Best travel pillows 2023: tested by our editors

See below for our full take on each of the best travel neck pillows available to buy now.

Cabeau Evolution’s S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you’re looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the one below from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you’re looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau’s pillow is the best we’ve tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket – ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest though are the velcro straps at the back, designed to loop around a plane seat’s headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we like it: “I tested this pillow when I flew to Mexico City. The foam in it is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you’re short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on luggage, you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside.” Sarah Allard, digital editor

Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling travel pillows on Amazon, and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it: “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your carry on luggage, which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl’s original pillow

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from trtl is ideal if you’re short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage – it weighs only 148 grams. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved u-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we like it: “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style when I flew to Vancouver. It’s perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I’ll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It’s a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor