There are few things more inviting than a plush comforter, and the right model can elevate your bedroom decor and sleep quality. Comforters come in a variety of patterns, colors, and materials. Some are lightweight and fluffy, while others are thick and cozy. Down, cotton, polyester, and lyocell are popular comforter materials, each with their own unique qualities.
While there are a number of comforter styles, knowing your preferences and budget can help refine your search. After testing dozens of models, we’ve determined the best comforters available on the market today. We’ll break down how they perform and provide general guidelines for choosing a comforter. We’ll also cover pricing, care guidelines, and the difference between comforters and duvets.
The Best Comforters
Sleep Doctor’s Picks
100% cotton
100% down alternative
$229
Full/Queen, King/California King, Twin/Twin XL
Pros
- Vegan-friendly down alternative fill
- Breathable cotton cover with 300 thread count
- Available in white or gray
Cons
- Shifting may occur during the night
- Expensive sticker price may be a barrier
Layla’s Down Alternative Comforter is a soft and breathable year-round model. Suitable for vegans, the down alternative fill has a cluster loft similar to natural down. The hexagon baffle box design keeps the fill evenly distributed. Quality materials and versatility make the Down Alternative Comforter a solid pick for a wide range of sleepers.
The comforter’s 100% cotton shell comes in white or gray. A 300 thread count creates a lightweight yet durable cotton. Cotton naturally wicks away heat and moisture, which can help people who experience hot flashes or night sweats. The fill weight of the Down Alternative Comforter is substantial enough to insulate from the cold, yet breathable enough for the summer months. OEKO-TEX certification specifies that the materials are free of harmful substances. The comforter is also suitable for people with allergies to natural down. While designed to be a standalone comforter, there are loops on each corner for those who prefer to use a duvet cover. Three sizes are available: twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king. The comforter can be washed by machine using cold water and non-chlorine detergent. Tumble-drying on low is recommended, but a large capacity machine may be needed. The Layla Down Alternative Comforter includes free shipping to the contiguous U.S. Customers are protected with a 120-night sleep trial and a five-year warranty. Featuring down alternative fill, a soft cotton shell, and sustainable certifications, we found the Layla Down Alternative Comforter to be suitable for all seasons. It’s also a good choice for hot sleepers who are either allergic to down or prefer a down alternative fill.
Viscose derived from bamboo
60% recycled polyester, 40% viscose derived from bamboo
$100
Queen, King
Pros
- Viscose shell is soft, smooth, and highly breathable
- Lush down alternative fill is a blend of recycled polyester and bamboo-derived fibers
- Corner loops secure the comforter to a duvet cover
Cons
- Size options limited to queen and king
- Too large for some household washing machines
Comforters made from high-quality materials can be an expensive investment, but Olive + Crate bucks this trend with the Bamboo Comforter. Despite a thoughtful design and durable construction, the comforter costs much less than most competitors in the online bedding market.
The shell is composed of bamboo-derived viscose fabric in a sateen weave, giving the comforter an exceptionally soft and smooth exterior feel. A blend of recycled polyester and viscose fibers makes up the down alternative fill, which offers the plushness and lightness of real down without retaining heat, triggering allergy symptoms, or using animal-based materials.
Box quilting with sewn-through baffles helps keep the fill evenly distributed, though you’ll need to regularly fluff the comforter to maintain a full shape. Thick piping along the edges helps protect the shell from rips and tears that can cause fill to escape, and each corner features a loop for affixing the comforter to a duvet cover.
Queen and king sizes are available. The comforter is technically machine-washable, but certain appliances — such as washers with agitators — may not be spacious enough to accommodate it. Dry cleaning is an alternative care method. Olive + Crate offers free shipping for all orders within the contiguous U.S., and you may return the comforter for a refund within 30 days of the purchase date.
100% cotton
Down alternative and lyocell fibers
$275
Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
Pros
- Organic cotton shell with a crisp percale weave
- Fluffy and breathable down alternative fill
- Can be used with a duvet cover
Cons
- Sticker price is on the expensive side
- Frequent fluffing needed to maintain a full shape
The Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter is a good example of the brand’s uncompromising standards. Using organic and Fair Trade Certified materials, the comforter has a luxurious feel that is suitable for all seasons. Excellent durability and easy care make this model a good option for a wide range of sleepers.
An organic cotton shell features a crisp percale weave and 200 thread count — a combination that balances durability with softness. The baffle box construction contains a mix of down alternative fibers and natural lyocell. The fluffy fill promotes airflow during warmer months and retains heat during colder weather. The comforter can be used on its own or paired with a duvet cover. Using a cover can prevent premature wear and simplify cleaning. Saatva recommends washing the comforter in cold water using a gentle cycle. Tumble-drying on low refreshes the loft. The All-Year Down Alternative Comforter includes a 45-day return policy. Used comforters can be returned during this period for a full refund. Saatva just requests that customers wash the comforter prior to returning. Shipping is free for all orders in the contiguous U.S. Our testing team recommends the temperature-regulating Saatva All-Year Down Alternative Comforter for shoppers who experience night sweats or hot flashes and prefer a luxurious feel.
Eucalyptus Fibers
Recycled PET Fill
$125
Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen, King/California King
Pros
- Breathable Tencel shell with a silky sateen weave
- Super fluffy recycled PET fill
- Designed for year-round use
Cons
- Shifting or clumping may occur
- Larger sizes may not be compatible with certain household washing machines
Notably soft and lightweight, the Buffy Cloud Comforter is designed for year-round use. Sustainable materials and carbon neutral shipping make this model a great choice for eco-minded shoppers. The breathable Tencel lyocell shell is derived from eucalyptus and wood pulp, making it both biodegradable and compostable. The fabric’s sateen weave and 300 thread count give the shell a silky-soft texture that doesn’t retain much heat.
A fill made from shredded recycled plastic bottles yields nearly 3 inches of loft. The result is a fluffy comforter that adapts to different climates. Sturdy stitching keeps the fill from clumping and protects the comforter during washing. Corner loops can be used to fasten a duvet cover. Buffy recommends using a duvet cover to increase the comforter’s lifespan. The comforter comes in versatile white and three standard sizes. Machine-washing in cold water and air-drying is recommended. The comforter ships for free to all 50 states. Buffy lets customers try the Cloud Comforter for seven nights before charging their credit card. The company’s standard return policy also applies, so customers can return the comforter for a full refund within 100 days of purchase. With a soft, fluffy feel, the Buffy Cloud Comforter suits sleepers looking for a plush comforter with a sustainable design and lengthy sleep trial.
100% viscose from bamboo
Viscose from bamboo fibers
$499
Twin, Queen, King
Pros
- Made entirely from soft and breathable viscose
- Two fill choices
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Much more expensive than average
- Frequent fluffing needed to maintain full loft
Cozy Earth’s silky-soft Bamboo Comforter offers a plush feel and comes oversized for added comfort. Made entirely from breathable viscose, the lightweight design cradles sleepers without absorbing much heat. The bamboo-derived cover features a silky and cooling sateen weave. The weave also resists pilling. Viscose fiber fill gives the comforter a fluffy feel.
Shoppers can choose between two fill types: bamboo-derived viscose or mulberry silk-derived viscose. Both are plush and breathable, but the silk model has a fluffier feel closer to natural down. It’s worth noting that the silk comforter costs significantly more than the bamboo version. The comforter also comes in two fill volumes: standard and extra. The standard is a versatile weight for all seasons, while the extra is more insulating. Hot sleepers or those in humid climates usually fare better with the standard comforter. The extra-fill version costs slightly more. Both versions have anchor loops for attaching a duvet cover. A cover is recommended because it limits excessive washing, which can degrade the comforter. The comforter can be washed in a standard household machine using the rinse cycle only, then tumble-dried on low or line-dried. To refresh the comforter, Cozy Earth suggests air-drying it in the sunlight for a few hours every three to five months. Spot-treatment and professional dry cleaning are also acceptable. The Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter includes free shipping and returns for customers in the U.S. The model is backed by a 100-night sleep trial and a 10-year warranty. Our testing team recommends the Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter to sleepers looking for a soft and breathable comforter, as well as those who prefer options for fill materials and enjoy the added comfort an oversized comforter provides.
Bamboo-derived viscose (side 1), Chillmax cooling fiber (side 2)
Bamboo-derived viscose fibers
$227
60″ x 80″, 90″ x 90″, 90″ x 108″
Pros
- Dual-sided design offers a different feel on each side
- Lightweight construction
- Machine-washable
Cons
- Sticker price is more expensive than average
- Limited sleep trial compared to the competition
The Zonli Z-Magic Cooling Comforter is a dual-sided comforter designed with hot sleepers in mind. Each side is made with a different material and feel, but both help keep you at a neutral temperature throughout the night.
One side of the comforter is composed of bamboo-derived viscose, which has a soft feel that is cool to the touch. The other side is made with a specialized Chillmax material, which contains the mineral mica and has a silkier feel. This side also offers enhanced cooling, making it a strong choice for sleepers who overheat easily or who live in warmer climates. The comforter is available in three sizes and three different color options — sierra gray, rustic brown, and blue ashes. The lightweight construction is ideal for summer months. You may machine wash the blanket in cold water on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on a low heat setting. Zonli offers a 21-night sleep trial, during which you may return the comforter for a full refund. The comforter ships for free throughout the U.S. and to select international destinations.
100% cotton (300 TC)
ClimaDry down alternative fiber fill
$219
Twin XL, Queen, King
Pros
- ClimaDry fiberfill and cotton shell help minimize overheating
- Thick, lofty design
- Machine-washable
Cons
- May not provide enough insulation in exceptionally chilly weather
- Not compatible with smaller washing machines
The Slumber Cloud Comforter has a temperature-regulating design that makes it suitable for different seasons. If you’re looking for a comforter that’s cozy and warm but can stay on your bed year-round, this one checks off many boxes. The comforter is lofty and weighs approximately 7 pounds and 12 ounces, which is hefty enough to keep you comfortable in winter months. It’s filled with ClimaDry by Outlast fibers that are engineered to regulate heat buildup and keep moisture at bay, so you’re less likely to overheat compared to other comforters with similarly thick designs. The 100% cotton shell is breathable, further boosting the comforter’s cooling properties. The Slumber Cloud Comforter features baffle-box stitching that helps keep the fill in place. If you use a duvet cover, you can use corner loops to secure the comforter to the cover to prevent bunching up. You may wash your comforter in cold water using a delicate setting, so long as your machine is able to handle bulky items. Machine-dry the comforter on low heat or simply air dry it. Slumber Cloud offers free shipping. The comforter comes with a 60-day sleep trial and is also backed by a 180-day warranty.
100% cotton
Cotton batting and glass microbeads
$279
Full/Queen (15 lbs.), Full/Queen (20 lbs.), King (25 lbs.)
Pros
- Available in weights of 15, 20, or 25 lbs.
- All designs are oversize to accommodate couples
- Breathable cotton shell and glass microbead fill
Cons
- Too large for most household washing machines
- Steep sticker price may be a barrier for shoppers with tight budgets
If you’re looking for a covering that combines the softness and loftiness of a traditional comforter with the gentle compression of a weighted blanket, then the Baloo Weighted Comforter might be a worthwhile investment. You can choose from weights of 15, 20, or 25 pounds. Using the “10% rule” as a guide with a little wiggle room in either direction, this makes the comforter best suited to people who weigh anywhere from 120 to 280 pounds.
You should also consider the Weighted Comforter if you usually sleep with a partner. The two lightest designs are intended to be used with full/queen mattresses, and measure 90 inches wide by 90 inches long. These oversize dimensions ensure plenty of coverage for you and your co-sleeper. If you share a king or California king size bed with someone else, the 25-pound blanket might be the way to go. This option measures 92 inches wide by 108 inches long.
The fill consists of tiny glass beads that don’t retain heat to a bothersome degree. Another cooling component is the breathable cotton shell encasing the fill. The cotton is natural, and has a soft, smooth hand-feel. The shell is quilted with tight baffles, so the beads remain evenly distributed without shifting or clumping to one side. If you opt for the 15-pound full/queen blanket, it comes equipped with 10 perimeter loops to help you secure it to a duvet cover. The comforter is machine-washable, though likely too large for your household machines — Baloo recommends using commercial appliances whenever a cleaning is needed. Although the comforter is on the expensive side, its sticker price is comparable to the average weighted blanket. You’ll also receive free ground delivery with your order if you reside in the contiguous U.S. Baloo accepts returns and exchanges within 30 days throughout much of the calendar year, and extends their trial period during the holiday season.
Why You Should Trust Us
Comfort means different things to different sleepers, which is why our testers encompass varying body sizes and sleep preferences. Our testing team rigorously tests dozens of comforters that span a range of materials, styles, and price-points. We measure qualities like softness, durability, ease of cleaning, and temperature control to determine the best comforters available on the market today. We’re also constantly revising our selections so that readers are informed of the latest products and pricing.
What Is a Comforter?
Comforters are designed to add warmth and comfort to a bed. They cover top sheets and come in a variety of materials like down, polyester, cotton, wool, and silk.
Comforters feature a cover and built-in insert. A comforter’s feel and performance largely depend on its materials and craftsmanship. Some designs are thin and airy, while others are more substantial.
While they’re distinct from mattress pads and protectors, comforters can shield your mattress and bedding from surface spills or accidents. Since most people in the U.S. use a top sheet as a barrier, comforters don’t need to be washed as frequently.
Comforter vs. Duvet
Many shoppers think comforters and duvets are identical since they serve the same basic function. However, they do vary slightly in performance and care.
Duvet is a French word that means down and refers to the fine plumage commonly used in duvet fills. Duvets have a fluffy insert and a removable cover. Inserts today consist of a number of natural and synthetic materials as well as down or feathers. Covers are meant to be washed on a regular basis, while inserts are usually spot-treated.
The main difference between a comforter and duvet is that a comforter has a built-in cover, whereas a duvet cover is detachable for easier cleaning. This distinction stems from the fact that top sheets are more commonly used in the U.S. as a buffer between the comforter and sleeper, while Europeans tend to only use a duvet. Without a sheet to serve as a barrier, it makes sense that duvets are designed for greater ease of cleaning.
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How Much Does a Comforter Cost?
The average comforter ranges from $75 to upward of $250. Pricing depends mostly on materials, size, and brand name. There are plenty of budget-friendly comforters available, but shoppers can also splurge on a number of luxury models. Expect to pay more for designs made with natural, organic, or ethically sourced materials.
How Long Does a Comforter Last?
Most quality comforters should last around 10 to 15 years. Lifespan varies based on material quality, workmanship, and how well you care for your comforter. Some materials are naturally more durable and hold up to washing better than others. Following proper care guidelines can prevent premature wear.
How to Clean and Care for a Comforter
Care instructions differ according to model, so it’s important to refer to the product label before washing your comforter, as properly caring for your comforter can extend its lifespan.
Regardless of model, you can protect your comforter by not eating in bed and using a duvet cover. These practices will reduce how frequently you need to wash your comforter.
If your comforter is machine-washable and your washing machine is large enough to accommodate it, it’s safest to use a delicate setting with cold or warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid using hot water. Many comforters can be machine-dried on a low setting, but a large capacity dryer may be necessary. Additionally, air-drying in the sun can refresh a comforter. Since comforters are often difficult to wash, minor stains can be spot-treated instead.
What Types of Comforters Are Available?
Comforters use a variety of materials to achieve different feels. Depending on the model, a shell might use entirely different materials from the fill. Knowing how each type of material impacts the feel of a comforter can help point you to the right fit.
Down and Down Alternative
Natural down comes from the fine down feathers of geese or other waterfowl. Notably soft and fluffy, down remains a popular fill material. Down comforters are lightweight and breathable, yet they also insulate well during colder months.
Some people are allergic to natural down, and not everyone is comfortable with animal-sourced products. Down alternative fill is a more suitable option in these scenarios, as it consists of synthetic fibers. Most down alternative is polyester-based and has a feel similar to natural down. Down alternative comforters vary greatly when it comes to breathability, loft, and durability. Some high-end models are virtually indistinguishable from natural down comforters.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural fiber widely used in bedding for its softness and breathability. Cotton shells can help sleepers stay cooler by wicking away heat and moisture. Cotton fill comforters tend to be lighter and less insulating than other materials like down or wool, making them a good choice for summer months.
Silk
Silk is more common in luxury comforters, as it’s more expensive to manufacture. The natural fiber is exceptionally smooth and lightweight. Silk comforters are popular in hot and humid climates because of their breathability.
Wool
Wool comforters are very soft and insulating, making them suitable for colder seasons. They tend to be less fluffy than down or polyester models. Because wool is moisture-wicking, even very heavy wool comforters remain fairly breathable.
Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus fibers have a cooling, silky-soft texture that can be soothing to sensitive skin. Shells made from eucalyptus tend to be lightweight yet durable. They also drape well and resist wrinkling.
Most eucalyptus bedding is eco-friendly since it requires less water to manufacture than other materials. Eucalyptus comforters tend to avoid harsh chemicals in the manufacturing process as well.
What Should You Consider When Choosing a Comforter?
Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to bedding. Some people tend to overheat at night, while others require extra insulation to stay comfortable.
Consider your mattress size, material preference, bedroom aesthetic, and budget when shopping for your next comforter.
Your Mattress Size
Sizing options vary according to manufacturer, but all are designed to fit standard mattress sizes. Many models come in single sizes, such as twin, twin XL, queen, king, and California king. Other companies consolidate sizes for greater versatility. Full/queen and king/California king are common examples.
To ensure a good fit, always double-check your mattress size before buying a comforter, particularly if you share a bed. A comforter that is too small may not cover both partners in bed. A larger size is less problematic, and some sleepers even prefer oversized models.
For combined sizes, often more than one option can fit a given mattress. Just keep in mind that comforter prices generally increase with size.
Your Budget
Being clear on your budget prior to shopping can help narrow your search. Those with larger means naturally have more options, but there are plenty of models for shoppers on stricter budgets. Look for discounts or holiday sales to cut down on costs. Be sure to factor in potential shipping fees to the overall cost.
Your Personal Preferences
Some people enjoy a very lightweight and fluffy comforter, while others appreciate more heft. Consider the climate you live in and your typical bedroom temperature to help determine an appropriate insulation level.
Materials
Materials directly impact the way a comforter feels and performs. Shoppers should consider any allergies they have when choosing materials. For those who avoid animal-derived products, some models are vegan certified.
About The Author
Certified Sleep Science Coach, Director of Product Testing
David is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with a lifelong passion for well-being and health optimization. His interest in sleep developed with the arrival of his son, when sleep suddenly became a precious commodity.
- POSITION: Side Sleeper
- TEMPERATURE: Hot Sleeper
- CHRONOTYPE: Lion
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