- We spent more than 1,000 hours researching and testing the top mattresses on the market and consulting with 21 sleep experts to compile our recommendations.
- Our testers evaluated more than 100 models and recorded our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress.
- We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our survey of 600 mattress owners. This includes price, features, and the setup process.
- We evaluate factors like motion isolation, pressure relief, support, and cooling to ensure each California king mattress offers you a comfortable and supportive sleep.
- Learn more about how we test the best California king mattresses.
Key takeaways
- The WinkBed is our pick for the best California king mattress overall because it serves a variety of sleepers, earned high scores in key categories, and offers great support.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and our survey of 600 mattress owners, we found that California king mattresses should serve similar needs as mattresses for couples, including good motion isolation, good edge support, and good cooling.
- California king mattresses can cost between $699–$3,599, depending on size, construction, and materials.
When it’s time to choose a mattress, size is often a major deciding factor. Preference largely depends on personal needs. Some people are okay cozying up on a smaller bed, but others prefer to spread out for a more spacious sleep. Whatever size bed you choose, it’s important you’re comfortable enough to get a good night’s rest. Not getting enough sleep over an extended period can impact your overall health, including your mental health.
If you like space while you sleep, you’re probably familiar with the standard king-size bed. However, you may not have heard of its not-so-distant relative, the California king. A standard king-size bed is 76 inches wide by 80 inches long, while a California king is 72 inches wide by 84 inches long. The standard king provides more width, while the California king offers more length.
“The California king mattress was first marketed in the 1960s as an alternative to the standard or Eastern king-size mattress,” says Robert Oexman, a doctor of chiropractic and chief science officer at iSense in Springfield, Missouri. “Currently, the primary design constraint is the width of the bedroom with bedside tables. The next constraint involves the current headboard, side rails, and footboard, which need to be adjustable to accommodate the longer and narrower size of the California King mattress.”
If you sleep with a partner or share the bed with children or pets, you may not want to sacrifice those extra inches with a California king. On the other hand, if you’re taller and prefer more legroom, a California king may be a great fit for you.
In this article, we review five California king beds that have been tested and hand-picked by our team of experts. Read on to see our top picks.
6 best California King mattresses of 2024
- The WinkBed: Best overall
- Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best for back pain
- DreamCloud Memory Foam: Best memory foam
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best cooling
- Leesa Sapira Chill: Best for couples
- Bear Original: Best affordable
The WinkBed: Best California king overall
The WinkBed tester insights
The WinkBed is a hybrid mattress featuring layers of both memory foam and innersprings for a balanced feel of comfort and support. Our testers find it comfortable for side and back sleepers of all weights, and it also performs well for lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) and average-weight (130–250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
While testing the back-sleeping position, our testers feel more “on top” of the mattress, saying the mattress contours the lower back region, which is key for people with back pain. Our testers gave The WinkBed a score of 5 out of 5 for pressure relief for back sleepers and 4 out of 5 for side sleepers. The mattress also earns a 4 out of 5 in overall support, demonstrating a good balance between the two performance categories.
The WinkBed stays relatively cool (even with multiple people on the mattress) and earned a 4 out of 5 in the cooling category. While it has a lot of bounce (which is great for sleepers who move around during the night) our testers don’t notice a lot of motion transfer, which means it’s also a solid option for people who share a bed.
We also gave it a 4 out of 5 for edge support, with our testers saying they feel secure when they get close to the edge.
From one of our The WinkBed testers:
“I feel on top of the mattress when laying on it. I feel a little give when I first slide into position, likely due to the plush top and the firm underneath. But once I’m in position, it doesn’t feel like it’s enveloping me.”
Nectar Premier Hybrid: Best for back pain
Why the Nectar Premier Hybrid is our pick for best for back pain
The Nectar Premier Hybrid scores high for back sleeping, with our testers finding it ideal for back sleepers of all body types. We love how well it contours while offering a supportive sleep experience, which may help people with back pain.
Who may want to use the Nectar Premier Hybrid: Back and stomach sleepers of all body types.
Who may want to avoid the Nectar Premier Hybrid: Side sleepers of all body types.
Nectar Premier Hybrid tester insights
The Nectar Premier Hybrid is a medium-firm mattress constructed with memory foam and innersprings. While the brand markets the mattress as 6.5 out of 10 on the firmness scale Brands rate mattress firmness on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being the firmest. , our testers give it a 5.5 out of 10, specifically noting the overall cushiony feel of the first layer of memory foam.
Our testers say this mattress is especially good for back sleepers since it nicely contours and cradles the lower back. It offers a solid mix of pressure relief and support, making it an option to consider if you have back pain. While our testers feel their hips are supported in the side-sleeping position, there was some discomfort and pressure buildup in the shoulder area, which is something side sleepers should consider. The layer of innersprings helps facilitate movement, making it a great pick for sleepers who move around during the night. Despite the high level of contouring the Nectar Premier Hybrid offers, it also scores high in support, and our testers gave it a 4.5 out of 5 in this category.
Couples may like the Nectar Premier Hybrid since the mattress isolates motion well. However, those looking for strong edge support may want to look elsewhere, since the edges do tend to dip slightly under pressure.
From one of our Nectar Premier Hybrid testers:
“Despite the lack of visible sinkage, it was very easy to roll over. The foam is very buoyant and bouncy, and I didn’t have any difficulties moving around the surface. It was almost like the memory foam was helping me! ”
DreamCloud Memory Foam: Best memory foam California king
Why the DreamCloud Memory Foam is our pick for best memory foam California king
The DreamCloud Memory Foam is an all-foam bed made with five layers that offers a great balance of contouring and firm support. Sleepers should get all the benefits of memory foam, including sinkage and pressure relief, while experiencing a high level of support.
Who may want to use the DreamCloud Memory Foam: Back and stomach sleepers of all body types and average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the DreamCloud Memory Foam: Lighter-weight (less than 130 pounds) side sleepers.
If you want a memory foam mattress
While the DreamCloud Memory Foam is our pick for best memory foam, if you want a memory foam mattress with better edge support, you may want to consider the Saatva Loom & Leaf.
DreamCloud Memory Foam tester insights
The DreamCloud Memory Foam is made entirely of foam and features layers of quilted foam, contouring foam, and a 2.5-inch layer of therapeutic gel-infused memory foam Memory foam that contains small gel pods designed to draw heat away from the body. that helps the mattress sleep cool. Our testers rate the DreamCloud Memory Foam as a medium-firm, saying there’s contour even though it offers fairly firm support. We find it supports a variety of sleepers and is an ideal mattress for average-weight and higher-weight sleepers, although lighter-weight side sleepers may find it too firm. Our testers say that while lying on their back, they feel their weight is evenly distributed. While on their sides, they say their spine stays neutral. We rated this mattress 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief and 4.5 out of 5 for support.
Our testers feel the DreamCloud Memory Foam sleeps relatively cool, likely due to the layer of gel memory foam. It also has good motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. , which is good news for couples or people who sleep with kids or pets. We gave the DreamCloud an above-average score of 3.5 out of 5 for edge support, so people who need the edge of the bed for mobility purposes should be okay.
From one of our DreamCloud Memory Foam testers:
“The mattress responds really well to movement. It’s not so firm that it’s like rolling on a plank. There’s a softness to it that conforms to your new position but it does so quickly. It doesn’t bounce, but because it’s firmer it’s pretty easy to reposition.”
Read our in-depth DreamCloud Memory Foam review for more information.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling: Best cooling California king
Why the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe Cooling is our pick for best cooling California king
We chose the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe as the best cooling California king because it uses advanced cooling technology, including a cooling GlacioTex cover, an optional cooling pillow top, and a 1.5-inch cooling CopperFlex layer. Plus, it’s a hybrid construction, which boosts breathability.
Who may want to use the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: People of all body types in any sleeping position.
Who may want to avoid the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Couples concerned about motion transfer.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe tester insights
The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is a hybrid mattress offered in three different firmness levels: soft, medium, and firm. Our testers like the medium model, which the brand rates as a 5 out of 10 on the firmness scale. Despite the brand’s rating, our testers feel the Aurora Luxe is a 7.5 out of 10, which means we rank it firm.
One of the first things our tester notes about this mattress is how cool the cover feels. In fact, they say it’s “by far the coolest mattress to touch.” Even though it has a firmer feel, our testers feel this bed provides great pressure relief to both side and back sleepers. Stomach sleepers should also feel comfortable since the mattress is supportive enough to keep their hips from dipping. It provides a good amount of bounce, making it a good pick for sleepers who change positions during the night.
One complaint our testers have is that the top layer of the mattress has a synthetic, slippery feel, which may make it easy for your sheets to slide around. If you want to ensure your sheets stay in place, we recommend purchasing a mattress cover.
Couples should note that the Aurora Luxe scores below average in motion transfer, meaning you’ll likely feel your partner move around at night. If you’re concerned about this, explore our best mattresses for couples.
From one of our Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe testers:
“This is an excellent well-rounded mattress. It’s on the firmer side, but it offers excellent pressure relief in back and side sleeping positions. Lacks some support for heavier back sleepers, but firmness keeps it good.”
Read our in-depth Aurora Luxe mattress review for more information.
Leesa Sapira Chill: Best California king for couples
Why the Leesa Sapira Chill is our pick for best California king for couples
We chose the Leesa Sapira Chill as the best pick for couples because of how well it isolates motion and remains cool even when multiple people are in bed. Couples shouldn’t feel disturbed by their partner’s movements and may appreciate how the cooling technology helps regulate their temperature.
Who may want to use the Leesa Sapira Chill: Side and back sleepers of all body weights and lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Leesa Sapira Chill: Average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) stomach sleepers.
Leesa Sapira Chill tester insights
The Leesa Sapira Chill is a hybrid mattress made with cooling technology, including layers of gel-infused foam and airflow foam Air foam contains little air pockets, making it more breathable and responsive. on top of innersprings. The mattress comes in plush, medium-firm, and firm, but we based this review on the medium-firm version.
When in the back-sleeping position, our testers say they feel closer to the surface of the mattress while still benefiting from contouring in the back area. Side sleepers should also feel comfortable on the Leesa Sapira Chill, with our testers saying there is very little pressure buildup here. Average-weight or higher-weight stomach sleepers may want to explore firmer options as their hips might sink into the plush top. We gave this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief and a 5 out of 5 for overall support.
When in the back-sleeping position, our testers say they feel closer to the surface of the mattress while still benefiting from contouring in the back area. Side sleepers should also feel comfortable on the Leesa Sapira Chill, with our testers saying there is very little pressure buildup here. Average-weight or higher-weight stomach sleepers may want to explore firmer options as their hips might sink into the plush top. We gave this mattress a 4.5 out of 5 for overall pressure relief and a 5 out of 5 for overall support.
The Leesa Sapira Chill is highly responsive Good responsiveness means the mattress has a bouncier surface that responds to pressure or the sleeper’s movements, making it easier to move around and switch positions. , making it a good fit for sleepers who change positions at night. Despite the bounce, it isolates motion well, so couples shouldn’t be too disturbed by their partner’s movements.
This mattress is on par with the Aurora Luxe Cooling for cooling, with our testers giving it a 5 out of 5 for cooling capabilities. Edge support earned a 4 out of 5, which is good for couples who like to spread out and for people who need the edge of the bed for support.
Bear Original: Best affordable California king mattress
Why the Bear Original is our pick for best affordable California King
We chose the Bear Original as our best affordable pick because it costs $998 for a queen before discounts. We also think it offers quality and scored high in some key performance areas.
Who may want to use the Bear Original: Stomach sleepers of all body types, average-weight (130–250 pounds) and higher-weight (over 250 pounds) back sleepers, and higher-weight side sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Bear Original: Lighter-weight (under 130 pounds) back sleepers and lighter-weight and average-weight side sleepers.
If you want an affordable mattress
While we chose the Bear Original as best affordable California king, if you want an affordable mattress that offers more pressure relief, you may want to consider the Emma Hybrid Comfort.
Bear Original tester insights
The Bear Original is Bear’s flagship mattress and is made entirely of memory foam. While most people associate memory foam with the classic sinking feeling, the Bear Original has a firmer feel that’s not as forgiving as other memory foam mattresses.
When testing the mattress for back sleeping, our testers feel like they are lying on the surface of the mattress with only a slight contour in the lower back area. Their weight feels evenly distributed with a neutral spine A position that allows for the spine to maintain its natural curves at the neck (cervical), middle (thoracic), and lower (lumbar) regions. . There is some pressure buildup in the side-sleeping position too, but they don’t feel uncomfortable. Because the mattress is responsive, it’s good for sleepers who change positions but don’t spend much time on their side. Our testers say they are most comfortable on their stomach because the bed’s firm support elevates the hips and prevents them from dipping, keeping the spine aligned. We gave this mattress an overall score of 4 for pressure relief and 2.5 for overall support.
Our testers gave the Bear Original a 4 out of 5 in edge support, which is good for people who need to use the full surface area of the bed.
From one of our Bear Original testers:
“When I sleep on my side I feel a ‘side crunch.’ The side of my torso on the mattress is elongated, and the other side is crunched up. It’s not uncomfortable right now, but I could see myself shifting out of this position later.”
Read our in-depth Helix mattress review for more information.
How we test and choose the best California king mattresses
The Handbook Team has researched many mattresses online and in person and hand-selected about 130 (and counting) of the best models to test. We’ve also surveyed 1,200 total shoppers (in two 600-people surveys) and interviewed recent mattress customers to understand the buying process and how their new bed has impacted their sleep quality, physical health, and mental wellness.
Purchase mattress as mystery shoppers.
Set up mattress in testing lab.
Lie on mattress and rank firmness.
Lie on back, side, and stomach to find the best sleeping position.
Place 10-pound ball in mattress center and measure sinkage.
Find biggest pressure points using pressure map reading.
Evaluate cooling capabilities by recording temperature differences.
Drop 10-pound ball onto mattress to measure bounce score.
Test motion isolation.
Test edge support.
Calculate composite “family” scores.
First-hand testing experience
The Handbook Team hand-tests every mattress we review. We evaluate brands and models by recording our findings on a 42-question standardized testing form to identify standout features and services, document issues with each product, and describe our personal experience lying on each mattress. For this review, we focused on tests and scores related to overall performance and good mattress features for couples.
Mattress surveys and interviews
We pay close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in our surveys of 1,200 total mattress owners. These include price, features, and the setup process. We also interview real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
We use information from our surveys, focus groups, and expert interviews to determine the most important features in our brand and mattress testing scorecards.
To make our list, every model in this review scored at least 4 out of 5 in motion isolation and cooling. California king beds are often shared between couples, so we made sure these mattresses isolate motion well and offer cooling features so you don’t overheat while sleeping with a partner. Our roundups cater to different needs, so we filter the best mattresses uniquely to fit each review.
We also weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each brand we recommend.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15 percent | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10 percent | Years in business, lawsuits, class actions against this company |
| Features | 20 percent | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, included add-ons (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35 percent | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20 percent | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
How to choose a California King mattress
Choosing the right California king bed for you depends on your needs. Are you sharing the bed with a partner? Will children or pets be sharing the bed with you? Factors like motion isolation, edge support, and cooling should play into your decision-making process if you plan on sleeping with someone else.
Motion isolation
Motion isolation refers to how well a mattress prevents motion from transferring across the bed. This is especially important if you sleep with a partner since their movements can disturb your sleep when they change positions or get out of bed. Memory foam is typically great at isolating motion, so you may want to shop for beds made of memory foam or hybrid mattresses with memory foam in the top layers.
Edge support
Edge support refers to how well the edge of the bed supports your weight. Mattresses with good edge support allow you to sit on the bed’s edge without dipping or sagging. A mattress with solid edge support can also support your weight comfortably if you sleep close to the edge of the bed. This is another important factor for people who sleep with a partner and want to use the full surface area of the mattress.
Cooling
Cooling is important to consider if you sleep with another person since more than one person on a mattress may impact the heat of the mattress. Many mattresses include cooling covers that wick away moisture or are designed with other cooling technologies like gel-memory foam and copper-infused Copper is known for its thermal conductivity and is often added to mattresses to help regulate temperature. memory foam.
California king mattresses vs. king mattresses
California king mattresses are longer than standard king-size ones but narrower than standard kings by several inches. A California king is 72 inches wide and 84 inches long, while a standard king-size bed is 76 inches wide and 80 inches long. A California king has a surface area of 6,048 square inches, while a standard king is 6,080 square inches.
A California king gives sleepers extra legroom, which is good for taller people who prefer the extra space. California kings are a good option for people who don’t mind giving up a few inches of width, but they’re still a good option for couples since they’re 16 inches wider than a queen-size bed.
Our final verdict
We chose The WinkBed as our best overall California king bed because it caters to a wide number of sleepers and scores high across most categories. We like the Nectar Premier Hybrid for people with back pain because it offers great support and contour. However, all of the mattresses on this list stand out for different reasons. Our testers carefully evaluate factors like motion transfer, support, and pressure relief to ensure all mattresses we select are high quality and serve a wide variety of sleepers. You’ll want to pick a mattress that caters to your preferences, so consider your needs before purchasing.
Compare the best California King mattresses of 2024
| Price | $1,149–$2,199 | $1,395–$3,559 | $1,063–$2,259 | $999–2,464 | $1,499–$2,399 | $699–$1,690 |
| Our firmness rating* | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 8/10 |
| Material | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Memory foam |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime |
| Trial period | 120 nights | 365 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights | 120 nights |
| Best for | Back and side sleepers of all body types and lighter-weight and average-weight stomach sleepers | Back and stomach sleepers of all body types | Back and stomach sleepers of all body types and average-weight and higher-weight side sleepers | People of all body types in any sleeping position | Side and back sleepers of all body weights and lighter-weight side sleepers | Stomach sleepers of all body types, average-weight and higher-weight back sleepers, and higher-weight side sleepers |
*Our firmness rating is based on hands-on testing
Frequently asked questions
The cost of a California king varies widely by brand, but in our roundup, they cost between $699–$3,599.
If you’re a taller sleeper who needs extra legroom and is uncomfortable with your legs hanging over the edge of the bed, a California king is a worthwhile investment.
California king beds are four inches narrower than a standard king, so people who prefer width over length should consider a standard king instead.
- Al-Abri, M. A. (2015, January 21). Sleep Deprivation and Depression: A bi-directional association. Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal. 15(1):e4–e6. Link