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The 9 Best Comforters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Cozy, breathable, and lofty, these picks are tester-approved

The Brooklinen Down Alternative comforter on a bed in a brightly lit bedroom

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

As someone who researches, tests, and writes about bedding for a living, you may be surprised to find out that I’ve used hand-me-down comforters for most of my life. However, when I finally bit the bullet and invested in one a few years ago, it truly transformed my sleeping experience. During especially cold New York winters, a heavy-duty comforter is the first thing I reach for—although I may be more inclined to hit the snooze button a few more times before getting out of bed.

That being said, I understand how hard it can be to find one that suits your climate, preferences, and sleep habits. To help you out, we've tested the most popular, top-rated products to find the fluffiest, coziest, and most breathable options. Whether you prefer a classic down comforter made with real feathers or a hypoallergenic down-alternative option, we’re confident there’s something on this list for you.

We spent over 48 hours testing 58 products in The Lab and our homes, evaluating them based on their quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. While the comforters on this list are made from a variety of fabric shells and fill—from breathable cotton to luxurious silk—we found that most of our favorite options felt pleasantly lofty, were machine washable, and didn’t need to be swapped out as the seasons changed.

During our testing process, we also paid special attention to weight, construction, material, ease of care, and temperature-regulation properties. Additionally, we slept with the comforters in our homes for up to six months, noting how they held up over time.

Testing Stats
Products Tested 58
Hours Spent Testing 48+
Tests Performed 5
Unique Testers 21

Editor's Note: This article was updated in February 2024 to include new products that performed well in our testing and incorporate recent at-home testing insights.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall

Buffy Breeze Comforter

Buffy Breeze Comforter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Lightweight yet insulating

  • Suitable for all-season use

  • Soft, pillowy texture

What We Don’t Like
  • Dry clean only

Of all the options we’ve tested, our favorite pick is the Buffy Breeze Comforter, which impressed us on all fronts during our lab tests. Both the shell and fill are made from Tencel eucalyptus lyocell, which is a fabric derived from eucalyptus known for its silky-soft feel, natural durability, and temperature-regulation properties. This also means that while it doesn’t contain real down, it’s also not made from synthetic materials like many other down-alternative comforters on the market. Upon initial inspection, we found the comforter was well-constructed, with evenly dispersed filling, sturdy corner loops, and solid stitching throughout. As for texture, the shell was exceptionally soft and smooth while the light fill provided a pillowy feel.

This comforter has a sewn-through construction, meaning the top and bottom layers of fabric are sewn together to create the quilted squares. While this design helps keep the fill in place, sewn-through comforters tend to be less lofty and insulating than their baffle-box counterparts. This proved to be true in our lab tests, as the Buffy Breeze Comforter wasn’t the fluffiest option we tested. (If you’re looking for a lofty comforter, check out our best for winter pick, the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter!) However, we preferred the comfortable balance between warmth and breathability this design offered. Additionally, we had no issues with the fill clumping or shifting, as it stayed uniform throughout the testing process.

When lying underneath the comforter, we were impressed with how much warmth it provided without feeling stifling. The comforter strikes the perfect balance between being comfortably lightweight yet substantial and cozy. It rested lightly over the body, and we were able to readjust and manipulate it quite easily. 

After two months of snuggling up with this comforter at home, we have no complaints. While it lacks slightly in the fluffiness and loft you’d normally expect from a comforter, we found that it kept us nicely warm during the frigid midwest winter temperatures. That being said, don’t let its flatter construction fool you—it’s decently heavy and weighted.

While we love almost everything about this comforter, you’ll want to note that it’s dry-clean only, which isn’t the most convenient detail. Although it’s dry-clean only, we actually machine-washed the comforter twice at home. It held up better than expected considering the tag explicitly states not to machine wash it. While the fill was a bit clumpier post-wash, it wasn’t ruined by any means with no further signs of wear. That being said, we don’t necessarily suggest ignoring the recommended care instructions, but we thought this was worth noting in case you’re in a pinch.

If you’re willing to put in a little extra care toward this high-quality product, we think it’s well worth the added effort.

Fill Material: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell (down-alternative) | Shell Material: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal King | Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Dry clean only

Best Budget

Utopia Bedding Comforter

Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Light and breathable

  • Durable and well-made

  • Lots of color options

  • Easy care instructions

What We Don't Like
  • Colors can vary slightly

By far the best value on our list, the Utopia Bedding Comforter is a down-alternative option that earned perfect scores across the board in our testing. It’s made from 100 percent microfiber, which gives it a supremely soft texture without the steep price tag. We found it to be very well-made, with piped edges, a classic-looking quilted design, and no imperfections throughout. When lying underneath the comforter, we were impressed by its breathability and temperature-regulation properties. This comforter is definitely on the lighter end of the spectrum, which may be just what you need if you tend to overheat at night.

What’s more, we love that this comforter is machine washable and dryer-friendly for easy care. It was also easy to remove a coffee stain with just a wet towel thanks to a synthetic microfiber shell. The comforter also shows no signs of wear and tear even after consistent use over six months and multiple rounds in the washer and dryer. It does a great job at regulating our temperature and keeping us plenty warm on colder nights.

With seven color and pattern choices, it’s a stylish option if you prefer to go without a duvet cover. However, if you do choose to use one, it comes with corner loops to securely fasten the cover in place. Additionally, while we’re big fans of the available hues, you may find the colors can vary slightly from how they look online. The comforter arrives in a plastic zipped case so it will need some time to fluff up. The same is true after it goes through the wash cycle.

Fill Material: Polyester (down-alternative) | Shell Material: Microfiber | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, Cal king | Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry

What's the difference between a comforter and a duvet?

Comforters are designed to be used without a cover, while duvets are designed to be used with a cover. While both comforters and duvets come in a variety of fabrics and fills, a comforter will need to be washed more often. A duvet (sometimes referred to as a duvet insert) should be used with a cover that can be removed and washed on its own.

Best Cooling

Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    4.3/5
  • Durability
    4.9/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Buttery-smooth texture

  • Moisture-wicking and cool to the touch

  • Sturdy, high-quality construction

What We Don’t Like
  • Slight bunching post-wash

  • Not very lofty

If you tend to overheat at night, check out the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter. We found this unique comforter delivers some of the most effective cooling and moisture-wicking properties on the market. It’s made with a 90/10 blend of nylon and spandex, which has a buttery-smooth hand that feels almost slippery. The texture is unlike any other comforter we’ve felt, but we ultimately found it to be quite comfortable. Additionally, this comforter has an irregular design with some sections larger than others, in contrast to your traditional baffle-box or sewn-through construction. Compared to other comforters, it’s not very lofty, but it feels sturdy and well-made. 

When lying underneath the comforter, it remained cool to the touch throughout our tests, exhibiting impressive breathability and moisture-wicking properties. We found the comforter drapes nicely over the bed and doesn’t feel restrictive or stifling at all. It retained its original shape after washing, and the overall construction quality did not change at all. However, we noticed that some of the filling, particularly in the large sections, bunched slightly to the outside edges. This was a minor drawback, though, as the bunching can be fixed by gently shaking the comforter. 

The Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter has improved our nightly routine after using it consistently for two months. Although we suspected that this comforter may only be suitable for the spring and summertime, we were pleasantly surprised by how well it kept us warm at night, even as winter approached in the midwest. Additionally, we’re happy to report that we’ve noticed no changes in quality or texture over time, despite consistent laundering.

Fill Material: Sorona fabric (down-alternative) | Shell Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king | Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Machine wash, air dry

Best for Winter

Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

Target

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.7/5
  • Texture
    4.8/5
  • Durability
    4.8/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Heavy-duty shell

  • Sturdy construction

  • Multiple densities available

  • Very lofty

What We Don’t Like
  • Unwieldy and difficult to manipulate

Bundle up this winter with the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter, which offers impressive insulation and ultimate coziness. Filled with 75 percent white duck down and 25 percent white duck feathers, this 600-fill power pick is perfect for anyone in the market for a heavy-duty comforter. We tested the all-season density, but this comforter also comes in lightweight and heavyweight densities. 

We were initially impressed with the sturdy construction, which offers significant heft compared to some of the other options we’ve tested. The sewn-through construction featured evenly dispersed puffs of down filling, while the down filling helped add loft to the comforter. The outer shell, which is made from sateen cotton, feels thick and structured. Plus, it has stylish embroidery that looks nice enough to display without a cover. 

When lying under the insert, we found it was very unwieldy and hard to manipulate when tossing and turning. It was quite difficult to shift and adjust positions without feeling a bit restricted. That being said, it didn't feel overly heavy to sleep under when lying still. This comforter felt more like a weighted blanket, with gentle and pleasant pressure. 

Despite its heftiness, we didn't overheat at all, as the comforter felt quite breathable. Throughout the testing period, we found that the fill stayed evenly dispersed and remained that way even with movement. Even after washing, the comforter maintained its luxurious appearance and texture. Although we found a few wrinkles post-wash, they were nicely camouflaged by the woven pattern in the shell.

After two months of testing this comforter at home, we’re still huge fans of it. The all-season density has lived up to its title, as we’ve used the comforter while the weather transitioned from warm to cold, and it has remained comfortable regardless of temperature. It has held up nicely in time, maintaining its loft and coziness despite consistent use and multiple rounds in the wash. 

Fill Material: 75% white duck down, 25% white duck feather (down) | Shell Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Power: 600 | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

How do you wash a comforter?

Many comforters can safely be washed in a large-capacity washer, either at home or at a laundromat. It's especially important to check your comforter's label first and follow the manufacturer's care instructions carefully. Most comforters need to be washed with a mild detergent on a gentle cycle and dried on the lowest dryer setting possible in 30-minute increments, so you can fluff the comforter as it dries. 

High heat can scorch down or melt synthetic down-alternative fibers, so be sure to check the label. In some cases, your comforter may need to be hung to air-dry, so keep that in mind when choosing one that will work for you. You’ll also want to beware of any comforters that are dry-clean only, as this can be especially inconvenient in mess-prone houses.

Best Lightweight

Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter

Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter

Brooklinen

What We Like
  • Smooth sateen shell

  • Multiple densities available

  • Made with recycled materials

  • Insulating yet lightweight

What We Don’t Like
  • Spot or dry-clean only

If you prefer lighter bedding that’s insulating but not too heavy, we recommend Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Comforter, which comes in lightweight, all-season, and ultra-warm weights. After testing the lightweight density for ourselves, it lived up to its name, offering a breezy and cloud-like sleeping experience. It’s made with a luxurious sateen shell that’s sturdy with a very soft hand. As for the filling, we love that it's made with recycled PET microfiber, which felt exceptionally soft and spread out evenly with no clumps. 

When lying underneath, we appreciated that the comforter felt lofty without being overly heavy or restrictive. It was insulating—warming up a comfortable amount—while remaining breathable. We were also able to adjust and move the comforter around without much struggle or effort. After some tossing and turning underneath the comforter, the fill shifted slightly but still stayed relatively spread out rather than clumping. While we love almost everything about this comforter, you’ll want to note that it’s dry clean only, meaning you won’t be able to toss it in the laundry for a quick refresh.

We tested this comforter at home for two months, and it has worked for both hot and cold sleepers alike. It performed well throughout multiple seasons, as it strikes the perfect balance between insulation and breathability. We also love how easy it is to secure the insert to our duvet cover, and it remained in place with very little shifting. The comforter has also maintained its loftiness over time, and we have no complaints about the product overall. 

Fill Material: Recycled PET microfiber (down-alternative) | Shell Material: Cotton | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king | Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Spot clean recommended, dry clean if needed

Best Silk

Cozy Earth Silk Comforter

Cozy Earth Silk Comforter

Cozy Earth

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.8/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Luxurious Mulberry silk material

  • Multiple densities available

  • Highly insulating

  • Cool to the touch

What We Don’t Like
  • Spot or dry-clean only

Known for its luxe smoothness, durability, and natural temperature-regulation properties, silk is one of the most splurge-worthy materials when shopping for bedding. The Cozy Earth Comforter with Silk Fill offers a lavish look and texture that we couldn’t get enough of. Both the fill and the shell are made from 100 percent Mulberry silk, which is the highest quality silk on the market. We also like that you can either opt for a standard or extra fill amount, depending on your preferences. We tested the standard density, which we found to have a medium weight suitable for year-round use. 

We were impressed by the construction quality of this comforter, as it felt sturdy but was easy to maneuver because of the delicate drape. The texture feels smooth and slick, while the shell is initially cool to touch but warms up quite quickly. When lying and moving around underneath the comforter, we found little to no fill shifting. 

We also found it to be breathable while still maintaining quite a bit of warmth, demonstrating both impressive insulation as well as temperature-regulation properties. Although this comforter is dry-clean only, this tends to be standard with silk bedding. Overall, this comforter never failed to impress us at every portion of the test, so while it has a high price tag, we think it’s well worth the cost.

After two months of testing this product at home, we’re still impressed with its performance. It’s so incredibly soft and luxurious, and we love that it’s breathable enough to please a variety of sleepers. Although we dislike having to take this comforter to the dry cleaners, we think it’s worth the extra effort considering how much it has upgraded our nightly routine. While we find the comforter supremely sumptuous without a duvet cover, using one probably isn’t the worst idea if you want to limit dry cleaning.

Fill Material: Mulberry silk (down-alternative) | Shell Material: Mulberry silk | Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king| Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Spot or dry clean

How do you know when it's time to replace a comforter?

A telltale sign that a comforter has reached its expiration date is when it's lost its loftiness, or that its fill has started to clump up in certain areas. This should be pretty obvious for down alternative comforters, which tend to get a little lumpy after 10 years, or sooner if they're dried on high heat. Quality down comforters should last as long as 25 years when properly cared for. To check the loftiness of the down, you can hold a comforter up to bright sunlight to see how the down shifts within the comforter's shell. If it falls flat, it's time for a new one.

Best Breathable

Kassatex European Goose Down Comforter

Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter

Kassatex

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4.5/5
What We Like
  • Temperature-regulating

  • Lofty but not heavy

  • Baffle-box construction keeps fill in place

  • Two weights available

What We Don’t Like
  • Not the warmest option

WhWhile some comforters may feel overly stifling, the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter allows ample airflow all night long. In our testing, we found that this comforter was initially cool to the touch, and then warmed up to a comfortable level after five minutes. It’s one of the most breathable options we tested, and we liked that it never caused us to overheat throughout the duration of our tests. 

This baffle-box comforter is made with a 400-thread count cotton shell, which feels smooth, soft, and cool to the touch. The filling is made from 80 percent European white goose down and 20 percent feathers, offering a lightweight construction that’s exceptionally pleasant and airy. This highly breathable comforter is available in both light and all-season weights, and we tried the all-season one during our tests. 

Upon initial inspection, we were impressed with the thick seams, evenly spread fill, and luxurious look. When lying underneath it, we loved how lofty and fluffy it felt. It’s also not heavy, as we were able to move around without feeling restricted. Additionally, the fill stayed in place throughout testing, even after tossing and turning with the comforter.

We used this comforter at home and found that although it’s lightweight, it was still insulating enough to keep us warm in the winter months. After two months of consistent use, we have no complaints. It has held up nicely in the wash with no changes in texture or quality. While it may not be the best pick if you prefer heavier comforters, we think it’s a great pick if you value breathability and durability.

Fill Material: 80% European white goose down, 20% feathers (down) | Shell Material: 400 thread count cotton | Sizes: Twin, queen, king | Fill Power: 650 | Care: Machine wash warm, tumble dry low

Best Luxury

Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter

Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter

Feathered Friends

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    5/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    5/5
  • Breathability
    5/5
  • Value
    4/5
What We Like
  • Four weights available

  • Held up well over time

  • Evenly-distributed and lofty fill

What We Don’t Like
  • Thicker options may be too warm

Offering a truly luxurious construction and pillowy appearance, we think the Feathered Friends Bavarian Down Comforter is worth the investment. It’s made with 100 percent goose down with an impressive 700 fill power, which was evenly distributed and supremely lofty. The shell is made from 400-thread count cotton, which has an ultra-smooth feel that we couldn’t get enough of.

It’s available in four weights, ranging from summer (which is the option we tried) to arctic. Although the summer option is the lightest of the bunch, we found it to be suitable for year-round use. It’s very lightweight but warmed up enough without causing us to overheat at all. 

Even after six months of use at home, this comforter still looks and feels as good as new, despite being the only comforter we used during that time. We like that the manufacturer offers thorough care instructions, and we think that this comforter will hold up for a long time with proper care. The comforter has not lost its loft over time, offering cloud-like comfort. It was the perfect cozy option during the frigid NYC fall and winter, keeping us cozy but not too hot. 

Fill Material: European white goose down (down) | Shell Material: 400 thread count cotton | Sizes: Twin, full queen, king, Cal king | Fill Power: 700 | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry low

Softest

Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter

Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter

Amazon

Our Ratings
  • Quality
    4.7/5
  • Texture
    5/5
  • Durability
    4/5
  • Breathability
    4.5/5
  • Value
    5/5
What We Like
  • Wonderfully smooth texture

  • High-end look and feel

  • Heavy-duty and insulating

What We Don’t Like
  • Some fill shifting

  • Mixed reviews regarding breathability

Made with an Egyptian cotton outer shell, we love how sumptuous and buttery-soft the Egyptian Bedding Comforter feels, which earned it our softest title on this list. Egyptian cotton also gets softer with time, which is good news considering this comforter is machine washable. 

The baffle-box comforter is filled with 100 percent goose down, and we found it supremely insulating and heavy-duty. Although it’s the least expensive down-filled comforter on this list, we were impressed by the high-quality construction. The fill was even, the double-stitching was neat, and the comforter fit perfectly into the duvet cover. In addition to corner ties, the comforter features side ties to keep it fully in place within a cover.

The incredibly lofty comforter maintained its fluffiness throughout our tests, but we did notice that the fill shifted a bit with movement. However, this can be easily mitigated with a quick shake. We liked the weight of this comforter, and we felt warm but not overly hot when lying underneath it.

We tested this comforter for two months during the frigid Chicago wintertime, and it definitely succeeded at keeping us warm. While we didn’t find it to be stifling in the lab, we’ve decided it isn’t the most breathable option, as it trapped heat at home. That being said, it’s still in great shape after consistent use. All things considered, the Egyptian Bedding Comforter is a great option for those looking for a value-packed down comforter, since it’s the least expensive one on our list.

Fill Material: Goose down (down) | Shell Material: Egyptian cotton | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, Cal king, palatial king | Fill Power: Not listed | Care: Machine wash

Final Verdict


Of all the options we tested, our best overall pick is the Buffy Breeze Comforter. This lightweight yet insulating down-alternative option is made from Tencel eucalyptus lyocell, which gives it an ultra-soft texture. For a more affordable option, check out the Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter (our best budget pick), which is breathable, durable, and stylish.

A person making a bed with the Buffy Breeze Comforter

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

How We Tested the Comforters

in The Lab in Des Moines, Iowa. To evaluate the quality of each comforter, we inspected each product upon arrival, paying special attention to the construction design, the quality of the seams, the loft, and the distribution of the fill throughout the comforter. Additionally, we noted how easy the comforter was to maneuver when making the bed, how noisy it was when handling it, and the general weight. Then, we assessed the texture by taking note of the shell material, thread count, and weave, noting how soft each felt when lying underneath.

To test breathability, we laid underneath each comforter for five minutes and noted the amount of airflow the comforter allowed through and any temperature-regulating abilities. To evaluate durability, we followed care instructions, noting changes in loft height, distribution of fill, or other signs of wear. We even spilled coffee on each comforter to see how easy it was to remove stains. Finally, we assessed each comforter's overall value by comparing retail prices with overall quality. 

In addition to our standard in-lab testing, we also used our top-performing products at home to see how each comforter performed for up to six months. This allowed us to note whether or not the comforters showed wear and tear over time, and how we liked them as the seasons changed. With those insights and our research, we chose our favorites to highlight on this list.We regularly test all types of bedding here at The Spruce, and so far we’ve tested 58 comforters.

Two people using measuring tape to measure the Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter on a bed

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

What to Look for in a Comforter

Fill Material

Comforters are categorized by their fill type, and each has its own set of strengths and weaknesses:

  • Down Comforters: Down is made from the coating underneath the feathers of a goose or duck. While real down tends to be more expensive than other types of filling, down comforters are known for being very warm, durable, and luxurious. However, they often can’t be machine-washed and may require dry cleaning.
  • Down-Alternative Comforters: Down-alternative filling can be made from a variety of synthetic and natural materials, including recycled microfiber and cotton. Unlike down comforters, down-alternative comforters are hypoallergenic. Additionally, down-alternative comforters are usually less expensive and easier to clean than real down.

Whether you prefer a down or down-alternative comforter, not all filling is created equal. For the highest quality down comforter, you’ll want to look for filling made with 100 percent goose down. Because of the larger size of geese, the down clusters are larger and more pillowy. Duck down is the next best choice, with smaller clusters but similar insulation and comfort. For a more budget-friendly option, you can opt for a comforter filled with a blend of down and feathers. Our best for winter option, the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter, is made with plush duck down to keep you plenty warm at night.

If you prefer to shop for a down-alternative comforter, you can either choose one with a synthetic or natural filling. Synthetic materials like microfiber are hypoallergenic, more affordable, and often recycled. However, some synthetic materials may be less insulating, breathable, and durable than real down and natural materials. That being said, many comforters with synthetic filling are still highly effective and feel very similar to real down. For example, our best budget pick, the Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter, uses a microfiber filling but still offers impressive softness and temperature-regulation properties.

Natural materials can also be a great alternative to down and synthetic filling, as cotton, silk, and eucalyptus have innate thermal properties. They can be just as durable and insulating as real down, but at a lower price point. Our best silk pick, the Cozy Earth Comforter with Silk Fill, has an exceptionally luxurious texture and pleasant cooling properties.

Shell Material

Even though your comforter will likely be used with a duvet cover, choosing one with a high-quality shell only increases your comfort. Look for shells made from natural materials, which tend to be naturally breathable and moisture-wicking. Cotton, eucalyptus, bamboo, and silk fabrics are comfortable and durable options that’ll help you stay cool through all seasons. In fact, our best breathable pick, the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter, is made with a sumptuous cotton shell, which adds to its top-notch comfort. 

On the other hand, shells made with synthetic fabrics may be less soft but more affordable than natural materials. However, synthetic materials such as microfiber can also offer higher stain resistance, easier care instructions, and resistance to shrinkage compared to natural materials. 

Just like any other type of bedding, pay attention to the shell’s thread count and weave whenever possible. A fabric’s thread count refers to how many horizontal and vertical threads can fit into one square inch of fabric. While this doesn’t always correlate with a higher-quality material, it can mean a smoother and denser shell. The weave of a fabric is the style in which the fabric is constructed, with popular types including percale and sateen. 

Whether or not you choose to use a duvet cover with your comforter, you’ll want to consider all of these factors, as the shell quality can often contribute to the breathability and overall comfort level of your comforter.

Construction

Box construction refers to the way a comforter is stitched to keep the filling evenly dispersed. There are two main types: sewn-through and baffle box. With sewn-through comforters, such as our best overall Buffy Breeze Comforter, the top and bottom layers of a comforter are attached to one another. While they tend to keep the fill in place better than baffle box comforters, sewn-through comforters also tend to be less lofty and can allow cold air to seep through the seams. 

With a baffle box construction, strips of fabric are sewn between the top and bottom layers to create three-dimensional boxed compartments. Although you may have to shake out baffle box comforters to prevent the fill from clumping, they tend to be more airy and insulating than sewn-through comforters. One of our favorite baffle box comforters is Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Comforter, which earned its spot as our best lightweight pick.

Loft

Also known as fill power, a comforter’s loft indicates the amount of space one ounce of filling takes up. Used mainly as a metric for down comforters and not down-alternative comforters, a higher loft can correlate with a fluffier, more insulated comforter. If you like something lightweight, a fill power below 500 will suffice, while if you’re looking for a year-round option, choose a comforter with a loft of around 500. If you’re looking for something even warmer, opt for a product with an even higher loft, like our best luxury pick, the Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter, which has an impressive fill power of 700.

A person lying down and looking at their phone under the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

The Spruce / Dera Burreson

The Checkout Counter

Before you check out, consider these products for an extra cozy night’s rest.

  1. Bare Home Duvet Cover: Protecting your comforter can increase its longevity over time, and our favorite duvet cover is this one from Bare Home. We love that it’s highly stain-resistant, buttery-soft, and lightweight.
  2. Ostrichpillow Hot & Cold Eye Mask: Wind down with this weighted eye mask, which provides gentle pressure to alleviate stress. It’s also adjustable, reversible, and does a great job of blocking sunlight.
  3. Parachute Down Pillow: This ultra-luxe pillow is made with a sateen weave that’s breathable and smooth. Plus, it comes in three firmness options to suit your needs.
  4. Coyuchi Cloud Brushed Flannel Sheets: Pair your comforter with this luxuriously soft flannel sheet set. It offers a thick, durable construction that will keep you warm all night long.
  5. Reeks Heated Mattress Pad: Snuggle up with a heated mattress pad sure to upgrade your nightly routine. With dual controls and a user-friendly interface, it’s easy for two people to adjust the heat comfortably when sharing the bed.

Why Trust The Spruce?

This article was written by Bianca Pineda, a writer specializing in bedding, bath, and home decor at The Spruce. She’s been researching and writing about bedding products for The Spruce since September 2022. For this roundup, she pored over lab and at-home testing insights for over 58 products, assessed online customer reviews, and analyzed the product specs of dozens of duvets before landing on the final picks. She has also tried out a plethora of bedding products firsthand and worked on numerous other related roundups, including best down-alternative comforters, best flannel sheets, and best duvet covers.

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. A comparison of the thermal and moisture transport properties of down and synthetic insulation. A.D. Moore.

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