Top 5 Best Travel Pillows To Change How You Fly, Ranked

1. Trtl Travel Pillow

You may look like a turtle while snuggling up in the Trtl Travel Pillow, but does any neck pillow really scream “chic”? In any case, this is one pillow that’s worth the “awkward turtle” effect.

This is a pillow that’s turning heads (and cradling them) in the world of jet-setting comfort. Now, I know what you’re thinking: “It looks like I’m wearing a neck brace!” But hold your horses, because AFAR‘s got the scoop on why looks can be deceiving. Their senior audience development manager, Rosalie Tinelli, spills the tea on this funky little number. Sure, it might make you look like you’re fresh out of a fender bender, but who’s keeping score when you’re catching peaceful Z’s at 30,000 feet? And the best part? You’ll wake up without feeling like you’ve been headbanging at a heavy metal concert all night.

Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. The folks over at The Strategist are crowning the Trtl as the cream of the crop in travel pillows. But here’s the kicker – it’s not your grandma’s U-shaped neck cushion. Nope, this bad boy is more like a padded scarf with a secret weapon: a hidden plastic brace that’s got your head on lockdown (in a good way). It’s like having a personal chiropractor that fits in your carry-on. And get this – Rosie Percy, the associate director of e-commerce-audience development at The Strategist, claims this little miracle worker helped her catch some shuteye on a flight for the first time since… well, since she’s been old enough to order a drink on the plane!

The team at Buy Side from WSJ is jumping on the Trtl bandwagon too. They’re giving two thumbs up to this washable wonder (because let’s face it, planes aren’t exactly the cleanest places). Now, fair warning: if you’re not a fan of that snug scarf feeling, this might not be your cup of tea. But for the rest of us looking to arrive at our destination without feeling like we’ve gone ten rounds with a heavyweight champ, the Trtl might just be the ticket to travel nirvana. So, next time you’re packing for a trip, consider giving this oddball a chance. Your neck will thank you, even if your fashion sense might not!

2. Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow

Alright, fellow globetrotters, let’s talk about the Cabeau Evolution S3 – the Goldilocks of neck support for your jet-setting adventures. CNN Underscored is raving about this bad boy, calling it the “just right” of travel pillows. It’s like the memory foam gods got together and said, “Let’s make something that’s firm enough to keep your head from doing the bobblehead dance, but soft enough that you won’t feel like you’re napping on a rock.” And get this – it’s got some serious shape-shifting skills, compressing to half its size when you need to stuff it in your already overpacked carry-on.

This pillow is like the Swiss Army knife of travel comfort – it’s got your back (and neck) whether you’re a front, side, or back sleeper. The memory foam is doing some serious Goldilocks action here, giving you just the right amount of support without turning your neck into a stiff board. And here’s a game-changer – it’s got a slimmer back, so you won’t feel like you’re being shoved forward like a turtle out of its shell. But wait, there’s more! It’s got velcro straps to keep it in place (because who wants their pillow making a break for it mid-flight?), and a removable, washable cover. Because let’s face it, planes aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness (GearLab).

But hold onto your boarding passes, folks, because Condé Nast Traveller is spilling the tea on the Evolution S3’s secret weapon. Unlike those run-of-the-mill round pillows that have you doing the chicken neck, this clever cushion has a flat back. That means you can sit back, relax, and pretend you’re in first class (even if you’re crammed in the middle seat in economy). It’s like the designers actually sat in a plane seat before creating it – revolutionary, right? So, next time you’re gearing up for a long-haul flight or a cross-country road trip, consider giving the Cabeau Evolution S3 a shot. Your neck will thank you, and who knows? You might actually arrive at your destination feeling like a human instead of a sleep-deprived zombie.

3. Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

This little slice of heaven is getting some serious love from People magazine, dubbing it the ultimate “splurge” for your travel comfort. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “splurge” usually means saying goodbye to your coffee budget for a month. But hold onto your lattes, because this pillow is apparently worth every penny. It’s acing tests like it’s the valedictorian of neck support, and one lucky tester described it as “wrapping a marshmallow around your neck.” I don’t know about you, but I’m suddenly craving s’mores and a nap!

Mattress Clarity is not holding back on the praise. This isn’t just your run-of-the-mill neck pillow – oh no, it’s bringing 360-degree comfort to the table. It’s like the pillow equivalent of a surround sound system, but for your neck. And get this – it’s packing a memory foam core that’s slower moving than your grandpa at a buffet line. But in this case, that’s a good thing! It means you get support that’s more consistent than your Wi-Fi connection at home.

Now, I know what you’re wondering – “But what about when I need to stuff it in my already overpacked carry-on?” Well, AFAR has got the scoop on that. This magical marshmallow of comfort comes with its own little compression pouch, shrinking down to almost half its size faster than you can say “overhead bin space.” And for all you neat freaks out there (no judgment, we see you), the cover is easily removable and washable. Because let’s face it, plane seats aren’t exactly known for their cleanliness. So, next time you’re gearing up for a long-haul flight or a cross-country road trip, consider giving the Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow a shot.

4. Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Pillow

This pillow is your neck’s best friend for those long-haul flights and never-ending road trips. Travel + Leisure is singing its praises, comparing it to those fancy memory foam mattresses you try out at the mall, you know, the ones that make you wonder if you really need a return ticket home. It’s like a custom-fit hug for your neck, molding to your shape whether you’re catching Z’s, binge-watching movies, or pretending to read that book you’ve been carrying around for months.

Now, TripSavvy explains why this pillow is a game-changer. First off, it’s not one of those annoying inflatable ones that always seem to deflate right when you’re about to doze off. Nope, this bad boy comes with a clasp that keeps it from doing the slip-n-slide around your neck. And when you’re not using it? Just clip it onto your bag and strut through the airport like you’re carrying the Holy Grail of travel comfort. Oh, and did I mention it’s got a removable, washable cover? But here’s the kicker – all this luxury comes with a price tag that won’t make your wallet cry.

Wirecutter is throwing in their two cents, and they’re all about that adjustable string closure. It’s like a belt for your neck pillow, letting you cinch it up tighter than your jeans after a holiday feast. This is great news for all you small-necked folks out there, or anyone who likes their pillow to give them a bear hug. And here’s a pro tip for all you last-minute packers (no judgment, we’ve all been there) – this pillow is a common sight in those overpriced airport shops past security. So even if you forget to pack it, you can still snag one before your flight and avoid the dreaded neck cramp of doom. Now that’s what I call a travel win!

5. BCOZZY Travel Pillow

This isn’t your average neck donut. Sleepopolis is raving about its chin-supporting superpowers, and let me tell you, it’s like a hammock for your face.

Picture this: you’re on a red-eye flight, trying to catch some Z’s, but your head keeps doing that embarrassing bob-and-jerk dance. Enter the Bcozzy, stage left. This circular wonder wraps around your neck like a comfy python, keeping your chin from making a break for your chest. But wait, there’s more! No Sleepless Nights loves its versatility. Short-necked? Long necked? Window seat aficionado? This pillow’s got your back (and your neck, and your chin).

Select is about to blow your mind with some nitty-gritty details. This bad boy is washable and comes with a handy strap for attaching to your luggage. And color options? Oh boy, it’s like a rainbow exploded in the travel accessories aisle. With sizes ranging from kiddo to extra-large, there’s one that’s just right for everyone. And with over 21,000 reviews singing its praises, it seems like the Bcozzy is the unsung hero of comfortable travel. So next time you’re gearing up for a long journey, consider giving your neck the VIP treatment it deserves!