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10 Best compact travel pillows 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling, Upgraded Travel Neck Pillow for Airplane 100% Pure Memory Foam Travel Pillow for Flight Headrest Sleep, Portable Plane Accessories, Light Grey

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Shape
Support Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20679 reviews

Shape
The curvature toward the back of the pillow has a nice groove for the neck and is soft to sleep on.
Support Level
Provides great support and is easy to pack in a backpack.
Portability Features
Comes in a small pouch, making it easy to take along and pack.

The napfun Neck Pillow for Traveling is designed to provide excellent support for your neck and chin while traveling, preventing your head from falling forward and relieving neck pain. Made from 100% pure memory foam, it offers high comfort and durability with its 5 seconds return technology, ensuring it retains its shape well after use.

This pillow is lightweight, weighing only 10.9 ounces, and has compact dimensions of 11.02 x 11.02 inches, making it easy to carry around. The semicircular shape is ergonomically designed to offer support in various sitting positions, whether on an airplane, car, train, or bus. Its portability is enhanced by a travel bag that compresses the pillow to a smaller size, making it ideal for packing in your luggage.

The cover is machine washable, adding to its convenience and hygiene. However, the pillow may feel soft to some who prefer firmer support. Additionally, while it is made from high-quality memory foam, those sensitive to temperature changes might find the cooling feature less effective. This pillow is best suited for adults who travel frequently and need reliable neck support for prolonged sitting periods. Its firmness level might not cater to everyone’s preference, especially those needing a more rigid support.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,184
Shape
Support Level
Portability Features

Most important from
20679 reviews

Shape
The curvature toward the back of the pillow has a nice groove for the neck and is soft to sleep on.
Support Level
Provides great support and is easy to pack in a backpack.
Portability Features
Comes in a small pouch, making it easy to take along and pack.
#2

Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow – Compact Memory Foam Neck Pillow for Sleeping, Portable Pillow for Hotels, Camping, Side & Back Sleepers, On-The-Go – Black

Rating
9.4
Support Level
Material
Cover Material

Most important from
162 reviews

Support Level
This pillow provides excellent neck support with just the right amount of bounce, effectively relieving pain from pinched nerves and degenerating disks.
Material
Its memory foam material offers a comforting contour that accommodates both back and side sleepers, making it versatile for different sleeping positions.
Cover Material
The pillow remains cool throughout the night, thanks to its breathable cover, enhancing overall comfort even in colder climates.
Portability Features
It travels well and fits into carry-ons easily, though it’s noticeably heavier and larger than some ultra-light travel pillows.

The Cushion Lab Travel Deep Sleep Pillow is designed to offer high comfort in a compact size, making it a great pick for travelers who want a supportive, easy-to-pack neck pillow. Its memory foam filling provides soft yet consistent support, ideal for side and back sleepers who need their neck and head cradled properly during rest. The pillow's shape is a cylinder, which might feel different compared to traditional U-shaped travel pillows but still offers good contouring comfort.

The cover material combines cooling nylon and spandex, which helps keep the pillow feeling fresh and smooth, while also aiming to reduce wrinkles and hair frizz—nice perks for longer trips. One potential drawback is its weight, around 5 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a travel pillow, possibly making it less convenient for very light packers. The size (21" by 14") is compact enough to fit into carry-ons but may still take up some space. Its soft firmness suits those who prefer gentle cushioning over firm support, and the pillow also comes with a machine-washable cover, making it easy to keep clean.

If you’re looking for a comfortable pillow that feels more like home bedding but is still portable, this pillow fits well. For travelers who prioritize comfort and support during sleep and don’t mind carrying a slightly heavier pillow, this is a solid choice. However, if you need something ultra-lightweight or very small, there may be lighter options available.

Rating
9.4
Support Level
Material
Cover Material

Most important from
162 reviews

Support Level
This pillow provides excellent neck support with just the right amount of bounce, effectively relieving pain from pinched nerves and degenerating disks.
Material
Its memory foam material offers a comforting contour that accommodates both back and side sleepers, making it versatile for different sleeping positions.
Cover Material
The pillow remains cool throughout the night, thanks to its breathable cover, enhancing overall comfort even in colder climates.
Portability Features
It travels well and fits into carry-ons easily, though it’s noticeably heavier and larger than some ultra-light travel pillows.
#3

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow, Travel Pillows for Airplanes, Premium Memory Foam Travel Pillow, 360º Ergonomic Design, Asymmetrical Sides, Travel Bag Included, Washable Modal Cover

Rating
9.1
Support Level
Portability Features
Shape

Most important from
2729 reviews

Support Level
Offers exceptional neck support that enables comfortable sleep upright or leaning to the side, outperforming many plastic-based travel pillows.
Portability Features
Its compact design and included travel bag make it easy to carry and store, adding great convenience for frequent travelers.
Shape
The asymmetrical sides provide a cozy, customizable fit, allowing the pillow to adapt to personal resting preferences.
Cover Material
The soft modal cover feels gentle against the skin and is washable, making upkeep simple and hygienic.
Material
The memory foam is soft yet supportive, making it ideal for long trips where comfort is a priority.

The Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow is designed to offer strong support and comfort during travel thanks to its premium BASF memory foam, which molds nicely to your neck to keep it aligned and reduce strain. Its unique 360º ergonomic design with Velcro closure holds the chin firmly, which can be especially helpful for preventing your head from falling forward during naps. The asymmetrical sides provide flexibility to adjust the pillow to your preferred resting position, a thoughtful touch for personal comfort.

Sized at about 10.6 by 10.2 inches and weighing just under one pound, it’s compact enough to carry easily, especially since it compresses down to 60% of its size and comes with a travel bag for storage. The cover is made from modal, a soft and sustainable fabric, and is washable, making upkeep simple and hygienic.

The pillow’s semi-circular shape and firm memory foam might feel a bit bulky or stiff for those who prefer very soft or inflatable pillows. While the Velcro closure offers customization, some users may find it fiddly or noisy, and it requires removing a protector before use, which adds a step to setup. This pillow is ideal for travelers seeking solid neck support and durability in a portable design, but might not be the best option for those who favor ultra-soft or inflatable pillows.

Rating
9.1
Support Level
Portability Features
Shape

Most important from
2729 reviews

Support Level
Offers exceptional neck support that enables comfortable sleep upright or leaning to the side, outperforming many plastic-based travel pillows.
Portability Features
Its compact design and included travel bag make it easy to carry and store, adding great convenience for frequent travelers.
Shape
The asymmetrical sides provide a cozy, customizable fit, allowing the pillow to adapt to personal resting preferences.
Cover Material
The soft modal cover feels gentle against the skin and is washable, making upkeep simple and hygienic.
Material
The memory foam is soft yet supportive, making it ideal for long trips where comfort is a priority.

Buying Guide for the Best compact travel pillows

Choosing the right compact travel pillow can make a significant difference in your comfort during travel. Whether you're on a long flight, a road trip, or just need a quick nap, a good travel pillow can provide the necessary support to prevent neck pain and help you rest better. When selecting a travel pillow, consider the following key specifications to ensure you find the best fit for your needs.
MaterialThe material of a travel pillow affects its comfort, durability, and ease of cleaning. Common materials include memory foam, microbeads, and inflatable options. Memory foam offers excellent support and comfort but can be bulkier. Microbeads are lightweight and moldable but may not provide as much support. Inflatable pillows are highly portable and adjustable but may not be as comfortable. Choose a material based on your preference for comfort and portability.
Size and WeightThe size and weight of a travel pillow are crucial for portability and ease of use. Compact travel pillows are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry. Smaller pillows are more portable but may not provide as much support, while larger ones offer better support but can be bulkier. Consider how much space you have in your luggage and how much weight you are willing to carry when selecting the size and weight of your travel pillow.
ShapeTravel pillows come in various shapes, including U-shaped, rectangular, and wrap-around designs. U-shaped pillows are popular for providing neck support and preventing your head from falling to the side. Rectangular pillows are versatile and can be used in different positions. Wrap-around designs offer 360-degree support and are ideal for those who need extra stability. Choose a shape that aligns with your preferred sleeping position and the type of support you need.
Support LevelThe support level of a travel pillow determines how well it can keep your head and neck in a comfortable position. Firm pillows provide better support but may feel less comfortable for some users. Softer pillows are more comfortable but may not offer adequate support for long periods. Consider your personal preference for firmness and the duration of your travel when choosing the support level of your pillow.
Cover MaterialThe cover material of a travel pillow affects its comfort and ease of cleaning. Common cover materials include cotton, polyester, and velvet. Cotton covers are breathable and comfortable but may not be as durable. Polyester covers are durable and easy to clean but may not be as soft. Velvet covers offer a luxurious feel but can be harder to clean. Choose a cover material based on your preference for comfort and maintenance.
Portability FeaturesPortability features such as a carrying case, straps, or clips can make it easier to transport your travel pillow. A carrying case can protect the pillow and keep it clean, while straps or clips allow you to attach the pillow to your luggage. Consider how you plan to carry your travel pillow and look for features that enhance its portability.

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