Cheap Vs. Expensive Pillows: What’s Worth It for Better Sleep?

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Pillows can cost as little as $10 or climb well past $150 depending on materials and construction. While they may look similar on the outside, the differences often come down to fill type, durability and long-term comfort.

If you’re debating between a budget find and a luxury upgrade, here’s what separates cheap pillows from premium ones, along with real examples shoppers have been eyeing.

What You Get With a Budget Pillow

Less expensive pillows typically use polyester fiberfill or basic memory foam. They’re lightweight, widely available and often machine washable. Many are hypoallergenic and sold in multi-packs, making them ideal for guest rooms, dorms or quick replacements.

What you give up is longevity and consistent support. Lower-cost fill tends to flatten faster and may not offer the same contouring or temperature regulation as higher-end materials. For occasional use or for sleepers who prefer a softer, easily replaceable pillow, though, they can be a practical choice.

Here are some recent deals on pillows to consider, all of which come highly rated from our community. While they may not be “buy it for life” quality, they strike a great balance between price and comfort.

Sertapedic Extra Firm Standard/Queen Bed Pillow 2-Pack – $10.44

This 2-pack drops to $10.44, making each pillow just over $5. The Sertapedic pillows are labeled extra firm and hypoallergenic, designed for sleepers who want more structure at a low cost. The deal has generated significant interest on Slickdeals with a strong deal score, active comments and thousands of views.

Dumos Memory Foam Standard Pillow with Washable Cover – $10

Priced at $10 on Amazon, this Dumos pillow features memory foam construction and a removable washable cover. That contouring foam feel is usually found at higher price points, making this a budget-friendly entry into memory foam support.

Room Essentials Plush Pillow – $2.10

For an extra budget-friendly option, this Room Essentials soft plush pillow is marked over 40% off down to just $2.10. It’s machine washable and geared toward shoppers looking for an affordable, no-frills option. While it might not be your forever pillow, at this price, you could afford to replace it weekly and it’d still be months before you approach the price of a more premium option.

What You Get With an Expensive Pillow

Luxury pillows, such as those from Chamberlain Down, focus on premium fill materials like responsibly sourced down or down-alternative blends with higher fill power. These pillows are designed for loft retention, breathability and long-term durability. You’ll often find features like double-stitched seams, high-thread-count cotton covers and multiple firmness options tailored to sleep position.

The higher cost, which, for Chamberlain Down climbs to multiple hundreds of dollars, reflects both materials and craftsmanship. Down clusters can maintain loft longer than polyester fill and tend to offer a lighter, more responsive feel. For daily use, especially if you’re particular about support or sleep hot, investing in a premium pillow may pay off over time.

In short, budget pillows work well for short-term needs or secondary bedrooms, while expensive pillows cater to sleepers who prioritize long-lasting comfort and higher-end materials. As always, pricing and availability can change quickly. If you’re waiting for a price drop on bedding, consider setting up a Deal Alert to stay on top of new offers.