Did you know that the average person spends nearly 230,000 hours sleeping in their lifetime? That’s a significant amount of time—so having a comfortable and supportive mattress is essential!
Even with a limited budget, you can still find a high-quality mattress with memory foam or gel technology for extra comfort. To help you choose, we analyzed 40 mattresses and narrowed it down to the top 10 picks, with the Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress taking the top spot.
When selecting the best mattresses under $500, we considered several key factors:
- Mattress Type: Some sleepers prefer the contouring feel of memory foam, while others opt for the traditional support of innerspring mattresses.
- Size: Ensuring the mattress fits your bed frame is crucial for a good night’s sleep.
- Firmness Level: Whether you like a soft, medium, or firm mattress, the right balance is key to comfort.
- Cooling Features: For those who tend to sleep hot, we also included a cooling mattress option.
Want to find the best mattress that suits your needs? Check out our expert-reviewed list of the best mattresses under $500!
Quick Summary
Editor’s Choice:
“This mattress has three foam layers with a 3.5-inch cooling gel top, offering medium-firm support. It’s available in six sizes and includes two free pillows for extra comfort.”
Best Range of Thickness:
“This firm, all-foam mattress comes in five sizes and four thickness options, offering versatility. It also includes a one-year warranty for added peace of mind.”
Best Eco-Friendly Mattress:
“This all-foam mattress features an eco-friendly cooling cover and offers both soft and firm options. Available in four sizes, it comes with a 10-year warranty for long-term durability.”
Best for Back Sleepers:
“This mattress features unique adaptive foam with medium firmness, making it suitable for most sleepers. Available in six sizes, it includes a 100-day trial and a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.”
Best Hybrid:
“This plush hybrid mattress combines individually wrapped coils for targeted support. Available in three sizes, it comes with a 10-year warranty for lasting durability.”
Best Range of Sizes:
“This firm hybrid mattress features a hypoallergenic design for a healthier sleep environment. Available in five sizes, it comes with a 10-year warranty for long-term reliability.”
Budget Pick:
“This budget-friendly hybrid mattress combines a spring base with a plush foam top for comfort and support. Available in six sizes, it includes a 10-year warranty for durability.”
Best Odorless:
“This firm mattress features gel-infused memory foam for cooling and support. Available in five sizes, it comes with a 100-night trial and a 10-year warranty for peace of mind.”
Best Cooling Mattress:
“This firm mattress combines gel-infused memory foam with a high-density foam base for enhanced support. Available in seven sizes, it includes a 10-year warranty for long-term durability.”
Best for Side Sleepers:
“This plush mattress features an egg-crate foam base for airflow and a gel foam top layer for cooling comfort. Available in five sizes, it comes with a 10-year warranty for lasting support.”
Top 10 Mattresses for under $500 in 2025
Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress
The Classic Brands Cool Gel Chill Memory Foam 14-Inch Mattress offers plush comfort with advanced cooling technology. Its 14-inch profile includes a 3.5-inch ventilated cool gel memory foam layer, which adapts to body contours while providing faster recovery than traditional memory foam.
Designed for medium-firm support, it helps relieve pressure points and promotes spinal alignment, making it a great choice for those with scoliosis or back concerns. The open-cell foam design enhances air circulation, keeping sleepers cool throughout the night.
It is fiberglass-free, CertiPUR-US certified, and meets safety and durability standards. Larger sizes also come with free memory foam pillows, adding extra value. The mattress is easy to set up and expands quickly after unpacking.
Signature Sleep Memoir 12’’ Memory Foam Mattress
The Signature Sleep Memoir is an excellent choice for those who prefer the comfort of memory foam over a traditional spring mattress but dislike the sinking sensation often associated with memory foam. Designed with higher-density foam, it provides a firm and supportive sleeping surface, keeping the body elevated. However, this firmness may create pressure points, particularly for side sleepers who need more contouring support.
The mattress is available in four thickness options, allowing users to select the level of firmness that best suits their comfort needs. Thinner models rely more on the high-density base foam for support, while the 12-inch version includes 3.5 inches of memory foam on top, offering greater pressure relief and comfort.
A standout feature of this mattress is its convenient shipping method. It arrives compressed and rolled in a single box, making it easier to transport through doorways and hallways. However, once unboxed, it requires at least three days to fully expand, so customers should plan accordingly before use.
Despite its many advantages, the mattress comes with a limited one-year warranty, which is shorter than many competitors. Additionally, returns can be challenging once the mattress is fully expanded, as it becomes too large to repack and ship easily.
Overall, the Signature Sleep Memoir is a solid option for those seeking a firm, supportive memory foam mattress, provided that the firmness level aligns with their sleep preferences and they are prepared for the extended expansion time.
ZINUS 10 Inch Bliss Memory Foam Mattress
The ZINUS 10-Inch Bliss Memory Foam Mattress is designed to provide a luxurious and restorative sleep experience, blending advanced cooling technology with eco-conscious materials. From the moment you touch it, the mattress exudes quality, featuring an eco-friendly Tencel cover that is not only soft but also moisture-wicking, helping sleepers stay dry and cool throughout the night.
At the heart of this mattress is a cooling gel-infused memory foam layer, which counteracts the heat retention often associated with traditional memory foam. This is further enhanced by ZINUS’s patented 7-zone airflow system, ensuring optimal temperature regulation and targeted pressure relief for a more comfortable, undisturbed sleep. Whether you’re a back, side, or stomach sleeper, this mattress adapts to your body’s needs, offering a balanced mix of comfort and support.
Beyond comfort, sustainability is a key focus in the Bliss Memory Foam Mattress. The Tencel cover is made from environmentally responsible materials, and the mattress itself is manufactured in the USA, reducing its carbon footprint compared to imported alternatives. Additionally, the use of CertiPUR-US certified foam guarantees a chemical-free sleep surface, free from harmful substances such as formaldehyde, phthalates, and heavy metals—an essential feature for health-conscious consumers.
One of the standout aspects of this mattress is its state-of-the-art compression technology. It is delivered in a compact box, making it easy to transport and maneuver through doorways and hallways. Once unboxed, the mattress expands effortlessly, though full expansion may take up to 72 hours for optimal performance.
To maintain long-term freshness, the mattress is infused with green tea, a thoughtful addition that helps keep odors at bay over time. With a 10-year limited warranty, ZINUS stands firmly behind the durability and quality of its product, ensuring that this mattress is not just a purchase but a long-term investment in better sleep and well-being.
Tuft & Needle Mattress
The Tuft & Needle Mattress stands out as one of the best mattresses under $500, offering exceptional comfort, durability, and cooling technology. Designed with proprietary Adaptive Foam, it strikes a perfect balance between plushness and support, providing a floating sensation rather than the deep sinking feeling often associated with traditional memory foam. This unique foam ensures proper spinal alignment, preventing excessive arching of the back while delivering a responsive and bouncy feel.
A key feature of this mattress is its advanced cooling technology. Infused with graphite, the foam works to draw heat away from the body, while the wicking nylon and polyester cover enhances breathability. This cooling mechanism is ideal for sleepers who struggle with overheating, a common cause of restlessness and poor sleep quality.
The support foam layer, forming the mattress’s base, is dense and durable, eliminating the need for a box spring or bed frame. It provides consistent support even when placed directly on the floor, making it a versatile choice for different sleeping setups.
Beyond its exceptional construction, Tuft & Needle excels in customer service. The company offers a 100-day trial period, during which customers can test the mattress at home. While most users opt to keep it, those who choose to return it report a hassle-free experience. Additionally, the warranty and customer support receive high praise, making the purchase process smooth and risk-free.
Key Benefits:
✅ Proprietary Adaptive Foam for a balance of comfort and support
✅ Cooling technology with graphite infusion and a breathable cover
✅ Firm yet resilient feel to provide a floating sensation
✅ No box spring required, thanks to strong support foam
✅ Outstanding customer service and a 100-day trial
✅ Highly rated – 90% of customers gave it 5 stars
Potential Downsides:
❌ Online exclusive, meaning it must be tested at home rather than in a store
❌ Firm foam may cause pressure points for heavier individuals
Overall, the Tuft & Needle Mattress is a top-tier budget-friendly option, offering high-end features at an affordable price. With cooling properties, adaptive support, and top-notch customer service, it’s an excellent investment for those seeking quality sleep without breaking the bank.
Olee Sleep 13-Inch Galaxy Hybrid Mattress
The Olee Hybrid Mattress combines an innerspring base with multiple high-density foam layers, offering a unique blend of support and comfort. Unlike traditional innerspring mattresses, it features individually coiled springs, which help evenly distribute weight and reduce pressure points, particularly around the shoulders and hips. This design also minimizes motion transfer, making it a great choice for couples—ideal if one partner moves frequently during the night.
A standout feature is the gel foam layer positioned just below the mattress surface. This enhances ventilation, effectively dissipating heat to keep you cool throughout the night. Since this gel layer is sandwiched between two high-density foam layers, it maintains firmness while preventing excessive sinking into the top.
Key Benefits:
✅ Individually coiled springs for pressure relief and motion isolation
✅ Gel foam layer promotes better airflow without reducing firmness
✅ Hybrid design balances support and comfort
Potential Downsides:
❌ Firm feel may not suit those who prefer softer mattresses
❌ Not available in Twin size
Overall, the Olee Hybrid Mattress is a solid option for those seeking a firm yet comfortable hybrid mattress with temperature regulation and motion isolation.
Ashley Furniture Signature Design Hybrid Innerspring Mattress
The Ashley Furniture Signature Design Chime Express Hybrid Innerspring Mattress offers a blend of comfort, affordability, and durability. This hybrid mattress combines multiple foam layers with 13-gauge coils, providing the support of an innerspring mattress and the comfort of memory foam.
A key feature is the gel memory foam layer, which helps with airflow and temperature regulation. However, since the layer is thin, it doesn’t conform as much as some traditional memory foam mattresses. It is available in five sizes—Twin, Full, Queen, King, and California King, with prices increasing for larger sizes.
The mattress ships compressed in a compact box but requires a few days to fully expand. A factory smell may be present initially but dissipates after airing out. On the plus side, it comes with a hypoallergenic cover, making it a great choice for allergy sufferers.
Key Benefits:
✅ 10-year warranty for long-term reliability
✅ Hypoallergenic cover to keep allergens at bay
✅ Available in multiple sizes from Twin to California King
✅ Compact packaging for easy transport
✅ CertiPUR-US certified for safety and quality
Potential Downsides:
❌ Requires a few days to expand and air out
❌ Firmness may not suit all preferences
Overall, the Chime Express Hybrid Mattress is a budget-friendly, high-quality option, offering a mix of foam and coil support, making it ideal for those seeking affordability without compromising on comfort.
LINENSPA Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid Mattress
The LinenSpa Hybrid Mattress combines comfort foam and memory foam with a traditional innerspring frame for a unique sleeping experience. The 1.5-inch comfort foam layer softens the mattress, helping to eliminate pressure points and alleviating back pain for many users. However, its firmness varies depending on your weight, which may make it feel too firm or too soft for some.
Additionally, the memory foam layer in the quilted cover offers gentle comfort and helps reduce motion transfer, making it a great choice for couples.
Key Benefits:
- Hybrid Design combines foam and innerspring for optimal comfort
- Pressure Relief for those with back pain
- Memory Foam helps with comfort and motion isolation
Potential Downsides:
- Firmness Varies depending on weight, difficult to predict
- No Trial Period for testing before purchase
Zinus 12 Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
The Zinus 12-Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress is a standout choice in the under $500 market, offering excellent value and comfort. Available in multiple sizes (excluding California King), this mattress features a 100-night trial, allowing you to test it risk-free. It ships in a compact box and requires a few days to fully expand before use. The mattress is constructed with multiple foam layers enhanced with green tea and activCharcoal, which work together to eliminate odors and absorb moisture, ensuring a fresh and comfortable sleep environment. Additionally, the cooling foam layer helps regulate temperature, providing a cooler night’s rest.
Key Benefits:
- 10-Year Warranty
- CertiPUR-US Certified
- 100-Night Trial Offered by Manufacturer
- Relatively Affordable
- Odor-Eliminating Technology
Potential Downsides:
- Not Available in California King Size
Overall, the Zinus 12-Inch Gel-Infused Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress delivers a combination of comfort, durability, and innovative features, making it a great investment for those seeking quality sleep without breaking the bank.
Classic Brands Cool Gel Mattress
The Classic Brands 12-Inch Mattress delivers firm support without the typical sinking sensation of traditional memory foam. By eliminating the secondary memory and comfort foam layers, it offers a high-density foam base that effectively reduces pressure points, making it especially beneficial for side sleepers. The gel-infused memory foam layer enhances cooling and ventilation, preventing overheating and ensuring a comfortable sleep environment.
However, the 10-year warranty can be difficult to utilize unless you also purchase a Classic Brands box spring or bed frame, which may limit flexibility for some users.
Key Benefits:
- Firm & Comfortable: Minimizes pressure points for enhanced comfort
- Cooling Gel Memory Foam: Effectively moves heat away from the body
Potential Downsides:
- Warranty Restrictions: Difficult to use without a Classic Brands box spring or bed frame
Overall, the Classic Brands 12-Inch Mattress is a solid choice for those seeking firm support and cooling features, provided you have or are willing to invest in the compatible box spring or bed frame to fully benefit from the warranty.
Olee Sleep Gel-Infused Memory Foam Mattress
The Olee Sleep Mattress stands out as one of the softest options in our list, primarily due to its egg-crate style foam base. Unlike high-density foam bases found in many other mattresses, the egg-crate design creates air spaces that compress when you lie down, resulting in an exceedingly plush sleeping experience without the typical sinking sensation of traditional memory foam.
Key Benefits:
- Egg-Crate Foam Base: Provides a plush and comfortable sleeping surface by allowing air compression.
- Effective Ventilation: The top gel foam layer enhances airflow, ensuring a cool and breathable sleep environment.
- Balanced Comfort: A thin layer of memory foam combined with high-density foam offers the right amount of sinking sensation and support, reducing pressure points for side sleepers.
- Cooling Features: The gel-infused foam helps dissipate heat, preventing overheating and maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
- Odor Control: Infused with green tea and activCharcoal, the mattress eliminates odors and absorbs moisture, ensuring a fresh sleeping experience.
- Warranty Protection: Comes with a 10-year warranty, providing peace of mind against potential defects or issues.
Potential Downsides:
- Durability Concerns: Some users report that the mattress may sink permanently in areas after about a year of use, which cannot be reversed.
- Limited Flipping Options: The mattress cannot be flipped, though it can be rotated to help mitigate sinking.
- Size Availability: California King size is not available, which may be a limitation for those requiring larger bed sizes.
Overall, the Olee Sleep Mattress offers a soft and ventilated sleeping surface with thoughtful features aimed at enhancing comfort and freshness. While it excels in providing a plush experience and effective cooling, potential buyers should consider the long-term durability and size limitations before making a purchase.
Things to Consider
When shopping for a mattress, one of the first decisions is whether to go with foam or innerspring. Each has distinct benefits, depending on your sleep preferences and needs.
Memory Foam Mattresses
- Pressure Relief: Conforms to your body, reducing pressure points—ideal for back pain sufferers.
- Sinking Sensation: Some may find it too soft or enveloping.
- Heat Retention: Can trap heat, though gel foam layers improve airflow and cooling.
- Durability: Retains bounce for years, though some models lose resilience over time.
Innerspring Mattresses
- Firm Support: Uses metal coils for a structured feel.
- Pressure Points: Can be uncomfortable for side sleepers or heavier individuals.
- Better Airflow: More breathable than traditional memory foam.
- Budget-Friendly: Often more affordable than foam options.
Making the Right Choice
- Prefer body contouring and pressure relief? Go with memory foam.
- Need a firm, breathable, and budget-friendly option? Choose innerspring.
- Sleep hot? Opt for gel-infused foam or an innerspring for better airflow.
- Are you a side sleeper? Memory foam offers better pressure relief.
Understanding these differences can help you pick the best mattress for your sleep style and budget.
Firmness
Mattress firmness is highly subjective and varies by body weight. Heavier individuals may find mattresses firmer as they sink deeper into the layers, while lighter individuals may find the same mattress softer.
Common Mattress Sizes
Choosing the right mattress size is essential for comfort and space efficiency. Here are the six most common sizes:
- Twin (39” x 74”) – Best for children or single adults.
- Twin XL (39” x 80”) – Ideal for taller single sleepers.
- Full (54” x 74”) – Suitable for solo sleepers needing more space.
- Queen (60” x 80”) – Standard for couples or spacious solo sleeping.
- King (76” x 80”) – Extra space for couples or those who move a lot.
- California King (72” x 84”) – Great for taller individuals needing legroom.
Selecting the right firmness and size ensures a comfortable and restful sleep tailored to your needs.
Trial Phase and Warranty
Trial Period
Trying a mattress before purchase is crucial, but for online buyers, this isn’t always possible. Some brands offer 30-day (or longer) trial periods, allowing customers to return the mattress if it doesn’t meet expectations. Always check the return policy before purchasing and clarify the return process with the company.
Warranty
Most mattresses come with a manufacturer’s warranty, but coverage varies:
- Duration: Can range from 1 year to 25+ years.
- Coverage: May include material defects but often excludes wear and tear or improper use.
- Usage Requirements: Some warranties require the use of a specific bed frame or box spring.
Before buying, ensure the warranty aligns with how long you expect to use the mattress. A good trial period and solid warranty provide peace of mind for your investment.
Conclusion
A good mattress is essential for quality sleep, helping you wake up refreshed and pain-free. While mattresses can be a costly investment, you don’t have to spend a fortune—$500 is enough to get a high-quality option that meets your needs.
Our guide to the top 10 mattresses under $500 can help you find the right fit. If you’re still undecided, our top recommendation is the first product, offering the best balance of comfort, support, and value.