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The 10 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• Other Pillows We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

Sitting upright for hours on end or sleeping on unfamiliar pillows can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a reliable travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight, hitting the road on a long car trip, or looking to get a good night's sleep in your hotel room, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested more than 40 travel pillows, looking at traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, train rides, and even sleeping at home, making sure each option was comfortable for extended use. We also brought a few options into our Travel + Leisure lab to get a direct comparison, testing them out on our airplane set. After catching some of the best Z's, we rounded up pillow choices for different types of travelers who are looking to get more rest on their future trips.

Best Overall

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate various neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort when we took it on a flight, allowing us to get more rest than usual. 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. Although the memory foam is soft and compressible, it felt more supportive than any other pillow we tried. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it is easy to roll the pillow up to fit inside its compact drawstring sack. We found it a little tricky to roll up at first, but once we nailed the technique, we were impressed with how small it became — ideal for those who don't want a pillow to take up too much luggage space.

The pillow held its shape after being in the bag for long periods of time, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and machine washable, but we 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, this pillow allows for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | 10.5 x 9.5 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Joy Kim

Most Comfortable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

The cozy but firm material and innovative chin strap keep you from bobbing your head while sleeping.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security — a feature that really sealed the deal for us during testing. The interior of the pillow feels like memory foam, which offers the ideal balance of support and coziness. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted, though it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow cover is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it feel as good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that you can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Infinity-style

Infinity pillow travel pillow.

The modular design of the pillow makes it easy to use to support the neck, chin, or back while sitting.

The cushioning is fairly soft, so the support isn't as stiff as memory foam.

Most travel pillows come in one shape and size, so we love that you can contort this one in various ways to fit your needs. At nearly 40 inches long, the infinity design (yes, like the scarves worn in the early 2000s) can be wrapped once for less support or twice for the type of neck support found in traditional C-shaped pillows. We used the pillow during an all-day road trip and loved that we could wear it around the neck with a looser or tighter fit depending on how much neck support we wanted. We did find that it was still a little too big for us after looping it twice, so users with smaller necks may not get the support they're looking for. That being said, it can be used in many different ways to make sleeping on planes, trains, and cars more comfortable, so minimal support as a traditional neck pillow isn't necessarily a deal-breaker.

We also found that it's much easier to travel with the pillow since the closed ring shape makes it easy to wear around the neck instead of having to pack it away or risk it falling off. The bamboo fabric is extremely soft and breathable, so we never felt overheated or constricted, and the pillow is machine washable for easy upkeep after a trip. We should also note that it took up a lot of space in our luggage, but it may be worth packing a little lighter to be that much more comfortable while traveling. It also comes in a whopping 10 colors.

The Details: Bamboo, nylon | 39.3 x 6.6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Paige VandeWiele

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

It’s supportive and firm without feeling too stiff. 

This 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 who 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. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the included circular carrying case that you can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask, and features a frontal slip pocket that you can store them in. After a trip, you can unzip and remove the carrying case to machine wash it, although we recommend air drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage.

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | 11.81 x 11.42 x 3.54 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Best Hooded

Pluto pillow pod.

It boasts a cozy hood and built-in eye mask for total darkness even on bright flights.

It's one of the pricer options on this list.

Like the black-out curtains of travel pillows, this option comes with a hood and an eye mask that shields your eyes from any light, which is incredibly useful when you're trying to get some shut-eye on a busy flight. It has a soft neck brace that wraps around the neck with light support, and the hood goes on like a regular hoodie with a drop-down eye mask. Once our head was fully cocooned in the hooded pillow, we found that it was a game changer for travelers who have a hard time falling asleep with light or ambient noise around since it muffles sounds and blocks rays.

While the space-helmet-like shape looks quite different from other travel pillows on the market, it's still easy to put on and offers excellent portability. Plus, this newer model features an easy way to clip the pillow to a backpack or luggage handle. One thing to note is that the price point is quite high compared to other pillows on the market, but the unique design and high-quality fabric and construction make it worth it for those with higher budgets.

The Details: Alcantara fabric, WPS mesh | 12 x 6 x 4 inches (folded) | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Dera Burreson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

The silk material is gentle on skin and hair while traveling.

This pillow is 12 by 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy silk travel accessories, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This silk pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but you can still use it in a hotel bed, and it's perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your personal item bag . After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it still shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester | 12 x 6 inches

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Adjustability

Buyue travel neck pillow.

You can swivel it around to support any part of your head.

It comes with a drawstring bag to stuff it in, but the pillow still takes up a good chunk of space in a backpack.

With thick cushioning on one side of the pillow, the unique design of this travel pillow makes it easy to get comfortable in a small space where there isn't much wiggle room. No matter which way your head tilts when you sleep, you can adjust this pillow with the largest part of cushioning rotated to support the side or back of your head, or you can turn it to the front to prevent your chin from tipping forward or bobbing around. After testing the pillow on both road trips and long flights, we found that the fabric is breathable and soft for resting your head on, and we love that the cover comes off to toss it in the wash. Because of the thicker side of the pillow, it does take up a bit more space in a backpack, but it does come with a drawstring bag if you prefer to carry it outside of your luggage.

The Details: Polyester, spandex | 8 x 8 x 8 inches | Machine washable | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Ava Wegner

Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow

It has a modular design to shift from a U-shape to a rectangular pillow, offering versatility at an affordable price.

The neck pillow might not offer enough support for some since it's on the softer side.

This microbead pillow from Samsonite can be used as a neck pillow if you're sitting upright or you can shift it into a rectangular pillow for leaning against a window or laying on a tray table. The handy two-in-one design already gets bonus points for versatility, but the budget-friendly price makes it all the more better. In testing, it was an effortless process to switch from the U-shape to the rectangle shape by flipping the pillow inside out. Made with polyester and microfiber beads, this pillow is shockingly lightweight and feels nearly weightless to carry around an airport. Because the pillow is on the softer side with the microfiber beads, we discovered it's not as supportive as a memory foam pillow, but it still offered enough support to prevent the neck from uncomfortably craning too far to one side.

The Details: Polyester | 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches | Hand wash

Travel + Leisure / Anita Rutz

Best Splurge

Purple harmony anywhere pillow.

This supportive pillow is comfortable enough to sleep on at night and would make any hotel stay feel more luxurious.

At over three pounds, it's quite heavy but feels weightless if you attach the strap to a backpack.

If you're looking for a travel pillow that is just as comfortable — if not more so — than your pillows at home, then this luxurious one from Purple is the one for you. It's a miniature version of the brand's best-selling Harmony pillow, and it boasts the same cooling gel and bouncy, neck-supporting feel as the larger version. During testing, we found this pillow to be noticeably cooling, breathable, and moisture-wicking, which can come in handy for camping. We wouldn't use this pillow during flights because of the plush, rectangular shape that wouldn't work well when sitting upright, but it would be ideal when you're laying flat, like in a hotel room.

It comes with a machine-washable pillow cover, and there is a travel case sold separately . Because this is one of the priciest pillows on this list, we do wish the travel case was included, but we do think it's worth adding on for its carrying straps and compression features. The pillow feels quite heavy on its own, but when you attach the strap to a backpack, it feels weightless to carry. You can also compress the pillow in half if you have the travel case, making it much more portable. Although this is a splurge for a travel pillow, we think it's worth the investment for travelers in search of a comfortable pillow with luxe features like a breathable honeycomb design, a moisure-wicking cover, and strong neck support.

The Details: Talalay latex, knit | 16 x 13 x 6 inches | Machine washable

Travel + Leisure / Jackie Cucco

Best Breathable

Sleep number travel pillow.

The memory foam filling and synthetic fiber exterior let air pass through for superior breathability.

The pillow is large and was cumbersome to carry, especially for light packers.

It can get hot and stuffy on an airplane, so we love that the synthetic materials used to create this Sleep Number travel pillow are light and airy. The memory foam filling is bouncy and lightweight, and the soft fabric pillowcase is cooling enough to prevent overheating while sleeping in a plane, car, or train. Along with an airplane footrest , it could make a flight more comfortable. We used the pillow on a long-haul flight to Ireland and found it was ideal for leaning your head against the window or on the tray table since the pillow is on the larger side. While the size offers extra cushioning and support like a regular pillow, it did make it slightly annoying to carry through crowded airports since it doesn't come with a compact carrying case. However, it does come with a drawstring bag to carry it separately or you can use the clasp to attach it to backpacks, suitcases, or other luggage.

The Details: Lyocell blend, memory foam | 17 x 12 inches | Machine-washable cover | Carrying case included

Travel + Leisure / Emily Johnson

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

Some travel pillows we tested almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses, though they still might make suitable options for some travelers.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow : If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, this one is a good alternative. But because of its design, it offers no neck support and isn't the most useful when traveling via plane or train.

Slip Jet Setter Travel Pillow : The silk material is luxurious soft and cooling, but the pillow itself is extremely bulky to wear and difficult to travel with.

Snugl Neck Travel Pillow : Made with soft and supportive memory foam, the pillow is ultra-comfy to use in-flight, but we had a lot of trouble getting it back into the carrying case.

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow : The comfort level with this pillow is so high that we started using it to sleep on nightly at home. However, it's not very portable, and we had a hard time rolling it up into the case.

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow : This is a great pick for travelers who get warm quickly, as the pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up when you wear it. However, we didn't find it as comfortable or supportive as the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow , so we would recommend that one instead, especially since they retail at similar prices.

Our T+L team tested more than 40 travel pillows to find the very best ones for every type of comfort-seekers. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched and tested popular options, including pillows with the classic U-shape and rectangular ones, too.

Paying close attention to traits like comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we noted various features that stood out to us for both good and bad reasons. We looked for special features such as cooling designs, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer to check if they rang true. Our favorite 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. 

After our real-world test, which involved trying the pillows on cross-country road trips and long-haul flights, we brought a few options into our lab to have one team member test them all against each other head-to-head. We then adjusted our results based on the direct comparison, and we will continue to capture testing notes every few months to update our articles accordingly.

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 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 stuff your suitcase full, a compact travel pillow that fits 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 or backpack and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station. It's always more convenient when a carrying case is included, especially if it has a luggage trolley sleeve or straps.

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a firmer 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 are more suited to travelers who like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Think about how you plan to use it

Travel pillows are a relatively broad category, so you'll want to narrow down your intended use and travel habits before purchasing since they come in all different shapes, styles, and sizes. For example, if you often find yourself in the middle seat while flying, you'll want a pillow with lots of head support like a memory foam, U-shape pillow or an infinity style that you can adjust. However, window-seaters might opt for a rectangular pillow for leaning against the plane wall.

Travel pillows aren't just for flights, either. There are also rectangular options that can help make you more comfortable while camping or staying in hotel rooms, rental properties, or even friend's houses that might not have great pillows. They are also a road trip essential for every adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

You can generally find washing instructions on the tag of the travel pillow when you buy it. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our team members opted to air dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a hot dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth dipped in soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that you wrap around the neck to support your neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. 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. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows for certain situations, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability.

Most travel pillows will come with carrying cases to compress the pillow, making it more portable. If the carrying case doesn't have a handle, it should still pack down small enough to fit in a personal item such as a backpack or a tote bag. Some pillows have a luggage trolley pass-through sleeve, which you can slip over the handle of your suitcase, while others may have a strap or a clip that you can attach to a backpack to carry it hands-free.

Some pillows are specifically designed to be worn in multiple different ways, but in general, it depends on your comfort preferences. You can wear a travel pillow backward , forward, or you can lean on it in the window seat — the most important thing is finding the most comfortable position for you.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a New York-based commerce writer at T+L, where she writes most of the team's tested content. Anna participated in testing travel pillows and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best ones on the market based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train. We will continue to update this article as we test even more travel pillows.

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Protect Your Trip »

The 7 best travel neck pillows for 2024.

Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.

The Best Travel Neck Pillows

Courtesy of Cabeau

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

• Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 on Amazon
• Jump to features and traveler insights ↓
• Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow on Amazon
• Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow on Amazon
• Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow on Amazon

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "I brought this neck pillow on 15-hour flights to and from New Zealand, and it proved to be a great investment," says Catriona Kendall , editor at U.S. News. "The pillow gave me enough support to sleep comfortably for hours, and I especially loved how I could roll it up into a small pouch and clip it to my personal item ."

Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing. The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable.

Price: $39.99 or less

Best Affordable: MVLOC Travel Pillow

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less

Best for Long Flights: Trtl Travel Pillow

Courtesy of Trtl

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $64.99 or less

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Best Multipurpose: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Courtesy of Huzi Design

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $49.99 or less

Best Inflatable: Sunany Inflatable Travel Pillow

Courtesy of Sunany

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

Price: $23.99 or less

Best for Backpacking: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , senior digital producer at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less

Best for Kids: BCOZZY Double Support Neck Pillow

Courtesy of BCOZZY

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $40.97 or less

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

• Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like packable jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

• Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket . This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
• Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
• Earplugs: You can buy traditional foam earplugs to block out some of the external noise, or invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones .
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Sleep mask: A sleep mask helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• How to Get Wheelchair Assistance at the Airport

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Advertisement

The Best Travel Pillow

By Sabrina Imbler

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give. It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow. It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit. Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace. The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size. Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep. The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly. While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me. While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood. In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.” In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off. The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl. But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest Ultimate’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest Ultimate with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a newer model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks. The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau. Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy, which we talk more about below .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable, and it is pricy.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a later addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs nearly twice as much.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a newer version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front. Also, one of our former freelance writers recently reported that when she pulled her pillow out of storage, after a few years of not using it, its internal bladder disintegrated in her hands.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Pluto Pod Travel Pillow: A First-Class Sleep Experience in Economy

by Dorie Chevlen

This travel pillow is so great you won’t even care if you look silly wearing it.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

by Elissa Sanci

You might look funny while wearing the one-sided Trtl travel pillow in flight, but you won’t care when you land at your destination bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

The 36 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Samantha Schoech

We’ve put together a selection of fun, useful and clever gifts for that person who always has a trip planned.

The Best Pillow for Side Sleepers

by Jackie Reeve

We recommend the Xtreme Comforts Shredded Memory Foam Pillow for most side-sleepers. If you prefer a smoother cover, get Nest Bedding's Easy Breather Pillow .

The Best Travel Pillows of 2024

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Upgrade your next flight with a travel pillow. We’ve all been there: shuffling through first class, begrudgingly looking at the spacious cubicles of the travel elite — the leg room, the side tables, the seats that fully recline into flat beds.

While first class has elevated comfort to new heights, it seems like the rest of us are only losing ground in airline seating. It won’t bring you hourly cocktails, but a good travel pillow can make the best of your travel experience.

The GearJunkie staff’s travel schedule isn’t stacked — we’ll take maybe five flights a year. But arriving rested is important for a number of reasons. We are either flying across the country, requiring a (very) early departure so we can make afternoon meetings. Or we are traveling overseas to a media event packed with presentations followed by a full plate of physical activity.

Either way, if we are not working on the plane, we are sleeping. Or trying to sleep. And we are always flying coach.

If you are trying to catch some winks in the air, outside over-the-counter medication, the best way to make the most of it is by investing in a good travel pillow. Really folks.

If you are spending hard-earned cash on a rare travel opportunity — maybe a once-in-a-lifetime trip — you really owe it to yourself to ditch the rolled-up sweatshirt and spend an extra $40 on a pillow. Feeling rested gives you a leg up on arrival, allowing you to do more of what you are there for … enjoying the trip.

To find the best travel pillows for 2024, we tested 20 pillows, evaluating comfort, support, and ease of transport through the terminal. The GearJunkie staff is a mobile group that has used and enjoyed these pillows. Every pillow on this list is a sleep number champ. After perusing our selection, have a look at our spec comparison chart and read the buyer’s guide for more info. Otherwise, tuck into our list of the best to catch some shut-eye with.

• Best Overall Travel Pillow: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Best Budget Travel Pillow: Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
• Best Travel Pillow for Side Sleepers: TRLT Travel Pillow
• Best Inflatable Travel Pillow: Blabok Inflatable Travel Pillow
• Best Travel Pillow for a Window Seat: J-Pillow Travel Pillow
• Best Travel Pillow for Aisle or Middle Seat: Cabeau The Neck’s Evolution S3 (TNE) Neck Pillow

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

• Materials Memory foam
• Shape Neck pillow
• Weight 13 oz.
• Travel Bag Yes

• Ergonomic design aligns the back of the pillow flush with seat
• Best in class memory foam pillow is soft and supportive
• Great lateral and chin support stabilizes the head in all directions
• Some compression against the jugular when strapped down too tight
• Foam closes around the neck entirely, which can trap heat and feel too warm for some

Memory foam is the ideal fluff for a supportive travel pillow. But even the best foam isn’t going to give you the support you need for long-haul comfort if it isn’t formed right. What elevates the Travelrest Nest ($40) above the rest isn’t in what they have added — it’s in what they took away.

Travelrest cut a wedge out from behind the neck of the Nest, allowing the pillow to lay flush against the seat. Slip-resistant rubber pads are printed on the underside, preventing the pillow from sliding off the headrest. Your head remains stable and motion-free without all the bulk behind the head.

Another notch is carved out behind the neck, allowing the back of the head to sit naturally into the pillow. The functional form lets you lean back and rest without having to tilt the chair back, which makes everyone else a little bit happier.

In our experience, many travel pillows don’t support the chin securely enough. We are happy to report the Travelrest Nest fastens around the neck with Velcro tabs, cradling the chin and preventing head nods while dozing off. The combination of form and foam gently secures the head in a neutral position and makes the Travelrest Nest pillow our top choice. 

Out of our four testers, all agreed that the Travelrest Nest is by far the most comfortable travel pillow. And at just a penny under $40, it’s an easy product to recommend investing in for your next travel plans. For most travelers out there, this is the travel pillow to snag.

Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

• Materials Microbeads
• Weight 7 oz.
• Travel Bag No

• Inexpensive option
• Good for side sleepers
• Dual-sided microfleece or spandex cover for temperature regulation
• Large volume behind the neck requires you to rotate the pillow to the side to sleep.
• No pillowcase or travel bag

Better than the stock pillow provided by the airline, and many sleeps beyond the sweatshirt stuffed behind your neck, the Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow ($16) is a small investment for better sleep on the go.

The top of the pillow is soft microfleece with soft, cooling spandex on the underside. Inside, the hemi donut-shaped pillow is filled with small foam microbeads. Think of it as a fleecy beanbag pillow for your neck. 

This is a great starter pillow for those who are considering getting a travel pillow, but don’t want to spend a lot of money on it. You need to know it’s going to be a little limiting though. 

The back of the pillow has a lot of fill, which is OK if you just want some support while reading or binging the latest inflight entertainment. But it’s too much pillow behind the neck if you want to get some sleep. 

We found we had to rotate the pillow 90˚, shifting the bulk of the pillow to the side. This also turns the notch to the side, which does two things. It supports the chin better, and it supports the head pretty well for side sleepers. It does expose the other side to nodding off and down to the side, so choose your side wisely.

The microbead fill is louder than other synthetic lofts, and over time, the microbeads can collect dirt and grime. Since there is no pillowcase, you will have to either spot-clean this pillow or risk washing the entire pillow in a washing machine (on gentle and in a delicates bag). But for 16 bucks, the Microbead Travel Neck pillow gets a lot of things right and is our bargain pick for travel pillows.

TRLT Travel Pillow

• Materials Fleece scarf with internal plastic frame
• Weight 4.25 oz.

• Small and compact pillow
• Removable case
• Supportive for head bobbers
• Light weight
• Looks like a neck brace
• Caused some mid-back pain on longer flight

The TRTL Travel Pillow ($60) is a quirky-looking little pillow that caught our tester’s attention because they are a side sleeper, and a bit of a head bobber. If this describes you, it’s a familiar story: As soon as you start to fall asleep, your head drops and jolts you awake, beginning a rinse-and-repeat cycle of catching interrupted micro naps. 

That’s all in the past with this pillow, which has an internal plastic frame that sits over the shoulder and wraps around the neck up toward the ear. You instinctively lean into the structure, and it cradles the head from the side. 

A microfleece scarf fastens over the chin and around the neck, gently locking the head in place. It works so well that our tester realized their head began to gradually float off the chairback without dropping the chin. It’s an odd sensation, and you can fix this by tilting the seat back slightly, allowing gravity to do what it does best. 

The TRLT is a small, compact pillow that is easy to maintain. The pillowcase unzips off the frame and can be thrown in the wash. The downside is it looks a bit like a neck brace, and we found the plastic scaffolding can push up against the ear. We also found that while it stabilizes the neck, the stabilizing force was oddly distributed down the chain to the middle of the back, causing some dull pain on longer flights.

Overall, the TRTL Travel Pillow offers a simple solution that’s easy to maintain. It’s a bit pricey, but we feel the simplicity and function warrant the price.

Blabok Inflatable Travel Pillow

• Materials Vinyl with air
• Shape Head pillow
• Weight Unknown

• Inexpensive
• Incredibly comfortable
• Easy to inflate and deflate
• Comes with eye mask and ear plugs
• Incurs funny looks

Our reviewer ordered the funky-looking Blabok Inflatable Travel Pillow ($25) as a last-minute addition to an international flight, where she knew she would be spending some serious sleep hours on the plane. 

“In the past, I’ve quietly giggled to myself when seeing travelers dutifully blow into their airport comfort balloons, but I’m a convert. Through flight delays, layovers, and crazy long flights, I ended up singing the praises of this thing!”

It not only gives you multiple positions to support your head and neck during a flight, but during layovers, it is a solid napper in quiet terminal corners. Armholes allow comfortable positioning, and the open, airy internal chamber means you can breathe easily while face down in the pillow. And to our surprise, it’s shockingly easy to inflate. A few breaths, and you’re good to go.

The Blabok pillow deflates just as fast and rolls up tiny, making it our favorite inflatable travel pillow and our preferred travel pillow for long flights. Bonus tip: Because of its shape, if you have sore legs/hips from your adventures, it can be used as a knee support pillow. Funny looks be damned, we’re sleeping better than anyone else on the Blabok Inflatable Travel Pillow .

J-Pillow Travel Pillow

• Materials Polyester fill
• Shape Head and neck pillow
• Weight 11 oz.

• Great for side sleepers who lean against a wall
• Chin support spots you from leaning forward
• Soft microfleece cover
• Only supports one side of the head
• Doesn't compress down as well as memory foam

Not your traditionally shaped travel pillow, the J-Pillow Travel Pillow ($50-60) has three dimensions that cradle the head and neck in an X, Y, and Z axis. The head leans into the large flaps, with the ‘J’ tail wrapping under the chin. It gives the neck mild support and prevents the head from dropping forward.

As you would suspect from a pillow you lean into, the J-Pillow is ideal for those who have a window seat, where you can catch some winks against a wall. One side is completely unsupported, so if you are the type of sleeper who tosses a bit and occasionally leans the other way, your sleep might get disrupted.

We found this more of a problem when seated in the aisle or middle seat. Seated next to the window, we could lean into the pillow with the added confidence of uninterrupted sleep.

The J-Pillow is filled with a polyester loft. It’s not as firm as memory foam, and it doesn’t run as warm either. That’s partly because the structure only cradles half the head. The airflow is decent, and with the airplane vent aimed at us, this pillow keeps things cool.

No removable cover to be found here, and you toss the entire pillow in the wash — which isn’t a bad thing. It ensures the entire pillow is cleaned. The pillow crushes down to a small, travel-friendly size and carries in the provided stuff sack. 

Despite the quirky design, the J-Pillow is a comfortable and supportive option — especially if you like to sit tucked away in a window seat.

Cabeau The Neck’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow

• Best in class memory foam comfort
• High lateral walls for maximum head support
• Seat straps holds pillow to the chair
• Over-the-top elastic strap supports chin and keeps mouth closed
• Raised side supports feel bulky and adds pressure around the neck
• With straps, this is a more fidgety travel pillow and takes time to set up

No matter how good the pillow, it’s hard to prevent the dreaded head bob. Even Cabeau — the grandmaster of travel pillows — couldn’t get around this. This matters most when seated in the aisle or middle seat, where personal space is limited. To that end, Cabeau released The Neck’s Evolution S3 ($50). The secret sauce? Straps — lots of them.

A pair of vertical straps tack the pillow to the seat back, cutting the bobble off at the head. If the pillow doesn’t move, you don’t move. The third, elastic strap, wraps over the pillow’s horseshoe ends (not out in front), fastening to the opposite side. Wrapping over the pillow, the strap is, in essence, a hammock for your chin. It keeps the chin up and prevents the head from nodding forward.

What we love about this design is that it 1) immobilizes the chin just enough without feeling too rigid, and 2) leaves the front of the pillow exposed, allowing the neck to cool off. This is important because memory foam can really trap the heat. With the small gap, the pillow spills heat, keeping you feeling cooler. It’s kind of genius.

The memory foam is the softest we tested. It is even softer than the Travelrest Nest (which is made from very good, resilient foam). We did find the amount of foam significant and noticeable. The sidewalls ride up to just below the ears. If you end up slouching in your chair (or have a shorter neck), this is pronounced and you feel the foam pushing into the ears and around the neck. This can become uncomfortable over time. 

The pillow rolls up tight and packs in a zippered pouch. And if all this isn’t enough, Cabeau threw in a pair of earplugs to help cancel out the noise. All in all, at just under $50, the Cabeau The Neck’s Evolution S3 is an excellent neck pillow and a good alternative to the Travelrest Nest .

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Pillow

• Shape Neck Pillow
• Weight 10.5 oz.

• Asymmetrical design rotates 360˚ to fit a variety of sleep positions while seated
• Accommodates over the ear headphones
• Small packed size and comes with a travel bag
• Available in two different sizes
• Low sides do not provide as much lateral support
• Snug fit can be too tight

One of the best advantages you can give yourself while traveling is options. The asymmetrical shape of Cushion Lab’s Ergonomic Travel Pillow ($55), allows you to turn the pillow around your neck to match the seating requirements. 

Flat on the underside, the top of the pillow rolls between 2.5 and 5 inches, with three different notches that you can position under the chin and behind the head. Window, middle seat, aisle … the variety allows you to find the best sleeping position for any seat.

The memory foam pillow is protected by a form-fitting pillow case with an elastic cord that keeps the pillow packed tight. It all packs away nicely in a small widemouth ditty bag that is easy to pack and unpack. 

The extra-dense memory foam is stiffer and similar to what we found in the Ostrich Go Neck . While the Go Neck is perhaps more stylish, the third notch gives the Ergonomic Travel Pillow one more option to find the perfect position — and the upper edge between the two. 

We also like Cushion Lab’s overall lower profile. It allows you to wear over-the-ear headphones and feels less restrictive without compromising head and neck support. The Ergonomic Travel Pillow lives up to the name and allows for fine-tuning your fit to match your travel circumstances perfectly.

Ostrich Go Neck Pillow

• Asymmetrical sides allow you to rotate the pillow into multiple positions to match the seating
• Crushes down small
• Washable removable cover
• Dense memory foam has excellent support
• High sidewalls press into ears
• Wrapping design holds heat

Another innovator in the travel pillow space, Ostrich brings disruptive designs that are both functional and fun. The Go Neck Pillow ($70) is a stylish memory foam “shawl” that secures around the neck with a hook-and-loop closure. The wave-like shape has a lower, plumper cushion that rises and narrows behind the neck before it crests to a taller, thinner pad. The asymmetrical cushions narrow and close together with a 5-inch Velcro tab.

You can rotate the Go Neck to match a variety of positions, but we really only found two that work — with the chin between the fold where the two flaps come together, or 180˚ backward, with the chin tucked in the other narrowing. The pillow feels more comfortable with the overlap in front, but the reverse is slightly taller and supports the chin well.

While ergonomic (and perhaps even beautifully designed) the foundation of the Go Neck is a stiffer memory foam. It isn’t as soft as either the Cabeau or Travelrest pillows. The firmness is supportive, but can feel more rigid and less forgiving over time. Plus it’s about $20-$30 more than our top pillows, which excludes it from what we feel are better bargain options.

BCOZZY Neck Pillow

• Weight 8 oz.

• Adaptive design rotates around the neck to give you support where you need it
• Allows plenty of ear room for those who wear over-the-ear headphones
• Fully machine washable
• Four different size variations available
• Takes a while to position it right
• Snug wrapping design can get hot

Many travel pillows are available in a one-size-fits-all option, which means if it doesn’t fit you, it doesn’t work at all. So when a travel pillow comes in a variety of sizes that can be configured to match a variety of seating options, our interest is piqued.

Bcozzy’s Neck Pillow ($45-60) snakes around the neck, overlapping the ends with a long Velcro hook and loop closure. The long, skinny pillow undulates with alternating hourglass narrows and plump supportive pads. Available in four sizes (two youth, two adults) there’s a Bcozzy for everyone. And, you can rotate the pillow 360˚ around the neck to give you support where you need it. 

Side leaner? Rotate the overlapping ends under the ear and lean into the pillow. Middle seat? Position the narrow section behind the neck and support the chin with the overlapping ends. Departing the plane? Just loosen up the Velcro tabs and wear it off the plane. Compared to other pillows, it wears relatively under the radar and is easy to use.

The Bcozzy doesn’t have a removable pillowcase. Instead, you toss the whole thing in the washing machine to wash the entire pillow. It is recommended that you put it inside a delicates bag or a tied-off pillowcase and wash it on a gentle cycle. This prevents the machine from breaking down the polyester fibers.

The Bcozzy Neck Pillow isn’t the cheapest pillow on our list, but with the right size, it is very easy to use and works in virtually any seated position, making this one of the more versatile travel pillows on our list.

Honeydew Sleep Company Scrumptious Travel Pillow

• Materials Copper infused cooling memory foam
• Weight 2 lbs., 8 oz.

• You can add or remove fill to match your desired firmness
• Hand-made in U.S.A.
• Bulky to carry
• Large size forces chin to drop even with the seat tilted all the way back

Take your favorite pillow from home, shrink it by 30%, and cut a wedge in it so it curves around the neck, and you’ve got Honeydew’s Scrumptious Travel Pillow ($130-220). 

The memory foam fill is shredded into small pieces, giving it a soft and even fluff. Infused with copper, it’s antimicrobial and helps keep the body cool. The downside is that it doesn’t pack down as well.

Stuffed inside the provided cotton sack (included), the pillow carries around at a bulky 9 x 12 inches. That’s partly the foam, but there’s no getting around — it’s a lot of pillow. Unpacked, the Scrumptious is a whopping 12 x 21 inches. 

A crescent-shaped notch lays behind the neck and over the shoulders, allowing you to lean back into the pillow. But it wasn’t enough to prevent our chins from dropping. Even with the seat pushed all the into the furthest position, the mass of the pillow pushed our heads forward. We found it hard to prevent the chin from dipping down as we dozed. 

The Scrumptious is big and not all that comfortable while on the plane. But once we arrived at our destination, we stored the hotel pillow in the closet and used the Scrumptious instead. The soft and even proprietary fill is better than our pillows at home and gives us a better night’s rest while on the road.

You just need to be prepared to carry the extra baggage with you as a carry-on, or find room for the pillow in your bags. For the comfort the Honeydew Scrumptious Travel Pillow provides, however, it’s worth finding the space.

Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow

• Materials 20-denier polyester face fabric, TPU air bladder
• Weight 3 oz.
• Travel Bag 3 x 4 x 2" soft-sided case

• Truly lightweight and compact travel pillow
• Three chin snaps fit multiple neck sizes
• Narrows at the middle to accommodate for neck tilt
• Expensive for an air pillow
• Lacks support of a foam pillow
• Little to no chin support

Sea to Summit has been making some of our favorite camp pillows for years. In fact, the Aeros Ultralight is our go-to pillow for most of our adventures where weight is critical. If an inflatable pillow can handle what the Rockies, Cascades, and all the associated climbing gear can throw at it, we feel confident it can handle the threats faced in coach.

Made specifically for traveling, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow ($45) is a crescent-shaped version of their inflatable camp pillow. The poles of the kidney-shaped pillow inflate out over the shoulders and snug up against the neck just below the ears, tapering behind the neck between the two poles.

The pillow snaps together securely under the chin with three snap options. We like how the snaps provide more security than Velcro. From kids to weightlifters, the options fits a variety of neck sizes. Unfortunately, the Aeros doesn’t support the neck as well as memory foam. Both side-to-side and chin support were less stable than the memory foam counterparts. 

And at $45, you aren’t getting a better deal. You are buying a lack of space. The Aeros packs down to the size of a deck of cards or two and weighs in at a welterweight 3 ounces, which is how most ultralight investments work. You don’t buy comfort; you buy room in the pack. 

This makes the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller an option for gram-counting travelers who feel strongly that comfort is a luxury. It also works as a good backup travel pillow or if you are carrying for two and need to carry a barebones backup pillow. If an airline weight limit is giving you the business, this is the pillow to grab.

Hest Travel Pillow

• Materials Cut up memory foam, stretch-woven nylon cover
• Weight 1 lb., 4 oz.

• Stuffs and zips up into into itself with durable outer carrying case
• Soft and incredibly comfortable foam fill
• Mimics the feel of a full-size pillow
• Soft pillow case is purchased after market
• Some users find the cut up memory foam feels lumpy

The Hest Travel Pillow ($75) is billed as both a camping and travel pillow. It is a small, 10 x 15-inch rectangular pillow with some overbuilt upgrades that make it probably a better (read: heavy) option for traveling over camping. 

The entire pillow is carried inside a water-resistant nylon shell, which reminds us of a hearty ski jacket denier. Unzip the outer shell and the pillow pulls inside out with a softer stretch woven material. Another zipper reveals the inner pillow — which you can remove and throw the case in the wash for cleaning.

The memory foam is doughy soft and a good upgrade from most camp pillows. But it’s also more expensive. At $75, it’s creeping into a serious sleep investment. While the stretch woven pillow liner is soft, Hest sells an even softer aftermarket pillowcase, but you will have to open the wallet a little more and pay an additional $20.

A rectangular memory foam pillow is the closest approximation to a pillow from home and it works great in a pinch catching a nap in the terminal or as a backup pillow at the hotel if the provided pillows look suspicious. 

For overall comfort, we prefer the modified rectangular pillow from Honeydew . The brand’s Scrumptious Pillow is divine. But for overall packability and travel-friendly size, we prefer the Hest Travel Pillow , which crunches down to about 1.5 L (and costs half the price of the Scrumptious).

Travel Pillow Comparison Chart

How we tested travel pillows.

The GearJunkie staff gets around. At least one of us is in the air during any given week traveling on assignment — so we’ve logged the miles, all of them in coach, and many of these clocked across the Atlantic or Pacific. The redeye may be effective, but it also means if we don’t get our rest, we are up for a very long following day. To make it all work, the GearJunkie staff gets by on coffee… and travel pillows.

Like your pillow at home, a travel pillow should support the neck and be comfortable. Since it’s for use on the road, it should also pack up small so we can either wear it to our connecting flight or securely clip it to our carry-on luggage or travel backpack without whacking other travelers.

To test pillows, we evaluated fill materials and took note of how pillows supported the neck. Did it limit head bobble and keep the neck aligned? Or were we woken up nodding forward? We evaluated how soft the outer material is, and if we could remove and wash the case during or after our travels.

In our search, we aimed to find and test pillows that every person stuck in coach across the spectrum could enjoy — from window, aisle, to middle seat (be damned), we chose for travelers marching gate to gate with pillows around necks or strapped to our luggage.

We take testing seriously and the testing doesn’t stop here. As new travel pillows hit the market, we’ll be lining up with the rest of you and continue to test, ensuring that our lineup is as fresh as walking into customs at 7 a.m.

Steve Graepel has worked at GearJunkie as a contributing editor since 2009, testing everything from packrafts, to bike bags, cycling bibs, sleeping bags, winter boots, trail runners, and travel pants . Many of these stories require travel to meet with manufacturers and test gear in real-world conditions. Between testing, Steve is always striving for the perfect sleep score. His personal best is 87.

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Travel Pillow for You

Travel pillow design and fill.

The overall goal of a travel pillow is to support the head for uninterrupted rest. Travel pillows get this done with designs that contour around the body’s shape and close the gaps by molding the pillow’s fill to the head and neck. Together, the shape and fill keep everything comfortably in alignment.

Not all pillows are created equal. That’s because not all seats are the same. While you can lean your head against the wall in a window seat, you are stuck sleeping upright in an aisle or middle seat. Bobblehead sleepers might give in and drop into the tray for uninterrupted sleep.

If you can select your seat in advance, you can better predict the best pillow to bring. But we’re not always that lucky (nor that good at planning) so it might be helpful to have a few pillows available to match your assigned seat, or pick a good all-rounder travel pillow that works in a variety of seating.

Most travel pillows are horseshoe-shaped and wrap around your neck. The semicircular shape keeps the head from wobbling too much and maintains neck alignment. This design works well in almost every seat, as long as you don’t mind sleeping upright.

Side sleepers might prefer some structure to support the neck or padding that accommodates leaning against a wall. The downside is your head can still slide off the unsupported side and nod forward.

The rectangular pillow is your traditional camp pillow. Tried and true, these down, synthetic, or even air-filled pillows can be a little bulky, but don’t rule them out. They are a great option for table sleepers and window leaners, and are miles ahead of your down jacket when trying to catch some zzz’s between flights on the terminal floor.

A more updated window seat option is the J-Pillow . Winner of the British Invention of the Year, the J-Pillow offers head, neck, and chin support, and can flip sides, making it a good option for windows.

Memory Foam

One of the many wonders that came out of NASA, memory foam was developed in the 1960s. It is a viscous polyurethane that crushes down small and bounces back with hearty resilience. Recently, memory foam has become the online mattress wonder-kid, bringing mattress stores to their knees by selling directly to consumers.

We also see a lot of memory foam used in the latest camp mattresses and camp pillows. The benefit is that it forms to the body, cradling the head and neck with support. It’s a durable and comfortable fill and is a good choice for people who take sleeping seriously.

The downside is that when crushed, the foam is constantly trying to expand. To keep the pillow packed down, you need to stuff it in the stuff sack (usually sold with the pillow). And even packed, it’s always going to take up some space. A good insulator, foam will also retain heat more than other insulations. If you are a hot sleeper, consider options with cooling covers and venting designs.

Some memory foams are shredded or cut into small pieces. The foam lofts evenly but doesn’t crush down as small as the solid memory foam pillows. Both Hest and Honeydew offer shredded memory foam pillows. Both brands are also traditional rectangular-shaped pillows that mimic your pillow from home.

As the name implies, microbeads are small, round beads that are used to loft the pillow. To clarify, we aren’t talking about the microspheres smaller than one millimeter that are banned in North America. These are the larger, beanbag fill that shift inside the pillow to fill in otherwise awkward spaces while distributing pressure on the head and neck.

If you’ve ever spent much time sitting in a bean bag chair, you already know the downside. A microbead pillow can be comfortable out of the gate, but over time the microbeads shift and feel more uncomfortable. You might find yourself waking up and readjusting the pillow during your flight.

A firmer, stuffed microbead pillow will provide more support, and microbead pillows are usually less expensive. The only microbead pillow on our list is the Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow . At $16, it’s a bargain and works better than other microbead pillows we’ve tested.

Down and Synthetic Fill

The rectangular synthetic (or down) fill pillow is your old-school camp pillow. While down compacts more, both synthetic and down rectangular pillows can be a little bulky, and since they typically don’t clip to your luggage or wrap around your neck, you inevitably need to carry them around in your hands.

But don’t rule them out — they are a great option for table sleepers, as they fill in the gaps against the window, and are miles ahead of your down jacket when trying to catch some zzz’s between flights on the terminal floor. Plus, you can use them camping or at the hotel if the provided linens look debatable.

Inflated Air

Pillows have come a long way, but some technology doesn’t need to be fixed. The inflatable pillow supports through design of the shell that wraps around the neck. An inflatable camp pillow is great for using on extended backcountry trips. They pack down small and disappear in the pack.

In general, inflatable pillows aren’t as comfortable. They tend to be firmer than foam pillows and don’t snug and support as well as their memory foam counterparts. And they can be prone to punctures, which makes them useless if that happens in flight.

Look for inflatable pillows that are made up of durable material, like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or one that comes with a rugged cover. Valves can also be a weak point on an inflatable pillow. Make sure the one you buy has a tough, well-built valve that isn’t prone to leaking. And ask around — fellow travelers and online reviews are your best resources for gauging a pillow’s durability over time.

All said, we found the inflatable travel pillow from Blablok one of the most comfortable pillows we’ve ever used. It’s massive but compresses down to a small package — one of the benefits of inflatable pillows.

With a travel pillow, a huge part of durability is inside the pillow. With proper care, a pillow filled with either microbeads, polyester fill, or memory foam can last for several years.

However, after repeated use, memory foam tends to be more durable and resilient than microbeads. It doesn’t flatten or get lumpy and is more resistant to collecting dust. So memory foam might be the better option if you want a long-term solution. We generally find memory foam to be more supportive, too.

In general, the more features a pillow has, the higher the price will be. We see this with well-established companies like Cabeau, which use high-quality memory foam and invest time in R&D to develop cooling vents and stabilization seat straps. While more expensive, these products are more dialed, durable, and comfortable designs.

When you shop for a pillow, determine your must-have features, weigh them against your style of sleep, look at your budget, and find a travel pillow that’s best for you. If you’re new to travel pillows and still trying to figure out what kind of pillow you want, consider what you don’t like with the complimentary pillow you get before takeoff. After all, it’s free and a great way to test a pillow with low commitment.

With that baseline, swing back by our buyer’s guide and look at what pillows work best to meet those gaps in your needs. In the end, a travel pillow shouldn’t cost more than $60. It’s a drop in the bucket for a better travel experience.

Packed Size

The ‘packability’ of a travel pillow matters less than it does for a camping pillow. But it still matters, and this point will be salient when you are boarding and departing the plane. If it wraps around your neck, you can suck it up and try to stylishly pull it off (don’t worry, nobody can). If it has a stuff sack, you can compress it (or not) and buckle it to your luggage. As a last resort, you can carry it out by hand.

We recommend stuffing a travel pillow in its stuff sack before you land and snapping it to your carry-on’s side pocket. This keeps the pillow out of the way and allows you to move quickly in and out of the gate and through the terminal.

The most compact travel pillow is an inflatable pillow, like the Sea To Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow . In general, we prefer a compressible pillow that offers support. Memory foam compresses reasonably well and, in our experience, is more comfortable.

Plus, we’d rather not make our first impression with others by blowing up anything on a plane. That said, the inflatable travel pillow from Blablok inflates quicker than you would think and is very comfortable on long flights.

Travel Tricks: Get a Good Night’s Sleep on a Plane

It’s fair to say sleep quality is compromised while in transit. But you can take extra measures to get the best rest possible. Below are travel tips we’ve gained from GearJunkie staff and our traveling friends in the industry.

Bring an Eye Mask

Sure, you can buy these but you may not need to. We always travel with a Buff . Our founder, Stephen Regenold — someone who’s seen it all — gave the Buff one of his highest accolades in a podcast interview with GearJunkie. He shared that the Buff might be one of the most unique pieces of gear ever developed. We use it as a hat, a sweatband, and pull over the eyes on flights. It does a great job of blocking out the light.

Continuing with damping out the senses, earplugs are a cheap and easy purchase. We get them in bulk at the hardware store and bring a few with us on the road. You may have a pair of these kicking around the garage or you might have noise-canceling headphones. Those less sensitive to sounds might get away with streaming music or podcasts through earbuds.

If you use over-the-ear headphones, consider a lower-profile travel pillow. We liked how the Bcozzy Travel Pillow slides low around the neck while still providing chin support options.

The cabin temperature on flights is generally set between 71 to 75 degrees F. That’s not bad, but it’s well below our core temperature. Dozing off, you may start to feel the chill set in. We always pack a good flannel , hoodie, or puffy jacket on a flight. It’s what we bring everywhere, so we keep one (or both) in our carry-on. And a hoodie or hat does a lot to keep heat from escaping.

Before you bed down, have a warm cup of caffeine-free tea or eat some fatty food. The extra calories will turn on your metabolism and burn off as heat. Finally, if they offer it, take advantage of that free blanket and drape it over your legs. If you run cold, every little bit helps.

Keep the Essentials at Hand

There’s a strategy for staying organized during travel. For us, it starts with a good travel pant. Knowing everything has its place keeps us worry-free and able to rest up peacefully. The best travel pants have pockets for your device, ID, and plane-friendly EDC. Plus pants with legs are warmer on overnight flights.

Absolutely. Travel pillows add a bit of comfort and help you get a better night’s sleep on the plane than a wadded-up jacket. The minimal investment of money, space, and weight is nothing compared to the comfort and support a good pillow provides. It only takes one long flight of trying to keep your head upright while dozing off to realize the value that a good travel pillow provides.

Different pillows have different requirements when it comes to cleaning. Be sure to check your pillow’s packaging. If your travel pillow has a removable pillow case, generally these can be thrown in the wash. We recommend following the instructions on the pillow case.

If you are on the road, you can wash the pillow cover out in the sink. You don’t need any special soap for this. Laundry soap or bath soap will work fine. Knead the pillow case gently with your hands until it’s clean. Then rinse it with clean water to get the soap out and hang it out overnight to dry.

If your pillow doesn’t have a removable case, we recommend spot washing them with soap and water or a cleaning wipe.

Most pillows require a bit more delicacy, particularly inflatable pillows. If you’re handwashing an inflatable pillow, make sure the valve is closed so water doesn’t get inside, and then immerse the pillow in soapy water. And never tumble-dry inflatable pillows, as it can damage the air bladder.

The best pillow is the one that matches your sleep needs. Most travel pillows are a horse-shoe shape that wraps around your neck to support your head. If you only want to buy one travel pillow, this semicircular pillow design is a great option. We recommend the Travelrest Nest Travel Pillow . It supports the head and neck without requiring a window to lean against and keeps you from nodding into an adjacent stranger.

Specialized pillows, like the J-Pillow , are great options for window seats. Side sleepers might appreciate the TRLT Travel Pillow , as it supports the head with a stiffened brace and emulates the position you’re most used to sleeping in at home.

If you already have one, don’t rule out the traditional camp pillow. Filled with down or synthetic loft, it can fill the crack against the window and provide a little more comfort than the stock pillows you might be handed before takeoff. It’s also a good pillow to pull out in the terminal if you are stuck between flights and need to crash for a few hours.

Long flights mean lots of idle time in the seat. Whether passing the time watching in-flight entertainment or getting the best sleep you can, we prefer the inflatable Blablok or the Travelrest Nest . Cabeau’s The Neck’s Evolution S3 Neck Pillow is also a great choice. The straps lock it to the headrest and prevent your head from bobbling forward.

We liked the simplicity of the TRTL Pillow and used it on a flight to Mexico. But we found that the internal support structure moved any pain from the neck, down the back between our shoulders. In the end, we preferred using the TRTL on shorter flights.

The simplest and most compact travel pillow is inflated with air. It won’t be as supportive as a memory foam pillow and can feel a little hard, but the air chamber can fit around your neck and add reasonable support. Deflated, it folds up and stows away smaller than a T-shirt.

The Best Camping Pillows of 2023

A camping pillow is both a luxury and an easy, lightweight addition to your pack. Here are the best camping pillows currently on the market.

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Steve Graepel is a Contributing Editor and Gear Tester at GearJunkie. He has been writing about trail running, camping, skiing, and general dirtbagging for 10+ years. When not testing gear with GearJunkie, he is a Senior Medical Illustrator on the Neurosurgery Team at Mayo Clinic. Based in Boise, Idaho, Graepel is an avid trail runner, camper, angler, cyclist, skier, and loves to introduce his children to the Idaho outdoors.

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The Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights

By Lauren Burvill

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flier and a rookie—the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flier, hanging from a backpack or being worn (wrongly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realize that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though—as we’ve done for you here— and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialized brands like  Trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

How we choose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we consider quality, price, unique design features, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

Our top picks:

• Best overall travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow
• Best budget buy: Dot & Dot Twist memory foam travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for an upgrade to a basic does-the-job travel pillow or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's Evolution S3 travel pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket—ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we love it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." — Sarah Allard , digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from Trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage—it weighs only 4.5 ounces. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved U-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we love it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortably on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” — Sarah James , deputy digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever crossbody-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we love it:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” — Lauren Burvill , senior commerce editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: red-eye flights

More than just a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, one of the best travel pillows we've tested? Absolutely.

Why we love it : “The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet.” — Juliet Izon , contributor

Read a full review here .

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders, or even lower back.

Why we love it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the Trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck, and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture, but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we love it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without it feeling too suffocating.” —L.B.

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Why we love it:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cozy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck—ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for : Versatility

Slip this microbead-filled cap over your head and you’ll completely redefine the experience of sleeping on the go. From the outside, the wacky-shaped headpiece may feel a tad like a Teletubbies costume, but once you pull your head through the 27.5-inch opening, any place you find yourself in—no matter how bright or how loud—can turn into a sleep zone.

Why we love it: “And there’s no right or wrong way to use it: On a plane, use it to lean against the wall of the window seat, lie head down on the tray table of the middle seat, or tilt backward on the headrest of the seat.” — Rachel Chang , contributor

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Get some quality shut-eye on the go

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

TripSavvy / Alessandra Amodio

Comfort is key when traveling, whether by car, train, bus, or airplane. And not just for your happiness—sitting or sleeping for hours on end can put your cervical spine (C-spine) in an unnatural position as your head bends downward to read, sways back to sleep on a headrest, or falls to the side to doze off against a window.

A travel pillow can help provide cushion to make falling asleep in transit easier, and the support may also help your C-spine and keep you comfortable during long flights and car rides. There are two main kinds of travel pillows: a donut or C-shape pillow and a rectangular pillow that mimics the type you use in bed.

All travel pillows should provide support and comfort, and you should be able to pack them down small enough to carry with you through an airport or on a train. To see what products were up to par, we tested 21 travel pillows over four weeks as we spent time in planes, trains, and cars. We looked for comfort, quality, portability, durability, and overall value.

Final Verdict

How we tested, other travel pillows we tested.

• What to Look For

Why Trust TripSavvy

Best overall, cabeau evolution classic travel pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Highly supportive material

Helps maintain natural C-spine shape

Easy-to-clean cover

Attaches to carry-on

Not as supportive for taller people

Material runs warm

Doesn’t pack down

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow has a responsive memory foam core, which we determined is what makes this neck pillow rise above the rest. Whether it's propping your head up while sleeping or supporting your neck while watching a movie, it feels like a cloud of softness and comfort that conforms to support your shape. 

The design is your traditional C-shape, but with raised sides to keep your neck up and a flattened rear to avoid pushing your C-spine forward. We thought the memory foam felt neither excessively firm nor too soft, but worked well to hold our head up comfortably when sleeping. Moreover, it bounced back to its original shape after we used it for over two hours.

The pillow doesn't deflate, but it has a clasp that keeps it from slipping around your neck and makes it easy to latch the pillow onto your bag when not in use. It comes with a soft cover that's removable and machine washable. Not only is it affordable, it's also better designed than most competitors at the same price point.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 10 x 5 inches | Weight: 11.6 ounces | Material: Polyurethane core, velour cover

TripSavvy / Daniela Galvez

Best Overall, Runner-Up

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Super comfortable with a memory foam core

Packs down (carrying case included)

User-friendly

Doesn’t secure in place to prevent slippage

Less intuitive for the middle seat

This neck pillow has a unique J-shape design meant to support your head and neck while leaning against a window or seat in a car, bus, or plane. We found it super supportive while napping on a 19+ hour car trip and quite intuitive to use—one tester's 6-year-old cousin figured out immediately how to position this pillow.

The J-Pillow is lightweight, easy to move around, soft, and plush. It features memory foam, which is why it feels so supportive, and it has a machine-washable, cuddly, soft cover. The pillow is also quite durable and maintains its shape no matter the damage: We squished it under all the luggage in a trunk and it bounced right back to shape and didn't get any snags. 

Bonus: It comes with a stuff bag that you can tie around luggage, making the awkward shape much easier to travel with.

Dimensions: 12 x 8 x 13 inches | Weight: 8.16 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, polyester blend cover

TripSavvy / Jennifer May

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Great quality for the price

Easy to travel with

Two fabric options for hot/cold

Cover isn’t removable or washable

During testing, we found this classic donut-shaped neck pillow comfortable, supportive, lightweight, and soft but sturdy. The core has millions of tiny microbeads and is covered with super soft, plush fabric on one side and cooling spandex on the other, depending on what you need most during your travels. 

The pillow features a snap closure in front that helps keep your neck from falling forward and makes the pillow easy to attach to your bag for transport. During our tests, we specifically liked this pillow for neck support while switching between napping and reading or using a computer on long flights or train rides. And, despite being just $20, it also felt very high quality. 

While it didn't tear or snag during our travels, it’s worth noting that if you were to catch this on a door or snag it somehow, the millions of microbeads in the filling would come pouring out. 

Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Weight: 7 ounces | Material: Polyester, polyester blend

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

• Portability 4 /5

Recycled materials

Flat design like a bed pillow

Versatile use

Doesn't specifically contour to the neck

Not the most compact when stowed

The Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is ideal if you value having something akin to an actual pillow, but small enough for traveling. The traditional rectangle is filled with upcycled chunks of foam from excess camping sleeping pad material, with a soft insulation layer on top to keep the surface from feeling lumpy. You can pull the drawcord string to cinch the pillow to your desired firmness.

We found this pillow incredibly comfortable, with a real pillow feel that was ideal for everything from flights and camping to sleeping at home. We liked the soft and breathable exterior, which was perfect for warm weather and hot plane rides. The pillow packs down into itself and you can use the drawcord to tie the pillow onto a suitcase or backpack.

Dimensions: 15 x 11 x 5 inches (small) | Weight: 7 ounces (small) | Material: Polyester fiber core, polyester cover

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

Cool, minimalist design

Incredibly comfortable for long flights

Very compact when put away

Velcro might catch on clothes or hair

The Ostrich pillow is a simple and sleek design, with one sleeve of high-density memory foam that wraps around your neck with high sides to rest your cheek on and Velcro security in front. We found this design extremely comfortable, to the point that it felt like wrapping a marshmallow around our neck or sleeping on a cloud. We found it supportive for the neck, chin, and head while sitting in the middle seat on a flight, and it even kept our neck and back pain-free on a long international flight.

The memory foam is incredibly soft and plush, and the design is very accommodating among different-sized people who tested it. This pillow also has an appealing, modern design that looks more refined while wearing it than other options we've seen. One of us, who is already a hot sleeper, did report that the pillow was a little warm on a long international flight, but it wasn't uncomfortable.

What's more, it packs down super small, compressing to 60 percent of its size into an included stuff bag, which makes it easy to stash in your carry-on bag .

Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.7 x 2.7 inches | Weight: 14.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core, viscose cover

Tripsavvy / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Accommodates large headphones

Good balance between softness and support

Packs down small

May be too firm for some

The Cabeau Evolution Neck Pillow follows a C-shape design but with one significant difference: The top and bottom inch have memory foam for optimal neck support, while the middle is made with mesh vents to keep you cool.

Our testing found this design to be super supportive and firm without being too hard, and that the airy, cooling design worked as promised. The curved sections on each side are also designed to wear over-the-ear headphones comfortably. The pillow is lightweight and packs into a circular carrying case that's easy to attach to your luggage. Plus, the pillow maintains its shape even after being rolled and unrolled over and over. 

We found that even though this pillow runs nearly $60, it's worth it if you need firm support to sleep comfortably while traveling—especially in a middle seat.

Dimensions: 9 x 7 x 5 inches | Weight: 12.7 ounces | Material: Memory foam

Best Memory Foam

Aeris memory foam travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

Super supportive

Compact when not in use

Comes with earplugs and eye mask

Requires effort to get into case

Made from ultra-supportive and contouring memory foam, it's no surprise that we found the Aeris Travel Pillow to be super firm and have excellent neck support. The memory foam is stiffer but still feels soft and comfortable to sink into. The sides come up high to provide an excellent chin rest when sleeping. We loved how we could lean back in the car or plane and the back of our neck wasn't against the headrest, which made for a comfortable nap. This neck pillow has a drawstring cord to secure it on any size neck.

The cotton cover is removable and machine washable. The whole pillow folds down small into a carrying case, which has the added feature of a side pocket to hold the included earplugs and eye mask.

Dimensions: 12.8 x 11.73 x 5.16 inches | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; 80 percent velour, 20 percent polyester cover

TripSavvy / Anna Popp

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

Keeps skin and hair looking great

Big enough to use as a normal pillow

Quality materials and construction

Matching laundry bag, eye mask, and neck pillow available

Carrying case sold separately

Not particularly compact 

Retailing for almost $100 more than our overall winner, there’s no doubt that the Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow is a splurge. However, it’s made from the finest mulberry silk, giving it an ultra-soft, smooth texture that helps to prevent wrinkles and protect your hair. We used ours on a five-hour Amtrak journey and loved that it kept a blowout looking sleek. The pillow may be expensive, but so is finding a salon on vacation (and there’s no price to be put on wrinkle-free skin!). 

The pillow is also made to last with high-quality materials and stitching. By the time we finished testing, it still looked brand new, and we felt that it would be a long time before it began to flatten. At 12 by 16 inches, this isn’t a full-size pillow, but neither is it the most portable option. This means you’ll need a significant amount of space in your carry-on or purse to tote it around, but on the flip side, being large enough to use for a regular night’s sleep at your destination adds to its overall value. Choose yours in sophisticated navy or pink and ivory stripes. 

Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Weight: Not listed | Material: Mulberry silk cover, silk and polyester core

Best Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

Unique chin strap for unrivaled support

Soft, washable cover

Folds compactly into included case 

Holds up well to intense travel 

Can feel a little restrictive at first 

Standing for “The Neck’s Evolution,” the TNE S3 from Cabeau features a patent-pending, totally unique chin strap designed to hold your head and neck firmly in place to prevent uncomfortable “bobblehead” syndrome. Other design features include raised side supports, a flattened back for greater comfort when leaning against your airplane seat, and an opening at the front of the neck for effective heat dispersal. Adjustable straps allow you to secure the pillow to any high-back seat. 

The interior is made from supportive memory foam, while the removable, washable cover features a soft, cozy fabric that held up well to our 12-day testing trip around Japan and South Korea . Despite using it almost constantly on different modes of transport, it looked good as new when we got home and only lost a slight degree of softness after washing. We especially liked that the pillow folds in half to fit inside a compact carry case, which has a clip for attaching it to your suitcase. There are seven bright colors to choose from. 

Dimensions: 7.5 x 6.3 x 11 inches | Weight: 14 ounces | Material: Memory foam core; polyester, microsuede, birdseye mesh cover

The Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow is exceptionally supportive, conforms to the natural curvature of the neck, and features a removable cover that is easy to clean. Also tying for the top pick, the J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow features an innovative design that delivers comfort and comes with an easy-to-carry stuff bag.

To determine the best travel pillows, we considered how easy the pillow was to set up and use out of the box, how the material felt to touch, how durable the material was against wear and tear, and how easy it was to clean. We put each pillow through a series of tests on plane, train, bus, or car rides exceeding two hours . During travel, we considered how supportive and comfortable the pillow was, how the fabric felt, how it made our neck feel, how easy it was to pack or compress, and whether it had any exceptional features that made traveling more comfortable.

Here are some of the other travel pillows we tested that fell short of our favorites list.

Trtl Pillow : For the price, this travel pillow didn't provide nearly enough neck support and not only felt flimsy but actually caused us pain during a 3.5-hour flight. Putting the wrap on was incredibly awkward and the fleece felt too stuffy riding in a car.

BCozzy Neck Pillow : This pillow has a unique wraparound design intended to create a double layer of cushion. However, it was too thick during testing to double up comfortably. It was definitely durable and well made, but not comfortable enough to recommend purchasing.

Ostrich Pillow Light Versatile : This pillow has comfortable, T-shirt-like fabric outside and a supportive, memory foam feel when you press on it. But the circular nature of the design just didn't work in testing to support the neck and head in a way that was also comfortable to sleep.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This memory foam pillow is supportive and soft, and it features mesh around the neck to keep you cool, as well as suede around the face to keep you cozy. Overall, this pillow is well made, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable enough for us to nap with on an 11-hour flight. It didn't fit into any single best category, but we recommend it nonetheless.

TripSavvy / Erin Johnson

Travelrest Ultimate Travel Pillow : This pillow's main selling point is that it rolls down super small for packability. But outside of that, we found little reason to buy it. It wasn't comfortable to sit or sleep with, caused us neck pain, the material was too plastic-y, and it's overall just confusing to use.

MLVOC Travel Neck Pillow Set : Our testing found this travel pillow too stiff to find a comfortable fit, not providing support to the head and neck, and allowing the head to bob from side to side. It also requires effort to stuff into the travel bag.

Samsonite Microbead 3-in-1 Neck Travel Pillow : This pillow features tiny beads, so it's not stiff like memory foam, but it didn't provide much support during testing unless our head was against a window. There isn't much support on the back of the neck, either. Overall, you can snag something more supportive for the price.

AirComfy Daydreamer Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow : This inflatable travel pillow isn't very comfortable once filled with air and was too small to fit in the crook of our neck comfortably. The surface gets dirty quickly and the plastic material was uncomfortable against the face. In short: Skip.

Everlasting Comfort Memory Foam Travel Pillow : This pillow has a soft, velvety cover and feels very firm with its memory foam core. We thought it might be too firm for some, but personally found it comfortable around the neck or leaning on for a window. For the price, it's well-made and a solid choice.

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow : Filled with memory foam, this pillow has certain joints that twist into different shapes for personalized comfort. We found it to be thick and comfortable, but the bending nature tends to straighten slowly over time, so you'll have to readjust the position regularly.

Hest Pillow : This pillow packs down super small and then unfolds to be filled with shredded memory foam and polyester. Zippered access lets you adjust the loft to what you prefer, and we found it to be super comfortable and plush to sleep on. It's great for car trips and excellent for a full-size pillow versus a neck pillow, but we wish it came with a way to attach to luggage for air travel and that it was a bit lighter.

What to Look For in a Travel Pillow

You can find a comfortable neck pillow for just $20, but depending on your physiology, needs, and preferences, a pillow in the $40 to $60 range might be more comfortable. The price should correlate with design and features: A more expensive pillow should have a more streamlined design and features that make it worth more money due to better comfort, packability, and durability.

Most travel pillows come in one of two styles: Some kind of donut- or C-shaped neck pillow and a rectangular, small pillow that looks like what you use on your bed. 

A well-designed donut- or C-shaped pillow is ideal for keeping your spine aligned and preventing your head from jutting forward or falling back as you sit and sleep for hours while traveling. It should have support on all sides to keep your head from bobbing or your chin from falling. This style of pillow is ideal if you spend most of your travel time sitting up, whether working on a computer or trying to sleep in a middle seat (versus a window).

A rectangular pillow is ideal if you’re lying down in a car, train, or airplane, or if your head will be resting against a window. It’s also ideal if you want one item to do double duty, as you can use this travel pillow at home for a lumbar pillow or toddler pillow, or while camping. A rectangular pillow should feature materials that support your head and neck, and ideally have a customizable loft so you can adjust how thick or thin it depends on your sleep style to maintain that spinal alignment between your head and neck.

As we’ve said, a travel pillow’s primary purpose is to keep you comfortable and pain-free while in transit, which means it needs to be able to keep your head and neck in spinal alignment. That means the best travel pillow will be adjustable since some people need it tighter, looser, thicker, or thinner.

Your travel pillow should have a machine-washable cover that you can remove and clean like any pillowcase. Let the cover air dry to prevent any shrinkage.

Travel pillows make sleeping more comfortable, usually making sleeping easier. A good travel pillow should provide support for your head and neck in a way that maintains cervical spinal alignment. Being out of alignment (with your head jutting forward, back, or to one side) is associated with the neck, shoulder, and back, and can make it very uncomfortable to sleep (not to mention not great for your musculature).

The most common way people wear these classic travel pillows is with the clasp in the front and the back of the "C" at the back of the neck. If you reverse this position, you may find it much more supportive and comfortable. Whichever orientation offers you the most comfort—and therefore facilitates rest—is the correct way.

Rachael Schultz is a fitness and outdoor product journalist based in Carbondale, Colorado. Growing up in and around cities on the East Coast, she wasn't taught how to backpack or ski as a kid, which means that as she moved West and her passion for the outdoors grew in adulthood, so did her research skills around what exactly one needed to buy to get outside. Now an avid mountain biker, skier, hiker, and camper, she's endlessly fascinated by and knowledgeable about the nuances of materials, performance, and convenience of outdoor gear. She's lucky enough to test everything from women's ski bibs to ultralight backpacking gear to camping cocktail kits. Rachael is passionate about making the outdoors just as accessible to those who haven't spent much time under the stars as those who grew up enjoying it, and that includes having the right gear to stay happy and motivated to head out again as soon as possible.

Journal of physical therapy science vol. 35,2 (2023): “ Changes in neck pain and somatic symptoms before and after the adjustment of the pillow height .” 106-113. doi:10.1589/jpts.35.106

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The best travel pillows for taking on a long flight

By Lauren Burvill and Charley Ward

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flyer and a rookie – the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flyer, hanging from a backpack or being worn around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realise that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though – as we’ve done for you here – and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialised brands like  trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while neck pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

The best travel pillow to buy in 2024 at a glance

• Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
• Best for price: Ecosafeter portable travel pillow
• Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow

How we tested the best travel pillows

Every travel neck pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed in our office by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill . Each pillow is then passed on to a member of the wider team to take with them on a flight to further test when travelling. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

What are the different types of travel pillow?

There’s a variety of shapes on offer, so think about your personal needs and preferences before making your choice. The main kinds are:

• Memory foam travel pillows. These mould to your body in a way that’s far superior to the traditional beanbag styles on offer at the airport. Cabeau Evolution and Kierain do these very well, and Ecosafeter’s version also has a slight hump at the back to help relax your spine.
• Body slings. These styles are great for side sleepers, offering full upper body support that you can lean against while you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable travel pillow is our favourite, which can be worn cross-body or to your side to create a firmer separation between yourself and your neighbour. Dot & Dot does a similar version that can be twisted however suits, so you can use it around your neck, shoulders or even tucked below your lower back, helping to ease whichever area is most achey.
• Wraparound neck pillows. These twist around the neck like a scarf, offering double the support of U-shaped designs. They also tend to be cosier as a result. Bcozzy’s has a flat back, to help you keep a better posture, while Huzi’s infinity neck pillow is comfy, soft and scrunchy, allowing you to bunch it up where it suits best.
• Neck supports. Travel brand Trtl has been upping the ante lately. The brand's signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an internal neck and chin support structure that keeps your neck in the optimum upright sleeping position, even in the middle seat or aisle seat. There’s now an adjustable version, as well, providing extra support for those on the taller side. They come with a carry bag that attaches to your rucksack.
• Mini classic pillows . Perfect for adding a bit more comfort when sitting in first or business class seats – and when in your hotel room too. Snoooze does our favourite, which is 100% machine washable and rolls up into a carry bag just 30 by 11cm, so it’ll tuck nicely in your hand luggage when not in use.

See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.

Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the one below from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you're looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket – ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest though are the velcro straps at the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we like it:  “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on luggage , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital editor

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling  travel pillows on Amazon , and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it:  “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your  carry on luggage , which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl's original pillow

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage – it weighs only 148 grams. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved u-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we like it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

Trtl Travel Pillow Plus

Best travel pillow for: customised support for your exact requirements

By Anya Meyerowitz

By Rachel Howard

By Olivia Morelli

By Abigail Malbon

Trtl has revamped its clever wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate people of all heights more comfortably. The latest iteration is adjustable, to better suit your particular requirements, and the pillow section itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s offering is a lot smaller than standard U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 225 grams, so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack .

Why we like it: “I tried both the original and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one definitely proved a more comfortable fit. It does take a bit of fiddling to get it to sit properly, and the fleece wrap is certainly cosy – even a bit too warm at points. Reviews are mixed online, but I think it’s worth taking the time to adjust it correctly as, once I did, it made for a far more comfortable experience than using standard U-shaped neck pillows. For long haul flights in coach, it’s certainly worth a try; I had no neck pain at all when I finally disembarked from the plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Travelrest pillow

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever across-body-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage

Our verdict:  “This pillow came in handy on a flight to Australia. I really love the shape of this style, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders or even lower back.

Why we like it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best travel pillow for: ergonomic design with a luxurious feel

Ostrichpillow has a number of interesting travel pillows (are you brave enough to try this napping aid ?), including a genius padded headband -come-eye mask that makes quickly grabbing some shut-eye while leaning against the window actually comfortable. The Go pillow, however, is the brand’s most traditional offering. It has a memory foam core with a velcro closure to ensure a snug fit, no matter the shape or size of your neck. It compresses down impressively small when stored in the included drawstring travel bag, making it easy to bring along in even the smallest cases. It has a removable and washable cover as well.

Why we like it: “It’s really, really soft, and satisfyingly squishy at the same time; the memory foam filling is clearly high-quality. In fact, out of all the travel pillows I’ve tried, this one feels the most luxurious when in use. It kept my neck at a good angle to avoid aches and pains – it was surprisingly supportive, in fact. It’s easy to adjust and I like that the cover can be slung straight in the washing machine, so it’s ready to go for your next trip.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: price

The Ecosafeter travel pillow is a memory foam style with a slight “hump” shape that’s designed to help relax the Cervical spine. The design is particularly great for sleeping upright, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain, with added neck support as well as a soft and flexible feel.

Why we like it:  “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor

BCozzy's neck pillow

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we like it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Huzi infinity pillow

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Our verdict:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck, ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Snoooze travel pillow

Best travel pillow for:  lying flat

One for not just the plane but also the hotel, this flat pillow from Snoooze is particularly suited to business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed. Danish designer Ann Sjogreen Sanger worked with scientists, sleep experts and leading UK manufacturers to create the two travel pillows – a full size and mini option. Both are machine washable, come with a soft 100 per cent cotton pillow case and roll up into compact travel bags – the mini fits into a cylindrical bag that’s 30cm by 11cm.

Why we like it:  “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”

Lifeventure inflatable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: space-saving

You won’t find any bells and whistles with Lifeventure’s inflatable travel pillow, but at £12.99, the price is hard to beat for your standard u-shaped travel pillow. It packs down into a remarkably bijou carrying case and weighs in at just 54 grams. A dual valve makes it easy to blow up very quickly – I inflated it by mouth in two minutes.

Why we like it: “I wasn’t convinced by the idea of an inflatable polyester travel pillow, especially not in comparison to some of the super-soft memory foam numbers I’ve tried (Ostrichpillow cinches it for me in the cosiness stakes). However, I was pleasantly surprised on test. The material is clearly good quality and it provides decent enough neck support when fully inflated. But really, the main plus point of this pillow is how compact and lightweight it is when deflated. It folds down smaller than your average purse. If you have back or neck issues, avoid this one. But if you’re off backpacking, or space in your bag is an especially hot commodity, then this pillow is the one to buy.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Slip travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: fashionistas

Beauty aficionados will know that silk pillowcases are superior to cotton offerings for those seeking smoother, sleeker hair – studies have shown that its slippery, friction-free surface helps to both tackle frizz and reduce stress on delicate facial skin while you slumber. So why compromise when you’re on a plane? Luxury silk pillowcase brand Slip has used the same 22 momme long fibre mulberry silk for its travel pillow as it does its regular cases, along with a super-dense foam inner that secures around the neck with an adjustable strap for 360-degree support. It’s available to purchase separately or as a set with a matching silk eye mask for an extra cost (currently on sale ).

Why we like it:  “This is another unusual option – its vivacious appearance generated some comments in the office upon unboxing. It’s not one for wallflowers; it’s very colourful and one of the largest pillows (if not the largest) we’ve ever seen. Nobody’s going to miss you while you’re wearing it – and if you’re especially petite, it likely won’t suit. Nonetheless, the silky finish feels both luxurious and cooling when around the neck, which doesn’t go amiss on a stuffy aeroplane. The traditional U shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but for those seeking a little luxury on long haul flights, this is a welcome treat. Be warned: this pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in mind, but it gives a high level of support and keeps your neck upright, so a good choice if this is the most comfortable position for you on a plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

Snugl travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: versatility

Snugl’s well-designed and thoughtful memory foam travel pillow is available in three sizes to ensure you get the best fit (taking a different approach to Trtl, with its adjustable number above). It’s made from quality, hypoallergenic memory foam with a removable washable cover. There are a selection of colours to choose from, and there’s a carabiner clip to attach the travel bag to your suitcase.

Why we like it: “Don’t be fooled by the chunky appearance – this Snugl pillow packs down into an impressively small bag. It toes the line well between portability and being robust enough to ensure a lack of neck ache when you disembark the plane; this really impressed. But what we like the most is how adjustable it is. There are two straps to secure it around your neck to your preferred tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit around your neck in either a conventional, reversed, forward facing or shoulder-facing arrangement to accommodate your sleeping style – a real plus for me as a side-sleeper.” Charley Ward, commerce writer

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The 14 Best Travel Neck Pillows [2023 Buyer’s Guide]

Erin Miller

Content Contributor

188 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 26 U.S. States Visited: 28

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

36 Published Articles 3307 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 47 U.S. States Visited: 28

Table of Contents

What to look for in a travel neck pillow, the 14 best travel neck pillows, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Have you ever nodded off in your seat only to jerk your head up in alarm, wondering if your neighbor saw that drool on your chin? Or been frustrated because you needed that inflight shuteye, but you just couldn’t get comfy as hard as you tried?

Yep — sometimes traveling can be downright uncomfortable. But is there anything you can do to snuggle up a little easier in the air? You bet there is.

Gone are the neck pillows of the past with their uniform U-shape, little to no support, and shoddy quality (well… they’re not literally gone, unfortunately, but you know what we mean!).

Today we’re breaking down 14 of the best travel pillows on the market to help you nab your greatest inflight z’s yet.

Material is one of the most important factors when choosing the right travel neck pillow as it will be cradling your neck, and often, touching your face. Some fleece materials can be super soft and comforting but may cause your neck to get too hot and sweaty, so you’ll want to make sure the material is breathable as well.

Carting your neck pillow through airports and on airplanes can mean that it won’t stay as fresh and clean as it once was, so a machine washable neck pillow is ideal, or at least a removable cover that you can wash regularly.

Support is another vital element of a neck pillow as you’re not always going to have a wall or window to lean against. Choose a pillow that keeps your head in an upright position (with your nose and chin inline) using padding or an internal frame. That way, you won’t arrive at your destination with an achy neck or annoy your neighbor by accidentally resting on their shoulder.

Size and Portability

As your neck pillow will need to fit into or attach to your carry-on, you should look for something that isn’t too bulky or that compresses into a storage pouch. Although sometimes not as comfortable, inflatable neck pillows are still a popular choice as they’re small and lightweight to carry and can be inflated and deflated in seconds.

If you’re a frequent long-haul or red-eye flyer, you’ll want to consider something more cushioned and comfortable, such as a memory foam pillow.

Neck pillows can significantly improve your comfort on a long flight, car, or train journey. Here are some of the best neck pillows on the market.

1. The Non-Traditional “Pillow” Everyone’s Talking About 

trtl Pillow

The trtl Pillow looks more like a scarf or wrap than an actual pillow. This inventive new design comes from 2 mechanical engineers who were looking to create something superior to the traditional U-shaped pillow.

Simply place the ribs (this device’s hidden, internal support) up against your head and neck, then wrap the fabric portion around and Velcro in place.

The velvety fleece (which is hypo-allergenic and machine washable) creates a type of hammock to cradle your head and neck, so there’s no need to lean against a window… or your unsuspecting neighbor. At 0.29 pounds, it’s extremely lightweight, and it folds up to half the size of a traditional travel pillow.

You can start to see why this product is causing such a stir!

What We Like

• Can be positioned for support on either side of your head

What We Don’t Like

• The material can make your neck warm

2. The Most Positively-Reviewed Memory Foam Pillow

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

The Cabeau Evolution is one of the most positively-reviewed travel pillows on the market. You may think it looks a lot like the traditional U-pillow, but we encourage you to dig a little deeper into the design.

This pillow is built with a responsive memory foam core in a patented ergonomic design that provides 360 degrees of support for your head and neck. Whether you tend to bobble sideways, backward, or forward, you’re covered all the way around. The adjustable toggles also help provide the optimal level of support.

Additionally, the pillow’s flat back prevents the shape from pushing your head forward into an uncomfortable position. It’s a bit larger than some others on the list, but it rolls up to a quarter of its full size for transport (carrying bag included).

The soft, washable cover includes a “media pouch” for your device, and Cabeau also throws in a pair of memory foam earplugs to boot. Oh, and it comes with a 2-year satisfaction warranty.

You may remember seeing this item featured on our list of Carry-on Travel Essentials for Short and Long Flights . This pillow certainly tops the list for a couple of bobble-headed sleepers here at Upgraded Points!

• Can be attached to any seat using the strap
• It’s quite large and bulky

3. The Best Design for the Hot and Sweaty Traveler

Cabeau Evolution Cool Neck Support Pillow

Some people are simply hot-natured by design, so things can get a bit sticky (literally) when you’re on a plane full of people stalled at the gate without A/C for what feels like hours.

Once you’re finally airborne, the air comes on, but it’s too late — by that point, you’re already sweating profusely, and the thought of donning a poly-cotton neck pillow makes you want to cry. Behold the Cabeau Evolution Cool.

This pillow has all the perks of the standard Evolution Pillow (memory foam core, flat back, 360-degree support, adjustable toggles, washable cover) but also includes a center portion of cooling air circulation vents to keep you refreshed.

Additionally, it rolls down to half its full size to fit in its deluxe travel case for convenient packing. You get a pair of memory foam earplugs included with this one, too, as well as the 2-year satisfaction warranty.

• Has breathable vents to keep your neck cool
• Can be too tight for some people

4. The Chin Support You’ve Been Longing For

BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

The BCOZZY also garners tons of great reviews on Amazon. This lightweight wrap-around pillow allows for adjustable chin support to prevent drooping.

While BCOZZY doesn’t quite elaborate on what the pillow itself is made of, it boasts a “breathable soft cover” with “bounce-back filling,” advertising a “flexible but solid structure” to use in a variety of seating positions.

The entire pillow is machine washable, and it comes with a small loop and snap on the back to attach it to your travel bags. Plus, it comes in a child-size * with fun, bright patterns and cute character bags.

• Doesn’t push the head forward
• Needs frequent adjustment

5. A Bendy Pillow With a Customizable Shape

Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support

The Twist Travel Pillow has a neat little design that allows you to bend the roll into just about any shape you’d like to cradle your head and lull you into a sweet slumber.

While Dot&Dot doesn’t readily disclose what the main mechanism is that allows for the bend, it does state that there’s a luxury memory foam core that’s covered in a machine washable cotton cover.

It encourages travelers to also try the Twist Pillow as lumbar support or to relieve other pressure points while flying. Additionally, note the snap closure that allows you to secure the pillow around your neck, or attach it to your purse or carry-on while in transit.

This pillow is great for Goldilocks-types — those who can’t sleep until the support is juuuust right.

• Has a removable, machine-washable cover
• The snap closure can sometimes come undone

6. The “A Bit Confusing, but Figure It Out and You’re Golden” Pillow

J-Pillow (Blue) Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

The J-Pillow is another funny-looking pillow that appears as if the standard U-shape has sprouted an arm. It also comes with instructions… for a travel pillow… because apparently, this one can get a bit confusing.

The idea is for the J to support your head from under the chin. However, the alternative uses pictured mean that whichever way you cuddle up to this awkward little guy, it’ll likely make you more comfortable.

The J-Pillow is made from “high-quality 3D filling,” and has a “plush” cover. One downside to the cover is that it’s not removable and therefore is not machine washable. It does have a snap for quick on-the-go travel and compacts into a tight ball.

• Comes with a compression bag for easy transportation
• Doesn’t work as well when not leaning against something

7. The Best Comfy-Cozy Travel Pillow We’ve Seen

Huzi Infinity Pillow

The Huzi Infinity Pillow is the coziest travel pillow on the market. Just look at it — doesn’t this want to make you snuggle up and snooze for days?

This pillow balances softness and support, with a cutting-edge microfiber fill that expands and intertwines to form air pockets. Its outer cover is a bamboo fabric designed for breathability and temperature regulation, which allows you to stay cool when it’s warm and warm when it’s cool.

Plus, due to its unique shape, you can also use it for lumbar support, tray table sleep, snuggling, etc.

While it’s a bit bulkier than some other options on this list, there’s no denying its cushy nature is worth the space it takes to pack (or wear as a plush “scarf” around the airport). The entire pillow is machine washable — just make sure to line dry.

• It’s adaptable for many positions
• Quite a large travel pillow

8. The Pillow That Looks Ridiculous but Is Pretty Comfortable

TRAVELREST Premium Travel, Neck & Body Pillow

Yes, the TRAVELREST Premium may look strange, but it gets rave reviews. When deflated, this pillow insert (and cover) roll up tight to save loads of space when packing. When you’re ready to snooze, just give it a few puffs to inflate and then secure it with the strap to keep it in place!

The whole thing deflates in a matter of seconds, so you can roll it back up and pop it in your carry-on for a quick getaway. The machine washable cover is a soft microfleece, and it comes with memory foam inserts for added comfort.

Hot Tip: TRAVELREST also sells the original TRAVELREST and the cover separately on Amazon, so be careful when you purchase! If you think you’ve found a major sale, be sure it’s the right selection if you want the 2 pieces to come packaged together. Alternatively, it is nice that you can buy another pillow or cover alone if the need arises.

• Deflates and rolls up for compact transportation
• Can be quite large for an economy seat

9. The Low-Key Inflatable Pillow Option

AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow with Luxuriously Soft Washable Cover

The Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow from AirComfy is a great option for travelers who feel a bit claustrophobic with other pillows that secure around the neck. The Ease’s unique butterfly shape is designed to cradle the arch around the back of your neck to provide support where you need it.

How much support? That’s up to you  — it’s easy to inflate, and you can adjust the level with the valve at the top. There’s also some inner foam to help the pillow feel more substantial with less of that inflatable “bounce.”

The Ease is also nice for those who want something slightly smaller than the traditional U (or any of the larger pillows above). It comes with a soft, removable, machine washable cover, in addition to an elastic band you can use to secure it in place around a headrest.

Lastly, AirComfy encourages travelers to try this pillow out as lumbar support, too, since you can easily adjust the inflation for optimal support in this use as well.

• Very easy to inflate
• Air can sometimes leak out

10. The Best Travel Pillow for Minimalists

2 in 1 Travel Pillow and Eye Mask

The 2-in-1 Travel Pillow and Eye Mask is your go-to if you’re more of a minimalist and you want some versatility. If you want something smaller than the traditional U, this little pillow can be worn in several different ways — even doubling as an eye mask when necessary.

The band itself is a poly/spandex blend, and the pillow portion is filled with soft polyester. This allows the pillow to more or less sculpt to your preferred sleeping position so you can sink in and zone out.

While it doesn’t hold your head up completely, it still does a pretty good job of helping you get comfortable. Plus, it’s a lot less eye-catching than several other options on this list.

• Compact and lightweight for your carry-on
• Doesn’t provide any neck support

11. The Best Tray Table Sleep of Your Life (If You Can Stomach the Embarrassment)

JefDiee Inflatable Travel Pillow

This inflatable tray table pillow’s design is mirrored after a massage chair — you know, where you sit down and place your head in the cradle. Via the holes in the side, you can slip your arms through to up the comfort level… essentially giving your new pillow a big hug.

JefDiee  claims this pillow can be inflated in seconds with just 5 breaths Plus, you can easily adjust the fill to accommodate your height and firmness preference. In turn, it deflates in seconds and can be folded up to “book-size” for packing.

The PVC flocking material is strong, soft and machine washable, and doesn’t smell of plastic. Yay!

• Quick and easy to inflate and deflate
• Can sit too low for tall people

12. A Versatile Option That Takes You From Plane Z’s to Hotel Z’s

Visco love procomf travel  memory foam pillow.

With the VISCO LOVE ProComf Memory Foam Pillow, you sink into slumber as if you’re resting on a cloud. The material has microcapsules with a special thermic coating to create the optimal temperature for sleeping and to avoid any sweating — so this really isn’t your average memory foam.

Plus, this pillow allows for the perfect balance of soft yet springy support, and it’s guaranteed to last. It can even help alleviate and prevent back and neck pain by proving the right support.

Although slightly bulkier than your average neck pillow, it weighs less than half a liter of water, so it is pretty portable. In addition, it’s certainly better to use if you’ve got a window seat … so you may be starting to wonder why it’s even a contender here.

By bringing it along, you’ll likely catch some sweeter z’s on the flight, and you can bet your bottom dollar it’s better than 99% of the hotel pillows out there. Basically, 2 birds, 1 stone, people (plus, you can also use it as a luxe lumbar support … so more like 3 birds)!

• Great for sleeping in warm environments
• The firm support won’t suit everyone

13. A Travel Pillow Your Kiddos Will LOVE

Cloudz plush animal neck pillows.

Cloudz Plush’s bright, fun pillows are perfect for your little adventurer’s enjoyment! Available in 19 cute animal designs, these soft pillows will support and comfort your child’s head* on journeys short or long.

This traditional U-shape pillow is filled with cushy poly fill, and both this and the soft fleece covering are hypoallergenic. You don’t need to worry about your little one spilling or drooling on the pillow as it’s machine washable and will soon be as good as new.

• Machine washable
• No clasp to attach to your carry-on

14. The 3-in-1 Travel Pillow

Omni Pillow | 3-in-1 Travel Pillow

This pillow feels built for adventurers, but of course, it could be extremely useful for just about any traveler. Whether you need it as a neck pillow, double pillow, or pillow topper, the certified Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Class I Fulfilled memory foam is sure to comfort you.

Those are some big words, but suffice it to say that means it’s serious quality — this pillow is built for compression resistance, durability, and support. Plus, it’s hypoallergenic and CFC/HCFC-free.

The pillowcase is made from material used in high-performance sportswear: it’s machine washable, light, yet durable, and won’t pill over time. It’s also got a built-in sleeve for your device and a cord hole for your headphones.

Also, the outer shell is soft yet sturdy AND it’s waterproof. Go-go-gadget pillow, anyone?

• Folds up into a super-small carry case
• Sits a bit low when used as a neck pillow

Neck pillows now come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s wise to do your research before buying. If portability is your priority, you may want to opt for an inflatable neck pillow that’s easy to carry and ready to use with just a few puffs of air.

If you’re a regular traveler, it’s likely you’ll want to consider something soft and supportive, so that you arrive fresh for your business meeting or ready to sightsee on arrival.

Did we miss your favorite travel pillow?  Give us a shout in the comments and let us know why it should have made the list!

Looking for more fantastic travel products to improve your adventures? Check out these other posts for inspiration!

• The Best Checked Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Carry-on Luggage Bags for Any Traveler
• The Best Travel Adapters and Converters You Can Buy
• The Best Noise-Canceling Headphones To Buy for Travel
• The Best Luggage Tags on the Market for Travelers

*Upgraded Points does not recommend any product for use within a child’s car seat without first verifying the product’s safety standards with the original manufacturer. Upgraded Points assumes no responsibility for the improper use of these products. In no event shall Upgraded Points be held liable for any special, direct, indirect, consequential injury or any injury whatsoever related to improper use of the products listed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most positively-reviewed memory foam travel pillow.

The most positively reviewed memory foam travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution® Memory Foam Travel Pillow .

What are the benefits of travel neck pillow?

Choose a pillow that keeps your head in an upright position (with your nose and chin inline) using padding or an internal frame. That way, you won’t arrive at your destination with an achy neck or annoy your neighbor by accidentally resting on their shoulder.

Are neck pillows allowed on planes?

Neck pillows can be brought onto an airplane to help you sleep more comfortably. These can be packed inside your carry-on or are usually permitted by many airlines to be hooked to the outside of your carry-on bag.

How do you wear a neck pillow on a plane?

How you wear a neck pillow depends on the type of pillow you have. Some are U-shaped that you hook around your neck, while others wrap completely around your neck for full support or can simply cushion your head against a wall or window.

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12 best travel pillows for long-haul flights and adventures in 2024

Whether you’re camping, flying or on a long car journey, ensure you’re well rested with one of these, article bookmarked.

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Travel pillows are everywhere – slung around the necks of passengers waiting to check in, poking out of backpacks and dangling from cabin cases . But they’re not just designed for use on planes – they’re great for arduous journeys by car, bus or ferry, too, and can be a lifesaver when (god forbid) a delayed flight means you’re forced to spend the night on a cold airport floor.

Most importantly, they play a crucial role when it comes to body alignment, lightening the load on our neck, head and shoulders by preventing the dreading head bob and making sure that our head stays upright even when we’re out for the count.

The key thing to finding the best travel pillow is that it provides support for your head – if a pillow does this, your neck, back and shoulders will benefit, too. This doesn’t necessarily mean pillows that loop around the neck are the only option because different people sleep in different ways (something reflected in the wide range of options we’ve recommended).

Beyond the shape and filling, there are other, less important factors to consider. Is the lining removable? This isn’t the be-all and end-all, but bear in mind travel pillows are quick to acquire stains and signs of wear and tear, so if it’s not, consider a design that hides those pesky marks. How well does it fit around your headphones , if your go-tos are over-ear models ? This isn’t a problem with most pillows, although there are certainly some options in our round-up that score better than others in this regard.

Finally, in an era when airlines are rolling out increasingly restrictive regulations relating to cabin baggage, how does it do in the stash-ability stakes? If you’re prone to exceeding your size or weight allowance, an inflatable pillow in a carry sack which can be stuffed into a side pocket or dangled from your backpack’s carabiner attachment might be the best option.

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How we tested the best travel pillows

We tested these travel pillows in a whole host of scenarios – at our desks, on long flights, on painfully arduous train journeys and bus journeys across southeast Asia . And trust us – as keen travellers accustomed to long trips on planes, trains and automobiles, we’ve got through more travel pillows than we can count.

We considered multiple factors – were they suitable for trips on which space was at a premium? What did the outer lining and stuffing feel like? Were they as useful on trains and long car journeys as they were on planes (anything that means we get more bang for our buck can only be positive, after all)? In other words, you can rest assured you’re (well, your head, neck and shoulders specifically) in good hands.

The best travel pillows for 2024 are:

• Best travel pillow overall – Ostrichpillow go neck pillow: £55, Amazon.co.uk
• Best budget travel pillow – Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow: £12.99, Amazon.co.uk
• Best luxury travel pillow – Slip jet setter travel pillow: £79.29, Beautybay.com
• Best breathable travel pillow – Trtl pillow cool: £29.99, Amazon.co.uk

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow

• Best : Travel pillow overall
• Material : Viscose
• Filling : Memory foam
• Weight : 350g
• Dimensions : 25cm x 17cm x 7cm
• Ultra-soft materials
• Brilliant ergonomic design

This fantastic memory foam pillow ticked all of the boxes – a removable, ultra-soft lining, a top-quality memory foam filling and generous patches of Velcro to keep it in place, which allows for more adjustability than we’re used to. It’s got a more ergonomic design than other pillows of this size, with a tapered shape which allows it to tuck neatly under our chin. The two-tone colourway also looks incredibly stylish, and we appreciated the tiny size of the label – all too often these are too large and attached to parts of travel pillows where they’re almost certainly going to rub against our skin.

Lifeventure inflatable neck pillow

• Best : Budget travel pillows
• Material : Polyester and TPU bonded fabric
• Filling : Inflatable
• Weight : 54g
• Dimensions : 33cm x 47cm x 12cm
• Very tough fabric on the pillow and stuff sack
• Great value
• No fastening to secure the ends at the neck

These days a growing number of travel pillows are made from memory foam. But as travellers who are perpetually short on space, we’ve got a major soft spot for inflatable ones, such as this piece of portable perfection. It inflated and deflated in seconds and the material – a combination of polyester and TPU-bonded fabric – didn’t chafe or rub, even on long flights. We also loved that it came in its very own bag  – an ultra-tough one made with ripstop fabric.

Snugpak butterfly neck pillow

• Best : For travellers short on space
• Material : Nylon
• Weight : 100g
• Dimensions : 37cm x 15cm x 8cm
• Stashes into the smallest of pockets and pouches
• Butterfly shape might not appeal to all

This pillow’s outer material was wonderfully soft, with a thickness that did a fantastic job of ramping up the comfort. It’s a great option for jet-setters who don’t gel with traditional travel pillows worn around the neck – we loved the way its butterfly shape meant it could be jammed into awkward corners and used as a headrest against airplane windows. It inflated and deflated incredibly quickly, and bonus points were awarded for its handy stuff sack, which can be dangled from buckles on backpacks.

Vango deep sleep ergo pillow

• Best : For frequent flyers
• Material : Knitted elastic
• Weight : 80g
• Dimensions : 41cm x 30cm x 11cm
• Incredibly soft fabric
• Supersized valve makes inflation and deflation a breeze
• Not the best option for those in need of neck (rather than head) support

The shape of this one is inspired by traditional pillows in that it doesn’t loop around the neck but acts as a headrest. Its small size makes it both wonderfully portable and versatile – it works just as well on planes as it does on long coach journeys and camping trips. The large valve means it takes just seconds to inflate and deflate, and the combination of the super soft fabric and a slightly sunken area in the centre did a great job of cushioning our head on a long-haul flight.

Slip jet setter travel pillow

• Best : Luxury travel pillow
• Material : Silk
• Filling : Foam
• Weight : Unspecified
• Dimensions : 25cm x 25cm x 12.5cm
• Soft outer cover
• The filling is not memory foam

Twenty years ago, when we were backpacking around the world using our wallet, socks or pants as pillows on bus journeys and flights, we’d have loved a pillow such as this one. Yes, it’s expensive but it’s also ridiculously comfortable – a thick curve of foam covered with top-quality mulberry silk (which didn’t just feel great on the skin but kept our hair frizz-free too). An integrated zip allows the cover to be removed and washed (because let’s face it, we’re all prone to the odd mid-snooze dribble). We’re not quite willing to award this a full five stars on account of the filling, which is standard foam. Yes, it’s top-quality stuff but we were hoping for memory foam given the use of the finest silk for the exterior.

Ostrichpillow light versatile pillow

• Best : Lightweight travel pillow
• Materials : Viscose
• Filling : Microbeads
• Weight : 110g
• Dimensions : 31.5cm x 16.5cm x 7cm
• Comfortable
• The toggle is great for adjusting the fit
• No washable lining

Yes, this particular pillow looks a little different to the average travel pillow – the suggested way of wearing it is to place it around your head, halo-style, so that it covers your ears and eyes while also cushioning your bonce in all the right places (we could use the toggle to adjust to fit).

We were initially a little nervous about the filling, which consisted of microbeads that felt similar to the ones inside bean bags, albeit slightly smaller. However, our concerns were unfounded – perhaps due to their small size, the result is a wonderful mouldability which provided high levels of comfort, boosted by the ultra-soft lining. The only reason we’re not giving this pillow five out of five is because there’s no removable outer covering should it get dirty, but trust us – this is a minor issue when comfort levels are this high.

Trtl pillow cool

• Best : Breathable travel pillow
• Material : Tencel
• Weight : 299g
• Dimensions : ‎25.4cm x 20.32cm x 10.16cm
• Innovative design
• Breathable material
• Not the most compact of travel pillows
• The fastening can be a little fiddly at first

We’ve not come across many travel pillows that come with instruction manuals and were somewhat sceptical about the slightly more complicated design of Trtl’s pillow. In summary, it’s got a built-in rigid section designed to offer firm support for the neck – you keep this section in place by wrapping the scarf-like section around your neck. It was much more comfortable than we imagined and did a great job eliminating the dreaded head-bob, although it only offers support on one side. Despite the built-in rigid section, it’s incredibly light, and the material is surprisingly breathable, too.

Vango Shangri-La memory foam pillow

• Best : For superior comfort
• Material : Brushed polyester
• Filling : Memory foam and an air pocket
• Weight : 450g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 11cm
• Superior comfort
• Soft fabric

We loved everything about this pillow, which has a precision-engineered ergonomic shape and is covered by some of the softest fabric we’ve come across. The memory foam provided the optimal amount of cushioning, and a colleague who borrowed it for a few moments described his experience as “similar to sleeping on a cloud”. What that actually feels like is anybody’s guess, but we reckon that’s a pretty good endorsement.

The secret to the superior comfort lies in its design, which comprises an outer layer of memory foam and a central air pocket. The result? The mouldability of memory foam and the support which comes courtesy of the air pocket – AKA the ultimate double act, we reckon.

Lifeventure inflatable pillow

• Best : For a traditional pillow option
• Material : Polyester and TPU fabric
• Weight : 77g
• Dimensions : 36cm x 51cm x 10cm
• Ergonomic shape provides support

An ergonomic shape provided just the right amount of support (including all-important lumbar support) and the deep grooves aided airflow during a particularly hot, sticky night on a cramped red-eye flight. It’s got enough flexibility to use on planes and trains, and the combination of polyester and TPU fabric makes for an extremely durable pillow. The carry case, made from ripstop fabric, is equally rugged.

Exped air pillow

• Best : For durability
• Material : Polyester and TPU polyether film laminate
• Weight : 60g
• Dimensions : 46cm x 30cm x 12 cm
• Easy to adjust rigidness
• Quick to inflate

Another pillow with an unusual shape – in this case, a semi-rectangular profile – the Exped air pillow isn’t the softest of travel accessories, but it’s ridiculously quick to inflate and wonderfully easy to adjust when it comes to rigidity. It took five short breaths to inflate it fully, and the presence of separate, dedicated inflation and deflation valves cranks up the efficiency. An internal flap in the intake valve means a minimal chance of leaks, too.

Go Travel memory dreamer travel pillow

• Best : For lumbar support
• Material : Polyester
• Weight : 355g
• Dimensions : 26cm x 25.5cm x 12.5cm
• Memory foam core provides great lumbar support
• Thick lining
• No hook to hang it off backpacks

A memory foam core provides great lumbar support along with cushioning for the head and shoulders, and the lining has a surprising thickness – one which suggests that the memory dreamer is more than capable of standing up to some serious wear and tear. There’s no hook to hang it off backpacks, but we loved the buckle-style clip, which meant we could quickly and easily tweak the fit (something which press studs don’t allow).

Outwell dream boat ergo pillow

• Best : Multipurpose travel pillow
• Materials : Polyester
• Weight : 300g
• Dimensions : 50cm x 29cm x 10cm
• Large makes it versatile
• Top-quality memory foam construction
• Provides great support

This pillow is one of the largest we’ve tested, but we can confirm it’s still perfectly suitable for plane journeys, thanks to its amazing squishiness. The upside to its supersized design is that it can be used for camping holidays too, and its versatility is ramped up due to a number of factors.

Firstly, the low-flat valves, which are easy to inflate but won’t snag when the pillow is squashed into small spaces or stashed into backpacks. Add a top-quality memory foam construction, super soft fabric and a shape designed to support not just the head but the back and shoulders too, and you’ve got a one-way ticket to the land of nod.

Travel pillow FAQs

What is the best travel pillow shape.

If you’re lucky enough to be one of those few people whose in-flight discomfort doesn’t come from head bobbing but the displeasure stemming from resting your head against hard surfaces, opt for a travel pillow with a traditional shape, rather than a looping design (another benefit of these is that they’re more versatile, and double as great camping pillows when space is at a premium).

What is the best travel pillow filling?

Don’t make the mistake of insisting on memory foam – although memory foam is usually best when it comes to fantastic support, there are plenty of other fillings (such as lightweight microbeads) which work just as well, while inflatable pillows are handy if you’re short on space.

The verdict: Travel pillows

What’s not to love about a cloud-like neck pillow filled with the finest quality memory foam and precision-engineered to support our head, neck and shoulders? Nothing – which is exactly why Ostrichpillow’s go neck pillow bags the top spot. Snugpak’s butterfly neck pillow comes second for its wonderful versatility while Lifeventure’s inflatable neck pillow earns a special mention for its hat trick of practicality, comfort and value for money.

Make travelling light work with one of these travel backpacks for hiking holidays and city breaks

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The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips

Our favorite gives luxury travel pillows a run for their money

In This Article

• Our Top Picks
• What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why trust people, what is people tested.

People / Marcus Millan

Whether you get there by plane, train, or automobile, traveling can be a taxing experience. But the right head and neck support can make your journey much more enjoyable, especially if you're boarding a long flight. We're talking about travel pillows, of course, which come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials.

So, what makes some better than others? "Comfort is the number one thing," says travel expert Rana Good , explaining that a high-quality cushion should help you get some sleep and not wake up in pain. "Also, hygiene is a big factor." In other words, an easy-to-clean design is ideal.

We tested 24 top-rated travel pillows to find the most comfortable, portable, durable, and low-maintenance options. After trying them out in real-life settings, including flights, train rides, and road trips, we narrowed it down to the nine options worth buying.

Keep reading for the best travel pillows that PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall

Cabeau evolution classic travel pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4.5 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

Cloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neck

Supportive but not too soft or firm

Cover is easy to clean

Clasps come undone easily

Clocking perfect scores in all our tests, the Cabeau Evolution Classic is by far our favorite travel pillow. A perfect option for plane travel, we loved how the responsive memory foam conformed to our heads and necks. Not too soft or too firm with excellent support, laying down on it was like dozing off on a cloud. And when you're done using it, it quickly regains its normal shape. Our tester wore this on two 10-hour flights and now packs it every time she travels.

If you're watching an in-flight movie, reading a book, or just relaxing, this cushion will make the experience much more comfortable. Though the velour exterior is removable and machine-washable, it doesn't shift around when zipped onto the pillow. There are also handy toggle clasps on the front to ensure it stays in position while allowing you to hook it to your luggage. The clasps come undone kind of easily, but in the end, this is a minor drawback. Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Velour

People / Daniela Galvez

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Quality 4 /5

Comfortable and supportive for long trips

Microbeads conform well to the shape of the head and neck

Soft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior

Cover isn't removable for washing

Doesn't compress, so it's not easily packable

On a budget? The Cloudz Original Travel Pillow is a solid choice. After trying it out on a six-hour flight and a three-hour train ride, we're happy to report it's exceptionally comfortable and supportive. The ultra-soft fabric seems tear-resistant and breathable too. Though it doesn't compress, it's filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head. 

The Cloudz Pillow isn't the best option for packing in a carry-on or backpack, but we liked how the clasp keeps it in place when walking around. You can also attach it to your suitcase or underseat luggage . Although this travel pillow doesn't have a removable cover, the exterior is easy to spot-clean. Dimensions: 12 x 12 x 4 inches | Core Material: Foam beads | Cover Material: Polyester

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow go neck pillow.

• Quality 5 /5

Wrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feel

Supports neck and chin to prevent stiffness

Compresses to about half its size

Can get a little warm after a few hours

If you're willing to pay a little extra for the best of the best, go with Ostrichpillow. The brand's Go Neck Pillow is one of the few options that earned perfect scores in all testing categories. After using it on a short domestic flight and a long international flight, we were sold on the comfortable design. It feels like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck.

This wrap-around neck cushion has a memory foam core, a soft and stretchy machine-washable cover, and an adjustable Velcro closure for a custom fit. It supported our necks and chins, keeping our heads securely in place while sitting upright and preventing stiffness. Not only that, but the Go Neck Pillow compresses to about half its size for compact packing. And thanks to the modern design, you won't feel dorky wearing it. The only potential downside is that it gets slightly warm after a few hours. Dimensions: 10 x 6.5 x 3 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Viscose, elastomer

People / Susan Brickell

Best Neck Support

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

Unique shape supports from the side

Easy to sleep upright

Entire pillow is machine-washable

Odd shape means you can't walk with it on

If it's neck support you're after, the J-Pillow has your name on it. After using it on a 19-hour car ride, we awarded it perfect scores in all categories. We loved the responsive memory foam core and unique J shape. The clever design is meant to go on one side of your head, almost like you're leaning on someone's shoulder. There's also a little divot for your ear. This makes it easy to take a nap, no matter where you're seated.

Unlike C-shaped pillows, you can't really walk around with it on your neck, but you could attach the included carry bag to your suitcase. The exterior is soft and plush, and we didn't notice any loose strings or snags. And while it doesn't have a removable cover, the entire thing is machine-washable. Dimensions: 13 x 12 x 8 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Poly-blend fabric

People / Jennifer May

Most Versatile

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

Packs into itself

Feels almost like a real bed pillow

Perfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go naps

Only comes in patterned designs

If you prefer a more standard shape, this one's for you. We used the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow round-trip for cross-country air travel, on a camping trip, and even for a few naps at home. We were blown away by how comfortable it is, thanks to the lofty core and soft, breathable exterior. Filled with a blend of shredded foam and poly fibers, it feels almost like a real bed pillow.

What's more, the compressible design packs into itself for compact transport and fluffs back up when you're ready to use it. Besides being immensely comfy and highly portable, we like that this travel cushion is made of upcycled and recycled materials. We wish it came in a few solid, neutral hues, but that's our only complaint. Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 7 inches, 18 x 13 x 6 inches, 15 x 11 x 5 inches | Core Material: Shredded foam, poly fibers | Cover Material: Polyester

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5
• Durability 4.5 /5

Preserves hair and prevents skin creases

Substantial feel that doesn't go flat

Can be used on the go or in bed

Laundry bag sold separately

If you want to pull out all the stops in preserving your blowout or keeping skin creases at bay while you nap on the go, it's worth bringing a mini silk pillow. We tried this one from Gingerlily and were immediately impressed by the overall quality — the exterior was sumptuously smooth with no loose threads or fraying, and it has a substantial feel that resists going flat. This pillow helped us stay comfy for a five-hour excursion and kept our hair sleek and frizz-free. We wish this pillow came with a removable case. While the whole thing is machine-washable, the suggested laundry bag is sold separately.

We like the petite bed pillow shape, although it is larger than most travel pillows, so you may need to bring it as your personal item for plane travel rather than packing it. However, if you're a silk pillowcase devotee at home, this pillow is substantial enough to use at your hotel or vacation rental. Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Core Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Cover Material: Mulberry silk

Most Durable

Cabeau tne s3 travel pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5

Plush yet supportive

Prevents head bobbing

Stands up to wear and tear

Extra-thick design may take getting used to

The high-quality design of Cabeau's Evolution TNE S3 Pillow was apparent immediately. It's plush yet supportive with a super soft and cozy exterior that never makes you feel hot or stuffy. Since it's on the thicker side, it felt a little odd while we got into a comfortable position. But once we got used to it, we were sold. The chin and headrest straps keep the pillow secure, plus it stays in place and prevents your head from bobbing around even if you don't use the straps.

We used this travel pillow for a 12-day trip, including on planes, trains, and buses. By the last day, it looked just as good as when we pulled it out of the packaging. Though it seems bulky at first, it folds into a compact ball and fits easily into the included carrying case. You can also attach it to a carry-on suitcase or bag using the clip. The removable cover lost some softness after washing it, but not much. Backed by a one-year warranty, the TNE S3 Pillow seems like it'll hold up for a long time. The value is undeniable, so it's definitely worth the investment. Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester, microsuede

People / Anna Popp

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Good for hot sleepers

Supportive and firm

Retains shape through repeated compressing

Awkward to position at first

Cabeau's Evolution Cool Pillow is an ideal choice for people who sleep hot or get night sweats and regularly use cooling pillows at home. The airy, ventilated design is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam. After trying it firsthand, we can tell you it works as promised. We found this neck cushion to be extremely supportive and firm but not too hard. It's slightly awkward to position initially but rest assured, you'll be able to sleep upright on a plane — even in the middle seat.

Though the exterior is soft, it's not the softest option we tried. Still, we appreciate that the zippered cover is removable and machine-washable. This travel pillow also compresses to fit in its included storage bag and maintains its original shape after being repeatedly rolled and unrolled. It's durable, likely long-lasting, and helps you doze comfortably in a seated position without getting stuffy. Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

• Comfort 4 /5

Ergonomic with adjustable fit

Prevents neck strain

Comfortable for long hours

Snug fit takes some getting used to

Cushion Lab's take on the travel pillow is this semi-firm C-shaped number. The ergonomic design is very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. While the shape may take some getting used to, it's not uncomfortable at all. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing, and promises to minimize neck strain.

We were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. This travel pillow has a machine-washable cover and a handy carrying bag with a carabiner clip. It rolls up easily into the bag, but unfortunately, the clip is a little too small to attach to a luggage handle. However, it should easily hook to a purse, backpack, or weekender bag . If you have a hard time getting comfortable enough to doze off on trains, planes, or cars, this portable pillow might be a game-changer. Dimensions: 10 x 9 x 5 inches, 9 x 8 x 4 inches | Core Material: High-density foam, memory foam | Cover Material: Cotton-poly blend

People / Alessandra Amodio

What to Know About Travel Pillows

"The most common travel pillow you'll see at the airport is the [C-shaped] neck pillow," says Good. "A lot of people wear them around their necks as they board." The idea is that the curved design props up your chin and prevents your head from bobbing around while you sleep, ultimately preventing neck strain.

You'll also find J-shaped cushions (like the J-Pillow Travel Pillow ), which are supposed to go on one side of your head rather than around your neck. Then there are rectangular options that are more like a smaller version of a bed pillow, such as the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow .

Travel pillows designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck are often made out of responsive materials, such as memory foam or foam microbeads. Similar to full-sized foam pillows , you can go with high-density foam if you prefer more support and something with shredded foam or poly fibers if you like a softer feel.

The exterior matters, too. In addition to being soft against your skin, the best travel pillows have easy-to-clean cases. Ideally, the cover should be removable, machine-washable, and dryer-friendly, like our best overall pick, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow .

Portability

Despite the size, Good says the best travel pillows can be "stored neatly in your bag" next to other travel accessories, like your wired earbuds and a blackout sleep mask. This could mean it's small or that it compresses down into a compact shape. Some come with carrying cases that hook to your luggage, and C-shaped designs can be worn around your neck if they don't fit anywhere else — that way, it probably won't count as your one personal item. And of course, you can keep it in your bag in a compressed case and pull it out once you're settled into your seat.

After researching today's best travel pillows, we selected 24 options to try firsthand.

• Setup: After taking them out of the packaging, reviewing the instructions, and assessing the designs, we brought them along on actual plane flights, train rides, bus rides, and road trips to see how they'd perform in real-life settings.
• Evaluation: We evaluated the softness, sturdiness, and maintenance requirements of the materials, then considered the size and whether the pillows were compressible. We used them for two or more consecutive hours (often much longer) on multiple trips. We noted how much support they had, if we were able to fall asleep, and whether we were left feeling sore.
• Ratings: After rating each pillow for quality, comfort, portability, durability, and value, those with the highest scores were chosen for this story.

Theresa Holland is a contributing commerce writer for PEOPLE, specializing in travel, lifestyle, and sleep products. To compile this roundup, she combed through our testing insights and ratings for each product. She also interviewed travel experts for their expertise on what makes a good travel pillow.

Meet Our Expert

Rana Good is a travel expert and lifestyle creator.

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

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clock This article was published more than  2 years ago

We tested 4 travel pillows for your return to sleeping on planes. There was one winner.

Sleeping comfortably in economy can feel impossible, but the right pillow can help

If you have flown in economy, you may feel like airlines are doing everything they can to make the experience uncomfortable. The seats are the opposite of ergonomic. The legroom is minuscule. Given that setup, sleeping on a flight is usually a nightmare.

That has been my experience before the pandemic — and even more so now. Since the complicated return of travel, I have had a tougher time feeling comfortable on planes, let alone sleeping on them. Despite knowing a travel pillow can help with the misery, I chose to skip packing one to have more room in my carry-on bag on my first few pandemic-era flights . That repeat decision led to a painfully craned neck, numb hands and little — if any — sleep.

If I’m going to start taking up precious luggage space for a travel pillow again, it has to be worth it. Travel pillows, like many you see at the airport, can be useless, so not just any option will do.

To see what deserves packing, I tested four pillows over four flights between D.C. and California. Here are my findings.

The illustrated encyclopedia of sleeping positions on a plane

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow, $55

According to the Cushion Lab website , Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop called this pillow “The Tesla of travel pillows.” While I don’t consider myself a Goop person, the claim caught my attention. The company promised an asymmetrical design by an in-house ergonomist that fits under your chin and around your face so you can lean and sleep comfortably with “360° zero pressure neck protection.” It was also the priciest of the bunch at $55, which is more than what I would like to pay for a travel pillow (or a regular pillow, for that matter).

When I unfurled it from its carrying pouch, my first thought was “Ooh this is gooey” — in a good way. The pillow’s fabric felt silky and smooth, encasing something that felt like a hard gel. Apparently that’s the “Hyperfoam,” an “extra dense, dynamically rebounding, proprietary memory foam.”

The case for cutting your airport arrival time dangerously close

I loved the texture of the Cushion Lab contender — and that it squished up smaller than the rest so it took up less space — but I was left wanting more support. Throughout my tests, unless I was leaning back in a specific rigid way (not how I usually fall asleep), I didn’t feel the strong embrace I was looking for in an airplane-friendly neck pillow. Lastly, it fought with my KN95 mask, pushing it up and requiring regular adjusting, but it didn’t really upset a cloth mask.

On the bright side, it looked normal, as far as neck pillows go — unlike my next choice.

Happy Headrest Travel Pillow, $24.99

The Happy Headrest Travel Pillow feels like an option for people who love science fairs. It’s for the infomercial enthusiasts, and the optimists who support crowdfunded inventions on the Internet. It’s a U-shaped contraption that hooks onto a passenger’s tray table, providing a soft ledge for resting face down.

Defying societal norms for a kooky innovation, I set up and leaned onto my bright blue device. Despite looking ridiculous to my fellow passengers, it was surprisingly comfortable. Sinking into the big, juicy pad was a great alternative to crunching my body backward into my seat. This felt like a guilt-free alternative to the controversial recline .

My complaint: You can only really use it to sleep on one side of your head, the side facing the window. After a while, my neck was feeling kinked and uncomfortable, but turning over felt impossible. Unless I’m traveling with the person seated next to me , there’s no way on God’s green earth I would rotate to turn toward a stranger. You’re way too close to your economy-row neighbor to face them; it would be intimate and weird.

How do you actually get those $49 flights? There’s always a catch to airline sales.

It also fit awkwardly in my backpack. It’s 10 ounces and carry-on-friendly, but it can’t fold up so you’ll have to schlep the bulky frame throughout your travels. It does come with a snap-on clip if you want to have it dangle from your luggage.

SeatDreamzzz Wall Pillow, $39.99

If I know I’ll be attempting to sleep on a flight, I always pick a window seat so I can curl up in my little nook without the interruption of my row-mates getting up for the lavatory. The SeatDreamzzz Wall Pillow seemed like the perfect accompaniment.

The pillow is an inflatable L-shape device that looks like a tiny suede couch. According to the company, it’s the first of its kind, designed to rest against a wall to provide support “in one of the most frequently slept-in positions outside of your bed.”

In the era of mask mandates and contagious airborne diseases, I did feel guilty and unsure about removing my mask to inflate the pillow. I figured it was no worse than eating or drinking on the plane and pumped up my accessory. You can make it super firm or keep it a little squishy so you can nestle into it.

Once it was in shape, the challenge was figuring out how to position the pillow against my wall (or window). There wasn’t an “ah ha” moment where I felt like I got it right. Nonetheless, it did provide great support not only for my head, but also for my arm. It’s versatile and has the potential to facilitate some snoozing, plus it deflates into the size of a soda can — allegedly. I just shoved it into my backpack without folding it up tightly.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Neck Pillow, $29.99

I have long stood by Cabeau’s Evolution Classic neck pillow. It was my go-to pick when I traveled constantly. I’d leave it behind in a cab, hotel lobby, Airbnb and inevitably buy a replacement. Breaking it out for this experiment felt like reuniting with an old friend.

As I had remembered, it is very plush, so there’s not much room for your neck to flop over. There’s an adjustable clamp in the front to make it even more secure, like a more-forgiving neck brace. You can roll it up to make it smaller to pack, although I lost the carrying sack long ago.

What I hate about the Evolution Classic is the fabric. It reminds me of a Greyhound bus seat. Cabeau makes another model, the Evolution Cool, that addresses overheating, but it’s $60. For someone prone to losing travel pillows, I am less inclined to splurge on the upgraded version.

After testing all of the travel pillows, I ultimately returned to the Evolution Classic for napping purposes. It’s not perfect, but it’s a safe and easy bet — no setting it up, no breaking it down. You just whip it out and snooze whether you’re stuck in economy, a train, the bus or a long, long car ride.

The harsh reality is that flying economy is unforgiving on the body, whether you are trying to sleep or not. You can alleviate some of the pain with accessories like a neck pillow. You just have to find the right one for you.

Video editing by Allie Caren.

More travel tips

Vacation planning: Start with a strategy to maximize days off by taking PTO around holidays. Experts recommend taking multiple short trips for peak happiness . Want to take an ambitious trip? Here are 12 destinations to try this year — without crowds.

Cheap flights: Follow our best advice for scoring low airfare , including setting flight price alerts and subscribing to deal newsletters. If you’re set on an expensive getaway, here’s a plan to save up without straining your credit limit.

Airport chaos: We’ve got advice for every scenario , from canceled flights to lost luggage . Stuck at the rental car counter? These tips can speed up the process. And following these 52 rules of flying should make the experience better for everyone.

Expert advice: Our By The Way Concierge solves readers’ dilemmas , including whether it’s okay to ditch a partner at security, or what happens if you get caught flying with weed . Submit your question here . Or you could look to the gurus: Lonely Planet and Rick Steves .

Best travel pillows to keep your neck supported and comfy

As a full-time travel journalist who’s been to over 50 countries, I definitely understand the importance of making economy feel like first class with the proper travel gear. In addition to my trusty foot hammock and Manta Sound sleep mask, a comfortable travel pillow that supports my posture is essential to getting a good night's sleep.

“Choosing a travel pillow that gives the proper support for your own needs is very important when trying to sleep while traveling,” agrees Julia Forbes, a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor. “Finding a supportive travel pillow can make sleeping under circumstances that are not ideal better and help one wake up with fewer aches and pains.”

If you need something for the next long-haul flight, we’ve got you covered! Here are my picks for the best travel pillows on the market.

What to consider when buying travel pillows

When shopping for travel pillows, it’s important to think about the following factors.

Body type and personal preferences

“When looking for a travel pillow, what’s best for you depends on your body type and comfort preferences,” says Forbes . “You should also consider whether you’re looking for something to just rest your head on, or if you want a pillow with more features, such as pockets or the ability to block out light.”

For the most part, you’re probably not going to want a travel pillow that takes up a ton of space in your carry-on or one you have to lug around. “Travel pillows come in all different shapes and sizes, so you should not only choose one that fits your head and neck well, but you should also look for a pillow that does not take up too much space in your luggage,” says Forbes.

Travel distance

For shorter trips, a packable inflatable pillow that breaks down might be best, whereas if you’re traveling on a long-haul flight, you might want something with memory foam. “Travel distance and type of travel are also important to consider,” suggests Forbes. “Some people travel long distances often, and others only sometimes. If you tend to travel more often, it’s more important to find a pillow that can keep your head and neck supported so you can sleep for several hours while traveling.”

Type of travel

Think about the type of travel that you’re doing and what might be best for the situation.

“Some travel pillows are designed for sleeping on planes while others are better for traveling in cars, so it’s also important to consider the type of travel you will be doing,” instructs Forbes. “You should also take note of what the pillow is made of, because public transportation like planes and trains can be filled with germs, so you should try to purchase a pillow that can be easily washed.”

Pay close attention to what the filling is before purchasing your pillow. “Travel pillows also come with various types of fillings,” explains Forbes. “It’s important to set your priorities, such as if you want something that can easily compact for easy packing, the support level, or if you want something with adjustability.”

Consider the features that are important to you. There are pretty basic travel pillows, but there are also specifically made travel pillows to support sleepers who tend to lean forward or to the side or who even need 360-degree support, especially if you’re an aisle seat-lover.

Our top picks for the best travel pillows

Best travel pillow for chin support: j-pillow chin supporting travel pillow.

J-Pillow Travel Pillow - British Invention of The Year Winner - Chin Supporting Travel Pillows for Sleeping Airplane - Flight Pillow Supports Your Head, Neck & Chin (Blue)

If you tend to lean forward when you drift off in a plane, train or car, you need a pillow with good chin support to keep your neck from kinking. The J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow is perfect for this, with its three-way support for your head, neck and chin. This is a great way to avoid stiff necks and get some good sleep. As a bonus, it’s even machine washable.

Specifications:

• Size: 10 inches x 6 inches x 8 inches.
• Type: J-Shape.
• Fill: Polyester.
• Weight: 8.16 ounces.
• Color: Dark blue.
• Price on publish: $47.95.

What we like:

• Provides essential three-way support.

What we don’t like:

• Some reviews mention that it’s not that convenient to walk around with.

The AP Buyline takeaway:

For a neck pillow with good chin support, go for the J-Pillow Chin Support Travel Pillow.

Get it here: J-Pillow Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for neck support: Cabeau Evolution S3

Evolution S3® Neck Pillow

This memory foam travel pillow offers essential neck support for sleeping while sitting up, and is even recommended by one of our experts. "My favorite travel pillow is the Cabeau Evolution S3. It has a horseshoe shape like many travel pillows; however, it has raised side cushions that give your head 360-degree support,” explains Forbes. “This support prevents your head from leaning too far, which makes sleeping much more comfortable. It also has headrest straps which keep the pillow in place, so you should not have any problems while you’re sleeping.”

• Size: 10 inches x 9.5 inches x 5 inches.
• Fill: Memory foam.
• Weight: 11.6 ounces.
• Color: Steel.
• Price on publish: $39.99.
• Provides ample neck support.
• Great price.
• Memory foam.
• Some reviews mentioned that wearing headphones with it is a little bit difficult and slightly uncomfortable.

For a travel pillow that offers crucial neck support, the Cabeau Evolution S3 is a great option for your next long-haul flight or road trip.

Get it here: Cabeau Evolution S3

Best travel pillow for long flights: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

When you’re on a long-haul flight, it’s survival mode to stay comfortable, and that starts with good neck support. The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great solution for whichever way your head tends to lean. Its 360-degree design offers support to your neck and is built to maintain proper posture. It comes in a variety of colors like gray, teal blue, navy blue, black, forest green and deep purple.

• Size: 9.8 inches x 6.7 inches x 2.7 inches.
• Type: Compresses down, 360-degree support.
• Fill: BASF memory foam core.
• Weight: 12 ounces.
• Color: Six.
• Price on publish: $69.
• 360-degree support.
• Several colors available.
• Washable sleeve.
• Some reviews briefly mention that it was a little short for them, so pay close attention to the measurements.

For a stylish, colorful pillow filled with quality memory foam and a 360-degree design to support your neck during long flights, choose the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow.

Get it here: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best inflatable travel pillow: FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow

FLOWZOOM AIR Inflatable Travel Pillow - Hooded Neck Pillow Airplane - Travel Neck Pillow - Car & Plane Pillow - Airplane Pillow for Long Flight - Inflatable Neck Pillow for Traveling on Plane - Black

Inflatable travel pillows are a great space saver and perfect for adjusting the firmness. You don’t have to worry about hanging on to anything clunky; you can just inflate it when you’re ready to fall asleep. This FlowZoom model is a solid option when it comes to inflatable travel pillows, and you can adjust it to the amount of support you need.

• Size: 11.5 inches x 8.78 inches x 2 inches.
• Type: Semicircular.
• Fill: Inflatable.
• Weight: 15.2 ounces.
• Color: Black.
• Price on publish: $31.95.
• Inexpensive.
• Adjustable and inflatable.
• Some reviews mention that because this travel pillow has a hood connected to it, it could potentially make it a little too warm.

For an inflatable option that you can store in your bag until you need it, go with the FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow.

Get it here: FlowZoom Inflatable Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for car trips: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Huzi Infinity Pillow

For long-haul car rides, add the Huzi Infinity Pillow to your list of road trip essentials. It has 360-degree support and will keep you rested for when it’s your turn to drive (that is, unless you’re a permanent passenger). It’s bendable and versatile and can adjust to your body and various sleep positions.

• Size: 10 inches x 6.5 inches x 6.5 inches.
• Type: 360-degree support.
• Fill: 60% nylon, 40% rayon made from bamboo.
• Weight: 1 pound.
• Color: 8 colors.
• Price on publish: $49.99.
• Adjustable.
• Available in many colors.
• Be careful when washing it because some reviews mention some pilling after.

For a versatile option that’s good for long car rides, go with the Huzi Infinity Pillow.

Get it here: Huzi Infinity Pillow

Best lightweight travel pillow: TRTL Travel Pillow

TRTL Travel Pillow

Some neck pillows can feel kind of suffocating, being big, bulky and even a little tight. The Trtl Travel Pillow is thin and secure, doing its job to keep your neck in a good position and support your head while you try to get some rest. It’s lightweight at just 4.5 ounces and easy to stuff in your tote bag.

• Size: 7 inches x 7 inches x 3.5 inches.
• Type: Fleece.
• Weight: 4.5 ounces.
• Color: Black, black/gray, coral, gray and red.
• Price on publish: $64.99.
• Lightweight.
• Machine washable.
• Supportive.
• Some reviews say that you have to wrap it pretty tight to get the support you need.
• A little pricey.

If you’re looking for a highly-rated neck pillow that will support you while you’re trying to get some shut-eye, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a great option.

Get it here: TRTL Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for lumbar support: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow

Back Relief Lumbar Pillow - Azure

When it comes to travel pillows, it’s not all about the neck support: Some people sleep just fine and don’t even need a pillow for their neck, but their back might be another story. Specifically designed to relieve back pain, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow is built to relieve pressure in the lower back and can travel around the world with you. It’s made with comfortable Hyperfoam so that it supports your natural posture while remaining comfy.

• Size: 16 inches x 16 inches x 4.5 inches.
• Type: Firm.
• Weight: 1.37 pounds.
• Color: Wellness green.
• Price on publish: $65.99.
• Provides back support.
• Some reviews mention that it might be a bit too big for people who are shorter.

If you’re looking for essential back support as you travel, the Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow can relieve pressure on your lower back and help you have a more comfortable travel day.

Get it here: Cushion Lab Extra Dense Lumbar Pillow

Best compact travel pillow: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow

If you tend to overpack as it is, the last thing you want to do is drag around another bulky item. Looking for a compact option that can fit nicely within your carry-on luggage while still providing the support you need with less of the hassle is essential. The Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow can help you feel comforted on those long-haul travel days.

• Size: 11.5 inches x 4.5 inches x 4.5 inches.
• Type: Peanut shape.
• Weight: 8 ounces.
• Color: Navy.
• Small, compact option.
• Some of the reviews mention that it’s firmer than they thought it would be, so just keep that in mind when purchasing.

For a firm travel pillow that will keep you comforted on the go, choose the Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow.

Get it here: Tempur-Pedic All-Purpose Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for kids: TRTL Pillow Junior

TRTL Pillow Junior

Making sure your kids are comfortable and well-rested can make for a much easier travel day for you, as well. The highly rated TRTL pillow comes in a junior version for little kids aged 8 and up. The TRTL Pillow Junior is not too clunky, and weighs under 4 ounces, offering crucial support to their neck, regardless of which way they fall asleep.

• Size: Not listed.
• Type: Wrap.
• Weight: Less than 4 ounces.
• Color: Zebra, aqua and camo.
• Comes in fun patterns and colors.
• A little pricey for something they may grow out of before too long.

If you’re looking for a travel pillow to make your kid’s travel day as comfortable as can be, the TRTL Pillow Junior is a great option.

Get it here: TRTL Pillow Junior

Best silk travel pillow: THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow

THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow

If you like the feel of a silk neck pillow, the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow is the ideal pillow to take on your next trip. It provides the support you need to get hours of relaxation on the go and is built to help you avoid any neck pain. It’s portable, lightweight and breathable, offering you a comfortable rest on the go.

• Size: 10.5 inches x 10 inches x 7 inches.
• Type: Adjustable, square shape.
• Weight: 14 ounces.
• Color: Black, charcoal, pink and gray.
• Price on publish: $32.99.
• Comes in multiple colors.
• Some reviews mentioned that it was softer than they expected it to be.

If you’re looking for a silk neck pillow to cozy up with on your next trip, go with the THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow.

Get it here: THXSILK Silk Neck Pillow

Best memory foam travel pillow: Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Neck, Chin, Lumbar and Leg Support - Neck Pillows for Sleeping Travel Airplane for Side, Stomach and Back Sleepers - Adjustable, Bendable Roll Pillow

There are quite a few amazing memory foam pillows on the market, but this Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is easily one of the best. Its twistable, foldable design provides support to your back, shoulders, head and spine to keep you comfortable during your travels. It has a machine-washable cotton cover, making it easy to wash the germs from planes off of your pillow and get it ready for your next trip.

• Size: 26 inches x 3.8 inches x 3.8 inches.
• Type: Adjustable and bendable.
• Fill: Cotton and memory foam.
• Color: Gray, green, pink and purple.
• Price on publish: $24.99.
• Adjustable and bendable.
• Some reviews say that the pillow is a little bit bulky around the neck.

If you’re looking for a pillow that you can twist and mold to your body while getting the support that you need, the Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the ideal option.

Get it here: Dot & Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best travel pillow for side sleepers: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow

TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow

If you tend to lean to the side when you fall asleep on the plane or sitting up in a car, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow folds up nicely and packs in your carry-on while providing a lot of support with its unique design. You can deflate the pillow when you’re done using it, roll it up and store it back in your bag for easy navigation through the airport.

• Size: 10 inches x 3 inches (rolled up).
• Type: Across the body.
• Weight: 5.5 ounces.
• Color: Blue, gray, navy and red.
• Price on publish: $29.99.
• Inflatable and adjustable.
• Multiple colors are available.
• Some reviews mention that it doesn’t provide as strong support as other tighter, wrap-around neck pillows do.

The AP Buyline Takeaway:

If you’re looking for a good side sleeper pillow, the TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow is the ideal travel companion.

Get it here: TravelRest Ultimate Travel Neck & Body Pillow

How we selected the best travel pillows

I am a full-time travel journalist and have tried out quite a few travel pillows to make my long-haul flights more comfortable. In addition to my experience, I also spoke with experts like Dr. April Spencer , owner and chief operating surgeon at Dr. Spencer’s Global Breast Health & Wellness Center and Julia Forbes , a certified sleep science coach at Sleep Advisor, to come up with the best topics to consider when choosing a travel pillow that supports your posture and neck.

One of the most important aspects is that it provides the proper amount of support to your neck and the rest of your body. “Opt for pillows that offer adequate neck and head support, especially if you're prone to neck, shoulder or back pain,” says Spencer.

Before purchasing a pillow, be sure to look at the filling. “Choose a pillow made from comfortable materials, such as memory foam or soft fabric,” says Spencer.

Portability

Of course, as a travel product, you’ll want to make sure it’s nice and portable, not big and clunky. “Pick a pillow that is lightweight and easy to pack, preferably one that compresses or folds down for storage,” says Spencer.

Adjustability

Getting a pillow that adjusts a bit can help you find the right comfort level and firmness that match your preferences. “Consider pillows with adjustable features to customize the fit to your unique neck and body shape,” says Spencer.

When you invest in a travel pillow, you want it to last, especially because some are a bit pricier than you’d expect. “Look for pillows made from high-quality materials that are durable and long-lasting, ideally those that can withstand frequent washing and usage,” advises Spencer.

What types of travel pillows are available?

There are a wide variety of adjustable, firm, memory foam travel pillows on the market. You just have to think about your personal needs and preferences before looking for the one that’s best for you.

How to maintain and clean travel pillows

Some travel pillows might need to be spot-cleaned, while others have a protective sleeve that can go right into the wash. It all depends on the individual product, so be sure to read the instructions to see the proper way to clean the travel pillow you choose.

Best travel pillow shopping tips

When you’re shopping for the right travel pillow, Spencer recommends avoiding the following:

Too bulky or heavy

You don’t want to go with anything that’s too bulky because it might actually put stress on your neck or shoulders. “Large pillows can be cumbersome to carry and may not fit well in your travel bag,” says Spencer.

Lack support

It’s extremely important to have the proper support for your posture. “Pillows that are too soft or flimsy may not provide adequate support for your neck and head,” says Spencer.

Uncomfortable materials

Stay away from any materials that might cause you discomfort. “Avoid pillows made from scratchy or uncomfortable materials that may irritate your skin during use,” Spencer instructs.

Difficult to clean

When you travel on planes, trains and in cars with your travel pillow, you want something that’s easy to clean because it’s obviously going to be exposed to plenty of dirt and germs. Try to “choose pillows with removable and washable covers for easy cleaning, avoiding those with fabrics that are hard to clean or maintain,” says Spencer.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Is it better to sleep on a hard or soft pillow for neck pain.

According to OrthoUnited , when you’re choosing between a firm or soft pillow for the best travel pillow or the best pillow for neck pain , you’ll want to consider your sleep position. Side sleepers might want something firm to keep their head and neck supported, while stomach sleepers may want something on the softer side.

Which travel pillow is better: inflatable or foam?

It all really depends on your preference and what support you need. However, Spencer says that “memory foam pillows tend to offer the best support and comfort for travel.” She adds that “it's essential to choose one that provides proper support to prevent neck strain and ensure a comfortable journey, especially during long trips. Improper neck support can lead to discomfort, stiffness and even pain, which can negatively affect your travel experience.”

Related article: How to wash pillows (and how often you should wash them)

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Best Travel Neck Pillow for Long Flights

Whether you’re flying private or economy, choosing the best travel neck pillow for you will ensure you’re well-rested when you reach your destination.

Whether you’re looking for your first-ever neck pillow or you’re a seasoned veteran, there’s something on this list for everyone. From blow-up models to memory foam, there’s a lot to choose from.

Before you decide on the best travel neck pillow for you, there are a few things to go over. What are you looking for in a pillow companion? Do you want structure or something squishy to lean on? Does packed size matter to you? Is there a material that makes you sweat or is uncomfortable on your skin? Once you’ve answered those questions, we’re ready to rock.

Whether riding in the middle seat on a budget airline or traveling by train across Europe, it’s time to get comfortable! Let’s dive in.

• Trtl Travel Pillow
• Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow
• J-Pillow Travel Pillow
• BCOZZY Travel Pillow
• Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
• OSTRICHPILLOW GO Travel Pillow
• Vive Neck Brace
• Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow
• bullbird BR2 Travel Pillow
• MLVOC Memory Travel Pillow
• Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• NapFun Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Why We Like It: Stiff insert adds a ton of support.

What You Should Know: It may be too stiff for some users.

If you’re looking for a lot of support that doesn’t take up much room, look no further than the trtl Travel Pillow. The internal support system is wrapped in a soft fleece material, so the strength doesn’t overshadow its comfort. The support is on one side of your neck, so it feels really great when we’re sleeping on one side. You can even move it to the front to add support under your chin. However, if you tend to bob your neck to the left and right in your sleep, your head may still hang to one side.

If you aren’t a fan of sturdy pillows, this might not be the one for you. However, you can adjust the trtl to work for almost any sleeping position, whether on a plane, train, or automobile. This is an excellent option for those looking for something that isn’t too bulky and offers a load of support.

Why We Like It: Folds up tiny when not in use.

What You Should Know: Doesn’t have that soft, squishy feel you get from foam pillows.

If packability is what you want from a travel neck pillow, then an inflatable one is pretty hard to beat. One of our biggest apprehensions, though, is how durable they are. Just one puncture, and they’re rendered practically useless. As such, this one being from Sea to Summit, a fairly reputable brand that offers a robust warranty, is quite reassuring.

The pillow itself inflates into a typical neck pillow shape that goes around your neck. It doesn’t look all that special, though the sides are wide while the nape area is pretty thin. This provides a lot of support at the sides without feeling intrusive at the back of the neck. There’s also a toggle at the front that holds the gap together, so you can be fairly confident that this will stay on as you sleep.

While this pillow is fairly easy to inflate and easy to adjust because of its valve, the inflatable design doesn’t quite deliver the same level of comfort foam-based pillows do. There’s just something about the squishy, breathable sensation that feels comfier than the rigid consistency of an inflatable pillow. Still, this pillow gets the job done if you’re just looking for relatively quick in-flight naps.

Why We Like It: Lots of support and hugs your face.

What You Should Know: Can fall off in your sleep.

Do you like to be comfortable on flights? Do you want an additional headrest for extra support? Do you want a travel neck pillow that has a passing resemblance to a walrus? If you answered yes to any of those questions, the J-Pillow Travel Pillow might be your best bet.

The unique design hugs your face, offering a ton of padded support. However, that structure only comes on one side of your head. If you move a lot in your sleep, it runs the risk of falling off since there’s no VELCRO or buckle to keep it in place. However, it’s a great shout for side sleepers and those who want extra support.

Compared to some models, the J-Pillow doesn’t pack down very small. In fact, its irregular T-shape might make it tricky to pack like that one Tetris shape everyone has trouble with. However, the extra support will be worth it to travelers who always wake up with a crick in their neck after a long flight.

Why We Like It: Can customize it to fit your needs.

What You Should Know: Might not be big enough for some.

No matter what seat you end up with on your budget flight from Delhi to Mumbai, the bcozzy Travel Pillow will adapt to keep you comfortable. The design is longer than most models, so you can wrap it to meet your needs, whether they’re on your left, right, in front, or behind your head.

The soft exterior makes it easy to find comfort, even when we’re sitting in a relatively cramped economy class seat. If you want more support, just tighten the pillow’s grip. However, this might not be the best travel neck pillow for you if you have a more oversized neck, as you won’t be able to tighten it as much.

Why We Like It: Attaches to your seat, so it won’t move.

What You Should Know: May not work for shorter users.

If you tend to toss and turn while sleeping on an airplane, the Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Neck Pillow may be the best pillow for you. One of the highlights is the seat attachment strap, so you can’t slouch or bend over so long as you have it secured. This may feel slightly claustrophobic for some users; however, we’ve found it’s easy to get used to.

On the front, a strap tightens the pillow’s grip around your neck so you don’t fall forward, either. If you’re short, you may find the whole apparatus is too high for you to use. However, there’s usually an attachment point somewhere on the seat to make the mechanism work.

It comes with a carrying case, but the whole deal is a little larger than we’d like. That said, its size is a small price for a pillow that keeps you in place, no matter where the destination is.

Why We Like It: Feels like a comfortable sweater.

What You Should Know: Takes up a lot of space.

For travelers searching for the best travel neck pillow with boisterous 360-degree support, the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great shout. It isn’t the smallest offering on this list; however, when you wear it, it feels like you’re sporting a warm sweater in your bed at home.

The design wraps all the way around your neck for support that has you covered no matter which way your head leans. We’re also digging the hook-and-loop patch that feels very secure and simple to latch, not requiring you to fiddle with snaps or hooks. The included bag helps keep it clean in your travel backpack , but it doesn’t compress, so it will take up a large amount of space if you’re traveling with a daypack . However, the comfort supplied by this neck pillow will help you wake up refreshed and ready to go.

Why We Like It: Great for balling on a budget.

What You Should Know: Not comfortable for long trips.

Okay, we know what you might be thinking. A neck brace? For travel? Has the Pack Hacker Team gone mad? Here us out—one of the worst things on a flight is getting comfortable and cozy, nearly falling asleep, only for you to be shocked away by the sensation of falling you get when your head drops an inch. With a neck brace, your head isn’t going anywhere. It simply wraps around your neck and fastens securely for a nice, relatively cozy feel.

Plus, this thing is extraordinarily budget-friendly. It isn’t the most comfortable option on the market, but if your primary concern is head bobbing, there might be no better option than the Vive Neck Brace on your journey to find the best travel neck pillow for you.

Why We Like It: Sits on the tray table infront of you.

What You Should Know: Inflatable, so it can puncture.

Okay, but what if you want a pillow that offers a lot of support but takes up nearly no room when packed? We’ve got you covered. The Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow blows up, so it can slide into small spaces in your pack and even fit into a large sling. Once inflated, it rests on the tray table in front of you so you can lean forward on it for support. There’s a hole for your face and a place to rest your arms. Yes, this one’s for those who would rather lean forward than lean back on what’s likely super straight and stiff economy seats.

Its size does come at a cost. You’ll have to blow it up when you get to your seat, which may take a while or attract a lot of attention. Plus, more surface area means more places for it to get a puncture. However, the materials are durable, and the comfort offered by this thing makes the hassle of blowing it up worth it. You may just need to get used to a few weird looks from fellow passengers.

Why We Like It: Excellent back and neck support.

What You Should Know: Won’t stop your head from bobbing forward.

The bullbird BR2 Travel Pillow doesn’t just support your neck; it’s ergonomically designed to align your spine and neck, so you’ll have a comfortable flight and be well-aligned when you arrive at your destination. It’s much smaller than many of the options on this list, so you’ll have more room to pack souvenirs on the way home.

This model feels supportive enough to stop your neck from bobbing left and right. However, it struggles to stop us from falling forward when we’re sitting in an upright position (most economy class seats are steeply upright, after all). However, it’s designed to fit most adults, is hand washable, and features memory foam to ensure you’re comfortable from point A to point B.

If you are looking for an option that will keep you aligned and ready to take on any adventure, this might be the best travel neck pillow for you.

Why We Like It: Comes with earplugs, an eye mask, and a case.

What You Should Know: It’s difficult to stow in the case.

If you need more than the standard pillow design, the MLVOC Travel Pillow 100% Pure Memory Foam Neck Pillow has you covered. This model comes with an eye mask, ear plugs, and a case to ensure you’re ready to sleep no matter where you are. The phrase out of sight, out of mind gains a whole new meaning when you’re at cruising altitude and you can’t see or hear the baby crying a few rows behind you. Ah, so comfortable!

We have a really hard time putting this pillow back in its case; however, the memory foam is very comfortable and offers enough support to get you through the day, night, or afternoon. Plus, the whole set is budget-friendly for all travelers.

If you want the whole package, this might be the best travel neck pillow for you!

Why We Like It: Memory foam is extremely comfortable.

What You Should Know: It’s a bit heavy.

The Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow is a fancy-feeling offering that compresses down small enough to fit into your hand so you don’t have to compromise size or comfort. Plus, it comes with a complimentary set of earplugs.

Even though this neck pillow compresses relatively small, it’s still quite heavy. This isn’t a huge deal, but ultralight packers should be wary of that. However, because it’s crafted from memory foam, the materials form to your back and shoulders to create a fitted feel that will allow you to relax. The pillow has a cover, so you can remove that and wash it should it get dirty.

For the comforts of home that fit into the palm of your hand, look no further than the Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Pillow.

Why We Like It: The cloth cover can be washed separately.

What You Should Know: Comes with its own pouch, but it doesn’t compress all that well

The shape of a neck pillow is as important as any of its aspects. After all, all the soft foam padding in the world won’t help if it's nowhere near the part of your head that needs support. Thus, the NapFun Memory Foam Travel Pillow looks very promising to us, with its many contours and tall side walls. As expected, its rather unique shape is supportive, particularly when you lean onto corners. The sides have a bit more leeway in letting your head move about, but it’s overall still neckbrace-like in terms of constraints.

On the other hand, this neck pillow is rather bulky. They say that the pouch helps with compressing it into a more travel-friendly size. However, while that may be technically true, the difference is quite minimal versus if you simply crushed it yourself. Otherwise, you may want to wear this for the duration of your trip if you’re a bit short on packing space—but it’ll at least be very comfortable doing so.

Lastly, we like that this travel neck pillow’s cover is separately washable. Yes, if you drool on your neck pillow, chances are it’ll seep into the pillow itself anyway. However, for light stains like the oils on your face or makeup, cleaning the cover is more than enough, and it’ll be easier to dry out without the use of a dryer (you might not have access to that kind of amenity every time, after all).

So there you have it! Some of the best travel neck pillow models to ensure you get to your destination well-rested. No matter where you’re going, being prepared when you arrive is half the battle! Happy snoozing.

April 18, 2023

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

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NBC Select Travel Awards 2024: The best travel accessories

At NBC Select, we spend hours researching and testing products so that you can be more selective about the things you buy. With our first-ever NBC Select Best of Travel Awards, we spent months thoroughly testing numerous products that cover a wide range of travel categories. We traveled across the globe to Japan with hardshell suitcases, we took train rides from our New York City office to test weekenders and duffel bags and we tried packing cubes , toiletry bags , noise-canceling headphones and more. After all that testing, our editors sat down to choose products deserving of the Travel Award winner’s stamp of approval.

Below, we've rounded up the best travel accessories, including earbuds, Bluetooth trackers, neck pillows, packing cubes, and more. We've also included information about how we evaluated each product.

SKIP AHEAD How we picked the best travel accessories | Best travel accessories

How we picked the best travel accessories

We consider travel accessories all the little odds and ends that end up inside your travel bag — tools and knick-knacks that make any trip more enjoyable. We focused on headphones, Bluetooth trackers, travel pillows, toiletries, packing cubes and more.

Products endured an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite. In some cases, winners were products staffers have used for years before testing. Each accessory category required different testing:

• We tried headphones and earbuds in different settings: a coffee shop, airport, train station, and hotel. We made notes on sound quality, noise-canceling capabilities, battery life, comfort, and portability.
• We tried travel pillows in real and mock airplane seating. Did the pillow feel supportive and comfortable? Was it easy to store in a bag?
• We tested the range of different Bluetooth trackers and how easy they were to setup.
• We tossed our toiletry bags around and ran them under the sink to test what “waterproof” really means.
• We stuffed our packing cubes to the brim and tested how they held their shape and how the zippers held up when fully packed.

We did all of this and more to select our favorite travel accessories. All of our winners performed well in our tests and were great products to use.

select We took over 30 duffels, backpacks and weekenders on planes, trains and more for our Travel Awards. These are the best

Nbc select travel awards accessories winners, best over-ear headphones: bose quietcomfort headphones.

Bose QuietComfort Headphones

A good pair of over-ear headphones can make any plane ride more comfortable, more relaxing and more enjoyable. These over-ear headphones from Bose do just that with their excellent automated noise canceling, light and compact design, good battery life and durable carrying case. They connect via Bluetooth but also come with a wired cable that plugs into things like seatback entertainment systems. “They are my go-to travel headphones, and that’s saying a lot because I test out a lot of different headphones,” says NBC Select reporter Harry Rabinowitz .

Best earbuds for iPhone: Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

Apple Airpods Pro (2nd Gen, USB-C)

These are some of the best wireless earbuds for the iPhone in general, not just for travel. What makes them good for travel is their pocketable size, great noise canceling and transparency modes, and easy pairing with all your Apple devices. Multiple NBC Select staff use these headphones for travel. While they don’t deliver as much noise canceling as over-ear headphones, they are much smaller to pack, and when you are tight on space, every inch counts.

Best earbuds for Android: Sony WF-1000XM5

Sony WF-1000XM5

If you have an Android phone and want to immerse yourself in your favorite music or podcast, these Sony earbuds do just that. They have excellent audio quality, with clear, detailed instrumentation across all genres. With eight hours of battery life, they can last through most flights — if they run out, you can put them back in their charging case for up to 24 hours more on time.

Best iOS Bluetooth tracker: AirTag 4-Pack

Apple AirTag (4 Pack)

“I use Apple AirTags for all kinds of travel: everything from international trips to commuting to work,” says Rabinowitz. He has one in his work backpack, his suitcase and his keys. You can use the Apple FindMy app to pinpoint the exact location of your AirTag if it’s within 30 feet. If it’s outside that range, the app will point to the location via maps. AirTags only work with iPhone and Apple devices, Android owners should consider another Bluetooth tracker like the Tile Pro.

Best Android Bluetooth tracker: Tile Pro 2-Pack

Tile Pro 2-Pack

Android owners can attach these Bluetooth trackers to anything they want the exact location of: think keys, luggage or a bike. Using the Tile app, you can pinpoint the location of the tile from up to 400 feet away using the Tile app . You can also ping the tile, it will ring audible to help you locate it.

Outside of 400 feet, the app will give a more approximate location on a map using the Tile Network. Like the Apple AirTag, the battery lasts up to a year, and is easily replaceable .

Best portable charger: Anker 523 PowerCore Portable Charger

Anker 523 PowerCore Portable Charger

This portable charger has saved Rabinowitz’s phone from dying dozens of times — without it, he would be lost somewhere on the streets of London with a dead phone and no maps app to save him. It can fully recharge a phone or tablet on the go, and has a USB-A and USB-C port, meaning it can connect to all sorts of cables and devices. Jordan Bowman, NBC Select commerce editor is also a fan of the Anker portable charger, which he used extensively during a trip to Japan. “I was able to keep exploring the city without worrying about my phone losing all its battery and turning into a brick,” he says. 

Best in-flight gadget: Twelve South AirFly SE

Twelve South AirFly SE

This little dongle is an essential travel gadget for anyone with Bluetooth earbuds or headphones — it lets you connect to a plane’s seatback TV wirelessly. It’s a must-have for NBC Select editorial projects manager Rebecca Rodriguez, who travels regularly with the wireless Apple AirPods Max .

After an initial pairing process, the AirFly will recognize your wireless device whenever it is on and near it, says Rodriguez. It’s small enough to fit into any carry-on or personal item, and it has lasted multiple four hour flights without a need for a recharge.

Best travel blanket: Rumpl Packable Travel Blanket

Rumpl Packable Travel Blanket

NBC Select production coordinator Kelsey Fredricks says the Rumpl packable blanket kept her warm during her seven-hour flight to Ireland. “Overall, I am very impressed by the design of this blanket and think it’s a must-have for anyone who gets cold on flights,” she says. You can also store the blanket back inside the carrying pouch, which is about the size of a medium-sized Nalgene bottle, so it takes up less space in your bags or suitcase. It’s also a great option for anyone going on an outdoor trip, thanks to its insulation and water resistance. Plus, you can easily clean off your blanket by throwing it in the washing machine. 

Best jewelry case: Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Dagne Dover Frankie Jewelry Case

Jewelry is an essential part of travel for many, but storage has been challenging for our staff in the past. “This little case is the perfect compact size, and it doesn’t take up much room in my backpack or weekender, which is where my jewelry lives when I’m traveling,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin . She loves that each side of the interior has organizational slots and loops for different sized necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets. The case is made with recycled polyester, microfiber and silicone. 

Best luggage scale: Etekcity Heavy Duty Luggage Scale

Etekcity Heavy Duty Luggage Scale

We used this Etekcity Heavy Duty portable scale to test the weight of all the suitcases and bags for the Travel Awards. You can easily hook your suitcase onto the scale for a quick reading before you need to check your bag for any international flights. We found it to have an accurate sensor with a weight limit of up to 110 lbs. It’s a must have accessory for frequent travelers, thanks to its affordable price and portable design. 

Best Pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

The Ostrichpillow Go was selected as a Travel Awards favorite thanks to its ergonomic design and comfort. During a recent trip, NBC Select senior social media editor Rosalie Sparaco, used the Go travel pillow and liked the memory foam core, which offered great support. “I also discovered that you could use this to double as an eye mask/pillow and lean against the side of the plane if you have a window seat,” she says. One minor setback for Sparaco was the amount of space that the Go travel pillow took up in her bag. 

Best Toiletry Bag: Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Bagsmart Toiletry Bag

Multiple NBC Select editors used the Bagsmart Toiletry bag during trips and found it to be useful, thanks to its spaciousness and multiple compartments, making it easier to organize makeup, skin care or any other items. “I use this bag every time I go on longer trips because it’s so spacious,” says NBC Select updates editor Mili Godio. “I like that it extends and has multiple compartments, so it’s like having multiple different bags all pressed into one.” 

Best Packing Cubes: Quince Revive Nylon Eco Compression Cubes (6-Pack)

Quince Revive Nylon Eco Compression Cubes (6-Pack)

Packing cubes can turn into travel life savers. They can help you easily compress and organize all of your items before you start your trip. “I have used a lot of different packing cubes and these were great. Love the expandability, love the material and love that cushioning,” says NBC Select associate updates editor Zoe Malin. We were also able to stuff multiple shirts inside the largest packing cube and compress them down to a more suitable size. Fredricks says the packing cube also held its shape well even after stuffing her packing cubes fully. 

Why trust NBC Select?

Products underwent an eight-week trial before being selected as our favorite in their respective categories. We utilized our editors as shopping and trying experts. Each editor was given the same criteria during the testing period to ensure each item was held to the same standards and procedures. You can read more about our process here .

What our badge means

When a product carries the NBC Select badge, you can trust that our team of editors as shopping experts and professionals vetted the item thoroughly. First and foremost, we are journalists, so we will always do our research and reporting.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Select Staff on NBC News

Try Before You Buy: The best neck pillows for travel

Everyone knows how uncomfortable long travel can be on a plane, train or in the car.

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If you are planning a trip this spring break, "Good Morning America" put some neck pillows to the test for Try Before You Buy.

"GMA" correspondent Becky Worley tried three different neck pillows that all can be purchased on Amazon for under $65.

Check out her suggestions below.

By clicking on these shopping links, visitors will leave Goodmorningamerica.com. These e-commerce sites are operated under different terms and privacy policies than Goodmorningamerica.com. ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links. SOME PRICES ARE DYNAMIC AND MAY CHANGE FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION.

BCOZZY Neck Pillow

BCOZZY Neck Pillow for Travel Provides Double Support to The Head, Neck, and Chin in Any Sleeping Position on Flights, Car, and at Home, Comfortable Airplane Travel Pillow, Large, Navy

Trtl travel and airplane pillow.

trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow - Real Sleeping Experience on Long Flights - Neck and Shoulder Support - Super-Soft, Lightweight, Easy-to-Carry, and Machine-Washable Flight Pillow

Cabeau the neck's evolution.

Cabeau The Neck's Evolution, TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow Memory Foam Airplane Pillow - Neck Pillow with Attachment Straps - 360-Degree Support for Travel, Home, Office, and Gaming - (Berlin Grey)

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All the Best Cooling Sleep Gear (That We’ve Written About on the Strategist)

In this article

Cooling sheets, cooling pillows, cooling mattresses, cooling mattress toppers, cooling weighted blankets, cooling pajamas, cooling sleep masks, cooling sleep gadgets.

If it seems impossible to find the cool side of your pillow during this heat wave — or if you’re still trying to find a solution for your night sweats — don’t worry. There are plenty of options for sleep gear that actually keeps you cool. From a cooling sleep mask (that also blocks out sunlight) to a mattress that draws heat away from your body, I’ve put together a list of all the best cooling sleep gear that has appeared on the Strategist. These items have been recommended by sleep experts — and by our writers and editors who have tested them out in their own homes. So instead of suffering through this sweaty weather, invest in some sleep gear that keeps you cool and well rested.

Best cooling cotton sheets overall

According to Strategist bedding expert Lauren Ro, cooling sheets typically fall into two categories: sheets that promote air circulation and sheets that wick away moisture from sweaty sleepers. This set from Quince is best if you’re looking for some breathability, which can help with overheating, and lead to more restful nights. Ro says the sheets are “the crispest and most lightweight of all the bedding I have tried over the years.” She even felt cool sleeping in them during a summer heat wave with just the ceiling fan on, no AC.

Best sateen cooling cotton sheets

If you prefer soft and silky sheets over crisp sheets, you’re better off with these sateen sheets from Silk & Snow. They’re made from 100 percent certified long-staple Egyptian cotton, which is known for its breathability, durability, and softness. The sheets felt a little more lightweight than other sateen sheets made from Egyptian cotton, according to Ro.

Best cooling linen sheets

Ro says linen is “a great choice for hot sleepers if you prefer a bit more heft in your bedding, as opposed to the cloudlike quality of cotton.” We recommend these sheets from Brooklinen, which are the Strategist’s favorite starter sheets , for their relative affordability and how light they feel.

Best cooling lyocell sheets

Lyocell, otherwise known as eucalyptus, is an eco-friendly option for cooling sheets. Strategist contributor Lori Keong says the plant fibers soak up ten times less water than cotton, and the fabric itself is extra breathable. Sheets & Giggles specializes in lyocell sheets, and Dr. Margarita Oks , a pulmonologist at Lenox Hill Hospital, is a big fan of the brand’s sheets, which feel “so nice on somebody’s skin when they’re sweating at night,” she says.

Best cooling Tencel sheets

If you’re looking for something that promises breathability and moisture wicking, a set of Tencel is your best bet. Ben Trapskin, the founder of bedding-review site Yawnder , says the fabric is “better at absorbing moisture than most other fibers, making it great for sweaty sleepers,” and recommends this set because it’s made from a Tencel-cotton blend, which will give the sheets a more familiar feel for Tencel newbies. Plus, Tencel is naturally wrinkle-resistant and sustainable, so the sheets will look good and be good for the environment.

Best organic cooling bamboo sheets

It is possible to sleep in supersoft sheets without drowning in sweat overnight. The solution is bamboo sheets, which get high marks from sleep doctors for being soft, hypoallergenic, eco-friendly, and cool to the touch. These sheets in particular come recommended by Anishka Clarke, a co-owner of Ishka Designs , who says they’re “softer than you’d imagine. Supersoft. Like, baby soft on your skin” and extremely durable, generally lasting twice as long as cotton. The set comes in a variety of classic colors, including a shimmery sky blue and subtle stone gray.

Best (less expensive) cooling organic bamboo sheets

You can still achieve that supersoft-cooling dichotomy with this highly affordable set of bamboo sheets that Ro says felt as silky as real silk. “They’re incredibly soft to the touch, drape well, and still look great after several washes,” she says. “And sleeping in them feels incredibly luxurious.”

Best (even less expensive) cooling bamboo sheets

For the non-organic conscious, these sheets are even more affordable. Airbnb host Brandon Lee says these 100 percent bamboo-rayon sheets “outperform almost every other bedsheet fabric I’ve tried including linen, cotton, and Egyptian silk.” He adds, this set is “not only softer and more lightweight” than other fabrics but moisture wicking too.

Best cooling bamboo-lyocell sheets

Finally, for a slightly more ecoconscious choice, consider these bamboo lyocell sheets, whose manufacturing process requires less water and fewer chemicals. Strategist contributor and self-proclaimed “sweaty person” Jolie de Feis sleeps in these sheets and says, “As someone who has frequently slept on a towel to avoid changing my sheets multiple times per week, I am genuinely astonished every morning when I wake up sweat free.” She says they’re cooling, feel luxurious, and come in a range of pleasing colors and patterns.

Best cooling pillow overall

Similar to cooling sheets, cooling pillows also fall into two categories: breathable pillows and physically cold pillows. Our favorite cooling pillow overall falls into the former because it’s filled with a mix of shredded latex and a natural fiber called kapok that allow for optimized airflow, lightness, and breathability. You can even adjust the filling yourself by unzipping the pillow’s inner case and removing some filling or adding more filling from the extra bag of fill that’s included with the pillow. “This adjustability, combined with high-quality breathable materials and a fair price of just over $100 per pillow, make the Avocado Green pillow my top pick for a cooling pillow,” explains our sleep writer Amelia Jerden.

Best memory-foam cooling pillow

You should consider buying a memory-foam cooling pillow if you’re looking for a balance of support and comfort. This option from Tempur-Pedic “has large gel pads on both sides that span nearly the whole surface and genuinely feel cool to the touch,” Jerden writes. “And because there is a gel pad on each side, you can always flip the pillow over if you still start to feel too warm.” And since this pillow has a fairly high loft, it’s a great pick for side sleepers , according to Jerden.

Best (less expensive) memory-foam cooling pillow

Though Jerden named Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Cloud Breeze Dual Cooling Pillow the best cooling pillow overall, it’s expensive. For almost half the price, you can buy DreamCloud’s memory foam pillow, which has cooling gel distributed throughout the foam instead of layered on both sides like our top pick above. Jerden says the pillow’s cover, which is made from a polyester-polyethylene blend, is what made the pillow truly cooling because it has a cool-to-the-touch feel. Though she didn’t find it to be quite as cooling as Tempur-Pedic’s pillow, she says the DreamCloud “is a good cooling pillow for a much more affordable price.” Plus, she found it to be comfortable for both back and side sleeping.

[Editor’s note: The DreamCloud Best Rest pillow is currently out of stock. However, you can sign up for restock notifications on the product page.]

Best latex cooling pillow

Jerden has been happily sleeping on this latex pillow for the entire year, but it’s particularly effective at keeping you cool during summer months because of its perforated-latex core and Purple’s signature gel grid. She named it our best pillow for back sleepers because she’s primarily a back sleeper. I’m a stomach sleeper, though, and sleep on it every night with pleasure. Past comfort, Jerden writes, “One of its greatest qualities is how cool it stays.” She adds, “I often get a nice initial blast of coolness when I lie down for the night, after the pillow has gone untouched all day, and even as that initial coolness dissipates, I do not overheat.”

Best (less expensive) latex cooling pillow

If you’re losing sleep thinking about spending nearly $200 on one pillow, the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow is a perfectly good alternative for half the price. If maximum cooling is your top priority, Jerden still recommends considering the Purple pillow, but she says this one shines because it also “has a Tencel cover, a great material for temperature regulation, and ventilation holes in the latex core to allow for additional airflow.” She recommends the pillow’s low loft option for stomach and back sleepers and the pillow’s high loft option for back and side sleepers.

Best cooling pillow for neck pain

This pillow uses a pillow-within-a-pillow design to create a fluffy feel on the outside with sturdy support inside. While the inner pillow is filled with shredded latex, which Jerden reports is great for cooling, the outer pillow is filled with a super airy down alternative that further contributes to the pillow’s cooling capabilities. Jerden says the pillow is ideal for neck pain because “the outer pillow compressed beneath me and enveloped my head and neck, while the inner pillow kept my neck supported so it didn’t completely sink through the pillow.” And though she says the Saatva didn’t feel as cool to the touch as some other cooling pillows we’ve recommended, it still effectively regulates temperature thanks to its core of shredded-latex foam.

Best down-alternative cooling pillow

If you’d prefer a down-alternative pillow, we recommend this one which is extra ecofriendly because it uses a synthetic fill made from recycled plastic bottles and a Tencel pillow cover that’s derived from wood pulp. Jerden found the pillow to have a pleasantly cool feel, and since it comes in three firmness levels, it caters to every sleeping position. While Jerden says the soft model is ideal for stomach sleepers, she recommends the medium and firm models for back and side sleepers.

Best soft cooling pillow

“Silk is one of the most luxurious — and cooling — materials out there,” writes Jerden, and this pillow is filled with mulberry silk, “so it is not only incredibly plush and soft, but also stays quite cool.” Plus, the cover is made of bamboo viscose, a great fabric for temperature regulation and wicking away moisture, so you can enjoy a soft pillow without suffering from night sweats.

Best all-around cooling mattress

We named the Tuft & Needle Mint Mattress the best cooling mattress because it features extra cooling layers and a medium firmness that works for multiple sleep styles. Strategist writer Arielle Avila tested it out and says, “I didn’t really understand what the term ‘soft yet supportive’ meant until I slept on the Mint, but that’s exactly how I’d describe it.” As for the mattress’s cooling abilities, she adds, “There were a couple nights I forgot to turn my fan on and didn’t wake up drenched. My boyfriend, who runs hot like I do, remarked he didn’t get as hot sleeping on this mattress.”

Best (less expensive) cooling mattress

For a less expensive cooling mattress, consider this option from Zinus, which is also our favorite affordable mattress overall. Though Jerden initially had low expectations for the mattress because of its price, the mattress quickly impressed her, actively supporting her back with a touch of low-back cushioning from the soft foams. “The springs give the bed some support structure, keep it from feeling overly doughy, and give it a bit of bounce,” she adds. It features gel-infused memory foam similar to the cooling pillows above, which is engineered to provide breathability for hot sleepers looking for a restful night of sleep.

Best hybrid cooling mattress

This mattress is like a regular Casper mattress, combined with multiple layers of cooling gel, and graphite (a common bedding material used to draw heat away from the body). Strategist writer Dominique Pariso sleeps extremely hot and put this mattress to the ultimate test by sleeping on it during the summer. “I was impressed with how well it regulated my temperature during the night,” she writes. “I didn’t wake up in sweaty sheets once, even during the hottest nights of the year.”

Best mattress with cooling gel

The makers of Jerden’s favorite pillow also offer a cooling gel mattress, which is our favorite of its kind. The Purple mattress is made in part from a proprietary polymer material that’s known for being moldable and has been used in medical beds, Dr. Scholl’s soles, and toy balls. It’s best for those who sleep hot and prefer a medium-firm mattress, which translates to “being cradled rather than smothered,” according to former Strategist deputy editor Jason Chen who tested out the mattress. The added support also prevented pockets from forming that could retain heat, a downside that Chen noticed with his previous mattress. “After a week, I was fully converted and found myself wanting to spend time in bed during the day: reading magazines, using my laptop, playing with the dog,” he says.

Best cooling mattress topper overall

If you’re not game to buy an entire new mattress, Jerden says a new topper can change the feel and cooling abilities of the one you already own. Our favorite contains phase-change material, which adjusts your bed’s temperature depending on your body: When you’re hot, the material liquifies” to absorb heat to keep you cool, and when you’re cool, “the material solidifies, trapping in the heat,” explains Joshua Tal, a psychologist specializing in sleep disorders. This one is one of the thicker options on this list, which allows you to achieve the trifecta of cooling, cushioning, and comfort. And unlike many memory-foam toppers that are spot-clean only, this one has a machine-washable cover.

Best (less expensive) cooling mattress topper

Though this cooling topper has a lower price tag than our top pick, the biggest sacrifice you’ll make if you choose this option is on trial period (30 nights instead of 90 days) and thickness (two inches instead of four inches). However, Bill Fish, president of Sleep Doctor, says this cushy topper is more responsive to pressure than other memory-foam toppers he has tried, and it’s made with phase-change material to help regulate your body temperature. A lesser thickness is also better if you just want a little more softness, rather than fully feeling cocooned by foam.

Best memory-foam cooling mattress topper

If you’re going for that classic, slow sinking memory foam feel, choose this mattress topper. It’s made with high-density, gel-infused foam that’ll draw heat away from the body while providing extra support. Jerden says the mattress topper itself didn’t feel cool to the touch, but she adds, “I didn’t feel it heating up around me excessively, which is sometimes all you can expect with memory foam.” One thing to note: Strategist writer Jeremy Rellosa noticed the topper is firmer in cold weather and softer when it’s hot. “Sometimes, it feels a little too plush when it’s warm,” Rellosa explains, despite the high-density foam.

Best graphite-infused cooling mattress topper

This option from Saatva combines graphite and memory foam to create a topper that’s plush and cooling. “It contoured around my body with a nice balance of cushioning and support,” Jerden writes. As for its cooling capabilities, she says, “This one doesn’t feel cool to the touch, but it also didn’t feel noticeably hot. I like that on top of the graphite infusions, this topper has a breathable organic-cotton cover with straps to secure it in place on your mattress.”

Best copper-infused cooling mattress topper

We recommend the Layla topper if you find yourself preferring a firmer mattress . It’s on the thinner side compared to others on this list but has fairly dense foam, so Jerden says when she tested it, “I sank into the foam quite slowly — it molded around my body the longer I lay on it, ultimately providing excellent pressure relief.” Like the other infused toppers, this one will prevent you from overheating without actually feeling cool to the touch.

Best latex cooling mattress topper

Latex mattress toppers come at a higher price, but Jerden says they’re all-natural and will last longer than their memory foam counterparts. Best of all, they allow for more effective air circulation, and this latex topper has ventilation holes that allow for even more air flow. This one is available in five firmness levels, ranging from soft to extra firm, so you can easily customize it to the feel of your bed. “Unfortunately, these toppers are not returnable, so you should be ready to commit if you’re going to go for it,” Jerden notes.

Best hydro-powered cooling mattress topper

This cover isn’t exactly a mattress topper, but it goes on top of your mattress and allows you to completely control the temperature of your mattress, so I’ve included it here. You can control the device through an app, which directs water through internal tubing in the cover and allows you to cool or heat the bed to a temperature of your choosing between 55 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. (You can even control each side of the bed independently if you share a bed with someone or just want more flexibility.) “In addition to cooling and heating, the Pod Cover can track sleep-health metrics like your heart rate and sleep stages. It also has vibration and thermal alarms, and you can enable automatic temperature adjustments to keep your body temperature stable throughout the night,” Jerden writes. Though you’ll have to pay $24 to access some of the features.

Best (less expensive) hydro-powered cooling mattress topper

Though effective, the Eight Pod cover is definitely not a budget-friendly option. This affordable alternative has earned the stamp of approval from Pariso who has tried everything to combat her night sweats, and you can read more of her praise of the device here . Similar to the Eight Pod above, this system can be set to an exact temperature anywhere from 55 to 115 degrees by using the provided remote control. “The biggest difference between this system and the Eight Sleep definitely seems to lie in all the extra features Eight Sleep offers (sleep tracking, automatic adjustments, vibration alarms, app controls, and so on,” Jerden writes. So if you’re willing to sacrifice those extra features, you should go with this option. Plus, the Chilipad system comes in two versions: Me or We, with Me covering half the bed and We covering the whole bed.

Best fan-powered cooling mattress topper

Unlike the water-powered cooling systems above, this one is powered by “warm or cool air that is pushed through the topper by mini-fans in the corners or at the foot of the topper depending on which size you get,” according to Jerden. You won’t be able to control its temperature to the exact degree, but it benefits from a burst button that triggers five extra minutes of cooling air for those extra toasty nights. You’ll also be able to control the temperature of each side of the topper, making it ideal for couples with different temperature preferences.

Best cooling weighted blanket overall

A weighted blanket can be soothing, but in hot weather its heaviness can be unpleasant. Luckily, we like this cooling weighted option from Bearaby. It’s our favorite because it’s crafted with large yarn loops, which help circulate air, making it exceptionally breathable and cooling, despite its 15-pound weight. “The yarn’s organic Tencel Lyocell fiber further contributes to the blanket’s cooling properties, as it’s a material that’s known to be silky, smooth, and moisture-wicking,” Ro adds.

Best (less expensive) cooling weighted blanket overall

If you’re not willing to spend that much on a weighted blanket , there’s also this option which is made of a polyester-jersey knitted fabric yarn — instead of Tencel lyocell. It’ll still be breathable like the option above as it features a similar thick, hand knit construction, but the polyester blend will make it extra absorbent for wicking away sweat.

Best moisture-wicking cooling weighted blanket

Being a sweaty sleeper doesn’t mean you have to give up on the traditional weighted blanket filled with beads. “While it lacks the air-circulating features of an open weave, it’s the cover fabric that contributes to its feel,” Ro writes. “The material is smooth, lightweight, and known to have moisture-wicking and temperature-regulating properties and feels almost like silk.” Our sleep experts say it feels luxurious to sleep with and won’t make you overheat.

Best bamboo cooling weighted blanket

Like the cooling sheets above, you can also consider a weighted blanket made with bamboo. This one is smooth, silky, cool to the touch, and comes at one of the more affordable prices in this list.

Best cotton cooling weighted blanket

Finally, there’s this cotton weighted blanket, which is best if you prefer an all-natural material. “While I wouldn’t call the material actively cooling, the cotton itself is breathable and comfortable and also feels cool and crisp to the touch, reminding me of cotton percale sheets,” Ro writes. “The substantial cotton also adds a bit more heft to the 12-pound blanket, and I loved how it felt on my body at night.”

Best cooling pajamas

This pair of PJs is made of a breathable, moisture-wicking bamboo viscose that never causes Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell to wake up in a sweat, unlike with other pajamas she owns. Milliner-Waddell tries to stay in them for as long as she can in the morning and says, “I just feel important in them,” perhaps because they’re also beloved by Oprah.

Best (less expensive) cooling pajamas

These cooling PJs are an affordable alternative to the Cozy Earth pair above and have earned a stamp of approval from Pariso. She found that the lightweight pima cotton that the set is made of was not only “so, so soft” but kept her cool through the night. One thing to note: The set shrinks slightly the first time you put it through a washer, so we recommend sizing up if you prefer a looser fit. No matter the fit, you should air-dry the set to prolong its lifetime.

Best cooling sleep mask

Sleep masks are one of the most commonly recommended items in the Strategist’s celebrity interview column “ What I Can’t Live Without .” This bundle includes DJ Steve Aoki’s favorite sleep mask and a pair of interchangeable eye cups that you can pop in the freezer for ice-cold relief. I previously recommended the bundle for headaches, but they also cooled me down on days when my AC unit wasn’t cutting it. On days when the weather is more frigid, you can swap out the cooling eye cups for the standard foam pair and sleep nice and cozy.

Best weighted cooling sleep mask

Weighted sleep masks offer the same stress-relieving benefits as their blanket counterpart and you can throw this one in the freezer to turn it into a cooling sleep mask that also blocks light. The nine-ounce Nodpod sleep mask gets its weight from little beads inside it that retain the cold temperature that will keep you cool on warm summer nights.

Best climate control sleep system

If you’ve never heard of a climate control sleep system before, it’s best described as a central-air unit for under your covers. The device is expensive, but Strategist contributor Claire Zulkey says it was worth every penny (before buying the gadget, she’d have to change her pajamas in the middle of the night and deal with a pile of sweat in the morning). You’ll have to get used to a whirring white noise similar to an AC unit and a gentle air-current feeling, but Zulkey says it was easy to set up and transformed her sleep quality and by proxy, her life: “I finally got my sleep back consistently (I can even warm the sheets before I get in bed on cold nights.) I do a lot less laundry. I wake up feeling like a person and not a slime monster,” she writes.

Best cooling fan for sleep

In reality, most floor fans will serve you well while you’re sleeping (we have an entire Best-in-Class article dedicated to cooling fans ), but this one landed in our Strategist Sleep 100 because it’s both good-looking and effective. We’re fond of the purple color, which we first discovered in the home of musician Eleanor Friedberger and artist Michael Berryhill. Even design editor Wendy Goodman said she was obsessed with it. Unlike your average colorful fan, both the frame and the blades of this Lakso are saturated with color, whether you go with our beloved neon purple or a rather elegant light blue.

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Today’s Top Clicked

These Are the 7 Best Pillows for Neck Pain (Tested and Backed by Experts)

• Best overall:  Saatva Latex Pillow
• Best value:  EPABO Contour Memory Foam Pillow
• Best cervical pillow:  SpineAlign Pillow
• Best for side sleepers with neck pain:  Eli and Elm Cooling Side Sleeper Pillow
• Best for back sleepers with neck pain:  Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow
• Best for stomach sleepers with neck pain:  Brooklinen Down Pillow
• Best adjustable pillow:  Twilla Adjustable Pillow

Do you find yourself waking up with a crick in your neck more nights than not? If so, it might be time to look for a new pillow. Although a great pillow can’t magically make all your neck pain go away — please consult with a registered healthcare provider for chronic issues — it can help.

“Anyone suffering from neck pain should focus on the pillow's ability to offer the right balance of comfort and support,” Korina Burkhard, RN, sleep expert at Dozy , explains. “The right pillow ensures the neck maintains its natural curve, provides the needed support to the head and neck during sleep, and eliminates pressure points.”

To create this list of best pillows for neck pain, we tested dozens of pillows and consulted with pain management specialists, nurses, and sleep experts. We left no stone unturned in the quest for great sleep without neck pain. 

Before you dive into our top picks, here are some crucial things to know. One, when we refer to a pillow’s loft, we’re talking about its height. Folks who sleep on their stomach should typically choose a low or medium loft, which is around one to five inches. If you sleep on your side, look for a medium or high loft between three to seven inches. And if you’re a back sleeper? Look for a medium loft of around three to five inches. 

As far as pillow firmness goes, everyone has their preferences. However, to minimize neck pain, we recommend side sleepers choose a firm or medium-firm pillow. For back sleepers, a medium or medium-firm pillow is ideal, and, for stomach sleepers, choose a soft or medium option.

Before testing a single pillow, our team did extensive research on popular and well-reviewed options, and considered expert opinions from sleep experts and medical professionals. From there, we compiled close to two dozen pillows to actually sleep on (a huge, but relaxing undertaking). 

We evaluated each pillow for things like firmness, loft, smell, shape, support, cooling properties, and more. We tested each pillow like a hot dog roller at a fair — rolling from back to side to other side to stomach. From there, we made extensive notes and chose the overall winners. Check out the seven best pillows for neck pain, verified by experts and testing.

Meet Our Experts

• Korina Burkhard, RN, sleep expert at Dozy  
• Martin Seeley, sleep expert, founder and CEO of Mattress Next Day
• Sean Ormond, MD , dual board-certified in anesthesiology and interventional pain management 
• Grant Lewis, owner of Dream HQ and sleep expert

Check out the main things you need to look for before purchasing a new pillow for neck pain.

“Opt for supportive but conforming materials like memory foam or latex,” Dr. Ormond explains. “These materials cradle your neck's natural curve, reducing pressure points. Down and down alternative pillows can work, but may require frequent fluffing to maintain proper support.”

Size, Shape, Loft

As you shop for pillows, you’ll see a few different size options: standard, queen, or king (standard and king are the most common). When deciding which size to choose, consider your bed size and sleeping arrangements. If you sleep with a partner in a full-sized bed, it doesn’t make a lot of sense to get a king-sized pillow (unless you just really want to). 

Shape wise, you’ll notice some pillows for neck pain may be curved or contoured. If you choose a pillow with a unique shape, you may have to purchase a specialty pillowcase from the brand. Some non-standard pillows may still fit in standard sized shams, but take a close look before purchasing.

And when choosing a pillow loft, Ormond recommends one that “aligns with your sleeping position.” Those who sleep on their stomachs need low or medium lofts, side sleepers should choose medium or high lofts, and back sleepers need medium lofts.

Type of Support

Much like when you choose a pillow loft, the best support for you will correspond with your sleeping position. Stomach sleepers do best with a soft to medium firmness, and side sleepers need a firm or medium-firm pillow. If you’re a back sleeper, look for a medium or medium-firm pillow. However, if you find that a different firmness works better for you, stick with it! These are simply suggestions to minimize potential neck pain.

As Ormond says, finding the perfect pillow is subjective. You should take note of your sleep position, loft options, and fill preferences. And if you’re not sure what’s best, try different pillows. Many of the pillows mentioned have generous return policies (ranging from 10 to 365 days), so don’t be afraid to see what works for you and your neck pain.

And if all else fails and no pillow seems to help your pain? Consult with a registered medical professional who can help (like a sleep doctor or pain management specialist).

• Soal L et al. Changes in Chronic Neck Pain Following the Introduction of a Visco-Elastic Polyurethane Foam Pillow and/or Chiropractic Treatment.  Journal of Interdisciplinary Health Sciences . October 2019.
• AAFA Community Services. Protect Yourself From Dust Mites With Asthma and Allergy Friendly Pillows and Pillow Covers.  Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America . June 2019.

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5 best travel pillows that are actually comfortable, in UAE, for 2024

Best buys lifestyle.

Clear long-haul flights with ease when you sleep comfortably supported by neck pillows

A lolling head throughout a very long flight is the last thing you need to create a holiday mood. Trust the awkwardly angled neck and spine to gift you with bleary eyes upon touchdown. What's missing from your travel essentials is a supportive pillow for uninterrupted snoozes and rest in-flight.

Neck or travel pillows keep the back straight and provide enough cushioning for a chin tuck. Without it, travellers may feel soreness and pain in the muscles, says Ajmal Sheriff, a specialist physiotherapist with the Dubai-based Emirates Health Services (EHS).

Our expert carries a neck pillow to all long-haul flights, where there's a high possibility of dozing off. "A travel pillow supports the head from the chin and the sides, and it allows the neck muscles to maintain a neutral position that's neither over-stretched nor contracted," said Sheriff.

Sleeping upright without sufficient neck support could affect soft tissues (muscles), rather than pose serious injury to the bones. Sheriff says that this strain in muscles is akin to sleeping in an awkward position in bed. A good-quality travel pillow, preferably with memory foam stuffing, can prevent such soreness.

"Go for a pillow that is neither too soft nor too hard. If it's hard, it'll cause discomfort, and if it's soft, it won't support the weight of your head. Some experts also advise rotating the pillow so that the base of the 'U' is under the chin, to stop any fluctuation of the neck. When I'm awake on flights, though, I rotate it back around because I need to move my head to talk and look around," advised Sheriff.

Another tip to get some movement going is to engage in stretches in your seat. Basic neck motions, like moving your head from side to side, and up and down, during sleep breaks can "prevent tightness and relax the muscles". 

Yaseen Tayyab, the founder of travelling community UAE Backpackers, oversees a group of hikers to international summits. On his frequent trips, Tayyab's backpackers sometimes opt for an inflatable pillow, one that packs small into their bags. "It helps keep your neck straight while taking a nap and prevents you from leaning on a stranger's shoulder. You can even walk around the airport with the pillow on," he told us.

The aeroplane is not the only place where the pillow comes in handy. Count in bumpy car rides, bus commutes, as well as budget train trips - they all benefit from an ergonomic travel pillow that offers the neck some relief.

We list the best-rated travel pillows found on Amazon, below. Make sure to add  these in-flight essentials  to the cart, for an even smoother journey. With a  Prime subscription, you'll get free, fast delivery on some of these products.

1. Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Our Dubai-based travel expert, Parikshit Balochi, previously shared that a travel pillow was an underrated essential for sleepers on the plane. Balochi has travelled to over 100 destinations, with his Cabeau memory foam pillow in tow. What immediately stands out about this item are the attachment straps at the back to secure the pillow, and in turn your head, in place. At the front, an adjustable clasp lets you choose the best gap for your chin support. All of this memory foam compresses down to half of its size and packs lightly in the included carry bag that can be clipped to your luggage. Long-haul travellers in the reviews owe hours of uninterrupted sleep to the Evolution S3 pillow. Some do find using headphones with it around the neck, to be a difficult task, since the pillow is quite high.

2. Best Versatile U-Shaped Pillow: Snugl Travel Pillow

If you can't give up the tunes to drown out a noisy flight, opt for a headphones-friendly design. The Snugl travel pillow does just that, with a smart shape that accounts for any ear coverings. Its undulating design hugs the contours of your neck and shoulders, with dual adjustable buckle straps at the ends. We love how it suits every kind of sleeper, whether you like to rest your head to the side, prefer a high chin support or nap better without a headrest. The Snugl pillow is reversible and can be worn in every which way. And, if most pillows tend to get your neck sweaty, the skin-friendly elastic cationic fabric on this helps you stay dry. Like our Cabeau pick, it rolls down by 70 per cent of its original size and stores in a small bag that comes with a carabiner clip. Reviewers who've flown on multiple flights in a row say they've never slept better on the plane. Though it's bulkier than most options, its versatility and fabric quality are indisputable.

3. Best Inflatable Pillow: Sunany Neck Pillow 

Say you're a minimalist traveller who cannot have a pillow hanging from their only luggage. The only solution is to fold it flat and tuck it into the backpack. Sunany's H-shaped neck pillow inflates in three breaths, reviews note, and deflates completely in three seconds. Extremely light, space-saving and leak-proof, the pillow has a flat back with elevated wings to cushion the top of your head from both sides. If you were to rotate it, the neck support will catch your chin from dipping too low. Buyers are able to adjust the thickness to their liking, and they make good use of the bonus accessories included, such as the eye mask, ear plugs and a hood. Don't worry about the hollow centre - travellers attest to its no-bounce factor.

4. Best Firm Pillow: Travelrest CURL Therapeutic Memory Foam Travel and Neck Pillow

In search of a no-frills, traditional neck pillow? Your best bet is the Travelrest Curl. It's the smallest pillow on our list, but still offers a thermally regulated memory foam filling. The plush microfibre cover feels soft and cooling against the face, and is removable for a quick wash. The Curl is firmer than most travel pillows, according to reviews, so it's great for those who prefer a less pliable shape. With this feature, you don't have to keep breaking into your pillow every time you travel, since it retains all your unique dents and crevices. Our only qualm is the lack of storage options.

Warranty: The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty.

5. Best Soft Pillow: Huzi Infinity Pillow

On the other end of the spectrum is this soft, shapeless pillow that looks more like a neck-support scarf than anything else. The infinity design lets you hook your hands into the second loop, cocooning the neck and shoulders in a fluffy embrace. Its high-quality bamboo fabric and microfibre layers offer more breathability than cotton, always ensuring that the pillow is cool to the touch. Twist it to cushion your head against the window, over your back for some lumbar support or around the ears to muffle noise as you sleep. Even though the cover doesn't peel off, the pillow is still washable. Reviewers love that the pillow is always cold and find it much more versatile than its conventional U-shaped counterparts. It packs into a lightweight ball, but do expect to clear some space in the bag for this.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.

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17 Best Neck Creams for Firming Skin, Tested and Reviewed

GH Beauty Lab scientists analyzed 901 data points to find the neck creams that really work.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Best Overall

No7 restore & renew face & neck multi action serum.

Roc Multi Correxion 5-in-1 Restoring Night Cream

Best Retinol Neck Firming Cream

Paula's choice retinol skin-smoothing body treatment.

To find the neck creams that actually work, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab scientists evaluate neck creams and treatments both in the Lab using technical instruments and on consumer testers over 12 weeks to find the best formulas proven to work. We parsed through 1,711 data points to find the best anti-aging neck creams and treatments that really work.

"Neck skin is super thin because it has less oil glands, meaning it needs more moisture than the face," says Neda Mehr, M.D., a dermatologist and founder of Pure Dermatology Cosmetic and Hair Center in Newport Beach, California. "Since dry skin leads to fine lines and wrinkles, hydration is key for the neck area." In addition, she says, "neck skin becomes crepey quicker than the face because the collagen layer is thinner."

No7 Restore & Renew Face & Neck Multi Action Serum

The winner of the GH Beauty Lab's neck cream test, this lightweight No7 serum with collagen-boosting retinoids and peptides was a heavy hitter for firming, outperforming the others. Before-and-after images taken with high-resolution professional photography showed the most improvement in tightening and lifting neck skin over 12 weeks.

Testers voted the drugstore buy the fastest-absorbing and most appealing in texture as well as least irritating. “This made my neck more firm,” one said. A heads up for those with sensitive skin: a few users noted that it didn't react well with their skin and caused inflammation.

GH Beauty Lab testers loved the lightweight texture of this great value firming night cream from RoC, which can be used on the neck. Noting its quick absorption and fruity scent — which a few users didn't love — they felt it left their skin feeling smooth and refreshed . "I noticed a difference in just three days," a tester marveled. "My skin looked firmer, smoother and brighter, with wrinkles decreased."

While not designed exclusively for the neck, Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Reviews Analyst Chiara Butler uses it from her chin down and loves that the rich body cream contains retinol, a top anti-aging ingredient, at a gentle but effective concentration of 0.1% . "I found that it made my skin feel softer and smoother with regular use," she says.

"It has a very emollient texture, thanks to the included shea butter, grapeseed oil and evening primrose oil, which are super moisturizing and help counteract the dryness that retinol may cause." The one element that Butler doesn't love is that it's fragrance-free, "so it smells like its ingredients which I don’t prefer."

SkinBetter Techno Neck Perfecting Cream

If you have that telltale skin crepeiness and looseness known as "turkey neck" or even a double chin, turn to this SkinBetter Science neck cream, recommended by both Dr. Mehr and Dr. Brauer. "It not only improves the appearance of laxity and crepeiness, but also hydrates the skin , increasing its suppleness," Dr. Mehr explains.

Revision Skincare Nectifirm Advanced Neck Firming Cream

Made with eight types of firming peptides , this Revision Skincare neck treatment is recommended by Dr. Brauer. "Ingredients like peptides can help improve skin's structure and support collagen," he explains. While it boasts some top notch ingredients, it is a pricier pick.

Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream

A winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test, this luxurious Fresh cream made with exotic botanical extracts like black tea, goji berry and lychee as well as hydrating hyaluronic acid was the most loved among testers. They gave the formula top points for making skin look and feel hydrated, and it scored well for visibly smoothing neck lines in before-and-after photo evaluations. “I definitely see a difference in my neck,” one said. “My skin looks much more even and brighter,” a second commented. While many users love the rich, creamy texture, a few noted it was too thick for daytime application.

No7 Lift & Luminate Triple Action Night Cream

A winner of GH's Best Anti-Aging Skin Awards , No7's drugstore buy was one of the best-performing anti-aging creams tested that can be used on both the face and neck. Testers loved its long-lasting hydration, firming power and texture . "I've received compliments from friends, family and coworkers," one raved. Another reported: "I noticed particular improvement in skin texture on my neck." While some testers loved the fragrance, others reported that it was too potent and "perfume-y."

Caudalie Resveratrol-Lift Firming Night Cream

In GH Beauty Lab testing, Caudalie's moisturizer made with plant-based natural ingredients was one of the most hydrating formulas, with reviewers noting its quick absorption and subtle scent, although a few felt the scent was strong. In Lab measurements with the Corneometer device, which measures hydration, it increased skin's moisturizaton by an impressive 43% over six hours. Nervous about creams feeling thick or greasy on the neck? Testers said it has a "light and fluffy" texture.

Idsin Hyaluronic Concentrate

While definitely a splurge, this Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner can be used on the face and neck and has great instant and long-term benefits to the skin. It absorbs quickly and our Lab data evaluations found that the serum delivers immediate plumping and smoothing effects and will improve skin’s texture over time, thanks to the hyaluronic acid and peptides in the formula.

Mary Kay Timewise Volu-firm Night Treatment with Retinol

With a powerful combination of retinol, peptides and plant stem cells, this Good Housekeeping Seal holder helps smooth the look of fine lines and wrinkles and keeps skin — on the face and neck — hydrated for 12 hours. According to a four-week independent consumer study, a majority of women agreed that their skin texture was dramatically improved and that lines and wrinkles in the neck area were visibly softened . More specifically, 82% of testers said that their neck area looked noticeably smoother.

Olay Regenerist Ultra Rich Face Moisturizer

This cream from Olay (which can be used on the face and neck) does more than just moisturize. O ver 70% of testers said it "visibly improved skin's firmness and appearance." Testers also liked that it felt rich but not greasy (73%) and agreed that it improved skin's texture (70%). Plus, it's fragrance-free so it's ideal for anyone who doesn't like or can't tolerate fragrance. One thing to watch out for: a reviewer noted that it can pill after applying.

RoC Multi Correxion 5 in 1 Anti-Aging Daily Face Moisturizer

"Protection and prevention from future damage, like limiting sun exposure and using sunscreen daily, is the best way to keep your skin bright, plump, and firm," says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek . A winner in the Beauty Lab's anti-aging day cream testing, this moisturizer from RoC, which can be used on the neck too, protects skin with broad spectrum SPF 30 and ranked the highest within the study at softening, firming and reducing wrinkles . Testers loved that it absorbed quickly and had a nice scent, but a few found that the applicator occasionally got clogged. "It made my skin feel plump, smooth and glowing and it smells so good," shares one reviewer.

NEOSTRATA Triple Firming Neck Cream

Tackle even stubborn neck lines with NeoStrata’s amino acid cream, a winner of the GH Beauty Lab’s neck cream test that earned the highest marks for smoothing wrinkles . It was the best of all products evaluated at minimizing the look of testers’ neck lines and wrinkles in standardized digital imaging, although may not give as much lift as some other products. Users also gave it high marks for making skin feel moisturized. The rich formula “improved my neck — I love it!” a fan said. “Both my neck and my décolletage looked smoother,” another reported.

SkinMedica Neck Correct Cream

Packed with smoothing peptides, SkinMedica's neck treatment is a new GH beauty editor holy grail. "This cream has actually noticeably reduced the band-like lines around my neck and made the skin feel tighter in a few weeks of use," GH's beauty director notes. "The gel-like formula is gentle and even feels soothing so I look forward to using it, plus the bottle lasts a very long time." Grace Wu , a product analyst at the Good Housekeeping Institute is also a fan, especially of the texture. "I love the gel consistency — my skin almost feels instantly hydrated and softer when I use this neck cream," she says. The one thing she doesn't love: the fragrance.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage Anti-Aging Neck and Decollete Firm and Repair Cream

One of Dr. Engelman's favorite neck creams, Elizabeth Arden's formula is packed with peptides, plant oils and shea butter to fortify lax skin on both the neck and chest area. It "does take away the crepiness in the lines," a reviewer reported. A rich cream, some users commented on the thick consistency.

Alastin Restorative Neck Complex

This anti-aging neck treatment recommended by Dr. Brauer is hypoallergenic and made with ingredients to replenish sensitive skin . To treat redness and sensitivity in the neck area, "look for ingredients like niacinamide and ceramides ," he suggests. The formula also contains peptides to help firm slack skin. "It makes my neck look smoother and less obviously horizontally lined, maybe a little tighter," says Stephanie Dolgoff , GH Deputy Health Director. "It is not thick and goopy so it doesn't build up, and has no scent, which is a plus for me.” The only downside: some complained that the pump in the container didn't work and they had to open the product to use it, potentially reducing its efficacy.

StriVectin Peptight Tightening Neck Serum Roller

Packed with peptides, this tightening neck serum claims to visibly tighten skin and smooth lines on the neck . Plus, it has a super application method: you turn the applicator on, squeeze to release the serum and roll it in an upward motion on the neck and jawline. "The formula was extremely moisturizing and I loved the cooling massage roller — it felt so nice on my skin," says Good Housekeeping Beauty Assistant Catharine Malzahn . While most reviewers noted the speedy results, a few felt they didn't see results for a while.

How we test the best neck creams

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab's neck cream test, experts measure each product's ability to improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles on the neck and lift and tighten neck skin over 12 weeks of use. Consumer testers use the label-masked products at home and evaluated them on factors like texture, irritation, scent, absorption, moisturization effects and the look and feel of skin after application.

In the Lab, GH Beauty Lab scientists analyzed over 200 images taken with high-resolution professional photography to gauge changes in neck lines and skin laxity before and after 12 weeks of neck cream use, as pictured below. In total, Lab experts tallied 1,711 data points to find the winning neck creams.

A side-by-side photo of a woman's neck before and after our neck cream test.

Do neck firming creams actually work?

Yes — to an extent. "The purpose of neck creams and treatments is similar to those for skin of the face, to maintain healthy and youthful-looking skin, including the integrity of the skin's barrier function and moisture, all while attempting to protect against and repair environmental damage," says Jeremy Brauer, M.D. , clinical associate professor at the New York University Department of Dermatology in New York City.

In GH Beauty Lab tests, users apply neck creams daily for twelve weeks to see changes in skin . "Neck creams are typically thicker than facial creams and are formulated with specific ingredients to help lift and tighten the loose, crepey neck and décolleté skin that occurs as we age, due to collagen and elastin loss," Dr. Mehr explains.

That said, there's no such thing as a neck lift in a bottle: "You shouldn't expect miracles from topical neck treatments," advises GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek . "If you are looking for a drastic change, you may want to visit a dermatologist or plastic surgeon." And remember, daily habits can have an effect too: Laxity of the neck skin is happening earlier than ever thanks to "tech neck" from looking at our phones repeatedly, Dr. Engelman says.

April (she/her) is the beauty director at Good Housekeeping, Prevention and Woman's Day , where she oversees all beauty content. She has over 15 years of experience under her belt, starting her career as an assistant beauty editor at GH in 2007, and working in the beauty departments of SELF and Fitness magazines.

Dori Price is a New York City-based freelance writer and editor and beauty, style and wellness expert who was the Beauty & Fashion Director at Family Circle for 13 years before she joined Good Housekeeping , Prevention and Woman’s Day as a freelance beauty editor. She has also written for WomensHealthMag.com , E lle.com and HealthCentral.com .

Danusia (she/her) is a senior chemist in the Beauty, Health and Sustainability Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she evaluates haircare, skincare, cosmetics and beauty tools. She holds a B.S. in chemistry from St. John’s University and a M.S. in pharmaceutical sciences with concentration in cosmetic science from the University of Cincinnati. Danusia has over 10 years of experience in the personal care industry including formulation, product development, claim evaluation and efficacy testing. 

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