Why Trust NCOA

Key Takeaways

• The Saatva Classic is our choice for the best queen-size mattress overall because of its pressure relief, durability, and customizable features.
• Queen mattresses are the most popular size in the United States and accounted for nearly half of all mattress purchases in 2019. 
• The queen mattresses in our roundup cost between $1,099–$2,499, with options for additional discounts. 

Queen mattresses are the most popular size in the United States, no doubt thanks to their versatility. ^[1] The Better Sleep Council. Mattress shopper’s buyer journey. February 2020 A standard queen measures 80 inches long by 60 inches wide, making it roomy enough for couples, individuals who like more space, and people who sleep with their pets, but compact enough to fit in smaller rooms. But not all queen mattresses have the same construction, materials, and firmness levels, which can impact your sleep experience. 

To help you find the best queen mattresses for your unique needs, we’ve rounded up 10 of the best mattresses from reputable brands. 

Best queen mattress in 2024

• Saatva Classic: Best Overall Queen Mattress
• Nectar Original: Best Memory Foam Queen Mattress
• DreamCloud Original: Best Queen Mattress for Combination Sleepers
• Helix Midnight Luxe: Best Hybrid Queen Mattress
• Emma Comfort Hybrid: Best Affordable Queen Mattress
• Nolah Evolution: Best Zoned Support Queen Mattress
• Bear Elite Hybrid: Best Queen Mattress for Back Pain
• Titan Plus: Best Queen Mattress for Higher-Weight Sleepers
• Plank Firm: Best Firm Queen Mattress
• Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best Customizable Queen Mattress 

Best queen-size mattresses of 2024

Saatva Classic: Best overall queen mattress

Our expert take on the Saatva Classic mattress

The Saatva classic comes in three support levels, but we tested the “Luxury Firm” option, which we gave a 7.5 out of 10 for firmness. The mattress is available in both a firmer and a softer option.

A Saatva Classic queen mattress features 416 steel coils in the base and 884 foam-pocketed coils that contour to your body. They also lend the mattress a nice bounce. A set of foam rails surrounds the edges, offering extra stability so you can get in and out of bed more easily.

The Saatva Classic features only a small section of memory foam in the center third of the mattress, which is designed to support the lower back and hips. It’s topped with a plush pillow top made from organic cotton. Our Reviews Team appreciates many of the natural materials in the model. The mattress contains no fiberglass or chemical flame retardants. Instead, it has a plant-based flame barrier. The Saatva Classic is also treated with botanical antimicrobials designed to stop mold, mildew, and bacteria growth.

For more information, take a look at our in-depth Saatva mattress review.

Our tester on the Saatva Classic mattress:

“I liked that this mattress is soft, but it is still easy to switch positions.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who enjoy a bouncy innerspring mattress
• Those who want a mattress with multiple firmness options
• Someone who wants a mattress made with some natural materials

Who may want to avoid it

• Side sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds, as the mattress may be too firm
• Those who like the feel of a traditional memory foam mattress

Nectar Original: Best memory foam queen mattress

Our expert take on the Nectar Original mattress

While many pure memory foam mattresses lack support, we found the Nectar had a medium-firm feel, thanks to the seven-inch tall foam stability base. Our Reviews Team gave it a 6.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale.

The Nectar’s cooling cover kept our tester comfortable and cool. Also, the foam isolated motion well during testing, a good feature for couples or light sleepers. But because of the sinking quality of the foam, it required some effort to change positions. The mattress also doesn’t have a very supportive edge, which could make it less than ideal for anyone who has difficulty getting out of bed.

The Nectar Original not only stands out among other queen mattresses, but it also earned a spot as one of the six best memory foam mattresses.

Our tester on the Nectar Original mattress:

“I love that, after spending five minutes on the Nectar Original, I don’t notice an change in my body temperature.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who want their mattress to “cradle” them
• People who sleep hot
• Couples who want motion isolation

Who may want to avoid it

• People weighing more than 250 pounds
• Those who have trouble getting in and out of bed
• Stomach sleepers, since they may sink into the foam too much

DreamCloud Original Foam: Best queen mattress for combination sleepers

Our expert take on the DreamCloud Original Foam mattress

The DreamCloud Original is available in both hybrid and pure memory foam versions. The hybrid features foam-wrapped coils for extra support, while the memory foam version has a thicker foam base.

The DreamCloud’s cashmere cover was cool to the touch and kept our tester from feeling hot or sticky. The DreamCloud also provides excellent motion isolation—our tester barely noticed it when someone else crawled onto and moved around on the other side of the mattress. There was almost no bounce at all, and changing positions was relatively easy because the mattress was responsive and lacked the “sinking” feeling of pure memory foam.

Check out our in-depth look at the best cooling mattresses to learn more about DreamCloud Original Hybrid’s cooling capabilities. 

Our tester on the DreamCloud Original Foam mattress:

There’s softness to it where it does conform to your new position but it does so quickly.

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Hot sleepers who need high-performance cooling materials
• Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle-ground with decent motion isolation

Who may want to avoid it

• Lighter-weight sleepers, who may find the DreamCloud too firm
• People who want a bouncier mattress

Visit our DreamCloud mattress review to learn more.

Helix Midnight Luxe: Best hybrid queen mattress

Our expert take on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress

Helix says the Midnight Luxe has a medium firmness, which our Reviews Team found accurate. We gave it a 5.5 for firmness: It offers support for most sleeping positions, with enough softness for comfort.

The mattress was bouncy, and it was easy to change positions. But the bounciness also means the mattress doesn’t isolate motion well, making it less than ideal for light sleepers.

We felt the Helix Midnight Luxe was the perfect balance of comfort and support, so we also ranked it among the best hybrid mattresses.

Our tester on the Helix Midnight Luxe mattress:

“I like that the material is responsive, meeting me in each new position. I did notice that it takes a little effort to move at first.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who often change sleeping positions
• Those who enjoy the cradling effect of memory foam

Who may want to avoid it

• People weighing more than 200 pounds may not feel supported enough
• Couples who don’t want to wake their partner when moving around at night

Visit our Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review to learn more.

Emma Comfort Hybrid: Best affordable queen mattress

Our expert take on the Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress

Our Reviews Team found the Emma Hybrid Comfort ideal for back and stomach sleeping. The mattress was supportive and kept the spine neutral in these positions. But, our tester felt pressure on their shoulders when lying on their side.

Thanks to the responsive springs, changing positions on the Emma Hybrid Comfort was easy. At no point did our testers feel as if they were “sinking” into the mattress. It also had average motion isolation, making it an OK choice for couples or people with pets. Also, the mattress cover is washable.

Check out our comparison of the best affordable mattresses to learn how the Emma Hybrid Comfort compares to other budget-friendly options.

Our tester on the Emma Comfort Hybrid mattress:

“I like that I am closer to the surface when laying on my back. I feel like I’m on top, and I only sink about half an inch.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who appreciate a firmer mattress
• Partners with different sleep preferences looking for a middle-ground with decent motion isolation
• Sleepers who weigh more than 250 pounds and need extra support

Who may want to avoid it

• People under 130 pounds may prefer a softer mattress
• Shoppers who need white-glove delivery to carry the mattress into the bedroom
• Side sleepers who need more pressure relief for the shoulders

Visit our Emma mattress review to learn more.

Nolah Evolution: Best zoned support queen mattress

Our expert take on the Nolah Evolution mattress

Our testers found that the Nolah Evolution provided a good balance between support and softness. Although it ranks on the firmer side at a 7 out of 10, the body contouring helped it feel comfortable and offered good pressure relief for side sleeping.

The Nolah Evolution was also highly responsive and it was easy to change positions. It also had decent motion isolation, making it a good choice for couples or people who sleep with pets. The mattress also uses natural materials like organic cotton and CertiPUR-US certified foam, and is fiberglass free.

Our tester on the Nolah Evolution mattress:

“When I lay on my stomach, my spine feels neutral. I don’t feel consumed by the mattress.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who often change positions in the middle of the night
• Those who want a mattress made with natural materials

Who may want to avoid it

• Hot sleepers (the mattress felt warmer the longer we laid on it)
• People sticking to a budget—look for promotions and avoid paying full price

Visit our Nolah mattress review to learn more.

Bear Elite Hybrid: Best queen mattress for back pain

Our expert take on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress

Our testers found that the Bear Elite Hybrid was comfortable for all sleeping positions and had excellent pressure relief, which is helpful for easing achy joints. It’s easy to change positions despite the mattress not being particularly bouncy. The lack of bounce also provided good motion isolation, especially compared to a traditional innerspring.

Also, the Bear Elite Hybrid is GREEENGUARD Gold Certified, made with CertiPUR-US certified foam, and has no fiberglass. So, it’s ideal for anyone looking for a greener mattress option.

Are you looking for more mattresses designed to ease aches and pains? Check out our comparison to learn about the best mattress for back pain.

Our tester on the Bear Elite Hybrid mattress:

“This mattress is definitely contouring to my lower back, but my weight is evenly distributed and my spine feels neutral.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who enjoy a medium-firm mattress
• Sleepers who want a good balance between pressure relief and support from their mattress
• Those with back pain who might appreciate the additional lumbar support

Who may want to avoid it

• People who want a less expensive mattress
• Stomach-only sleepers who may want more support
• People sticking to a budget—look for promotions and avoid paying full price

Visit our Bear mattress review to learn more.

Titan Plus: Best queen mattress for higher-weight sleepers

Our expert take on the Titan Plus mattress

Our Reviews Team gave the Titan Plus a solid 8 out of 10 on our firmness scale. Our testers found it ideal for back sleeping with lumbar support that kept the spine aligned. For people under 250 pounds, the mattress was too hard for side sleeping, creating pressure on the hips and shoulders.

The Titan Plus was highly responsive and easy to move around on. We always felt “on top” of the mattress, so you won’t need to worry about sinking like quicksand. The coils gave the mattress a solid bounce, but it featured average motion isolation for couples. Although the mattress is on the shorter side, it still sports good edge support, which should give you a boost when getting in and out of bed.

Learn more about how the Titan Plus compares to more of the best mattresses for heavy people.

Our tester on the Titan Plus mattress:

“When I lay on my back, I feel that I am laying closer to the surface and my back feels pretty straight. I like that the support feels even and the quilting adds comfort to the top of the mattress.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who prefer a mattress on the firmer side
• Higher-weight individuals who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort

Who may want to avoid it

• Shoppers who need white-glove delivery to carry the mattress into the bedroom
• Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) side sleepers who prefer a softer mattress for added pressure relief at the shoulders and hips
• People looking for a taller mattress to pair with their existing bed frame since this is one of the shortest mattresses in our review and may sit low

Visit our Titan Plus mattress review to learn more.

Plank Firm: Best firm queen mattress

Our expert take on the Plank Firm mattress

The Plank Firm is flippable with a different firmness level on each side. While Plank claims the reverse side has a “medium-firm” feel, our tester still found it to be on the harder side and gave it a 7.5 out of 10. The reverse side also featured a plus quilted top, preventing sinking and providing comfort.

While the mattress didn’t contour to our tester’s back as well as they’d like, they think it would be a good choice for heavier-weight sleepers. The mattress also has excellent edge support. But the Plank mattress is one of our shorter options at only 11 inches tall. So you may need to choose a taller mattress base if you have trouble bending or squatting.

Here’s a look at a comparison of the best firm mattresses we’ve found so far this year.

Our tester on the Plank Firm mattress:

“I like how this mattress really keeps up with my position change. I am not fighting any material so it is easy to move.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• Sleepers who prefer extra firm mattresses
• Higher-weight individuals who need a firmer and more supportive mattress for comfort
• People who want a flippable mattress

Who may want to avoid it

• People weighing less than 130 pounds who need a softer mattress
• People looking for a taller mattress to pair with their existing bed frame since this is one of the shortest mattresses in our review and may sit low for people with back, hip, or knee pain

Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid: Best customizable queen mattress

Our expert take on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress

The Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid features a coiled base with zoned supports, topped with multiple layers of foam and a plush pillow top. The base is comfortable for all sleeping positions.

Beyond a standard queen, the Brooklyn Bedding signature hybrid comes in two other queen variants. First is the “short queen” option, which is five inches shorter than a standard queen and ideal for smaller mattress frames. The second is the “split queen” size, which features two mattresses that combine to form a standard queen size. This could make it easier for you to set up the mattresses on your own, especially since Brooklyn Bedding doesn’t offer in-home delivery.

Our tester on the Brooklyn Bedding Signature Hybrid mattress:

“I like that the surface of this mattress is cushiony but met with a slightly firm material underneath. It is a responsive mattress and pops up right away after being compressed.”

Our mattress expert’s take

Who may love it

• People who enjoy having multiple options to choose from
• Anyone looking for a short or split queen

Who may want to avoid it

• People who don’t like the bounciness of an innerspring mattress

Visit our Brooklyn Bedding mattress review to learn more.

How we test queen mattresses

Because we understand the role adequate sleep plays in maintaining our physical and mental health, we have dedicated extensive time and effort to looking for the best queen mattress. Our Reviews Team has spent over 2,000 hours researching more than 100 mattress models, looking at their key features and what verified buyers are sharing about them on third-party review sites. We’ve also surveyed more than 1,200 mattress owners and consulted with experts to get a clear idea of what is most important in a new queen mattress.

Before adding a mattress to a roundup, we conduct hand-ons testing so we have first hand experience with every mattress we recommend. We use a standardized, 42-question testing form to evaluate mattresses in a variety of categories, including comfort, purchase policies, and affordability. Based on the results of our testing, we rate the mattresses in our scorecard. Each factor score is then used to create a weighted, overall rating for each model. These factors include:

Firmness

Mattress firmness is rated on a 1 to 10 scale. We have found that heavier people compress mattresses more, experiencing them as less firm than average weight people. Comparatively, lighter people tend to experience mattresses as more firm than average weight people.

Pressure Relief

We use a pressure mat to evaluate how each model distributes weight, rating them on a 1 to 5 scale. We take notice of pressure build up in each sleeping position, which allows us to indicate what type of sleepers will find each mattress most comfortable.

Motion Transfer

Knowing that many couples share a queen-size bed, we tested each model for motion isolation. We do this by dropping a 10-pound weight on the bed and observing whether or not the motion transfers to other parts of the mattress.

Price

Queen size mattresses cost as low as $1,099 to $2,499. We compared the prices of each model on this list while taking into account discounts, trial periods, and warranties.

To learn more about our testing, review our sleep methodology.

We continuously test new mattresses each month to make sure we give you the most up-to-date information possible. When new mattresses are released, we dedicate hours to researching the features while testing the mattress across our standardized testing categories.

How to choose the best queen mattress

Knowing that choosing a mattress is a highly individual decision, we understand that the best queen mattress is the one you find most comfortable, helping you to get a great night’s sleep. After our testing and research, we settled on the Saatva Classic as the best queen mattress overall, but we know it might not be right for all sleepers. Before you make your purchase, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Sleep position 

In general, sleep experts recommend finding a mattress that will help you maintain a neutral spine, and your preferred sleep position will play an important role in determining which mattress offers the support you need. The best mattress for side sleepers will often be a medium to soft product that contours to the shape of the sleeper’s body and provides pressure relief in the hips and shoulders. Since back and stomach sleepers often require more support to avoid their hips sinking into the mattress, we suggest a medium to firm option. We have found the best mattress for back sleepers is usually a hybrid or innerspring model.

Body type 

Body type can change the way you experience a mattress and what you need from a bed to feel comfortable. Heavy people compress mattresses more, experiencing a mattress as less firm than an average or lighter-weight person. Because of this, a medium to firm bed may be most comfortable. In many cases, the coils of a hybrid or innerspring mattress offer the best support to these sleepers. Another thing to keep in mind if you have a heavier body type is good edge support, which will allow you to spread out without the perimeter of the bed collapsing.

Sleepers with lighter body types, or those weighing less than 130 pounds, tend to experience a mattress as firmer than people of average or heavier weight. Because of this, lighter people will often feel more comfortable in a softer bed.

Sleeping partners

Sharing a bed with someone else can change what you need from a mattress. For example, if you are a light sleeper, a bed with good motion isolation can help you avoid sleep disturbances if your partner is restless at night. And while many couples share a queen bed, it is also true that there is less space to stretch out. We suggest looking for a queen with really solid edge support, which will allow you to sleep closer to the perimeter of the bed knowing it won’t compress or collapse under your weight.

Who should use a queen-sized mattress?

A queen mattress is the most popular mattress size and the most frequently bought, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re wondering if a queen-sized mattress is right for you.

• Small spaces: We find queen-sized mattresses work well in smaller spaces, allowing room for other furniture while still providing enough sleeping space for two people.
• Single sleepers: A queen-sized bed is a great choice for someone who typically sleeps alone but prefers more space to stretch out. 
• Bed sharing: Many sleepers comfortably share a queen-sized bed with their partner or pet. In general, a queen bed is a good fit for bed-sharing if you and your partner have average-sized body types. Heavy people sharing a bed, or people who tend to run hot, might find this mattress doesn’t provide the space they need to sleep comfortably.

How much does a good queen mattress cost?

While it is true that you get what you pay for, and a good queen mattress is not a small purchase, it isn’t difficult to find a queen-sized mattress at an affordable price. Prices vary greatly, but most models will cost between $1,000 and $2,500 at full price. 

The type of mattress you are buying can influence the price. Innerspring mattresses tend to be less expensive, while memory foam mattresses most often fall in the middle range of prices. Latex mattresses are more expensive than memory foam, and hybrid and luxury model beds are at the top of the price range.

A mattress is meant to last several years, so it is important to balance quality with affordability. Doing a little research and reading the reviews of popular budget brands is a good way to ensure you’ve found a model that offers comfort and support without breaking your budget.

How to save money on a queen mattress

If queen mattress prices feel like too much of a stretch for your budget, keep in mind that sales are very common among mattress brands. During popular holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, President’s Day, and the 4th of July, brands may mark down their products by as much as 50%.

Outside of sales, brands often offer bundles, discounting individual pieces if they are purchased together. Seeking these bundles and discounts is worth considering if you also need a new foundation or are considering buying a specialty mattress topper or pillow. 

Some brands also offer free shipping, set-up, and haul-off of an older mattress, helping you avoid added expenses on top of your purchase. While warranties and trials don’t lower the ticket price, they are certainly a means of avoiding wasted spending. We suggest opting for a mattress you can return if it isn’t the right fit or doesn’t stand up to quality promises.

The most affordable mattresses can still offer comfort, support, and longevity. Some specific brands seem to have mastered the balance of quality and price, and the best affordable mattresses are sold by Bear, Nectar, and Brooklyn Bedding. Additionally, two brands that typically have a higher price point have budget options: the Saatva Classic and the Helix Dusk.

Compare the best queen mattresses as of 2024

Bottom line 

When choosing the best queen mattress for your needs, consider what you value most in a mattress. If you like the contour of memory foam, an option like the DreamCloud or Nectar Original might give you the cradling effect you’re after. If you prefer the bounciness of a classic innerspring mattress, an option like the Saatva Classic might be more your speed. Regardless of your preference, be sure to practice good sleep hygiene skills to set the stage for a good night’s sleep and get the most out of your new queen mattress. 

Additional mattress shopping resources

• Best mattress for shoulder pain
• Best mattress for hip pain
• Best mattress for allergies
• Best mattress for arthritis
• Best mattress for couples

Frequently asked questions

What is the best queen-size mattress?

Our favorite queen mattress is the Saatva Classic—it’s comfortable for all sleep positions and offers a medium-firm feel with zoned support.

What are the dimensions of a queen mattress?

A standard queen mattress measures 80 inches long by 60 inches wide.

How much should a decent queen mattress cost?

The queen mattresses on our roundup range between $1,099–$2,499. 

Many of these mattress brands offer additional discounts for people over 65 or in certain careers like military personnel and health care providers. Many of these brands offer generous sales and seasonal discounts, so keep an eye out for more savings. 

For more budget-friendly mattress options, have a look at our top picks for the most affordable mattresses.

Who should purchase a queen mattress?

It’s a good rule of thumb to choose a bed at least six inches longer than your usual height. So a standard queen mattress can comfortably accommodate an individual up to 6’2.” This size is also large enough to support two people without taking up the space of a king-size mattress.

Sources

1. The Better Sleep Council. Mattress shopper’s buyer journey. February 2020. Found on the internet at https://sleepproducts.org/wp-content/uploads/ISPA-Buyer-Journey.pdf
2. Caggiari G, et al. What Type of Mattress Should Be Chosen to Avoid Back Pain and Improve Sleep Quality? Review of the Literature. Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology. Dec. 8, 2021. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8655046/