The Best Mattresses You Can Buy Online

We’ve tested hundreds of mattresses over the years, many of which are great beds. That said, they couldn’t all make this best online mattress list. There are some still worth mentioning if you’re still unsure what is best for you. 

Leesa Original: If you’re looking for a safe bet, the Leesa Original mattress is one of the most accommodating foam beds you’ll find. It has a neutral, bouncy feel that almost feels more like an innerspring bed instead of a memory foam mattress. 

DreamCloud: The DreamCloud mattress is one of our favorite beds, thanks to the thick, plush pillow top that seriously feels like sleeping on a cloud. It has a mix of coils and memory foam, but you don’t have to worry about the syrupy feel that some memory foam beds have. 

Our CNET sleep team has researched and tested hundreds of mattresses over our years of testing. During that time, we’ve developed testing methods for each mattress to assess it for key performance features like motion isolation and edge support. We also compare each bed we test so we have a complete picture of the firmnesses out there and what category of feel each bed falls under. 

We use our extensive experience to choose the beds for this list with every person in mind. Each superlative is selected to represent a category of people best so you can quickly sort through the list and see what best describes your needs.

CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Learn more about how we test mattresses. 

There is no single best mattress that will work for everyone. We are all different shapes and sizes and have different needs that our beds need to offer so we can sleep well. When you decide to shop for your next mattress, keeping these critical factors in mind will help you narrow your search. 

Sleeping position

Your sleeping position is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing which online mattress to buy. How you sleep will determine how firm of a mattress you’ll need. 

• Side sleepers need a mattress that’s soft enough to cradle their curves and not create pressure points on the shoulders, hips and knees. 
• Stomach and back sleepers will need a firmer mattress so you get enough support to keep your spine in a neutral position. That’s not to say you need the firmest mattress out there, although I recommend at least a medium to medium-firm (six) and up.
• Combo sleepers have the most versatility in the firmness they select. If you don’t know what to choose, it’s best to make your firm decision based on what position you spend the most time in. 

Body type

Your body type also will help you choose your next mattress. Heavier body types (over 230 pounds) need more support and durability from their mattresses, so we always recommend a hybrid construction. It will be the best value for your money in the long run. 

Your weight also changes how firm a mattress will seem. We rate our firmness levels based on the average body type. Petite body types (under 150 pounds) will put the least pressure on the mattresses, making them feel firmer. If we say a bed in a medium, it may feel more like a medium to medium-firm to them. The inverse is true for heavier body types. Beds will feel softer because more pressure will be put on them. 

Medical needs

Another important thing to remember when shopping for an online mattress is any medical conditions or needs you have. For instance, if you are a hot sleeper or have hot flashes, you should look for a bed with some cooling technology, like a cooling cover or infused foam layers. 

If you have back pain, you’ll want to take care when choosing your next bed. For back pain, it’s generally best to have a firmer mattress that will keep your spine in a neutral position. You may also want to check out beds with a zoned support construction. Alternatively, joint pain will call for pressure relief that softer mattresses offer. 

Budget

There are a ton of online mattresses to sort through. Identifying how much you’re willing to spend will help narrow your options into more manageable chunks. The average online bed ranges from $800 to $1,200, though some beds are as low as $300 or luxury options well over $2,000. 

There’s a lot to be said for being able to lie down on a bed before you buy it. For some people, it’s a must before they buy a bed, which may keep them from buying a bed online. Online exclusive mattress sales can help you save hundreds on your next bed. For beds you can test in-store, like Casper and Tempurpedic, you can still buy them online to take advantage of online pricing. 

If you’re still on the fence about getting an online mattress without testing it first, you should know that almost every brand offers sleep trials that allow you to test the bed out. How long you have to decide if the bed is right for you under the trial depends on the brand; some are 100 nights, and others are as long as 365 nights. 

If you decide the mattress isn’t right, you can return it within the trial and get your money back. It might take a little coordination with the company to arrange for pick-up. Some brands, like Saatva, require a processing fee to pick up a returned bed.  

Let’s talk about some of the most popular materials you’ll find online mattresses. Although I have listed them separately, many beds include several types of materials, as is the case for hybrid beds that feature coils and foam layers. 

Memory foam: Memory foam is among the most popular online mattress materials. It’s loved by people who want their beds to contour to their curves and create a cocoon around them as they sleep. The trade-off is that some memory foam is dense and hard to move around on. 

Polyurethane foam: Another type often used in mattresses is polyurethane foam. It's not quite as dense and slow-moving as memory foam; it has more of a neutral feel that’s not very polarizing. It’s the classic foam feel that the average person will like. 

Latex foam: This type of foam is often naturally made by harvesting the sap of a rubber tree, although synthetic latex is also popular. Latex foam is antimicrobial and hypoallergenic, making it a popular option. It’s a responsive and bouncy material, but it tends to be firmer than other types of foam. 

Pocketed coils/innerspring: To give mattresses durability and support, many brands add pocketed coils or an innerspring to their beds. Pocketed coils tend to isolate movement a little better than traditional inner springs, but both are great options for people who want a bed that’s going to last. 

Hyper-elastic polymer: You’ll only find hyper-elastic polymer in Purple mattresses. It’s a supportive, gel-like material that’s super stretchy. The Purple grid gives the bed a unique feel you won’t get anywhere else. It’s almost like you're buoyant when you lie on the bed. 

Organic cotton/wool: Many online organic mattresses include organic cotton or wool in their covers, giving the bed a soft feel.