If you’re on the hunt for the best pillow, we’ve tried and tested a whole horde to suit a variety of sleep styles and requirements.

From cooling, to firm support, made from the most luxurious materials, to the best pillows for side sleepers – no pillow is the same and we find out why below.

I’m at that stage in my life where getting a good nights kip is high up on my list of priorities, and many sleep experts praise the importance of it on your overall health. 

While mattresses usually get the spotlight – we know this because we also tried and tested a whole best mattress review – pillows shouldn’t be something you overlook either.

Since testing the best pillows on the market, my whole perspective has changed and the importance of a good quality pillow is not lost on me.

However, does paying more guarantee better sleep? Do budget-friendly pillows give premium priced pillows a run for their money? And as a self-professed wriggler in my sleep, can a single pillow offer enough support? Find out below. 

How we tested?

The Sun Shopping team tried and tested a variety of pillows – getting down to the nitty gritty to decide if the comfort and performance of pillows from popular retailers is worth the investment.

Each pillow was evaluated against its marketing claims, such as whether it suits side sleepers or provides proper head and neck support during sleep.

The team considered various price points to determine if cost reflected quality, ensuring options catered to different budgets.

Factors like material, firmness, and overall value were considered to provide a well-rounded review.

We wanted to identify if each pillow delivers on their promises, offering shoppers a reliable recommendations tailored to individual sleep needs and preferences.

Best pillows at a glance:

• Best pillow overall – Panda Memory Foam Bamboo pillow
• Best luxury pillow – Simba Hybrid Firm pillow
• Best priced pillow – Silentnight Copper infused pillow
• Best pillow for side sleepers – Panda Hybrid Bamboo pillow
• Best pregnancy pillow – Simba cooling body pillow
• Best cooling pillow – Simba Stratos pillow
• Best silk pillow – Opera Premium Lightweight Silk pillow
• Best pain relief pillow – Groove pain relief pillow
• Best adjustable pillow – Simba Hybrid Firm pillow
• Best washable pillow – Emma Premium Foam pillow
• Best pillow for support – Silentnight Geltex Premier pillow
• Best hypoallergenic pillow – Floks Wool pillow/Terry’s Simply Sleep Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow
• Best Down pillow – Tielle Savoy Duck Feather and Down pillow
• Best value for money – George Duck Feather Pillows (pack of 2)

1. Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow

Kiya-Ellen Rose

Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow, £159

Pros:  Customisable firmness, luxurious to sleep on, supportive

Cons: Expensive!

Rating: 8.5 / 10

As a self-professed wriggler in my sleep: I didn’t realise how important a firm pillow is until I tried this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow.

Even though it has a hefty price tag, I genuinely couldn’t fault it.

Admittedly, I didn’t know I was a firm pillow fan – which now explains my previous need to have 3 or 4 crappy pillows on top of each other to feel supported. 

Testing it for a week, I was sceptical to only use a single pillow, but a night in and I was converted.

Firm yet adjustable, its three removable layers allowed me to customise the height and firmness of the pillow – I chose to keep it packed with Simba’s sleep tech which felt perfect to me.

The Stratos cool-touch layer is beyond luxurious to sleep on, and the Aerocoil micro-springs provided delicious support – whether I was on my back, side, or stomach.

It has definitely replaced my usual ‘princess-and-the-pea’ setup of multiple subpar pillows.

Admittedly, the £159 price tag is eye-watering, but if my girl math is correct, it works out at just 29p a night for a year – which feels more justifiable.

Plus, the pillow’s sustainable packaging and luxurious storage bag are nice touches and the novelty was not lost on me.

While I docked half a point for the cost, it’s a worthwhile investment for serious sleep improvement.

If you can afford it, I’d struggle to find fault this Simba Hybrid Firm Pillow but are all Simba pillows worth the investment?

I tested and wrote a Simba Hybrid Pillow review to see if its worth its £109 price tag.

2. Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow

Panda Memory Foam Bamboo Pillow, £44.95

Pros:  Luxurious, improved the quality of my sleep, next-level comfort, cute Panda branding

Cons: Genuinely couldn’t find one!

Rating: 9 / 10

I loved it so much I’ve not taken it off my bed!

I am not a pillow expert, but we all spend hours in the sack and know a good pillow when we try one – this pillow is incredibly comfortable and I love it.

The Panda Hybrid Pillow is Orthopaedic grade, has bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam (not that I could tell what this would look like) and has been designed with sleep tech to regulate your body temperature while in the land of nod.

Spunky marketing lingo aside; since sleeping on this pillow I haven’t woken up during the night feeling unsupported or uncomfortable and whether I am sleeping on my back, side or front, this pillow provided ample support.

It has made a considerable difference to the quality of my sleep and I genuinely wake each morning feeling ready to start the day, having had good quality rest.

With the cute Panda logo embellishing the pillow, considerate and well-designed packaging – I really would say this is worth the cash.

3. Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow

Silentnight Copper Infused Pillow, £24 £18

Pros:  Price point, novelty, comfortable to sleep on, proposed health benefits

Cons: Very squishy – might not be suitable for those that want ample support

Rating: 7.5 / 10

I didn’t try this pillow long enough to honestly comment on its positive health benefits advertised, but overall it was a lovely pillow to sleep on and I really liked the novelty of it.

Copper infused pillows is new territory for me, but apparently the copper is naturally anti-bacterial and can help prevent skin breakouts.

I no longer suffer in this department, but it did feel breathable and luxurious to sleep on.

Features I really like about this pillow is its UK made, its completely machine washable and if you’re not happy with it, Silentnight offers a 2 year manufacturer’s peace of mind guarantee.

Silentnight deliver on an affordable price points, overall comfort and an extensive product line to cater for a wide range of sleepers and I would recommend this pillow for those reasons alone.

4. Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow

Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow, £40 £32

Pros: Price point, quality

Cons: Really uncomfortable – too firm!

Rating: 5 / 10

Look don’t shoot the messenger – but I didn’t enjoy sleeping on this pillow.

Having discovered I am a firm pillow girly, I was looking forward to trying this pillow – especially as the price point was more inline with the amount of cash I would ordinarily drop on a pillow.

But I lasted one night on it.

The Silentnight Geltex Premier Pillow is advertised as being ideal for back/side sleepers, because it has a reactive geltex inner lining but it just felt too rigid.

Difficult to say, but this could maybe ease with extended use, but I wasn’t willing to commit to that because it disrupted my much needed sleep.

After waking in the middle of the night in discomfort – which is something I hadn’t experienced with the other pillows tested – I slung this one onto the floor and went back to sleep.

Silentnight is a great brand – and I was gutted to not like this pillow.

I had high hopes because unzipping its storage bag (a touch not lost on me) and giving the pillow quick try before popping it in a pillowcase, all got my seal of approval.

However, the proof is in the pudding and as a mover and groover in my sleep, this didn’t offer me the comfort I would want.

But, its firmness could be considered supportive – which may be beneficial if you are after something firmer.

If you’re not a sleep wriggler and love really, really firm pillows for a fair price point, don’t write off considering it as this could be the pillow for you.

5. Feather and Black

Lucy Gornall

Feather and Black Soft as Down Deluxe Pillow Pair, £59

Pros: High thread count cover, really does feel like down, come as a pair

Cons: I cannot think of one! 

Rating: 8.5 / 10

Want down, but without the down? Well, this Feather and Black offering could be the one for you. And as I lay my head on the pillow, it literally melted into the fake down filling, which really does feel like the real thing.

This pillow is filled with synthetic fillings that feel like natural fillings, so it’s great for allergy sufferers who might not cope well with animal-based pillow fillings.

Feather and Black says that the super-soft microfibre fillings are ‘wonderfully cushioning, with a medium comfort grade to ensure your neck and shoulders are well-supported’. 

Yes, they are cushioned wonderfully. They feel quite luxurious, a bit like hotel-style pillows. 

Oh, and another bonus is that the cover is a pure cotton 233 thread count cover. 

I love the fact that these pillows come as a pair; it just makes more sense, and it seems cheaper too. 

6. George Duck Feather Pillows (pack of 2)

George Home Luxury Duck Feather Pillow 2-Pack, £25

Pros: Luxury, at a great price, comes as a pair, super soft and comfy

Cons: Might be too flat for some, not good for those with allergies

Rating: 6.5 / 10

OK, now we’re talking. These George Home pillows are affordable luxury with their duck feather filling and super soft cotton covers. 

My head sank into these and I really did feel comfortable and at ease. 

I love the fact that these aren’t overly thick – I like flatter pillows and these George Duck feather pillows are flatter than many of the others I have tried.

Although you can feel the duck feathers inside, it’s not too bad and with a pillow cover on so you’d never know about the feathers. George says these are made for back sleepers, which may explain why I was so comfortable resting on them, as a side sleeper myself. 

Also, there really is no arguing that the price of these pillows is brilliant especially as you get a two-pack. This might just prove that you don’t need to spend a total fortune on duck feather-filled pillows.

7. Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow

Panda Hybrid Bamboo Pillow, £89.95

Pros: Large, good height, soft but supportive,  removable and washable cover, 10-year guarantee

Cons: Expensive

Rating: 8 / 10

I love that this pillow seems so big – lots of space for moving around in my sleep – yet it’s the same size as my other pillows!

It’s soft to the touch and cool on my face, which has been lovely during the recent warm spell.

It’s made from a bamboo charcoal-infused memory foam core and a quilted hypoallergenic bamboo cover, which is removable for washing.

The foam is not solid, but incorporates holes to help dissipate the heat that builds up while you sleep and together with the mesh sections of the bamboo cover, help the air to circulate.

Whenever I’ve used memory foam pillows in the past, I’ve found them too hard and too high.

This one is more structured than my regular pillows, but it’s not so high it makes my neck ache.

It’s also soft – in a memory foam kind of way – and is comfortable whether I’m sleeping on my side or my back.  

However, I would say it does take a bit of getting used to if like me, you’re used to squishy, synthetic pillows bought from the local supermarket.

It took a good one to two weeks for me to get used to it and even now at times I still swap it out during the night for a flatter alternative.

It’s good to know though that while I’m sleeping on it my spine and neck are in alignment and properly supported.

I think it’s because of that – and because of the Panda mattress I’ve been testing – that I’ve suffered from fewer aches and pains on getting up in the morning recently.

This pillow is pricey, but at the same time, it comes with a 10-year guarantee.

I have no doubt it will last ages and when I think about how much money I’ve spent on cheap pillows over the years, I’m not convinced it won’t actually work out to be less expensive.  

Review by Lisa Burn

READ MORE:

• Best mattress
• Best mattress for back pain
• Simba Hybrid Pillow review
• Simber slippers review

8. Emma Premium Foam Pillow

Emma Premium Foam Pillow, £75 £63.75

Pros: Removable and washable moisture-resistant cover, layers can be removed and changed to suit you 

Cons: Very expensive! 

Rating: 7 / 10

So the original price of this pillow is actually eye-watering.

But, in the sale, I guess it’s just about acceptable, but of course it depends on your budget. 

Equally, my dad always used to tell me that it’s best to spend good money on your shoes and your bed because you’re always in one or the other! 

Anyway, this pillow certainly lives up to its premium name as it’s temperature regulating, is filled with removable layers, and stays fresh and clean.

The removable layers essentially mean you can adjust the pillow to suit you. 

I won’t lie, I did love this pillow.

Emma says that it’s best to keep all three of the layers for side sleepers, two to three layers for back sleepers, and just one layer for stomach sleepers.

A word on the layers: 

There’s a foam layer that regulates temperature.

I’d say this was great for women who are struggling with menopausal or general hormonal night sweats.

There’s a layer that gives extra support thanks to HRX (high Resiliency Extra) Foam.

Then there’s the softest foam later which Emma says is ‘comfortable and breathable’. These layers were easy to remove and replace. 

I like that the knitted white fabric of the pillow is nice and breathable. There’s nothing worse than a hot, sweaty sleep. 

There’s also some serious memory foam action here – I felt so supported on my side, with all three of the layers.

Because of the memory foam though, you may find this pillow a little harder than others, so whether you enjoy the pillow or not is really down to personal preference. 

9. Simba Stratos Pillow

Simba Stratos Pillow, £60

Pros: Award-winning sleep tech, hypoallergenic, fair price point

Cons: None

Rating: 7 / 10

Simba’s Stratos pillow does feel like a premium pillow and definitely could pass for one made from down.

This pillow is stuffed with Simba’s Renew Bio filling which is a fancy-named breathable fibre that helps to regulate your body temperature while you’re busy catching Zzz’s.

It’s also anti-allergenic, which could be good a good choice for those who suffer from allergies caused by fillings of animal-origin.

Admittedly, I don’t suffer from any allergies but having slept on this pillow for a week, I can vouch that you do wake feeling fresh and it is like sleeping on a cloud.

I also liked that despite its fabrication, it doesn’t smell plasticky either.

I reckon long term I would need to add another pillow, as this doesn’t offer a huge amount of support and as a side sleeper, I found myself actively replumping to give me a good height – something important to consider.

A novelty that isn’t lost on me – the Simba Stratos Pillow has a convenient removable cover that can be slung in the wash after extended periods of use.

Its a proper nice pillow – but would I pay 60 quid for it? Probably not because there are some great cheaper alternatives included in this article.

10. Tielle Savoy Duck Feather and Down Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Tielle The original Standard, £64

Pros: Used by 5-star hotels, super soft, feel really crisp

Cons: Sold individually 

Rating: 7 / 10

Hotel pillows rock. So for a taste of hotel life at home, you need to get your hands on this pillow which is made with a blend of 70% duck feather and 30% duck down. These pillows are used by some of the swankiest hotels including Claridge’s and The Pig Hotels.

I was warned that as this is a natural product, it may have a slight odour, so 48 hours of airing was recommended. I didn’t notice an odour however. What I did notice was how crisp and clean these felt; yes, I can definitely sense that hotel vibe from these pillows. 

I like the fact that the cover is Dust Mite Proof with a 230 Thread Count; it really does feel luxurious. 

The pillows come in white cotton tie bags (again, useful bags for storage!), and the pillows themselves are just the right level of firmness. You can’t really feel the feathers inside which is great, and the cover is super soft. 

The only pitfall is that yet again, they’re sold individually, so expect to pay double for a pair. 

11. Floks Wool Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Floks Wool Pillow, £65

Pros: Hypoallergenic, comes in a great big canvas bag, designed and made in the UK 

Cons: Comes as a single 

Rating: 7 / 10

I opted for the regular size of this pillow in soft. FYI: There’s a choice of soft or medium. 

It’s hypoallergenic (ideal for anyone who suffers from asthma and allergies) and temperature-regulating (great if you’re a hot sleeper) according to Floks. Plus, it’s made from soft British wool and organic cotton whilst also being designed, manufactured and finished in the UK, so not only is it comfy but it’s 100% sustainable too.

The pillow is super soft and when I lay down, my head slowly sunk down. It’s pretty blissful, to be honest, plus the pillow is nice and cooling. However, for £60, I should hope it’s incredibly comfy! 

The bag that this pillow comes in is one of the highlights of the overall thing; it’s a huge canvas-style bag with a pull cord and straps. It’s such a handy bag for storing this and that – I am super impressed. 

12. Groove Pain Relief Pillow

lucy gornall

Groove Pain Relief Pillow, £29.95

Pros: Great for anyone suffering from neck and shoulder pain, super support for the spine, ergonomic dips

Cons: Very different to a regular pillow so might not fit so well on your bed 

Rating: 8 / 10

The Groove memory foam pillow came rolled up in a plastic wrapper, inside a small box, which I liked as there was minimal packaging.

Upon opening the pillow, I didn’t really understand what the hype was; it just looked like a rectangular, memory foam pillow. 

But then I lay down on it and oh wow.

Firstly I lay on my back. The special groove for the head meant that my neck, head and spine were totally aligned.

It actually felt really comfortable straight away. I also tried lying on my side.

For side sleepers, the slightly raised sides of the pillow have small grooves underneath for shoulders, again meaning that the entire spine is aligned.

Groove says that not only does this pillow help with posture thanks to the well placed ergonomic dips, but it also helps to reduce headaches and shoulder pain by properly supporting your spine.

Groove Pillow also does a 100-night free trial, so if it doesn’t work for you, simply return it and get your money back. 

I’m a big fan of this, however, my only bugbear is that it doesn’t look like other pillows…so when it’s sitting on my bed, it does look out of place.

But, I guess I would rather have a good night’s sleep and a pain-free back then a bed of perfectly proportioned pillows.

This pillow is also well-priced I reckon, considering how good it is.

13. Opera Premium Lightweight Silk Pillow

Lucy Gornall

Opera Beds Premium Lightweight Silk Pillow, £102

Pros: Silk is kinder on skin and hair, super soft, silver piping around the edge 

Cons: Very expensive for one 

Rating: 9 / 10

If it’s luxury you’re after, then I’d recommend this one.

I love silk pillowcases; ever since I heard that they’re kinder to your facial skin and hair, I’ve enveloped my pillows in silk cases.

Yes, they undoubtedly cost more, but honestly, they do feel different when you’re sinking into a deep sleep. 

And, as someone who sweats in the night, I will do anything to ensure my facial skin doesn’t feel clammy. 

Opera Beds says this pillow is thermo-regulating and made with lightweight Mulberry silk.

Sensitive skin?

This might be a good option as this pillow is naturally hypoallergenic and moisture-absorbent.

I like how my head sank into the pillow, to the point where I was pretty flat against the bed, and my spine felt super aligned.

This is important for posture and to avoid that awful pain you get after sleeping in a weird position.

The only thing that really stops this from being a full 10 out 10 is the price… it’s very expensive and you only get one in a pack which is slightly annoying. 

14. Simba Body Pillow

Simba Body Pillow, £109

Pros: Good for pregnancy and nursing, washable cover

Cons: High price point, takes up a lot of space on the bed

Rating: 4 / 5

I’ve been a Simba fan for a while, ever since I invested in one of their memory foam mattresses and realised what true comfort was. 

This long, slightly curved body pillow is often seen on the bed of pregnant women who need the extra support; however, side sleepers can also benefit from this. Simba says this pillow has been designed to provide ‘comfortable hip and spinal alignment’, as well as offering great back support if you sit up in bed. 

It’s also got a removable, washable cover which contains Stratos cool-touch technology, AKA, tech that stops you overheating. In fact, I could definitely feel the cool touch on one side of this pillow. 

And, the down-like clusters within the pillow of Simba Renew Bio fibres are breathable, and so cushioned. 

Simba says that to use this pillow, it’s best to hug it with your arms and arrange your legs around the bottom with one leg on top, knee slightly bent, and the other underneath and a little straighter. I got into position and really felt full support from this pillow. It’s super soft to hold and very comfortable. The only real problem with one of these pillows is where to store it!

15. Terry’s Classic Duck Feather Pillows

Terry’s Classic Duck Feather pillows, £119.95

Pros: Come as a pair, super soft, just the right height off the mattress 

Cons: Expensive, you might feel the feathers, not ideal for allergy sufferers 

Rating: 6 / 10

OK, so if you want some real fancy-pants pillows, then these duck feather-filled pillows might be your best bet. 

These come as a pair, which is something I really rate, especially for the cost. I’d be pretty peeved to pay this much for one pillow!

They also come in a lovely zip bag, useful for storage.

I noticed straight away that the pillows themselves are very soft and my head really did sink down into them.

They’re also not too ‘big’, so my head wasn’t raised too high off the mattress when I lay down.

I find that having my head too lifted can lead to neck pain.

Plus, these pillows aren’t too firm either, which I like, and they have just the right amount of plumpness about them.

However, in saying this, I think I prefer the pillows filled with down as you can feel the feathers inside this pillow which gets a little off-putting.

However, I am incredibly sensitive to everything so this might just be me. 

This pillow set also includes a high 233 thread count; it’s like a little bit of bedtime luxury. 

16. Terry’s Simply Sleep Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow

Terry’s Simply Sleep Anti-Allergy Microfibre Pillow, £89.95 £56.62

Pros: Comes in handy zip bag with handles, great for allergy sufferers

Cons: Comes a single, not a pair, expensive

Rating: 7 / 10

Another ‘just like down’ pillow, that mimics a down filling, and in my opinion, does a great job at it. Although I should hope so as the price of this single pillow made my eyes water slightly. 

Anyway, the fake down means that allergy sufferers can sleep peacefully but also have the same level of comfort as those sleeping on a real down pillow. 

Terry’s says that the filling fibres have also been coated with an antibacterial coating, making this even more comfortable for those with allergies. 

As I lay my head on this pillow I really did feel like I could fall asleep. Honestly, it is incredibly soft; my head sunk down but my head and neck also felt supported. I got that feeling you get after a long day at work, where you melt into bed and just drift off into a deep slumber.

This pillow maintains its quality feel with a 233 thread count and a piped case, which Terry’s rightly describes as ‘ultimate elegance’.

Best pillow for side sleepers

“This position is at risk of spine misalignment and pain without the right support,” says Theresa. She recommends a pillow created from firm material to avoid sinking into the pillow. 

“You need a firm and tall pillow, as thick as the distance between your shoulder and ear so that your head, neck and spine are all held in the proper alignment.”

Best pillow for front sleepers

Rarely sleeping on my front this was news to me, but front sleepers may not even need a pillow, says Theresa Schnorbach the sleep expert for sleep brand Emma.

“Anything too high will cause neck straining and extra pressure on the lower back and abdomen.”

She recommends a very soft pillow – or to try a pillow under the stomach and pelvis instead of under your head.

Best pillow for back sleepers

Theresa, Emma Sleep Expert reveals: “Back sleepers need a pillow of medium height and softness.”

She goes on to suggest that back sleepers could benefit Memory foam pillows.

A great choice because the material conforms to the pressure of your neck and shoulders.

Memory foam is great for supporting your neck and shoulders so you don’t wake up with tight or knotted shoulders. Lovely jubbly!

How to wash pillows

Keeping your pillows clean is essential for maintaining a fresh and hygienic sleeping environment.

Why not consider choosing a brand that offers pillows with removable, washable covers or clearly states that their products are designed to be washed?

Keeping your pillows fresh does prolong the lifespan of them which is a plus if you’re forking out for a premium one.

I would recommend heading over to the manufacturers product F&Qs to see how best to wash your pillow because not all pillows are designed the same and each brand has different rules.

How often should you replace pillows?

I am not a sleep expert, but online advice suggests looking out for physical signs such as discolouration, odour, rips and limp stuffing.

Another consideration is whether you wake feeling unsupported and uncomfortable.

“Your pillow helps to align your spine as you sleep which is why a bad one can cause neck pain and tightness elsewhere in the body,” explains Theresa.

If your current pillow isn’t helping you drift off into the land of nod for a full 8-hours, then it might be time to buy a new pillow.

How to pick the best pillow for you?

“From cotton to latex, pillows can be made of various materials, however, some of the best known are probably down, feather, microfibre and memory foam,” says Theresa Schnorbach is the sleep expert at The Sleep Company, Emma.

“Down pillows are filled with the soft fibres close to the skin of birds such as geese, ducks or swans. Similarly, feather pillows use feathers from the wings and backs of ducks and geese as filling.”

Theresa adds that due to their animal origin, these types of pillows might not be right for everyone.

“Vegans, for example, may prefer another choice and for some, these types of pillows could potentially cause allergic reactions.”

“There are synthetic alternatives to down, such as microfibre pillows, which offer the same level of comfort but can also be machine-washable. Memory foam is another popular choice thanks to its cushiony support.”

We would recommend doing your research before buying and would advise against buying because of a deal.

It is important to consider how you sleep, your budget and what the pillow is made from.