The best pillows in 2026

A better pillow can fix neck pain, improve sleep quality, and make your bed feel noticeably more comfortable. A bad pillow does the opposite — and most people are using the wrong one.

We tested dozens of pillows, from memory foam, down, latex, and cooling designs to find the ones worth buying. Over years of hands-on experience, we evaluated support, comfort, durability, temperature control, and ease of care, the same factors prioritized by sleep experts.

These are the best pillows for side, back, stomach, and combination sleepers, with options for hot sleepers, neck pain, and more.

The best pillows at a glance

Best overall: Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow - See at Coop Sleep Goods

Best budget: Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative Pillow (Set of 2) - See at Amazon

Best down: Brooklinen Down Pillow - See at Brooklinen

Best cooling: Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow - See at Coop Sleep Goods

Best for side sleepers: Eli & Elm Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow - See at Amazon

Best for back sleepers: Saatva Latex Pillow - See at Saatva

Best for stomach sleepers: Parachute Down-Alternative Pillow, Soft - See at Parachute

Best overall

This is the pillow we recommend to almost everyone. The Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow has been a long-standing favorite on the BI Reviews team because it solves a problem most pillows don't. Instead of forcing you to adapt to it, it adapts to you. If you've been cycling through pillows that never feel quite right, this is the one most likely to break that pattern. It comes in three shapes — a traditional rectangle design, a cut-out version for side sleepers, and a crescent shape for combination side and back sleepers.

The key is the adjustable fill. The Coop pillow's fill is cross-cut memory foam that you can add or remove to get the height and firmness right. It arrives overstuffed on purpose. The first time I set it up, I followed the included guide and removed about a third of the fill for back sleeping. It felt like too much at first, but once I lay down, the difference was immediate. The pillow sat at exactly the right height, with a balance of support and softness that felt more customized than anything I've tried.

The flexibility makes it work for almost any sleep position. Side sleepers can add fill to close the gap between shoulder and neck, while back and stomach sleepers can remove it for a lower profile. It takes a few tries to dial in, but once you do, it eliminates the guesswork that usually comes with buying a pillow.

The construction holds up better than most. The shredded foam fill resists clumping, so it doesn't develop the flat spots you see in cheaper pillows. The shape stays consistent over time, and the removable cover is easy to wash. It also comes with a 100-night trial and a long warranty, so you don't have to commit right away.

It's not the best choice if you want something super-soft and squishy. Even after adjusting the fill level, the Coop Original pillow has a more structured feel than a traditional down pillow. If you've struggled to find the right height or keep waking up with neck tension, this is one of the few pillows that fixes the problem. It's a higher upfront cost, but BI Reviews editors report that it often replaces multiple pillows.

Read our full Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow review.

Best budget

This is the best cheap pillow worth buying. The Beckham Hotel Collection Down Alternative pillows earn high marks from BI Reviews editors, testers, and shoppers because they get the basics right without trying to fake a premium feel. They are lower loft than most box-store pillows, which is a good thing.

The first night, it felt just right. Not flat, but already settled. I didn't have to punch it into shape, flip it, or stack it with other pillows to get comfortable. My head sank in and stayed in place, which actually made it easier for me to fall asleep.

The thin feel makes it a good pick for back and stomach sleepers. The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow keeps your head close to the mattress instead of propping it up, so your neck stays in a more neutral position. Some side sleepers will run into the limit quickly — on its own, the pillow might not have enough height to support that shoulder gap.

Best down

This is the best down pillow if you want hotel-style softness and real support. The Brooklinen Down Pillow delivers structure in a category that usually falls flat. It comes in three densities, so you can match it to your sleep style instead of settling for a one-size-fits-all pillow, and, thanks to a recent manufacturing update, it's soft but still stable.

It's plush, not flimsy. Even the softest version was more structured than I expected from a down pillow, which has a reputation for being all fluff and no support. It feels light and airy, gently cradling my head instead of collapsing under it. That added structure is what makes it easier to match your sleep style. The softest version works best for stomach sleepers or anyone who likes a low, squishy pillow. The mid-plush is the safest choice for most sleep styles and the one I'd recommend if you're unsure. The firmest option is best for side sleepers who want more lift, though it still won't feel as structured as memory foam or latex. It also sleeps cooler than you'd expect, since the breathable fill won't trap heat.

It's suitable for hot sleepers. The fluffy down construction also means this pillow is lightweight and breathable, so it's ideal for those who tend to sleep hot. We've never had issues with overheating when using this pillow.

I recommend the down alternative version, too. Brooklinen also reformulated its down alternative pillow, which is an excellent alternative for vegans and those sensitive to down. It also comes in three densities and rings it at half the price.

Check out our guide to the best down pillows and read our full Brooklinen down pillow review.

Best cooling

The Cool+ is just like our best overall, but designed with hot sleepers in mind. The Coop Sleep Goods Cool+ Adjustable Pillow blends cooling gel-infused memory foam and recycled polyester fibers in its adjustable fill, meaning you can dial in the exact support you need.

The fill can be tailored to any kind of sleeper. Our tester, a side sleeper, reported that the pillow helped her maintain ideal spinal alignment without shoulder tension or headaches. Back and stomach sleepers can find their own customized feel by removing or adding fill to keep the spine neutral.

Every side of this pillow is cool. One side features a cooling and firmer phase change gel layer, perfect for those warm nights, while the other side offers a softer, plush feel. Both sides feel incredibly refreshing. During testing in the middle of summer, our tester didn't notice any significant heat build-up and found that any warmth dissipated quickly. If you're someone who sleeps hot, experiences night sweats, or lives in a warm climate, the Cool+ can help you sleep well without overheating.

For more options, check out our guide to the best cooling pillows.

Best for side sleepers

Crescent pillows are designed to address the pain points side sleepers face. The Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillowfeatures a V-shaped cutout that creates a dedicated space for your shoulder while supporting your head, neck, and a bit of your upper back. If you're a side sleeper who constantly feels that "gap," this design fills it without needing to fold or stack anything. Despite the unique shape, it's still a versatile option if you switch positions at night or read or watch TV before bed.

Its adjustable fill is actually supportive. The feel is medium-firm with a springy, supportive quality from its latex and fiber fill. It doesn't collapse or go flat overnight, so once you settle in, it stays consistent. Plus, the fill is fully adjustable so you can tweak the loft to find the best feel for you. It's also a solid option if you tend to sleep with your arm tucked under your pillow—no "T. rex arm" circulation issues here. The shape and fill distribution help prevent that compressed, pins-and-needles feeling you can get with denser pillows.

Crescent-shaped pillows aren't for everyone. Crescent pillows are difficult to fit inside of a standard pillowcase, so it's generally worth it to bundle the pillow in with the matching pillowcase. Although it has an adjustable fill, it's not plush, so look elsewhere if you want a soft pillow.

Check out our guide to the best pillows for side sleepers.

Best for back sleepers

If you sleep on your back, you're the Goldilocks of sleepers. Back sleepers need a pillow that's not too tall yet not too short, and also not too soft but not too firm.The Saatva Pillow combines a latex core with down alternative layer, which makes it different from any pillow I've ever felt— it's got the hefty weight and support of a memory foam pillow but with the plush, cool feel of a down pillow.

It kept my head and neck supported. I love how my head sinks into this soft pillow, but it's still supportive enough to keep its shape all night long. When I wake up, the pillow looks just as plush as when I fell asleep, so you don't have to worry about frequent fluffing.

It's great for combination sleepers, too. For those who sleep in more positions than just their back, the Saatva pillow's mid-loft, mid-firm feel is versatile enough to keep you comfortable all night. And if you're an active sleeper like me, you'll appreciate the feel of this pillow from every angle — it's still soft and supportive when I fold, scoop, or hug it throughout the night.

Best for stomach sleepers

Stomach sleepers need a soft, low-loft pillow. Stomach sleepers generally require the least amount of pillow support, since your head and spine are already pretty close to alignment when lying on your stomach. The Parachute Down Alternative Pillow offered a balance of comfort and mild support, with a fluffy feel. The Parachute pillow elevates the head just enough to alleviate any neck strain, and the sateen cotton encasement keeps the pillow cool all night long, ideal for stomach sleepers who run hot.

Consider stacking these pillows if you're a combination sleeper. While the fill is thin enough that the pillow easily folds over for some support if you occasionally flip to your side or back during the night, combination sleepers should consider stacking two of these pillows. The soft density is best for stomach sleepers, but it's also sold in medium and firm densities, if you're looking for something a little firmer.

Read our guide to the best pillows for stomach sleepers.

Our top picks compared

Other pillows we recommend

• Avocado Molded Latex Pillow: We recommend this pillow for back and side sleepers who want a firmer pillow. It features a molded charcoal-infused latex core, which helps regulate temperature, and comes with a 100-night trial.
• Boll and Branch Down Chamber Pillow: Available in soft, medium, and firm densities, Boll & Branch pillows have a three-chamber design that resists shifting and keeps pillows from going flat. The down is ethically sourced from farms in the US.
• Brooklyn Bedding Latex Pillow: I loved this pillow's bouncy, moldable feel and enhanced breathability. It comes in low and high lofts for stomach and side sleepers, respectively.
• Casper Original Pillow: If you're a side sleeper who prefers a soft pillow, this option from Casper is the way to go. It has a lofty, thick gusset that combines support and fluffiness. It can't be returned after used, though.
• Coop Essence Down Alternative Pillow: This is the budget (and softer) version of our top pick, using a down alternative fill instead of shredded foam. Unlike other adjustable pillows I've used, I found the most comfort when I added half of the extra-fill bag, essentially maxing out the comfort.
• Cozy Earth Bamboo Down Alternative Pillow: This lofty pillow is best for side sleepers, though it's not ideal for most back and stomach sleepers. It has a nice buoyancy to it, but sleeps hot.
• Cozy Earth Silk Pillow: This luxurious pillow is filled with strands of mulberry silk. It's airy, light, and highly moldable. However, the cover pilled after a few weeks, which made us question its longevity for such an investment piece.
• CozyLux Pillow: Our reviewer was pleasantly surprised by the softness and loft of these budget pillows. They're a great buy for a guest room bed.
• FluffCo Down Alternative Pillow: We liked this pillow's soft fluff. It's a solid option if you're looking for simple, high-quality pillows at a moderate price point.
• FluffCo Down Feather Pillow: Like FluffCo's Down Alternative Pillow, its Down Feather Pillows are soft and fluffy. The Firm Fluff version offers a decent balance of support and cozy softness.
• Helix ComfortAdjust Cooling Pillow: Helix's ComfortAdjust cooling pillow is an excellent, adjustable pillow — but it doesn't beat out the Cool+ from Coop. If you can't get the Cool+, this option from Helix is an excellent alternative.
• Helix Glaciotex Cooling Pillow: Helix's pillow stays cool thanks to the gel grid on the top, plus the breathable, cool-to-the-touch cover. It has a firm feel that's best suited to side or back sleepers.
• My Sheets Rock The Cooler Memory Foam Pillow: This low-loft, firm pillow is best for back sleepers who sleep hot. Its cooling cover prevents overheating, though the design itself isn't breathable.
• Nest Bedding Easy Breather Pillow: Like our best overall pick by Coop, this pillow is stuffed with shredded foam or latex that makes it easily adjustable to your sleeping preference. However, it lacked many attributes that made our top pick a standout, like a pillow protector, a longer trial period, and additional foam right in the box for those who need even more loft.
• Pillow Cube Side Cube: A rectangular version of the popular cube-ish pillow, the polyurethane block is meant to keep your neck well aligned (if you sleep on your side). It's available in a few heights but lacks the adjustability of some of our other picks. Read our full Pillow Cube Side Sleeper Pro review.
• Pluto Personalized Pillow: Pluto uses a questionnaire and data from a special algorithm to help build a pillow tailored to you, with 40 possible variations. It's a unique concept, but it's expensive, and we think you can get similar results from an adjustable pillow. Read our Pluto Personalized Pillow review.
• Purple Harmony Pillow: This buoyant and responsive pillow from Purple is ridiculously cooling, comfortable, and pressure-relieving, with a well-rounded medium firmness. It's available in three lofts (5.5", 6.5", and 7.5") to suit your sleeping position and body size for the most support. It also comes with a 30-night trial.
• Quince Premium Down Pillow: Starting at $80, the Quince Premium Down Pillow is a steal. It has the same fluffy feel as other down pillows for a fraction of the price. If you're sensitive to down, we recommend Quince's Down Alternative Pillow, too.
• Saatva Memory Foam Pillow: Previously our pick for "best luxury pillow," we still think this is a great option, but feel you can get a "luxury" experience from any of our top picks. This pillow isn't adjustable, but it's supportive and firm and has a tremendous spa-like feel.
• Sijo FlexCool Memory Foam Pillow: This pillow comes overstuffed with a shredded, adjustable memory foam polyester fiber blend that feels plush like our top pick, the Coop Original Pillow. It did have a slight odor that dissipated after a few days.
• Sijo Fluffbase Eucalyptus Pillow: A great cooling pillow to snuggle with, for side and back sleepers. However, it's not adjustable and is quite flat for side sleepers. After almost a year of use, it's noticeably flattened as well.
• Turmerry Buckwheat Pillow: This pillow is made with buckwheat hulls, which feels malleable and supportive. It sleeps cool, is completely adjustable (just add or remove hulls to find your ideal loft), is sustainable and hypoallergenic, and works for all sleep styles.
• Zoma Pillow: Unlike other memory foam pillows I've tried, this one wasn't too hot or stiff and is a nice, moderate loft that works well for both side sleepers and back sleepers.

Pillows we don't recommend

• Amerisleep Dual Comfort Pillow: This memory foam pillow has a "comfort" side and a "support" side, but I found little difference between either. Both sides were quite stiff. It may be a good option for those who like a pillow that lies flat and provides a lot of support.
• Earthfoam Organic Pillow: This pillow has a bouncy feel that's supportive but not exactly cradling. Its 6.5-inch loft is best suited for side sleepers, but it'll be too lofty for back and stomach sleepers.
• LAYR Pillow: This adjustable pillow offers three layers that can be added, removed, or independently adjusted for your perfect pillow. However, it feels underfilled with layers removed.
• Ralph Lauren Lauren Logo Pillow: These budget pillows had no give and didn't have the traditional, fluffy down alternative feel. The stock is also extremely volatile, and you can't find them anywhere but Macy's.
• Royal Hotel Down Pillow: This down pillow was featured and recommended in previous iterations of this guide, but we ultimately excluded it this time around because the company's return policy is unclear.
• Saatva Down Alternative Pillow: We've had great experiences with Saatva's other pillows, so I was surprised this one was such a miss. It was far too lofty, even for side sleeping, and left my neck in an uncomfortable position.
• Tempur-Symphony Pillow: This is a two-sided pillow — one side is arched for stomach sleeping, while the other is flat for back sleeping. It doesn't feel supportive for any sleep style.

What to look for when choosing a pillow

Experts we spoke to recommended prioritizing three main criteria when shopping for a new pillow: sleep position, material, and trial period. To learn more about what to look for in the best pillows, we spoke with Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital. Below, find our recommendations for each consideration.Read our guide on how to choose a pillow for more in-depth information on finding the best fit for you.

Sleep position

Robbins told us the most significant consideration when picking a pillow is your preferred sleep position: side, back, or stomach. The goal of your pillow is to support your neck in a neutral position aligned with the rest of your spine. That alignment shifts depending on the position you're sleeping in. While we all move around during sleep, most of us spend the majority of our sleeping time in one position.

Not sure what your sleep position is? Consider what position you typically fall asleep or wake up in. Robbins also has an exercise she performs with her clients: Imagine you've been up for 24 hours and are presented with a big, luxurious hotel bed; how would you lie down on it to go to sleep? The position you envision is likely your preferred sleep position and plays a significant role in what type of pillow will work best for you.

Ideal pillow by sleep position

• Side sleepers: Around 65% of the US population are side sleepers, according to Robbins, and this position requires the most loft and support to bridge the wide gap between the side of your head and where your shoulder rests on the mattress. If you're a side sleeper, choose a lofty pillow — ideally with an adjustable fill since there can be a lot of variability in the size of that shoulder gap from person to person. Robbins said hotels and sleep clinics outfit rooms with side sleepers in mind, so if you're buying pillows for a guest bedroom, a side-sleeper-friendly pillow is usually a good bet.
• Back sleepers: Back sleepers are the Goldilocks of pillow hunters — they need a pillow with just enough support to lift the back of the head to align with their shoulders. Back sleepers tend to benefit from a medium pillow made from down or down alternative, though an adjustable pillow with at least one-third of the fill removed may work as well.
• Stomach sleepers: In the minority are stomach sleepers, who need the least support from their pillow. Typically, a thin, very soft pillow works best for stomach sleepers — just enough fill to cushion their face from the flat surface of the mattress.

Fill

The material a pillow is filled with has a big impact on the feel of your pillow. Here's an overview of the major fill types:

• Down:Down consists of feathers taken from the underbelly of a goose or duck. It's an incredibly soft and comfortable material for pillows. While most modern down is triple-washed to remove dander, some allergy sufferers may want to avoid this material, as animal fibers are more prone to dust mites (which can exacerbate allergies) than synthetic fibers. You can read about our favorite down options in our best down pillows guide.
• Down alternative: Down alternative is typically any fibrous material that mimics the feel of true down. Microfiber is a popular and common down alternative, but bamboo or viscose fibers would also fall into this category, as well as polyfiber. The majority of the pillows in this guide are made from microfiber, which is generally hypoallergenic and breathable.
• Memory foam:Another popular fill is memory foam. We prefer pillows with shredded memory foam, which offer a more traditional and malleable pillow feeling. A solid block of memory foam may be preferred if you suffer from back and neck pain and need to keep your head immobilized during sleep. Read more about the best pillows for neck pain.

Trial period

The only way to know if a pillow is right for you is to sleep on it. We recommend looking for pillows that offer at least a 30-day trial with a money-back guarantee. This will allow you several weeks to decide if the pillow is right for you.

How we test pillows

There's no universal "best pillow." The best pillow for you depends on how you sleep, your body, and what feels comfortable to you.

So instead of chasing a one-size-fits-all winner, we tested for flexibility, comfort over time, and real-life insights.

Our testing process

Here's what we focused on during testing:

Return policy and trial period

You can't judge a pillow in one night. You need time to know if it's working for you. That's why we considered pillows with at least a 30-day trial and return period on used products. If you can't send it back, it didn't make the cut.

Adjustability

This comes up again and again in our pillow testing. Pillows with removable fill or adjustable inserts consistently perform better, especially for combination sleepers. Being able to tweak the loft even slightly makes a big difference. If a pillow wasn't adjustable, we looked for multiple firmness or loft options instead.

Ease of use

We pay close attention to how each pillow fits into daily life. Do you have to wrestle it into a pillowcase? Does it come with a washable cover, or are you stuck spot-cleaning? A few pillows surprised me here. Some felt great to sleep on but were oddly high-maintenance. That's a dealbreaker for a lot of people, even if the comfort is there.

Comfort (the part that actually matters)

I slept on each pillow for at least five nights. Some longer. A few longer than I wanted to. We also brought in testers with different sleep styles, including a dedicated side sleeper and a stomach sleeper, to see how each pillow performed across positions.

One thing I realized quickly: A pillow that feels great at first can leave your neck sore by morning. That's why we don't judge anything based on first impressions.

Meet the experts behind this guide

Lauren Savoie, former deputy executive editor: I've slept on dozens of pillows while testing for this guide, and my top picks feature only the best of the best. I'm an active sleeper who spends time snoozing in just about every sleeping position.

Kinsley Searles, associate home editor: I'm responsible for the bedding coverage at Business Insider Reviews, including pillows. I'm constantly tracking new releases to ensure we're testing and including the newest, best products in this guide. In addition to working with writers on pillow testing, I test pillows myself to find the best options for every kind of sleeper. I'm passionate about great bedding, and I only include pillows that I'd recommend to my own family and friends.

The best pillow FAQs

How long do pillows last?

According to the National Sleep Foundation, your pillow should be replaced every few years. The exact time frame depends on your pillow's material, but if your pillow is lumpy, compressed, or stained, it's definitely time for an upgrade.

What type of pillow is best?

There's no one-size-fits-all "best pillow." Instead, the best pillow for you depends on your sleeping position, comfort preferences, and sleep needs. Side sleepers need a pillow that's tall and firm, while stomach sleepers need a short, soft pillow. The best pillow for back sleepers has a medium-loft and a medium-firm feel.

What are the best pillows for people with allergies?

Robbins said that the best pillow for people with allergies uses a synthetic filling like polyester. She says that those with allergies should avoid animal products like wool or down.

What pillow filling is best?

It depends on how you sleep. Stomach sleepers should look for down or down alternative, while side sleepers usually need a firmer material like memory foam or latex. Back sleepers should choose a pillow with just about any fill.

What are the best pillows for hot sleepers?

The best pillows for hot sleepers are filled with a breathable material like latex, down alternative, and shredded memory foam. Also look for features like a cooling cover or enhanced breathability. For more recommendations, check out our guide to the best cooling pillows.

Why do pillows turn yellow?

A yellow pillow is in need of replacement, since it's a sign of built-up sweat, oil, or skincare products.

How often should I wash my pillow?

You should wash your pillow every three to six months. Robbins recommends using a pillow protector to prolong its lifespan and lessen the amount you need to wash it. A pillow protector will keep your pillow safe from allergens, body oils, and dust mites. For more details, read our article on how to wash pillows.

What is pillow loft?

"Loft" refers to the height of your pillow. Low-loft pillows are short, whereas high-loft pillows are tall. Different sleeping positions have different needs in their pillow height, since loft is important to keep your head and neck comfortable and maintain optimal spinal alignment.

What pillows do hotels use?

Hotels usually use soft pillows stuffed with down or down alternative. For a hotel-like feel, check out our guide to the best down pillows.

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