Classic Mattress

Saatva earns our top spot because it uses high-quality materials that receive excellent ratings from our consumer panel, especially from those that have owned the bed for more than five years. Unlike popular boxed mattresses that you typically see online, this one's like the traditional innerspring mattresses you find in stores, but with a direct-to-consumer platform to help keep it at a competitive price. You also get other shopping perks, like free delivery and set up, old mattress removal and a year-long trial period to make sure you love it. It comes in three firmness levels, with "Luxury Firm" being the most popular.

Who it's best for: Anyone that prefers a bouncy innerspring bed over a sinking-in feel, regardless of sleep position. It's also ideal for people who prefer a full-service delivery.

What it's made of: A quilted pillowtop to create a plush surface, a layer of high density foam for support and pressure relief, individual steel coils that respond to your movements and offer breathability, a base steel coil system to prevent sagging and create more airflow and firm foam around the edges so the mattress doesn't sink when you climb in and out of bed.

Tester notes: It's highly-rated by more than 100 reviewers on our testing panel, with top marks for comfort, support and overall sleep quality. It also earned glowing feedback on its customer service, from ease of ordering and in-home set up to quick fixes if any issues came up throughout the process. Users also highlight how it sleeps cooler, feels firmer and has better edge support than memory foam mattresses. Some even called it the "best mattress ever" and said it led to the "best sleep I've ever had." One described it as "firm, but not hard" while another said it's "comfortable and just the right amount of plush."

Pro tips: Don't second guess your firmness preference. Several users told us they were tempted by Luxury Firm because it's so popular, but wished they had gone with Plush or Firm from the start. Also keep in mind: We've seen Saatva prices steadily increase over the past few years, so its cost may continue to rise in the coming months. The most recent price increase occurred in December 2022.

Allswell Luxe Hybrid Mattress

• Height: 12"
• Firmness levels: Medium
• Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, King, California King
• Trial period: 90 days

Buying an affordable mattress doesn't mean it has to be cheap. This one from Allswell is a fraction of the cost of others, but it still has excellent features and high ratings from our panel to make it stand out. It's a hybrid style with both memory foam and coils for a mix of comfort and support.

Your purchase includes free shipping, and the mattress arrives in a box for you to set up on your own.

Who it's best for: Price-conscious shoppers that are looking to spend under $1,000 without sacrificing comfort. We've noticed that it's also more well-received by younger adults, especially because the lack of edge support and the DIY set up can be a deterrent for older individuals.

What it's made of: A quilted top panel with plush foam, two inches of memory foam that's infused with cooling copper to prevent overheating, one inch of high-density foam for support and individual coils that help you move and provide more airflow.

Tester notes: The feedback from our survey respondents and testers was that it was absolutely worth the price, and some even said it got rid of neck and back pain. The most common complaint we got was that there was less edge support when getting in and out of bed. Still, one described it to us by saying, "It feels like sleeping on a real, plush hotel mattress, but at a fraction of the price."

Pro tip: This model's your best bet on a budget, especially for people in their 20s that are moving into their own homes for the first time. It received far better feedback than inexpensive bestsellers on Amazon. Also note that we haven't seen it go on sale, considering it's already-low price, so don't wait for a holiday weekend to shop.

Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud

Tempur-Pedic mattresses are known for their high-quality foam that offers superior pressure relief and motion isolation, but the brand's models can get very expensive. Fortunately, its newest mattress is a boxed model that uses three layers of its proprietary foam for top-notch pressure relief and a more attainable price tag. Perfect for side sleepers, it takes weight off of your pressure points and helps keep your spine in neutral alignment. The brand says it may feel a bit too firm when you first lie down, but it slowly adapts to your body shape to feel like a personalized fit.

Who it's best for: Side sleepers that need pressure relief for their hips and shoulders without too much sinking in. It's also ideal for people who want to invest in the unique feel of Tempur-Pedic's foam without having to overspend.If you're a hot sleeper, we also recommend the Tempur-Luxe Breeze Mattress. This model uses unique phase change technology that's been tested to keep you feeling up to eight degrees cooler while you sleep. It costs over $5,000 for a Queen, but it comes with full-service delivery and set up and our testers say it looks and feels as good as new, even after years of sleeping on it.

Tester notes: Our panelists gave it high scores for comfort, support and overall sleep quality. "We were delighted with the comfort," said one tester. "The foam is lovely if you like that feeling of sinking into a warm hug when you sleep. We can’t deny that we slept well on this mattress." Another user told us, "I feel like my entire body is supported in a very gentle way,"Users also note that the foam holds up surprisingly well over time. A tester compared this model to a previous mattress-in-a-box they slept on and noted, "It was definitely a major upgrade."

Tips from our experts: Save 30% off this mattress at full price using the code CLOUD30 at checkout. Note that this mattress also comes in a hybrid version with coils, but our testers tend to like the all-foam models from Tempur-Pedic better — after all, it's what the brand does best.

Helix Dusk Luxe

The Goldilocks of mattresses — i.e., not to hard yet not too soft — this medium firmness provides a happy balance for couples with different needs. It's a hybrid model with layers of foam over coils and has luxurious add-ons like a moisture-wicking cover, zoned sections for ergonomic support and a built-in pillowtop for added comfort.

Who it's best for: Sleeping partners with different preferences or any sleeper that changes position throughout the night. For several hundred dollars less, the Dusk version (without the "Luxe" in the title) has similar features, but less support layers. Helix's most popular line is the Midnight, which promotes pressure relief for side sleepers, though our testers and analysts were most impressed by the Dusk Luxe model

What it's made of: A pillowtop, a layer of cradling foam, a layer of pressure-relieving memory foam, a layer of support foam, a zoned coil section to promote alignment and provide edge support and a dense base foam for durability.

Tester notes: Recent testers gave it high scores in all areas — from ease of set up to comfort and support to overall sleep quality — and noted that they feel properly supported whether they're on their side, backs or stomach. Another reviewer told us, "It's a good mix for me (a side sleeper) and my partner (a back sleeper)." Users also say it has good edge support and a contouring feel against pressure points without too much sinking.

Pro tip: Because there are so many choices from Helix that can feel overwhelming, the brand offers a sleep quiz to help you sort through the options.

Bear Elite Hybrid

This model is comparatively newer on the market and has already turned into a tester favorite. It's made with several layers of foam and coils, including foam with five zoned sections to promote alignment. Each section has varying firmness levels depending on where you need more pressure relief or more support. Though it's fairly new and we don't have long-term feedback as with other mattresses, our testers were immediately blown away by its comfort.

Who it's best for: Side and back sleepers, back pain sufferers and anyone that has struggled to find a comfortable mattress.

What it's made of: A foam top layer infused with copper to prevent overheating, a zoned foam layer with contoured cutouts to target specific pressure points, a layer of individual coils for support, reinforced coils around the border for edge support and a bottom layer of high density foam for durability.

Tester notes: Our testers gave it perfect scores across the board, saying "it is the most comfortable mattress we have ever slept on." After several months of testing, they say they have a better, more uninterrupted sleep than any other mattress they've tried before. One also noted, "This is undoubtedly the best mattress we have ever owned. We have traveled all over and have never had the sleep experience we now have every night."

Tips from our experts: The brand makes some claims about using "eco-friendly materials" and natural minerals that promote recovery. We couldn't verify these claims in our research, but we still stand behind the mattress for its incredible comfort.

Original Mattress

Casper is known for revolutionizing the way we shop for online mattresses, and its name is practically synonymous with "mattress-in-a-box." As a result, it's one of the most popular mattresses among our panel and in the bedding industry. The purchase includes free shipping and you set it up on your own, which people often prefer because it's contact-free and more convenient. Even though this memory foam mattress doesn't have any coils, it has zone layers that make it stand out from others on the market because they're ergonomically designed for spine alignment.

Casper started off with this Original model that they called the "one perfect mattress." The Original has gone through some updates itself since it first launched, and it's still the brand's most popular pick and the one we think offers the most bang for your buck. The company has also since introduced several hybrid variations at different price points.

Who it's best for: People who prefer the cradling comfort of memory foam and are willing to spend a bit over $1,000 to get ergonomic support. The foam and split zones are better suited for side and back sleepers.

Tester notes: The brand as a whole earned high scores across the board from more than 130 Casper mattress owners in our most recent survey, and users noted how well it has kept its shape over time. Most people told us they love this specific model and especially highlighted the ease of ordering and set up as well as the 12-inch height that isn't too tall and fits sheets nicely. One user on our panel liked how well "it conforms to your body," while a second one pointed out, "It helps with motion transfer much more than the old innerspring mattress I had." Another reviewer told us, "It is extremely comfy — so comfy that we bought two more for other beds."

Tips from our experts: We found this mattress was more well-liked by our under-40 crowd of testers.

Tuft & Needle T&N Original Mattress

If you like the speed and accessibility of shopping on Amazon, it makes sense to consider getting your mattress there, too. This popular model is affordable for under $1,000 and arrives in a box at your home within days, which is a big feat since the mattress industry is notorious for shipping delays. It has a simple, no-frills design with just two foam layers.

The brand boasts its proprietary T&N Adaptive Foam technology that's supportive and resilient yet contours your body without feeling stiff. Plus, graphite and ceramic gel are added to the foams to help pull away body heat, which is a key feature as memory foam alone can cause overheating.

Who it's best for: Shoppers that need a mattress delivered quickly (rather than waiting for a scheduled delivery service), side and back sleepers, memory foam enthusiasts and price-conscious buyers.

Tester notes: Even though it's lower priced, our reviewers gave it high marks across the board – from the ordering process and set up to the comfort and support. Several commented on liking its firmness and one user that's had it for five years told us, "My Tuft & Needle mattress is so much more comfortable than any mattress I've ever had in the past. My husband and I both experience much less back pain." Our reviewers also raved about the brand's customer service, commenting that the representatives were friendly and helpful. They also highlighted the motion isolation and said they can't feel movement from sleeping partners. The only real complaint was that there wasn't much edge support, so it may sag when you sit on the sides.

Notes from our experts: If this mattress sounds appealing but you're worried it may feel too firm, you can always add a mattress topper for a plush sleeping surface.

Nolah Original 10"

The best mattresses for back pain are made of memory foam and have a medium firmness level, giving you pressure relief and cradling comfort. Not only does this Nolah model check off those boxes, but our testers swore it eased their discomfort. It's made up of three layers of foam (with pressure-relieving foam on top and more dense, supportive foam on the bottom), but there's also a "hybrid" variation with cutouts in the foam to mimic the flexibility and responsiveness of coils.

Who it's best for: Sleepers struggling with pain, like hip pain, back pain, pregnancy-related pain and sciatica. Though it can be used for a range of sleep positions, it's intended specifically for side sleepers (which is also the sleep position recommended for people with back pain).If the 10-inch height is too low for you or you prefer a true hybrid with more layers, Nolah's Evolution 15-inch model is also loved by our reviewers with back pain. It's double the price, but boasts ergonomic support to help maintain proper spine alignment.

Tester notes: One user told us this model "offers back support while still cradling pressure points. It has been significantly helpful in relieving back pain for my husband, who has scoliosis." Another owner that's had it for four years said said it has kept its shape well, and a recent tester of the newer hybrid variation said, "On the first day of testing, I went to bed with a strained back from hours of sitting at my desk. When I woke up the next day, the pain was completely gone." And though memory foam is known to trap heat, reviewers told us this one sleeps surprisingly cool.

Tips from our experts: If you're not used to sleeping on an all-foam mattress like this one, it may take some getting used to. Testers told us it felt too soft at first, but they ultimately loved sleeping on it and found it to be supportive. Also note that 10 inches is on the lower side for a mattress, so if you have trouble getting in and out of bed, you may want to consider a taller model from the brand.

Stearns & Foster Estate Mattress

This pick from Stearns & Foster is made with a complex coil system that's unique to the brand for premium support. It's available in multiple firmness levels, but the firm is labeled as a 9 out of 10 on the firmness scale. On top of that, it uses high-end materials (like a smooth and moisture-wicking Tencel outercover) and is handcrafted, so you can expect it to last. We also love how it can be used with adjustable bases, and the fact that it includes in-home delivery and set up.

There's the option to add a pillowtop when you buy — a pillowtop firm is still rated as an 8 out of 10 on the firmness scale — or upgrade to the brand's Lux Estate model, which is more expensive but uses layers of memory foam at the surface for more pressure relief.

Who it's best for: Stomach sleepers, heavier body weights or anyone that prefers a firm mattress. It's also good for in-store shoppers that want to feel it in person at their local mattress store.

Tester notes: The brand has a luxury price point, but users on our tester panel agreed that they slept well on their Stearns & Foster mattresses. In fact, we reviewed responses from over 150 owners of this brand and it was especially loved by those that prefer a firm feel. When comparing the mattress to previous ones they own, users highlighted the firmness and support as the main upgrades. One noted that the mattress feels "thicker and firmer, and seems to have more support," while another told us, "I like how firm this mattress is as well as the quality of the outer material."

Tips from our experts: If you're indecisive with all of the varieties, skip the pillowtop. You can always layer on a mattress topper if you want a plush surface.

Puffy Lux Hybrid Mattress

Puffy stands out for feeling plush and indulgent, yet still supportive — i.e., it's a soft mattress that doesn't sink in or sag. It's a hybrid model that combines coils and foam layers that conform to your body, making it an ideal mattress for side sleepers or anyone that needs pressure relief. The mattress ships in a box within days for DIY set up at your convenience.

Who it's best for: Side sleepers, back pain sufferers or anyone that prefers a plush, cushiony feel for their mattress.

Tester notes: As one tester described it, "I feel like I'm sleeping on a cloud, but I still feel supported." The two most common highlights from reviewers are that users experience less aches and pains from it (especially compared to innerspring beds), and that the mattress keeps its shape nicely without forming indents. One said, "It's not too hard and not too soft," while another noted, "I am able to sleep more deeply on it." Just keep in mind: The brand claims to use cooling features, but it wasn't noticeable to some testers.

Tips from our experts: Users told us that earlier versions of this mattress sagged at the edges, but found that newer updates provided more edge support and it's no longer an issue.

The Purple Mattress

There are a lot of similarities between most mattress materials, but Purple is unique because of its GelFlex Grid — i.e. its elastic top layer that feels squishy yet surprisingly firm. It provides both support and pressure relief, along with excellent motion isolation and breathability.

Who it's best for: Hot sleepers thanks to its breathability, couples thanks to its motion isolation and heavier body weights thanks to its 600-pound capacity (or 300 pounds on each side). It's also good for people who are tired of the same old mattress feel and want to try something unique.

This version is the base model, which is coil-free and ships in a box for you to set up on your own. The brand also carries a Purple Plus mattress, which has an extra layer of foam and a softer feel than the original, plus hybrid variations that have individual coils for more firmness, bounce and air flow.

Tester notes: For starters, testers noted that the cooling features were obvious, saying it feels noticeably cooler than other beds they've owned and leads to better sleep. On top of that, our panelists swear it feels like the perfect combination of soft and firm. As one put it, "it's 'springy' and conforms to my body while still being supportive." Others describe it as feeling like "sleeping on air" and "like floating in every sleeping position." They also told us they can't feel their partners moving throughout the night thanks to its motion isolation. The main callout with this one is that several told us the delivery took longer than expected.

Tips from our experts: Avoid using a mattress pad or topper with this bed. While you can still use a thinner mattress protector to extend its life, you don't want any excess material getting in the way of the bed's cooling and performance features.

Green Mattress

If you prefer to skip memory foam and synthetic fabrics, this latex mattress is made of natural and organic materials. It's also certified by the Global Organic Latex Standard (GOLS) and Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) so you know the entire manufacturing process follows strict guidelines on the materials and ingredients used. The best part is that it doesn't skimp on quality by going green; in fact, it earned one of the highest scores for delivering quality sleep among our panel.

The mattress is on the firmer side (the brand calls it a 7 out of 10), but you can opt for a pillow-top for an extra cost that'll make it feel a bit more plush (which the brand calls a 6 out of 10). Avocado also stands out for its generous year-long return policy, whereas most brands offer around 100 days. This mattress ships for free for you to set up on your own, or you can pay a $249 fee to have it delivered and set up for you.

Who it's best for: Eco-conscious consumers that prefer organic materials over memory foam or anyone that enjoys the floating feel of latex.

Tester notes: This mattress proves you don't need to sacrifice performance for an organic mattress. Users told us they love sleeping on it and said it keeps their body weight evenly distributed. As one of our reviewers put it, "I like that it's made of organic and natural materials, that it's extremely comfortable, and that it's held up even after years." Users also said the brand's customer service is top notch and they had no issues to report.

Tips from our experts: Avocado is currently offering a $200 discount on this mattress with code SNOOZE. Also note: Some mattress brands that claim to be natural and organic are misleading. In reality, no memory foam mattress (or one with other synthetic materials) can be natural or organic. Make sure the entire mattress is certified organic from a trusted source, like this model.

Serta Perfect Sleeper Mattress

This mattress is one of the most sought-after models online, and it's also one of the most commonly purchased beds on our panel of consumer testers. It feels almost customizable because there are a variety options to choose from, including six firmness levels and three foam levels for more pressure relief. The mattress gets delivered to your home through a delivery service — i.e. not in a box like many others that you buy online. You can find Serta mattresses at retailers all over the country so you have the option to try it before you buy.

Who it's best for: Shoppers who like having a variety of options to pick the best fit for their individual needs.

Tester notes: We received responses from well over 1,000 Serta owners in our latest call for feedback. The Perfect Sleeper model in particular received high ratings for support, though some long-term owners did complain that it hasn't held up as well as they hoped. Still, most were happy and users shared feedback like "I love the comfort. It supports my body and pressure points, giving a peaceful rest so that I feel recharged in the morning."

Tips from our experts Last year, Serta recalled select models from this line for failing to meet federal flammability standards. You can find out more details from the CPSC recall announcement.

Sleep Number 360 p6 Smart Bed

Perfect for couples (especially ones that don't agree on firmness), Sleep Number mattresses are filled with adjustable air chambers so each side of the bed can be customized to whatever firmness level you choose. Plus, biometric sensors in the mattress can tell if you've switched positions and it'll automatically adjust so you stay at your preferred firmness all night. The mattress also has sleep tracking capabilities to give you feedback through its app.

While the air chambers and high-tech features are available in all Sleep Number mattresses, this model also includes a five-inch layer of foam for pressure relief and support. You can purchase the mattress with or without a coordinating base, which allows you to change the bed's position. Full service delivery costs an extra $249, but includes assembly and mattress removal, along with technicians reviewing how the bed works and answering any of your questions. Timing is also flexible so you can choose a delivery slot that works best with your schedule.

Who it's best for: Couples with different sleeping preferences and anyone looking for adjustable features. It's perfect for people who are willing to make a long-term investment in their bed.

Tester notes: It's expensive, but Sleep Number got high scores for comfort, support and sleep quality from both our testers and more than 300 users on our survey panel. Even those that had the bed for close to 10 years gave it rave reviews, showing that it's a worthy investment in the long run. One Sleep Number owner told us, “I was initially hesitant because of the cost, but as soon as I laid on it, it changed my mind,” while another said “I really feel like it gives me a custom sleep experience."

Tips from our experts: Sleep Number mattresses are backed by the prestigious Good Housekeeping Seal so you know it's been heavily vetted by our Lab experts.