- We spent over 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 about 130 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 paid close attention to specific considerations that sleepers of all ages seek, as identified by respondents in two different surveys, totaling 1,200 mattress owners. This included price, features, and the set-up process.
- Using the results of our research and testing, we chose the top king mattresses to include in this list based on their scores in the categories of brand reputation, pricing, and comfort features.
- Learn more about how we test king size mattresses in 2024.
Key takeaways
- The Saatva Classic is our pick for the best king size mattress overall because it scored high in support, responsiveness, and cooling, making it a great option for a variety of sleep positions and body types.
- Based on over 1,000 hours of testing and surveying more than 1,200 mattress owners, we found sleepers are looking for durability and comfort in a new king-size mattress. This includes adequate support for spine neutrality and good pressure relief to prevent pain buildup in their preferred sleep position.
- King size mattresses can cost around $1,399 to over $3,900, depending on construction, materials, and comfort features.
Upgrading to a king-size mattress can boost the quality of your sleep, improving comfort for couples, those who sleep with pets, and anyone wanting more room to spread out. But finding the best king-size mattress for you depends on several factors, like your body type, preferred sleeping position, and whether or not you share your bed or sleep alone.
A king-size mattress can provide ample space, especially for those who share a bed. But it’s also ideal for higher-weight sleepers who need more room to spread out, combo sleepers People who sleep in multiple positions throughout the night. For example, a person might be a back-and-side sleeper or a stomach-and-back sleeper. , or anyone who just likes a lot of space. To help you find the best king size mattress, our Handbook Team researched and tested mattresses to bring you our top choices for king-size mattresses.
9 best king size mattresses of 2024
- Saatva Classic: Best king-size mattress overall
- The Nectar Memory Foam: Best memory foam king-size mattress
- Helix Midnight Luxe: Best king-size mattress for couples
- Emma Hybrid Comfort: Best firm king-size mattress
- Titan Plus: Best king-size mattress for higher-weight sleepers
- Nolah Evolution: Best king-size mattress for back pain
- Bear Elite Hybrid: Best king-size hybrid mattress
- Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe: Best king-size mattress for side sleepers
- Birch Luxe Natural: Best king-size mattress for stomach sleepers
What to look for in a king size mattress
- Support: While each sleeper has preferences and comfort needs, we have found that the best king-size mattresses offer adequate support in your preferred sleep position. The right model will keep your spine in healthy, neutral alignment.
- Pressure Relief: Pressure relief prevents build-up at common pain points, like the shoulder, hips, and neck, by evenly distributing the sleeper’s weight when laying on their king-size mattress.
- Motion Isolation: Sleepers often choose king-size mattresses because they share their bed. Great motion isolation will prevent sleep disturbances when your partner, child, or pet moves around at night.
Saatva Classic: Best king-size mattress overall
Why Saatva is our pick for best overall
The king-size Saatva Classic is a hybrid mattress with two layers of coils and a layer of memory foam strategically placed to provide lumbar support. While each model provides a different level of firmness, we found them all to be responsive, supportive mattresses with an on-top-of-the-bed feel.
What our scores of the Saatva Classic mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | No |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like the Saatva Classic: Because this mattress is available in three different firmness levels, has zoned lumbar support, and is responsive enough to aid in easy position change, we think the Saatva Classic is a good fit for a wide variety of sleepers looking for a king size mattress.
Who may want to avoid the Saatva Classic: The Saatva Classic is one of the higher-priced mattresses on this list, so it isn’t suited for someone looking for a budget-friendly option.
Saatva Classic tester insights
We believe anyone who prefers the sturdy support of an innerspring mattress will love the Saatva Classic, which we gave high scores in almost every testing category. When lying on its surface, we felt a bit of a lift with light contouring. The coils propped us up and helped keep our spines neutrally aligned while the foam helped provide cushioning comfort.
From our tester
“My spine feels neutral, and I still got some pressure relief from the pillow top. Stomach sleeping also feels very comfortable on this mattress. “
The springs make the Classic a bouncier mattress, allowing us to roll around and easily change positions on top of it. The mattress’s responsiveness should make it comfortable for combination sleepers who like to switch sleeping positions at night. However, the downside of this bounciness is that it causes motion to ripple across the mattress’s surface. Measuring the Classic’s motion transfer using a steel ball and a seismometer While seismometers are instruments used to test the motion of the ground during an earthquake, we use a similar tool to measure movement across mattresses. showed high vibrations. This means if you sleep with a partner and either one of you is a light sleeper, there’s a chance you might wake each other up if you move around a lot.
Learn more in our in-depth Saatva mattress review.
Nectar Memory Foam: Best king-size memory foam
Why Nectar Memory Foam is our pick for best memory foam
The king-size Nectar Memory Foam mattress is a classic memory foam bed: It’s slow-moving with lots of sinkage While some softer mattresses offer good contouring sinkage, sinkage is also a result of wear and tear. Foam materials especially sink over time, resulting in a sagging feeling, which provides less support. and contouring. When lying down on it, we experienced good pressure relief at the shoulders and hips, which should appeal to side sleepers who put most of their weight on those areas of the body.
What our scores of the Nectar Memory Foam mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | Yes |
| Have joint pain | No |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | No |
Who may like the Nectar Memory Foam mattress: The Nectar Memory Foam mattress scored high in pressure relief, so we think it would be a great fit for side and back sleepers.
Who may want to avoid the Nectar Memory Foam mattress: Since our testers gave the Nectar Memory Mattress a firmness rating of 6.5 out of 10, it isn’t firm enough for most stomach sleepers or sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds.
Nectar Memory Foam tester insights
We think the slow-moving memory foam feel of The Nectar Memory Foam mattress will be most comfortable for side sleepers. In fact, when we ran our pressure map test , it showed mostly blue on our side, indicating little to no pressure.
From one of our Nectar Memory Foam testers:
“The Nectar offers a lot of sinkage and contouring for deep pressure relief. I could even feel my heels sinking into the mattress, which tells you how much sinkage there is.”
As contouring as the Nectar is, it wasn’t so soft that we sank through the mattress lying on our backs. We still received good support, so we think it could also be a comfortable mattress for back and side sleepers. Nectar’s ability to maintain its structure is due to a layer of firmer, denser foam at the bottom of the bed’s construction.
Read more in our Nectar mattress review.
Helix Midnight Luxe: Best king-size mattress for couples
Why Helix Midnight Luxe is our pick for couples
The Helix Midnight Luxe is a medium-soft to medium-firm luxury hybrid mattress equipped with zoned support, a cushy pillow top, and a cover made of a soft and breathable material called Tencel A brand of sustainable cellulose fiber made from wood pulp, which is used in clothing, footwear, home linens, carpets, mattresses, and pillows because it’s highly breathable, hygienic, and comfortable. . We found these features to be good for couples, who typically need extra support from the coils, cooling from the cover, and pressure relief from the pillow top due to the extra weight and body heat from two people.
What our scores of the Helix Midnight Luxe mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | No |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Helix: Since the Helix Midnight Luxe provides excellent motion isolation, we think it’s a great fit for couples sharing a bed.
Who may want to avoid Helix: Stomach sleepers and sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds will find the Helix Midnight Luxe doesn’t provide the support they need to maintain spine alignment.
Helix Midnight Luxe tester insights
We think the extra bells and whistles on this mattress should appeal to couples, especially if they’re back or side sleepers. When testing the Midnight Luxe, the pillow top filled in our lumbar region and gave us the necessary contouring at the shoulders and hips. Plus, the zoned support helped keep the spine neutrally aligned. However, stomach sleepers will likely need a firmer and more supportive mattress like the Birch Luxe Natural, which we review below.
From our tester
“We love Helix Midnight Luxe for couples because it simultaneously cools down two bodies and effectively isolates motion.”
The Midnight Luxe mattress also has great motion isolation The containment of movement on one area of a mattress so it doesn’t impact other areas. . When two of our testers lay on the bed, we measured their movement with a seismometer. The vibrations were low, meaning partners are less likely to wake each other up with tossing and turning.
Read more in our Helix review.
Best firm king-size mattress: Emma Hybrid Comfort
Why Emma Hybrid Comfort is our pick for best firm
Emma constructs mattresses with sturdy materials designed to last sleepers for years. The Emma Hybrid Comfort is especially durable, with a top layer of cooling foam, a transition layer of high-density foam, and a bottom layer of coils with seven zones of support. All of these layers result in a mattress that we found especially to be lifting and firm.
What our scores of the Emma Hybrid Comfort mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | No |
| Have joint pain | No |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Emma: The higher firmness rating of the Emma Hybrid Comfort makes it an excellent choice for sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds.
Who may want to avoid Emma: Because the Emma Hybrid Comfort is a firm mattress, it isn’t soft enough for side sleepers.
Emma Hybrid Comfort tester insights
The considerable firmness of the Emma Hybrid Comfort makes it an ideal king-size bed for back and stomach sleepers, as long as they enjoy a firmer mattress. We also think this mattress is firm and supportive enough for higher-weight sleepers over 250 pounds. The only sleeping position we wouldn’t recommend it for is side sleepers (even heavier ones) since they need softer support at their shoulders and hips.
From our tester
“I really love the high-density transition layer of the Emma Hybrid Comfort. It gave the bed a firmer feel and really kept me ‘on top’ of the mattress.”
Another plus is the Emma Hybrid Comfort’s edge support Edge support is the bed’s strength and stability around the perimeter. . When sitting at the edge of the bed, we didn’t feel it sagging at all, which tells us you can spread out while sleeping on the bed and utilize the entire surface of the mattress.
Learn more in our in-depth Emma mattress review.
Best king-size mattress for heavy sleepers: Titan Plus
Why Titan Plus is our pick for best for heavy people
The Titan Plus by Brooklyn Bedding is a hybrid mattress constructed with individually pocketed coils, layers of support foam and memory foam, and a cooling quilted top of gel-infused foam to provide firm support to sleepers over 250 pounds. If this mattress is shared by a couple, we feel it is best suited for partners who are both heavy. The firmness may feel too firm for lighter-weight people.
What our scores of the Titan Plus mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | Yes |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Titan: Sleepers weighing more than 250 pounds will appreciate how the Titan Plus is firm and supportive enough to maintain spine neutrality.
Who may want to avoid Titan: The Titan Plus has a firmness rating of 7.5 out of 10, so it is likely too firm for side sleepers and lighter weight sleepers.
Titan Plus tester insights
We think the Titan Plus combination of responsive proprietary TitanFlex foam and tall coils makes it a firm, supportive mattress for back and stomach sleepers. TitanFlex foam is hyper-elastic and made to contour like memory foam but with the responsiveness of latex. When we had a higher-weight colleague test the bed, he experienced an optimal blend of pressure relief and support.
From our tester
“There’s a great mix of soft pressure relief and sturdy support that should appeal to heavier-weight sleepers, who might sink through a softer mattress.”
It’s important to remember most mattresses will generally feel softer to heavy people and firmer to average weight and lighter sleepers. We think average-weight back sleepers and stomach sleepers will also be comfortable on the Titan Plus. Still, they’ll likely experience the mattress as a 7.5 out of 10 on our firmness scale, whereas a heavy sleeper will probably find the firmness closer to 6.5 (medium-firm).
Read more in our in-depth Titan review.
Best king-size mattress for back pain: Nolah Evolution
Why Nolah Evolution is our pick for best for back pain
If you’re looking for the best king-size mattress for back pain, we recommend a hybrid with medium firmness. This type of bed will likely give you enough coil support to keep your spine neutrally aligned while the bed’s soft foams provide contour for the lumbar region. The Nolah Evolution, which is available in Plush, Luxury Firm, and Firm models, ticks all those boxes.
What our scores of the Nolah Evolution mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | Yes |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Nolah: During testing, we observed excellent pressure relief from the Nolah Evolution, and we recommend it for sleepers dealing with chronic pain issues.
Who may want to avoid Nolah: For light and average weight sleepers, the softness of the Nolah Evolution is a plus, but sleepers weighing over 250 pounds will find it doesn’t provide the support they need for comfortable sleep.
Nolah Evolution tester insights
During testing, the Nolah Evolution felt good on our backs, so when we rolled out the pressure map, it was no surprise to see it light up almost entirely blue. This indicates little to no pressure and further clarifies the Evolution as one of the best mattresses for back pain.
From our tester
“I think the Nolah Evolution is a good choice for back sleepers. The coils give me plenty of support and the foams help soothe my back pain.”
We think the Nolah Evolution offers the right amount of support and pressure relief for both back and side sleepers. The coils in the mattress also give it a good deal of bounce, which should allow combination sleepers to easily switch sleeping positions.
Best king-size hybrid mattress: Bear Elite Hybrid
Why Bear Elite Hybrid is our pick for best hybrid
When deciding which king-size bed to purchase, a hybrid mattress can provide the benefits of both foam and innerspring. Its construction has coils at the bottom of the mattress for bounce and support, while the foams up top provide pressure relief. This is the case with the Bear Elite Hybrid, a luxury mattress with two layers of foam and coils. You can choose from soft, medium, or firm (we tested the medium).
What our scores of the Bear Elite Hybrid mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | Yes |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Bear: During testing, we noted excellent cooling features in the Bear Elite Hybrid, and we recommend this mattress for sleepers who tend to run hot.
Who may want to avoid Bear: The Bear Hybrid Elite is one of the higher priced mattresses on this list, so we don’t recommend it to those shopping on a budget.
Bear Elite Hybrid tester insights
While we felt the Bear Elite Hybrid’s medium model was on the softer side, we still felt supported while lying on our backs, with the top layer of memory foam filling in the lumbar region nicely. During side sleeping, we felt the foam contouring to the pressure points at the shoulders and hips.
From our tester
“I like the medium model for both back sleepers and side sleepers. It’s also a responsive and cooling mattress.”
One of the most interesting features of this hybrid mattress is its cover made from Celliant A fabric infused with minerals and trace elements that capture body heat and convert it into infrared energy to improve circulation and stimulate muscle recovery. , which some studies show promotes blood flow and recovery. While we haven’t verified the healing properties of Celliant ourselves, we can say with confidence it helps the mattress sleep cool, as do the bed’s infusions of copper (known for its moisture-wicking properties) and its airflow-promoting coils.
Read our Bear mattress review to learn more.
Best king-size mattress for side sleepers: Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe
Why Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe is our pick for best for side sleepers
The king-size Aurora Luxe is a medium-firm, luxury hybrid mattress that combines a layer of foam at the base, zoned coils in the core, comfort foam, and a cooling layer of copperflex. Since this mattress is available in soft, medium, and firm models we feel there is an option for all sleeping positions.
What our scores of the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | No |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Brooklyn Bedding: The Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe offers excellent pressure relief, making it a great fit for side sleepers or average to light weight back sleepers.
Who may want to avoid Brooklyn Bedding: Brooklyn Bedding only offers a 10-year warranty, so it might not be a good fit for sleepers who place a high priority on finding a long-lasting mattress.
Brooklyn Bedding Aurora Luxe tester insights
We think the medium version of the Aurora Luxe is an excellent choice for side sleepers. Still, they could be extra comfortable on the soft model, which offers even more contouring and pressure relief. Back sleepers should also get the support they need from the Aurora Luxe’s springs but might want to opt for the medium or firm models.
From our tester
“I really like the Aurora Luxe for side sleepers, but the soft model could be an especially good option for anyone who has joint pain and needs more cushioning.”
Brooklyn Bedding markets the Aurora Luxe as one of their most cooling mattresses, which our testers found true. The coils leave plenty of room for air to flow through the construction, plus the foams have infusions of copper and gel, which help the mattress stay cool.
Learn more in our Brooklyn Bedding review.
Best king-size mattress for stomach sleepers: Birch Luxe Natural
Why Birch Luxe Natural is our pick for best for stomach sleepers
The Birch Luxe Natural is an organic mattress from Helix made with layers of organic wool, cotton, and natural Talalay latex built over strong, individually pocketed coils. When we tested out this mattress in the stomach-sleeping position, we got enough lift to keep our hips aligned with our shoulders. This is the key to keeping a stomach sleeper’s spine in a neutral alignment.
What our scores of the Birch Luxe Natural mean for you:
| I may love it if I: | |
|---|---|
| Sleep with a partner | Yes, if you sleep heavily |
| Have joint pain | Yes |
| Feel hot at night | Yes |
| Switch positions while I sleep | Yes |
Who may like Birch: Because Birch Luxe Natural is made from natural, environmentally friendly materials, it is a good option for sleepers who value making sustainable purchases.
Who may want to avoid Birch: The Birch Luxe Natural is sold at a higher price point than many of the mattresses on this list, so we don’t recommend it to shoppers looking for a budget-friendly option.
Birch Luxe Natural tester insights
With a score of seven out of 10 on our mattress firmness scale, the Luxe Natural has more of an on-top-of-the-bed feel. While we think this mattress is a stand-out for stomach sleepers, it should also be comfortable for average-weight back sleepers. The latex in the Birch Luxe Natural is a naturally responsive material, so combination sleepers should be able to easily change sleeping positions.
From our tester
“I’m really drawn to the classic latex feel of this bed, which gives it a lot of springiness and support. If you’re a back or stomach sleeper, you’ll be comfortable on the Birch.”
A final benefit of a latex hybrid is its naturally cooling properties. As a result, this organic mattress is an excellent choice for hot sleepers who have difficulty staying cool at night. The only downside to the material is that it doesn’t contour as much as we’d like, so it may not be the best mattress for side sleepers who need deep pressure relief at the shoulders and hips.
How we test and choose the best king mattresses
The Handbook Team researched 130 mattress models. Based on more than 1,000 hours of research, we tested the best king size mattresses to provide insight into which options provide the most value to our readers. Knowing that each sleeper has unique needs for great sleep and holistic health, we rated each model across several categories so you can make an informed decision before buying your next bed.
First-hand testing experience
Using a standardized, 42-question testing guide, the Handbook Team conducts in-depth, first-hand testing. Our process allows us to evaluate each model independently across the categories that matter most, including support, durability, cost, and brand policies. While testing king-size mattresses, we pay close attention to the features important to couples sharing a bed, such as motion isolation, by dropping a weight on one side of the bed and measuring how effectively the mattress prevents movement transfer to other parts of the bed.
Mattress surveys & interviews
In addition to first-hand testing, we surveyed more than 1,200 mattress owners about what they look for in a king-size bed, including price, features, and the set-up process. These survey respondents were sleepers of all ages and body types with various sleep habits and preferences. We also interviewed real people to better understand the motivations behind shopping for a new mattress and the benefits of purchasing one.
Objective and honest ratings
We know that everyone has different needs for their holistic health, and the mattress you choose should be tailored to those individual needs. Using the information collected from surveys and interviews, we created a scorecard rating of the most essential features of a mattress. We weigh the following factors to determine an overall rating for each model we recommend, and every model in this roundup scored a minimum of 8.5/10 for their overall rating.
| Factor | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Service | 15% | Customer care center hours, support options |
| Brand Reputation | 10% | Years in business, lawsuits & class actions against this company |
| Features | 20% | Size options, firmness options, weight capacity, add-ons included (free sleep accessories) |
| User Experience | 35% | White glove delivery, CERTIPUR-US certifications, risk-free trials |
| Affordability | 20% | Price, warranty, promotions |
Learn more about our mattress testing and review methodology.
Our king-size mattress testing process
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 scores.
How to choose a king-size mattress for a good night’s sleep
During our testing and research, we found the Saatva Classic to be the best king-size mattress overall, but we also know that buying a new mattress is a highly individualized experience with personal preferences and comfort needs to take into account. Here are a few things to keep in mind while looking for the best king-size mattress for you.
Material
Among the main differences in mattress pricing, structure, and the comfort an individual feels when sleeping in bed are the materials used.
- Innerspring: An innerspring mattress comprises coils grouped together or individually encased. It is often the most supportive and durable of the mattress types. These mattresses are usually firm and might not offer enough pressure relief for side sleepers or enough cushion for lighter-weight sleepers. See our full innerspring mattress guide.
- Memory foam: Memory foam mattresses are made entirely of memory foam or layered with support foam. Since memory foam responds to heat, contouring the body and allowing the sleeper to sink into the mattress, these mattresses are often not great for heavy people. They might also not be supportive enough for some stomach and back sleepers. See our full memory foam mattress guide.
- Hybrid: Hybrid mattresses combine an innerspring core with layers of memory and support foam. They are considered one of the more versatile mattress types, offering plenty of support while still contouring to the body. See our full hybrid mattress guide.
- Latex: Latex is a memory foam alternative naturally derived from rubber trees. It provides a cooler mattress than memory foam but offers similar pressure relief. See our full latex mattress guide.
- Organic: Several certifications signal whether a mattress is organic, meaning it was manufactured with materials that are not harmful to humans. See our full organic mattress guide.
Sleeping position
Each person has preferences that determine what they need from a new mattress. For example, your preferred sleep position can determine what type of mattress feels most comfortable.
- Stomach sleepers: Stomach sleepers typically need a supportive mattress to prevent their hips from sinking into it and keep their spine aligned. See our full stomach sleeper mattress guide.
- Side sleepers: A responsive and supportive mattress that contours to the body’s curves is often most comfortable for side sleepers. See our full side sleeper mattress guide.
- Back sleepers: A medium to medium firm mattress with zoned support is great for a back sleeper, maintaining a neutral spine while still cushioning the lower back. See our full back sleeper mattress guide.
Maintaining a neutral spine while sleeping that follows the natural curvature of the spine reduces the pressure on your muscles and nerves, reducing the likelihood of waking up with aches and pains. This can also help alleviate neck and back pain. Consistently sleeping in a position that supports spinal alignment can contribute to better posture during waking hours. Good posture can reduce the risk of musculoskeletal problems and enhance your overall appearance and self-confidence.
Steve Smiley, a chiropractic physician and owner of Smiley Family Chiropractic in Indianapolis, Indiana
Sleeper’s body
Every body is different, and what we need to sleep soundly and comfortably changes depending on body type. Weight, age, and health conditions can all determine what type of mattress is best for you.
- Weight: Weight changes the way we experience the firmness of a mattress, with a heavier weight person requiring a firmer option to maintain spine neutrality. See our full mattresses for heavy sleepers guide.
- Age: Typically, smaller bodies experience mattresses as feeling firmer, so most children require a softer bed than adults. The exception to this rule is for babies under one, who should sleep on their back on a firm mattress. See our full mattresses for kids guide.
- Health conditions: Chronic pain significantly affects how well you sleep at night, but a mattress with great pressure relief and cushion can help improve your comfort in bed. See our full guides on mattresses for back pain and mattresses for hip pain.
Temperature
Some mattresses are naturally cooling: the coils of innerspring mattresses allow for good airflow, while memory foam tends to retain heat. If you run hot, you may want to look into additional cooling features such as a top made of gel-infused foam or phase change materials.
Price
A king size mattress can cost as little as $1,399 to over $3,900, with materials used and comfort features playing a role in the price. The most affordable mattress on this list is the Nectar memory foam, priced at $1,399 with discounts or promotions. Learn more about the best affordable mattress in our in-depth review, or find out which mattress earned our vote as the best luxury mattress.
Who should and shouldn’t sleep on a king size mattress
We know that a king-size mattress can provide a lot of space to stretch out, making it an appealing choice for many sleepers. But this bed isn’t right for everyone, here’s a closer look at who will and won’t benefit from a king-size bed.
A king-size mattress often works well for:
- Couples: More space to stretch out means more comfortable sleep for two people.
- Tall sleepers and heavy people: A larger mattress provides room for tall and heavy to sleep without feeling they are falling off the bed.
- Pet owners: A king-size mattress allows your pet to get comfortable without you feeling cramped.
- Families: More room for co-sleeping parents or those who want to cuddle up for a movie night in bed with their kids.
We don’t think a king-size mattress is going to be the best fit for:
- Small spaces: Rooms smaller than 12×10 feet aren’t big enough for a king-size mattress.
- Limited funds: A queen-size mattress is more affordable for those working with a limited budget.
Solo sleepers: While not all single people will find a king-size mattress to be too large, some will feel they are drowning in the extra space.
Different sizes of king size mattresses
In our review above, we looked primarily at standard king-size mattresses. Many of these brands also offer specialty kings to fit various sleep situations. A split king, for example, allows couples to share a bed while still having vastly different firmness levels. A California king is four inches longer than a standard king and is best for sleepers taller than 6’2’.
| Mattress size name | Dimensions |
|---|---|
| King | 80 x 76 |
| RV king | 80 x 72 |
| Split king | 80 x 76 |
| California king | 84 x 72 |
| Texas king | 98 x 80 |
| Wyoming king | 84 x 84 |
| Vermont king | 96 x 96 |
| Alaskan king | 108 x 108 |
Our final verdict
Our overall pick for the best king-size mattress is the Saatva Classic because this popular model balances bounce and support. Plus, we think Saatva’s customer service policies are hard to beat. During testing, we noted the zoned lumbar support facilitates healthy spine alignment in back and stomach sleepers. Thanks to the innerspring coils in this mattress, the Saatva Classic is responsive to movement, making it a great option for combination sleepers.
Saatva mattresses tend to be priced higher than other online mattress brands, with a king-size Saatva Classic costing $2,595 before discounts and promotions. However, Saatva regularly discounts its mattresses to increase their affordability. A lifetime warranty protects all Saatva mattresses and includes a 365-night sleep trial. Saatva also provides free white glove delivery with every new mattress.
Compare best king-size mattresses
| Price | $2,495–$2,790 | $1,399–$1,798 | $2,873.80 | $1,649 | $1,499–$1,598 | $2,699–$3,198 | $2,762–$3,920 | $2,665–$2,930 | $3,748.80 |
| Firmness | 7/10 (Luxury Firm model) | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | 7.5/10 | 7.5/10 | 6.5/10 | 6/10 | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Material | Innerspring-hybrid | Memory foam | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Warranty | Lifetime | Lifetime | 15 years | 10 years | 10 years | Lifetime | Lifetime | 10 years | 25 years |
| Trial period | 365 nights | 365 nights | 100 nights | 365 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 120 nights | 100 nights |
| Best for | Those wanting a bouncy, supportive mattress | Back sleepers and side sleepers who love a soft memory foam feel | Couples who want a balance of comfort and support | Stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers who need a firm mattress | Stomach sleepers and heavy sleepers on a budget | Back sleepers and side sleepers with lumbar pain | Back and side sleepers | Side sleepers, back sleepers, and hot sleepers who enjoy a soft feel | Stomach sleepers, back sleepers, and eco-conscious shoppers |
Frequently asked questions
The best king-size mattress will vary from person to person, but we prefer the Saatva Classic because of its versatility. It excels in cooling, supportiveness, and responsiveness, and since it comes in three different firmness levels, there’s a model for every sleeping position.
A higher-end king-size mattress can run you $1,500–$3,500 before discounts. That said, a few options on this list are cheaper than that, and many of them drop below that price after promotions or discounts.
The dimensions of a typical king mattress are 76 inches by 80 inches. Height varies from brand to brand.
- Zhang, Y., Xiao, A., Zheng, T., Xiao, H., & Huang, R. (2022). The Relationship between sleeping position and sleep quality: A flexible sensor-based study. Sensors, 22(16), 6220. Link
- Scott, A.J., Webb, T.L., Martyn-St James, M., Rowse, G., & Weich, S. (2021). Improving sleep quality leads to better mental health: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 60, 101556. Link
- Gordon, I. L., Casden, S., Vangel, M., & Hamblin, M. R. (2019). Effect of shirts with 42% CelliantTM fiber on TCPO2 levels and grip strength in healthy subjects: A placebo-controlled clinical trial. Journal of Textile Science & Engineering. Link
- PR Newswire. (2017, July 25). U.S. FDA determines Celliant® responsive textile products meet criteria as medical devices and general wellness products. PR Newswire. Retrieved from Link