Best Affordable Pillows – Don’t Break The Bank!

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If you’re shopping for a new pillow, you might be shocked by the exorbitant price. Depending on the materials, you could easily spend hundreds on a new pillow. 

But, if you’re like me your budget could be tighter. Thankfully, we have options. I have found seven pillows that are affordable but don’t sacrifice on quality. Keep reading to learn about the best affordable pillows! 

The 8 Best Affordable Pillows

How We Chose Our Products

Our team of sleep specialists tested many pillows currently on the market, using proprietary analysis and hands-on testing to find the best of the best for our readers. For this roundup, we focused on affordable pillows that cost less than $150 while still offering nice materials, comfort and support. Our list contains pillows with a variety of designs, loft, and cooling.

With our guide, we give you a number of options so you can select a product that not only fits your preferences, but one that is also long-lasting and extremely comfortable. We also encourage you to check out our Buyer’s Guide at the bottom of the page. There, we take a deeper dive into what to consider when buying a pillow so you can make the most informed purchase possible.

Best Affordable Pillow for Neck Pain – Coop Sleep Goods Original

Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow

Coop Sleep Goods Original Pillow

The Adjustable Shredded Memory Foam Pillow from Coop Sleep Goods is distinct in more than one way. The memory foam shredded filling is responsive and guarantees the pillow will never go flat, plus sleepers can remove as much filling as they like which makes it great for people who sleep in several positions.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
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Pros
Ideal for combination sleepers
Comfortable and supportive
Cons
No cooling features

Our Expert’s Take

The wrong pillow can really be a pain in the neck. But, if you choose a pillow with the right amount of support and comfort, you can say goodbye to neck pain. That’s why I’m such a fan of the Coop Sleep Goods Original pillow. It is an adjustable pillow that contains a combination of memory foam and microfiber filling. 

How can you adjust it? You can actually take out or add the filling to find the perfect loft for your sleeping situation. This will help keep your neck in proper alignment, easing and preventing future neck pain. And, it is sold for a value price! 

What We Love About the Coop Sleep Goods Original

  • The pillow is machine washable. 
  • Its adjustability makes it a good fit for any sleeping position. 
  • The Coop Sleep Goods features hypoallergenic materials, so it shouldn’t exacerbate your allergies. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Coop Sleep Goods Original

  • This pillow will take some time for it to fully expand on its own or fluffing in the dryer. I also noticed an off-gassing smell that faded after 24 hours.
  • Memory foam pillows tend to trap some heat. The Coop Sleep pillow has a breathable bamboo cover, but this is not a cooling pillow. 

Read the full Coop Sleep Goods pillow review

Best Affordable Organic Pillow – Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex Pillow

Brooklyn Bedding’s Talalay Latex Pillow is a supportive and pressure relieving blended latex foam pillow. It has a ventilated core and removable soft knit cover. It comes in two loft options, making it a good choice for any sleep position.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.70 / 5
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Pros
Ample pressure relief
Doesn’t trap heat
Cons
No sleep trial

Our Expert’s Take

If you’re looking for another organic pillow option, take a look at the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex pillow. This pillow features Talalay latex and organic cotton, which are sustainable, eco-friendly materials. Organic latex pillows usually cost a pretty penny, but this is not the case with the Brooklyn Bedding. It costs less than $100, even for a king size pillow. 

Being a latex pillow, the Brooklyn Bedding is also a great cooling option. Natural latex is more breathable than other types of foam, so it shouldn’t trap heat. The cotton cover will also help air pass through the pillow so, overall, you should be sleeping nice and cool on this organic pillow. 

What We Love About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex

  • It comes in two loft options, making it a good fit for multiple sleeping positions. 
  • It is bouncy but still offers a good amount of contouring. 
  • You can remove the Brooklyn Bedding’s cover for easy care and cleaning. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklyn Bedding Talalay Latex

  • Fans of a firm and supportive pillow might find this pillow too soft. 
  • Brooklyn Bedding does not offer a sleep trial for its bedding products, but the pillow can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase. 

Read the full Brooklyn Bedding pillow review

Best Affordable Down Alternative Pillow – Brooklinen

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow

Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow

The Brooklinen Down Alternative pillow is a great hypoallergenic option that’s machine washable and dryer-friendly. This pillow is very full and fluffy, making a particularly great option for side sleepers.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.80 / 5
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Pros
Eco-friendly filling
Easy to clean
Cons
Not ideal for stomach sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

Down pillows can be comfortable, but they do have their drawbacks. They are usually expensive, and they contain down, a material that can have ethical implications.. If you want a great down alternative, take a look at the Brooklinen Down Alternative pillow. It features a fill made from recycled bottles that is eco-friendly while still offering the  plushness of down. 

This pillow is also hypoallergenic, so it will not trap allergens the way some down pillows are known to do. If you often wake up feeling stuffy with watery eyes, this pillow could be a good solution. And, of course, the Brooklinen costs a lot less than its down pillow counterparts! 

What We Love About the Brooklinen

  • It is available in multi-packs, so you can save even more money by buying more than one pillow. 
  • The Brooklinen contains only vegan materials.
  • Its plushness makes it a supportive option for side sleepers. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Brooklinen

  • This pillow is too lofty for stomach sleepers and back sleepers with a smaller frame to achieve spinal alignment.
  • Fans of a soft down feel might find this down alternative pillow too responsive.

Read the full Brooklinen Down Alternative pillow review

Best Affordable Adjustable Pillow –  Tempur-Pedic Cloud Adjustable

TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

TEMPUR-Cloud Adjustable Pillow

TEMPUR-Pedic’s TEMPUR-Cloud pillow is aptly named. It’s got an attractive and dare I say “cloud-like” white cover and a super-soft (albeit not fluffy) core.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.00 / 5
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Pros
Slow-moving feel
Ample contouring
Cons
May trap heat

Our Expert’s Take

Adjustable pillows are great for all kinds of sleepers and make for a really versatile pillow. Controlling the amount of filling in your pillow and experimenting with different lofts can ensure you have the right pillow for your sleeping needs. And considering the contouring and pressure-relieving foam in the Temper-Cloud pillow, there’s no question why we ranked it as the best adjustable pillow on this list.

In addition to its soft foams, the Tempur-Cloud pillow has a 100% hypoallergenic cover, so it should stay free of dust mites and allergens. It is important to note though, that since the pillow is all-foam it may trap heat as you sleep, so hot sleepers should be aware.

What We Love About the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Adjustable

  • This is a great pillow for back and stomach sleepers.
  • As the name suggests, the Tempur-Cloud is a very soft pillow.
  • The pillow cover can be removed and is machine washable, though the innards shouldn’t be washed.

What to Keep in Mind About the Tempur-Pedic Cloud Adjustable

  • Memory foam pillows tend to trap heat, and this pillow does not come with any advanced cooling features. We would recommend other pillows if you are a hot sleeper. 

Read our TEMPUR-Pedic pillow reviews

Best Affordable Pillow for Back Sleepers – Marlow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

Brooklinen Marlow Pillow

The Marlow pillow is a new take on the adjustable pillow. It has zippers along the sides of the pillow to change the loft and firmness. You don’t have to worry about messy shredded foam fills to find the sweet spot that works for you with this memory foam pillow.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.20 / 5
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Pros
Adjustable firmness
Advanced airflow
Cons
Firmer than average

Our Expert’s Take

If you sleep on your back, you are going to need a pillow to keep your head supported while keeping your neck in neutral alignment. For a great affordable option, I recommend the Marlow pillow. It is an adjustable pillow that, with the use of zippers on the sides, lets you control the loft. The Marlow allows you to fine-tune the amount of comfort and support you get on your head, keeping your neck perfectly aligned. 

If you switch to your side at night, the Marlow pillow could also work for you. Zipping up the sides, the pillow will have more loft and give you the support you need while side sleeping. And, it’s responsive, making it easy to change positions!

What We Love About the Marlow

  • It is a breathable, cooling pillow for hot sleepers. 
  • The Marlow boasts antimicrobial materials to prevent allergen and dust build-up. 
  • It has a 365-day return policy, giving you a full year to make sure the pillow is right for you.

What to Keep in Mind About the Marlow

  • This pillow does not have a removable cover and is not machine-washable. It can only be spot-cleaned. 
  • It has a firm and fluffy feel, so fans of a softer pillow or a slow-moving feel won’t find what they are looking for. 

Read the full Marlow pillow review 

Best Affordable Memory Foam Pillow – Layla

Layla Memory Foam Pillow

Layla Memory Foam Pillow

The Layla Memory Foam pillow is an affordable plush pillow with loads of cooling features. Because you can easily remove the filling, it’s easy to customize the loft.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.50 / 5
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Pros
Responsive feel
Adjustable filling
Cons
Some off-gassing

Our Expert’s Take

When it comes to mattresses, Layla is synonymous with memory foam comfort. But, did you know the brand also has one of the most comfortable memory foam pillows on the market? The Layla memory foam pillow contains a shredded memory foam fill that gives you a plush, soft feel. And, it costs less than your average high-quality  memory foam pillow!

But, if you don’t want something super plush, don’t worry. You can open the pillow up and remove some memory foam and make the pillow flatter. This makes the Layla a good match for any sleeping position. 

What We Love About the Layla

  • You can remove the cover and wash it at home. 
  • The breathable cover and open-celled foam makes the Layla a good match for hot sleepers. 
  • The pillow is soft but responsive as well, making it easy to change positions. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Layla

  • Right out of the box, you may notice a slight chemical odor. This is called off-gassing, and the smell should fade after 48 hours. 

Read the full Layla memory foam pillow review 

Best Affordable Pillow for Side Sleepers – Tuft & Needle Down Alternative

Tuft & Needle Down Alternative PIllow

Tuft & Needle Down Alternative PIllow

The Tuft & Needle Down Alternative pillow comes to you in a 2-pack! This high-quality down alternative pillow feels soft and plush and works well for side sleepers.

Pros
Comes in a two-pack
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Can flatten out with use

Our Expert’s Take

Looking for an affordable pillow to support you when you sleep on your side? You’ve got to check out the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative pillow. When you lie on your side, the Tuft & Needle will keep your head from sinking too far and make sure your neck is in good alignment. You shouldn’t be struggling with neck pain on this pillow!

It is also a breathable pillow, so you shouldn’t overheat at night. The cover and down alternative fill both promote airflow through the pillow. 

What We Love About the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative

  • You can wash the entire pillow in your at-home washer. 
  • It features hypoallergenic materials. 
  • The Tuft & Needle contains high-quality down alternative fill that should stay fluffy for many years. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Tuft & Needle Down Alternative

  • This pillow is too lofty for stomach sleepers to achieve proper spinal alignment. 
  • Down alternative pillows tend to flatten out over time when they are consistently used. Fluffing your pillow in the dryer can help restore its initial loft and support. 

Read the full Tuft & Needle pillow review 

Best Affordable Plush Pillow – Purple Cloud

Purple Cloud Pillow

Purple Cloud Pillow

If you love plush down alternative pillows, the Purple Cloud is for you! This soft, plush pillow is tall and supportive and works best for back and side sleepers.

Mattress Clarity Score
4.10 / 5
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Pros
Supportive
Hypoallergenic
Cons
Too tall for stomach sleepers

Our Expert’s Take

On a budget and want to feel like you’re sleeping on a cloud? Well, it’s all in the name with the Purple Cloud pillow. Containing fluffy down alternative gel-fibers, the Purple is extremely fluffy and really rises off the mattress. If you sleep on your side, the Purple Cloud will support your head while still offering some cushioning as well. 

If you sleep on your back, this plush pillow will still give in enough to keep your neck in the proper alignment. And, while it’s one of the comfiest, plushest pillows out there, the Purple Cloud is still sold at an affordable price point. 

What We Love About the Purple Cloud

  • The gel fiber fill should prevent you from overheating. 
  • You can wash the entire pillow in your washer. 
  • The Purple Cloud comes with a 100-night sleep trial. 

What to Keep in Mind About the Purple Cloud

  • This pillow is 6” tall, making it difficult for most stomach sleepers to achieve comfortable spinal alignment. These sleepers should look for a lower loft pillow. 
  • Its down alternative core may flatten out over time, but periodically fluffing your pillow should make it supportive and fluffy again.

Read the full Purple Cloud pillow review

Pros and Cons of Cheap Pillows

I wouldn’t necessarily call the pillows on our list “cheap,” but they are the most affordable of the pillows that we test. Keep the following in mind if you opt for an even cheaper pillow that costs less than $40. 

Pros

  • Affordability. Of course, the main pro of affordable pillows is their, well, affordability. They are less of a strain on your wallet and are a boon to those on a tight budget. 
  • You can replace them quickly. Buying more affordable pillows is a good way to change up your pillow situation more often. Cheaper pillows won’t last as long as some higher-end pillows, so you can switch them out quickly, and you’ll have a newer pillow all the time. 

Cons

  • You might skimp on quality. While there are some very nice affordable pillows out there, they usually don’t feature the high-quality materials you find with more expensive pillows. However, if you are careful and do your research, you can still find affordable pillows to give you the comfort and support you need. 
  • Won’t last you as long. Affordable pillows rarely feature the durable materials you find in more luxury pillows. Because of this, you may have to replace cheaper pillows more often. 
  • They will cost you more money over time. If you are replacing your cheaper pillows on a regular basis, this can take a toll on your pocketbook. You will save money up front when you buy a cheap pillow but, over time, you’ll be spending more. 

How to Choose an Affordable Pillow

If you are on the hunt for an affordable pillow, there are a few things to keep in mind. First off, as when you are shopping for any type of pillow, think about your sleeping position. This will affect the type of pillow you want to get. If you are a side sleeper, you’ll want something thicker and loftier. Back sleepers will want something with a medium plushness, and stomach sleepers should opt for something thinner. 

Next, make sure to find a pillow that matches your feel preference. Do you like something fluffy and cloudlike? Consider a down alternative pillow. Do you prefer something that contours to the shape of your head and neck? Memory foam should be the way to go. 

The pillow material you choose will also affect the durability of the pillow. Even if you aren’t spending a lot of money on your pillow, research the materials to see how much life you are going to get out of it. 

Lastly, keep your sleep temperature in mind. If you sleep hot, find a pillow that is breathable and cooling. Even some of the most affordable pillows feature cooling covers and fills that promote airflow. 

Summary

Again, here is our list of the best affordable pillows:

PillowBest For
Coop Home Goods OriginalBest Pillow for Neck Pain
Brooklyn Bedding Talalay LatexBest Organic Pillow
Brooklinen Down AlternativeBest Down Alternative Pillow
Tempur-Pedic Cloud AdjustableBest Adjustable Pillow
MarlowBest Pillow for Back Sleepers
Layla Memory FoamBest Memory Foam Pillow
Tuft & Needle Down AlternativeBest Pillow for Side Sleepers
Purple CloudBest Plush Pillow

FAQs

How much do pillows cost?

Depending on their materials, pillows can range in price from just around $10 up to sometimes hundreds or thousands of dollars. However, all the pillows on this list range from about $60 to $120.

How long do cheap pillows last?

Cheaper pillows should last for at least one year and, if they feature more durable materials, as long as two years.

What pillow material is the cheapest?

Pillows with a polyester fill are the cheapest on the market. They can cost as little as $10.

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Marten Carlson

Marten Carlson

Lead Mattress Reviewer

About Author

Marten has been writing about mattresses and sleep health for six years. He is the lead reviewer at Mattress Clarity where he tests mattresses, bedding, and sleep accessories.

In his role here, Marten’s reviewed over 500 mattresses and 150 sleep accessories (so you can rest assured that if he recommends a product, it’s been put through the wringer in our Austin studio). In addition, he has written more than 400 articles reviewing the quality of sleep and sleep products as well as sleep health. He’s especially interested in the correlation between sleep and mental health.

Marten’s also got a personal stake in sleep health. After writing dozens of pieces on the dangers of sleep apnea, he decided to get tested for the condition. Realizing he did, in fact, suffer from sleep apnea, he immediately started using a CPAP machine. He knows all too well the importance of a healthy night’s sleep and is passionate about helping others get the healthy, restorative sleep they deserve.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Film Production from Denison University and his master’s degree in Film Studies from Emory University.

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