The 9 Best Travel Pillows, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Susan Brickell ; Alessandra Amodio

People / Susan Brickell ; Alessandra Amodio

So, what makes some better than others? “Comfort is the number one thing,” says travel expertRana Good, explaining that a high-quality cushion should help you get some sleep and not wake up in pain. “Also, hygiene is a big factor.” In other words, an easy-to-clean design is ideal.

We tested 24 top-rated travel pillows to find the most comfortable, portable, durable, and low-maintenance options. After trying them out in real-life settings, including flights, train rides, and road trips, we narrowed it down to the nine options worth buying.

Keep reading for the best travel pillows that PEOPLE tested.

Our Top PicksBest Overall:SALECabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at Amazon$30$25Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow at Amazon$69Jump to ReviewBest Neck Support:SALEJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at Amazon$65$50Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at Amazon$37Jump to ReviewBest Silk:Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow at Gingerlily.comJump to ReviewMost Durable:Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Cooling:Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$52Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at Amazon$30$25Jump to ReviewBest Budget:Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$17Jump to ReviewBest Splurge:Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow at Amazon$69Jump to ReviewBest Neck Support:SALEJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at Amazon$65$50Jump to ReviewMost Versatile:Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at Amazon$37Jump to ReviewBest Silk:Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow at Gingerlily.comJump to ReviewMost Durable:Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow at Amazon$50Jump to ReviewBest Cooling:Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at Amazon$60Jump to ReviewBest Firm:Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$52Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at Amazon$30$25Jump to Review

Best Overall:SALECabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at Amazon$30$25

Best Overall:

SALE

Best Budget:Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$17Jump to Review

Best Budget:Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$17

Best Budget:

Best Splurge:Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow at Amazon$69Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow at Amazon$69

Best Splurge:

Best Neck Support:SALEJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at Amazon$65$50Jump to Review

Best Neck Support:SALEJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at Amazon$65$50

Best Neck Support:

Most Versatile:Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at Amazon$37Jump to Review

Most Versatile:Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at Amazon$37

Most Versatile:

Best Silk:Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow at Gingerlily.comJump to Review

Best Silk:Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow at Gingerlily.com

Best Silk:

Most Durable:Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow at Amazon$50Jump to Review

Most Durable:Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow at Amazon$50

Most Durable:

Best Cooling:Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at Amazon$60Jump to Review

Best Cooling:Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at Amazon$60

Best Cooling:

Best Firm:Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$52Jump to Review

Best Firm:Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon$52

Best Firm:

Best OverallCabeau Evolution Classic Travel PillowPHOTO: Amazon$30$25 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Cabeau.com

Best OverallCabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow

Best Overall

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow

PHOTO: Amazon

$30$25 at Amazon$30 at WalmartView on Cabeau.com

Star QualitiesCloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neckSupportive but not too soft or firmCover is easy to cleanRed FlagsClasps come undone easily

Star QualitiesCloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neckSupportive but not too soft or firmCover is easy to clean

Cloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neck

Supportive but not too soft or firm

Cover is easy to clean

Red FlagsClasps come undone easily

Clasps come undone easily

If you’re watching an in-flight movie, reading a book, or just relaxing, this cushion will make the experience much more comfortable. Though the velour exterior is removable and machine-washable, it doesn’t shift around when zipped onto the pillow. There are also handy toggle clasps on the front to ensure it stays in position while allowing you to hook it to your luggage. The clasps come undone kind of easily, but in the end, this is a minor drawback.Dimensions:10 x 9.5 x 5 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Velour

PHOTO: People / Daniela GalvezPHOTO: People / Daniela Galvez

Best BudgetCloudz Microbead Travel Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$17 at Amazon$15 at WalmartStar QualitiesComfortable and supportive for long tripsMicrobeads conform well to the shape of the head and neckSoft, breathable, tear-resistant exteriorRed FlagsCover isn’t removable for washingDoesn’t compress, so it’s not easily packableOn a budget? The Cloudz Original Travel Pillow is a solid choice. After trying it out on a six-hour flight and a three-hour train ride, we’re happy to report it’s exceptionally comfortable and supportive. The ultra-soft fabric is durable, too. Though it doesn’t compress, it’s filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head.We liked how the clasp keeps the pillow in place when walking around. You can also attach it to your suitcase orunderseat luggage. Although this travel pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, the exterior is easy to spot-clean.Dimensions:12 x 12 x 4 inches |Core Material:Foam beads |Cover Material:Polyester

Best BudgetCloudz Microbead Travel Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$17 at Amazon$15 at Walmart

Best BudgetCloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

Best Budget

Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow

$17 at Amazon$15 at Walmart

Star QualitiesComfortable and supportive for long tripsMicrobeads conform well to the shape of the head and neckSoft, breathable, tear-resistant exteriorRed FlagsCover isn’t removable for washingDoesn’t compress, so it’s not easily packable

Star QualitiesComfortable and supportive for long tripsMicrobeads conform well to the shape of the head and neckSoft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior

Comfortable and supportive for long trips

Microbeads conform well to the shape of the head and neck

Soft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior

Red FlagsCover isn’t removable for washingDoesn’t compress, so it’s not easily packable

Cover isn’t removable for washing

Doesn’t compress, so it’s not easily packable

On a budget? The Cloudz Original Travel Pillow is a solid choice. After trying it out on a six-hour flight and a three-hour train ride, we’re happy to report it’s exceptionally comfortable and supportive. The ultra-soft fabric is durable, too. Though it doesn’t compress, it’s filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head.

We liked how the clasp keeps the pillow in place when walking around. You can also attach it to your suitcase orunderseat luggage. Although this travel pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, the exterior is easy to spot-clean.Dimensions:12 x 12 x 4 inches |Core Material:Foam beads |Cover Material:Polyester

Best SplurgeOstrichpillow Go Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$69 at Amazon$69 at Nordstrom$69 at BloomingdalesStar QualitiesWrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feelSupports neck and chin to prevent stiffnessCompresses to about half its sizeRed FlagsCan get a little warm after a few hoursThe Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow earned perfect scores across the board. After using it on a short domestic flight and a long international flight, we were sold on the comfortable design. It feels like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck.This neck cushion has a memory foam core, a soft and stretchy machine-washable cover, and an adjustable Velcro closure for a custom fit. It supported our necks and chins, keeping our heads securely in place and preventing stiffness. The pillow also compresses to about half its size for compact packing. The only potential downside is that it gets slightly warm after a few hours.Dimensions:10 x 6.5 x 3 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Viscose, elastomerPHOTO: People / Susan BrickellPHOTO: People / Susan Brickell

Best SplurgeOstrichpillow Go Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$69 at Amazon$69 at Nordstrom$69 at Bloomingdales

Best SplurgeOstrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best Splurge

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

$69 at Amazon$69 at Nordstrom$69 at Bloomingdales

Star QualitiesWrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feelSupports neck and chin to prevent stiffnessCompresses to about half its sizeRed FlagsCan get a little warm after a few hours

Star QualitiesWrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feelSupports neck and chin to prevent stiffnessCompresses to about half its size

Wrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feel

Supports neck and chin to prevent stiffness

Compresses to about half its size

Red FlagsCan get a little warm after a few hours

Can get a little warm after a few hours

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow earned perfect scores across the board. After using it on a short domestic flight and a long international flight, we were sold on the comfortable design. It feels like wrapping a marshmallow around your neck.

This neck cushion has a memory foam core, a soft and stretchy machine-washable cover, and an adjustable Velcro closure for a custom fit. It supported our necks and chins, keeping our heads securely in place and preventing stiffness. The pillow also compresses to about half its size for compact packing. The only potential downside is that it gets slightly warm after a few hours.Dimensions:10 x 6.5 x 3 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Viscose, elastomer

PHOTO: People / Susan BrickellPHOTO: People / Susan Brickell

Best Neck SupportJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$65$50 at AmazonView on J-pillow.comStar QualitiesUnique shape supports from the sideEasy to sleep uprightEntire pillow is machine-washableRed FlagsOdd shape means you can’t walk with it onIf it’s neck support you’re after, the J-Pillow has your name on it. After using it on a 19-hour car ride, we awarded it perfect scores in all categories. We loved the memory foam core and unique J shape. The clever design is meant to go on one side of your head, almost like you’re leaning on someone’s shoulder. There’s also a little divot for your ear. This makes it easy to take a nap, no matter where you’re seated.The exterior is soft and plush, and we didn’t notice any loose strings or snags. And while it doesn’t have a removable cover, the entire thing is machine-washable.Dimensions:13 x 12 x 8 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Poly-blend fabricPHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Best Neck SupportJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck PillowPHOTO: Amazon$65$50 at AmazonView on J-pillow.com

Best Neck SupportJ-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow

Best Neck Support

J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow

$65$50 at AmazonView on J-pillow.com

Star QualitiesUnique shape supports from the sideEasy to sleep uprightEntire pillow is machine-washableRed FlagsOdd shape means you can’t walk with it on

Star QualitiesUnique shape supports from the sideEasy to sleep uprightEntire pillow is machine-washable

Unique shape supports from the side

Easy to sleep upright

Entire pillow is machine-washable

Red FlagsOdd shape means you can’t walk with it on

Odd shape means you can’t walk with it on

If it’s neck support you’re after, the J-Pillow has your name on it. After using it on a 19-hour car ride, we awarded it perfect scores in all categories. We loved the memory foam core and unique J shape. The clever design is meant to go on one side of your head, almost like you’re leaning on someone’s shoulder. There’s also a little divot for your ear. This makes it easy to take a nap, no matter where you’re seated.

The exterior is soft and plush, and we didn’t notice any loose strings or snags. And while it doesn’t have a removable cover, the entire thing is machine-washable.Dimensions:13 x 12 x 8 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Poly-blend fabric

PHOTO: People / Jennifer MayPHOTO: People / Jennifer May

Most VersatileTherm-a-Rest Compressible PillowPHOTO: REI$37$34 at Amazon$16 at REI$33 at Backcountry

Most VersatileTherm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

Most Versatile

Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow

PHOTO: REI

$37$34 at Amazon$16 at REI$33 at Backcountry

Star QualitiesPacks into itselfFeels almost like a real bed pillowPerfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go napsRed FlagsOnly comes in patterned designs

Star QualitiesPacks into itselfFeels almost like a real bed pillowPerfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go naps

Packs into itself

Feels almost like a real bed pillow

Perfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go naps

Red FlagsOnly comes in patterned designs

Only comes in patterned designs

What’s more, the compressible design packs into itself for compact transport and fluffs back up when you’re ready to use it. Besides being immensely comfy and highly portable, we like that this travel cushion is made of upcycled and recycled materials.Dimensions:22 x 15 x 7 inches, 18 x 13 x 6 inches, 15 x 11 x 5 inches |Core Material:Shredded foam, poly fibers |Cover Material:Polyester

Best SilkGingerlily Silk Travel PillowPHOTO: GingerlilyView on Gingerlily.com$125 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Best SilkGingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

Best Silk

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

PHOTO: Gingerlily

View on Gingerlily.com$125 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Star QualitiesPreserves hair and prevents skin creasesSubstantial feel that doesn’t go flatCan be used on the go or in bedRed FlagsLaundry bag sold separately

Star QualitiesPreserves hair and prevents skin creasesSubstantial feel that doesn’t go flatCan be used on the go or in bed

Preserves hair and prevents skin creases

Substantial feel that doesn’t go flat

Can be used on the go or in bed

Red FlagsLaundry bag sold separately

Laundry bag sold separately

We like the petite bed pillow shape, although it is larger than most travel pillows, so you may need to bring it as your personal item for plane travel rather than packing it.Dimensions:12 x 16 inches |Core Material:Mulberry silk, polyester |Cover Material:Mulberry silk

Most DurableCabeau TNE S3 Travel PillowPHOTO: Amazon$50 at AmazonView on Cabeau.com

Most DurableCabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow

Most Durable

Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow

$50 at AmazonView on Cabeau.com

Star QualitiesPlush yet supportivePrevents head bobbingStands up to wear and tearRed FlagsExtra-thick design may take getting used to

Star QualitiesPlush yet supportivePrevents head bobbingStands up to wear and tear

Plush yet supportive

Prevents head bobbing

Stands up to wear and tear

Red FlagsExtra-thick design may take getting used to

Extra-thick design may take getting used to

The Cabeau’s Evolution TNE S3 Pillow has a super soft and cozy exterior that never makes you feel hot or stuffy. Since it’s on the thicker side, it felt a little odd at first, but once we got used to it, we were sold. The chin and headrest straps keep the pillow secure, plus the pillow stays in place and prevents your head from bobbing around.

“I used this travel pillow for two nine-hour flights to and from Athens, Greece, and it definitely supported my neck. It keeps your neck from turning too much while you sleep, so you don’t wake up with any neck cricks or aches."—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Dimensions:11 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester, microsuede

PHOTO: People / Anna PoppPHOTO: People / Anna Popp

Best CoolingCabeau Evolution Cool Pillow$60 at Amazon$60 at Target$60 at WalmartStar QualitiesGood for hot sleepersSupportive and firmRetains shape through repeated compressingRed FlagsAwkward to position at firstCabeau’s Evolution Cool Pillow is an ideal choice for people who sleep hot. The airy, ventilated design is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam, and the cooling design works as promised. We found this neck cushion to be extremely supportive and firm but not too hard. It’s slightly awkward to position initially but rest assured, you’ll be able to sleep upright on a plane — even in the middle seat.Though the exterior is soft, it’s not the softest option we tried. Still, we appreciate that the zippered cover is removable and machine-washable. This travel pillow also compresses to fit in its included storage bag and maintains its original shape after being repeatedly rolled and unrolled.Dimensions:13 x 7 x 5 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester

Best CoolingCabeau Evolution Cool Pillow$60 at Amazon$60 at Target$60 at Walmart

Best CoolingCabeau Evolution Cool Pillow

Best Cooling

Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow

$60 at Amazon$60 at Target$60 at Walmart

Star QualitiesGood for hot sleepersSupportive and firmRetains shape through repeated compressingRed FlagsAwkward to position at first

Star QualitiesGood for hot sleepersSupportive and firmRetains shape through repeated compressing

Good for hot sleepers

Supportive and firm

Retains shape through repeated compressing

Red FlagsAwkward to position at first

Awkward to position at first

Cabeau’s Evolution Cool Pillow is an ideal choice for people who sleep hot. The airy, ventilated design is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam, and the cooling design works as promised. We found this neck cushion to be extremely supportive and firm but not too hard. It’s slightly awkward to position initially but rest assured, you’ll be able to sleep upright on a plane — even in the middle seat.

Though the exterior is soft, it’s not the softest option we tried. Still, we appreciate that the zippered cover is removable and machine-washable. This travel pillow also compresses to fit in its included storage bag and maintains its original shape after being repeatedly rolled and unrolled.Dimensions:13 x 7 x 5 inches |Core Material:Memory foam |Cover Material:Polyester

Best FirmCushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck PillowPHOTO: Brookstone$52 at AmazonView on Thecushionlab.comStar QualitiesErgonomic with adjustable fitPrevents neck strainComfortable for long hoursRed FlagsSnug fit takes some getting used toThanks to Cushion Lab’s ergonomic travel pillow, we were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. It’s very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing, and promises to minimize neck strain.This travel pillow has a machine-washable cover and a handy carrying bag with a carabiner clip. It rolls up easily into the bag, but unfortunately, the clip is a little too small to attach to a luggage handle. However, it should easily hook to a purse, backpack, orweekender bag.Dimensions:10 x 9 x 5 inches, 9 x 8 x 4 inches |Core Material:High-density foam, memory foam |Cover Material:Cotton-poly blendPHOTO: People / Alessandra AmodioPHOTO: People / Alessandra Amodio

Best FirmCushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck PillowPHOTO: Brookstone$52 at AmazonView on Thecushionlab.com

Best FirmCushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

Best Firm

Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

PHOTO: Brookstone

$52 at AmazonView on Thecushionlab.com

Star QualitiesErgonomic with adjustable fitPrevents neck strainComfortable for long hoursRed FlagsSnug fit takes some getting used to

Star QualitiesErgonomic with adjustable fitPrevents neck strainComfortable for long hours

Ergonomic with adjustable fit

Prevents neck strain

Comfortable for long hours

Red FlagsSnug fit takes some getting used to

Snug fit takes some getting used to

Thanks to Cushion Lab’s ergonomic travel pillow, we were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. It’s very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing, and promises to minimize neck strain.

This travel pillow has a machine-washable cover and a handy carrying bag with a carabiner clip. It rolls up easily into the bag, but unfortunately, the clip is a little too small to attach to a luggage handle. However, it should easily hook to a purse, backpack, orweekender bag.Dimensions:10 x 9 x 5 inches, 9 x 8 x 4 inches |Core Material:High-density foam, memory foam |Cover Material:Cotton-poly blend

PHOTO: People / Alessandra AmodioPHOTO: People / Alessandra Amodio

What to Know About Travel Pillows

Shape

“The most common travel pillow you’ll see at the airport is the [C-shaped] neck pillow,” says Good. “A lot of people wear them around their necks as they board.” The idea is that the curved design props up your chin and prevents your head from bobbing around while you sleep, ultimately preventing neck strain.

You’ll also find J-shaped cushions (like theJ-Pillow Travel Pillow), which are supposed to go on one side of your head rather than around your neck. Then there are rectangular options that are more like a smaller version of a bed pillow, such as theTherm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow.

Material

Travel pillows designed to conform to the shape of your head and neck are often made out of responsive materials, such as memory foam or foam microbeads. Similar tofull-sized foam pillows, you can go with high-density foam if you prefer more support and something with shredded foam or poly fibers if you like a softer feel.

The exterior matters, too. In addition to being soft against your skin, the best travel pillows have easy-to-clean cases. Ideally, the cover should be removable, machine-washable, and dryer-friendly, like our best overall pick, theCabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow.

Portability

Despite the size, Good says the best travel pillows can be “stored neatly in your bag” next to other travel accessories, like your favoritewireless earbudsorwired earbudsand a blackout sleep mask. This could mean it’s small or that it compresses down into a compact shape. Some come with carrying cases that hook to your luggage, and C-shaped designs can be worn around your neck if they don’t fit anywhere else — that way, it probably won’t count as your one personal item. And of course, you can keep it in your bag in a compressed case and pull it out once you’re settled into your seat.

After researching today’s best travel pillows, we selected 24 options to try firsthand.

Theresa Hollandis a contributing writer for PEOPLE, specializing in travel, lifestyle, and sleep products. To compile this roundup, she combed through our testing insights and ratings for each product. She also interviewed travel experts for their expertise on what makes a good travel pillow.

Meet Our ExpertRana Goodis a travel expert and lifestyle creator.

Meet Our Expert

Rana Goodis a travel expert and lifestyle creator.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com