8 Best Down Alternative Comforters 2024, Tested by Experts

You won't miss real down with these soft and fluffy styles.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When it comes to your bed cover — and bedding in general — down alternative is your best bet if you’re looking to save money or prefer to avoid real down and feather options. Not only are most down alternative comforters animal-free, but they're also often easier to clean with machine-washable care instructions. And the best part is that you don't need to sacrifice quality with this type of affordable and low-maintenance bedding.

In the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab, we review comforters of all kinds to find something for everyone, whether you're a hot sleeper that prefers lightweight or cooling picks, a cold sleeper that needs extra warmth for chilly weather or you fall somewhere in between and need a comforter for year-round use. When evaluating comforters, we look at the overall construction, type of fill, outer fabric and more, and we share them with consumer testers who try them out on their own beds and provide us with real-user feedback. In recent years, we've evaluated more than 50 different comforters and duvet inserts and have reviewed over 400 data points, considering everything from overall comfort to temperature regulating abilities. According to our data, these are the best down alternative comforters to buy for your bed.

Read on to learn more about our top picks with prices listed for Queen size. While you're shopping for new down alternative bedding, check out our recommendations for the best down alternative pillows too.

This luxuriously soft comforter features a unique construction that sets it apart from other duvet inserts we've tried and allows for a full and fluffy cloud-like feel. The unique stitching avoids compressing the layers of the comforter like a traditional box-stitched design would, and the recycled fill (Global Recycling Standard certified) is a web of individual fibers instead of separate clusters to prevent bunching and cold spots. Its outer cover is made of Tencel lyocell, which is a material that is sustainably sourced, super light and isn't crinkly or loud.

Tester notes: There's only one warmth level available, but our testers gave the duvet insert near-perfect scores for helping them to maintain a comfortable temperature while they slept, with one tester sharing, "It’s perfect for summer nights or hot sleepers such as myself. When I got into bed, it almost felt cool, which I loved!" Testers also highlighted the silky smooth material, and one tester emphasized that it was so smooth, it "made [her] almost not want to use a duvet cover!" Know that if you do use a duvet cover, the smooth insert may shift around inside, a problem noted by a few testers.

An Amazon best seller, this duvet insert has racked up more than 125,000 five-star reviews and a 4.5-star average rating. The outer fabric and inner fill are entirely polyester to help keep the cost down, so it may not feel as luxurious or crisp as options with cotton covers, but you can't beat the incredible low price point. There are six options, including plain white and five reversible neutral colors, and there are even some patterns available. It's also offered in eight sizes, so you'll easily be able to find the perfect combination for your bedroom. Plus, it's machine washable in a large-capacity machine for easy maintenance.

Tester notes: The brand says it's made for year-round use without being too warm or too light, and one analyst who considers herself to be a hot sleeper has slept under this comforter and says she doesn't wake up with night sweats when using it. She also has shared it with guests who had no complaints about the temperature and says that it's maintained its fluffy look after years of repeated use. Online reviewers praise the duvet insert for its soft and lightweight feel and say the fill stays in place without major clumping or shedding.

Crane & Canopy's luxurious down alternative comforter is filled with soft and fluffy microfiber and encased in a super smooth long-staple cotton cover. We were impressed by the quality baffle box construction that helps keep the fill evenly distributed, preventing cold spots and clumping. If you're a hot sleeper or don't like the feel of a heavy cover weighing you down at night, the brand offers a "super lightweight" option with less fill for a cooler, more comfortable feel. But you can also opt for one of the other two fill options: "lightweight" or "all-year."

Tester notes: A tester who tried the "super lightweight" comforter shared that despite being so light, it feels warm and cozy at night, yet she avoids waking up in night sweats. The cover received near-perfect scores from testers for overall comfort, with comments like, "It felt very fancy and luxurious," and "It was soft — almost silky." Some testers noted that the outer material felt a bit crinkly and made some noise when they tossed and turned at night, but you can always add a duvet cover to muffle some of the sound. According to testers, the fill stays securely inside the cover without shedding or poking out too.

For an ultra full and fluffy appearance, this comforter from Pottery Barn features tufted construction that impressed us in Textiles Lab evaluations. It utilizes less stitching than a traditional box-stitched design, resulting in a loftier look and cloud-like feel. We love that the comforter uses 40% recycled polyester fill and is produced in a Fair Trade Certified facility, which ensures safe and ethical labor practices. You can choose from four neutral color options, but there are only two sizes available: Full/Queen and King/California King.

Tester notes: Pottery Barn's Dream comforter is covered in a brushed cotton material that the brand describes as "buttery soft." Our testers agree: They unanimously gave this comforter perfect ratings for overall comfort, with one sharing that the "comfy and soft" comforter has a luxurious feel similar to hotel bedding. Testers also rated it highly for maintaining a comfortable temperature throughout the night without causing them to overheat, and on top of that, all of our respondents said that they would continue to use the comforter on their own outside of testing.

Filled with a blend of Tencel lyocell (a regenerated cellulosic fiber derived from wood pulp) and recycled polyester, this comforter from The Company Store is a sustainable option that's loved by testers and GH analysts alike. The comforter isn't too heavy and warm nor too thin and light, making it an ideal pick for year-round use. Plus, it's covered in a Tencel and cotton blend material that's soft and smooth, and we were wowed by the quality construction.

Tester notes: With a perfect score for overall comfort, this comforter earned praise from testers who loved the cozy material and lofty look. A tester said, "I wish I had used it sooner in my life. It is a pleasure to sleep under." After washing the comforter several times, one tester was impressed by how well it held up in the laundry and emphasized that the fill didn't clump or shift. While you don't need a duvet cover, some testers who opted to use one expressed difficulty with keeping the comforter secure inside a cover, explaining that the comforter was a bit bulky and would slide out of the bottom or bunch at the edges.

If you're worried about overheating and night sweats, this cooling comforter utilizes Outlast technology for a temperature-regulating fill that stores and releases body heat to keep you comfortable all night. Besides the cooling features, our analysts also appreciate the comforter's luxe cotton outer fabric, easy machine-washable care and the generous 60-day trial period — you can test it out for 60 days before committing and will receive a full refund if you don't love it. You can also pair it with the brand's top-tested mattress pad and performance sheets for the ultimate icy feel at bedtime.

Tester notes: Testers loved sleeping under this comforter, with one saying, "What ISN'T to like about this comforter? Holy moly, it is AMAZING." This tester went on to share that she didn't overheat at all when sleeping under the comforter, and another tester agreed, saying that it has "just the right amount of fluff for hot summer nights." The outer cover has a silky feel, which testers loved, but some said it caused the comforter to slip off of their beds and needed regular readjusting.

Most quality down alternative comforters are priced at around $100, with some stretching into the $200 range, but this pick from StyleWell at The Home Depot is less than $60. You can choose between "light warmth" and "medium warmth" options. We suggest choosing medium if you're a cold sleeper who prefers a cozier comforter and light if you're a self-identifying sweaty sleeper. We're impressed that unlike other affordable comforters that typically use a synthetic polyester cover, this one is covered in a 100% cotton shell for a more natural, breathable feel.

Tester notes: Consumer testers gave this comforter high comfort ratings and said that although it's filled with polyester, the comforter doesn't sleep hot. One tester who tried the medium option even said that she reached for extra blankets when the temperature dropped because the comforter was a little thin. Testers appreciated the cotton cover as well, describing it as smooth. Although our testers didn't have major complaints, some online reviewers did mention uneven fill and noticed that some parts of the comforter felt fluffy and full, while others were flatter.

Available in three different weights including the cozy "ultra-warm" option, this down alternative comforter from Brooklinen is ideal for those who prefer a heavier, extra snuggly cover. Recycled polyester microfiber fill lends the comforter a fluffy look and feel, and the outer shell is made with a smooth 100% cotton sateen fabric. The comforter is the priciest of our picks, but if you do decide to splurge, the brand offers a 365-day return policy (for a $9.95 fee), so you're able to try it out before deciding if it's the right comforter for you.

Tester notes: Testers told us they loved how cozy it felt and how the cover is both soft and quiet — i.e. it doesn't make crinkly noises when you move around at night, and they felt warm but didn't overheat under the comforter. There are four corner loops that testers say were easy to attach to a cover, and the brand recommends spot cleaning or dry cleaning the comforter, so we recommend using a cover as an added layer of protection from spills and stains. In addition, testers highlighted that the comforter stayed securely in place without shifting around inside the cover or needing adjusting. Just note that although it features baffle box construction, which is meant to keep the fill separated to prevent clumping and cold spots, some testers said the fill became slightly uneven after use.

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we use specialized equipment to test comforters in the Lab and also share products with consumer testers who try the comforters out and provide us with real-user feedback. Here are some of the characteristics we consider when evaluating down alternative comforters:

Every sleeper is different, and there are tons of popular comforters on the market to choose from with different weights, materials and sizes, so picking the perfect one can be tricky. Here's what to consider when you're shopping:

✔️ Fill material: Most down alternative fill is synthetic polyester, which is affordable and durable but can be a bit warm. There are some newer constructions that allow the polyester to feel more breathable, though. Another fill option that's becoming more popular is Tencel lyocell, a regenerated cellulosic fiber that's made from wood pulp. It's lightweight and is sometimes used in comforters to help with temperature regulation.

You'll see some fills described as clusters, which means they mimic the soft and fluffy feel of real down. Other fills are a web of fibers, which helps prevent the clumping or shifting that you may experience with traditional clusters.

✔️ Outer fabric: When it comes to the outer material or shell, cotton fabric is most popular because it's soft yet crisp, and it's breathable. Polyester outer fabric is typically more affordable and can feel buttery soft, but it won't have that same natural and luxurious feel as cotton. Tencel covers are silky smooth and can feel cool to the touch.

✔️ Construction: This helps indicate how evenly the fill will stay distributed inside the cover. The two most common methods of construction for comforters are box stitch and baffle box. Box stitching is more popular; thread is stitched through the outer shell and the inner fill to keep the fibers in place. Baffle box construction is more complex with small pieces of fabric inside of the cover that act as barriers to separate the fill and keep it in place without clumping or shifting.

✔️ Weight: Down alternative warmth is usually specified by its fill weight, rather than fill power like with a down comforter. Opt for lightweight if you're a hot sleeper or in a warmer climate, heavy or ultra-warm for colder temperatures and all-season or mid-weight for something in between that you can comfortably use year-round.

✔️ Corner loops: While you don't need to use a duvet cover with your comforter, most comforters feature four corner loops so that you can easily tie the comforter to a cover.

✔️ Return policy: The best way to know whether a comforter is a good fit is by actually sleeping with it and trying it out for yourself. Especially important when you're shopping online, free trial periods with any-reason returns or exchanges allow you to test out the comforter before committing.

Down comforters aren't better than down alternative comforters, but they are different. Depending on your personal preferences, you may prefer down over down alternative or vice versa.

✔️ Down: Down comes from ducks and geese, and it offers superior insulation because its clusters are great at trapping in heat. People often confuse down with feathers, but they’re not the same thing — the down is actually underneath the feathers on the bird and looks more like a fluffy ball, which allows down comforters to feel plush rather than stiff. Certifications like the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) ensures that the down is collected from animals are not live-plucked or force-fed.

✔️ Down alternative: Down alternative is usually a synthetic fiber-like polyester, and it’s often less expensive and easier to clean than real down. It’s also ideal for people with allergies to down. While it may not be as luxurious as real down, you can still get warmth and a fluffy feel from down alternative comforters.

We always recommend reviewing the brand's specific care instructions to ensure your down alternative comforter stays in tip-top shape. This information can typically be found on the attached care label or in the online product description.

Most down alternative comforters are easy to care for and can be machine washed and tumble dried, but there are some that require more delicate care. If your comforter is washer-safe, check to make sure your washing machine is large enough to fit the comforter with some room to spare for proper cleaning. Some comforters require a large-capacity or industrial machine.

The GH Cleaning Lab offers some helpful tips for washing your comforter. If your comforter is stained, they suggest pre-treating the stains before washing and ensuring the stains have lifted before drying. For dryer-safe comforters, the Cleaning Lab recommends adding wool dryer balls to help your comforter maintain its fullness. They also suggest removing the comforter from the dryer throughout the cycle to shake and turn the comforter around, which can help to ensure it dries evenly.

Lexie Sachs is the executive director of the Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute, where she oversees testing for all bedding, including comforters. She has been actively evaluating comforters since joining Good Housekeeping in 2013. She has rigorously tested dozens of comforters and duvet inserts over the years and combined her testing results, consumer tester feedback and her expert input when making her picks for the best down alternative comforters.

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst. She has tested and reviewed bedding products including sheets, duvet inserts, mattress protectors, mattress toppers, duvet covers and more. Amanda used her categorical expertise and worked with executive director Lexie Sachs when making updates for this article.

Lexie Sachs (she/her) is the executive director of strategy and operations at the Good Housekeeping Institute and a lead reviewer of products in the bedding, travel, lifestyle, home furnishings and apparel spaces. She has over 15 years of experience in the consumer products industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University. Lexie serves as an expert source both within Good Housekeeping and other media outlets, regularly appearing on national broadcast TV segments. Prior to joining GH in 2013, Lexie worked in merchandising and product development in the fashion and home industries.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.

4 Prime Day Mattress Deals Actually Worth Shopping

The Best Sheets

10 Best Pillows on Amazon 2024

The Best Comforters on Amazon

The Best Organic Sheets

The Best Heated Mattress Pads

Are Brooklinen Sheets Worth It?

The Best Hotel-Style Sheets

The Best Cotton Sheets

The Softest Sheets

The Best Latex Pillows

The Best Electric Blankets