Having the right comforter on your bed can make or break your sleep, determining whether you sleep like a baby or fight the covers because you’re too hot or too cold. A down-alternative comforter can keep you at a comfortable temperature and mimics that light, fluffy feel of real down. It can also help reduce allergen build-up, and many are machine-washable for added convenience. Our pick for the best down-alternative comforter is the Brooklinen Down-Alternative Comforter, which is a standout option featuring a soft, sustainable construction with three weight choices to fit various needs.
The best down-alternative comforters provide feather-free warmth and can also help alleviate some … [+] types of allergies.
Illustration: Forbes / Photos: Retailers
The terms “comforter” and “duvet insert” technically describe two different products, however, in most instances they can be used interchangeably. The main difference is that duvet inserts have loops in the corners to attach with ties to the inside of a duvet cover, which protects it from stains and reduces the need to wash the duvet insert as often. Typically, comforters have been designed to be used on their own, so they don’t come with loops. But these days, many comforters are made with loops in the corners to work with a duvet cover. Below, find our top picks for the best down-alternative comforters for the coziest sleep.
Material: 100% cotton sateen shell, recycled fiber fill |Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Density: Lightweight, all-season or ultra-warm |Care: Spot cleaning recommended for small stains; otherwise, dry clean only
Pros:
Comes in three different weights
Has loops to attach to duvet
Eco-conscious and made with sustainable materials
Cons:
Dry clean only
Sateen can easily look wrinkled
Brooklinen is the gold standard in the direct-to-consumer linens game. It’s known for producing responsibly manufactured textiles of exceptional quality for reasonable prices and providing standout customer service if you need to return anything. Believe it or not, the fill is made from recycled plastic bottles, but rest assured: These down-alternative comforters are some of the softest versions out there.
What our editors say: “The Brooklinen Down-Alternative Comforter has a really solid blend of fluffiness and coziness,” says senior sleep editor Bridget Chapman. “I have it in the all-season weight and haven’t felt the need to swap it out with something different as the weather changes—which is great, since sometimes I feel like my sleep body temperature is all over the place. It’s also pretty lightweight overall, so you can move around with ease at night.”
Material: 100% cotton shell, cotton and Tencel fiber fill |Sizes: Queen and king |Density: All-season |Care: Dry clean only
Pros:
Helps regulate temperature
Has duvet loops
Baffle-box construction
Cons:
The FluffCo Down-Alternative Comforter is an all-season option that’s made with a cotton-and-Tencel filling. It’s perfect for keeping you at the right temperature all year long, and customers rave about its ability to help regulate temperature. The baffle-box construction within the comforter helps the fill stay in place and prevents it from bunching up at the bottom or sides. Each corner has a loop for a duvet cover and you can grab a queen size for less than $150 when it’s on sale.
What our editors and the reviews say: Francesca Sales, an updates writer at Forbes Vetted, says, “I used a regular down comforter with my partner before the FluffCo Down-Alternative Comforter. While I didn’t mind the former in the winter, I like that this one is truly temperature regulating, so I don’t get too hot or too cold in it. It’s also incredibly fluffy and lighter-weight than a down one, so I love snuggling in it while reading a book or watching TV in bed. It also doesn’t bunch up like my old comforter.”One reviewer says, “Keeps me warm and cool if I need to be. I usually just keep one leg out of the blanket, and it’s perfect.” Another shopper praises it, saying, “So soft and warm, just the right temp. Temperature regulating. Highly recommend.”
Some reviewers don’t think it’s substantial enough
The Company Store has an excellent reputation for all things bedding. Made with an exclusive recycled polyester fill that’s designed to imitate the feel of actual down, the brand’s ultra warm down-alternative comforter option is made for “I run cold all the time” sleepers. Four warmth levels make it easy to find an option that suits the temperature in your bedroom: light (69 to 74 degrees), medium (65 to 69 degrees), extra-warm (62 to 65 degrees) and ultra-warm (62 degrees or colder).
What the reviews say: “We love this down-alternative duvet for our bed,” writes one reviewer. “It’s not too heavy and provides the right level of warmth (which is great, as my husband tends to sleep hot, and I tend to sleep cool).” Another says, “I needed to replace my comforter and decided to spend a little more money and purchase this one. It is worth the money and keeps you warm without being real heavy. It is perfect.”
Material: 100% polyester, polyester fill |Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king |Density: All-season |Care: Machine wash on cold
Pros:
Budget-friendly option
Available in two different quilting patterns
Oeko-Tex certified
Cons:
Only available in one warmth level
Puredown makes both down and down-alternative bedding at accessible prices. The brand has succeeded with this all-season comforter that’s under $100—perfect for anyone trying to stay on a budget. It’s constructed of 100% polyester fill wrapped in a 100% polyester cover for ultimate coziness. Plus, it’s machine washable on cold and available in two different quilting patterns. It’s also Standard 100 Oeko-Tex certified, indicating a high level of safety.
What the reviews say: “It is warm and cozy, no problem with allergies and overall a great comforter. I highly recommend this product.,” says one reviewer. Another writes, “I am very pleased with this comforter. It is well-made and looks good. It’s the perfect weight for coastal North Carolina fall and winter.”
Amazon
Sijo Clima Tech TempTune All Season Comforter (Full/Queen)
Material: Tencel lyocell fiber and mica nylon shell, Tencel lyocell and recycled polyester fill |Sizes: Full/queen, king/California king |Density: All-season |Care: Dry clean
Pros:
Temperature regulating
Hidden snaps and ties for a tidy finish
Cons:
Sijo’s down-alternative comforter is made with a patented blend of fibers that absorbs and distributes body heat to maintain a comfortable sleeping temperature. That means it’s cooling when you’re too warm and warming when you’re cold, making it ideal for year-round use. Interior snaps and ties keep this comforter secure if you’re using it with a duvet cover. The brand’s TempTune collection has FSC and Oeko-Tex certifications, so it’s also an eco-friendly pick. One drawback—the brand recommends dry cleaning.
What the reviews say: “This blanket is light, not heavy, but it keeps me so warm,” writes one reviewer. “The blanket is just right—warm but not too hot. My partner and I are both warm bodies when we sleep, but we didn’t sweat under this cover.” Another says, “I am typically a hot sleeper, and this is the perfect weight duvet for all seasons. The area I am in recently had the coldest day on record, and this duvet still kept me warm during the cold nights.”
Material: 100% cotton sateen cover, microfiber fill |Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king/California king |Density: Lightweight, all-season, ultra warm | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, tumble dry
Pros:
Available in three different weights
Outer cover material is soft cotton sateen fabric
Machine washable
Cons:
Some reviewers say it’s very warm
The Quince Premium Down-Alternative Comforter is filled with hypoallergenic microfiber that mimics luxurious down fill. The baffle-box construction keeps the fill from shifting, and it’s available in three weights—lightweight, all-season and ultra warm—so you stay comfortable whether you sleep hot or cold. We like that the shell is 100% cotton sateen so the fabric is breathable and soft. If you want to use this as a duvet insert, it has four corner loops to keep a cover in place. One thing to note: You may want to go down a warmth level since some reviewers commented it’s very warm.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review says, “This is exactly the comforter I was hoping for. It’s lightweight, but quality material. I appreciate the loops at the corners to attach the duvet cover.” Another writes, “We are so happy with the comforter. It’s a perfect weight without being too hot (or cold) and still feels soft and cozy. Purchased this along with the linen duvet. The comforter fills out the duvet without leaving the annoying side gaps that are all fabric and no comforter.”
Material: 100% cotton sateen shell, microfiber fill |Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king |Density: Lightweight, all-season |Care: Dry clean or machine wash on delicate cycle with mild liquid detergent, tumble dry low
Pros:
Available in two warmth levels
Oeko-Tex certified
Cons:
Some reviewers find it’s too insulating
Parachute is our go-to for luxe bedding that channels a minimalist vibe. An all-season warmth option is also available, but we particularly love that Parachute’s lightweight down-alternative comforter doesn’t skimp on coziness. It’s filled with fine microfiber that mimics the insulation and fluffiness of down, and it’s Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified—meaning it’s passed a third-party evaluation to show that it’s free from harmful substances.
What the reviews say: One 5-star review says it’s “light and fluffy and [makes me] feel like I’m at a luxury hotel.” Another writes, “I was really torn between the lightweight and all-weather. I went with the lightweight and am really pleased. Our bedroom is cold, but we both sleep warm and we found this to be perfect for both of us. It’s a cozy cover but still breathable. It’s surprisingly lofty for a lightweight duvet, so it looks nice and plush on top of our bed.”
Material: Tencel eucalyptus shell, recycled PET fill | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Density: All-season | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle, hang dry recommended
Pros:
Eco-friendly materials
Cool-to-the-touch fabric
Cons:
The hottest sleepers may find this comforter warm
Buffy’s Cloud Comforter is particularly cooling thanks to a Tencel cover, which has a cool-to-the-touch feel and wicks sweat away faster than many other types of materials. It’s also sustainably produced using fibers derived from eucalyptus. The filling is just as eco-friendly, thanks to recycled fibers made from BPA-free plastic bottles. Its fluffy and lightweight qualities have earned it an impressive rating of 4.8 out of five stars from over 23,000 reviews on Buffy’s website.
What the reviews say: “So soft and cozy. Seems to be a good balance of loft and coziness, without feeling too warm for me. I’m happy I tried this one,” writes one reviewer. Another says, “I’ve always struggled finding the right comforter that doesn’t overheat me at night. This is perfect. Plus, it’s quiet and works so perfectly with my linen duvet cover. [I] love it.”
Material: 100% organic cotton shell, Climate Beneficial cotton fill |Sizes: Full/queen, king |Density: Medium-weight |Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
Pros:
Sustainably made with organic cotton
All-natural and vegan materials
Hand-me-down quality
Cons:
Coyuchi makes some of the most sustainable bedding on the market, and this exceptional blanket illustrates the company’s commitment to making exceptional organic and ethical products. Instead of a synthetic filling, this all-natural duvet insert is filled with cotton batting and covered with a certified-organic cotton shell. The fibers used in the fill are grown in California and are Climate Beneficial, a designation that means the farms are helping to sequester carbon—a necessary step toward slowing climate change. We love that it’s made in the U.S. and tufted by hand. The undyed fabric is the natural color of the cotton fibers, and loops in the corners allow you to secure it a duvet cover.
What the reviews say: “I wanted to have something made in America, something pure and without chemicals,” says one reviewer. “This duvet insert fits the requirements, and it is just awesome.” Another writes, “So far we love this insert. It’s a perfect weight and not too hot or cold.”
Amazon
Layla Down-Alternative Comforter (Full/Queen)
Material: 100% cotton shell, 100% down-alternative “Cluster Loft” fill | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, and king/California king | Density: Lightweight |Care: Machine wash cold, tumble dry on low
Pros:
Oeko-Tex certified
Light, fluffy and breathable
Cons:
Only one weight available
Designed to be used in all seasons, this down-alternative comforter has a nice weight that’s not too heavy and not too light. The cotton shell is soft and breathable, while the “Cluster Loft” fill mimics the characteristics of down, from fill power to the light, fluffy feel. The stylish hexagonal stitching keeps the fill from shifting and bunching, and it has corner loops if you want to use it with a duvet cover. It also holds up to washes well, according to reviewers. It’s Standard 100 Oeko-Tex certified, too.
What our editors say: Forbes Vetted sleep editor McKenzie Dillon owns the Layla. “With how soft, fluffy and inviting the Layla Down-Alternative Comforter is, you’d think its price tag is well over $250,” she says. “But its ‘Cluster Loft’ fill is a more affordable, animal-friendly substitute that feels exactly like real down. I keep the comforter in my spare bedroom, which gives the mattress a luxuriously comfortable look and feel that gets compliments from almost every overnight guest who stays.”
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted team members who have helped write, edit and update this list have extensive experience covering mattresses and bedding. From down comforters and duvet covers to our ever-popular best mattresses guide, we’ve researched and tested our way through dozens of sleep stories.
A coauthor of this story, Rachel Klein, is a commerce editor and writer specializing in the home and shelter space. She’s covered Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales for Forbes Vetted, as well as shopping topics such as Amazon furniture and womens slippers.
The other coauthor, Arricca SanSone, has been testing home and garden products for more than a decade and has written pillow reviews, mattress reviews and covered a sanity-saving blanket for Forbes Vetted. Some of her other bylines are MSN, Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Good Housekeeping.
This story was assigned and overseen by mattress and sleep editors Bridget Chapman and McKenzie Dillon. Both are certified sleep science coaches with extensive sleep product testing experience.
We interviewed Jay Carr, founder of Yorkshire Fabric Shop, to share their knowledge on fabrics and down-alternative comforters.
To ensure accuracy and continued quality, we review the recommendations in this story regularly. It was last updated in August 2024 by Jamie Ueda, a Forbes Vetted contributor who has tested dozens of bedding products. We added the Quince Premium Down-Alternative comforter and FluffCo’s Down-Alternative Comforter. We also added thread count to the shopping guide, explained the pros and cons of down alternatives and answered additional FAQs.
How We Chose The Best Down-Alternative Comforters
To find the very best down-alternative comforters, we began by researching top brands and polling members of the Forbes Vetted team for recommendations.
After eliminating products with less-than-stellar ratings, we focused on the materials being used for both the shell and the fill, making note of options that are durable and comfortable.
We made a point of including a variety of density options and prioritized down-alternative comforters and duvet inserts that are easy to clean.
We included options that have been personally tested by Forbes Vetted editors, who endorse their quality.
The final selections are from reputable companies, made with quality materials and cater to a variety of sleep needs and budgets. We only included options that received at least 4-star ratings.
What To Look For In A Down-Alternative Comforter
Material quality, weight and ease of care are some of the important factors to consider when you’re shopping for a down-alternative comforter. Here’s what to keep in mind.
Shell Material
The material of the shell, or the outer layer, is just as important as the fill. Cotton is a great option because it’s breathable and long-lasting, but polyester is also common and both versatile and durable. You may also see shell materials derived from bamboo or eucalyptus.
Thread Count
The material’s thread count can matter, but it’s not as critical for down-alternative comforters. Jay Carr, founder of Yorkshire Fabric Shop, explains, “Thread count doesn’t matter as much for linen and microfiber coverings, so you can safely ignore it.” While thread count is more relevant for materials like cotton, it is still secondary to the quality of the fill.
Also, lower thread counts provide better airflow, while higher thread counts reduce breathability but may feel more luxurious since the fabric is thicker. Thread count isn’t as common to list when it comes to the cover material of a down-alternative comforter, but if it is and you tend to sleep hot, aim for a thread count of around 300. If you prefer a warmer comforter, look for a thread count of 400 or higher.
Fill Material
Pay close attention to the fill material, which can really change the way your down-alternative comforter feels. There are two main types of fill available for down-alternative comforters: synthetic or natural.
Synthetic fills are typically made with:
Polyester: A popular, versatile option that can be insulating and hypoallergenic.
Microfiber: Lightweight synthetic fiber that’s best for warmer sleepers.
Primaloft: An insulating synthetic poly fiber that is moisture-wicking and helps trap heat and provide warmth.
Natural fills typically include:
Cotton: Soft, versatile and breathable, this is a more lightweight option.
Silk: Lightweight and luxurious, but not as insulating.
Wool: Temperature regulating with natural insulation and a heavier feel.
Choose a down-alternative comforter made with the fill that fits your needs. For example, if you want something lightweight because you’re a hot sleeper, opt for microfiber or cotton. If you’re looking for something weightier, Primaloft or wool is a better choice.
Weight
Down-alternative comforters can vary in heaviness, and many brands offer their comforter in a variety of weights. Lightweight comforters are better for the summer, hot climates or hot sleepers. Medium or all-season comforters are a good middle ground and meant for use at any time of year. For extra coziness, there are heavy or plush comforters that add extra warmth.
Care
Down-alternative comforters can either be machine washable or dry clean only. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance option that is easy to throw in the wash when it needs to be cleaned, machine washable is the way to go. If you want to avoid dry clean only options, double check the care instructions before purchasing.
Cover
Although comforters and duvet inserts can be used alone, a duvet cover adds a layer of protection and is far easier to clean. Duvet covers come in a variety of materials, including cotton, linen and polyester.
Cotton is a popular duvet cover material. Because it can be manufactured with different weaves, the finished cover can offer a range of features. For a crisp, breathable finish, look for a percale duvet cover. If you prefer a smooth, buttery hand feel with more heft, sateen is a better option.
Linen is made from flax, which makes it extremely breathable, but not as smooth as cotton. However, linen duvet covers soften with time and washing. For hot sleepers, cotton and linen are preferred.
Polyester or microfiber are washable fabrics, which is a nice bonus. They also tend to be more affordable if you’re looking for a duvet cover with a low price tag. Some people find both materials sleep hot, and longevity can also be an issue because these materials are prone to pilling.
Pros and Cons Of Down-Alternative Materials
Pros:
More affordable than down
Often hypoallergenic
Easier to care for since many are machine washable
Do not involve animal products
Cons:
Not as lightweight as down
Do not feel as fluffy and plush as down
Made with synthetic materials
Down Alternative Vs. Down Comforter
Down is the fluffy coating beneath the feathers of waterfowl like ducks and geese, and it’s been used as a bedding fill for centuries thanks to its insulating properties and airy weight. Unlike feathers, which retain a quill shaft, down is a three dimensional cluster made of fluffy filaments.
Down-alternative comforters, however, are filled with hypoallergenic synthetic fill that mimics the properties of down. Synthetic fill may be made from polyester, microfiber or cotton, which makes it less expensive than down and machine washable (many real down comforters must be spot cleaned or dry cleaned). On the downside, synthetic fibers often aren’t as fluffy or lightweight as down, and they may not be as breathable. In time, some down-alternative comforters and duvet inserts can become matted or lumpy.
If you do choose down, look for certifications from the International Down Standard (IDS) or Responsible Down Standard (RDS) to ensure it’s ethically sourced from responsible farms that respect the welfare of ducks and geese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Closest Thing To A Down Comforter?
Many down-alternative comforters are designed so that the fill mimics down and is the closest thing to a down comforter. These products typically consist of ultra fine, fluffy polyester fibers, which can hold up to machine washing and are durable. Some are even made from recycled water bottles, which makes them more eco-friendly as well.
What Is A Luxury Down-Alternative Comforter?
A luxury down-alternative comforter uses high-quality fill which is designed to replicate the lightweight yet insulating property of down. In addition, it uses fabric for the outer cover that is soft and breathable. A luxury down-alternative comforter also has excellent and high-quality construction, such as baffle box stitching to keep the fill in place and prevent it from shifting to one side. It should also have details like corner loops for a duvet cover if needed.
Is A Down Comforter Or A Down-Alternative Better?
It really comes down to personal preference. Both offer a coziness factor to your bed, but down may not be washable, whereas most down alternatives are machine washable and don’t require a trip to the dry cleaner. If you have allergies that require you to wash bedding regularly, a down alternative may be the better choice.
Cost is another factor. Whether you’re buying a pillow or comforter, down tends to be significantly higher in price than down alternatives—sometimes as much as two to three times more than synthetic fill products.
