Best Adjustable Bed Frames of 2026, Lab Tested and Reviewed
A motorized adjustable bed can offer customized comfort and make a big difference if you're living with pain, sleep apnea, or mobility issues. Here are the best from our tests.
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If you’re in the market for a new mattress—or find yourself stacking pillows to get comfortable or ease aches—you may be wondering whether it’s time to spring for an adjustable bed frame.
While some folks want an adjustable bed for comfort, others need one due to medical conditions. If you’re struggling with back pain, suffering from sleep apnea, or living with chronic pain or mobility limitations, these motorized models can make a big difference, allowing you to raise parts of the bed to help achieve the dreamiest sleep position possible. They may also make it easier to get into and out of bed, and can support the body in a more customized way.
Types of Adjustable Bed Frames
There are three types: single unit, full split, and split head. Full-split and split-head models allow you to adjust each side of the bed independently.
Single unit: With this type of adjustable frame—the most common—the entire head section and/or foot section of the bed moves at once. You can get a single-unit frame for most mattress sizes, including twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king. These frames don’t provide couples with the same flexibility as a split option.
Full split: Split bases give each sleeper the ability to customize their comfort—no sleep divorce needed. A full split frame requires two twin XL mattresses, which together equal a king-size bed. (Some of these frames are actually sold separately—two twin XL frames that connect.) Full-split frames come with independent head and foot controls, and many feature dual-zone massage. One possible downside to this option is the gap in the middle between the two mattresses. It can create a barrier for those who like to sleep close to their partner, and some people complain that it’s easy to drop and lose items, like a remote, in the gap. A product called a bed bridge, or a gap filler, can help.
Split head: Also known as split-top or flex-top bed, this type of adjustable bed requires a split-head mattress (more on this later). There’s no annoying middle gap like you might have with a full-split bed, and couples can still raise and lower their heads for individual comfort. (You can even adjust your partner’s position if they’re snoring.) But finding suitable bedding can be more challenging. The Saatva Organic Santeen (300 TC) Sheet Set is the only set in our ratings that fits this mattress. Amazon sells other options.
Do You Need a Special Mattress for an Adjustable Bed Frame?
An adjustable frame with a split head requires a specially designed mattress. As the name implies, a split-head mattress is split from the head down to a certain point—typically 34 inches—maintaining a unified base.
A full-split king adjustable frame is designed for two separate twin XL mattresses. When placed side by side, this configuration equals the dimensions of a standard king-size bed. The separation allows each side of the frame to be adjusted independently.
For a single-unit adjustable frame, your existing mattress might be fine.
While certain materials, like latex, tend to be more flexible and conforming, most mattresses can be used with adjustable bed frames. But check your mattress warranty carefully. Using an adjustable frame improperly can void the warranty because the bending and flexing can lead to premature structural damage in the mattress.
Best Adjustable Bed Frames
We evaluated 10 popular models. Here are details on the top performers.
How Much Should You Spend on an Adjustable Bed Frame?
Adjustable bed frames can cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. In our tests, we’ve turned up very good models for as low as $700. And while the price for some models may give you sticker shock, these beds offer something traditional beds don’t: They can adapt to your needs and offer flexibility as you age.
Basic Models
If your reason for wanting an adjustable bed frame is that you like to sit up in bed while watching TV or reading, or you’re simply more comfortable sleeping with your head raised, paying under $750 (for a queen) can make perfect sense. Basic models, like the lab-tested Edx Adjustable Bed Frame, offer customizable comfort and intuitive controls, and most have a quiet motor. Some may include USB charging ports.
Midpriced Models
If your desire for an adjustable bed goes beyond simple convenience into pain management and lifestyle improvement, you might find it worthwhile to spend a bit more. A midpriced option, typically $750 to $1,500 for a queen, might get you additional lumbar support and other perks. Some options we tested, like the Saatva Adjustable Base Plus, even offer a soothing head and foot massage feature. This might be the tier to start with if you’re hoping to manage chronic pain with the right choice of bed.
Premium Models
With high-end adjustable bed frames costing $1,500 and up for a queen, you get the features found on basic and midtier models, plus perks like sleep tracking and coaching through a dedicated app, and smart-home compatibility. In the case of the Tempur-Pedic Tempur Ergo Power Base, there’s also automatic Snore Response. The smart base can sense snoring, then automatically elevate the head of the bed.
Is Assembly Difficult?
Our lab technicians found that, generally speaking, assembling an adjustable bed frame was straightforward. But it’s not a one-person operation.
“Flipping the bases over proved to be the most challenging part,” says Michael Berkowitz, tester for this project. “It requires at least two people because [the bases] are heavy and awkward.” The adjustable bed frames we tested varied significantly in weight, ranging from 137 pounds to 228 pounds.
The assembly for all of the models we test follows a similar process. First, the frames are removed from the box and unfolded (they ship folded in half). Next, legs are screwed into the threaded holes on the base—no tools required. Some models require basic wiring connections and plugging in the power supply. After all electrical connections are complete and the legs are secured, the unit is flipped over. Finally, retaining brackets are attached to the foot of the frame to keep the mattress in place.
How CR Tests Adjustable Bed Frames
We evaluate adjustable bed frames based on features, remote control function, installation, and noise during operation.
Features: We note a model’s preset positions, such as Reading, TV, Anti-Snore, and Zero Gravity, as well as lumbar support, massage functions, under-bed lighting, and USB ports. We also check to see whether a trial period is offered.
Remote controls: We examine how easy the remotes are to use, including button clarity, backlighting, a logical layout, saved settings, and whether features such as app control, simultaneous adjustments, flashlights, or lockout functions are available.
Installation: We consider shipping weight, ease of setup, leg adjustability, zero-clearance compatibility, optional headboard brackets, and whether in-home setup is offered, because most frames are heavy and call for installation by two people.
Noise: We measure sound levels while raising and lowering the head section to see how likely adjustments are to disturb a sleep partner.