It’s not your imagination — airline seats have been shrinking for years, making air travel a literal pain in the neck. Federal regulators may finally do something about that; but it’ll still be worth investing in a comfortable travel pillow. Rather than suggesting just a few of the best travel neck pillows, we decided to cast a wider net, including a pillow for every type of traveler. Whether you need a top-tier travel pillow for a long flight, are a side sleeper, or want headphone-friendly comfort, we’ve done the research for you. Here are the 10 best travel pillows of 2022. 

Best for Frugal Shoppers: Emgthe Travel Pillow

Best for Portability: TREKOLOGY Inflatable Neck Pillow

Best for Versatility: Twist Memory Foam Travel Pillow

Best for Listening to Music: Bcozzy Pillow

Best for Embarrassing Yourself: Ostrich Pillow

Best for Last-Minute Purchases: Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

Best for Kids: Bcozzy Kids Travel Neck Pillow

Best for Toddlers: Maliton Inflatable Toddler Airplane Bed

Best for Long Flights in the Middle Seat: Travelrest Ultimate Travel Neck Pillow

Do you have pillow advice to share — or more general travel comfort advice? Tell us in the comments.

Prices and availability are subject to change.

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Among consumers, review magazines, and Redditors, one travel pillow kept coming up in our research: the trtl neck pillow. This unconventional scarflike pillow wraps around and supports the neck with a hidden internal support. It looks odd, but it’s portable and many travelers swear by its supportive design. Note that it could get hot for some, as the soft polyester acts like a scarf.

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On a tight budget? This affordable neck pillow gets excellent reviews, and it comes with a carrying case, eye mask, and ear plugs. Some critical reviewers say the memory foam isn’t supportive enough.

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If you like to travel light, consider this inflatable neck pillow, one of the most lightweight, packable neck pillows on the market. When packed in its case, it’s smaller than a soda can and about as heavy as a tennis ball; in other words, it’s tiny (not to mention cheap). The downside is that it isn’t that comfortable, according to some of the more critical reviews.

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This cylindrical foam roll pillow earns points for its adjustability. You can wear it like a typical neck pillow, but you also have the option to bend it into different shapes — to sleep against a window, for instance.

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Like Dot & Dot’s model, Bcozzy’s pillow can accommodate different positions, from side sleepers who want to lean against a window to back sleepers. What’s more, Wirecutter notes that Bcozzy’s shape allows for jet-setters to wear large headphones while sleeping. If you’ve got a long-haul flight and plan to listen to tunes while falling asleep, this might be the best option. Plus, it’s machine washable.

We can’t really imagine who this is for. It’s cumbersome, expensive, and it makes you look like an alien from “Star Trek.” Then again, some love its “immersive design,” which not only provides support and cushioning but shields travelers from light and noise. Just be aware that the diving-helmet design might make you claustrophobic and hot.

This fun and colorful version of Bcozzy’s travel pillow comes in smaller sizes and more than 10 colors. Like the adult pillow, it’s machine washable and supportive in multiple positions. If you want something more whimsical and fun, Bcozzy also sells kids’ pillows that come with cute animal carrying cases.

This inflatable rectangular cushion isn’t a neck pillow, but it’s one of the only options toddlers have to sleep comfortably on a plane. When inflated, it sits between airplane seats, acting as an extension your toddler can use to lie down. Thanks to its multiple chambers, you can adjust the height to use as a footrest. Keep in mind that not all airlines will let you use an inflatable toddler bed.

This banana-shaped travel pillow looks bizarre, but its unique design makes it a good choice for travelers who prefer to sleep on their side. Unlike circular pillows, you can place the Travelrest on your shoulder and lean against it, which is why it’s suitable for flyers stuck in the middle seat.

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