The 9 Best Air Mattresses of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Best Overall

Chillsun Twin Air Mattress

$55 At Amazon $48 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.3/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

Our favorite air mattress we tried is the Chillsun Air Mattress with Built In Pump. It comes in twin and queen sizes, each available in 16- or 18-inch thicknesses. We tested the 18-inch twin size, which performed exceptionally well during our tests and earned high scores in every testing category—including comfort. However, note that the 18-inch twin size was a bit too short to accommodate a 5-foot-8 adult and was more suitable for children and tweens.

The Chillsun Air Mattress has a fully-flocked top layer, which we found to be soft and comfortable to lay on. However, we did note that the felt-like material clung onto the fitted sheet and pulled it off the corner of the mattress when moving around. This mattress was definitely on the firmer side, providing ample support throughout the testing period. What’s more, we were very impressed with how well the mattress maintained the air pressure—it did not leak air and stayed at a consistent height throughout the test.

If you are looking for a comfortable mattress that is simple to set up and easy to transport, this is the choice for you. Equipped with a built-in pump, this mattress offers fast inflation and deflation using two separate dials to control these functions. We found that inflating the mattress was quite noisy at 80.7 decibels, making it the second loudest option on this list, right behind the Englander Air Mattress w/Built in Pump (our best queen pick).

However, the process was quick and only took around two minutes (which is the fastest inflation time of our top picks), while deflating was even faster. The whole process was straightforward and intuitive, and we were able to figure out the setup process without having to look at the directions. We also appreciated how simple the twin air mattress was to pack up and fold when done, allowing for convenient storage. Once folded, it weighs around 11.6 pounds and can be put in the included carrying bag, which can fit in the closet or under your bed.

What’s more, this air mattress proved to be very durable. We attempted to puncture the surface with a pet brush in order to see how much pressure the outer layer could withstand, and the thick material held its own. Overall, we were very impressed with the quality, value, and performance of this air mattress, and we’re confident that it will hold up over time. 

_{Inflated Dimensions: 75 x 38 x 18 inches (twin) | Inflation Method: Internal electric pump | Weight Capacity: 550 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Budget

Beautyrest Skyrise Air Mattress

$95 At Amazon $82 At Wayfair $119 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

While the Beautyrest Skyrise Air Mattress costs less than many other options we tested, it didn’t fall short in terms of features, comfort, and performance. In our lab testing, this mattress was very comfortable, felt similar to a standard mattress, and provided sufficient back support. The only thing standing between this air mattress and a perfect rating for comfort is the fact that its inflated dimensions were shorter (by 1 inch) and narrower (by 2 inches) than a standard full-size mattress. 

We tested several air mattresses with adjustable firmness, but if it is a priority for you, this is a great pick. Instead of using a dial that fills the air mattress to pre-set firm, medium, or plush settings, the Skyrise Raised Express Air Mattress uses an electric pump to inflate the bed to capacity. Then, you control the firmness with the one-touch adjustable comfort button on the mattress. This gives you the ability to adjust the air mattress to suit your needs, rather than relying on fixed settings or manually letting air out from the valve (which is how most air mattresses adjust). Once filled, this mattress is durable, stable, and supportive. It didn’t move when we lightly jumped onto the bed, and it lost less than 1 inch of air in our overnight weight test. 

Take note that this adjustable air mattress uses an external electric pump rather than a built-in pump like the Chillsun Twin Air Mattress with Built In Pump (best overall). In our testing, it took longer to inflate this air mattress than other models—over nine minutes in total. Once we figured out the pump featured separate inflate and deflate functions, the process became more efficient, but we think deflating is a job best accomplished by two people.

_{Inflated Dimensions: 75 x 54 x 16 inches (queen) | Inflation Method: External electric pump | Weight Capacity: 700 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Splurge

Insta-Bed Raised Pillow-Top Air Mattress

$240 At Amazon $230 At Target $221 At kohls.com

The Insta-Bed Raised 18-in Queen Pillow Top Air Mattress offers a high-quality construction and premium features that make it an upgrade from your standard air mattress. We found it’s much more luxurious and offers unique benefits compared to the average air mattress, making it a worthy investment for those who want to upgrade their guests’ overnight setup. 

In terms of comfort, this mattress was exceptionally impressive. Made with a suede pillowtop, it feels supremely soft and offers a more comfortable sleeping surface compared to traditional air mattresses. We also liked that there was minimal motion transfer when sharing the bed with a partner, as we did not feel disrupted, even with two people moving around on the mattress at once. 

The Insta-Bed is made with two internal air pumps—the primary pump is used to inflate the bed, and the secondary continuous pump automatically monitors the air pressure of the inflated mattress, sensing when it needs to add more air to maintain your desired firmness. You can choose between plush, medium, or firm comfort levels, which allows guests to customize the mattress to their sleeping preferences. 

We found the setup process to be very simple, with an inflation time of under three minutes that automatically shuts off when fully inflated to your desired comfort level. This allows for a more hands-off experience, so you don’t have to constantly monitor the amount of air in the mattress. We liked how quiet the operation was, as the air pumps weren’t as noisy or disruptive compared to other options we tested. Packing up and folding the unit was very easy, but we wish the carrying case were a bit bigger to more comfortably accommodate the size of the air mattress.

The air mattress also proved to be very durable, performing very well during our puncture test with little damage evident in the material. Considering this product’s high-end features, top-notch comfort, and overall convenience, we think the Insta-Bed Air Mattress definitely warrants its higher price tag.

_{Inflated Dimensions: 78 x 60 x 18 inches (queen) | Inflation Method: Internal electric pump | Weight Capacity: Not listed | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Queen

Englander Air Mattress

$126 At Amazon $84 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Durability
  4.8/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  4.8/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

If you are specifically looking for a queen-sized mattress, the Dream Series from SoundAsleep was one of several queen air mattresses we tested, and it stood out for its comfort, durability, and design. In our testing, we found the mattress to feel very comfortable, offering plenty of room for two people to share comfortably with minimal motion transfer. Additionally, there was little to no air leakage, and the mattress stayed at a firm level throughout the testing period. In terms of durability, this outer material felt quite strong and withstood the puncture test quite well, with no marks or indentations visible.

When fully inflated, its dimensions are identical to your standard queen mattress, at 80 inches long and 60 inches wide. This isn’t always the case, though—many air mattresses don’t always match with traditional mattress sizes, so be sure to double-check the dimensions before purchasing. While we like that the 20-inch-thick mattress sits quite high off the ground, just note you may want to opt for an extra-deep fitted sheet. 

During our testing we found there was a slight learning curve when initially setting up the mattress; however, it was fairly simple to maneuver once we got the hang of it. We also appreciated that the carrying case was oversized and came with convenient handles, which made it easy to fold up and store the mattress.

_{Inflated Dimensions: 80 x 60 x 20 inches (queen) | Inflation Method: Internal electric pump | Weight Capacity: 600 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Twin

Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Air Mattress

$46 At Amazon $43 At Walmart View On Intexcorp.com

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  3/5

For a supportive and durable twin-size air mattress, the Intex Dura-Beam is a great option. This version is as long as a standard twin mattress (75 inches) and also provides an inch of extra width. Standing 16.5 inches tall, we appreciated the mattress’s lofty feel during our testing process. Ideal as an extra bed for one overnight guest or a child, the Intex Dura-Beam twin air mattress uses a built-in electric pump for easy set-up. It took six minutes to assemble the bed, and we also found the pump made it faster and easier to deflate the air mattress, too.

This air mattress features a flocked surface, built-in pillow, and raised edge. We found it well-designed, comfortable, and durable, but we did note that this air mattress wasn’t as stable during our testing process, moving an inch or two when we jumped onto it. However, given the fact that the twin-size mattress has less surface area in contact with the floor, we weren’t surprised to see it shift a little. 

_{Inflated Dimensions: 75 x 39 x 16.5 inches (twin) | Inflation Method: Built-in pump | Weight Capacity: 300 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Compact

Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed

$82 At Amazon $70 At Walmart View On Hiccapop.com

Our Ratings

• Ease of Setup
  5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  4/5
• Ease of Cleaning
  4.5/5
• Ease of Use
  5/5

At just 8 pounds, the Hiccapop Inflatable Toddler Travel Bed is the lightest option we tested and is smaller than a twin-sized mattress. If you host sleepovers or have frequent visitors with small children, this product is a must-have. Intended for children 18 months and older, it features raised bumpers around the edges, which can help keep young ones from rolling off onto the floor. It also has a removable mattress section for easy cleaning in case of any accidents or spills.

We also love that the mattress has a built-in grab handle and comes with a travel bag, making it the most portable option we tested. The mattress and pump would fit on a shelf or in a corner of your closet, and they are light enough to transport to a friend’s house or camping. While the Hiccapop Inflatable Travel Bed measures 62 inches long when inflated, standard twin beds are around 75 inches long. So if you have taller kids coming over, you may need a twin option instead.

The air mattress is made with heavy-duty vinyl, reinforced seams, and a velvet top for both durability and comfort. Although it lacks a built-in pump, it should inflate in around 30 seconds or less.

_{Inflated Dimensions: 62 x 39 x 12 inches (one size) | Inflation Method: External electric pump | Weight Capacity: 310 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best Firm

Intex Dura-Beam Comfort Air Mattress

$42 At Amazon $56 At Wayfair $56 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Durability
  4.8/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Portability
  5/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

For those who prefer a firmer mattress that won’t sag overnight, we recommend the Intex Dura-Bean Deluxe Comfort Plush Air Mattress. When testing this mattress, we were pleased to find that we felt fully supported when laying on top of it. We did not sink down at all, and there was little to no loss of air throughout the testing period. We found it to be quite firm—in fact, it may not be comfortable for those who prefer a more plush mattress. However, you can always opt to let out some air to suit your guest’s needs. Additionally, there was little motion transfer, which made it easy to share the bed with a partner.

We found the setup to be quite straightforward and simpler than other air mattresses, and the pump was definitely on the quieter side. That being said, the inflation and deflation times were slightly longer, at around four minutes and five minutes, respectively. The air mattress was also very durable, with little damage to the material during our puncture test, even with a substantial amount of pressure. 

_{Inflated Dimensions: 75 x 54 x 13 inches (full) | Inflation Method: Internal electric pump | Weight Capacity: 272.15 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best with Headboard

Bestway Headboard Queen Air Mattress

$74 At Walmart

Our Ratings

• Durability
  4.8/5
• Comfort
  4.5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Value
  5/5
• Effectiveness
  5/5

The simple addition of a headboard can help make an air mattress feel a lot more like a real bed, which can create a more inviting atmosphere for your overnight guests. The Bestway Headboard Queen Air Mattress is one of our top picks because of its appealing look, comfortable and supportive feel, and intuitive controls. 

We found the setup to be quite intuitive, with clear, easy-to-understand controls. Just note the pump operation was quite noisy, so you’ll want to avoid running it if someone is asleep nearby. 

Once inflated, we found the mattress itself to be firm and supportive, which we liked. While there was still slight motion transfer when sharing the mattress with a partner, we enjoyed its overall comfort level. Additionally, we really enjoyed the headboard, which elevated both the look and feel of the air mattress. We enjoyed propping a pillow against the headboard, which helped support the upper back and allowed us to lean back. While we liked the overall comfort level of the mattress, we found it wasn’t as portable as some of the other options we tested, as it was quite heavy and cumbersome. 

We found the material of this mattress to be very strong and durable. Even after pressing down with significant pressure during the puncture test, the heavy-duty material resisted damage. 

_{Inflated Dimensions: 90 x 60 x 18 inches (queen) | Inflation Method: Internal electric pump | Weight Capacity: 661 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}

Best with Frame

Ivation EZ-Bed Air Mattress with Frame

$360 At Amazon $450 At Wayfair $450 At Home Depot

Our Ratings

• Durability
  5/5
• Comfort
  5/5
• Portability
  4/5
• Value
  4.5/5
• Effectiveness
  2.8/5

Our top pick in this category, the Ivation EZ-Bed Air Mattress, offers a unique design with a self-deploying frame that gives the bed a standard height of 24 inches. “Having a built-in frame is another key feature that you would want to look for, especially if this is going to be for long-term use and not just a one or two-night sleeping situation,” Dr. Moore says.

Of the 26 air mattresses we tested in the Lab, this option was one of the easiest to set up—even with a frame! An air mattress with a frame elevates the sleeping area, making it easier to get in and out of bed. It also gives any spare room the feeling of a proper guest room when you need it.

The process of setting up this mattress was largely hands-off, and it took only six and a half minutes to complete. You just unzip the case, select the firmness level, and move the dial to inflate. In just a few minutes, you'll have a comfortable bed for guests.

The Ivation EZ-Bed features dozens of support coils and adjustable firmness levels, including plush, medium, and firm. A flocked top gives the bed a softer feel and keeps sheets from sliding. When inflated, the frame gives the bed a substantial look worthy of a temporary set-up in a small guest room. It should be noted that this mattress wasn’t the most stable option we tested, so it may move a little bit under shifting weight, and it has the potential to lose some air overnight.

We had no concerns about durability during our tests. Deflating the mattress was fast and easy, and it collapsed to fit inside of a zippered duffel bag with wheels. It would be easy to roll this air mattress out of a closet, but it’s worth mentioning that the case is a little heavy and bulky. It may be challenging for one person to carry it up a flight of stairs and would probably best be stored on the same floor where you plan to use it.

_{Inflated Dimensions: 79 x 61 x 24 inches (full size, includes mattress frame) | Inflation Method: Built-in electric pump | Weight Capacity: 450 pounds | Pump Included: Yes}