What is the best quality down feather?

03 Apr.,2024

 

Best Overall

Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter

Wayfair

$109

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

  • Durability

    4.8

    /5

  • Breathability

    5

    /5

  • Value

    5

    /5

What We Like

  • Quality construction

  • Stays in place

  • Insulates well

  • Corner loops to secure to a cover

What We Don't Like

  • Gold piping may not be for everyone

  • Feathers fall within baffles when shaken

Alwyn Home’s All Season Goose Down Comforter was not only a fluffy addition to our bed, but we love how it cocooned our body, earning it the clear spot as our best down comforter overall. It was completely silent, even when we were tossing and turning which is highly beneficial to sleepers who move around a lot. Additionally, it fit well inside our testing duvet cover, which better prevented feathers from poking out. The comforter also has loops in the corner, which makes it versatile like a duvet insert in case you want to secure it inside of a duvet cover.

We loved the comforter’s weight, which wasn’t overly constricting while lying under it. The 600-fill power also did an excellent job of insulating us and got us warm within five minutes. The exterior cotton cover also promotes moisture-wicking benefits.

When we shook the comforter, the goose feathers fell to the bottom of each pocket. Fortunately, the baffle box construction means that the fill still stayed within the designated boxes and once we laid the comforter flat again the filling readjusted within each square. We didn’t love the gold satin piping along the edges of the comforter, but as we mentioned, this comforter could be used with a duvet cover. 

Material: Goose, goose down, cotton | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Fill Power: 600 | Care: Dry clean only

Best Budget

Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter

Amazon

$150

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    4.7

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

  • Durability

    4

    /5

  • Breathability

    4.5

    /5

  • Value

    5

    /5

What We Like

  • High-quality design and fill

  • Never lost fluffy feel

  • Perfect fit inside cover

What We Don't Like

  • Mild odor

  • Experienced fill shifting

For the price, it’s hard to beat Egyptian Bedding’s Goose Down Feather Comforter. It arrived in excellent condition with even stitching and no loose threads or other imperfections. The comforter also fit perfectly inside the duvet cover we used for testing, and it has eight corner loops and side tabs for perfect alignment. Beyond just looking nice, this comforter also made very little noise when we tossed and turned under it.

We found this comforter to be exceptionally cozy and have a wonderfully smooth texture. It is also lightweight and never lost its fluffiness, so we didn’t feel constricted underneath it. The Egyptian cotton cover elevates the feeling of quality with its soft finish while double needle stitching provides a higher quality seam for durability.

When shaking this comforter during testing, the fill did shift quite a bit, fortunately, the fill inside the baffle box construction seemed sufficient and the comforter never felt flat. It kept us warm, and for goose down, it’s hard to beat this price point. Just be mindful that the comforter did have a bit of an odor, but that was hardly noticeable to us.

Material: 80 percent down fiber, 20 percent waterfowl feather fiber, cotton | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, and palatial king | Fill Power: Not listed | Care: Machine wash

Best Splurge

Kassatex European Goose Down Comforter

Kassatex

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

  • Durability

    5

    /5

  • Breathability

    5

    /5

  • Value

    4.5

    /5

What We Like

  • Fill stays in place

  • Quality construction

  • Lightweight

What We Don't Like

  • Limited sizing

  • Not the warmest option

With 650 fill power, this goose-down filled comforter from Kassatex is worth the extra money because the fill remained evenly dispersed throughout our testing with no clumping or gaps in coverage. A 400-thread count cotton down-proof shell creates a smooth and soft-to-the-touch feel. The baffle box construction is intended to keep everything in place, and we found this to be the case with the fill—we experienced no clumping near the edges and the fill remained evenly spread. Even when we shook it, everything stayed in place. 

This comforter was odorless and completely quiet as well, with a smooth and fluffy feel that wasn’t heavy, allowing us to shift under it with ease. It kept us at a perfectly comfortable temperature, but be mindful that it isn’t as warm as other choices, so if you’re seeking maximum heat, it may not be best for you. Fortunately, a 60-day trial means that you can give it a go without risk to see if it’s warm enough for you, and free shipping is an added benefit.

Lastly, consider the fact that this option is only available in twin, queen, and king, which is more limited than some other options on our list, even the more cheaply priced choices. 

Material: 80 percent down, 20 percent feathers, cotton | Sizes: Twin, queen, king | Fill Power: 650 | Care: Machine wash warm delicate cycle, double rinse, tumble dry on low heat

Best Heavyweight

Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

Target

$129

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    4.7

    /5

  • Texture

    4.8

    /5

  • Durability

    4.8

    /5

  • Breathability

    4.5

    /5

  • Value

    5

    /5

What We Like

  • Fill stays in place

  • Warm but breathable

  • Hypoallergenic

  • Fill moves well with body

What We Don't Like

  • Not for hot sleepers

  • Not great for restless sleepers

If you’re someone who needs a new comforter that offers some heft, Casaluna’s Premium Down Comforter is the pick for you. We were immediately impressed by its weight as well as by the even distribution of the duck down fill. Even after our shake test, the filling stayed in place, moving with us as we turned. Plus, the comforter is aesthetically pleasing on its own, so it could be used without a cover if you’d like.

If you don’t like a heavier-feeling comforter, this won’t be for you; despite not feeling overly heavy when lying underneath it, we did find it to be difficult to move when tossing and turning. However, unlike other heavy comforters, we didn’t find this to be too hot, but it’s still not a cooling comforter by any means. 

While this option features corner and side tabs to secure to a duvet cover, we felt that they could be difficult to manipulate with larger fingers, and one knot even came loose after our shake test, which we think could have been a result of the weight of the comforter. 

Material: Duck down, cotton | Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Fill Power: 600 | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

Best All-Season

Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter

Garnet Hill

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    4.8

    /5

  • Texture

    4.8

    /5

  • Durability

    5

    /5

  • Breathability

    5

    /5

  • Value

    4.5

    /5

What We Like

  • Multiple color options

  • Not overly bulky

  • Lightweight feel

  • Retains heat well

What We Don't Like

  • No corner ties

With 550 fill power and a 230-thread count percale shell, Garnet Hill’s Essential Down Comforter earned its spot as our pick for the best all-season comforter. The smooth, cool exterior fabric was very comfortable.

The Essential Down Comforter felt light when lying under it, having more of a summer comforter feel, and we were able to toss and turn without it being too bulky. Whenever we moved, the fill stayed in place, thanks in part to the sewn-through box construction. Plus, it insulated our body heat well, without overheating us, so it would be suitable for the colder months and you could easily layer a bed blanket on top. The double stitching along the outside of the comforter and the single stitching along the boxes also had no imperfections or signs of wear.

This all-season comforter is available in 12 fun color options, ranging from more neutral whites to statement pieces like pine green or faded rose. The only downside that we found was there are no corner ties to secure this comforter in a duvet cover in case you want to change your bedding aesthetic between seasons. 

Material: 100 percent down | Sizes: Twin, double/queen, king, California king | Fill Power: 550 | Care: Machine wash

Best Down Alternative

Buffy Breeze Comforter

Amazon

$225

$179

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

  • Durability

    5

    /5

  • Breathability

    5

    /5

  • Value

    5

    /5

What We Like

  • Keeps fill in place well

  • Breathable

  • Provides warmth without overheating

What We Don't Like

  • Did not completely fill matching cover

If a goose or duck down filling just isn’t your thing, that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy fluffy bedding. Our best down alternative comforter, Buffy’s Breeze Comforter, features a soft and light filling made of 95 layers of ultra-fine fibers that stayed in place well during our testing. We saw no clumping when we gave the comforter a good shake.

We also didn’t have to fight this comforter to put it into our testing cover, and sturdy loops in each corner made it easy to secure it. This comforter was comfortable to lie under without being overly light and it was not heavy by any means. Despite its larger baffles, we were impressed that the fill stayed in place well during tossing and turning. 

The comforter’s thicker seams also have allowed it to hold up well over two months at home. We even washed it in a washing machine and were surprised to find it survived and only experienced minor clumping. In terms of warmth, the comforter warmed us up quickly without overheating us, making it a middle-ground comforter that’s still breathable thanks to the Tencel fabric. The comforter weighs 250 grams per square yard, which creates a gentle weight without being heavy like a weighted blanket. We used the matching Breeze Duvet Cover while testing the comforter and were slightly disappointed to see that the comforter did not completely fill the cover. It’s worth mentioning, however, that this is not emblematic of an underfilled comforter; the Breeze kept us warm and comfortable in testing.

Material: Tencel | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Fill Power: Not applicable | Care: Spot clean or dry clean

Best Luxury

Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter

Feathered Friends

$369

Our Ratings

  • Quality

    5

    /5

  • Texture

    5

    /5

  • Durability

    5

    /5

  • Breathability

    5

    /5

  • Value

    4

    /5

What We Like

  • Four weights available

  • Washable

  • Durably made

  • Down stayed in place

What We Don't Like

  • Thicker options may be too warm

This option from Feathered Friends impressed us with its hotel quality feel, the even distribution of the down, no clumping within the filling, and its washability. With a lightweight feel on our bodies, the comforter struck us as a year-round option, keeping us warm without overheating and the Bavarian sewn-through construction keeps the goose down in place.

It is available in four different weight options: summer, light, medium, and arctic. We went with the lighter-weight, summer option, which still offered us a cozy and fluffy feel. We found it to keep us warm without being stifling, and it has an aesthetic appeal that we loved. After six months of testing, it didn’t show any signs of wear and tear. Even after going through multiple washes, it had no snags, tears, or loose threads, all while maintaining the fluff that we loved. The double-stitched, piped edge held up well.

Because we tested the summer version of this comforter and thought it worked well for all seasons, we believe the heavier weights may actually be too hot for warmer sleepers or people who live in warmer climates. However, if you live in a cold climate, the medium or arctic options will certainly keep you warm.   

Material: Goose down, cotton | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Fill Power: 700 | Care: Can be machine washed warm, and dried on low low-medium hea

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.

“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,” she says, adding that down is typically “lighter and bouncier” than alternatives.

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.

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.

With white down and a cotton shell, this comforter is lightweight and comfortable for hot sleepers and cold sleepers alike. After two months of testing in warm and cool temperatures, we think this comforter is suitable for all-season use—it has a medium heft and provides warmth without causing us to overheat. We also appreciated how easy it was to wash, and that there were no clumps, uneven distribution, or sacrificed fluffiness. We also liked how consistent and even the fill seemed to be inside, thanks in part to the box-stitched construction.

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.

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.

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.

The lightweight Casper Down Duvet is suitable for year-round use—whether you’re snuggling during frigid winter or dozing off in summer heat. And while we felt that it was thinner than other down comforters during our initial tests, after six months of regular use we were impressed to find that it maintained a fluffy, snuggly look and feel (without causing us to overheat). The 600-fill down makes it lofty and comforting, while the cotton shell is soft and breathable.

It has an oversized design that might feel too big for some beds.

It keeps its shape and volume even as you make the bed.

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.

We laundered this comforter once during two months of testing and noticed no changes in its quality or texture. No feathers came loose, and no stains, tears, or holes formed. This durability makes us confident that the comforter can outlast ongoing use without any lost quality or loft.

This 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 box construction aids in the fill’s even distribution, and the corner and side tabs will keep it in place when inside a duvet.

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. We tested the all-season variety from fall into winter and can confirm that this comforter lives up to the title.

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.

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—it felt like the perfect amount of weight to hug our body without becoming stuffy. 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.

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.

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. The only other downside we noticed was that it became a bit flat under a weighted blanket , but it was easy to fluff back up to its regular height. Also 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.

The shell material was super soft, lightweight, and stayed cool to the touch during testing, while the fill is soft, full, and always maintained its shape. We found that the comforter didn’t shift around in our duvet cover, so we never woke up to a limp comforter that shifted mid-sleep.

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. We used the all-season comforter for six months and can say confidently that it's the goldilocks of comforters. During winter, we layered blankets on top for an extra cozy feel, and in summer it provided just the right amount of warmth.

Even though the comforter comes at a higher price than many others on our list, the luxury experience that it provides makes it worthwhile, in our opinion. While it’s available in four different weights, ranging from a lightweight option to a heavy option, we recommend the summer or light version for all-season use, unless you’re a very cold sleeper or live in an inclement environment.

After six months of nightly use, this comforter remained just as fluffy and cozy as it was when we first used it. Even after laundering it three times, there were no snags, tears, or loose threads, and it still had its sumptious cloud-like loft.

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.

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.

Despite this slight drawback, the comforter never lost its loft and stayed 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.

After two months of use, we noticed that this comforter trapped heat and felt fairly heavy, making it difficult to shift around at night. While the heft of this comforter might disqualify it from a hot sleeper's bedding rotation, it's the perfect companion for those who sleep cold or live in frigid climates.

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.

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.

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.

This comforter is also very quiet and machine-washable, so you can throw it in the laundry as needed. During two months of real-world testing, we washed this comforter once and were pleased to find that the texture and quality didn’t change, and it dried impressively fast. We also appreciated its chic, undone look, which we think looks stylish even without a duvet cover.

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.

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.

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. 

Once 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.

Finally, we sent out our top-performing down comforters for continued testing in real-world conditions. We added these comforters into our nightly sleeping routine, evaluating their quality and durability over two to six months.

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 Maine. “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 be 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, Spets 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.

Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums. 

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