Tom's Guide names the Coop Original Adjustable its best pillow overall. You add or remove the foam-and-microfiber fill to set your own height, and it stays medium-firm either way, so it suits side, back and stomach sleepers.
Pros
Adjustable height for any position
Premium feel for the price
Long trial and warranty
Always under $100 at list price
Cons
Needs regular fluffing to keep its shape
Not ideal for chronic hot sleepers
Skip it if: You sleep very hot or hate fluffing your pillow
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#2 · Best luxury pillow
Saatva Latex Pillow
★★★★★3.9(124)
Side and back sleepers who want a long-lasting luxury pillow
Tom's Guide says the Saatva Latex Pillow delivers on every promise: responsive support, a naturally cool cotton cover and a hotel feel that needs no re-fluffing. TechRadar also calls it one of the most comfortable and supportive pillows it has tested and worth the investment.
Pros
Stays fluffy and supportive
Naturally cooling
Two lofts to fit your sleep position
Hotel-style comfort
Cons
Expensive
Outlets disagree on washing: Tom's Guide says not machine washable, TechRadar says the cover and outer fill are
Some find it less soft than a down pillow
Skip it if: You are on a budget or want a classic down feel
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#3 · Best for neck support
Layla Kapok Pillow
★★★★★3.9(1,083)
Side and back sleepers with neck or shoulder aches
Tom's Guide picks the Layla Kapok as best for neck pain, thanks to a firm, adjustable fill of shredded memory foam and kapok fibers that holds its shape better than Coop's. TechRadar also recommends it, calling its high loft especially good for side sleepers.
Pros
Firm, consistent neck support
Adjustable height
Doesn't flatten easily
Long 5-year warranty
Cons
Tom's Guide says breathable but not cool, while TechRadar credits copper-fiber cooling
Firm feel is not for everyone
Skip it if: You want a soft, sink-in pillow or need dedicated cooling
Tom's Guide names the Purple Harmony its best for back sleepers: a soft, responsive pillow with a Talalay latex core inside Purple's GelFlex grid that suits back and side sleepers. TechRadar's reviewer called the feel ridiculously squiggly, almost toy-like, yet got some of the best sleep of her life.
Pros
Soft yet responsive and adaptive
Sleeps cool for most people
Good for back and combo sleepers
Cons
Premium price
The unusual squishy feel won't suit everyone
Tom's Guide says spot clean only, TechRadar says the cover is washable
Skip it if: You want a traditional pillow feel or have a small budget
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#5 · Best budget pair
Beckham Hotel Collection Gel Pillow
★★★★★4.3(265,357)
Budget shoppers and side sleepers who want two decent pillows
Tom's Guide says the Beckham Hotel Collection was its top budget pillow until the SquishPillow arrived, and still recommends it as luxury on a budget. TechRadar's tester found it supportive and comfortable for side sleepers and great value.
Pros
Excellent value for two pillows
Holds its shape for side sleepers
Hypoallergenic
Easy to wash
Cons
Does not always sleep cool (TechRadar)
Loft and firmness are not adjustable
Tom's Guide rates it a notch below its top picks
Skip it if: You sleep hot or want to adjust the height
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#6 · Best Overall
Tempur-Pedic Tempur Neck Pillow
★★★★★4(8,076)
Side and back sleepers with chronic neck pain who want firm stability
The Poop Emoji Pillow is a single emoji pillow featuring a poop emoji design. It is intended for decorative use and gifting.
Why buy it: Picture a teenager receiving a poop emoji pillow as a joke gift. It provides a humorous touch to a room or a playful gift idea. It is the only single‑pillow option in this guide, but it lacks the size and variety of the 3‑Pack. The catch: no warranty or size details are provided.
Pros, cons & who should skip it
The Poop Emoji Pillow is mentioned as a fun, quirky item that can be used for decoration or gifting. It is highlighted in a BuzzFeed review where a grandmother gave it to her grandson and he loved it.
How to choose
Match loft to your position. Tom's Guide says side sleepers need a high loft to fill the shoulder gap, while back and stomach sleepers do fine with lower loft.
Match firmness too. Soft suits stomach sleepers, firm helps side sleepers keep neck and back aligned, and medium-firm works for back and combo sleepers.
Pick the right fill. Memory foam contours but can run warm, latex is naturally cooler, and allergy sufferers should skip feathers for a down alternative.
Get a trial. TechRadar recommends at least three weeks to judge a pillow; Tom's Guide says to replace pillows every one to two years.
FAQ
Which pillow is best for stomach sleepers?
Tom's Guide picks the low-loft Helix Talalay Latex Pillow, since stomach sleepers need a thin pillow to prevent neck strain.
What is the best cheap pillow?
Tom's Guide's best cheap pick is the Squishmallows SquishPillow, under $30 in a standard size, though it lacks cooling features.
I sleep hot. What should I buy?
Tom's Guide's best cooling pillow is the Casper Hybrid Pillow with Snow Technology, which scored 5/5 for temperature regulation in its tests.
Picks come from Tom's Guide (11 pillows, each tested for two weeks; updated Oct 6, 2026) and TechRadar's hands-on pillow guide. Note that TechRadar's page text was last updated in April 2024, so we use it only to corroborate. The Saatva Latex, Layla Kapok, Purple Harmony and Beckham pillows appear in both. Assumptions: Prices change often, so we quote only what the sources show. The two outlets disagree on a few care and cooling details, which we flag. The Coop Original Adjustable is covered by Tom's Guide alone. Pillow choice is personal, so a sleep trial matters.
