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Our sleep habits can have a major impact on our health and wellbeing. Central to getting a great night’s sleep is having a solid setup, including a really comfortable, supportive pillow.
“A good pillow is absolutely a top priority,” said Rebecca Robbins, sleep researcher, author, and instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and associate scientist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “No matter your budget, I really encourage people to splurge and invest in these products because they will help. The bed is the foundation of our sleep, and if these elements aren’t supportive and not cozy to your personal preference, you put yourself at risk for sleep difficulties.”
With that in mind, we tested 22 different pillows and considered many others. While I (a back sleeper) slept on every pillow recommended in this guide for at least three nights, individual preferences and anatomy vary greatly (see how to find the perfect pillow). I enlisted a stomach sleeper and two side sleepers to try each pillow for at least a night and considered feedback from other editors who have tried or reviewed pillows over the last few years.
You can read all about other pillows we tested and our methodology here. Find out more about how Insider Reviews tests and reviews home products.
Here are the best pillows in 2021
Best pillow overall: Coop Home Goods The Original Pillow, $63.99 from Amazon
The Coop Home Goods Original Pillow offers thoughtful features like adjustable fill, a washable pillow cover, and an unparalleled 100-night trial that make it the best choice for most people.
Best budget pillow: Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow (Set of 2), $44.99 from Beckham Hotel Collection
At just under $20 per pillow, the Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillows are an inexpensive option that still offers a comfortable, supportive night’s sleep.
Best pillow for side sleepers: Casper Original Pillow, $41.59 from Amazon (with 20% off coupon on product page)
The Casper Original Pillow offers the loft and support that side sleepers need but with the soft and fluffy feel of a down alternative.
Best pillow for back sleepers: The Saatva Latex Pillow, $ 155 from Saatva
Luxuriously plush, the Saatva Latex Pillow offers an ultra-comfortable, hotel-like experience and is particularly well-suited to back sleepers.
Best pillow for stomach sleepers: Parachute Down Alternative Pillow, Soft, $59 from Parachute
Soft but not too thin, the Parachute Down Alternative Pillow has the perfect loft for stomach sleepers who want just a bit of cushion.
Best pillow for neck pain: Leesa Hybrid Pillow, $119 from Leesa
The Leesa Hybrid Pillow’s cooling gel side provides ice-like relief from neck pain, while the quilted side offers a more traditional pillow experience for nights when you don’t need as much support.
Best buckwheat pillow: Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow, $69 from Turmerry
While sleeping on buckwheat hulls can take some getting used to, the Turmerry Sobakawa Buckwheat Pillow offers an adjustable, hypoallergenic, and sustainable option that works for all sleeping styles.
Best down pillow: Brooklinen Down Pillow, $58.65 from Brooklinen
The mid-plush Brooklinen Down Pillow conforms well to different sleeping positions, making it the ideal pillow for people who shift throughout the night. It feels as good as pillows double its price.
