Top-tier mattresses available for less than $500
Sleeping well doesn't have to break the bank, according to CHOICE experts. In fact, you should never pay full price for a mattress, they say. Over half of the mattresses recommended by CHOICE experts cost less than $1000, offering a win for your back and your bank balance.
Don't be afraid to haggle when buying a mattress, especially online or in stores with frequent sales. It's sales season year-round, so be patient for a discount on a specific mattress. Ask retailers for the best price they can do on a mattress.
Online retailers like Aldi offer competitive prices for their mattresses. For instance, their popular 'mattress in a box' sells for about $250 for a queen-sized bed-in-a-box, but it comes and goes quickly during sales periods like end-of-financial-year (EOFY), Boxing Day, and Black Friday.
Expensive mattresses don't always perform better than cheaper models, according to CHOICE expert testing. In fact, two mattresses that cost less than $500 came equal second overall in the latest CHOICE mattress test. Some retailers offer discounts when buying more than one mattress or as part of a bedroom furniture package.
CHOICE experts caution against being too influenced by clever marketing, as it doesn't always lead to better comfort and support. Consider buying a mattress-in-a-box, as they can have cheaper prices due to lower overheads. Many models around the $500 to $1500 price point often strike a good balance between price, quality, and performance.
Two more models that cost less than $300 each share third and fourth places with some more expensive options. Ikea's Valevåg mattress at $399 and Vesteroy at $349 are better budget performers compared to some pricier but lower-scoring models.
If you're looking for the best affordable mattresses under $500, CHOICE experts recommend looking at tested brands such as Ikea’s higher-scoring budget models (Valevåg, Vesteroy) and other reputable brands like Koala and Emma, which have models performing well in their independent mattress reviews.
Remember, research, shop around, and compare prices, as the mattress market is competitive. Check CHOICE mattress reviews to see which cheap mattresses perform better in their testing. And if you want exact models and rankings, CHOICE offers detailed test results exclusively for members, but the key takeaway is that quality affordable mattresses exist well under $500 and can outperform higher-priced options.
[1] CHOICE, (2022). Best mattresses under $500. [online] Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-garden/bed-and-bedding/mattresses/articles/best-mattresses-under-500 [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].
[5] CHOICE, (2021). Ikea mattress review 2021. [online] Available at: https://www.choice.com.au/home-and-garden/bed-and-bedding/mattresses/articles/ikea-mattress-review-2021 [Accessed 15 Mar. 2023].
When shopping for a mattress, consider brands like Ikea for budget-friendly options that perform well, such as the Valevåg and Vesteroy models. Affordable lifestyle choices in fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden aren't exclusive to just these categories; even in the complex world of mattresses, you can find high-quality, affordable options below $500.
