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 as comfortable and long-lasting as one of the best mattresses in general. Years of innovation in the mattress world from bed-in-a-box brands like Simba and Emma have meant that a good night's sleep needn't cost the earth–and luckily for you, we've had our team of sleep experts testing them out for the past five years to find the best ones to invest in.
What are the best cheap mattresses under £600 to buy in 2025?
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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 whether 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.
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.
- Our methodology: How we tested and picked the best cheap mattresses
- Who we are and why you can trust us:
- Defining cheap: What is a cheap mattress?
- Key factors we considered and our criteria:
- What are the best cheap mattresses to buy in 2025?
- What to think about when buying a cheap mattress:
- What are the common pitfalls of buying a cheap mattress? And how can you avoid them?
- Are cheap mattresses durable?
What are the best Boxing Day deals on cheap mattresses?
You came here for a cheap mattress, but thanks to the early Boxing Day mattress sales (yes, many of them are already live) you can now get many of them at even cheaper prices. Alternatively, you can get a discount on a more luxurious mattress. We've included a few of our favourite deals below.
Our methodology: How we tested and picked the best cheap mattresses
Despite their lower price point, budget mattresses are still available in a variety of different styles. 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?
You'll also need to 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.
Our team at House & Garden is led by Commerce Editor Arabella Bowes who's been writing about everything to do with sleep and interior design for the past five years. She's tried and tested countless mattresses, and oversees the testing process alongside Tilly Wheeler, assigning each mattress that requires testing to a writer who's right for it. They are joined by Daphne Bugler who's been writing about mattresses since 2021, regularly speaking to experts, interviewing sleep specialists and personally testing new and interesting mattress releases herself.
We cover everything to do with mattress shopping here at House & Garden, so to make sure we're only recommending you products that are actually budget-friendly and affordable, we've defined “cheap” as anything under £600 for this guide. We've still included plenty of options at budgets well below this, but to give a full range of options that come in at prices below the luxury range, our guide looks at all of the best mattresses under £600 for a double size.
When we're looking for the best cheap mattresses, our fundamental test is whether or not the mattress does actually have all of the features the brand claims it does online. We're looking at firmness and how accurate the description is about the mattress type, temperature regulation, delivery process, care and any suitability for allergy sufferers, pressure relief, whether or not it works for aches and pains, and of course most importantly, whether or not we slept well. Every mattress is tried and tested by a member of our team or by expert writers and editors in the field, slept on for at least 30 days before we make our decision as to whether it's worth including.
What are the best cheap mattresses to buy in 2025?
Best overall cheap mattress: Emma Original Hybrid Mattress
| Tested by: | Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, queen, king and super king size |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Trial period: | 200 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 22cm |
| Care: | N/A |
| Delivery: | Free delivery |
Why we love it: Most Emma mattresses cost between £500 to £1000, so being able to find one that incorporates all of the key Emma elements, but for just £359, is a huge win in our eyes. 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.
Key features: Four layers, soft-to-the-touch removable and washable cover, foam layer, firm base foam layer, steel pocket springs
Who's it best for? We've had positive feedback from side sleepers who use this mattress, and anyone looking for good zoned support and pressure relief.
Potential downsides: While this mattress is labelled as “medium firm”, it may be too soft for those who have a preference for a mattress on the firmer side.
Best value cheap mattress: Origin Hybrid mattress
| Tested by: | Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, Small Double, Double, King, Super King |
| Guarantee: | 15 years |
| Trial period: | 200 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 26cm |
| Care: | N/A |
| Delivery: | Free next day delivery |
Why we love it: When Origin first landed in the UK (originally from Australia) the one fundamental reason it stood out so much is just how incredible the value for money ratio is. With six layers that comprise of springs, actively cooling foams, wool, a hexagrid adaptive layer (for a very responsive level of targeted pressure relief) and a HexAdapt pillowtop that adapts to your body's unique contours, this is the kind of mattress you'd expect to cost a small fortune. For once, it doesn't, currently priced at £379 for a double with a free Origin Latex pillow thrown in for good measure. If you want even more pressure relief, and even more airflow (hot sleepers this is for you) we'd suggest paying slightly more for the Origin Hybrid Pro, but most sleepers will be more than happy with this.
Key features: HexAdapt Pillowtop, HexaGrid Adaptive Layer, Thermofoam, Bamboo wool, Steel springs, support base.
Who's it best for? All sleeping positions, but we found it worked really well for a front sleeper when it was tested.
Potential downsides: It doesn't feel as firm as some other hybrids, but we found the extra softness made it even more comfortable.
Best cheap mattress brand for innovation: Panda Hybrid
| Tested by: | Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double, king and super king |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Trial period: | 100 night trial |
| Mattress depth: | 27cm |
| Care: | Cover can be machine washed according to label instructions, mattress can be wiped clean or steamed |
| Delivery: | Free UK delivery to a room of choice and free mattress removal service |
Why we love it: If you've not yet read about the benefits of bamboo as a material, let Panda's range of mattresses and sleepware be your first introduction to it. There are the sustainable benefits of it, which are quite widely known and discussed, but the most noticeable way Panda uses it is in how incredily soft it makes the cover, and how breathable the mattress is overall. This isn't entirely down to the bamboo of course, but also Panda's generally innovative approach to mattess design, focusing on creating a product that's comfortable and supportive, yet still afforadable. During the current 25% off sale, we'd say it ticks all of these boxes.
Tested by our in-house mattress expert Daphne Bugler, this is by far and away one of the first mattresses she recommends to any and all of her friends as soon as they ask. It's not just good value, but it's got all of the other features we'd look for like motion control, an antibacterial and hypoallergenic design, and the kind of pressure relief that leaves you waking up feeling better than you did when you tucked yourself in. It's also one of the few “firmer” mattresses that still captures that cloud-like sinking in feeling, without compromising on the support you get overnight.
Key features: Hypoallergenic, comes with a 100 night trial service and a 10 year guarantee.
Who's it best for? This mattress is really suitable for any kind of sleeper, and we'd say it's one of the best all-round products in this guide. Anyone and everyone, get involved.
Any downsides? This is obviously a guide to “cheap” mattresses, and outside of sale season this definitely falls into a higher price bracket than we can imagine most shoppers here are after. If your budget can stretch though, you're getting unmatched value.
Best premium budget mattress: Simba Hybrid Essential Mattress
| Tested by: | Daphne Bugler, Senior Commerce Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, small double, double and king |
| Guarantee: | 10 years |
| Trial period: | 200 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 20cm |
| Care: | Knitted cover with washable zip-off top |
| Delivery: | Free delivery in 5 - 10 working days |
Why we love it: First, please accept our apologies, this mattress does come in at more than £600 for a double, but it's only just over, and we honestly think its one of the best value buys we could recommend, even if it's a bit over the budget we set ourselves. 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.
Key features: Up to 1,000 conical microsprings, zoned CertiPur foam, Simbatex foam (for added airflow) with infused graphite, mid-level firmness that's ideal for body alignment, breathable cover,
Who's it best for? We think most sleepers would do well with this bed.
Potential downsides: If you weigh on the heavier end of the spectrum, you might find this mattress starts to sag quite a bit in some places. Opt for a firmer mattress or something with more springs to help keep the shape.
Best cheap hybrid mattress: REM-FIT 400 Hybrid Mattress
| Tested by: | Hannah Tan-Gillies, Contributing Writer |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Small single, long single, single (UK & EU), small double, double (UK & EU), king (UK & EU) and super king |
| Guarantee: | 15 years |
| Trial period: | 100 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 25cm |
| Care: | N/A |
| Delivery: | Free delivery |
Why we love it: The most affordable in REM-FIT's range of hybrid mattresses, this bed-in-a-box option combines memory foam and premium pocket springs to create a comfortable hybrid mattress. The top layer is made from hypoallergenic foam with an open cell construction that regulates temperature, wicks moisture and prevents overheating. Contributing writer, Hannah Tan-Gillies, tested out this mattress.
Key features: Breathable, open-cell memory foam, 2000 contouring pocket springs, motion isolation, edge-to-edge support
Who's it best for? Anyone who wants the security of a longer trial period and guarantee, hot sleepers and people who love the perfect balance between firm and soft.
Potential downsides: Old mattress removal does come at an extra fee.
Best actually cheap mattress: Dusk Memory Foam 2,000 Hybrid Pocket Spring Mattress
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| Tested by: | Virginia Clark, Digital Director |
|---|---|
| Firmness level: | Medium firm |
| Type of mattress: | Hybrid |
| Sizes available: | Single, double, king and super king |
| Guarantee: | 1 year |
| Trial period: | 100 nights |
| Mattress depth: | 25cm |
| Care: | No flipping, just rotate regularly |
| Delivery: | Free standard delivery |
Why we love it: Crafted in Yorkshire, the 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.'
Key features: Allergy-friendly, made with breathable foam, 2000 pocket springs.
Who's it best for? If you want a mattress that's decent but actually really quite cheap, this is the one. It's also great if you like a slightly softer hybrid.
Potential downsides: Delivery can take quite a bit of time- you might need to order a month or so in advance.
MAY WE SUGGEST: Dusk Hybrid Mattress review
Looking for more mattress content? Take a look at our selection of the best mattresses available to buy in the UK, our round up of the best memory foam mattresses, or our top tips for how to clean a mattress. To enhance your mattress, consider our pick of the best mattress toppers. Finally, if a buying a mattress that's mindful of the environment and your health is important to you, head over to our best organic mattress round up.
What to think about when buying a cheap mattress:
Before your make your purchase, we'd always recommend you think about your preferences for each of the below. Look at how each cheap mattress aligns with what you're going for and then choose the one that fits best with your needs.
- Firmness Level: Do you want something softer or firmer? Most mattresses are medium-firm, so this is always the easiest one to shop for.
- Sleeping Position: Think about the positions you and any potential partners sleep in - mattress brands normally run through which of their mattress suits which positions, whether that's being a front, side or back sleeper.
- Motion Isolation: If you share a bed, you'll want something with good motion isolation to make sure their movements don't cause you to bounce around and wake up in the middle of the night.
- Edge Support: Some mattresses really strangely sag down on the sides - we'd always recommend getting something with good edge support so you can actually use the whole bed and not feel stuck in the middle.
- Temperature Regulation: If you're a hot sleeper, or live somewhere without air conditioning in the summer months, temperature regulation is key. Check any foams are breathable and have good airflow before buying and look for cooling covers.
- Off-Gassing: Most mattresses that come in a box will release some sort of smell when you first unravel them - we've mentioned in our reviews when this is particularly bad, in case this is something you're concerned about.
What are the common pitfalls of buying a cheap mattress? And how can you avoid them?
As much as it's true that cheap mattresses can be excellent value for money, they can also be quite fundamentally bad if you shop for the wrong ones. All of the ones above are personally tried and tested by an expert member of our team, so you can trust that they're good, but if you do decide to stray elsewhere we'd advise you carefully read customer reviews and feedback (on both the brand's website and TrustPilot), ensure you have good trial periods and returns policies in place just in case it doesn't work out, and always keep in mind that sacrificing quality for price can really cause you problems in the longrun if you don't do your research properly.
Are cheap mattresses durable?
In general, yes, but only if you shop well and do your research. While luxury and premium mattresses will normally last longer, cheap mattresses that are made well can be just as longlasting. Most mattress brands offer good warranty and guarantee periods (10-15 years is ideal), while you can also extend the life of your mattress with a protector or a topper. Pay close attention to any care advice (eg. flipping or turning your mattress) and keep this up regularly.
