Testing the Top 5 Mattresses Under $500 in Our Homes

Finding the best mattress can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget. With so many options available, it’s hard to know where to start. That’s why we took the time to research and test six different mattresses under $500 to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Best for Back Pain: Allswell 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress

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If you struggle with back pain, the Allswell 10-Inch Hybrid Mattress is a great option. It offers a good balance of firmness and cushion, distributes body pressure evenly, and expands quickly when unboxed. Our tester, who has a history of back pain, found that their energy increased, and their discomfort decreased after using this mattress. While it may not have the best cooling technology, it’s still a worthy pick for those looking for comfort and support.

Firmness: Medium-firm | Filling Material: Gel-infused memory foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 90-day returns

Best for Side Sleepers: Novilla Bliss Mattress

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Side sleepers need a mattress that offers a balance of plushness and support, and the Novilla Bliss Mattress does just that. The gel memory foam cradles your body while providing enough firmness to keep you supported. Our tester noticed less tossing and turning and felt more well-rested after using this mattress. While the cooling technology may not be as effective as advertised, the overall comfort and support make it a great choice for side sleepers.

Firmness: Medium-plush | Filling Material: Gel memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns

Best Firm Mattress: Nod by Tuft & Needle 8” Mattress

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For those prioritizing support and spine alignment, the Nod by Tuft & Needle 8” Mattress is a fantastic choice. This mattress inflates quickly, feels cool to the touch, and provides excellent support throughout the night. While there may be a slight adjustment period for those transitioning from a softer mattress, the benefits of improved sleep quality and reduced pain make it worth it.

Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory foam | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns

Best Memory Foam Mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

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The Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress stands out for its high-quality memory foam and affordable price. It inflates quickly, provides even pressure distribution, and reduces back and hip pain. While it may feel slightly firm at first, the plush, cradling feeling it offers makes it a comfortable and supportive choice for a wide range of sleepers.

Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, split king, California king | Return Policy: Free 30-day returns

Best Value: FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress

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If you’re looking for an affordable yet supportive option, the FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress is a great value pick. It offers joint support, reduces tossing and turning, and provides a higher-quality sleep experience. While the cooling properties may not be as noticeable, the overall comfort, quality memory foam, and ease of setup make it a worthwhile purchase.

Firmness: Medium | Filling Material: Memory Foam | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California King | Return Policy: Free 100-day returns

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Other Mattresses Under $500 We Tried

• Linenspa 10-Inch Memory Foam and Spring Hybrid Mattress: While this mattress offers quick inflation and good motion isolation, some testers found it too firm for their liking.

What to Know About Mattresses Under $500

Firmness: Different firmness levels cater to different sleepers, from side sleepers to stomach sleepers.
Material: Consider the material of the mattress, especially for temperature regulation.
Break-In Period: Most mattresses require a break-in period, so be patient and give it a chance to adjust to your body.

Behind the Scenes

Our team of testers spent over 1,300 hours evaluating these mattresses based on unboxing experience, comfort, support, sleep quality, and value.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Our commerce contributor Olivia Avitt thoroughly researched and reviewed each mattress to deliver informative insights for your purchase decisions.

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

The PEOPLE Tested seal of approval ensures that our recommendations are based on rigorous testing methods and unbiased evaluations.

Whether you’re dealing with back pain, looking for the perfect mattress for side sleeping, or seeking a budget-friendly option, these five mattresses under $500 offer a range of options to suit your needs. With comfort, support, and quality in mind, you can rest assured that you’ll find the perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep without breaking the bank.