Travel

13 Best Travel Pillows (2025): Sleep Tight on Your Next Red-Eye Flight

Many vacationers are responsible of shopping for an overpriced, cumbersome journey pillow from the airport duty-free store, solely to understand they’re extra hassle than they’re truly value. Consider it or not, it’s potential to discover a comfy, supportive journey pillow that is simple to pack and allows you to catch some z’s at 30,000 ft—you simply must know the place to look. The very best journey pillows provide nice neck assist, are mushy to the contact, and are light-weight sufficient to tote round to and out of your vacation spot.

Our editors have examined dozens of journey pillows from manufacturers like Trtl, Cabeau, and Ostrichpillow to find out which of them are actually value taking over a flight. Our favorites vary in value, materials, and design, and we have discovered choices for all sorts of vacationers—whether or not you are a aspect sleeper, a red-eye taker, or simply somebody who wants a bit further neck assist. Hold scrolling for probably the most comfy journey pillows our editors advocate for long-haul flights, road trips, train rides, and every little thing in between.

Our high picks:

FAQ:

How we selected the very best journey pillows

Each pillow on this checklist has been independently examined and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we think about high quality, value, and distinctive design options, in addition to total perform and visible enchantment. Our editors have traveled with every of those pillows to find out packability and luxury, after which reported again on how effectively they stacked up in opposition to different variations they’ve tried.

What do you have to search for in the very best journey pillow?

Vacationers ought to search for a supportive pillow that meets their particular person wants. For instance, a aspect sleeper would possibly need a sling that provides upper-body assist, whereas others might choose the consolation of a traditional U-shaped pillow. Along with assist, search for one thing mushy, light-weight, and packable. Many choices are even washable and include a carrying bag.

What are the several types of journey pillows?

  • Reminiscence foam journey pillows: These mildew to your physique in a manner that’s superior to the standard beanbag kinds usually on provide on the airport. Ostrchpillow’s Go pillow, for instance, is made with super-soft reminiscence foam that turns into increasingly comfy as you employ it.
  • Physique slings: These kinds are nice for aspect sleepers, providing full upper-body assist you could lean in opposition to when you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable journey pillow is our favourite, which could be worn crossbody or to your aspect to create a firmer separation between your self and your neighbor. Dot & Dot provides an analogous model that may be twisted, so you should utilize it round your neck, shoulders, and even tucked under your decrease again, serving to to ease whichever space is most achy.
  • Wraparound neck pillows: These twist across the neck like a shawl, providing double the assist of U-shaped designs. Additionally they are typically cozier consequently. Bcozzy’s neck pillow has a flat again that can assist you preserve a greater posture.
  • Neck helps: These are designs that preserve your head and neck in place when you sleep. Journey model Trtl has been upping the ante recently. The model’s signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an inside neck and chin assist construction that retains your neck within the optimum upright sleeping place, even within the center or aisle seat.
Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, Accessories, and Strap

Cabeau Inc

Evolution S3 journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: General consolation

When you’re in search of an improve to a fundamental does-the-job journey pillow or undergo from neck or again ache, Cabeau’s Evolution S3 journey pillow is the very best we have examined to date. The reminiscence foam model has thought of every little thing, from an adjustable toggle clasp to safe the pillow comfortably round your neck, to a useful aspect pocket splendid for storing headphones or earplugs. What actually units this pillow other than the remainder are the Velcro straps on the again, designed to loop round a aircraft seat’s headrest, serving to to maintain your head upright and take any strain off your neck.

Why we like it:
“The froth on this pillow is extraordinarily comfy, however what I really like most is that the again of the pillow is flat, so you possibly can sit proper up in opposition to your seat, in contrast to the everyday journey pillow kinds which are typically spherical and tilt your neck down barely. The straps are an incredible thought, however when you’re brief it won’t be potential to safe to the headrest, so preserve that in thoughts. It additionally is available in a smooth cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on, you’d by no means even know there was a journey pillow inside.” Sarah Allard, digital editor, Condé Nast Traveller UK

black and grey neck pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Personalized assist

Trtl has revamped its intelligent wrap-style neck pillow to accommodate folks of all heights extra comfortably. The original Trtl Pillow was distinctive in design because it’s much less a pillow and extra a supportive wrap on your neck, resembling a blanket scarf. The most recent iteration is adjustable, to raised fit your specific necessities, and the pillow part itself has been given a high-density foam makeover. Trtl’s providing is rather a lot smaller than customary U-shaped pillows, and weighs a petite 9 ounces, so it gained’t take up valuable area in your carry-on—or you can use the included clip to connect it to your backpack.

Why we like it: 
“I attempted each the unique and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one positively proved a extra comfy match. It does take a little bit of fiddling to get it to sit down correctly, and the fleece wrap is definitely cozy— even a bit too heat at factors. Opinions are combined on-line, however I feel it’s value taking the time to regulate it accurately as, as soon as I did, it made for a much more comfy expertise than utilizing customary U-shaped neck pillows. For long-haul flights in economic system, it’s definitely value a attempt; I had no neck ache in any respect once I lastly disembarked from the aircraft.” Charley Ward, commerce author, Condé Nast Traveller UK

  • Abigail Malbon

Ostrichpillow

Go reminiscence foam journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Reminiscence foam consolation

For one thing a bit extra elevated and luxe, just like the reminiscence foam pillow or mattress at your favourite five-star hotel, we advocate Ostrchpillow’s Go pillow. It is ridiculously mushy and in no way stiff or cumbersome feeling. The Go pillow includes a reminiscence foam core with a Velcro closure to make sure a cosy match, regardless of the form or dimension of your neck. It compresses down impressively small when saved within the included drawstring journey bag, making it simple to convey alongside in even the smallest carry-ons. Bonus: It has a detachable and washable cowl as effectively. (And when you’re already a fan of the Go pillow, are you courageous sufficient to attempt Ostrichpillow’s unusual but sensible napping aid?)

Why we like it:
“It’s actually, actually mushy, and satisfyingly squishy on the identical time; the reminiscence foam filling is clearly high-quality. The truth is, out of all of the journey pillows I’ve tried, this one feels probably the most luxurious when in use. It saved my neck at an excellent angle to keep away from aches and pains—it was surprisingly supportive, in actual fact. It’s simple to regulate and I like that the duvet could be slung straight within the washer, so it’s able to go on your subsequent journey.” —C.W.

Image may contain: Cushion, Home Decor, and Headrest

Finest journey pillow for: Again assist

Made with compressible reminiscence foam, the Napfun journey pillow is mushy, but designed with practically 360-degree concave assist (on the chin, again of the neck, and shoulder) for precise assist when resting on the go. Its outer cloth is skin-friendly, mushy, and washable; it may be eliminated by way of the semi-invisible zipper on the again.

Why we like it:
“I typically battle to seek out the proper place earlier than a nap or when resting (when touring or not). This is likely one of the solely journey pillows that has helped me keep comfy, due to its materials and assist. It’s each stiff and mushy—and the flat, barely indented form of the again did wonders for my posture when sleepy. With out feeling in the best way, the adjustable entrance clip made certain my head didn’t droop ahead, and the breathable thickness of the reminiscence foam propped the aspect of my neck up whereas additionally permitting me to sink into the coziness of it. I additionally love that it is compressional—regardless of what number of instances I’ve folded it down into its accompanying (and lovely) mini bag, it has but to lose its form, foaminess, or means to fluff again up.” Jessica Chapel, commerce author

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Finest journey pillow for: Aspect sleepers

Just like the Trtl pillow however padded with mushy microfleece and coated with microsuede, BCozzy’s wrap-around design provides loads of flexibility by way of the way you put on it. The pillow is available in two sizes and when wrapped across the neck provides double the assist on your head, neck, and chin. The true standout of this design is the flat again, which isn’t solely nice for sustaining a wholesome posture, but additionally means you possibly can fold the pillow in half and put on it on one aspect.

Why we like it:
“Even on a aircraft, I am a aspect sleeper. My go-to strategy to snooze is angling the aspect headrest so far as it will possibly go so I can relaxation my head within the nook. Headrests could be very hit-and-miss on planes although, so having the ability to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is right as it will possibly prop my neck and chin up on one aspect with out it feeling too suffocating.” Lauren Burvill, senior commerce editor, Condé Nast Traveller UK

white travel pillow with handles

Slumber Cloud

UltraCool journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Vacationers who run sizzling

When you are likely to run on the hotter aspect, go for this cozy cooling pillow from Slumber Cloud. It is formed like a daily pillow, but it surely’s simply the fitting dimension to convey on the aircraft. It is available in a washable, zippered case that is simple to convey alongside wherever you are headed.

Why we like it:
“For many who don’t love a conventional U-shaped neck pillow, it is a good on-the-go choice that features extra a standard pillow. As a window seat particular person, I discovered it nice to make use of whereas leaning up in opposition to the wall. It comes with carrying straps so you possibly can loop it over your suitcase deal with or shoulder, and the outside case is detachable so you possibly can throw it within the laundry whenever you’re again from a visit. The cooling materials is a bonus for anybody who runs heat.” Madison Flager, affiliate commerce director

black neck pillow and eye mask

Finest journey pillow for: Vacationers caught within the center seat

This Sarisun journey pillow went viral on TikTok for its uncommon but genius design. It is half eye mask and half pillow, permitting vacationers caught within the middle seat to actually get some shut eye. It may be connected to your headrest to maintain you naturally in an upright place so you possibly can sleep with out leaning to both aspect or disturbing your neighbor. Because it has the built-in eye masks, it additionally blocks out daylight and cuts down on what number of travel accessories you might want to pack.

Why we like it: 
“The Sarisun journey pillow was capable of relieve the stress I usually really feel in my neck after I nap on the aircraft. I usually go for a window seat, however the second I get within the center, I’m a bit nervous about unknowingly intruding on my fellow passengers’ area. With this journey pillow, I haven’t got to fret about that, and I’ve had a few of the most restful sleep due to it. One factor to notice: I’ve introduced it alongside on flights anticipating to make use of it and have not been capable of because of the seat design, so it’s restricted to particular airways or kinds of seats.” —Paris Wilson, commerce author

black neck pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Versatility

Snugl’s well-designed and considerate reminiscence foam journey pillow is on the market in three sizes to make sure you get the very best match. It’s comprised of high quality, hypoallergenic reminiscence foam with a detachable washable cowl. There are a collection of colours to select from, and a carabiner clip to connect the journey bag to your suitcase.

Why we like it:
“Don’t be fooled by the chunky look—this Snugl pillow packs down right into a compact, small bag. It toes the road effectively between portability and being sturdy sufficient to make sure an absence of neck ache whenever you disembark the aircraft; this actually impressed. However what we like probably the most is how adjustable it’s. There are two straps to safe it round your neck to your most well-liked tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit round your neck in both a traditional, reversed, ahead going through or shoulder-facing association to accommodate your sleeping model—an actual plus for me as a side-sleeper.” —C.W.

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Dot & Dot

Twist reminiscence foam journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Flexibility

Product of reminiscence foam, this twist-style pillow could be bent and contoured to virtually any form. Its flexibility means it may be worn in a number of methods, from across the neck to underneath your head, shoulders, and even decrease again.

Why we like it: 
“I typically toss and switch rather a lot when attempting to get to sleep, so I discover I’m significantly wriggly when attempting to get comfy on a flight. This type of versatile twist model of the pillow was good for me, as I used to be capable of form it to precisely the place I wanted it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half underneath my chin, so I may lie on my aspect and get a few hours of valuable sleep.” —L.B.

black neck pillow

Slip

Jet Setter journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Skincare fanatics

Who says journey pillows can’t be luxurious? When you prefer to arrive at your vacation spot together with your hair clean and face crease-free, this silk slip journey pillow is an absolute should. Savvy magnificence buffs will already be clued up on all that silk has to supply over cotton or artificial supplies, from keeping your skin and hair more hydrated to lowering friction and holding your temperature regulated. Why compromise whenever you’re on a aircraft? This opulent mulberry silk selection provides wonderful assist with a 360-degree wrap, high-quality foam filling, and adjustable strap.

Why we like it:
“This one isn’t one for wallflowers; it’s one of many largest pillows (if not the biggest) we’ve examined. No person’s going to overlook you when you’re sporting it—and when you’re particularly petite, it seemingly gained’t swimsuit you. Nonetheless, the silky end feels each luxurious and cooling when across the neck, which doesn’t go unnoticed on a stuffy airplane. The standard U-shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, however for these looking for a bit luxurious on long-haul flights, it is a welcome deal with. Be warned: This pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in thoughts, but it surely provides a excessive stage of assist and retains your neck upright, so a good selection if that is probably the most comfy place for you on a aircraft.” —C.W.

grey arm and neck travel pillow

Travelrest

Final journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Higher-body assist

This intelligent crossbody-sling pillow provides neck and head assist whereas permitting you to actually calm down and lean to 1 aspect to go to sleep. The pillow comes with a wire on the high that may be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You’ll be able to put on the pillow on both aspect throughout your physique, or down one aspect, creating extra of a barrier between you and the particular person subsequent to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we like it: 
“I actually love the form of this pillow, because it cradles not simply your neck, however your complete higher physique. Though I normally don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this model works to make you are feeling safe whereas sitting upright.” —L.B.

Finest journey pillow for: Purple-eye flights

Greater than only a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a evenly structured and padded hood, in addition to a pull-down eye masks. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, Nineteen Fifties-style alien whenever you put on it? Sure, you do. Is it, by far, top-of-the-line journey pillows we have examined? Completely.

Why we like it:
“The pillow has helped me reduce down on my sleeping instruments. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask as a result of the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye masks blocks virtually all mild. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, besides you don’t have to fret about getting moist.” Juliet Izon, contributor

Learn a full review of this product right here.

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Brookstone

Microbead journey pillow

Finest journey pillow for: Affordability

Made with light-weight microbeads, the Brookstone journey pillow is equally supportive and comfy. One aspect options mushy fleece, whereas the opposite is manufactured from a cool microfiber spandex. It seems like a traditional U-shaped neck pillow, however with a number of small-but-mighty enhancements. It could actually simply be connected to suitcases or weekender baggage, includes a storage pocket, and lets you sleep upright with none pressure in your neck.

Why we like it:
“Brookstone’s microbead journey pillow is a recreation changer for long-haul flights. Having one available for the previous couple of years has remodeled all-day flights and highway journeys into alternatives to really relaxation and recharge. I really like having light-weight microbeads as a substitute of reminiscence foam, which may really feel neck brace-y and constricting to me. It’s supportive whereas additionally beneficiant with head motion and the usage of different equipment, like over-the-ear headphones. The pillow’s sleeve even has a pocket that’s good for slotting in your telephone, which positively lessens the sense of litter in commuting. I’m impressed by how effectively the pillow has saved its structural integrity after years of being run by means of a laundry machine. General, Brookstone’s journey pillow is the elegant kind of comfy that wears prefer it’s not even there.” —Kat Chen, editorial assistant

A model of this text was initially printed on Condé Nast Traveller UK. It has been up to date with new data since its unique publish date. Extra reporting by Lauren Burvill.

2025-07-29 18:25:00

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