Traveling can be exhausting, and getting a decent night’s sleep on a plane or in a hotel is often a challenge. A quality travel pillow can be a game-changer, providing crucial neck and head support. Our team has rigorously tested numerous options to bring you a comprehensive guide to the best travel pillows of 2025, catering to various needs and budgets.
Why You Need a Travel Pillow
A good travel pillow not only enhances sleep quality but also helps prevent neck stiffness and discomfort caused by awkward sleeping positions during travel. From long flights to overnight buses, a reliable travel pillow can make all the difference in how refreshed you feel upon arrival.
Our Top Picks
- Best Overall: Purple Harmony Anywhere Pillow
- Best Budget-Friendly: Cabeau Evolution Earth Neck Pillow
- Best Cooling: Slumber Cloud UltraCool Travel Pillow
- Best for Camping: Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase
- Best Blanket-Pillow Combination: Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket
Detailed Reviews
1. Purple Harmony Anywhere Pillow ($149)
The Purple Harmony Anywhere pillow stands out with its unique blend of squishy and firm support. Its combination of a gel grid and Talalay latex provides a bouncy, responsive feel unlike any other pillow we tested. The pillow’s size (16 x 13 inches) offers substantial support without feeling bulky, and it’s exceptionally good for side and stomach sleepers. The cool-touch fabric and responsive texture help with temperature regulation. While the initial powdery residue and unusual texture might take some getting used to, the overall support and cooling capabilities make it a top pick.
- Pros: Cooling, Super supportive, Comfortable size
- Cons: May arrive dusty, Might be too firm or bouncy
2. Cabeau Evolution Earth Neck Pillow ($35)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality, the Cabeau Evolution Earth Neck Pillow is an excellent choice. It’s covered in RPET—a super-soft, washable fabric made from recycled plastic bottles—and offers high sides and a comfortable, firm fit. The chin strap prevents head falling forward, although it was a bit uncomfortable for some testers. While the flat back doesn’t always rest flush against the seat, and a travel case isn’t included, its overall value makes it a standout in its price range.
- Pros: Outer cover made with recycled plastic bottles, High sides, Optional strap
- Cons: “HeadCatch” technology was uncomfortable, Flat back didn’t rest comfortably
3. Slumber Cloud UltraCool Travel Pillow ($59)
The Slumber Cloud UltraCool Travel Pillow excels in temperature regulation. Utilizing proprietary Outlast-coated fabrics, it absorbs and dissipates heat, preventing overheating during travel. The built-in handles make it easier to carry, and the slippery cover can take some adjustment. Though it’s a bit smaller and can be quite squishy, this pillow consistently performed admirably in warm-weather tests, keeping users cool and comfortable.
- Pros: Excellent temperature regulation, Built-in handles
- Cons: Pillowcase is slippery, Too squishy
4. Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase ($30)
The Rumpl Stuffable Pillowcase is a versatile option ideal for those who love to camp or travel light. Its machine-washable case features navy Nanotex polyester for a cooling feel and red fleece for warmth. It can be stuffed with anything you can think of—clothes, towels, or Rumpl’s companion wearable blanket—making it a highly adaptable choice. While it’s a bit smaller than a full-size pillow, the ability to customize the filling makes it a winner.
- Pros: Can be stuffed with clothes, towels, or a blanket, Has a cool Nanotex polyester side and warm fleece side
- Cons: Kind of small, Only comes in one color
5. Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket ($119)
The Coalatree Puffy Kachula Adventure Blanket provides the best of both worlds—a cozy blanket and a comfortable pillow. Primarily an outdoor blanket with bold patterns and a water-resistant shell, it can also be stuffed and secured to function as a travel pillow. The versatile nature of the product and its eye-catching design make it a fantastic choice for frequent travelers.
- Pros: Eye-catching, bold patterns, Very comfortable once you get it arranged to your liking
- Cons: May be slightly bulky as a pillow, Requires some rearranging for optimal comfort.
Choosing the Right Travel Pillow
- Sleeping Position: Side sleepers often benefit from thicker pillows with more substantial support, while back sleepers may prefer softer options.
- Material: Consider materials that breathe well and are easy to clean.
- Size & Portability: Think about how much space you have for storage and how easily you want to carry the pillow.
With our detailed reviews and considerations, you can confidently select the perfect travel pillow to ensure a comfortable and restful journey. Sweet dreams wherever you go
