Since you spend a third of your life sleeping, the bed is one of the most important parts of your home. It’s more than just a place to rest at the end of the day; it should be a comfortable haven to get away from the stresses of daily life. To get the best sleep possible, the best comforter is key.
The right comforter makes you feel as if you’re nestled into a cloud. The best comforters are fluffy and warm while also breathable, but the right comforter varies according to your lifestyle and needs. Some sleepers love the weight of a heavy blanket on cold nights, while others prefer a lightweight covering. Budget is also an important consideration, and industry pricing can vary widely. However, you don’t have to splurge to find a high-quality product that lasts. We reviewed some of the most popular down comforters on the market to recommend the most comfortable comforter options.
- BEST OVERALL: Brooklinen Down Comforter
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert
- BEST DOWN: The Company Store Alberta Euro Down Comforter
- BEST DOWN ALTERNATIVE: Easeland All Season Down Alternative Comforter
- BEST FOR HOT SLEEPERS: Buffy Cloud Comforter
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: WhatsBedding Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
- BEST FLUFFY: Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Goose Down Comforter
- BEST ORGANIC: Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
- BEST COLOR SELECTION: Blue Nile Mills All-Season Down Alternative Comforter
- BEST COMFORTER SET: Brooklinen Luxe Move-In Bundle
What to Consider When Choosing a Comforter
Before shopping for a comforter, weigh some key considerations. While one of the most obvious choices is between a down or a down alternative fill material, that’s just one of several options. Keep reading to find out what else to keep in mind when shopping for the best comforter.
Fill Material
Down is the gold standard for bedding fill material. Down filling is made from the fluffy underlayer of feathers that waterfowl have beneath their exterior feathers. It’s not only an excellent insulator, but it’s also remarkably lightweight. While goose down is generally considered the ideal filling material, it’s not noticeably superior to duck down, which can be slightly more affordable.
When shopping for a down comforter, look for products labeled “100 percent down.” Some duvets, although labeled “down filling,” actually contain a high percentage of other types of feathers. While down and feathers may come from the same species, feathers don’t insulate as well.
For affordable allergen-free bedding, consider a down alternative filling. This option won’t irritate sleepers who have allergies or asthma. Today’s market contains a plethora of down alternative options made with cotton, polyester, siliconized fibers, and more. These options may not breathe as well as true down comforters, but they’re more likely to be washable and within budget.
Weight
- Fill weight is the amount of filling in the comforter. The ideal fill weight depends on personal preferences—some sleepers like a lightweight comforter, while others prefer the feeling of a heavy comforter. Some people change comforters with the season. A summer comforter is more lightweight than a winter comforter.
- Fill power, on the other hand, is a key indicator of a comforter’s warmth. It’s calculated by measuring the volume in cubic inches per an ounce of down. A comforter with a high fill power provides extra insulation without adding more weight. Shoppers in areas that experience cold winter nights may need a comforter with a fill power of at least 600. Those in warmer climates or who often get overheated at night should choose a fill power under 500. In down alternative comforters, a measurement of grams per square meter (GSM) offers a similar gauge of weight.
Thread Count
Although thread count is typically an indicator of the best sheets, it’s also an important factor in comforters. A higher thread count translates to a more tightly woven fabric. Though your comforter may not need to be quite as soft as the rest of your bedding, especially if you use a duvet cover and/or top sheet, high thread count still indicates a superior product.
The more important criteria is whether the shell is “downproof.” A higher thread count makes it less likely that the filling will gradually leak out over time and create a dusty, billowy mess.
For the softest comforter, look for a thread count of 300 or higher. Though some comforters boast thread counts of more than 1,000, higher figures doesn’t indicate a better product.
Stitch Design
Without additional stitching in the comforter’s interior, the comforter’s filling may shift and create an uneven loft throughout. Manufacturers use different construction styles to prevent this from happening; however, most experts consider baffle boxing the best.
- In baffle boxing, stitched pockets in the shape of squares or rectangles with an extra strip of fabric encourage higher loft. Each square contains an equal amount of filling, so the comforter stays fluffy in every area.
- Sewn-through comforters are a popular and less-expensive alternative. Sewn-through comforters use a technique similar to baffle boxing, but they allow for more heat loss, making this style preferable for lightweight duvets.
Machine Washability
While some comforters don’t require a duvet cover, using one helps extend the life of your product. Even so, you should wash your comforter about once every 6 months to a year, depending on the fill material.
Many down comforters are labeled “dry clean only,” but an advantage of many top-of-the-line down alternative comforters is that they often can be cleaned at home in a large-capacity washing machine. To avoid damage, look for cleaning instructions that state the product is machine washable.
Climate and Season
No one right comforter exists for every sleeper. The perfect choice depends on the sleeper’s location and preferences. Those who live in warmer climates—or who often overheat at night—don’t typically need comforters with a high fill power.
Some people prefer to keep one comforter for summer but use another during cooler weather. In temperate climates, a midrange fill power should be comfortable year-round. Balancing fill power with fill weight is key in guaranteeing that the comforter suits the sleeper’s lifestyle and climate.
Sustainable Materials
Sustainability is increasingly important to shoppers. In comforters, a couple of markers help ensure the product was produced as sustainably as possible with no potentially harmful chemicals. Look for an Oeko-Tex certification, the gold standard for ensuring that no dangerous materials were used in the production of the textile. A Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certificate guarantees that the duck or goose down used for filling the duvet was obtained in a sustainable fashion without undue animal cruelty.
Our Top Picks
The following recommendations take into account all the considerations mentioned, including fill power, weight, thread count, construction, and, most importantly, quality. This list features a variety of top-notch comforters to help shoppers find the right one according to their preferences, climate, and budget.
Photo: amazon.com
The best comforters suit the user, and this comforter from Brooklinen is available in three weights, providing options for both cold and warm weather. Its lightweight version has a fill power of 650, the all-season comforter features a fill power of 700, and the ultra-warm version has a fill power of 750.
The down is sourced ethically from Hutterite Farms in Canada, so shoppers know that no animals suffered undue harm. The clusters are made from a combination of duck and goose down, and the lightweight version is filled with recycled down for a more eco-friendly option.
The shell, which is made from 100 percent cotton, features a 400-thread count sateen weave. Baffle box construction helps ensure the filling is evenly distributed for maximum comfort.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Down and feathers
- Fill Power: 650 to 750
- Thread Count: 400
Pros
- Ethically sourced down
- 3 warmth levels
- Baffle box construction
- 100 percent cotton shell
Cons
Get the Brooklinen down comforter at Brooklinen.
Photo: amazon.com
This affordable fluffy Utopia Bedding comforter is luxurious and soft, with an outer shell made from microfiber that won’t wrinkle or crease. Since the down alternative filling consists of siliconized fiberfill, its loft is measured in GSM rather than fill power. With a GSM of 350, the Utopia Bedding Comforter is a versatile choice for year-round use.
The Utopia Bedding comforter is an excellent choice for guest rooms or other spaces that don’t require a significant investment. Despite its low price, however, it holds its own alongside more expensive comforters. The Utopia Bedding comforter comes in a variety of colors, so it can work as an all-in-one option without a cover, further adding to its affordability. When it’s time to clean it, this machine-washable comforter won’t require trips to the dry cleaner. Simply toss it in a large washer and tumble dry on low heat.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Siliconized fiberfill
- Fill Power: Not specified (GSM 350)
- Thread Count: Not specified
Pros
- Machine washable
- Corner ties
- Affordable
Cons
- May not be suitable for all climates
Get the Utopia Bedding comforter on Amazon.
Photo: homedepot.com
For those in cold climates or who like to stay warm while sleeping, the best down comforter is a must. The Company Store Alberta Euro Down Comforter is filled with 100 percent RDS-certified down with no feather filler. It’s available in three warmth levels: light, medium, and extra.
Its 300-thread-count cotton sateen shell gives the material an extra-soft feeling, and it’s designed to retain its down for years. Baffle box construction ensures even down distribution.
While many duvet inserts and comforters are available only in white, this pick comes in a selection of tasteful colorways, so it doesn’t require a cover. Four corner loops convert the comforter to a duvet insert and ensure it remains in place inside the duvet cover. Some down comforters must be hand-washed or dry cleaned, but this one can go in the washing machine.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Down
- Fill Power: 600 to 650
- Thread Count: 300
Pros
- Ethically sourced down
- 3 warmth levels
- Baffle box construction
- Corner loops
Cons
Get The Company Store Alberta comforter at The Home Depot and The Company Store.
Photo: amazon.com
This comforter from Easeland is filled with a polyfill material that mimics the light fluffiness of genuine down. It’s breathable, making it the best comforter for hot sleepers and those in warmer climates. The shell is made from ultra-soft brushed fabric, and it comes in a range of colors, allowing it to be used alone or with a duvet cover. Use its four corner ties to affix it in place to use as a cover.
Down alternative comforters are easy to clean, one of their biggest perks. This comforter can be machine washed in cold water and dried at a low temperature. However, the Easeland comes in only one weight.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Polyfill
- Fill Power: Not specified
- Thread Count: Not specified
Pros
- Machine washable
- Corner ties
- Soft brushed shell
Cons
- May not be suitable for all climates
Get the Easeland down alternative comforter on Amazon.
Photo: target.com
The Buffy Cloud Comforter is the best cooling comforter because it’s breathable and lightweight. This comforter works well year-round for those living in temperate climates as well as for hot sleepers.
Shoppers interested in prioritizing environmentally friendly options for the home may especially appreciate the Buffy Cloud comforter. Its fill comprises 100 percent recycled fiber; outside, the shell is made from eucalyptus fabric, which requires less water to produce than cotton. The eucalyptus shell has a thread count of 300 and is naturally cool to the touch, adding to this model’s suitability for hot sleepers.
Not only is this choice “green,” but it’s also ideal for allergy sufferers thanks to a shell that’s resistant to mites, dust, and mold. Even though it’s a down alternative comforter, Buffy recommends dry cleaning instead of laundering this comforter.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Recycled fiber
- Fill Power: Not specified
- Thread Count: 300
Pros
- Eco-friendly materials
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Cooling shell and filling
Cons
- Not suitable for cold sleepers
Get the Buffy Cloud comforter at Target and Buffy.
Photo: amazon.com
For a lightweight comforter for warm weather, consider this versatile down alternative option from WhatsBedding. The filling is made of microfiber with a fill rate of 160 GSM, which is one of the lowest options on the market. While some sleepers prefer a high loft in their comforters, this model is thinner and suitable for those seeking a lighter, more low-profile option.
Since it’s made with a microfiber filling, it’s both affordable and hypoallergenic, making it an ideal choice for sleepers with allergies. It’s even machine washable and can be dried on a low setting. It comes in a variety of colors and includes corner ties to secure it to a duvet cover, so it can be used either as a comforter or duvet insert.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Microfiber
- Fill Power: Not specified (GSM 160)
- Thread Count: 300
Pros
- Machine washable
- Hypoallergenic
- Ideal for warm weather
- Multiple colors
Cons
- Not suitable for cold climates
Get the WhatsBedding down alternative comforter on Amazon.
Photo: amazon.com
With a fill power of 750 and a fill weight of 48 ounces, this Egyptian BeddingLuxurious Goose Down Comforter provides warmth while still remaining relatively lightweight. Its baffle box construction and 1,200-thread count Egyptian cotton mean the 100 percent Siberian goose down filling stays in place to provide an even layer of comfort and warmth.
The down is certified by the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which means that animal welfare practices were followed to ensure that no geese were subjected to unduly harmful treatment during the manufacturing process. The fabrics also meet Oeko-Tex standards, guaranteeing that no chemicals are present that could cause adverse effects. With such a high fill power, this fluffy comforter is perfect for cuddling on a cold winter night but may be stifling in a warmer climate.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Goose down
- Fill Power: 750
- Thread Count: 1,200
Pros
- High fill for high loft
- RDS- and Oeko-Tex certified
- Baffle box construction
Cons
- Not suitable for warm climates
Get the Egyptian Beddingdown comforter on Amazon and at Luxury Egyptian Linens.
Photo: bollandbranch.com
Those looking to purchase a product made with organic fibers may want to consider this option from Boll & Branch. The down filling is certified by the Responsible Down Standard for ethical acquisition, and the organic cotton shell is Oeko-Tex certified. According to the manufacturer, the down in its duvets is washed in Bluesign-certified detergent, making it two times cleaner than government standards.
Shoppers can choose from three densities based on their climate and sleep preference: lightweight, midweight, and ultraweight. All three share the same fill power of 650 but vary in fill weight. Based on a queen-size comforter, the lightweight version has a fill weight of 28 ounces, the midweight option has a fill weight of 34 ounces, and the ultra-weight comforter has a fill weight of 44 ounces. Baffle box construction ensures the filling stays in place, and four corner ties secure the comforter to a duvet cover.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Goose down
- Fill Power: 650
- Thread Count: Not specified
Pros
- 3 density options
- RDS- and Oeko-Tex certified
- Baffle box construction
Cons
Get the Boll & Branch down duvet insert at Boll & Branch.
Photo: amazon.com
This down alternative comforter from Blue Nile Mills is affordable. Shoppers can choose from a rainbow of colors, including neutrals like white, beige, and black, as well as vibrant hues such as red, turquoise, and orange. Based on the color selection, this comforter is a good choice for children’s rooms. The color is the same on both sides for some, and some colorways have two colors, one on the front and a different one on the back. The edges are piped, making it fully reversible.
While this comforter is advertised as suitable for all-season use, the queen-size comforter has a fill weight of 80 GSM, making it a good choice for warmer seasons. Laundering is easy since it’s safe to machine wash and tumble dry it. Though this budget option is available at an affordable price, it’s made with high-quality materials and is certified by Oeko-Tex.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Fill Power: Not specified (80 GSM)
- Thread Count: Not specified
Pros
- Affordable
- Machine washable
- Heavyweight density
Cons
- Not suitable for cold weather
Get the Blue Nile Mills alternative reversible comforter on Amazon and Walmart.
Photo: brooklinen.com
Sometimes it’s more economical to buy an entire bedding set bundle. The Luxe Move-In Bundle from Brooklinen includes everything necessary to make the bed feel plush and inviting. The kit features a comforter, sheet set, and two pillows.
Shoppers can choose between a down and down alternative comforter and can customize the purchase by opting for a lightweight, all-season, or ultra-weight fill. The pillows can be filled with down, memory foam, or down alternative in a range of support levels. The bundle comes with the brand’s popular Luxe sateen sheets, which are made from 100 percent long-staple cotton and come in a variety of colors. Although this set doesn’t include a duvet cover, it’s one of the best comforter sets for a plush and cozy bed.
Product Specs
- Fill Material: Down alternative
- Fill Power: Varies
- Thread Count: Not specified
Pros
- Includes a full bedding set
- Long-staple cotton
- Customizable
Cons
Get the Brooklinen Luxe move-in bundle at Brooklinen.
Our Verdict
After reviewing this guide, you now know more about shopping for comforters. We recommend the Brooklinen Down Comforter because it offers several customizable options and is made with a high-quality down filling. Those on a budget may appreciate the Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert, which offers great quality at an affordable price.
How We Chose the Best Comforters
Years of experience covering home care and interior design as well as extensive product research went into creating this guide. We explored more than 40 options for the best comforters on the market and weighed a number of practical considerations before making our recommendations.
When choosing which models to include, we considered a variety of user preferences. We aimed to include recommendations for both hot and cold sleepers, as well as for people living in a range of climates. Both down and down alternative comforters appear on this list, and we prioritized models with certification from organizations like the RDS and Oeko-Tex.
Tips for Using a Comforter
Keep reading to find some additional tips for getting the most out of your bedding and ensuring it lasts for as long as possible.
- Opt for one size bigger: For an oversize appearance, choose a comforter that’s one size larger than your mattress size.
- Use a cover: While many comforters can be used alone, it’s always advisable to use a duvet cover to improve the comforter’s longevity.
- Follow the care instructions: While there are some general rules for laundering a comforter, consult the care instructions provided by the comforter’s manufacturer.
- Switch it: If you live in a region that experiences major temperature fluctuations between seasons, consider investing in both a cold-weather and a warm-weather comforter and switching between them throughout the year.
FAQs
With all the choices available, finding the best comforter can be a bit overwhelming, so you might still have some questions. The answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about comforters appear next.
Q: What makes a good comforter?
The best comforter has a fill power and fill weight suitable for your lifestyle, comfort preference, and climate. In addition, a good comforter is durable and long lasting.
Q: What’s a comforter shell?
The comforter shell is the exterior fabric that contains the filling. It can be either plain or patterned.
Q: How do you clean a comforter?
Comforter cleaning instructions vary based on the material that the comforter contains. Some down alternative models can be machine washed, but wool and down-filled comforters should be dry cleaned.
Q: How often do you wash a comforter?
Down comforters should be washed annually, while down alternative comforters can be washed every 6 months. Heed the manufacturer’s instructions for care, whether it involves dry cleaning or washing in the washing machine.
Q: Do I need a duvet cover?
Ideally, to extend its lifespan, always use a duvet cover with your comforter, whether it’s designed to be used alone or not.
Technically, a comforter is a blanket that doesn’t need a cover, while a duvet is an insert that’s paired with a duvet cover. In the United States, however, the two terms for bedspreads are often used interchangeably.
