Down refers to the undercoating beneath the feathers of birds like ducks or geese, and is prized for its super-soft and fluffy feel. It often finds its way into high-quality bedding like comforters, for good reason. Our chief medical advisor Dr. Raj Dasgupta says, “Down comforters are a warm, comfortable, and breathable bedding option that can promote a good night’s rest.” Adding a down comforter can be a great way to upgrade your sleep setup from comfortable to cozy.
Our testers thought so, too. The Sleepopolis team has tested hundreds of sleep products over the years we’ve been in operation, and our efforts have helped more than 60,000 folks find a new bed — with 15,622 of those happy customers in 2024 alone. If you want to join their ranks and have already found your mattress match, why not check out a new down comforter? After months of testing, we’ve gathered the cream of the crop to help you get started in your search.
Whether you’re a luxury shopper, someone who likes to cozy up in a nest of fluff, or you’re just looking for a lightweight layer to top off your bed, keep reading to find out about the best down comforters out there.
Our Top Pick for Best Down Comforters
We chose the Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert because of the high-quality craftsmanship and materials, ethical sourcing, and durability in both warm and cool sleeping situations.
Our Top Picks for the Best Down Comforters
- Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert – Best Down Comforter Overall
- Feathered Friends 700 Bavarian Down Comforter – Best Goose Feather Down Comforter
- Riley White Goose Down Comforter – Best Down Comforter for Hot Sleepers
- Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert – Best Lightweight Down Comforter
- Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter – Best Down Alternative Comforter
Disclaimer: Please note that the content in this article is meant for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or serve as a substitute for seeing a medical professional regarding any sleep problems you may have. Please see your doctor regarding any urgent medical issues.
What We Looked for in the Best Down Comforters
We put sleep products through a battery of tests related to construction and performance. Based on what we experienced in our personal testing, as well as input from medical expert Dr. Raj Dasgupta, we honed in on a few key areas that should interest down comforter shoppers.
- Feel: Though down feathers have a signature soft feel, not all down comforters are created equal. It can vary depending on how much fill there is, the design, and the outer shell it comes in. We made sure to evaluate both the quality and construction of these comforters and how each component contributed to the comforter’s feel. Was it soft and thick or thin and breathable? If the brand mentioned a number for the fill power (which reflects the size of the down clusters and how many can fit in a cubic inch), we also made sure to note it, as it can affect the comforter’s overall feel and weight. We described each comforter to the letter, so you can get a sense of exactly how it’ll work with the rest of your bed sheets.
- Temperature regulation: Down is an insulator but also has some breathability, which can be a temperamental balance. Most down comforters run hot, so we judged whether or not we were overheating at night when testing them. Some are described as “lightweight” or “all-season,” which means they have less fill to keep air flowing and are versatile enough for both warm and cold environments. Our temperature regulation scores reflected our experience with each comforter, and we also noted whether or not we’d consider ourselves hot or cold sleepers.
- Price: Finally, as an all-natural product that requires much care and consideration when harvesting, down can be expensive. Down comforters generally cost hundreds of dollars regardless of size or fill, so we want to make sure that you’re getting a good deal. If a comforter seemed particularly luxurious or high-quality for its price, we made sure to note that in our scoring.
Of course, more than just these areas factored into our overall experience with the comforters, which we’ll also be sure to get into so you can get the full picture of how these will perform.
Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert – Best Down Comforter Overall
Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert
The Canadian-made Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert comes in three different fill options, each uses responsibly sourced down and a cotton shell for a fluffy, cozy sleep experience.
Sleepopolis Score
4.3 / 5
Our pick for the best down comforter, Silk & Snow’s Down Duvet Insert, is perhaps a bit biased, as I’m the one who reviewed it. But what better option to put first than the comforter that has stayed on my mattress long after I finished testing it?
This all-season comforter has a generous but lightweight fill, swaddled in a super-soft cotton shell. I used the duvet insert for months without a cover just because it was so comfortable on its own (but once I knew I wanted to use it for the long haul, I decided to invest in one). Ultimately I gave this high-quality down comforter an overall score of 4.3/5 and think it’s well-rounded and versatile enough to work for just about anyone.
This comforter has a traditional baffle-box construction, which means the comforter is made up of square-shaped pockets filled with down clusters. I thought all of the stitches were neat and tidy, and the cotton shell was both smooth and durable. You might have to fluff it up to get all the down clusters to evenly redistribute within their little cubes, but I find this to be more fun than a hassle. Since the comforter is filled with feathers, you might expect it to be as light as one; however, it’s weighty enough to lay out straight and flat with ease when I throw it over my queen mattress. I only docked a point for materials because I have noticed a stray feather or two, but no concerning shedding.
I live in the Midwest, where there can be a blizzard, tornado, and heat wave in the span of one week. I was worried at first about this all-season down comforter overheating, as I’m prone to night sweats, but I found myself pleasantly cozy in both cold and hot weather. I will note that I could feel it warming up at times, but this was balanced out by my favorite cooling bamboo sheet set, so it might not be 100-percent foolproof if you’re a super-hot sleeper. That’s why I gave it a 4/5 for overall temperature regulation.
This all-season comforter also comes in a lightweight option, which I assume must be even more breathable than the version I have. The lightweight iteration might not be as puffy or fluffy as the comforter I tested, but if you live in an especially warm climate, you might want to opt for this model.
At $325 for a queen size, some might balk at the price. But I’d buy it again in a heartbeat, considering the comforter’s deceptively simple but luxurious craftsmanship. It’s filled with ethically sourced, high-quality duck down, which warrants a premium price. Silk & Snow also sweetens the deal with a 100-night trial and 3-year warranty. The lightweight option is also a bit cheaper at $275 if you’re looking to cut out some of the fat.
Aside from a high price, what might deter some are the care instructions. This bad boy is spot-clean only, unless you want to pay for dry cleaning. Since I initially used this without a duvet cover, I could see it becoming a problem for regular washing, especially since it’s all white and stains should show easily.
If you want to avoid the washing hassle, I recommend purchasing a nice duvet cover. I purchased a queen size from another brand, and Silk & Snow’s insert fits inside with only a smidge of room to spare. The comforter’s corner loops came in handy, as I was able to use each with the ties within the cover to keep the insert from getting bunched up inside.
Want a comforter that’s designed for hot sleepers? Check out the Riley White Goose Down Comforter.
Feathered Friends 700 Bavarian Down Comforter – Best Goose Feather Down Comforter
Feathered Friends 700 Bavarian Down Comforter
This handmade, premium European goose down comforter by Feathered Friends provides cozy warmth in four different fill types.
Sleepopolis Score
4.4 / 5
Some folks get particular about what type of down they like. If you’re looking for high-quality goose down, known to be thicker and more insulating than other down types, check out the Feathered Friends 700 Fill Power Bavarian Down Comforter. Feathered Friends’ initial mission was to provide handmade-with-love outdoor gear like coats and sleeping bags from responsibly sourced down, but the company has since expanded to offer a wide range of down bedding. Its comforter is no exception to this rule, as my fellow tester Kenny Timper experienced firsthand. He called this comforter “durable, fluffy, and cozy,” and his test notes yielded an overall product score of 4.4/5.
Kenny’s first test was to evaluate the comforter’s feel, and he did this by doing a thorough check to see if there were any gaps or thinning in the down fill. “Every square felt fluffy and packed,” he said. The stitching on either side was also neat and tidy. “I don’t anticipate that it will tear or pill very easily,” Kenny added, giving the comforter a perfect 5/5 score for materials.
When it came to the comforter’s sleep performance, Kenny called it “perhaps a little too cozy for most, but that’s my preference.” Kenny tested the mid-range Medium option; there’s both a “Summer” and “Light” option which may be better-suited to sleepers wanting a more airy feel. “I think this is a good fit for you if you sleep in a really cool room or in a colder climate,” Kenny said.
More than just being handmade, this comforter has certifications speaking to the ethical gathering of the down and GOTS-certified organic cotton in the shell. With this in mind, it’s not surprising that this comforter retails for over $550 for a queen-size — price shifting depending on the fill you choose. We think the luxury and considerate craftsmanship warrant the price, but it’s worth noting that this isn’t the most budget-friendly option on this list. If you’re a luxury shopper and looking to support a smaller business, we don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the quality and performance of this comforter.
Despite being a smaller operation, Feathered Friends offers an in-house repair and cleaning service for its products if your comforter gets damaged or you’re worried about washing it yourself. Getting in touch with the company might be a bit tricky as it has limited hours, but that’s because the number you call is actually a brick-and-mortar store in Seattle. No middlemen here. You can also reach Feathered Friends via email or Facebook. While some might want more convenience in contacting the brand, other shoppers should appreciate “that personal touch,” as Kenny put it.
Ready to take the plunge? Feathered Friends doesn’t offer an official sleep trial, but it does offer a return period of 30 days (for unused products with their original packaging). Just note you’ll have to pay for shipping. On a positive note, Feathered Friends guarantees its products for life and will do its best to satisfy customers if they have any complaints.
Are you looking for something more lightweight? Check out Boll & Branch’s Down Duvet Insert.
Riley White Goose Down Comforter – Best Down Comforter for Hot Sleepers
Riley White Goose Down Comforter
The Riley White Goose Down comforter is filled with European white goose down and covered in cotton sateen. It is available in All Season or Extra Warm weights.
Sleepopolis Score
4.5 / 5
Down comforters are not often recommended for hot sleepers, as a thick, fluffy shroud is the last thing that these sleepers might want atop their bed. But some down comforters are made with less fill and crisp covers to accommodate those who want the luxuriously plush feel of down without the accompanying warmth. Based on our testing, we recommend the Riley White Goose Down Comforter.
My colleague Kenny tested this comforter and rated temperature regulation at a 4.5/5. “If you live in a warmer climate and generally are a hot sleeper, but still want something durable, cozy, and premium, I could see this working for you,” he said. His entire experience with the comforter also resulted in a final rating of 4.5/5 overall.
Kenny chose the all-season option of this comforter and found it “overall pretty soft and lightweight.” He’s usually a hot sleeper, but actually thought this comforter could use even more stuffing for the cozier feel he prefers. If you’re a hot sleeper who’d rather be cool than cozy, that sounds like good news. “Sleepers who need a little more fill-firepower might want to opt for the Extra Warm version of this comforter,” Kenny added.
Because of this lack of fill, Kenny knocked a point off the materials score, calling it “less generous” than that of other comforters. Otherwise he found the stitching and cover of the comforter to be comfortable and durable. “I don’t anticipate this comforter being easily punctured or falling apart,” he said.
This comforter is spot-clean only, so Kenny recommended using a duvet cover with it, which is fairly standard for most comforters. Its price is also fairly standard, at $525 for a queen size of the all-season option. The Extra Warm version of the comforter will tack on $125 more for the added fill power. With the quality of the product and both of these options coming in at 700 and 750 fill power respectively, you’re still getting quite a lot of bang for your buck.
It’s also backed by a 3-year warranty; while I expect the comforter to outlive that, it’s nice to know there’s a fall-back option should anything go awry. Kenny found the brand to be very communicative during the shipping process, appreciating the automatic updates. “It’s very easy to get in touch with customer service,” he said.
If you’re worried about committing to a high price tag, Riley does accept returns within 60 days, which gives you two months to try out this comforter before you commit. The brand accepts used products, but you will have to pay a small handling fee.
Want something a bit more affordable? Check out the Silk & Snow Down Duvet Insert.
Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert – Best Lightweight Down Comforter
Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert
Boll & Branch’s lightweight down duvet insert balances plushness and breathability, making it great for warmer nights or hot sleepers.
Sleepopolis Score
4.3 / 5
Sometimes you don’t want to be trapped beneath a boatload of down, no matter how comfortable it is, but you still want a plush and fluffy feel. If this sounds like you, take a look at the Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert, our pick for a lightweight down comforter.
Boll & Branch offers this comforter in lightweight, midweight, and ultraweight options, and my fellow tester Riley Otis spent months testing the lightweight option. She found it lived up to the descriptor with its soft, airy nature, and her testing resulted in an overall score of 4.3/5 for the product.
Given its lightweight nature, it’s no surprise that this duvet insert regulated temperature well. Riley felt that it had a more breathable feel than most down comforters and did a nice job of maintaining its fluffiness without making her feel too warm. “I think this would be a great choice for hot sleepers or people living in warmer climates,” she said, giving it a temperature regulation score of 4/5.
Riley also loved the quality of the down filling of this mattress. “It’s super light and fluffy; I love the way it feels between my fingers when I squeeze the duvet,” she said. The box stitch also looked to be of good quality, and Riley commented that it didn’t seem likely to tear.
However, the surface fabric posed a bit of an issue. It had a more crisp feel than silky smooth and soft like Riley would have preferred. “It makes a crumpling sound whenever I move, coming from the outer shell,” she said. After washing, the cover softened up a bit, but it still made noise. Riley recommends using a duvet cover with this insert for a more comfortable and noise-free sleep environment.
Speaking of washing, this is the rare comforter that you can actually machine-wash. The directions say you can wash it on the gentle cycle in cold water, as well as tumble-dry it on low. Boll & Branch recommends using dryer balls to help keep the fill evenly distributed, but Riley thought the box-quilt construction did a fine job of keeping everything in place. As long as you can fit the insert in your laundry machines, you won’t have to bust out a spot treatment or head to the dry cleaners for your bi-weekly bedding refresh.
Just note that if you want this lightweight comforter, it’ll cost you $409 for a queen and $269 for a king size. Unfortunately there’s no sleep trial or warranty to further sweeten the deal. Boll & Branch offers a 30-day return window after delivery, but no refunds for any extra fees for shipping and handling.
Not a fan of lightweight bedding and looking for a super-stuffed comforter? You might like the 700 Bavarian Down Comforter from Feathered Friends.
Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter – Best Down Alternative Comforter
Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter
The Brooklinen Down Alternative comforter is available in three weights: lightweight, all-season, and ultra-warm. It features a 100 percent cotton shell and is filled with recycled PET fibers.
Sleepopolis Score
4.7 / 5
If you’re a sleeper with allergies or have a tighter budget, you don’t have to give up your dreams of owning a down comforter. Down alternatives are a great way to get the feel of down without the side effects or high price tag. Our pick, the Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter, is stuffed with synthetic microfiber fill that should be cushy and fluffy without causing sniffles.
My fellow colleague Nicole Davis, who tested this comforter, agreed with the brand’s description of it being “fluffy as a cloud, soft, and swaddle-worthy.” She gave this product high marks in every test category, resulting in a total score of 4.7/5.
Nicole tested the all-season version of this comforter, which retails at $269 for a queen size — much lower than most traditional down options. Right away, she noticed the quality and thought the price was plenty reasonable. “You’ll probably have to buy a duvet cover on top of this, which is an added cost, but so far, it’s worth it,” she said. The cotton sateen shell on the comforter itself, though, is plenty soft for those who go cover-free.
As for the claims of it being all-season, Nicole thought that was spot-on too. She’s been using this comforter for a few months now, even with the weather starting to warm up. “It does feel quite nice and is more breathable than a down comforter, so you don’t overheat at night,” she said.
She also noted that if you get too cold, you can throw a blanket over top no problem. But as a hot sleeper herself, she didn’t need any extra layers. If you’re a cold sleeper in a colder climate and worried about bundling up, you can opt for the ultra-warm iteration of this comforter. There’s even a lightweight option if you’re worried about heat.
If you’re unsure about which option to choose, Brooklinen offers returns within a 365-day period, so long as you bought the product through the brand’s site. Just know you’ll have to pay a flat fee of $10. There’s no warranty, but if you have a problem, you can submit a “quality guarantee” to resolve any issues or get a replacement for defective products.
The one true negative about this product is that, like most traditional down comforters, you can’t shove this guy in the washer. Brooklinen lists this comforter as spot-clean recommended, but you can dry clean it if necessary. Some customers have also reported the comforter ending up “lumpy” or with unevenly distributed fill, but Nicole hasn’t experienced any issues like this over the years she’s been using it.
Still want real down? Take a look at the Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert.
Other Down Comforters Considered
Didn’t see what you were looking for on the list above? Here’s another high-quality down comforter we tested that might fit the bill:
Parachute Down Duvet Insert
The high fill power of white European down should provide an ultra-warm, fluffy sleep experience. It’s available in midweight and lightweight options, with both retailing for over $300 for a queen size. The shell is made from 100-percent cotton with a super-soft sateen weave, but you can also make use of the corner loops with an equally chic duvet cover. However, most customers have complained that this comforter is too warm for their tastes and prone to some unwanted shedding.
How We Picked and Tested These Down Comforters
The best comforters should not only be comfortable but high-quality, and all at a reasonable price. We took this into account when determining the most important test categories to help us identify the best down comforters out there. Here’s a deeper dive into the top three factors you saw highlighted in our reviews above:
Feel
These down comforters come in a range of sizes, fill weights, and constructions that affect how they look and feel. This is perhaps the most subjective category to evaluate, as personal preference can change depending on your wants and needs. If you’re looking for a cozy, breathable, or uber-soft feel, we have you covered. We made sure to include the details of how each comforter feels, as well as what kind of sleepers we think will most benefit from it.
Temperature Regulation
Down is great for insulation, which usually means keeping heat in, but some down comforters have a certain breathability that makes them great year-round. We took a look at how thick and fluffy these comforters were and whether they made us sweat through the night, if they were too thin, or if they were just right. We rated this metric with a score out of 5, with 5 out of 5 representing a temperature-neutral feel or, in rare instances, even cooling comforter.
Price
Down products are generally pricier than most because of the time and care it takes to harvest this natural product , but it’s still possible to find a good deal. These comforters usually cost at minimum $100, with the price increasing depending on the quality of construction, including how much down is used or the materials of the cover.
During testing, we didn’t just look at the price tag of each of these comforters. We considered whether or not we’d pay that price for what we received, weighing everything from our experience to any warranty or trial offered by the brand.
What to Consider in a Down Comforter
Aside from the testing parameters we’ve outlined above, there are other factors to weigh when shopping for a new down comforter.
Cover
Will you be using a duvet cover? If so, then you might want to look for a down comforter that features corner loops or tabs to help secure it to a duvet cover. If you know that you won’t use a duvet cover, you might want to get a comforter that has a comfortable cover on its own, so pay attention to the materials used in the shell. If you’re worried about heat, look into materials like cotton and bamboo that are designed for cooling.
Care
Since you use your comforter nightly, you’ll want to make sure it stays fresh and clean. Unfortunately, comforters of all types, not just down, are rarely machine washable. Most are too big to even fit in a home washer. Some are spot-clean or dry-clean only, while others require you use a duvet cover and machine-wash that instead. We paid special attention to how each brand recommends caring for its product, and whether we felt it would be a hassle for the average customer.
Climate
“Down is a natural insulator that is also breathable, making it suitable for both cold and warm climates,” says Dr. Raj Dasgupta. But it’s not so simple as just choosing any comforter and expecting it to change with the seasons.
Consider where you live. Do you need an extra-warm comforter to keep you cozy in freezing temperatures, or do you want a comforter that won’t make you hot in warmer temps? This will help you determine whether you want a lighter- or heavier-weight comforter. If you live in a particularly variable climate that’s ever-shifting, you might consider what some brands call “all-season” comforters, designed to keep you warm or cold when you want and need it.
As Dr. Raj Dasgupta also says, “It’s important to make sure to choose a comforter with the right down filling power for your local climate and layer your bedding to adjust your warmth level as needed.”
Allergies
Per Dr. Raj Dasgupta, “Down comforters may not be a good option for those with allergies.” Though the down is usually encased in some sort of protective cover or shell, there’s always the chance that you’ll come into contact with a stray feather or two (something I’ve experienced with my mom’s down pillows in my youth) or that simply being near such a product will trigger animal-based allergies. Consider if you’ve had any adverse reactions to animal products before purchasing a down comforter.
If you’re set on down’s plush feel, you can opt for a down alternative comforter. These are usually filled with hypoallergenic materials like cotton, bamboo, or other microfibers, and shouldn’t cause sneezing or sniffles.
Responsible Sourcing
Down feathers are collected from goose or duck fowl, and specifically from the soft underlayer beneath their feathers. Live-plucking is generally considered inhumane as it causes stress and injury to the birds, so most down is gathered through the molting process or from animals that have already been slaughtered for meat.
Most brands have moved away from live-plucking and strive for a higher standard. If you’re especially concerned about any animals being harmed in the making of your product, check the product’s information for certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS). Many companies will proudly display that their down is harvested in a sustainable and cruelty-free manner. Transparency is key; if you have to dig for it, you might not like the truth of how it was made.
Fortunately, every comforter on our list uses ethically sourced down and bears an endorsement from the Responsible Down Standard.
Company Policies
You might also want to consider any freebies offered by the manufacturer. This might be free shipping, a sleep trial, or a warranty. When it comes to online retailers especially, sleep trials can be a great way to get a feel for the product before committing to it.
Dr. Raj Dasgupta also stresses the importance of a warranty: “A comforter that is certified by a reputable organization and comes with a warranty can also indicate a higher quality.” Many comforters may outlive their warranty, but it’s good to know that you’re protected for the first few years or so.
FAQs
What brand has the best down comforter?
Our top pick for the best down comforter is Silk & Snow’s Down Duvet Insert. I might be biased because I’m the one who tested it, but this all-season comforter provides just the right amount of coziness without being too overwhelmingly hot. It’s even soft enough to use without a duvet cover.
Are expensive down comforters worth it?
As someone who’s recently upgraded to a down comforter — yes, I think they’re worth it. A higher price usually corresponds with ethically and sustainably sourced down, so any fears of animal cruelty can be absolved. If you’re looking for a luxuriously cozy sleep experience and it’s within your budget, I say go for it.
What is the best count for a down comforter?
The best down count depends on whether or not you want a super-stuffed comforter or a more lightweight one. A higher count means more filling, which should yield a cozier feel. A lower count would be more fitting for an all-season comforter.
Sources
- Zheng, Q., Wang, H., & Ke, Y. (2024). Determining thermal resistance of down quilt based on a mathematical heat transfer model. International Journal of Thermal Sciences, 208, 109518. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijthermalsci.2024.109518
- Solorio-Ferrales, K., Villa-Angulo, C., Villa-Angulo, R., & Villa-Angulo, J. R. (2017). Comparison of regenerated bamboo and cotton performance in warm environment. Journal of Applied Research and Technology 15, (3), 205–210. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jart.2017.02.002
