We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding The 9 Best Travel Pillows of 2024, Tested on Flights, Train Rides, and Road Trips Our favorite gives luxury travel pillows a run for their money By Theresa Holland Theresa Holland Theresa Holland is a contributing shopping writer at PEOPLE with several years of experience covering home, outdoor, pets, travel, and beauty. Her work has been featured in Byrdie, Travel + Leisure, The Spruce, Brides, and more. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on August 28, 2024 03:53PM EDT In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews What to Know Behind the Scenes Why Trust PEOPLE? What Is PEOPLE Tested? Photo: People / Susan Brickell ; Alessandra Amodio 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. Our Top Picks Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow at Amazon $30 Jump to Review Best Budget: Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon $16 Jump to Review Best Splurge: Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow at Amazon $69 Jump to Review Best Neck Support: J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow at J-pillow.com Jump to Review Most Versatile: Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow at Amazon $37 Jump to Review Best Silk: Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow at Gingerlily.com Jump to Review Most Durable: Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow at Amazon $50 Jump to Review Best Cooling: Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow at Amazon $60 Jump to Review Best Firm: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow at Amazon $52 Jump to Review Best Overall Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $30 at Amazon $30 $21 at Walmart $30 at Cabeau.com 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 PHOTO: People / Daniela Galvez PHOTO: People / Daniela Galvez Best Budget Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $16 at Amazon $15 at Walmart 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 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 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 PHOTO: Amazon $69 at Amazon $69 at Nordstrom View on Ostrichpillow.com 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 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 Brickell PHOTO: People / Susan Brickell Best Neck Support J-Pillow Chin-Supporting Neck Pillow PHOTO: Amazon View on J-pillow.com 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 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 May PHOTO: People / Jennifer May Most Versatile Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow PHOTO: REI $37 $32 at Amazon $37 at REI $33 at Backcountry.com 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 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. 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 The 7 Best Toiletry Bags to Keep Your Luggage Organized Best Silk Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow PHOTO: Gingerlily View on Gingerlily.com $125 at Saks Fifth Avenue 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 preserve your blowout or keep skin creases at bay, it's worth bringing a mini silk pillow. We tried this one from Gingerlily and were impressed by the overall quality — the exterior was sumptuously smooth, and the pillow 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. 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. Dimensions: 12 x 16 inches | Core Material: Mulberry silk, polyester | Cover Material: Mulberry silk Most Durable Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Pillow PHOTO: Amazon $50 at Amazon View on Cabeau.com 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 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. 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. 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. Backed by a one-year warranty, the TNE S3 Pillow seems like it'll hold up for a long time. Editors Say "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 Popp PHOTO: People / Anna Popp Best Cooling Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow $60 at Amazon $60 at Target $60 $11 at Walmart 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. 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 The 11 Best Cooling Pillows, Tested by Hot Sleepers on Their Backs, Sides, and Stomachs Best Firm Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow PHOTO: Brookstone $52 at Amazon View on Thecushionlab.com Star Qualities Ergonomic with adjustable fit Prevents neck strain Comfortable for long hours Red Flags 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, or weekender 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 Amodio PHOTO: 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 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 favorite wireless earbuds or 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.