Our Top Picks for 2024's Best Cheap Twin Mattress

Kids mattresses can be confusing—do you need a toddler mattress, a full-size mattress or another size? Dimensions aside, budget is an important factor. Mattresses can get pricey, and there are so many choices these days that it can be hard to decipher which cheap twin mattress is right for you and your situation.

Here’s a short list to consider, from the best memory foam to the best hybrid cheap mattress on the market.

What to look for in the best cheap twin mattress

Dr. Jerry Hu, a children’s sleep expert, says to choose a supportive mattress that offers head and neck support. “A medium firm mattress is largely considered the best mattress firmness for a child,” he says.

“This provides a good amount of support while allowing them to move and switch sleep positions throughout the night.” Children sleep best and breathe best on their sides, according to Dr. Hu. He suggests mattresses that don’t have known toxic chemicals, such as polyurethane, propylene oxide and toxic flame retardants. Select hypoallergenic and organic if possible.

Types of cheap twin mattress options:

• Memory foam: Memory foam is a type of mattress that’s known for molding itself to the shape of a person’s body. This distributes weight evenly, which provides pressure relief. Many modern memory foam mattresses come with cooling properties.
• Hybrid: A traditional spring mattress features evenly distributed coils throughout the mattress. There are usually layers of padding, cushioning and fabric. These are made from foam, cotton, latex, wool or other materials to create support.
• Traditional spring: A hybrid mattress features a mix of memory foam and traditional spring coils in a “best of both worlds” situation.

The best cheap twin mattress picks for 2024

• Best overall: ZINUS Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Best under $100: FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress
• Best Walmart: Linenspa Dreamer Mattress
• Best foldable: Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress
• Best memory foam: Dreamfoam Doze Memory Foam Mattress
• Best hybrid: Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid Gel Memory Foam and Spring Mattress
• Best spring: Mainstays Innerspring Coil Mattress
• Best rated: Linenspa Innerspring Twin Mattress
• Best inflatable: hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel

Best overall

Zinus Green Tea Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress

What we like: Cooling gel-infused memory foam at an affordable price with a 10-year warranty. Supports up to 250 pounds, CertiPur-US certified, versatile for all sleep positions, and easy-to-move packaging.

Take note: Can take up to 72 hours to fully inflate.

This cooling memory foam mattress is highly rated, with 90,000-plus ratings on Amazon. It’s a great cheap twin mattress choice for those looking for comfort at an affordable price point. Its temperature-controlled memory foam wicks away moisture while supporting growing bodies.

The standard eight-inch thickness is a nice medium-firmness, which is preferable for children. From first beds to bunk beds to trundle beds, the Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam mattress is beloved because it lives up to the hype—truly. It comes in sizes full, queen and king, as well as thicknesses up to 12 inches thick.

Best under $100

FDW Gel Memory Foam Mattress

What we like: Budget-friendly twin mattress with gel memory foam, available in five thicknesses. Comfortable four-way stretch fabric, hypoallergenic, breathable, and CertiPur-US certified.

Take note: Memory foam may trap heat, making it less suitable for hot sleepers.

This gel memory foam mattress from FDW is less than $100 with thousands of ratings, making it a budget-friendly twin-size mattress. The gel memory foam is breathable and comfortable for little bodies, and the hypoallergenic cover is washable. Thicknesses range from five inches to 12 inches with the popular six-inch style offering medium firmness which is perfect for kids.

Adults love this one, too, so consider ordering a larger size or additional units for a guest bedroom or dorm room. You'll need a Prime membership to get free shipping. If you need a free trial, we've got you—plus loads of other free stuff from Amazon.

Best Walmart

Linenspa 10-inch Dreamer Mattress

What we like: Affordable hybrid mattress from $148, featuring cooling gel memory foam and steel springs. Highly rated with over 6,400 Walmart reviews, available in three thicknesses.

Take note: Coils provide support but can degrade faster in humid climates.

Walmart’s twin mattress selection is a perfect starting point for those looking for an affordable twin mattress that won’t break the bank. The Linenspa 10-inch Dreamer Mattress is a perfect example. A cheap twin hybrid mattress, it has both gel foam and steel coils to balance comfort with firmness for support.

Whether in a guest room, bunk bed or toddler room, it delivers. Speaking of delivery, it comes compressed and condensed in an easy-to-open box. You’ll want to let the mattress fully expand over 24 hours before sleeping on it.

Best foldable

Tri-Folding Memory Foam Mattress

What we like: Gel memory foam for support, lightweight and portable. CertiPUR certified folds compactly into thirds and includes a removable bamboo cover with a no-slip bottom.

Take note: Does not come with a waterproof cover.

Foldable mattresses are portable and light, making them ideal for kids, from floor beds to makeshift beds besides yours. Clocking in at only three pounds, the Milliard Memory Foam Tri-fold Mattress is light, supportive and comfortable. To combat sweat and moisture buildup, it features ventilation over its foam base. It doesn’t lose its shape quickly, making it a good option for kids and adults for scenarios like camping and sleepovers.

Be sure to grab a waterproof mattress cover that fits a foldable bed, especially if you have little ones that might have accidents. This foam bed has made our top picks on several lists ranging from travel-ready beds to sleepover essentials.

Best memory foam

Dreamfoam Doze Memory Foam Mattress

What we like: Ships compressed in a bed-in-a-box style, priced from $116. Available in several thicknesses, including 11 inches, with medium firmness. Made in the USA and includes a 120-night sleep trial.

Take note: The 11-inch model is less firm compared to other models.

With a name like Dreamfoam, a mattress brand better deliver—and our editor reviews prove it does. The memory foam mattress is CERTIPUR-US Certified. It also wicks moderate amounts of body heat away for a temperature-regulated, cool sleep.

It comes in several thicknesses, ranging from a sensible, affordable six-inch model to a whopping 11-inch design, and is available in twin, twin XL, full, queen, king and California king sizes. These beds are perfect for whatever sleeping scenario you need a mattress for. A fabric finish on the top layer provides extra comfort, especially for stomach sleepers.

Best hybrid cheap twin mattress

Olee Sleep Omega Hybrid Gel Memory Foam and Pocket Spring Mattress

What we like: Combines memory foam and pocket springs for comfort and pressure relief. Regulates heat and body temperature, and is both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified.

Take note: Heavier than other hybrid twin-size mattresses; assistance may be needed to unpack or move this bed.

We love hybrid mattresses because they offer both memory foam and traditional coils for a well-rounded sleep. This mattress from Olee Sleep comes in a standard 10-inch thickness for its twin size. We love the high-density foam and premium pocket springs.

When combined, the two features allow for comfort, pressure relief, heat regulation and motion isolation. It’s CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX-certified. That means it went through additional safety checks for emissions, performance, environmental impact and health testing.

Best spring

Mainstays Innerspring Coil Mattress

What we like: Features encased innersprings for full body support, medium firmness, and is compatible with platform or box spring beds. Includes a one-year warranty and ships compactly.

Take note: Comfortably supports up to 200 pounds, making it less suitable for bigger teens or adults.

While it seems like all mattresses are memory foam or hybrid these days, some buyers still prefer coils. In that case, a traditional innerspring coil mattress fits the bill when searching for a cheap twin mattress.

Perfect for trundles, guest beds, bunk beds and toddler floor beds, the Mainstays Innerspring Coil Mattress features full-body support. Medium firmness offers relief to key pressure points. Though it has innerspring coils, it still ships compactly in a bed-in-a-b0x style, making it a convenient option.

While we think it’s the best spring mattress style in a twin size, it also comes in dorm-ready twin XL and full sizes.

Best rated

Linenspa Innerspring Twin Mattress

What we like: Firm mattress perfect for growth, featuring steel coils and foam for support. Highly rated with over 65,000 Amazon reviews. Ships compressed.

Take note: Some find it "too firm," though it’s appreciated for effective spinal alignment on a budget.

Over 95,000 people have rated the Linenspa Innerspring Twin Size Mattress, making it a cheap twin mattress to purchase with confidence. Durable yet soft, the steel coils of this sturdy twin bed provide support while the quilted fabric cover and foam layer offer comfort.

It’s usable in a variety of situations such as with a box spring, a platform, a floor bed, a slatted frame or even in an RV. It ships compressed and can regain its shape within 48 to 72 hours. A firm innerspring mattress, it’s great for growing bodies that need full support.

Best inflatable

hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers

What we like: Quickly inflates in 30 seconds, lightweight, and travel-friendly with included safety bumpers and storage roll-up. Fits standard crib sheets and comes with a lifetime guarantee, travel bag, and pump.

Take note: Included pump incompatible with international outlets; adapter needed.

In some situations, a pack-and-play isn’t an ideal option. In those cases, an inflatable bed might be ideal, and hiccapop’s Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed with Safety Bumpers is a no-brainer for parents who want a light, supportive and portable option for those on-the-go moments such as camping, grandparent sleepovers and more.

The bed rolls up tightly and can easily be packed for any trip. Many styles only have two bumpers, but this one has four, allowing children to stay snug in the bed. It’s also 25% longer and taller than competitors, allowing you to use it for longer.

It's our favorite toddler travel bed thanks to clever edge support and the perfect firmness level to support growing sleepers.

FAQs

How much does a twin mattress cost?

That depends on how much you plan to spend. Some cheap twin mattress options are sold for as little as $75. High-end models with premium finishes and materials like organic cotton or down can cost thousands.

Is a twin XL mattress better than a regular twin?

Only if you're a tall person, otherwise the added length isn't necessary. These mattresses are designed to accommodate taller bodies (like teens and adults). Typically a twin XL is 80 inches long, or long enough to comfortably sleep a six-foot-tall person.

Experts:

• Dr. Jerry Hu, a children’s sleep expert