The 10 Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts We Tested for Any Type of Sleeper

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

When it comes to getting a good night’s sleep, your comforter or duvet insert is a critical part of the equation.

So, what makes a high-quality comforter? Sleep expert and board-certified behavior analystNicole Shallow, M.Ed., recommends looking for “something that will absorb body heat without causing you to get too warm.” She says down and feather duvet inserts are the most popular. We also found options with natural fill, along with some more affordable materials that felt just as cozy.

The Best Right NowOur best pick overall also happens to be one of the most affordable options on our list. TheUtopia Down Alternative Comforteris less than $40 at Amazon and is super soft and breathable.

The Best Right Now

Our best pick overall also happens to be one of the most affordable options on our list. TheUtopia Down Alternative Comforteris less than $40 at Amazon and is super soft and breathable.

We tried out nearly 40 comforters and inserts to find the softest and most breathable designs. Keep scrolling for the best comforters PEOPLE tested.

Best Overall:Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon$27Jump to Review

Best Overall:Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon$27

Best Overall:

Best Overall (Almost):Buffy Breeze Comforter at Amazon$225Jump to Review

Best Overall (Almost):Buffy Breeze Comforter at Amazon$225

Best Overall (Almost):

Best Budget:Bedsure Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon$46Jump to Review

Best Budget:Bedsure Down Alternative Comforter at Amazon$46

Best Budget:

Best for Hot Sleepers:The Company Store Cool Zzz Premium Comforter at The Company StoreJump to Review

Best for Hot Sleepers:The Company Store Cool Zzz Premium Comforter at The Company Store

Best for Hot Sleepers:

Best Down:Casaluna Premium Down Comforter at Target$129Jump to Review

Best Down:Casaluna Premium Down Comforter at Target$129

Best Down:

Best Down Alternative:

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper):Threshold Down Alternative Comforter at Target$39Jump to Review

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper):Threshold Down Alternative Comforter at Target$39

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper):

Best Bamboo:Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter at Nordstrom$416Jump to Review

Best Bamboo:Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter at Nordstrom$416

Best Bamboo:

Warmest for Winter:Parachute Organic Cozy Cotton Comforter at Parachute$202Jump to Review

Warmest for Winter:Parachute Organic Cozy Cotton Comforter at Parachute$202

Warmest for Winter:

Best All-Season :Tekamon Queen Comforter at Amazon$40Jump to Review

Best All-Season :Tekamon Queen Comforter at Amazon$40

Best All-Season :

Best OverallUtopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$27$25 at Amazon$18 at WalmartView on Utopiadeals.comStar QualitiesMicrofiber feels super soft to the touchExcellent breathability kept us sweat-free all nightExcellent value for a high-quality comforterRed FlagsMay not regulate temperature as well as natural downAfter sleeping under almost 40 comforters and duvet inserts, the Utopia down alternative comforter was our favorite. It felt light and smooth right out of the packaging, and we found it pleasantly lightweight with excellent breathability. It’s filled with siliconized hollow fibers as a down alternative. Sourced from recycled plastic, the material mimics not only the loftiness of real down but also the insulation.The comforter has box stitching to prevent the fill from bunching up or shifting around. Since this comforter comes in several colors, you don’t necessarily need a duvet cover; however, it has handy tabs to secure the corners if you do go that route.The comforter is also machine-washable and dryer-friendly, though you still may want to usewool dryer ballsto shorten the tumbling time. Plus, the coffee we spilled during our tests came out with minimal effort. The quality and performance of this one really impressed us, especially considering the very reasonable price.Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Fill Material:Siliconized hollow fiber |Shell Material:MicrofiberPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best OverallUtopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$27$25 at Amazon$18 at WalmartView on Utopiadeals.com

Best OverallUtopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter

Best Overall

Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter

PHOTO: Amazon

$27$25 at Amazon$18 at WalmartView on Utopiadeals.com

Star QualitiesMicrofiber feels super soft to the touchExcellent breathability kept us sweat-free all nightExcellent value for a high-quality comforterRed FlagsMay not regulate temperature as well as natural down

Star QualitiesMicrofiber feels super soft to the touchExcellent breathability kept us sweat-free all nightExcellent value for a high-quality comforter

Microfiber feels super soft to the touch

Excellent breathability kept us sweat-free all night

Excellent value for a high-quality comforter

Red FlagsMay not regulate temperature as well as natural down

May not regulate temperature as well as natural down

After sleeping under almost 40 comforters and duvet inserts, the Utopia down alternative comforter was our favorite. It felt light and smooth right out of the packaging, and we found it pleasantly lightweight with excellent breathability. It’s filled with siliconized hollow fibers as a down alternative. Sourced from recycled plastic, the material mimics not only the loftiness of real down but also the insulation.

The comforter has box stitching to prevent the fill from bunching up or shifting around. Since this comforter comes in several colors, you don’t necessarily need a duvet cover; however, it has handy tabs to secure the corners if you do go that route.

The comforter is also machine-washable and dryer-friendly, though you still may want to usewool dryer ballsto shorten the tumbling time. Plus, the coffee we spilled during our tests came out with minimal effort. The quality and performance of this one really impressed us, especially considering the very reasonable price.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king |Fill Material:Siliconized hollow fiber |Shell Material:Microfiber

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best Overall (Almost)Buffy Breeze ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$225 at Amazon$199 at NordstromView on Buffy

Best Overall (Almost)Buffy Breeze Comforter

Best Overall (Almost)

Buffy Breeze Comforter

$225 at Amazon$199 at NordstromView on Buffy

Well-made with even stitching and uniform fill

Lightweight yet warm and comfortable

Red FlagsInexact sizes create bagginess with duvet cover

Inexact sizes create bagginess with duvet cover

The Buffy Breeze comforter is clearly a well-made, high-quality bit of bedding. It has even stitching, reinforced seams, and uniform fill without any clumps. The sturdy corner loops meant getting a duvet cover on was no problem. (Note that since the sizes are inexact, there was some loose fabric from the cover.)

With a eucalyptus-derived lyocell shell and lyocell fiber fill, this comforter has a smooth texture and a lightweight — but not too light — feel. We loved how it was virtually silent when we moved around at night. It loses points for convenience because dry cleaning is recommended but you shouldn’t need to wash it very often if you use a duvet cover.

The only reason the Breeze comforter didn’t win our top pick is due to its steeper price. For the record, though, we think it’s worth every penny.

Sizes:Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Tencel lyocell fibers |Shell Material:Tencel lyocell

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BudgetBedsure Down Alternative ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$46$43 at Amazon$18 at Walmart

Best BudgetBedsure Down Alternative Comforter

Best Budget

Bedsure Down Alternative Comforter

$46$43 at Amazon$18 at Walmart

Star QualitiesBreathable and cool to the touchGood shape retention with minimal shifting during testingDoesn’t need duvet coverRed FlagsSomewhat thin with a low loftSlight plastic smell upon unboxing

Star QualitiesBreathable and cool to the touchGood shape retention with minimal shifting during testingDoesn’t need duvet cover

Breathable and cool to the touch

Good shape retention with minimal shifting during testing

Doesn’t need duvet cover

Red FlagsSomewhat thin with a low loftSlight plastic smell upon unboxing

Somewhat thin with a low loft

Slight plastic smell upon unboxing

The Bedsure duvet insert is a solid choice if you don’t want to spend much. Though the low-loft design is somewhat thin, the baffle-box construction helps it maintain its shape while keeping the fill in place. This lightweight comforter is cool to the touch and surprisingly breathable for being 100 percent polyester. It carried a very slight odor of plastic upon unboxing, but it wasn’t unpleasant and dissipated over time.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Polyester

Best for Hot SleepersThe Company Store Cool Zzz Premium ComforterPHOTO: The Company StoreView on The Company Store$278$209 at Home DepotStar QualitiesKeeps sleepers consistently coolPhase-change material absorbs and releases heatFill doesn’t clump, poke, or feel scratchyRed FlagsNot as lofty as real downHigher-than-average priceIf you run hot or are prone to night sweats, The Company Store’s Cool Zzz comforter is your best bet. It’s cool to the touch and delivered consistent cooling coverage during our tests and prevented us from overheating even when it was 95 degrees outside. The secret is phase-change material (PCM), a performance fabric that absorbs energy (heat) from your body and releases it into the air.Though the polyfill isn’t as lofty as natural down, we liked that it didn’t clump up or poke through the fabric. And the thinner design was nice in that we never felt smothered. Each morning, we woke up still covered, having never kicked it off from getting too hot.The main drawback is the higher cost. But after seeing how cool (but never cold) and comfortable it kept us, we’d definitely pay full price for this comforter.Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Recycled poly fiber |Shell Material:Cotton percale, phase-change materialPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli Bender

Best for Hot SleepersThe Company Store Cool Zzz Premium ComforterPHOTO: The Company StoreView on The Company Store$278$209 at Home Depot

Best for Hot SleepersThe Company Store Cool Zzz Premium Comforter

Best for Hot Sleepers

The Company Store Cool Zzz Premium Comforter

PHOTO: The Company Store

View on The Company Store$278$209 at Home Depot

Star QualitiesKeeps sleepers consistently coolPhase-change material absorbs and releases heatFill doesn’t clump, poke, or feel scratchyRed FlagsNot as lofty as real downHigher-than-average price

Star QualitiesKeeps sleepers consistently coolPhase-change material absorbs and releases heatFill doesn’t clump, poke, or feel scratchy

Keeps sleepers consistently cool

Phase-change material absorbs and releases heat

Fill doesn’t clump, poke, or feel scratchy

Red FlagsNot as lofty as real downHigher-than-average price

Not as lofty as real down

Higher-than-average price

If you run hot or are prone to night sweats, The Company Store’s Cool Zzz comforter is your best bet. It’s cool to the touch and delivered consistent cooling coverage during our tests and prevented us from overheating even when it was 95 degrees outside. The secret is phase-change material (PCM), a performance fabric that absorbs energy (heat) from your body and releases it into the air.

Though the polyfill isn’t as lofty as natural down, we liked that it didn’t clump up or poke through the fabric. And the thinner design was nice in that we never felt smothered. Each morning, we woke up still covered, having never kicked it off from getting too hot.

The main drawback is the higher cost. But after seeing how cool (but never cold) and comfortable it kept us, we’d definitely pay full price for this comforter.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Recycled poly fiber |Shell Material:Cotton percale, phase-change material

PHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli BenderPHOTO: People / Kelli Bender

Best DownCasaluna Premium Down ComforterPHOTO: Target$129 at Target

Best DownCasaluna Premium Down Comforter

Best Down

Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

PHOTO: Target

$129 at Target

Star QualitiesEvenly distributed fill with no feathers poking outVoluminous and luxurious look and feelWarm and cozy but not too hotRed FlagsHeavier weight can be hard to adjust in bedMakes crinkling noise when moving

Star QualitiesEvenly distributed fill with no feathers poking outVoluminous and luxurious look and feelWarm and cozy but not too hot

Evenly distributed fill with no feathers poking out

Voluminous and luxurious look and feel

Warm and cozy but not too hot

Red FlagsHeavier weight can be hard to adjust in bedMakes crinkling noise when moving

Heavier weight can be hard to adjust in bed

Makes crinkling noise when moving

This comforter from Target’s Casaluna brand is filled with 75 percent white duck down fibers and 25 percent duck feathers. We were immediately impressed with the sturdy construction and well-made design; the pockets were evenly filled with no feathers poking out. It’s also exceptionally fluffy and slightly oversized, so you’ll get that voluminous look and feel of a lofty duvet.

This comforter makes a crinkly noise when it moves, but not so much that it disrupts sleep. In the end, we think the price is reasonable for such a dreamy, luxurious bed cover.

Sizes:Twin, full/queen, king |Fill Material:Duck down and feather |Shell Material:Brushed cotton

Experts Say

Best Down Alternative

PHOTO: Pottery Barn

$59 at Pottery Barn

Star QualitiesMade of 100 percent vegan materialsLightweight, evenly distributed fillSoft shell with well-constructed seamsRed FlagsNo loops to prevent shifting in duvet coverNot as fluffy as others we tested

Star QualitiesMade of 100 percent vegan materialsLightweight, evenly distributed fillSoft shell with well-constructed seams

Made of 100 percent vegan materials

Lightweight, evenly distributed fill

Soft shell with well-constructed seams

Red FlagsNo loops to prevent shifting in duvet coverNot as fluffy as others we tested

No loops to prevent shifting in duvet cover

Not as fluffy as others we tested

If you want a completely vegan design, Pottery Barn’s Resort Essential duvet insert is a prime choice. We appreciated how the poly fiber fill was lightweight, evenly distributed, and not at all clumpy. While it was a bit thin compared to others we tested, the loftiness improved a little after washing.

We found the cotton-blend shell smooth and liked that the well-constructed seams kept everything in place — though it doesn’t have corner loops to secure it to a cover. This comforter is also generously sized and looks great on a made bed.

It kept us warm throughout the night but may not be substantial enough for people who sleep cold or during the winter months. All things considered, we think it’s absolutely worth buying for those in the market for a down alternative duvet.

Sizes:Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Cotton-poly blend

PHOTO: People / Clarissa CruzPHOTO: People / Clarissa CruzPHOTO: People / Clarissa Cruz

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper)Threshold Down Alternative ComforterPHOTO: Target$39 at TargetStar QualitiesWarm but not too heavy or hotVery fluffy and loftyLuxurious look and feel rivals higher-priced optionsRed FlagsSlightly noisyRequires frequent shaking to prevent clumpingTarget’s Threshold all-season comforter is an affordable down alternative option praised for its thick, nicely constructed design and luxurious feel that rivals higher-priced duvets. It provided substantial warmth without being too heavy or hot and stayed in place throughout the night, making it suitable for those who toss and turn.This comforter is slightly noisy and requires regular fluffing to maintain its shape, as it can clump if you don’t shake it out. And since it’s super lofty — which we loved — it might call for an extra-large washing machine. It feels like a high-quality hotel bed cover and is an incredible value for its price.Sizes:Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Cotton-poly blendPHOTO: People / Lindsay MillerPHOTO: People / Lindsay MillerPHOTO: People / Lindsay Miller

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper)Threshold Down Alternative ComforterPHOTO: Target$39 at Target

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper)Threshold Down Alternative Comforter

Best Down Alternative (Cheaper)

Threshold Down Alternative Comforter

$39 at Target

Star QualitiesWarm but not too heavy or hotVery fluffy and loftyLuxurious look and feel rivals higher-priced optionsRed FlagsSlightly noisyRequires frequent shaking to prevent clumping

Star QualitiesWarm but not too heavy or hotVery fluffy and loftyLuxurious look and feel rivals higher-priced options

Warm but not too heavy or hot

Very fluffy and lofty

Luxurious look and feel rivals higher-priced options

Red FlagsSlightly noisyRequires frequent shaking to prevent clumping

Slightly noisy

Requires frequent shaking to prevent clumping

Target’s Threshold all-season comforter is an affordable down alternative option praised for its thick, nicely constructed design and luxurious feel that rivals higher-priced duvets. It provided substantial warmth without being too heavy or hot and stayed in place throughout the night, making it suitable for those who toss and turn.

This comforter is slightly noisy and requires regular fluffing to maintain its shape, as it can clump if you don’t shake it out. And since it’s super lofty — which we loved — it might call for an extra-large washing machine. It feels like a high-quality hotel bed cover and is an incredible value for its price.

Sizes:Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Cotton-poly blend

PHOTO: People / Lindsay MillerPHOTO: People / Lindsay MillerPHOTO: People / Lindsay Miller

Best BambooCozy Earth Bamboo Viscose ComforterPHOTO: Cozy Earth$416 at NordstromView on Cozy Earth$475 at Macy’s

Best BambooCozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter

Best Bamboo

Cozy Earth Bamboo Viscose Comforter

PHOTO: Cozy Earth

$416 at NordstromView on Cozy Earth$475 at Macy’s

Star QualitiesContours to body without trapping heatCooling viscose is naturally sweat-wicking and breathableSuper soft and luxurious feelRed FlagsAmong the more expensive options we testedSpot-cleaning or dry-cleaning recommended

Star QualitiesContours to body without trapping heatCooling viscose is naturally sweat-wicking and breathableSuper soft and luxurious feel

Contours to body without trapping heat

Cooling viscose is naturally sweat-wicking and breathable

Super soft and luxurious feel

Red FlagsAmong the more expensive options we testedSpot-cleaning or dry-cleaning recommended

Among the more expensive options we tested

Spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning recommended

Cozy Earth has earnedOprah’s stamp of approval, and we’re here for it. The brand’s luxurious bamboo comforter is made of naturally cooling bamboo-derived viscose.We lovebamboo sheetsfor their breathability and softness, and this comforter is no different.

Bamboo is also moisture-wicking, so it can help draw sweat away from your body.But this absorbency also means it’s prone to soaking up stains. Keep this in mind, as Cozy Earth recommends spot-cleaning or dry-cleaning only.

Though this is one of the most expensive duvets we tested, it’s high in quality and comes with a 10-year warranty.

“I live in Hawai’i, but I love the feel of a cozy comforter. Thankfully, this bamboo comforter from Cozy Earth gives me the best of both worlds: It keeps me cool while giving me just enough ‘fluff’ to wrap around myself for a comfortable sleep.” —Erin Johnson, associate editorial director

Sizes:Twin, full/queen, king |Fill Material:Bamboo fibers |Shell Material:Bamboo-derived viscose

Warmest for WinterParachute Organic Cozy Cotton ComforterPHOTO: Parachute Home$202 at ParachuteStar QualitiesSoft, fluffy, and weightyDurable materials with thick seamsNoticeably higher quality than budget optionsRed FlagsNo fasteners for duvet coverRequires large-capacity washing machineIf you like to put something warmer on your bed during the cold season, Parachute’s Cozy Cotton Comforter is the one. We found it supremely soft, fluffy, and quite heavy — in a good way — making it ideal for the winter.This comforter is clearly high-quality, made with durable materials and reinforced seams, offering a noticeable upgrade from budget options we tested. Unfortunately, there aren’t any fasteners to secure it to a duvet cover, and it might be too substantial to fit into a standard washing machine. Still, we think the luxurious feel and standout warmth justify the price.Sizes:Full/queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Recycled poly fiber |Shell Material:Organic cottonPHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana Calderone

Warmest for WinterParachute Organic Cozy Cotton ComforterPHOTO: Parachute Home$202 at Parachute

Warmest for WinterParachute Organic Cozy Cotton Comforter

Warmest for Winter

Parachute Organic Cozy Cotton Comforter

PHOTO: Parachute Home

$202 at Parachute

Star QualitiesSoft, fluffy, and weightyDurable materials with thick seamsNoticeably higher quality than budget optionsRed FlagsNo fasteners for duvet coverRequires large-capacity washing machine

Star QualitiesSoft, fluffy, and weightyDurable materials with thick seamsNoticeably higher quality than budget options

Soft, fluffy, and weighty

Durable materials with thick seams

Noticeably higher quality than budget options

Red FlagsNo fasteners for duvet coverRequires large-capacity washing machine

No fasteners for duvet cover

Requires large-capacity washing machine

If you like to put something warmer on your bed during the cold season, Parachute’s Cozy Cotton Comforter is the one. We found it supremely soft, fluffy, and quite heavy — in a good way — making it ideal for the winter.

This comforter is clearly high-quality, made with durable materials and reinforced seams, offering a noticeable upgrade from budget options we tested. Unfortunately, there aren’t any fasteners to secure it to a duvet cover, and it might be too substantial to fit into a standard washing machine. Still, we think the luxurious feel and standout warmth justify the price.

Sizes:Full/queen, king/California king |Fill Material:Recycled poly fiber |Shell Material:Organic cotton

PHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana Calderone

Best All-SeasonTekamon Queen ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$40 at AmazonStar QualitiesKept us warm in winter and cool in summerSoft microfiber shellMachine-washableRed FlagsNot as breathable as real downThe Tekamon all-season comforter lived up to its name in our testing. It has a soft feel that’s cool to the touch, but it still kept us cozy on chilly nights.Designed to keep you warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer, this cloud-like duvet is the best of both worlds. In addition to white, it comes in three reversible colors, giving you the option to forgo a duvet cover. Not only that, but we had no issue getting stains out of it.Sizes:Twin, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Brushed microfiberPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best All-SeasonTekamon Queen ComforterPHOTO: Amazon$40 at Amazon

Best All-SeasonTekamon Queen Comforter

Best All-Season

Tekamon Queen Comforter

$40 at Amazon

Star QualitiesKept us warm in winter and cool in summerSoft microfiber shellMachine-washableRed FlagsNot as breathable as real down

Star QualitiesKept us warm in winter and cool in summerSoft microfiber shellMachine-washable

Kept us warm in winter and cool in summer

Soft microfiber shell

Machine-washable

Red FlagsNot as breathable as real down

Not as breathable as real down

The Tekamon all-season comforter lived up to its name in our testing. It has a soft feel that’s cool to the touch, but it still kept us cozy on chilly nights.

Designed to keep you warm in the winter and comfortably cool in the summer, this cloud-like duvet is the best of both worlds. In addition to white, it comes in three reversible colors, giving you the option to forgo a duvet cover. Not only that, but we had no issue getting stains out of it.

Sizes:Twin, full, queen, oversized queen, king, oversized king, California king |Fill Material:Poly fibers |Shell Material:Brushed microfiber

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Ettitude Bamboo Comforter.People / Dera Burreson

Fill Material

When buying a comforter, pay attention to the material. Most are filled with real down (from the undercoat of ducks and geese) or down alternative, which usually consists of lightweight polyester fibers.

According toBrandon Palmer, the marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), naturally insulating down is tough to beat when it comes to temperature control and breathability. “It offers the sleep-inducing benefits of warmth without weight,” he says. “Its breathability can contribute to sounder, more comfortable sleep because it wicks away body moisture rather than trapping it.” However, some synthetic fills, such as siliconized hollow fibers, can mimic the qualities of real down.

Experts Say"Down performs best when it comes to warmth to weight, meaning you can use less down and have a lighter duvet and achieve the same or a higher level of warmth than a heavier and bulkier synthetic-filled comforter. Generally speaking, synthetic fill is less expensive than down."—Daniel Uretsky

“Down performs best when it comes to warmth to weight, meaning you can use less down and have a lighter duvet and achieve the same or a higher level of warmth than a heavier and bulkier synthetic-filled comforter. Generally speaking, synthetic fill is less expensive than down."—Daniel Uretsky

Shell Material

The shell matters, too. Skin-friendly cotton is a go-to material, though bamboo-derived viscose bedding is gaining in popularity. Our best overall pick, theUtopia All-Season Comforter, has a microfiber shell. Microfiber is a type of polyester, and while it’s generally not as breathable as natural fabrics, it’s exceptionally soft.

Fill Power and Fill Weight

Fill power measures the volume of a comforter. Ranging from about 400 to 900, this number tells you how many cubic inches of space one ounce of fill takes up. The higher the number, the lighter and loftier the duvet.

You probably guessed this but fill weight is how much the comforter fill weighs. Measured in grams per square meter (GSM), duvets are usually between 200 and 700 GSM. A higher number likely means the duvet is warmer, though it may also be on the heavier side.

Corner Tabs or Loops

“One of the best (and most underrated) features that is an absolute must: loops!” says PEOPLE shopping editorKayla Kitts.Any comforter meant to be used as a duvet insert should ideally have tabs on the corners (and potentially the sides) where you can secure the cover ties to prevent the insert from sliding around inside the duvet cover.

Price Range

Comforters can cost anywhere from $30 to over $500. Down comforters are usually more expensive than their alternatives, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. From our research and testing, we found many quality comforters under $200.

Loops make it easy to put a duvet cover on the Bedsure All-Season Down Alternative Comforter.People / Dera Burreson

We selected nearly 40 comforters and duvet inserts to try firsthand, testing each one on the following qualities:

We scored each comforter for quality, texture, durability, temperature regulation, breathability, and value. Those with the highest average ratings were selected for this story.

The Casaluna Down Comforter was warm and cozy without being too hot.People / Dera Burreson

Theresa Hollandis a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE specializing in home goods, textiles, and sleep products. She has several years of experience researching, reviewing, and writing about bedding and has tried comforters and duvet inserts from many of the featured brands firsthand. To compile this list, she combed through our testing insights and pored over product spec sheets to create the absolute best comforters.

Our Expert PanelNicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, is a sleep expert and behavior coach who commented on what to look for in a comforter or duvet insert.Brandon Palmeris the marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), and he elaborated on fill materials and their importance.Daniel J. Uretsky, Esq. is the president of Allied Feather + Down.Erin Johnsonis the associate editorial director at PEOPLE and has a background in home content. She has personally tested around 15 comforters and loves the ones that strike the balance between breathable and fluffy.

Our Expert Panel

Nicole Shallow, M.Ed., BCBA, is a sleep expert and behavior coach who commented on what to look for in a comforter or duvet insert.Brandon Palmeris the marketing communications chair for the American Down and Feather Council (ADFC), and he elaborated on fill materials and their importance.Daniel J. Uretsky, Esq. is the president of Allied Feather + Down.Erin Johnsonis the associate editorial director at PEOPLE and has a background in home content. She has personally tested around 15 comforters and loves the ones that strike the balance between breathable and fluffy.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

SourcesPEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sharma J, et al. (2022).A lightweight thermally insulating and moisture-stable composite made of hollow silica particles.RSC advances, 12(24), 15373–15377. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra01561gAhn YH, et al. (2021).Incorporation of Phase Change Materials into Fibers for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage.Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 60, 8, 3374–3384Gericke A & van der Pol J. (2010).A comparative study of regenerated bamboo, cotton and viscose rayon fabrics. Part 1: selected comfort properties.Journal of Consumer Sciences. Vol. 38.

Sources

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sharma J, et al. (2022).A lightweight thermally insulating and moisture-stable composite made of hollow silica particles.RSC advances, 12(24), 15373–15377. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra01561gAhn YH, et al. (2021).Incorporation of Phase Change Materials into Fibers for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage.Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 60, 8, 3374–3384Gericke A & van der Pol J. (2010).A comparative study of regenerated bamboo, cotton and viscose rayon fabrics. Part 1: selected comfort properties.Journal of Consumer Sciences. Vol. 38.

PEOPLE uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Sharma J, et al. (2022).A lightweight thermally insulating and moisture-stable composite made of hollow silica particles.RSC advances, 12(24), 15373–15377. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra01561gAhn YH, et al. (2021).Incorporation of Phase Change Materials into Fibers for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage.Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 60, 8, 3374–3384Gericke A & van der Pol J. (2010).A comparative study of regenerated bamboo, cotton and viscose rayon fabrics. Part 1: selected comfort properties.Journal of Consumer Sciences. Vol. 38.

Sharma J, et al. (2022).A lightweight thermally insulating and moisture-stable composite made of hollow silica particles.RSC advances, 12(24), 15373–15377. https://doi.org/10.1039/d2ra01561g

Ahn YH, et al. (2021).Incorporation of Phase Change Materials into Fibers for Sustainable Thermal Energy Storage.Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 60, 8, 3374–3384

Gericke A & van der Pol J. (2010).A comparative study of regenerated bamboo, cotton and viscose rayon fabrics. Part 1: selected comfort properties.Journal of Consumer Sciences. Vol. 38.

source: people.com