The Best Mattresses in a Box, According to People Who Have Slept on Them

Like TikTok and CBD, boxed mattresses have become pretty much unavoidable over the past few years. And honestly, it’s for good reason: The delivery and installation process is ultra-simple, they’re often more cost efficient than those sold in brick-and-mortar mattress stores and, most importantly, they’re damn comfortable. But as they’ve become more popular, the number of boxed mattress companies has skyrocketed, which begs the question: Which should you buy? That’s why we polled our friends, family members and coworkers to take a deep dive into the best mattress-in-a-box brands. Read on for pricing info, return policies and real-life user reviews to see if any of these are right for you.

RELATED: The 6 Best Types of Mattresses to Have on Your Radar (So You Don't Buy the Wrong One)

The Best Boxed Mattresses at a Glance:

Scroll down for in-depth reviews of each.

  1. Best Overall: Casper Original Foam Mattress

  2. Best Value: Signature Sleep Store Reversible Encased Coil Mattress

  3. Best for Couples: DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress

  4. Best Memory Foam: Nectar Gel Memory Foam Mattress

  5. Most Splurge-Worthy: Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress

  6. Best Starter Mattress: Tuft & Needle Original Adaptive Foam Mattress

  7. Best for Guest Rooms: Leesa Original Bed-in-a-Box

  8. Best for a Budget: Linenspa Memory Foam and Innerspring Hybrid-Mattress

  9. Best for Combination Sleepers: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

  10. Best for Back and Hip Pain: Allswell 'The Brick' Mattress

  11. Best for Hot Sleepers: Classic Brands Cool Gel Memory Foam Mattress

How to Choose the Best Mattress

Step 1: Choose Your Ideal Type of Mattress

There are lots of different kinds out there with super-confusing terminology (what the heck is polyurethane foam?), but here are three main mattresses you should know: innerspring, memory and latex. Innerspring mattresses are made from individually wrapped coils and offer high levels of support and breathability (great for hot sleepers). Memory foam mattresses are made from moldable material that will contour to your shape—perfect for relieving aches, but it can get pretty warm at night. And latex foam is both breathable and supportive (with a "bounce back" feel), plus it’s hypoallergenic. You can choose one of these types or opt for a hybrid.

Step 2: Consider Firmness

Some brands offer a one-size-fits-all firmness level, while others feature a numbered scale or a simple soft, medium and firm option. The key thing to remember is that firmness is highly subjective (what feels rock solid to you might feel like a fluffy cloud to someone else). Plus, a person’s body type, weight and other factors will also play a role. What you want is a mattress that is soft enough to let you sink into it, yet firm enough to support you. How do you find that? Read on.

Step 3: Take it for a Test Drive

Awkwardly hopping from bed to bed in-store with a salesman hovering over you isn’t exactly our idea of a fun Saturday afternoon. But trying out your mattress is essential if you want a good night’s slumber—even if you’re not going to a mattress store. Our advice? Take advantage of the trial period, and don’t be afraid to return it if it’s not 100 percent up to your standards.

Step 4: Check the Warranty

Make sure your new sleeper comes with a decent warranty (ten years or so). And remember to protect said warranty by investing in a mattress protector. Icky stain = no gain.

Step 5: Get Your Best Night’s Sleep Yet

The Better Sleep Council recommends replacing your mattress every seven to ten years, but if you’re constantly waking up with aches and pains, it’s time for an upgrade. And if you can’t even remember how long you’ve had your mattress, then it’s definitely time to say buh-bye.

The 11 Best Mattresses in a Box

1. Casper Original Foam

Best Overall

Sleep Improvement: 19/20
Price: 17/20
Materials: 18/20
Firmness: 19/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 93/100

While Casper wasn’t the first boxed mattress on the market, it’s certainly become one of the most popular—and it makes sense. Billed as a mattress for sleepers who want both support and cooling, the original model is the brand’s most popular for a reason. Softer foam under your shoulders relieves pressure and keeps you comfortable, while firmer foam under your hips and core provides a little extra support where you need it for proper spine alignment. Casper mattresses also use open-cell foams that have tiny pores to let excess hot air escape (for a cooler sleep). Casper devotee Caroline says, “It’s great for co-sleeping—I barely notice when my husband gets in and out of bed.” She adds, though, that “It's definitely firm and thus, might not be great for side sleeping.” Noted. If the $1,000-plus price is more than you’re hoping to spend, the brand also has a more affordable line called Element.

Mattress Materials: memory foam, polyurethane foam and individually encased springs

Mattress Thickness: 11 inches

Return Policy: Shipping and returns are free. Plus you get a 100-night trial, and if you opt to send it back, many returned mattresses are donated to charity.

Buy it (from $1,295 for a queen)

2. Signature Sleep Store Reversible Encased Coil Mattress

Best Value

Sleep Improvement: 18/20
Price: 20/20
Materials: 16/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 19/20
TOTAL: 90/100

You know that saying, ‘You get what you pay for?’ Yeah, that really doesn’t seem to be the case with this mattress. “I bought this mattress because I wasn’t sure how long I’d be staying in an apartment and didn’t feel like spending a ton of money on something that could be a little temporary,” Signature Sleep Store shopper Maggie told us. “I had no idea I was buying the best mattress I’ve ever slept on.” Independently encased coils provide an equal weight distribution by contouring the curves of your body and relieving pressure points, while a layer of high-density foam at the top and bottom of this mattress minimizes the feeling of the coils. Plus, the reversible feature enables you to flip and rotate the mattress to even out the wear and last for years to come. Raves Maggie, “I’ve recommended this mattress to, like, five friends, and they’re all as happy with it as I am.”

Mattress Materials: memory foam, convoluted foam and independently encased coils

Mattress Thickness: 8 inches

Return Policy: This mattress is sold and fulfilled by Amazon, so you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, if the reason for the return is *not* a result of an Amazon error, you’ll have to cover the cost of return shipping.

$390 at Amazon (for queen size)

3. The DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid Mattress

Best for Couples

Sleep Improvement: 19/20
Price: 17/20
Materials: 18/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 91/100

Another hybrid mattress, DreamCloud combines layers of foam and coils. Gel-infused memory foam provides you with heat distribution and support that contours to your body. Organized into five comfort zones, this one's patented "BestRest" Coils provide the precise level of support you need, where you need it. Notes DreamCloud user Jillian, “This mattress has a super plush topper that makes the fairly springy mattress below extra cushy, for back, stomach and side-sleepers alike.” But that’s not the best part, in her opinion. “The best thing is probably how little motion transfer other sleepers experience in the bed. I'm a noted tosser-and-turner, and my husband noticed absolutely no movement, even with me right beside him in bed. Highly recommended for couples with different bedtimes and sleep needs...you really don't annoy each other.”

Mattress Materials: gel memory foam, individually encased coils and cashmere

Mattress Thickness: 14 inches

Return Policy: DreamCloud offers a generous 365-night trial period and your purchase is eligible for a free return within 365 days of purchase. Plus, returned mattresses are donated and repurposed through local organizations within your community.

Buy it (from $1,598 $999 for queen size)

4. Nectar Gel Memory Foam Mattress

Best Memory Foam

Sleep Improvement: 19/20
Price: 18/20
Materials: 17/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 91/100

Kara was skeptical about sleeping on a mattress that arrived in a small-ish box, but says, after experiencing Nectar’s mattress, “I’m a total bed-in-a-box convert now.” The mattress’s five layers are designed to relieve common pressure points, while its gel memory foam ensures that body heat gets distributed evenly throughout (a total game-changer for hot sleepers). Kara says, “After a few nights of sleeping on the soft-yet-supportive layers of memory foam, I was impressed. My middle back pain was gone, and I noticed that I fell asleep in a few minutes flat instead of tossing and turning like I was used to.” In fact, her only real complaint is about Nectar’s packaging. “It comes encased in a ton of plastic, which doesn’t exactly feel eco-friendly. But plastic is the reason the brand is able to package it so compactly, so it seems kind of unavoidable when it comes to the whole bed-in-a-box thing,” she reasons.

Mattress Materials: gel memory foam, polyfoam and polyethylene

Mattress Thickness: 12 inches

Return Policy: All of Nectar's mattresses come with a 365 day trial period, and offer free in-home returns that are processed within 24 hours.

Buy it (from $1,298 $899 for queen size)

5. Parachute Eco Comfort Mattress

Most Splurge-Worthy

Sleep Improvement: 18/20
Price: 15/20
Materials: 18/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 19/20
Total: 87/100

OK, let’s address the elephant in the room: This is the most expensive mattress on this list. But if you’re comfortable with splurging, it might be worth it, says Parachute customer Allie. “I was a little nervous that it wasn’t going to be worth the money, but oh my god, I was wrong. I love this bed.” Made to be firm in the middle for back support, and softer at the head and feet for pressure point relief and spinal alignment, this mattress is made from layers of pure New Zealand wool, 100 percent organic cotton and pocketed steel coils. Delivery and returns are free (plus a 100-night trial), but be aware that it’s quite heavy. Allie says, “If I hadn’t gotten the White Glove delivery service, I definitely would’ve needed to enlist the help of a friend to get this upstairs.”

Mattress Materials: pure New Zealand wool, 100 percent organic cotton and tempered steel coils

Mattress Thickness: 12 inches

Return Policy: Parachute offers free returns within their 100-night trial period, and, according to the website: "If you don’t fall in love, we’ll come pick it up for free."

Buy it (from $2,399 for queen size)

6. Tuft & Needle Original Adaptive Mattress

Best Starter Mattress

Sleep Improvement: 17/20
Price: 19/20
Materials: 16/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 89/100

If you’re looking to buy your first mattress, Tuft & Needle is a great place to start, thanks to its affordable price and ease of assembly. “Getting a box shipped to my apartment was so clutch, given the horrors of NYC moving in general,” says New Yorker Helen. “I literally just cut the plastic and had a bed instantly—genius.” As for the sleep experience, there’s a pressure relief layer of adaptive foam, with an additional layer of foam for added support. Tuft & Needle mattresses are also made with heat-wicking graphite to keep you cool. Heads up, though, that the lower price point could mean sacrificing a little quality. Helen notes, “The ends of the mattress are not as sturdy as many mattresses, so when you sit on the end (like maybe to put on shoes or something), it caves in.” She also advises, “I've used the mattress on two different frames: It felt much better on a more expensive frame.”

Mattress Materials: latex and gel-infused memory foam

Mattress Thickness: 10 inches

Return Policy: T&N offers free shipping and returns on all orders placed within their 100-night trial period.

From $895 $745 at Amazon (for queen size)

7. Leesa Original Bed-in-a-Box

Best for Guest Rooms

Sleep Improvement: 15/20
Price: 17/20
Materials: 15/20
Firmness: 16/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 82/100

Megan’s experience with Leesa started out fabulously: “What I appreciated about the Leesa was the ease in ordering and setting up the mattress. Typically, mattress deliveries need to be scheduled ahead of time, but the box arrived pretty promptly in the mail, you unfolded the mattress and in a few hours (as it settled into its shape), it was ready to go.” Each Leesa mattress has three layers of foam: Comfort (two inches), Recovery (two inches) and Support (six inches). While the bed was super-comfortable at the beginning, Megan realized that it might be better suited for short-term use or as a guest room bed. “The mattress does not hold up well over time,” she says. “After two years, we found that both my husband and myself would roll into the center of the bed, despite positioning ourselves on the edge of the bed when we went to sleep. It was not a durable mattress, and what started out as comfortable ended up being pretty unsupportive to sleep on. I wish we had put it in the guest room, where it would have lasted longer.”

Mattress Materials: polyfoam and memory foam

Mattress Thickness: 10 inches

Return Policy: Every Leesa mattress comes with a 100-night trial and free returns where they'll coordinate a pickup from your home and refund your entire purchase. However, you are required to try your mattress for at least 30 nights before you can initiate a return.

Buy it (from $1,199 $999 for queen size)

8. Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

Best for a Budget

Sleep improvement: 11/20
Price: 18/20
Materials: 14/20
Firmness: 16/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 77/100

It’s hard to beat a $179 queen size mattress, but Linenspa user Candace warns that restless sleepers might want to stay away. “If you toss and turn, Linenspa’s mattress may not be cushy and supportive enough for you (and to that end, you may want to spring for a mattress topper),” she says. “That said, it’s pretty neutral in terms of its impact on your sleep—it wasn’t so stiff that it’d deter sleep, but it wasn’t the most luxurious mattress I’ve ever tried.” Linenspa’s model features an innerspring-memory foam hybrid, which makes it springy without feeling stiff or squishy. It’s only 8 inches thick, so you can easily add a topper without fighting to put on a fitted sheet. Candace also notes that there’s a slight chemical smell when you first unbox it, but it quickly goes away as the mattress airs out. She calls it “like a high-end version of your college dorm mattress,” but also lauds Amazon’s speedy, efficient and free shipping, and Linenspa’s compact packaging, which made it easy to transport.

Mattress Materials: polyurethane foam and innerspring memory foam

Mattress Thickness: 8 inches

Return Policy: This mattress is sold and fulfilled by Amazon, so you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, if the reason for the return is *not* a result of an Amazon error, you’ll have to cover the cost of return shipping.

From $258 at Amazon (for queen size)

9. Zinus 12 Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress

Best for Combination Sleepers

Sleep Improvement: 15/20
Price: 18/20
Materials: 17/20
Firmness: 16/20
Shipping and Returns: 15/20
TOTAL: 81/100

Made with a layer of green tea-and-charcoal-infused memory foam, this mattress pick is definitely unique. Both ingredients are designed to maximize your sleep comfort, with the addition of green tea meant to keep your mattress fresh and ActivCharocal used to block moisture that would otherwise lead to undesirable odors. And while our tester didn’t really notice a difference in terms of freshness or smell, she was impressed with the mattress overall. "I’ll be honest: I really didn’t notice a difference between it and regular memory foam. This mattress is really supportive, and you can toss and turn without jostling the person sleeping next to you," says Candace. Perhaps this has something to do with its thick layers of memory foam, comfort foam and high-density support foam—which, according to the manufacturer, are designed to conform to your body while providing support where you need it most. "After months of use, the foam has retained its shape—no lumps or bumps—and the quality is excellent for the price point. Beyond that, you can’t beat the convenience of ordering through Amazon, but the one catch is that you’ll need to decide how you feel about the mattress quickly: You have 30 days to make your return," Candace explains. "My one caveat is that it’s really firm, and as a side sleeper, I needed a mattress pad so that my hips wouldn’t ache in the middle of the night," she adds.

Mattress Materials: green tea-infused memory foam with a poly jacquard cover

Mattress Thickness: 12 inches

Return Policy: This mattress is sold and fulfilled by Amazon, so you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, if the reason for the return is *not* a result of an Amazon error, you’ll have to cover the cost of return shipping.

FROM $281 AT AMAZON (FOR A QUEEN SIZE)

10. Allswell 'The Brick' Mattress

Best for Back and Hip Pain

Sleep Improvement: 19/20
Price: 18/20
Materials: 17/20
Firmness: 18/20
Shipping and Returns: 20/20
TOTAL: 92/100

Need something firm without it being too firm? You've come to the right place. Allswell user Candace says, "The Brick isn’t nearly as firm as Lucid’s Firm-Feel Memory Foam mattress, which was so stiff I’d wake up in the middle of the night with an aching hip if I slept on my side at all." This mattress uses layers of soft, supportive foam and individually wrapped coils that minimize motion transfer and a firm top layer that can support aches and pains. The result? A medium-firm feel that offers support without sacrificing softness. Candace explains: "Allswell itself is pretty honest that despite its name, The Brick isn’t rock solid; customers rated it a 5.5 to 7.5 on its 10-point firmness scale, putting it about a point higher than its other models." In other words, this mattress is firm-ish , making it a great choice for those sleepers who want a little extra support at night (rather than for those who really need that solid base). She also adds that "[the] medium-firm to firm-level can be just right for providing support without being stiff; perhaps a better name for The Brick would be The Goldilocks."

Mattress Materials: copper gel-infused memory foam, high-density foam and individually wrapped coils

Mattress Thickness: 12 inches

Return Policy: Allswell offers a 100-night trial (limited one per household per year) in case The Brick is too firm.

BUY IT ($699 FOR A QUEEN SIZE)

11. CLASSIC BRANDS COOL GEL 2.0 MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS

Best for Hot Sleepers

Sleep Improvement: 19/20
Price: 18/20
Materials: 19/20
Firmness: 17/20
Shipping and Returns: 18/20
TOTAL: 91/100

The first words out of my mouth upon sitting on this mattress? "'Woah,'" says satisfied customer Sydney. And with more than 14,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon, she’s not the only sleeper who is impressed by this cooling pick. This popular mattress uses a combination of pressure-relieving memory foam and high-density, cool gel memory foam to deliver 14 inches of cooling plushness. "While the gel-infused foam offers maximum ventilation (AKA sweat-free nights), its high-density foam layer conforms to your body and relieves pressure points," Sydney explains. "Not only did it have the plush, sink-into-me effect I was looking for, but it does exactly what it says: Keeps me cool all night long.” However, Sydney also notes that this mattress is on the softer side, meaning it might not be ideal for sleepers who need a little extra support. “Still, this mattress single-handedly took me from 3 hours of sleep per night to a full 6 hours (which is a huge win for us insomniacs)." Bonus: Each mattress comes with two pillows.

Mattress Materials: cool gel memory foam and high density base foam

Mattress Thickness: 14 inches

Return Policy: This mattress is sold and fulfilled by Amazon, so you can return it within 30 days of delivery for a full refund. However, if the reason for the return is *not* a result of an Amazon error, you’ll have to cover the cost of return shipping.

$520 AT AMAZON (FOR A QUEEN SIZE)

RELATED: The 12 Best Mattresses for Back Pain, According to Real People

PureWow may receive a portion of sales from products purchased from this article, which was created independently from PureWow's editorial and sales departments.

Advertisement