Best Mattresses Under $500 in 2025: Quality Sleep on a Budget

Finding a quality mattress under $500 requires careful research and understanding of what features matter most for sleep quality. While premium mattresses often cost $1,000-$3,000, several manufacturers offer solid options that deliver comfort and durability at budget-friendly prices.

Why Budget Mattresses Can Work

The mattress industry has evolved significantly, with many manufacturers streamlining operations and using direct-to-consumer sales to reduce costs without sacrificing quality. Budget mattresses under $500 typically feature simpler construction, fewer layers, and basic materials, but can still provide adequate support and comfort for most sleepers.

Top Budget Mattress Picks Under $500

American Signature Sleep Mattresses

American Signature offers several mattresses in the $300-$450 range through their retail stores and online platform. Their “Signature Sleep” line features both memory foam and innerspring options.

Signature Sleep 12-Inch Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $349-$399 (Queen)
• Construction: 3-inch memory foam top layer over 9-inch high-density foam base
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Best for: Back and stomach sleepers who need pressure relief
• Warranty: 10 years

The memory foam layer provides contouring without the sinking feeling of higher-end models. The high-density base offers adequate support for most body weights under 200 pounds.

Signature Sleep 8-Inch Innerspring Mattress

• Price: $299-$349 (Queen)
• Construction: Bonnell coil system with quilted top layer
• Firmness: Firm (7/10)
• Best for: Stomach sleepers and those who prefer traditional feel
• Warranty: 10 years

Bob’s Discount Furniture Bob-O-Pedic Line

Bob’s Discount Furniture has developed their Bob-O-Pedic series specifically for budget-conscious consumers, with most models priced between $199-$449.

Bob-O-Pedic Gel Memory Foam Mattress

• Price: $399-$449 (Queen)
• Construction: 2.5-inch gel-infused memory foam over 7.5-inch support foam
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Best for: Side sleepers needing hip and shoulder pressure relief
• Warranty: 10 years

The gel infusion helps with temperature regulation compared to traditional memory foam. The thinner comfort layer means less heat retention and faster response time.

Bob-O-Pedic Hybrid Mattress

• Price: $449 (Queen)
• Construction: 1.5-inch memory foam over individually wrapped coils
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Best for: Combination sleepers who change positions
• Warranty: 10 years

Englander Mattresses

Englander, established in 1894, produces budget-friendly mattresses sold through various retailers including Walmart and regional furniture stores.

Englander Finale 10-Inch Plush Mattress

• Price: $379-$429 (Queen)
• Construction: Pocketed coil system with foam comfort layers
• Firmness: Medium-soft (4/10)
• Best for: Side sleepers under 180 pounds
• Warranty: 10 years

Englander Offset Coil Firm Mattress

• Price: $349-$399 (Queen)
• Construction: Traditional offset coil system with fiber padding
• Firmness: Firm (7.5/10)
• Best for: Back and stomach sleepers who prefer traditional support
• Warranty: 10 years

Jamison Bedding

Jamison focuses on value-oriented mattresses with straightforward construction and competitive pricing.

Jamison TLC Collection

• Price: $329-$379 (Queen)
• Construction: Innerspring coils with foam comfort layer
• Firmness: Medium-firm (6/10)
• Best for: Average-weight sleepers seeking reliable support
• Warranty: 5-10 years depending on model

King Koil Budget Options

King Koil offers entry-level models through discount retailers, typically priced $350-$450 for queen sizes.

King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress Alternative

• Price: $299-$349 (Queen)
• Construction: High-density foam with quilted cover
• Firmness: Medium (5/10)
• Best for: Guest rooms and temporary sleeping solutions
• Warranty: 1 year

Kingsdown Value Collection

Kingsdown’s budget line focuses on simplified construction while maintaining their quality standards.

Kingsdown Passions Imagination Plush

• Price: $449 (Queen)
• Construction: Innerspring coils with memory foam layer
• Firmness: Medium-soft (4/10)
• Best for: Side sleepers preferring softer surfaces
• Warranty: 10 years

Budget Mattress Comparison Table

What to Expect from Sub-$500 Mattresses

Construction Differences

Budget mattresses typically feature:

• Fewer layers: 2-3 layers instead of 5+ in premium models
• Thinner comfort layers: 1-3 inches versus 4-6 inches
• Basic materials: Standard memory foam instead of specialty foams
• Simpler coil systems: Bonnell or offset coils versus individually wrapped
• Standard covers: Basic quilted covers without advanced fabrics

Performance Trade-offs

Durability: Budget mattresses may show wear after 5-7 years versus 10+ years for premium models. Foam density is typically 3-4 PCF instead of 5+ PCF.

Motion Isolation: Basic innerspring models provide minimal motion isolation. Memory foam options offer better isolation but not at the level of high-end models.

Edge Support: Perimeter support is often weaker, with noticeable compression when sitting on the edge.

Temperature Regulation: Limited cooling features mean potential for heat retention, especially in all-foam models.

Size-Specific Pricing

Twin and Twin XL

• Price range: $199-$299
• Best options: American Signature Sleep, Bob-O-Pedic basic models
• Considerations: Good for children’s rooms, guest rooms, or dorm rooms

Full Size

• Price range: $249-$349
• Best options: Englander Finale, Jamison TLC
• Considerations: Adequate for single adults or couples who sleep close

Queen Size

• Price range: $299-$449
• Best options: All brands offer queen models in this range
• Considerations: Most popular size, best value per square foot

King and California King

• Price range: $399-$499
• Best options: Limited selection; Kingsdown and Bob’s offer some models
• Considerations: Fewer options available under $500

Where to Buy Budget Mattresses

Physical Retailers

• American Signature Stores: Direct from manufacturer, frequent sales
• Bob’s Discount Furniture: Wide selection, delivery included
• Walmart: Carries Englander and other budget brands
• Regional furniture stores: Often carry King Koil and Jamison

Online Options

• Manufacturer websites: Direct purchasing with better warranties
• Amazon: Wide selection but verify seller authenticity
• Overstock.com: Frequent mattress sales and clearance events
• Wayfair: Large selection with customer reviews

Tips for Buying Budget Mattresses

Research the Manufacturer

Verify the company’s history, warranty terms, and customer service reputation. Established brands like Englander and King Koil offer more reliable support than unknown manufacturers.

Check Return Policies

Many budget mattresses don’t offer the generous trial periods of bed-in-a-box brands. Understand return terms before purchasing.

Read Fine Print on Warranties

Budget mattress warranties may have more restrictions, pro-rated coverage, or require original purchase receipts.

Consider Total Cost

Factor in delivery fees, setup charges, and old mattress removal. Some retailers include these services while others charge extra.

Maximizing Budget Mattress Lifespan

Proper Foundation

Use appropriate box springs or platform beds. Insufficient support can void warranties and reduce durability.

Mattress Protectors

Invest in quality waterproof protectors to prevent damage from spills, allergens, and normal wear.

Regular Rotation

Rotate the mattress 180 degrees every 3 months to ensure even wear. Some budget models may need more frequent rotation.

Weight Distribution

Avoid sitting on edges regularly, as budget mattresses have weaker perimeter support.

When to Upgrade

Budget mattresses typically need replacement when:

• Visible sagging exceeds 1.5 inches
• Pain or discomfort increases upon waking
• Sleep quality consistently decreases
• Visible wear appears in comfort layers

Red Flags to Avoid

Unknown Brands

Avoid mattresses from manufacturers with no established history or contact information.

Extremely Low Prices

Mattresses under $200 (queen) often use substandard materials and construction.

No Warranty

Any mattress without at least a 5-year warranty should be avoided.

High-Pressure Sales

Be wary of limited-time offers or pressure to buy immediately without research time.

The Bottom Line

Quality sleep doesn’t require spending thousands on a mattress. Several established manufacturers offer reliable options under $500 that provide adequate comfort and support for most sleepers. While these budget models may not include luxury features or last as long as premium mattresses, they represent solid value for cost-conscious consumers.

The key is understanding your specific sleep needs, researching manufacturer reputations, and setting realistic expectations about performance and durability. With careful shopping and proper care, a sub-$500 mattress can provide comfortable sleep for 5-7 years, making it an excellent interim solution or permanent option for many households.