Travel + Leisure
Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight or taking the train, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable.
We had our expert testers evaluate 20 travel pillows based on traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. Our testers narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, and train rides. Our top pick for the best travel pillow overall is the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow. This option impressed us with its responsive memory foam that adapts to your neck and your desired position for sleeping or relaxing. In addition to that one, we found the best choices for travelers who like a softer or firmer pillow along with styles that are perfect for middle seats and budget-conscious travelers, too.
Amazon Dished All the Details on Prime Day 2023 — Here are the Dates and the Best Deals You Can Shop EarlyOur Top PicksBest Overall:Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Budget:Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Cooling:Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Sustainable:Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest for Window Seats:J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Soft:Away The Travel Neck Pillow at Awaytravel.comJump to ReviewBest Firm:Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Memory Foam:Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow Kit at AmazonJump to ReviewBest Side Support:Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow at AmazonJump to Review
Best Overall
Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Cabeau.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
The memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft.
What to Consider
It’s slightly bulky.
According to one tester, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow was reminiscent of “those memory foam mattresses you can try out at the mall, except more comfortable.” It is made of plush memory foam and provides complete neck support without feeling too stiff or soft. The tester appreciated the exceptionally responsive memory foam that molds to the shape of your neck and head whether you’re sleeping, reading, or watching a movie. You can adjust the tightness of the pillow around your neck with the toggle strings in the front, and it has raised sides to support the head if it bobbles while sleeping. The foam returns to its original shape and feels sturdy, and the materials appear to last for a long time. Although the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying case, it easily clasps onto a suitcase or backpack and isn’t a nuisance, according to our tester, who usually doesn’t bring a neck pillow since it can be cumbersome to transport.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: Polyester, memory foam | No portable case | Machine-washable
Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez
Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez
Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez
Best Budget
Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Boscovs.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
It molds to the shape of your neck to prevent bobbing.
What to Consider
The cover can’t be removed and washed.
The Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow is a no-frills option that offers generous neck support for a budget-friendly price. It is filled with tiny microbeads that quickly mold to the shape of your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while sleeping. Our tester appreciated its lightweight but sturdy feel, and that there were no signs of damage after using the neck pillow or when clipping it onto a suitcase to transport. Although the cover can’t be removed, this tester noted that the fabric is easy to touch up with instructions to spot clean the surface as necessary. Cozy and breathable, the travel pillow did a solid job of regulating temperature and keeping our tester’s neck warm during cold flights and cool during hot flights.
Price at time of publish: $20
The Details: Polyester, microbeads | No portable case | Machine-washable
Best Splurge
Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonView On NordstromView On Ostrichpillow.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.
What to Consider
It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.
The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow “feels like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck or like sleeping on a cloud,” according to one tester. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort, allowing our tester to get more rest on a flight than they usually would. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack. The pillow holds its shape despite being in the bag for long periods, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and can be machine-washed, but our tester air-dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, our expert travel product tester said, “I can say that this pillow allowed me to sleep better and more comfortably on my flights, and I wouldn’t travel without it at this point.”
Price at time of publish: $60
The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell
Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell
Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell
Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell
The Best Travel Totes for Every Occasion From Business Trips to the Beach
Best Cooling
Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonView On WalmartView On Cabeau.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable.
What to Consider
It’s made of firm memory foam.
The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers that get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up as you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. Our tester, who runs hot while sleeping, liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric, and said they didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was “extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard.” The tester especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable-feeling carrying case), and the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. This pillow quickly unfolds to its original shape despite being rolled up and going in and out of the compact case as well.
Price at time of publish: $80
The Details: Memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Best Sustainable
Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
REI
View On AmazonView On REIView On Backcountry.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
It’s made of recycled and upcycled materials that are comfortable and breathable.
What to Consider
It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.
If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and it compresses down to be easily transported whether you’re flying or camping. According to this tester, the recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. Our tester also raved about how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling.
Price at time of publish: $37
The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | No portable case | Machine-washable
Best for Window Seats
J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
It’s easy and intuitive to use for resting your chin and head.
What to Consider
It could be more supportive when you’re leaning against a window.
The J-Pillow Chin-supporting Neck Pillow has a J-shape that wraps around the neck to support the chin and the front, back, and one side of the head. Despite the different design than a typical U-shaped travel pillow, it is easy to use and fits securely while sleeping or resting during travels. This tester spent several hours using the pillow to prop their head up so they could nap without waking up to pesky neck pains since there wasn’t a window to lean on during a 19-hour road trip. In addition, the pillow comes with a compact case that can be attached to a piece of luggage to make traveling with it effortless. After being folded up in the carrying case for some time, the J-shape didn’t falter, and remained supportive and soft. We think the J-Pillow is ideal for any type of traveler, with our tester noting that “it’s very portable and lightweight — anyone would be happy to use this.”
Price at time of publish: $50
The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May
Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May
Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May
Best Soft
Away The Travel Neck Pillow
Away
View On Awaytravel.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
The interior foam is cushiony and lightweight.
What to Consider
It’s not as compact as we would have liked.
Soft but supportive, Away’s The Travel Neck Pillow impressed our tester with a plush foam interior and cozy, antimicrobial fabric cover. Although it’s on the more expensive side, its simple design and durability make it a solid choice. It can be buckled and tightened to be worn as a traditional travel pillow with broad neck support and your desired level of chin support. Alternatively, you can keep the adjustable drawstring toggles undone and use it as a long pillow to lean against while resting your head. Our tester wished this pillow was slightly more compact, but it still folds nicely into the carrying bag and there’s a clip to attach to a backpack for hands-free traveling, too.
Price at time of publish: $55
The Details: Polyester, elastane | Portable case | Machine-washable
These Travel Accessories Make Sleeping on Airplanes Way Easier
Best Firm
Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
It’s supportive without feeling too stiff.
What to Consider
It would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.
We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck, and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. Our tester, who used the pillow on a road trip and cross-country flight, said, “I loved how I could lean back in the car and plane, and the back of my neck didn’t touch the headrest, which was nice on the plane for taking a nap with my head falling backward.” In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the circular carrying case that can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The holder also has a frontal slip pocket for storing the earplugs and eye mask that are included with the travel pillow. After traveling, the carrying case can be unzipped and machine-washed, although we recommend air-drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.
Price at time of publish: $26
The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp
The Most Comfortable Clothing for Travel
Best Memory Foam
Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow Kit
Amazon
View On AmazonOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love It
It’s supportive and has a super soft cover.
What to Consider
It may be too firm and stiff for some travelers.
This velvety memory foam pillow is the perfect companion for getting some in-flight shuteye. Not only is it supportive when worn around your neck, but it’s a great pillow to lean on if you get a coveted window seat. Our tester felt that the memory foam served its purpose by being supporting, but forgiving, as it molded to her head and neck shape for ultimate comfort. She even mentioned that, “Over both a cross-country flight and a transatlantic flight, this pillow held up really well each time, stuffed into bags, looped through luggage handles, carried, and slept on. It’s easy to clean and it holds its shape well.” To make this pillow even more portable and convenient, it even comes with a little stuff sack, an eye mask, and ear plugs.
Price at time of publish: $30
The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Best Side Support
Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
Amazon
View On AmazonView On Cabeau.comOur RatingsComfortQualityPortabilityDurabilityValueWhy We Love it
This pillow is soft and durable.
What to Consider
The suede-like outer material has a tendency to pick up lint.
This travel pillow was designed to keep your head and neck supported for even the longest of flights. Not only is the semicircular pillow adjustable, so you can get the shape perfect for you, it also features and adjustable seat strap to prevent your head from dropping while you rest. Our tested noted that, “Right out of the box, I knew this was going to be a great travel pillow. It’s made of memory foam, so it’s supportive and soft, and the cover material feels great against my skin. When I put this on, I feel an amazing balance of softness and support.” To keep your pillow protected and prevent any risk that it will end up getting dragged across the airport floor, this also comes with a compact carrying case that compresses down to fit into carry-on luggage.
Price at time of publish: $40
The Details: Polyester, microsuede, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable
Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson
Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson
Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson
Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson
Other Travel Pillows We Tested
While we were able to narrow down the travel pillows for our best list, there was one that almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses noted by our testers.
Hest Pillow: This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.
Our Testing Process
We sent out 20 travel pillows to our testing experts to use during their upcoming trips. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched popular options to fit a variety of comfort preferences, including pillows made of memory foam and microbeads, and tested different shapes, too.
On a scale of one to five, our testers rated the pillows based on comfort, quality, durability, and portability. The pillows with the best comfort scores met or exceeded our expectations for special features, including cooling, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer. Our testers used the pillows for several hours at a time, if not longer, to see how comfy they were while sleeping, reading, or watching a movie while traveling. We asked our testers to note if they were able to sleep with the pillow on, if it caused any neck pain or discomfort, and how warm or cool the pillow felt around the neck. To check for quality and durability, our testers examined the build of the pillow to feel how well-made it appeared. After using the pillows during trips, they judged durability based on their functionality after several uses. The pillows with the highest score for portability were able to compress down into carrying bags that allow travelers to transport the pillow with exceptional ease. The best pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage.
Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow
Prioritize neck support
When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it restricts your breathing and can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you’re being squeezed.
Portability is key
Whether you pack light or over-pack, a travel pillow that compacts into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station.
Consider the filling material
Travelers who like a more firm pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I wash a travel pillow?
Generally, washing instructions will be included with the purchase of a travel pillow or on its tag. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our testers opted to air-dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth or rag dipped into soapy water.
What are the different types of travel pillows?
Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that wraps around the neck to support the neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability. Finally, while traditional pillows might be better suited for a traveler in the window seat, there are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat.
Why Trust Travel + Leisure
Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure, where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna participated in this real-world product test and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel pillows based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train this summer.
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Updated byTravel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.” tabindex=”0″ data-inline-tooltip=”true”>Taylor Fox
Taylor Fox Taylor Fox is a Commerce Updates Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Taylor holds a Master’s in Geography and has been a writer and editor for over seven years.learn more
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