If your old mattress makes sleeping a challenge, don't throw a mattress topper on your bed -- that's just like putting a Band-Aid on the problem. Instead, it's time to make an upgrade. These days, buying a mattress online is an easy process. You can have a mattress delivered to your door without any salespeople or salesrooms to deal with, and there's no need to get on mattresses that hundreds of other people have tested out. It's also typically cheaper to buy a mattress online.
Most online mattress stores offer at-home sleep trials and easy return options, but it's better to find the right mattress on your first try. With the right mattress, you'll notice an improvement in your comfort level and the quality of your sleep -- something you won't experience with the wrong one.
That's where this best mattress guide comes in. I evaluated all the mattress manufacturers and brands (there are around 175 in the US right now, by the way), scoured reviews and personally tested all the top mattress brand and mattress options to help you narrow down your selection. I've included options to accommodate all budgets and preferred sleeping positions.
By the way, if sleeping position is your most important consideration, check out our lists for the best mattress for side sleepers, stomach sleepers, heavier individuals and hot sleepers. We also have lists for the best pillow top mattress, best organic mattress, best adjustable mattress and most budget-friendly mattress. If there's a certain mattress type you're looking for, we likely have you covered.
No matter which kind of mattress you prefer, whether you need pressure relief, a firmer mattress, a softer mattress, an adjustable mattress or motion isolation, or you're simply looking for more comfort, you're sure to find the best mattress on this list. Here are the 10 best mattresses you can buy online right now.
Best mattresses of 2021 compared
| Mattress | Buying info | Mattress type | Price (queen) | Sleep trial period | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Layla Hybrid | See at Layla | Hybrid | $1,499 | 120 nights | 10-year limited |
| Casper Original | See at Casper | Foam | $1095 | 100 nights | 10-year limited |
| Saatva Classic | See at Saatva | Hybrid | $1,374 | 180 nights | 15-year limited |
| Avocado Green | See at Avocado | Hybrid | $1,599 | 365 nights | 25-year limited |
| Amerisleep AS2 | See at Amerisleep | Hybrid | $1,329 | 100 nights | 20-year prorated |
| Leesa Legend | See at Leesa | Hybrid | $1,949 | 100 nights | 10-year limited |
| Helix Midnight Luxe | See at Helix | Hybrid | $1,749 | 100 nights | 15-year limited |
| Helix Plus | See at Helix | Hybrid | $1,499 | 100 nights | 15-year limited |
| Ghostbed Flex Hybrid | See at Ghostbed | Hybrid | $1,491 | 101 nights | 25-year limited |
| Purple Hybrid Premier 4 | See at Purple | Hybrid | $2,549 | 100 nights | 10-year limited |
Pricing is shown below for a queen mattress, but I list the full range of available sizes and prices within each entry. I update this list periodically.
Read more: How to break in a new mattress: What to do and how long it takes
Mattresses require an adjustment period to get used to, and that's true of the Layla Hybrid, too, but as soon as I plopped down on this mattress, I knew it was going to be my favorite. It's made of a layered combination of gel memory foam, airflow support foam and individually wrapped pocketed coils that provide plenty of firmness level support while also allowing enough give to make the mattress feel plush and comfortable right away.
The middle layer is made from copper-infused foam, which is great for a hot sleeper because it is designed to pull heat away from your body so you stay cool while you sleep, and the technology worked impressively well. I stayed cool throughout the night, even in the middle of summer in a house without central AC. The copper is also antimicrobial, so it helps prevent a buildup of bacteria that can cause breakdown and odors over time. I haven't had the mattress long enough to speak to that, but the thought of sleeping on a cleaner mattress, especially since the goal is to keep them for a decade or so, adds another layer of appeal.
The Layla Hybrid had the least motion transfer out of any other on the list, so I didn't wake up at all when my boyfriend tossed and turned -- this motion isolation feature is a huge comfort level perk to someone who's been seriously considering getting a sleep divorce. The Layla is also the only mattress on this list that you can flip. And not only can you flip this foam bed mattress, one side is soft and one is firm, so you can customize your sleeping experience based on how your body feels at any given time.
The Layla Hybrid comes in twin to California king sizes and prices range from $1,299 to $1,899.
If you're looking for a firm mattress, you can end your search with the Casper Original. While I'm more of a soft mattress kind of gal, firmer mattresses like the Casper mattress are designed to align your spine and offer pressure relief in all of the right places so you can have a pain-free night and a stiffness-free morning. And this Casper mattress did just that.
When I first got into bed, I didn't have that "ahhh" moment that comes from a plush, softer mattress, but as I settled in, the mattress started to slowly form to my body. The longer I lay there, the more comfortable I felt. When I woke up in the morning, I didn't have any throbbing neck or back pain, something that I have been struggling with since my last spring mattress started caving in. I attribute that to the Zoned Support technology of the Casper.
The mattress is separated into three zones that are designed to provide the ideal spinal alignment. The foam near the shoulders and upper body is softer to give you relief in those areas, while the firmer foam under the hips, waist and lower back keeps your spine properly aligned. Because of this zoned system, you may have to experiment to find the right sleeping position on the mattress, but once you do, you'll likely notice a reduction in pain over time. And as an added bonus, the mattress cover is made from recycled bottles -- 57 of them, to be exact -- so you can help save your back and the planet at the same time.
The Casper Original comes in twin to California king, and prices range from $595 to $1,295.
The Saatva Classic is everything a side sleeper could want: It's thick and plush and provides just the right amount of contouring without being too firm or sinking and sagging. While it doesn't have that cloud-like feeling of traditional pillow-top mattresses, it has enough give to alleviate pressure on your hips and shoulders, but not so much that your spine gets thrown out of alignment.
The first few nights with this Saatva mattress, I actually thought it was too firm for me -- as a true hybrid, it's a little firmer than memory foam-only models -- but as my body got used to it, I started to sleep soundly through the night and wake up without pain (or an arm that had fallen asleep during the night).
As for construction, the Saatva Classic mattress combines innerspring coils with latex foam, which is considered a luxury mattress material. The mattress also has special lumbar technology and additional support in the center of the mattress, specifically designed to keep your spine aligned while also allowing your shoulders and hips to sink in just a little bit. It almost felt like there was a slight elevation in the center of the mattress that filled in the curves of my body.
Each Saatva Classic mattress is also handmade to order and unlike other online mattresses, it doesn't come compressed in a box, so you can design it to your specifications a little bit. There are three firmness levels -- ultra plush, luxury firm and firm -- and two different mattress heights -- 11.5 inches and 14.5 inches. I went with a 14.5-inch ultra plush and while it was the perfect firmness level for me, I wish I had gone with the shorter Saatva mattress. Just a heads up if you do go for the 14.5-inch model: You'll need sheets specifically designed for thicker mattresses or they'll pop off in the corners.
The Saatva Classic comes in sizes twin XL to split California king and prices range from $877 to $1,974.
Many mattresses are sprayed with chemicals and flame retardants and made from potentially toxic foams that have been linked to some health problems. Because of this, the Environmental Working Group recommends choosing a mattress that's made from at least 95% cotton, wool or natural latex. And that's where the Avocado Green mattress comes in.
The brand's original mattress, which is the one I tested, is made from a combination of all three materials -- or you can go for the vegan mattress, which is the same sans wool. Neither version contains any polyester, polyurethane foam or fire retardants. But while that's all great, ultimately it has to be comfortable or it won't do you much good in the long run. The good news is it is.
When I first lay down on the mattress, it felt a little too firm for my personal taste, but as soon as I settled in, it started to form to my body, hugging me in all the right places. I felt comfortable sleeping on my back and on my side and the bed adjusted quickly as I transitioned from each sleep position, unlike other memory foam mattress styles that can lag when you move. Mine came with the optional (and $300 to $600 extra depending on the size) permanently affixed pillow top, so I can't judge the mattress without it, but I think it definitely adds a comfort layer of plushness that's worth the additional cost.
The Avocado Green comes in sizes twin to California king and prices range from $999 to $1,899, without the added pillow top. If you want the pillow top attached, prices go up to $1,299 to $2,499.
The AS2 Hybrid mattress was designed with back pain relief in mind. It's constructed of a proprietary memory foam called Bio-Pur that contours to your body, alleviating pressure points in your back, hips and shoulders. The Bio-Pur foam is also more responsive than traditional memory foam, so when you change positions, it bounces back more quickly, ensuring you never feel "stuck."
This improved response time was one of my favorite things about the Amerisleep AS2. Even when I changed positions throughout the night, the mattress adjusted quickly, cradling my body and giving it the weightless feel that really takes the edge of the day off. The medium-firm feel also properly supported my spine without any of the sinking or sagging that can come with softer memory foam. After an initial adjustment period of a couple weeks, I slept -- and woke up -- pain-free and feeling refreshed and rested, rather than tight and sore.
The Bio-Pur foam is also more airy and breathable than traditional foam, so I stayed comfortably cool all night, even when I was cuddled up under a heavy down comforter.
The AS2 Hybrid comes in sizes twin to split king, and prices usually range from $1,449 to $2,998.
The Leesa Legend was designed with all types of sleepers in mind, but while it was comfortable no matter what my sleeping position, I thought it really shone when I was sleeping on my back. Throughout the night, I frequently shift from sleeping on my side to sleeping on my back. Typically, I start as a back sleeper; once I'm only-partly-conscious, about-to-fall-asleep, I switch to my side. But with the Leesa Legend, I actually settled in on my back and stayed there most of the night.
The Leesa Legend is made from two layers of springs and two layers of memory foam topped with a wool-and-100%-cotton cover that provides an additional comfort layer. This Leesa mattress immediately felt soft and inviting (with just the right amount of bounce) and had the best body contouring when I was lying on my back. It also had edge-to-edge support that was comparable to the Nectar Lush with minimal motion transfer.
And like the Casper, the mattress cover is made partly from recycled water bottles, so you can feel good about the planet while you sleep.
The Leesa Legend comes in sizes twin XL to California king, and prices range from $1,549 to $2,499.
If you've ever gone mattress shopping with a significant other, you already know how big a disaster that can be. Unless you opt for a customizable Sleep Number luxury mattress, which has a hefty price tag and average reviews, you're pretty much forced to find a mattress that will make you both happy -- a task that isn't always easy, especially if your tastes and sleeping styles fall on different ends of the spectrum. I've been down this road before and I wish that I had found the Helix Midnight Luxe sooner.
There were things my boyfriend and I liked about all of the mattresses, but after settling into the Helix Midnight Luxe for the first night, we both looked at each other and simultaneously said, "Oh, this is nice." The mattress is made from a combination of high-density memory foam, gel visco and support pocketed coils wrapped up in a breathable, quilted pillow-top cover. Out of all the mattresses, the Helix Midnight Luxe had the most lumbar support, which really provided some relief for my boyfriend's chronic lower-back pain.
Although this particular mattress is marketed toward the side sleeper, it's beyond comfortable when you're on your back or stomach, too. There's hardly any motion transfer and it falls directly in the middle of the mattress firmness scale -- Helix rates it a 4-7 out of 10 -- so it really is designed to please almost everybody, or at least serve as a really great compromise if you can't agree on firmness level.
The Helix Midnight Luxe comes in sizes twin to California king, and prices range from $995 to $2,249.
The Helix Plus mattress, which is marketed toward people who wear plus-size clothing or anyone who's "big and tall," is designed to offer extra support for those with a higher body mass index. It's 13 inches tall and has an extra comfort layer of high-density foam that helps provide adequate support and comfort all in one. But while I've named it the best mattress for plus-size sleepers for the purposes of this roundup, it's actually a great mattress for everyone, no matter your size or sleeping style.
This mattress was one of the few on the list that I felt like I sank into in all the right ways. The mattress was supportive, while also providing the right amount of "give" to relieve pressure where I needed it the most. It was comfortable in any position and adequately absorbed movement, even when my sleeping partner was tossing and turning. One night while sleeping on this mattress, my boyfriend actually got up twice to go to the bathroom and I didn't feel him get up or get back into bed -- something I can't say for many other mattresses I've tried.
The only knock I would give is that it's a medium to firm mattress feel -- Helix rates it a 7-8 out of 10 on the firmness level scale -- and I wish it were a little bit more plush. That being said, this mattress was designed to support more weight, so the extra firmness makes sense. Also, mattresses tend to break in and soften over time, so I imagine it would be perfect for me after several months.
The Helix Plus comes in mattress size options for twin to California king, and prices range from $825 to $1,999.
GhostBed's major claim to fame is its cooling technology, and it really did deliver. I tested this mattress company's hybrid mattress in the middle of July with temperatures in the high 80s F to low 90s. While I could definitely tell we were in the middle of a heat wave -- I mean, the mattress isn't magic -- I felt surprisingly cool considering how warm and sticky the room started to get as soon as the sun came through the windows.
The bed itself was comfortable, too. While it didn't feel as lush and inviting as some of the others on this list, the GhostBed was second most bouncy (right behind the Purple mattress), so it didn't have that slow sinking memory foam feel that's typical of these types of mattresses. If you're someone who isn't totally sure about memory foam and likes a traditional spring mattress, this is a good middle ground.
The GhostBed Flex Hybrid comes in sizes twin to split king, and prices range from $1,295 to $3,100.
I want to start by saying that I'm not a stomach sleeper, but the Purple Hybrid Premier 4 (almost) made me want to become one. When I was lying on my stomach, the Purple Grid, which is a hyper-elastic polymer grid formation that's meant to absorb and relieve pressure and takes the place of memory foam, magically gave way to all my lady lumps and bumps like it was designed just for me. I know that sounds dramatic, but its ability to perfectly form around my body was really impressive. It was equally comfortable when sleeping on my back. In fact it was so comfortable that, when I was lying on my back, I was able to snooze sans pillow and still feel like my spine was perfectly aligned. Coming from someone who typically needs two pillows to hold up her oversize head and wakes up with serious neck pain because of it, this was another impressive feature.
The Purple also had the most bounce out of all of the mattresses. Pure memory foam tends to feel a little stiff to me, no matter how plush the mattress claims to be, but the grid bends and moves in ways that make the mattress feel bouncy and plush, while also still providing ample support for your back and spine.
The grid did take a little while to get used to. For the first several nights, I could feel gridlines whenever I shifted or moved. I wouldn't call it an uncomfortable feeling, but it was definitely different. This mattress is also really heavy. Not like normal king-size mattress heavy, but more like "what the heck do they make this thing out of?" heavy. My intention was to open the mattress in the guest room downstairs to give it time to expand and then bring it up to my bedroom to test it and take pictures. But even after enlisting the help of two stronger-than-me volunteers, we gave up on moving it and I relocated to the guest room for testing. I assume you're not planning to lug your mattress around too often, but it's worth noting just in case.
The Purple Hybrid Premier 4 comes in sizes twin XL to split king, and prices range from $1,999 to $3,998.
Not recommended
Birch Natural Mattress
(Not recommended)
I wanted to love the Birch mattress, but when stacked against the others, it just didn't make the cut. It has great selling points -- it's free of polyurethane foams and harsh chemicals, it's made from sustainable materials and it's wrapped in an organic cotton cover. But even though I appreciate the importance of a toxic chemical-free sleeping space, I couldn't really get comfortable and, ultimately, when it comes to my mattress, comfort wins.
It wasn't that the Birch was entirely uncomfortable, but it didn't feel as plush as the others I tested and since the price is the same as the Helix Midnight Luxe (the two mattresses are actually both produced by Helix), I'd recommend choosing the Midnight Luxe.
If you want to make your own call, the Birch Natural Mattress comes in sizes twin to California king mattress and prices range from $1,049 to $1,799.
How I tested
I tested each mattress for a week, making sure to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night. For half the week, I slept on the mattress with my boyfriend and whichever one (or several) of our five pets wanted to join us. During these nights, I was able to test the motion transfer and whether or not the mattresses could appease different tastes -- I like a really soft mattress and he prefers something firmer with a little more back support. For the remaining half of the week, I kicked everyone out to the guest room so I could focus on the feel of the mattress without any outside sleep disturbances.
In addition to sleeping on the mattresses during the night, I also spent some time lying on them reading or working on my laptop. (I know, I know I shouldn't be working from bed, but I wanted to give each mattress as much time as possible.) Once I felt like I had enough information to give an accurate assessment, I moved on to the next mattress.
I set up each new mattress on the same platform bed frame and used the same pillow and the same sheets, which I washed between each mattress. We all know there's nothing better than getting into bed with freshly washed sheets, so I wanted to make sure that every mattress had that same initial advantage. The only exception to testing location was the Purple mattress, which I left in the guest room because it was too heavy to move upstairs, as I mentioned above.
What's the best mattress to buy?
While the best mattress for you will depend on your height, weight and comfort needs, I can say that the Layla Hybrid is the best mattress for most people. It's supportive for most body types, it has very little motion transfer and it has several features that help keep you cool while you sleep.
Foam vs. hybrid mattress
The mattresses on the list above fall into two categories: hybrid and all foam. Both types have their own benefits.
Foam mattresses are made entirely of layers of foam, including memory foam mattress options, latex foam or gel foam. Typically each foam layer is a different density, with high-density foam on the bottom for support and a top layer of softer foam for comfort.
Hybrid mattresses use both foam and metal coils to provide support. They are closer in design to the innerspring mattress most of us grew up sleeping on, but with added foam for comfort and additional support.
What mattress types are most comfortable?
Comfort is really a subjective thing. What feels like a dream to you may not be the most comfortable mattress for someone else, but there are some general guidelines you can follow when trying to narrow it down. Memory foam conforms to your body and keeps your spine and neck aligned. A memory foam bed is a great option if you have back pain or like to feel like you're "sinking" into your mattress. Memory foam tends to trap heat though, so it's not always the best for hot sleepers.
Traditional spring mattresses don't alleviate pressure as well as memory foam mattresses, but they're supportive and breathable. Spring mattresses also tend to be more budget-friendly, so they're great for hot sleepers that are looking to save some cash.
Hybrid mattresses combine the best of both worlds -- memory foam and springs. The foam provides pressure relief and a contouring effect, while the springs add some extra bounce and increase air flow. The springs in hybrid mattresses are usually smaller than the springs in the traditional spring mattresses, so they don't transfer as much motion. Hybrid mattresses are a great option for any type of sleeper.
How do you try before you buy?
All of the brands on this list allow you to try these mattresses out risk-free. In order to do this, you'll need to purchase the mattress first. Once it's delivered, you have a trial period to test it out in, which is typically 100 days. If at any point during that time you're unhappy with your mattress, you can contact the company to return it.
The company will then arrange for someone to come pick up the mattress, either to be donated or disposed of. Once the company confirms the pickup has happened, you'll get your refund.
Many companies will encourage you to try out your mattress for at least three to four weeks before you try to return it, as your body can take time to adjust to a new bed. But if you really don't want to wait, you don't have to.
What kind of warranty do you get?
Warranties vary from company to company, but most are 10 years or longer, similar to what you'd get buying a mattress at a brick-and-mortar. These warranties cover any manufacturing defects, not normal wear and tear. All foam mattresses need a supportive foundation to put them on, and if you don't use a proper foundation and the mattress ends up damaged, the warranty won't cover it.
What are the best mattresses for side sleepers?
The best mattresses for side sleepers are those that fall on the middle of the firmness scale -- medium-soft to medium. You need a mattress that has enough give to alleviate pressure on your shoulders and hips, but not so much that you sink into it. It's important to keep your spine aligned when you're sleeping on your side, since that's what ensures that you'll sleep comfortably and wake up pain-free.
What are the best mattresses for back pain?
There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but the best mattresses for back pain generally include memory foam and have some additional features, like added lumbar support. According to some studies, a medium-firm mattress is best for alleviating chronic lower back pain in most people. If you're waking up in pain, it's likely because your mattress is too soft.
More mattress and sleep advice
- You shouldn't flip your mattress -- here's why
- Best mattresses in a box for 2021
- Best mattresses for side sleepers in 2021
- Buying a new mattress: Seven questions to ask before you shop
- Best air mattress for 2021: SoundAsleep, REI and more compared
- Best alarm clock for 2021
- The 10 best pillows in 2021, according to the internet
- 12 meditation apps to help you destress
- How to get better sleep
- Best air purifiers for 2021
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- Best king mattresses in 2021
- Best products for sleeping in the winter: Heated blankets, lots of flannel and more
- Best firm mattresses in 2021
- Best mattress toppers for 2021
- Best cooling mattress toppers for 2021
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.