We occasionally receive free products for testing and take part in affiliate programs, which means we may earn a commission if you purchase items through links on our site. For full details, please refer to our disclosure page.
With so many options available, finding the right mattress can feel overwhelming. Should you choose one with springs or go for all-foam? A budget-friendly model or a luxury design? Do you need something cooling, hypoallergenic, or organic? The choices can seem endless.
Our team of experts has tested hundreds of online mattresses to simplify your search. To identify the best of the best, we focused on beds that performed exceptionally well across all our testing categories. Whether youβre a co-sleeper looking for a cooling all-foam option or a combination sleeper who prefers the bounce of latex foam, weβve got you covered. Check out our hand-selected recommendations and start your journey toward the best sleep of your life.
After testing over 1000 mattresses, our experts named the Nectar the best mattress of 2025. This well-balanced, medium-firm memory foam bed delivers excellent pressure relief and temperature controlβall at a surprisingly affordable price.
Read about our testing experience with each of the beds on our list below.
If you didnβt find your ideal mattress in our top list, here are a few high-performing alternatives that came close. Each one has standout strengths but ultimately didnβt make the final cut for specific reasons.
The best mattresses we tested excelled across all key areasβperformance, construction quality, and customer service. Each one is built for long-term durability and offers exceptional value, making them well worth the investment for years of comfortable, restorative sleep.
We evaluate each mattress across multiple performance categories, including pressure relief, motion isolation, cooling, responsiveness, edge support, and more. Every category is rated on a 5-point scale, and these scores are then averaged to determine the mattressβs overall rating. Heavier emphasis is placed on features like pressure relief, edge support, and responsiveness, as these directly impact the mattressβs feel, comfort, and quality.
Across all the mattresses weβve tested, the average overall score is 4.2 out of 5. Therefore, only the top-performing beds that meet or exceed this threshold make our βbest ofβ list. Each of these mattresses earned multiple category scores above 4.2, demonstrating consistently strong results across the board. The average rating among the mattresses selected for this panel is an impressive 4.5 out of 5, reflecting their exceptional balance of comfort, support, and durability.
When youβre buying a new mattress, durability should be one of your top priorities. Most mattresses last about 10 years, but some begin to show wear and sagging much sooner. So how can you tell which ones will truly stand the test of time?
First, start by examining the mattress construction. Whenever possible, choose a bed with coils rather than all-foam, since the innerspring layer helps maintain the mattressβs shape and prevents sagging. If you prefer memory foam, make sure the foam density is high enough to stay supportive and resilient over years of use.
In our testing studio, we use edge support as a key durability indicator. By assessing how well the perimeter holds up under weight, we can predict how the rest of the mattress will perform over time. We test this by sitting and lying on the edge, as well as using weighted plates to simulate different body types. Each mattress receives an edge support rating out of 5, which offers a reliable preview of its long-term durability.
Lastly, we consider the warranty length as another indicator of quality. A brand that offers a 15-year, 25-year, or even lifetime warranty is demonstrating strong confidence in its productβs lifespan. All the mattresses weβve selected come with lifetime warranties, giving you peace of mind that your investment is protected for life.
For many people, the price of a new mattress is the deciding factor. Whether youβre shopping on a budget or ready to splurge, you want to make sure your purchase is worth the investment. To determine that, start by checking customer reviewsβboth on the manufacturerβs website and third-party platformsβespecially if you canβt test the mattress in person at a store.
Next, take advantage of any sleep trials. These trials typically range from a few weeks to a full year, giving you the chance to try the mattress risk-free. If it doesnβt meet your expectations, most companies will allow you to return it for a full refund as long as youβre within the trial period.
Company policies also play a big role in overall value. Some brands go above and beyond with lifetime warranties, extended trial periods, free accessories, or white glove deliveryβall of which enhance your buying experience and long-term satisfaction. In our evaluations, we rate customer service out of 5, factoring in these policies and the overall delivery process. Be sure to consider these elements when assessing a mattressβs true value, so you get the best return on your investment.
We understand that finding the perfect mattress can feel overwhelming, so weβve outlined some of the key factors to keep in mind when shopping for a new one. Continue reading for helpful guidance on choosing the best mattress based on your sleeping position, body type, and personal comfort preferences.
There are many different types of mattresses available, each designed to meet specific needs and preferences. Some are more versatile and appeal to a broader range of sleepers, while others are tailored to particular sleep styles or comfort prioritiesβso itβs important to know exactly what youβre looking for before you buy.
Hybrid mattresses combine multiple materialsβtypically coils, foam, and sometimes latexβto deliver a balanced blend of comfort, support, and breathability. By merging the best qualities of different mattress types, hybrids often provide a well-rounded sleep experience with both cushioning and responsiveness.
Thanks to their versatile construction, hybrid mattresses are an excellent choice for most types of sleepers, as they can be tailored to various firmness levels, sleep positions, and temperature preferences.
Memory foam mattresses are among the most popular options offered by bed-in-a-box brands. This material is well-loved for its pressure-relieving comfort, motion isolation, and versatile pricing, which makes it accessible to a wide range of sleepers and budgets.
While memory foam once had a reputation for trapping heat, modern designs have addressed this issue with aerated foams that promote airflow. Many newer models also include gel- or copper-infused layers to enhance cooling and help maintain a more comfortable sleep temperature throughout the night.
Latex mattresses share some similarities with memory foam mattresses, but theyβre generally bouncier, more eco-friendly, and tend to be more expensive. They provide excellent pressure relief while maintaining a naturally cool sleeping surface, often outperforming traditional all-foam models in temperature regulation.
These mattresses are ideal for eco-conscious shoppers, individuals with joint or back pain, and anyone seeking a luxurious, responsive sleep experience made from sustainable, high-quality materials.
Innerspring mattresses are the most traditional type of mattress and remain popular today, even though many modern bed-in-a-box brands donβt offer them. Built with a coil-based construction, these beds tend to feel firmer and more responsive, providing noticeable bounce and easy movement. This makes them a great choice for combination sleepers who frequently change positions during the night. Theyβre also often more affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious shoppers.
Although true innerspring mattresses are less common now, many modern modelsβlike those from Saatva and WinkBedβstill incorporate coil systems as a major part of their design. These beds are often described as having a traditional innerspring feel, blending classic support with updated comfort materials.
Research shows that medium-firm mattresses are generally the best for promoting proper spinal alignment and reducing pain and discomfort. As our chief medical advisor explains: βMedium-firm mattresses offer a balance of support and softness that can work for a variety of sleepers.β
That said, your ideal firmness level can vary depending on your sleeping position. Hereβs what to keep in mind for each type of sleeper:
βYour body weight plays a major role in determining which mattress will best meet your needs,β explains Dr. Dasgupta.
Sleepers over 230 pounds should look for a firmer, highly supportive mattress that prevents them from sinking too deeply into the surface. For some, especially stomach sleepers, an extra-firm option may provide the best alignment and comfort by keeping the hips elevated and the spine properly supported.
Meanwhile, sleepers under 230 pounds may prefer a softer mattress, as they often donβt sink in as much and might perceive firmer models as too hard. Those who sleep on their side or back should consider medium or plush mattresses for better pressure relief around the shoulders, hips, and lower back.
Sharing a bed with a partner comes with its own set of challengesβespecially if youβre a light sleeper who wakes easily from movement. One of the best ways to minimize disturbances is by choosing a mattress with excellent motion isolation. These mattresses absorb movement at the source, preventing it from transferring across the surface and waking your partner.
To evaluate motion isolation, we perform two key tests in our studio. First, we place a glass of water on one side of the mattress and have a tester move around on the other. The level of ripple in the water shows how much motion transfers across the bedβthe more movement in the glass, the less effective the isolation.
Next, we conduct a two-person test. One tester lies still and blindfolded while the other moves aroundβchanging positions, getting in and out of bed, or rolling over. The still tester reports any movement they feel, and we combine those findings with the water test results to determine a motion isolation score out of 5. According to Dr. Dasgupta, βA mattress that isolates motion well is a strong indicator of quality materials, such as dense foams or latex.β
Couples may also want to consider responsiveness, edge support, and cooling. A responsive mattress makes it easier to move across the surface, which can be beneficial for sexually active couples. Strong edge support allows partners to comfortably use the full width of the bed, perfect for those who like to spread out. Lastly, because two bodies generate more heat, a cooling mattress can make a big difference in maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night.
Whether you sleep solo or with a partner, overheating is one of the most common sleep concerns. To help ensure you get your coolest nightβs sleep, we take a technical approach when testing a mattressβs temperature regulation. Using a thermal gun, we measure the surface temperature of the mattress before and after lying on it for seven minutes. The temperature increase shows how much heat the bed retainsβthe smaller the rise, the better the cooling performance.
On average, we see a temperature increase of about 5.8 degrees, which indicates solid cooling capability. Anything below that threshold suggests the bed is actively cooling and may even feel cool to the touch.
While the temperature readings determine our cooling score out of 5, we also consider real-world feedback from our testers. Sometimes, a mattress that doesnβt score highly on the thermal test can still feel cool or temperature-neutral during actual use. We always document these experiences so you can make a well-informed decision about your mattress.
Which mattress do 5-star hotels use?
What mattress feels like a cloud?
What is the best type of mattress?
