5 Best Cheap Bed Frames: Review & Buying Guide

Does the thought of buying a new bed frame make your wallet sweat? You need a sturdy place to rest your mattress, but those high prices can feel like a huge hurdle. Finding a bed frame that looks good, holds up well, and doesn’t cost a fortune seems almost impossible sometimes.

Many people face this exact problem. They worry that “cheap” means “flimsy” or “ugly.” You want something reliable that fits your budget, but scrolling through endless listings full of confusing jargon makes the whole process stressful. Settling for something weak or unattractive just because it’s inexpensive is a trade-off nobody wants to make.

Good news! This guide cuts through the confusion. We will show you exactly how to find fantastic, affordable bed frames that last. You will learn the secrets to spotting quality construction without breaking the bank. Keep reading to discover smart tips and budget-friendly options that will give you the perfect, supportive foundation for your best sleep.

Top Cheap Bed Frame Recommendations

No. 1
HLIPHA Metal Platform Bed Frame 14 Inch Tall,No Box Spring Needed,Twin Size Bed with Heavy Duty Strong Support Slats,Easy to Assemble,Black
  • Minimalistic Modern Design with Ample Under-Bed Storage: The clean lines and minimalist design of the bed frame contribute to a modern aesthetic, ideal for various bedroom styles. And it provides enough space for storage under the platform bed, optimizing space utilization.
  • Sturdy Construction: This bed frame features a metal construction that establishes a strong framework capable of supporting a significant amount of weight
  • Easy Assembly: Designed for easy setup, this metal platform bed frame comes with straightforward assembly instructions and minimal components. It incorporate user-friendly designs, allowing for quick and easy installation.
  • No Box Spring Required: The bedframe get rid of the need for a box spring, its slatted platform base provides ample support for various types of mattresses without requiring an additional foundation, making it a cost-effective and convenient option for you.
  • Noise Reduction: Crafted with noise reduction in mind, this metal bed frame provides a silent sleeping surface.
No. 2
NEW JETO Metal Bed Frame,Queen Size Bed Frame with Storage Space,Heavy Duty Sturdy Mattress Foundation,Easy Assembly,No Box Spring Needed, Black,14 Inch,Queen
  • FASHIONABLE AND BEAUTIFUL:This bed frame adopts wrought iron frame,featuring a sleek and minimalistic design.The edges and corners of the bed frame have been carefully polished, making it easy to clean with a damp cloth.The bed frame's contemporary style will complement all your home decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bedroom.
  • STRONG STABILITY: This metal bed frame is supported by upgraded metal rods and metal legs, which stand the test of time. Our bed frames are made of heavy duty reinforced metal rods, reinforced with thicker material to make them more stable and load bearing. You can rest assured to spend every night!
  • STURDY TUBE: The sturdy steel slat support with center support legs makes the metal bed more stable without any annoying sliding or creaking.
  • SPACE SAVING: This bed frame has a large storage space under the bed, which brings you ample storage space and easy cleaning. Can be arranged according to your needs for storing extra odds and ends. Raised bed frames allow you to enjoy more storage space for bedroom items and help reduce clutter in the room.
  • WIDELY APPLICABLE: The platform bed frame can be used in bedrooms, guest rooms, dormitories, hotels, etc.
No. 3
NEW JETO Metal Bed Frame,Twin Size Bed Frame with Storage Space,Heavy Duty Sturdy Mattress Foundation,Easy Assembly,No Box Spring Needed, Black,14 Inch,Twin
  • FASHIONABLE AND BEAUTIFUL:This bed frame adopts wrought iron frame,featuring a sleek and minimalistic design.The edges and corners of the bed frame have been carefully polished, making it easy to clean with a damp cloth.The bed frame's contemporary style will complement all your home decor, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your bedroom.
  • STRONG STABILITY: This metal bed frame is supported by upgraded metal rods and metal legs, which stand the test of time. Our bed frames are made of heavy duty reinforced metal rods, reinforced with thicker material to make them more stable and load bearing. You can rest assured to spend every night!
  • STURDY TUBE: The sturdy steel slat support system makes the metal bed more stable without any annoying sliding or creaking.Don't hear the squeak of the bed frame rocking when you roll over in the middle of the night.
  • SPACE SAVING: This bed frame has a large storage space under the bed, which brings you ample storage space and easy cleaning. Can be arranged according to your needs for storing extra odds and ends. Raised bed frames allow you to enjoy more storage space for bedroom items and help reduce clutter in the room.
  • WIDELY APPLICABLE: The platform bed frame can be used in bedrooms, guest rooms, dormitories, hotels, etc.
No. 4
Sweetcrispy Twin Bed Frame - Heavy Duty Metal Platform Bed Frames Twin Size with Storage Space Under Frame, No Box Spring Needed, 14 Inches, Sturdy Steel Slat Support
  • Super Load-bearing Capacity - Made of high-strength steel, our bed frame is capable of supporting up to 660 pounds, ensuring your safe and stable sleep without the need for a box spring. It is perfect for use in guest rooms, rentals, or as the primary bed in your own room.
  • Stable Structure - Constructed with quality materials and expert craftsmanship, this frame is designed for both comfort and durability. The sturdy metal construction provides a solid foundation for your mattress, while the slatted base promotes proper air circulation for a comfortable sleeping environment.
  • Maximize Your Storage Space - Our innovative bed designs not only offer superior comfort but also ample storage space. With the bed platform sitting 12 inches off the ground, you can easily store extra bedding, pillows, shoes, and other personal items, making your room much more organized and tidy. Upgrade your sleeping space with our smart storage solutions today!
  • Multi-scene Applicability - Our heavy-duty bed frame is designed to provide strong support and is suitable for any setting, be it the bedroom, guest room, or rental room. It accommodates various mattress sizes and styles, making it useful for different scenes. With our versatile bed frame, you can create a comfortable and cost-effective sleeping solution that fits your unique needs.
  • Quick Assembly - Assembly is quick and easy with our clear and concise instructions, and all necessary tools are included. The frame is also compatible with most standard sized mattresses, providing versatile use for years to come. It's designed to save you time and hassle, so you can start using your new bed right away.
No. 5
OLIXIS Full Size Bed Frame with Headboard, 800LBS Mattress Foundation with All Sturdy Metal Support, Under Bed Storage, No Box Spring Needed, Easy Assembly, Rust Brown
  • SUPER LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY: Made of high-strength steel, our bedroom frame is capable of supporting up to 800 pounds, ensuring your safe and stable sleep without the need for a box spring. The thickened foot design effectively prevents the bed frame from shaking.
  • MAXIMIZE YOUR STORAGE SPACE - Our innovative bed designs not only offer superior comfort but also ample storage space. With the bed platform sitting 12.8 inches off the ground, you can easily store extra bedding, pillows, shoes, and other personal items, making your room much more organized and tidy. Upgrade your sleeping space with our smart storage solutions today!
  • USER-FRIENDLY DESIGN: The bed frame slats are equipped with EVA sponge, which effectively reduces the friction between the slats and the bed frame and can reduce the noise. In addition, plastic foot plugs are added to the bottom of the foot of the bed to ensure stable support for the foot of the bed while never scratching your floor.
  • INDUSTRIAL APPEARANCE: The headboard and footboard are made up of waterproof, scratch-resistant wood panels. Rustic headboard and footboard combined with vintage metal slats are retro and elegant, adding an industrial touch and unique flavor to your room. Perfect for most rooms!
  • QUICK ASSEMBLY: Assembly is quick and easy with our clear and concise instructions, and all necessary tools are included. The frame is also compatible with most standard sized mattresses, providing versatile use for years to come. It's designed to save you time and hassle, so you can start using your new bed right away.
No. 6
Zinus Rumi 14in Queen Metal Bed Frame, Quick Assembly SmartBase® Mattress Foundation, Heavy Duty Sturdy Steel with No Box Spring Needed, Eco-Friendly Packaging, Black
  • DURABLE STEEL - Crafted from strong steel with a black finish, this bed frame offers exceptional stability and durability, supporting up to a maximum weight capacity of 700 lbs for the twin size and 1400 lbs for all other sizes
  • QUICK ASSEMBLY - Get ready for fast setup: all parts, tools, and instructions arrive in one eco-friendly box, letting you assemble in under 20 minutes
  • UNDER-BED STORAGE SPACE - Declutter with ease This bed frame offers 13 inches of under-bed storage, perfect for stashing your belongings and keeping your room tidy
  • NO BOX SPRING NEEDED - Durable steel slats support and extend the life of your latex, memory foam, or spring mattress without a box spring
  • NO WORRIES WARRANTY - Rest easy with a 5-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects
No. 7
Queen Size Bed Frame, 14 Inch Metal Platform Bed Frames with Heavy Duty Steel Slat Support, No Box Spring Needed, Easy Assembly, Under Bed Storage
  • SUPER LOAD-BEARING CAPACITY: Built with heavy duty steel, this queen bed frame supports up to 2200 lbs without a box spring, giving you a safe and stable sleep every night. Perfect for primary bedrooms, guest rooms, or rental spaces.
  • STURDY METAL CONSTRUCTION: Designed with reinforced slats, this platform bed frame provides reliable mattress support while ensuring proper ventilation for latex, memory foam, or spring mattresses.
  • MAXIMIZE UNDERBED STORAGE: With a 14-inch tall design, this metal bed frame offers 12 inches of clearance for storing extra bedding, clothes, shoes, or storage boxes, keeping your room neat and organized.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY: All tools and instructions are included, allowing you to set up this mattress foundation in minutes—compatible with most standard queen size mattresses for long-term, hassle-free use.
  • VERSATILE FOR ANY ROOM: This bed frame with storage is noise-free and durable, making it an excellent choice for bedrooms, dorms, guest rooms, or rental properties, offering comfort and practicality for all occasions.
No. 8
Hafenpo 14 Inch Queen Bed Frame - Sturdy Metal Platform Queen Size, No Box Spring Needed, Heavy Duty, Easy Assembly, Strong Bearing Capacity, Under Bed Storage, Black
  • MINIMALIST STYLE:Bed frame features a sleek, classic design that's well-structured so adults can easily move it anywhere.Queen bed frames sturdy, simple and beautiful, easy to install, allowing you to maximize the space in your small bedroom.
  • STURDY CONSTRUCTION:Queen bed frame is made of high-quality metal material, and the reinforced legs prevent the structure from twisting. The sturdy platform bed frame black color scheme is more stylish in the room style, with strong bearing capacity and can support higher weights.
  • NOISE REDUCTION DESIGN :The metal bed frame is sturdy, with metal tube support to avoid any noise of activity.
  • EASY ASSEMBLY: Metal platform bed frame all the required hardware and tools are available, easy to assemble and disassemble, just follow the instructions and the installation is complete. Note: Queen size bed frame does not come with a mattress.
  • UNDER-BED STORAGE: 14 inch heavy duty frame bed,can store a variety of items, you don't need to worry about things piling up and cluttering the space.Queen bed frame no box spring required abundant storage space will give you a clean and tidy room.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Cheap Bed Frames

Finding a great bed frame that won’t empty your wallet is totally possible. You need a frame that supports your mattress well and lasts a good long time. This guide helps you pick the best budget-friendly option.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a cheap bed frame, focus on these important parts:

Support System

  • Slats: These wooden or metal strips hold your mattress up. Look for frames with many slats placed close together. Good slat support stops your mattress from sagging.
  • Center Support Legs: For Queen or King sizes, extra legs in the middle prevent the frame from bowing. This is very important for frame strength.

Height and Clearance

  • Under-Bed Space: Check how much space is beneath the frame. More space means more room for storage bins—a big plus for small rooms!
  • Headboard/Footboard (Optional): Decide if you need these. Frames without them are usually cheaper and easier to move.

Important Materials in Budget Frames

Cheap frames use different materials. Knowing the pros and cons helps you choose wisely.

Metal Frames

Metal frames are often the best budget choice. They are strong and resist bugs. Look for powder-coated steel. This coating keeps the metal from rusting or scratching easily.

Wood Frames

You might find frames made from pine or composite wood (like MDF). Solid wood is better, but composite wood is cheaper. Be careful with composite wood; it breaks down faster if it gets wet.

Plastic Frames (Less Common)

Some very basic budget platforms use heavy-duty plastic. These are light but might not support heavy mattresses well over time.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all cheap frames are made equal. A few small details make a big difference in how long your frame lasts.

Quality Boosters

  • Thicker Metal Tubing: Thicker metal pipes resist bending better than thin ones.
  • Bolted Connections: Frames that use strong bolts hold together better than those that just snap or slide together.
  • Weight Capacity Rating: Always check the maximum weight the frame can hold. Ensure it covers you, your partner, and your mattress.

Quality Reducers

  • Flimsy Plastic Joints: If the corners or joints use thin plastic pieces, they will likely break first.
  • Few Slats: If there are big gaps between the support slats, your mattress will sag quickly.
  • Wobbly Legs: If the frame wobbles when you push it lightly in the store (or online reviews mention wobbling), it will be noisy when you sleep on it.

User Experience and Use Cases

Think about how you plan to use the frame.

For Guest Rooms or Occasional Use

If the bed will only be used a few times a year, you can choose a simpler, lighter metal frame. Easy assembly is a huge bonus here.

For Daily Use and Heavy Mattresses

If you have a heavy memory foam mattress or use the bed every night, you need more support. Choose a metal frame with a solid center beam and many slats. A little more money spent here saves you from buying a new frame next year.

Moving and Assembly

Most budget frames ship in a box. Look for frames that require simple tools (or no tools at all) for assembly. If you move often, lightweight aluminum or simple bolt-together steel frames are easiest to take apart and put back together.


10 FAQ About Cheap Bed Frames

Q: Are cheap bed frames noisy?

A: Sometimes. Noise usually happens when parts are loose or if the metal tubing is too thin. Check reviews to see if other users mention squeaking after a few months of use.

Q: Do I still need a box spring with a cheap frame?

A: It depends on the frame. If the frame has many closely spaced slats (usually 10 or more), you likely do not need a box spring. If the slats are very far apart, you should use a box spring or a bunkie board for extra support.

Q: What is the minimum slat spacing I should accept?

A: For good mattress support, aim for a maximum gap of 3 inches between slats. Closer is always better.

Q: Can a cheap metal frame rust?

A: Yes, if the metal is not treated. Look for frames described as “powder-coated steel.” This coating protects the metal from moisture and wear.

Q: Are platform beds cheaper than traditional frames?

A: Usually, yes. Platform beds are designed to hold the mattress directly, eliminating the need for a box spring, which saves you money and height.

Q: How heavy are these frames usually?

A: Most budget frames weigh between 30 to 60 pounds, making them light enough for one person to carry up stairs, especially if they are disassembled.

Q: What is the shortest warranty I should expect?

A: For budget frames, a 1-year limited warranty is common. Be aware that this usually only covers manufacturing defects, not wear and tear.

Q: Will a cheap frame fit my existing headboard?

A: Some metal frames come with pre-drilled holes to attach a headboard. If the frame doesn’t have these, you might need to buy separate headboard brackets, which adds a small extra cost.

Q: Are wooden slats strong enough?

A: Wood slats are fine if they are solid wood (like pine) and numerous. Thin, weak plywood slats should be avoided as they snap easily under pressure.

Q: What is the biggest risk when buying very cheap frames online?

A: The biggest risk is poor instructions leading to difficult assembly, or realizing the frame is too wobbly once it is fully set up.