My fellow CNET sleep editors and I choose mattresses based on firmness, feel, performance, durability, features and brand policies. We test the beds by lying on them, testing the inner support and isolation of movement and switching between sleeping positions, for example. We also test mattress firmness using our proprietary machine, the aptly named Mattress Smasher 9000. This heavy-duty tool clamps down on the middle of the bed and our corresponding software measures the firmness scale. which is 1 to 10, with 1 being the softest and 10 being the strongest. While we also test each bed personally for perceived firmness and feel, we have data from the MS9000 to back up our conclusions.

Here’s the data we learned testing the best cheap beds with our Mattress Smasher 9000. Ranked from softest beds to firmest, here’s how the mattresses scored on our strength measure.

However, on this particular list, price and value are two of the main metrics we’re looking at. The mattresses we consider “affordable” are anywhere from $300 to $800 (after discounts are applied) and are very basic, usually flagship models. It doesn’t have to have any bells and whistles, however the chosen mattresses are still comfortable, quality beds at an affordable price.

Read more about our sleep team, our mattress warehouse, the Mattress Smasher 9000 and how we test mattresses.