The best air mattresses for overnight guests, tried and tested

Score: 89/100

This large air mattress makes a seamless replacement for a traditional bed if you've just moved house, are going camping or need to put someone up for a spell. “It quite literally elevated our camping experience, as it was about half a meter off the ground,” said one happy camper. Keep in mind, though, that it's quite large to cart around, so it may only be suitable if you have a large tent and a car to move it.

It holds air well, with one tester saying they only needed to re-pump once over a period of five days. It does self-inflate with an automatic electric pump, but you’ll need access to a mains socket or power pack. Otherwise, be sure to bring along a manual pump to avoid adding to the stresses of camp set-up.

Score: 88/100

Another speedy, self-inflating air mattress, this time from popular sleep brand Silentnight, known for its comfy mattresses. That expertise is evident in the triple barrel design with built-in pillow (yes, really!), which creates optimum support and snugness. Our testers were happy with the level of comfort it offered, with many saying how “high-end” and “luxurious” it felt.

Some panellists struggled to fold the mattress back into the storage bag, though this is a common gripe with blow-up mattresses. Still, it’s a reliable choice for getting a good night's sleep when you need a temporary bed. It includes an emergency repair patch if you get any punctures, too.

Score: 86/100

If you’re hosting overnight guests but don’t have a spare bed, this tall, inflatable mattress, complete with a headboard is the next best thing. Testers loved the added headboard as it stopped pillows from slipping off and really felt like a step up from a standard air bed.

It’s designed with 21 individual pillars of air to support your body throughout the night, plus an anti-roll rim to keep the outer edge strong and sturdy when you toss and turn.

Set-up is simple too, thanks to the built-in electric pump, and when you’re done, it all packs away neatly into the accompanying storage bag. It’s one for comfort-focused buyers who prefer performance over portability, as the larger size and self-inflating pump mean it’s best for impressing guests at home.

Score: 82/100

Another sturdy and comfy double airbed, this one comes with an internal pump for self-inflating and takes just four minutes to put up from start to finish.

It’s made from a heavy-duty Tritech material, which is a polyester mesh encased in two layers of PVC to provide extra durability. Best of all, the base is waterproof, which is just what you need for sunny-turned-soggy camping trips.

It’s lined with internal horizontal beams to keep its shape and has a microbial treated surface to keep things fresh, too. Some of our panellists noticed minor deflation by morning, but this didn’t compromise the overall comfort or support from this one.

Score: 70/100

This standard airbed from Eurohike may not have self-inflating technology or a headboard, but it does the job of providing a somewhat sturdy base to sleep on every now and again. It doesn’t come with a pump, so you’ll need to add one to your shopping list, or hope one of your fellow campers has one if you're away.

It’s spacious enough for two people without feeling cramped, though some testers wished it provided a little more support. For less than £20, though, it’s hard to complain. All in all, a reliable budget-friendly choice for occasional use.

You’ll be the envy of the campsite with this air mattress. Not only does it offer a queen-sized base for sleep, but it also folds away into a blow-up sofa so you can relax during the day. There’s even a cup holder.

The surface has a flocked velvet finish and there are three inflation valves to make set-up a breeze. We're tempted to buy one for the garden...

WAS £44.99, NOW £38.24

Another great option from Bestway, this queen-sized mattress is created with polyester mesh internal beams encased in PVC for a bed that's supportive, durable and resistant to stretching over time.

There’s also a raised edge at one end that acts as a built-in pillow to support your head and neck and stop you waking up with aches and pains. Its built-in electric pump means you’ll have it up within five minutes.

WAS £54.99, NOW £43.99

Instead of a flat design, this sleeping pad features honeycomb-shaped cells to add extra support and relieve pressure on key areas of the body as you sleep. As it's quite thin and lightweight, you’re better off using this for hikes and camping trips when you need to keep your kit to a minimum.

There’s no need to remember a pump either as this one has a foot pump built in. Three minutes of work and you’re ready to catch some Zs.

With this self-inflating mattress, you don’t have to compromise on comfort. It’s lightweight and thin, and it's made with open cell foam that fills with air when you unfold it to provide a layer of cushioning. Having a foam filling typically reduces motion transfer too, making this a good option if you’re sharing the bed.

While it does inflate automatically, you may need to top it up by blowing into it to achieve the right pressure and support level for your body.

This is another great option for camping or hosting guests. It’s fitted with 28 structured air coils, which are distributed from head to toe to support your spine and keep you cushioned and comfortable.

It’s 46cm deep, so you’ll be sleeping far off the ground, and there’s an additional 7.5cm of depth at one end provided by the integrated pillow to encourage good neck and spine alignment.

With a built-in headboard, Bestway’s Comfort Quest bed is a luxe take on the traditional air mattress. But the headboard's not just for show; its soft, cushioned design means you can recline comfortably with a coffee in the morning or to read your book before bed.

There’s no integrated pillow so you’ll need to add one to your packing list if you're taking it camping, but there is a built-in pump for easy inflation – which takes about five minutes.