Are you tired of arriving at your destination with a sore neck and zero sleep? The best travel pillows are more than just a luxury, they’re a game-changer for anyone on the move. Whether you’re catching red-eye flights, riding trains for hours, or road-tripping across the country, the right travel pillow can turn even the most cramped seat into a cozy corner.
From memory foam marvels to space-saving inflatables, we’ve rounded up the top picks to keep your head supported and your travel game strong. Let’s dive into the best travel pillows that are worth packing every single time with National Park Shops team.
Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow ($39.95 on Amazon)
- Material: Soft velour fabric
- Fill: Thermo-sensitive memory foam
- Colors: Blue, Grey
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The Travelrest Nest Ultimate stands out as one of the best travel pillow options thanks to its angled back design, which lies flat against a seat rather than pushing the head forward like rounded-back models. Reviewers noted that its rubber grip dots help keep the pillow in place while sleeping, enhancing comfort during long trips.
Testers found the memory foam to be firm yet plush, offering 360-degree neck support that keeps the head upright. Its adjustable Velcro strap accommodates various neck sizes, and the velour cover adds a cozy feel while being easy to remove and machine-wash. Though it doesn’t fold flat, it compresses to a quarter of its original size and weighs under a pound, making it easy to pack.
Some users mentioned that the pillow’s tall sides, while supportive, might not suit those with shorter necks, especially when using over-ear headphones. It also lacks the customizable fit of more flexible options like the Trtl or Bcozzy. Still, for those it fit well, the Travelrest remains one of the best travel pillow choices for reliable in-flight support.
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GPKJQZS Travel Pillow 360° Support Stowable ($29.99 on Amazon)
- Special Feature: Portable
- Fill Material: Memory Foam
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The GPKJQZS Travel Pillow is a compact and ergonomic travel accessory designed to provide 360° neck support during long journeys. Its contoured interior design ensures optimal alignment and pressure relief, making it suitable for use on planes, trains, and cars. The pillow is made from high-resilience memory foam that adapts to the shape of your neck, offering personalized comfort. Its stable design allows for easy packing, making it a convenient companion for travelers seeking comfort without bulk.
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow ($69 on Amazon)
- Viscosa, memory foam
- 10.5 x 9.5 inches
- 12 ounces
- Machine washable
- Carrying case included
Reviewers described the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow as feeling cloud-like, offering exceptional neck support and comfort during flights. With its plush memory foam and asymmetric shape, the pillow could be adjusted to cradle the neck, chin, or head, depending on the user’s preference. Despite its softness, it delivered firmer support than any other model tested, making it a strong contender for the best travel pillow.
Its premium materials felt luxurious, and although rolling it into its compact drawstring sack took some practice, it packed down impressively small, perfect for travelers concerned about luggage space. The memory foam quickly regained shape even after long periods in storage, suggesting strong durability over time.
The removable, machine-washable cover made maintenance easy, though testers preferred air drying to avoid shrinkage. While it comes at a higher price point, many considered it worth the investment for better in-flight rest and overall comfort.
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Infinity Pillow ($54.50 on Amazon)
- Bamboo, nylon
- 39.3 x 6.6 inches
- 15.9 ounces
- Machine washable
Unlike most travel pillows that stick to a single shape and size, this versatile option impressed testers with its adaptable infinity-style design. Measuring nearly 40 inches long, it could be wrapped once for minimal support or twice for firmer neck support similar to traditional C-shaped pillows. During a long road trip, reviewers noted how easy it was to adjust the fit around the neck, tighter or looser depending on comfort needs. However, some with smaller necks felt it remained slightly bulky even when doubled, which could limit its support in certain positions.
Despite that, its multifunctional use made it ideal for sleeping on planes, trains, or in cars, and the versatility compensated for the lack of structure typical of standard neck pillows. Over six months of frequent use, the pillow maintained its form with no noticeable wear, reinforcing its quality.
Testers also appreciated the ease of carrying it during travel – the closed-loop shape allowed it to be worn around the neck, eliminating the need to stow it or worry about losing it. The breathable bamboo fabric felt soft and stayed cool, and the pillow was easy to clean thanks to its machine-washable design. While it did occupy considerable space in luggage, many agreed the added comfort justified packing lighter.
Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow ($24.99 on Amazon)
- Special Feature: Adjustable, Removable
- Size: One Size
- Fill Material: Cotton, Polyester, Foam, Memory Foam
Many travelers have found the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow to be a solid backup that rivals other options in the best travel pillow category. Although it lacks the flat back of the Travelrest, its U-shaped design, contoured memory foam core, and machine-washable velour cover offer comparable comfort. The adjustable drawstring also allows for a snugger fit around the neck, making it ideal for those with smaller necks or who prefer a more secure feel.
Another advantage is that this pillow is one of the few travel pillows consistently available at stores inside airport security zones, perfect for last-minute purchases when you’re still looking for the best travel pillow right before boarding.
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Bcozzy Pillow ($38.20 on Amazon)
- Special Feature: Double Support, Versatile fit, Ergonomic Design, Fully Machine Washable, Durable Build, Enhanced Comfort, Multi-Purpose Use
- Size: Large
- Fill Material: Polyester
The Bcozzy pillow has been recommended as a top choice among the best travel pillow options for those who wear over-ear headphones or tend to nod forward when sleeping. Its overlapping ends create a secure cushion that keeps the chin in place more effectively than the Trtl’s frame or the gaps found in designs. While it offers limited lateral neck support, it pairs especially well with bulky headphones to stabilize the head. Though not as compact as other models, the Bcozzy features a convenient loop that clips onto the outside of most bags, saving valuable packing space.
Samsonite 2-in-1 Magic Travel Pillow ($19.99 on Amazon)
- Fill Material: Polyester
- Dimensions: 12.25 x 11.75 x 4 inches
- Hand wash
Samsonite’s microbead travel pillow stands out with its clever two-in-one design, easily transforming from a U-shaped neck pillow to a rectangular cushion for window leaning or tray table naps. This versatility, combined with its affordable price, makes it a great value. Testing showed the flip-inside-out switch between shapes was seamless. Crafted from polyester and filled with ultra-light microfiber beads, the pillow feels almost weightless.
While it doesn’t match memory foam in firmness, it still offers adequate neck support to prevent uncomfortable craning during rest. After six months of real-world use, it remained in excellent condition. It’s a solid choice for occasional travelers seeking a quality, budget-friendly pillow without compromising comfort.
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Sea to Summit Aeros ($41.14 on Amazon)
- Weight: 3.1 oz
- Packed Volume: 0.4 L
Despite its ultralight build, the Sea to Summit Aeros delivers impressive comfort. Weighing just a few ounces, it inflates to a generous size yet packs down to the size of a plum, virtually disappearing in your pack. Its soft polyester cover and stretchy air cell work together to gently cradle your head, with the flexible construction setting it apart from typical inflatable pillows. Contoured baffles further enhance support, making it a go-to for restful sleep in the backcountry. One tester even relied on this pillow for nearly a decade of backpacking, a testament to its durability. While it’s not as plush as some compressible or hybrid designs, it offers solid head support and elevates comfort off the ground.
How we chose the best travel pillows
Our selection of the best travel pillows was based on in-depth research, hands-on testing, and expert input.
- Research: We analyzed a wide range of customer reviews to gather honest, unbiased feedback on each pillow.
- Product Testing: Our writer personally tested leading options on both short and long-haul trips, evaluating factors like size, portability, materials, support, and added features.
- Expert Insights: We consulted frequent travelers, trip leaders, sleep specialists, and medical professionals to gather expert advice, real-world recommendations, and key considerations for choosing the right travel neck pillow.
How we tested
Our National Park Shops team evaluated travel pillows to identify the best options for every comfort preference. We researched and tested a variety of popular styles, from classic U-shaped to rectangular designs.
Focusing on comfort, quality, durability, and portability, we assessed standout features, both positive and negative. We verified manufacturer claims like cooling technology, firmness, and softness. The best pillows maintained their shape after storage, reliably springing back without damage.
Following real-world testing on cross-country road trips, we conducted head-to-head lab comparisons to refine our rankings. We regularly update our findings with ongoing testing to keep our recommendations current.
FAQs
How should I clean a travel pillow?
Washing instructions are usually found on the travel pillow’s tag. Removable covers can often be machine washed, though many prefer air drying to avoid shrinkage from heat. For pillows without removable covers, spot cleaning with a damp cloth and soapy water is recommended.
Is a travel pillow worn around the front or the back of the neck?
Some travel pillows are made for versatile use, but ultimately, how you wear one depends on your comfort. You can wear it forward, backward, or use it to lean against the window, the key is to find the position that feels best for you.
How should a travel pillow be properly used?
Ensuring the front closure fits properly is crucial. The travel pillow should sit snugly but not too tight around your neck, allowing your head to nod forward comfortably.
