The best air beds for guests staying overnight, plus options for camping

To find the best air beds for guests, I tested a selection of double, king and queen options from brands including Argos, Decathlon, Dreams and Active Era. Each had a built-in pump and could also be inflated manually.

I rated them on design, warmth, comfort, portability and ease of assembly. I also considered pillow and edge support, how easy it was to get on and off the bed, and whether they came with useful extras, such as a puncture kit or carry bag.

I asked friends of different heights and ages to try each bed, lying on their backs, sides, and stomachs, then sitting up. To check durability, I let my two young children jump on each for two minutes – great fun for them, though not exactly recommended by manufacturers.

If you’re looking to improve your sleep more generally, be sure to read our guides to the best pillows (including the best pillows for side sleepers) and the best duvets.

As for the best air beds for camping, Phoebe took her picks on the road to test comfort, packability and value.

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