8 Best Down Alternative Comforters, According to Bedding Experts
You won't miss real down with these soft and fluffy styles.
We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.
When it comes to your bed cover, down alternative is your best bet if you’re looking to save money or prefer to avoid real down and feather comforters — especially when you shop on Black Friday or Cyber Monday. Not only are most down alternative comforters more budget-friendly, but they're also animal-free and easily machine-washable without sacrificing on quality.
In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we review comforters of all kinds to find something for everyone, whether you're a hot sleeper who prefers a lightweight or cooling option, a cold sleeper who wants extra warmth for winter or you fall somewhere in between and need a comforter for year-round use. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 50 different comforters and duvet inserts, considering everything from overall comfort to temperature-regulating abilities. According to our data, these are the best down alternative comforters to buy for your bed.
Pros
- Silky smooth cover material
- Testers maintained a comfortable temperature during sleep
- Unique fill stays full and fluffy
Cons
- May shift inside duvet cover
This luxuriously soft comforter features a unique construction that sets it apart from other duvet inserts we've tried and allows for a full and fluffy, cloud-like feel. The unique stitching avoids compressing the layers of the comforter like a traditional box-stitched design would, and the recycled fill (that's Global Recycling Standard certified) is a made of a web of individual fibers instead of separate clusters to prevent bunching and cold spots. Its outer cover is made of Tencel lyocell, which is a material that is sustainably produced, super light and isn't crinkly or loud.
There's only one warmth level available (try the Buffy Breeze if you want a cooler option), but our testers gave the duvet insert near-perfect scores for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature while they slept, with one tester who said, "It’s perfect for summer nights or hot sleepers such as myself. When I got into bed, it almost felt cool, which I loved!"
Testers also highlighted the silky smooth material, and one tester emphasized that it was so smooth, it "made [her] almost not want to use a duvet cover!" Know that if you do use a duvet cover, the smooth insert may shift around inside, a problem noted by a few testers.
Materials: Lyocell shell, recycled polyester fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/California King | Care: Machine wash gentle; tumble dry on low | Construction: Stitched through
READ OUR FULL REVIEW: Yes, You Should Invest in That Buffy Comforter You've Been Seeing Everywhere
Pros
- Comfortable and long-lasting, according to GH analyst
- Lightweight and fluffy
- Reversible options available
Cons
- Outer material not as luxurious as those made with natural fibers
An Amazon best seller, this duvet insert has racked up more than 98,000 five-star reviews and has a 4.5-star average rating. The outer fabric and inner fill are entirely polyester to help keep the cost down, so it may not feel as luxurious or crisp as options with cotton covers, but you can't beat the incredible low price.
There are six options, including plain white and five reversible neutral colors, and there are even some patterns available at a slightly higher price. It's also offered in eight sizes, so you'll easily be able to find the perfect combination for your bedroom. Plus, it's machine washable in a large-capacity machine for easy maintenance.
The brand says it's made for year-round use without being too warm or too light, and one analyst who considers herself to be a hot sleeper has slept under this comforter and says she doesn't wake up with night sweats when using it. She also has shared it with guests who had no complaints about the temperature and says that it's maintained its fluffy look after years of repeated use. Online reviewers praised the duvet insert for its soft and lightweight feel and said the fill stays in place without major clumping or shedding.
Materials: Polyester shell, polyester fill | Sizes: Twin, Twin XL, Full, Queen, Oversized Queen, King, Oversized King and California King | Care: Machine wash gentle; tumble dry on low | Construction: Box stitch
Pros
- High scores for comfort
- Smooth cotton cover
- Durable baffle-box construction
Cons
- Some testers said outer material made noise
Crane & Canopy's luxurious down alternative comforter is filled with soft and fluffy microfiber and encased in a smooth long-staple cotton cover. We were impressed by the quality baffle-box construction that helps keep the fill evenly distributed, preventing cold spots and clumping. If you're a hot sleeper or don't like the feel of a heavy cover weighing you down at night, the brand offers a "super lightweight" option with less fill for a cooler, more comfortable feel. But you can also opt for one of the other two fill options: "lightweight" or "all-year."
A tester who tried the "super lightweight" comforter shared that despite being so light, it felt warm and cozy at night, yet she avoided waking up with night sweats. The cover received near-perfect scores from testers for overall comfort, receiving comments like, "It felt very fancy and luxurious," and "It was soft — almost silky."
Some testers noted that the outer material felt a bit crinkly and made some noise when they tossed and turned at night, but you can always add a duvet cover to muffle some of the sound. According to testers, the fill stayed securely inside the cover without shedding or poking out.
Materials: Cotton shell, polyester fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/California King | Care: Machine wash cold; air dry | Construction: Baffle box
RELATED: The Best Duvet Covers
Pros
- Buttery soft outer material
- Perfect comfort ratings
- Quality construction
Cons
- Some testers had difficulties securing it in a duvet cover
Filled with a blend of Tencel lyocell (a regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp) and recycled polyester, this comforter from The Company Store is a sustainable option that's loved by testers and GH analysts alike. The comforter isn't too heavy and warm nor too thin and light, making it an ideal pick for year-round use. Plus, it's covered in a Tencel and cotton blend material that's buttery soft and smooth, and we were wowed by the quality construction.
With a perfect score for overall comfort, this comforter earned praise from testers who loved the cozy material and lofty look. A tester said, "I wish I had used it sooner in my life. It is a pleasure to sleep under." After washing the comforter several times, one tester was impressed by how well it held up in the laundry and emphasized that the fill didn't clump or shift.
While you don't need a duvet cover with this, some testers who opted to use one expressed difficulty with keeping the comforter secure inside a cover, explaining that the comforter was a bit bulky and would slide out of the bottom or bunch at the edges.
Material: Tencel and cotton cover, Tencel and polyester fill | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen and King/California King | Care: Machine wash gentle; tumble dry low | Construction: Box stitch
Pros
- Temperature-regulating fiber fill
- Silky smooth cover
- 60-day, any-reason return period
Cons
- Outer cover is silky, which may cause comforter to slide around bed
If you're worried about overheating and night sweats, this cooling comforter utilizes Outlast technology for a temperature-regulating fill that stores and releases body heat to keep you comfortable all night. Besides the cooling features, our analysts also appreciate the comforter's luxe cotton outer fabric, easy machine-washable care and the generous 60-day trial period — you can test it out for 60 days before committing and will receive a full refund if you don't love it. You can also pair it with the brand's top-tested mattress pad and performance sheets for the ultimate icy feel at bedtime.
Testers loved sleeping under this comforter, with one saying, "What ISN'T to like about this comforter? Holy moly, it is AMAZING." This tester went on to share that she didn't overheat at all when sleeping under the comforter, and another tester agreed, saying that it has "just the right amount of fluff for hot summer nights." The outer cover has a silky feel, which most testers appreciated, but some said it caused the comforter to slip off of their beds and needed regular readjusting.
Materials: Cotton shell, polyester fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Queen and King | Care: Machine wash; tumble dry low | Construction: Box stitch
Pros
- Smooth cotton sateen shell
- 365-day return period
- Testers said it's easy to attach to a cover
Cons
- Some testers said fill felt uneven after use
Available in three different weights including the "ultra-warm" option, this down alternative comforter from Brooklinen is ideal for those who prefer a heavier, extra snuggly cover. Recycled polyester microfiber fill lends the comforter a fluffy look and feel, and the outer shell is made with a smooth 100% cotton sateen fabric. The comforter is among the priciest of our picks, but if you do decide to splurge, the brand offers a 365-day return policy (for a $9.95 fee), so you're able to try it out before deciding if it's the right comforter for you.
Testers told us they loved how cozy it felt and how the cover is both soft and quiet — i.e. it doesn't make crinkly noises when you move around at night, and they felt warm but didn't overheat under the comforter. There are four corner loops that testers said were easy to attach to a cover. The brand recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning the comforter, so we recommend using a cover as an added layer of protection from spills and stains.
In addition, testers highlighted that the comforter stayed securely in place without shifting around inside the cover or needing adjusting. Just note that although it features baffle-box construction, which is meant to keep the fill separated to prevent clumping and cold spots, some testers reported that the fill became slightly uneven after use.
Materials: Cotton shell, recycled polyester fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/California King | Care: Spot clean or dry clean | Construction: Baffle box
Pros
- Cool-to-the-touch feel
- Showed no signs of wear after laundering
- Aced Lab moisture-wicking tests
Cons
- May not be thick enough for all-season use
Sweaty sleepers, rejoice, because this silky smooth cooling comforter from Rest actually feels cold to the touch. It also aced our moisture-wicking tests, easily wicking away our sweat-like solution. It is very thin and lightweight — especially for an all-season comforter — but we appreciated how well this design was able to keep testers both cool and dry. It didn't show any signs of wear after laundering, either.
The Rest comforter received perfect scores from testers for maintaining a comfortable body temperature. One tester said it "feels soft and cool (almost icy even), providing much-needed relief in hot weather and wicking away any night sweats for a restful sleep." Because of this, it's also an especially worthy option for anyone who experiences hot flashes — like pregnant people or women going through menopause. "I am pregnant and having a cooling comforter was amazing," one tester shared.
Materials: Nylon, spandex, TENCEL Lyocell, SORONA AURA fiber | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King | Care: Machine wash; tumble dry | Construction: Not listed
RELATED: The Best Cooling Comforters
Pros
- Suitable for tall beds and couples
- Available in 32 colors
- Comes with shams
Cons
- May be too warm for hot sleepers
Those who are partnered up will likely appreciate this oversize set that eliminates the need to play tug of war over the comforter. Its extra-large size generously drapes over the sides of your bed ensuring there's plenty of space for two. It's also a good option for any restless sleepers out there who often wake up without much coverage. We liked this pick, which comes in 32 colors and comes with its shams, so much that it won a recent Bedding Award.
Our testers were amazed by its comfort and said it stayed squarely in place on their beds. One tester said it "gave me lots of space to roll around with it," while another with a tall bed said it draped better than typical comforters. It got positive reviews for comfort, too. One user called it "the best comforter I ever had." It's worth noting, however, both the cover and fill are made with soft polyester, which may feel too warm for hot sleepers.
Materials: Polyester | Sizes: Super Twin/Twin XL, Super Full/Full XL, Super Queen, Super King/California King | Care: Machine wash; tumble dry | Construction: Baffle box
How we test the down alternative comforters
At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we use specialized equipment to test comforters in the Lab and also share products with consumer testers who try the comforters out and provide us with real-user feedback. Here are some of the characteristics we consider when evaluating down alternative comforters:
- Construction: We inspect the comforters, reviewing seams and stitching and looking for loose fill poking through. We also consider whether they feature baffle-box or box-stitch design, if they have corner loops or tabs and note the initial feel of the material and any odors upon opening.
- Washability: We launder the comforters to observe how well they perform in the wash, analyzing shrinkage and any changes in appearance and noting things like clumping or extended dry times.
- Comfort: It's important to choose bedding that actually feels comfortable to sleep under, so our consumer testers let us know their thoughts on overall comfort, the weight of the comforter and the feel of the fabric.
- Temperature: Testers share if their body temperature remained comfortable throughout the night while sleeping under the comforters, and we assess any cooling features in the Lab.
- Noise level: The outer material or shell of some comforters are crinkly, which can result in noise that you notice while you're moving around in bed. We note if the material is noisy, and we ask our consumer testers to rate how loud the comforter is to sleep under.
- Certifications: We check whether the claims are validated by trusted third parties like the Global Recycling Standard and Global Organic Textiles Standard.
What to look for when shopping for the best down alternative comforters
Every sleeper is different, and there are tons of popular comforters on the market to choose from with different weights, materials and sizes, so picking the perfect one can be tricky. Here's what to consider when you're shopping:
✔️ Fill material: Most down alternative fill is synthetic polyester, which is affordable and durable but can be a bit warm. There are some newer constructions that allow the polyester to feel more breathable, though. Another fill option that's becoming more popular is Tencel lyocell, a regenerated cellulosic fiber that's made from wood pulp. It's lightweight and is sometimes used in comforters to help with temperature regulation.
You'll see some fills described as clusters, which means they mimic the soft and fluffy feel of real down. Other fills are a web of fibers, which helps prevent the clumping or shifting that you may experience with traditional clusters.
✔️ Outer fabric: When it comes to the outer material or shell, cotton fabric is most popular because it's soft yet crisp, and it's breathable. Polyester outer fabric is typically more affordable and can feel buttery soft, but it won't have that same natural and luxurious feel as cotton. Tencel covers are silky smooth and can feel cool to the touch.
✔️ Construction: This helps indicate how evenly the fill will stay distributed inside the cover. The two most common methods of construction for comforters are box stitch and baffle box. Box stitching is more popular; thread is stitched through the outer shell and the inner fill to keep the fibers in place. Baffle-box construction is more complex with small pieces of fabric inside of the cover that act as barriers to separate the fill and keep it in place without clumping or shifting.
✔️ Weight: Down alternative warmth is usually specified by its fill weight, rather than fill power like with a down comforter. Opt for lightweight if you're a hot sleeper or in a warmer climate, heavy or ultra-warm for colder temperatures and all-season or mid-weight for something in between that you can comfortably use year-round.
✔️ Corner loops: While you don't need to use a duvet cover with your comforter, most comforters feature four corner loops so that you can easily tie the comforter to a cover.
✔️ Return policy: The best way to know whether a comforter is a good fit is by actually sleeping with it and trying it out for yourself. Especially important when you're shopping online, free-trial periods with any-reason returns or exchanges allow you to test out the comforter before committing.
Are down comforters better than down alternative comforters?
Down comforters aren't necessarily better than down alternative comforters, but they are different. Depending on your personal preferences, you may prefer down over down alternative or vice versa.
✔️ Down: Down comes from ducks and geese, and it offers superior insulation because its clusters are great at trapping in heat. People often confuse down with feathers, but they’re not the same thing — the down is actually underneath the feathers on the bird and looks more like a fluffy ball, which allows down comforters to feel plush rather than stiff. The Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certification ensures that the down is collected from ducks and geese that are treated humanely.
✔️ Down alternative: Down alternative is usually a synthetic fiber-like polyester, and it’s often less expensive and easier to clean than real down. It’s also ideal for people who are allergic to down. While it may not be as luxurious as real down, you can still get warmth and a fluffy feel from down alternative comforters.
How do you care for a down alternative comforter?
We always recommend reviewing the brand's specific care instructions to ensure your down alternative comforter stays in tip-top shape. This information can typically be found on the attached care label or in the online product description.
Most down alternative comforters are easy to care for and can be machine washed and tumble dried, but there are some that require more delicate care. If your comforter is washer-safe, check to make sure your washing machine is large enough to fit the comforter with some room to spare for proper cleaning. Some comforters require a large-capacity or industrial machine.
The GH Cleaning Lab offers some helpful tips for washing your comforter. If your comforter is stained, they suggest pre-treating the stains before washing and ensuring the stains have lifted before drying. For dryer-safe comforters, the Cleaning Lab recommends adding wool dryer balls to help your comforter maintain its fullness. They also suggest removing the comforter from the dryer throughout the cycle to shake and turn the comforter around, which can help to ensure it dries evenly.
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
Lexie Sachs is the executive director, strategy & operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for all bedding, including comforters. She has been actively evaluating comforters since joining Good Housekeeping in 2013. She has rigorously tested dozens of comforters and duvet inserts over the years and combined her testing results, consumer tester feedback and her expert input when making her picks for the best down alternative comforters.
Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has tested and reviewed bedding products including sheets, duvet inserts, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, duvet covers and more. Amanda used her categorical expertise and worked with executive director Lexie Sachs when making updates for this article.
Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.
Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.
Readers Also Read
The Best Bidets of 2025
The Best Comforters
20 October Prime Day Deals Under $25 to Shop Now
Today's Biggest Deals From October Prime Day
