← Best of the Best: all the guides
The best air mattresses for home and guests
EnerPlex wins for comfort and overnight firmness; Intex offers similar convenience for less, with a simple twin as the lowest-cost recommended option.
| Best overall | Best value | Cheapest that's still good | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | EnerPlex Air Mattress With Built-in Pump, Queen, 18-inch | Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Air Mattress, Queen, 22-inch (64417ED) | Intex Dura-Beam Standard Prestige Air Mattress, Twin, 10-inch (64107E) |
| Price | about $100 | about $60 | about $20 |
| Why | Bob Vila named it best overall after testing, praising its comfort, supportive coil beams, and ability to stay firm overnight. Its built-in pump inflated the tested queen in about 90 seconds. | Reviewers found it supportive, durable, and quick to inflate, and it costs substantially less than the EnerPlex. The built-in pump and manual-pump valve add flexibility. | House Beautiful listed this twin at about $20 and recommended it as a compact, low-cost choice with a velvety surface and a handheld battery pump. It is the lowest-priced option here with a recent expert recommendation. |
| Good to know | It can have a strong plastic smell on first use and is tricky to fold back into its bag. | The included carry bag is undersized, so packing it away can be a squeeze. | It is a basic twin rather than a roomy, high-rise guest bed. |
| See on Amazon | See on Amazon | See on Amazon |
picture by AIBob Vila named it best overall after testing, praising its comfort, supportive coil beams, and ability to stay firm overnight. Its built-in pump inflated the tested queen in about 90 seconds.
Good to know: It can have a strong plastic smell on first use and is tricky to fold back into its bag.
See on Amazonpicture by AIReviewers found it supportive, durable, and quick to inflate, and it costs substantially less than the EnerPlex. The built-in pump and manual-pump valve add flexibility.
Good to know: The included carry bag is undersized, so packing it away can be a squeeze.
See on Amazonpicture by AIHouse Beautiful listed this twin at about $20 and recommended it as a compact, low-cost choice with a velvety surface and a handheld battery pump. It is the lowest-priced option here with a recent expert recommendation.
Good to know: It is a basic twin rather than a roomy, high-rise guest bed.
See on AmazonDanilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.
What matters
Choose a height and size that suit the sleeper and space, and check the weight limit. A built-in pump makes setup easy at home, but camping may call for a portable mattress and pump.
Who this is for
These picks are for people who need a temporary bed for guests, sleepovers, or occasional travel. They are not a substitute for a regular bed for long-term nightly use.
The picks, one by one
Best overall: EnerPlex Air Mattress With Built-in Pump, Queen, 18-inch
Bob Vila named it best overall after testing, praising its comfort, supportive coil beams, and ability to stay firm overnight. Its built-in pump inflated the tested queen in about 90 seconds. The tester found little movement transfer when two people shared it, and the quilted top felt more mattress-like than a basic airbed. The pump also makes deflation straightforward. It comes in several sizes and heights, but the queen is bulky for camping and needs an outlet. Allow it to air out before guests arrive if you are sensitive to new-plastic smells.
Good to know: It can have a strong plastic smell on first use and is tricky to fold back into its bag.
See on AmazonBest value: Intex Dura-Beam Deluxe Comfort-Plush Air Mattress, Queen, 22-inch (64417ED)
Reviewers found it supportive, durable, and quick to inflate, and it costs substantially less than the EnerPlex. The built-in pump and manual-pump valve add flexibility. Bob Vila testers rated its comfort 4/5 and durability 5/5, and found its cushioned support better than the Intex Plus they compared it with. It inflated in two to three minutes and handled their stability and impact checks. The 22-inch height makes getting in and out easier, but it is less convenient to pack for camping. Check the exact size and height before ordering because the same model family has several versions.
Good to know: The included carry bag is undersized, so packing it away can be a squeeze.
See on AmazonCheapest that's still good: Intex Dura-Beam Standard Prestige Air Mattress, Twin, 10-inch (64107E)
House Beautiful listed this twin at about $20 and recommended it as a compact, low-cost choice with a velvety surface and a handheld battery pump. It is the lowest-priced option here with a recent expert recommendation. The twin size is best for one sleeper and takes up less room than a raised queen. Its included battery pump avoids the need for a wall outlet, which can help for occasional travel. House Beautiful highlights the soft sleeping surface and small-space usefulness rather than extensive lab durability results. Skip it if you need a roomy bed for two or want a built-in electric pump. Confirm the listing includes the pump and the price before buying, since listings and prices can change.
Good to know: It is a basic twin rather than a roomy, high-rise guest bed.
See on AmazonHow we chose
Bob Vila testers spent 79 hours evaluating air mattresses, including comfort, setup, firmness retention, durability, and storage. Consumer Reports tested six twin models for 16-hour air retention under a 200-pound load, puncture resistance, temperature, pump noise and overheating, comfort, and setup Danilli read the reviews and tests listed below and compared current prices; it does not take money from brands to pick a product.
Sources
Not sure which one is for you?
Ask Danilli anything about these, free. Tell it what you need and your budget and it says which one fits you.
Written with Danilli's AI from the sources above and refreshed about once a month; prices change, check Amazon for today's price. Danilli may earn a small commission from Amazon or the store when you buy through these buttons. The price is the same for you. Pictures marked "picture by AI" are made by Danilli's AI to show the product; check the real photos on the store page.