How Much Do Pillows Cost? 2025 Guide for Prices By Type + Size

Key takeaways:

• The average cost of a pillow ranges from $50 to $250, depending on the brand and materials used. Some pillows may cost as little as $10, while luxury pillows can exceed $300.
• Pillow costs vary by quality, size, and other features like cooling technology or adjustability.
• A higher price often indicates higher-quality materials or custom features that make all the difference in sleep quality.

Your pillow is flat and lumpy, causing you to wake up with neck pain every morning—sound about right? If so, and your pillow is not enhancing your sleep or is actively disrupting it, it’s time to replace your pillow. But with so many options on the market, you may struggle to find one that fits your needs and budget.  

Understanding the cost of pillows by type can help you make informed choices, whether you're looking for allergen-free options or adjustable fills. Read along to find out the average pillow cost, the best-value pillows, and what factors influence pillow cost. 

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Average Pillow Cost By Type

Finding the right pillow among a sea of pillow types can feel daunting — each one has its own quirks, just like your sleep style. The price of pillows can also vary from brand to brand and by the quality of materials used. To find your perfect match, start with the average costs by type of pillow.

Down Alternative

Down alternative pillow price: $30-$80 on average 

Down alternative pillows mimic the plushness and softness of traditional down but at a lower price point. They’re also hypoallergenic, making them ideal for sensitive sleepers. The Purple Cloud™ Pillow is one such option, but the use of silicone-coated fibers ensures consistent fluffiness that doesn’t clump. For those who want versatility, the TwinCloud™ Pillow features two firmness options in one zip-and-flip design.

Tip: Down alternative is perfect for allergy sufferers who want the softness of down without the allergens.

Memory Foam

Price range: $30-$200 on average 

Memory foam pillows are known for their unique contouring ability that conforms to the shape of head and neck. This provides support and pressure relief — along with added warmth and a slow, delayed response — throughout the night. Prices will depend on foam type, durability, and extra features such as cooling materials. 

Hot sleepers who enjoy the feel of traditional memory foam would benefit from the addition of cooling technology. This is why the Purple DreamLayer™ Pillow is a popular choice. Made with our revolutionary GelFlex® Grid, this bestseller  adapts instantly to the shape of your head and neck as you move throughout the night (meaning no sunken feeling) while also regulating temperature to ensure a comfortable sleep. 

Tip: Memory foam is great for back or combination sleepers who need targeted support to maintain spinal alignment.

Shredded Foam

Price range: $30-$200 on average 

Shredded foam pillows offer customizable comfort by allowing the user to mold the inner contents to their preferred shape. Some designs allow you to remove or add filling to precisely fine-tune the height and firmness that best fits your sleep style. 

This is the case with the Purple Freeform™ Pillow, complete with adjustable fill that allows you to customize the height and firmness. It also features neck roll chambers that can be filled for even more targeted support and pressure relief. 

Tip: Shredded foam is great for combination sleepers who frequently switch positions during the night.

Latex

Price range: $50-$200 on average

Latex pillows are known for their long-lasting durability when compared to other materials, as well as their ability to provide constant, even support throughout the night. 

The Purple Harmony® Pillow combines the benefits of latex with cooling technology. This combination makes for a best-in-class lineup of responsive support, a luxurious, weightless feel, and all-night-long cooling without having to flip the pillow. This pillow is available in a low, medium, and tall height, so you can find the perfect loft for your sleep style and preferences. 

Tip: Latex pillows are the best pillows for side sleepers who need firm, responsive support for their head and neck.

Down

Price range: $50-$300+ on average 

Down pillows are best known for their soft, cloud-like feel. Prices vary widely depending on the type of down (duck vs. goose) and the fill power. You can opt for different pillow heights and feels depending on your needs, and the type of down you choose will affect the quality, price, and softness. Goose down tends to be more premium, but its cost can vary depending on its quality and where it comes from.

Tip: Down pillows are preferred by stomach and back sleepers who need a softer, flatter surface to reduce neck strain. 

GelFlex® Grid

Price range: $100-$230 on average 

Exclusive to Purple, GelFlex® Grid pillows are designed with cutting-edge technology that levels up traditional pillow materials. Made of a flexible material that instantly adapts to your head and back as you move, GelFlex® Grid pillows provide simultaneous support and pressure relief without pause. 

Purple offers a collection of pillows featuring GelFlex® Grid technology, including the Harmony®, DreamLayer™, and Freeform™ pillows, each supplemented with features that appeal to various sleep positions and preferences. For those who prefer a firm, no-fluff feel, the Purple Pillow® is made with 100% GelFlex® Grid for neck support and hundreds of air channels that promote a cool sleep environment. 

Tip: If you’re a side sleeper who prefers a firmer pillow, the Purple Pillow® provides the right amount of cradle to align your spine and neck.

Average Pillow Cost By Size

Pillow prices vary by size, so whether you’re shopping for a twin sized bed or an oversized body pillow, it’s helpful to know what to expect before making a purchase. See our chart for a quick overview of average costs across standard pillow sizes. 

While size is important, price is also influenced by factors like the quality of materials and additional pillow features. For example, a king sized down pillow with moisture-wicking materials will cost significantly more than a standard-sized polyester pillow.

6 Factors That Influence Pillow Cost

While it might feel like it, pillow prices aren’t pulled from thin air. They combine the price of materials used, how far those materials traveled, and how much innovation went into the creation of the design. Let’s break down what determines the price tag of a pillow.

Material Type

The type of materials inside your pillow, A.K.A. the pillow stuffing, is the biggest determinant of cost. Down alternatives tend to be more budget-friendly while materials like natural latex and traditional down are more costly. 

If you’re a hot sleeper, consider investing in breathable materials, like the Purple GelFlex® Grid.  

Quality

When it comes to pillows, quality matters. High-quality pillows use premium fabrics and materials that won’t flatten after a few uses. Cheaper options often cut corners, which could lead to lumps, sagging, or allergies from low-grade fillers.

Check for certifications like CertiPUR-US® for foam or OEKO-TEX® for fabrics to ensure you’re getting high-quality and trusted materials. 

Size

Standard pillows are the most affordable, but upgrading to a king or specialty size pillow costs more. This is because larger sizes use more materials and increase production times. 

Don’t forget to also consider your sleeping habits when choosing a pillow size. A medium or tall pillow may give you better alignment and support if you're a side or combination sleeper. Back sleepers may prefer to stick to a standard or king pillow size with a lower height.

Features

Customized pillow features like temperature-balancing materials or ergonomic designs can elevate your sleep game but also increase the price tag. You should plan to prioritize spending on the features that matter most to you, whether that’s breathability or targeted support.

Your sleep style or preferences should also inform what pillow features you want so you can pick the best pillow. If you need adaptability, adjustable pillows let you tweak the fill for your perfect loft. Needing pressure relief through fine-tuned facial features, head, and beck? Opt for Purple’s GelFlex® Grid.

Use

Not all pillows are meant for the same job. For example, kids' pillows and travel pillows are designed with specific uses in mind, so the features influence their price. 

When shopping, consider the options that align with your needs. If you're looking at multi-use pillows like body pillows, factor in their durability and versatility to make them a worthwhile investment that you use for many different purposes.

Shipping

Shipping costs are another factor to consider when investing in pillows, especially for high-end brands or international options. Some companies might tack on fees for oversized or heavier designs like memory foam or body pillows. When it comes time to refresh your set of pillows, you can look for bundled deals or promotions that include free shipping.  

Is It Worth Spending Money On a Pillow?

Investing in a high-quality pillow is one of the easiest ways to improve your sleep. After all, we spend nearly a third of our lives sleeping. 

A well-designed pillow keeps your head and neck in a neutral position while evenly distributing weight to relieve pressure points. By spending a little more, you’re also often getting higher-quality materials or custom features that make all the difference in falling and staying asleep. While it might feel like a splurge, think of it as an investment in your health and well-being.

Our comparison of Purple’s pillows details every feature so you can find the pillow that best matches your needs. 

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