The 8 Best Down Comforters of 2023, Tested and Reviewed
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For a luxurious bed you can’t wait to curl up in.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Fact checked by Emily Estep
The best down comforters feel lofty and luxurious without trapping too much heat, making them suitable for most climates and seasons. Since everyone has different bedding preferences, we set out to find down comforters for various budgets and sleep styles, whether you want a breathable blanket or a plush, hotel-quality option.
“I am definitely for down-filled [comforters] for [their] quality,” says Anki Spets, founder of Area, a Scandinavian-inspired home accessory and bedding company. “The great thing with a good-quality down comforter is that it is light like a cloud, not at all heavy in weight,” she says, adding that down is typically “lighter and bouncier” than alternatives.
To come up with this list, we tested 34 comforters in our Lab—including 10 down comforters—and evaluated them on quality, texture, durability, breathability, and value. For expert insight on how to select a down comforter, we spoke with Spets and Joshua Maine, CEO of luxury bedding company Eli & Elm.
Best Overall Down Comforter: Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter
What Stands Out
The fill is evenly distributed and never clumps at the edges.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not as large as some other comforters.
Of all the down comforters we tested, this luxurious option from Kassatex was our favorite. Available in light and all-season varieties, the comforter is filled with evenly spread 650-fill-power white goose down, with a 400-thread-count cotton down shell that’s smooth, soft, and cool to the touch.
One of the things we liked best about this comforter is how fluffy and comfortable it is, without being too heavy. During testing, we never felt too hot lying under it, and the fill was so consistent that it never clumped at the edges like some comforters tend to do. The baffle-box construction and thick seams kept the fill secure.
This comforter is also very quiet and machine-washable, so you can throw it in the laundry as needed. It’s worth noting that this isn’t the largest comforter out there, and the price is on the higher end. But those small downsides aside, this is an excellent down comforter that we strongly recommend.
Price at time of publish: $389 for queen
Fill Material: White goose down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 650 | Size Range: Twin, queen, king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: Not listed
Best Budget Down Comforter: Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Queen Size Goose Down Feather Comforter
What Stands Out
The side ties keep the comforter in place.
What Could Be Improved
The fill shifts around a bit at night.
For shoppers looking to keep their bedding costs at a minimum, opt for this low-priced pick from Egyptian Bedding. Despite its affordable price, the comforter offers plenty of fluffiness and coziness.
Made from a mix of down fiber and waterfowl feather fiber, you can use the comforter alone or as a duvet insert. We found the cotton cover buttery soft to the touch and the comforter lightweight enough that you won’t overheat at night. It also features baffle-box construction, eight corner loops, and tabs that help the comforter stay in place.
That said, the comforter’s fill might shift if you move around a lot overnight, and you might occasionally feel bare spots inside. Still, it never completely loses its loft and stays fluffy enough to aid with a good night’s sleep. It’s available in a wide range of sizes (ranging from twin to palatial king) and is machine-washable, as a bonus.
Price at time of publish: $160 for queen
Fill Material: 80% down fiber, 20% waterfowl feather fiber | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: Not listed | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, palatial king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: RDS, OEKO-TEX, Downpass
Best Splurge Down Comforter: Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter
What Stands Out
The satiny-soft texture is so luxurious it’ll feel like you’re in a hotel.
What Could Be Improved
There’s no all-season variety.
We spend a lot of time in bed, so it makes sense that some people prefer to invest in a quality comforter that makes sleeping feel more luxurious. When we tested the Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter, we were immediately obsessed with its satiny-smooth finish and hotel-like feel. We found it to be cozy without becoming too warm, with the comforter resting lightly over our body.
The construction of this down comforter is high-end, too: We didn’t notice any loose threads or snags, and the down was evenly distributed. The ethically sourced goose down is contained in tightly woven cotton to create perfectly filled pockets that seemingly refill with air after you lie on top of it.
Even though the comforter comes at a higher price than many others on our list, the luxury experience that it provides makes it worthwhile. Plus, it’s available in four different weights, ranging from a lightweight option for summer to a heavy option for cold sleepers.
Price at time of publish: $519 for queen
Fill Material: White goose down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 700 | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: RDS, OEKO-TEX
Most Breathable Down Comforter: Brooklinen Down Comforter
What Stands Out
The cotton shell always stays cool to the touch.
What Could Be Improved
It’s not machine-washable.
Brooklinen’s Down Comforter consists of fluffy down encased in a soft, cotton sateen shell, with baffle-box construction for a lofty yet lightweight feel. We tested the all-season version of this comforter, but it also comes in a lightweight and ultra-warm option—and the fill power ranges from 650 to 750 depending on which you choose (the all-season option is 700). The shell material was super soft, lightweight, and stayed cool to the touch during testing, while the fill was soft, full, and always maintained its shape.
This pick costs a bit more than the average price point of those we tested, but we still think it’s a great option for anyone who wants a down comforter for year-round use. During our tests, we found it to be the perfect temperature, feeling light and comforting but never too hot or heavy. Just keep in mind that you can't throw this comforter in the wash—but during our spill test, the liquid was very easy to remove.
Price at time of publish: $379 for queen
Fill Material: Duck down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 700 | Size Range: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Washable: No | Certifications: Downmark
Best All-Season Down Comforter: Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter
What Stands Out
It warms you up quickly despite being fairly lightweight.
What Could Be Improved
The golden satin piped edges aren't to everyone's taste.
For a down comforter that will keep you comfortable year-round no matter the temperature, check out this top-notch pick from Alwyn Home. Medium-weight and filled with soft, 600-fill white goose down, the comforter is ideal for warming you up at night without causing you to overheat or feel suffocated.
During our tests, we loved how even the fill was throughout the comforter (thanks to its baffle-box construction) and how fluffy and full it felt despite not being particularly heavy. The four corner tabs will keep the comforter anchored to a duvet cover if you use it as an insert, and it stays firmly in place as you move around at night. It also boasts a subtle striped pattern that goes well with any bedding.
As far as downsides go, the comforter has golden-satin-piped edges, which may not be to everyone's taste. It also isn’t machine-washable, and the shell is stiffer than average. However, the fact that it’s so versatile and able to warm you up quickly makes up for those flaws.
Price at time of publish: $300 for queen
Fill Material: White goose down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 600 | Size Range: Twin, full, queen, king | Washable: No | Certifications: RDS
Best Heavy Down Comforter: Casaluna Premium Down Comforter
What Stands Out
The comforter’s soft, plush design provides total coziness.
What Could Be Improved
It’s hard to adjust if you toss and turn in the night.
If you want a heavy-duty comforter that will keep you warm during cold winter nights but won’t cause you to overheat and sweat, this duvet cover is for you. Made by Casaluna, the comforter comes in lightweight, heavyweight, and all-season varieties, but all three versions feel seriously cozy and breathable despite their heft.
The comforter has a 600-fill-power duck down and feather inside with major fluffiness that doesn’t shift around. The cotton cover is soft, plush, and oversized enough to make you feel completely tucked in. The sewn-through design aids in the fill’s even distribution, and the corner and side tabs keep it in place when inside a duvet.
However, because this comforter is so heavy, it’s not the best for people who toss and turn, as it can be difficult to adjust once you’re underneath. It’s also noisier than other comforters, although not so loud that it will keep you up at night. But with its low price, even fill, and cozy poofy design, there’s still plenty to love about this pick.
Price at time of publish: $169 for full/queen
Fill Material: 75% white duck down, 25% white duck feather | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 600 | Size Range: Twin, full/queen, king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: RDS, OEKO-TEX
Best Lightweight Down Comforter: Casper Down Duvet
What Stands Out
It keeps its shape and volume even as you make the bed.
What Could Be Improved
It has an oversized design that might feel too big for some beds.
The lightweight Casper Down Duvet is suitable for year-round use—whether you’re snuggling during frigid winter or dozing off in summer heat. During tests, we noticed that it’s thinner than many other down comforters but will still keep you cozy and warm. The 600-fill down makes it fluffy and comforting, while the cotton shell is soft and breathable.
This comforter is intended to be a duvet insert, but you could use it alone. It features sewn-in chambers that keep the down firmly in place and allow the material to hug your body as you sleep. We found that the comforter keeps its volume and shape well even as you make the bed, too, without ever clumping up at the edges.
This large comforter has an oversized feel, which might not fit all beds. It’s also on the pricier side, as another potential negative. But if you can swing the cost and don’t mind the size, you’ll be glad you invested in such comfortable, lightweight bedding.
Price at time of publish: $259 for queen
Fill Material: Down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 600 | Size Range: Full/queen, king/California king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: RDS
Best Colorful Down Comforter: Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter
What Stands Out
The matching piping details make the comforter even more vibrant and lovely.
What Could Be Improved
The cotton shell isn’t as soft as you’d expect.
Want a pop of color in your bedding? Consider this down comforter from Garnet Hill, which comes in 12 pretty colors including Oxford blue, pine green, butter yellow, silver, and more. No matter which option you choose, your bed will look vibrant and beautiful, especially with the matching piping details.
With white down and a cotton shell, this comforter is lightweight and won’t cause you to overheat during the night. In fact, when we tried it out, we found that it held in our body heat well and was cool to the touch. We also liked how consistent and even the fill seemed to be inside, thanks in part to the box-stitched construction.
Price-wise, this comforter is a little higher than many others, and the cotton shell also isn’t quite as soft as you might expect; it feels a bit like a sheet rather than a traditional comforter. That said, this is a solid option for anyone looking for a cooling and colorful addition to their bedroom.
Price at time of publish: $299 for double/queen
Fill Material: White down | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 550 | Size Range: Twin, double/queen, king/California king | Washable: Yes | Certifications: OEKO-TEX
Final Verdict
Our top pick is the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter for its soft cotton shell, quality baffle-box construction, and ultra-comfortable fluffiness. If you want a more affordable alternative that still creates a cozy, plush bed, we recommend the Egyptian Bedding Luxurious Queen Size Goose Down Feather Comforter.
Our Testing Process
To come up with this list, we tested 34 comforters in our Lab, 10 of which were down comforters. We first examined the construction of the comforter by spreading it out on a bed and performing a visual check for loose threads, separated seams, snags, and other flaws. We also looked for corner loops or side tabs for use with a duvet cover.
Then, we measured the comforter’s length and width and recorded it before examining the quality and hand feel of the material, noting whether it felt smooth and well-made or scratchy and stiff. We also assessed the fill distribution and looked for down clusters or feathers poking through the shell.
To assess the warmth of the down comforters, we used an infrared thermometer to take a surface temperature reading from underneath the blanket. Then, we lay under the comforter for five minutes while evaluating its comfort, loft, and airflow. After five minutes, we took the surface temperature reading again.
While lying under the comforter, we pulled and shook the comforter and noted whether the shell or filling made noise. We also folded the comforter and moved it around the bed to test for maneuverability and to see if the fill stayed evenly distributed. Next, we got on top of the comforter for two minutes. When we stood up, we assessed whether the comforter quickly became full and fluffy again.
To determine how easy the down comforter was to clean, we poured 1 tablespoon of coffee and let it sit for 30 seconds. We then blotted the area with a cool, wet towel, and if the stain remained, we used a Tide pen. For machine-washable comforters, we followed the manufacturer's instructions for washing and looked for any damage or wear sustained during laundering like loose threads, separating seams, snags, holes, and pilling. We also measured the comforter again to check if it shrunk.
After the Lab tests were complete, we looked at the retail price of the product. We evaluated the price in conjunction with performance during the tests to assess the comforter's overall value. We also rated each down comforter for its quality, texture, durability, and breathability.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
How to Shop for Down Comforters Like a Pro
Fill Power
If you want a lofty, hotel-quality comforter, keep a close eye on the fill power. Fill power “is a number that indicates how much loft a single ounce of down has,” says Joshua Maine, CEO of luxury bedding company Eli & Elm. “The greater the loft, the more the down insulates and gives a fluffier feel,” he says.
Fill power generally ranges from 300-900+, with “the higher number the better,” Maine says. A comforter with a higher fill power will also “retain its firmness longer,” he says, “because it came from a more mature bird with larger clusters.”
That said, higher fill power is heavier, which can disadvantageous to people who move around a lot. “A 900-fill power down comforter may weigh 7 pounds whereas a 500-fill power comforter may weigh 5 pounds for the same warmth,” says Maine. “Most consumers are going to go for the lighter option if they have the same effect.”
When choosing fill power, Anki Spets, founder of Area, adds that “shoppers first need to take into consideration how warm your house is and whether you like a warmer, bulkier comforter or a flatter and lighter-weight comforter.”
If you’re seeking a lightweight down comforter, opt for one with a fill of 500 or below. For cold climates or for those who prefer a super plush comforter, we suggest a fill power of 600 or more. A comforter with a fill power between 500 and 650 is typically considered an all-season option that provides ample loft without feeling stifling.
Construction
Comforters are constructed by sandwiching fill material between two layers of fabric with compartments distributed throughout to prevent the fill from coalescing in any one area. There are two construction types: sewn-through and baffle-box. The sewn-through method stitches the two layers of fabric together to create pockets of filling, while baffle-box construction has additional fabric dividers sewn between the two layers to create 3D “boxes” of filling.
Baffle-box is an internal fabric wall that not only prevents the fill from shifting throughout the night (keeping it evenly distributed), but also allows the fill to reach its full loft, says Maine. “A baffle-box design allows the fill to expand to give you a cloud-like comfort,” he says. That said, they’re generally more expensive than their sewn-through counterparts and may need to be fluffed frequently.
The construction of the comforter’s shell is also an important consideration. Many shells are made from cotton, and a high thread count is generally better, according to Maine. “True 300 to 400 thread count is great quality,” he says.
Certifications
When shopping for a down comforter, you should also consider whether the product has any certifications. Responsible Down Standard (RDS) is one of the most common certifications, as it “guarantees the down is not plucked from a live bird or force-fed birds” and that the down is high-quality, says Maine. Other comforters on our list have the Downmark and Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certifications, the latter of which “tests for harmful substances that can affect human health,” Maine explains.
Care
Some down comforters can be cleaned in the washing machine and dryer, while others require spot treatment or dry cleaning. If you want to frequently wash your comforter, opt for one that is easy to care for to eliminate the hassle of battling stains. That said, a duvet cover is another way to keep the exterior of your comforter clean. “This is a practical need to keep the comforters clean and to protect [them] from daily wear and tear,” says Spets. Plus, duvet covers are much easier to wash than bulky blankets, and they can be swapped out regularly for a design refresh.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
More Down Comforters to Consider
Apsmile Goose Feather Down Comforter: This comforter is soft, fluffy, and reasonably priced. The fill does move around a good amount, though, and there aren’t enough ties to keep it firmly in place.
Southern Living Year-Round-Warmth Down Comforter: This comforter’s fill stays put without clumping, and it’s the perfect weight to keep you warm all year long. However, some seams were missing in the one we tried out, which could indicate the comforter falling apart down the line.
Real Simple / Dera Burreson
Questions You Might Ask
Are expensive down comforters worth it?
While down is often more expensive than down-alternative options, a quality comforter can last for many years to come, making it a worthwhile investment. “Down material is considered the cream of the crop when it comes to bedding filling, and for good reason,” says Maine. It’s “extremely soft and insulating” and “does the best job at keeping you warm” without becoming too hot or heavy. “A more expensive down comforter will generally give you higher fill power and higher-quality down leading to a warmer, lighter, and softer down comforter.”
We found the Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter—the most expensive pick on our list—to be worth the splurge, noting that it feels like a luxurious hotel comforter. That said, if you’re on a tight budget or want to avoid animal-sourced materials, you might prefer a down-alternative comforter.
How do I find the fluffiest down comforter?
A fill power of 600 and above creates ample loft and fluff, which insulates the heat and keeps out winter chills while still providing some breathability. “Higher fill power holds more air and takes up more space–essentially, the higher the fill power the fluffier, lighter, and more breathable the comforter will be,” says Maine. “High fill power feels like you’re sleeping on clouds.” In our testing, we were impressed with the cloud-like construction and breathability of the Brooklinen Down Comforter.
Is goose down or duck down better for a comforter?
Overall, goose down is considered to be a higher quality option than duck down. “When plucked, geese are generally larger and more mature than ducks, which translates to larger down clusters (higher fill power),” says Maine. Thus, goose duck is more durable, more insulating, and softer. That said, goose down generally costs more—so if you’re trying to stick to a budget, you can opt for a high-quality duck down option instead.
Take Our Word for It
This article was written by Quinn Gawronski, associate commerce editor for Real Simple, who has three years of experience writing and editing product reviews and roundups, and Rachel Simon, a writer for Real Simple, Travel + Leisure, The New York Times, and many other publications. To compile this list, we tested 34 comforters in our Lab, 10 of which were down comforters, and evaluated them on quality, texture, durability, breathability, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Anki Spets, founder of Area, a Scandinavian-inspired home accessory and bedding company, and Joshua Maine, CEO of luxury bedding company Eli & Elm.
What Is Real Simple Selects?
Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. All products go through the same rigorous process, whether they are purchased or sent by the company.
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