The 9 Best Mattresses in a Box of 2024, Tested by Our Editors

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 legitimately comfortable. (And, these days, you can find something to suit every preference, from ultra-soft and firm to hybrids that work best for couples.) That said, as they’ve become more and more popular, the number of online mattress companies have skyrocketed. Which begs the question: Which should you buy? 

To find out, I went beyond the standard product specs and enlisted PureWow editors, friends and family to test the top-rated boxed mattresses to see how they performed. It’s also worth mentioning that prior to testing, I made sure that each boxed mattress had a few things in common: They arrive straight to your doorstep in compact packaging—most with free shipping—and come with generous trial periods (anywhere from 30 to 365 nights) so our testers could really see if they worked for them. Plus, most mattresses offered warranties that extend well beyond the industry standard, with some even offering lifetime coverage. (But more on that below.)

Here, find nine mattresses that stood out from the herd. I’m talking well-known brands like Casper, celebrated for its plush feel and ergonomic support; Nectar, loved for its adaptive memory foam and unbeatable price; Cocoon by Sealy, a go-to for cooling and temperature regulation; and Tuft & Needle, recognized for motion-cancelling design. (And that's just the beginning.)

First, I scoured through thousands of reviews for the best boxed mattresses on the market. Then, I had PureWow editors, friends and family test the most highly reviewed models I could find. After hours of research, I narrowed our selections down to make sure each met the following requirements: 

• Sleep improvement: Whether there was there a noticeable difference in sleep quality (aka less tossing and turning) 
• Materials: It includes memory foam, gel and/or innerspring coil technology (or a combination of both for hybrid mattresses)
• Firmness: Firmness falls between 6-9 on the firmness scale (level one being the softest, and 10 being hard as a rock).
• Thickness: It’s a minimum of 7 inches thick to offer enough loft for a comfortable night’s rest (excluding crib mattresses, which typically range from 4- to 6 inches thick.)
• Trial Period and Returns: It has a minimum 30-day return policy that offers enough time to break it in. Plus, each mattress was vetted to include free shipping with a minimum three-year warranty.

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Step 1: Choose Your Ideal Type of Mattress

There are lots of different kinds of mattresses-in-a-box out there, many of which are described with super-confusing terminology (what the heck is polyurethane foam, anyway?). But when it comes to boxed mattresses, specifically, they usually include three types: hybrid, memory foam and pillow-top. 

• Hybrid Mattresses: These mattresses often feature a combo of memory foam, gel and innerspring coil technology—as in, coils that are individually wrapped to retain their tension. Hybrids are the best options for couples, as they’re soft and supportive—without falling too extreme on either side of the spectrum.
• Memory Foam Mattresses: These mattresses are made from moldable material that will contour to your shape—and are perfect for relieving aches. It’s worth mentioning, however, that the material can get pretty warm at night (and you want to look for a cooling option if you’re a hot sleeper).
• Pillow-Top Mattresses: This is the ultimate mattress for a bouncy feel. Since innerspring mattresses are hard to condense into a box, this is the closest thing you’ll get in terms of loft. While they’re not great for pressure relief, pillow tops often rest upon a hybrid blend—and many feature memory foam, latex or fiberfill (instead of traditional coils), which tend to make them more affordable.

Step 2: Consider Firmness

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 in their preferences. 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? Some brands offer a one-size-fits-all firmness level, but most feature a numbered scale from one to ten (level one is the softest, and 10 tends to be hard as a rock). Here’s how to choose the right number for your sleep style:

• Plush (levels 3-4): Plush mattresses offer minimal support with plenty of sinkage and contour. It’s the softest feel available; not ideal for anyone who suffers from neck, back or hip pain. 
• Medium (levels 5-6): Of all the firmness levels, medium mattresses are preferred by most sleepers. They are in the middle of the pack when it comes to hug and sinkage and meet the needs of combination sleepers when it comes to conformt and support.
• Medium-firm (levels 6-7): Medium-firm mattresses feature adequate softness at the top to relieve pressure on your body. These are the best option for side sleepers, where they offer ample support for your feet, spine and head.
• Firm (levels 7-8): Firm mattresses often feature a sturdy coil system coupled with several layers of compressed upholstery. Such mattresses deliver minimal sinkage, making them the best choice for back- and stomach-sleepers.
• Extra-firm (levels 9-10): Extra-firm mattresses have a strong foundation that is tailored to absorb weight and motion. They also have remarkable edge support, which means you won’t have to worry about it sagging.

After rigorous testing, a few boxed mattresses stood out from the rest. For overall comfort, the Casper Wave Snow Max took the lead with its layered cooling tech and targeted spine support—perfect for all sleep positions. Then, if value is key, Nectar’s Memory Foam Mattress was a winner—it’s plush, pressure-relieving, under $500 for a queen and backed by a 365-night trial plus a lifetime warranty. Finally, for the best hybrid feel, the Saatva Classic combined luxurious, chiropractor-approved support with breathable organic materials, offering a balance of firmness and comfort that adapts to any sleep style.