Best Queen Mattress for 2024 -- Expert Tested and Approved

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Aly Lopez Associate Writer

Aly Lopez is a writer on the sleep team at CNET. She tests, researches and reviews everything sleep-related, from mattresses and bedding to sleep trends and hacks to sleep technology and supplements. She received her bachelor's degree in sociology from Central College and is a certified sleep science coach from the Spencer Institute. As someone who has struggled to sleep her whole life, Aly is extremely passionate about helping others improve their lives by writing about ways to get better sleep.

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Our take - Considering its budget pricing, durable hybrid design, cooling features and neutral foam feel, you can't go wrong with this bed-in-a-box mattress from Leesa. The Leesa Studio Chill is an accommodating hybrid bed that boasts cooling technology typically not found in other mattresses of a similar price point.

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Our CNET sleep experts roll around and sleep on beds to find the coziest and most comfortable mattresses on the market. We know -- what a tiring and arduous task -- but hey, someone has to do it. After countless hours testing hundreds of beds, we've discovered everything from the best of the best to those that aren't worth writing home about (much less taking home).

The beds listed above are our top choices, but a few additional beds deserve an honorable mention. 

WinkBed: The WinkBed is a thick, luxurious hybrid mattress with a strong pocketed coil system, several layers of coils and a fluffy pillow top. It comes in three different firmness levels ranging from soft to firm, so all sleeping positions can find a comfortable fit.

GhostBed Classic: The GhostBed Classic combines memory foam, latex foam and polyfoam to create a pressure-relieving and responsive mixed foam feel. It also uses its own special latex foam, making it more affordable than organic or natural latex foam. It's great for all sleeping positions because it's rated right in the middle of the firmness scale.

Our sleep experts have years of experience rolling around on hundreds of mattresses. We've established a testing process that assesses each bed based on factors like firmness, motion isolation, durability and edge support. 

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. Read more about how we test mattresses.

Firmness and feel

Having tested hundreds of mattresses, our team has a deep understanding of where a mattress falls on the firmness scale. We compare it to other mattresses as we analyze how hard or soft it is. 

We are incredibly hands-on as we test a bed's feel. We press down on it and roll around, noting how the material responds. Is it bouncy and light like latex foam? Or is it syrupy and slow to respond like traditional memory foam?

Durability 

Durability is a top consideration when recommending mattresses. We hypothesize how long a mattress will last based on its construction and the quality of materials used. For example, a hybrid bed with steel coils will typically be more durable and long-lasting than an all-foam mattress. 

Motion isolation

Motion isolation is how well a bed dampens movement across the surface. This might not seem like a big deal, but it matters if you share a mattress with a partner or pets who move around throughout the night. To test motion isolation, we jump and bounce around on the mattress. We also place a glass of water on the edge of the bed to see if it tips over as we roll around. 

Edge support

Edge support refers to the strength of the perimeter of the mattress, which is important to consider if you sleep on or near the edge of the bed. We test edge support by sitting and lying on the edge of the mattress. Does the side droop or sag down when compressed with weight? Does it feel like we're going to fall off?

Shopping for a new bed is highly subjective based on your body type, unique needs, budget, sleeping position and more. Let's explore how your preferences might influence the mattress you choose.

Sleeping position

Your sleeping position will determine how hard or soft of a mattress you need for the best night's sleep possible. As a general rule:

• Side sleepers need soft to medium mattresses with plenty of pressure relief to cradle their curves. This prevents uncomfortable or painful pressure points from developing on your shoulders, hips and knees. 
• Back and stomach sleepers need a medium to firm mattress that helps keep your spine and neck neutrally aligned so you don't wake up with back pain.
• Combination sleepers have the most flexibility. The firmness level you choose should be based on the position you spend the most time in. 

Body type

Your body type determines how much pressure you put on the mattress, ultimately influencing how firm it feels. Heavier people typically experience mattresses as being softer, while petite body types will feel it to be firmer. Your weight also affects what kind of mattress you should get. 

• People over 230 pounds need a mattress with plenty of support and enhanced durability, like hybrid mattresses with steel coils.
• Lighter individuals can choose between hybrid and all-foam mattresses. 

Health conditions

It's important to consider medical conditions when shopping for your next mattress. If you're a hot sleeper, look for beds with cooling technology or that are made with breathable materials like latex foam. If you live with joint pain or arthritis, you should seek out a soft, pressure-relieving mattress that cradles your body. People with back pain require a firmer mattress to support the spine and neck.

Materials 

When looking for a queen mattress, consider the materials in your bed. Its construction will influence your experience and how long it lasts. The three main categories of mattress materials are foam, innerspring or coils and latex foam. A bed with a combination of several materials is called a hybrid mattress.

• Foam: There are several types of foam that you'll find in mattresses: traditional memory foam, open cell foam, gel-infused foam or polyfoam. The type of foam will dictate the feel and firmness of your mattress. 
• Innerspring/coils: An innerspring or coil system adds responsiveness and support to the bed. It also tends to make a mattress more durable over time.
• Latex foam: There are two types of latex foam: organic and synthetic. Organic latex is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial and eco-friendly. It also gives mattresses a bouncy and responsive feel, although it's slightly firmer than other foams.

Budget

Buying a new mattress is a significant investment, so it's crucial to identify your budget before shopping for a queen mattress. The average online mattress costs between $850 and $1,200, but there are mattresses for every budget, from $300 to luxury mattresses that cost $2,000 and beyond.

The best queen-size mattress should fit your sleeping position, body type and budget. Back and stomach sleepers should look for a medium to firm mattress, while side sleepers should keep an eye out for medium to soft queen mattresses. Sleepers weighing over 250 pounds should consider a hybrid mattress made with steel coils for extra durability and support. 

Prices for queen mattresses vary depending on the brand and construction. The average price of an online queen mattress is between $800 and $1,200. Budget options exist for under $500 and luxury beds for much more. 

You should always remember that you should never pay full price for your next queen mattress. Brands nearly always run sales, especially around big holidays like Presidents Day, Memorial Day or Labor Day. If you time it right, you can save hundreds off the price of your next queen bed.