Best Places to Buy Pillows: 9 Online Stores for Any Budget

The pillow is the most essential piece of bedding, and if it’s doing its job the right way, it offers hours of comfort, rest, and an elevated sleeping experience. (A flat or lumpy pillow is an invitation to neck pain, after all.) But sometimes, buying a pillow online can get a little tricky, especially since personal preferences for comfort can differ, and it’s difficult to test out the various options unless you’re someone who likes making lots of returns.

To streamline the process, I looked at the online retailers for pillows, researched numerous options, and included my own buying experience to bring you the best options for the most common types of pillows out there. Consider this your shortlist for where to start your next search for the best pillows possible.

Our top picks for the best places to buy pillows

Pillows are a staple with bedding but also a very personal choice. These retailers offer a wide selection of pillows so you can find the one most closely matched to your preferences.

Pottery Barn is a one-stop shop for decorative pillows, offering a wide range of colors, patterns, shapes, and sizes.

How we selected the best places to buy pillows online

Not only did we draw from personal experience of shopping for pillows online, but we used multiple points of consideration to make our top selections. The selection, customer service hours, return policy, and warranties offered were all reviewed to determine our top picks.

What to keep in mind when buying pillows online

We all know pillows aren’t a one-size-fits-all item and neither is our online buying experience. Here are a few areas of consideration when you’re trying to outfit your bed.

Material

First, choose the material you’re most interested in and can tolerate the most, such as fiber-fill or down-filled pillows. This can help narrow your selection since not all retailers offer every type of material. You can also research types of stiffness and softness so you can truly customize your pillow.

Not only is the outer material a strong consideration, but look for what’s inside the pillow, too, and what you prefer. Whether it’s memory foam for support, down feathers for fluffiness, hypoallergenic materials, or more sustainable options, look for a retailer offering the exact material both inside and outside you’re looking for.

Price

Like so many aspects of bedding, the price of pillows can range from budget-friendly to ultra-lux. Fortunately, there’s such a wide variety of pillows available it makes it easier to find what you’re looking for close to your budget.

Selection

Look for an online store offering a wide selection of pillows to help you find the perfect fit for your sleep needs. Not only is there a better chance of finding what you’re looking for–you can likely find something within your budget.

Return policy

Be sure to check out a retailer’s return policy. Not only should you confirm the number of days you have for returning, but also check to see if you’re responsible for return shipping charges, too. No matter how many reviews you read online or pictures of pillows you look at, there’s nothing like trying a pillow on for size and seeing if it works for you. If it doesn’t work, you’ll be glad you’ve ordered from an online retailer with a generous return policy and free returns.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How much should you spend on a good pillow?

There’s no right or wrong answer to how much you should spend on a pillow, but you can likely find what you need anywhere from $25 to $150 per pillow. Do keep in mind the number of hours you spend using your pillow and quality is extremely important. A bargain pillow can be more expensive than a high-quality pillow, if you have to replace it frequently, or if it contributes to neck pain.

Are expensive pillows worth it?

Ultimately, it’s up to your personal experience to answer the question if an expensive pillow is worth it. However, a quality, durable, well-made pillow can last you for several years versus a cheap pillow that will develop lumps shortly after bringing it home.

Which brand is best for pillows?

It’s important to read multiple customer and expert reviews to find out which brand of pillow is considered the best. While it’s a matter of opinion, brands such as Avocado, Purple, and the Beckham Hotel Collection (available at Amazon), often receive high ratings both among experts and personal reviewers.

How often should you replace pillows?

It seems like everyone has a take on how often you should replace pillows, but the easiest way to tell is when it starts showing signs of wear and tear or developing lumps and loss of firmness. A good pillow should last at least two years but can last longer or shorter than this based on the use, care, and quality of the pillow.

Why are hotel pillows so comfortable?

Many hotel chains have invested heavily in their signature bedding collection, which can include quality pillows. These pillows often have a greater loft and multiple supportive layers inside, plus down and down-alternative options, making them super comfortable for many weary travelers.