We spent two weeks testing top-rated king mattresses in The Lab, evaluating them on ease of setup, comfort, quality, and value. Our favorite, the Tuft and Needle Mint Mattress, is topped with breathable, motion-dampening foam, features a luxe knit cover, and comes with a 10-year limited warranty. Here are the best king mattresses. What do buyers say? 12,000+ Tuft & Needle reviewers rated this product 4 stars or above. The Tuft and Needle Mint Mattress is our best overall pick because it has the most features to support different types of sleepers. If you get toasty when sleeping, this breathable mattress will help keep your body cool, even in the hotter summer months. Based on our testing feedback, this mattress earned a 5 out of 5 rating for comfort and overall value. The foam material contains extra graphite, which draws heat away from your body while you sleep. Our tester appreciated the mattress’s cooling properties and supportive three-layer memory foam construction. She noted that these super-soft layers contour to your body and sleeping style, even when shifting positions, while providing edge support for additional stability. While our tester noticed that the mattress required a few days for off-gassing odors to dissipate, the material is Greenguard Gold Certified—meaning it’s free of any harmful chemicals. There are multiple sizes available to accommodate your needs, though there’s only one standard 12-inch thickness option. If something doesn’t live up to your expectations, there is a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Price at time of publish: $1,795 A common complaint with memory foam is that it’s hot and stuffy and makes it hard to move around. This isn’t a problem with a hybrid mattress like the Helix Midnight Luxe. It’s constructed with 6 layers of support, including high-density foam and more than 1,000 individual wrapped coils to cradle and support your body. On top, you’ll find an ultra-cooling pillow top that helps to absorb excess body heat and add extra comfort. One feature to note about this mattress is that it has a 14-inch depth, which is higher than some other options. While our tester personally liked this aspect, you’ll want to make sure you have sheets with deep enough pockets. Price at time of publish: $2,499 Our tester gave this mattress high marks for its soft yet supportive feel, which works well for all types of sleepers (particularly side). While the pillow top will start to mold to your body within the first few weeks, this doesn’t fully minimize motion transfer—something to note if you’re a light sleeper or your bed partner tosses and turns. It can also take a while to get a confirmed delivery date. This is due to the company providing both delivery and set-up, rather than shipping through the mail as bed-in-a-box companies do. If you prefer this feature, just expect the overall process to take longer. Price at time of publish: $2,445 Our tester gave this mattress particularly high marks for its clean look, cloud-like feel, and durable construction. She also appreciated Casper’s generous 100-night sleep trial, which lets you return the mattress at any point during the period—no questions asked. Price at time of publish: $1,695 Price at time of publish: $2,899 Price at time of publish: $1,395 Price at time of publish: $1,199 Price at time of publish: $4,899 Price at time of publish: $379 Price at time of publish: $998 Price at time of publish: $225
What to Look for in a King Mattress
Material
Traditional innerspring mattresses are great for those that need support. Most firm mattresses have springs or coils or are a hybrid option. Memory foam tends to be a bit softer, but it can still be a great choice and many companies are using memory foam to provide cushioning where it’s needed.
Thickness
Mattresses can come in a variety of thicknesses, usually between 10- and 18-inches, with most available in either 12 or 14. Pillow top mattresses are often the thickest since they have extra components. The thickness of your mattress can create a higher bed, which may be more difficult for those with mobility issues to use. You should also consider your sheets when thinking about your mattress thickness. Extra-thick mattresses may need specialty deep-pocket sheets.
Firmness
Mattresses are classified as soft, medium, or firm, with some mattresses falling in between these labels. Pillow top mattresses are usually softer, while innerspring mattresses tend to be the firmest. Ideal mattress firmness can be a matter of personal preference. It can also be influenced by your lifestyle and physical needs. For example, active individuals often opt for a firmer mattress that provides maximum support.
Standout Features
Third-Party Certifications
Most mattress certifications focus on the materials that go into the mattress. The two most commonly seen certifications include CertiPUR-US and GREENGUARD Gold Certification. Both of these certifications show that the materials are free of volatile organic compounds, VOCs, and other chemicals that could harm the environment or result in health problems for the sleeper. You may also look for organic materials if you really want to go to the next eco-friendly level.
Breathability
You’ll want to consider the breathability of your new mattress, especially if you’re a hot sleeper. While foam mattresses can be too warm for some people, you can choose one made with open-cell or ventilated foam for better breathability. For added comfort, you can also opt for a mattress with a breathable cover.
Why Trust The Spruce?
This article was researched and written by Katie Begley, a freelance writer specializing in home and family products. Katie has been writing for The Spruce since 2019. To make this list, Katie considered how each mattress works for different sleeping styles and needs. She poured over dozens of customer reviews, along with insights from experts and The Spruce’s team of testers. “You don’t wait to replace your shoes until your feet hurt. Don’t wait to replace your mattress when your back starts hurting,” says Keith Moneymaker, Owner of Sweet Dreams, a North Carolina-based mattress company.
