Best Neck Pillows

Buying guide for best neck pillows

Ready to buy now? Shop the best:

• Best of the Best: Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow
• Best Bang for the Buck: Napfun Neck Pillow
• Best Ergonomic Choice: Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow
• Best for Long-Haul Flights: Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
• Best for 360 Support: BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow

Whether you’re on a long flight or a road trip, finding a way to get some shut-eye while sitting upright isn’t easy.  However, you can make your next trip more manageable with a reliable neck pillow. The best neck pillows help your head stay upright while napping in a seated position. They also provide excellent neck support and spinal alignment, helping prevent strained muscles, so you can start your trip feeling refreshed.

To help you find one that’s soft and supportive, we researched dozens of neck pillows and narrowed down our list to the picks below. While our favorite is the flexible Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow, each neck pillow in our roundup is guaranteed to deliver superior comfort and support to help you get better-quality rest the next time you travel.

Editors’ picks for 2025

Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow

Editors’ Favorite 

Dimensions: 7.1” L x 7.1” W | Weight: 4.5 oz | Material: Polyester, fleece | Cleaning: Machine washable

The Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow boasts a patented internal support system that prevents bobbing and keeps your head upright while napping. Unlike some neck pillows that feature a U-shaped design, this nonbulky option resembles a scarf. Simply place the support pillow against your neck and wrap it around for a secure, customized fit.   

The cover is made from cozy fleece fabric for an ultra-soft and comfortable feel. Weighing just 4.5 ounces, it comes with a travel bag and doesn’t take up much room when you’re not using it.

Overall, it’s an excellent choice for long-haul flights or extended car rides. Plus, it’s machine-washable, and you can choose from five stylish colors: black, coral, gray, petite black and red. 

Napfun Neck Pillow

Great Value

Dimensions: 10” L x 4” H | Weight: 10.9 oz | Material: Memory foam | Cleaning: Machine washable

If you want a cheap yet effective neck pillow for comfortable napping during flights or car rides, then the Napfun Neck Pillow is a solid choice. It offers terrific value, costing under $20, and outstanding neck support without covering your chin. 

It’s made of premium memory foam with five-second return technology for a soft feel and a flexible design. The flat-back design allows it to rest squarely against the seat, and the curved sides let it sit comfortably on top of your shoulders.

It comes with a portable travel bag for convenience, and the fabric won’t irritate your skin. It comes in 15 colors and includes a lifetime guarantee.

Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow

Best Ergonomic Choice

Dimensions: 10” L x 9.5” W | Weight: 11.6 oz | Material: Memory foam | Cleaning: Machine washable

An ergonomic design is a must-have for any neck travel pillow, and the Cabeau Evolution S3 is among the best. This memory foam travel pillow helps keep your neck and spine in perfect alignment for superior comfort while sleeping during long trips. 

The dual-density foam provides comfort whether your head leans forward or to the side, and the adjustable front clasp delivers excellent chin support. The open-neck design means you won’t get too hot while it’s wrapped around your neck, and the rear straps allow you to secure it to any airplane or gaming seat.

The raised sides prevent bobbing, and the flattened back helps prevent neck and shoulder muscles from becoming overstrained. You can choose from 10 colors, and it comes with a travel pouch.

Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow

Best for Long-Haul Flights

Dimensions: 12” L x 11” W | Weight: 13.4 oz | Material: Thermo-sensitive memory foam, rubber | Cleaning: Machine washable

If you’re going to travel far, then you’ll need a good neck pillow to help you get quality rest during your flight. The Travelrest Nest is packed with dual-density memory foam and boasts a patented angled design for proper spinal alignment, helping you sleep comfortably even during longer flights.

The contoured thermo-sensitive foam wraps around your neck without losing its shape and helps you stay cool at all times. It’s a versatile neck pillow that lets you nest it around your neck for a secure feel, or wrap it diagonally across your body for single-sided use.

It comes with a compact pouch for convenient traveling. Plus, it includes memory foam earplugs for peace and quiet.

BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow

Best for 360 Support

Dimensions: 11” L x 8.3” W | Weight: 7.4 oz | Material: Polyester | Cleaning: Machine washable

Many neck pillows have a U-shaped design, which can be suitable for short trips. However, the BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow features a 360-degree design for maximum support. It provides double support for the neck, chin and head, and its flexibility lets you adjust it to your preferred sleeping position.

The adjustable Velcro straps make it easy to loosen or tighten the grip depending on your preference, and the flat back prevents it from pushing your head forward. The bounce-back fill is more durable than memory foam and delivers improved air circulation, meaning you won’t feel too hot while using it.

It comes in two sizes and includes a carry case. It’s also completely machine washable.

SNUGL Neck Travel Pillow

Best for Small Necks

Dimensions: 11” L x 9.8” W | Weight: 1.1 lb | Material: Memory Foam | Cleaning: Machine washable

The SNUGL Neck Travel Pillow is slightly bulkier than other neck pillows. However, it’s noticeably more durable and offers superior neck support than some cheaper options we considered. Its reversible design allows you to wear this neck pillow in the front position, over the shoulder, reversed and in the traditional neck-wrap position. 

This pillow contours to the shape of your neck and shoulders for a snug and ergonomic feel, and the premium visco-elastic memory foam ensures it retains its shape over time.

The cover fabric is lightweight and breathable, preventing you from getting too hot, and the adjustable straps allow you to get the perfect fit for your neck size. Plus, you can choose from eight colors and two sizes. 

Dot&Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best for Versatility

Dimensions: 12” L x 10” W | Weight: 1 lb | Material: Memory foam, cotton | Cleaning: Machine washable

The Dot&Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow offers flexibility and comfort you wouldn’t get with many other travel neck pillows. You can twist and contort this neck pillow to almost any shape, allowing you to use it in a variety of different sleeping positions. 

It has a bendable core and is filled with memory foam for superior comfort and shape retention. The snap closure lets you secure it around your neck and to luggage, ensuring you don’t lose it while on the go.

If you bend and twist it to your desired position, it can deliver excellent head, neck and shoulder support. Plus, cleaning it is easy thanks to the machine-washable cover.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Best Memory Foam Pillow

Dimensions: 10.6” L x 10.2” W | Weight: 14.8 oz | Material: Memory foam | Cleaning: Machine washable

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a premium neck pillow with high-density memory foam that retains its shape even with consistent use. It’s also designed to deliver superior neck support and spinal alignment for comfortable napping.

The 360-degree ergonomic design means your neck and head are supported at all times, and the unequal sides allow for more flexibility in sleeping positions. It’s also designed to be used in a front or backward position, letting you find the most comfortable resting position for your head.

It can compress down to 60% of its actual size, making storage in the included travel bag easy and convenient. And it has a machine-washable cover and adjustable straps for a custom fit.

Sarisun Travel Pillow

Best for the Middle Seat

Dimensions: 6.6” L x 4.9” W | Weight: 6.4 oz | Material: Memory Foam | Cleaning: Hand-wash only: 

If you’ve ever had the misfortune of sitting in the middle seat during a long flight, then you know how uncomfortable it can be. However, the Sarisun Travel Pillow can help make it more manageable thanks to its unique design and features. 

For starters, this pillow comes equipped with an eye mask, helping you rest even under bright conditions, and provides 360-degree head support. The ergonomic design prevents bobbing in all directions, and the breathe-easy design lets you feel less restricted and allows for increased air circulation.

It’s surprisingly lightweight at just half a pound and has adjustable straps so you can tighten or loosen the fit based on what you find most comfortable. Plus, it’s available in eight colors and comes with a portable travel bag.

Cabeau Evolution TNE S3

Best for Preventing Leaning

Dimensions: 9.8” L x 9.4” W | Weight: 11.6 oz | Material: Memory foam | Cleaning: Machine washable

The Cabeau Evolution TNE S3 is designed to prevent leaning during extended car, train or plane rides. Headcatch technology provides a fully customizable fit for improved comfort and a secure feel at all times, and it can be reduced in size for convenient storage and traveling.

It’s a memory foam pillow with an adjustable chin strap to support your head in any sleeping position. It offers 360-degree support, and the seat straps allow you to attach it to any chair to prevent slouching and leaning forward, which is a common problem with many neck pillows.

The open-neck design facilitates air circulation, helping you stay cool, and the raised side supports provide excellent support and prevent side-to-side bobbling.

How we analyzed

A good neck pillow provides excellent support while resting during flights or car or train rides. We determined the best models by considering features such as material, design and flexibility. We also read various consumer reviews, and the best ones prevented head bobbing, contoured to the neck shape and allowed for proper air circulation.

Key features to consider

Types of neck pillows

The first thing to decide is which type of neck pillow is right for you. Your sleeping style and any issues you usually face when sleeping while traveling will help you determine which type of neck pillow is right for you.

U-shaped neck pillows

When you think of neck pillows, you likely picture the classic U-shaped pillow.

• Pros: You’ll find plenty of affordable options and lots of color and material choices here. U-shaped neck pillows offer good support for the back and the sides of the neck.
• Cons: These pillows can be bulky, and some people find their neck still drops forward onto their chest when using a U-shaped neck pillow.
• Price: U-shaped neck pillows tend to cost between $5 and $40.

J-shaped neck pillows

The top part of a J-shaped neck pillow goes around the back and side of your neck, while the curved part of the J supports your chin.

• Pros: J-shaped neck pillows support your chin and prevent your head from falling forward. The configuration may reduce your chance of suffering neck pain.
• Cons: These pillows are large and take up a fair amount of luggage space.
• Price: J-shaped neck pillows tend to cost between $15 and $50.

360-degree neck pillows

360-degree neck pillows wrap around your entire neck or fasten at the front to offer extra support.

• Pros: Wearing a 360-degree neck pillow lessens your chance of getting a sore neck and prevents your head from flopping forward as you sleep.
• Cons: Some people find 360-degree neck pillows too restrictive. If you’re interested in one, you may prefer a wraparound model rather than one that fastens shut.
• Price: 360-degree neck pillows tend to cost between $15 and $40.

Cross-body neck pillows

Cross-body neck pillows look like giant, elongated apostrophes. The large, rounded part sits between the neck and shoulder (you rest your head there), and the long part sits across the body.

• Pros: Cross-body neck pillows offer full lateral body support and prevent the user’s head from falling forward. An inflatable cross-body neck pillow will pack down small.
• Cons: These pillows may not be as comfortable as padded neck pillows, and they don’t offer 360-degree support.
• Price: Cross-body neck pillows tend to cost between $25 and $50.

Our top picks: Types of neck pillows

• Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow: This is a U-shaped pillow with a scarf-like design that makes it more flexible and breathable.
• Napfun Neck Pillow and Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow: These pillows both have a U-shaped design with raised and contoured edges for improved shoulder support.
• Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: This neck pillow wraps entirely around the neck, offering 360-degree support.
• BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow: This pillow offers 360-degree support and double support for the chin and neck.

Materials and comfort 

Filling material

The three most common neck pillow filling materials are microbeads, polyester hollow fiber and memory foam.

• Microbeads are made from either polystyrene or plastic. These are the same materials you’d find in a bean bag. Microbead-filled neck pillows are often the least comfortable but the most affordable.
• Polyester hollow fiber is the material used in most bed pillows and throw pillows. It tends to be fairly comfortable as a neck pillow filling, but it isn’t the most supportive option and may become flat or lumpy over time.
• Memory foam molds to the shape of your head and neck. It’s comfortable and supportive, but it can make you feel fairly hot since it’s not breathable. It’s also one of the most expensive filling options.

Outer material

Velour and polyester are two of the most comfortable outer materials for neck pillows. The most comfortable neck pillows have an exterior fabric that’s skin-friendly, which helps prevent irritation and provides superior comfort. For example, pillows with microfleece fabric are among the softest and won’t irritate your skin.

Inflatable travel pillows are usually made of plastic, but most have a plush layer that improves their texture. Some inflatable neck pillows have covers, though these must often be bought separately, increasing their overall cost.

Washability 

You’ll want a neck pillow that’s easy to clean, so it’s a good idea to get one that you can just throw in the washing machine. However, it’s important to note that while you can machine-wash some pillows, others only have machine-washable covers. Most pillows are machine-washable, but a few recommend hand-washing the cover for longevity.

Our top picks: Materials and comfort

• Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow: This polyester pillow has a fleece exterior, making it one of the most durable and comfortable neck pillows.
• Napfun Neck Pillow and Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow: Both of these pillows are packed with memory foam, and the exterior is made of polyester for a soft feel.
• Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: High-density memory foam gives it a durable yet soft feel, and the exterior is made of a smooth fabric for improved comfort.
• BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow: The interior is filled with polyester for better flexibility and features microfleece on one side and microsuede on the other.

Size and weight 

Size

The dimensions of a neck pillow can vary depending on how flexible it is. However, in general, a neck pillow measures about 10 by 12 inches, with about a 3-inch height. Some neck pillows are longer than others if they’re designed for single-sided use, 

Weight 

A neck pillow can weigh as little as 4 ounces, while others are a bit bulkier and can weigh as much as 1.5 pounds. Heavier neck pillows are generally more durable, and memory foam models can be compressed while traveling. Lighter pillows are often more flexible and allow for better air circulation.

Our top picks: Size and weight

• Trtl Travel and Airplane Pillow: This pillow has a very lightweight and compact design, weighing just 4.5 ounces, and measures approximately 7 by 7 inches.
• Napfun Neck Pillow: It’s a bit bulky, weighing 10.9 ounces, and has a traditional thick neck pillow design.
• Cabeau Evolution S3 Airplane Travel Pillow: This is a thick pillow, but it’s surprisingly lightweight at just 10 ounces.
• Travelrest Nest Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow: This neck pillow is a bit on the heavy side and has a large 10-by-12-inch  size.
• BCOZZY Travel Neck Pillow: This compact neck pillow weighs around 7 ounces, making it one of the lighter options.

Tips

• Consider how often you travel when selecting a neck pillow. If you’re frequently a passenger on long journeys, it may be worth spending a little more on a top-of-the-range neck pillow. If you only travel long-haul once every year or so, you could get by with a cheaper neck pillow.
• Some neck pillows have a removable cover, which means you can wash and replace it. This is a nice feature if you use your neck pillow often.
• If you suffer from allergies, look for neck pillows made from hypoallergenic materials. This can make your journey far more comfortable. 
• You can find neck pillows that come with added extras — such as sleep masks and earplugs —  to help you sleep better on your travels. Of course, you could purchase these items separately, too.
• If you get cold or are bothered by light, consider a neck pillow with a built-in hood. It’s unusual but fairly practical!
• While most people use neck pillows for traveling, they also come in handy for an impromptu nap when you don’t have access to your bed.
• Some neck pillows have a handy pocket on the side, allowing you to slide in your phone so you have it there for easy access.

FAQ

Q. How much do neck pillows cost?

A. You can find a neck pillow for as cheap as $15, but most typically cost between $25 and $50. However, some premium pillows can cost as much as $70.

Q. Which type of neck pillow is best for side sleepers?

A. As a general rule, side sleepers prefer to rest slightly tilted and with their head to one side when trying to sleep sitting up. Therefore, cross-body neck pillows generally appeal to side sleepers. A U-shaped pillow would also suffice, as long as the sleeper doesn’t have a tendency to tilt his or her head forward, as this could result in neck pain.

Q. Which neck pillow should I choose if my head tends to drop forward when I sleep sitting up?

A. Many people find their head falls forward onto their chest when they sleep sitting up, especially in seats that don’t recline or recline very little. If this is the case for you, opt for a pillow that offers support at the front of your neck to prop up your chin. Look for 360-degree neck pillows, J-shaped neck pillows, or cross-body neck pillows.

Q. Will a neck pillow really help me sleep better while traveling?

A. Let’s be honest here – no neck pillow is going to make you feel as comfortable as you would in your own bed. That said, most users find they can get more rest with a decent neck pillow than without. It can also help you avoid getting a sore neck, which is a common complaint when sleeping in a plane, train, car or bus without any sort of pillow for neck support.