The best mattress under $1,000 proves you don't need to pay a fortune for a bed that offers excellent comfort, support, cooling and cushioning. However, when choosing the best mattress under $1,000, you'll need to be sure that affordable price tags don't override quality. That's why most of the beds on this list also feature in this year's best mattress guide.
We've tested a wide range of mattresses, and you'll find the top performers that cost $1,000 or under for a queen size bed (the most popular option in the US) in this roundup. The majority of the best mattresses under $1,000 are made by well-known sleep brands and each has been slept on, reviewed, and approved by our panel of mattress experts. We test in all key areas, from comfort to durability, so you can be confident that each mattress is of good quality.
Our top pick for best mattress under $1,000 is the luxuriously supportive DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid, which is currently on sale for 50% off. That's not the only bargain on this list, as most of these affordable beds are even cheaper thanks to the current Labor Day mattress sales. Let's take a look at our top picks for the best mattress under $1,000, according to our sleep experts...
Best mattress under $1,000 overall
The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress is the best hybrid mattress under $1,000, providing hotel-level comfort and excellent build quality for a very affordable price. Hybrid mattresses typically cost much more than all-foam models, and amongst other things tend to deliver better breathability (as the springs create space for air to circulate within the mattress) and a more luxurious feel. Both are true of the DreamCloud. This tops our best affordable mattress list.
A dreamy combo of innersprings, gel-infused foam, and a cashmere-blend top cover, the DreamCloud mattress was a boon for our testers with back and hip pain, sufficiently alleviating pressure and discomfort along our hips and lower lumbar. Our hot sleepers found the DreamCloud comfortably cool, and co-sleepers who fidget won't be disturbed thanks to the DreamCloud's superior motion isolation. We rate the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid as one of the best hybrid mattresses because of its highly-adaptive pressure relief and full-body support.
This model is actually from the same parent company as the Nectar (#2) and you'll see similar deals patterns – constant Dreamcloud mattress sales offer huge discounts on MSRP, and often bundle in bedding, too. Add to that 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, which is our favorite mattress overall.
- Read more: DreamCloud Mattress review
Best memory foam mattress under $1,000
The Nectar Memory Foam is the best memory foam mattress under $1,000, and offers incredible value for money among its mid-range rivals. As well as delivering excellent comfort and a feel that'll suit a wide range of sleepers, you'll also get a full year's trial and forever warranty (very unusual in this price bracket). An evergreen Nectar mattress sale means you'll never pay full price, and often you can snag a big bedding bundle free with your mattress.
We tested the Nectar Memory Foam mattress and found it an absolute dream to sleep on (this combination of quality and affordability has snagged it a top spot in our best memory foam mattress ranking, and we also consider it the best mattress for college students). The multi-layer, all-foam design includes cooling gel memory foam and a dynamic support layer for pressure relief. No matter our sleep position, we experienced a keen balance of softness and firmness in all of the right areas – the medium firmness and constant pressure relief across the hips and back. This is a great all-rounder that'll suit a wide range of sleepers, although those weighing 250lb+ might find it a bit too soft to be properly supportive.
An issue with all-foam mattresses is that they can trap body heat. Our hot sleepers remained comfortably dry and liked the airy feel of the quilted Tencel top cover, and we had no issues with overheating. However, if you know you struggle with sleeping hot, consider the Chill (#3) or a hybrid like the DreamCloud (#1) instead.
- Read more: Nectar mattress review
Best cooling mattress under $1,000
Specialist mattresses for hot sleepers tend to cost a premium, but we consider the Cocoon by Sealy Chill the best cooling mattress on a budget. This all-foam mattress is pretty similar to the Nectar (#2) but adds a cool-to-the-touch knit cover that delivered impressive temperature regulation in our tests. Even the hottest sleeper among our testing panel didn't break a sweat whilst lying on the Cocoon Chill memory foam mattress.
This 10" mattress features three foam layers which work together to deliver excellent pressure relief. It’s supportive and cushioning, but you lie closer to the surface of this mattress rather than sinking in for that classic memory foam hug feel. Based on our experience, we especially think it'll suit side sleepers best (heavier people and back / stomach sleepers might prefer something firmer for sturdier support). Couples who sleep with a restless partner will appreciate the low motion transfer – this mattress isolates motion very well, and there's no noise when changing sleep position.
A constant Cocoon by Sealy mattress sale shaves 35% off the Cocoon Chill foam mattress, with free bedding thrown in to sweeten the deal. You'll also avail of a 100-night trial, with free returns plus a full refund if you're not satisfied. Otherwise, your purchase will be backed by a 10-year warranty.
- Read more: Cocoon by Sealy Chill Mattress review
Best couples' mattress under $1,000
The Bear Original Mattress is an excellent choice for couples for two reasons. First, its motion isolation is among the best we've ever experienced for a mattress. Through our in-depth testing, we determined that you'll hardly be woken up by your partner's movements when sleeping on this mattress. Second, it comfortably accommodates all sleep positions. Whether we rested on our side, front, or stomach, we felt well-supported and aligned. This bodes well if you and your co-sleeper have two totally different primary sleep positions.
Bear specializes in mattresses for active individuals. All of its quilt covers use a technical fabric called Celliant, which appears in sports clothing from the likes of Under Armour and is designed to promote cell recovery. The idea is that these mattresses maximize the restorative potential of sleep.
The only aspect that gave us pause was temperature regulation – our testers found it can sleep slightly warm. That'll be an issue for some, but it's quite cozy to sleep on in lower temperatures so it may feel just right for sleepers who reside in cooler climates. Price-wise, we're well under that $1,000 cap – the Bear Original Mattress is permanently on sale for at least 30% off, with free pillows bundled in.
- Read more: Bear Original mattress review
Best organic mattress under $1,000
The Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress has been discontinued in a brand relaunch and replaced with a new natural mattress, the Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid. A similar design to the original, we will be reviewing the Natural Luxury Hybrid soon to see if its natural credentials stand up to its predecessor. For now, a queen Awara Natural Luxury Hybrid Mattress is $1,049 in the Awara sale.
Organic beds are known the be some of the very best mattresses for durability and breathability, but they're also notorious for their premium price tags. However, eco-luxury sleep brand Awara is constantly discounting their most popular bed, the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, so you'll always pick up a queen size for under $1,000.
This 10" natural hybrid mattress features breathable materials such latex, innersprings, and organic cotton, so all our testers slept cool and comfortable (even the warmest sleepers among us) and enjoyed the luxurious feel. We awarded the mattress a high score for its pressure relief, which supports the spine and alleviated pressures no matter which position you sleep in, but lightweight and side sleepers may find it too firm.
A constant Awara mattress sale knocks $765 off the Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress, with a discounted bedding bundle. You'll also get some generous extras which boosts the organic bed's value for money: 1-year sleep trial, free shipping and returns, and a lifetime warranty.
- Read more: Awara Natural Hybrid Mattress review
Best mattress under $1000 for back and stomach sleepers
The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the most budget-friendly bed from the US brand, it comes in a wide range of sizes (including RV sizes) and 3 sizing options: 3 (soft), 5 (medium), and 7 (firm). Not only does it come with these customizable features, but you also have the option to upgrade to a pillow top (for an extra $200) to add extra plushness.
When putting together our review, we tested the firm model. We found it had plenty of ounce and supported back and stomach sleepers especially. Our motion transfer tests found that the Signature Hybrid had great motion isolation for couples, and bed-sharing testers barely felt the movements of the other person. However, we also found that it sleeps surprisingly warm for a hybrid mattress (which usually have good airflow thanks to the layer of springs) and the edge support could be better.
There's usually a 25% off sale on the Signature Hybrid, but you'll also see 30% off around big sales events. Extras include free shipping, 120-night sleep trial, and a 10-year warranty. Be aware, though, that there's a $99 returns fee.
HOW WE TEST 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.
Best mattress under $1,000 FAQs
How to choose the best mattress under $1,000 this Labor Day
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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: But don't limit it to the glowing 5-star feedback or sassy 1-star reviews; most sleepers' experiences will be somewhere in the middle. You'll also gain insight from reviewers who have needs similar to yours.
- 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 — some manufacturers 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 worth buying?
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 when the likes of the Labor Day mattress sales arrive this September.
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.
