Few things are more relaxing than lying on the beach and listening to calming sounds of the surf washing up along the shore. But lying flat on a beach towel or chair doesn’t provide much support for the neck and head. Luckily, there’s a fairly straightforward solution to this dilemma – beach pillows!
A good beach pillow will let you comfortably read a book, play on your phone, or use other electronics without any undue strain on the neck. Many also sport additional features that make them ideal for beach use like waterproof zippered pockets, inflatable construction, and convenient carry straps.
Let’s take a look at some of the best beach pillows available now, so you can relax on the water in complete comfort for as long as you feel like it.
Quick Answer: 5 Best Beach Pillows
Best Overall: Ballast Beach Pillow
Best Inflatable Pillow: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
Budget Pick: Blue Panda Inflatable Beach Pillow
Wedge Pillow: Airstreem Inflatable Pillow
Also Consider: Beach Go’ers Waterproof Beach Chair Pillow
Best Overall: Ballast Beach Pillow
Versatile, stylish, and feature-packed, this well-made beach pillow features just about everything you could think of when it comes to relaxing by the beach. A built-in waterproof dry pocket allows you to keep your cellphone, keys, money, and other sensitive items safe and protected from water damage.
Made from easy-dry memory foam, the pillow is made from soft neoprene – the same material as wetsuits. This gives it excellent support and comfort, along with superior water protection.
Sealed zippers ensure no water can work its way inside the outer case, while an adjustable strap allows you to tighten the pillow to a beach chair or use it as a shoulder strap while carrying it. At 12” x 9” x 5”, the pillow is the ideal size for the beach, pool, camping, sporting events, or general traveling.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 12” x 9” x 5”
- Built-in waterproof pocket allows you to stash your cellphone, keys, cash, and more.
- Made from comfortable easy-dry neoprene foam.
- Adjustable strap allows you to secure the pillow to a beach chair or use it as a carry strap.
- GREAT FOR THE BEACH AND CAMPING - From the coastline to the campsite the Ballast Pillow adds comfort anywhere you go.
- STAYS PUT ON WINDY DAYS - Other inflatable pillows blow away on windy beaches. Thanks to its patented design, the Ballast Pillow stays put, so you can stay comfortable and relaxed.
- SOFT, WEATHER-RESISTANT FABRIC - Wicks away water, sheds sand, and feels luxurious against your skin.
- ATTACHES TO BEACH CHAIRS - The Ballast Pillow enhances the comfort of compatible beach chairs and pool loungers.
- COMPACT CARRYING CASE - The pillow packs into its own compact carrying case for easy transportati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Best Inflatable Pillow: Marchway Ultralight Inflatable Camping Pillow
If you’re looking for a compact pillow that will fit just about anywhere, this ultralight pillow from Marchway makes an excellent choice. It weighs just 2.8 ounces and packs down to fit in the palm of your hand – making it small and light enough to fit just about anywhere.
Made from soft elastic polymer coated with TPU, the pillow tough, durable, and water-resistant. It provides superior lumbar support, so you can use it for sleeping comfortably without worry. Whether you lie on your side, back, or front the curved contour cradles your neck and head in a comfortable position.
Inflating it takes mere seconds, with a one-way valve that allows you to fully inflate it in 3 to 5 breaths. When it’s time to deflate it, the lower layer valve lets you fully deflate it in 2 seconds.
Beyond just using it at the beach, this inflatable pillow works well for camping, traveling, backpacking, or even in the office!
Key Features
- Ultralight pillow folds down to fit in your palm and weighs just 2.8 ounces.
- Made from soft elastic polymer coated with TPU.
- Tough, durable, and water-resistant.
- Inflating and deflating takes mere seconds.
- Also works well for camping, traveling, backpacking, and more.
- Ultralight and Super Compact: Weighs only 3.8 oz, packs down to a stuff sack smaller than palm, and inflates to comfortable head or lumbar support. This backpacking pillow can be easily attach to your backpack or in pocket. Suitable for hiker, backpacker, or for car, bus, train and airplane traveling.
- Comfortable and Durable: Pillow fabric is made from soft elastic polyester coated with TPU that is strong, durable and water resistant. Remains soft even in extreme cold season. Easily wash with mild soap water after travel.
- Ergonomic Design: Curved contour cradle your head in supportive position and prevent head sliding. The arc bottom edge reaches to neck root which can better support your neck. No matter you lie on your back or on your side, this travel air pillow always ensures you a good night sleep.
- Quick Inflate and Deflate: Unique two-layer one way valve makes you to inflate in 3-5 breaths. The upper layer valve is for air in only, no air out when inflating. The lower layer valve is for air out only, can fully deflate in 2 seconds. You can adjust the pillow firmness freely by blowing.
- Versatility: This ultralight camp pillow can also be used as car or chair waist cushion to protect your lumbar. It will be a nice addition to your lightweight camping gear. A nice Holiday Gift for families and friends. Because we trust the quality of our products, we offer you 90 Days 100% Money Back Guarantee to make your purchase risk-fr
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Budget Pick: Blue Panda Inflatable Beach Pillow
This handsome-looking inflatable pillow not only provides comfort and support to your neck and head, but it also looks pretty chic! The pillow measures 16” x 9.5” x 6” after inflating, and 17” x 10” before, so it’s large enough to move around and switch positions while remaining comfortable.
A smart air valve allows for rapid inflation and deflation, and when deflated the pillow is compact enough to stash in a backpack, tote, or purse. The green tropical foliage design on a light pink background is eye-catching and matches well with other beach and vacation gear.
The soft outer cover can also be easily removed if you need to clean it.
All in all, if you’re looking for a simple beach pillow for a reasonable price, you’ll have a tough time beating this bad boy.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 16” x 9.5” 6” (inflated), 17” x 10” (deflated)
- Smart air valve allows for rapid inflating and deflating.
- Tropical green foliage design is classic and eye-catching.
- The soft outer cover can be easily removed for cleaning if needed.
- Material: ultralight soft PVC fabric material(there maybe little smell for new products due to material, better take out for few days).
- Comfortable and durable-pinch or bite the nozzle and blow for a few seconds, just take a few breaths to inflate and keep it ventilated for several days; Deflation: squeeze the nozzle flat, press it on the table to deflate, and you can fold the pillow backpack backpack .
- Wide Application- These air pillows are perfect for hiking,walkabout or office breaks,camping,traveling. Also suitable for office breaks for neck and lumbar support.
- Color: 3 Pack /Royal Blue/Rose Red/Light Blue)。
- nflated size : Length: 13.58 inches Width: 9.45 inches. package includes-3XInflatable pillow for campi
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Wedge Pillow: Airstreem Inflatable Pillow
Ultra-comfortable, highly versatile, and unique, this eye-catching pillow design offers you a multitude of different uses in one compact and portable package. It supports your head and neck like a traditional pillow, but can also be used to support your legs and feet, or even your chest when lying face down.
Mesh wrapping around the pillow’s exterior provides a breathable surface that wicks away moisture and sweat while ensuring air circulation as you lie on it. The pillow measures 18” x 18” x 7.5” when inflated, making it a good size for lying on the beach as well as for camping, traveling, in the bathtub, or just lounging poolside.
The pillow inflates and deflates rapidly, weighs just 9 ounces, and deflates down small enough to fit nearly anywhere.
Key Features
- Dimensions: 18” x 18” x 7.5” (inflated)
- Mesh wrapping around the pillow’s exterior provides a breathable and moisture-wicking surface.
- The wedge shape makes it ideal for neck and head as well as feet/legs and chest.
- Also works well for camping, travel, in the tub, or poolside.
Also Consider: Beach Go’ers Waterproof Beach Chair Pillow
This compact beach pillow makes the perfect accompaniment to any beach chair or lounger. It features two durable color matching clips for securing the pillow to the back of any beach chair or lounger.
A rear elastic measuring 29.5 inches also ensure you can secure the pillow without the use of clips. The pillow itself measures 15.75” x 9”, making it the perfect size to fit the back of most beach chairs.
The waterproof outer cover is removable and machine washable, so cleaning is a breeze if you happen to spill something on it. It’s also designed to be slim enough to fit inside a beach bag, small backpack, or tote without taking up excess room.
Key Features
- Dimensions:75” x 9”
- Pillow is the perfect size for the back of most beach chairs.
- Adjustable rear elastic and clips allow you to secure it to any beach chair or lounger.
- Waterproof outer cover is easily removable and machine washable.
- Slim enough to fit inside most bags, backpacks, and totes.
- OUR BRAND — Beach Go’ers is a one-stop-shop for all beach and vacation travel essentials. We create products that increase our customers comfort and relaxation.
- THE BEACH CHAIR PILLOW — Our pillows are extremely comfortable, yet durable. The removable slipcover is machine washable and features a waterproof function. The attached elastic band stretches to the span of 30 inches - fits most beach lounging chairs.
- SIMPLE YET NECESSARY — Quality designed product ensuring the elimination of stuffing/rolling up a beach towel and sticking it behind your head. No more repositioning that stuffed towel back to the original perfect position again once you quickly sit upright.
- SMALL & COMPACT — Our product was designed not to take up any more room in your overstuffed suitcase - we understand packing for vacation! Our Beach Chair Pillows can fit in your carry on or better yet that front pocket on the outside of your suitcase.
- AMAZING TRAVEL COMPANION — Once you try our beach chair pillow for the first time you will fall in love. It’s the final piece of the puzzle. Ensuring your ultimate relaxation is our priority, our pillow delivers time and time again. Don’t just go on vacation, BE on vacati
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How to pick the right beach pillow
Picking out a beach pillow may not be the most important decision of your lifetime, but there are a few key features to be aware of when picking the right one for your needs.
Portability
Portability is key whenever you’re considering beach pillows. If you’re already hauling beach chairs, tables, coolers, grills, and more, the last thing you want is a bulky beach pillow taking up too much space.
When it comes to portability, it’s tough to beat the lightweight and compact nature of inflatables. These little guys are perfect for the beach, as well as backpacking, camping, or just lounging around. They typically deflate to a fraction of their inflated size, so you can stash one or more of these pillows anywhere in your bag or beach cart.
Size
The ideal-sized pillow for you will generally depend on your preferences and use case. Generally, larger pillows are preferred to smaller ones, but too large and you run into issues with portability.
If you have plenty of room in your beach bag or backpack, then I’d go with the largest-sized pillow you can fit. You’ll rarely run into issues with your pillow being too large, but too small and you might regret it.
Extra Features
Some pillow manufacturers have added extra features to their products to enhance the overall functionality. Some features to be on the lookout for are:
- Waterproof pockets: Waterproof pockets are a great little feature that allows you to stash keys, cash, phones, and other electronics safely. These pockets are particularly useful if you tend to soak all of your beach gear in the water!
- Mounting straps: Mounting straps (or clips) allow you to attach the pillow directly to the back of a beach chair or lounger. This ensures it won’t slide around and will stay put even when you’re not using it.
- Waterproofing: Waterproofing or water resistance is another useful feature. This ensures your pillow won’t absorb water or sustain water damage over time.
