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When I started traveling more recently, I knew I wanted to invest in accessories and products that would make my trips more enjoyable. One of the first things I dove into was all things travel pillow related – which one would be the most comfortable? Which travel pillow worked best for side sleepers like me? Which one wouldn’t make me sweat? The list goes on and on. I researched extensively and then decided to try a couple of the most popular pillows on my upcoming flights and travels.
I ended up ordering and trying out the Cabeau Evolution X, which I wrote a separate article for here, and the TRTL travel pillow. To help any other travelers make a decision on which pillow would suit them best, I will compare and contrast the features of both, as well as give my honest opinions on each based on my recent experiences.
Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Cabeau Evolution X | Trtl Travel Pillow |
| Support | 360° memory foam & firm | Front-focused plastic brace |
| Weight | ~11.5 oz | ~4.5 oz |
| Adjustability | Circumference, height, closure | Fixed |
| Packability | Bulky but can fold up | Packs flat |
| Comfort | Plush and secure all around | Cozy but very snug fit; warm |
| Washability | Washable cover | Washable wrap |
| Price | ~ $49-60 | ~ $60-90 |
Cabeau Evolution X and Trtl Introduction
First, let me introduce you to both of these travel pillows, starting with the Cabeau Evolution X. I took this pillow on my recent round-trip flight from Tennessee to Louisiana. My favorite thing about this pillow is that it is plush and breathable. I absolutely love the fabric it is made out of. It also offered the most neck support I have ever had while flying. The only concern I have with the Evolution X is that it is a bit bulky to pack, and it doesn’t have the most favorable appearance when wearing it.
The Trtl had excellent reviews and offers a completely different support system than the Evolution X. I brought this product on my car ride to Atlanta, since I love to sleep in the car. My favorite thing about this travel pillow is how packable it is. It is completely flat, so it can fit easily anywhere in your luggage or backpack. This product is more like a scarf, as it wraps tightly around your neck for support. Although several travelers love and recommend this product, I am not the biggest fan of it because of how hot I get on airplanes or in the car.
Compare and Contrast
Now, let’s get into the specifics of both the Evolution X and the Trtl travel pillow, and hopefully you can decide which one would better suit you!
Support & Design
Cabeau Evolution X: With memory foam around the entire pillow, my neck felt supported, but not restricted, for the entire flight. There are plastic pieces on the sides of the pillow that prevent your head from tilting side to side, or down, which in turn prevents neck pain. I think the coolest thing about it is it can adjust three different ways to fit your neck. The hidden strap in the back was so helpful to be able to fit my smaller neck. It did take me a while to find the perfect adjustment, but once I found it, it stayed in place for my entire trip.
Trtl Travel Pillow: I am not really sure how this fits into the pillow category because it doesn’t look like a pillow at all. It is a scarf-style that you wrap around your neck, with a plastic piece meant to prevent your neck from falling to one side. I found it hard to get this pillow in the right place that would support my neck but not feel suffocating. Since the support is only on one side, if you move while you sleep, your neck could very easily tilt downwards or to the opposite side.
Verdict: The Evolution X wins in this category by far because it offers so much more firm support all the way around your neck. I just don’t prefer the scarf-style of the Trtl because the wrap doesn’t stay in place for longer travels, and it feels too tight on my neck to get way less support than the Evolution X.
Packability
Evolution X: This product is about 3x heavier than the Trtl because of the memory foam. It can fold up a little bit, but it does not compress, so it is on the bulkier side. It was hard for me to find a spot to shove it in my backpack on our flight because I had to pack very light for this trip. It does, however, offer a travel case that you could clip on your bag, but you have to buy it separately.
Trtl Travel Pillow: The Trtl is very lightweight, which makes sense because it is more like a clothing accessory. It packs perfectly flat like a scarf, and a travel pouch is included with purchase. I find it very convenient and easy to bring with me because of its size.
Verdict: The Trtl gets first place in portability, just because it is so flat! The Evolution X is just bulky since it is made from different materials and more like a U-shaped pillow.
Comfort
Evolution X: I really enjoyed the softness and overall support I felt while using this travel pillow. The first thing I noticed when I got the pillow was how much I loved the material. It feels like a jersey sheet, and the memory foam feels like a cloud pressing on my head. The material is not hot at all, even after hours of being on an airplane. It also has two cooling vents on the sides to offer extra breathability.
Trtl Travel Pillow: This is probably my least favorite part of this pillow. It is made of fleece, which to me is one of the hottest materials out there. It truly embraces its scarf look with this material. Some people may be naturally cold, so this would be a great option for you since it keeps you warm and is snug around your neck. To me, this is not an option to bring on a car or a plane during a Louisiana summer. I do think they offer a Plus version made of a different material, but I still wouldn’t want something wrapped tight around my neck. As far as comfort goes, I think the wrap is comfortable, just not very supportive.
Verdict: The Evolution X is my only choice here because of how comfortable it feels to have on. It isn’t hot or suffocating like the Trtl.
Price & Value
Evolution X: These travel pillows stay around the $50 range, which I think is a reasonable price for the amount of support you are getting. The fact that you can adjust it three different ways and have such a soft, yet breathable material makes it easily worth the money, especially if you travel frequently.
Trtl: These pillows range from $60 to $90 based on different styles. The Original one I got ended up being $70 from Amazon. I really was expecting more at that price, as I wasn’t really impressed with the support it gave me. Not to mention the hot fleece material, which is the cheapest option from Trtl.
Verdict: Comparing the two, the Evolution X gives you the better product for the better price. More support, more comfortable, and more breathable, for only $50. I just can’t justify spending $80 on the cooler Trtl option, just to only have one-sided support, and a wrap around my neck.
Which Should You Choose?
I would suggest the Evolution X if you want full, all-around support with full adjustability. It wins in every category, except packing. I will definitely be making room for this pillow on all my future travels. The Trtl may be more for you if you need a very compact product, and don’t mind the snug fit or being on the warmer side. Keep in mind, it’s more expensive as well. Just another reason to put the Evolution X as your new travel must-have!