Tech
We’ve Slept on Nearly 30 Pillows. Here Are the Best Ones
Compare the Top 5 Pillows
Honorable Mentions
There are far too many pillows on the market. We’ve listed our favorites above, but even that doesn’t cover the wide array of serviceable designs out there for a good night’s sleep. If, somehow, all of our picks above aren’t to your tastes, here are a few others we have tested and what we thought about them.
Avocado Down Pillow for $109: This down model does have feathers sourced from Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified farms, but it felt unimpressive and borderline flat to sleep on
Avocado Green Pillow for $119: Avocado’s fill is made from GOLS-certified organic latex and GOTS-certified organic kapok, and comes in both a standard shape and side-sleeper curved shape. It felt much denser than others we tried, and my test panel and I preferred other latex pillows over this one.
Bedgear Storm Pillow for $200: This model from Bedgear is similar to the Bedgear Flow above but without the curve for side sleepers. If you sleep on your back 100 percent of the time, this might be a better fit, but I prefer the versatility of having one curved side and one straight side. –Eric Ravenscraft
Brooklinen Down Alternative Pillow for $59: I liked this better than Brooklinen’s actual down pillow, since it had better spring and support. (I chose the firm option for testing.) I prefer the Buffy Cloud for a down alternative, but this is a solid runner-up.
Casper Hybrid Pillow for $129: This hybrid uses a mix of thick foam and a core of shredded foam for its marshmallow-like, dense-yet-soft feel. I liked sleeping on the Casper, especially the cooling Snow version ($149), and it did well in my panel tests, but both of my panelists who volunteered to long-term test it came back with disappointing results within a week. My petite side sleeper found it too firm, and my taller, broader long-term tester found that the Casper wasn’t bouncing back quite as much as it should be for the price after a week of sleeping on it. If you like a firm-ish design, though, you could be happy with this one. The Snow version is slightly cooling, but not super cooling; more of a good winter option for hot sleepers, as one of my panel testers said.
Eli & Elm Everyday Memory Foam Pillow for $110: Compared to the latex version below, the memory foam version feels lumpy. Most of my panelists disliked it, including myself, but my chaotic sleeper was a fan of its malleable shape for her haphazard sleeping patterns.
Eli & Elm Everyday Latex Pillow for $110: This shredded latex-filled pillow is nice and springy, and it’s a solid runner-up to the Coop and Purple. I found it comfortable to sleep on as a side sleeper, since it as a higher loft and nice support.
Eli & Elm Side Sleeper Pillow for $116: This pillow is almost shockingly firm out of the box. You can customize the amount of fill inside to give it the right amount of support for you, but if you’re the type of side sleeper who likes firm support, this might be the one for you. It even comes with a separate removable cover for easy washing. It’s smaller than the Scrumptious one, so don’t expect to do much cuddling on this one, but for one person it’s a great choice. —Eric Ravenscraft
GhostBed Memory Foam Pillow for $85: Former WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano has been using the memory foam GhostBed pillow since 2020—she slept on it while visiting with a friend and immediately bought one after returning home. It’s medium-firm and works for her side-, back-, and stomach-sleeping rotation. GhostBed’s claim of it being the “Coolest Pillow in the World” is exaggerated, but Medea sleeps hot, and she says the gel-infused foam does stay cool all night.
Marlow the Pillow for $49: This is another shredded memory foam model, though it was less lumpy and had better support than the Eli & Elm. It was a little smaller than the rest, but it also has a slight adjustment option, letting you unzip side panels to make it bigger or smaller. It was fine to sleep on; I found it a little firm for my liking, but my long-term tester says it’s been supportive and cleared up her neck pain. It’s a good option for the price too.
Nest Easy Breather Pillow for $119: This is a popular model, but I found it too dense and too lofty for me. It is adjustable, so you can easily make it less lofty, and it comes with a fill bag to store your extra fill. The fill is a mix of foam and polyester fiber. My panelist who liked the firmer Marlow also liked this pillow, while the rest of us preferred softer options.
No More Aches Neck Pillow for $50: There’s no shortage of novelty pillows, but as someone who experiences a lot of neck pain, I’m intrigued by this odd little design. It has a concave center for back, side, and stomach sleeping, plus an indented edge that perfectly fits your arm. Its awkward shape makes it less than ideal for anything other than laying your head on it, but it’s still a solid pick for neck pain. —Eric Ravenscraft
Parallel High Profile Pillow for $150: Former WIRED reviewer Eric Ravenscraft was a fan of the Parallel’s high profile for taller side sleepers. It’s a good option, but I think you’ll be just as happy with a Purple or Coop cutout if you need a high loft and side sleeper support.
Pillow Cube Side Cube ($70) and Ice Cube ($90): The Pillow Cube has a weird little rectangular design. It seems strange at first, but once you take the quiz and get a recommendation for what size you need, you’ll be matched with the perfect cube for you. I tested the Side Cube and the Ice Cube. They were supportive and a bit squishy, and I think they’d be a good option if you sleep exclusively on your side—with your arms stretched in front of you or near your chest. I usually sleep with my arm stretched under my pillow, so my head is resting on my shoulder (with a pillow in between), and I found the Cube was less supportive if I slept in my preferred position. And on the nights when I rolled onto my back, I woke up with neck pain. But if you only sleep in the ideal side sleeper formation, this model is much more supportive than others I’ve tried. Make sure you pick up a case! A normal case is too roomy and doesn’t fit the Cube well. —Louryn Strampe
Purple DreamLayer Pillow for $199: If you find you switch between being a side sleeper and back sleeper, the Purple DreamLayer pillow provides an excellent middle ground. Rather than using adjustable fill to customize its height, this model comes with two foam inserts so you can get exactly the level of support you need. —Eric Ravenscraft
Purple GridCloud Pillow for $149: This pillow is a softer, squishier design with the grid layer we love from the Purple Freeform and Harmony, but it has only one side with the grid instead of two. It’s described as having a down-alternative core, and it does feel much softer, like a down alternative. I preferred the support of Purple’s other models, but if you want something softer with better support than just a down or down alternative filling, this is a great option.
Saatva Graphite Memory Foam Pillow for $165: This model is slightly cooling, and has a fluffier feel compared to more sinkage-style memory foam.
Saatva Down Alternative Pillow for $115: I like this down alternative, but not more than the much cheaper Buffy. There are two loft height options which is nice if you want something specific.
Sleep Number True Temp Adapt Ultimate Pillow for $150: I tested the Ultimate shape since it’s a slight crescent-like style that’s ideal for side sleepers like myself. I like this as a side sleeper option, and it’s nicely cooling as well. It’s a little smaller than the Coop, but still big enough for the average-sized person.
Slumber Cloud UltraCool Pillow for $79: This pillow is super chilly and super soft, similar to a down or down alternative model. If you’re looking for something extra cool and like the light, malleable support of a down pillow, this is a good choice.
Snuggle-Pedic Adjustable Cooling Pillow for $57: This was our favorite pillow under $100, but it’s out of stock everywhere right now. If you can find it available, it’s a great option filled with shredded memory foam that you can adjust to get your perfect height.
Tempur-Pedic Tempur-Adapt ProAdjust Pillow for $125: This adjustable-fill model from Tempur-Pedic has a compartment where you can add or remove foam filling to get the perfect amount of support for you. This is an increasingly common feature, but what sets it apart is Tempur-Pedic’s trademark cooling materials. The company makes some of the best cooling materials on the market, and this one managed to stay cooler than most I tried. —Eric Ravenscraft
Tempur Pedic Tempur Adapt ProHi for $175: Our previous memory foam pick did fine in my panel tests, but we all preferred shredded memory foam over a solid sheet. Someone did volunteer to long-term test this as a knee support while they slept, though.
Tempur-Breeze ProHi Pillow for $229: is a wider, more spacious alternative to the Tempur-Adapt ProHi. It has a similarly high loft, and the foam is firmer and more resistant to pressure than the Adapt. It’s a better fit if you prefer a firmer option, or if you want space to share it with your cuddling partner. —Eric Ravenscraft
Understanding Pillow Sizes
There are a couple different pillow sizes you might find when shopping. Most of the time pillows come in a standard size and a king size, and you should buy a standard size unless you have a king-size bed. But there are a few more size options.
All bed pillows are usually 20 inches wide, but the length can vary. (That’s why your pillowcases might seem too long—they’re prepared for larger sizes!) If you’re curious about more sizes or found a model that has more options to choose from than you know what to do with, here are the usual sizes you can find and what measurements they should have:
- Standard Size: 20 inches by 26 inches
- Super Standard Size: 20 inches by 28 inches
- Queen: 20 inches by 30 inches
- King: 20 inches by 36 inches
- Body: 20 inches by 54 inches
You’ll want to double-check listings to see what size you’re really working with if size is an issue for you. Buffy, for example, lists a standard size for its pillows, but they’re 28 inches long, making those pillows a super standard size. You won’t want to order king-size pillows without a king-sized bed, especially since you’ll need king-size pillowcases with your sheets. Body pillows are the longest of all, and we have a separate guide to those.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Kind of Pillow Do You Need?
You might think a pillow is a pillow. It just has to be soft and fit under your head, right? Your head, neck, and back disagree. Getting a good night’s sleep can depend heavily on your pillow, so when choosing one, here are a few key questions to ask.
What kind of sleeper are you? Do you sleep on your back, side, or stomach? Do you stay relatively still, or do you toss and turn a lot? Do you usually have one pillow under your head, or do you cocoon yourself into a pillow chrysalis? This is probably the most important thing to keep in mind when deciding what type works best for you, and we’ve noted our picks below based on sleeping style.
What is the pillow made of? Pillows can be filled with all types of materials, from feathers to foam. Down and synthetic down are fluffy clusters of fiber that can feel soft and comfortable, whereas memory foam is designed to compress with the weight of your head but still return to its previous shape. Organic latex can be heavy and spongey, holding a side-sleeper’s head in place. There are also hybrid pillows that use multiple layers of different materials for a more structured feel.
How are the materials sourced? Since some materials like down feathers come from animals, you might want to be aware of how manufacturers get their fill (literally). Down filling typically comes from the belly feathers of either ducks or geese. In order to ensure that down feathers are ethically sourced—such as by avoiding cruel practices like live plucking—programs like the Responsible Down Standard set criteria that manufacturers must adhere to. Another option is to look for synthetic down alternatives, which use cotton, rayon, or polyester as a synthetic replacement. The broader Material Matters Standard is a recently overhauled system for examining the environmental impact and sustainability of bedding manufacturers.
How firm is it? However you sleep, you’ll want a pillow that keeps your spine straight and your head aligned with your back. That means you want something firm enough to support your head yet soft enough that it doesn’t dig into your ear or face.
How lofty is it? “Loft” is a term often used to describe how high off the bed the pillow keeps your head. If it’s too tall, for example, you might end up with your neck tilted upward, straining it throughout the night. Most models typically fall into one of three categories: Low loft, which is relatively short and ideal for back sleepers; high loft, which is better for side sleepers (since your head will be further off the bed than when you’re on your back); and medium loft, which is somewhere in the middle and best if you’re a combination sleeper who doesn’t stick to one particular sleep style.
What is the warranty and return policy? You might not think the pillow you sleep (and sweat and drool) on would have a robust warranty, but many manufacturers offer generous policies. For example, Purple offers a one-year warranty and even a 100-night trial period. Casper has a similar warranty and a 30-day trial. If you’re unsure whether your new pillow is right for you, check out the company’s policies to see what leeway you have to try before you commit—and make sure you’re protected if something goes wrong.
What’s the Best Pillow Fill for You?
A variety of filling materials are used, and the type of fill is a big part of how pillows are categorized. You’ve heard of down pillows, for example, which means it’s full of down undercoating or feathers, and hearing the words “memory foam” usually invokes the sinking sensation that good memory foam can give. Here’s a quick explainer of the main types of fill you’ll find and how they differ.
Down: Down pillows, as I mentioned above, are filled with either down clusters (an undercoating on ducks) or down feathers, or a mix of both. It’s a fill that’s been around for ages, and it feels similar to a comforter in the sense that it’s soft and squishy, and very malleable to shape in any way you prefer. (But it also doesn’t retain its shape well.) Since these are filled with down clusters or feathers, you’ll want to check for certifications, like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), that confirm if the down was ethically sourced.
Down alternative: These pillows aren’t a set type, but use other materials to replicate the down experience. Buffy, for example, uses recycled plastic to create their fill, while Saatva uses a combination of memory foam and latex foam. You’ll have to take a look to see what makes up any down alternative design, since it isn’t consistent. But what is consistent is the different feel. In my tests, I’ve found down alternative models are usually more supportive and do a better job holding their shape than a classic down.
Memory foam: Memory foam is popular since it can “remember” its original shape, letting it return to its previous form once your head is off the pillow. Memory foam does have a sinking sensation to it, which you might like or dislike. You’ll also want to check if the memory foam is a solid sheet or shredded; I’ve found shredded and cut memory foam to have more bounce and support and less sinkage than a memory foam sheet.
Latex foam: Latex foam is made from rubber, giving it a much bouncier, supportive feel than other foam options. Latex foam is becoming a popular option thanks to that nice support, and it is usually found with a shredded type of fill that gives plenty of airflow.
Hybrid: Hybrid is another category gaining in popularity. It can be a mix of any of the above fills, but I often find it’s a sheet of foam combined with either shredded foam or some other kind of softer filling. Casper, for example, uses both sheets of memory foam and then has a core of shredded foam at the center to give it its marshmallow-like feel.
Cotton, kapok, and wool: These fills are all natural fibers that take less processing than foam, and could be used in a blend with other materials above. Kapok and cotton are supposed to be on the fluffy end, while wool is great for temperature regulation. But none are as popular as foam or down options, though you might see these as ingredients in organic or hybrid options.
Are Standard and Queen the Same Pillow Size?
No, a standard size is a little smaller at only 26 inches wide, while a queen size should be 30 inches wide. You might want to check the measurements in case it’s mislabeled to be the same thing, but if you have the choice between the two, I prefer a few extra inches with the queen size.
Why Should You Spend So Much on a Pillow?
You might be surprised by some of the price tags on these pillows. I remember spending bottom dollar on my pillows for years. But those bottom-dollar pillows needed to be frequently replaced and didn’t provide the long-term support (or even all-night support) my neck needed.
Higher-quality pillows cost more but will use better materials, last longer, and come with trial periods and warranties so that you can test out the pillow of your choice and get a guarantee it’ll last. Plus, while most of these aren’t cheap, it’s still an affordable investment when you break down how many hours you’ll be lying on them.
How Should You Care for Your Pillow?
The best way to wash your pillow is going to depend on the pillow you have. You can choose to hand wash, spot clean, or machine wash pillows, though you’ll want to check the label and make sure it’s safe to machine wash it. If it’s not, spot or hand cleaning is your best option.
The easiest pillows to clean are ones that come with removable covers, because you can remove said cover and wash it with other sheets and bedding. Not all pillow fill should be washed, so that’s important to check before throwing an entire pillow into your washing machine. Our top five picks all have removable covers for easy washing, though for some (like the Honeydew Scrumptious) you’ll have to manually remove the filling and store it in a bag, while others like the Purple have a separated cover and fill section.
How Does WIRED Choose Pillows to Review?
We research all pillows we test to make sure we test a variety of styles, fills, and shapes to find which are the most supportive over a night’s sleep. We test both expensive and affordably priced models to see how the quality stacks up, and usually look to test new designs and options to see what’s coming next (and every other category we test for). We also check out reviews and customer feedback when available to see if it’s worth testing to compare against pillows we know we already like.
How Does WIRED Test Pillows?
Every pillow in this guide is slept on for a minimum of three nights, with our top picks getting at least a week if not closer to a month of sleep testing from either myself, other staffers, or long-term testers. I also hosted a testing panel in March 2025 with six participants and 22 different models. The panelists all had different sleep styles ranging from classic side and back sleepers to chaotic sleepers who end up underneath their pillows every night, and the panel judged which options they found most comfortable and would be most likely to buy for their sleep needs.
How Does WIRED Acquire Pillows? What Happens to the Review Units After Testing?
Most of our pillows are provided by the company for us to review, sometimes by that company reaching out to offer its newest model for us to consider, or more frequently, us reaching out and asking to test it after researching that specific style or fill type. We also purchase some pillows for ourselves and will write about them.
After we test pillows, they’re either placed with a long-term tester if the model is a pick, or they’re donated.
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With over 5,000 employees and 3,000 sewing machines across 90 sewing lines, VTL Group specialises in jersey knits and denim, producing up to 20 million garments per year for world-renowned brands such as Lacoste, Adidas, G-Star, Hugo Boss, Replay and Paul & Shark. The company operates six garment production units, along with dedicated facilities for screen printing, knitting, dyeing and textile finishing. This extensive vertical integration gives VTL complete control over quality, lead-times and cost-efficiency, which is vital for meeting the stringent demands of its global customer base.
VTL Group has adopted Coats Digital’s GSDCost to standardise production, boost productivity, and improve pricing accuracy across its Tunisian operations.
The solution cut SMVs by 15–20 per cent, raised line output by 10 per cent, and enhanced planning, cost accuracy, and customer confidence, enabling competitive pricing, lean operations, and stronger relationships with global fashion brands.
Prior to implementing GSDCost, VTL calculated capacity and product pricing using data from internal time catalogues stored in Excel. This approach led to inconsistent and inaccurate cost estimations, causing both lost contracts due to inflated production times and reduced margins from underestimations. In some cases, delays caused by misaligned time predictions resulted in increased transportation costs and operational inefficiencies that impacted customer satisfaction.
Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, said: “Before GSDCost, we struggled with inconsistent operating times that directly impacted our competitiveness. We lost orders when our timings were too high and missed profits when they were too low. GSDCost has transformed the way we approach planning, enabling us to quote confidently with accurate, reliable data. We’ve already seen up to 20% reductions in SMVs, a 10% rise in output, and improved customer confidence. It’s a game-changer for our sales and production teams.”
Since adopting GSDCost across 50 sewing lines, VTL Group has been able to establish a reliable baseline for production planning and line efficiency monitoring. This has led to a more streamlined approach to managing load plans and forecasting. Importantly, GSDCost has given the business the flexibility to align pricing more effectively with actual production realities, contributing to greater customer satisfaction and improved profit margins.
Although it’s too early to determine the exact financial impact, VTL Group has already realised improvements in pricing flexibility and competitiveness thanks to shorter product times and better planning. These gains are seen as instrumental in enabling the company to pursue more strategic orders, reduce wasted effort and overtime, and maintain the high expectations of leading global fashion brands.
Hichem Kordoghli, Plant Manager, VTL Group, added: “GSDCost has empowered our teams with reliable data that has translated directly into real operational benefits. We are seeing more consistent line performance, enhanced planning precision, and greater confidence across departments. These improvements are helping us build stronger relationships with our brand partners, while setting the foundation for sustainable productivity gains in the future.”
The company now plans to expand usage across an additional 30 lines in 2025, supported by a second phase of GSD Practitioner Bootcamp training to strengthen in-house expertise and embed best practices throughout the production environment. A further 10 lines are expected to follow in 2026 as part of VTL’s phased rollout strategy.
Liz Bamford, Customer Success Manager, Coats Digital, commented: “We are proud to support VTL Group in their digital transformation journey. The impressive improvements in planning accuracy, quoting precision, and cross-functional alignment are a testament to their commitment to innovation and excellence. GSDCost is helping VTL set a new benchmark for operational transparency and performance in the region, empowering their teams with the tools needed for long-term success.”
GSDCost, Coats Digital’s method analysis and pre-determined times solution, is widely acknowledged as the de-facto international standard across the sewn products industry. It supports a more collaborative, transparent, and sustainable supply chain in which brands and manufacturers establish and optimise ‘International Standard Time Benchmarks’ using standard motion codes and predetermined times. This shared framework supports accurate cost prediction, fact-based negotiation, and a more efficient garment manufacturing process, while concurrently delivering on CSR commitments.
Key Benefits and ROI for VTL Group
- 15–20% reduction in SMVs across 50 production lines
- 10% productivity increase across key sewing facilities
- More competitive pricing for strategic sales opportunities
- Improved cost accuracy and quotation flexibility
- Standardised time benchmarks for future factory expansion
- Enhanced planning accuracy and load plan management
- Greater alignment with lean and sustainable manufacturing goals
- Increased brand confidence and satisfaction among premium customers
Note: The headline, insights, and image of this press release may have been refined by the Fibre2Fashion staff; the rest of the content remains unchanged.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (HU)
No matter how my style may change, I always consider Adidas the ultimate shoes for effortlessly cool people. With celebrity endorsements from pro athletes like David Beckham to music icons like Pharrell and Bad Bunny, Adidas has cemented itself firmly in the current zeitgeist. Although most known for classic sneaker styles like Sambas (beloved by skaters and boys I had crushes on in high school), Adidas also has always-stylish apparel, slides, running shoes, and more. WIRED has Adidas promo codes so you too can be cool—but on a budget.
Unlock 15% Adidas Promo Codes With Sign Up
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Explore Adidas Coupons and 2026 Sale Deals For 60% Off Trending Shoes
As aforementioned, I think the Samba OG shoes are the most classic style you can get—I mean OG is in the name. The style gives an effortless cool vibe that’s stood the test of time. The classic Samba is now 20% off. Always-popular Campus 00s blend the skater aesthetic with contemporary tastes, making them another modern classic, starting at $66, now 40% off. The Gazelle Bold shoe comes in a bunch of fun colorways, making them a versatile choice for any stylish shoe-wearer, now on sale. Plus, you can get 40% off Handball Spezial shoes (starting at $66) and 30% off the Superstar II shoes (starting at $70).
Some of the best ways to save big are just through navigating the Adidas website—make sure you’re browsing styles under $80, and check the final clearance sale styles for up to 60% off. Plus, there are always discounts on certain colorways or materials of the same type of shoe.
Students, Military Members, and Healthcare Workers Can Unlock 30% Off at Adidas
Adidas doesn’t want your kid going back to school after holiday break with the same ol’ same ol’ and that’s why Adidas student discount gets your kid (or you, lifelong learner) 30% off full-price items with UNiDAYS online and a 15% discount in-store. Join now and verify your status with UNiDAYS. All you’ll need to do is enter the code provided from UNiDAYS during checkout, and you can get discounts of up to $1,000.
Heroic and stylish? That’s hot. The Adidas heroes discount gives thanks by giving verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers 30% off online and in-store (and 15% off at factory outlets). To redeem the heroes discount, you must complete verification through ID.me, then you’ll apply your unique discount code that will be sent to your inbox. A fireman in a pair of Sambas? Come rescue me, it’s burning up in here.
Be sure to check back regularly as we check back for more Adidas promo codes and other discounts, especially as the holiday (and shopping) season approaches oh-too-quickly.
Adidas Free Shipping Deals for adiClub and Prime Members
I’ve talked to you about all of the perks adiClub members get, but they also get free standard shipping on every order, which usually ships in 3-5 business days. With the membership, you’ll also get free returns or exchanges on any order!
Plus, if you’re already a Prime member, you’ll get 2-3 day free shipping without needing to join adiClub. Through this, you can conveniently track order in your Amazon Prime account; it will even show your delivery date info once you select your size.
Pay Less Now With These Adidas Financing Options
Adidas makes it easy for anyone to get the gift of great style. Adidas offers Klarna, the financing service on purchases, which allows you to pay later (in 30 days), or in 4 interest-free installments. Plus, with Klarna, you can try your order before you buy it).
There’s also the Afterpay buy option, which allows you to buy shoes now, and pay for them in four payments made every 2 weeks without any interest! This Afterpay option is eligible on any order above $50. If you’d rather pay with PayPal Pay, you can pay in 4 installments (eligible on purchases from $30 to $1,500). You can also pay over 6 weeks, starting with paying for only 25% of your order today, then the rest will be split into 3 additional payments.
Tencia Benavidez, a Supernatural user who lives in New Mexico, started her VR workouts during the Covid pandemic. She has been a regular user in the five years since, calling the ability to workout in VR ideal, given that she lives in a rural area where it’s hard to get to a gym or workout outside during a brutal winter. She stuck with Supernatural because of the community and the eagerness of Supernatural’s coaches.
“They seem like really authentic individuals that were not talking down to you,” Benavidez says. “There’s just something really special about those coaches.”
Meta bought Supernatural in 2022, folding it into its then-heavily invested in metaverse efforts. The purchase was not a smooth process, as it triggered a lengthy legal battle in which the US Federal Trade Commission tried to block Meta from purchasing the service due to antitrust concerns about Meta “trying to buy its way to the top” of the VR market. Meta ultimately prevailed. At the time, some Supernatural users were cautiously optimistic, hoping that big bag of Zuckerbucks could keep its workout juggernaut afloat.
“Meta fought the government to buy this thing,” Benavidez says. “All that just for them to shut it down? What was the point?”
I reached out to Meta and Supernatural, and neither responded to my requests for comment.
Waking Up to Ash and Dust
On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Meta has laid off more than 1,000 people across its VR and metaverse efforts. The move comes after years of the company hemorrhaging billions of dollars on its metaverse products. In addition to laying off most of the staff at Supernatural, Meta has shut down three internal VR studios that made games like Resident Evil 4 and Deadpool VR.
“If it was a bottom line thing, I think they could have charged more money,” Goff Johnson says about Supernatural. “I think people would have paid for it. This just seems unnecessarily heartless.”
There is a split in the community about who will stay and continue to pay the subscription fee, and who will leave. Supernatural still has more than 3,000 lessons available in the service, so while new content won’t be added, some feel there is plenty of content left in the library. Other users worry about how Supernatural will continue to license music from big-name bands.
“Supernatural is amazing, but I am canceling it because of this,” Chip told me. “The library is large, so there’s enough to keep you busy, but not for the same price.”
There are other VR workout experiences like FitXR or even the VR staple Beat Saber, which Supernatural cribs a lot of design concepts from. Still, they don’t hit the same bar for many of the Supernatural faithful.
“I’m going to stick it out until they turn the lights out on us,” says Stefanie Wong, a Bay Area accountant who has used Supernatural since shortly after the pandemic and has organized and attended meetup events. “It’s not the app. It’s the community and it’s the coaches that we really, really care about.”
Welcome to the New Age
I tried out Supernatural’s Together feature on Wednesday, the day after the layoffs. It’s where I met Chip and Alisa. When we could stop to catch our breath, we talked about the changes coming to the service. They had played through previous sessions hosted by Jane Fonda or playlists with a mix of music that would change regularly. It seems the final collaboration in Supernatural’s multiplayer mode will be what we played now, an artist series featuring entirely Imagine Dragons songs.
In the session, as we punched blocks while being serenaded by this shirtless dude crooning, recorded narrations from Supernatural coach Dwana Olsen chimed in to hype us up.
“Take advantage of these moments,” Olsen said as we punched away. “Use these movements to remind you of how much awesome life you have yet to live.”
Frankly, it was downright invigorating. And bittersweet. We ended another round, sweaty, huffing and puffing. Chip, Alisa, and I high-fived like crazy and readied for another round.
“Beautiful,” Alisa said. “It’s just beautiful, isn’t it?”
H&M India unveils official Lollapalooza India 2026 collection
Fundamental shift from savers to investors: What Indian households are doing with their money? – The Times of India
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