Best Mattresses Under $1,000

Written by Bridget Chapman, Senior Product Editor

Our Methodology

Our Certified Sleep Science Coaches have reviewed more than 220 mattresses in our lab, testing each one on its materials, comfort, cooling, support, and other categories.
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Just Updated

We’ve recently re-reviewed all of our top mattresses under $1000 and added more feedback from the testers in our lab – so you can rest easy that if it’s on this list, we’ve personally tested it, slept on it, and stand by its recommendation.

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Our Top Pick for Mattresses Under $1,000

Nectar ranks first on this list since it’s a high-quality memory foam mattress that can often be found under $1,000 for a queen size. That’s a great value considering the plushness of its foams.

The Best Mattresses Under $1,000: Our Top 9 Picks

• Best Overall – Nectar
• Best Hybrid Mattress Under $1,000 – Helix Midnight
• Best Luxury Mattress Under $1,000 – DreamCloud
• Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Under $1,000 – Nolah
• Best King Mattress Under $1,000– Bear Original
• Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid
• Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus
• Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Back Sleepers – Dreamfoam Essential
• Best Cooling Mattress Under $1,000 – Cocoon Chill

Best Mattress Under $1,000 2023 – Our Video Roundup

Compare The Best Mattresses Under $1,000

Best Overall – Nectar

Expert Opinion

The all-foam Nectar uses six inches of memory foam in its top layers. Even though we get plenty of contouring and sinkage while lying down on it, we don’t feel like we’re going to plummet through the mattress. Rather, we’re fairly supported by the bed’s medium-firm feel. This balance of comfort and support earns the Nectar our best overall pick, and you can often get a queen size for under $1,000 after discounts.

During testing, we used a pressure map on the Nectar to determine which sleeping positions are best on this mattress. Once spread across the bed’s surface, the bed tracks areas of high, moderate, and low pressure. The results are projected on a graphic that uses red and orange to indicate high pressure, yellow for moderate, and green and blue for low. While resting on our back, we saw lots of blue and just a touch of green. The foam filled in our lower back region, so it should be a great mattress for alleviating back pain as well. Side sleeping, we did see moderate pressure at the shoulder and hip. Weight is distributed a bit differently on the side, so we expect more pressure here. Regardless, we saw primarily lower pressure on our map. The Nectar should do a good job of alleviating hip pain and shoulder pain.

What our tester says: “I think the Nectar has a great classic memory foam feel. If you love deep sinkage and contouring, this is the mattress for you.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

A host of customers rave about the Nectar’s ability to take pressure off of sensitive areas and to help alleviate pain.

Pros of the Nectar Mattress

• We felt the thick memory foam conform to our shoulders and hips for deep pressure relief. These areas are where side sleepers put the most pressure, so the Nectar should be a great fit for them.
• Back sleepers need cushioning at the lumbar region and support to keep their spines neutrally aligned. We think the Nectar will give them both.
• The Nectar’s all-foam construction excels at isolating motion, which is ideal for couples. Partners are unlikely to wake each other up with their movements at night.

Cons of the Nectar Mattress

• Stomach sleepers usually need more support to keep their hips from bowing and falling out of alignment with their shoulders. The Nectar likely isn’t supportive enough for them.

Think the Nectar is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nectar mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses.

Best Hybrid Mattress Under $1,000 – Helix Midnight

Expert Opinion

Hybrid mattresses are different from all-foam mattresses in that they include a layer of sturdy coils at the bottom of the mattress. Because these coils act as extra support and more often than not increase durability, hybrids are generally more expensive. However, you don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet to get a quality hybrid. Take the Helix Midnight for example. This bed has a medium-soft feel (a 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale), and this balance of comfort and support results from the combination of cushioning memory plus foam and individually wrapped coils.

The Helix Midnight should serve most back and side sleepers well. We put this mattress through our pressure map test, which tracks our temperature when we lie on a mattress to determine areas of pressure buildup. Luckily, there were no signs of excessive pressure while back sleeping or side sleeping. We just recommend that side sleepers with severe hip pain get a softer mattress, as we did see moderate pressure at the hip in this position while side sleeping.

What our tester says: “I love that the Helix Midnight offers solid edge support — you can use the whole bed! It also has great motion isolation, which makes it a nice option for couples.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Reviewers appreciated how the Helix Midnight kept them not only comfortable but also cool throughout the night.

Pros of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• The Helix Midnight tested well for motion transfer, responsiveness, and cooling, so it’s a solid option for couples sharing a bed.
• Hybrids are generally cool beds, as the coils allow for airflow. But the Midnight also has cooling gel-infused foam to keep things extra cool.
• While testing the Helix Midnight, we found it to be a responsive mattress, meaning sleepers should feel more “on top of” this bed. This makes it easier for combination sleepers to switch sleeping positions.

Cons of the Helix Midnight Mattress

• As a medium-soft mattress, the Midnight may not have enough support for stomach sleepers and heavier sleepers.

Think the Helix Midnight is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Helix Midnight mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best hybrid mattresses. 

Best Luxury Mattress Under $1,000 – DreamCloud

Expert Opinion

Mattresses are quite the investment, and if they stay up-to-date with proper mattress care, folks tend buy a new mattress every five to 10 years depending on the model. This can certainly add up, especially for those with multiple sleepers under one roof. If you’re still wanting a luxury feel without breaking the bank, we couldn’t recommend the DreamCloud enough. This affordable luxury mattress has some special features: it greets sleepers with a cozy cashmere cover, and it provides some support with its breathable coils.

During testing, we found this mattress to be especially cooling. Hot sleepers should enjoy breathability of the cashmere cover, airflow through the coils, and special gel-infused comfort layer.

What our tester says: “I really like how luxurious this mattress feels and how it could work for a variety of sleepers. Along with that, I found that the breathable cashmere cover helps the DreamCloud sleep cool throughout the night.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Reviewers appreciate the overall balanced feel of the DreamCloud, saying they get a satisfying mix of comfort and support.

Pros of the DreamCloud Mattress

• Our pressure map tests showed that this mattress provides the balanced feel necessary for lumbar support and hip cushioning. The DreamCloud should be a great mattress for back sleepers.
• Since it’s cooling, has a sturdy perimeter, and is responsive, it’s a solid mattress for partners.
• We found this mattress to be comfortable for lightweight sleepers under 130 pounds in all sleeping positions.

Cons of the DreamCloud Mattress

• While the DreamCloud tested well in cooling, edge support, and responsiveness, we weren’t wowed by the motion transfer results. If you or your partner sleep light, you might feel each other’s movements at night.

Think the DreamCloud is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full DreamCloud mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best luxury mattresses. 

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers Under $1,000 – Nolah

Expert Opinion

Many different kinds of sleepers should love the Nolah, but especially side sleepers searching for a memory foam feel. These folks, as well as back sleepers, are likely to gravitate towards the Nolah’s balance of comfort and support. When we lie down on this all-foam mattress, we feel the brand’s proprietary AirFoam (a more breathable alternative to memory foam) cushion our shoulders and hips, where side sleepers put the most pressure. They should get adequate pressure relief in these areas; our pressure map test showed lower pressure buildup in the back, side, and stomach sleeping positions. But the bed isn’t so soft that they’ll feel like they’re going to sink through the layers. Sleepers’ wallets will also get some relief, with a queen size usually available for around or under $1,000 after discounts.

What our tester says: “I really enjoyed the body-contouring hug the Nolah mattress offered, especially while I was on my back. If you’re someone who struggles with back pain, the Nolah could be a good solution for you.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

There are a lot of side sleepers and folks with joint pain in the reviews who say that the Nolah mattress is plenty soft and pressure-relieving for their needs.

Pros of the Nolah Mattress

• The transition layer of the Nolah is high-resilience foam, so combo sleepers who like a bit of sinkage should be pleased with the Nolah.
• AirFoam not only offers contouring, but dissipates body heat. To top it off, it has a breathable Tencel cover.
• This mattress should be good for couples because of its cooling capabilities and impressive motion isolation.

Cons of the Nolah Mattress

• Both of stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers will want something more supportive than the all-foam Nolah — perhaps a bed with coils in the construction.

Think the Nolah is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Nolah mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for side sleepers. 

Best King Mattress Under $1,000 – Bear

Expert Opinion

If you’re wanting a king size mattress, you should be prepared to pay a lot more for your new bed — unless you’re purchasing the Bear. With sales, you can usually get a king model of this all-foam mattress for under $1,000. And for an all-foam bed, it’s highly durable, making it a solid long-term investment. When we tested it out, it clocked in at about a 7 out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale. Additionally, it scored well in responsiveness, meaning that you should feel plenty supported and be able to easily change sleeping positions on this bed. 

What our tester says: “If you want a memory foam feel but don’t want to totally sink into it, this could be a good option for you. Though the Bear does have some sinkage and contouring, you won’t feel stuck in this mattress, which makes getting out of bed and switching positions easier.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Combination sleepers find the Bear Original responsive enough to switch sleeping positions.

Pros of the Bear Mattress

• One of the most unique things about Bear as a company is that they build their mattresses for athletes. The optional cover of this bed is constructed using a material called Celliant, which is designed to absorb your body’s energy, then redirect it back to you to assist with blood flow and recovery. While this cover is not included in the original price of the Bear, it can be added for $130.
• When we used our seismometer on the Bear, we found that its foams did an excellent job isolating motion. If you or your partner is a light sleeper, you shouldn’t be disturbed by each other tossing and turning at night.
• Back sleepers should get all the support they need to keep their spine in a neutral alignment.

Cons of the Bear Mattress

• Side sleepers are probably going to find the Bear to be too firm, and may experience jamming at the shoulders and hips.

Think the Bear is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Bear mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best king mattresses. 

Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Couples – Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid

Expert Opinion

It shouldn’t be a surprise that we included Brooklyn Bedding in this list. The company owns its own factory, so it’s able to cut down on manufacturing costs and pass those savings onto the customer. The brand’s Signature Hybrid is built with a patented foam called Titanflex that helps isolate motion. That means one person’s movements shouldn’t create a major disturbance for the other sleeper.

We tested out this performance area by dropping a 10-pound steel ball onto the mattress, then using a seismometer to measure how much its vibrations rippled across the surface. We were pleased to see that the Signature Hybrid had very low motion transfer. It also boasts strong edge support, so couples can utilize the full surface of the mattress without feeling like the sides will collapse.

What our tester says: “I really like how the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid comes in three different firmness levels. It allows for all kinds of sleepers to find the right fit for them. I appreciate that the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress isolates motion well, has strong edge support, and sleeps fairly cool.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

Over 1,700 reviews come from couples who say the Signature Hybrid is extremely comfortable and supportive enough for two.

Pros of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• The Signature Hybrid is available in three different firmness levels, so there’s something for every sleep position. Soft is the best fit for side sleepers, and we recommend Medium for back sleepers and Firm for stomach sleepers.
• The foam layers do a good job of dissipating heat and helping the mattress sleep cool, even with two bodies in the bed.
• The Signature Hybrid has a layer of supportive coils at the bottom of the mattress that give it some bounce and responsiveness. This makes it easy for combo sleepers to change positions.

Cons of the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

• Larger body types over 250 pounds may not get the support they need from the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid.

Think the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for couples. 

Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Heavy Sleepers – Titan Plus

Expert Opinion

Heavy people over 250 pounds need a lot more support than other sleepers, which can make it difficult for them to find the right mattress. But they might find what they’re looking for in the Titan Plus — a hybrid bed built just for them with extra-durable materials such as tall coils and high-density foams and supportive coils. We had a colleague with a larger body type test it out, and he felt that the sturdy construction kept him from sinking too far into the materials, all while he still got enough pressure relief for a good night’s sleep.

What our tester says: “I think the Titan Plus lives up to its name as a good mattress for heavier sleepers. It will offer them the deep compression support and durability they need.” – Bridget Chapman, senior product editor

What Customers Say

As firm as the Titan Plus is, heavier sleepers still find enough pressure relief for pain problems.

Pros of the Titan Plus Mattress

• Heavy couples should like this mattress because of its good motion isolation, responsive nature, and strong edge support.
• Because heavy people press into the mattress more than other sleepers, mattresses tend to feel a bit softer to them. They should get plenty of pressure relief at the lumbar region and hips while lying on the Titan Plus.
• Although the Titan Plus is designed for heavy sleepers, average weight back and stomach sleepers should be comfortable on this bed and get the support they need, as long as they don’t mind a firmer feel.

Cons of the Titan Plus Mattress

• We wouldn’t recommend the Titan Plus for side sleeping, even if you’re a heavier sleeper. That’s because side sleepers need more pressure relief than others and might find this bed to be a touch too firm.

Think the Titan Plus is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or check out our full Titan Plus mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best mattresses for heavy people. 

Best Mattress Under $1,000 for Back Sleepers – Dreamfoam Essential

Expert Opinion

The Dreamfoam Essential is built to accommodate the unique needs of back sleepers, who generally want a medium-firm feel in order to support the lumbar region without building up pressure at the hips. That way, they can enjoy a nice balance of pressure relief and proper spinal alignment. When we laid down on this all-foam bed, we definitely felt some soothing contouring at the lower back while still getting a slight lift. During our pressure map test, the graphic showed all blue with a bit of green at the hips, showing us that folks should find lots of relief in the back sleeping position.

What our tester says: “I appreciate the price point of this mattress. No matter which size and height combo you choose, you should be able to get this mattress for under $1,000. If you’re looking for a high-quality mattress that won’t break the bank, this bed could do the trick for you.” – Logan Block, former content director

What Customers Say

Shoppers say this mattress is fantastic for the overall value.

Pros of the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress

• The Dreamfoam Essential is available in all of the standard mattress sizes, as well as numerous RV sizes. This makes it a great choice for anyone who needs a sleeping space on the road or in the great outdoors.
• You can get the Dreamfoam Essential as a 6”, 8”, 10”, 12”, or 14” tall model. Visit their site to see which one might be best for you.
• While all of the mattresses on this list come at a value price, the Dreamfoam is especially affordable, starting at $524 before discounts for the 6” queen size.

Cons of the Dreamfoam Essential Mattress

• Most sleepers should be fine, but if you sleep especially hot, you may not feel cooled down by the mattress’ foams.

Think the Dreamfoam Essential is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal. Still not sold? Learn more in our full Dreamfoam Essential mattress review, or take a look at some of the other best mattresses for back sleepers. 

Best Cooling Mattress Under $1,000 – Cocoon Chill

Expert Opinion

There’s no surprise the Cocoon Chill makes our list for cooling. After all, it has “chill” in its name. The construction includes a cover made from Phase Change Material, which is well known for cooling in the sleep industry. It’s designed to regulate body temperature and absorb body heat. When we tested out the Chill, the mattress’ surface did indeed feel cool to the touch and we were able to rest comfortably. 

What our tester says: “I think this bed definitely lives up to its name — it sleeps super cool. If you’re worried about overheating, you’ll be happy with this mattress.” – Zoe Ettinger, former editor

What Customers Say

Several sleepers say the Cocoon Chill mattress is comfortable for easing back pain.

Pros of the Cocoon Chill Mattress

• The Cocoon Chill has good motion transfer, cooling, and edge support, so it’s a nice option for couples.
• Back sleepers should approve of the Cocoon Chill’s balanced construction. The mattress starts off with a soft layer of memory foam, then gets gradually firmer toward the bottom of the bed. Back sleepers should get pressure relief without sinking too far into the foam layers.
• Even on a roundup of mattresses under $1,000, the Chill stands out for its price — usually around $800 for a queen size before discounts.

Cons of the Cocoon Chill Mattress

• Combo sleepers or those wanting a mattress that’s good for sex probably won’t find the Cocoon Chill to be responsive enough.

Think the Cocoon Chill is the mattress for you? Click here for our best deal or see our Cocoon Chill mattress review. Still not sold? Take a look at some of the other best cooling mattresses. 

How We Picked The Best Mattresses Under $1,000

Price is just one consideration out of many—the best mattress option for you will depend on your preferred sleeping position, whether you run hot or cold at night, if you have a strong preference for organic materials, and other factors. If you have a little room in your budget, you may want to check out our picks for the best mattress for your money or the best mattress under $500 to see if there are any beds you feel like may be worth more of a splurge.

Sleep Position

• Stomach Sleepers generally need a firm mattress that can provide the appropriate support for their spine, allowing them to sleep “on top” of the mattress rather than “inside” it.
• Side Sleepers should look for a softer bed with a thick comfort layer.
• Back Sleepers need a gentle, body-contouring mattress will help cushion your joints and alleviate pressure on any sensitive spots.

Materials

Different materials play a roll in the how we choose which mattress is best suited for each group, and play a roll in the lifespan of the mattress. Memory foam mattresses, which contour to the body and give sleepers a bit of sinkage. Latex foam, is bouncier than memory foam and easier to move around on. Innerspring coil mattresses, which have a bouncy feel and are less enveloping than foam beds.

How do you know which materials are right for you? Just think about your own preferences, including your sleeping position. Everyone is different.

Motion Transfer

If you sleep with a partner or a pet, motion transfer is a really important consideration. That goes double if you’re a light sleeper who’s easily disturbed at night. For a more detailed breakdown, The team at Sleepopolis test mattresses for motion isolation using a 10 lb steel ball and a seismometer, and can be found on each of our mattress reviews.

Edge Support

Without strong edge support, you might find yourself easily rolling off the bed at night, unable to use the full surface area of your mattress. So when you’re looking at a mattress under $1,000, check out the mattress construction and some of the reviews to see what’s offered in terms of edge support.

FAQs

What’s better: hybrid or memory foam?

It really depends on what you’re looking for in a mattress. Hybrids tend to provide more bounce, while memory foam offers more body-contouring. In general, hybrids tend to be more durable because of their strong coils, but there are many memory foam mattresses offering competitive durability with high-density foams. As a general rule, you should opt for memory foam if you want to sink into the bed, and choose a hybrid if you want more mobility. However, if you can’t decide, you may want to opt for a memory foam hybrid, which offers the best of both worlds.

What is the average price for a good mattress?

It depends on the materials used in the mattress. You can find quality foam and hybrid beds, like the ones featured above, for around $500 to $1,000. Innerspring and hybrid mattresses do tend to be a bit pricier than memory foam. Of course, you can also find super-cheap beds online, but they probably won’t provide the same comfort and are likely to break down quickly.

Is it worth spending a lot of money on a mattress?

Not necessarily. It’s true that more expensive beds may use higher-quality materials to enhance durability a bit. But the most important thing is to find a mattress that’s the right mix of support and comfort for your sleep style, regardless of price. This became easier to achieve online because companies offer sleep trials, allowing you to test out whether or not a mattress is right for you.

How do I know I’m getting the best deal?

It can be overwhelming to file through every coupon page imaginable, especially since mattresses can be quite the investment. To help alleviate this stress, we frequently update any coupons or deals for a number of different mattress companies on our site. You can find them in the summary tables of our mattress roundups and reviews, located at the bottom of pages like this one. While deals are available year-round, there are a few times each year where companies collectively offer large sales and discounts. We recommend purchasing your mattress in February (President’s Day), May (Memorial Day), September (Labor Day), and November (Black Friday and Cyber Monday).

How We Chose These Mattresses

We’ve reviewed more than 220 products in our mattress lab, running each one through tests such as pressure-mapping and measuring motion transfer with a seismometer. From there, we give every bed an overall score based on materials, comfort, support, cooling, and edge support. We also factor in brand performance with categories such as value and warranty.

Click here to learn more about our methodology.

The Best Mattresses Under $1,000

After testing these mattresses and considering the important factors for a truly great mattress, here is a recap of our top picks for the best mattresses under $1,000. And remember, several of these products are under $1,000 after discounts: