The 14 Best Travel Pillows According to Frequent Flyers

• Light and compact for easy travel
• Effective neck support without bulk
• Machine-washable

• Best for neck sleepers, not side sleepers
• Needs adjusting for optimal comfort

The Trtl Travel Pillow is a lightweight, ingenious design that wraps around your neck for comfort without feeling overly bulky. With over 30,000 reviews, it's a top choice among the types of travelers that are writing Amazon reviews. Perfect for anyone tired of the typical "U-shaped" pillow, the Trtl pillow provides targeted neck support to avoid that dreaded head bobbing wake up. Ideal for sleeping on planes, trains, or in cars, it packs into a carry-on and is machine-washable.

• Ultimate head and neck support
• Compact and portable
• Built-in eye mask for full relaxation

• Unique design may look quirky
• Structured support may feel snug for larger necks

Looks insane, yes, but the Pluto Pod 2.0 is for serious travelers who refuse to compromise on comfort. With 360-degree neck and chin support and a structured, padded hood, it's designed to handle even the most exhausting flights. The built-in eye mask gives an extra barrier between you and your fellow passenger, letting you sleep in peace. Plus, the whole thing is super compact, rolling up burrito-style to stash in your carry-on without hogging space.

Created by Pluto Pillow in collaboration with IDEO, a well-known industrial design firm, it's engineered from feedback from actual travelers, making it a real game-changer in travel comfort. No more neck strain, and no more bulky or otherwise pro-performing pillows. Looks crazy, like something an astronaut would wear, but we can't put anything above it on this list.

• Inflatable, space-saving design
• Worn like a sash, ideal for middle-seat sleepers
• Deflates for easy storage

• Can slope to one side
• Limited neck wrap-around support

The Travelrest Nest pillow is a uniquely designed inflatable pillow worn like a sash, giving you stable support without any extra bulk. Designed to support the head comfortably, even if you're in a middle seat, it's compact when deflated, rolling down to the size of an iPhone.

• Compact and easy to pack
• Adjustable firmness
• Soft, cozy fabric cover

• Requires inflation, which takes a moment
• May be narrow for wider necks

The Aeros Premium is a packable, inflatable pillow that combines comfort and convenience. With a polyester cover and oversized support arms, it inflates to provide customized neck support. Its low-profile valve allows you to adjust firmness on the go, making it perfect for any preference.

It deflates and packs down quickly. Then once it's packed, it's smaller than a water bottle, so you can toss it in a bag or exterior pocket. If you're deciding between this one and the Travelrest Nest, consider that this is more of a traditional pillow, the other is a neck pillow. Ideal for the minimalist traveler, the Aeros offers comfort without the bulk, making it a fantastic companion on any adventure.

• Versatile for various sleeping positions
• Flat-back prevents neck strain
• Fully machine-washable

• May feel bulky on smaller necks
• Limited size options

The Bcozzy Pillow offers double-duty support for both chin and neck, with a unique design that adapts to your preferred sleeping position. Use it for front, side, or chin support, adjusting the ergonomic pillow to fit your comfort. Its flat-back design prevents your head from tilting forward, which is ideal for sleeping upright.

Available in two sizes, the Bcozzy fits a range of neck sizes and includes a machine-washable cover. On top of all that, it's easy to attach to luggage, so there's no reason not to bring it on the next flight.

• Adjustable circumference and height to fit your neck
• Provides cradled head support
• Cooling vents circulate air flow and let heat out

• Adjustable inner lobes sometimes return to their original positions
• Travel bag sold separately

If you're looking for a travel neck pillow that adjusts to you—rather than you having to adjust to it—Cabeau's Evolution X may be your best bet. The brand's newest model allows its user to adjust its circumference by unzipping the back and securing the adjustable neck strap, and you can also customize its height by shifting the top or bottom pillow lobes so it fits the height of your neck. It's designed to support your neck in all directions so that your head doesn't tilt more than 10 degrees, exerting less pressure on your neck and spine.

And if you're wondering what those two turquoise circles are, they're cooling vents that circulate air flow and let out heat that might otherwise get trapped in your neck area (although some heat still gets trapped in the back).

• Adjustable firmness
• Maintains shape after being compressed for packing
• Water-resistant stuff sack included

• Some reviews say it's hot to sleep on
• May be too small for people with larger heads/broader shoulders

Going camping? Take one of these Travel & Camp Adjustable Pillows from Coop. It's filled with medium-firm, hypoallergenic memory foam and microfiber for a not-too-soft but not-too-firm feel. You can also remove or add fill to reach your desired firmness. The small 19 in. x 13 in. pillow compresses down to 10 in. x 6 in. and comes with a water-resistant stuff sack for easy packing. It also works as an extra pillow at home—combine the travel pillow with Coop's best-selling Original Pillow for the perfect set.

• Anti-slip scarf keeps pillow in place
• Ergonomic J-shape cradles the head, neck, and chin
• Comes with a compact carry case

• Quite bulky
• Looks a bit funky

Calling all side sleepers: If C-shaped travel pillows don't do enough to support your neck, try this J-shaped travel pillow instead. The top of the J-shaped pillow supports your head, and the curved bottom part supports your neck and chin. The adjustable anti-slip scarf with holes for small, medium, and large sizes keeps the pillow in place while making sure it fits your neck correctly. Just note that this one is pretty bulky, but it does come with a carry case that helps the pillow compress down to nearly half its size.

• Seat straps for head alignment
• Eco-friendly brand
• Compresses well for travel

• Bulkier for smaller bags
• Memory foam may feel warm on longer flights

The Cabeau Evolution S3 combines memory foam comfort with innovative seat straps to keep it in place during travel. Made with dual-density foam, it's designed to provide custom support whether your head leans forward or to the side. It's B-Corp certified, so you're supporting a brand committed to sustainability. The Evolution S3 compresses into its travel case for easy packing and fits comfortably in any bag. Perfect for those who like a secure, supported snooze on the go.

• Flat back prevents forward tilt
• Memory foam is firm but plush
• Adjustable Velcro strap

• High walls may clash with over-ear headphones
• Memory foam may feel stiff for some

The Travelrest Nest Ultimate is designed for comfort. Its flat back rests easily against seat backs, eliminating forward head tilt. Its plush memory foam construction offers firm support around the entire neck, making it ideal for long-haul flights.

Equipped with rubber grip dots to stay in place, the pillow also includes an adjustable Velcro strap to fit all neck sizes. It's cozy yet compact, compressing to half its size for easy packing. Perfect for upright sleepers, it's both practical and comfortable.

• Blocks light and sound for complete rest
• Unique design supports the head from all angles
• Ideal for tray-table naps

• Bulky and hard to pack
• Unique look may draw attention

The Ostrich Pillow is for serious nappers—this padded cocoon covers your head, blocks out light, and muffles sound. It is filled with polystyrene microbeads and supports your head from all angles, creating a cozy haven for your next nap. It's not the most compact, but it's pure comfort in a plush package.

• Luxurious washable silk material
• Adjustable firmness with extra filling
• Attaches to carry-on or headrest easily

• Higher price point
• Minimal neck support for upright sleeping

The Lunya Washable Silk Pillow is a travel luxury at its finest. Made from Mulberry silk, it's soft, breathable, and adjustable, with extra filling to suit your firmness preference. Designed with elastic straps for easy attachment to luggage, this pillow doubles as a lumbar support cushion or a small head pillow. Stylish, practical, and perfect for travelers who want elegance with functionality.

• Compact and multi-purpose
• Includes pillowcase and carrying bag
• Adjustable firmness for custom comfort

• Limited head support due to small size
• Best for lumbar or knee, not full neck support

Small but mighty, the Marlow Mini Pillow offers fully adjustable comfort in a compact size. It's designed for lumbar, neck, or knee support, making it versatile for any travel discomfort. The pillow includes a chic green sateen pillowcase and a handy carrying bag, making it easy to bring along. It's compact but supportive, relieving whatever travel aches may come.

Personally, I've slept on the queen-size Marlow pillows every night for the past year, so I can attest to their comfort and support. If you want your pillow firm, keep both sides zipped; if you're looking for something softer, unzip the sides so the pillow can fluff up.

• Customizable for various positions
• Memory foam comfort with washable cover
• Easy to carry with snap closure

• It may take up extra space in a carry-on

The Dot&Dot Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow is as versatile as it gets. Its twistable design lets you shape it to fit almost any position, giving you custom support for your neck, back, shoulders, or even your lumbar area. Perfect for flights, road trips, or lounging at home, it’s made of luxury memory foam that cushions and relieves pressure points. The breathable, machine-washable cotton cover keeps it fresh and clean, while a snap closure allows you to attach it to your luggage or secure it around your neck on the go.