Best Box Spring Reviews and Comparisons

In most cases, you don’t technically need a box spring for your bed. With that said, most warranties for mattresses require a foundation of some sort. It used to be that a box spring was one thing only, but now the term is interchangeable with foundation, and there are all sorts of foundations that are considered box springs. Confused yet? Keep reading to scroll through our recommendations for the best box springs currently on the market. We’ll also unpack exactly what a box spring is, what it’s useful for, whether you need one, and which one will be the best fit for your bed!

The Best Box Spring Reviews and Comparisons

What is a Box Spring For?

Have you ever sat on your bed wondering, “What does a box spring do?” Well, there’s no short answer for this question. It acts as a foundation for your mattress for several purposes. One purpose is to raise the height of your bed, which makes it easier for you to get in and out of bed. Another reason for having one of these is to extend the life of your mattress. A quality box spring can serve as a shock absorber, so when you get in and out of bed the pressure on your joints is properly supported.

Many mattress warranties require you to have a box or a foundation of some kind to keep it valid. Acceptable foundations vary with each mattress. The traditional box spring is made up of coiled springs that mimick the innerspring coils of standard mattresses. They work in the same way, as they’re built for shock absorption and extend the life of your mattress.

Most mattresses you buy today are one-sided, and they don’t require those coil box types. In fact, you’d be hard-pressed to find a traditional coil model today. Even if you don’t place your one-sided no-flip mattress on a foundation, it still needs to be on an even and supportive surface.

Do You Need a Box Spring?

In most cases, a box spring is a must if you want to keep your mattress in top shape and sleep comfortably. The sturdiness of a mattress foundation ensures that you get optimal support without sags and sinking, and adds to the overall height of the bed, which is especially great if you went for a budget-friendlier low-profile mattress. Box spring is mandatory for certain mattresses as it ensures they keep their shape and qualities for years to come (and opting no to use one when the manufacturer recommends comes with certain risks) and it’s meant to be used with metal bed frames or bed frames without slats or wooden frames that have no other type of support for mattress built in (such as slats or bunkie boards, for example).

Not all types of bed frames require a box spring. For instance, platform beds already come with wooden slats that are meant to keep the mattress from sagging and losing shape, as well as distribute the weight evenly throughout. However, it’s important to check if your mattress needs to be placed on a box spring regardless: some mattress manufacturers insist on one and won’t offer quality and longevity assurances for mattresses used without a box spring.

Different Types of Box Springs

Now that coil models are an endangered species, mattress companies are looking at a different kind of foundation that still carries the same name. Not every set of box springs looks or acts the same way, though. Some are lightweight and high-profile, while others are closer to the ground and require lots of assemblies. Are they heavy? Sometimes. We’ll take you through the different types below.

– Steel Foundation

A box made of steel offers several benefits. These foundations are typically durable enough for any type of mattress, but they’re still lightweight, so they’re easy to move from room to room or on moving day. They’re also the most affordable option because the materials to make them are inexpensive. You can find some that require no assembly at all or some that have a no-tool assembly, which makes it an easy choice if you live alone or can’t assemble one by yourself.

These box springs sometimes come with tall legs, so you don’t need a rail bed frame to rest it on. This also means you can find these foundations in heights around 14 inches, which gives you more than a foot under your bed for storage. The only issue you may have is with a foam-based mattress. The metal slats on these beds are often spaced far apart, so you wouldn’t be able to use this type of foundation on its own. You could still use one and keep your warranty valid if you add something like plywood or a Bunkie board to provide the proper support for your mattress.

– Wooden

These probably look and act more like the traditional types you’re used to. They’re usually made of durable, but lightweight wood and are wrapped in a thin fabric. These boxes offer the support your mattress needs, provide height, and let your mattress breathe. Get one of these foundations and you’re likely to be good on your mattress’ warranty.

A wooden foundation is probably going to be heavy because it’s made completely of wood. This also means it’s a durable surface for your mattress, which means your mattress will feel the way it’s supposed to.

How to Choose a Good Box Spring

Now that you know what types are available, it’s time to choose the other attributes of a model that you might want.

– Low-Profile vs. High-Profile

You may have the choice of a low-profile box spring, which is usually around 4 inches in height. When you pair this with a bed frame and a 10-inch mattress, it preserves the look of your bed. Choosing a high-profile bed that’s 9 inches high might look odd if you have a bed frame plus a high mattress. If you’re choosing a high or low profile, always consider the height of the other components.

– Standard vs. Split

Aside from height, you also need to decide on the type of box you’d like. Standard box spring foundations are assembled into a single piece, which is great for stability but not so great when you have to move it as they don’t bend. In this case, you have the option of getting a split foundation. These come in two pieces split down the middle and support your mattress, while also giving you flexibility when you’re moving.

Cost

Other than durability, height and material, there’s also the affordability factor. Most boxes cost considerably less than what you’ll pay for your mattress. You can expect to pay as little as $50 for a standard queen-sized box to as much as $750 for a top of the line split queen. The sweet spot for highly rated box springs, though, seems to be somewhere between $80 and $150. But these prices can vary depending on make, model and manufacturer. To figure out which one is the best for you and your mattress, you should always read the reviews. It’s in the comparison of these different box models that you’ll know which one is the perfect fit for you.

Conclusion

In the end, the right box spring is the one that meets your unique needs. The overall best choice for any type of mattress is the Zinus 9-Inch Smart Box Spring. It’s strong, easy to assemble and gives your bed an ideal height, which is great if you suffer from any sort of back pain and need a higher loft for your bed. There’s a long warranty included so that if anything goes wrong due to a defective piece or workmanship, you can get your Zinus repaired or replaced in no time.

Recent Updates

August 6, 2021: The Classic Brands 8 Inch Box Spring and Classic Brands 5 Inch Split Foundation have been removed due to unavailability, replaced by the popular Classic Brands 4 Inch Low Profile Box Spring and Zinus 9 Inch Metal Smart Box Spring. Additional Resources have been added to refer readers to related content.

Additional Resources

• Do I Need a Box Spring?
• What is a Low Profile Box Spring?
• What is a Split Box Spring
• Do I Need a Box Spring With a Platform Bed?
• Is a Platform Bed Better Than a Box Spring?