The 12 Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts of 2024 for Any Type of Sleeper
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Hot sleepers, cold sleepers, and everyone in between
People / Dera Burreson
When it comes to getting a good night's sleep, your comforter or duvet insert is a critical part of the equation.
So, what makes a high-quality comforter? Sleep expert Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, recommends looking for "something that will absorb body heat without causing you to get too warm." As for material, she says down and feather duvet inserts are the most popular, but we found some more affordable materials that are just as cozy, too.
Deal Alert!
Our top pick, the Utopia Bedding Comforter, is only $22 at Amazon right now.
We tested over 30 comforters and inserts to find the softest and most breathable designs. Scroll down for the best comforters PEOPLE tested.
Best Overall: Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter
Star Qualities
Microfiber material feels super soft to the touch
Excellent breathability kept us sweat-free all night
One of the best values for a high-quality comforter that we've tested
Red Flags
May not regulate temperature as well as natural down
After sleeping under 35 comforters and duvet inserts, the Utopia Bedding All-Season Comforter was our all-around favorite. It felt light and smooth right out of the packaging, and the down-alternative design is filled with siliconized hollow fibers. Sourced from recycled plastic, the material mimics not only the loftiness of real down but also the cozy insulation.
The All-Season Comforter has box stitching to prevent the fill from bunching up or shifting around. As for the cover, you're looking at super-soft microfiber. Since this comforter comes in seven colors, you don't necessarily need a duvet cover. But if you do use one, it has handy tabs to secure the corners.
We were impressed by the quality, especially considering the very reasonable price. Our tester said it's pleasantly lightweight with excellent breathability. It's also conveniently machine-washable and dryer-friendly. (Plus the coffee we spilled during our tests came out with minimal effort.)
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative siliconized hollow fiber | Shell Material: Microfiber | Fill Weight: 250 GSM
Related: The 10 Best Cooling Pillows of 2024, Tested and Reviewed by Hot Sleepers
Best Overall (Almost): Buffy Breeze Comforter
Star Qualities
Well-made with even stitching and uniform fill
Lightweight yet warm and comfortable
Our editor has owned hers for 3+ years and still loves it
Red Flags
Inexact sizes create bagginess with the duvet cover.
The Buffy Breeze Comforter is clearly a well-made, high-quality product. It has even stitching, reinforced seams, and uniform fill without any clumps. Getting a duvet cover on was no problem, thanks to the sturdy corner loops. (One thing to note is that since the sizes are inexact, there was some loose fabric from the cover.) The only reason it didn't win our Best Overall pick is due to the price point. For the record, though, we think it's worth every penny.
With a eucalyptus-derived lyocell shell and lyocell fiber fill, this comforter has a smooth texture and a lightweight — but not too light — feel. We loved how it was virtually silent when we moved around at night. Just a heads up, dry-cleaning is recommended, but if you use a duvet cover, you probably won't need to clean it very often.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Tencel lyocell fibers | Shell Material: Tencel lyocell | Fill Power: Not listed
Best Budget: Bedsure All-Season Quilted Down Alternative Comforter
Star Qualities
Breathable and cool to the touch
Good shape retention with minimal shifting during testing
Red Flags
Somewhat thin with a low loft
There was a slight plastic smell upon unboxing.
The Bedsure Duvet Insert is a solid choice for those on a budget. Though the low-loft design is somewhat thin, the baffle-box construction helps it maintain its shape while keeping the fill in place. This lightweight comforter is cool to the touch and surprisingly breathable for being 100 percent polyester. It has a very slight plasticky smell upon unboxing, but it wasn't unpleasant and will likely dissipate over time.
Getting a duvet cover on was pretty easy, and you can secure it with the eight corner and side tabs. You can also choose one of the colored options and go without a cover. When we tossed and turned, this bedspread was noiseless. It also held up remarkably well in the wash, showing no signs of damage, and dried quickly in a dryer. The Bedsure Duvet Insert may not last as long as higher-end options, but for under $40, it's a great option for anyone looking to save some money.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, oversized king | Fill Material: Poly fibers | Shell Material: Polyester | Fill Power: 300 GSM
Best Bamboo: Cozy Earth Comforter
Star Qualities
Contoured to the body without trapping heat
Cooling viscose fiber was naturally sweat-wicking and breathable
Super soft and luxurious feel
Red Flags
One of the more expensive comforters on our list
Cozy Earth has Oprah's stamp of approval, and we're here for it. The brand's luxurious bamboo comforter is made of naturally cooling bamboo-derived viscose. We love bamboo sheets for their breathability and softness, and this comforter is no different.
Bamboo is also moisture-wicking, so it can help draw sweat away from your body. But this absorbency also means it's prone to soaking up stains. Keep this in mind, as Cozy Earth recommends spot-cleaning or dry cleaning only. Though this is one of the most expensive duvets we tested, the high-quality design is backed by a 10-year warranty.
Editors Say
I live in Hawai'i, but I love the feel of a cozy comforter. Thankfully, this bamboo comforter from Cozy Earth gives me the best of both worlds: It keeps me cool while giving me just enough 'fluff' to wrap around myself for a comfortable sleep. — Erin Johnson, associate editorial director
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Material: Bamboo fibers | Shell Material: Bamboo-derived viscose | Fill power: Not listed
Related: The 10 Best Mattress Pads of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Best for Hot Sleepers: Buffy Cloud Comforter
Star Qualities
Super fluffy lyocell and poly kept keep their shape and are evenly distributed
Sweat-wicking lyocell shell helped maintain a comfortable body temperature
Red Flags
Sizes were inexact and may vary from measurements listed on the website.
If you run hot or are prone to night sweats, the Buffy Cloud Comforter has your name on it. It's soft, smooth and the fill was evenly distributed (no lumps in sight!). According to the brand, the lyocell and poly fibers are fluffier than real down.
The shell is also lyocell, a naturally temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking material. We found that it helped us maintain a comfy body temperature without feeling hot or stuffy. We should note that although this comforter is machine-washable, we weren't able to remove the coffee stain during testing — likely due to the highly absorbent materials. All things considered, we think the price is right on point and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this comforter — especially paired with a set of cooling sheets.
Editors Say
My husband is a cold sleeper and I run hot; this Buffy comforter works well for both of us. We've had this comforter for more than three years, and the fill is still firmly in place and evenly distributed. It has even been through the washer after an unfortunate pet mess and came out looking fluffy and new. — Kayla Kitts, PEOPLE shopping editor
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Lyocell and recycled poly fibers | Shell Material: Tencel lyocell sateen | Fill power: Not listed
Best Down: Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter
Star Qualities
Fill was evenly distributed with no feathers poking out
Thermal-regulating material warmed up quickly
Medium-weight, so it’s fluffy but not bulky
Red Flags
Feathers shifted within the pockets when shaken out
If you prefer real down to synthetic fills, we highly recommend Alwyn Home's Goose Down Comforter. The down fibers seemed evenly distributed with no feathers poking out, and the all-season design has a medium weight with plenty of fluff to fill out the cover, and the corner loops help it stay in place.
Down is a naturally thermal-regulating material. So while it felt somewhat cool when we first laid under it, we quickly warmed up to a comfy sleeping temperature. The fill didn't shift at all when we tossed and turned, though the feathers moved to the bottom of each pocket when we shook it out before making the bed. Whether you pay full price or buy it on sale, we think this comforter is an excellent value.
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Fill Material: Goose down and feathers | Shell Material: Cotton | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Best Down (Cheaper): Apsmile Goose Feather Down Comforter Duvet Insert
Star Qualities
Extra-fluffy down filling was insulating yet breathable
Natural moisture-wicking properties helped keep us sweat-free during testing
Red Flags
It's spot-clean or dry-clean only, so we couldn't just toss it in the washing machine.
The Luxurious Feathers & Down Comforter is soft, smooth, and extra-fluffy. While it looks ultra-plush, it folds easily like a standard throw blanket. The cotton-poly blend shell is filled with white goose feathers and down fibers. Brandon Palmer, marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), explains that naturally breathable down wicks away moisture and prevents hot air from getting trapped, adding: "This can lead to a more comfortable night's sleep."
Indeed, we found that this comforter helped prevent us from overheating. Bear in mind it's slightly noisy when it moves around but not so much that it'll disrupt sleep. And since it's not machine-washable, you'll definitely want to pair it with a duvet cover.
Sizes: Twin, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king, super king | Fill Material: Goose down, feathers | Shell Material: Egyptian cotton-poly blend | Fill Power: 750 GSM
Best Down Mix: Casaluna Premium Down Comforter
Star Qualities
Fill was evenly distributed with no feathers poking out
Voluminous and luxurious look and feel
Warm and cozy but not too hot
Red Flags
Nothing major to note!
This comforter from Target's Casaluna brand is filled with 75 percent white duck down fibers and 25 percent duck feathers. We were immediately impressed with the sturdy construction and well-made design; the pockets were evenly filled with no feathers poking out. It's also exceptionally fluffy and slightly oversized, so you'll get that voluminous look and feel of a lofty duvet.
We tried the heavyweight option (there are three weights available), and it was, indeed, heavy. The weight made it somewhat hard to adjust when lying in bed, but it wasn't uncomfortable by any means, and we loved the cozy warmth. Thanks to the natural heat-regulating fill and breathable cotton cover, we didn't overheat, either. This comforter makes a crinkly noise when it moves, but not so much that it disrupts sleep. In the end, we think the price is reasonable for such a dreamy, luxurious bed cover.
How It's Held Up
After six months of sleeping, lounging, and laundering this Casaluna comforter at home, our tester is still a fan. She says this is a fantastic, low-maintenance all-season comforter.
Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Material: Duck down and feather | Shell Material: Brushed cotton | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Best Down-Alternative: Linenspa All-Season Down Alternative Quilted Comforter
Star Qualities
Extra soft and fluffy, with a soft quilted microfiber shell
Machine-washable, which made cleaning a breeze
Red Flags
Wasn't as breathable or insulating as natural materials
If you have feather allergies or just want a vegan-friendly design, the Linenspa Down-Alternative Duvet Insert might be your best bet. Inside the extra-soft, quilted microfiber shell are light and lofty poly fibers. While the synthetic materials may not be as breathable or insulating as their natural counterparts, this duvet is undoubtedly comfortable.
Though it's notably fluffy, we noted that it's easy to lift and doesn't make noise when it moves around. Available in six hues, including some reversible colorways, this duvet can be used without a cover. But if you do opt for a cover, the corner and side tabs will hold it in place. We also appreciate that you can just toss it in the washer and dryer for easy care.
Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative poly fibers | Shell Material: Microfiber | Fill Weight: 300 GSM
Best Lightweight Down: Casper Lightweight Down Duvet
Star Qualities
Filled with lightweight, ethically sourced down, and is also machine washable
We felt cool while lying under it.
One of the softest comforters we tested
Red Flags
One of the more expensive comforter options on our list
Casper's Down Duvet is another great option for hot sleepers and summertime use. With no loose threads, a durable cotton weave, and a silky-soft texture, the high-quality design was evident out of the box. We think it looks lovely as-is, though you're supposed to use it with a duvet cover.
This comforter is filled with ethically sourced down, so you can count on lightweight breathability that prevents you from overheating. We didn't feel hot whatsoever while lying under it. We couldn't get the coffee stain out during testing, but unlike many down-filled designs, this one is machine-washable. And while the price tag is steep, we think it's worth the investment.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Down | Shell Material: Cotton sateen | Fill Power: 600 GSM
Most Comfortable: Brooklinen Down Comforter
Star Qualities
Natural down fill was fluffy with impressive fullness
Cotton sateen shell was soft and cooling
Maintained its shape through all of our testing
Red Flags
It's not machine-washable, which made cleaning more of a hassle.
Brooklinen's Down Comforter takes the cake for comfort. The premium quality was apparent right out of the packaging: We thought the cotton sateen shell was soft and cool to the touch, and the natural down fill has a nice fullness that maintains its shape.
According to Palmer, down "offers the sleep-inducing benefits of warmth without weight." Sure enough, we thought this comfortable, breathable comforter didn't trap heat or feel heavy. It's not machine-washable, but we had no problem cleaning up the coffee stain during our tests. The only other thing to note is that the sizes are inexact, so you might have a few inches of slack on your duvet cover.
Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Material: Down clusters | Shell Material: Cotton sateen | Fill Power: 650–750 GSM
Best All-Season : Tekamon All-Season Queen Comforter
Pros
Polyfill comforter helped us stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer
Soft, microfiber cover comes in a variety of colors
Machine-washable design made cleaning a breeze
Cons
Synthetic materials weren't as breathable as real down
Want something you can sleep with year-round? We recommend the Tekamon All-Season Comforter. It has a soft, cool-to-the-touch feel, but it still kept us cozy on chilly nights.
Designed to keep you warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer, this cloud-like duvet is the best of both worlds. In addition to plain white, it comes in three reversible colorways, giving you the option to forgo a duvet cover. Not only that, but it's super easy to get stains out. (You can pretreat with a spot cleaner and toss it in your washing machine as needed.)
Sizes: Twin, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king | Fill Material: Down-alternative poly fibers | Shell Material: Brushed microfiber | Fill power: Not listed
Related: The 7 Best Flannel Sheets of 2024, Tested and Reviewed
Other Comforters We Tried
Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter: We were pretty stunned by the cool — almost cold — feel of this comforter. It kept us at a comfortable temperature all night, and the silky-soft, uniquely light texture felt nice against the skin. However, our at-home tester didn't find it to be super durable.
Cozy Earth Silk-Fill Comforter: Our tester could not stop raving about this incredible comforter. However, the price point ($769 for Queen) kept this one off our list. But if you can afford it or find it on sale, we say go for it.
Ettitude Bamboo Comforter: This duvet insert has a nice texture and a lightweight feel. It's among the thinnest options we tried — not necessarily in a bad way, but it's probably best for summertime use or a hot, humid climate. We also liked how it was virtually silent when tossing and turning.
People / Dera Burreson
Ettitude Bamboo ComforterRelated: The Softest Sheets of 2024, Tested by Real People
What to Know About Comforters and Duvet Inserts
Fill Material
When buying a comforter, pay attention to the material. Most are filled with real down (from the undercoat of ducks and geese) or down-alternative, which usually consists of lightweight polyester fibers.
According to Palmer, naturally insulating down is tough to beat when it comes to temperature control and breathability. "It offers the sleep-inducing benefits of warmth without weight," he says. "Its breathability can contribute to sounder, more comfortable sleep because it wicks away body moisture rather than trapping it." However, some synthetic fills, such as siliconized hollow fibers, can mimic the qualities of real down.
Shell Material
The shell matters, too. Skin-friendly cotton is a go-to material, though bamboo-derived viscose bedding is gaining popularity. Our best overall pick, the Utopia Bedding All-Season Comforter, has a microfiber shell. Microfiber is a type of polyester, and while it's generally not as breathable as natural fabrics, it's exceptionally soft.
Fill Power and Fill Weight
You should also look out for fill power and fill weight. Fill power measures the volume of a comforter. Ranging from about 400 to 900, this number tells you how many cubic inches of space one ounce of fill takes up. The higher the number, the lighter and loftier the duvet.
Fill weight is — yep — how much the comforter fill weighs. Measured in grams per square meter (GSM), duvets are usually between 200 and 700 GSM. A higher number likely means the duvet is warmer, though it may also be on the heavier side.
Corner Tabs or Loops
"One of the best (and most underrated) features that is an absolute must — loops!" says Kitts, who specifically loves the Buffy Cloud Comforter for this reason. "There are loops in every corner to hold it in place with a duvet cover night after night."
Any comforter meant to be used as a duvet insert should ideally have tabs on the corners (and potentially the sides) where you can secure the cover ties to prevent the insert from sliding around inside the duvet cover.
When to Buy a Comforter or Duvet Insert
January is often a great time to buy all types of bedding, including comforters and duvets. Brands may offer discounts in an attempt to get last year's products off the shelves and may have new designs available. Beyond that, you can usually find sales on Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and Prime Day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between a comforter and a duvet?
Many people use the terms interchangeably, and these days, they're basically the same thing. However, some comforters can be used as-is (without a cover), in which case they'll often feature a color or pattern. Duvet inserts, on the other hand, are traditionally meant to go inside a duvet cover.
What is the best material for a comforter?
Cotton is the best material for a comforter or duvet insert's shell. Cotton is breathable, soft to the touch, and easy to clean. The best fill material is down or a down alternative that is breathable and moisture-wicking.
How much does a comforter cost?
Comforters can cost anywhere from $30 to over $500. Down comforters are usually more expensive than their alternatives, but that doesn't mean they are better. From our research, we found that many quality comforters are under $200.
Related: The 15 Best Pillows at Amazon for Every Sleep Position
People / Dera Burreson
Behind the Scenes
We selected 35 comforters and duvet inserts to try first-hand, testing each one in our labs for the following qualities:
Look and Feel: After taking them out of the packaging, we felt each comforter and took notes on the feel of the external duvet shell, and the loftiness of the fill. We noted whether the duvets trapped heat and how cool or warm we felt while lying under them.
Value: To assess the value of each product, we looked at the quality of materials used and the usefulness of the designs, taking note of any loops and zippers, and noted any defects that might detract from the value.
Cleaning: Our testers spilled a small amount of coffee on the surface to check for stain resistance. They also laundered the machine-washable designs and noted whether washing affected the integrity or fluffiness.
We scored each comforter for quality, texture, durability, temperature regulation, breathability, and value. Those with the highest average ratings were selected for this story.
Why Trust PEOPLE?
Theresa Holland is a freelance commerce writer specializing in home goods, textiles, and sleep products. To compile this list, she combed through our testing insights and poured over product spec sheets.
For additional insight into selecting the best comforters for individual sleep preferences, she also spoke to Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA sleep expert and behavior coach, and Brandon Palmer, marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC).
Our Expert Panel
Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA is a sleep expert and behavior coach, who commented on what to look for in a comforter or duvet insert.
Brandon Palmer is the marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), and he elaborated on fill materials and their importance.
Erin Johnson is the associate editorial director at PEOPLE, with a background in home content. She has personally tested around 15 comforters and loves the ones that strike the balance between breathable and fluffy.
Kayla Kitts is the home and kitchen shopping editor at PEOPLE, with a specific focus on all things bedding.
What Is PEOPLE Tested?
We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.
But we don't stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we've awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.
In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.
Up Next: The 9 Best Linen Sheets of 2024, Tested by PEOPLE
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