The right pillow will gently cradle your neck and shoulders in correct alignment with the rest of your body, elevating your comfort levels and sleep quality. Just as our guide to the best mattress of the year provides top-rated options for all sleep needs and budgets, our expert team of testers have slept on hundreds of the latest pillows to bring you our guide to the best options on the market today.
We rate the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology as the best pillow of 2024, thanks to its incredible comfort and unbeatable cooling prowess. However, the right pillow for you will be one that meets your sleep needs and suits your dominant sleep position. We've included different types of pillows below, including latex, memory foam, down feathers and microfiber, each offering something different in terms of comfort and support.
While a top of the range pillow crafted from premium materials can command a higher price tag, we've also carefully considered budget when curating this guide and have included more affordable options too. With early Black Friday mattress sales starting to land, now is an excellent time to pick up a top-rated pillow for less. Here are our expert-selected recommendations...
1. The best pillow overall
Our testing panel described the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology as about as close to perfect as a pillow can get. Why? It's a luxury cooling pillow that actually delivers on its promise of being cooling (it scored an unprecedented 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation during testing), as well as being comfortable and supportive for most sleep positions.
Crafted from a combination of foam and microfiber, we also love that this pillow doesn't require regular fluffing and instead holds its supportive shape all night long. The unbeatable cooling prowess comes by way of the AirScape foam, which is perforated for enhanced air circulation. This works in tandem with HeatDelete bands which dissipate heat and wicks away moisture, as well as the instant CoolTouch rayon cotton cover which is both soft and breathable.
Its mid loft means it’s best suited to side and combination sleepers, but back and stomach sleepers will likely find it comfortable too. However, if you're looking for a comparable cooling pillow with adjustable fill, check out the Coop Good EdenCool+ Adjustable pillow (#5) instead. At $139, it's also marginally cheaper than the Casper.
What we like about it...
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✅ Premium, memory foam feel: If you favor the feel of memory foam but are prone to overheating, this is the pillow for you. The combination of foam and fiber emulate the feel of premium memory foam, as well as being packed with cooling tech to prevent you from sleeping hot.
✅ Cool to the touch: Our tester noted that the pillow cover made from rayon cotton is instantly cool to the touch, scoring an impressive 5 out of 5 for temperature regulation during testing.
✅ No fluffing required: While the foam and fiber blend is ultra soft and cradling, it holds its position all night long — so no waking up in the middle of the night to fluff up and adjust your pillow.
What we don't like about it...
❌ There is no adjustable loft: The mid-loft pillow is best suited for side sleepers and although back and stomach sleepers may find it comfortable enough, those who prefer a shallower or taller loft will likely appreciate an adjustable pillow instead, such as the Coop Home Goods EdenCool+ Pillow (#5) or the Purple Harmony (#8).
2. The best budget pillow
The Beckham Hotel Collection gel cooling pillow is an Amazon best-seller, with an impressive average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 244,000 reviews, with shoppers loving the 5 star hotel quality at a budget-friendly price.
With an ultra soft hypoallergenic down-alternative 100% polyester fill and luxurious 250 thread count cotton cotton cover, these pillows are designed to suit all sleeping positions, which makes them a great option for anyone looking to turn their bedroom into a restful retreat without spending a fortune.
its 'no shift' and bounce-back construction promises to maintain its support and shape all night long, while the down alternative fill is encased in cooling gel properties, which work alongside the naturally breathable cover to help prevent overheating.
While some pillows of a similar spec might cost in the region of $150 for one, the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow costs has an impressively low MSRP of $79.99 for two queen pillows. However, they're often on sale for around $59.99. Despite its affordable price tag, all materials used in the Beckham Hotel Collection Pillow are OEKO-TEX certified, which means it doesn't contain any hidden harmful substances.
It's worth noting that there's no warranty period or sleep trial included with this pillow, so your purchase won't be protected against any potential issues down the line. If you’re looking for something with a lengthy sleep trial and warranty period for all sleep positions, we'd recommend the Coop Home Goods Adjustable Pillow (#5), which comes with a 100 night sleep trial and impressive five year warranty.
What we like about it
✅ Plush support for all sleepers: The polyester down-alternative fill with double edged stitching ensures that your head, neck and shoulders will be supported regardless of your sleep position.
✅ Hypoallergenic fill: If you crave down-like comfort but are prone to allergies, this is a great alternative. The materials including the light hypoallergenic microfiber fill are OEKO-certified, which us great news for those with allergies.
✅ Luxury cooling at a great price: Compared to expensive cooling pillows in the market, these are crafted with unique gel cooling feature and a breathable cotton cover, to help prevent overheating at night.
What we don’t like about it…
❌ No warranty or trial period: The Beckham Hotel collection definitely falls short when it comes to additional benefits like a standard 30-night trial period or a 1 year warranty.
❌ Takes time to fully expand: These pillows take up to 24 hours after being fluffed up to expand to its full loft. Sleeping on it before will tamper with the performance and the whole sleep experience.
3. The best luxury pillow
The Saatva Latex is a luxury cooling organic pillow made from a unique combination of all-natural latex and down-alternative fill.
If you’re a fan of the springiness of latex but also crave the softness of down, the Saatva presents the perfect option in the form of a thick plush pillow with a shredded latex core covered in down-alternative microdenier fibers. Both the inner layer of alternative fill and the outer cover is made of organic cotton with gusseted sides for the pillow to retain its shape.
The brand has designed the pillow to suit all positions with two loft options to choose from: low loft for front and back sleepers and high loft for side and combination sleepers. The low loft pillow is medium-firm while its higher counterpart is firm. Our combination-sleeper lead tester slept on the high loft version and described the experience as like 'sleeping on a cloud.'
The plush comfort provided by the pillow ensures a comfortable sleep even when switching positions, keeping the head and neck in healthy alignment with the rest of the body. Like the much budget-friendly Beckham (#2), this pillow doesn't require any re-fluffing during the night.
The natural latex used here is known for its naturally cool properties and durability, making it last than other synthetic foam or fiber alternatives. This Saatva pillow is best suited for hot sleepers with deep pockets, who crave the same level of craftmanship and luxury from their pillow as they do their mattress.
It is a fact that these are one of the most expensive Saatva pillow models. If you’re seeking similar breathable comfort with a luxury feel and the Saatva latex pillow is out of your budget, take a look at the Beckham Hotel Collection down-alternative gel cooling pillows (#2), which retails at just $79.99 at full MSRP for two pillows, compared to $165 for Saatva.
- Read more: Saatva Latex Pillow Review 2024
What we like about it...
✅ Naturally cooling: In addition to the bouncy feel, this a top pick for anyone who prefers the natural coolness of latex mixed with the softness of the organic down-alternative fill.
✅ Suitable for all sleep positions: There are two loft options to choose from, a standard loft for stomach and back sleepers and a high loft for side sleepers. This makes it suitable for all kinds of sleeping styles and positions.
✅ Naturally durable: Yes, this is an expensive pillow. But latex is also incredibly durable, which means it will last longer than a cheaper microfiber alternative.
What we don't like about it...
❌ May be too firm for some: While most claimed it helped with their aches and pains, some reviews point out how it was not soft enough for their liking.
❌It is on the pricier side: The original MSRP of $165 for a standard size or $185 for a king, the Saatva Latex Pillow is a splurge. If you're operating with a smaller budget, check out the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow instead (#2).
❌Not fully adjustable: Unlike other options where you can adjust the fill yourself according to your sleeping position and body type, you’ll have to choose between the two loft variants offered by the brand.
4. The best adjustable pillow
The Coop Home Goods Original is the best choice for anyone looking for a fully adjustable pillow at a relatively affordable price. Its adjustable fill means it's suitable for all sleep positions (it comes with an extra half pound bag of fill, for those who prefer an extra high loft), and is made from CertiPUR-US certified non-toxic memory foam and microfiber.
It's encased in a removable cover made of Lulltra, a naturally cooling bamboo derived viscose rayon material. The result is a pillow that feels premium, in both performance and build, yet remains fairly affordable (it's $75 for one queen pillow at full MSRP).
The pillow feels medium firm regardless of how much fill you insert or remove, resulting in an incredible supportive surface. However, you do need to fluff it up daily for the pillow to maintain the support and shape you require.
Our lead tester noted that she detected a strong off-gassing smell while the pillow expanded. Plus, we did experience some heat retention during testing, which is common for memory foam products that lack additional cooling layers. If both these drawbacks put you off, you'll be better off upgrading to the brand’s Coop Home Goods EdenCool+ Pillow Adjustable Pillow (#5) instead. While we detected some off-gassing with this pillow it disappeared entirely within a day or two, plus suitable for very hot sleepers.
- Read more: Coop Home Goods Original Pillow Review
What we like about it...
✅ Fully adjustable fill: You can decide the amount of fill that goes into your pillow based on your comfort and sleeping style. It also comes with additional fill, for side sleepers who prefer an extra high loft.
✅ Extended warranty and trial period: Unlike the standard one-year warranty and a maximum of 30 to 45-night trials for bedding, Coop Home offers a 5-year warranty and risk-free 100-night trial period.
✅ Hypoallergenic: The Coop Original uses GreenGuard Gold and Certi-PUR US materials, which is excellent news for those with skin sensitivities or allergies.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Prone to overheating: During testing we found that the memory foam tends to retain heat, as it lacks any gel infusions or cooling layers for breathability. This could be a deal-break for hot sleepers.
❌Potent off-gassing smell: Our tester noted the pillow's strong off-gassing smell, which could be off-putting for anyone with a sensitive sense of smell. However, you are able to return hastle-free, should you decide to try before you buy.
5. The best cooling adjustable pillow
The Coop Home Goods EdenCool+ Pillow is an upgraded version of the Original (#4), created specifically for hot sleepers. Crafted from fully adjustable GREEDGUARD and CertiPUR-US certified virgin memory foam and microfiber blend fill, it's suitable for all sleep positions. Like the Original, it comes with an extra half pound bag of fill which can be added in to suit your sleeping preferences.
The addition of Oomph Cool+ gel infused foam (shaped like a plus sign for enhanced breathability) along with the CoolTouch cover and heat-wicking inner liner is what underpins its cooling prowess.
Another big benefit is the dual-firmness feature, with one side containing a thin layer of memory foam for a firmer feel, while the other offers softer support. Our lead tester found the pillow to be extremely supportive no matter the sleeping position. It also only took up to 5-10 minutes to fully expand, with a little off-gassing scent which completely dissipated in a day or two.
A big drawback is that it requires regular fluffing to retain the support and loftiness, which we wouldn't expect from a pillow with an upper mid-range price tag (it's $96 for one queen size pillow). However, it comes with a good extended warranty of 5 years, the durability of the pillow is tricky as it cannot be machine-washed, just spot-cleaned. If you’re looking for a slightly more affordable alternative that will retain its shape all night long, we recommend the Nest Bedding Easy Breathable Pillow (#6).
What we like about it...
✅ Suitable for all sleep positions: The adjustable loft is suitable for all sleep positions and body types, while the dual-sided firmness options means your firmness preferences are also catered to.
✅ Lasting cooling: The signature Oomph Cool+gel infused memory foam along with the soft breathable cover is an ideal option for those prone to sleep hot during the night.
✅ Lengthy warranty and sleep trial: The Coop Home Goods EdenCool+ Pillow comes with a lengthy 5 year warranty and 100 night sleep trial. Returns within that window are hassle free, with a pre-paid postage sticker provided.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Requires regular fluffing: The pillow does not maintain its shape all night. While our reviewer did not wake up with any aches or pains, we would expect lasting support from a pillow of this calibre and price.
❌It is a splurge: This Eden Cool+ is on the pricier end of the spectrum. However, it is still good value for money if what you need is a specialist cooling pillow with a fully adjustable fill.
6.The best pillow for side sleepers
The Easy Breather side-sleeper pillow is one of Nest Bedding’s most popular products, thanks to its distinct curved design specifically for those who sleep on their sides. Its shredded foam fill consists of a blend of 70% non-toxic CertiPUR-US certified foam and 30% smooth polyester fiber. The cover, on the other hand, is crafted from a combination of 49% of proprietary material called icecore which wicks away moisture and removing heat, polyester and spandex.
While some other options within this guide contain adjustable loft for different sleep positions, the Nest is the only pillow that has been designed with the placement of your shoulder in mind when side sleeping. The crescent shape allows your shoulder to stay aligned with your neck, preventing a build up of pressure and pain.
Its adjustable loft means it's also suitable for back, stomach and combination sleepers too. Adding and removing fill is easy - the no-fuss zip cover and the inner pouch made from high-quality cotton lets you adjust the fill according to your preferences.
Happily, our lead tester reported no off-gassing after unpacking the pillow and waiting for it to expand fully (which took a few hours). However, one potential drawback is the size - it's only available in a queen. Those with king mattresses or larger will likely require a bigger pillow. If you're a side sleeper in need of a comfortable and supportive pillow, check out the Purple Harmony Pillow (#8).
What we like about it...
✅ Customizable fill option: Despite being specifically designed for side sleepers, You can easily take out or add in (from the complimentary extra bag of fill) as much fill to suit your sleeping style and preferences.
✅ It is cooling and breathable: The shredded gel foam regulates the temperature while the soft cover fabric lets you enjoy an uninterrupted sleep without sweating or discomfort.
✅ Ergonomic design specifically for side sleepers: The Nest's unique crescent shape has been designed specifically with side sleepers in mind, with the curve of the pillow nestling against your shoulder for a comfortable night's sleep.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Only available in one size: The side-sleeper variant is unfortunately available in queen size. If you’re someone with a king size bed or bigger, this might be a drawback to consider.
7. The best natural down pillow
Sleep Number’s Naturalfit Ultimate pillow boasts a curved design, adjustable loft, and premium natural down materials. It comes with three inserts filled with a blend of natural duck down and organic latex pieces derived from rubber trees, for an unbeatably luxurious and breathable pillow.
The pillow comes encased in a 100% cotton soft and breathable cover for a cool night’s sleep, while the slightly curved ergonomic design boasts similarities to the Nest Bedding Easy Breather Side Sleeper pillow (#6). Similarly to the Nest, you can rest your head right in the center of the pillow, without compromising the position of your shoulder.
In terms of temperature regulation, natural down is renowned for being naturally breathable - and the Sleep Number Naturalfit Ultimate pillow lives up to the reputation, scoring a solid 5 out of 5 for temperature control during testing.
In terms of maintenance, the cotton cover is removable and machine washable, while the inserts need to be fluffed by hand (it will require regular fluffing). If you prefer a firmer, bounce-back feel to your pillow, we recommend you opt for a more supportive one like the Saatva Latex Pillow (#3), which ticks all of the above boxes.
What we like about it...
✅ Adjustable loft for all sleep positions: You can choose to add or remove the three inserts to customize the loft your sleep position and comfort.
✅ All natural materials: If you’re someone who likes a natural blend of materials in your pillow, the Sleep Number’s Naturalfit is perfect with its fill made from duck down and latex derived from rubber trees.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Might not be supportive for all: Our reviewer felt that it’s more suitable for stomach sleepers as it measures soft on the firmness scale. It also tends to flatten overnight and requires regular fluffing.
8. The best pillow for combination sleepers
Like Purple mattresses, the brand’s top-of-the-line Harmony pillow also features their signature Purple Grid Gel-Flex technology for tailored support for your head and neck.
The inner core of the pillow is made from adaptable Talalay latex, which is surrounded by the Purple Grid Hex, a gel-like material which promotes airflow with approximately 2,000 channels. The pillow comes in two sizes, standard or king, and three loft options; low, medium or tall, making it suitable for all types of sleepers.
Our lead tester described the pillow as soft yet supportive, efficiently cradling the head, neck and shoulders and relieving pressure from around the neck. At 4lbs it's deceptively heavy, and did begin to lose its shape around the edges after a month of use. However, this was easily fixed with some slight adjusting.
While the Purple Harmony is not specifically a cooling pillow, the natural breathability of the latex and grid hex with its air channels will keep most sleepers cool and comfortable. However, very hot sleepers will need a specialist cooling pillow instead, as our lead tester discovered. If you’re a particularly hot sleeper, opt for a dedicated cooling pillow instead, like the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow technology (#1).
It's also worth noting that those with a regular pillow cleaning schedule might be deterred by the fact that the Purple Harmony is not machine washable. Instead, it's spot-clean only - even the cover.
- Read more: Purple Harmony Pillow Review
What we like about it...
✅ Adjustable loft options: With the option to choose from three loft options, the pillow is designed to suit all sleeping positions and body types.
✅ Excellent pressure relief: The inclusion of Purple's proprietary Gel-Flex Grid technology, combined with the responsiveness of Talalay latex, results in excellent support and pressure relief for your head and neck.
✅ Breathable design: Purple's honeycomb-like layer is open in its construction, which boosts the overall breathability of the pillow. While that might not be enough cooling prowess for very hot sleepers, it will likely keep most sleepers comfortable.
What we don't like about it...
❌ Not cooling enough for very hot sleepers: While the gel-like grid promotes airflow and breathability to keep the surface cool, it might not be enough for those particularly prone to overheating during the night. If that's you, check out the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology (#1), for outstanding cooling and comfort.
❌Not machine washable: Neither the shredded latex core nor the cover can be tossed in a washing machine. Considering the high price tag, spot cleaning being the only way to maintain it is a serious disadvantage.
The best pillows FAQs
How to choose the right pillow
There is no one single best pillow for every person as our bodies are different, but you can narrow down the list by pinpointing your sleep style. Do you sleep on your stomach, back or side, or a combination of all three? Knowing this will help you choose a pillow easily. With that in mind, here are three key criteria to be aware of:
- Pillow loft – This refers to the height of a bed pillow. Side sleepers receive the most support from a high loft (because it better plugs the gap between your head and shoulders). Back and stomach sleepers are usually fine with a low loft.
- Firmness – This describes a pillow's ‘give’ when weight (as in, your head) is placed on it. Soft pillows are usually best for stomach sleepers. Side sleepers often feel better supported by a firm pillow that keeps their neck and back in alignment. Back and combo sleepers do well with a medium-firm pillow.
- Fill – This dictates the loft and firmness, but there are health issues to consider here too. For instance, if you suffer from allergies, stay away from feather fills and choose a down alternative pillow instead.
How to pick the best pillow for side sleeping
Side sleeper pillows have a medium to high loft than back and stomach sleeper pillows. That’s because they need more material to plug the natural gap that forms between your head and shoulders when you sleep on your side. How far your sink into your mattress also determines how much loft you need from your pillow when sleeping on your side. Why? Because if you sink into your mattress, you may need a low-loft pillow even in a side sleeping position.
For people who switch between side sleeping and other positions (so combination sleepers), we’d advise choosing an adjustable pillow so that you can customize the loft to suit your body better. Customizing the loft means removing or adding as much ‘fill’ (the pillow’s inner material) as needed to best plug the gap between your head and shoulders. Generally speaking, the broader your shoulders, the more loft you need. An adjustable pillow will help you create the perfect loft.
If you struggle to sleep in the heat, be sure to check out how to stay cool to get a better night’s sleep.
How to choose the best pillow for neck pain
Neck and shoulder pain pillows are normally on the firmer side. They are designed to hold your head in a healthy position while relieving pressure on your neck, shoulders and spine. So what you don’t want is a super-firm pillow that creates new pressure points. Again, adjustable pillows come to the rescue here, as you can customize their fill to make them as close to perfect as possible for the support and comfort your neck needs.
The best pillow materials for neck pain includes memory foam, which offers a cradling, contouring feel. Buckwheat is another good choice because it naturally holds its shape well, so it won’t spread out too much inside the pillow during sleep. That means it will hold its shape well throughout the night to keep your neck properly supported.
How we selected the best pillows
Our guide for the best pillows were based on extensive, consumer report research and online reviews. We rated things like material type, shape and comfort for various sleeping positions. In addition, we looked at how practical it was to use and its durability.
What are the different types of pillows?
Pillows aren’t that complicated really, and come in just a few different types. These include the following:
Memory foam pillows
This is probably the most popular type of pillow as, just like the best memory foam mattresses, these are designed to cradle your head. Most pillows for neck pain support are made using memory foam, but this material does retain heat more than other types. So if you’re a hot sleeper, choose a cooling memory foam pillow, or go for one with naturally cooling latex.
Down pillows
Look away now if you have allergies, as these are not the best pillows for you. For everyone else craving a soft place to lay their head at night, you’re in for a treat here as down pillows are comfy and plush. They’re commonly made with the soft fibers found under the exterior of a duck, goose or swan, and are often mixed with feathers for extra fluffiness. They best suit stomach and back sleepers, as most aren’t firm enough for side sleepers.
Latex pillows
These are among the best cooling pillows you can buy. That’s because latex is naturally cooling, so heat won’t build up as much inside compared to some synthetic materials. Latex is an allergen for some though. Plus, they’re expensive, so be prepared to pay a higher price. But if you want a non-toxic, organic pillow for healthier sleep, we’d start with latex.
How often should you change your pillow?
Every one to two years at least. Surprised? The National Sleep Foundation recommends that you replace your pillow every 18-24 months. We’re not judging if you’re sleeping on a pillow that’s much older than this, but there are good reasons why you should change your pillow every couple of years. The filling can become flat and unresponsive, so you won’t be supported during sleep. That can cause neck and back pain down the line. This is just one of the 7 signs that it’s time to replace your pillow.
Changes in your body weight also impact how well a pillow supports you, and every person’s pillow requirements change the older they get; we simply need more support and comfort as we age.
Older pillows get pretty dirty too, even with regular washing. That’s because some materials act as a mecca for dust mites, odors and sweat, with a build-up of moisture leading to bacteria growth in some instances.
We’d recommend choosing a hypoallergenic pillow that can either be machine washed (the best option), or one that comes with a removable, antimicrobial cover that’s suitable for machine washing. You can learn more about this in our feature on how to wash a pillow.
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