Best neck pillows for travel in 2025

National Geographic

11-02-2025

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Anyone who has suffered through a long-haul flight in economy without a pillow knows the difference a good neck pillow can make in arriving at your destination rested. 'I only take a neck pillow when I'm traveling across an ocean or a long overnight flight across the country,' says Joni Sweet , a United States-based travel and health journalist. 'Certain styles can give you a bit of privacy on the plane too.'
While a travel pillow might be most beneficial on longer trips, they can help make transit time in-destination more comfortable as well. 'When I travel I'm constantly hopping between flights, trains, and road trips, so being able to catch even 30 minutes of quality rest can make a huge difference in my energy level and focus, especially when I'm leading trips or shooting on location,' says Kristen Kellogg, a filmmaker and co-founder of travel company Salt & Wind . 'Having a good travel pillow is essential for staying rested and healthy when I'm on the move.'
Of course, staying rested while traveling should consider other elements that set you up for the best sleep. 'Pick a window seat if possible, so you have something to lean against and more control over your space,' says Shelby Harris, a behavioral sleep medicine psychologist and director of sleep health at Sleepopolis . 'Bring an eye mask and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs to block out light and sound, and stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the flight and skipping the alcohol and caffeine, since they can negatively affect your sleep.'
Based on personal experience as travel journalists, as well as expert advice and online research, we've determined that the Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow will suit most travelers because of its shape, material, and price. But ultimately, the best travel pillow is a personal choice based on sleeping style, individual needs, and concerns. Here are all our favorites.
The best travel neck pillows
When shopping for the travel pillows, it's best to start with how you sleep. From there, look for products that work with your travel style, prioritizing qualities like firmness or size. Whichever travel neck pillow you choose, it should be packable and easy to clean. Below, we take a closer look at the top travel neck pillows so that you can determine the best style for your travels.
Best neck pillow for travel overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Photograph courtesy Cabeau
Cabeau Evolution S3 Neck Pillow
Buy it now at Cabeau
Why we like it: This memory foam pillow is a favorite among travelers because of its affordability, ergonomic design, and smart features. The back of the pillow lies flat against an airplane or train seat, the raised sides provide neck support, and the front clasp allows for an adjustable fit.
Seat straps help prevent the pillow from shifting around, and the cover is removable and washable—an essential feature for frequent travelers. It rolls up into a compact carrying case, too, with a clip that you can attach to a suitcase handle or backpack.
Keep in mind: Upright sleepers may find their neck bobbing forward between the front opening if the toggle isn't pulled tight enough.
Product details: Material: Soft, moisture-wicking, machine-washable fabric | Fill: Memory foam | Colors: Indigo, Jet Black, Steel, Galaxy, Cardinal, Black Snakeskin
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Best travel neck pillow for long flights: Trtl Travel Pillow
Photograph courtesy Trtl
Trtl Travel Pillow
Buy it now at Trtl
Why we like it: The Trtl is beloved as much for its innovative, supportive design as it is for its scarf-like aesthetic. The travel pillow works by placing the support against one side of your head and wrapping the remaining fabric around your neck like a scarf.
This support system is less bulky than other styles but offers a surprising amount of structure for proper head and neck alignment, which is essential to guard against waking up feeling stiff after a long flight. It's also lightweight and compact, folding down into a flat square, which makes it easy to fit into the top of a carry-on bag.
Keep in mind: This pillow is best suited to side sleepers. This style is a little harder to adjust often if you frequently shift from side to side during a flight.
Product details: Material: Soft, hypoallergenic fleece | Fill: Hidden, hard interior support structure | Colors: Black, Grey, Coral, Red
Best travel pillow for neck pain: Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: This style features comfortable memory foam with sides that are higher and a bit more rigid than similar pillows, which offer superior neck support. This design also helps maintain proper head and neck alignment when sleeping, and the non-slip back keeps it in place. Because the pillow sits higher on the neck, forward head bobbing is minimized.
Keep in mind: Some people may find the high sides make the pillow a bit warmer overall, but the memory foam is designed to be thermoregulating.
Product details: Material: Soft velour fabric | Fill: Thermo-sensitive memory foam | Colors: Blue, Grey
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Best memory foam travel neck pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Photograph courtesy Ostrichpillow
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Buy it now at Ostrichpillow
Why we like it: The Ostrichpillow has a sleek, wraparound design that offers 360-degree neck support. The patented BASF memory foam core contours to the spine's natural curve and the multi-height design helps reinforce side and chin support, minimizing forward nodding. The gentle Velcro closure offers a wide range of adjustability, and the fabric is soft, cooling, and machine washable. The compression bag makes this pillow easy to make room for on any trip.
Keep in mind: Some reviewers note the higher sides made it difficult to sleep with earbuds in, so you may have to opt for softer earplugs while using this neck pillow.
Product details: Material: Soft, breathable fabric that mitigates overheating | Fill: BASF memory foam | Color: Midnight Grey, Eclipse Black, Dark Night, Forest Green
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Best inflatable travel pillow: Cabeau Air TNE
Photograph courtesy Cabeau
Cabeau Air TNE
Buy it now at Cabeau
Why we like it: An inflatable pillow is a great option for travelers who want something super compact maximum adjustability.
'As a filmmaker, I always have lots of gear with me when traveling and not much extra space, so I have become quite fond of the inflatable neck pillow,' says Kellogg. 'I prefer a travel pillow that provides the option to change how soft or firm it is, so I can adjust to how my body is feeling at the moment.'
The Cabeau Air TNE is built to help mitigate forward bobbing and has a single-breath inflatable design to avoid lengthy huffing and puffing and a washable cover.
Keep in mind: Because inflatable neck pillows are less firm overall, they may not be the best option for travelers with chronic neck pain or people looking for more support.
Product details: Material: Soft, washable fabric | Fill: Inflatable core | Color: Slate Grey, Midnight Black, Royal Blue
Best small travel pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Photograph courtesy Sea to Summit
Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Traveller Pillow
Buy it now at Sea to Summit
Why we like it: Sea to Summit says this ultra-lightweight pillow packs down 'as small as the two packets of peanuts the airline provides as your in-flight meal.' An adjustable neck closure ensures a snug fit, and the pillow can be fully inflated in just a couple of breaths.
Keep in mind: This style is best for short trips. Some travelers may find the fabric isn't quite as breathable as other styles.
Product details: Material: 20 Denier polyester | Fill: Inflatable core | Colors: Aqua, Grey
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Best affordable travel neck pillow: Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Photograph courtesy Amazon
Samsonite Magic 2-in-1 Pillow
Buy it now on Amazon
Why we like it: Travelers looking for a bit of extra cushioning on a flight without all the bells and whistles may find this inexpensive Samsonite pillow a good option. It's lightweight, compact, and easy to slip into a carry-on bag. We love that it folds into the included carrying pouch that then turns into a pillow you can use to support your lower back or sides.
Keep in mind: There is no front fastener, and the pillow sits low around the neck. This might be helpful for people prone to overheating, but it won't provide the neck support that other styles do.
Product details: Material: Soft, smooth fabric | Fill: Micro beads | Color: Charcoal, Navy, Purple
Best luxury travel neck pillow: Pluto Pod 2.0
Why we like it: 'I've tried eight to 10 travel pillows over the years and my favorite is the Pluto Pod,' says Sweet. The best-selling Pluto Pod's futuristic design considers other elements, such as light and sound, that contribute to good sleep, with a hood that goes over the head, a soft, built-in eye mask, and a pillow-like feature around the neck for support. Think of it as a dreamy, mini-sensory deprivation chamber.
'The fact that it covers almost your whole head when you have the eye mask down makes me feel like I have a lot of privacy,' says Sweet. 'And that's important to me if I'm going to try and get some sleep on a plane.'
Keep in mind: While this style has rave reviews and makes a great choice for achieving that nearly unattainable deep sleep on an airplane, it's slightly bulkier than other styles.
Product details: Material: 'Alcantara' and water-resistant 'WPS Mesh' exterior; Soft-weave 'Spandura' interior | Fill: Composite neck foam core made of PVC plastic, poly foam, and recycled microfiber fill | Color: Black, Sky Grey
Best travel neck pillow for side sleepers: Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Photograph courtesy Hest
Hest Pro Travel Pillow
Buy it now at Hest
Why we like it: Reserving a window seat is the first step for side sleepers who want to try to get some rest on a flight. Using a pillow that supports one side of the head, like the Trtl, or that converts into another shape that can be placed against the side of the seat is also helpful.
The Hest Travel Pillow 'is a bit more of a traditional shape, but you can also unfold it into a small body pillow, so I'll continue using it during my trip,' says Sweet.
The filling is made from a blend of shredded enhanced memory foam and polyester, offering the comfort and adjustability of a full-size pillow.
'I'm a side sleeper and having a body pillow keeps me comfortable, but you can't find them at hotels,' says Sweet. 'It also has some features that help protect the part that touches your face from getting dirty, and you can remove and wash the nylon cover.'
Keep in mind: This pillow is larger than most, even when stored, but it gets top points for comfort.
Product details: Material: Soft, stretch woven nylon | Fill: Memory foam and polyester | Color: Grey
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How we chose the best neck pillows for travel
We chose our top travel neck pillows based on extensive research, product testing, and expert reviews and insights.
• Research: We surveyed a large pool of customer reviews and testing for unbiased feedback on each neck pillow.
• Product testing: Our writer tested many of the top travel pillows out on long- and short-haul trips to help determine the best product in each category, considering size and portability, material, support, and technical features.
• Expert reviews: We spoke with frequent fliers and health and sleep experts, such as trip leaders, travel journalists, and medical experts, for technical product recommendations, tried-and-tested insights about their favorite travel neck pillows, and what to consider when purchasing one.
Tips for buying a travel neck pillow
Size and shape
Harris recommends first thinking about how you sleep when purchasing a pillow. 'Side sleepers usually do better with firmer, taller pillows, while back sleepers may prefer something softer and lower,' she says. 'If you have any neck or back issues, look for a pillow with a contoured shape to keep your spine aligned.' Adjustable or inflatable options are also great for customizing the fit.
Features
Look for design details such as adjustable straps that fit over the back of a seat, like our top choice, the Cabeau Evolution S3, or a non-slip back that will keep the pillow in place. By having a way to attach the pillow to a suitcase or backpack, whether that's with a snap closure or tie, you can avoid trying to cram it into an already full carry-on.
Fabric and fill
'Memory foam is ideal for support and comfort, while inflatable pillows are lightweight and easy to adjust,' says Harris. 'Soft, breathable fabrics, such as microfiber or velour on the outside, make it feel nice against your skin and are usually easier to clean—in other words, go for materials that feel good and hold up over time.'
Versatility
Some of the above styles, such as the Samsonite Magic 2-in-1, that convert to flat, rectangular pillows are helpful for side sleepers. Any pillow you can scrunch and adjust as you would at home is a bonus.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct way to use a travel pillow?
Getting the front closure right is important. The travel pillow should be snug but not tight around the neck in a way that prevents your head from nodding forward.
Do travel pillows help neck pain?
Forward bobbing can leave travelers with a sore neck. 'Some people find it helpful to flip the pillow so that the thicker side supports their chin and stops their head from drooping forward,' says Harris.
Do travel pillows count as a carry-on item?
No, pillows don't generally count as a carry-on item if they're small and compactly stored.
Chloe Berge is a freelance journalist based in Vancouver, Canada, covering travel, environment, and adventure. Her travels have taken her from a safari in Botswana to a trekking expedition in the East Greenland backcountry.
*Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.