My fellow CNET sleep editors and I selected mattresses based on firmness, feel, performance, durability, features and brand policies. We test beds by lying on them, testing edge support and motion isolation, and switching between sleeping positions, for example. We also test mattress firmness with our own machine, aptly named the Mattress Smasher 9000. 10 is the firmest. While we also test each bed personally for perceived firmness and feel, we have data from the MS9000 to back up our conclusions.
Here's the data we learned testing the best cheap beds with our Mattress 9000. Ranked from softest to firmest, here's how the mattresses scored on our firmness scale.
However, with this list in particular, price and value were two of the main metrics we examined. The mattresses we considered “cheap” range from $300 to $800 (after rebates) and are very basic, often flagship models. They don't have to have any fancy bells and whistles, but the mattresses chosen are still comfortable, quality beds at affordable prices.
Read more about our sleep team, our mattress warehouse, the 9000 mattress breaker and how we test mattresses.