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No matter your sleep position or firmness preference, there’s something for everyone at these retailers.

I’m the Home and Garden Editor at BuzzFeed, where I write articles that connect readers with the products, ideas, and trends that help make a house feel like home.

Mattress shopping can be so daunting — and expensive! —, but it doesn't have to be. I've combed through the offerings and narrowed it down to the 14 best places to buy affordable mattresses online. And please, make sure you have an affordable bed frame and an inexpensive pillow, too!

Before we dive into the stores, below is an explainer of the different types of mattresses.

Memory foam mattresses are known for their contouring properties: they adapt to the shape of your body, which means you'll always feel supported no matter your preferred sleep position. They're especially popular among those with chronic pain or those who prefer a mattress that cradles their body, which is a boon for folks who share a bed with a restless partner.

Innerspring mattresses are the traditional mattresses that most people grew up with; they have a coil spring system. They're popular because they offer firm support and bounce, and are still the most common mattress you can buy. They tend to be more breathable than foam mattresses, which is ideal for those who sleep hot. Variations in coil types and layout also offer a range of firmness options.

Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds: layers of foam (memory or latex) on top of an innerspring coil system. Many people like a hybrid mattress because it offers the comfort and pressure relief of foam with the support and breathability of springs. 

Latex mattresses are known for their eco-friendliness, durability, and breathability. They provide a responsive, bouncy feel. Natural latex derives from rubber trees, which means it's hypoallergenic and antimicrobial. 

Gel-infused foam mattresses are a variation of memory foam mattresses that include gel beds or layers to combat one of memory foam's main drawbacks: heat retention. The gel works to dissipate heat, helping to regulate the sleeper's temperature throughout the night. 

These are the most common mattress sizes:

An important note: All the mattresses featured on this list are fiberglass-free, so you don't have to worry about hidden irritants or messy protective layers that were sometimes found in older and cheaper foam mattresses.

Why it's great: Amazon’s selection of mattresses is the most extensive out there, and it has every size imaginable, from crib mattresses to split California king. You can also sort search results by firmness, thickness, construction type (memory foam, hybrid, etc), number of mattress coils, weight capacity, sustainability features, and special features like anti-fungal or double-sided. My hack for narrowing your options down is to set your search perimeter to top brands that are less than $500.

Pricing: When you search “mattress,” be sure to select “Up to $500” on the left-side menu to narrow down the options. 

Shipping: Amazon offers free shipping for Prime members.

Returns: This depends on the specific mattress you select, but the vast majority can be returned within a reasonable window. 

Promising review: "⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Still going strong after nine years — amazing quality!I’ve owned this mattress for nine years now (crazy how fast time flies), and I can honestly say I still love it just as much as when I first got it. Sleep quality has been consistently great, and I’ve never felt like I needed to replace it — even after all these years.

If you’re looking for something long-lasting and worth the investment, this has definitely proven itself. I’d buy it again without hesitation." —Miguel

Get the Zinus memory foam mattress from Amazon for $74.99+ (available in 6 sizes and thicknesses: narrow twin, twin, twin XL, full, queen, short queen, king, and California king).

Why it's great: The selection is huge without feeling like total chaos. You can find memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, and boxed mattresses from budget-friendly brands like Allswell, Zinus, Lucid, and more, with plenty of options for all your needs and applications. It’s especially useful for shoppers who want to compare a bunch of low-cost options in one place, filter by size and firmness, and still have the comfort of buying from a retailer they already know. 

Returns: Mattresses that are unopened and in their original packaging may be eligible to return to a store or by mailback within 90 days of purchase. For mattresses that are unboxed, expanded, or out of the original packaging, contact customer support.

Promising review: "I saw rave reviews about this mattress on a social media page. We have had a Sleep Number bed for probably eight years and were looking for something new. So I went out on a limb and purchased the mattress for less than $250. Oh my gosh, what a game changer. I used to toss and turn all night; now, I toss and turn way less. My sleep is better, and I am not waking up with aches and pains. We have two senior dogs, and they constantly want up on this mattress. The memory foam is so helpful for comfort." —Sherlyn

Get the Allswell 10" hybrid mattress in a box from Walmart for $282+ (available in sizes: twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king).

Why it's great: Wayfair has every type of mattress imaginable, and thousands are within a reasonable price range. There are many well-known top budget brands, like Sealy, Tempur-Pedic, Serta, and Sleep by Wayfair. You can get highly specific (water beds! slim mattresses! charcoal-infused foam mattresses!) or shop by need, like sleeper position. 

Pricing: Wayfair lets you set your own price minimum and maximum, and has an entire section that just features mattresses that are under $500. 

Shipping: Free shipping on most orders over $35. 

Returns: Any mattress you purchase from Wayfair comes with a 100-night trial. 

Promising review: "It's a great mattress! It gives you the feeling that you sink into it, but with a firmness that makes it just right. I have a Nectar also, which I love, but I wanted something more budget friendly. I honestly rate this one as good as the Nectar." —Khadijah

For comparison, Nectar's bestselling 12-inch memory foam mattress in a queen size starts at $649. 

Get the Sleep by Wayfair™ 12" Medium Memory Foam Mattress for $195.99+ (available in sizes twin, full/double, queen, king, and California King).

Why it's great: Target is a great place to buy a cheap mattress online because it combines budget pricing with the kind of shopping experience people already know how to navigate. The retailer carries affordable picks from well-known brands like Zinus and Sealy, with filters for size, firmness, mattress type, and price. It’s especially useful for guest rooms, kids’ rooms, dorms, and first apartments, with plenty of low-cost options and the added convenience of Target shipping, pickup, and same-day delivery on select items. 

Pricing: 800+ options that are under $500, and 500+ options that are under $300. 

Returns: Accepts returns of most unopened mattresses and bed-in-a-box items in new condition within 90 days for a full refund or exchange.

Promising review: "This mattress is great for a child’s bed. The price was great for the value. It’s a firm mattress, and after unpacking, it is 6 inches thick. I let it air for two days before laying on it." —SC

Get the Room Essentials 6" gel memory foam mattress for $180+ (available in full, twin, and queen).

Why it's great: Because the brand has basically become budget mattress royalty without making the whole process feel suspiciously too-good-to-be-true — you've probably seen it on Amazon with lots of great reviews, but its site has an expanded selection. It offers choices for memory foam or hybrid mattresses at accessible prices, including plenty of boxed options for bedrooms, guest rooms, and kids’ rooms. 

Returns: A full refund can be issued within 100 days of delivery. 

Promising review: "I stayed in an Airbnb on vacation and had the best night’s rest ever. So I looked up the mattress online and bought it before we left to go home. Since I have been sleeping on it at home, I have woken up without shoulder or back pain and have felt refreshed and awake. And it was on sale!!" —Lisa H.

Get the Zinus Original Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress for $199+ (available in twin, full, queen, and king sizes).

Why it's great: Ikea is a tried and true brand that doesn’t skimp on the quality of its budget-friendly mattresses. There’s a comfort guide that’ll help you narrow down your options to the best mattress for your sleep style. 

Pricing: Ikea only has seven mattresses that are over $400. The rest are all between $50 and $399.

Shipping: Standard delivery for large items like mattresses starts at $19.

Returns: Ikea doesn't accept mattress returns, but you can exchange your mattress once within 90 days if you don’t love it, provided that it is not dirty, marked, or damaged. 

Promising review: "I have tried some fancy mattresses before, bought this one for my guest room, turns out I like it more than mattresses that cost a few times more." —Wai Shing

Get the Valevag pocket spring mattress from Ikea for $299+ (available in three firmnesses and in sizes: twin, full, queen, and king).

Why it's great: Macy’s has an awesome selection of well-known mattress brands, and you can narrow down the search results to only show mattresses that are under $500. The department store is also known for its frequent sales, so if you’re eyeing a pricier mattress, Macy’s might eventually drop the price to a number that’s more budget-friendly. 

Shipping: Delivery options and fees vary by item and zip code.

Returns: One‑time reselection or return within 120 days of delivery. A $99 pickup fee and 15% restocking fee may apply.

Promising review: "Great deal on an amazing bed. Delivery and set up were a breeze. Can’t say enough about the service, 5 stars!" —Lizbell

Get the Beautyrest BeautySleep Dream Weaver 11.5-inch firm mattress from Macy’s for $299+ (available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, and split queen sizes). 

Why it's great: The brand offers both memory foam and hybrid mattresses, including several heights in each category, so shoppers can choose between the contouring, motion-isolating feel of foam or the added bounce and support of coils. 

Shipping: Siena mattresses ship for free anywhere in the contiguous United States. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, they charge an additional $350 per large item ordered.

Returns: All products are covered by a 180-day trial period that allows you to return them if you are not satisfied.

Promising review: "Better than I expected. I highly recommend. This mattress replaced an inexpensive spring mattress on a daybed and has made all the difference in comfort for a very reasonable price, especially compared to buying a new mattress from a mattress store. And we got very quick delivery." —Jeffrey D.

Get the Siena 10-inch Signature Memory Foam Mattress for $159+ (available in sizes twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king).

Why it's great: The brand sells five memory foam and hybrid mattresses, including flippable designs, cooling-gel foam options, and models with pocketed coils for anyone who wants more support. 

Returns: 100-day full refund policy under specific circumstances. 

Promising review: "Great support for a back sleeper like me. The pocketed coils feel very sturdy and give great lumbar support." —Elizabeth B.

Get the SweetNight Gloaming hybrid mattress for $289+ (available in full, queen, and king sizes).

Why it's great: You have the option to shop a wide range of recognizable mattress brands instead of having to commit to one bed-in-a-box mattress from a singular company. You’ll find picks from names like Sealy, Purple, Beautyrest, and more that frequently go on sale, bringing the price way down to a more budget-friendly number. They also make it easy to add a bed frame, pillows, or bedding while you’re already in shopping mode. 

Shipping: $99+ for purchases less than $999. Free shipping is available on small bedding items, mattress-in-a-box styles, and orders $999+.

Returns: Mattress Warehouse does not offer refunds; all sales are final once the mattress is delivered. Exchanges within 120 days are OK, though. 

Promising review: "My husband and I (and our dog, Roxie) love our Cali King Sealy mattress and new Sealy pillows so very much. We don't want to get out of bed each morning because they are so comfy. No back aches, just good sleeping." —Anonymous

Get the Sealy Altway mattress from Mattress Warehouse for $199+ (available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes). 

Why it's great: It has an actual “mattresses under $500” section with memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, and mattress-in-a-box options, plus brands like Beautyrest, Casper, Sealy, and Serta. 

Shipping: $99+ for purchases less than $999. Free shipping is available on small bedding items, mattress-in-a-box styles, and orders $999+.

Returns: Sleep Outfitters does not offer refunds; all sales are final once the mattress is delivered. Exchanges within 120 days are OK, though. 

Promising review: "Very comfortable, great quality, and priced right. I was looking for a price range and didn't expect to get such a great mattress for the price I paid. I have severe spine issues and need a soft mattress. This mattress has been well worth the purchase, and I wasn't expecting it to be so comfortable and durable for the price range I could afford. I am very happy with this mattress." —anonymous 

Get the Sealy Barchester firm mattress from Sleep Outfitters for $249.99+ (available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king sizes). 

Why it's great: It carries a wide range of affordable options, including memory foam, hybrid, innerspring, and boxed mattresses, plus its own Bob-O-Pedic line for shoppers who want that sink-in foam feel without paying fancy showroom prices. It’s also a smart place to look if you want to buy a mattress and a bed frame, dresser, nightstand, or entire bedroom setup in one swoop. 

Shipping: Bob's Discount Furniture delivery costs are based on your order subtotal, with standard White Glove delivery fees starting at $39.99 for orders under $400.

Returns: Bob’s Discount Furniture offers a 90-day mattress satisfaction guarantee. You must sleep on the mattress for an initial 30-day adjustment period. After 30 days, you can make a one-time re-selection or return the mattress for a refund, minus the original delivery fee.

Promising review: "I was looking for a new mattress that wouldn’t break the bank. Bob’s queen-size mattress was the perfect choice. It’s both comfortable and affordable." —Meg G.

Get the Bob's Val-U-Pedic 8'' twin plush mattress for $150+ (available in sizes twin, full, and queen). 

Why it's great: If you already know you either want a memory foam or hybrid mattress, Novilla is a great place to shop. Its lineup of 10 mattresses keeps things pretty straightforward, with all-foam options for people who want that body-hugging, pressure-relieving feel and hybrid mattresses for anyone who wants a little more support, airflow, and bounce from individually wrapped coils. 

Returns: 30-day full refund policy for unopened items, and under specific circumstances, a full refund within a 100-night trial period. 

Promising review: "I’ve always struggled with memory foam because I tend to overheat, but the Airyflow design is a totally different story. You can actually feel the air circulation through the layers — it doesn't get that 'heat trap' feeling that other brands do. I’ve been sleeping on it for about two weeks now and haven't woken up sweaty once. It’s also surprisingly supportive for my lower back while still being soft enough for my shoulders when I roll onto my side. If you’re looking for a bed that actually stays cool and supports your spine, this is it." —Matthew Johnson

Get the Novilla AiryFlow™ cooling foam mattress for $199.99+ (originally $333.99+; available in four thicknesses and in sizes: twin, full, queen, and king).

Why it's great: A modest selection of reviewer-beloved Japanese futon and floor mattresses at very reasonable prices. 

Pricing: All mattresses are between $49.99 and $212.99.

Shipping: Free shipping to most states (Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and Alaska excluded). 

Returns: If there is no problem with the product itself and you need to replace or return it, you pay the shipping cost and a 25% restocking fee. 

Promising review: "For under $100, this was a great deal. I got the 8" floor mattress. For me, it's very comfortable, and easily rolled up and stored in a closet or leaned against a wall. Great floor mattress!!" —Kevin Deegan

Get the square quilting Japanese futon bed from Maxyoyo for $89.99+ (available in sizes full, twin, and queen, and three quilting styles).

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BuzzFeed Shopping is service journalism first: our writers and editors spend all day shopping so you don’t have to, vetting products, fact-checking brand claims, and surfacing what actually helps in real life. We center readers over revenue, recommend products with authenticity (using real experiences, not ad-speak), and reflect our diverse audience, inclusive of a variety of price points, people, and needs. We cut through fake deals, favor useful info over glossy fluff, and recommend both budget and splurge options with context so you can decide what’s right for you — and still have a little fun along the way.

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.