How do you wash a comforter?

Most 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, especially those with down fill, 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.

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 down, you can hold to comforter up to bright sunlight in order to see how the down shifts within the comforter's shell. If it falls flat, it's time for a new one.

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

The main difference is that 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.

What is the difference between a comforter and a blanket?

Comforters are made of two layers of fabric with a filling, usually made of down, cotton, or artificial fibers. They are thicker and warmer than blankets, which are just one layer thick. Blankets are frequently used for layering, while comforters, which are often decorative, are generally the only bedcover needed.

The 8 Best Comforters of 2022

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The 9 Best Comforters of 2022 — The Spruce / Chloe Jeong

A high-quality comforter will make your bed look dreamy all day long and help you stay cozy through the night.

We tested the best comforters available online, evaluating softness, fill, quality, and temperature regulation features. Our best overall pick, the Brooklinen Down Comforter, is lightweight, has a baffle box construction that prevents bunching, and is perfect for all seasons.

Here are the best comforters.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Brooklinen Down Comforter at Amazon

Read Review

Best Down-Alternative:

Pottery Barn Hydrocool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert at Pottery Barn

Read Review

Best Down:

The Company Store Alberta Euro Down Comforter at Home Depot

Read Review

Best for Hot Sleepers:

Buffy Cloud Comforter at Amazon

Read Review

Best Budget:

SUPERIOR Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon

Read Review

Best All-Season:

Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter at Amazon

Read Review

Best Color Options:

Ella Jayne Home All Season Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon

Read Review

Best Lightweight:

Quince All-Season Premium Down Alternative Comforter at Onequince.com

Read Review

In This Article

Our Picks
What to Look For
Standout Features
Why Trust The Spruce

Brooklinen

View On Amazon View On Brooklinen

Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter Review

What We Like

Three warmth levels available
Treated with antimicrobials
Soft and lightweight

What We Don't Like

Only Lightweight option is RDS-certified
Spot clean or dry clean only

Who else recommends it? Sleep Foundation, Good Housekeeping, and Wirecutter all picked the Brooklinen Down Comforter.

What do buyers say? 88% of 2,300+ Brooklinen reviewers rated this product 5 stars.

If you're a down lover, check out the Brooklinen Down Comforter, which comes from a highly regarded bedding brand. You can choose from a lightweight option (650 fill power), an all-season comforter (700 fill power), or an ultra-warm version (750 fill power). No matter which weight you prefer, there are twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king sizes available.

This comforter is filled with down clusters instead of feathers, and the fill has been treated with Ultra-Fresh Antimicrobials. The comforter also boasts a baffle-box construction to keep the fill in place. There are duvet cover loops if you want to dress up your blanket, but you might not even want to given how soft the 100 percent cotton sateen shell is. The Brooklinen Down Comforter feels like sleeping wrapped up in a soft fluffy cloud, and it's extremely high quality.

Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter — The Spruce / Linnea Covington

Expert Buying Tip

"There are a few indications of quality to look out for when shopping for down: The industry standard for filling down comforters is 75 percent down clusters, as these are soft and long-lasting. When it comes to comforter construction, I also would recommend a comforter with a baffle box construction, which keeps the fill evenly distributed throughout the night."—Ruthie Oswald, Brooklinen

What Testers Say

"While the cotton shell is extremely breathable, the down clusters—which, on the loftiness scale, are quite fluffy—help maintain heat when you’re cold…If you live in New England or the Midwest where temperatures dip below the 20s, you’ll likely need an additional blanket to keep you toasty, but Brooklinen’s comforter will fare well in most climates and seasons."—Linnea Covington, Product Tester

4.9

HYDROCOOL™ DOWN-ALTERNATIVE DUVET INSERT

PotteryBarn

View On Pottery Barn

Pottery Barn HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet, Tested by the Spruce

What We Like

Great temperature control
Machine washable
Slightly oversized

What We Don't Like

Only one color option

Hot summer days often feel too warm for a comforter, but you’ll be able to sleep comfortably under the Hydrocool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert. This blanket has moisture-wicking fibers that are specially designed to keep you cool and dry throughout the night, making it the ideal comforter for summer.

This duvet insert comes in full/queen and king/California king sizes, and there’s only one color option as it’s designed to be used with a duvet cover. The exterior is made of 300-thread count cotton with a damask stripe pattern, and the interior is filled with polyester down alternative. You can machine wash the blanket (making for easy care) and it’s made in the USA.

Pottery Barn HydroCool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert — The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

What Testers Say

"Like magic, this duvet insert somehow seemed to keep a hot sleeper and a cold sleeper equally comfortable. The fabric has moisture-wicking fibers that are designed to pull out any excess heat and sweat, keeping you cool and dry, even on warmer nights."—Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester

The 9 Best Pillows of 2022, Tested for Comfort

4.8

Courtesy of The Company Store

View On Home Depot View On Thecompanystore.com

The Company Store Alberta European Down Baffled Comforter Review

What We Like

Available in colors other than white
Three warmth levels available
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Expensive

Another unbeatable choice is the Alberta Euro Down Comforter, which is plush, warm, and elegant. This high-end blanket comes in twin, full, queen, and king sizes, and it’s filled with ethically sourced European down that’s rated at 600-650 fill power.

The Alberta Euro Down Comforter has a 300-thread count cotton shell that’s combed for added softness. It comes in five different colors, each of which are neutral enough to fit in with your existing color scheme. You can choose from three different warmth levels—light, medium, and extra warmth. The baffled box construction keeps the down from shifting around, creating warm and cool spots. The down is silent as you move underneath the blanket, and it's solidly constructed and durable.

The Company Store Alberta European Down Baffled Comforter — The Spruce / Lindsay Boyers

What Testers Say

"Our medium-level comforter gave off plenty of warmth, even with the fan on. The comforter also had really great temperature control and was able to simultaneously satisfy one hot sleeper and one cold sleeper. Neither of us woke up sweating."—Lindsay Boyers, Product Tester

Snuggle up With the Best Down Comforters, Tested by The Spruce

4.8

Courtesy of Buffy

View On Amazon View On Buffy View On Bed Bath & Beyond

Buffy Cloud Comforter Review

Material: Eucalyptus fiber shell with recycled PET, BPA-free fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Fill Power: Not listed | Certifications: OEKO-TEX | Care: Machine washable | Return Policy: 7-night free trial, returnable within 30 days

What We Like

Silky-smooth and breathable eucalyptus fabric shell
Made with sustainably sourced materials

What We Don't Like

Might be too lightweight for cold sleepers

Do you always end up getting hot during the night and tossing your blanket off? Then you need a product like the Buffy Comforter, which is lightweight and airy to keep you from overheating. The filling in this unique comforter is made from 100 percent recycled polyester that’s spun from BPA-free, PET water bottles.

Buffy comes in twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/Cal king sizes, and the soft exterior shell is made from eucalyptus fabric. The blanket is filled with a number of layers of fill to give it an extra-fluffy appearance and fill, yet it’s still incredibly breathable, making it perfect for hot sleepers. It’s a product you would find in a luxury hotel, and the company even offers a free trial to see if you like it.

Buffy Cloud Comforter — The Spruce / Kaitlyn Wylde

What Testers Say

"We opted to sleep with Buffy bare—no duvet cover. The bright white gives off a fresh, inviting look which makes it a one-and-done comforter solution. Of course, if you’re prone to accidental stains or have pets or children, you’ll likely want to throw a duvet cover on for more protection."—Carrie Bluth, Product Tester

The 7 Best Cooling Sheets of 2022 for Better Sleep

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon

Superior Down Alternative All-Season Comforter Review

What We Like

Available in colors other than white
Affordable
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Polyester is less breathable than natural fibers
No corner ties

Down is often viewed as the gold standard of bedding material, but some people want to avoid animal products and the steep cost. For these reasons, down alternatives have become popular—they give the same look and feel of down, but for a lower price. One of the best down alternative comforters available today is this option from Superior Solid, which is soft and fluffy.

This versatile white comforter comes in twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king sizes, and it can be used on its own or with a duvet cover. The microfiber shell is filled with a lofty polyester fill, which makes it look and feel like down while keeping you warm on cold nights. This comforter feels very fluffy, and it holds up incredibly well—even after numerous washings.

What Testers Say

"Although we like natural fibers for bedding due to their breathability, this microfiber shell was both soft and breathable enough to allow airflow, which helped keep us from overheating…It’s light and fluffy enough for spring evenings, but substantial enough to feel snuggly on cold nights."—Jill Waldbieser, Product Tester

The Best Duvet Covers, Tested by Our Experts

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert Review

What We Like

Affordable and durable
Available in colors other than white
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Microfiber may feel overly warm for hot sleepers and summer months

Comforters are an essential part of any bedding set because they're the part that keeps you warm at night. If you're looking for a warm, well-made comforter at a good price, you can't go wrong with the Utopia Bedding Comforter Duvet Insert.

This soft, cozy comforter comes in twin, full, queen, king, and California king sizes, as well as four color choices. It’s designed to be used with a duvet cover, as it includes loops where you can tie a cover on. The Utopia Comforter is filled with a siliconized fiberfill that makes for an ideal all-season blanket, and it has box-style stitching to keep the fill evenly distributed. Plus, it’s machine-washable, so you don’t have to take it to the dry cleaner.

The Utopia Comforter is cloud-like and incredibly warm during the winter, even though it feels light to the touch, and you can’t beat the low price.

What Testers Say

"We had no problems snoozing away under this cover, which kept our body temperature nicely regulated all night long. It’s light enough to throw on in the spring, but maintains enough heat to take you through the winter."—Jill Waldbieser, Product Tester

Ella Jayne Home All Season Down Alternative Comforter

Courtesy of Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Macy's

What We Like

Affordable
Available in colors other than white
Machine washable

What We Don't Like

Microfiber may feel overly warm for hot sleepers and summer months

Comforters can be quite pricey, but you don’t have to drain your bank account to get a quality option thanks to the Ella Jayne All-Season Comforter. This down alternative blanket comes in twin, full/queen, and king sizes, and all of the options are affordable, starting at about $25.

You can use this blanket on its own or secure it inside a duvet cover, and its down alternative polyester fiberfill will keep you warm in the winter or cool in the summer. The exterior is made from a triple-brushed microfiber, which is soft and cozy, and it has a baffle box construction to keep the fill from clumping or shifting.

Quince All-Season Premium Down Alternative Comforter

Courtesy of Quince

View On Onequince.com

What We Like

Machine washable
Corner ties to keep duvet in place
Lightweight yet warm

What We Don't Like

Only one color option

If you are looking for a comforter that will keep you comfortable all year long, the Quince All-Season Premium Down Alternative Comforter is a great choice. Made with a microfiber fill and a soft, cotton sateen shell, this comforter is lightweight, yet fluffy and warm enough for cold winter nights. The baffle box construction helps to keep it lofty and to keep the fill evenly dispersed, even when you toss and turn. It also has convenient corner loops to secure the duvet cover in place.

Available in Twin, Full/Queen, and King/Cal King, this comforter is machine washable and can be dry cleaned if needed.

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for a soft, well-made, and lightweight comforter, our top choice is the Brooklinen All-Season Down Comforter. The down is ethically sourced from Hutterite Farms in Canada and the construction boasts box-style stitching to keep the fill evenly distributed. For those who tend to run hot at night, we recommend the Buffy Comforter, which is made with sustainably sourced materials like breathable eucalyptus fiber.

Fill

You’ll pay a premium for down (goose is usually more expensive than duck) and feather options, but they’re the softest and most breathable. Synthetic options feel similar, but because they tend to retain heat, they aren’t ideal for people who sweat a lot or sleep hot.

Loft

Also known as fill power, a comforter’s loft indicates the amount of space one ounce of filling takes up. Comforters with a higher loft are fluffier and have better insulation. If you like something lightweight, a fill power below 400 will suffice, while if you’re looking for a year-round option, choose a comforter in the 400-600 range. If you’re looking for something even warmer, opt for a loft higher than 600.

Box Construction

Box construction refers to the way a comforter is stitched to keep the filling evenly dispersed. There are two main types: sewn-through box and baffle box. In sewn-through box construction, the top and bottom layers of a comforter are sewn together in a box pattern. In a baffle box construction, strips of fabric are sewn between the top and bottom layers to create compartments. Baffle box construction is more expensive but more effective at keeping the fill in place.

Certifications

You'll come across a few common certifications when shopping for the best comforter, the most common being OEKO-TEX and RDS. OEKO-TEX is an international association of 18 independent research and test institutes that sets standards for safer textile products. If a comforter is certified by OEKO-TEX, it means it's been produced without the use of harmful chemicals and meets the requirements of OEKO-TEX's sustainability standards. RDS is a certification you might come across when shopping for a down comforter, and it stands for Responsible Down Standard. It means the down has been sourced from a certified farm that adheres to strict animal welfare principles, so you can sleep soundly knowing the duck or geese that produced the down were raised humanely.

High-Quality Shell

Even though your comforter will likely be covered with a duvet, choosing one with a high-quality shell only increases your comfort. Look for shells made from breathable 100 percent cotton or smooth eucalyptus fabric—both options are great at helping you stay cool through all seasons.

Temperature Regulation

When it comes to temperature regulation, down comforters are an excellent choice because they're lightweight and breathable. However, if you're opting for a synthetic fill, you can look for a comforter with temperature-regulating features like moisture-wicking fibers and a cool, breathable shell to help keep you comfortable.

FAQ

How do you wash a comforter?

Most 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, especially those with down fill, 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.
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 down, you can hold to comforter up to bright sunlight in order to see how the down shifts within the comforter's shell. If it falls flat, it's time for a new one.
What's the difference between a comforter and a duvet?

The main difference is that 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.
What is the difference between a comforter and a blanket?

Comforters are made of two layers of fabric with a filling, usually made of down, cotton, or artificial fibers. They are thicker and warmer than blankets, which are just one layer thick. Blankets are frequently used for layering, while comforters, which are often decorative, are generally the only bedcover needed.

This article was edited and researched by Cristina Sanza, a lifestyle writer specializing in home products and organization hacks. To keep our product picks current, she reads customer reviews, third-party articles, and brand websites. She owns and loves the Buffy Cloud Comforter, which is fluffy, soft, and breathable.

Here Are the Best Comforters, Tested by Our Experts

Our favorite is the Brooklinen Down Comforter

Best Overall: Brooklinen Down Comforter

Best Down-Alternative: Pottery Barn Hydrocool Down-Alternative Duvet Insert

Best Down: The Company Store Alberta Euro Down Comforter

Best for Hot Sleepers: Buffy Cloud Down Alternative Comforter

Best Budget: SUPERIOR Down Alternative Comforter

Best All-Season: Utopia Bedding Quilted Comforter

Best Color Options: Ella Jayne Home All Season Down Alternative Comforter

Best Lightweight: Quince All-Season Premium Down Alternative Comforter

What to Look for in a Comforter

Fill

Loft

Box Construction

Certifications

Standout Features

High-Quality Shell

Temperature Regulation

Why Trust The Spruce?