If waking up feeling stiff and sore has become your unwelcome routine, it might be time to invest in one of the best pillows for neck pain — because a good night’s sleep shouldn’t come with an achy side of regret. And no matter how much you stretch, massage, or complain on your morning Teams call, if your pillow isn’t pulling its weight, those niggly pains aren’t going anywhere.

Finding the right pillow, though? Weirdly tricky. In our experience, it’s more personal than picking out the best mattress or that new duvet you saw on sale. And if, like us, you’re one of those rebellious stomach sleepers (Yes, yes, we know it’s officially the worst sleep position, but bad habits die hard) then your choices will be seriously limited. Pillow-shopping is a balancing act: too soft and you sink into it like quicksand. Too firm and it’s like sleeping on a brick. Somewhere in the middle is the medium-firm sweet spot — but how do you find it without playing Goldilocks with your bank account? That’s where we come in.

A good neck support pillow should hold your head just right — think less floppy and more supportive friend — while keeping your spine in proper alignment. Memory foam pillows are a popular pick for good reason, moulding to your head and neck to relieve pressure (and yes, they magically bounce right back). Cervical pillows target neck curves for extra support, while adjustable pillows let you faff around with layers until you find your perfect setup. And for all you side sleepers, back sleepers, and yes, even stomach sleepers, there’s something that’ll work for your sleeping position.

Then there’s the material debate. Latex pillows are bouncy and eco-friendly, down alternative ones are fluffy without the sneezes, and if you’re a hot sleeper who wakes up feeling like you’ve run a marathon, look for cooling gel layers or a breathable cotton cover. Bonus points if it’s machine washable — because nobody has time for a high-maintenance pillow.

We’ve rounded up our tried and tested top picks for pillows that promise less neck pain, better sleep posture, and trust us, fewer grumpy mornings. (Ahem!) Some even come with night trials or guarantees — so if you’re not waking up totally refreshed (or at least a little less cranky), you can swap it out. Ready to break up with your chiropractor? Let’s find your new bedtime BFF.

How to choose the best pillow for neck pain

Choosing the best pillow for neck pain can feel overwhelming, but according to sleep specialist Thomas Høegh Reisenhus, it’s all about finding the right balance between comfort and support. “A pillow that supports the natural alignment of your head, neck, and spine will help provide the body with some much-needed pressure relief and can help to ease neck pain,” Thomas explains. This alignment is key to preventing those morning aches and stiffness that can linger all day.

One of the most crucial factors? Sleep ergonomics — or, in simpler terms, how your sleep posture affects your body. Ideally, you want a neutral spine-neck alignment while sleeping — think gentle curves rather than perfectly straight lines.

And when it comes to cost? Thomas is clear: “It’s important to invest in the best quality pillows you can afford, as, far from being a luxury, they really do play such a huge part in fostering wellbeing in all areas of life.” In other words, don’t just grab the cheapest option — your neck (and overall health) will thank you for spending a little more on something that truly supports you. After all, the best pillows aren’t just about comfort; they’re about improving your daily quality of life.

How we tested the best pillows for neck pain

We snoozed our way through a range of pillows over a number of months to see which ones fared best on our neck, and which were the most comfortable.

Our testers weighed up effectiveness with affordability, taking into account the full gamut of price points available. To back up our real life testing, we also scoured online customer reviews and feedback as well as taking recommendations from sleep experts in the industry.

Our goal? To cut through the noise and find the best pillows for neck pain that are made to last. We’ve read what you’ve been searching for, and we’ve tested every single pillow featured here in real-life settings to help you find the best one for your needs.

After more sleep content? Head this way for low platform bed frames and in this direction for mattress protectors, and cooling pillows for summer.

Treat your neck to one of the best pillows for neck pain below.