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The 12 Best Inexpensive Sheet Sets of 2024, According to Testing

These sheets are soft, breathable, super durable, and well-made — and they all cost less than $150.

Bed made up with Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count HygroCotton Sheet Set

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

While luxury sheets can be an excellent investment and a sure way to improve the quality of your sleep, it’s also not essential to splurge in order to upgrade your bedding.

“Price is not always an indicator of quality,” says Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer from JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California. Whether you’re looking for basic cotton, crisp percale, smooth sateen, or even more luxurious options like Egyptian cotton, it’s possible to find well-made bed linens at an affordable price point.

To determine the best inexpensive sheets, we tested more than 200 sheet sets in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, closely examining each pair for its ease of care, quality, texture, breathability, durability, warmth and how well they wash. 

We also tested several options at home to determine how well they held up over a few months. And while most sheets on the market cost somewhere between $150 and $200 for a set, all of the options on this list cost less than $150 for a queen set— and in fact, many ring in well under $75.

Key Terms to Know 

  • Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX: If inexpensive sheets have this certification, it means they have been produced without any substances that are deemed harmful.
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This means the inexpensive sheets have been made with some natural fibers such as cotton, and the certification verifies that they were organically grown. 
  • Pocket Size: The pocket size on sheets refers to the size of the mattress it'll be able to fit on based on the measurement of the length of a corner seam.
What We Tested
  • We’ve tested over 200 sets of sheets in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab and at home. When testing sheets at home, we used them for two to six months at a time.
  • During testing, we’ve tried a variety of materials and weaves, including cotton, percale, eucalyptus, bamboo, silk, satin, sateen, hemp, flannel, and linen. 
  • Each set was evaluated based on durability, care, quality, texture, breathability, warmth, and how they washed.
Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • They feature an extra band of elastic that ensures the sheets won’t come off the mattress while you sleep.

Keep in Mind
  • The sheets are not offered in twin or California king sizes.

The Better Homes & Gardens Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set may be a no-frills, fairly basic 100% cotton sheet. But these sheets make a strong case for basic being best: At under $60 for a queen-size set, this is one of the most affordable inexpensive sheets we tested and also one of the highest-performing, with a few surprisingly thoughtful details as well.

Made of 100% cotton, these sheets have a soft, cool texture and feel sturdy and well-made. They’re a little more brushed-feeling than percale, not quite as buttery or silky like a sateen. Though they’re quite affordable in comparison to other sets, the material definitely didn’t feel cheap during testing. There were no loose threads, imperfect stitches, or snags, and the color was even and well-saturated throughout. 

We also appreciated that these sheets are available in 15 colors, so you can choose which suits your bedding best. Just keep in mind that while these sheets are offered in three standard sizes, they’re not available in either twin or California king sizes. 

After washing these sheets, they softened up significantly and felt noticeably cozier and a little less stiff but the material didn’t lose its cool touch. They have a lighter weight but still drape well over your arm. 

We appreciated how well they’d work in both warm and colder temperatures. Though they have a cool feel that prevents you from overheating, they also warm up nicely as well. The fabric also performed exceptionally well in our moisture-wicking test, with the water droplet absorbing into the fabric almost immediately, a clear sign of breathability.

Stains mostly came out of the fabric after going through the wash. Like many of the best inexpensive sheets on this list, the oil stain remained slightly visible, though the coffee and makeup stains were reduced. We didn’t notice any color transfer, and the abrasion test didn’t produce any defects, tears, or holes.

What’s more, these sheets boast a few surprisingly thoughtful design details that won us over in testing. They’re one of the few sets on this list to have a “top” and “bottom” label. The corners on the fitted sheet are also impressively stubborn, thanks to an extra strip of elastic on the deep pockets. 

We pulled, jumped, and tugged on the fitted sheet, but the corners stayed put. If you’re someone who gets frustrated by fitted sheets that easily roll up, you’ll appreciate this small but clever detail.

How It Performed After Six Months 

After six months of use, we didn’t notice any significant changes in these sheets. They fit well on our mattress and held up well after being washed several times. Over time, we didn’t find them as cooling as we would have liked, but they were still comfortable to use and were included in our weekly rotation of sheets. 

Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, and king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: Gots and oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in warm water

West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set

West Elm

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    4/5
Why You Should Get It
  • These sheets are crisp, cooling, and have the GOTS certification.

Keep in Mind
  • The pillowcases ran a little small.

Percale sheets are known for being crisp and cool, and the West Elm Organic Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set & Pillowcases check both boxes. At under $200 for a queen-size set, this is still one of the most expensive options on our list. However, we thought the lovely feel and quality materials (the sheets are made of 100% organic cotton that’s GOTS-certified) make the set well worth the price.

We appreciated the crisp, slightly nubby (almost linen-like) texture, as well as the clearly high-quality feel of these West Elm sheets. They have a medium weight that’s substantial, but the sheets aren’t too dense and still feel nice and cooling.

Even after frequent use, the texture remained consistent throughout. There were no rips or snags, and we didn’t experience any shrinking. The fitted sheet was easy to get on a mattress and remained taut. Overall, the sheets look and feel highly durable, like they could be in regular rotation on your bed for many years.

During testing, we noticed that the pillowcases ran a little small. There’s no envelope closure, which we thought would be a nice detail to have given the slightly higher price.  

How It Performed After One Month 

We added these sheets to our weekly rotation and liked their hefty feel. They also seemed to be temperature-regulating. While we didn’t notice any issues when washing them, they did seem to take a particularly long time to dry. 

Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, and king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: Gots | Care: Machine wash in warm water

The Company Store Legends Hotel Premium Smooth Tencel Lyocell Sateen Fitted Bed Sheet

The Company Store

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The sheets are very comfortable sheets and have a high-quality texture.

Keep in Mind
  • The ordering process was a little confusing compared to other products on this list.

After opening and handling the The Company Store Legends Hotel Tencel Lyocell Sateen Fitted Sheets, we were surprised to learn that the set is under $150 for a queen-size flat sheet and two pillowcases. Given how silky soft the sheets are and how high-end they feel, we expected the set to cost significantly more. 

Made of Tencel Lyocell — a fabric derived from bamboo — in a silky-smooth sateen weave, the fabric on these sheets is luxurious and incredibly breathable. They immediately felt cool to the touch and we didn’t get overly warm while laying under them, even on hot nights. 

The sheets washed easily, too. After many washes, the fabric retained its soft-as-a-cloud texture and didn’t show any signs of wear and tear. Given that this is a sateen set, it’s especially since this weave can sometimes lose its sheen over time.

The ordering process on The Company Store’s website was a little more complicated than some other bedding retailers as you’ll have to choose each specific piece you want to purchase. Color options are also more limited (this set is only available in white, ivory, and sterling). But given how silky soft, cooling, and high-quality these sheets are at such a reasonable price, that’s hardly a reason not to consider them.

How It Performed After One Month 

These sheets were tested in a home with pets and we were happy to report that the fabric didn’t develop any rips or snags. We used these sheets during the summer, and we found that the cooling and moisture-wicking properties helped us sleep better as well. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Pocket Size: 14 inches | Material: Tencel lyocell | Certifications: None | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Amazon Great Bay Home 100% Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The combination of warmth and breathability on these flannel sheets makes them a powerhouse.

Keep in Mind
  • Pocket depth is more shallow than other options, which may mean your mattress is exposed if you have a thicker one.

Flannel sheets are an obvious choice for cold nights, but some sets can be so warm that they’re actually a little stifling. Not these Great Bay Home 100% Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheets: Made of 100% Turkish cotton that’s OEKO-TEX Certified, the biggest selling point of these sheets is how wonderfully warm they are while still managing to be breathable.

These sheets scored well across the board in testing. In particular, we loved their comfortable, cozy texture. They’re instantly warming when you lie on them, but also let in enough airflow to prevent overheating. In testing, we found the material to have excellent breathability as we could sleep in them without getting sweaty. You don’t always find this in luxury flannel sheets, let alone a set that costs just under $50.

The pocket size on the fitted sheet is a little shallower than most. The full, queen, king, and California king sizes have a 14-inch pocket size, though the twin and twin xl size is 12 inches. While this isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, it may mean that your mattress will be partly exposed if you have a particularly plush one or an added mattress topper. 

How It Performed After One Month

We washed these sheets once weekly during the testing period and didn’t notice any wear or tear over time. Other than some slight color fading on the dark blue shade, the sheets held up remarkably well and the soft texture remained unchanged. Overall, we found them to be cooling on warmer nights and warm on cool nights, so they’re some of the best inexpensive sheets to use all year. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 14 inches | Material: Turkish cotton ​​| Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Quince European Linen Sheet Set

Quince

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    3.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    3.9/5
  • Value
    4.9/5
  • Breathability
    4.3/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The sheets are lightweight and soft and have good moisture management.

Keep in Mind
  • The fitted sheet runs large but shrinks over time to fit better on a mattress.

You may have shopped at Quince for high-quality clothing staples, but don’t miss the retailer’s bedding. The Quince European Linen Sheet Set easily nabbed a spot on our list of the best inexpensive sheets for its lovely lightweight texture that’s soft and airy and only gets softer the more you use them. 

We observed a few minor imperfections when we opened the package — there were a few loose threads and a small patch of fabric with uneven color. But other than these small flaws, the sheets were obviously very high-quality. The fabric has a medium weight that’s soft and slightly nubby — not too slippery, not too rough. It performed well in our breathability tests and has good moisture management.

The fitted sheet was originally a little bit big for the queen-sized mattress we used in testing; there was extra material in the corners with a decent amount of bunching. However, it shrank significantly in the wash, and after six months of home use, fit the bed perfectly. 

We initially observed that these Quince sheets would be a good year-round option thanks to their medium weight. But over time, the fabric seemed to get noticeably airier and lighter from frequent washing and use. 

Despite this, these linen sheets represent a very good value. They’re made of high-quality 100% European flax linen and OEKO-TEX Certified, and are offered in a beautiful range of colors. 

How It Performed After Six Months 

After six months of use, we could see light through the fabric more easily and the material felt thinner and more delicate overall. While this doesn’t take away from how nice the sheets feel to sleep on — in fact, the texture actually became a little softer with time — we wondered if this was an indication that these sheets may not be as durable as some other options for long-term use.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Linen | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Everly Hemp Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.7/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The sheets had a soft feel and held up well over time.

Keep in Mind
  • Sizes are more limited and they also shrank more than other options.

Made of 100% hemp, a nice breathable material and natural fiber, the Everly Hemp Sheet Set is a clear winner for its soft texture and solid breathability. The sheets are available in a range of color options and feel beautifully made with consistent stitching and no flaws or blemishes on the dye.

Though it’s under $200, this sheet set is in the higher price range on our list. But these sheets performed very well overall. The texture is lightweight and translucent when held up to the light, and feels similar to linen. 

We loved how soft they feel to the touch—there’s no roughness whatsoever. In testing, the water droplet we used to measure breathability spread easily, suggesting the material is great at wicking away moisture.

The fitted sheet was easy to get on a mattress, but we did notice that there was a lot of slack and the fit could have been a little more taut. That said, it didn’t roll or ride up during the night, remaining firmly in place during movement. 

After being washed three times, these sheets mostly retained their high-quality appearance. We did notice a few loose threads on the corner stitching, but other than that there were no snags, imperfections, pilling, or color fading. The oil and foundation we used in testing completely disappeared from the fabric, though about 30% of the oil stain remained. 

Though there are a number of beautiful color options, sizes are more limited with this set — only full, queen, and king are currently available. And while overall post-wash texture was good, these sheets did experience more shrinking than average compared to other inexpensive sheets we tested.

How It Performed After Three Months 

The first time we washed these, the lint catcher in our dryer was full of orange fluff from the sheets. Though it was reduced with each wash, it’s something to keep an eye on when you wash these sheets. However, these sheets fit our bed perfectly throughout the testing period and it was always easy to make the bed. We also didn’t notice any fading or loose threads while using them. 

Product Details: Sizes: Full, queen, and king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Hemp | Certifications: Oeko-tex certified | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Quince Luxury Organic Sateen Sheet Set

Quince

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • The sheets feel surprisingly luxurious and held up well in long-term testing.

Keep in Mind
  • They get a little wrinkly after going through the wash.

Quince’s Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set is made of cotton that’s OEKO-TEX Certified and beautifully made. We were impressed by the texture of these sheets — they’re soft with a nice medium drape and free of flaws.

The material on these sheets is airy, smooth, and luxurious-feeling, though not silky. Despite experiencing a little bit of shrinkage after going through the wash, the fabric otherwise held up well in testing. While not heavy, these sheets have a medium weight that feels comforting to snuggle up in. The material was still very breathable and not overly hot. 

We also loved how perfectly fitting these sheets are. The fitted sheep was deep enough to fully cover a mattress. There are “top” and “bottom” labels on the fitted sheet as well, a small detail that always makes it less frustrating to make a bed.

Though we had few complaints, we did note that they became visibly wrinkly after going through the wash. And while the fitted sheet was perfectly sized for our test mattress, the pillowcases were a little bit short — if you have larger pillows, note that the ones included in this set might not fully cover them.

How It Performed After Six Months 

After six months of home testing, we didn’t notice any significant changes: There wasn’t a single loose thread, no pilling appeared, the material didn’t stretch or lose its shape, and the texture remained nice and soft.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Chateau Home Collection 800-Thread-Count Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • These sheets are smooth and feel high-quality.

Keep in Mind
  • The texture became a little less shiny after going through the wash.

Egyptian cotton sheets are known for being impressively soft and smooth, and you’ll get that high-end texture with the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets

These sheets, which are 100% Egyptian cotton and OEKO-TEX Certified, have a silky feel, high-quality drape, embossed tonal stripe, and heavier weight. All together, they simply feel expensive.

In addition to their lovely texture, these sheets have great breathability. Snuggling up in them, we felt comfortably warm but never too hot. The smooth texture of the pillowcase felt wonderful against the skin, too.

Like many sheets — including both luxury and inexpensive varieties — the texture of these Egyptian cotton sheets was somewhat changed after going through the wash. Though still soft and smooth, the material wasn’t as shiny and emerged mildly wrinkled with some shrinkage. Despite that, we could still get the fitted sheet on a mattress. It was actually a little loose, so the shrinking wasn’t much of a concern.

How It Performed After Six Months 

While we noticed initial textural changes after washing the sheets, they actually held up better in long-term testing and proved to be very durable. After six months of home use and multiple washes, the fabric didn’t shrink more, there wasn't any noticeable wear and tear, and the texture remained soft. We also didn’t spot any stains left on the sheets even after frequent use. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Egyptian cotton | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash

Amazon California Design Den Cotton Sateen Sheet Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    3.8/5
Why You Should Get It
  • They have a nice silky texture and classic-looking pattern.

Keep in Mind
  • They’re not the softest or most breathable sheets on this list.

Sateen sheets usually have a smoother appearance than percale sheets, Woodson tells us, and due to the fabric construction — which reflects more light than percale — they also tend to have a slight sheen or luster. And though the California Design Den 400 Thread Count Cotton Sheets cost just under $50, these sateen weave sheets live up to that reputation.

With straight seams, finished contour seams, and no loose threads or fraying edges, these sheets looked and felt noticeably well-made. While not the softest sheets on this list, the feel is silky and smooth, with a bright, crisp color. We also appreciated the dainty polka-dot pattern.  

These sheets have a slightly heavier weight than average, but the fabric drapes nicely and holds up after going through the wash. Many of the best inexpensive sheets we tested experienced significant wrinkling after going through the wash, but we thought that these sateen sheets actually emerged looking a little less wrinkled than average

The denser material means it’s easy to make the bed with these sheets, too. The fitted sheet went on easily and remained nice and snug. We especially love the “top” and “bottom” tags on the sheets, a small but nice detail you don’t always find in more affordable brands of sheets.

Sateen sheets are generally warmer than other options like percale, Woodson says. And we definitely found this to be the case with these California Design Den sheets. While we didn’t get overly warm while laying under them, the material definitely didn’t feel as airy and breathable as some other options on this list. 

How It Performed After Two Months 

When we tested these sheets at home, we were surprised at how airy they felt. We appreciated that they didn’t retain body heat, so they were comfortable to use while we slept. We accidentally stained them with jojoba oil, and appreciated that the stain was easy to wash out. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, California king, and split king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in warm water

Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    3.9/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • They deliver silky, luxurious-feeling sheets at a shockingly affordable price point.

Keep in Mind
  • Stains are more likely with these sheets, and breathability may not be as good as other options on this list.

Few types of sheets say “luxury” quite like satin sheets, and the Lanest Housing Silk Satin Sheets allow you to get this silky look and feel for under $40. We were happy with this sheet set overall as it performed well in most categories we tested. 

When we touched these sheets we immediately thought that they felt well manufactured. The texture is silky slick and smooth with even color throughout, and no loose threads or flaws. The flat sheet drapes well and has a pleasant weight. 

There are lots of rich-looking color options to choose from, and you can feel confident opting for one of the bolder hues—we didn’t spot any color transfer in testing. 

We found the fitted sheet easy to get on a mattress, nicely hugging every corner once in place. The fitted sheet remained taut during movement tests, though we did notice that the flat sheet got a little more tangled than some other options.

The material held up reasonably well in the durability test, too. Though the abraded area felt a little less smooth, there weren’t any tears or noticeable thinning. But while the overall texture of the sheet wasn’t much changed after going through the wash, stains from the foundation, oil, and coffee we used in testing were all left behind. The material also has average breathability, which isn’t too surprising given that it’s a synthetic fiber.

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 14 inches | Material: Polyester | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash in cold water

Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheet Set

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    4.5/5
  • Durability
    4.3/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • These 100% cotton sheets are crisp, soft, and wash nicely.

Keep in Mind
  • We thought the pillowcases could be a little wider.

With more than 10 fun patterns to choose from, a big selling point for the Threshold 400 Thread Count Printed Performance Sheets is how beautiful they’ll look on a bed. But don’t let appearance be the only reason you consider these affordable sheets: They have other wonderful qualities too, including a nice feel, good breathability, and fabric that washes well and successfully resists stains.

We were immediately struck by the fresh, cooling texture of these cotton sheets. They felt crisp, soft, and sturdy, and we didn’t notice any loose threads or flaws when we opened the packaging. 

After going through the wash, the medium-weight fabric held up reasonably well: No pulled threads appeared, the fitted sheet continued to fit comfortably on the mattress, there was minimal shrinkage, and no stains were left behind. 

The material did wrinkle quite a bit after going through the wash, though this is common with natural fibers like cotton, Woodson says. And though the texture remained the same post-wash, we did notice minor color fading over time.

We appreciated the little details on these sheets. There’s a double row of elastic on the fitted sheet that keeps the corners in place nicely and the top edge of the flat sheet has attractive detailing. The sheets breathe well at night, retaining their crisp, cool feel even after going through the wash.

Though a small complaint, the set could have slightly wider pillowcases (the current size is a little difficult to slide into a pillow). The pillowcases also don’t have an envelope closure, a nice-to-have detail you don’t always find in inexpensive sheets.

How It Performed After Two Months 

Before testing these sheets, we were using a sateen set. While we didn’t find these quite as smooth, we liked that they had a fresh and almost cooling feeling. They washed well too, and the quality didn’t change throughout the testing period. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin/twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Care: Machine wash

Feather & Stitch 300 Thread Count Percale Weave Bedding Set

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    3/5
  • Value
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
Why You Should Get It
  • Breathable and cool with a nice medium weight, these cotton sheets are a great choice for hot nights.

Keep in Mind
  • They may not be as durable as some other options on this list.

Crisp, cool texture? Check. Perfect all-season medium weight? Check. Even better, we were thrilled that the pleasant texture of the Feather & Stitch Cotton Sheets were virtually unchanged after multiple washes. The washed fabric felt exactly the same as the unlaundered pillowcase we used as a comparison, a sign that these cotton sheets can have a long-term place on your bed.

These cotton sheets also performed very well in our breathability test. The water droplet we used to measure breathability dispersed very quickly, indicating the fabric wicks moisture well and can remain cool to the touch on hot nights. We were also very impressed by how successfully the material resisted stains. Though the foundation we used in testing lingered a bit, the oil and coffee stains washed out easily without a hint remaining.

The fitted sheet in this set is also well-designed. It fits on a mattress perfectly — laying taut without any excess fabric — and matches all corners nicely. We spotted a few loose threads when first making the bed, but observed no other snags or flaws in the weave.

Overall, we loved these sheets — their crisp, cool handfeel is delightful, and we were impressed by how well they washed and resisted stains. The only mark against them was how poorly the fabric performed in our abrasion test: After swiping the sheets with sandpaper just 25 times, the material easily sprouted holes. In the abraded area, the fabric was thinner and the nice crisp texture was greatly reduced. 

For a queen-sized set that’s under $50, these sheets still represent a very good value. But you’ll want to consider how easily they can tear, especially if you have pets, and wash them carefully to maintain their appearance for longer.

How It Performed After Six Months

After washing these sheets several times, they stayed intact. The color did become less vibrant after the first wash but did not get worse. However, they were easy to get on our mattress and besides the color change, we didn’t notice any other quality-related changes. 

Product Details: Sizes: Twin, full, queen, and king | Pocket Size: 16 inches | Material: Cotton | Certifications: None | Care: Machine wash

Other Inexpensive Sheets We Tested

Lane Linen 100% Cotton Flannel Sheets Set

The Lane Linen 100% Cotton Flannel Sheets Set had many favorable qualities, including a nice warming material, impressive durability after going through the wash, and super affordable price point. However, they weren’t as soft as some of the other flannel sheets we tested. 

Decolure Satin Sheet Set

We loved the gorgeous color options on the Decolure Satin Sheet Set. However, the polyester satin sheets earned low scores in our tests for breathability and durability. For these reasons, they didn’t make our list of the best inexpensive sheets.

Person holding a partially wet Decolure Satin pillow cover

Better Homes & Gardens / Henry Wortock

The Bottom Line

After testing more than 200 sheets in our lab and home settings, we chose the Better Homes & Gardens 400 Thread Count Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set as the best inexpensive sheets. Though just under $60 for a queen set, these sheets impressed us with their lightweight and soft handfeel, excellent breathability, and durable texture.

How We Tested

To find the best inexpensive sheets, we reviewed more than 200 sheet sets both in home settings and our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We tested affordable sheets made of a variety of materials and weaves, including cotton, percale, eucalyptus, bamboo, silk/satin, sateen, hemp, flannel, linen, and Egyptian cotton sheets. 

Each set of inexpensive sheets that we tested was evaluated for its ease of care, quality, texture, breathability, durability, warmth, and how well they hold up in the wash. Based on all these insights, we then created a final list of the best inexpensive sheets.

A person holding one part of the Feather & Stitch 100% Cotton Sheets

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

What to Know About Inexpensive Sheets Before Shopping

Sizes

Inexpensive sheets come in all sizes, though you’ll most often find them in the standard twin, full, queen, and king. Less often, you can find affordable sheets in twin xl, California king, and split king sizes. 

Some picks on our list that are offered in less-common sizes are the Great Bay Home 100% Turkish Cotton Flannel Sheets, Quince European Linen Sheet Set, Quince’s Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set, and the California Design Den 400 Thread Count Cotton Sheets, amongst others. 

Pocket Size 

In addition to size, you’ll also want to consider the depth of your mattress. On fitted sheets, depth is referred to as the pocket size, and it’s generally somewhere between 15 and 18 inches. A fitted sheet that has a deeper pocket size isn’t necessarily higher quality, but Woodson notes that a too-small depth can make a mattress look exposed.

Material

You can find inexpensive sheets in many of the same weaves as you would luxury sheets, including percale, eucalyptus, bamboo, sateen, and even Egyptian cotton.

“If purchasing in-store, being able to touch the material is key,” says Woodson. “Find something you will be comfortable sleeping on night after night.” Some of the best inexpensive sheets are made of natural fibers such as cotton, linen, and eucalyptus (Tencel), which will generally feel cooler and be better at regulating body temperature than synthetic fibers such as polyester, which will feel warmer, she adds.  

When shopping for inexpensive sheets, you’ll often come across microfiber varieties. “They’ve become more popular in recent years because they are very soft, but as they are made from a synthetic fiber, the breathability is generally not as good as what a natural fiber offers, so one may find themselves feeling uncomfortably warm during their sleep,” says Woodson. 

While this type of sheet may still make sense for you, keep in mind that they may not be the most breathable option on the market.

Certifications 

A special certification isn’t a must-have when buying sheets at any price point, but they are important to some shoppers. And though these certifications often add to the cost of bed linens, you may come across some of these while shopping for inexpensive sheets:

  • Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX: If inexpensive sheets have this certification, it means they have been produced without any substances that are deemed harmful.
  • Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): This means the inexpensive sheets have been made with some natural fibers such as cotton, and the certification verifies that they were organically grown. 

Care

“Taking good care of your textile products, regardless of cost, will maximize their useful life,” says Woodson. Follow these tips to maintain the quality of your sheets:

  • Wash them regularly. Woodson recommends washing your sheets once a week to give them a refresh. Make sure to always wash bed linens alone — clothing, in particular items with snaps, zippers, or hooks, can easily snag the fabric of your sheets and create tears.
  • Read the care label. The manufacturer’s care label is there for a reason: Follow the instructions exactly when washing and drying your sheets, Woodson says. 
  • Don’t overdo the detergent. It might sound counterintuitive, but too much detergent can actually make sheets feel stiffer, not softer. “This damages the fiber and thus shortens the lifespan of sheets,” Woodson explains.
  • Store clean sheets when not in use. Inexpensive sheets will last longer if you store them carefully in between uses, Woodson says. 

Your Questions, Answered

Is it worth investing in expensive sheets?

If your budget allows, “high-quality bed linens are truly an investment in your overall well-being,” says Woodson. That said, a higher price doesn’t always mean higher quality, she adds. Whether you’re looking for percale or flannel or Egyptian cotton, it’s certainly possible to find well-made sheets that are soft and breathable at every price point. 

What is the lifespan of a set of inexpensive sheets?

Sheets don’t automatically last longer because they’re more expensive. But in general, more affordable sheets might show signs of wear a little sooner than their higher-priced counterparts. 

“I would expect lower quality, and presumably inexpensive, sheets to have a useful life of approximately two to three years,” says Woodson. “With proper care, the lifespan can be extended.”

We tested several options at home for up to six months, many remained in great shape, including the Better Homes & Gardens Hygro Cotton Bed Sheet Set, Quince Luxury Organic Signature Sheet Set, and the Chateau Home Collection Egyptian Cotton Sheets

Who We Are

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best inexpensive sheets, Kathleen spoke to Jennifer Woodson, a textile developer with over a decade of experience from JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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