Can you get a good queen mattress for under $800? I tried two and this is the one you should buy in the Black Friday sales

A budget of $800 can get you an excellent value queen mattress, something I can say with confidence after testing both the DreamCloud and Dreamstage Value mattress. But which affordable hybrid mattress is right for you? The DreamCloud Classic Hybrid has earned a place in our guide to this year's best mattresses. Supportive and luxurious, we think it's fantastic value for money. But the Dreamstage Value can hold its own, especially as it has a trick under the covers: with two firmness levels available, this bouncy hybrid can deliver a feel for more sleep styles. Dreamstage Value has the edge for stomach sleepers but the DreamCloud comes out on top for side sleeping — and it wins the battle of the Black Friday mattress deals. Below I'll break down price, comfort and support so you can decide which mattress sounds like a dream to you. DreamCloud vs Dreamstage Value Mattress: Price & Benefits DreamCloud is $699 for a queen, Dreamstage Value is $749DreamCloud offers a 365-night trial and forever warrantyDreamstage comes with a 120-night trial and 20-year warranty At under $800 for a queen, we consider both the DreamCloud Classic and the Dreamstage Value to sit at the lower end of the mid-range price category. Neither bed is cheap — our best cheap mattress guide can help if you're working with a smaller budget — but these mid-range models are good for those who want to invest in their sleep without breaking the bank. To be specific, the Dreamstage Value Quilted Hybrid is $749 for a queen, while the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid is $699 in the semi-permanent DreamCloud mattress sales. Those offers rarely change but look out for free bedding gifts from both brands, which can sweeten the deal. In terms of extras, DreamCloud wins with a full year's sleep trial and a lifetime warranty. However, the Dreamstage's 20-year warranty is above average and the 120-night trial should be enough time to break in your mattress. For bigger budgets, the Dreamstage Value is available in both a Luxe Quilted Hybrid model ($899 for a queen) and the standard Dreamstage ($1,499 for a queen.) And for DreamCloud fans, check out our DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress review for a more indulgent design ($1,099 for a queen.) DreamCloud vs Dreamstage Value Mattress: Comfort & Support The medium DreamCloud is most comfortable for side sleepingThe Dreamstage Value comes in two feels: Medium and FirmDreamCloud has better cooling, Dreamstage better motion isolation The DreamCloud Hybrid and Dreamstage Value have a similar construction to many of the best hybrid mattresses we've tested: a coil base topped by foam comfort layers. DreamCloud finishes things off with a quilted cover, while the Dreamstage has a Eurotop. The most notable difference in design is the mattress firmness. The DreamCloud is only available in one feel, which we agreed rated a medium in our DreamCloud Classic Hybrid Mattress review. The Dreamstage Value, however, comes in two feels: Medium and Firm. (I tested the firm for my Dreamstage Value mattress hands-on.) As a stomach sleeper, the Firm Dreamstage Value mattress was ideal for my sleep needs. It's a bed you lie on top of, which meant it kept my spine lifted and straight. As a result, I never woke up with back pain. I was also comfortable back sleeping, although some of my testing team would have preferred a softer feel with a touch more cushioning. But I recognize that us stomach sleepers are in the minority (only about 7% of adults sleep in the prone position.) In comparison, roughly 54% off people are side sleepers. If you fall into that majority, you'll want to opt for the Medium feel Dreamstage Value... or the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid. I'll be honest; the DreamCloud doesn't feel like a side sleeper mattress straight away. It takes time to break it in and soften up those foams. But once you're past the initial adjustment stage, the DreamCloud's pressure relief becomes apparent. It yields to the touch points (where you press into the mattress) to cradle the body and prevent pressure build-up. At the shoulders and hips it lives up to its "DreamCloud" designation. The DreamCloud also has a breathable build, performing well in our temperature regulation tests. In comparison, I found the Dreamstage Value mattress slept warm and I often woke up sweating. However, the Dreamstage impressed my testing team with its motion isolation. This is a bouncy mattress (I once literally bounced across it climbing into bed one night) but the plush Eurotop absorbs excess motion before it disturbs your partner. The DreamCloud, on the other hand, struggled to dampen excess movement, meaning restless bed sharers might find their night disrupted. DreamCloud vs Dreamstage Value Mattress: Verdict The DreamCloud Classic and Dreamstage Value share more than just a similar name. Both mid-range hybrids with a bouncy feel and a penchant for free gifts, if you're looking for a new mattress under $1,000 this Black Friday, they offer excellent value for money. The DreamCloud is our overall favorite: I love the luxurious finish and quilted pressure relief. It's ideal for side sleepers and as that's most adults, it has to be my top pick. But if you prefer a mattress with a firmer feel, the Dreamstage Value delivers firm support to prevent back ache in stomach sleepers. DreamCloud vs Dreamstage Value Mattress: Which should you buy? Buy the DreamCloud Classic Hybrid if... ✅ You're a side sleeper: It might take a few nights to break in the DreamCloud but persevere and you'll get a combination of support and cushioning that rates among the best mattresses for side sleeping. ✅ You sleep hot: While I recommend the best cooling mattresses for very hot sleepers, the DreamCloud's open coil system and breathable cover keeps your bed a neutral temperature overnight. ✅ You want the most for your money: DreamCloud has Dreamstage beat when it comes to extras. As well as a 365-night trial (120 nights at Dreamstage) and a forever warranty (20 years for Dreamstage), DreamCloud is currently offering a free bedding bundle, compared to free pillows with the Dreamstage. Buy the Diamond Dreamstage Value if... ✅ You're a stomach sleeper: The Firm Dreamstage Value Mattress is among the best mattresses for stomach sleepers I've tested, holding my body (and my spine) aligned to prevent back ache. ✅ You share with a restless partner: While the Dreamstage Value feels bouncy, it's adept at absorbing motion. I couldn't feel another person climbing on or off the bed. ✅ You want a choice of firmnesses: The Dreamstage Value comes in Medium and Firm (Plush is available for an extra fee.) That's the kind of feature we expect in the best luxury mattresses and it gives the Dreamstage Value more versatility.