The Best Cheap Pillows for 2024

What to Look for When Buying a New Pillow

Buying a pillow is an important step toward having a good night’s sleep. Apart from the price, you should consider the fill, loft, and firmness, among other things, that can help you find the most comfortable cheap pillow.

Fill

Pillows come with different fill materials that offer variable performance. For example, some materials are softer but need fluffing, while others are firmer and solid. The fill determines the shape and often the longevity of the pillow. Some of the most common fill materials in cheap pillows are listed below.

Memory Foam

• Shredded Memory Foam – Shredded memory foam is made when large foam sheets are broken into smaller pieces. This material is often used in pillows because it’s softer than solid memory foam. Shredded foam is also more breathable and unlikely to overheat, so it rarely has any gel infusions.
  

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• Solid Memory Foam – Solid memory foam is a single-piece foam typically used in firmer pillows because it offers excellent support with a bit of contouring to relieve pressure. Solid memory foam retains its shape well and will bounce right back to its original state once you get out of bed.

If you’re interested in learning more about memory foam pillows, check out our top picks for the best memory foam pillows.

Down

Down is another common option for those seeking a soft pillow. The fiber comes from the underside of a goose or duck. Down pillows are fluffy and soft but may sometimes flatten, which is why they require frequent fluffing and shaking. The significant downside to down pillows is the higher price.

Down Alternative

Down alternative is made from polyester, rayon, and other synthetic materials. The fibers are supposed to mimic down, which is why this type of filling is called down alternative. Although real down is softer and fluffier, down alternative is often cheaper and better for allergy-prone people because it’s hypoallergenic.

Latex

Latex is a popular pillow fill option, but it may not be as cheap. This material is extracted from a natural rubber tree, so it’s a good option for eco-conscious shoppers and those prone to allergies. Latex is firm and holds its shape well, so these pillows are unlikely to collapse under your weight. Latex pillows are often cooler than memory foam, making them good for hot sleepers.

Learn more: Best Latex Pillows

Feather

Feather comes from the bottom part of the bird’s feather. This part of a feather is fluffy and soft. However, like down, it requires frequent fluffing and shaking to return to its original shape because it tends to flatten after several uses. Feather pillows are also easy to adjust by adding or removing the feathers from the interior.

Read more: Down vs Feather

Buckwheat

Buckwheat pillows are filled with hulls of buckwheat seeds. These may feel springy if you pressure them, but they provide firm support. This makes buckwheat pillows good for back and side sleepers in need of good support for healthy spine alignment. The hulls also promote airflow, keeping the pillows cool for hot sleepers to use.

Kapok

Kapok is a natural pillow filling suitable for eco-conscious shoppers. The fibers are similar to silk, making these pillows suitable for all sleeping positions. Kapok is a good alternative to down and feather as it has no odor and provides similar performance. Kapok comes from the tropical Kapok tree instead of an animal, so it’s also vegan.

Cotton

Cotton is commonly used in pillows because it’s thick, firm, and durable. Cotton pillows are slightly firmer, but some brands offer softer models that have a blend of cotton and other materials. As such, cotton pillows are a good option for back sleepers looking for ample support for the head and neck area.

Wool

Wool offers support and comfort, and pillows with this filling are often adjustable. Natural wool is typically combined with cotton for enhanced comfort. Wool pillows are sturdy and contouring, which helps promote a healthy spine alignment when sleeping on your back and side. However, wool is rarely found in cheap pillows since it’s usually made in luxury products.

Microbead

Microbeads in a pillow are made from polystyrene. The beads provide a comfortable sleeping experience because they’re pliable and breathable. Because they’re small, microbeads foster sufficient airflow to keep the pillow cool, making it a good option for hot sleepers.

Loft

Pillow loft refers to its height, and sleepers have their choice of different loft options. Although most people find a pillow loft between four to six inches the most comfortable, the right height is a matter of preference. You should first consider your preferred sleeping position since back and side sleepers usually need slightly higher pillows than those who sleep on their stomach. Conversely, stomach sleepers need a lower loft to prevent neck pain. In some cases, the loft is easy to adjust by adding or removing the fill. If you’re not sure what loft you prefer, an adjustable loft could be helpful.

Support/Firmness

Much like the loft, firmness and support are also a matter of preference. Some people like soft pillows that flatten when you lie on them, while others like firm pillows that retain their shape even under compression. The firmness of your pillow depends on the fill. For example, down pillows are almost always softer than memory foam. The support a pillow can provide depends on its firmness because softer pillows aren’t as good at supporting the head and neck as firmer models.

Cooling

Even cheap pillows can be cooling, making it easy for hot sleepers to achieve a better night’s sleep without breaking the bank. How well a pillow performs in this category depends on its materials and structure. For example, microbeads are usually cooler than memory foam. However, some brands use cooling gels to make a memory foam pillow more suitable for those who sleep hot. The pillow’s cover also significantly affects how hot or cold it runs. If you tend to sleep hot, you may find what you’re looking for in our top picks for best cooling pillows.

Value

You can still get value for money without buying an expensive pillow. The value of a cheap pillow depends on many things, like the warranty, trial, and material quality. Even for budget pillows, most brands give out at least a 1-year warranty, although some companies offer a lifetime warranty. Trial periods vary from 30 to 100 nights, depending on the brand.