Air mattresses are always a handy solution for guests or camping trips. But which one is the best? Let’s find out!
Even if you don’t have guests often, an air mattress can be a lifesaver. Need a quick fix when your bed breaks? Air mattress. Training a new puppy and want to stay close? Air mattress. Planning your first camping trip? You guessed it—air mattress. Unlike regular mattresses, they’re lightweight, easy to store, and much more affordable. If you’re setting up a guest room or just need a backup sleeping option, an air mattress is a smart choice.
Best air mattresses for 2025
SoundAsleep Dream Series
This well-known, highly-rated Intex mattress offers great value for its price. At $100, it’s more affordable than many other models in its height range while still providing solid durability. In our tests, it stood out as one of the best budget-friendly air mattresses available. With over 8,000 five-star reviews praising its comfort and longevity, it’s a popular choice among buyers. (Fakespot rates the reliability of its Amazon reviews with an “A.”)
Intex describes this as a high-rise air bed, and it certainly stands tall at 22 inches off the ground. Its Fiber-Tech construction helps maintain firmness and support, but like most air mattresses with built-in pumps, it is on the heavier side, weighing about 21 pounds. The mattress includes thousands of high-strength polyester fibers for enhanced stability and durability. The built-in pump is relatively quiet and efficient, taking around 4 minutes to fully inflate and deflate.
Pros:
✔ Affordable and durable design
✔ 90-day warranty for peace of mind
✔ Comes with a carrying bag for easy storage
Cons:
✖ Slight plastic smell upon first use
✖ Bulkier than some other models
Intex Deluxe Comfort Dura-Beam
Intex has found a sweet spot between affordability and quality with the Deluxe Comfort Dura-Beam. While it remains budget-friendly, this air mattress offers excellent durability and support, thanks to its fiber-tech construction. It may not be the absolute best, but it provides a comfortable sleeping experience and is a solid choice for guests or travel.
The built-in, plug-in pump works efficiently but isn’t the fastest compared to other models. However, once fully inflated, the mattress maintains its shape well and ranks among the more supportive options we tested. The soft, flocked top enhances comfort, and Intex claims it increases puncture resistance. That may be true, but if a leak does occur, repairs could be tricky since patches adhere best to the bottom surface. At 20 inches tall when inflated, the Intex Deluxe Comfort Dura-Beam is easy to get in and out of, and its stability helps minimize motion transfer between sleepers. The mattress also comes with a carrying bag for convenience. Unlike some air mattresses, this one had minimal off-gassing when first unpacked.
Pros:
✔ Durable fiber-tech construction
✔ Soft, flocked top for extra comfort
✔ Minimal off-gassing
Cons:
✖ Inflation speed could be improved
✖ Patch repairs may not work well on flocked surfaces
Intex Dura-Beam Plus
As one of the top names in air mattresses, Intex offers a variety of high-quality models. The Dura-Beam Plus model—positioned slightly below the Deluxe version—features a built-in pump, a raised edge for added support, and inflates to a comfortable 16.5-inch height. It also comes with a convenient carrying bag. For the price, I found it to be an excellent choice, nearly as good as the Deluxe.
One thing I appreciate about the Dura-Beam Plus is its slightly softer top layer. The vertical air chambers create a gentle cushioning effect on its velvety surface, giving it a bit of extra bounce. The mattress is sturdy and spacious enough for two people to sleep comfortably. If you prefer a completely flat surface, the Deluxe might be the better option. Additionally, the Plus isn’t as tall as the Deluxe, and I struggled a bit to fit the power cord back into its compartment. That said, for the price, it’s a solid air mattress.
Pros:
✔ Raised edge for support
✔ Soft, velvety surface
✔ Plush top layer for extra comfort
Cons:
✖ Not as tall as some other models
✖ Power cord storage could be more convenient
Serta Raised Air Mattress
One of the biggest frustrations with air mattresses is waking up to a partially deflated bed. The Serta Raised Air Mattress solves this issue with its dual-pump system. The primary pump inflates the mattress, while a secondary pump runs quietly throughout the night to maintain air pressure. In theory, this keeps the mattress fully inflated until morning. However, for the second pump to function, the bed must remain plugged in all night, which can be inconvenient.
One standout feature of this air mattress is its adjustable firmness settings. The main pump includes a dial that lets you choose between plush, medium, or firm, so you won’t have to guess how much air to add. The mattress isn’t as cushiony on top as the Dura-Beam Plus, but it still offers solid support.
Pros:
✔ Dual-pump system prevents deflation
✔ Adjustable firmness levels
✔ Two-year warranty with free replacement
✔ Includes a carrying bag with handles
Cons:
✖ Only available in queen and twin sizes
✖ Must stay plugged in for the second pump to function
Things to Consider When Buying an Air Mattress
There are several key factors to keep in mind when selecting the best air mattress for your needs.
Price
For most shoppers, price is a major deciding factor. Air mattresses range widely in cost, from as little as $30 for a basic model to several hundred dollars for a high-end version. However, a higher price tag doesn’t always guarantee a taller bed, better support, superior air retention, or increased comfort.
Inflation
Most top-rated air mattresses come with a built-in electric pump that plugs into a standard wall outlet. Others feature battery-powered pumps, typically running on four D-cell batteries, or external rechargeable pumps. While plug-in pumps are powerful, they can be bulky and noisy. Battery-operated pumps are more portable but generally less effective at achieving full inflation. Manual hand pumps require significant effort but offer precise control over firmness and don’t rely on electricity or batteries.
Size
While most queen-size air mattresses measure about 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, height varies between models. A taller mattress can be a crucial consideration for older adults or those with mobility issues, as lower beds can be difficult to get in and out of. Additionally, a mattress that is too soft may make it harder to stand up comfortably.
Leakage
One of the biggest concerns with air mattresses is air retention. Many users report issues with slow leaks, even after properly inflating their bed. Manufacturers often include disclaimers stating that air mattresses naturally stretch and may feel less firm over time, though this doesn’t always indicate a leak. However, some models are simply built better than others. Since airtightness can be hard to judge immediately, most brands offer at least a one-year warranty, with some extending coverage to two years. Others provide only a short-term guarantee and include vinyl patches for quick repairs.