After my 19-hour direct flight from Singapore to New York, I got off the plane feeling surprisingly refreshed – thank you, trusty travel neck pillow! If you’ve ever been on a long flight, you know how important it is to stay comfy, and the right neck pillow can be a game-changer. With so many options out there, I decided to hunt down the best travel pillows that can turn any gruelling journey into a cosy escape. In this article, I’ll share the different types of travel neck pillows and my top picks to keep you comfortable on your travels.
Types of travel neck pillows available
When it comes to long flights, a good neck pillow can be a total lifesaver. But with so many types out there, it can feel a bit overwhelming. Here’s a quick rundown of the different kinds of travel neck pillows you can snag for your next adventure!
- U-shaped pillows: These are the classics! They wrap around your neck to give your head some support, making it easier to catch some Z’s while you’re sitting up.
- J-shaped pillows: A bit different from the U-shape, these pillows cradle your neck on one side. They’re super adjustable, so you can find that sweet spot for comfort.
- Inflatable pillows: If you’re tight on space, these are your best bet. They’re lightweight and easy to pack, plus you can blow them up to just the right firmness. Win-win!
- Memory foam pillows: These pillows hug your neck and head like a gentle cloud, providing personalised support. They might take up a bit more room, but the comfort is worth it!
- Microbead pillows: Filled with tiny beads, these pillows mould to your neck shape and are soft and squishy. They’re lightweight and packable, too!
Overview of the best travel pillows
| Best for | Travel neck pillow | Price |
| Overall comfort | Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow | $69.00 |
| Overall value | Inflatable Neck Pillow | $6.42 – $6.64 |
| Preventing neck stiffness | Trtl’s Travel Pillow Cool | $129.00 |
| Upper body support | FASFONE Ergonomic Inflatable Neck Pillow | $6.49 |
| Ergonomic comfort with sleek design | Hooga Ergo RYO Travel Memory Neckrest | $17.90 |
| Most versatile design | Ikari – Infinity Pillow Travel Neck Pillow | $4.49 |
| Best 360-degree concave support | Inflatable Travel Pillow | $14.49 |
| Side sleepers | BCOZZY Neck Pillow | $40.22 |
| Kids | Deformable U-Shape Travel Pillow Penguin | $18.70 |
*Prices stated are accurate as of the time of writing.
1. Best for overall comfort: Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow
Is it just me, or does anyone else have their head falling forward while trying to sleep on a plane? It’s such a struggle! Thankfully, I didn’t have that issue on my 19-hour flight from Singapore to New York with the Cabeau TNE S3 Travel Neck Pillow. The exclusive S3 seat straps made it super easy to attach the pillow to the aeroplane seat, keeping my head and spine perfectly aligned.
The chinstrap technology was a lifesaver, too. It secured my head in place, preventing that dreaded “bobblehead” moment, and kept my mouth closed while I dozed off. Plus, the open-neck design allowed for great airflow, so I stayed comfortable throughout the flight.
2. Best for overall value: Inflatable Neck Pillow
One of the first neck pillows I had was the Inflatable Neck Travel Pillow. Sure, it might not be as comfy as the fancy memory foam ones, but honestly, it’s a great value for money at under $10! What I love most is the raised arched neck support that helps keep my neck straight and my head upright!
It also packs down into a small, lightweight pouch that easily attaches to my luggage, making it super convenient for travel. Plus, the support level is adjustable, so you can choose between firm, soft, or something in between. Additionally, the soft velvet pillowcase is removable and washable, which is a nice bonus for keeping it fresh!
3. Best for preventing neck stiffness: Trtl’s Travel Pillow Cool
The Travel Pillow Cool by Trtl is perfect if you hate waking up on flights with a sore, stiff neck. Made with breathable, moisture-wicking fabric and a smart mesh panel, it keeps you cool and fresh, with no sweaty mess. It’s lightweight and super compact, way easier to carry than bulky pillows, and the soft, washable cover means it’s always clean and ready to go. Plus, its unique scarf-like design lets you adjust the fit so your neck actually feels supported – no awkward angles or uncomfortable pressure. If you want to travel without the usual neck pain and arrive feeling rested, this pillow makes it way easier.
4. Best for upper body support: FASFONE Ergonomic Inflatable Neck Pillow
When choosing a travel pillow for a flight, it’s important to consider more than just neck support – your whole upper body plays a role in staying comfortable. The FASFONE Ergonomic Inflatable Neck Pillow is the best we’ve discovered for this level of support. Unlike standard neck pillows, it features a unique design that drapes over one shoulder and extends down the side of your body to your hips, offering much broader support. This makes it especially helpful on long flights or when you’re stuck in the middle seat. And while it might look bulky at first glance, there’s no need to worry – it’s inflatable, so it packs flat in your bag and can be quickly set up when needed.
5. Ergonomic comfort with sleek design: Hooga Ergo RYO Travel Memory Neckrest
The Hooga Ergo RYO is a compact, ergonomic travel pillow designed for frequent flyers and long-haul journeys. Comparable to the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow, it easily fits into any bag without taking up much space. Made with soft, breathable fabric and a memory foam core that contours to your neck, it provides gentle yet firm support to relieve pressure and reduce strain. Many travellers report comfort and reliability on flights up to 14 hours, with minor adjustments needed to find the perfect angle.
6. Most versatile design: Ikari – Infinity Pillow Travel Neck Pillow
The Ikari Infinity Pillow Travel Neck Pillow is my mum’s absolute favourite – she never travels without it. She loves how soft and flexible it is, perfectly supporting her head whether she’s on a plane, train, or in the car. It’s not just for travel either; she often uses it at home while reading or taking a quick nap, saying it gives her that warm, cosy feeling she can’t get enough of. What she appreciates most is how easy it is to keep clean – she just tosses it in the washing machine, and it’s as good as new every time.
7. Best 360-degree concave support: Inflatable Travel Pillow
Anyone remember the Ostrich pillow trend that popped up a few years back? It definitely had that quirky vibe! If you’re not afraid of some judgy looks, the Inflatable Travel Pillow is a must-have for your travels. This pillow provides full support for your head and neck, helping to prevent those annoying aches from trying to sleep on the go. Its unique shape lets you sleep facing down while your arms rest comfortably inside.
Don’t say we didn’t warn you, though – it might be so comfy that you won’t want to wake up after your long flight! And if you know a fellow globetrotter, this makes a great Secret Santa gift idea!
8. Best for side sleepers: Bcozzy Neck Pillow
If all the above choices are too hard for you (like literally), consider something softer and more flexible like the BCOZZY Neck Pillow. Its overlapping ends can be adjusted to create different support heights, and it even helps hide that double chin too (lol!).
Made from high-quality polyester fibre, this pillow has a soft, cushion-like texture but still provides enough support to keep you comfortable. Plus, it comes with a strap to easily tie it to your luggage, so you won’t have to worry about losing it – good for absent-minded folks like me!
9. Best for kids: Deformable U-Shape Travel Pillow Penguin
Last but not least, for the little kiddos! We all know they can get a little cranky without their favourite plush toys, but parents, you can definitely keep them happy with the Deformable U-Shape Travel Pillow Penguin.
This adorable pillow is a 2-in-1 gem; it doubles as a neck pillow for comfy travel and a cuddly penguin toy for playtime. It’s foldable and lightweight, making it super easy to toss into your carry-on or backpack. Furthermore, the soft fabric ensures it’s snuggly enough for little ones to cuddle with, whether they’re catching some Z’s on a flight or just need a friend to hold during the journey. Its fun design will surely put a smile on their face, turning fussy moments into giggles!
Travel in comfort with these 9 best travel pillows (2025)
I’m gearing up for my next trip to a music festival in Asia, and you can bet I’ll be bringing one of these neck pillows along for the ride! I hope you find one that suits your needs too – there’s nothing like a comfy pillow to help you recharge between flights.
But let’s not forget about safety; it’s super important when we’re travelling. That’s why I’d also invest in the best luggage brands to keep my belongings safe. And before I head off on my adventure, I’ll definitely be grabbing one of the best eSIMs to stay connected and post a few goofy IG stories along the way.
This article was updated on 23 October 2025. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.
