Air mattresses are no longer just for camping. The best air beds now feature more advanced designs that not only make them ideal for sleeping under the stars, but also for hosting guests in your living room or spare room. This is great in cases of last-minute guests or for when you’ve got more visitors than you have beds, especially if you don’t have room (or the budget) for a futon or sofa bed.
However, if you want your air bed to be this versatile, you’ll want to make sure you buy one with the right level of comfort and functionality. Without careful consideration, your guests may sleep poorly or wake up in the morning with back pain.
After doing lots of research, we’ve narrowed it down to the best air beds on the market. Check out these options to find the best air mattress for your needs and budget.
1. SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress
The top option on our list of the best air beds is the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress. One of its primary benefits is the low price point, especially when you consider what it offers. This air bed comes with several features that are exclusive to the SoundAsleep brand, including ComfortCoil technology, which provides a significant improvement in support compared to standard air beds. The whole air mattress is made from environmentally friendly PVC.
The SureGrip cover on the bottom part of the SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress helps keep the mattress stable on the floor when in use, so it doesn’t slip around during the night. The SoundAsleep Dream Series Air Mattress also comes with a one-click pump that is built into the air bed.
Once you’re lying down, it feels as if you’re lying on an ordinary mattress in your bedroom.
This pump makes inflation and deflation quick and easy. Your purchase is protected by a one-year warranty.
Stats
- Firmness: Firm
- Material: PVC
- Lifespan and warranty: 1-year warranty period
- Special features: Double-height air bed
- Special offers: Free shipping
2. Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress only comes in a queen size. It’s more affordable than some other air beds, but could be inconvenient if you were planning to buy a different size of air mattress.
This air bed is made with durable materials and construction to offer a problem-free sleep. It’s taller compared to some of the other options on our list, which helps to create a more “natural” feeling of being in a bed. Many people don’t like more traditional air mattresses that make them feel like they’re sleeping too close to the ground.
The Insta-Bed Raised Air Mattress features a total of 35 circular coils on the inside for support. It comes with two pumps. The first is for both inflating and deflating the mattress. The second pump stays active while the air bed is in use, keeping the mattress pumped up and preventing guests from waking up on the floor.
Stats
- Firmness: Firm
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: 35 circular coils, “never flat” pump system
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
3. Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed
The Intex Comfort-Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed is yet another affordable air mattress that you can pick up for less than $95. The mattress has a number of useful features, including a Fiber-Tech construction method that produces a more durable air bed that will last longer, even with frequent use.
The Intex Comfort-Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed features an electric pump that is built right into the mattress. This makes inflating the mattress significantly easier, rather than having to connect an external pump to the air bed. It takes just over four minutes to inflate fully.
Once the air mattress is inflated, you can adjust the firmness to the level that you (or your guests) feel most comfortable with. The top is waterproof, which makes this one of the best air beds for “cowboy camping,” or sleeping under the stars without a tent.
The Intex Comfort Plush Elevated Dura-Beam Airbed is 18″ tall so it feels almost like sleeping in a bed. It comes with a duffel bag, which makes storing the mattress and carrying it around significantly easier.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Waterproof top
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
4. King Koil Queen Size Luxury Raised Air Mattress
One of the first things you will notice about the King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress is that in addition to its Queen size option, there is also a California King option. This is quite unique for an air mattress, as most of them tend to only come in Twin, Full, Queen, and King. The extra-large size makes this air mattress great for people who like to spread out while they sleep, or for having a few kids all crash on one air bed.
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress features a special airbed technology that traps air more effectively, significantly reducing the amount of deflation during the night. Another important factor to note is the added spinal support, which helps to reduce the risk of back pain and shoulder pain. This is yet another feature that is hard to come by in an air bed, which is why this one made our list.
The King Koil Luxury Raised Air Mattress comes with a one-year warranty. There is also a 30-day return policy that you can take advantage of if it doesn’t work for you.
Stats
- Firmness: Firm
- Material: PVC
- Lifespan and Warranty: One-year warranty period
- Special features: Waterproof quilt top
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
5. Lazery Sleep Air Mattress
Next up is the Lazery Sleep Air Queen Mattress. The Lazery Sleep brand is quite popular and produces a number of different air mattresses for different needs. This model is their most popular air bed, and it features exceptionally durable construction. While primarily made for camping needs, this air mattress can also easily double as a guest bed in your house.
The Lazery Sleep Air Mattress has a built-in pump for fast inflation, as well as a handy carrying bag, an LED remote control plus seven firmness settings, making this ideal for your guest room. It measures 76 x 58 x 17 inches and holds up to 500 pounds. It features Comfortcoil Technology that includes 40 individual air coils to distribute weight evenly for optimum comfort.
Stats
- Firmness: Plush
- Material: Vinyl
- Special features: Fast inflation
- Special offers: Free shipping
6. Intex Pillow Rest Classic Airbed with Built-in Pillow
The Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed is a great option if you prefer an air mattress that’s taller than many of the standard options on the market, but also doesn’t blow your budget. With prices starting at less than $70, this is definitely one of the more affordable of the best air beds.
The Intex Deluxe Pillow Rest Raised Airbed comes in two Queen-size. The mattress comes with a waterproof vinyl top, making it another great option for camping.
An electronic pump is built into the mattress to make the process of inflating the air bed easier. The built-in pump also helps to speed up the deflation of the mattress, so you can pack up quickly after your guests leave or on your way home from your camping trip.
Stats
- Firmness: Adjustable
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Raised height
7. FBSPORT Car Travel Inflatable Mattress Air Bed
If you need something cheap that fits easily into the back of your car, consider the FBSPORT Car Travel Inflatable Mattress Air Bed. This is one of the most affordable air beds on our list, at $34.99.
The FBSPORT Car Travel Inflatable Mattress Air Bed is designed specifically for travel and/or #vanlife, so it features a different shape and size than most other air beds. Instead of being a perfect rectangle, it’s designed to fit into the back of your car. It also comes in a bigger size designed to fit into an SUV.
The FBSPORT Car Travel Inflatable Mattress Air Bed is available in a variety of colors, such as gray, blue, and more. It comes with two free air pillows, as well as free standard shipping within the United States.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Comes with two additional air pillows
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
8. Coleman Camping Cot Air Mattress and Pump Combo
The Coleman Camping Cot Air Mattress and Pump Combo is a bundle that includes a high-quality air mattress, a camping cot (which acts as the base for the mattress), and a travel-sized electronic pump.
The mattress itself features a double-locking valve system, which traps air inside more effectively. It also uses Comfort Strong coil technology, which offers an ideal combination of comfort and support.
The small portable pump is powered by batteries, which makes it an ideal travel companion.
Stats
- Firmness: Medium
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: n/a
- Special features: Comes with a cot
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
9. Etekcity Queen Size Air Mattress
Our final option on our list of the best air beds is the Etekcity Queen Size Mattress. It’s easy to set up, and takes just three to five minutes to inflate. You can adjust the inflation until you find the perfect level of firmness. The mattress is able to support a total combined weight of up to 650 pounds, and its durable construction means it will last through lots of use.
The mattress comes with a two-year warranty against factory defects. The customer service department offers round-the-clock support in case you run into any trouble.
Stats
- Firmness: n/a
- Material: n/a
- Lifespan and warranty: Two-year warranty
- Special features: Includes storage bag
- Special offers: Free shipping, 30-day return policy
CONCLUSION
What do you do when out-of-town guests show up on your doorstep unexpectedly? Don’t get in a panic… just pull out an air mattress and you’re ready to go! Also, blow up airbeds are excellent choices for the grandchildren when they come to visit – just put a few out on the floor and let the slumber party begin. The ones on our list range from twin size to queen size- one to fit everyone’s need and budget. Airbeds are a great way to save money when a permanent bed is not required to be set up all the time!
