The Best Editor-Tested Air Mattresses for an Instant Guest Bed

They say that there’s no place like home, but if you can’t be in your personal quarters, the very next best thing you can do is seek out a place that’s warm, inviting, and downright cozy. As a host, offering such a space to guests as their home away from home is the ultimate goal. That’s exactly why investing in a great air mattress is a win-win for everyone: Guests can achieve a good night’s sleep while hosts can welcome them in, even if they don’t necessarily have a designated guest room.

With so many options out there, finding the best air mattress that won’t deflate in a matter of hours or actually deliver some semblance of comfort is easier said that done. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best air mattresses that’ll have your guests resting peacefully all night long. Whether you’re on the hunt for a space-efficient Twin, a roomy Queen, or something that can charge smartphones (yep, that exists), there’s an air mattress on our list for every shopper.

• Best Overall: Simmons Lumbar Tri-Zone Air Mattress
• Best Budget-Friendly: Intex Dura Pillow Rest Air Mattress
• Best Luxury: Brookstone Innovations Perfect Air Bed
• Best Long-Lasting: Nautica Home Cool Comfort Air Mattress
• Best Twin Size: The Shrunks Air Mattress
• Best with Charger: SLEEPLUX Air Mattress

At the risk of stating the obvious, shopping for an air mattress is very different from looking for a traditional bed. While you won’t have to decide between spring coils and memory foam — ICYMI, your bed will be filled with air — there are some other features to keep in mind. Check out these few key factors you’ll want to consider when shopping for the ultimate air mattress.

If there’s one thing air mattresses and traditional mattresses have in common, it’s that size matters. While a Twin bed is well-suited for children or single snoozers, a Queen is a solid size for couples or guests who love to spread out mid-slumber. A versatile Queen-sized air mattress may cater to more people at one time but think about who typically sleeps over and their specific needs. At the end of the day, listen to your host intuition and err on the smaller side when shopping for an air mattress.

Plush comfort or practical convenience? Well, that’s the decision you’ll be making when selecting the height of your air mattress. Not only are taller air mattresses generally more comfortable — the more volume capacity, the more you’ll feel like you’re floating on air — but they’re also easier to get in and out of. (If you’ve ever had to contort your body to get out of a beanbag chair, you know this is kind of a big deal.) On the flip side, shorter mattresses can inflate and deflate quickly — not to mention, they can be folded up and stored in your closet in a snap. Of course, it’s buyer’s choice, so pick out what’s best for your preferences.

Simply put, nobody wants to lie down on a bed and feel their bum touch the floor. That’s exactly why it’s so important to find an air mattress with a generous weight capacity. Because, in most cases, multiple people will be sleeping on your air mattress over the years, opting for one with a higher weight capacity will make everyone feel at home.

Behind every good air mattress is the pump that inflates, deflates, and makes the bed what it is. While manual and foot pumps do exist, most brands have adapted to modern times and opted for an easy-to-use electric pump. (After all, getting ready for bed should be a relaxing experience, not a laborious one.) What you will want to decide, however, is whether you want an air mattress with a built-in or an external pump. A built-in pump (versus an external one) can keep an air mattress inflated throughout the night or even over several days, but it’s not as easy to replace if it breaks. But, while replacement external pumps tend to be more cost effective, they also can make the pumping process take longer. And if you are bringing your air mattress on the road, it’s one more thing you’ll need to remember to pack. Take stock of your preferences and needs, and choose a pump that ticks off all of your boxes.

Of course, it’s important to factor your budget into all of your shopping decisions — and an air mattress, being something of an investment, is no exception. It’s totally possible to find a great air mattress at a low price point (psst — check out our third pick!), but you’ll notice that most higher-end models are built to withstand wear, tear, and punctures. When in doubt, prioritize the features and functions that are the most important to you to get the best bang for your buck. While ordering a cheap air mattress might seem like the more economical move, it’s possible that you’ll wind up spending more money on replacements every few months or years. The good news is we’re here to help you determine the ones that are actually worth your money.

We tested a range of air mattresses, judging them on the following criteria:

• Comfort: How does it feel? Can you actually score a good night’s sleep? Are you able to adjust the firmness to match your sleeping preferences? Is it comfortable to get in and out of?
• Durability: Does the air mattress leak overnight? How does it hold up after a few uses? Is it prone to punctures?
• Functionality: How easy is it to inflate and deflate? Does the mattress inflate quickly? Can you swiftly deflate and pack it away after a good night’s rest?

For a number of reasons, the Simmons Lumbar Tri-Zone Air Mattress came out on top for editor-loved air mattresses. To start, its built-in pump is conveniently placed on the side for easy accessibility when inflating or deflating. It’s also made with heavy-duty vinyl, has a soft velveteen top and air coil design that mimics the coziness of a traditional mattress, and even stays inflated for days on end. All that combined means neither you nor your guests will be swallowed up by a sinking air mattress in the middle of the night.

“I’ve never used an air mattress with a built-in pump, and I love it!” says associate lifestyle editor Sofia. “It also stays inflated much better than other air mattresses I’ve slept on or had friends sleep on — no more house guests waking up on one inch of air above the ground!” Available in two sizes and equipped with a 54-inch power cord, this five-star rated air mattress provides some of the best sleep you’ll get on air.

Specifications:

• 12 inches tall
• 650-pound weight capacity
• Built-in pump
• Features anti-leak pump, auto shut-off, and velveteen top
• Available in Full and Queen
• Spot clean
• 2-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a long-lasting and durable air mattress; those looking for an air mattress that won’t deflate overnight

Good to Know: If the mattress feels too firm after inflation, release some air to soften it up.

Those who are new to the air mattress game or only really need one for a brief period may not want to spend a small fortune on one. That’s where Intex’s Dura Pillow Rest Air Mattress comes in. Available for under $50, this option seems almost-too-good-to-be-true cheap, but AT contributor Sarah assures us that it doesn’t skimp on quality. “I bought two of the Twin-sized air mattresses when I first moved to my apartment and had no bed yet,” she says. “I now have a bed and a mattress, but these remain great for guests [to] inflate themselves in no time.”

The mattresses have even “stayed inflated (no air leaking!) throughout entire weeklong friend visits,” says Sarah. “Plus, they’re fairly easy to fold up and take up very little room in my closet.” To sweeten an already enticing (and affordable!) deal, Intex’s air mattress comes with a built-in pillow headrest so guests can kick back, relax, and clock in all the dreamy hours of sleep they need.

Specifications:

• 10 inches tall
• 600-pound weight capacity
• Built-in pump
• Available in Twin, Full, and Queen
• Features quick-release valve and flocked top
• Includes carry bag
• Spot clean
• 90-day warranty

Who It’s Best For: Rookie hosts who are looking for a budget-friendly entry point; those who need something simple for a limited amount of time.

Good to Know: This Intex model has special Fiber-Tech construction, which uses thousands of polyester fibers to create an ultra-durable exterior.

Whether your in-laws frequently visit or your house is the house for slumber parties, you might be willing to spend a little more on an air mattress to ensure the sweetest of dreams for all. Though Brookstone’s Perfect Air Bed may elicit some sticker shock initially, AT contributor Mackenzie has used it for years and says it’s built to last. “It never deflates, and you can use it for days without needing to [inflate again],” she says. “You can also inflate it to be as hard or squishy as you like!”

The Perfect Air Bed has a dual-chamber construction, which replicates the feeling of a box spring, and has a waterproof flocked top to ensure comfort all night. At 12 inches high, this air mattress inflates in a little over one minute. Once you’re done using and deflating it, this bed folds up nicely and fits into its accompanying case.

Specifications:

• 12 inches tall
• 650-pound weight capacity
• Built-in pump
• Features support beams and a storage port for the power cord
• Includes storage bag and microfiber fitted sheet
• Available in Twin and Queen
• Hand wash only

Who It’s Best For: Avid hosts who want to give their guests a five-star experience.

Good to Know: The plush pillow top of this air bed contours to your guests’ sleep positions, offering a super cozy slumber.

Our senior commerce editor, Alicia, dreaded sleeping on air mattresses — until this air mattress from Nautica Home changed her mind. “Every time I’ve slept on an air mattress, I’ve woken up on the floor in the middle of the night,” she says. “It’s never been a comfortable experience, which is why I opted to buy a folding cot for our guests instead. But my boyfriend and I slept on this mattress for a week straight and it never deflated significantly, though we’d have to add more air every few days. It was very comfortable. And now, we can have multiple guests stay over in our small one-bedroom apartment.”

The reason this air mattress impressed Alicia? Because Nautica really focused on making it as much like a mattress as possible — this model features raised edges, a cooling pillowtop design, an offset coil-in-coil design that decreases motion transfer as a mattress would, and a sure-lock built-in pump, which makes inflating and deflating the mattress a breeze.

Specifications:

• 18 inches tall
• 700-pound weight capacity
• Built-in pump
• Available in Twin, Full, and Queen
• Features Sleep Fresh antimicrobial coating
• Includes carrying case
• Spot clean
• 3-year limited warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those hosting long-term guests; those who prefer to hit the snooze button once or twice; those who want a bed they can set and forget.

Good to Know: Due to its plastic make, this air mattress can be recycled when it reaches the end of its lifespan. Check with electronics recycling programs in your area to see if air mattresses with built-in pumps are accepted.

Anyone who spends their nights tossing and turning might worry about rolling right off their air mattress. (Um, ouch.) Fear not: The Shrunks’ Air Mattress is here to give you peace of mind. Perfect for kids, travelers, and active sleepers, this air bed has strategically placed bumpers to keep you put from a.m. to p.m. “I’ve owned a few of these mattresses for several years and have ordered extras to keep at my in-law’s house,” AT contributor Patty explains.

“The mattress inflates in two separate sections: The main mattress and the lower, bumper level. It stays inflated for several days at a time without having to re-inflate. I use these most frequently for traveling with my kids and hosting sleepovers; they’re comfortable enough for adults as well.” Though this air mattress comes with an external pump, travel bag, and extra patches, Patty says its 0.3-millimeter construction and reinforced seams hold up nicely over time.

Specifications:

• 9 inches tall
• 300-pound weight capacity
• External pump
• Features bumpers and flocked top
• Includes travel bag and repair patches
• Wipe clean
• Lifetime warranty

Who It’s Good For: Solo sleepers; those who move around a lot during the night; those with kids or guests who benefit from additional reinforcements.

Good to Know: The Shrunks air bed has a hidden tuck-in feature that’ll keep your sheets in place.

Decked out with bonus functions to spare, SLEEPLUX’s air mattress caters both to guests and their generous hosts. “This air mattress is perfect for guests, especially two,” says social media manager Sam. “We had two couples recently stay on visits to New York, and both said the bed was extremely comfortable and better than expected. You always get nervous hosting guests and hoping their sleeping arrangements are satisfactory, but this mattress actually stood up to the task. It was also super easy to set up and deflate to put away to store. Now I’m not nervous to have guests stay over!”

In addition to hitting that sweet spot between comfort and durability, this air mattress has a USB port so your guests can charge their devices while they get some shut-eye. There’s also a built-in pillow, which will give visitors plenty of head and neck support. Ahh… the life!

Specifications:

• 22 inches tall
• 772-pound weight capacity
• Built-in pump
• Available in 15-inch Twin, 18-inch Twin, and Queen, including a headboard option
• Features built-in pillow, USB charger, antimicrobial coating, and Tough Guard material
• Includes storage bag and repair patch
• Spot clean
• 1-year manufacturer’s warranty

Who It’s Best For: Those who want to give guests a full-service experience; those who want something with impressive high-tech features.

Good to Know: The top of the mattress uses a Tough Guard material to protect against stretching, abrasion, and punctures.