Best King Size Mattresses of 2023

When it comes to the purchase of a new king mattress, there are many factors to consider. In this comprehensive guide, we break down our top 10 picks for the best king size mattresses.

In our buyer’s guide, we look at the different types of king beds, what each sleep position should look for in a new bed, and the benefits and negatives of each mattress type (from latex to memory foam). Read on to discover what you need to know to find the best mattress for you.

Best King Size Mattress: Our Top Picks

• Best Luxury Mattress – Saatva Classic
• Best Pillow Top Mattress – DreamCloud Premier
• Best Affordable Mattress – Nectar
• Best Mattress for Durability – Helix Midnight Luxe
• Best Mattress for Heavy People – Titan Plus
• Best Mattress for Restless Sleepers – Nolah Signature 12″
• Best Mattress for Back Pain – The WinkBed
• Best Innerspring Mattress – Brooklyn Signature Hybrid
• Best Mattress for Hot Sleepers – Bear Original
• Best Firm Mattress – Birch Natural Mattress

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Saatva Classic

A luxurious sleeping experience starts with a great mattress, and you’d be hard-pressed to find a better option than the Saatva Classic. A quilted pillow-top, high-density memory foam, tempered steel coils work together to form a mattress that has all the comfort and support that a sleeper could need.

Since you’re shopping for a king-size bed, you may be looking to share it with a partner. Thankfully, the Saatva happens to be one of the most durable mattresses we’ve ever tested. So you can sleep soundly knowing that this mattress has both of your backs.

Another great feature from Saatva is the three different firmness options: plush, luxury firm, and firm. Whether you’re a larger-than-average person who sleeps on your back or a petite person who switches positions frequently, one of these firmness levels should work for you.

Thanks to a lifetime warranty and 365-night sleep trial, there’s little risk in trying the Saatva out for yourself.

Read our full Saatva Classic mattress review or check out more top-tier beds in our roundup of best luxury mattresses.

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DreamCloud Premier

If you’re looking for a king size mattress that’s both supportive and responsive, the DreamCloud Premier is an excellent choice. This 14-inch mattress features five durable hybrid layers, including a cashmere-blend EuroTop and a pocketed coil system.

Rated at a 6.5/10 on the firmness scale, the DreamCloud Premier mattress is a great option for all sleeping positions, as it excels at providing responsive comfort. The DreamCloud Premier performs very well in testing categories such as  spine alignment, pressure relief, and responsiveness. Spine alignment and pressure relief are important factor for side sleepers, as well as people with back pain our shoulder pain.

This pillow-top mattress can support most body types, including petite sleepers (who may find that mattresses feel firmer to them) as well as heavier sleepers (who may need the added durability of pocketed coils). As a bonus, the company provides a full 365-day sleep trial.

Read our full DreamCloud Premier mattress review. To see more beds like this one, see our roundup of best pillow top mattresses.

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Nectar

King mattresses can really get up there in price, costing anywhere from $2,000 to well over $3,000. The original Nectar mattress, on the other hand, costs just $1,299 for a king mattress, but you wouldn’t know it based on the quality.

Scoring an 8.5/10 or above on 10 out of our 14 evaluation categories, the Nectar performs as well as or better than many of its more expensive competitors. Couples should enjoy the motion isolation that this mattress provides, thanks to its 8.5/10 motion transfer score. Side sleepers can rest more comfortably thanks to the Nectar’s pressure-relieving abilities. Multiple layers of memory foam help the Nectar earn an 8.5/10 score for pressure relief.

The only performance categories where the Nectar disappoints are spine alignment and cooling, where it receives identical 7.5/10 scores (potential red flags for people with back pain and people who sleep hot). Balance those against its many positive attributes, which also include a generous 365-night sleep trial and lifetime warranty.

Read our full Nectar mattress review or see other affordable beds in our roundup up of the best budget mattresses.

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Helix Midnight Luxe

The Helix Midnight Luxe is built for durability from the bottom up, starting with the DuraDense Foam Base Layer topped by a layer of 1,000 individually wrapped pocket coils. This foundation helps provide support and stability while the top four layers focus on comfort, pressure relief, and cooling. In Mattress Advisor testing, it earns a 9/10 durability score.

This premium hybrid mattress also earns high marks for pressure relief and spine alignment in our testing process, making it a good choice for side sleepers and people with aches and pains. Despite its mostly foam construction, the Midnight Luxe scored 9.5 out of 10 for cooling. Much of the credit goes to the Ultra-cool Premium Pillow Top.

Back sleepers and stomach sleepers who are on the heavier side might find its firmness lacking, and couples or people who share their bed with pets should probably consider a mattress with better motion isolation. The price of the king-size model could be a deal-breaker for budget-conscious shoppers.

The 100-night sleep trial puts the Luxe fairly close to the industry average. The limited warranty is good for 15 years and delivery time is 3-10 business days.

Read our full Helix Midnight Luxe mattress review. You might also be interested in our roundup of best mattresses that won’t sag.

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Titan Plus

If you weigh over 230 pounds, you probably need a mattress designed with larger frames in mind. The Titan Plus was specifically engineered to provide the right amount of pressure relief and support to heavier people while also maintaining its structural integrity night after night. It can support up to 1,000 lbs, or 500 lbs per side for two people sharing a queen-size or larger.

The Titan’s high firmness level (8/10) means that you won’t sink far enough into the mattress for your spine to be thrown out of alignment, but allows enough sinkage for sensitive areas like your hips and shoulders to be cushioned.

Also, the Titan Plus has great motion isolation (9/10). That means if you plan on sharing your king size bed with a partner, you can feel confident that the mattress will support both of you comfortably and that you’ll be less likely to wake each other up with your tossing and turning.

Read our full Titan Plus mattress review or check out our roundup of best mattresses for heavy people.

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Nolah Signature 12″

Anyone who’s ever woken up feeling drained after a night of tossing and turning can appreciate the value of a highly responsive mattress like the Nolah Signature 12″. An unresponsive bed that leaves you feeling trapped in the layers can be particularly troublesome for restless sleepers. Fortunately for them, this AirFoam bed scores an outstanding 9.5/10 for responsiveness in the Mattress Advisor sleep lab.

Many combination sleepers will also benefit from the Nolah’s responsiveness as they change positions in the night, although side sleepers might see the best results thanks to a 9.25/10 pressure relief score. The Nolah Signature 12″ also has appeal for hot sleepers (8/10 cooling score).

Seniors, on the other hand, might be disappointed with its edge support (6.6/10 score). A king-size Nolah Signature 12″ has a regular price close to $1,800, not counting promotions or holiday sale discounts. Still, it does come with a lifetime limited warranty and free delivery. You also get a 120-night sleep trial.

Read our full Nolah Signature 12″ mattress review. If you change sleep positions, see our roundup of best mattresses for combination sleepers.

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The WinkBed

The WinkBed is a top choice for sleepers who have back pain for a number of reasons, starting with firmness options. The Luxury Firm (6.5/10) or Firm (7.5/10) options should provide the surface stability you need to avoid sinking too far into the mattress and potentially putting extra strain on muscles, joints, and tendons. (There’s also the 8/10 Plus firmness option, designed specifically for heavy people.)

Additionally, this foam/coil hybrid features a foam enhancement layer designed to provide targeted support in the lumbar region, the lower spine area where many back problems originate. The WinkBed also earns an ​​8.75/10 Mattress Advisor score for spine alignment, a sign of a mattress that promotes a healthy and comfortable sleep posture.

WinkBeds offers a lifetime mattress warranty, and you also get a 120-night sleep trial to try out your king-size WinkBed.

Read our full WinkBed mattress review or check out our roundup of best mattresses for back pain.

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Brooklyn Signature Hybrid

Innerspring mattresses with coil layers provide increased support and durability over the long haul, making them a great option for back sleepers, stomach sleepers, and people who like a firmer surface. The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid from Brooklyn Bedding ranks as our top pick in this category. The Brooklyn Signature is offered in three levels on the firmness scale, allowing you to customize the feel according to your preference.

The top layer uses a cooling gel memory foam topper. Deeper inside are 900+ individually encased Ascension coils, designed to minimize sleep disturbance. (We give it a 7.25/10 score for motion transfer, however.) This hybrid mattress also features a layer of TitanFlex memory foam for enhanced responsiveness.

With all these features, plus how well it performs in multiple testing categories, it’s not hard to see why the Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress earned a top spot on our list of the best king size mattresses.

Read our full Brooklyn Signature mattress review. Also, see our roundup of best innerspring mattresses.

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Bear Original

Finding a king-sized mattress that can keep you cool is a must for those who sleep hot or live in a humid location. The Bear Original incorporates several cooling properties, including memory foam infused with cooling gel and a Celliant cover. In Mattress Advisor testing, the Bear Original earns an impressive 9/10 cooling score.

If you have an active lifestyle, make note of the fact that Bear designs its mattresses with athletes in mind. The Bear Original scored high (9/10) for responsiveness, making it an easy mattress to change positions on. However, the 7/10 score for pressure relief might not bode well for side sleepers or people with shoulder pain. Couples should take note of the motion transfer score ( 7.75/10), which is OK but not great.

A king-size Bear Original starts at just under $1,250. Bear also offers financing through Affirm and monthly payment options with Splitit. Every mattress comes with a 120-night sleep trial, free shipping, and a lifetime warranty.

Read our full Bear mattress review or check out other cooling beds in our roundup of best mattresses for hot sleepers.

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Birch Natural Mattress

If you’re looking for an eco-friendly latex hybrid with a sturdy and supportive feel, the Birch Natural Mattress checks all the boxes. At 8/10 on the firmness scale, the Birch Natural is one of the highest-rated firm mattresses we’ve ever reviewed. It earns an overall Mattress Advisor score of 9.2/10, with testing highlights that include 9/10 scores in spine alignment and responsiveness and a perfect 10/10 durability score.

The Birch also offers layer after layer of natural, high-quality materials—an organic cotton cover, sustainably produced Talalay latex, organic wool, and more. The core of the mattress is a layer of pocketed steel coils designed to provide firm support throughout the mattress, from the center to the outer edges.

Birch’s 100-night sleep trial is typical for online mattresses, but your king-size Birch Natural comes with a 25-year warranty that more than doubles the industry standard.

Read our full Birch Natural Mattress review or see our roundup of best firm mattresses.

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King Size Mattress Buyer’s Guide

When buying a new king mattress, take the time to consider your individual preferences and needs. Do you want a longer bed, or one with more width? What is your primary sleeping position? Are you looking for a cleaner, healthier option? Read on to discover how to find the best king bed for you and your family (pets included).

In this guide, we will cover:

• Who Should Get a King Mattress?
• King vs California King vs Split King
• What to Consider When Shopping

Who Should Get a King Mattress?

Although queen is the most popular mattress size, you might benefit more from king-size instead. While standard queen and king sizes are both 80 inches in length, a king is 16 inches wider (76″ vs. 60″). People who should consider a king mattress include:

• Heavy people (more width for people with larger frames)
• Families with children, pets, or both who sleep in the same bed (more room on chilly and stormy nights)
• Combination sleepers (more room to change sleeping positions)
• Couples with one or more restless sleepers (more room for tossing and turning)

A king mattress might cost $100 to $200 more than a queen, depending on the brand and model, but certain people might find the extra 1 foot and 4 inches of width well worth the cost.

Related: Best Queen Size Mattresses

King vs California King vs Split King

Once you’ve decided to upgrade to a king bed, there are several variations you will want to consider. You can purchase a king, a California king or a split king. While most shoppers believe the California king is larger than the king, this is incorrect.

The king bed is wider than the California king bed, while the California king bed is longer than the king bed. A king bed measures 76” wide by 80” long, and a California king measures 72” wide by 84” long. If you are tall and find that your feet hang off most beds, a California king could be the right option for you. If you frequently have pets or kids sharing your space, the greater width of a king bed may be a better option for your family.

A split king is another option to consider. If you sleep as part of a couple and find that motion transfer is a big issue, a split king could be the answer to your woes. This type of bed is essentially two twin XL mattresses combined on separate foundations.

This type of mattress is also much easier to move than a king or a California king bed. Some drawbacks to consider when buying a split king are that special bedding may be required, and there is a valley in the middle of the bed which some may not like.

What to Consider When Shopping

Type of Mattress

• Innerspring mattresses are the traditional option that most people are familiar with. They contain an inner coil system that delivers a springy, bouncy feel. They often come with a pillow or euro top for extra comfort. Innerspring mattresses are a good option for those who sleep hot, as they provide great breathability.
  They are also good for couples who may sleep near the edge of the bed. Innerspring mattresses are not ideal for pressure relief.
• Memory foam mattresses are usually made of polyurethane and other materials that bolster density and viscosity. They earned their name from the way they contour and “remember” your shape. Memory foam mattresses are great for providing pressure relief, and limiting motion transfer. These beds may not work well for those who tend to sleep hot, as they have the potential to hold in heat, or for heavier people, who may require the support of pocketed coils.
• Latex mattresses are great for people who want an eco-friendly mattress, as they have the potential to be green (depending on the manufacturing process). Latex mattresses are also ideal for those who want a long-lasting bed (they can last up to 15 years, which is longer than any other type of mattress). If you prefer to sink into a mattress, latex is not your best bet. These mattresses can also be on the pricey side, so those on a budget may want to look elsewhere.
• Hybrid mattresses are a combination of two materials, typically foam and coils. Their feel and firmness can vary greatly based upon the materials used, but they generally offer the contouring of memory foam with the support and durability of coils. Hybrid mattresses are good for those seeking a cooler mattress, as they are generally more breathable than all-foam mattresses. They tend to have a higher price tag, so they are not great for those on a budget.

Sleeping Position and Firmness

• Side sleepers: If you sleep primarily on your side, you put a lot of pressure on your shoulders and hips. When searching for a new mattress, look for one that provides pressure point relief and contours to your body. Side sleepers should also seek a mattress that keeps their spine in alignment and strikes a balance between soft and firm.
• Stomach sleepers: The rarest (and least healthy) sleep position, sleeping on your stomach requires a mattress that keeps the spine in alignment while reducing pressure on the lower back. Stomach sleepers should look for a mattress that is slightly soft on the top, but does not allow sinking. This sleep position should also invest in a durable mattress that will not sag over time. A medium-firmness level is usually the best option for stomach sleepers.
• Back sleepers: Those who sleep on their backs need a mattress that offers body contouring as well as the support to keep the spine in alignment. How much contouring back sleepers need comes down to personal preference. A medium-firm mattress on the firmness scale is the best option for back sleepers as it provides significant support without being too firm.
• Combination sleepers: People who alternate between two sleeping positions, known as combination sleepers, often need a specific set of features to get the most restful sleep. Responsiveness is a key factor, since it measures how well the mattress responds to your movement. You shouldn’t have to push hard against the mattress as you roll from your side to your back, for example.

Bed Frame

When purchasing a king mattress, it is important to have a foundation that will properly support your new bed. While you should check the requirements of the particular bed you choose, a bed frame can include box springs (that do not sag), a slatted platform, a bunkie board with a box spring, a slatted foundation, or an adjustable base. You can also place your bed on the floor if desired.

Price

King mattresses are more expensive than smaller models due to their larger size. You can reasonably expect to pay $1,500-$1,700 for a typical king-size mattress, although prices vary a lot by brand, model, and features. Knowing how much you’re willing to spend can help you frame you research around certain brands or particular features.

Mattress Accessories

When investing in the purchase of a high-quality king mattress, it is important to protect your investment. A mattress protector is an inexpensive way to shield your mattress from damage. If you want to add more contouring or a pillow top feel, a mattress topper can transform the feel of your mattress without the expense of buying a whole new bed. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative to a mattress topper, a mattress pad can provide an upgraded feel while protecting your mattress from damage.

Trial Period and Warranty

Almost all of the bed-in-a-box companies include a risk-free trial period. They typically last 100 nights, and allow you to test out the mattress in your own home. Some companies require you to keep the mattress for at least 30 days. After that, simply contact the company for a free return.

The majority of online mattresses also include a warranty. A 10-year warranty is typical, though some companies offer 15-year, 20-year, or lifetime warranties. They generally cover the repair or replacement of the mattress if it has manufacturer’s defects and only apply to the original owner.

Related: See more tips on choosing the right mattress in our comprehensive Mattress Buying Guide.

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Recap: Our Top Picks for Best King Mattresses

Mattress	Award	MA Score
Saatva Classic	Best Luxury Mattress	9/10
DreamCloud Premier	Best Pillow Top Mattress	8.9/10
Nectar	Best Affordable Mattress	8.7/10
Helix Midnight Luxe	Best Mattress for Durability	8.7/10
Titan Plus	Best for Heavy People	9.2/10
Nolah Signature 12″	Best for Restless Sleepers	8.6/10
The WinkBed	Best Mattress for Back Pain	8.6/10
Brooklyn Signature Hybrid	Best Innerspring Mattress	8.8/10
Bear Original	Best for Hot Sleepers	8.6/10
Birch Natural	Best Firm Mattress	9.2/10

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Summary

There are many factors to consider when upgrading to a king mattress. Whether you need more space to stretch out or want the motion isolating performance, the ultimate goal in a search for a new bed is a better night’s sleep.

The expansive selection of bed-in-a-box companies ensures there is a great mattress for all sleep positions and comfort preferences. The sleep trial and warranties offered by these companies provide peace of mind when buying online, and the assurance that you will get a king or a California king bed you love.