Getting a decent night’s sleep can have a major impact on a family camping holiday or short break – it can be the difference between energised, happy campers and bleary-eyed zombies.
Gone are the days when campers had to attempt to sleep on a wafer-thin mat, though. Now, outdoor adventurers are spoilt for choice, with everything from lightweight air beds (perfect for backpackers) to massive self-inflating options that look more like a bed you’d use at home.
With so many models to choose from, there are a few things to consider when it comes to selecting the best air bed for your needs. Inflatable beds that are blown up using lung power or a manual or electric pump are simple to use but can be a little unstable, moving around at night if you or your partner shift about.
Meanwhile, a self-inflating bed feels like a mini miracle: open up the valves and the mattress does most (if not all) of the work, leaving you to just add a few breaths to finish the job. They are generally more expensive, heavier and bulkier than standard air beds, though. They’re also often more difficult to deflate and pack back down into carry bags. Plus, it’s worth noting that, on their first use, self-inflating mats can take a long time (up to 24 hours) to fully inflate, so it’s better to give them their first ‘spin’ at home.
You can also find self-inflating beds that plug into a mains power source. These look and feel almost like a normal bed at home, and are more suited to glampers than hardcore campers.
With all that in mind, we set out to find the best air beds for a range of campers and budgets.
How we tested
We put about 20 air beds to the test, sleeping on them overnight in the garden or during camping trips to North Wales and the Peak District, before whittling down the options to our favourites. We considered how comfortable the bed was, whether it allowed for good stability, and the texture of the outer material. We also considered how heavy and bulky the air bed was to transport and carry, how quick and easy it was to inflate and to pack up, and any notable design features. Finally, we considered the overall value for money.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Graeme Green is a photographer and journalist who has spent decades exploring remote regions around the world, from surviving on desert islands in Belize to wild camping in Antarctica, so he knows a thing or two about spending time in the great outdoors. As well as The Independent, Graeme has written for The Guardian, National Geographic, Wanderlust and Forbes, among others. His reviews for IndyBest are based on real-world testing and he will only recommend products he believes are worth your money.
The best air beds for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Big Agnes captain comfort deluxe camp double wide: £255, Facewest.co.uk
- Best budget single – Outwell classic with pillow and pump, single: £21.99, Outwell.com
- Best budget double – Vango hi-rise double flocked air bed: £60, Vango.co.uk
- Best lightweight option – Therm-a-Rest neoloft regular wide sleeping mat: £214.99, Ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
- Best insulated double – Outwell dreamscape insulated double: £174.99, Outwell.com
Big Agnes captain comfort deluxe camp double wide
Best: Overall
Inflation method: Self-inflating
Weight (packed): 5.05kg
Double or single: Double
Why we love it
- Easy to put up due to effective self-inflation
- Comfortable
- Chunky
- Pleasant-feeling material
Take note
- Slightly tricky to deflate and pack
- Bulky to carry
The clue is in the name: this is an incredibly comfortable sleeping pad. The stretch fabric material has a soft, luxurious feel, staying warm when the night is cool and keeping cool when the weather’s warmer. The self-inflation works effectively, with just a few breaths required to firm up the pad.
The bed stands 5in off the ground, and at 52in x 78in there’s plenty of space for two adults to spread out. The air bed is sturdy and stable, so you don’t feel any movement if your partner is shifting position or if they get up during the night, plus side walls keep sleepers from rolling off the bed. At 5.05kg this air bed is very slightly heavier than the similar Sea To Summit model included in this review, but it’s also chunkier, more comfortable and a bit cheaper. It may not be super-light but the pay-off is a great night’s sleep. With a double for the adults and singles for the kids available, that’s your family’s camping beds sorted.
Buy now £255.00, Facewest.co.uk
Outwell classic with pillow and pump, single
Best: Budget single
Inflation method: Built-in pump or manual
Weight (packed): 1.6kg
Double or single: Single
Why we love it
- Great price
- Lightweight
- Soft material
- Built-in pillow
Take note
- Moves about a bit
This single air bed is surprisingly comfortable (given its low price point), and features a fuzzy, velvety texture, rather than the sticky, crunchy, plasticky feel some air beds have. The built-in pillow is a helpful touch, and the airbed is easy to set up, thanks to a built-in foot pump located in one corner.
The bed packs down small and is light (1.6kg) to carry. You do generally get what you pay for with camping gear, though, and this air bed definitely feels less stable than some other options we tested – if you move around in the night, the bed shifts around, which isn’t ideal. For infrequent campers looking for an inexpensive option, though, this could be a great choice.
Buy now £21.99, Outwell.com
Vango hi-rise double flocked air bed
Best: Budget double air bed
Inflation method: Manual
Weight (packed): 4.52kg
Double or single: Double
Why we love it
- Good price
- Solid and comfortable
- Simple to inflate
Take note
- Can feel movement of partner on bed
There are no bells and whistles with this no-nonsense air bed. It’s straightforward and speedy to inflate, using a foot pump, hand-held pump or electric pump. The result is a solid, reliable mattress that’s comfortable to lie down on and feels well-supported, though you do feel a bit of movement if your partner is shifting around during the night. The soft material has a pleasant feel, and the head-end is slightly raised, to feel like a pillow.
The bed stands 15in off the ground, and, at 83in long, it may appeal to taller campers. It may not be quite as comfortable as more-expensive air beds, such as the Big Agnes or Sea To Summit, which have a plush, ‘sink-into’ yet supported feel, but the Vango hi-rise flocked air bed does what it says on the tin.
Buy now £60.00, Vango.co.uk
Mountain Warehouse ultimate self-inflating mat
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Best: Budget easy-carry mat
Inflation method: Self-inflating
Weight (packed): 750g
Double or single: Single
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Small pack is easy to carry
Take note
- Quite thin
If you’re shouldering a backpack and want to use up minimal space and reduce the weight, this 750g self-inflating mat packs down into a small stuff sack, making it hassle-free to carry. When you’re ready for bed, leave the mat’s valve open for 10-20 minutes, perhaps giving a few additional breaths to speed things up, and it’s ready to go. There’s a durable feel to the rip-stop fabric but the thinness of the mat does mean you don’t have a great deal of distance between you and the hard ground, or much cushioning to soften any uneven surfaces.
The budget Outwell model featured above is more comfortable but it’s also heavier (1.6kg). Meanwhile, the high-end Therm-a-Rest neoloft sleeping mat (also included in this article) is considerably more expensive but far more comfortable, and nearly the same weight (850g) as this budget Mountain Warehouse mat. So, which option is right for you will depend on what you value most in terms of price, comfort and weight. We should also note this mat is quite short and narrow (about 70in x 20in), meaning you might find your feet and arms are hanging off to the sides, and there isn’t much space to move around. For those looking to keep weight to a minimum, though, this is the lightest option on our list.
Buy now £34.99, Mountainwarehouse.com
Therm-a-Rest neoloft regular wide sleeping mat
Best: Lightweight option
Inflation method: Manual
Weight (packed): 850g
Double or single: Single
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Colourful
- Clever valves make it easy to inflate and deflate
Take note
- Pricey for a single
It would be hard to lose this bright-orange sleeping mat, but there’s more to it than a fun colourway. At 850g, it’s lightweight and packs into a small bag, making it particularly good for backpacking and active adventures. You can pump it up using the pump sack provided or by using your own lung power.
We particularly liked the cleverly designed valves, which make inflating and deflating the bed incredibly simple and hassle-free – an ‘in’ valve doesn’t allow air to rush out as you’re blowing it up. The fabric is durable and comfortable to sleep on, and for a blow-up bed, rather than a foam-filled, self-inflating mat, it stays remarkably stable.
Buy now £214.99, Ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk
Coleman supercomfort sleeping mat, single
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Best: Self-inflating single
Inflation method: Self-inflating
Weight (packed): 3.3kg
Double or single: Single
Why we love it
- Comfortable
- Solid and stable
- Effective self-inflation
Take note
- Outer material feels slippery
This may not be the most attractive of products – it comes in quite a drab, functional grey – but the self-inflating system works particularly well, producing a solid, stable mat that stands around 4.7in off the ground and feels very relaxing to lie on. We also found this self-inflating mat particularly simple and quick to deflate and pack away, with the air escaping easily. It’s quite bulky to carry, so it’s more for general car campers and wouldn’t work for backpackers in the same way as the lightweight Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat or the Mountain Warehouse self-inflating mat also included in this article.
Although we tested the single version, this sleeping mat is also available as a double, and a family could do a lot worse when it comes to their camping setup. However, we did notice the smooth material has a slightly slippery feel, so you might move around a bit, especially if you’re in a sleeping bag that has a similarly smooth fabric.
Buy now £199.99, Colemanuk.co.uk
Outwell dreamscape insulated double
Best: Insulated double
Inflation method: Manual
Weight (packed): 3.2kg
Double or single: Double
Why we love it
- Simple, easy inflation
- Lightweight
- Stable and comfortable
Take note
- Valves are tricky to use
Compared with some of the top self-inflating, foam-filled mats, such as the Big Agnes and Sea To Summit models mentioned in this article, Outwell’s dreamscape isn’t quite as plush or as pleasant to sink into, but it comes pretty close, which is surprising, considering its lack of foam. It’s a satisfyingly comfortable bed, standing at nearly 5in off the ground, with a cool, soft, non-slip material that feels very durable. It’s remarkably stable, too – we rarely felt our partner shifting around during the night.
This air bed is also lighter and less bulky than a lot of self-inflating mats, making it easier to transport and carry in its small pack. We did find the valves needlessly complicated and tricky to get the hang of, though – especially compared with the smart design of the Therm-a-Rest sleeping mat – but that’s a minor issue with what is otherwise a standout sleeping option.
Buy now £174.99, Outwell.com
Sea To Summit comfort deluxe double
Best: Self-inflating double mat
Inflation method: Self-inflating
Weight (packed): 4.45kg
Double or single: Double
Why we love it
- Easy setup
- Comfy material
- Stable
Take note
- Mattress is slightly ridged
- Not as thick as some other self-inflating mats
This double mat is pleasantly easy to set up – it’s self-inflating, so most of the work is done for you, though a few breaths are needed to make the bed fully firm. The mat is slightly ridged, but still feels very comfortable. It’s wide enough to fit two adults but it’s not quite as thick as some other similar self-inflating mats, such as the Big Agnes, but we still found this one remarkably stable, so you don’t get disturbed if your partner is tossing and turning in the night.
Packed up, it’s relatively light (4.45kg) and easy to carry. It also has really good flip-over valves designed to stop air rushing back in when you’re trying to pack it up. While the Big Agnes air bed just pips this one to the post in terms of comfort and price, Sea to Summit’s offering comes very close.
Buy now £285.00, Seatosummit.co.uk
Hi-Gear infinity air bed with built-in 240V pump
Best: Luxury plug-in air bed
Inflation method: Plug-in (self-inflating)
Weight (packed): 10.23kg
Double or single: Double
Why we love it
- Quick, easy self-inflation
- Big and comfortable
- Plush and luxurious
- Built-in USB port
Take note
- Very heavy
- Requires access to a power source
There’s something very satisfying about plugging in this air bed and letting the built-in 240V pump do all the work. As the large double bed takes form in front of your eyes, a green light lets you know when the bed has reached max inflation. For really comfortable double beds, we preferred the Big Agnes, Sea To Summit and Outwell options mentioned here but the Hi-Gear air bed’s material does feel quite luxurious, and the bed is certainly pleasant to sleep in. Plus, a bonus of this design is, if you keep it plugged in overnight, it has an internal system that registers if more air is needed and automatically pumps it up, so the bed doesn’t deflate during the night.
Traditional campers will likely balk at the idea of having a built-in USB port, but if you like to keep phones, tablets and other gadgets fully charged, it’s a winner. Such a big, heavy bed doesn’t really feel like it’s made for camping (it stands high enough off the ground that, in some low tents, you might not have much headroom), so this is probably one to set up in a big glamping tent. It could also easily be used as a spare bed for guests at home.
Buy now £109.00, Millets.co.uk
Helinox cot one convertible insulated
Best: Camping cot with inflatable mat
Inflation method: Manual construction and self-inflating pad
Weight (packed): 3.2kg
Double or single: Single
Why we love it
- Original design
- Good stability and comfort
Take note
- Pricey
- Assembly needed
At first, this Helinox cot is likely to provoke a bit of bafflement. The design is not for everyone, with three aluminium alloy legs that create the cot’s frame (which we found quick to assemble), and an insulated R5 sleeping pad, which doesn’t need a pump – it’s only an inch or so thick, and only takes a bit of blowing up to make it firm. The whole thing weighs a little more than 3kg, which is impressive, given how tough the poles are. It also packs down into a compact bag, measuring 26in long, yet it still feels solid and comfortable to lie on when assembled, with enough space (75in x 26in) to stretch out.
The cot doesn’t wobble or move around beneath you if you shift about in the night, and the inflated mat is raised more than 6in off the ground, which is useful if the tent floor is wet. The mat is adjustable for firmness, with ridges around the sides to help keep you in place. There are many campers, especially backpackers, who may not want to use up extra bag space (or carry additional weight) with a cot that requires poles, but the Helinox cot’s design may well appeal to a lot of camping cyclists, motorcyclists or car drivers. The cot can also double up quite well as a spare bed for visitors at home.
Buy now £449.95, Helinox.co.uk
Your questions on air beds answered
What is the best air bed?
The Big Agnes captain comfort deluxe air bed is our overall winner, as it’s a luxurious, self-inflating sleeping pad that provides an excellent, comfortable night’s sleep for two. However, Sea to Summit’s comfort deluxe double wasn’t far behind on the comfort stakes. For budget-friendly options, Outwell’s classic single with pillow and built-in pump, and Vango’s hi-rise double flocked air bed are hard to beat. The luminous Therm-a-Rest neoloft regular wide sleeping mat is also very impressive, especially given how light it is to carry, while the Hi-Gear infinity air bed with built-in USB port will appeal to anyone who doesn’t like to be without a charged phone, tablet or other gadgets when glamping.
What is the difference between an air bed and an air mattress?
The main difference between an air mattress and an air bed is that the former is designed to be used indoors, while the latter is for outdoor use.
What is the lifespan of an air bed?
The average air bed can easily last up to 15 years. Often, if you opt for an air bed that has a built-in pump, the pump will fail before the bed will.
How to choose the best air bed for you
There are a number of things to consider when choosing an air bed:
How to repair a punctured air bed
According to the Sleep Foundation, it’s completely natural for air beds to lose some inflation over time. However, if this happens regularly, it’s probably due to a puncture of some kind. If this sounds like a problem you’re dealing with, fear not, as DIY repairs are very common within the air bed community.
According to Lauren Fountain from the Sleep Foundation, to fix the leak, you’ll need to locate the hole and then clean the area. She goes on to say you then need to “use an adhesive and some plastic or vinyl patches to cover the leak” and “after letting the patch set for several hours, you can test the patch to ensure the mattress is no longer leaking”.
Some air beds come with a patch kit, which typically includes an adhesive, applicator and patches that match your air bed material. However, if you don’t have this kit to hand, you can either buy one (taking into consideration the colour and material of your mattress) or fashion something yourself. Substitutes for a patch include some kind of thin, plastic material, such as part of a shower curtain liner – and you’ll want to use a strong glue as your adhesive, so your DIY work dries tight.
Need new camping gear? Check out our guide to the best sleeping bags
