Mattress, on the other hand, can be found on Amazon in a medium-plush, medium, and firm varieties.
Best Foam Mattress In A Box Under $300
You might not have heard of Tuft & Needle, but they’re a heavyweight in the world of bed-in-a-box mattresses. The company is also backed by (and owned by) Serta-Simmons. We bring this up to let you know that while this is an Amazon-exclusive mattress, it’s from a well-established online mattress brand.
It doesn’t get simpler than a two-layer foam bed, and yet The Tuft & Needle Nod is backed by a 10-year warranty. It might not be exactly what you want in terms of construction if you weigh around 230 lbs +, but it has a medium firmness level and is perfectly accommodating for light to petite individuals of any sleeper position. We think it’s a wonderful mattress for kids, college students, or anyone that’s smaller or on a tight budget.
What’s so special about the Tuft & Needle Nod mattress — This is a really basic mattress, but we could see a lot of people liking it, especially if you look at the price tag. While the MSRP for the full size is over $300, we regularly see it for under $300. It has a general soft-foam feel that’s comfortable and inviting for sleepers under 230 lbs.
Best Queen Mattress Under $300
Amazon is a major budget-mattress retailer, and they introduced this bed to the internet to compete with other online mattresses in the market. It does use memory foam, but we wouldn’t consider it to have a true, viscose memory foam feel. Because it has two other layers of poly foam, it has a neutral feel with a little memory foam mixed it. We actually think it’s pretty comfortable, considering it’s very very affordable.
It’s available in an 8″, 10″, and 12″ height varietal. The 8″ model is best for Airbnb, kids, guest rooms, and so on. The 10″ is the most popular and is a direct competitor to Tuft & Needle, Zinus, and Lucid. The 12″ model is better for people that want a little extra padding and cushioning.
What makes the AmazonBasics mattress stand out — It’s all about the price. This is an uber-cheap mattress that sells for under $300 and it’s backed by a huge brand. In fact, we regularly see the 8″ version in the queen mattress for under even $200 on Amazon! It’s just a cheap bed that’s pretty comfortable with no extras or anything fancy—just three layers of foam and a slight memory foam feel.
Why Trust Us
Get the kind of sleep you’ve only dreamed of with some help from our team of mattress experts. We personally test more than 175 of the best sleep solutions from over 60 leading brands on site, so you can be sure you’re getting unbiased reviews, fair comparisons and personalized recommendations.
The Review Team
Buying A Mattress For Under $300
So you’re in the market for a bed and you really aren’t interested in temperature control, hypoallergenic materials, or any of the additional features of a luxury mattress for that matter.
The biggest requirement you have for your mattress is that it’s a comfortable place to rest your head. For whatever reason, whether you’re on a budget or have certain life circumstances that compels you to seek out a cheaper option, you’re searching for beds for under 300 dollars. That’s okay!
We understand that not everybody needs or even wants to spend extra money on a mattress. There are still options for you out there that won’t break your bank. Many bed-in-a-box brands can offer an affordable/cheap mattress without sacrificing too much of the quality factor. Regardless of your budget, getting a good night’s sleep is still important and we want you to enjoy your mattress as much as you want to enjoy more money in your bank account.
Pros And Cons Of A Budget Bed
In our mattress reviews, we’ve found several beds at this price are good quality and offer a good night’s sleep. But they also come with a few disadvantages over higher priced models — such as longevity for example. Continue on below for the benefits and grievances of a budget bed.
Pros
- Comfort – Budget mattresses can certainly still be comfortable, and wallet-friendly hybrid beds like Allswell provide support for all body types. Budget beds also come in a variety of different materials and feels, such as memory foam, poly foam, latex foam, or a pillow-top.
- Localizes movement – Memory foam localizes movement. That means movement will not transfer, so if your partner turns and tosses, you don’t have to, which gives both of you a better night’s sleep.
- Durable – It depends on the mattress you get, but budget beds with a hybrid construction are able to withstand the test of time — around 7-8 years or so. All-foam mattresses, on the other hand, won’t offer up as much longevity.
Cons
- May sleep hotter – Some, but certainly not all, mattresses under $300 sleep hotter than higher-priced models. This may be due to materials used and manufacturing processes.
- Support – Some mattresses won’t offer the same level of support that their higher-priced counterparts offer. That may mean that not all parts of your body are evenly supported throughout the night.
- Foam compression overtime – Some foam mattresses’ top layers can compress overtime. This may be especially true in some mattresses that are priced under $300, depending on the number of layers and materials used.
Full vs Queen Size Mattress
Size matters. Especially if you’re a 6’3”, 230 pound football player or a petite woman that barely stands 5 foot. Getting the right size bed that gives you the best night’s sleep is important, whether that’s a queen-size bed or a full-size bed.
Full Size
Full-size, also called double mattresses usually measure about 54 inches by 74 inches, give or take an inch or two. They are about the same length as a regular-size twin mattress, but measure about 16” wider overall. A full-size mattress may be a bit too short for taller people, but the added width makes it easier to roll-over and change positions when compared to a twin. But, couples may find it a bit snug to sleep on comfortably.
Queen Size
A queen-size mattress measures about 60” by 80”, but that too can vary a bit by manufacturer. Wider and longer than a double-size mattress, queen mattresses are the most popular by far. Queen mattresses fit into most any bedroom and offer couples ample sleeping space. Queen mattresses are great for people of all sizes: short, tall, and tossers and turners. Queens are also cost-effective and usually priced best.
There’s no denying that the queen mattress is what most people end up with. Over 50% of people end up with a queen mattress. That’s why we made sure to have at least one selection for the best queen mattress under $300 on our list today!
Different Types Of Mattresses
As you can probably imagine, different mattresses are made with different materials, some being more expensive than others. But, what’s the difference?
- Memory Foam – Memory foam mattresses usually have a viscous feel that softens as you apply pressure and embraces the curves of your body. It has a slow response time, but that means it has limited motion transfer so you won’t feel your partner get in and out of bed in the middle of the night.
- Latex Foam – Latex foam has somewhat of a spongy feel, and has more bounce and breathability to it than memory foam does. Latex foam, however, is usually more expensive and we don’t recommend it for somebody on a lower budget.
- Polyurethane Foam – Polyurethane foam is widely considered to be comfortable because of its neutral feel. Plus, it comes in a wide range of densities and isn’t too costly. So it is often the safe pick for somebody who doesn’t know exactly what kind of bed they are looking for.
- Innerspring/Coil – Coil and innerspring mattresses have a system of pocketed or an interconnected spring system that offer good support, particularly for people that are heavier. We sometimes refer to coil beds as being a “hybrid” since they combine two types of materials.
- Hybrid – Hybrid mattresses are not necessarily a coil mattress. Take the original Purple mattress, for example. That bed uses foam and a Hyper-Elastic Polymer material, which means it’s still technically a hybrid, but doesn’t use coils.
- Hyper-Elastic Polymer – Hyper-Elastic Polymer is a slab of gel-like material that is bouncy, responsive, and soft. Actually, it’s soft and firm at the same time offering pressure relief where you need it (mostly hips and shoulders) and also support where you need it (your trunk and low back).
Why Weight Is Important When Choosing A New Mattress
When it comes to choosing between a firm mattress, soft mattress, or somewhere in between, you should first consider your weight and how well the mattress you select will support you. Your mattress will also last longer if you purchase one that accommodates your weight. Heavy sleepers over ~230 lbs should opt for a hybrid or innerspring mattress for proper support and durability, while petite to moderately sized sleepers would be fine on an all-foam mattress.
Caring For Your New Mattress
Just because you don’t spend a ton of money on your mattress doesn’t mean you won’t want to keep it around for a while. Maybe you want to keep it as a bed for your guest bedroom, or as an extra mattress to have in storage for a rainy day. Whatever the reason, there are different ways to make sure your mattress stays in good shape. You can purchase a machine washable mattress protector on Amazon that’s easily removable to throw into the washing machine any time it needs a good cleaning. Most beds don’t come with a machine washable cover, and some don’t even come with a removable cover. Many brands may claim you can remove the cover, but it can be difficult to put back on so we recommend you don’t even mess with it.
You’re also able to spot clean your mattress by using a mild detergent, warm water, and a cloth. Make sure to not get your mattress too wet, though, because you don’t want to do any damage to the foam in the process of cleaning. You may not be able to completely remove every stain, but spot cleaning will at least make it so you don’t have to sleep on top of a big glob of coffee after an accidental spill. Make sure to wait until the spot is completely dry before putting your sheets back on the mattress.
Overview Of The Best Mattress For $300
| Mattress | Best Of Title | Firmness Level |
| The Allswell | People who want the addition of an innerspring mattress | Medium to medium firm |
| The Lucid Mattress | Budget shoppers | medium-plush, medium, and firm |
| Tuft & Needle Nod | People who want a medium firm mattress | Medium firm |
| Amazon Basics | People who want a comfy, inexpensive bed | Soft to medium |
In almost all cases, yes, you’ll get free shipping, even with a mattress that costs under $300.
That just depends on the person. If you want more of a traditional innerspring feel, then get a bed with coils. It will all come down to personal preference.
That shouldn’t be an issue. Many of the beds sold online come with 100% free returns. That said, returns through Amazon can be a little wonky, so you’ll want to read more about that particular bed on Amazon.com before you make a purchase.
This is just an online mattress that happens to ship inside a cardboard box. They’re pretty neat, and growing tremendously in popularity.
Likely. Most foam mattresses have off-gassing when you first open the packaging. But, this problem doesn’t last long and seems to dissipate rather quickly.
Generally, memory foam is much denser than most poly foam. Memory foam has a low-compression factor so it forms to your body more and is slower to rebound than poly foam.
Buying a mattress online is convenient and can save you money. But, you can’t actually test out the mattress first like you can when you visit a showroom. However, with the extending warranties and trial periods that most online mattress companies offer, you have the peace of mind that you can return the mattress if it doesn’t work out.
Of the mattresses we tested, the AmazonBasics mattress is the most affordable and stood up well in terms of comfort. It also ships free (to most locations) and has a one-year warranty.
Why Trust Us
Get the kind of sleep you’ve only dreamed of with some help from our team of mattress experts. We personally test more than 150 of the best sleep solutions from over 60 leading brands on site, so you can be sure you’re getting unbiased reviews, fair comparisons and personalized recommendations.
