Can you get a good mattress for under £500?#

Yes — unequivocally. The premium mattress market in the UK is competitive, and that competition has significantly improved what's available at the budget end. In 2025, under £500 buys a genuine quality mattress that will serve most sleepers well for 7–10 years. You won't get the natural fillings or 2,500-spring counts of premium brands, but you absolutely will get comfortable, supportive sleep.

All prices below are for a UK double (135 × 190 cm) and represent typical sale prices — both Emma and Nectar run frequent promotions. At full RRP some of these would exceed £500; buy during a sale event.

Best all-rounder under £500: Emma Original#

The Emma Original regularly drops to £350–£450 for a double during Emma's frequent sale events (Emma runs sales most months). At this price it's the most complete package in the under-£500 segment: Airgocell foam for breathability, a memory foam pressure layer, a 200-night trial, and a 10-year guarantee. Best for side sleepers and combination sleepers of average weight.

Best value memory foam under £500: Nectar Original#

Nectar's 365-night trial is the longest in the industry and is available at prices typically under £400 for a double during sales. Five layers of foam including gel-infused comfort and a Tencel cover make it one of the most complete all-foam mattresses in this price range. Best for side sleepers and budget-conscious buyers who want security from a long trial period.

Best hybrid under £500: OTTY Original#

Getting a genuine hybrid (foam + pocket springs) under £500 is difficult, but OTTY manages it during their sale periods. The 5 cm gel-memory foam comfort layer is generous, the pocket-spring base provides good support and edge performance, and the bamboo cover is noticeably breathable. Best for back sleepers, heavier side sleepers and hot sleepers who want a hybrid without premium pricing.

Best pocket-sprung under £500: Silentnight Geltex Pocket#

Silentnight's Geltex Pocket series offers genuine pocket springs with a gel-foam comfort layer at accessible prices, frequently under £400 for a double through high-street retailers and Amazon. The UK-manufactured credentials are appealing, and it suits those who prefer buying from a recognisable heritage brand with a physical retail presence.

Best for heavier sleepers under £500: Eve Sleep Hybrid#

Eve's Hybrid comes in multiple firmness options (soft, medium, firm) which is unusual in this price bracket. For heavier sleepers (over 14 stone), the firm option provides support that most sub-£500 all-foam mattresses can't match. The multiple firmness options also make this ideal for couples where partners need different support levels.

Tips for buying under £500#

  • Buy during sales: Black Friday, January sales and brand-specific promotions can reduce premium mattresses by 30–50%. The £500 budget goes much further if you time your purchase.
  • Prioritise the trial period: A 200-night trial at £450 is better value than a 60-night trial at £350 — if the cheaper mattress doesn't suit you and you can't return it easily, you've wasted your money.
  • Don't buy a hybrid from a supermarket: Sub-£300 "hybrids" from supermarket own-brands use low spring counts and thin comfort layers that compress quickly. They're not value for money over a 5-year period.

Use our comparison tool to filter by budget and see all UK mattresses in your price range side by side.