Best picks

10 Best Cheap Mattresses Worth Buying (October 2026)

Updated on · By the Discount Mattress team

The best cheap mattresses include the EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen for everyday queen beds, the Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen for medium feel, and the EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen for lower bed frames.

On this page (7 sections)
  1. How we chose the best cheap mattresses
  2. Best cheap mattress picks by feel and setup
  3. How do you choose the best cheap mattress for your bed?
  4. Is a cheap mattress suitable for everyday sleep?
  5. What mistakes should you avoid when buying a cheap mattress?
  6. How should you set up and care for a mattress in a box?
  7. Which best cheap mattress should you choose?

The best cheap mattress for most queen beds is the EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen, a medium-firm foam mattress with green tea gel. For a different feel, compare Zinus's medium-feel foam or Linenspa's 8-inch foam-and-coil hybrid.

A budget mattress can work for daily sleep, a guest room or a low-clearance bed when its feel, height and construction match your needs. This guide compares foam and hybrid choices, then shows how to narrow them down by bed frame, sleep position and setup.

Our picks at a glance

  1. 1 EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen
    Best for everyday queen beds

    EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen

    8.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen
    Best for medium feel

    Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen

    8.3/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen
    Best for lower bed frames

    EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen

    8.0/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  1. 4GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel Queen

    GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel Queen

    Best for balanced cushioning
    Check it
  2. 5Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Queen

    Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Queen

    Best for coil response
    Check it
  3. 6Modway Jenna 10 Inch Queen

    Modway Jenna 10 Inch Queen

    Best for firm spring feel
    Check it
  4. 7Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid Queen

    Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid Queen

    Best for taller hybrid beds
    Check it
  5. 8CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid Queen

    CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid Queen

    Best for reinforced edges
    Check it
  6. 9Best Price Mattress 6 Inch QueenCheck it
  7. 10Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Queen

    Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Queen

    Best for bunk clearance
    Check it

How we chose the best cheap mattresses

The best cheap mattress balances a useful profile and feel with a construction that suits your bed. We compared the listed materials, thickness, comfort features and practical details such as setup guidance and warranty terms.

Foam picks dominate this group. They contour around the body and absorb movement, while the hybrid choices add coils for a more responsive feel.

Those broad differences can help you narrow the options, but your preferred firmness and bed setup should make the final call.

We also considered where each profile makes sense. A taller mattress can provide more height on a standard frame.

A 6- or 8-inch option may fit a trundle, bunk or guest bed where clearance matters. Read how much to spend on a mattress for help setting a budget, then compare construction in our memory foam mattress guide and hybrid mattress picks.

ProductBest forTypeHeightFeelOur score
EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queeneveryday queen bedsMemory foam10 inMedium firm8.6
Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queenmedium feelMemory foam10 inMedium8.3
EGOHOME 8 Inch Queenlower bed framesMemory foam8 inMedium firm8.0
GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel Queenbalanced cushioningMemory foam10 inMedium8.0
Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Queencoil responseHybrid8 inMedium firm7.9
Modway Jenna 10 Inch Queenfirm spring feelInnerspring and foam10 in7.9
Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid Queentaller hybrid bedsHybrid12 inMedium7.8
CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid Queenreinforced edgesHybrid10 inMedium7.5
Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Queenguest bedsMemory foam6 inMedium7.5
Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Queenbunk clearanceMemory foam6 inMedium firm7.4

Best cheap mattress picks by feel and setup

The right cheap mattress depends on whether you want contouring foam, spring response or a lower profile. Use the short reviews below to match a pick to the way you sleep and the bed it will go on.

1

EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen: Best for everyday queen beds

EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen, cheap mattresses
8.6/10Our score
  • 10-inch memory foam
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Green tea gel foam
  • Queen size

A 10-inch queen memory foam mattress with a medium-firm feel and green tea gel foam. It suits shoppers who want a full-height foam option without choosing a hybrid.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 10-inch profile
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Green tea gel foam

Cons

  • Foam feel may not suit people who prefer a springier surface
  • Queen size may be more mattress than a bunk or trundle needs

EGOHOME’s 10-inch queen is the leading all-purpose pick here for shoppers who want medium-firm foam at a standard height. Green tea gel memory foam and a bubble-hole structure are intended to support airflow, while the foam contours as you change position.

Choose it for a primary queen bed if you like a closer, quieter foam surface and want more height than a thin mattress provides. Skip it if you prefer a springier feel, need a lower mattress for a bunk or trundle, or are uncertain about medium-firm comfort.

Before unboxing, clear a path to the bedroom and make sure the frame is ready. A compressed queen mattress can be awkward to maneuver after it expands, so position the box near the bed and follow the supplied setup guidance.

EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea QueenCheck it on Amazon
2

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen: Best for medium feel

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen, cheap mattresses
8.3/10Our score
  • 10-inch memory foam
  • Medium feel
  • Cooling gel foam
  • Queen size

A medium-feel foam mattress with cooling gel memory foam and a 10-inch profile. Zinus says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Medium feel
  • 10-inch profile
  • Zinus says it contains no fiberglass

Cons

  • Foam construction may feel less responsive than coils
  • Allow 24–72 hours for expansion

Zinus’s Cooling Essential gives you a 10-inch queen foam mattress with a medium feel. Its gel memory foam is designed to pull heat away, while the breathable cover and contouring foam target airflow and pressure relief.

Choose it if medium feels more comfortable to you than medium firm, especially if you switch between sleeping positions.

Skip it if you want coil bounce or a distinctly firm surface. Zinus says its foam is CertiPUR-US certified, its cover meets OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and the mattress uses a carbon-rayon flame barrier instead of fiberglass.

Allow 24–72 hours for expansion, as Zinus recommends, and plan a temporary sleeping arrangement if you need the bed immediately. Its compatibility with platform beds, box springs, slatted frames and adjustable bases gives it flexibility, but check your frame’s instructions before setup.

Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential QueenCheck it on Amazon
3

EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen: Best for lower bed frames

EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen, cheap mattresses
8.0/10Our score
  • 8-inch memory foam
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Green tea gel foam
  • Queen size

This 8-inch EGOHOME foam mattress keeps the medium-firm feel and green tea gel feature in a lower profile. It can suit a guest bed where a taller mattress is not needed.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Lower 8-inch profile
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Green tea gel foam

Cons

  • Less height than the 10-inch picks
  • Foam may not suit shoppers who want coil bounce

EGOHOME’s 8-inch queen keeps the medium-firm foam feel and green tea gel feature in a shorter profile. That makes it a practical match for a guest bed, a lower frame or a setup where a taller mattress would push the sleeper too close to a top bunk.

Choose it when clearance is a real constraint and you still want foam contouring.

Skip it if you want the taller feel of a 10- or 12-inch mattress or prefer the added response of coils. EGOHOME describes the foam as breathable and pressure relieving.

Check the frame’s mattress-height limit and consider how high the finished bed will sit once bedding is added. Our mattress thickness guide explains how mattress height affects fit and access.

EGOHOME 8 Inch QueenCheck it on Amazon
4

GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel Queen: Best for balanced cushioning

GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel Queen, cheap mattresses
8.0/10Our score
  • 10-inch gel memory foam
  • Medium feel
  • Queen size
  • Compressed in a box

GAESTE pairs a 10-inch profile with gel memory foam and a medium feel. Its foam and cover are described as CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Medium feel
  • 10-inch profile
  • Gel memory foam

Cons

  • Foam feel may not suit coil fans
  • GAESTE says to allow 72 hours for expansion

GAESTE is a 10-inch queen foam option with gel memory foam and a medium feel. Its combination of cushioning and support suits shoppers who want a balanced feel rather than the firmer sensation of the EGOHOME models.

Choose it if you prefer medium comfort and want a simple all-foam design.

Skip it if you value coil responsiveness, or if you need a mattress that can be used the day it arrives. GAESTE recommends waiting 72 hours for full expansion.

The brand says the foam is CertiPUR-US certified and the cover is OEKO-TEX certified. It describes the mattress as compatible with most queen frames, box springs and platforms, but compare your frame’s own requirements before opening the package.

GAESTE 10 Inch Cooling Gel QueenCheck it on Amazon
5

Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Queen: Best for coil response

Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid Queen, cheap mattresses
7.9/10Our score
  • 8-inch hybrid
  • Memory foam and innerspring coils
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Queen size

Linenspa combines memory foam and innerspring coils in an 8-inch queen mattress. The medium-firm feel and lower profile make it a useful hybrid option for guest rooms, bunk beds and trundles.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Foam and coil construction
  • Medium-firm feel
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons

  • 8-inch profile is lower than several foam picks
  • Coils may transfer more movement than an all-foam design

Linenspa’s 8-inch hybrid joins memory foam with innerspring coils for a more responsive surface than all-foam choices. The medium-firm feel is aimed at back and stomach sleepers, and Linenspa also positions it for guest rooms, bunk beds and trundles.

Choose this one if you want foam cushioning with spring support, or need a lower hybrid for a secondary bed. Skip it if you want the close contour of all-foam construction or are especially sensitive to movement from another sleeper.

Linenspa recommends allowing 24 to 72 hours for full expansion. For a closer look at this type of build, see what a hybrid mattress is.

Linenspa 8 Inch Hybrid QueenCheck it on Amazon
6

Modway Jenna 10 Inch Queen: Best for firm spring feel

Modway Jenna 10 Inch Queen, cheap mattresses
7.9/10Our score
  • 10-inch hybrid design
  • Individually wrapped coils
  • Quilted cover
  • Queen size

Jenna combines individually wrapped coils with foam and a quilted cover. It is a firmer innerspring-style option for shoppers who want more spring response than an all-foam mattress.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Individually wrapped coils
  • Quilted cover
  • 10-inch stated profile

Cons

  • Modway gives a 1-year warranty against manufacturer defects
  • Firm feel may not suit people who want more cushioning

Modway Jenna combines individually wrapped coils, foam and a quilted cover for shoppers who prefer a firm, spring-led feel. The brand describes the coils as helping limit motion between partners, making this a different choice from the softer contour of memory foam.

Choose it if you want a firm surface and more spring response. Skip it if you want medium or medium-firm cushioning, or if a clearly stated warranty term is a priority: Modway’s warranty information specifies one year against manufacturer defects.

There is conflicting height information in the product details: the name and dimensions indicate 10 inches, while a separate thickness field says 6 inches. Confirm the actual height and compatibility with your frame before buying.

Modway Jenna 10 Inch QueenCheck it on Amazon
7

Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid Queen: Best for taller hybrid beds

Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid Queen, cheap mattresses
7.8/10Our score
  • 12-inch hybrid
  • Pocket springs and gel memory foam
  • Medium feel
  • Queen size

Ailis combines pocket springs and gel memory foam in a 12-inch queen hybrid. It offers a taller profile for shoppers who want both foam cushioning and coil support.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • 12-inch profile
  • Pocket springs and gel memory foam
  • Medium feel

Cons

  • Taller than the 8- and 10-inch choices
  • Ailis does not state a warranty term

Ailis is a 12-inch queen hybrid with pocket springs and gel memory foam, giving it the tallest profile in this roundup. Its medium feel, breathable cover and individually wrapped coils make it a fit for shoppers seeking both foam cushioning and spring response.

Choose it if your bed frame can handle a taller mattress and you want a more substantial profile. Skip it if you need low clearance, want an all-foam surface or need a clearly stated warranty term before making a decision.

Ailis says the mattress works with common frames such as platforms and slatted foundations. Measure the bed height and check your fitted-sheet depth before choosing it over the shorter Linenspa hybrid.

Ailis 12 Inch Hybrid QueenCheck it on Amazon
8

CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid Queen: Best for reinforced edges

CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid Queen, cheap mattresses
7.5/10Our score
  • 10-inch hybrid
  • Individually wrapped pocket coils
  • Medium feel
  • Reinforced edges

This 10-inch hybrid pairs foam with individually wrapped pocket coils. CH Charme House describes reinforced edges and a medium feel.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Pocket coils and foam
  • Reinforced edge support described
  • 10-year limited warranty

Cons

  • The brand says opened mattresses cannot be returned
  • No precise foam layer thicknesses are given

CH Charme House pairs foam with individually wrapped pocket coils in a 10-inch queen hybrid. It has a medium feel, and the brand describes reinforced edges for a more stable perimeter.

Choose it if you want a hybrid and value edge support features, such as when you sit near the side of the bed to get dressed. Skip it if you may want to return an opened mattress: CH Charme House says opened mattresses cannot be returned.

The brand gives a 10-year limited warranty. Read the return and warranty terms before removing the packaging so you know what applies to your purchase.

CH Charme House 10 Inch Hybrid QueenCheck it on Amazon
9

Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Queen: Best for guest beds

Best Price Mattress 6 Inch Queen, cheap mattresses
7.5/10Our score
  • 6-inch memory foam
  • Green tea infusion
  • Medium feel
  • Queen size

This 6-inch foam mattress has a green tea infusion and a lower profile. Consider it for a guest setup or platform where a taller mattress is not required.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Low 6-inch profile
  • Green tea infusion
  • 10-year warranty

Cons

  • Less height than most everyday-bed picks
  • A 6-inch mattress may not fit every sleeper's comfort needs

Best Price Mattress is a 6-inch queen foam mattress with a medium feel and green tea infusion. Its low profile can suit a guest setup, a platform that sits high already or a bed with a firm clearance limit.

Choose it for an occasional-use bed where a simple foam surface and compact height make sense. Skip it if you want the fuller profile of a 10-inch mattress or are choosing a mattress for everyday use without first deciding whether six inches gives you enough height and cushioning.

The brand describes layers of memory foam, support foam and high-density base foam, and says the foams are CertiPUR-US certified. It also gives a 10-year warranty.

Best Price Mattress 6 Inch QueenCheck it on Amazon
10

Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Queen: Best for bunk clearance

Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea Queen, cheap mattresses
7.4/10Our score
  • 6-inch memory foam
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Green tea and charcoal infusion
  • Queen size

Zinus pairs a 6-inch profile with medium-firm memory foam, green tea extract and purified charcoal. It fits shoppers who need a lower queen mattress and prefer a foam feel.

See it on Amazon

Pros

  • Low 6-inch profile
  • Medium-firm feel
  • Zinus says it contains no fiberglass

Cons

  • Lower profile offers less height than the 10-inch options
  • Allow 24–72 hours for expansion

Zinus’s 6-inch Green Tea Queen is a medium-firm memory foam mattress with green tea extract and purified charcoal. It is another low-profile option for a bed where clearance matters, with a breathable knitted cover and durable base foam.

Choose it for a lower queen setup when you prefer medium-firm foam.

Skip it if a thin mattress would make the bed uncomfortable to get in and out of, or if you want a taller surface for everyday sleep. Zinus says the mattress is fiberglass free, with CertiPUR-US certified foam and an OEKO-TEX Standard 100 cover.

Allow 24–72 hours for expansion. If you want the same general foam feel at a taller height, compare the Zinus 10-inch model near the top of this list.

Zinus 6 Inch Green Tea QueenCheck it on Amazon

How do you choose the best cheap mattress for your bed?

Choose the best cheap mattress by matching its size, height and feel to your frame and sleeping preferences before comparing extra features. Then review the setup guidance, warranty and return terms.

Start by measuring the bed frame, room and route through the home. A queen is typically 60 x 80 inches, but measure your frame rather than relying on the size label alone.

Our queen mattress guide has more options, and the mattress size chart can help you plan room space.

Next, decide between foam and hybrid construction. Foam is a strong fit if you want contouring and reduced motion transfer.

A hybrid is worth considering if you prefer a more responsive feel from coils alongside foam cushioning.

Then choose a feel. Medium, medium firm and firm are not interchangeable labels, and comfort is personal.

If you share a bed, discuss firmness together and consider whether either sleeper needs a noticeably softer or firmer surface.

Finally, check mattress height against your frame, sheets, headboard and any bunk clearance. A 6- or 8-inch profile can solve a clearance problem, but a 10- or 12-inch model may be a better fit when you want a taller bed.

Is a cheap mattress suitable for everyday sleep?

A cheap mattress can work for everyday sleep when its feel, height and construction suit you. A lower price alone does not tell you whether the mattress will be comfortable for your body or sleep habits.

For nightly use, prioritize the feel you can live with, a height that works with your bed and clear warranty terms. If you share the bed, consider how much movement you feel and whether a foam or hybrid surface better matches both sleepers.

A low-profile mattress can be a good fit for a guest room or bunk bed but may not be the right compromise for your primary bed. If you have ongoing pain or sleep problems, talk with a health professional rather than relying on a mattress change alone.

What mistakes should you avoid when buying a cheap mattress?

The most common mistake is choosing by discount or feature list before checking fit. A mattress that is too tall, too low or the wrong feel for you can be poor value even if it has appealing extras.

Avoid these buying errors:

  • Skipping measurements: Check the frame, room, doorway route and any bunk limit before ordering.
  • Assuming thinner means better value: A short profile solves clearance problems, but it may not give you the height or cushioning you want.
  • Treating cooling claims as a guarantee: Gel foam and breathable covers are design features, not a promise that every hot sleeper will stay cool.
  • Ignoring setup time: Several of these mattresses need hours or days to expand. Plan where the mattress will be opened and where you will sleep while it settles.
  • Opening before checking terms: CH Charme House says opened mattresses cannot be returned. Confirm the return window and warranty conditions before unboxing any mattress.
  • Overlooking frame support: Check the mattress maker’s frame guidance and your bed’s instructions, especially for slats, adjustable bases and bunk beds.

How should you set up and care for a mattress in a box?

Set up a mattress in a box in the room where it will be used, following the brand’s instructions and expansion time. Clear the floor, prepare the frame and avoid dragging the compressed package through a narrow space after opening it.

Once it is on the frame, remove the wrapping carefully and allow it to expand for the recommended period.

Zinus and Linenspa give 24–72 hours; GAESTE recommends 72 hours. Expansion time varies, so use the guidance for your specific mattress.

Use a fitted sheet that matches the mattress height, and keep food and liquids away from the sleep surface. A mattress protector can make routine cleanup easier, but check care instructions before using any cleaner or removing a cover.

Rotate the mattress only if the brand’s instructions allow it. Keep the frame stable and check it periodically for loose parts, since a mattress depends on a suitable base for support.

Which best cheap mattress should you choose?

Choose the EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen for a medium-firm, everyday queen foam mattress. Pick Zinus Cooling Essential for a medium feel, Linenspa for foam with coil response, or a 6- to 8-inch model when a lower profile solves a real clearance need.

Choose GAESTE if you want a medium-feel foam option, and look at CH Charme House or Ailis if you want a hybrid with a taller or more reinforced design. Before buying, measure your bed, check expansion time and review the warranty and return terms.

For help setting a budget before you decide, read how much to spend on a mattress.

Our top 3 picks at a glance

  1. 1 EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen
    Best for everyday queen beds

    EGOHOME 10 Inch Green Tea Queen

    8.6/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  2. 2 Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen
    Best for medium feel

    Zinus 10 Inch Cooling Essential Queen

    8.3/10 our score

    See it on Amazon
  3. 3 EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen
    Best for lower bed frames

    EGOHOME 8 Inch Queen

    8.0/10 our score

    See it on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

What should I look for in a cheap mattress?

Start with the right size, feel and construction for your bed and sleep habits. Check the mattress height against your frame, sheets and any headboard or bunk clearance.

Then compare foam, hybrid or innerspring designs, the return terms and the warranty.

A low price matters less if the mattress does not fit your space or comfort needs.

Is a cheap mattress good for everyday use?

It can be, if its feel, support and height suit you and the brand provides clear care and warranty terms. A lower-cost mattress may also work well for a guest room or a temporary setup.

If you have ongoing pain or sleep problems, talk with a health professional before relying on a mattress change.

Is foam or hybrid better on a budget?

Foam mattresses often keep construction simple and can contour around the body, while hybrids combine foam with coils for a more responsive feel. For example, Linenspa's 8-inch queen combines memory foam and innerspring coils.

Choose by feel and setup needs, since neither construction is best for everyone.

Are thinner mattresses always a better value?

No. A thinner mattress can fit bunk beds, trundles or guest setups where clearance matters, but it may not offer the height you want for everyday sleep.

Compare the mattress profile with your frame and comfort preferences.

Our guide to mattress thickness explains what to consider.

How do I choose the right queen mattress?

Check that your frame is made for a queen, then measure the room and route the mattress must travel through. A queen mattress can be foam or hybrid, so choose the feel and construction that fit your sleep preferences.

See our queen mattress picks for more options.