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Sometimes the best travel companion is a good pillow. Without a comfortable travel pillow, long-haul trips can feel a lot longer. If your pillow is too flat, too firm, or oddly shaped, you will likely step off the plane or out of the car with a stiff neck, sore shoulders, and the regret that you didn’t pack something better.
My fellow product testers and I want to help you avoid that fate, which is why we tested dozens of travel pillows to find the ones that make a difference and help you get the best sleep possible.
Each pillow underwent our consistent review methodology, which we’ve used to help over 60,000 readers find the best mattresses and sleep accessories for their needs. Our team has evaluated more than 330 beds and sleep products since 2014, and every pillow in this roundup earned its spot through real-world testing.
We also consulted with our chief medical advisor, Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, to ensure our picks align with the latest research in sleep health and ergonomic design.
As Dr. Dasgupta explains, “If your goal is to feel relaxed on a long trip, a travel pillow is a must-have. Keep in mind that whether you should sleep depends on how long your flight is, but anything that can prevent neck strain can be useful when traveling.”
Read on to see our top travel pillow picks.
Our Top Pick:
The Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow was our favorite travel pillow due to its versatility, high-quality materials, and outstanding performance. Its charcoal-infused memory foam held up well after being stuffed into carry-on bags and bent to work with different seating arrangements on an airplane. The Avocado pillow is also easy to clean, making it ideal for frequent flyers wanting a fresh surface to sleep on away from home.
The 5 Best Travel Pillows (2025)
- Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow – Best Travel Pillow
- Trtl Travel Pillow – Best Neck Pillow for Travel
- Pluto Pod 2.0 – Best Travel Pillow for Airplanes
- BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow – Best Travel Pillow for Kids
- Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow – Best Compact Travel Pillow
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What I Looked for in the Best Travel Pillows
When testing these pillows, our team used a consistent review methodology to ensure fair and comparable results. The best pillows on this list excelled in at least two of three key categories: materials, care, and experience.
- Materials: Our product testers closely examined the fabrics, stitching, and internal fill of each pillow to ensure it felt comfortable against the skin and was durable enough to withstand repeated use.
- Care: We reviewed how easy it was to clean and maintain the pillow, including whether it has a removable, washable cover or insert. Travel pillows collect dirt and grime over time, and should be easy to refresh between trips.
- Experience: Perhaps the most critical category, experience reflects the real-world comfort and support each pillow provides in different traveling scenarios. Our testers took each pillow on a trip to ensure it could adapt to various travel scenarios and support their heads and necks without forcing them into an uncomfortable position.
Best Travel Pillows Video Review
Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow – Best Travel Pillow
Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow
Avocado brings its GOLS and GOTS-certified materials to this portable, breathable travel pillow.
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Although Avocado is best known in the sleep world for its organic mattresses, it also makes a surprisingly impressive travel pillow. The Avocado Mini Molded Latex Pillow is my pick for the best travel pillow because it scored a 4 or 4.5 out of 5 across all of our testing categories, including materials, care, and overall experience.
Product tester Matt Schickling gave the Avocado pillow a near-perfect 4.5 out of 5 in our materials category. He praised its thick, durable, and comfortable construction and appreciated how well its charcoal-infused memory foam holds its shape even after being stuffed in luggage all day.
“This pillow is incredibly soft to the touch with a light texture that gives it a luxury feel,” Matt said. “It is buoyant and responsive, and feels like it would hold up over several trips or even for regular use at home.”
According to Matt, this memory foam travel pillow is as comfortable as it is durable. After testing it on a flight, he gave it a 4 out of 5 in our experience category. As someone with recurring back pain, he praised its ability to support his lower lumbar region when placed around his lower back. He also appreciated that its larger size made it practical for various traveling situations.
“I do think the real appeal of this pillow is its diversity,” Matt said. “Aside from flying, this pillow would be perfect for camping or a road trip.”
At home, he also liked how easy it was to wash. He gave it a 4 out of 5 because its machine-washable cover made it easy to refresh as soon as he got back from his trip. However, he took off a point because the memory foam insert is not washable.
Despite earning high scores across the board, Matt noted that this pillow has a natural enemy: the middle seat on an airplane. Since this pillow is wider than most travel pillows, it might spill over to the seat next to you if you’re not careful. However, folks who sit in a window seat or toward the aisle shouldn’t have to worry about this.
Trtl Travel Pillow – Best Neck Pillow for Travel
trtl Pillow
The TRTL travel pillow is a unique way to handle the common problem of needing neck support while trying to sleep on planes.
Read Full ReviewIf you find yourself unboarding every plane with a crick in your neck, you’ll appreciate the Trtl Travel Pillow, which provides full head support to help prevent the discomfort that comes with flying. Product tester Kayla Godfrey found that this pillow does just that and awarded it a perfect 5 out of 5 in our experience and materials categories.
The wraparound design of the Trtl Travel Pillow keeps your head and neck supported, preventing them from falling forward while you sleep. While testing the pillow on a flight, Kayla appreciated that it caught her head as she drifted off into sleep. She found that it successfully delivered on its promise to prevent her from suffering from neck pain after the flight, and gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the experience category.
“During my flight, I thought it did an excellent job of keeping my body and head in an ergonomic position,” Kayla said. “I also appreciated that its design prevents you from encroaching on your neighbor’s space.”
Kayla was also impressed by the Trtl Travel Pillow’s durable materials, awarding it another perfect 5-star score in this category. She noted that its soft fleece cover felt cozy against her skin, while its flexible internal support offered just enough support to let her head lean and rest comfortably. The water-resistant travel case was a nice touch, too.
“Overall, this travel pillow feels high-quality and built to last,” Kayla said. “The fleece feels soft and comfy, and its interior is flexible enough to bend slightly so your head can lean and rest on it.”
Unfortunately, no pillow is perfect, and the Trtl is no exception. Alongside its impressive dual 5-star scores, the Trtl also scored a 3 out of 5 in the price and care category. At $79, the Trtl is a little expensive for a travel pillow when not on sale. Additionally, its removable cover and carrying case are machine-washable; however, the insert itself is not.
Pluto Pod 2.0 – Best Travel Pillow for Airplanes
Pluto Pod Travel Pillow
The latest version of this renowned travel pillow has a hood that helps secure it to your head and cushion your neck.
Read Full ReviewWith its unique design resembling an astronaut’s helmet, the Pluto Pod 2.0 aims to elevate your air travel experience by simulating an at-home sleeping environment. Pluto claims that this pillow provides ample neck support along with a built-in hood and eye mask to block out any disturbances. Overall, product tester Livvi DiCicco was impressed with the Pod’s performance on a long flight home, awarding it a 4 out of 5 or higher in our materials and experience categories.
Despite taking some getting used to, Livvi appreciated the wrap-around support of the Pod during her flight, and gave it a 4 out of 5 experience rating. She noted that the shape of the pillow allowed her to drift off with her head falling forward because it provided support for her chin.
“I think it’s great for sleeping while sitting up, which obviously comes in handy during a long flight,” Livvi said. “I like that its chin support is there to catch you as your head tilts forward. However, I noticed it wasn’t quite as supportive when my head tilted to the back or side.”
Livvi was also impressed by its durable construction, awarding it another 4 out of 5 in the materials category. She praised its adjustability and the quality of the chin padding; however, she noted that the material on its outer layer made it a bit stiff.
“The Pod certainly feels comfortable and well-made,” Livvi said. “If I had to critique it, I would say that its outer layer is a bit stiff, which could make it difficult for some folks to make it conform to their head shape. I could also feel the edges of the Velcro a little bit, depending on how I adjusted it.”
According to Livvi, the only two categories that the Pod 2.0 suffered in were cost and its appearance. Despite its durable build and comfortable support, she felt that $145 is quite steep for a pillow that you will likely only use occasionally, and gave it a 3 out of 5 in our price category. She also noted getting some strange looks from the other passengers, but maybe they just weren’t ready for the future of flight.
BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow – Best Travel Pillow for Kids
BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow
The BCOZZY pillow provides great chin support for amazing alignment while you travel!
Sleepopolis Score
4.30 / 5
Traveling with a little one can be difficult, especially if you’re going somewhere by airplane. If your child gets cranky after long flights with no naps, the BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow might be the answer to your prayers. The BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow is soft, supportive, and adjustable enough for the whole family to use. During testing, Sosha Lewis was impressed with its performance across the board and awarded it a 4.5 out of 5 or higher in materials, care, and overall experience.
After testing it over several months on airplanes and long road trips, Sosha gave its materials a near-perfect rating of 4.5 out of 5. She was particularly impressed with how well it holds up even after having to adjust and adapt to several different seating arrangements.
“This travel pillow is a game-changer,” Sosha said. “It is the one I take on planes and car rides. It’s soft, cozy, and has the right amount of support. However, I knocked off half a point because it does cause me to heat up a little.”
Its materials also hold up well in the wash, which is why Sosha gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the care category. The BCOZZY pillow and its carrying case are machine washable, which is particularly beneficial if you’re frequently on the go and need to clean it often.
Most importantly, though, Sosha was a big fan of how this pillow performed on the go. She gave it a 5 out of 5 in the overall experience category because of its ability to adapt to seemingly every mode of transportation, whether that meant a car, plane, or train.
“It is my go-to travel pillow because it is comfortable in a seated or slightly reclined position,” Sosha said. “It keeps me from having a crooked head on planes and prevents neck pain when I wake up.”
Despite its overall solid performance, Sosha criticized its price. Before any discounts, the BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow is $80, which is steep when compared to a $25 travel pillow from an airport bookstore. However, if discount travel pillows aren’t cutting it for you, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Brentwood Home Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow – Best Compact Travel Pillow
Brentwood Homes Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow
Made from a charcoal-infused memory foam and gel fiberfill, the Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow is ultra-cushioning and, at 30 percent smaller than most other pillows, a truly compact travel accessory.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
With its Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow, Brentwood Home has managed to pack a lot of comfort into a compact design. Its smaller footprint makes it easier to store in your carry-on luggage, while its standard shape makes it practical to use everywhere else. Product tester Cait Giddings was so impressed with this pillow that she started using it at home as well. She awarded it a 4 out of 5 or higher in our materials, care, and experience categories.
While testing the Crystal Cove Mini Charcoal Pillow, Cait praised its soft cover and responsive memory foam. After three months of regular use during travel and at home, she noted no signs of sinking or sagging. She gave it a perfect 5 out of 5 in the materials category.
“I love the soft, flannel-like surface material on this pillow’s cover,” Cait said. “The springy memory foam inside feels comfortable and supportive. I don’t see any signs of wear and tear after months of everyday use.”
Cait also gave the Brentwood Home pillow a strong 4 out of 5 in the care category for its easy-to-remove, machine-washable cover. However, like other pillows on this list, its interior fill isn’t washable.
“I love that this pillow has a thick cover that’s easy to wash,” Cait said. “The interior fill isn’t washable, but the cover is so thick and textured that I haven’t experienced any moisture or dirt passing through it and affecting the insert.”
Cait ultimately awarded its easy-to-clean comfort a perfect 5 out of 5 for overall experience. She enjoyed using it so much during travel that it’s become a household staple on nights where she has to sleep in her toddler’s bedroom (which, she admits, is most nights).
According to Cait, the only two drawbacks to note about the Crystal Cove pillow are its one-year limited warranty and the fact that it’s not available on Amazon. However, the company seems responsive, and the product is easy to order. Brentwood Home also provides free shipping and a 30-day sleep trial.
Other Travel Pillows I Considered
Our product testers tried out dozens of travel pillows before deciding on the top five models that made it onto our main list. Here are a couple of other solid options that didn’t quite make it, but are still viable options depending on your needs.
Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow
During testing, we loved the Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Pillow’s inflatable design that packs down small enough to stash in a carry-on. This inflatable pillow’s raised sides provided our testers with solid head and neck support during their flights. However, while the memory foam fill offers good contouring for its size, it also makes the pillow bulkier and heavier than some of the lighter options on this list.
Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow stood out to our testers for road trips, thanks to its headrest straps that keep it perfectly in place throughout the ride. Hot sleepers should also appreciate its memory foam and moisture-wicking cover. That said, while it excels in the car, its bulkier shape and headrest-focused design make it a bit clunky for air travel, where seats don’t always cooperate as well with its strap system.
How We Picked and Tested These Travel Pillows
Our product testers approached every travel pillow with one goal in mind: to find the most comfortable, supportive, and durable options out there. Every pillow on this list went through our rigorous, hands-on testing process. We tested these pillows over several months (and numerous trips) to see how likely they are to hold up over time and repeated use.
Materials
The materials in your travel pillow can make or break your comfort over a long haul flight. Our testers closely examined every stitch of these pillows for comfort and durability. A travel pillow should feel soft against your face and neck while providing enough support to help you avoid any travel-related aches and pains upon arriving at your destination
When it comes to durability, the stitching should be secure, and the fabric should be able to endure repeated use without sagging, tearing, or otherwise wearing down. The pillows on our list felt soft and inviting while also maintaining enough structure to provide long-lasting support.
Care
No matter how careful you are, travel pillows will inevitably pick up dirt, oils, and odors (and if they’re doing their job well, maybe a little drool from a well-deserved nap). For this reason, we had our testers evaluate how easy each travel pillow was to clean. Our testing team sought out removable covers that are machine-washable and checked how well the materials held up after laundering.
We also considered how each travel pillow maintained its structural integrity after multiple cleanings and how simple the process was for travelers on the go. Designs that made it easy to keep your pillow fresh between trips scored higher in this category.
Experience
Most importantly, our product testing team assessed each pillow in real traveling scenarios. Our testers used these pillows on planes, in cars, and if they liked them well enough, at home. When using them on a plane, our testers evaluated them in window, middle, and aisle seat positions to determine how well they provided neck support without invading a neighbor’s space.
The most adaptable travel pillows were the ones that made it onto this list. These options offered flexible support, meaning that your head and neck should be comfortable, regardless of how you sit or move.
What to Consider When Buying a Travel Pillow
When shopping for a travel pillow, price, portability, and the brand’s trial or warranty policies help determine if a pillow is worth it. Keep these in mind as you shop for your newest addition to your travel gear.
Price
While arriving at your destination well-rested and ready to take on the day is the ultimate goal, value also matters. When possible, read customer reviews and look for a balance between high-quality materials, performance, and affordability. Most of the travel pillows we reviewed fell in the $50 to $60 range (or more), which is reasonable for something you will use trip after trip. However, we included some pillows that were more expensive because they offered clear benefits to justify the extra cost.
Cheap pillows that use scratchy synthetic fibers and have low-quality construction are not worth your money, no matter how tempting their price tags may be. A well-made pillow with supportive fill, durable stitching, and soft, skin-friendly fabric is always a smart buy.
Size and Portability
A bulky travel pillow is the last thing you need while navigating busy airports, train stations, or bus terminals. The best travel pillows are squishy enough to squeeze into a carry-on, fold into a manageable size, or pack neatly into a provided travel bag.
However, online shopping can make it difficult to see if a pillow is packable before you buy it. When purchasing online, check the listed dimensions of the pillow and use a tape measure to get a realistic sense of how much space it takes up.
Trial & Warranty
What feels comfortable to one traveler may not work for another, which is why trial periods and warranties can make a difference when shopping for the perfect travel pillow. A generous return policy or in-home trial offers you the opportunity to test the pillow on a trip before committing to it long-term.
Warranties also provide peace of mind, especially if you’re investing in a higher-end model. Travel pillows can experience stitching failures, fabric tears, or loss of support. A brand that stands behind its product with a solid warranty shows confidence in its durability and quality.
Travel Pillow FAQs
Is a travel pillow worth it?
Using a travel pillow can help you sleep better when you’re on the go and, perhaps more importantly, can prevent your head and neck from deviating out of neutral alignment while you snooze.
Does a travel pillow count as a carry on?
No, most commercial airlines do not consider travel pillows to be carry-on items. That said, it’s always a good idea to find a travel pillow that’s easy to pack in a suitcase or purse.
What is the best travel pillow for long flights?
A versatile travel pillow that can be used to support different parts of your body is ideal for long flights. For example, a pillow that can serve as neck, chin, and back support might keep you feeling cozier for longer. Additionally, we suggest aiming for pillows that are filled with more firmly supportive materials, as they’re less likely to compress over time.
What are the best products to sleep with on a plane?
If you’re preparing to catch some Zs on a long flight, bring a good sleep mask, a pair of quality earplugs, and comfortable headphones to block out light and noise. Pairing these with a supportive travel pillow can help create a more restful in-flight environment.
Do neck pillows really help on a plane?
Yes, neck pillows can help prevent strain by supporting your head and catching it when it leans or falls forward. This added support can reduce stiffness and make resting in an upright position more comfortable.
Is memory foam better than regular travel pillows?
Some travelers prefer memory foam pillows, as they can contour closely to your head and neck. However, some people may prefer lighter, inflatable, or microbead pillows for portability or a softer feel.