Best Travel Pillows 2024
1. BEST OVERALL TRAVEL NECK PILLOW
Cabeau Evolution S3
This isn’t your typical travel neck pillow, as its memory foam fill holds its shape better than similar neck pillow styles.
Our pros found that the pillow really does keep your neck from tilting too far to the side. You can attach the adjustable straps to any headrest, whether it’s on an airplane or in the car. We appreciate its more substantial size compared to other options on the market, although this means it’s a bit bulkier.
However, it comes with a travel bag the manufacturer claims compresses the pillow down to half its size. Plus, you can attach the bag to your suitcase so you can save room for souvenirs. Although this is our top-rated pick for a travel neck pillow, it isn’t the most versatile.
2. BEST VALUE TRAVEL PILLOW
Cabeau Evolution Classic
For a less expensive option also by popular brand Cabeau, try its Evolution Classic for under $30. Similar to the S3, this model has a memory foam fill — but doesn’t have straps for attaching it to a headrest.
Adjustable front clasps, however, lend support to the head and neck. You’ll appreciate the machine washable cover for quick cleaning, and a hidden storage compartment for earbuds or earplugs. The pillow has a 4.3-star rating on Amazon and over 1.9k online customer reviews praising how comfortable it is. Some comment they have bought it for other frequent travelers in their lives.
A few reviews note that the pillow can be too big depending on how tall you are. Still, for the price and support provided, it’s a winner.
3. BEST ORGANIC TRAVEL PILLOW
Avocado Organic Toddler Pillow
You may be surprised to learn that a toddler-sized pillow is typically the same size as a travel one. We tested Avocado’s Toddler Pillow which is the same as their travel pillow. Avocado uses organic and high quality materials, which is one reason we love the brand and have included its Green Mattress in a roundup of the best organic mattresses.
Like its popular mattress, Avocado’s travel pillow is GOTS certified organic. It’s also made with latex rather than memory foam, a synthetic material often used in travel pillows. Latex is made from natural resources and tends to be more resilient than foam. The fill is a blend of latex and kapok fiber, a natural material that has a silky feel.
Bedding expert Lexie Sachs, the executive director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, says this pillow is indeed super comfy, and an almost perfect five-star rating online suggests customers agree. Numerous reviews note the high quality; one customer writes, “this pillow is really nice, soft, comfortable and the perfect size for using as an extra pillow for legs or whatever is needed.”
4. BEST LIGHTWEIGHT TRAVEL PILLOw
The design of this travel pillow may give infinity scarf vibes, but its unique design is meant for neck support. Available in four colors and weighing the same as an apple, according to the brand, this pillow is made from soft fleece and has an internal support system that helps keep your head and neck in an upright position.
We appreciate how lightweight it is, as you can easily pack it in your carry-on luggage. To wash, simply remove the support system and toss the wrap in the wash — no need to remove the cover first like some u-shaped travel pillows.
It has over 32K Amazon reviews, including one customer writing they used it on a recent 22-hour flight and were able to fall asleep for the first time sitting up. They add that while the fleece material keeps you warm in oftentimes cold flights, it may be too warm for those who run hot.
5. BEST LIGHT-BLOCKING TRAVEL PILLOW
Ostrich Original Travel Pillow
What sets this pillow apart from others is its light-blocking capability that proved to be effective in our testing. Its design may look kind of silly at a first glance, but the full-head structure with a mouth opening is meant to reduce ambient light and sound while letting you breath easy.
There are openings for your hands to rest on top of your head when leaning over. The pillow creates a cozy cocoon you can escape to whether you are at the office or on the plane in a middle seat. A caveat is the manufacturer recommends you spot clean the pillow with mild soap and water and then dry thoroughly, rather than tossing it in the washer and dryer.
It definitely has a strange design, but hundreds of online reviews say it does what it is meant to do. One happy reviewer writes, “I love pillows, and this does fall into that category. Although it’s a bit awkward, it is very soft. For long car rides it would be a very good choice.”
6. BEST TRAVEL PILLOW FOR HOTELS
Honeydew Scrumptious Side Pillow
A GH Family Travel Awards winner in 2023, our testers raved about this pick, and even continued using the pillow after their travels.
It’ssubstantial in size while still being compact enough to take on a trip, and comes with its own storage bag and pillowcase. The fill is a memory foam blend that is not only comfortable but also helps the pillow keep its shape.
Its curved shape maintains proper alignment while you snooze. It does come at a higher price but Sachs says that she uses her pillow at home too, not just while traveling, meaning the splurge may be worth it if you travel often for work and find hotel pillows to be uncomfortable.
7. BEST TRAVEL PILLOW FOR KIDS
BCOZZY Kids Travel Pillow
If you have one or more little ones traveling with you, then you may be looking for a kid-friendly travel pillow to help them nap better on long car rides or flights.
This popular pillow by Bcozzy has a 4.5-star rating on Amazon and is available in five colors with adorable travel bags in the shape of animals. You can adjust the pillow using the velcro strips that attach to the overlapping arms, which combined with a flat back help keep your kid’s head from falling forward.
Sachs owns these cute pillows for her kids and confirms they stay in place well and roll up nice and easy to fit inside the carrying kit. “We used them on a long road trip and bring them whenever we have a long car ride. They love them!” she notes. You can also machine wash this pillow, which is great for any spills in the car. The drawback? It’s pricier than some of our travel pillow picks for adults.
