Find the best Finding the right pillow for you can be a painful ordeal. Buy a pillow that’s too hard, too soft, or just doesn’t fit your head, and you could wake up the next morning in excruciating pain. But fear not, WIRED is here to help. We’ve tested these recommended pillows, and then some. We’ve used each one for at least a few weeks to figure out how comfortable it is, how well it holds up to repeated use, and what sleep style works best for you. These are our picks, but there are countless pillows out there, and we’ll update this guide as we test more. All prices below are for queen-size versions unless otherwise specified.
If you want to sleep even better, check out our other guides, including the Best Mattresses , Best Mattresses for Side Sleepers , Best Organic Mattresses , Best Sheets , and Best Bed Frames .
Update August 2024: We’ve added the Saatva Down Alternative Pillow, Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow, and Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow.
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What kind of pillow do you need?
You might think that a pillow is just a pillow. It just needs to be soft and fit nicely under your head, right? Your head, neck, and back don’t. Your pillow can make or break your sleep, so when choosing a pillow, ask yourself some important questions:
What type of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Do you sleep relatively still or do you toss and turn a lot? Do you sleep with one pillow under your head or do you sleep wrapped up in a pillow chrysalis? This is probably the most important thing to consider when deciding what type of pillow is best for you. Below, we’ll share some recommendations based on your sleep style.
What is this pillow made of? Pillows can be filled with all kinds of materials, from feathers to foam. Down and synthetic down are fluffy globs of fibers that are soft and comfortable, while memory foam is designed to bounce back when compressed by the weight of your head. Organic latex pillows are heavy and spongy to hold a side sleeper’s head in place, and there are also hybrid pillows that use multiple layers of different materials for a more structured feel.
How are materials sourced? Some materials, like feathers, come from animals, so it’s good to know how manufacturers are getting their feathers (literally). Feathers are typically harvested from the belly feathers of ducks or geese. To ensure feathers are ethically sourced, including avoiding cruel practices like live plucking, programs like the Responsible Down Standard set standards that manufacturers must adhere to. Another option is to look for synthetic down alternatives that use cotton, rayon, or polyester as alternatives to synthetic down. The broader Material Matters Standard is a recently overhauled system for examining bedding manufacturers’ environmental impact and sustainability.
