The 8 Best King Mattresses The Spruce Has Tested

If you’re tired of sleeping on what feels like a glorified postage stamp, it’s probably time to graduate to a king mattress. A king gives you room to stretch like a starfish, share space with a partner, and still have a dedicated corner for the dog who insists the bed is actually theirs. The Spruce’s testing team has spent nights, naps, and way too many mornings “doing research” on dozens of beds to find the best king mattresses for different sleepers and budgets.

This guide walks you through the eight best king mattresses The Spruce has tested, along with a quick crash course in how those beds are evaluated and how to choose the right one for your body, sleep style, and bedroom. Whether you’re shopping your first big-kid bed or upgrading something that’s older than your college jeans, you’ll find a king-size mattress here that makes waking up feel less like a chore and more like a soft launch into the day.

Why These King Mattresses Stand Out

There are hundreds of mattresses sold as the “best king mattress,” but not many of them are actually tested in real homes by experienced product reviewers. The Spruce’s staff and contributors have slept on more than 50 mattresses across foam, hybrid, and adjustable styles, then narrowed those down to eight standouts based on comfort, support, pressure relief, temperature regulation, durability, motion isolation, and value.

To make sure this list lines up with what you’ll see from other expert testing organizations in the U.S., we also compare these picks against what independent labs, sleep foundations, and product-testing editors look for: objective measurements (like motion transfer and edge support) plus subjective feedback from real sleepers. The end result? A king-size mattress list that balances cozy, squishy comfort with science-backed support and long-term performance.

How The Spruce Tests King Mattresses

Before any mattress lands on a “best” list, it has to earn its spot. While the exact testing protocols vary between outlets, The Spruce and other leading U.S. review sites typically use a mix of in-lab and at-home testing with a few consistent pillars:

Comfort & Pressure Relief

Testers lie in their usual sleep positionsside, back, stomach, or comboand focus on how the bed feels at the shoulders, hips, and lower back. They look for that sweet spot where the mattress gently cradles the body without swallowing it. Pressure points, pins-and-needles sensations, or a “stuck” feeling all count as strikes.

Support & Spinal Alignment

A king mattress isn’t just a big cushion; it needs a strong support system. Hybrid and innerspring models use coils, while foam beds rely on denser base layers. Testers pay attention to whether the spine stays relatively straight (side) or maintains its natural curve (back and stomach) instead of sagging or arching awkwardly.

Motion Isolation & Edge Support

Sharing a king mattress is great until your partner’s 2 a.m. bathroom trip turns into an earthquake. Reviewers assess how much movement travels across the surface, along with how stable the edges feel when you sit or sleep near the sideespecially important on wider king beds where people tend to drift outward.

Temperature Regulation & Materials

Foam can trap heat, so testers look for breathable covers, cooling gels, air channels, coil systems, or phase-change fabrics that help hot sleepers stay comfortable. Materials also matter for people with allergies or eco-minded shoppers, who may prefer certain certifications or lower-VOC foams.

Durability, Setup & Value

Mattresses are used every single night, so reviewers watch for early sagging, permanent impressions, or fraying seams. They evaluate how easy the mattress is to unbox or move (king mattresses are heavy), plus the length of trial periods and warranty coverage to determine overall value for the price.

The 8 Best King Mattresses The Spruce Has Tested

Below are the eight king mattresses that rose to the top during The Spruce’s hands-on testing and long-term use. Each one shines for a different reason, from budget-friendly comfort to adjustable firmness and hotel-level luxury.

1. Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid – Best Overall King Mattress

If you want a king mattress that can keep just about everyone happy, the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid is the overachiever of the group. It blends plush pressure relief with sturdy coil support, so it feels luxurious without being floppy or overly squishy.

• Type: Hybrid (memory foam over pocketed coils)
• Firmness: Medium
• Best for: Side and combo sleepers, couples, and anyone who wants hotel-like comfort at home

Testers note that the thick foam comfort layers cushion shoulders and hips while still keeping the spine aligned, which is a big deal if you wake up stiff or sore. Reinforced foam rails around the edges make the whole surface usableno “rolling off the cliff” feeling when you get close to the side. Good airflow through the coils plus a breathable cover help keep heat build-up under control, which is especially important on a wide king-size mattress.

The downside? This king mattress is heavy, so you’ll definitely want a friend to help move it. Some testers also felt a bit of motion when their partner turned over, though not enough to disrupt sleep for most people.

2. Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid – Best King Mattress Under $500

If you want to upgrade to a king without asking your credit card for forgiveness, the Linenspa Memory Foam Hybrid is proof you can get a comfortable, supportive bed on a budget. Think of it as the “starter” king mattress that still delivers solid basics.

• Type: Hybrid (foam plus innerspring)
• Firmness: Medium-firm (varies slightly by thickness)
• Best for: Guest rooms, first apartments, budget-conscious shoppers

In testing, this bed-in-a-box expanded quickly and felt ready to sleep on within hours. The combination of foam and springs gives it a balanced feelfirm enough that you don’t sink through it, but with enough cushioning that side and back sleepers can relax. It’s a great king-size mattress for a spare bedroom or a temporary upgrade when you don’t want to spend four figures.

Trade-offs show up at the edges: support is weaker around the perimeter, and there are no handles for moving it. It also won’t feel as plush or refined as premium hybrids, but for the price, it pulls more than its weight.

3. Bear Original – Best King Mattress Under $1,000

The Bear Original mattress is a strong pick if you want a king mattress that’s more advanced than a bargain-basement foam bed but still under the $1,000 mark when on sale. It’s designed with active people in mind, but you don’t have to be a marathon runner to appreciate the balance of support and pressure relief.

• Type: All-foam
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Best for: Back and combo sleepers, people who want a slightly firmer feel

Testers often describe the Bear Original as “supportive but not hard.” The dense foam layers help keep your spine in a neutral position, which can be helpful if you’re prone to back discomfort. The top comfort foam provides enough give for shoulders and hips, but you’re more “on top of” the mattress than sunk deep into it.

As with many all-foam beds, very hot sleepers might still prefer a hybrid with more airflow. But if you like the classic memory foam hugging feel with a bit more firmness and structure, this king-size mattress is a strong value play.

4. Saatva Solaire – Best Firm King Mattress (and Best Adjustable)

If you and your partner can’t agree on how a mattress should feelsoft, firm, cloud, plankthe Saatva Solaire is basically a peace treaty in king-size form. It’s an adjustable air bed wrapped in foam and luxury finishes, allowing you to customize firmness on each side.

• Type: Adjustable air bed with foam comfort layers
• Firmness: Adjustable across a wide range
• Best for: Couples with different firmness preferences, people with changing comfort needs

Instead of being locked into one feel, you can tweak the firmness level using a remote, making the mattress softer or firmer as needed. This is particularly helpful if you deal with chronic pain, are recovering from injuries, or simply like to change things up over time.

The trade-off is cost: the Solaire sits firmly in luxury territory, and setup is more complex than a simple foam-in-a-box mattress. But if you want a king mattress that can change with you (or save your relationship from the “too soft vs. too hard” debate), it’s worth considering.

5. Purple Restore Hybrid – Best Hybrid King Mattress

For sleepers who want a responsive, bouncy, and breathable king mattress, the Purple Restore Hybrid stands out. At its core is Purple’s signature grid-like comfort layer, paired with supportive coils underneath.

• Type: Hybrid (gel grid plus coils)
• Firmness: Medium to medium-firm (varies by model)
• Best for: Hot sleepers, combo sleepers, people who hate “stuck-in-the-mud” memory foam

The grid collapses more under heavier areas like shoulders and hips while staying supportive elsewhere, which can help relieve pressure without compromising support. Air flows easily through the grid and coil system, making this a good choice if you tend to overheat on traditional memory foam beds.

Some people love the unique “floating” feel; others need a few nights to get used to it. If you prefer a traditional slow-sinking foam hug, this might not be your favorite. But for a lively, cool king mattress with strong support, the Restore Hybrid earns its place on the list.

6. Saatva Loom & Leaf – Best King Mattress for Couples

The Loom & Leaf by Saatva is a premium memory foam mattress designed to deliver deep contouring and impressive motion isolationtwo things couples tend to value on a king-size bed.

• Type: All-foam (premium memory foam stack)
• Firmness: Multiple firmness options (often relaxed firm and firm)
• Best for: Couples, side sleepers, people who want a more traditional foam feel with a luxury twist

In testing, the Loom & Leaf does a great job absorbing movement. If one partner is a restless sleeper or gets up early, the other is less likely to feel every shift. The foam layers cradle shoulders and hips while still providing enough support to keep your back from bowing into the mattress.

Because it’s all foam, edge support is good but not as ironclad as on some hybrids with reinforced perimeters. Heavier sleepers or those who sit on the edge often may notice a bit more compression. Still, as an overall king mattress for couples who want a calm, cushioned sleep surface, it’s a standout.

7. Tuft & Needle Mint – Best California King (and Great for Regular Kings)

While often highlighted as a top California king mattress, the Tuft & Needle Mint is also a strong choice in standard king size, especially for people who want a soft-yet-supportive foam bed with cooling features.

• Type: All-foam
• Firmness: Medium
• Best for: Side sleepers, couples, and hot sleepers who still prefer foam

The Mint uses multiple foam layers with added graphite and cooling gel to help with temperature regulation. Testers often describe it as plush on top but not floppy: you gently sink in, but there’s enough pushback underneath to keep you from feeling stuck.

Its motion isolation is solid, and the expanded width of a king or California king gives couples plenty of space. If you’re a strict stomach sleeper or very heavy, you might want something firmer; otherwise, this is an easy-to-like, versatile king-size mattress with a crowd-pleasing feel.

8. Helix Midnight Luxe – Best Pillow-Top King Mattress for Side Sleepers

The Helix Midnight Luxe shows up on a lot of “best mattress” lists for a reason. It’s a hybrid bed with a plush pillow top, zoned support, and a medium feel that especially suits side sleepers who want their shoulders and hips to sink in a bit more.

• Type: Hybrid with pillow top
• Firmness: Medium
• Best for: Side sleepers, couples, and anyone who wants a cushioned yet supportive king mattress

Testers highlight the way the pillow top and comfort layers ease pressure on joints, while the zoned coil system keeps your midsection from dipping too far. That balance is key on a king mattress, where people often spread out and shift positions across the night.

Edge support and motion isolation are both strong for a bouncier hybrid. If you’re a die-hard firm-mattress fan, you may find it too plush, but for most side and combo sleepers, the Helix Midnight Luxe lands in a very comfortable middle ground.

How to Choose the Right King Mattress for You

Even with a curated list of top-tested mattresses, choosing the best king mattress for your specific needs can feel overwhelming. Use these quick pointers to narrow things down:

Match Firmness to Sleep Position

• Side sleepers: Usually do best with medium to medium-soft mattresses that relieve pressure at hips and shoulders (think Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid, Tuft & Needle Mint, Helix Midnight Luxe).
• Back sleepers: Often prefer medium to medium-firm beds that support the natural curve of the spine (Bear Original, Saatva hybrids).
• Stomach sleepers: Typically need firmer support to prevent the hips from sinking too far (firmer settings on Saatva Solaire, some hybrids).
• Combo sleepers: Generally like responsive, medium-feel mattresses that make it easy to move around (Purple Restore Hybrid, many foam hybrids).

Consider Body Type and Shared Sleep

Heavier sleepers may appreciate thicker, more supportive constructions, often with coils and higher-density foams. Couples should pay extra attention to motion isolation and edge support, since people are more likely to use the full width of a king mattress and notice movement from a partner.

Think About Temperature and Materials

If you sleep hot, look for breathable covers, coil systems, and specialized cooling foams or grids. If you’re sensitive to chemical smells or prefer eco-minded materials, check for certifications and detailed material breakdowns from the brand.

Don’t Skip the Trial Period and Warranty

Many of the best king mattresses come with generous sleep trials (often 90–365 nights) and long warranties. Use that time to truly test the bed. Your body may need a few weeks to adjust, so give it a fair shot before deciding whether to keep or return it.

Real-World Experiences With King Mattresses

Lab scores and firmness scales are helpful, but you really feel a mattress at 2 a.m. when your shoulder is aching, the dog is snoring, and your partner just stole the comforter. Here’s what king mattresses like these are actually like in real life, based on patterns from testers and everyday sleepers.

From “We’ll Make Do” to “Why Didn’t We Do This Sooner?”

Many couples move to a king mattress after years of squeezing into a queen. The first week usually comes with the same reaction: “We can’t believe we waited.” People report fewer accidental elbow jabs, less tug-of-war over blanket territory, and far less awareness of each other’s movementsespecially on beds like the Loom & Leaf or Tuft & Needle Mint that emphasize motion isolation.

On hybrids such as the Saatva Memory Foam Hybrid or the Helix Midnight Luxe, couples who were used to feeling every toss and turn on older innerspring mattresses describe the difference as “sleeping next to someone” versus “sleeping on a trampoline.” The additional width of a king means one partner can read or scroll while the other drifts off, without feeling every shift.

Back Pain, Support, and Waking Up Less Grumpy

Another common theme: sleepers with low back pain often notice subtle but meaningful improvements when they switch from an old, sagging mattress to a medium-firm or hybrid king mattress that supports spinal alignment. Mattresses like the Bear Original, Saatva hybrids, or an appropriately adjusted Solaire tend to keep the hips and lower back from dipping too far, which can reduce morning stiffness.

This doesn’t mean a mattress is a magic cure for back painthere are plenty of factors at playbut when people shift from a lumpy, uneven surface to something that evenly distributes weight, they often report fewer “my back is wrecked” mornings. Bonus: partners appreciate the happier mood that comes with a decent night’s sleep.

Life With Kids, Pets, and a King Mattress

King mattresses also quietly solve another real-world problem: night visitors. Parents with young children or newborns often find that a king bed becomes the unofficial family landing zone. With a wider surface, there’s more space to comfort a sick kid, soothe a baby, or let a toddler sneak in without everyone clinging to the edge.

Pet owners tell similar stories. Larger dogs that once hogged half the bed now claim a respectable corner instead. On mattresses with stronger edge supportlike many hybridshumans can still use the full sleep surface even when the resident Labrador thinks they own the middle.

Adjustable Comfort for Changing Needs

Adjustable beds like the Saatva Solaire shine in long-term, real-life scenarios. People’s bodies and preferences change over time: injuries happen, pregnancies shift comfort needs, weight fluctuates, and some folks simply discover they like a softer or firmer feel after a few years. Being able to tweak firmness per side can turn a king mattress into more of a long-term “sleep system” than a fixed block of foam and springs.

For couples aging in place or planning to stay in the same home for many years, that adjustability can be the difference between replacing a mattress entirely and simply updating the settings. It’s expensive up front, but people who stick with it often feel the flexibility pays off over time.

Why a Tested King Mattress Is Worth the Investment

Across countless reviews and long-term tests, one pattern stands out: people rarely regret investing in a well-tested king-size mattress that matches their sleep style. Whether it’s the breathable support of a Purple Restore Hybrid, the solid all-foam structure of a Bear or Loom & Leaf, or the plush zoning of a Helix Midnight Luxe, the right king mattress can quietly improve your energy, mood, and comfort every single day.

You don’t need the most expensive model on the list, and you definitely don’t need the one with the flashiest ads. But you do deserve a bed that has been thoughtfully tested, that fits your body and lifestyle, and that turns your bedroom into a place you actually look forward to going at night. That’s exactly what these eight best king mattresses aim to deliver.