Best Travel Pillows for 2024
We've tested 40+ travel pillows on planes, trains, and cars to find which ones actually let you sleep. From classic U-shapes to innovative new designs, here are the pillows that turn uncomfortable seats into acceptable sleeping spots.
Window Leaners
Need side support to prevent neck strain
Best choice: Look for pillows with raised side supports or adjustable firmness
Head Droppers
Head falls forward when sleeping upright
Best choice: Choose pillows with chin support or front closure
Aisle Sleepers
Need support without leaning on anything
Best choice: 360-degree support pillows or wrap-around designs work best
Side Sleepers
Prefer sleeping turned to one side
Best choice: Asymmetrical designs or pillows with extra side padding
$
Why we chose it: Perfect balance of support, comfort, and portability with memory foam that actually works
Check Price$
Why we chose it: Innovative scarf design provides surprising neck support in a super-portable package
Check PriceKids Travel Neck Pillow
$19.99
Child-specific sizing, Enhanced chin support, Fun colors/patterns, Machine washable, Safety tested materials
Why we chose it: Basic comfort without the premium price - perfect for occasional travelers
Check PriceCompare All Travel Pillows
| Best For | Action | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
FlyHugz Travel Neck Pillow Best Value ✓ Highest rating (4.7 stars), Compact and ergonomic, Works for all ages✗ Newer with fewer reviews, Basic feature set | $27.99 | 4.7★ | Families traveling together | View |
Go Neck Pillow ✓ Feels like sleeping on a cloud, Most luxurious materials, Excellent compression for packing✗ Most expensive option, May be too warm for some | $62 | 4.6★ | Luxury travelers | View |
Travel Pillow Plus ✓ Adjustable for all heights, More breathable than original, Better padding✗ Expensive for a travel pillow, Still takes adjustment to use | $89.99 | 4.5★ | Tall/petite travelers who run hot | View |
Travelrest Nest Travel Pillow Best Value ✓ Best ergonomic design, Stays in place without straps, Award-winning comfort✗ Bulkier than basic pillows, Higher price point | $39.99 | 4.5★ | Ergonomic-focused travelers | View |
Memory Foam Travel Pillow Set ✓ Complete travel set included, High-quality memory foam, Great gift option✗ Similar to many competitors, Nothing revolutionary | $34.99 | 4.4★ | Gift buyers | View |
Infinity Pillow ✓ Most versatile positioning, Entire pillow is washable, Bamboo fabric breathability✗ Bulkier than other options, Higher price point | $49.99 | 4.4★ | Travelers wanting versatility | View |
Evolution S3 Travel Neck Pillow ✓ Prevents head from falling forward, Seat straps keep pillow in place, Premium memory foam quality✗ Higher price point, Straps require headrest to work | $49.99 | 4.4★ | Frequent flyers who want stability | View |
Memory Foam Travel Pillow Budget Pick ✓ Unbeatable price for quality, Includes free accessories, Proven #1 bestseller status✗ Basic U-shape design, Can feel warm on long flights | $21.99 | 4.4★ | Budget-conscious travelers | View |
Kids Travel Neck Pillow Budget Pick ✓ Designed specifically for kids, Prevents head dropping, Bright appealing colors✗ Only for children, Limited adult use | $19.99 | 4.3★ | Children ages 3-12 | View |
Travel Neck Pillow Budget Pick ✓ Can bend into any shape, Versatile positioning, Good value price✗ Less structured support, Cover can be difficult to remove | $24.99 | 4.3★ | Budget travelers wanting flexibility | View |
Chin Supporting Travel Pillow ✓ Best chin support available, Prevents head bobbing completely, Works in middle seats✗ No velcro connection between arms, Can feel tight on larger necks | $44.99 | 4.3★ | Middle seat travelers | View |
Travel Pillow Original ✓ Most innovative design, Super lightweight and packable, Great for side sleepers✗ Can obstruct breathing if positioned wrong, Fleece can be warm | $29.99 | 4.2★ | Side sleepers and minimalists | View |
Prices and availability are accurate as of 6/21/2025. Click product names for full reviews.
In-Depth Reviews
319 reviews
Compact ergonomic design, Memory foam core, Ideal for adults and kids, Machine washable, Lightweight construction
Pros
- ✓Highest rating (4.7 stars), Compact and ergonomic, Works for all ages
Cons
- ✗Newer with fewer reviews, Basic feature set
4,200 reviews
360-degree ergonomic design, Asymmetrical shape, Premium viscose cover, High-density memory foam, Compact travel case, Machine washable
Pros
- ✓Feels like sleeping on a cloud, Most luxurious materials, Excellent compression for packing
Cons
- ✗Most expensive option, May be too warm for some
6,700 reviews
Patented wedge design, Slip-resistant rubber pads, Memory foam construction, Velcro closure, Raised neck support
Pros
- ✓Best ergonomic design, Stays in place without straps, Award-winning comfort
Cons
- ✗Bulkier than basic pillows, Higher price point
3,200 reviews
Adjustable height system, Breathable mesh fabric, Enhanced padding, Water-resistant case, 60-day guarantee, Machine washable
Pros
- ✓Adjustable for all heights, More breathable than original, Better padding
Cons
- ✗Expensive for a travel pillow, Still takes adjustment to use
30,000 reviews
#1 Amazon Bestseller 300+ days, 100% memory foam, Adjustable rope lock, Includes eye mask & earplugs, Machine washable cover, 5-second return technology
Pros
- ✓Unbeatable price for quality, Includes free accessories, Proven #1 bestseller status
Cons
- ✗Basic U-shape design, Can feel warm on long flights
8,976 reviews
Seat strap attachment system, Raised memory foam sides, Adjustable front clasp, Flat back design, Machine washable cover, Travel case included
Pros
- ✓Prevents head from falling forward, Seat straps keep pillow in place, Premium memory foam quality
Cons
- ✗Higher price point, Straps require headrest to work
8,900 reviews
Soft bamboo fabric, Loop design for versatility, Machine washable entire pillow, Multiple use positions, Larger coverage area
Pros
- ✓Most versatile positioning, Entire pillow is washable, Bamboo fabric breathability
Cons
- ✗Bulkier than other options, Higher price point
4,200 reviews
Premium memory foam, Includes sleep mask/earplugs, 360-degree support, Breathable cover, Luxury travel bag
Pros
- ✓Complete travel set included, High-quality memory foam, Great gift option
Cons
- ✗Similar to many competitors, Nothing revolutionary
31,439 reviews
Patented overlapping design, Double chin and neck support, 360-degree coverage, Multiple sizes available, Machine washable, Snap strap attachment
Pros
- ✓Best chin support available, Prevents head bobbing completely, Works in middle seats
Cons
- ✗No velcro connection between arms, Can feel tight on larger necks
5,600 reviews
Bendable twist design, Memory foam core, Multi-position support, Lightweight design, Machine washable cover
Pros
- ✓Can bend into any shape, Versatile positioning, Good value price
Cons
- ✗Less structured support, Cover can be difficult to remove
Key Considerations
1. Fill Material
- Memory Foam: Best support, molds to neck, retains heat, bulkier
- Microbeads: Flexible, good support, can be noisy, may leak
- Inflatable: Most portable, adjustable firmness, less comfortable
- Down/Polyester: Soft and cozy, less support, compressible
2. Design Types
Traditional U-Shape
Classic design, works for most people, can be bulky
Wrap-Around/Scarf
Innovative support, very portable, takes adjustment
J-Pillow
Chin support prevents forward drop, good for window seats
Collar Style
Firm support all around, professional appearance
3. Portability Features
- Compression bag or built-in strap
- Attachment to luggage handle
- Weight under 1 pound ideal
- Packable to softball size or smaller
4. Hygiene Considerations
- Removable, washable cover is essential
- Antimicrobial treatments prevent odors
- Moisture-wicking fabrics for long flights
- Easy-clean materials for frequent travel
Usage Tips
Even the best travel pillow won't help if used incorrectly:
- Position the opening based on your sleep style (front, side, or back)
- Adjust firmness before takeoff (inflatable models)
- Use with a window shade or eye mask for better sleep
- Consider seat position - recline affects pillow placement