These 8 mattresses prove $1,000 is all you need for amazing rest

Business Insider

6 days ago

You shouldn't have to empty your savings account to find the best mattress for your needs. Fortunately, there are several budget-friendly mattresses under $1,000, whether you are a first-time apartment dweller, going off to college, a young professional, want to outfit a guest room, or just want an upgrade without paying a premium.
We've tested over 100 mattresses and talked to several experts to find the best mattresses under $1,000 that provide outstanding support, durability, and comfort for all sleep styles. Our top pick is the Nectar Classic because this all foam mattress delivers great pressure relief and spinal alignment and has a medium firmness that accommodates most sleepers. If you're shopping for a hybrid, consider the DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress, which is great for couples and side and back sleepers but may run too soft for heavier stomach sleepers.
If $1,000 for a new mattress still feels like too much, we've also documented the best cheap mattresses under $500. Checking out the latest mattress sales can also help you save as much as half off on popular brands.
Our picks of the best mattresses under $1,000
Best overall: Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress - See at Nectar
Best overall
Nectar Classic Mattress (Queen)
The gel memory foam of the Nectar makes it a versatile mattress that conforms to the contours of your body to relieve pressure. It's a premium sleep experience, but its price tag is way under a grand.
Check price at Amazon Check price at Nectar
What we like
Year-long home trial and lifetime warranty
Impressive spinal alignment
Outstanding motion isolation and edge support
The medium firmness is ideal for most sleep positions
What we don't like
Lacks the dynamic feel of more expensive mattresses
Subpar heat dissipation
The best mattress under $1,000 is the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress. At just $649, it delivers outstanding quality, leaving you with budget to spare for a new bed frame and sheets.
The Nectar Classic is one of the top picks in our best memory foam mattress and mattresses for back pain guides because it features a medium firmness that will provide most sleepers with the comfort and support they need. As a side sleeper, I found the Nectar was outstanding for my chronic back pain. I awoke feeling great after each night of testing.
The Nectar Classic is made up of three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers: a cooling memory foam top, a pressure-relieving transition layer, and a supportive base that ensures long-lasting comfort. Couples especially will love the bed's terrific edge support and motion isolation.
While the Nectar Classic had significant heat retention, you can add "NectarCool Technology" to the bed for an extra $79. This adds cooling fibers to the sleep surface. Or, for $949, you might consider the Premier Memory Foam Mattress, which Nectar claims has 60% more cooling and twice the pressure relief.
Nectar offers a 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty, which is virtually unheard of at this price point. They even cover returns and shipping costs, so there's basically no risk in trying this excellent sub-$1,000 bed.
Best hybrid
The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid is the best hybrid mattress under $1,000 because it checks all the comfort boxes while offering an average firmness that will appeal to most people. While testing it, I felt comfortable and supported, no matter what position I slept in, though I gravitated toward my side and back. The mattress adapted seamlessly to keep my spine aligned.
The Premier Hybrid features a cashmere-blend cover for a luxurious, plush feel and breathability. Four layers of CertiPUR-US-certified foams are beneath the cover. They work together for pressure point relief, motion isolation, and body-cradling comfort. The base is made up of individually wrapped pocket coils that promote airflow, reduce motion isolation, and supply targeted support where you need it most.
Hot sleepers will love the heat dissipation. Even on hot nights, I remained comfortable and cool while testing the DreamCloud Premier. If you're tired of your partner jostling you awake when they head to the bathroom at night, you'll appreciate the Premier's impressive motion isolation. The sturdy edge support maximizes the usable sleeper surface. Lastly, DreamCloud offers an incredible 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.
Visit our full DreamCloud Premier Mattress review.
Best under $500
Allswell The Allswell Mattress (Queen)
The Allswell Mattress is the best hybrid we've tested for under $500. It's firm enough to support stomach and back sleepers and ideal for couples with its impressive edge support and motion isolation.
Check price at Walmart
What we like
Good motion dampening
Great firmness for stomach and back sleepers
Cold sleepers will appreciate the heat retention
Impressive edge support
Our tester had excellent sleep quality
For our best cheap mattress guide, we set a limit of $500. Of the 15 options I tested, the Walmart-exclusive Allswell Hybrid Mattress reigned supreme, and it's under $300. While sleeping on the Allswell, I found it best suited to stomach and back sleepers, delivering firm support while maintaining optimal spinal alignment. However, side sleepers may find the pressure relief subpar, though it was good enough for this price point.
The 10-inch-thick hybrid features four CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers, including a high-density foam for the top quilting, gel-infused memory foam for cooling and pressure relief, a comfort foam layer, and high-density support foam on the very bottom. Between the comfort and base foam layers are individually wrapped coils that supply breathability and durability. The bed is covered with a cooling fabric.
Couples on a budget will appreciate the top-notch edge support and motion isolation, which keeps you from feeling your partner's movements in the night. The biggest negative with the Allswell is that it traps heat. It was among the warmest beds I tested in the budget category, which may be a positive for those who tend to get cold at night.
Best for back pain
For a foam mattress, the Bear Original provides superb firmness, support, and cooling. The firmer-than-average feel makes this a smart choice for back pain sufferers. While uncomfortable in my preferred side sleeping position, I awoke feeling refreshed and free from back pain when I slept on my stomach. My sleep stats were also outstanding, as my REM, deep sleep, and overall sleep quality numbers were much higher than average.
The Bear is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, which is uncommon in sub-$800 beds. When I tested it, the breathable Celliant cover that actively dissipates body heat came standard. Now, you pay an extra $195 for the Celliant cover add-on, which I think is worth it if you tend to overheat at night.
The top layer of the mattress is graphite-gel-infused memory foam, which helps you stay cool. Below that is a responsive foam transition layer that balances support and pressure relief. The base is made of a high-density foam for added durability.
The Bear Original Mattress's cooling properties are outstanding. It dissipated heat incredibly quickly, showing one of the largest temperature drops in my testing data. This seems to be par for the course with beds featuring Celliant.
The mattress's edge support was also impressive. It barely sank when I sat on the side of the bed, and I felt supported while lying on the edge. However, the motion isolation did not pass our tests, and I could clearly feel it when my wife or cats moved on the bed, so light sleepers who share a bed may want to look elsewhere.
Check out our guide to the best cooling mattresses.
Best cooling
The Silk & Snow Hybrid Mattress has several design aspects that facilitate keeping you cool. First, the cover is made of a proprietary cooling fabric that wicks away moisture and dissipates heat. Below are three CertiPUR-US-certified foam layers, including a breathable foam layer. Below the foam are zoned-support pocket coils that help with airflow, durability, and spinal alignment.
I use a laser thermometer to measure the surface temperature of mattresses before lying down, right after getting up, and two minutes after getting up to evaluate the cooling properties. The Silk & Snow stayed cooler than most beds. Also, as a hot sleeper, I loved how I never overheated on this bed.
The Silk & Snow Hybrid comes in two firmnesses: Plush and Medium-Firm. I tested the Plush, and I have to come clean: The Plush retails for $1,150, which is more than $1,000. However, it appears to always be on sale for $1,000. Also, back and stomach sleepers may want to opt for the Medium-Firm, which is $300 less than the Plush and features cooling gel-infused memory foam.
The firm border foam surrounding the Silk & Snow's coils supplied outstanding edge support, and the above-average motion isolation makes this a great choice for couples. Thanks to the 365-night sleep trial, you can try it risk-free for up to a year.
Best for couples
Finding the ideal combination of support, comfort, and motion isolation is a must when sharing a bed with someone. This guide has covered several good options so far, but the best mattress under $1,000 for couples is the Helix Midnight because it delivers an excellent balance of pressure relief and responsive springiness.
I was especially impressed with how comfortable the bed felt when sleeping on my stomach or back. It seemed to speed up my recovery from a nasty back pain flare-up, earning it a spot in our best mattresses for back pain guide.
The Helix Midnight's motion isolation was outstanding. I barely felt a thing when my son jumped up and down on the bed. It also passed my bowling ball test, demonstrating how little vibration traveled across the mattress when I dropped a bowling ball on one side. On this bed, you're unlikely to be jostled awake when your partner moves in the night.
The edge support was also stellar. I felt secure and stable when sitting on the side of the bed, and I had to roll quite far before I fell off. This means you'll feel comfortable across most of the bed's surface, a plus when your partner encroaches on your side of the bed.
The Helix Midnight is made with CertiPUR-US foams and OEKO-TEX-certified materials. Its top layer is made of pressure-relieving memory foam, followed by two responsive comfort foam layers. Below these foam layers are pocket coils that enhance edge support and motion isolation. The dense foam base layer adds support and durability.
The Helix Midnight seemed to trap heat, which may appeal to cold sleepers. However, hot sleepers should opt for the cooling pillow top upgrade, which members of the Business Insider Reviews team have found eliminates hot spots on other Helix models.
I found that the Helix Midnight was a little too firm for side sleeping, my preferred position. I didn't feel like I sank in enough for my spine to stay properly aligned. This is particularly interesting to me as the bed is actually marketed to side sleepers. Thankfully, Helix's 100-night sleep trial gives you the chance to try it for yourself to determine if it fits your needs.
Visit our full guide to the best mattresses for couples.
Best latex
I love latex because it has a responsive feel that quickly adapts to your body when you lie on it. Its springiness makes it easy to move around on and get out of bed. Yet, it's an expensive material that you rarely find in mattresses under $1,000. Awara bucks the standard, offering an impressive bed that features organic materials and Greenguard Gold, and OEKO-Tex certifications.
The Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress's medium-firm feel comfortably accommodated all of my sleep positions, though I found I was most comfortable on my stomach. During the two-week testing period, I didn't experience soreness or overheating.
The Awara's organic materials set it apart. The quilted top cover is a blend of plush organic New Zealand wool and rayon. Below that is FSC and GOLS-certified Dunlop latex that contours to your body without the sinking feeling of memory foam. The mattress's base is made up of individually wrapped coils with thicker-gauge springs around the periphery for added edge support and durability.
The Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress's medium-firm feel comfortably accommodated all of my sleep positions, though I found I was most comfortable on my stomach. During the two-week testing period, I didn't experience soreness or overheating.
The edge support and motion isolation were passable, with the Awara barely failing our bowling ball test. The bounce was excellent, which couples may appreciate. Perhaps most impressively, the Awara is backed by a 365-night trial period with free returns and a forever warranty.
Check out our full guide to the best organic mattresses.
Best for heavy people
Plus-sized individuals have limited options when shopping for an affordable mattress that will provide the support they need. Fortunately, the Titan Plus nails it. While we haven't tested this specific model, our extensive testing of the slightly pricier sibling model — the Titan Plus Luxe — has us confident in Brooklyn Bedding's ability to make a top-quality bed for heavier bodies.
The Titan Plus is made with high-density foams and reinforced steel coils that prevent the sagging often experienced when sleeping on standard mattresses that weren't designed for more weight. The core features individual wrapped coils designed to supply durability and stability to sleepers weighing up to 1,000 pounds combined.
The Titan Plus's quilted top features gel-infused foam to help with temperature regulation, actively drawing heat away from the body. For even more cooling, you can get the cooling cover upgrade, which our tester found did an exceptional job of keeping her cool while testing the Luxe.
With its firmer support, the Titan Plus provides plus-size sleepers with optimal spinal alignment, but side sleepers seeking something more cushioning will want to consider the Titan Plus Luxe for a more medium firmness. The sub-$1,000 price tag is particularly impressive considering Brooklyn Bedding backs the bed with a lifetime warranty.
What else we tested
I've tested more than 100 mattresses, and there were several that just missed the cut for this guide or were a smidge too expensive. Here are a few that you may still want to consider.
Under $1,000
Plank Mattress: Brooklyn Bedding's Plank Mattress features a flippable design, where one side is firm, and the other is extra firm. Either side is likely too firm for most sleepers. Yet, for those hardy individuals who want something slightly softer than sleeping on the floor, this is the way to go. Read our full Brooklyn Bedding Plank Firm Mattress review.
: Often marked under $800, this all-foam mattress is a solid option for back and stomach sleepers thanks to its medium-firm support and good motion isolation. The edge support was lacking, and it sleeps hot, but cold sleepers may appreciate that. See our full Tuft & Needle Original Mattress review.
: You'll have a hard time finding a Zinus mattress that costs over $1,000. The brand has made a name for itself on Amazon with its affordable yet surprisingly comfortable beds. This sub-$300 mattress is an outstanding option for stomach and back sleepers who tend to overheat. Read our full Zinus Cooling Hybrid Mattress review.
Just over $1,000
Earthfoam Organic Mattress: Made of GOLS-certified latex foam, the Earthfoam Mattress balances firm responsiveness and comfort, making it great for combination sleepers and back pain sufferers. It's available in Medium and Firm options to accommodate all sleep styles. Plus, hot sleepers will appreciate its excellent heat dissipation. This is one of the most affordable fully latex foam beds we've encountered. Check out our full Earthfoam Mattress review.
: Made of a combination of organic wool, latex, and cotton paired with zoned-support coils, the Kiwi Organic Mattress delivers a medium-firm feel with superb motion isolation. It's a smart choice for couples and side sleepers in search of an affordable, eco-friendly bed. Visit our full My Green Mattress Kiwi Mattress review.
PurpleFlex Mattress: While it retails for $1,299, the PurpleFlex is Purple's most affordable bed and often on sale for under $1,000. It features the brand's proprietary GelFlex Grid, which instantly adapts to your body for optimal pressure relief. I loved how cool it stayed, and the medium-firm feel is best for stomach and back sleepers. See our full PurpleFlex Mattress review.
What to look for in the best mattress under $1,000
We typically recommend people plan on spending at least $1,000 on a new mattress, but you can find deals below that price. Since budget options are rarely available in showrooms, and if they are, you can only try them for a few minutes, you need to know what to look for online to make a smart buy. Here's what matters most:
Return policy: A generous home sleep trial is your safety net, giving you the opportunity to experience the mattress in the environment where you'll be sleeping on it long-term: your bedroom. A 100-night trial is the industry standard, but look closely at the fine print, as return shipping or restocking fees may apply.
Warranty: You want a mattress that lasts. Aim for a warranty of at least 10 years that covers premature sagging and manufacturing defects. You shouldn't be stuck with a bill if something goes wrong. All of our recommendations offer at least a decade of protection. It's becoming more common for brands to offer lifetime warranties, but you will want to look at the fine print, as the amount of coverage can vary based on how much time has passed, and they tend to only cover the original purchaser.
Firmness: Your ideal firmness depends heavily on your sleep position and body type:
Side sleepers, older individuals, and petite folks typically benefit from softer mattresses
Stomach sleepers and heavier people are best served by firmer mattresses
Back sleepers fall somewhere between
Ultimately, your mattress should keep your spine aligned through the night. Unfortunately, most mattresses under $1,000 lack the variations and customization of pricier beds. Instead, they mainly cater to the broadest range of sleepers by offering a medium firmness.
Edge support and motion isolation: These features are important for people sharing a bed. Edge support prevents that 'falling off' feeling and maximizes the comfortable sleep surface. Motion isolation keeps you from feeling your partner's movements in the night.
A sub-$1,000 bed may require some compromise in durability and comfort, which may not be a problem for younger people or guest rooms. However, if you suffer from chronic pain, consider stretching your budget or looking into payment plans.
For more guidance, check out my article on how to choose a mattress.
How we tested the best mattresses under $1,000
We tested all the mattresses in this guide, except the Titan Plus, which is a more affordable sibling to one we have tested. We put each mattress through a series of tests to determine motion isolation, edge support, comfort, heat dissipation, and more.
Here are some of the test results for the main attributes we tested:
Attribute Nectar Classic DreamCloud Premier Hybrid The Allswell Bear Original Silk & Snow Plush Hybrid Helix Midnight Awara Titan Plus
Firmness (1 softest to 10 firmest) 6 5 7 7 4 6 6 9
Motion Isolation (1 awful to 10 best) 8 7 7 2 8 7 5
Edge Support (1 awful to 10 best) 8 8 7 6 6 9 5
Heat Dissipation (1 traps heat to 10 stays cool) 3 6 4 6 8 3 6
Trial Period (nights) 365 365 90 120 365 100 365 120
Warranty (years) Lifetime Lifetime 10 Lifetime 15 Lifetime Lifetime Lifetime
Here are the main attributes we look for and how we test them:
Comfort: On each mattress, we documented which sleep position felt most comfortable — back, stomach, or side. I personally tested all but one of the mattresses. For reference, I'm six feet tall, weigh 225 pounds, and prefer sleeping on my side, though I can sleep in any position. I wore a Garmin watch to track my sleep quality metrics, like sleep disruptions and REM cycles, giving insights beyond how I felt, though that was factored in too.
Heat dissipation: To gauge how cool mattresses stayed, I used a laser thermometer to measure the bed's surface temperature before I lay down at night, right after I got up, and two minutes after getting up. Then, I compared the measurements to determine the heat dissipation.
Trial period and warranty: I put on my reading glasses and read the fine print of each mattress's return policy and warranty to see if there were any loopholes that could cost you money in the long run. Rest easy knowing every recommendation in this guide has at least a 90-night trial and 10-year warranty with no significant hidden fees.
Motion isolation: Motion isolation matters most if you share a bed with someone who gets up a lot at night. I tested this by placing a soda can and a vibrometer on a mattress at a set distance from where I dropped a bowling ball onto the bed to simulate motion. If the can stayed upright and the vibrometer readings were low, the mattress had outstanding motion isolation. When possible, I also had my wife or son move around on the bed while I lay on it to assess the subjective experience.
Edge support: Your usable sleep space shrinks when a bed has poor edge support. To test this feature, I performed my 'roll-off test,' where I lay on the very edge of the bed and literally roll off it. If I get beyond a 45-degree angle to the bed, it has good edge support. I also sat on the side of the mattress and measured how much it sank. If it sank less than 4 inches, it was in 'good' territory.
If you want to geek out more, check out our article on how we test mattresses.
Mattress under $1,000 FAQs
What is the best type of mattress for under $1,000?
It depends on your needs, but hybrids tend to offer the best value for under $1,000. They combine the durability and support of coils with the pressure relief of foam. Our best hybrid pick, the DreamCloud Premier, exemplifies these benefits. Yet our top overall pick, the Nectar Classic, is all foam and supplies impressive motion isolation and pressure relief. On the other hand, the Awara, a latex hybrid, has good cooling and natural materials. Ultimately, regardless of materials, the best mattress accommodates your body type, temperature preferences, and sleep position while offering a generous trial period.
How long should a mattress under $1,000 last?
Mattresses should last you between 8 and 10 years with proper care. The bed's warranty clues you in on how long you can expect it to last. Some factors that affect the lifespan include your weight, how often you sleep on the bed, and what type of mattress it is. When you notice deterioration in your mattress, it's time to replace it. This includes waking up stiff or sore, increased motion transfer, and visible sagging.
For more details, see our article " How long does a mattress last?"
Are cheap mattresses bad for your back?
Cheap mattresses aren't necessarily bad for your back, according to the orthopedic spine specialists I talked to. Hooman Melamed, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and founder of The Spine Pro, noted that sometimes a $1,000 mattress can offer better support than a $5,000 one. Yet, mattresses under $500 often lack the durability and proper support needed for spinal alignment and may wear out faster, potentially making your back pain worse.
Tamara Huff, MD, a Georgia-based, board-certified orthopedic surgeon and health disparities advocate, recommended medium-firm mattresses that can provide enough support while accommodating your body's natural curves. Regardless of its price point, look for a bed with the right firmness for your sleep position, that properly aligns your spine, and that doesn't sag much.
For specific recommendations, check out our guide to the best mattresses for back pain.
James Brains
Senior Reporter, Business Insider Reviews
James Brains is a home and kitchen reporter and product expert with over seven years of experience in service journalism. He is passionate about providing helpful buying advice to readers based on extensive testing. ExperienceAs a Senior Reporter for Business Insider's Reviews team, James focuses on testing home and kitchen products. He uses his hands-on experience to write in-depth reviews and buying guides, tackling everything from air fryers and toaster ovens to air conditioners and vacuums. Before joining Business Insider in 2021, James worked as a freelance writer and ran Brains Report, his personal product review site. In addition to home and kitchen products, James also has a background in writing about tech, health, and fitness. Why you can trust JamesJames uses his background in experimental psychology to develop objective tests and review methodologies for all the products he evaluates. He's tested over 100 mattresses to write our guide to the best mattresses, even touring a mattress manufacturing facility to further enrich his expertise. Seeing how mattresses are constructed has provided key insights into what to look for and what materials and features are best for certain sleepers. James believes high-quality sleep is worth a premium, and he's passionate about helping readers get a better night's sleep — but he'll always help you find a good deal on a mattress in the process. He is always on call to find the best mattress, bedding, and vaccum deals (among others) on any given day, but especially during big sale days like Prime Day, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. Expertise
Mattresses and sleep products
Kitchen appliances and cookware
Heating and cooling products
Vacuums
EducationJames holds a master's degree in psychology from the University of Oregon and a bachelor's degree from Michigan State. He lives in Lansing, Michigan, with his wife, two kids, and a kitty. When he's not testing a new mattress or air fryer, James enjoys running the Facebook foodie group Lansing Foodies. The group has over 70,000 followers and puts on an annual Olive Burger Festival.
Read more
You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here.
Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [e-mail].