The 12 Best Comforters of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, bedding is a critical part of the equation. Your duvet or comforter, in particular, keeps you cozy while helping you maintain a comfortable body temperature.
So, what makes a high-quality comforter? Sleep expert Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, recommends looking for "something that will absorb body heat without causing you to get too warm." As for material, she says, "Down and feather are the most popular," though there are some excellent vegan-friendly options, too.
We tested over 30 comforters and inserts to find the softest and most breathable designs. Scroll down for the best comforters PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall
Utopia Bedding Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThe microfiber material feels super soft to the touch.
The comforter's excellent breathability kept us sweat-free during testing.
It's one of the best values for a high-quality comforter that we've tested.
After trying 34 bed covers, the Utopia Bedding All-Season Comforter was an all-around favorite. It felt light and smooth right out of the packaging, with no loose threads or other visible imperfections. The down-alternative design is filled with siliconized hollow fibers. Sourced from recycled plastic, the material mimics not only the loftiness of real down but also the cozy insulation.
The All-Season Comforter has box stitching to prevent the fill from bunching up or shifting around. As for the cover, you're looking at super-soft microfiber. Since this comforter comes in seven colors, you don't necessarily need a duvet cover. But if you do use one, it has handy tabs to secure the corners.
We were impressed by the quality, especially considering the very reasonable price. Our tester said it's pleasantly lightweight with excellent breathability. It's also conveniently machine-washable and dryer-friendly. And the coffee we spilled during our tests came out with minimal effort.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative siliconized hollow fiber | Shell Material: Microfiber | Fill Weight: 250 GSM
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Buffy Breeze Comforter
Our Ratings
Upon first inspection, the Buffy Breeze Comforter is clearly a well-made, high-quality product. It has even stitching, reinforced seams, and uniform fill without any clumps. Getting a duvet cover on was no problem, thanks to the sturdy corner loops. One thing to note is that since the sizes are inexact, there was some loose fabric from the cover. It's on the thinner side, too, so you won't get that super-fluffy overstuffed look. Still, it kept us plenty warm and comfortable while sleeping.
With a eucalyptus-derived lyocell shell and lyocell fiber fill, this comforter has a smooth texture and a lightweight — but not too light — feel. We loved how it was virtually silent when we moved around at night. Just a heads up, dry-cleaning is recommended, but if you use a duvet cover, you probably won't need to clean it very often.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Tencel lyocell fibers | Shell Material: Tencel lyocell | Fill Power: Not listed
Best Budget
Bedsure Down Alternative Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsIt’s breathable and cool to the touch.
It offers good shape retention with minimal shifting.
The cover was noiseless when shifting occurred.
The Bedsure Duvet Insert is a solid choice for those on a budget. Though the low-loft design is somewhat thin, the baffle-box construction helps it maintain its shape while keeping the fill in place. This lightweight comforter is cool to the touch and surprisingly breathable for being 100 percent polyester. It has a very slight plasticky smell, but it wasn't unpleasant and will likely dissipate over time.
Getting a duvet cover on was pretty easy, and you can secure it with the eight corner and side tabs. You can also choose one of the colored options and go without a cover. When we tossed and turned, this bedspread was noiseless. It also held up remarkably well in the wash, showing no signs of damage, and dried quickly in a dryer. The Bedsure Duvet Insert may not last as long as higher-end options, but for under $40, you really can't go wrong.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, oversized king | Fill Material: Poly fibers | Shell Material: Polyester | Fill Power: 300 GSM
Best Down
Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThe fill is evenly distributed with no feathers poking out.
The thermal-regulating material warms quickly.
It’s medium-weight, so it’s fluffy but not bulky.
If you prefer real down to synthetic fills, we highly recommend Alwyn Home's Goose Down Comforter. At first glance, the down fibers seemed evenly distributed with no feathers poking out. We aren't big fans of the gold piping around the perimeter, but you won't be able to see this with a cover on. The all-season design has a medium weight with plenty of fluff to fill out the cover, and the corner loops help it stay in place.
Down is a naturally thermal-regulating material. So while it felt somewhat cool when we first laid under it, we quickly warmed up to a comfy sleeping temperature. The fill didn't shift at all when we tossed and turned, though the feathers moved to the bottom of each pocket when we shook it out before making the bed. Whether you pay full price or buy it on sale, we think this comforter is an excellent value.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Fill Material: Goose down and feathers | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Best Down, Less Expensive
Apsmile Goose Feather Down Comforter Duvet Insert
Our Ratings
At first glance, the Luxurious Feathers & Down Comforter was soft, smooth, and extra-fluffy with no loose threads. While it looks ultra-plush, it folds easily like a standard throw blanket. The cotton-poly blend shell is filled with white goose feathers and down fibers. Brandon Palmer, marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), explains that naturally breathable down wicks away moisture and prevents hot air from getting trapped. "This can lead to a more comfortable night's sleep."
Indeed, our tester said this comforter helped prevent her from overheating. Bear in mind it's slightly noisy when it moves around but not so much that it'll disrupt sleep. And since it's not machine-washable, you'll definitely want to get a duvet cover.
Sizes: Twin, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king, super king | Fill Material: Goose down, feathers | Shell Material: Egyptian cotton-poly blend | Fill Power: 750 GSM
Best Down Mix
Casaluna Premium Down Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThe fill is evenly distributed with no feathers poking out.
It features a voluminous and luxurious look and feel.
It’s warm and cozy but not too hot.
This comforter from Target's Casaluna brand is filled with 75 percent white duck down fibers and 25 percent duck feathers. We were immediately impressed with the sturdy construction and well-made design — the pockets were evenly filled with no feathers poking out. It's also exceptionally fluffy and slightly oversized, so you'll get that voluminous look and feel of a lofty duvet.
We tried the heavyweight option (there are three weights available), and it was, indeed, heavy. The weight made it somewhat hard to adjust when lying in bed, but it wasn't uncomfortable by any means, and we loved the cozy warmth. Thanks to the natural heat-regulating fill and breathable cotton cover, we didn't overheat, either. This comforter makes a crinkly noise when it moves, but not so much that it disrupts sleep. In the end, we think the price is reasonable for such a dreamy, luxurious bed cover.
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Material: Duck down and feather | Shell Material: Brushed cotton | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Best Down-Alternative
Linenspa All-Season Alternative Quilted Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThe down alternative is extra soft and fluffy, with a soft quilted microfiber shell.
It's machine-washable, which makes cleaning a breeze.
If you have feather allergies or just want a vegan-friendly design, the Linenspa Down-Alternative Duvet Insert might be your best bet. Inside the extra-soft, quilted microfiber shell are light and lofty poly fibers. While the synthetic materials may not be as breathable or insulating as their natural counterparts, this duvet is undoubtedly comfortable.
Though it's notably fluffy, our tester said it's easy to lift and doesn't make noise when it moves around. Available in six hues, including some reversible colorways, this duvet can be used without a cover. But if you do opt for a cover, the corner and side tabs will hold it in place. We also appreciate that you can just toss it in the washer and dryer for easy care.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative poly fibers | Shell Material: Microfiber | Fill Weight: 300 GSM
Most Comfortable
Brooklinen Down Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThe natural down fill is fluffy with impressive fullness.
The cotton sateen shell is soft and cooling.
It maintained its shape through all of our testing.
The sizes are inexact and may not be exactly as listed on the website.
It's not machine-washable, which makes cleaning more of a hassle.
Brooklinen's Down Comforter takes the cake for comfort. Though we noticed a few loose threads, the premium quality was apparent right out of the packaging. Our tester said the cotton sateen shell is soft and cool to the touch, and the natural down fill has a nice fullness that maintains its shape.
According to Palmer, down "offers the sleep-inducing benefits of warmth without weight." Sure enough, our tester said this comfortably breathable comforter didn't trap heat or feel heavy. It's not machine-washable, but we had no problem cleaning up the coffee stain during our tests. The only other thing to note is that the sizes are inexact, so you might have a few inches of slack on your duvet cover.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Down clusters | Shell Material: Cotton sateen | Fill Power: 650–750 GSM
Best for Hot Sleepers
Buffy Cloud Comforter
Our Ratings
If you run hot or are prone to night sweats, the Buffy Cloud Comforter has your name on it. We noticed a couple of loose threads upon taking it out of the packaging, but it felt soft and smooth. Our tester said the fill was evenly distributed, and according to the brand, the lyocell and poly fibers are fluffier than real down.
The shell is also lyocell, a naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking material. Our tester said it helped her maintain a comfy body temp and didn't feel hot or stuffy. We should note that although this comforter is machine-washable, we weren't able to remove the coffee stain — likely due to the highly absorbent materials. All things considered, we think the price is right on point and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this comforter — especially paired with a set of cooling sheets.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Lyocell and recycled poly fibers | Shell Material: Tencel lyocell sateen | Fill power: Not listed
Best Lightweight
Casper Lightweight Down Duvet
Our Ratings
ProsIt's filled with lightweight, ethically sourced down, and is also machine washable.
The filling is soft yet lightweight, and we felt cool while lying under it.
The breathable shell is made from a soft cotton weave.
Casper's Down Duvet is another great option for hot sleepers and summertime use. With no loose threads, a durable cotton weave, and a silky-soft texture, the high-quality design was evident out of the box. Our tester said it looks lovely as-is, though you're supposed to use it with a duvet cover. Since the sizes are inexact, it might be a couple of inches short of filling your duvet cover.
This comforter is filled with ethically sourced down, so you can count on lightweight breathability that prevents you from overheating. Our tester didn't feel hot whatsoever while lying under it. We couldn't get the coffee stain out, but unlike many down-filled designs, this one is machine-washable. And while the price tag is steep, we think it's worth the investment.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Down | Shell Material: Cotton sateen | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Best All-Season
Tekamon Queen Comforter
Our Ratings
ProsThis polyfill comforter helps you stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
The soft, microfiber cover comes in a variety of colors.
Its machine-washable design means cleaning is a breeze.
Want something you can sleep with year-round? We recommend the Tekamon All-Season Comforter. Though it needed to be fluffed up out of the box, our tester was impressed with the quality. She said it had a soft, cool-to-the-touch feel and no loose threads.
Designed to keep you cozy in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer, this cloud-like duvet is the best of both worlds. In addition to plain white, it comes in three reversible colorways, giving you the option to forgo a duvet cover. Not only that, but it's super easy to get stains out. You can pretreat with a spot cleaner and toss it in your washing machine as needed.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative poly fibers | Shell Material: Brushed microfiber | Fill power: Not listed
Best Bamboo
Cozy Earth Comforter
Our Ratings
ConsIt's one of the more expensive comforters on our list.
Bamboo's natural absorbency means this is more prone to stains, and it's spot-clean or dry-clean only.
Cozy Earth has Oprah's stamp of approval, and we're here for it. The brand's luxurious bamboo comforter is made of naturally cooling bamboo-derived viscose. While it's easy to fold, it's slightly heavier than average, which makes it a little harder to situate when you're in bed. Still, it has a unique drapiness that contours your body, and thanks to the breathable material, it won't trap heat.
Bamboo is also moisture-wicking, so it can help draw sweat away from your body. But this absorbency also means it's prone to soaking up stains. Keep this in mind, as Cozy Earth recommends spot-cleaning or dry cleaning only. Though this is one of the most expensive duvets we tested, the high-quality design is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Material: Bamboo fibers | Shell Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Fill power: Not listed
Other Comforters We Tried
Ettitude Bamboo Comforter: This duvet insert has a nice texture and a lightweight feel. It's among the thinnest options we tried — not necessarily in a bad way, but it's probably best for summertime use or a hot, humid climate. We also liked how it was virtually silent when tossing and turning.
Garnet Hill Essential Comforter: We loved the smooth surface and cool-to-the-touch feel of this bedspread. The light, non-bulky design is comfortable to sleep under and doesn't restrict movement. If you choose one of the colored options, you can forgo a duvet cover and just machine-wash the insert as needed.
Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter: We were pretty stunned by the cool — almost cold — feel of this comforter. It kept us at a comfortable temperature all night, and the silky-soft, uniquely light texture felt nice against the skin. Hot sleepers can pair it with a couple of cooling pillows for added comfort. You're supposed to use the colored, dual-sided design without a duvet cover to get the most out of the cooling technology.
Things to Consider When Buying a Comforter
Fill Material
When buying a comforter, pay attention to the material. Most are filled with real down (from the undercoat of ducks and geese) or down-alternative, which usually consists of lightweight polyester fibers.
According to Palmer, naturally insulating down is tough to beat when it comes to temperature control and breathability. "It offers the sleep-inducing benefits of warmth without weight," he says. "Its breathability can contribute to sounder, more comfortable sleep because it wicks away body moisture rather than trapping it." However, some synthetic fills, such as siliconized hollow fibers, can mimic the qualities of real down.
Shell Material
The shell matters too. Skin-friendly cotton is a go-to material, though bamboo-derived viscose bedding is gaining popularity. Our best overall pick, the Utopia Bedding All-Season Comforter, has a microfiber shell. Microfiber is a type of polyester, and while it's generally not as breathable as natural fabrics, it's exceptionally soft.
Fill Power and Fill Weight
You should also look out for fill power and fill weight. Fill power measures the volume of a comforter. Ranging from about 400 to 900, this number tells you how many cubic inches of space one ounce of fill takes up. The higher the number, the lighter and loftier the duvet.
Fill weight is — yep — how much the comforter fill weighs. Measured in grams per square meter (GSM), duvets are usually between 200 and 700 GSM. A higher number likely means the duvet is warmer, though it may also be on the heavier side.
Corner Tabs
Many comforters are meant to be used with a duvet cover. As such, they should ideally have tabs on the corners (and potentially the sides) where you can secure the cover ties to prevent the insert from sliding around inside the duvet cover.
When to Buy a Comforter
January is often a great time to buy all types of bedding, including comforters and duvets. Brands may offer discounts in an attempt to get last year's products off the shelves and may have new designs available. Beyond that, you can usually find sales on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
Many people use the terms interchangeably, and these days, they're basically the same thing. However, some comforters can be used as-is (without a cover), in which case they'll often feature a color or pattern. Duvet inserts, on the other hand, are traditionally meant to go inside a duvet cover.
What is the best material for a comforter?
Cotton is the best material for a comforter or duvet insert's shell. Cotton is breathable, soft to the touch, and easy to clean. The best fill material is down or a down alternative that is breathable and moisture-wicking.
How much does a comforter cost?
Comforters can cost anywhere from $30 to over $500. Down comforters are usually more expensive than their alternatives, but that doesn't mean they are better. From our research, we found that many quality comforters are under $200.
How We Tested Comforters
We selected 34 comforters and duvet inserts to try first-hand. After taking them out of the packaging, our testers assessed the feel of the shell, examined the fill distribution, evaluated the loft, and noted any defects. Then we measured, weighed, and recorded the temperature of each cover.
Our testers spilled a small amount of coffee on the surface to check for stain resistance. They also laundered the machine-washable designs and noted whether washing affected the integrity or fluffiness. We scored each comforter for quality, texture, durability, temperature regulation, breathability, and value. Those with the highest average ratings were selected for this story.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home goods, textiles, and sleep products. To compile this list, she combed through our testing insights and pored over product spec sheets. For additional insight into selecting the best comforters for individual sleep preferences, she also spoke to Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA sleep expert and behavior coach, and Brandon Palmer, marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC).
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
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