The best cheap mattresses under £500 for sleeping easy on your bank balance
From Emma to Silentnight, these budget mattresses are tried and tested to prove comfort doesn't always have to have a big price tag. Consider this your guide to cheap mattresses in 2024.
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Best cheap memory foam mattressEmma Sleep Original MattressRead more
Best budget cheap mattressOrigin Hybrid MattressRead more
Best budget mattress for temperature regulationOtty Original Hybrid MattressRead more
All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Investing in a great mattress doesn’t always have to mean spending your life’s savings. Some of the best cheap mattress options can deliver a superb night's sleep at an affordable price, whatever your preferred sleeping position – be that on your side, back or face-into-the-pillow stomach.
You could splash out over £500 on one of the best hybrid mattresses or best memory-foam mattresses out there, or you could choose one of our best budget mattress picks in your hunt for a new mattress so you can spend the money you save on something more exciting – a holiday, some luxurious bedding, we won't judge. You might miss out on the odd additional layer of memory foam, have less breathable technology for airflow, or perhaps simply have less comfort layers, but in some instances, that won't matter.
True sleep connoisseurs will no doubt be able to tell the difference between a £2,000 mattress and a £500 one, but the rest of us will enjoy the relief of pressure points and back pain knowing we didn’t have a rob a bank. To help you navigate the ever-complicated mattress world, we've taken into account our mattress reviews and expert knowledge to find affordable high-quality mattresses that will still deliver some awesome shut-eye and a good night’s sleep without the high price tag.
Skip to: What is the best cheap mattress? | How we test cheap mattresses: GQ's review process | Is it OK to buy a cheap mattress? | Is it worth spending money on an expensive mattress? | How often should you replace your mattress? | What is a reasonably priced mattress? | Shop GQ's edit of the best budget mattresses in the UK to buy now…
What is the best cheap mattress?
Finding a good mattress with a low price is by no means an impossible feat. In fact, some of our top picks for the best mattresses overall even come in at the sub £500 mark. Whether you're after a pocket sprung mattress, a more contouring memory foam mattress, or the best of both worlds with a hybrid, there are affordable mattresses out there in all categories and with a variety of firmness options, delivering a significant upgrade to what you're probably sleeping on currently. We've listed all of our favourites in more detail below, but if you want a quick-fire pick of our top recommendations, then look no further than below.
- Best budget memory foam mattress: Emma Original, from £249 at argos.co.uk
- Best budget cheap mattress: Origin Mattress, from £279 at originmattress.co.uk
- Best budget hybrid mattress: The Original Hybrid Pocket Sprung Mattress, from £339 at dusk.com
- Best budget mattress for temperature regulation: Otty Original Hybrid Mattress, from £450 at otty.com
- Most eco-friendly budget mattress: Studio by Silentnight, from £268 at wayfair.co.uk
How we test budget mattresses: GQ's review process
For every mattress in this guide, our testers have slept on it for at least a month to make sure we had a good idea of how the materials and designs performed. Our criteria for choosing mattresses includes looking at the construction, the firmness, the fillings, the range of positions it is suitable for, the cost, the durability, and in general how it performs in comparison to claims from the brand. We also look for added features like temperature regulation, removable covers and any materials that can help allergy sufferers. If you'd like to read a more detailed analysis, check out our full tried and tested guide to the best mattresses on the market, in which every single mattress has been put through the wringer to make sure we only recommend the best. **Find out more about how we test mattresses at GQ. **
- Daphne Bugler: One of GQ's Senior Commerce Writers, Daphne Bugler has worked at GQ since 2019, leading GQ's Interiors coverage since 2021. For the past three years, she's worked with and spoken to most of the leading mattress brands on the market, gaining insight from experts and also testing out as many as possible.
- Britta O'Boyle: Having worked in the industry for the past 14 years, if anyone can tell a good mattress from a bad one, it's Britta. Her expertise in everything to do with Interiors is comprehensive, and she's taken plenty of time with this guide to figure out which affordable mattresses are actually worth your time.
Mattress FAQs
There are a few frequently asked questions when it comes to mattress shopping - and rightly so, it's always worth asking questions before spending any significant amount of money.
In short, yes, of course, it’s fine to want to spend less money on your mattress. But what this doesn’t mean, is that it’s okay to just pop whichever mattress costs the least in your cart and expect to be sleeping well and feeling good for the rest of your years using it. If you want to support a healthy lifestyle with your sleep, you can still shop smart and find good, affordable mattresses, but while also making sure it’s right for you.
Pay attention to the materials used in the design, the firmness and cushioning it offers and what sleeping styles the mattress in question is best for. Think about whether or not it has any breathable or temperature-regulating properties if you fall into the hot sleepers out there, and then make sure you find a mattress with a good night trial period, so that you can send it back should it just not suit you. Another great way to save money on mattresses it to shop the almost always ongoing mattress sales, making it possible to find some of the market-leading brands at prices under £500.
If you have the budget and are financially capable of doing so, a more expensive mattress can definitely be worth the investment. Chances are, they’ll last longer, provide more support and better responsiveness for your back and joints, help create a temperature-regulated environment to prevent overheating, and just feel more comfortable than cheaper mattresses.
This being said, if it’s not currently in your wheelhouse, you can shop the best mattress sales, and our favourite budget mattresses below. They aren’t all in quite the same league, but many of the picks below will still be a good upgrade and you’ll still find decent edge support, motion isolation, as well as a variety of options from all-foam mattress to cooling mattresses, and firm mattresses to softer mattresses.
There’s plenty of debate around how often you should replace your mattress, and different sleep brands will recommend different time periods based on the durability of their own products. In general terms, the Better Sleep Council recommends you replace your mattress every seven years, but in reality, if you invest in a better quality mattress it’s likely to last much longer.
You’ll normally be able to notice a few key signs it’s time to update your mattress as well, whether that be sagging, a decline in comfort, any smells or visible deterioration on the sleep surface, or simply if you’re waking up with more aches and pains than you expect.
While we’d say everyone’s idea of reasonably priced is different, if we’re speaking objectively, you can get a good quality, well-made mattress for less than £500 with a good bit of research. If you want something a bit more luxurious, look towards the £1,000 area and above for fun extras. Thankfully though, if you’re hoping to not completely break the bank but still want a good mattress, we’ve compiled all of our favourites above.
Shop GQ's edit of the best budget mattresses in the UK…
These are our full and detailed picks of the best cheap mattress to consider, with details on their firmness, the sizes available, trial periods and the type of mattress they are.
Best cheap memory foam mattress
1/9Emma Sleep
Original Mattress
- Firmness: Medium
- Type of mattress: Memory foam
- Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 200 nights
- Guarantee: 10 years guarantee
- Today's best deals: Shop at Argos from £249
Whether be it from word of mouth or just because its marketing is plastered all over the tube, Emma's Original Mattress is arguably one of the most recognisable and commonly known bed-in-a-box mattresses around. Who would have guessed that one of the most popular mattresses on the market also happens to be one of the most affordable?
Still prioritising quality, despite coming in as a sub £500 mattress, the Emma Original has three layers of pressure-relieving memory foam that work together with temperature regulating technology to create a cool, comfortable sleeping environment. There's a reason we recommend this as one of our best mattresses, price aside. Plus, if you're looking to completely overhaul your sleep, the company also does a mattress topper and bed frame, as well as one of our favourite pillows. From £339. At emma-sleep.co.uk
Pros & ConsPros- Very popular
- Good for motion isolation
- Extensive trial period
Cons- Can dip in the middle after a few years
Best budget cheap mattress
2/9Origin
Hybrid Mattress
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Hybrid mattress
- Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 200 nights
- Guarantee: 15 years
- Today's best deals: Shop at Origin from £279
We’re huge fans of hybrid mattresses here at GQ, having slept on one ourselves for the past two years. But it’s certainly a real challenge finding a good one that’s not being sold at an extortionately high price. Stripping things back to the simple necessities, Origin’s Hybrid manages to be everything we love about hybrid mattresses (the support, the comfort, the pressure relief), leaving behind unnecessary extravagances. That isn’t to say it’s the bare minimum, however, as it incorporates six layers and sits at a thickness of 26cm, combining pocket springs with temperature regulating materials and natural bamboo foam.
Having tried and tested this one for ourselves, we found the pressure relief to be what really made the most difference to us. Compared to other mattresses we’d slept on before, we felt significantly more comfortable overnight, and woke up with fewer aches and pains. Origin has designed it to be suitable for all sleepers, whether you tend to lurk on your front or side, uniquely adapting to your individual body size and shape using a ‘hexagrid’ structure. From
£465£279. At originmattress.co.ukPros & ConsPros- Advanced support system
- Decent trial period
Cons- Can feel firm
Best budget mattress for temperature regulation
3/9Otty
Original Hybrid Mattress
- Firmness: Medium firm
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King, Small Double, EU Double, EU King, Emperor
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Guarantee: 10 years guarantee
- Today's best deals: Shop at Otty from £470
This excellent little number comes from Otty and it's the first mattress in the UK to offer bamboo memory foam infused with charcoal. Why you might think? Well, the combination of these materials are designed to wick away moisture and eliminate odours, while also being beneficial to those that usher with allergies and sensitive skin.
It's breathable, exceptionally comfortable and it offers support exactly where you might need it. There are a range of size options, a sumptuous 25cm thickness and a medium to firm support, though it is on the firm side so that's worth keeping in mind if you prefer soft. This one might be on the expensive side of ‘cheap’ but it is worth it. From
£530£470. At otty.comPros & ConsPros- Supportive and comfortable
- Breathable
- Sustainable
Cons- Quite soft for medium-firm
Best budget hybrid mattress
4/9Dusk
The Original Hybrid 2,000 Pocket Sprung Mattress
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Hybrid
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Guarantee: Unspecified
- Today's best deals: Shop at Dusk from £339
Finding good brands that are also affordable is very much a trial and error process, but having tried and tested many of Dusk’s range of bedding and mattresses, we can confirm this one is a winner. At just over £300 for a double size, the Dusk Hybrid incorporates both pocket springs and memory foam, designed in four layers which gives it that extra bit of care than some of the other more budget-friendly brands.
The two foam layers work to create a supportive, pressure relieving environment, while the 2,000 pocket springs add a bit of bounce, while also just adding to how comfortable the mattress feels overall. And coming in at a medium-firm, it’s basically managed to mimic the sensation of being comfortably cocooned. From
£449£339. At dusk.comPros & ConsPros- Four layers despite price
- Comes rolled-up which makes it easy to move
Cons- Double size can sometimes be sold out
Best thick cheap mattress
5/9Nectar
Memory Foam Mattress
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Memory Foam
- Sizes available: Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 365 nights
- Guarantee: Forever
- Today's best deals: Shop at Nectar from £380
Nectar has a number of mattresses – all of which are worth your attention – but the one we have selected for this guide is the OG Memory Foam option. The 25cm depth is made up of five layers, with a Quilted Cool Cover on the top and Positioning Base Material on the bottom, sandwiching some serious technology in between.
There's a Dynamic Support layer coupled with Pressure Relieving Memory Foam and a 7 Zone Supportive Base, all of which work together to offer serious levels of comfort, whilst providing excellent body support and spinal alignment. There is a Hybrid model available if you want to add a spring to your step, but for those looking for a budget memory foam number, this is a solid bet. From
£475£380. At nectarsleep.co.ukPros & ConsPros- A very impressive and thick mattress
- Good value
Cons- May be better with a hybrid for all-round performance
Best cheap pocket-sprung mattress
6/9Silentnight
Eco Comfort Breathe Pocket 1200
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Pocketed Coil
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: Unspecified
- Guarantee: Unspecified
- Today's best deals: Shop at The Sleep Shop for £327
Silentnight offers mattresses of all shapes and sizes, with a range of pocket spring, memory foam and hybrid options all available for less than £500. It’s worth properly browsing through its collection to see which specific mattress might work best for you, as they are all tailored to suit different styles of sleepers, but if you’re after one of our recommendations, we’d say the classic pocket spring options are a good place to start.
A decidedly traditional approach to mattresses, Silentnight’s Eco Comfort is a standard pocket spring construction, made up of 1200 Mirapocket springs for a medium-firm feel. The mattress has plenty of support, containing the fun addition of an ‘Eco Comfort’ layer which uses sustainable fibres to encourage air circulation and help regulate the temperature of your sleeping environment overnight. From
£616£327. At thesleepshop.co.uk and amazon.co.ukPros & ConsPros- Good traditional feeling
- Comfortable and supportive
Cons- Not a good option if you like memory foam
Best budget Japanese mattress
7/9HiGrid
Premium Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium
- Type of mattress: Hybrid mattress
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 200 nights
- Guarantee: 10 years
- Today's best deals: Shop at Amazon from £390
HiGrid is relatively new to the UK mattress market, but its introduction of innovative Japanese-patented technology swiftly captured our attention. Comprising seven layers, including three foam layers enveloping the unique SmartGrid layer, carbon-tempered steel coils and an anti-skid base, HiGrid is a compelling option for a mattress full stop, let alone a cheap one. The addition of a hypoallergenic mattress cover ensures a final touch of quality – and for a price that's really quite impressive (when it's on sale and actually available).
The standout feature is the SmartGrid layer, which boasts 2,500 air channels arranged in a grid formation. This dynamic design responds to body movements and weight shifts, providing a remarkably adaptable and supportive sleeping surface - we should know, we've tried it. Unlike traditional foam materials, HiGrid maintains breathability and resilience over time, resisting sagging. It takes approximately three weeks for adjustment, and will gradually soften over time, but the overall support it provides is excellent, alleviating strain on the neck and promoting alignment. From
£899£315. At amazon.co.ukPros & ConsPros- Quick delivery
- Unique technology
Cons- Only affordable on sale
- Goes out of stock regularly
Best cheap mattress for athletes
8/9Zoma
Original Mattress
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Foam
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King, Super King
- Trial period: 100 nights
- Guarantee: 10 year warranty
- Today's best deals: Shop at Zoma from £399
Zoma’s goal was to create a mattress specifically designed for recovery, with the intention of making it so good that it would suit even top performing athletes who’s sleep is fundamental to their performance. While most of us don’t exactly fit in this category, there’s no reason why we should be looking for anything less than the most advanced designs, especially when they're under £500.
An all-foam design, the mattress works to target pressure points with its memory foam design, balancing comfort and support nicely so it still feels soft enough to help you relax, but with an underlying firmness that helps keep your body aligned. This pairs with the AirCloth cover, a material specifically designed to be moisture and heat-wicking, as well as breathable and cooling throughout the night, keeping your temperature at a level that helps you sleep for longer. From
£649£399. At zomasleep.comPros & ConsPros- Designed to help athletes recover
- The ticket to a good night's sleep
Cons- On the pricier side of cheap
Best sustainable cheap mattress
9/9Silentnight
Studio Eco Hybrid
- Firmness: Medium Firm
- Type of mattress: Pocket Sprung
- Sizes available: Single, Double, King
- Trial period: 60 nights
- Guarantee: 3 years
- Today's best deals: Shop at Wayfair from £252
When it comes to choosing what we sleep on, sustainability isn't as widely talked about compared to obvious polluters like bottled water or clothes shopping. For those where it is a consideration however, the Silentnight Studio Eco mattress stands out by being crafted entirely from recyclable materials, a rare feat in an industry heavily reliant on foam and synthetics. One of its key selling points is its contribution to environmental preservation, having prevented an estimated 105 million plastic bottles from polluting oceans and landfills thanks to its design.
Fortunately, it's not all just about eco-friendly credentials however – they are the cherry on top of this comfy mattress cake. It also offers sturdy support and remains comfortably soft and cool thanks to its 1,000 pocket springs providing a hybrid mattress experience. There's a slight lack of support around the edges, particularly noticeable in smaller sizes like the double we tested, but that's pretty much all we can complain about for this price. From
£268£252. At wayfair.co.ukNow read:
Best Mattress 2024: 18 Best Mattresses Tried, Tested & Reviewed by GQ Editors
The best mattresses for side sleepers that are actually comfortable
Pros & ConsPros- Good attention to sustainable practices in construction
- Very affordable
Cons- Not the best for edge support
