At AD, your optimal sleep setup doesn’t have to be a fantasy. Sourcing the best comforters and duvet inserts—from down toppers to fluffy, featherless options—makes a downy bedscape a reality. We’ve tested dozens of options over the years for our annual Sleep Week, so we know the difference between down and down alternative options. Our editors can also identify linen from sateen from lyocell with their eyes closed. We care about quality, a good night’s sleep, and easy laundering.
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With that in mind, we found the Brooklinen Down Comforter to be an all-around favorite for its texture, weight, warmth, and easy care instructions. It also comes in three weights and all bed sizes to suit any sleeper’s personal preferences. But there are lots of fabulous comforters out there, so we’re sharing our full lineup in case something else better fits the bill. Our list includes heavyweight contenders for cold nights and eco-friendly comforters made with sustainably sourced materials. Most of these comforters don’t require dry cleaning, but routine washing and a tumble dry cycle can extend the life of your comforter. (Don’t forget to tackle tiny messes with a quick spot-clean.) Read on for all of our top duvet and comforter picks for your bedroom.
For consistency, the prices in this story reflect queen sizes. However, many brands offer options ranging from a twin to a king size.
Best Overall
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: Natural down clusters and feathers sustainably sourced in Canada
- Comforter cover: 400 thread count, 100% long-staple cotton
- Care instructions: Spot-clean recommended. Dry-clean if needed. Do not bleach. Do not iron. Keep your comforters’s filling distributed evenly with daily fluffing.
Upsides
- High-quality
- Multiple weight options
- Hypoallergenic
Downsides
High price point
We’re big fans of Brooklinen, especially contributor Rebecca Grambone, who called this comforter “very high quality and luxurious and gave off strong hotel bed vibes.” Brooklinen’s high-quality bedding never disappoints, and their down comforter is no exception. It comes in three varieties: lightweight (650 fill power), all-season (700 fill power), and ultra-warm (750 fill power). The hypoallergenic, antimicrobial comforter features corner loops, should you want to use it as a duvet cover instead.
Best Fluffy Comforter
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: White down and feather blend
- Outer shell: 300 thread count sateen weave lyocell shell
- Care instructions: Machine wash cold (large commercial washers work best!) with your favorite pro-planet detergent and hang to dry. You can certainly dry the Cloud in your drying machine as long as it is a larger format machine and the Cloud fits comfortably. If it’s too snug, we encourage you to hang dry, so as to avoid potentially damaging the comforter.
Upsides
- Affordable price point
- Airy
- Keeps you warm but never stuffy
Downsides
Limited size options
The Cloud comforter receives high praise from both AD editors and readers as a cozy comforter and duvet insert with corner loops to accommodate duvet covers. Coming in at $195 full price (though it often goes on sale), it makes a great budget choice for college grads and anyone else who tends to complain about the room being too cold at night. Contributor Sydney Gore has owned this comforter since its release in 2017, noting in her review that “it’s light, soft, breathable…everything you would ever want in a comforter that stays on your bed all year round.” Alternative down fills (like this one) don’t typically list a fill power, but a Buffy rep told us this has a fill power equivalent of 700.
Best for Cold Weather
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin, full/queen, king
- Fill Content: 100% British wool traceable back to UK farms
- Comforter Cover: 200 thread organic cotton quilted cover
- Care Instructions: Machine wash on a wool/delicate cycle at 30 degrees using wool detergent, a spin speed lower than 800RPM, and then line dry. The brand does not recommend tumble drying in any circumstances.
Upsides
- Our tester hasn’t noticed any wear after years of use
- Made with ethically sourced British wool, hypoallergenic fill
- Purchase comes with two inserts (a thicker 350 g/m2 fill weight and a lighter 200 g/m2 fill weight)
Downsides
Adding both inserts inside a duvet cover can feel heavy and harder to wrangle
Contributor Yelena Moroz Alpert has had this wool comforter for over two years, and it’s her favorite for cool weather. The bedding is durable with a little heft, and the fill is a breathable medium weight. This is an ideal compromise with her husband since she’s a cold sleeper and he is constantly throwing off covers.
The organic cotton shell makes it feel crisp to the touch, but the wool fill makes it plush on the inside. The comforter makes Alpert’s bed an oasis after tending to her two elementary school-aged kids throughout the day. “Once they are off to bed, all I want to do is burrow in my comforter and read a book,” she says. “Because I live in a historical brick home, even when the heat is on, the upstairs remains chill, so my bed has to have a lofty layer and I quite truly hibernate under this duvet.”
Best Splurge
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: Triple-washed, cruelty-free, IDS-certified down fill
- Comforter cover: Down-proof cotton shell
- Care instructions: Cold water on gentle cycle, tumble dry low. Wash seasonally.
Upsides
- Lofty
- Fair-trade certified
- The down stays evenly distributed
Downsides
Limited size options
Boll & Branch has cracked the code for breathable, exquisitely crafted bedding with this down duvet insert. The retailer is conscientious with their approach to supply chain and holistic practices, earning seals for Fair Trade Certified and Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS), which certifies you’re sleeping under something luxe that isn’t packed with microplastics.
AD PRO senior editor Mel Studach can attest to this: This down insert has a 100% organic cotton shell that works as a breathable layer that’s strong enough to keep the fills from poking through. “The duvet insert made a great first impression,” Studach says, “and with attachable corner loops, the insert was easy to situate within my Blu Dot duvet cover. The baffle box construction keeps the down evenly distributed throughout the cover.” Studach recommends this for a year-round option if you like to keep your room cold and snuggle up. One last perk: Not only is it made with better-for-you materials, but the various weight options mean you can better personalize it to your sleep preferences.
Best Adjustable
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Specs
- Sizes available: Full/queen, king/California king
- Fill Content: 100% polyester microfiber fill
- Comforter Cover: 300 thread count cotton sateen shell
- Care Instructions: Dry clean or machine wash cool on a delicate cycle using mild liquid laundry detergent. Remove panels and wash all pieces as individual parts. Tumble dry low, remove promptly.
Upsides
- The adjustable panels stays in place with durable
- Sweater-like wood buttons
- Easier to clean when the bedding is separated in individual parts
- Smooth, sateen cover
Downsides
It’s a little heavy to situate inside of a duvet cover
As someone who loves switching up their bedding every season but also lives in NYC with a tight storage situation, this adjustable comforter brings senior commerce editor Nashia Baker the type of bliss she didn’t know existed. It has a double panel design that can be removed or stacked on top of each other, which is especially helpful for co-sleeping. All in all, the cover is cushy from the squishy inner fill, but it’s buttery to the touch thanks to the polished cotton sateen shell. “Now that it’s safe to say it’ll be cold here until April, I’ve been using the double panels on my bed for extra warmth,” Baker says. “It almost feels like a gentle weighted blanket to ease me to sleep each night.” The wooden buttons are reminiscent of a cozy sweater and their delicate yet durable design puts the comforter panels in place.
Best Budget
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Specs
- Sizes available: Twin, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: European 650-fill power white goose down
- Outer shell: 100% cotton sateen shell
- Care instructions: Spot-clean recommended. Dry-clean if needed. Do not bleach. Do not iron.
Upsides
- Multiple weight options
- Double-stitched seams
- Affordable price point
Downsides
Not vegan
Quince makes some of our favorite bedding, and we think this goose down comforter is another safe bet for a good night’s sleep. Contributor Zoë Sessum agrees, noting that the price point (especially compared to offerings from competitors) is incredible for such high-quality bedding. “I would have no hesitation recommending anything from the brand,” she says. Filled with European white goose down and available in both lightweight and all-season options, this down duvet insert is designed with double-stitched seams and a baffle box construction to prevent lumps.
Best Cooling
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: Plant-based fiber fill
- Outer shell: 300 thread count, sateen-weave Tencell lyocell (made from sustainably sourced materials)
- Care instructions: Duvet cover recommended, which you can wash regularly. The Breeze comforter itself is not designed for washing machines. Spot-clean or, when needed, dry-clean.
Upsides
- Cooling
- Medium weight
- High-quality stitching
Downsides
Not for cold sleepers
Looking for something lightweight and, well, breezy? This comforter—Buffy’s bestseller—is ideal for warm weather or for anyone who’s a hot sleeper in general, and it comes highly recommended by two of our editors. Commerce director Rachel Fletcher loves its look and weight. “The fibers are naturally a little heavier, which makes it more substantial and warmer than other cooling comforters I’ve tried [like the Casper], but it’s not as overwhelming as a traditional down comforter,” she says in her review. Like the original Buffy Comforter, it has loops in every corner, so it can be used interchangeably as a comforter or duvet insert.
Our associate director Lori Keong also sleeps under the Breeze in the cooler months and notes that the wavy design on this eucalyptus-filled topper, inspired by Maya Lin’s Storm King Wavefields, looks especially aesthetically pleasing if you opt to use it without a cover.
Best All-Season
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Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/Cal king
- Fill Content: Responsibly sourced North American down fill
- Comforter Cover: 100% Cambric cotton shell
- Care Instructions: Wash in cold water with mild detergent. Do not bleach. Tumble dry on lowest heat (this may take a few cycles). Toss in dryer balls or clean tennis balls to fluff the duvet. Can be washed and dried at home. No dry-cleaning necessary
Upsides
- Doesn’t flatten
- Holds its shape
- All-season weight
Downsides
It has a slightly crunchy feel
Baker describes this duvet insert as having the same put-together crispness as her favorite percale sheet sets. Available in light and medium weights, Tuft & Needle’s down duvet insert “still has a loft to it that makes my bedscape feel full without being weighed down,” Baker notes. The subtle piping along the border gives it a refined look, and Baker appreciates that the loft feels full without being too exaggerated, which is great for those who prefer a more minimal bedspread.
Best Eco-Friendly
Specs
- Sizes available: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king
- Fill content: 100% Tencel lyocell
- Comforter cover: 100% eucalyptus fiber shell
- Care instructions: Dry-cleaning is the preferred method of care for this comforter, as it also helps keep the interior fiber fill distributed evenly
Upsides
- Lightweight yet warm
- Hypoallergenic
- Down-alternative fill
Downsides
Less breathable than other options on this list
At long last, a cold sleeper. Alpert tested this down alternative comforter with the stipulation that it keeps her warm throughout the night—she admits to sleeping under several layers. On the search for a “duvet insert that is lightweight but also does the job of keeping me warm (or at least helps me layer without the bulk),” she turned to Sijo, known for making some of the best cooling and lightweight products that are also hypoallergenic.
The eucalyptus fiber is sleek and durable without feeling as fancy as silk. This duvet is 100% Tencel lyocell, and according to Alpert, “you can see and feel the quality, especially when you take a closer look at the stitching.” This style comes with corner straps and a mini loop in the center so you can secure a duvet cover in the center without slippage. Long story short: This is a superb choice for a lightweight comforter and Alpert’s favorite by far. She adds, “It’s my go-to duvet insert for those in-between months of spring and early fall, when the weather is just chilly enough to want something cozy.”
Comparing Our Top Picks
| Duvet Insert | Price | Fill | Weight Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brooklinen Down Comforter | $299 | Natural down clusters and feathers sustainably sourced in Canada | 3 |
| Buffy Cloud Comforter | $200 | White down and feather blend | 2 |
| Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Comforter | $635 | 100% British wool traceable back to UK farms | 3 |
| Boll & Branch Down Duvet Insert | $459 | Triple-washed, cruelty-free, IDS-certified down fill | 3 |
| Coop Sleep Goods Adjustable Comforter | $299 | 100% polyester microfiber fill | 1 |
| Quince Premium Down Comforter | $200 | European 650-fill power white goose down | 3 |
| Buffy Breeze Comforter | $250 | Plant-based fiber fill | 1 |
| Tuft & Needle Down Duvet Insert | $310 | Responsibly sourced North American down fill | 2 |
| Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Comforter | $235 | 100% Tencel lyocell | 2 |
How We Chose the Best Duvet Inserts
FAQs
What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet insert?
A comforter is a single, often quilted, piece of bedding with a fabric cover encasing the plush fill in between the two fabric layers. A duvet, on the other hand, refers to both the insert and fabric cover. A comforter can be colorful or white, and made in a variety of fabrics. The fabric cover of a comforter is stitched directly onto the fill (down, feathers, or polyester are most common). A duvet’s cover is removable, and often tied to the corners via loops attached to the insert.
How do I wash a duvet insert/comforter?
It’s important to always check your specific product’s care instructions before washing. For example, the Buffy Breeze duvet insert recommends a spot clean or dry clean only, while the Boll & Branch comforter is machine washable on a gentle cycle. To take out the guesswork, we’ve included the product’s care instructions right above each of our review descriptions.
Diana Ciechorska, general manager at Park Slope Cleaning, a commercial cleaning company in New York City, says the standard first step for washing your comforter includes treating any visible stains before you load the comforter into the washing machine. “Opt for a gentle cycle with cold water, using a mild detergent,” she says. “An extra rinse cycle ensures no detergent residue remains.”
When taking a comforter out of the dryer, Parima Ijaz, the New Jersey–based founder of bedding line Pure Parima, recommends holding the corners to shake and fluff it. This allows the fill to distribute even after being jumbled up in the dryer. If possible, she says it’s ideal to let the comforter air-dry for an extra day to make sure it is completely dry before dressing your bed.
How often should you wash your comforter?
Comforters and duvet inserts accumulate “ dust, sweat, and oils, which can cause allergies and wear down the fabric,” says Camden Olivero, COO and cofounder of Clotheslyne, an on-demand pick-up and delivery laundry service. We recommend washing your comforter two to three times a year to help keep allergens at bay and the covering in its best condition, though make sure to check the label first.
Do I need a duvet cover?
Not necessarily. Many duvet inserts are designed to be used on their own, as a comforter, or with a cover. We recommend a cover to help protect your duvet insert, ensure it lasts as long as possible, and make laundry day as easy as possible. Duvet covers act as a protective layer, keeping sweat, body oils, and normal wear from affecting your duvet insert. Plus, duvet covers allow you to add personality to your bed-scape, whether you prefer an all-white look or a maximalist ruffle.
How do you put a duvet cover on an insert or comforter?
Follow these steps from Monelle Totah, co-founder of Hudson Grace, for a lump-free way to put an insert or comforter inside a duvet cover:
- Step 1: Turn the duvet cover inside out.
- Step 2: Lay the insert on top of the cover, aligning the corners.
- Step 3: If there are ties or snap closure, attach the duvet insert to the duvet cover.
- Step 4. Roll them up together.
- Step 5: Flip the cover right-side-out over the roll.
- Step 6: Unroll the duvet cover with the insert, then fluff the bedding.
How do you dispose of old comforters?
If your old comforter is still in good condition, we recommend donating it to charities in your area. However, if you’re looking to purely dispose of old comforters, organizations like Trashie ethically recycle textiles for you to keep them out of landfills—so long as they’re clean and free of soil like motor oil or paint.
How should you store a comforter?
Like your other linens, it’s best to keep your comforter in a cool, dry place to avoid mold or moisture buildup. Keep the comforter out of plastic and cedar too, as these materials can cause yellowing.
What to Look for in a Quality Comforter
Fill Power: Fill power measures the fluffiness and insulation of the comforter. The higher the fill power, the fluffier and warmer it will feel. We typically like fill powers that hover around 800 during the colder months. This fill power is typically on the marshmallowy side of the spectrum and feels cozier when the temperature outside starts to drop.
Corner Loops: If there are corner loops or anchor loops, that means you can use the comforter as a duvet insert. If there are no loops, the comforter can be prone to clumping and bunching within the duvet. Some of the loops in this list reach up to 12, which our editors find to be incredibly helpful to keep the fill even.
Fill Content: Fill material is usually classified as either down or down alternative options. Down refers to filling that’s made with duck down or goose feathers, and a down alternative is a man-made material including cotton and polyester fills, recycled materials, and plant-based fibers. Duck feathers tend to be less fluffy and have a firmer feel since the feathers are often from smaller ducks. Goose feathers lean softer and loftier.
Outer Shell: The material on the outer shell of your comforter or duvet insert matters. Look at the thread count. We find that fabrics with thread counts around 300 are typically soft and airy. Consider your preferred sleeping temperature and whether a cotton sateen shell that’s smooth but slightly thicker is a better option than one made of crisp percale cotton. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll probably want a cooling material with breathability, like eucalyptus or Tencel lyocell.
Size and Color: The size of your insert is dictated by the size of your bed. Companies usually offer all standard sizes from twin to king, with some brands offering California king as well. In terms of color, white is most popular for the duvet insert, but you can also find ivory relatively easily. Comforter color ranges are more expansive, and you can likely find a hue that fits your decor. We’ve called out what’s available in each of our picks.
Baffle-Box Construction: This design means the comforter or duvet insert has sewn-in square chambers with side walls. “Each chamber has an equal amount of fill, and the side walls prevent the fill from shifting,” says Danielle Trotter, the textiles technical designer at West Elm. “This construction is considered to be of a better quality because warmth is evenly distributed.”
Sewn-Through Construction: This type of construction means the top and bottom of the comforter are sewn together. In turn, the fill is shift- and bunch-resistant. While this is a great option for those who like low-maintenance laundry days since you can typically toss these comforter types in the washing machine, the tighter construction usually makes the fill less lofty. Plus, cold air can seep through the seams, so it’s more ideal for a summer bedscape.
