As a strong beauty-sleep advocate, I'd always advise you to invest in the best quality bedding. But that doesn't mean you have to spend all of your savings on getting a great night's sleep. Whether you're after new pillows to replace those you've had for years, need a fresh pair to take to college, or just want a spare for when friends come to stay, you won't have to bankrupt yourself to enjoy quality.
You guessed it, I'm on a budget too. And even if I wasn't, spending over $100 on a pillow is outlandish to say the least, especially when it is totally possible to pick up a pair of top-notch pillows for under $10. We don't mean standard polyester-filled options either, we're talking about the good stuff. Think affordable memory foam, gel-fiber, and feels-like-down types too, there are so many good yet cheap pillows out there.
However, knowing which ones legitimately deliver both quality and good value for money isn't that simple, so I've done the research for you, and found six plush pillows that sit at a (more than) reasonable price for a pair, but that feel pretty damn nice. Yes, renters, roomies, and anyone looking for somewhere to rest their head, you don’t have to overspend on these expensive-feeling pillows.
6 of the best affordable pillows, chosen by an expert
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Filling: Microfibre
Firmness: Medium-firm
Wash: Machine wash
Tumble Dry: Yes
+ Back and side sleepers
+ Adjustable firmness
+ Antimicrobial
+ Super cheap
- May flatten over time
For all kinds of sleepers, this microfibre medium-firm pillow from Simply Essential can suit all your sleeping needs for only $4 — meaning it won't cost too much to replace. You can wash it, and bung it in the dryer too, to help keep it fresher for longer.
Filling: 100% Polyester
Firmness: Soft
Wash: Machine
Tumble dry: Yes
+ Front and side sleepers
+ OEKO-TEX Certified
+ Under $5
- Too soft for back sleepers
- Needs re-plumping
Students, or anyone in need of a quick replacement pillow, will find that this dorm room essential will do just the job. It's not cheap quality (it is OEKO-TEX certified), but it is on the softer side. So back sleepers, we'd suggest you opt for something firmer.
Filling: 100% Polyester
Firmness: Medium
Wash: Dry clean only
Tumble dry: No
+ All sleep positions
+ Trusted brand
+ Stays fluffy
+ Cooling
- Dry clean only
Number one on our best pillow buying guide is this polyester-filled pillow. It has everything you could want when it comes to resting your head, all at a reasonable price. It may be more expensive, but if you have any of Casper's other sleep products, you'll know they're bedding game changers.
Filling: Polyester
Firmness: Soft
Wash: Spot clean
Tumble dry: No
+ Pack of two
+ Anti-allergy filling
+ Full and plush
- Need to reshake for plumpness
- No wash or drying
An Amazon best-seller, this two-pack of pillows is perfect for throwing on the guest bed, to keep as spares for when friends stay on the couch, or if you're in quick need of a replacement pair. They won't do wonders in terms of comfort, but for $20, reviewers are impressed with their fiber-filled fullness.
Filling: Down alternative
Firmness: Firm
Wash: Machine
Tumble dry: No
+ Back and side sleepers
+ 300 thread count cover
+ Affordable
- Too firm for front sleepers
If you're a side or back sleeper after a firm pillow that won't be too tough on your bank account, this best-rated option from Nestwell is ideal. Featuring a high thread count cotton cover, who says budget-friendly has to be basic?
Filling: Gel memory foam
Firmness: Soft/medium
Wash: Delicate, cold
Tumble dry: No
+ For all sleepers
+ Cooling gel layer
+ OEKO-TEX Certified
- More expensive
- May need to re-plump
This ever-popular pillow from Beckham's Hotel Collection is a great Amazon find at only $49.99 for two. It may be more expensive than most on this list, but they're beloved for their premium feel without the price tag to go with it. You'll get more than just a standard night's sleep.
How we chose these cheap pillows
Just like we did when choosing a cheap mattress, we researched, read reviews, and compared products that were below $30 (for one) against more expensive options. For those we have tested, we've made sure to balance sleep quality and price, so you can find the best value pillow for your budget. The Casper pillow on this list has been tested, for example, and is the cheapest, but number one in our best pillow guide. If you want to know more about what this involves (and yes, it's more than just resting our head), then you can get the low down in our how we test guide.
How do you buy bedding on a budget?
Whether you're looking for a cheap bedding set to take to college, a comfy pillow to replicate a luxury one you have used before, or simply don't have the cash to splash on a brand-new pillow, there are ways to still get a good night's sleep. Keeping an eye out for certain bedding features will help you choose a pillow that's comfortable and at the right price point:
1. Are the pillows, sheets, duvets, or whatever you're buying OEKO-TEX certified? This is the standard given to synthetic products that have been tested and proven to be free of harmful toxins or chemicals. Cheaper pillows are more likely to be made of polyester or have hollow fiber filling — so it's worth finding this out.
2. Thread counts are an indicator of quality too. Though a higher thread count doesn't always mean more expensive. For instance, some of the pillows on this list come with high-thread count cotton covers that can be washed. This will help prolong the life of your pillow, making it a more cost-effective buy in the long run.
3. Keep an eye out for bedding sales and mattress deals. There's no best time to buy bedding, and we wouldn't recommend holding off on a new pillow if you need one. That being said, if you can, Black Friday and Cyber Monday are known for having great deals on mattresses, duvets, protectors, and more. You could bag a bargain and get your best sleep yet, for less.
