9 best affordable mattresses to buy in 2025
Line T Klein
When you begin your search for the best cheap mattress to buy, you might be surprised to learn that an affordable mattress can absolutely be comfortable and long-lasting. Years of innovation in the mattress world from bed-in-a-box brands like Simba and Emma has meant that a good night’s sleep needn’t cost the earth.
A budget mattress shouldn’t be relegated to a guest room. There are plenty of quality products on the market that will improve your sleep, regardless of if you’re a front, back or side sleeper. In fact, thanks to technical layers of memory foam and coil springs, plenty of these budget-friendly mattresses can help reduce back pain, as well as offering achy joints and muscles pressure relief. These affordable mattresses can also help with temperature regulation.
Ultimately, a lot of the differences between the luxury products and the more affordable mattresses are to do with ‘add ons’. These extras are not essential, but often take a product from good to excellent. Think thicker depths, removable and washable covers and built-in movement isolation. Some cheaper brands won’t allow a trial period and it’s not unusual to see a one to five year guarantee rather than the more common ten year warranty seen at higher price points.
Today, there are an increasing amount of mattress brands and retailers vying for your purchase, so if you’re still unsure which new mattress you should invest in, read on for our top picks of the best budget mattresses. Many retailers also have extra deals and discounts that pop up throughout the year, so keep an eye out for those.
The best cheap mattress to buy at a glance:
Don’t have time to read our full guide? We’ve compiled our quick-fire favourites here:
.png)
.png)
How to choose the best mattress?
Regardless of their lower price point, budget mattresses are still available in a variety of different fillings. Open coil, pocket sprung, hybrid and high quality memory foam mattresses are all available for less, so there’s something for every sleep style and budget.
First of all, consider where the mattress is going to be used. If it’s for your primary bedroom and will be used daily, then you need to think about several key things. Are you prone to overheating? If so, consider a cooling mattress. Think about your sleeping position, too. Back sleepers and stomach sleepers have different requirements. You might want to consider a mattress with a comfort layer as well. Finally, the composition of the mattress. Do you prefer a spring mattress or a high density foam?
Also take a look at the type of bed frame you have. Slats help with airflow, so you might find you don’t need a cooling mattress if you have a bed frame that accommodates temperature regulation.
What is a budget mattress?
So what constitutes a cheaper mattress? Well, there are no hard and fast rules on this subject, but knowing the market we’d suggest a UK double (which everything below is priced for), anything under £500 is regarded as budget. We’ve also included a few in our list that are a little higher than, but still around the £500 mark. It might not sound like a low price point, but as mattress technology continues to move forward, mattresses are becoming increasingly expensive – some of our top picks come in at north of £1,000. Plus, a good night’s sleep is truly priceless.
Best cheap mattresses 2025
Best affordable hybrid mattress
Why we love it: Though just a snip at £418, Emma’s Hybrid Original Mattress is often on sale at multiple points throughout the year – currently it is on sale with over £40 off. But, for its price tag, it certainly offers plenty of value for money. Made from foam with pocket springs for support, it is the next generation of its bestselling Original Mattress, and has been designed for all sleeping positions. The medium-firm mattress has three breathable foam layers and moisture-wicking materials, making it a perfect starter mattress for those looking to explore the world of memory foam.
Take note: As this mattress is designated medium, it may be too soft for those who have a preference for a mattress on the firmer side.
Best affordable mattress for all sleeping positions
Why we love it: At this price from Simba, there’s not much not to love. With over 83,000 five-star reviews, the Simba Hybrid Essential mattress is undoubtedly one of the best in the ‘mattress-in-a-box’ category. It combines the brand’s Aerocoil micro springs and cooling Simbatex foam, but with a more accessible price point. It also comes with a risk-free 200-night sleep trial and 10 year warranty. It is the brand’s entry level hybrid model. With four layers of foam, it uses its own ‘Simbatex’ foam that’s a far cry from old memory foam, as its open cell structure allows for better airflow. To further help with heat control, graphite has been added into the mix, making it a great option for any hot sleepers.
Take note: Though still much cheaper than many of the high-end mattresses on the market, it’s more expensive than some of the others on this list.
Why we love it: Eve Sleep’s The Original Mattress is currently on sale for a very reasonable £329 for a double, and is just the thing for foam first-timers. The firm mattress is made with three comforting foam layers, including one for pressure relief – it also provides the right amount of support for all sleeping positions. The top cover is also made from a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you cool, which is perfect for the warmer months.
Take note: Some reviews state that The Original Mattress is on the firmer side, and that there was excess plastic packaging used when the mattress was delivered.
.png)
Tested by: Virginia Clark, digital director
Why we love it: Crafted in Yorkshire, Memory Foam 2,000 Pocket Sprung Hybrid Mattress mattress is perfectly supportive with its network of springs, while maintaining a softness from the memory foam layer which moulds to your body. The mattress comprises four layers, with cooling gel foam making up the top layer, as well as a layer of individually-wrapped heat tempered pocket springs in the middle.
H&G’s digital director, Virginia Clark, tested out this pocket sprung mattress and said: ‘Once you’re stretched out, the mattress lives up to its medium-firm name, and feels no less supportive than the firm sprung mattress that was its predecessor, but with a comforting plushness to its texture. There’s also no need to turn this mattress – indeed it would be a bad idea as you’d end up with gel on the bottom and springs on the top – just a rotation every few months will keep it in shape. A few weeks in, and the mattress seems to get more and more comfortable, its yielding yet firm surface a welcoming presence.’
