8 best travel pillows, according to customer reviews in 2023

April 4, 2023

Whether you chose the red-eye flight to save travel time, have a long-haul international flight coming up or just like to get some shuteye on your trip no matter the duration, we know what you need.

Aside from some extra leg room and no turbulence, a travel pillow can really make or break a flight — and your neck!

A travel pillow isn’t just a bulky donut-shaped contraption anymore, despite what you may see being sold in airport gift shops.

Now, many companies specialize in making ergonomic, flexible, packable and even customizable travel pillows for airplane rides, road trips and more.

Since we couldn’t travel with each and every pillow ourselves, we consulted customers just like you, basing our recommendations on their reviews — frequent flyers know best, right?

Reviews: 2,400+ , 4.7/5 star-rating

A woman with a neck pillow — Trtl Travel

Be like a turtle and protect your neck with this travel pillow and wrap. The Trtl brand travel pillow is unique in it’s design, with shoulder supports, a super-soft scarf-like feeling and ability to pack flat.

Customers are saying: “My neck is pain free & my hair still look great! All your problems solved with this amazing pillow. If you commute, buy it. If you travel, buy it.”

Reviews: 50+ reviews on site, 5,000+ on Amazon, 4.9/5 star-rating

This is the evolution of neck pillows. The Cabeau pillow not only nestles on your neck, but can attach to your headrest or airline seat for a pillow that won’t slip and slide around while you sleep.

Customers are saying: “I slept like a baby on a four hour flight. Held me in place the whole time. Needed a new pillow and I was at REI so I bought it. I have no regrets.”

Reviews: 500+, 4.5/5 star-rating

Do ostriches have good memory? This one does! The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is a great hybrid of the typical U-shaped travel pillow and a new take, made with memory foam and an adjustable velcro closure for 360-degree support.

Customers are saying: “Super comfortable for long-haul flights. I travel a lot and I used it on my most recent flight — from Barcelona to Singapore, and I arrived fresh and ready!”

Reviews: 290+, 4.6/5 star-rating

A long flight can feel infinitely better with a good travel pillow. The Infinity Pillow aims to do just that, providing a full circle (and then some) of support for your head and neck. The thick fabric and filling can be noise and light canceling and it can be bent and twisted to be a neck support, lumbar pillow, window pillow, eye mask and more.

Customers are saying: “I bought this for my daughter for her trip to study abroad and then travel and this is what she said: This is a great pillow — I love how there are so many ways to use the pillow. I used it on the airplane while traveling and it was great in every seat: window, middle or aisle! I also used it for a pillow in my dorm for a few days until I could go shopping to get a full size pillow. I still use it often when I am reading to support my neck. I love it!”

Reviews: 12,400+, 4.5/5 star-rating

World’s best, huh? We do know that this is indeed an Amazon Choice product, backed by over 12,000 reviews and ratings. The typical U-shaped pillow is made of microfiber for a soft and washable pillow on any flight and comes in a rainbow of colors.

Customers are saying: “My husband has neck and back problems. So hard to shop online for a product like this that needs to have the much needed neck support and feel soft, soothing and comfortable. This is beyond my expectations. Highly recommend and will be buying another for myself. Not for pain but feels so comfortable; I’d be able to fall asleep in my recliner if I wanted to nap.”

Reviews: 12,100+, 4.3/5 star-rating

If you toss and turn on the plane, why not add a twist? This versatile travel pillow can twist and bend to fit every crook, neck and body part that needs support, made from a firm memory foam for even more comfort.

Customers are saying: “I am in LOVE with this pillow! The adjustable core keeps the pillow from fully getting squished thus providing just the right amount of support. The fact that I can adjust it to fit my neck makes it even more incredible. Add to that a zippered removable cover and I’ll never go back! This will go with me every time I travel!”