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The best affordable pillows combine high-quality materials and budget-friendly prices — and there are more options on the market today than you might think. Determining which is the right pillow for you involves considering aspects like adjustability, temperature regulation, durability, and support.

Although affordable pillows may have a lower price tag than luxury options, they can still be made with durable, high-quality materials that offer comfort and support without breaking the bank. A wide range of pillows are available at affordable prices, including down, down alternative, and memory foam options that come in different firmness levels and lofts.

When choosing a pillow, it’s important to take into account your sleeping position, body weight, and personal preferences. Different pillows have different strengths. For example, some pillows are designed to sleep cool, making them particularly useful for hot sleepers. Other pillows focus on adjustability, which makes them more versatile. These pillows might appeal to combination sleepers who change positions throughout the night and may need different kinds of support.

Based on our in-house testing, we’ll discuss our picks for the best affordable pillows, including their performance, what they’re made of, and how they feel. 

Product Details

Brooklinen Down Pillow

Best Overall

Brooklinen Down Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$109 – $149

Fill:

Canadian white down clusters or down/feather blend

Firmness:

Plush, Mid-Plush, Firm
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Shoppers who prioritize ethically sourced materials
    2. Sleepers who prefer the plushness of down fill
    3. Those who want a combination of contouring and support
  • Highlights:

    1. Available in multiple firmness options
    2. Comes with a soft cotton sateen cover
    3. Multiple firmness options suit a wide variety of sleepers

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklinen pillows

Bottom Line

The Brooklinen Down Pillow is an affordable option that comes in three firmness levels, making it a good fit for most sleep positions and body types. Each version has a different mixture of feathers and clusters to keep the head elevated and the spine properly aligned.

Why It’s Best Overall

Due to its range of firmness levels, the Brooklinen Down Pillow provides optimal loft and support to a wide range of sleepers. Our tests showed that it molds easily while still retaining its overall shape, and the high-quality fill resists significant heat buildup.

How It Performed

The Brooklinen Down Pillow helped our testers maintain healthy spinal alignment across all sleeping positions. Our side sleepers preferred the Firm option, which has a dual core and higher feather ratio that kept them feeling properly supported. Our back sleepers found the Mid-Plush version provided a balance of support and comfort, while our testers who sleep on their stomach appreciated how the Plush pillow easily compressed. 

What It’s Made Of

The Brooklinen Down Pillow’s materials vary based on the firmness level. The Plush option consists of 100% Canadian white down clusters for a soft feel, while the Mid-Plush pillow contains an outer layer of down and an inner core of down and feathers for a supportive yet comfy feel. The Firm choice has a similar inner and outer core structure to the Mid-Plush option but contains more feathers and fewer clusters for greater support. Each version features a cotton sateen shell.

Despite the use of luxury fill, the Brooklinen Down Pillow is cost-effective for a wide range of budgets. The pillow is available in packs of one, two, or four, with additional savings the more you buy.

Most Comfortable

Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$135 – $150

Fill:

Plant-based down alternative fibers

Firmness:

Medium
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. People who prefer vegan products
    2. Those who typically sleep hot or live in warmer climates
    3. Sleepers with allergies
  • Highlights:

    1. Multilayer design balances comfort and support
    2. Cooling cotton cover allows for good air circulation
    3. OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Sweet Zzz pillows

Bottom Line

The SweetZzz Plant-Based Pillow is a comfortable, vegan-friendly option with a down-like feel. Designed using a plant-based down alternative, this pillow has a two-chamber design that provides support and comfort at a reasonable price-point.

The SweetZzz Plant-Based Pillow combines a fluffy, medium feel with close contouring for a pillow that is comfortable for most sleeping positions. The pillow’s plant-based, natural fill is vegan-friendly and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means it is free of many common harmful substances. 

How It Performed

We found that the dual-layer system provided good support for most of our side sleepers, and our back sleepers appreciated the blend of a soft exterior and firmer interior. Stomach sleepers weighing less than 130 pounds also felt this pillow was comfortable, but those over 130 pounds found that the loft kept their head at an awkward angle.

The pillow’s two-chamber design and natural cotton cover also promote airflow, leaving the pillow cool to the touch. 

What It’s Made Of

The SweetZzz Plant-Based Pillow uses a plant-based down alternative fill inside a dual-layer structure. The outer layer is softer to provide more pressure relief. The inner layer is firmer and provides more support and contouring. A 100% cotton cover encases the pillow. 

For a pillow made with vegan materials and a high-quality construction, the Sweet Zzz Plant-Based Pillow has a competitive price-point. It also comes with free shipping in the contiguous U.S. and a one-year limited warranty.

A picture of the Silk & Snow Pillow in Sleep Foundation's test lab.

Softest

Silk & Snow Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$75 – $85

Fill:

Shredded memory foam core with down alternative microfiber outer chamber

Firmness:

Medium
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Side and back sleepers
    2. Those who enjoy the cradling feel of memory foam
    3. Sleepers who value a longer sleep trial and warranty period
  • Highlights:

    1. Adjustable shredded memory foam enables sleepers to personalize the loft
    2. OEKO-TEX and CertiPUR-US certified
    3. Down alternative microfiber fill is both soft and supportive

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Silk & Snow pillows

Bottom Line

If you’re in the market for a soft, affordable pillow that you can customize to meet your needs, the Silk & Snow Pillow could be a good fit. Its shredded memory core enables you to easily remove or add fill to achieve your ideal pillow firmness and loft.

Harnessing the pressure-relieving qualities of memory foam and the softness of down alternative microfibers, the Silk & Snow Pillow cradles the head while maintaining a plush feel. The pillow’s adjustable fill makes it a good option for anyone who wants to try different lofts or changes sleeping positions during the night.

How It Performed

We found that the Silk & Snow Pillow performed well for a variety of sleeping positions. Stomach and back sleepers can remove some fill to achieve good spinal alignment, while side sleepers can add fill to heighten the loft. 

Our tests showed that the shredded memory foam and cotton cover help promote temperature neutrality, keeping the pillow cool enough for hot sleepers or those who live in warmer climates. The cover can also be removed and machine-washed. 

What It’s Made Of

The Silk & Snow Pillow has a CertiPUR-US certified shredded memory foam core and a down alternative microfiber outer chamber. The pillow’s machine-washable outer shell is made from soft cotton. The entire pillow is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it’s free of many common harmful chemicals. 

This pillow comes with a 100-night sleep trial, during which it can be returned for a full refund. Silk & Snow also provides a three-year limited warranty.

Best Temperature Regulating

Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$129 – $149

Fill:

Open-cell memory foam

Firmness:

Medium
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Those who sleep hot or live in warmer regions
    2. Sleepers who like the feel of memory foam
    3. People looking for a pillow that conforms to the body without losing its shape
  • Highlights:

    1. Available in low and high profiles
    2. Incorporates cooling technology to promote temperature regulation
    3. Memory foam provides pressure relief and support to the upper body

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Brooklyn Bedding pillows

Bottom Line

With its open-cell memory foam and cooling knit cover, the Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is designed to regulate temperature and prevent sleepers from overheating. Despite all the technology included in its design, this pillow doesn’t require a significant investment.

The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is designed to gently relieve pressure and support the upper body while also preventing heat buildup. Available in two lofts, this pillow is likely to suit most body types and sleep positions.

How It Performed

We found that the pillow’s open-cell memory foam cradled the head, neck, and shoulders while also dispersing heat. The gel-infused surface and knit cover add to the pillow’s cooling qualities, making this pillow a good option for those prone to overheating at night. 

The thicker option with a 5-inch loft worked well for our side sleepers, regardless of body type. Our back sleepers liked both models, while our stomach sleepers generally preferred the thinner 4-inch pillow.

What It’s Made Of

The Brooklyn Bedding Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is made with open-cell memory foam that has a gel-infused surface designed to keep the head and neck cool. It also contains a copper-graphite composite that’s intended to promote breathability. The removable knit cover enhances airflow, leaving the pillow feeling cool to the touch. 

The Luxury Cooling Memory Foam Pillow is priced competitively considering the cooling technology and high-quality materials it uses. It also comes with a 30-day trial period, during which the pillow can be returned for a full refund.

A picture of the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow in Sleep Foundation's test lab.

Best for Side Sleepers

Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$131

Fill:

75% Latex and 25% Polyester Fiber

Firmness:

Medium, Adjustable
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Side sleepers of all body types
    2. Those looking for an easily moldable pillow
    3. Shoppers who prioritize durability
  • Highlights:

    1. Unique shape conforms to the head and neck
    2. Removable fill allows sleepers to adjust the pillow’s loft and firmness
    3. Sleeps cooler than many other pillows made with similar materials

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

SleepFoundation readers get 20% off. Discount automatically applied to cart.

Bottom Line

Designed with side sleepers in mind, the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow provides close contouring, an adjustable loft, and good support for the head and neck. Its price is reasonable, especially given its specialized shape and features.

Specifically crafted for side sleepers, the unique design of the Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper provides a mixture of support and cushioning that helps encourage healthy spinal alignment and prevent pressure points from forming. 

How It Performed

Our testers found that the blend of cover materials left the pillow feeling soft and plush, while the interior components provided solid support. The ability to add or remove fill enabled testers to adjust the pillow to meet their needs, with side sleepers increasing the firmness and loft, while back and stomach sleepers reduced them. 

The pillow’s U-shaped design provides just enough space for the shoulders and arms. Our side sleepers reported that this helped them feel supported through the neck and shoulders.

While this pillow is specifically designed for side sleepers, it’s worth noting that most of our back and stomach sleepers also felt it was comfortable and supportive, thanks to the adjustable fill.

What It’s Made Of

The Eli & Elm Cotton Side-Sleeper Pillow contains a fill made with 75% latex and 25% polyester fiber, while its outer shell is made of a blend of polyester, cotton, and spandex. This gives the pillow a medium feel. However, the fill is removable, so the firmness level and loft are adjustable. The entire pillow is OEKO-TEX certified, meaning it is free of many harmful substances.

Purchases include a 45-day sleep trial. Sleepers can add on a pillowcase or additional fill for an extra fee. 

A picture of the Layla Kapok Pillow in Sleep Foundation's test lab.

Best for Neck Pain

Layla Kapok Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$109 – $129

Fill:

Shredded memory foam and kapok tree fiber blend

Firmness:

Medium Soft
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Side and back sleepers
    2. Stomach sleepers under 230 pounds
    3. Shoppers looking for a durable pillow that sleeps cool
  • Highlights:

    1. Shredded memory foam and kapok relieve upper body pressure
    2. Adjustable fill allows for customizable comfort and neck support
    3. Includes a 120-night trial

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Layla pillows

Bottom Line

The Layla Kapok Pillow cradles the head, neck, and shoulders while alleviating pressure. Its adjustable fill allows sleepers to create the loft that works best for them, making this pillow a good choice for a wide variety of sleepers.

Crafted using a combination of shredded memory foam and natural kapok fibers, the Layla Kapok Pillow balances comfort, pressure relief, and support for those experiencing head, neck, and shoulder discomfort. The pillow’s copper-infused cover is designed to dissipate heat and keep sleepers cool throughout the night.

How It Performed

The pillow’s zippered cover allowed our testing team to easily remove or add fill to personalize the loft and firmness to meet their needs. Most of our testers were able to find a comfortable loft this way, though our stomach sleepers over 230 pounds felt they didn’t get as much support as they needed.

Our testers reported that the shredded memory foam did a good job of conforming to the head, neck, and shoulders, while the natural kapok fibers provided a down-like softness. This combination will likely appeal to sleepers with neck pain. 

What It’s Made Of

The Layla Kapok Pillow contains a blend of shredded memory foam for structure and natural kapok fibers for pressure relief. The mixture results in a medium soft feel that balances comfort and support. The cover is made of polyester, viscose, and a poly-lycra blend. The zippered, copper-infused cover is designed to promote air circulation, and sleepers can remove or add fill to customize the pillow’s loft and firmness.

The Kapok Pillow comes with free shipping to the contiguous U.S., a 120-night return policy, and a five-year limited warranty. Shipments to Canada, Alaska, and Hawaii incur additional shipping fees.

Product page photo of the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

Best for Spinal Alignment

Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

Brand Logo

Price:

$69 – $89

Fill:

Shredded memory foam

Firmness:

Medium Soft
  • Who it’s best for:

    1. Side and back sleepers over 130 pounds
    2. Shoppers looking for an easily moldable pillow
    3. Those who want a pillow that conforms closely to the upper body
  • Highlights:

    1. Cover is removable and machine-washable
    2. Adjustable fill allows sleepers to customize the loft for good spinal alignment
    3. Breathable fill and cooling cover promote air circulation and help sleepers stay cool

Sleep Foundation Special Offer

Use this SleepFoundation.org link for the most current discount on Tempur-Pedic pillows

Bottom Line

Thanks to its adjustable fill, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow allows for a high level of customization so sleepers can choose the right loft for good spinal alignment. This affordable, easily moldable pillow is also designed to sleep cool.

Equipped with a cooling cover and adjustable fill, the Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow can help prevent overheating while also promoting healthy spinal alignment for a wide variety of sleeping positions and body types. 

How It Performed

When it comes to spinal alignment, different types of sleepers need different kinds of support. For example, side sleepers usually need a thicker pillow that provides extra cushioning for the head and shoulders, while stomach sleepers usually need a pillow with a lower loft in order to avoid neck strain. Adjustable pillows allow the sleeper to make their own choices about things like loft and firmness, which is why the TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow worked for so many of our testers.

We also found that the pillow’s materials and construction aided in its durability and ability to retain its shape. The fill and lining let our testers mold the pillow, folding it to achieve a higher loft or scrunching it up to attain a different shape. 

What It’s Made Of

The medium soft TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow contains a blend of three proprietary shredded memory foams. Sleepers can add or remove fill through a zippered opening. A liner surrounds the fill, enabling sleepers to mold the pillow to meet their needs. The pillow’s removable, washable cover is made of 100% polyester and is treated with Surface Guard Technology, which is designed to prevent bacterial growth. 

This budget-friendly pillow comes with free shipping to the contiguous U.S. and a five-year limited warranty. Shoppers can also bundle multiple pillows for additional savings.

Why You Should Trust Us

Our team has personally tested hundreds of pillows using our rigorous testing methodology. Our team consists of industry experts who have years of experience assessing and reviewing a wide variety of sleep products. Our testing team comprises a diverse group with a range of body types and preferred sleeping positions so we can make sure that our recommendations will be helpful for a variety of readers.

Our testers lie on each pillow and provide feedback on how the pillow performs in areas like support, conforming, and moldability. We also use technology to test other areas, such as temperature regulation and odor potential.

Types of Pillows

Like mattresses and bed sheets, pillows play a major role in sleep comfort. The main differentiator among pillows is the fill, which is the inner stuffing material. Fill is a significant determinant of how a pillow will feel, as well as how much it costs.

Polyfoam

Shorthand for polyurethane foam, polyfoam is a synthetic fill found in many affordable pillows. This spongy material compresses under pressure but then reverts back to its original shape when weight is removed. It quickly contours to the head and neck without feeling bouncy. However, some sleepers find that foam-based pillows retain more heat than other pillow types. 

Memory Foam

Originally developed by NASA as a shock-absorbing material, memory foam is a subtype of polyfoam that has been chemically altered to make it more elastic. Because of this property, memory foam does a good job of relieving pressure and absorbing body movements, though it has a tendency to sleep warm. 

Down

The soft insulating feathers in the underlayers of waterfowl such as ducks and geese are known as down. These feathers are used to make plush pillows with an all-natural fill. Long associated with higher-end pillows, down is appreciated for its soft and lofty texture. Many down pillows are mixed with less expensive quilled feathers, so check labels carefully to get clear on what you are buying.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillows may appeal to people who appreciate the feel of down but want to avoid materials derived from animals. The specific materials used may include cotton, microfiber, or polyester, but all are manufactured to mimic the feeling of down. They are typically priced below comparable down pillows.

Latex

Derived from the sap of rubber trees, natural latex is lightly contouring and moderately springy. When used in pillows, it can either be shredded or inserted as a solid latex core. Solid latex pillows tend to be firmer and more supportive, while shredded latex is generally softer and more breathable.

Polyester

Polyester is a synthetic fiber used as pillow fill in many affordable models. Sleepers often appreciate that most polyester-filled pillows are machine-washable and tend to be soft and breathable. However, they are generally less durable than other pillow types.

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are filled with the hard outer casing of buckwheat seeds, making them a viable alternative for sleepers who want natural fill with a firmer feel. They are also a good choice for people with changing thickness preferences, as many models have zippered designs that let you add or remove the buckwheat hulls to achieve your ideal pillow height.

What Can Affect the Price of a Pillow?

Pillows come in a wide range of prices that reflect materials, craftsmanship, and brand. However, it is possible to find a good pillow at any price-point. An affordable pillow, when paired with an affordable mattress, can contribute to a quality night’s sleep that doesn’t require a large budget.

  • Type of pillow: Down, latex, and memory foam pillows tend to have a higher average price-point than polyester and other down alternatives. That said, each of these pillow types comes in a wide range of prices.
  • Quality of materials: Higher-quality materials often lead to a higher price-point, but the initial investment will often result in a pillow that lasts longer. In addition to the fill material, pillow covers also vary in materials, thread count, and durability.
  • Size: Most pillows are sold in standardized sizes that correspond with standardized pillowcase sizes. The most common sizes are standard (20 by 26 inches), queen (20 by 30 inches), and king (20 by 36 inches). Some individuals use body pillows, which typically measure at least 48 inches long. Price usually increases with the size of the pillow.
  • Manufacturer: Pillow brands may cater to different segments of the sleep market, which can influence the prices they charge. Some manufacturers also offer perks like free shipping or extended warranties, which may affect pillow pricing.

What to Look For in a Pillow

We advise considering a few major pillow characteristics and how they relate to your individual needs and comfort. A good value pillow is one that meets your needs while remaining inside your budget.

Loft

Loft describes the height of a pillow when it rests on the bed without any weight on top. Side sleepers tend to prefer a pillow with a high loft that provides adequate support under the neck. Back sleepers often gravitate toward a medium loft. Most stomach sleepers prefer a low-loft pillow to provide a thin layer of comfort between their head and the mattress. Some back sleepers who are prone to snoring appreciate a high-loft pillow to keep their head upright.

Firmness Level

Firmness describes the rigidity and support a pillow has when someone rests on it. While stomach sleepers generally prefer a soft pillow and side sleepers a firmer one, back sleepers often find their ideal firmness level is somewhere in the middle. Those with a heavier head often find that a firmer pillow helps them maintain comfortable head and neck alignment.

Fill

Fill is the material inside the pillow that gives it its loft, firmness, and other characteristics. Some pillows are designed to let you add or remove fill to adjust the loft and firmness.

Pressure Relief

Pillows that gently contour to the head and neck, such as memory foam and down pillows, are often lauded for their ability to relieve pressure in the neck. However, a pillow also needs to have appropriate firmness and loft to deliver sufficient pressure relief, particularly for sleepers prone to neck pain.

Cooling Properties

Those who sleep hot may want to focus on a pillow’s cooling qualities. Breathable fill materials such as polyester, down, and latex are known for promoting temperature neutrality. While foam pillows tend to trap more heat, some foams include a cooling gel designed to help with temperature regulation.

Price

Pillow pricing varies, especially based on the fill and material quality. For example, pillows made of down alternative, polyester, or polyfoam tend to have lower price-points than latex, memory foam, or down. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should I pay for a good pillow?

While some luxury pillows cost several hundred dollars or more, many high-quality pillows are available for less than $100. Keep in mind that price ranges vary by pillow type, so affordability is relative to the materials used.

How often should you replace pillows?

Many experts advise replacing your pillows every one to two years because as a pillow flattens over time, it offers less support. However, pillow replacement schedules vary depending on the materials used in their construction. Down alternative and polyester pillows may last only one to two years, while memory foam and down pillows may last two to three years. Latex is a very durable material that may last up to four years.

Do expensive pillows last longer?

Price often correlates with quality of materials, with more expensive pillows typically containing higher-quality materials that last longer. That said, durability is also influenced by pillow type, frequency of use, and how well the pillow is cared for over time.

Which pillow type is most affordable?

While good deals can be found for any pillow type, consumers generally find more affordable options among polyester, polyfoam, and down alternative pillows. Down pillows are often priced a bit higher, but there are some less expensive models, particularly among those that use a down blend.

How do I get the best deal on a pillow?

Many pillow manufacturers offer discounted prices around popular shopping periods, such as Memorial Day weekend, Black Friday, and Cyber Monday. For pillows that are sold by multiple third-party vendors, it’s worth comparison shopping to find the best deal. Manufacturers often charge less per item when you buy multipacks of two or more pillows.

Still have questions?

Our product experts have extensive experience testing just about every sleep product on the market. Send an email to [email protected] or call us at (877) 672-8966 with your questions and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for.

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