The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips
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Our favorite gives luxury travel pillows a run for their money
People / Marcus Millan
Whether you get there by plane, train, or automobile, traveling can be a taxing experience. But the right head and neck support can make your journey much more enjoyable, especially if you're boarding a long flight. We're talking about travel pillows, of course, which come in a range of styles, sizes, and materials.
So, what makes some better than others? "Comfort is the number one thing," says travel expert Rana 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.
Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow
Star Qualities
Cloud-like memory foam conforms to shape of head and neck
Supportive but not too soft or firm
Cover is easy to clean
Red Flags
Clasps come undone easily
Clocking perfect scores in all our tests, the Cabeau Evolution Classic is by far our favorite travel pillow. A perfect option for plane travel, we loved how the responsive memory foam conformed to our heads and necks. Not too soft or too firm with excellent support, laying down on it was like dozing off on a cloud. And when you're done using it, it quickly regains its normal shape. Our tester wore this on two 10-hour flights and now packs it every time she travels.
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
Best Budget: Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow
Star Qualities
Comfortable and supportive for long trips
Microbeads conform well to the shape of the head and neck
Soft, breathable, tear-resistant exterior
Red Flags
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 seems tear-resistant and breathable too. Though it doesn't compress, it's filled with lightweight microbeads that conform to the shape of your neck and head.
The Cloudz Pillow isn't the best option for packing in a carry-on or backpack, but we liked how the clasp keeps it in place when walking around. You can also attach it to your suitcase or underseat 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 Splurge: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Star Qualities
Wrap-around design with plush, marshmallow-like feel
Supports neck and chin to prevent stiffness
Compresses to about half its size
Red Flags
Can get a little warm after a few hours
If you're willing to pay a little extra for the best of the best, go with Ostrichpillow. The brand's Go Neck Pillow is one of the few options that earned perfect scores in all testing categories. 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 wrap-around 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 while sitting upright and preventing stiffness. Not only that, but the Go Neck Pillow compresses to about half its size for compact packing. And thanks to the modern design, you won't feel dorky wearing it. 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
Best Neck Support: J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow
Star Qualities
Unique shape supports from the side
Easy to sleep upright
Entire pillow is machine-washable
Red Flags
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 responsive 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.
Unlike C-shaped pillows, you can't really walk around with it on your neck, but you could attach the included carry bag to your suitcase. 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
Most Versatile: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow
Star Qualities
Packs into itself
Feels almost like a real bed pillow
Perfect for flights, camping, and on-the-go naps
Red Flags
Only comes in patterned designs
If you prefer a more standard shape, this one's for you. We used the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow round-trip for cross-country air travel, on a camping trip, and even for a few naps at home. We were blown away by how comfortable it is, thanks to the lofty core and soft, breathable exterior. Filled with a blend of shredded foam and poly fibers, it feels almost like a real bed pillow.
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. We wish it came in a few solid, neutral hues, but that's our only complaint.
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
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Best Silk: Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow
Star Qualities
Preserves hair and prevents skin creases
Substantial feel that doesn't go flat
Can be used on the go or in bed
Red Flags
Laundry bag sold separately
If you want to pull out all the stops in preserving your blowout or keeping skin creases at bay while you nap on the go, it's worth bringing a mini silk pillow. We tried this one from Gingerlily and were immediately impressed by the overall quality — the exterior was sumptuously smooth with no loose threads or fraying, and it has a substantial feel that resists going flat. This pillow helped us stay comfy for a five-hour excursion and kept our hair sleek and frizz-free. We wish this pillow came with a removable case. While the whole thing is machine-washable, the suggested laundry bag is 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. However, if you're a silk pillowcase devotee at home, this pillow is substantial enough to use at your hotel or vacation rental.
Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Core Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Cover Material: Mulberry silk
Most Durable: Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3 (TNE) Neck Pillow
Star Qualities
Plush yet supportive
Prevents head bobbing
Stands up to wear and tear
Red Flags
Extra-thick design may take getting used to
The high-quality design of Cabeau's Evolution TNE S3 Pillow was apparent immediately. It's plush yet supportive with 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 while we got into a comfortable position. But once we got used to it, we were sold. The chin and headrest straps keep the pillow secure, plus it stays in place and prevents your head from bobbing around even if you don't use the straps.
We used this travel pillow for a 12-day trip, including on planes, trains, and buses. By the last day, it looked just as good as when we pulled it out of the packaging. Though it seems bulky at first, it folds into a compact ball and fits easily into the included carrying case. You can also attach it to a carry-on suitcase or bag using the clip. The removable cover lost some softness after washing it, but not much. Backed by a one-year warranty, the TNE S3 Pillow seems like it'll hold up for a long time. The value is undeniable, so it's definitely worth the investment.
Dimensions: 11 x 7.5 x 6.5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester, microsuede
Best Cooling: Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
Star Qualities
Good for hot sleepers
Supportive and firm
Retains shape through repeated compressing
Red Flags
Awkward to position at first
Cabeau's Evolution Cool Pillow is an ideal choice for people who sleep hot or get night sweats and regularly use cooling pillows at home. The airy, ventilated design is made to prevent heat from getting trapped in the memory foam. After trying it firsthand, we can tell you it 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. It's durable, likely long-lasting, and helps you doze comfortably in a seated position without getting stuffy.
Dimensions: 13 x 7 x 5 inches | Core Material: Memory foam | Cover Material: Polyester
Best Firm: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow
Star Qualities
Ergonomic with adjustable fit
Prevents neck strain
Comfortable for long hours
Red Flags
Snug fit takes some getting used to
Cushion Lab's take on the travel pillow is this semi-firm C-shaped number. The ergonomic design is very snug, almost like a neck brace, though the strap allows you to adjust the fit. While the shape may take some getting used to, it's not uncomfortable at all. Made of high-density foam and memory foam, it supports your chin, prevents your head from bobbing, and promises to minimize neck strain.
We were able to sleep comfortably on long car rides and train rides, with no neck pain to speak of afterward. 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, or weekender bag. If you have a hard time getting comfortable enough to doze off on trains, planes, or cars, this portable pillow might be a game-changer.
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
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 the J-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 the Therm-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 to full-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, the Cabeau 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 wired earbuds and 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.
Behind the Scenes
After researching today's best travel pillows, we selected 24 options to try firsthand.
Setup: After taking them out of the packaging, reviewing the instructions, and assessing the designs, we brought them along on actual plane flights, train rides, bus rides, and road trips to see how they'd perform in real-life settings.
Evaluation: We evaluated the softness, sturdiness, and maintenance requirements of the materials, then considered the size and whether the pillows were compressible. We used them for two or more consecutive hours (often much longer) on multiple trips. We noted how much support they had, if we were able to fall asleep, and whether we were left feeling sore.
Ratings: After rating each pillow for quality, comfort, portability, durability, and value, those with the highest scores were chosen for this story.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a contributing commerce 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 Expert
Rana Good is a travel expert and lifestyle creator.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to 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.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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