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If down’s high price tag and potential for triggering allergies have you shopping for new bedding, a down alternative comforter might be your answer. Down alternative mimics the insulation and softness of down without the expense and potential for allergies. These comforters are also easier to care for and come in a wider range of colors and patterns.
The term “down alternative” encompasses several filling options, from microfiber to various types of wool. Before jumping into bed with a new comforter, consider the climate, the sleeping temperature you prefer, and the look and feel that best fit your style. The best down alternative comforter will do more than make your bed look cozy and inviting—it will turn the bedroom into a haven that’s hard to resist.
- BEST OVERALL: EASELAND All Season Down Alternative Comforter
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Comforter
- BEST FOR HOT SLEEPERS: DOWNCOOL Goose Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
- BEST LIGHTWEIGHT: HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Viscose Comforter
- BEST ECO-FRIENDLY: Woolino Premium Australian Washable Wool Comforter
- BEST REVERSIBLE: HIG 3pc Green Down Alternative Comforter Set
- BEST FLEECE-LINED: Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter
- BEST BAMBOO: Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Comforter
- BEST ORGANIC: New York Mercado 100% Organic Cotton Comforter
- ALSO CONSIDER: Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Down Alternative Comforters
Down alternative comforters are made in different sizes, weights, and materials that affect their warmth, feel, and loft (or height). Everyone has their own preferences, so the right one for you depends on if you get warm when you sleep and the temperature in your bedroom. There are other factors to consider as well.
Size
The best comforter will fit the size of your bed with a little room to spare. Down alternative comforters are made in standard bed sizes, including twin, full, queen, and king. Some comforters may also come in less common sizes like king XL, California king, full XL, and twin XL.
Most people buy a comforter that corresponds to their mattress size, which usually leaves enough comforter to cover a standard 12 to 16-inch mattress on top of a standard 8- to 10-inch foundation. However, if you have an extra-tall mattress or foundation, you may want to order a size up from your mattress to better cover the bed.
Fill Material
A variety of fill materials can be used as an alternative to down. Two of the most popular options are polyester and microfiber, as both emulate the properties of down while maintaining a good loft.
- Polyester: Also referred to as fiberfill, this synthetic material insulates well and can be made to mimic down’s feel and insulating properties. Additional materials like gel or silicone added to the polyester can reduce allergens or provide extra insulation.
- Microfiber: This lightweight synthetic fiber makes for soft comforters that mimic the softness and loft of down. Microfiber can be made from polyester, but it may also be made from nylon, Kevlar, or other materials.
There are also several fill options made with natural and organic materials, including:
- Cotton: Cotton naturally wicks away moisture and offers great breathability. However, it doesn’t have the same insulating power as some of the synthetic fills or wool, so these comforters fall on the cooler side.
- Wool: Sheep and alpaca wool naturally insulate and regulate temperature because they trap air within their fibers. Wool also adds weight to the comforter while remaining breathable, making it a good choice for those who like a heavier comforter.
- Silk: Silk’s airy lightness brings added loft to the bed, making for the best fluffy comforter. However, it doesn’t insulate as well as other fill types.
Fill Weight
The best down comforters have a fill weight that corresponds with their warmth and loft. Higher fill weights indicate a warmer comforter, while lower fill weights offer a cooler option. Down alternative comforters are also available in different fill weights to meet different temperature and comfort needs.
Down alternative comforters include a fill weight measured in GSM, or grams per square meter. However, fill weight and warmth vary by the comforter’s material. Cotton, wool, polyester, and microfiber comforters with a fill weight of 300 to 600 GSM are typically suitable for all seasons. Higher GSMs work well for winter comforters, and lighter GSMs are a suitable choice for the best summer comforter.
Outer Fabric
The outer fabric or shell of the comforter is just as important as the filling. Cotton is one of the most popular shell materials because it wicks moisture and breathes well. The best down alternative comforter may have long-staple cotton, a cotton with long fibers that make it softer and more durable.
Other shell materials include microfiber, wool, and silk. Microfiber and silk are lightweight, though they have different textures. These two materials work well for cooler comforters. Wool is breathable and is an excellent insulator, making it a common shell material for winter comforters.
Also, keep an eye on the shell’s thread count, which tells you how many threads are in one square inch of material. Higher thread counts result in softer, more durable material. A thread count between 300 and 600 is more than enough for a durable comforter and may make it softer.
Construction
Construction features like stitching and corner loops make a difference in warmth and durability. Baffle box, squares, and gussets are construction features that help evenly distribute the comforter’s filling.
Baffle boxes have an additional layer of material between the shell layers to prevent bunching. Stitched squares, diamonds, and other patterns serve the same purpose. The filling may settle to one side of the box or the other, but it prevents it from pooling at the bottom of the comforter. Gussets are a border of material and filling that helps the rest of the comforter maintain its loft and shape.
Corner loops let you tie a duvet cover to the comforter, which can protect the comforter and make it easier to keep the comforter clean. Some comforters have loops in the corners only, while others have them in the corners and at the center of each side.
Care
Read the comforter’s washing instructions carefully. Some comforters are machine washable, making them easy to maintain at home. Others, like silk and wool comforters, may be dry clean only.
Be sure to check whether the comforter can go in the dryer, and if it can, also note the proper temperature settings. Heat can damage many of the materials used in down alternative comforters. Even low heat can damage treatments on the fill or shrink the shell.
Our Top Picks
The best down alternative comforters contain high-quality filling and shell materials. The comforters and brands on our list balance performance with price. We’ve included comforters for different comfort levels as well as models to fit different design aesthetics.
Best Overall
EASELAND All Season Down Alternative Comforter
The EASELAND All Season Quilted Down Alternative Comforter is packed with whole-piece polyfill sandwiched between the durable brushed fabric. Brushed fabrics have shorter fabric fibers removed to create a smoother, softer surface. Whole-piece polyfill resists clumping, reducing the chances of cold spots developing while asleep.
This comforter has four corner ties for use with a duvet cover. However, it’s also usable without a cover. It gets top marks for cleaning ease, as it’s machine washable in cold water. The EASELAND offers all-season warmth without adding too much weight to the bed. Because of its lightweight and whole-piece filling, this comforter isn’t as fluffy as some people like. Don’t expect a cloud-like appearance.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyfill
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Machine washable with cold water and gentle cycle
- Whole-piece polyfill and box stitching resist pooling and bunching
- Corner ties allow use with a duvet cover
- Lightweight yet warm
Cons
- Not fluffy
- May be too warm for mild climates
Get the EASELAND All Season Quilted Down Alternative Comforter on Amazon.
Best Bang for the Buck
Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Comforter
The Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter is filled with a polyester microfiber down alternative that’s 300 GSM. A box-stitch design keeps the filling in place, avoiding shifting and cold spots. Versatility is another bonus here, as this comforter is available in eight sizes and 13 color combinations, including solids, patterns, and reversible options. It also has eight loop ties to keep a duvet cover in place.
Finally, the Linenspa comforter is machine washable in cold water on gentle with a tumble dry. However, it could take a few times through the dryer for larger sizes. The manufacturer also recommends against washing it in machines with an agitator.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyester microfiber
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- 8 duvet ties
- Lots of color and pattern choices
- Good all-season warmth for the price
Cons
- Not recommended to wash in washing machines with an agitator
Get the Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter on Amazon, at Walmart, or at Linenspa.
Best for Hot Sleepers
DOWNCOOL Goose Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
Although the DOWNCOOL Goose Down Alternative Quilted Comforter offers all-season warmth, it’s cooler than the competition, making it an excellent option for hot sleepers. They still get the comfort of a comforter, but breathability and the right balance of heat retention prevent too much heat buildup. A soft microfiber shell cuts down on noisy rustling during nighttime movement.
The DOWNCOOL has 11 color options, including some that are reversible. While the comforter can be used on its own, corner ties let users change the look with a duvet cover. It’s also machine washable, but it should be hung to dry. Due to its light weight, this comforter has very little loft, making it our choice as the best comforter for hot sleepers. Expect it to be flatter than average.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyester microfiber
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable for warm sleepers
- Corner ties allow for use with a duvet cover
- Machine washable
Cons
- Lacks loft
Get the DOWNCOOL Goose Down Alternative Quilted Comforter on Amazon.
Best Lightweight
HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Viscose Comforter
Taking comfort to the next level is the HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Viscose Comforter. Smooth viscose that feels cool to the touch combined with lightweight polyester filling result in a silky comforter that feels feather-light on the body while providing all-season warmth.
The polyester fibers are designed with air pockets that enhance breathability. Eight corner and side ties help a duvet cover stay in place, allowing users to switch up the look if desired, although the HOMBYS comes in white, gray, or sage green for those who’d prefer to skip the cover. It also comes in six sizes, accommodating the most common bed sizes. This comforter has also received the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, certifying that the final product is free of harmful chemicals.
While this comforter is machine washable, it doesn’t do well with frequent washing, which can cause pilling.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyester
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification that it’s free of harmful chemicals
- Silky viscose bamboo shell
- Corner ties for use with duvet cover
- Lightweight, breathable polyester filling
Cons
- Pills with frequent washing
Get the HOMBYS Lightweight Cooling Viscose Comforter on Amazon.
Best Eco-Friendly
Woolino Premium Australian Washable Wool Comforter
The Woolino Premium Australian Washable Wool Comforter contains a natural 400 GSM wool filling covered in a 300 thread count cotton shell. The sateen cotton shell has a slight sheen and thicker weave than percale to add durability and softness. This comforter is also OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified to be free of harmful substances.
Wool can also absorb up to 30 percent of its own weight in moisture without becoming damp or wet, which helps this comforter keep sleepers insulated without overheating. The Woolino has corner ties, and the company recommends using a duvet comforter to protect the materials and prolong its lifespan. One downside is that the Woolino rustles loudly, which may disturb light sleepers.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Wool
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Wool filling naturally regulates the temperature and absorbs moisture
- Breathable shell and filling improve breathability
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified free of harmful substances
Cons
- Cotton shell may be too noisy for some people
Get the Woolino Premium Australian Washable Wool Comforter on Amazon.
Best Reversible
HIG 3pc Green Down Alternative Comforter Set
With 11 reversible color options that include matching shams, the HIG 3-piece Green Down Alternative Comforter Set is a great choice for those who like to switch up their style. Box stitching keeps the polyester filling in place, while the microfiber shell offers ventilation without trapping too much heat.
Siliconized fiberfill helps provide a down-like sleep experience, helping the comforter maintain its loft and shape. Designed for all-season use, this comforter’s light weight and breathability make it usable even in warmer climates. The HIG is machine washable on cold for easy maintenance, too. However, it comes in limited sizes, and some people find that the comforter is too small for a regular-size mattress, so consider sizing up if possible.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Siliconized fiberfill
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Bright color options
- Siliconized fiberfill resists bunching and maintains loft
- Box stitching keeps the filling in place for even warmth
- Lightweight and breathable for all seasons
Cons
- Limited sizes
- Runs small
- Thin sham fabric
Get the HIG 3-piece Green Down Alternative Comforter Set on Amazon or at Walmart.
Best Fleece-Lined
Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter
The Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter takes comfort to a new level with plush, soft micromink on one side and warm sherpa on the other. It’s a cozy style statement that offers 24 color and pattern options, and it includes two shams with the same materials. This comforter is reversible, so users can decide which inviting side suits their room best.
Everything from the sherpa shell and micromink to the filling is polyester. The comforter is OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, as is the facility it’s made in, assuring that the product is free of harmful substances and that it’s made according to strict environmental safety standards.
Though it feels luxurious, this comforter is machine washable. However, watch out for the shams, which occasionally arrive with some stitching issues. Also, this comforter only comes in three sizes—full/queen, twin, and king—so those with unconventional mattress sizes might need to look elsewhere.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyester
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: No
Pros
- Micromink feels soft and luxurious
- Reversible to fit different decor styles
- Easy to wash and maintain
- OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified
Cons
- Limited sizes
- Stitching issues with the shams
Get the Amazon Basics Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter on Amazon.
Bamboo down Alternative
Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Comforter
The Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Comforter’s shell contains a 60 percent bamboo-microfiber blend to bring bamboo’s natural temperature regulation and silky feel to the bed. Box stitching helps secure the warm polyester filling, while corner ties hold a duvet cover in place if you want to protect the comforter or change the design of the bed.
This comforter combines a light weight with warmth, and it’s not ideal for people who easily overheat while they sleep. The polyester filling does an excellent job of insulating, yet the comforter feels thin. However, this model comes in a limited number of sizes. Some people find that those sizes don’t work well with their bed setup. For example, the queen/full size is great for a full mattress, but it only covers 2 or 3 inches down the sides of a queen.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Polyester
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Thin but warm design
- Feel and temperature regulation of the bamboo fabric
- 6 color options
Cons
- Tends to run small
Get the Cosy House Collection Luxury Bamboo Comforter on Amazon or at Cosy House.
Best Organic
New York Mercado 100% Organic Cotton Comforter
The New York Mercado 100% Organic Cotton Comforter is Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified, assuring that the cotton shell is organic. It’s filled with a 500 GSM hypoallergenic microfiber filling that mimics the loft and insulation of down. The shell is made of long-staple cotton for added durability and softness, and made even more luxurious thanks to its 800 thread count.
Corner ties allow for easy use with a duvet cover. However, it comes in 13 colors and can be used without a cover as well. A medium weight makes it an all-season option as long as the climate isn’t extremely cold or warm. This comforter is available in twin, full/queen, king, and California king sizes, so it’s not ideal for those with unconventional bed sizes.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Microfiber
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Hypoallergenic microfiber
- GOTS-certified organic shell
- 500 GSM microfiber filling
- 800 thread count shell
Cons
- Limited sizes
Get the New York Mercado 100% Organic Cotton Comforter on Amazon.
Also Consider
Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter
The Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter has a siliconized fiberfill with a box-stitched microfiber shell. The silicone treatment helps maintain the shape of the polyester for better loft, heat distribution, and comfort, while the box stitching holds the filling in place.
In addition to the seven color options in six sizes—twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, and California king—corner ties allow for easy use with a duvet cover for even more versatility. Piped edges strengthen the edges for enhanced durability. This comforter is machine washable, but it doesn’t hold up to frequent washing very well.
Product Specs
- Fill material: Siliconized fiberfill
- Machine washable: Yes
- Corner ties: Yes
Pros
- Siliconized fiberfill holds its shape and maintains loft
- Piped edges resist wear and tear
- Comes in 6 sizes and several colors
Cons
- Doesn’t hold up to washing very well
Get the Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter on Amazon.
Our Verdict
The EASELAND All Season Comforter balances quality in the construction and materials with the price. Comfort, temperature regulation, and durability make it one of the best options on the market. However, the Linenspa All-Season Comforter also offers an excellent option with its 13 color choices, eight ties, and balance of warmth and affordability.
How We Chose the Best Down Alternative Comforters
We chose the best down alternative comforters based on a number of factors, including the fill material, shell material, size options, color options, and material and construction quality.
- Fill material: Fill materials that insulate well, resist bunching, and maintain their loft offer long-term comfort and temperature regulation.
- Shell material: High-quality shell materials like cotton, bamboo, and well-made microfiber offer breathability and assure the durability of the comforter.
- Size options: Limited size options or those that run small may limit the comforter’s use.
- Material and construction quality: Third-party certifications, stitch patterns, and reinforced seams all played into our choices. These add strength and longevity to the comforter.
FAQs
The comforter that’s best for one bed may not be the best for another. The person who will use the bed, their design and decor preferences, and how cool or hot they sleep play a big role in comforter choice. If you’ve got lingering questions floating around, we’ve got more answers.
Q. What is the difference between down and down alternatives?
Down is a type of feather that’s harvested from geese or ducks. These fine feathers come from the birds’ undercoat and are hollow, trapping air to provide warming insulation. Down alternatives mimic the feel and performance of down but with non-down materials, like cotton, wool, or microfiber.
Q. What is a good fill weight for a down alternative comforter?
Between 300 and 600 grams per square meter (GSM) works well as an all-season comforter. However, many brands don’t list the GSM of their comforters. Look for labels like lightweight, summer, and all-season to determine how warm the comforter will be.
Q. What is the best material for a down alternative comforter?
The best materials for a down alternative comforter depend on the climate and sleeper preferences. Polyester and microfiber are good fill choices because they mimic the feel and insulation of down while still having a good loft. Cotton or bamboo shells offer breathability with a nice feel.
Q. What is GSM in a down alternative comforter?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. Higher weights are appropriate for warmer comforters. Lower weights insulate less and are therefore better for warmer climates.
Q. Is a down alternative comforter hot?
Heavyweight and winter down alternative comforters can be hot. They’re designed with the most insulation to contain more heat. If you sleep warm, look for a lightweight comforter with minimal insulation and a breathable shell.
Q. How do I wash a down alternative comforter?
Always read the manufacturer’s instructions. Some comforters are machine washable in cold water and can be tumble dried on low. However, queen and king size comforters may only fit inside a commercial machine.