Best eSIMs for international travel: Compare plans, coverage & fees
Compare the best eSIMs for international travel. Our guide covers top providers, plans, pricing, and key factors to help you stay connected abroad.
Travelling can be exhausting, especially when it’s a long flight or you’re finding it hard to get comfortable in your seat. That’s where a good travel neck pillow can make all the difference. But with so many options out there, which one truly works? That's why our team, full of avid, long-haul travelers who have tested dozens of models, has evaluated the top rated neck pillows available against key criteria.
In this guide, we’ll share our firsthand experience reviewing the most popular neck pillows for travelling, breaking down their features, and sharing the honest pros and cons so you can find the one that actually works for you to bring along on your journey. You can also learn more about the Wise card, an easy way to stretch your dollars when paying in foreign currencies.
Table of contents |
---|
There are many different travel pillows on the market, some much better than others. We’ve narrowed it down to six choices that are popular in 2025. Before delving into each travel pillow in more detail, here’s a quick look at what each one is best for:
- Best pillow for neck pain: Cabeau Evolution Cool Neck Pillow
- Best side sleeper pillow for neck pain: Trtl Travel Pillow
- Best compact neck pillow: Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow
- Best neck pillow for chin support: Bcozzy Travel Neck Pillow
- Best memory foam travel pillow: Ostrichpillow Go Neck
- Best value overall: SNUGL Travel Pillow
Not all travel pillows are created equal, so to find the ones worth packing, we focused on the features that actually matter when you're trying to rest on the move. There were five key criteria we focused on:
Now let’s explore each pillow in more detail, including our personal take based on real world testing.
Made of hypoallergenic fleece and foam, the original Trtl Travel Pillow is a lightweight choice that comes with a free carry bag.¹ It offers complete head and neck support, thanks to a hidden plastic frame inside the pillow.
Trtl is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Trustpilot, with over 2200 reviews.² Most report that the company’s pillows are effective, being particularly comfortable for long journeys. There’s positive feedback on the quality, although some find the unusual design doesn’t quite work for them.
- Comfort: 3
- Support: 3
- Portability: 4.5
- Ease of cleaning: 4
- Value: 3
When we first unboxed the Trtl, its scarf-like design definitely stood out from the typical U-shaped pillows. While trying it out, we found the soft fleece material felt great against the skin, but it's worth a heads-up: it can get a little warm, which might not be ideal if you're a hot sleeper. It took us a couple of tries to find the most comfortable position, and the support is decent. It does a good job of keeping your head from bobbing to one side, but it’s not the most versatile for someone who tends to shift positions a lot during a long flight. For portability, it's impressively lightweight, which is a huge plus for your carry-on. We loved that the cover is removable and washable. You can consider the Trtl if you’re a side sleeper but for a pillow with such specific functionality, we find the price to be quite high.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
Featuring raised side supports and a slim, flattened back, the Evolution Cool Neck Pillow is fastened at the front with an adjustable clasp.³ It has a memory foam core with a moisture wicking cover that can be removed and washed.
On Amazon, the Cabeau Evolution Cool is rated 4.1 out of 5 with over 1700 reviews.⁵ Many find it to be good quality and comfortable on long flights, but some raise concerns about the fastener slipping.
- Comfort: 3.5
- Support: 4.5
- Portability: 3.5
- Ease of cleaning: 4
- Value: 3.5
The Cabeau Evolution Cool offers a fantastic balance of firmness and support. We appreciated how the raised supports on the side kept our head and neck from bobbing. You can also adjust the tightness to find your most secure and comfortable fit. While the mesh material is very breathable, some found it a bit rough. The pillow packs down into a compact size, but we did find it slightly challenging to squeeze it back into its pouch. The removable and washable cover is a definite plus. We think it's a good investment for travelers who are looking for firm, adjustable support and easy portability.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
The Ostrichpillow Go Neck asymmetrical travel pillow is made of BASF memory foam, with a removable fabric sleeve.⁶ It wraps around the neck and overlaps at the front, then is secured with Velcro, allowing for an adjustable fit.
Over 2600 Amazon customers have rated the Ostrichpillow Go Neck, averaging 4 out of 5.⁷ Many find it comfortable to wear, liking the head support and asymmetrical shape. Feedback on the sizing was more mixed, with comments that it was too big. Some also found it hot to wear for long trips.
- Comfort: 4
- Support: 5
- Portability: 4
- Ease of cleaning: 4
- Value: 4
The Ostrich travel pillow was our top pick for comfort, with a medium firmness that we found ideal. Its design effectively prevents head bobbing and keeps your neck aligned, and we appreciated how easy it was to adjust the snugness. As for portability, it's decently compact but not as lightweight as some of the others we tested. And as always, the removable and washable cover is a great bonus. For those who enjoy memory foam and don't mind the higher price tag, we think it's a worthwhile investment.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
Designed to be worn in three different positions, the Bcozzy Travel Neck Pillow is meant to support the head and neck, reducing tension.⁸ The inside is a hollow fiber filling called Bounceback, while the cover is a combination of Microfleece and Microsuede.
There are over 31,000 reviews on Amazon, with the Bcozzy Travel Neck Pillow being rated 4.2 out of 5.⁹ Most find it comfortable and like the plush fabric, as well as the forward support it gives, to stop bobbing. Some do find the adult sizing too large.
- Comfort: 4
- Support: 3.5
- Portability: 4
- Ease of cleaning: 3
- Value: 3
The Bcozzy pillow definitely stood out for its softness and plush feel. We tested the large size and found that it was quite loose, which meant it lacked the firm support needed to prevent our head from bobbing from side to side. However, the "double pillow" effect worked well for preventing our head from falling forward, which is a big plus for those who prefer to sleep in that position. For portability, it's a decent size and weight but nothing to shout about. The fact that the entire pillow can be machine-washed is a convenient feature, though some may find that a drawback. The price is reasonable, but we felt that the pillow's effectiveness really depends on finding the right fit. If you're able to get the correct size, especially for chin support, it could be a great investment.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
Made of memory foam with a breathable outer cover, the SNUGL travel pillow can be worn in four different positions; conventional, over the shoulder, front position and reversed.¹⁰ It clips at the front and is sized based on height.
The SNUGL Travel Pillow is rated 4.4 out of 5 on Amazon, with over 3000 reviews. Most people lighted it, highlighting the neck support, quality and ease of storing it. That said, some found the back to be too bulky on seats that already had head padding.
- Comfort: 4
- Support: 4.5
- Portability: 3.5
- Ease of cleaning: 4
- Value: 4.5
We were impressed by the Snugl’s soft, comfortable feel. The memory foam provided great support for multiple sleeping positions, whether we were leaning forward or to the side. The adjustable snugness was a feature that allowed us to find the perfect fit. The pillow itself is not very lightweight, its chunky size made it challenging to pack back into the pouch, which makes it less portable than other options we tested. A big plus for us once again is the machine-washable outer cover. Given its affordable price and great support, we believe the Snugl is definitely a wise choice for travelers looking for a versatile and comfortable pillow.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
The lightest pillow on this list, the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow is inflatable.¹² It has an air bladder with a polyester knit cover that can be inflated with just a few breaths.
The Aeros Premium Traveller Pillow is rated 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon, with just over 300 reviews. Many people felt it was surprisingly comfortable, a good compact option for medium and long flights. Some felt the valve leaked, while others experiencing change put it down to changes in cabin pressure.
- Comfort: 3.5
- Support: 4
- Portability: 5
- Ease of cleaning: 3.5
- Value: 3.5
Our view on the Sea to Summit pillow is all about one thing: portability. It’s extremely compact and lightweight, easily fitting in any pocket of our carry-on. The inflation process was super quick, we had it ready in just a few breaths, although some might find the set-up tedious. While the material is comfortable and breathable, we felt the support was a real gamble. Since the pillow is so lightweight and uses buttons for adjustment, it was either a perfect fit or offered little support, shifting easily. On the plus side, the lack of a fabric cover makes it incredibly easy to wipe down and keep clean (though remember to air it out to avoid internal moisture). Ultimately, for a traveller who prioritises space and is willing to take a chance on the fit, this is a great choice.
Pros | Cons |
---|---|
|
|
The best travel pillow for you will depend on whether you prioritise support, comfort, portability, price, or a combination.
If neck pain is a concern then Cabeau is the way to go, while side sleepers may prefer the Trtl and forward sleepers the Bcozzy. For those packing light, go for the Sea to Summit, but if you like the feel of memory foam check out the Ostrichpillow. If overall value is what you’re looking for, there’s the SNUGL.
At the end of the day, your comfort while travelling is like a lot of things; the key is preparation. From packing the right pillow to using the right travel card, taking the time to look into your options before you leave can make your journey that much easier.
Nothing beats a well-planned trip. Ensure all your essentials are sorted, from packing the right travel pillow to knowing how to manage your overseas spending smartly. The Wise card is a simple way to save when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.
Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.
Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.
Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
Compare the best eSIMs for international travel. Our guide covers top providers, plans, pricing, and key factors to help you stay connected abroad.
Planning a trip to Iceland? Discover if tap water is safe to drink for travellers. This is your guide on Iceland's water quality.
Planning your next trip? Our Cover-More travel insurance review covers all you need to know about coverage, pricing, claims process and more
Planning your next trip? Our ahm travel insurance review covers all you need to know about coverage, pricing, claims process and more
Planning your next trip? Our Fast Cover travel insurance review covers all you need to know about coverage, pricing, claims process and more
Discover how to snag amazing last-minute travel deals from Australia. Explore flights, hotels, car hire & packages with Last Minute.