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Suffering through a long-haul flight without a pillow is bad enough, but lugging one around that leaves you unsupported and with an uncomfortable crick in the neck is just adding insult to injury. The best travel pillow to buy in 2025 is not going to be found in an airport duty-free shop – those archaic beanbags are not what you’re looking for. In recent years, travel pillows have transformed from cumbersome and bulky to genuinely game-changing.
Indeed, with a little research – as we’ve done for you here – you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialised brands like trtl and BCozzy have entered the market, while neck pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.
Posture specialist and founder of corporate wellness agency The Office Yoga Company, Anouska Shenn, says “A high-quality neck pillow isn’t just a luxury but a practical piece of kit in your carry-on. The right pillow can help you rest and promote good posture by encouraging proper alignment, even on a long flight. When choosing one, look for high-density foam, ideally with complete wraparound support and high enough sides, so that your neck can be fully supported even as you sleep.”
Anouska’s favourite is the Ostrichpillow (which we’ve rated as the best ergonomic design with a luxurious feel, below). So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.
The best travel pillow to buy in 2025 at a glance
- Best overall: Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
- Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
- Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
- Best versatile neck pillow: Snugl travel pillow
- Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow
How we tested the best travel pillows
Every travel neck pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed in our office by our editors Charley Ward and Lauren Burvill. Each pillow is then passed on to a member of the wider team to take with them on a flight to further test when travelling. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.
What are the different types of travel pillows?
There’s a variety of shapes on offer, so think about your personal needs and preferences before making your choice. The main kinds are:
- Memory foam travel pillows. These mould to your body in a way that’s far superior to the traditional beanbag styles on offer at the airport. Cabeau Evolution and Kierain do these very well, and Ecosafeter’s version also has a slight hump at the back to help relax your spine.
- Body slings. These styles are great for side sleepers, offering full upper body support that you can lean against while you drift off. Travelrest’s inflatable travel pillow is our favourite, which can be worn cross-body or to your side to create a firmer separation between yourself and your neighbour. Dot & Dot does a similar version that can be twisted however suits, so you can use it around your neck, shoulders or even tucked below your lower back, helping to ease whichever area is most achey.
- Wraparound neck pillows. These twist around the neck like a scarf, offering double the support of U-shaped designs. They also tend to be cosier as a result. Bcozzy’s has a flat back to help you keep a better posture, while Huzi’s infinity neck pillow is comfy, soft and scrunchy, allowing you to bunch it up where it suits best.
- Neck supports. Travel brand Trtl has been upping the ante lately. The brand's signature fleecy wraparound scarf cleverly hides an internal neck and chin support structure that keeps your neck in the optimum upright sleeping position, even in the middle seat or aisle seat. There’s now an adjustable version, as well, providing extra support for those on the taller side. They come with a carry bag that attaches to your rucksack.
- Mini classic pillows. Perfect for adding a bit more comfort when sitting in first or business-class seats – and when in your hotel room, too. Snoooze does our favourite, which is 100 per cent machine washable and rolls up into a carry bag just 30 by 11cm, so it’ll tuck nicely in your hand luggage when not in use.
See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.
Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: overall comfort
If you suffer from neck or back pain, you really need something a little more specialised to keep you comfortable on a flight. While no-frills travel pillows (like the one below from Kierain) can do an excellent job in general, this Cabeau pillow is a step up in elite comfort and support. In fact, we’d go as far as to say this is the best travel pillow we've tested so far.
To the layman, it would be easy to think that surely a pillow is a pillow. But the designers at Cabeau know this is far from the truth and, as such, have considered every minute detail. The pillow itself is memory foam, offering firm but malleable support. The adjustable toggle clasp makes all the difference in helping you fit the pillow securely in place. And there’s even a handy side pocket – not something we thought we’d need, but turns out it was perfect for storing headphones and earplugs. Cabeau has thought of it all.
The cherry on the cake, though, was the Velcro strap at the back. Although seemingly innocuous, these have been put in place so you can actually attach the pillow to your seat’s headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.
Why we like it: “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles, which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on luggage, you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital director
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Trtl's original pillow
Best travel pillow for: neck support
Gone are the days of head-bobs and sore necks. This innovative fleece neck wrap, which weighs just 148g, offers support unlike any beanbag worm out there. Before we even put this on, just the fact that it can fold flat and be easily packed in your carry-on luggage is vastly superior. The cosy scarf design with a Velcro fastening keeps you warm as you snooze on your flight, and the curved, u-shaped neck stand sits under your jaw, allowing you to tilt your head, close your eyes and nod off pretty much anywhere. Read our full review here.
Why we like it: “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel but also long road trips or train journeys.” Sarah James, digital editor
Trtl Travel Pillow Plus
Best travel pillow for: customised support for your exact requirements
Love the idea of the Trtl pillow but unconvinced it will work for your height? Fret not! The Trtl Travel Pillow Plus has released version 2.0 with an adjustable chin rest to accommodate all shapes and sizes. If that wasn’t good enough, Trtl has made this pillow out of high-density foam for even more support. This offering is small but mighty, only weighing a dainty 225g (less than your average U-shaped pillows), so it won’t take up precious space in your hand luggage – or you could use the included clip to attach it to your rucksack.
Why we like it: “I tried both the original and the revamped Trtl pillows on a flight to Japan, and this one definitely proved a more comfortable fit. It does take a bit of fiddling to get it to sit properly, and the fleece wrap is certainly cosy – even a bit too warm at points. Reviews are mixed online, but I think it’s worth taking the time to adjust it correctly as, once I did, it made for a far more comfortable experience than using standard U-shaped neck pillows. For long-haul flights in coach, it’s certainly worth a try; I had no neck pain at all when I finally disembarked from the plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
Kierain’s travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: overall value
This classic style from Kierain looks like your average travel pillow, but it’s far from it. There’s a good reason why this product is one of the top-rated and best-selling travel pillows on Amazon. The 100% memory foam design makes it highly supportive and comfortable, made all the more cosy by the soft, velour cover. And the snap fastening keeps it well secured.
Why we like it: “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your carry on luggage, which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, digital editor
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Travelrest pillow
Best travel pillow for: upper body support
It’s not only your neck you have to take into consideration when choosing the best travel pillow for a flight – it’s your whole upper body. And this Travelrest pillow is the best we’ve found for that level of support. Unlike other pillows that simply fit around your neck, this one is built with a totally unique design that slings over one shoulder and lies on your body all the way down to your hips. This allows for full relaxation, not just head support – especially welcome to anyone stuck in the middle aisle! Now you’re probably thinking this looks great, but it’s far too big to carry around – fear not! This pillow is inflatable, meaning you can flat-pack it in your cabin bag and blow it up only when you need it.
To avoid slouching onto the person next to you, there’s also a cord at the top that you can loop over your seat’s headrest to stop any movement. This is a versatile design, too, offering you the option to wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side.
Our verdict: “This pillow came in handy on a flight to Australia. I really love the shape of this style, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
Best travel pillow for: ergonomic design with a luxurious feel
The Go Pillow is the top pick of posture expert, Anouska Shenn – it’s Ostrichpillow’s most traditional offering, with an ergonomic design, Velcro fastening and memory foam padding to help you get some much-needed shut eye. We really appreciate the removable, washable cover, and how small it squashes down in the included drawstring travel bag. There are many unusual options to choose from in the range making this one of the most innovative travel pillow brands we’ve seen. Is their napping aid your ultimate idea of comfort on-the-go, or too sci-fi? For anyone who needs to block out all sound and light to sleep, this or the padded headband might be everything you’ve been hoping for.
Why we like it: “It’s really, really soft, and satisfyingly squishy at the same time; the memory foam filling is clearly high-quality. In fact, out of all the travel pillows I’ve tried, this one feels the most luxurious when in use. It kept my neck at a good angle to avoid aches and pains – it was surprisingly supportive, in fact. It’s easy to adjust and I like that the cover can be slung straight in the washing machine, so it’s ready to go for your next trip.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
BCozzy's neck pillow
Best travel pillow for: side sleepers
There aren’t many travel pillows that comes in different sizes, but this one does, even providing a size suitable for kids as young as 3. It’s super soft, with a microsuede covering and microfleece padding, and the patented BCozzy's wrap-around design offers 3 ergonomic ways to wear it, positioning at the front, the side or both. You can really make this pillow your own depending on your preference and plane seat selection. The smart design also includes a flat back, meaning no more uncomfortable posture from being pushed forward by the padding.
Why we like it: “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Huzi infinity pillow
Best for: warmth
Most travel pillows are made out of sweaty synthetic material, but not this one. The Huzi Infinity Pillow is made out of breathable, thermoregulating bamboo. The loop design, worn by wrapping around the neck twice and scrunching to your preference, makes this one feel like you’re sleeping on a big bundled up duvet, in the best possible way.
Our verdict: “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck, ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Snoooze travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: lying flat
Designed in collaboration with sleep experts and scientists, the creator of this luxury offering, Ann Sjogreen Sanger, has crafted the perfect pillow. If you’re someone who benefits from making a home-from-home vibe on their travels, whether in-flight or once you get to your hotel, you’ll love the Snoooze travel pillow. This isn’t one for offering upright neck or chin support, but perfect for business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed, and a delight to keep with you on your travels to ensure a good night’s rest wherever you go.
There’s a full-size and mini option available, both with a 100 per cent, machine washable cotton pillow case and a 30cm by 11cm travel bag it can easily roll up and fit into.
Why we like it: “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”
Lifeventure inflatable travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: space-saving
A top-budget buy, the Lifeadventure travel pillow is cheap and cheerful and does the job without any bells and whistles. Rather than being padded, it’s inflatable (blowing up by mouth in less than 2 minutes), so this pillow will be barely noticeably in your hand luggage but make all the difference when you’re ready to rest. It weighs in at just 54 grams and comes with a slimline travel bag too.
Why we like it: “I wasn’t convinced by the idea of an inflatable polyester travel pillow, especially not in comparison to some of the super-soft memory foam numbers I’ve tried (Ostrichpillow cinches it for me in the cosiness stakes). However, I was pleasantly surprised on test. The material is clearly good quality and it provides decent enough neck support when fully inflated. But really, the main plus point of this pillow is how compact and lightweight it is when deflated. It folds down smaller than your average purse. If you have back or neck issues, avoid this one. But if you’re off backpacking, or space in your bag is an especially hot commodity, then this pillow is the one to buy.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
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Slip travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: fashionistas
Who says travel pillows can’t be luxurious? If you like to arrive at your destination with your hair smooth and face crease-free, this silk slip travel pillow is an absolute must. Savvy beauty buffs will already be clued up on all that silk has to offer over cotton or synthetic materials, from keeping your skin and hair more hydrated, to reducing friction and keeping your temperature regulated. Why compromise when you’re on a plane? This opulent 22 momme long fibre mulberry silk choice offers excellent support with a 360-degree wrap, high-quality foam filling, and adjustable strap. You can buy it on its own, or treat yourself to the full set, complete with a matching eye mask.
Why we like it: “This is another unusual option – its vivacious appearance generated some comments in the office upon unboxing. It’s not one for wallflowers; it’s very colourful and one of the largest pillows (if not the largest) we’ve ever seen. Nobody’s going to miss you while you’re wearing it – and if you’re especially petite, it likely won’t suit. Nonetheless, the silky finish feels both luxurious and cooling when around the neck, which doesn’t go amiss on a stuffy aeroplane. The traditional U shape doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but for those seeking a little luxury on long-haul flights, this is a welcome treat. Be warned: this pillow isn’t going to squeeze into your suitcase, so bear that in mind, but it gives a high level of support and keeps your neck upright, so a good choice if this is the most comfortable position for you on a plane.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
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Snugl travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: versatility
Choose from multiple colours and sizes to make the Snugl hypoallergenic memory foam pillow your own. It’s not adjustable, like some of our other suggestions on this list, but there are multiple sizes available, so select the right fit you’ll find it snug and supportive just where you need it to be. The removable washable cover is great for frequent flyers and the carabiner clip makes it easy to attach to your bag and carry around with you.
Why we like it: “Don’t be fooled by the chunky appearance – this Snugl pillow packs down into an impressively small bag. It toes the line well between portability and being robust enough to ensure a lack of neck ache when you disembark the plane; this really impressed. But what we like the most is how adjustable it is. There are two straps to secure it around your neck to your preferred tightness, and it’s been created to comfortably sit around your neck in either a conventional, reversed, forward-facing or shoulder-facing arrangement to accommodate your sleeping style – a real plus for me as a side-sleeper.” Charley Ward, commerce writer
Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: flexibility
As the name suggests, this memory foam travel pillow can be twisted to mould into the shape that suits you best. You can wear it in many different ways to find comfort wherever you are. Pop it on round your neck, cuddle up with it along your side, support your lower back or squash it up against the window. The choice is yours!
Why we like it: “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor
Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow
Best travel pillow for: upright sleepers
It’s always a pleasant surprise when something low-budget exceeds expectations, and the Ecosafeter travel pillow has done just that. It’s high-density memory foam and is even designed in such a way that it helps to relax the cervical spine. We rate this one for sleeping upright, thanks to the clever ‘hump’ shape at the back for added neck support. For the low price tag, you can’t go wrong.
Why we like it: “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor
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