We’ve likely all had the displeasure of sleeping on a shoddy air mattress, only to wake up on the floor, as all the air drained in the night. The very mention of these blow-up beds can make your back feel tight and neck stiff before you’ve even pulled out the air pump.

Yet, whether you’re camping, hosting, moving, or otherwise need a portable place to sleep — sometimes an air mattress is the only option. Rest assured that these days, there are some comfortable and durable options on the market. And we rounded up our favorites for you. 

We curated some of the highest-rated, most comfortable air mattresses you can find online. Some are ideal for nights in the great outdoors; some are great for out of town friends and family crashing in the living room. All come recommended by happy campers and well-rested sleepers who got some serious shut-eye while sleeping on a latex cloud.

1. The 22-inch high option I have

Amazon

Last fall I hosted back-to-back company and needed a quick, comfortable option without dropping a ton of dough. This is the one I went with, mainly for its price tag but also because of its height. I come from a tall family and really appreciate high furniture. I've actually been pleasantly surprised with the quality and ease of this guy and have even loaned it to friends who are hosting. (It's actually at someone else's house right now, which reminds me, I should retrieve it.) The mattress has the pump built in, which, as someone who frequently misplaces things, I love. It also inflates and deflates with the flip of a switch. It stays firm over a few days and is easy to top off if it starts to deflate a bit. I got the queen size and my queen sheets fit it fine. Truly all my guests have complimented it, even my best friend who wouldn't lie to be polite and would tell me if it sucked.Promising review: "Our guests were having difficulty with our lower inflatable bed mattress so we decided to give this one a try. It exceeded our expectations. It was extremely easy to inflate and deflate. The bed held firm for several days. Weekend guests said the mattress provided a very restful night sleep. I was amazed at how easy it was to fold up and get into the bag. One warning: queen size sheets do not fit over this bed, so bought a complete set of king size sheets. I found the king size sheets so much easier to use over this bed. Highly recommend this mattress." —Raymond J. Fonck

Get it from Amazon for $44.99+ (available in three sizes and three heights).

2. The internet-beloved SoundAsleep mattress

Amazon

Approved by Wirecutter, this SoundAsleep mattress comes in nearly every bed size from a twin to a California king. It has a built-in pump that can inflate the mattress in four minutes and has 40 internal air coils for extra support. (There's also a handy kids' size with bumpers for little ones that might roll off the bed.)Promising review: "Between me and my family, we own five air mattresses from this company. I first experienced this product from a sleepover at a friend's place and inquired for this specific brand as it never deflates at a quick rate as other competition. You will never experience back pain or waking up in the middle of the night because your bed is gradually deflating. I move a lot for work, and since owning this, I know I'd get regular sleep despite not being on my real mattress, if not with the same feeling. The product is top-tier, well-constructed, and well-packaged. The customer service is elite. They are prompt with responses and deliver immediate action. The product is also well-priced. Every cent is worth it. SoundAsleep is on the only brand I will ever trust for an air mattress." —Faye

Get it from Amazon for $84.95+ (available in seven sizes).

3. An option with a head board

Amazon

An air mattress that has the quality of a real bed, this inflatable option offers a comfortable headboard that looks nice and is designed for lounging. It's also equipped with internal support beams that are intended to prevent the mattress from sinking. The mattress measures 18 inches high, has a 600-pound capacity, and comes in a queen bed size with a built-in pump that promises to inflate in five minutes. Promising review: "Absolutely love this mattress! We got it for overnight company and it has been a perfect addition. Set up is super easy and the built in pump took maybe 5-7 minutes to blow up. Super sturdy and comfortable. Easy to deflate and roll back up to store it away. The headboard is a nice touch so the guests don’t have to lay flat the entire time. I would definitely buy again!" —Payton

Get it from Amazon for $87.23.

4. A Sealy mattress with a quilted top

Target

A name you know and trust, this Sealy air mattress comes with a removable quilted topper for even more comfort. It measures 18 inches tall, has a built-in pump that inflates the bed in 4-5 minutes and even boasts internal sensors that reinflate the bed as you sleep. This option also offers a handy built-in USB port to charge your phone as you recline. Promising review: "Made of high-quality materials, extremely soft on top, and comfortable, it is one of the most comfortable air mattresses I have tried. I would recommend it to all extremely quiet air pumps! Love the product!" It is made of high-quality materials, extremely soft on top, and comfortable, and it is one of the most comfortable air mattresses I have tried. I would recommend it to all extremely quiet air pumps! Love the product! —naushadh

Get it from Target for $169.99.

5. An affordable option with solid reviews

Amazon

This no-frills option is available in twin-queen sizes and in 13-, 16- and 18-inch heights. The puncture-resistant, waterproof mattress self-inflates and is designed with a coil beam construction. Promising review: “I ordered two of these air mattress for a four-day and night retreat. I liked the durability of the material, the soft top, and the size of the mattress. It was very comfortable to sleep on and I only had to pump it up one time but only because I like it firm. It maintained the air. The control panels, 'inflation and deflation' make it super simple to use. My seven-and-nine-year-old are able to use this air mattress, it's very self explanatory.” —Alicia

Get it from Amazon for $65.99+ (available in three sizes).

6. A super handy version with a headboard and cup holders

Walmart

Support your back, neck and shoulder and enjoy a beverage in beg with this ingenious air mattress equipped with a headrest and cup holders. It's available in twin and queen sizes, measuring 15 inches tall, with a weight capacity of 550 pounds. It comes with an air pump and is said to inflate in as soon as three minutes. Promising review: "Very comfortable! This air mattress has become an absolute game-changer in comfort and quality. Setting it up was an absolute breeze. The built-in pump is a genius addition, and with just a push of a button, the mattress quickly inflates to its full size. Within a few minutes, it was ready to use. I must say, it has exceeded all my expectations! I highly recommend it for a comfortable sleep experience!" —Steven

Get it from Walmart for $69.99+ (originally $99.99+; available in two sizes).

7. A luxury Hest sleep system pad that's made in the USA

Amazon

A hybrid sleeping pad/air mattress for serious comfort, the Hest sleep system is built to feel like a home mattress in the outdoors. It's made from two layers of foam and a waterproof inflatable base, that conforms to your body to relieve pressure but still supports you as you as you slumber away. It measures 30 inches wide and seven inches thick, and rolls into the included easy-carrying bag for seamless travel. Also included is a Hest pump. 

Get it from Amazon for $449+ (available in two sizes).

8. An editor-beloved luxury inflatable camping mat

Amazon

While it's also an extraordinary splurge (and not technically an air mattress), this sleeping pad comes so highly recommended that we have to mention it here. Editor Janie Campbell said that, despite being skeptical of the product's glowing online reviews, it was in fact the “most comfortable bit of gear [she'd] ever slept on” and that she “slept like a baby” while camping with it. It’s only four inches thick, but thanks to the open-cell polyurethane foam interior and vertical sidewalls, it promises to offer support levels that rival a full-fledged mattress. It also self-inflates. Promising review: “This is the best inflatable mattress I’ve ever owned. It’s really comfortable, stable and easy to use. Ideal for car camping or traveling. You can substitute this for an Aerobed at a quarter of the weight. The carrying case is a nice idea compared to a sleeve but doesn’t allow you to make the pad compact when rolled up. I surprisingly like the hand/foot pump which is a nice feature to help inflate quickly.” —Stay Stoked

Get a single from Amazon for $239.95+ (available in four styles) or a double for $328.88+ (available in two styles).

Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.