The Best King Size Pillows to Treat Your Head and Neck Like Royalty

When we go to bed, a pillow that doesn’t correctly support our neck and shoulders’ needs can determine how easily we fall asleep and the level of pain we may feel when we wake up. A king size pillow can deliver a royal class of comfort and support while also helping us to maximize our use of a bed’s sleeping surface. In addition, being larger than typical pillows ensures that as we move in our sleep, our neck, shoulders and head can still easily find a plush landing of support to rest on. With so many king pillows to choose from, in this article, we take the time to consolidate our findings and help guide you in discovering a new pillow for your home!

The 10 Best King Size Pillows – Our Top Picks

• Best King Size Pillow for Neck Pain – Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pro
• Best Latex King Size Pillow – Saatva Latex
• Best King Size Pillow for Side Sleepers – Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow
• Best Adjustable King Size Pillow – Layla Kapok
• Best Budget-Friendly King Size Pillow – Beckham Hotel Collection
• Best Feather King Size Pillow – Parachute Down Pillow
• Best Hypoallergenic King Size Pillow – Purple Harmony Pillow
• Best Organic King Size Pillow – Avocado Green Pillow
• Best Down Alternative King Size Pillow – Casper Original Pillow
• Best Memory Foam King Size Pillow – Coop Home Goods Eden

Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn a commission.

Best Overall King Size Pillow – Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pro

• Dimensions: Queen 16″ x 25″, King 16″ x 30″
• Customer Rating: 4.4/5
• Firmness: Extra-soft
• Fill Material: Memory foam
• Case Material: Polyester knit
• Sleep Trial Period: N/A

Whether from stress, working out or simply improper rest, neck pain can be a nightmare. Tempur-Pedic’s Tempur-Cloud Pro pillow is a memory foam pillow designed to delicately cradle your neck, shoulders and head with therapeutic support while you rest. Tempur’s memory foam material contours to your shoulders and neck with maximum comfort and therapeutic support, ensuring as you move, the pillow will consistently respond to you with incredible pressure relief for your neck and shoulders. In addition, the Tempur-Cloud includes a premium knit cover that can be removed and washed, plus a generous five-year warranty. Beyond your bedroom, you can easily squash and pack your Tempur-Cloud for traveling without disrupting its construction. Furthermore, Tempur-Cloud’s plush soft yet supportive memory foam design is excellent for back and stomach sleepers. Tempur’s reputation for neck support and relief undoubtedly continues in the precision-based support and ease of this Tempur-Cloud Pro king pillow.

Best Latex King Size Pillow – Saatva Latex

• Dimensions: Queen 18″ x 28″, King 18″ x 34″
• Customer Rating: 4.8/5
• Firmness: Customizable (firm and ultra-soft)
• Fill Material: Latex, microdenier fiber
• Case Material: Organic cotton
• Sleep Trial Period: 45 nights

Latex offers a remarkably supportive and eco-friendly material for sleep products. The Saatva Latex pillow has a three-layer luxury king pillow construction (9/10) that lives up to the Saatva name. In addition, the Saatva pillow is uniquely eco-friendly. The Saatva Latex king pillow has a natural latex core and outer microfiber pillow layer that is hypoallergenic, vegan, and washable. The pillow also comes with a washable and soft organic cotton cover. The latex core is also removable if you prefer an even softer feel, making this pillow highly versatile. With help from the pillow’s organic cotton cover, our testers gave the Saatva an impressive 9 out of 10 for its temperature regulation, making it great for hot sleepers. Whether you prefer a firm or plush feel, our testers found its customizable firmness and high-end components delivered top-tier support (9/10) and responsiveness (9/10). Eco-conscious consumers can indulge in the luxury comfort of the Saatva Latex king pillow.

Best King Size Pillow for Side Sleepers – Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow

• Dimensions:17″ x 29″ x 6″
• Customer Rating: 4.1/5
• Firmness: Plush
• Fill Material: Latex, polyester
• Case Material: Organic cotton
• Sleep Trial Period: 45 nights

Side sleepers can struggle to get adequate support from flat pillows as they may not correctly support their head or spine in a safe alignment and eased position as they rest. The Eli & Elm Cotton Side Pillow is explicitly constructed with side sleepers in mind. The pillow’s unique U-shape design helps to improve the quality of a side sleeper’s rest while helping to prevent inflammation in the shoulders, neck, and overall joints affected by their position. Impressively the Eli & Elm also has a customizable firmness, allowing you to unzip the pillow and add or take out its latex and polyester filling. Furthermore, an organic cotton cover top greeting your head and shoulders on the pillow’s surface is ultra-cozy and highly breathable. For eco-friendly consumers, side sleepers, and hot sleepers, the Eli & Elm Cotton Side pillow is a definite go-to!

Best Adjustable King Size Pillow – Layla Kapok

• Dimensions: Queen 18″ x 28″, king 18″ x 34″
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Adjustable with a medium feel
• Fill Material: Kapok, shredded foam
• Case Material: Copper-infused polyester mix
• Sleep Trial Period: 120 nights

If you ever tossed and turned, fluffing and playing with your pillow in the night to get it just right, you may have wished it had an adjustable option. The Layla Kapok adjustable pillow is filled with Kapok plant fibers and shredded foam that can be taken out or put back in, depending on your desired loft. In addition, the pillow comes extra stuffed, so you have much to work with. The Kapok’s shredded memory foam filling works perfectly with its Kapok material to help contour precisely to your body with equal support (9/10) and responsiveness (8.5/10) for your neck and shoulders. Our testers gave the Layla Kapok an 8.5 out of 10 for its temperature-regulating ability due to its copper-infused cooling cover. Furthermore, its luxury-grade components had our testers appreciating its construction, giving it a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10. So whether you want a tall or short loft pillow, the Layla Kapok can be a great solution!

Best Budget-Friendly King Size Pillow – Beckham Hotel Collection

• Dimensions: Queen 20″ x 28″, king 20″ x 36″
• Customer Rating: 4.4/5
• Firmness: Plush
• Fill Material: Gel down-alternative
• Case Material: Cotton
• Sleep Trial Period: 30 nights

Experiencing a luxury level of sleep shouldn’t be limited to the nights we spend in hotels. The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow offers a luxury standard-size pillow for a bargain rate. Available on Amazon for under $40, despite resembling the construction and features known to pillows three times its price, the Beckham Hotel makes the benefits of a luxury pillow quite accessible to all of us. The Beckham is made with a cooling gel down-alternative fill to deliver a cool and plush push-back to your body for contouring and support. This combination of a soft feel but supportive cradle makes it great for all types of sleepers. Furthermore, the outer layer is a 250-thread count cover that works with the gel interior to deliver maximum cooling, making it great for hot sleepers. The Beckham Hotel Collection pillow allows those of us on a budget to enhance our sleeping experience without leaving a hole in our wallets.

Best Feather King Size Pillow – Parachute Down Pillow

• Dimensions: Standard 20″ x 26″, king 20″ x 36″
• Customer Rating: Coming soon!
• Firmness: Soft, medium, firm
• Fill Material: Down
• Case Material: Sateen cotton
• Sleep Trial Period: 60 nights

There is a unique level of fluffy comfort to down pillows, but finding a down pillow that is ethically sourced can be a frustrating journey for animal lovers or eco-friendly consumers. The Parachute down pillow is an ethically sourced down pillow with multiple firmness options. Furthermore, the Parachute is RDS (Responsible Down Standard) certified, sourcing its materials from only RDS-certified European providers. In addition, the Parachute is available in soft, medium and firm firmness options, making it suitable for all types of sleepers. Notably, Parachute’s exterior cover is made entirely with durable sateen cotton, making the entire pillow machine wash-friendly. In providing its luxurious feel, the Parachute molds and supports your neck with relief very easily due to the efficiency of its down filler. Suppose you love the feeling of feather pillows but don’t want the guilt. In that case, the Parachute offers an exceptional opportunity to ethically bring the luxurious comforts of a down pillow into your home!

Best Hypoallergenic King Size Pillow – Purple Harmony Pillow

• Dimensions: Standard 26″ x 17″ x 5.5″, king 34″ x 17″ x 5.5″
• Customer Rating: 4.4/5
• Firmness: Soft, medium, firm
• Fill Material: Latex, polymer
• Case Material: Spandex, nylon
• Sleep Trial Period: 100 nights

The sleeping products we bring into our bedrooms are trusted to offer rest and comfort, not skin irritation and bacteria. The Purple Harmony king pillow is a hypoallergenic pillow constructed with a natural latex core, non-toxic polymer, and a moisture-wicking cover. While some latex materials can trigger allergies, the Purple Harmony pillow uses Talalay latex, which is incredibly hypoallergenic. Furthermore, latex’s natural airflow doesn’t trap moisture as much as other all-foam pillows, making them very hypoallergenic and naturally mildew resistant. The Purple Harmony is available in three loft options and two sizes, making it more accessible for most sleepers. Due to the awesome temperature-regulating (9/10) and responsive (9.5/10) qualities of Purple’s latex core, our testers gave it excellent reviews across the board. In addition, our testers found a great combination of healthy cradling and comfort, giving the pillow a 9 out of 10 for its support. The quality construction (9/10) of the Purple Harmony also helped give this pillow a 9.5 out of 10 for its durability. Purple Harmony’s unique Talalay latex and breathable design is an excellent opportunity for sleepers who struggle with allergies to find a hotel-like sleep experience.

Best Organic King Size Pillow – Avocado Green Pillow

• Dimensions: Standard 19″ x 25″, Queen 19″ x 29″, king 19″ x 35″
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Adjustable with medium-plush feel
• Fill Material: Organic latex, Kapok
• Case Material: Organic cotton
• Sleep Trial Period: 100 nights

Eco-friendly consumers may be skeptical of finding an equally sustainable and supportive pillow. However, the Avocado Green is an all-around eco-friendly pillow that can provide exceptional pressure relief and a quality night’s rest. The Avocado Green’s interior is constructed with organic latex and a fluffy organic Kapok fiber filler. Meeting the sleeper on the surface is a breathable organic cotton cover. In addition, the pillow comes with extra filling material upon purchase, enabling you to customize its loft to your preference. All materials used in the Avocado Green pillow are certifiably non-toxic, organic and vegan.

Furthermore, the Avocado pillow’s natural materials and cotton cover make it very friendly to warm sleepers and highly hypoallergenic. Our testers felt exceptional pressure relief and responsiveness in the Avocado, and due to its customizable loft, all sleepers, including stomach sleepers, can find some comfort in its design. Avocado also offers free shipping plus a generous 100-night sleep trial, further expressing the company’s confidence in its product. If you are seeking a genuinely eco-friendly pillow, look no more than the American-made Avocado Green pillow!

Best Down Alternative King Size Pillow – Casper Original Pillow

• Dimensions: Standard 18″ x 26″, king 18″ x 34″
• Customer Rating: 4.5/5
• Firmness: Medium-firm
• Fill Material: Down alternative
• Case Material: Cotton cover
• Sleep Trial Period: 30 nights

While down pillows offer uniquely fluffy and breathable support for your neck and shoulders, some of us may prefer a non-animal-based source of material in our pillows (pokey feathers can be annoying too). The Casper Original down-alternative pillow offers soft, cozy comfort without the pokey feathers and stigma. The Casper has a two-layer pillow design. At its core is a microfiber fill designed to provide broader support to the pillow and help it adapt to your neck and shoulders as you move with consistent comfort. The outer layer is a down alternative polyester fabric that generates the soft and fluffy comfort you would associate with down. It also includes gusset material to keep your pillow comfortable in every position. Casper’s unique pillow within a pillow construction helps deliver quality support behind its fluffy exterior, having our testers give it an 8 out of 10. In addition, a 100 percent cotton cover surrounds Casper’s two-layer design and helps to increase airflow from the pillow’s exterior to its core. Furthermore, the Casper is easily machine-washed. So expect the velvety feel of down (without the guilt) with a more supportive foundation for your neck and shoulders with this down alternative Casper pillow!

Best Memory Foam King Size Pillow – Coop Home Goods Eden

• Dimensions: Queen 20″ x 30″, king 20″ x 36″
• Customer Rating: Coming soon!
• Firmness: Medium
• Fill Material: Shredded gel infused memory foam
• Case Material: Bamboo and polyester blend
• Sleep Trial Period: 100 nights

The delicate yet supportive pressure-relieving feel of memory foam is what so many of us love about it. The shredded memory foam Eden king pillow from Coop Home Goods offers an entire memory foam mattress feel for your neck and shoulders. The Eden uses a gel-infused shredded memory foam pillow interior to adapt and support your body while retaining a sleep-friendly neutral temperature as you rest. The Eden also comes with a breathable cover that is bamboo and polyester-sourced. Despite not being entirely organic, the Eden pillow is Greenguard Gold and CertiPUR-US certified, meaning their production process commits minimal emissions and is without toxic chemicals. The Eden is also dust mite resistant and hypoallergenic. Regardless of your sleeping position’s loft needs in a pillow, the Eden is also easily adjustable, allowing you to remove or add its interior shredded memory foam to your preferred loft needs. Gel memory foam pillow fans can expect substantial relief in the Coop Home Goods Eden king pillow!

MA Score: The Mattress Advisor Score is a weighted score that takes into account 14 different factors related to the pillow’s performance, function, convenience and the brand’s social responsibility.

What Makes a Good King Size Pillow?

A good king size pillow is defined as one that can efficiently help you get the best quality rest according to your unique sleeping needs. This definition can depend on your sleeping position if you are prone to neck pain, or your ethics regarding how a pillow is produced. Therefore, determining your personal needs is essential when understanding which is a quality king pillow that can specifically help you.

Generally, a good king pillow should sufficiently support your head, neck, and shoulders in a way that doesn’t compromise your spine alignment, worsen or create inflammation in these areas and, of course, generate a relieving and cozy comfort as you rest. Side sleepers may need a less firm pillow, as back sleepers likely prefer a more firm pillow. Those with chronic pain in their necks or shoulders typically appreciate a king pillow that offers adjustable loft so it can better adapt to how you feel when you go to rest. Above all, a good pillow should be sourced with quality materials and maintain a durable and supportive construction that can provide you with a great night’s sleep based on your sleeping needs.

Are King Size Pillows Worth It?

King pillows help maximize your bed’s surface, more quickly respond to your head’s movements along a larger perimeter and offer a great hug of comfort. Waking up with aches and pains, especially in the highly-sensitive areas of your neck and shoulders, can severely affect your day. Furthermore, stress generally builds up in these areas of your body, and having a good king pillow to help you experience restorative sleep can help to offer relief and potential healing.

While time and budgets may not permit it, we know very well that if we manage to get a massage, the moment a masseuse touches our necks or shoulders, it can be a relief beyond words. This is because of the high levels of stress stored in these areas. And while a pillow certainly is not a professional massage, it can be an investment in maintaining the long-term wellness of our neck and shoulders while enhancing the quality of our sleep. A king pillow can be a tool to finish the day right, dream all night and wake up ready to seize the day.

Things to Consider When Buying a King Size Pillow

Type of Pillow

Understanding the different pillow types will help you choose the best one for your sleeping needs.

Memory foam: Memory foam pillows efficiently adapt to the shape of your upper body, cradling you with comfort and support. Memory foam pillows offer exceptional pressure relief and are highly recommended for sleepers struggling with neck pain. However, if you prefer ultra plush firmness in a pillow, memory foam pillows tend to run more firmly than down pillows, for example.

Down/Down Alternative: Down pillows use duck or goose feathers as a filler to deliver an extremely fluffy and comfortable feel. Down alternatives are synthetic materials designed to replicate the same feeling. While delivering plush comfort, down pillows may not have adequate firmness for supporting individuals who struggle with spinal pain and need sturdier alignment support for their upper body areas as they rest.

Latex: Latex pillows offer similar features as memory foam pillows however are usually far more natural and chemical-free. Latex pillows are also highly durable while acting as quality cooling pillows due to their breathability. Notably, latex’s natural airflow doesn’t trap heat or moisture as much as all-foam pillows, making them very hypoallergenic and naturally mildew resistant.

Hybrid: Hybrid pillows combine the supportive and contouring elements of foam with the ultra-soft comfort of pillow-friendly fibers such as down or Kapok. Hybrid pillows are great for indecisive shoppers or combination sleepers who desire more pillow versatility. A good hybrid pillow is also great for sleepers who need firm support but still desire the plush comfort of soft fiber fill pillows.

Performance Factors

Determining what a pillow specializes in will help you better understand if it’s the right fit for your home.

Allergen-resistance: Allergen resistance is determined by how hypoallergenic a pillow’s materials are. For example, pillows with quality airflow, such as latex pillows, are typically less likely to trap moisture and tend to be more hypoallergenic, anti-fungal, and resistant to dust mites.

Loft: Pillow loft refers to the thickness of a pillow’s filling. It could also be considered another word for a pillow’s height. Pillow loft also helps to reflect a pillow’s firmness level, which is why many luxury king pillows make adjustments to the pillow’s filling possible, making them more compatible with different sleepers’ needs.

Size: There are four pillow sizes: standard, queen, king, and Euro (Euro pillows tend to be used more as decorative bed pillows).

Pillow sizes:

Standard: 20″ x 26″

Queen: 20″ x 30″

King: 20″ x 36″

Euro: 26″ x 26″

Firmness: You can judge pillow firmness by the support and feel of a pillow provided when you rest. Furthermore, if you have chronic back or joint pain, you may need a more firm pillow with memory foam that offers sturdier support to keep your neck and shoulders aligned with your spine correctly as you sleep. However, softer pillows such as down pillows may provide more prompt pressure relief if you are experiencing neck pain. Hybrid pillows offer a great combination of soft relieving comfort and a firm, supportive feel.

Washability: Washability determines how easy it is to wash your pillow from home. This varies on the pillow type, with some being easier to clean than others. For example, some pillows allow you to throw them in the washer entirely without concern, while others require a spot clean, or special instructions. Therefore, to avoid a headache, it is best to consult your pillow’s washing requirements before making your choice.

Durability: A pillow’s durability is determined by the quality of its assembly and the materials used. For example, luxury king pillows with more quality materials and construction may be worth the price tag due to their typically longer lifespan.

Price: The cost of a pillow should reflect the quality of its components and features. For example, more high-end, durable or pressure-relieving pillows may have a higher price tag, yet they may be worth it in the long run due to their longer lifespan and superior sleep-aiding features. Furthermore, while we all want the best for a bargain, a quality pillow can radically improve your sleep and should be considered a long-term investment.

FAQ About the Best King Size Pillows

What size pillow is best for a king size bed?

A king size bed calls for a king size pillow. King size pillows help to maximize the space you use on your bed’s surface while sleeping, making them great for getting the most out of your royal-size mattress.

How often should you replace your pillows?

A pillow may last anywhere from one to 10 years. Unfortunately, most pillows tend to lose their fluff and durability over time. However, choosing higher-end pillows with more quality materials may help you to get better use and a longer lifespan out of your pillow.

How many pillows belong on a king size bed?

Two king size pillows should fit quite well across a king size bed. Otherwise, three standard pillows should do the trick. Finally, regarding decoration, three Euro square pillows should be able to provide a lovely backdrop for your bed and its pillows.

Should pillows be washed?

Over time, whether from saliva or the conditions, pillows can absorb dust, dirt, mildew and build up harmful bacteria. Therefore you should consider washing your pillow cover weekly and your pillows two to three times a year.

Summary of Our Top Picks for the Best King Size Pillows

• Best King Size Pillow for Neck Pain – Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Cloud Pro
• Best Latex King Size Pillow – Saatva Latex
• Best King Size Pillow for Side Sleepers – Eli & Elm Organic Cotton Side Sleeper Pillow
• Best Adjustable King Size Pillow – Layla Kapok
• Best Budget-Friendly King Size Pillow – Beckham Hotel Collection
• Best Feather King Size Pillow – Parachute Down Pillow
• Best Hypoallergenic King Size Pillow – Purple Harmony Pillow
• Best Organic King Size Pillow – Avocado Green Pillow
• Best Down Alternative King Size Pillow – Casper Original Pillow
• Best Memory Foam King Size Pillow – Coop Home Goods Eden