The 8 Highest Rated Beds Under $500 – Updated Reviews for 2023

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Mattresses have a considerable impact on our lives. A proper mattress can help you wake up relaxed and refreshed.

With this in mind, a lot of people tend to believe that you can’t get a mattress that’s good unless you are willing to spend a minimum of 800 dollars or even more. Fortunately, that’s not entirely true. Thanks to the internet and direct-to-consumer sales, there are good quality mattresses available for a fraction of the price that they used to cost. We reviewed eight great beds you can get for under 500 dollars, and we’ve listed some of the characteristics to expect and consider.

Top 8 Queen Size Beds Under $500

Editor's Pick

Siena Mattress

The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.

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Material

Foam

Trial Period

180 Nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Editor's Pick

Siena Mattress

The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.

Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

180 Nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Editor's Pick

Siena Mattress

The Siena is a memory foam bed aimed at providing sleepers with the right combination of support and comfort.

Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

180 Nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Kids
This bed is perfect for young sleepers.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

The Siena is a highly affordable memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel that should work well for plenty of sleepers.

The Siena features a 10-inch profile and three foam layers.  The first foam layer is a memory foam that should provide sleepers with pressure relief to avoid waking up with achy joints. The second layer is a denser polyfoam to help ease the sleeper into the firm base. The Siena’s support core is a 5-inch thick foam that should keep the sleeper’s body in good alignment.

Why we picked it

  • The Siena is a great option for those who are interested in a memory foam bed but need something in a lower price range. 
  • This mattress should isolate motion well, which is helpful for those sharing a bed with a partner.

Looking for more? Explore our best mattresses of 2023 for more options.

Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Mattress for Combination Sleepers

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid Mattress

Signature Hybrid is priced similarly to other bed-in-the-box options, it represents a fantastic value in the hybrid market.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

The Signature Hybrid is one of the most popular mattresses by Brooklyn Bedding. The bed features high-quality materials but comes at a competitive price. These materials include polyfoam, Ascension® coils, and TitanFlex™, a proprietary Brooklyn Bedding material.

The coils are individually wrapped for maximum responsiveness and easy repositioning, a great perk for combination sleepers. The perimeter features high-caliber Ascension® coils to enhance edge support and allow you to sleep near the edge. The polyfoam reinforces the springs as they compress while adding durability to the entire construction. TitanFlex™ is a latex alternative made to respond to movement while contouring your body just enough for comfort.

Why we like it

  • Brooklyn Bedding offers three comfort levels, allowing you to choose between a Soft, Medium, and Firm Signature Hybrid mattress. Medium and Firm models are best for stomach and back sleepers, while side sleepers may prefer the Soft version.

Best All Foam Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress

The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best All Foam Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress

The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best All Foam Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Essential Memory Foam Mattress

The Dreamfoam Essential is a versatile mattress that brings everything we love about all-foam models, making it a great option for value and comfort seekers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Firm: 8/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Watch Our Video Review

The Dreamfoam Essential comes in multiple sizes and heights, allowing customers to pick what suits their needs. This is an all-foam mattress with an eco-friendly Nano Stain Terminator finish that protects the bed from spills and splashes. The top layer is made of gel swirl memory foam to respond to movement and provide cooling for hot sleepers.

The height of the high-density foam base depends on the Dreamfoam Essential model you choose. You can pick between 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14 inches for your Dreamfoam Essential. The 6, 8, and 10-inch beds are dual-layer mattresses, while the 12 and 14-inch beds are triple-layer mattresses, but these may be more expensive.

Why should you consider it?

  • The Essential offers many models for all kinds of sleepers. This bed is available in standard sizes, but you can also find it in RV and Olympic Queen, which aren’t that common.
  • Dreamfoam also offers multiple discounts and deals for the military, students, medical providers, and more.

Best King Mattress Under $500

Allswell Mattress

Allswell offers exceptional comfort at a widely accessible price, and we think the quality of their product will make many sleepers happy.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best King Mattress Under $500

Allswell Mattress

Allswell offers exceptional comfort at a widely accessible price, and we think the quality of their product will make many sleepers happy.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5
Best King Mattress Under $500

Allswell Mattress

Allswell offers exceptional comfort at a widely accessible price, and we think the quality of their product will make many sleepers happy.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year limited warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.5/5

A King mattress doesn’t have to be too expensive to deliver comfort, support, and pressure relief. This Allswell bed is 10 inches tall, featuring memory foam and individually-wrapped coils for optimal comfort regardless of the sleeping position.

The construction of the King-size Allswell mattress starts with a quilted top made of polyester and polyethylene. Below the cover is a 2-inch memory foam layer infused with charcoal and copper gel. This helps pull the heat away from your body, preventing the bed from overheating. Next is the 8-inch coil unit that fosters cooling, motion isolation, and stability, excellent for couples with different sleeping preferences.

Why we chose it:

  • The bed is rated 7/10 on our firmness scale, so it should be good for back and stomach sleepers. The Allswell cradles the body and has a quilted top to prevent the pressure from building up.

Best Hybrid Mattress Under $500

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.

Read Full Review
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Material

Foam

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress Under $500

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.

Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review
Best Hybrid Mattress Under $500

Brooklyn Bedding Bowery Mattress

Brooklyn Bowery Hybrid is a luxury mattress at an affordable price, and we think most sleepers will enjoy the comfort it offers.

Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for average weight back sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.8/5
Watch Our Video Review

The Bowery is a hybrid mattress under 500 dollars, perfect for those looking for a budget-friendly option. This bed combines foams with coils to bring comfort, bounce, support, and pressure relief in all sleeping positions.

The Bowery is available in three firmness options, allowing customers to choose based on their preferences. The softest model is best for side sleepers, while the two firmer models are more suitable for back and stomach sleepers. The coil unit is 6 inches tall, featuring individually-wrapped Ascension™ coils for support and motion isolation couples should like. The mattress is designed to cradle the body, offering a customized feel regardless of the firmness you pick.

What stands out about it?

  • Hybrid mattresses are usually more expensive, so this Brooklyn Bedding stands out with its competitive price. The bed uses high-quality materials and fits multiple sleeping positions and body sizes and shapes.

Best Affordable Mattress for Back and Joint Pain

Brentwood Home Cypress

Lightweight sleepers should appreciate the plush design of the Cypress adjusting to all sleeping positions. This bed comes with multiple safety certifications and is a good option for hot sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Foam

Trial Period

365 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Warranty

25-year limited warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Back and Joint Pain

Brentwood Home Cypress

Lightweight sleepers should appreciate the plush design of the Cypress adjusting to all sleeping positions. This bed comes with multiple safety certifications and is a good option for hot sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

25-year limited warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

365 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Affordable Mattress for Back and Joint Pain

Brentwood Home Cypress

Lightweight sleepers should appreciate the plush design of the Cypress adjusting to all sleeping positions. This bed comes with multiple safety certifications and is a good option for hot sleepers.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 6.5/10

Trial Period

365 nights

Warranty

25-year limited warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Joint Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from joint pain.
Back Pain
This bed is perfect for anyone suffering from back pain.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.
Stomach Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight stomach sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

The Cypress is a unique mattress available in multiple heights and firmness options. The softer mattress should fit light sleepers and those who prefer sleeping on their side. The firmer models are more suitable for back and stomach sleepers and heavier individuals.

The softer Cypress is designed to provide a plushier feel that’s more comfortable for the back and joints. The gentle cradling should help relieve joint pain and any tension you feel in the back. Back sleepers who struggle with back and joint pain may prefer the firmer models for additional support in this sleeping position.

What are the key features?

  • The Cypress comes with multiple eco-friendly certifications, including the CertiPUR-US®, OEKO-TEX®, Climate Neutral, and GREENGUARD certifications. This ensures the bed is safe and free of chemicals, heavy metals, and potentially harmful substances.
  • The bed comes in three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm. Customers can also choose between Cypress Classic, Classic Hybrid, Luxe, and Luxe Hybrid models.

Best Cooling Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.

Score 3.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Hybrid

Trial Period

120 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Cooling Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.

Score 3.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

120 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5
Best Cooling Mattress Under $500

Dreamfoam Hybrid Mattress

Dreamfoam Hybrid mattress cooling technology and adaptive foam promise a comfortable sleep for a great value.

Score 3.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Hybrid

Firmness

Soft: 5/10

Trial Period

120 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.7/5

The Dreamfoam Hybrid gets its name from the brand’s commitment to keeping sleepers cool, and it does just that by promoting airflow with its open-cell technology.

In both the all-foam and hybrid mattress models, a 2.5 inch comfort layer lies under the plush top. This layer is created with a patented blend of gel memory foam and latex. The unique combination provides the comfort and contouring of gel memory foam with the responsiveness of latex, providing pressure relief and support.

What makes it special?

  • While some traditional mattresses may trap heat, the Dreamfoam Hybrid's gel-infused memory foam combined with latex helps to maintain a cooler temperature and promote comfortable rest.
    The bed is CertiPUR-US® certified, which means that the materials and processes of making the product meet high chemical emissions standards for your safety.
  • Dreamfoam manufactures this model at their own factory in Phoenix Arizona, which helps keep costs low, allowing them to pass exceptional savings onto their customers.

Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Budget-friendly mattress with green tea for fresh-smelling sleep.

Score 5.0/5
Read Full Review
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Material

Foam

Trial Period

100 nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.3/5
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Budget-friendly mattress with green tea for fresh-smelling sleep.

Score 5.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

100 nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.3/5
Best Mattress for Side Sleepers

Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Budget-friendly mattress with green tea for fresh-smelling sleep.

Score 5.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Soft: 6/10

Trial Period

100 nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.3/5

Side sleepers know the struggle of waking up with pressure built up in sensitive areas. These areas often include the shoulders, hips, and legs. The tension can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, which is why you need a mattress designed with pressure relief in mind.

The Zinus Green Tea is one such mattress made to relieve pressure and help with spine alignment. Side sleepers should love the Biofoam® as it’s designed to prevent the pressure from building up by hugging the body gently. Customers can choose between 6, 8, and 12 inches. All three models have Biofoam® as their first layer.

What stands out?

  • The Zinus Green Tea mattress features Biofoam® memory foam infused with natural castor seed oil, green tea extract, and ActivCharcoal to prevent bacterial growth and help with moisture-wicking.
  • The Green Tea bed is rated 6 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which should fit side sleepers and those who prefer sleeping on their back and stomach.

Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Lucid 12" Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Sleepers looking for a good deal should appreciate this bed’s use of high-quality materials, breathable fabrics, and motion-isolating foams, making it a good option for hot sleepers and partners with different sleeping habits.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review
CHECK PRICE

Material

Foam

Trial Period

30 Nights

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Warranty

10-year warranty

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Lucid 12" Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Sleepers looking for a good deal should appreciate this bed’s use of high-quality materials, breathable fabrics, and motion-isolating foams, making it a good option for hot sleepers and partners with different sleeping habits.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Warranty

10-year warranty

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Trial Period

30 Nights

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5
Best Mattress for Back Sleepers

Lucid 12" Plush Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Sleepers looking for a good deal should appreciate this bed’s use of high-quality materials, breathable fabrics, and motion-isolating foams, making it a good option for hot sleepers and partners with different sleeping habits.

Score 4.0/5
Read Full Review

Material

Foam

Firmness

Medium-firm: 7/10

Trial Period

30 Nights

Warranty

10-year warranty

Shipping Method

Free shipping

Price Range

$$$$$

We recommend this mattress for the following sleeper types:

Couples
This bed has great motion isolation so you will not feel your partner tossing and turning at night.
Back Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight back sleepers.
Side Sleeping
Ideal for lightweight and average weight side sleepers.

Financing Options

Financing options are available for this mattress.

Average Customer Rating
4.6/5

Back sleepers need a bed that supports their body and helps with spine alignment. The Lucid Hybrid is rated 7 out of 10 on our firmness scale, which is a good firmness for back sleepers. This is a hybrid bed with foams and coils working together to bring comfort and support at an affordable price.

Back sleepers who struggle with back pain should find this design pressure-relieving and comfortable. The bed has a comfort layer made of classic memory foam to alleviate tension in the hips, lower back, and shoulders. The construction hugs the body but doesn’t allow you to sink into the layers.

Why we like it

  • The Lucid Hybrid uses coils to provide motion isolation and edge support, allowing couples and single individuals to spread across the entire bed.
  • All foams in the Lucid Hybrid are CertiPUR-US® certified, meaning they’re free of harmful chemicals and toxins.

Want to know more? Read our full review of the Lucid Mattress or check out more options for best mattresses for back sleepers.

What to Consider When Looking for Beds under $500

Materials and Quality

Materials and their quality can sometimes be relative to the price. For example, you can expect regular foam, which is rather hot and retains a lot of heat, to pop up more frequently in this market. Therefore, it is imperative to read the specs and get familiar with a model before you buy it. There are lots of favorable options at this price point if you know where to look.

Off-Gassing

The off-gassing smell is rather common in beds at this particular price point. The reason is simple – most of them are made of memory foam and regular foam, the prevailing one is the latter. The compression/boxing process leads to the smell that you may experience.

illustration of a man unboxing bed in a box

It should last for a couple of days at most. An additional thing to be aware of is the time that these mattresses need to decompress. They usually arrive in a box, and as you put them on the bed, they will take some time to reach their intended height. That said, it should not be anything too major.

Get More Info: Toxic Materials in Foam Mattresses

Durability and Lifespan

The durability and the lifespan of beds for less than 500 dollars can vary. This is mainly due to the overall characteristics of the materials. Most of the beds will come with substantial 10-year warranties at the very least. However, you can also find ones that are covered by 25 years. If having one for a long time is something you are interested in, be sure to read reviews to get the inside scoop.

Mattress Type

There are plenty of options for great mattresses under 500 dollars, especially if you’re looking online or shopping when there is a deal. Of course, some mattress types might be less available at this price point. For example, latex, hybrid, or cooling mattresses will be more available in the 500 to 1,000-dollar range. Memory foam and innerspring will be easily available at around 500 dollars. Hybrid and cooling mattresses can be found in this price range (we listed a couple of great options above), though your options may be more limited.

Find out which type of mattress works best for you. If it is a mattress on the more expensive end of the spectrum, be sure to shop during sales or look for deals online.

  • Memory FoamMemory foam is made from polyurethane foam and certain chemicals. The result is a mattress that tends to provide excellent pressure relief, motion isolation, and contouring. It’s often described as a sort of cradling or “hug” feeling while you’re sleeping.
    It’s not the best, though, for those who want something bouncy or that sleeps cool, unless it is specifically marketed as a cooling mattress.
  • Latex – Latex has become a popular mattress type because they are hypoallergenic, breathable, and eco-friendly. These mattresses tend to be more expensive, though they also tend to be more durable, lasting up to 15 years. Unlike a memory foam mattress, latex feels bouncier and is great at cooling.
    If you’re looking for a latex mattress, be on the lookout for the terms “Talalay” and “Dunlop,” which describe two different processes for making the mattress. Talalay mattresses tend to be softer and more consistent, whereas Dunlop feels firmer but can be less consistent.
  • HybridHybrid mattresses combine the coils of a more traditional innerspring mattress with the foam of something like a memory foam or latex mattress. Generally, they consist of three layers: coils, then poly foam, and then at the top, memory foam or latex. There is a lot of variety in how hybrid mattresses are constructed, though. Hybrids have the benefit of both the bounce and cooling from the coils and the contouring and support of the foam.
  • InnerspringInnerspring mattresses are the most traditional type, and they tend to be the most affordable as well. The benefits here are: excellent edge support, price, and they tend to be cooling because the coils create good airflow.

Though the mattress market might seem saturated with fancy hybrid, latex, and memory foam mattresses, innersprings can still be a good option for those on a budget.

Sleep Position

The mattress you get will depend a lot on what position(s) you typically sleep in. If you sleep on your side, it’s recommended to get a mattress on the softer to medium side of things, so that you’ll have plenty of cushioning and pressure relief for your shoulder. Memory foam mattresses are often great for side sleepers. If you sleep on your back, you’ll want something a bit firmer to keep your spine in proper alignment. A medium-firm memory foam, hybrid, or even latex can be a great fit there. If you sleep on your stomach, you’ll want something firm.

Illustration Showing Man Sleeping in a Different Positions During the Night

Cooling

Cooling mattresses can be on the more expensive end of things, so if you have a budget of 500 dollars or less, it might be a little harder to find one. We think the Dreamfoam Hybrid is a great cooling mattress for this price range, but if you want to keep searching, be sure you are looking for a mattress that is specifically labeled as cooling and built with temperature-regulating materials like copper, graphite, or gel. Cooling mattress covers might also be made with moisture-wicking fabrics.

In general, hybrid and latex mattresses are great for cooling down hot sleepers, but generally cost more than 500 dollars. If you find a good deal for one in this price range, jump on it!

Motion Isolation

Motion isolation describes a mattress’s ability to isolate motion from one part of the bed to another– as in, when your partner moves on their side of the bed, you shouldn’t be disturbed. This is important for sensitive sleepers out there who share a bed.

Luckily there are plenty of mattresses that isolate motion well in this price range. That’s because foam mattresses tend to be great at motion isolation, and they also tend to be less expensive than some other types of mattresses.

Keep in mind, though, that memory foam can sleep hot unless it’s specifically designed for cooling. Plus, motion isolation might be perfect for couples while they’re sleeping, but you might prefer a mattress with more bounce, like a latex or innerspring, for other things.

Edge Support

Edge support describes the amount of support the mattress provides all the way out to the edges. The reason this is important is that an unsupportive or sagging perimeter might make it hard to get up from the bed and will likely also impact your spine’s alignment while you’re sleeping.

Edge support also means you can utilize the full mattress equally. If the edges of your mattresses are sagging and unsupportive, you’ll be stuck sleeping in the middle where there is more support. This is especially important for those sharing a bed.

Mattresses that use coils (like innerspring or hybrids) are typically great for edge support. Some hybrid models also include high density foam around the edges for this very reason. Be sure to check in the description of your mattress, and if it doesn’t say, you can reach out to the company and ask.

Firmness

Choosing your mattress’s firmness comes down to the position you sleep in and your personal comfort preference. Keep in mind, firmness differs from support (which we will go over next), in that firmness is how hard or soft a mattress is, and support is how supported your spine is while you’re lying on the mattress.

Mattresses can vary from soft to super firm, but most beds are in the medium-firm range because this provides a happy medium between good back support and comfort.

If you tend to sleep on your side, a soft to medium firmness is generally recommended, where if you sleep on your back or stomach, you’ll want something medium to firm.

Support

As mentioned, support is different than firmness in that it describes whether or not a mattress keeps your spine in healthy alignment. Support also varies from person to person and mattress to mattress. For example, if a very heavy person were to lie on a softer mattress, their spine would not be in healthy alignment, so they wouldn’t feel supported. A petite person could lie on the same mattress and feel supported, their spine in perfect alignment.

This is important to note when choosing a mattress with a partner. If you two are different sizes, you might feel supported with different levels of firmness in your mattress. Luckily, many medium-firm mattresses provide a happy medium.

Pressure Relief

Pressure relief is an important feature in a mattress, especially for those with joint and back pain, or who sleep on their sides. If you’re shopping in the 500-dollar price range, be sure you’re not skimping on good pressure relief.

Look for mattresses that contour and support your hips and shoulders. Hybrids and memory foam mattresses are excellent at this. If you have a chance to try the mattress out (either in store or with an at-home trial), also make sure your spine is in proper alignment. This will feel like your spine is in its neutral resting position – as straight as it is when you are standing.

Trial and Warranty

These days, many companies offer great trial periods and extensive warranties on their mattresses. A trial period is an amount of time that you can have the mattress at home, try it out, and return it at no cost if you don’t like it. This is especially important if you’re ordering your mattress online. A warranty, on the other hand, will allow you to return or exchange your mattress if there is some sort of manufacturer’s defect or if it falls apart within a certain time frame.

Keep in mind that many mattresses under 500 dollars might not offer the same sort of trial periods or warranties as more expensive mattresses.

Tips for Saving Money On a Mattress

  • Buying During a Holiday – Holidays are a great time to buy a new mattress because many companies offer huge discounts. Mostly these are federal holidays (like Labor Day, President’s Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, etc.), but there are also days like Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day to keep in mind.
  • Shop Online – When you buy a mattress online you’re skipping the added costs that can accumulate when you buy in-store. Stores often have to mark up prices because of expensive retail space, employee costs, and less competition overall, whereas websites tend to offer more discounts and lower prices because of the amount of competition and lower cost of operating.
  • Take Advantage of Coupons – Coupons are a great way to take your savings even further. We have compiled a list of mattress promo codes, coupons, and discounts from some excellent brands. You can check it out here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best cheap mattress?

The best cheap mattress will provide you with a great value, balancing an inexpensive price with comfort and support. Every sleeper’s needs are unique, so their ideal mattress may be different than someone else’s. The mattresses we featured above offer great value for shoppers with different needs, providing a launching point for people looking for options below the 500-dollar mark.

What’s a good price for a bed?

There are a few price ranges for mattresses: budget, mid-range, and luxury. A budget mattress will cost you anywhere from 200-1,000 dollars, depending on the type of mattress. A mid-range will run between 500 and 1,500 dollars, and a luxury mattress will be above 1,200 dollars.

What affects the price of a mattress?

The biggest factors in determining a mattress’ cost are its material and construction. A latex or hybrid mattress, for example, will be more expensive than an all-foam or innerspring mattress. A well-made mattress will be more expensive than one that skimps on quality craftsmanship. Other factors that can impact the price are the trial and warranty, as well as additional preference-based features like edge support, zoned support, and cooling.

Conclusion

You can find a good bed for less than 500 dollars, but you may need to be willing to give certain things up. The fact that a lot of the companies sell directly through their websites is going to help you find higher-quality units at lower prices.

There are certain considerations at this price point. If you want more features, you can save up a little more money and invest in a mattress that costs between 500 and 1,000 dollars, as this is where most of the hard hitters place their products. At the end of the day, it's about what you value, what you need, and how often the product is being used.

Melanie Kassel- Sleep Advisor's Performance Editor
Melanie Kassel
Performance Editor

As Sleep Advisor’s Performance Editor, Melanie writes and edits content throughout the site to ensure it’s accurate, engaging, and up-to-date.

Sleep has always been a top priority for her—even at childhood sleepovers, she was never able or willing to pull an all-nighter. After spending some time researching studies and writing articles for a sleep hygiene app, she became hooked on sleep science writ large.

These days, she’s a proud member of the Sleep Advisor editorial team and finds continual inspiration in the best sleeper she knows: her enormous cat, Cole.

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