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If you want to sleep like a king, you more than likely need to sleep on a king, especially if you’re sharing a bed with somebody else. There are so many options out there that trying to find the right one can be a royal pain in the neck, so we’ve whittled them down and crowned the following nine the best king-size mattresses in their respective categories. Long live the king!
What to consider when buying a king-size mattress
To determine if a king-size mattress is right for you, consider the following advice from Byron Golub, vice president of product and merchandising at Saatva.
Who’s sleeping in the bed
“A king-size bed offers ample space for couples, providing approximately 38 inches of personal space for each sleeper. It’s a good option if one partner tends to be a restless or active sleeper, as it allows you to move around comfortably without disturbing your partner.”
Desired comfort level/firmness
“As king-size mattresses are typically shared by two individuals, it's important to take both of your comfort preferences into account when searching for a suitable option. If finding a consensus on firmness level proves challenging, a medium-firm mattress can be an ideal compromise. Alternatively, you might consider a split king mattress, allowing each of you to select your preferred mattress firmness. Generally speaking, softer mattresses are well-suited for side sleepers, while those who favor sleeping on their backs tend to find medium-firm mattresses more comfortable. Stomach sleepers typically benefit from a firmer mattress for optimal support and comfort.”
Bedroom size
“A king-size bed is an excellent option for primary bedrooms—ideally, you’ll want your bedroom to be on the larger side. At a minimum, a bedroom should be 10 by 12 feet for a king-size bed; however, the larger, the better is a good rule when it comes to king-size beds. Preferably, your bedroom will measure somewhere around 14 by 19 feet. If maneuvering in the space is an issue, it might be best to consider a split king or queen-size mattress, which are easier to fit up narrow stairs and through tight doorways.”
Body size
“King mattresses provide plenty of space for heavier individuals and bigger couples. Additionally, taller individuals may want to consider choosing a Texas, Alaskan, or Wyoming king-size mattress. The extra legroom can add an extra level of comfort for tall people.”
Temperature preferences
“If you sleep hot, it might be best to avoid memory foam mattresses, as they have a tendency to retain heat. Innerspring and latex mattresses offer a cooler sleeping experience.”
Motion isolation
“When it comes to minimizing motion disturbance, memory foam mattresses are great options. Conversely, you may experience disruptions from your partner's movements if you share an innerspring mattress, which can affect your sleep quality. If you prefer the traditional feel of an innerspring mattress but share your bed with a partner, it's worth exploring hybrid mattresses, as they offer a compromise by mitigating motion transfer.”
Our top king-size mattress picks
Best affordable king-size mattress: Zinus Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress
If you want to buy a king-size mattress but don’t have access to the royal treasury, you’ll need to look for a more wallet-friendly option (which also made our list of the best mattresses in a box). Brad Smith, interior designer and CEO at Omni Home Ideas, suggests trying out Zinus’ Green Tea memory foam mattress, saying, “This mattress offers a balanced combination of comfort and support, infused with green tea for freshness, and is priced reasonably for its quality.” Waking up to the smell of fresh green tea every day? You must be royalty after all.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Thickness: 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $279-$539
What we like:
- Soft
- Inexpensive
- Contains ActivCharcoal microparticles to help block moisture and odor
- Made from three different layers of foam to strike the right balance of comfort and support
What we don’t like:
- A handful of customer reviews complain that the mattress didn’t fully decompress when unpackaged
The bottom line:
An affordable king-size mattress that comes with the added bonus of multiple thickness options and a fresh, relaxing scent.
Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress | Zinus 12" / Cal King
Most comfortable king-size mattress: Purple RestorePremier Hybrid Mattress
Fit for a king is one thing, but some of us need a mattress fit for a princess—ideally without the pea underneath. For a super comfortable option, Smith recommends Purple’s RestorePremier Hybrid. “With its unique hyper-elastic polymer grid and combination of coils, it's known for offering both support and pressure relief, adapting to the body's shape and sleeping position,” he says. Jump in and you’ll be a sleeping beauty in no time.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $4,095
What we like:
- Hypoallergenic
- Soft or firm options available
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
- Some may find the soft option a little too soft
The bottom line:
A thick, high-end mattress designed to provide support while still feeling incredibly soft and comfortable.
Purple RestorePremier™ Hybrid Mattress
Best luxury king-size mattress: Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt Mattress
Give yourself the royal treatment with the truly luxurious TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt by Tempur-Pedic, a brand that makes some of the best mattresses in the high-end range. “This brand is synonymous with luxury in the mattress world,” says Smith. “The LuxeAdapt series offers adaptive support and the premium feel that Tempur-Pedic is known for.” Now you just need a king’s ransom in order to pay for it. (If you don’t need a full replacement yet, though, you could also try out their TEMPUR-Adapt topper, which made our list of the best mattress toppers out there and is a fraction of the price of a mattress.)
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Thickness: 13 inches
- Trial period: 90 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $4,899
What we like:
- Soft or firm options available
- Washable cover
What we don’t like:
- Expensive
The bottom line:
A supremely comfortable luxury mattress—with a price tag to match.
Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-LuxeAdapt Mattress
Best king-size mattress for back pain: Saatva Classic Mattress
If back pain turns every night into a battle royal between you and your bed, consider choosing a mattress designed to support your spine properly. We asked Smith about the best mattresses for back pain, and he recommended Saatva’s Classic mattress. “With its coil-on-coil construction and targeted lumbar support, it’s designed to offer relief for back pain sufferers while providing a luxury feel,” says Smith. Hot sleepers will also appreciate that it comes with a breathable, organic cotton cover, while its dual-coil design helps to disperse body heat by improving air flow. Shopping tip: Saatva is also one of the best places to buy bedding, whether you’re looking for the best bed sheets, best pillows, or best duvet covers.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Innerspring
- Thickness: 11.5 inches or 14.5 inches
- Trial period: 365 days
- Warranty: Lifetime
- Price on publish: $2,195
What we like:
- Durable
- Supportive
- Available in plush soft, firm, and luxury firm options
What we don’t like:
- A minority of customer reviews claim the mattress is too firm
The bottom line:
Firm enough to be supportive but soft enough to feel luxurious, this mattress is a good bet for those whose back pain keeps them awake at night.
Twin XL Luxury Firm Mattress Handcrafted with Organic Cotton for Your Bed, 14.5" Hybrid Innerspring, Topper Compatible, Get Your Beautyrest | Saatva
Best king-size mattress for side sleepers: Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress
If you’re feeling less “head of state” and more, “my head’s a state,” you might need something more comfortable for your neck and back, especially if you tend to sleep on your side. “Combining memory foam with pocket springs, Leesa’s Original Hybrid mattress provides the cushioning side sleepers need for their shoulders and hips, while maintaining spinal alignment,” says Smith.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 11 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $1,599
What we like:
- Low motion transfer
- Supportive
- Leesa donates one mattress to charity for every ten mattresses they sell
What we don’t like:
- Might be too soft for sleepers who switch between side and stomach sleeping
The bottom line:
A more affordable mattress option for side sleepers needing some extra cushioning, with very minimal motion transfer.
Leesa Original Hybrid Mattress, Twin
Best king-size mattress for stomach sleepers: Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Queen Elizabeth I famously had the stomach of a king, but history does not say whether she slept on it. If you’re a stomach sleeper, you likely need a firmer mattress to prevent putting too much strain on your back. “Tuft & Needle’s Mint mattress has adaptive foam, which offers the firmness stomach sleepers require to keep their spine in a neutral position, preventing any arching of the back,” says Smith.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Memory foam
- Thickness: 11.5 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $2,095
What we like:
- Removable, machine-washable cover
- Pressure-relieving
What we don’t like:
- Might not be supportive enough for heavier sleepers
The bottom line:
A firm but comfortable mattress at a comparatively affordable price point.
Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress
Best king-size mattress for couples: Helix Midnight Luxe
Every king needs a queen, as the saying goes, but whoever you’re sharing a bed with, it likely means making some compromises on how soft or firm you prefer your mattress. You’ll also want to choose something that doesn’t bounce around too much, or you’ll get woken up every time your partner rolls over. Smith advises buying Helix’s Midnight Luxe, saying that, “With its excellent motion isolation and medium firmness, it's ideal for couples with differing sleep preferences.”
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13.5 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: 15 years
- Price on publish: $2,299
What we like:
- Only takes 30-45 minutes to fully expand
- Minimal motion transfer
What we don’t like:
- Some customer reviews complain it’s a little too soft
The bottom line:
With great motion isolation, this is our top choice for couples who don’t want to wake each other up during the night.
HELIX MIDNIGHT LUXE
Best cooling king-size mattress: Casper Wave Hybrid
If your cooling sheets aren’t cutting it, you could try choosing a mattress designed to bring down the heat a little, like Casper’s Wave Hybrid. “Designed with perforated breathable foams and a layer of gel pods, it's built to prevent overheating and keep sleepers cool throughout the night,” says Smith. Multiple layers of foam atop a sturdy spring base mean it’s also supportive in all the right places, allowing you to comfortably drift off into the kingdom of dreams.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13 inches
- Trial period: 100 days
- Warranty: Ten years
- Price on publish: $3,495
What we like:
- Cooling
- Good motion isolation
What we don’t like:
- Several customer reviews complain it’s too soft, and they sink into it too easily
The bottom line:
A well-balanced mattress with excellent cooling properties to help hot sleepers through the night.
Wave Hybrid Mattress
Best king-size mattress for heavy people: Big Fig Mattress
Those looking for something a little more durable might want to consider Big Fig’s offering. “Specifically designed for heavier individuals, it combines high-density foams with a strong coil system to provide both comfort and durability,” says Smith. Capable of supporting up to 1,100 lbs total (or two sleepers of 550 lbs each), you’re guaranteed a truly majestic night’s sleep.
Specifications:
- Mattress type: Hybrid
- Thickness: 13 inches
- Trial period: 120 days
- Warranty: 20 years
- Price on publish: $1,699
What we like:
- Includes ThermoGel cooling technology
- Super sturdy
- Affordable
What we don’t like:
- Might be too firm for some sleepers, especially if you tend to sleep on your side
The bottom line:
Designed to accommodate heavier sleepers, this mattress is comfortable, sturdy, and extremely durable.
Big Fig Mattress
How we selected the best king-size mattresses
Our selections were made through a thorough process of diligent research, experience, and consulting with relevant experts in the field. We also took pains to ensure all of our entries had glowing customer reviews, especially in terms of comfort, durability, and supportiveness.
Different types of king-size mattresses
“There are several different types of king-size mattresses on the market,” says John Merwin, CEO of 3Z Brands. “The most common are the standard king and California king, which are available with most mattress brands. There are also split kings, RV kings, and short kings, which are more niche variations of the king bed, designed to fit specific needs or spaces. Most people don’t know that there are actually sizes bigger than a king or California king, too—they’re not common among most bedding retailers, but Alaskan king, Wyoming king, and Texas king mattresses do exist.”
According to Golub, alternative king-size mattresses are sized as follows.
- California king (72 x 84 inches)
- Wyoming king (84 x 84 inches)
- Texas king (80 x 98 inches)
- Alberta king (96 x 96 inches)
- Alaskan king (108 x 108 inches)
“There is also a split king mattress option, which, in the case of the standard king, is two twin XL mattresses (38 by 80 inches) put together to form a king mattress (76 by 80 inches),” adds Golub. “Since the beds aren't interconnected within a split king bed, partners can pick a different level of firmness for each mattress.”
How to decide between a king versus a queen mattress
“A standard queen is a foot slimmer than the narrowest king mattress, the California king,” says Golub. “Queen mattresses are great for single sleepers and couples in smaller spaces. They work best in small to mid-sized primary bedrooms. King mattresses are great for couples wanting a little extra room, with a mid-sized to large primary bedroom that can accommodate a larger bed without it taking up too much space.”
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What size are king mattresses?
“Standard king mattresses typically measure 76 inches wide by 80 inches long,” says Smith. “However, always check specific brand dimensions as there can be slight variations.”
Bonus fun fact: King-size mattresses are so titled in honor of England’s King Bernard VII, who, strangely, was the exact shape and dimensions of a king-size mattress, hence the name.*
* this might not be entirely true
For a more thorough look into the world of mattresses, check out our guide to mattress sizes and bed dimensions and our ultimate buying guide to how to choose a mattress.
Are king-size beds good for couples?
“A king-size bed provides more room for couples,” confirms Golub. “Each sleeper gets about 38 inches of space to themselves. It’s an excellent option if one of you is a restless or active sleeper, because you can comfortably move around without bothering your partner. They’re also great for families with kids and pets.”
What should a good king-size mattress cost?
“The cost of a good king-size mattress can vary widely, depending on factors such as materials, construction, and general features,” says Merwin. “On average, you can expect to pay between $700 and $3,000 for a king-size mattress.”
Is a California king bigger than a king?
“A California king mattress (72 inches by 84 inches) is four inches narrower and four inches longer than a standard king (76 inches by 80 inches),” says Golub. “You end up having slightly less surface area when you purchase a California king versus a standard king (6,048 square inches vs. 6,080 square inches), but what you lose in surface area may be worth it to provide certain sleepers with more comfort. The standard king is an excellent option for couples that want a little extra room and are placing the mattress in a mid-sized to large primary bedroom, while California kings are great for tall couples that need longer mattresses in a large primary bedroom.”
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