Best cheap mattress — A queen mattress for under $1,000 doesn’t have to mean compromise. Our team’s pick of the best cheap mattresses in Australia that still sleep well.
James on our team gets the budget question every week. Here are the under-$1,000 queens that actually hold up — not just the cheapest, but the cheapest that pass our basic test of sleeping a guest for a fortnight without back pain.
1. Eva Comfort Classic — Best Overall (Best cheap mattress)
Hybrid foam-and-pocket-spring construction, 25 cm, 12-year warranty, 120-night trial. Queen around $1,150 (often on sale to $950–$1,000). Genuinely competitive with mattresses double the price.
2. Onebed Original — Best Online-Only
Australian-made, foam mattress, 25 cm, 100-night trial, 10-year warranty. Queen around $850–$950. The best fit if you want simplicity.
3. Zinus iCoil Hybrid — Best Budget
Available through Amazon and Catch — pocket springs and foam, 25 cm, 10-year warranty. Queen around $560–$700. Comfortable, but the warranty service is mail-back only.
4. IKEA Morgedal — Best in-Store
Foam mattress, 18 cm, 25-year warranty (yes, really). Queen around $500. Slightly thinner than online options but easier to test in-store. Best for spare rooms.
5. Sleeping Duck Mach II Lite — Best for Couples
Their entry hybrid, customisable firmness, 25 cm. Queen around $1,000 on sale. Fits at the top of “cheap” but worth it.
What to skip in this price range
- Mattresses under 18 cm thick — won’t hold support past year three.
- Polyurethane foam without certifications (CertiPUR, OEKO-TEX). Lower-grade foams break down faster and offgas more.
- “Free delivery” deals where pickup of your old mattress costs $200.
Comparison
| Mattress | Type | Trial | Queen price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eva Comfort Classic | Hybrid | 120 nights | ~$1,150 |
| Onebed Original | Foam | 100 nights | ~$900 |
| Zinus iCoil | Hybrid | — | ~$650 |
| IKEA Morgedal | Foam | 365 days | ~$500 |
| Sleeping Duck Mach II Lite | Hybrid | 100 nights | ~$1,000 |
For independent guidance on sleep and wellbeing, the Sleep Health Foundation is a good starting point.
