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With the wide breadth of choices we have these days, we understand it can get a little confusing when it comes to shopping for a box spring. But it doesn’t have to be. We’ve narrowed down our list to the five best box springs you can get your hands on in 2023 and we’ve included some tips and tricks when it comes to choosing the best one for you. Our Editor’s choice is the Saatva Foundation.
Our Top Picks for Best Box Spring
- Saatva Foundation – editor’s choice
- Beautyrest Flat Foundation – best box spring alternative
- Serta Foundation – best box spring for couples
- Zinus Metal Box Spring – best box spring for heavier individuals
- Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring – best budget box spring
#1. Saatva Foundation
Check Current Price | Editor’s Choice
Pros
- Free in-room delivery and setup
- Noiseless
- Features an organic cotton cover
- Lifetime warranty
- Handcrafted in the USA
Cons
- Metal frame is sold separately
- Can be a bit too pricey for some
Our experience with Saatva Foundation
The Saatva Box Foundation is not your regular, run of the mill box spring – sure, it may look like one but Saatva being Saatva, you know that it’s more than just a wooden frame, springs and a fabric cover.
Made from ethically sourced North American Spruce, the Saatva Foundation is durable and sturdy – so much so that Saatva backs it up with a lifetime warranty.
Like most modern box springs, the Saatva Foundation works with all types of mattresses from memory foam mattresses, innerspring mattresses and hybrids. However, it does not work with adjustable mattresses (Saatva offers an adjustable base that can work with any bed frame).
You get two height options with the Saatva Foundation, a 4.75″ and an 8.75″.
This gives you the option to choose between a low profile box spring or a higher profile one. Bear in mind that if you choose to purchase the separate metal frame, this adds another 7.5″ to your bed profile. If you are someone with limited mobility, this is an important factor to consider.
The Saatva Foundation is slightly different from a traditional mattress foundation as it uses a combination of both foam and slats as its support system all held together by a solid wood frame. It feels like a platform bed and a box spring all in one.
We also like the fact that it comes encased in an organic cotton cover that lends itself nicely to spot cleaning.
Upon testing it out, we found that the Saatva Foundation was completely noise-free, unlike a lot of other box springs out there. It’s an excellent choice when it comes to absorbing impact.
Now depending on your preferred sleep setup, you can use the Saatva Foundation just by itself (with a mattress, of course) or you can use it with the Saatva Metal Frame but you need to buy that separately.
It is a little heavy and tricky to assemble but Saatva offers a free in-room delivery and setup for their foundation as well as a 365-day warranty.
Sizes
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
- Split Queen
- Split King
- Split Cal King
Shipping, Trial Period, and Warranty
Saatva offers a 365 night trial for all of their foundations as well as a lifetime warranty. They also offer free in-room delivery and setup within the contiguous United States.
Buy: Saatva Foundation
#2. Beautyrest Flat Foundation
Check Current Price | Best Box Spring Alternative
Pros
- Features a center support for heavier mattresses
- Works with all mattress types
- Durable steel frame
- Comfortable height
Cons
- Might be too high for people with limited mobility
- Needs a proper bed frame if mattress is too heavy
Our experience with Beautyrest Flat foundation
If you’re on the hunt for a solid foundation that can be used with most modern mattresses, then look no further than the Beautyrest Flat Foundation.
Meant to be used with either a memory foam mattress, a hybrid or an innerspring mattress, the Beautyrest Flat Foundation is a great box spring alternative.
The Beautyrest Flat Foundation feature wooden slats and a spruce framework along with welded steel elements. This makes for a super sturdy mattress foundation that can hold even the heaviest of mattresses (although Beautyrest does recommend using a proper bed frame along with their foundation if the mattress is really, really heavy).
Unlike traditional cradle box springs, we found the Beautyrest Flat Foundation to be virtually noiseless due to the wood slats as support instead of springs. This makes it a great option for those who can’t sleep due to noise.
But because the Beautyrest Flat Foundation is 9″ in height, when used with both a bed frame and a thicker mattress, those with limited mobility might find it difficult to get in and out of bed because of the added height.
Also, the Beautyrest Flat Foundation is not compatible with adjustable mattresses so if you’re planning to get one or already have one, you might want to look into our ‘Best Zero Gravity Bases‘ guide instead.
We found setting up the Beautyrest Flat Foundation to be fairly easy but you might need to enlist the help of a friend.
Although the foundation can be used just by itself, Beautyrest recommends using it with a compatible bed frame for maximum support.
Sizes
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Shipping, Trial Period, and Warranty
Beautyrest offers a 100 night sleep trial for all of their foundations. They also offer free shipping to all states, except to Hawaii and Alaska.
Buy: Beautyrest Flat Foundation
#3. Serta Foundation
Check Current Price | Best Box Spring for Couples
Pros
- Helps reduce motion transfer
- High profile
- CertiPUR-US certified
- Easy assembly
Cons
- Might make some beds too high
- Limited weight capacity if used as a standalone foundation
Our experience with Serta Foundation
If you share a bed with a partner and are easily disturbed by even the tiniest of movements, you might want to look into the Serta Foundation.
Made with a combination of CertiPUR-US certified foam, steel frame and wood slats, the Serta Foundation can provide durable and sturdy support for even heavier hybrid beds and latex mattresses.
The combination of the metal grid and the wood slats help absorb impact making the Serta Foundation a good base for those who share a bed with a partner or a pet.
Because it is made without springs like traditional box springs, we found the Serta Foundation to be completely noise-free which, again, is perfect for those who share a bed.
The Serta Foundation measures 9 inches tall and if you have a thinner mattress, it would help lend it a more comfortable height. Those who suffer from chronic pain and have a thicker mattress might find it a bit difficult to get in and out of bed if the bed is too high, we suggest looking into lower profile box springs.
The Serta Foundation is compatible with all types of mattresses from foam mattresses, hybrids and innerspring mattresses.
Although you can choose to use the foundation with a compatible bed frame such as platform beds (please check with your bed’s manufacturer if it can be used with a box spring), it can also be used as a standalone foundation.
We found assembly to be very easy and you can definitely do it by yourself (although a little help is always welcome).
Serta offers free shipping and returns for all of their foundations.
Sizes
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Shipping, Trial Period, and Warranty
Serta offers a 100 night trial for their mattress foundation. They also deliver free shipping within the continental United States. The Serta Foundation is covered by a 10 year warranty.
Buy: Serta Foundation
#4. Zinus Metal Box Spring
Check Current Price | Best Box Spring for Heavier Individuals
Pros
- 700 lb weight capacity
- Solid steel frame
- Not too high, not too low
- Fairly affordable
Cons
- Might lay too close to the ground if lowest option is used as a standalone box spring
- Smaller sizes have a smaller weight limit
Our experience with Zinus Metal Box Spring
The Zinus Metal Box Spring is an excellent choice if both you and your partner both weigh well over 250 each. It can hold up to 700 lbs. of combined weight – that means you, your partner and your preferred mattress along with whatever bedding you choose.
It comes in several height options (5″,7″,9″) so you can pick and choose the height profile that would be best for you. Always remember to take your mattress’ thickness into consideration – choosing too low or too high of a bed profile may make it harder for you to get in and out of bed.
Made up entirely of steel, we found the Zinus Metal Box Spring to be sturdy enough to hold all mattress types, including latex mattresses and hybrid mattresses.
The steel frame is covered in an off-white non-woven fabric cover with a jacquard border that can suit any type of room décor.
We also liked the fact that Zinus included the tools needed for assembly and we don’t have to go looking around for a tool kit.
You have to make sure though that each part is screwed on tightly as metal has the tendency to creak if it’s not screwed on properly, especially if a lot of weight is put on the bed.
You can use the Zinus Metal Box Spring by itself or you can use it with a compatible bed frame.
Read our in-depth Zinus box spring review for more details.
Sizes
- Twin
- Twin XL
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Shipping and Warranty
Zinus offers a 100 night sleep trial for their Metal Box Spring. It also comes backed by a 5 year warranty. Zinus offers free shipping for all of their foundations within the continental United States.
#5. Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring
Check Current Price | Best Budget Box Spring
Pros
- No bed frame needed
- Easy tool-free assembly
- Affordable
- Removable cover
Cons
- Limited weight capacity
- Low profile box spring may be too low for some
Our experience with AmazonBasics Smart Box Spring
If you’re looking for something a bit more affordable than most box springs on the market, the Amazon Basics Box Spring is your best bet.
Made up of entirely steel frame and solid metal slats, the Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring is suitable for any type of mattress.
It measures 5 inches tall and is perfect for those who prefer a lower profile box spring.
You don’t need a separate bed frame for the Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring – in fact, you get the option to add removable legs to add a little bit of height to your bed. And if you’re worried that the legs might detract from your room’s aesthetic, you can easily add a bed skirt to dress it up.
Another thing we liked about the Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring is the easy assembly. No tools were needed to put the box spring together, each component has interlocking features.
The Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring also features a zipped, removable cover which perfect, especially if you have kids and need to clean spills and accidents quickly.
Although we found the Smart Box Spring to be very sturdy and durable, it only has a weight limit of 350 lbs. for all sizes. This means that it may not be the best option if you’re a bit on the heavier side and you share your bed with a partner.
Sizes
- Twin
- Full
- Queen
- King
- California King
Shipping, Trial Period, and Warranty
Amazon does not offer a sleep trial for their Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring. Returns and warranty depend on the supplier.
Buy: Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring
Quick view and comparison
| Brand | Saatva Foundation | Beautyrest Foundation | Serta Foundation | Zinus Metal Box Spring | Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sizes | 9 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
| Height (inches) | 4.75/8.75 | 9 | 9 | 5/7/9 | 5 |
| Trial (nights) | 365 | 100 | n/a | 100 | n/a |
| Warranty | Lifetime | n/a | 10 | 5 | n/a |
| Link to buy | Buy Saatva Foundation | Buy Beautyrest Foundation | Buy Serta Foundation | Buy Zinus Metal Box Spring | Buy Amazon Basics Smart Box Spring |
How to choose a box spring
There are several factors to consider before choosing the right box spring. We have listed them all down for you so you could make an informed decision before purchasing.
Always remember though that the best box spring all boils down to your needs and preferences.
Size
Make sure the box spring you choose is compatible with your mattress size.
Using a bigger sized box spring for smaller mattresses might cause your mattress to move around and using a smaller sized box spring with bigger mattresses can only spell trouble with a capital T.
Unsure of your mattress’ exact dimensions?
Check the mattress tag.
If that’s not possible, bust out the measuring tape and measure to get the exact mattress size.
Materials
Would you prefer wood or metal or maybe a combination of both?
Both wood and metal are durable materials and can support any type of mattress. It all comes down to personal preference.
Type of mattress
Most modern box springs can accommodate any type of mattress – from classic innersprings to the more modern hybrid mattresses. But some box spring brands may not compatible with all mattress types – always check with the manufacturer.
Height
Your bed’s height profile is important, especially when it comes to getting in and out of bed. Older people might find it hard to get in and out of a lower bed. Too high of a bed can be dangerous, especially if you have young children.
Always take your mattress’ thickness into consideration when choosing a box spring height. The best bed height profile’s should be up to your knee.
Box spring types
Most box spring these days are only made up of two materials, metal and wood. Some box spring brands even use a combination of two.
Metal
Box spring brands that use metal frames are usually using solid steel since steel is both durable and fairly affordable.
Wood
Depending on the type of wood used, box springs made up of wood can either be light or heavy but wooden box springs, especially those that feature wooden slats, can hold a higher weight limit.
Additional box spring features to consider
Most box springs are made up of either a metal or wood framework, slats or springs as support and a fabric cover. Some even feature foam lining.
But did you know that there are other variations that might suit your preferences?
Upholstered box springs
Upholstered box springs features upholstered parts that not only looks good but also adds a bit more comfortability to any bed.
Split box springs
If you have a split King mattress, split box springs the perfect accompaniment. Each box spring provides support and durability and when put together gives double that.
Legs
Some box spring brands offer adjustable and/or removable legs. This is a great option for you to be able to adjust the height of your bed for maximum comfortability.
Folding box springs
Think of folding box springs as a foldable bed frame that you can easily fold and store away. This is the perfect option for those that don’t have a lot of space or for those who tend to move around a lot (or just move their furniture around a lot).
FAQs
Most box springs these days use a combination of metal and wood for added durability and sturdiness. Using a box spring made up of just metal might turn creaky in the long run and using an all-wood box spring may be too heavy and difficult to transport.
A good number of people still use box springs as added support for their beds.
A box spring offers added support and durability to a bed. It can help absorb impact hence reducing any instances of motion transfer. It can also help add height to a low-lying bed.
It is certainly OK to sleep without a box spring. Most bed frames can already provide adequate support to a mattress.
Not all box springs are noisy, especially box spring alternatives that do not contain any steel coils within them.
Conclusion
There are so many box spring types to choose from but the best box spring is the one that suits your needs and preferences the most.
The box springs of today can accommodate any type of mattress and offer customizable features that can be tweaked to be able to give you the support that you need.
Next step: Try out the Saatva Foundation. We like it because it’s noiseless, made in the USA, and comes backed by a lifetime warranty. It’s by far the best box spring we’ve ever tried.
How We Rate Box Springs
Box Springs are judged by 3 standards:
- Ease of Assembly
- Durability & Support
- Box Spring Cover
Learn more about how we rate box springs.
Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?