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- Best pillow: At a glance
- How we test pillows
- The best pillows you can buy in 2025
- 1. Otty Deluxe Pure Pillow: Best foam pillow overall
- 2. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow: Best-value memory foam pillow
- 3. Silentnight Just Like Down Microfibre Pillow: Best budget microfibre pillow
- 4. Emma Premium Cloud Pillow: Best microfibre pillow (if you can afford it)
- 5. Scooms Hungarian Goose Down pillow: Best down pillow
- 6. Soak & Sleep 90% Hungarian Goose Down Pillow: Best down pillow for customisable options
- 7. Simba Hybrid Pillow: Best hybrid pillow
- 8. Dormeo Octasmart Pillow: An outstanding breathable memory foam pillow
- 9. The Emma Pillow: Best foam pillow for firm support
- 10. Simba Body Pillow: Best body pillow
- 11. Dusk Feels Like Down Pillow (Medium support): Best value down alternative
- 12. Otty Adjustable Pillow: Best adjustable pillow
- Where are the other pillows?
- How to choose the best pillow for you
- How often should I replace my pillow?
- What difference does my sleeping position make?
- What type of filling should I go for?
- What about pillow sizes?
- What if I have allergies?
- Does the cover fabric matter?
Many people dont appreciate that finding the best pillow is almost as important as getting the right mattress. And how you choose the right pillow for you depends on a number of factors, including your body shape and size as well as your sleeping preferences.
Weve tested around 15 pillows here at Expert Reviews; weve rested our heads on soft microfibre, goose down and firm memory foam, adjustable pillows and even ergonomic cervical pillows. The majority of the pillows featured in our roundup below we recommend based on carefully considered testing.
Below youll find a quick at a glance list of recommendations, based on our roundup of mini reviews further down the page. Below that is a buying guide chock full of tips and advice on what to look for when buying a new pillow. And for more insight into our pillow testing process, see our How we test section.
Best pillow: At a glance
| Best budget microfibre pillow | Silentnight Just Like Down Pillow | £24 | |
| Best down pillow | Scooms Hungarian Goose Down Pillow | £95 | |
| Best microfibre pillow | Emma Premium Cloud | £80 | |
| Best value memory foam pillow | Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow | £45 |
How we test pillows
When testing pillows, some of the key factors that we take into consideration include loft (or height), firmness, temperature, and value for money as well as the sleeping position of the person we are recommending the pillow to (whether that be on their side, back or a combination of the two).
For instance, if you sleep on your side, you may want something with a bit more loft. And if youre someone who is prone to overheating at night, its important to be aware that some pillows particularly memory foam ones may feel warmer than others. Different sleepers will get on better with different pillows, and its important to bear that in mind when testing.
Where relevant, we also take into account other aspects including trial periods, washable covers and extra features such as adjustable and ergonomic designs all of which can play a part in our recommendations.
READ NEXT: Best memory foam pillows
The best pillows you can buy in 2025
1. Otty Deluxe Pure Pillow: Best foam pillow overall
Price when reviewed: £70 | Check price at Otty
- Great for& comfort and support
- Not so great for& those averse to a cuboid pillow
Of all the myriad memory foam pillows weve tested, the Otty Deluxe Pure is one of the most comfortable. Its boxy appearance might give the impression that, like many foam pillows, its impenetrably dense. However, while it does offer a good amount of support and bounce back (meaning its quick to take its shape once youve stopped laying on it), wed confidently argue that its about as close as you can get to plush comfort from an all-foam pillow.
The memory foam filing of the Deluxe Pure is infused with bamboo and charcoal for its moisture-wicking, hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties, and the polyester cover can be machine washed at 40°C. Its a bit of a hefty investment, but by no means is it the most expensive pillow on our roundup, and you can often find it discounted in Ottys sitewide sales.
Read our full Otty Deluxe Pure Pillow review
Key features Filling: Memory foam with bamboo and charcoal; Cover: Polyester (machine washable); Sizes: Standard size only
2. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow: Best-value memory foam pillow
Price when reviewed: £45 | Check price at Panda
- Great for& an all-round memory foam option
- Not so great for& those who prefer a softer pillow
Making the move to a memory foam pillow can be a big step for some, and the initial prospect of resting your head on a wad of foam isnt always the most appealing. However, we found this memory foam pillow from Panda to be both supportive and comfortable. In fact, its one of the best memory foam pillows weve reviewed.
In our tests, the Panda pillow felt a little bit firmer than the Otty Deluxe Pure (below), but not so firm that it felt clinical, instead landing somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. It comes with an inbuilt protector, plus a soft, breathable and hypoallergenic bamboo cover (which can be washed at 40°C), which helps you to keep things fresher than washing your pillowcase alone.
The Panda pillow offers great value for money, beating bed-in-a-box rivals such as Eve, Emma and Otty on price. A single pillow will cost you £45 direct from Panda, although you might find it cheaper on Amazon. And while the claim that bamboo is the last word in sustainability is open to dispute, Panda prides itself on its eco-friendly credentials, avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides, while introducing its own Circle of Life recycling initiative.
Key features Filling: Memory foam; Cover: Bamboo (machine washable); Sizes: Standard size only
3. Silentnight Just Like Down Microfibre Pillow: Best budget microfibre pillow
Price when reviewed: £24 (pair) | Check price at Amazon
- Great for& smaller budgets
- Not so great for& front sleepers
Youll have no problem drifting off with this Silentnight pillow cushioning your head. As its name suggests, you could easily be fooled into thinking the soft and fluffy filling inside the Just Like Down Microfibre Pillow is down, when in fact it’s just hollow fibre. The result is a well-insulated, warm pillow that comes in at a fraction of the price of a real down one.
Moreover, you get two in the pack, making the savings even greater. The pillow spells good news for people with allergies as its hypoallergenic and we also like the fact that the whole thing is washable. Unlike down pillows, though, its relatively big and bouncy, making it better for side and back sleepers than front ones and it wont last as long as real down. Still, given that you can pick up a pair for just under £25, these are only minor moans.
Key features Filling: Hollowfibre; Cover: Microfibre (machine washable); Sizes: Standard size only
4. Emma Premium Cloud Pillow: Best microfibre pillow (if you can afford it)
Price when reviewed: £80 | Check price at Emma
- Great for& those who like a lofty pillow
- Not so great for& smaller budgets
Just like Nectars A Whole Night Sleep pillow, the loft (or height) of the Emma Premium Microfibre Pillow can be adjusted by adding or removing one of its layers. The difference with Emmas pillow is that its made from microfibre rather than memory foam. When we tested the pillow, we found it much more squishy than most of its foam counterparts, so wed argue its best suited to sleepers who prefer a softer pillow.
The pillows two polyester microfibre layers are encased in a soft padded pillowcase. With both layers inserted, the pillow has a good amount of loft, which is a good thing for side sleepers who need to support their head and shoulder (though we also found the pillow to be comfortable and supportive with just the one insert). While most of the pillows on our roundup have a machine washable cover, you might also be pleased to hear that this pillow inserts and all can be popped in the washing machine at a temperature up to 60°C.
Emmas Premium Microfibre pillow is on the pricier end of the spectrum. But taking into account the regular promotional sales that the brand runs, theres a good chance you wont have to pay full price. Whats more, the pillow comes with a trial period, giving you 30 nights to try it out. If you decide you dont like it during this time, you can return it for a full refund.
Key features – Filling: Polyester (machine washable inserts); Cover: Polyester (machine washable); Sizes: Standard size only
5. Scooms Hungarian Goose Down pillow: Best down pillow
Price when reviewed: £95 | Check price at Scooms
- Great for& plush softness
- Not so great for& vegans
If youre in the market for a truly luxurious pillow, Scooms Hungarian goose down pillow ticks pretty much every box. Its made from a goose feather and down core surrounded by a 90% down outer chamber, and we discovered in our tests that it delivers emphatically on the companys claim that its simultaneously supportive and soft.
Scooms perfect pillow is surrounded by a 300 thread count, 100% sateen cotton case and its machine washable which the company recommends you do so every 6-12 months. The down and feathers both adhere to the Responsible Down Standard, meaning theyre sourced from geese that have been treated well and never suffer from live-plucking.
One thing we noticed while reviewing the pillow, however, is that youll need to plump it up daily to keep it feeling its best something thats admittedly a bit of a faff and not necessary with many of the other pillows in this list.
Key features – Filling: Goose down and feathers; Cover: 100% cotton cover (machine washable) Sizes: Standard size and king size
6. Soak & Sleep 90% Hungarian Goose Down Pillow: Best down pillow for customisable options
Price when reviewed: From £90 | Check price at Soak & Sleep
- Great for& range of size and feel options
- Not so great for& vegans
Much like the Scooms pillow above, Soak & Sleeps 90% Hungarian Goose Down Pillow wont break the bank (in fact, starting at £72, its actually ever-so-slightly cheaper). Its just as comfortable too: we were sent the medium/firm variant to test and found it to be supportive yet not too firm.
Soak & Sleep also claims that its ethically sourced down filling (which is contained within a 280 thread count cotton casing) is, contrary to conventional wisdom, suitable for allergy sufferers because of its excellent oxygen and turbidity ratings (among other things such as lack of chemical treatment).
Another feature we particularly appreciate is the amount of choice you get when it comes to size and feel. Its available in soft, soft/medium and medium/firm variants, as well as standard (50 x 75cm), superking (50 x 90cm) and square (65 x 65cm) sizes.
Key features Filling: Goose down and feathers; Cover: 100% cotton cover (machine washable) Sizes: Standard, super king, square
7. Simba Hybrid Pillow: Best hybrid pillow
Price when reviewed: £109 | Check price at Simba
- Great for& customisation
- Not so great for& smaller budgets
The Simba Hybrid Pillow with Stratos is one of the most expensive pillows weve reviewed, but its also one of the most sophisticated. Just like the companys hybrid mattress, its made using a combination of different materials: on one side of the pillow is a breathable fibre filling encased in the astronaut-inspired material Stratos; on the other is a soft, anti-allergy microfibre filling below a layer of premium cotton. You can lay your head on either side but the pillows party trick is its nanocubes small memory foam cubes in its core that can be added or removed to adjust both the height and firmness according to your preference.
Despite the high-tech credentials, our experience with the Simba Hybrid wasnt quite as remarkable though this is no bad thing. It feels surprisingly like a traditional pillow much more so than some all-foam competitors. Unlike microfibre and feather pillows, which risk being either soft or supportive but rarely both, the Simba Hybrid finds that sweet spot right out of the box. Its worth noting, however, that unlike the Simba Hybrid mattress, theres no trial period with its bedding products.
Key features Filling: Down, memory foam and microfibre; Cover: Cotton and Outlast; Sizes: Standard size only
8. Dormeo Octasmart Pillow: An outstanding breathable memory foam pillow
Price when reviewed: £49 | Check price at Dormeo
- Great for& its unique foam spring design
- Not so great for& side sleepers
The Dormeo Octasmart pillow uses 24 memory foam springs” to deliver a high level of support and breathability. The manufacturer claims this design is up to eight times more breathable than regular memory foam. Our reviewer, when pushing down on the pillow with their hand, could feel the individual springs and worried it wouldnt be particularly comfortable. However, the reality was entirely different. If youre looking for a memory foam pillow thats supportive without being excessively firm or sweaty, this fits the bill admirably. Its not as high as the Eve memory foam pillow, which arguably makes it better suited for back and front sleepers than side sleepers, but overall its a great all-rounder. The Octasmarts cover is also machine washable.
Key features Filling: Wellsleep fibres and memory foam; Cover: Polyester; Sizes: Standard size only
9. The Emma Pillow: Best foam pillow for firm support
Price when reviewed: £55 | Check price at Emma
- Great for& customisability and trial period
- Not so great for& ease of adjustment
Featuring three layers of removable foam, the Emma Pillow can be tailored to suit your personal sleeping preference. Each layer possesses different qualities: the Airgocell foam layer is open-pored, improving breathability and heat transfer away from your head, the memory foam layer contours to your head and neck, and the HRX layer provides firmer support for your head and neck.
Emma suggests side sleepers use all three layers, while those who sleep on their backs are encouraged to remove a layer, with front sleepers recommended to pick just one of the trio of foam inserts. We tested various combinations and found two layers to be the sweet spot in terms of comfort, support and breathability when sleeping on our side. Your experience may well differ, of course, but were confident that no matter your sleeping preference, youll find a configuration that works for you.
Emma is equally confident and offers a 30-night trial on the pillow. So, if you find its not helping deliver the sweet slumber youre craving, simply return it and get your money back, no questions asked.
Key features – Filling: Airgocell foam, HRX foam, Visco-elastic memory foam; Cover: 98% Polyester, 2% Elastane; Sizes: Standard size only (70 x 40cm)
10. Simba Body Pillow: Best body pillow
Price when reviewed: £109 | Check price at Simba
- Great for& those who need cradled support, such as pregnant users
- Not so great for& those on a tight budget
Body pillows such as this one are commonly associated with pregnancy but are also used by those looking to get extra support during the night. Although Im not pregnant, I still found the pillow to be a very comfortable and supportive cradle. Its soft and has a smooth surface thats cool to the touch. That said, it can get quite warm in the night, so Id recommend using it without a duvet.
I wasnt necessarily won over by the look of the pillow, and if youre someone who takes pride in bedroom aesthetics, you might prefer not to have a big grey sausage spoiling your otherwise chic pillow arrangement. Id like to see Simba design some nice pillowcases to go over it. Nevertheless, it hasnt necessarily been designed with aesthetics in mind, so perhaps not the fairest complaint. And for those who are bothered by this, the pillow dpes come with a very handy case, in which you can store it when not in use.
I should also mention that I was impressed with how the pillow functions as a back support when sitting up in bed. Sure, this isnt its primary function, but its very comfortable if you like to read in bed. As with many of Simbas pillows, its not cheap. But if youre after a supportive body pillow, this is a good choice.
Key features Filling: Polyester; Cover: Cotton; Sizes: 1 (120 x 35cm)
11. Dusk Feels Like Down Pillow (Medium support): Best value down alternative
Price when reviewed: £37 | Check price at Dusk
- Great for& vegans or allergy sufferers wanting downy comfort
- Not so great for& those who prefer a firm pillow
For two pillows, this is a price thats certainly not to be sniffed at, especially when theyre this good. Dusks Feels Like Down pillows are available in a choice of firmness options soft, medium and firm and either standard size or super king. Our tester explored the middle ground in a standard size, and found it to be a great alternative to down. The 100% cotton percale cover feels luxurious, and the double stitching holding the microfibre filling inside feels strong.
In short, if youre after a soft, plush pillow that wont break the bank, this pair from Dusk is a winning option. And you might be able to get them even cheaper if Dusk is running one of its frequent online sales.
Read our full Dusk Feels Like Down Pillow review
Key features Filling: Microfibre; Cover: 100% cotton percale; Sizes: Standard and super king
12. Otty Adjustable Pillow: Best adjustable pillow
Price when reviewed: £70 | Check price at Otty
- Great for& adjustability
- Not so great for& those on a budget
I was a huge fan of Ottys old adjustable pillow and it was a shame to see it be discontinued. But the good news is its back, and it seems to have had a bit of a makeover.
Ottys adjustable pillow is (as the name suggests) fully adjustable, much more so than some of the other so-called adjustable pillows that just come with a few foam slabs that you can rearrange. This pillow is filled with shredded foam pieces which you can unstuff to get to the optimal lift for you. The pillows removable, washable cover is made from a textured cool touch material, differerent from the old pillows simple cotton cover, and the foam pieces themselves are a bit smaller in size, though the pillow still comes with a storage bag to put the spare bits in.
Our tester found the pillow supportive yet malleable ideal for fussy sleepers and, with a little adjustment, proved comfortable for both side and front sleeping. Its a bit of a hefty investment, but I should point out that you do get a 14-day trial period to decide whether you want to commit or return it for a full refund (minus the cost of delivery).
Read our full Otty Adjustable Pillow review
Key features Filling: Shredded memory foam pieces; Cover: Cool touch material; Sizes: Standard size only
Where are the other pillows?
While the roundup above is a list of our absolute favourite pillows, its not an exhaustive list of all the pillows weve tested. There are a number of other options from the brands weve discussed above (as well as a few we havent) that are still well worth considering, even if they didnt make the cut for our main roundup.
1. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Memory Foam Pillow
A plusher alternative to Panda’s standard bamboo pillow
£90
5. Soak and Sleep Soft as Down pillow
A soft, vegan alternative to down
£28
How to choose the best pillow for you
How often should I replace my pillow?
Most of us are guilty of putting up with our pillows long after theyve lost their original fluffiness. But old pillows can lead to back and neck pain, as well as allergies. Some pillows may need replacing after as little as six months, while others will give you two years. Down pillows last longer up to five years and a feather pillow might even give you eight years.Not quite sure whether your pillow needs replacing or not? If its lost its shape and/or youre waking up with a sore neck or a blocked nose, chances are its time to invest in a new one.
What difference does my sleeping position make?
A good pillow, according to the Sleep Council, is not just about personal preference, but alignment. So whatever kind of sleeper you are back, front or side your pillow should hold your head in relation to your shoulders and spine as if you were standing up with perfect posture, with the cushioning of the pillow nicely tucked into the neck and shoulder area to fully support your head.
- Side sleepers should ideally choose a medium-high thickness pillow (high-fill down, memory foam or medium-high synthetic are all good) to support the shoulders, neck and head
- Front sleepers should go for a softer pillow (down or low-fill synthetic are both good)
- Back sleepers need a medium-thickness pillow (high-fill down, orthopaedic memory foam or medium synthetic are good)
- People who sleep in a mixture of positions should go for medium thickness (for example, high-fill down or medium synthetic)
What type of filling should I go for?
Theres a whole world of pillow fillings out there, so we’ve summarised the pros and cons of the various types below.
- Combined feather and down pillows are good for comfort and support, eliminating pressure points and avoiding face squashing. But if you suffer from allergies, theyre a no-no
- Pure feather pillows as luxurious as the idea of pure feathers may sound, we’d avoid this type as those pesky feather quills seem to have a way of escaping and stabbing you in the face. Its also worth noting they dont offer the support and height needed for side sleepers. Plus, they can be noisy and dont suit allergy sufferers
- Pure down pillows, on the other hand, are the ultimate in luxury, particularly if you like your pillow soft and fluffy. Theyre lovely and light, as well as being airy and quiet and they last well. But side-sleepers, be warned they often lack support and height so you may need a firmer pillow underneath. Other downsides are that they can be expensive and they are high maintenance, needing lots of shaking to get them back into shape. And once again, theyre no good for allergy sufferers
- Synthetic pillows are usually made from polyester. As theyre hypoallergenic, theyre great for allergy sufferers and also affordable, lightweight and easy to care for. Theyre good if you sleep in a variety of positions throughout the night too. But they arent as malleable or breathable as other pillows and they have the shortest lifespan of all pillows with the filling often prone to clumping
- Memory foam pillows mould to your neck and head, creating a comfy and smooth cradle while you are in the land of nod, making them a great option for pain relief and strong support. They are also quiet, as well as being easy to care for and temperature-sensitive. But they are dense and firm, which makes them a poor option for restless sleepers and they can start off with a rather chemical smell, as well as being pricey
- What other types are there? More niche pillows include micro-bead, buckwheat and water pillows (again, good for pain relief as theyre mouldable), but they can be noisy and have that certain smell
What about pillow sizes?
If you have a single or double bed, choose a standard-size pillow. If you have a king or super-king bed, you may want to consider a super-king pillow. Square pillows are typically used for decoration.
- Standard: 50cm x 75cm (20in x 30in)
- Super-king :50cm x 90cm (20in x 35in)
- Square: 65cm x 65cm (26in x 26in)
What if I have allergies?
If you’re an allergy sufferer, you should consider a latex pillow. These pillows are made from the sap of rubber trees, not only making it elastic and resilient but good to fight against allergies as they are mold-resistant. It’s worth noting, however, that they tend to be cooler than memory foam and can form to fit your head and neck but don’t offer as much give. They can also be quite heavy and expensive.
Does the cover fabric matter?
Its easy to assume this is irrelevant as youll have a pillowcase covering it. But its worth noting that natural cover fabrics such as cotton have much more breathability than polyester and other man-made fibres, which can make for a far more comfortable nights sleep if youre prone to getting hot at night.
