The Best Comforters of 2022 – Lightweight, Down Alternative, Down

Buying the perfect comforter is a lot more personal and takes more consideration than you might have initially thought. From deciding what level of coolness you want to the amount of plushness to the type of fill, the task of finding the comforter that’s worthy of claiming space on your bed each night can get overwhelming. It’s also worth mentioning that in the past 10 years, comforters have come a very long way. Tons of bedding brands have sprung up, innovating how comforters are made and raising the bar for how cozy bedding ought to be. To really break things down and help you determine which is right for you, we’ve tested some of the highest-rated comforters on the market and handpicked the best. Whether you’re a hot sleeper looking to cool out under an airy comforter or a bargain shopper looking for a quality comforter under $100, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the variety you’ll find in our Best Comforters list.

Finding a comforter should be easy, right? In theory, yes, but in reality, there are a surprisingly vast number of choices. Depending on what type of sleeper you are and where you live, you’ll need to consider weight, fill, and material. Other considerations:

Down comforters: These are the traditional comforters you probably grew up with. They’re filled with down that’s found under the feathers of birds, usually geese and ducks. Because down is naturally insulating, down comforters don’t need as much fill to keep you warm, and they tend to last longer. That said, they’re typically more expensive and can trigger allergies in some people—not to mention there’s the ethical dilemma of using down.

Down alternative comforters: If you go the down alternative route, the options are improving. Nowadays you can find down alternative comforters that feel very much like the real thing, without the ethical concerns and allergic reactions. Depending on the fill material, down alternative comforters need a bit more filling because the synthetic materials aren’t as insulating and can also end up being less breathable. They are, however, typically much less expensive.

There are a plethora of other down alternative comforters on the market. You can find options made from Tencel fiber (a sustainable material made from the wood pulp of trees), wool, cotton, silk, and even bamboo. All of these are worth looking into, especially if you’re a hot sleeper or are trying to live more sustainably.

“Fill power” is the standard for measuring the fill of a down comforter. It refers to the volume of one ounce of down at its maximum loft. So, the higher the fill power, the higher the down cluster, which typically translates to higher quality, better insulation, and higher loft. However, fill power does not refer to the comforter’s weight—in fact, a higher fill power often means the comforter is lighter in weight. Most comforters fall between a fill power of 300-800. If you’re looking at a comforter that is not filled with down, you might see its weight measured by GSM, or grams per square meter. The higher the GSM, the heavier the comforter.

You’ll also want to think about weight, longevity, and ease of care. Remember that down comforters don’t need a ton of fill to keep you warm, so you might want to go for a lighter-weight down comforter if you sleep hot. Down comforters also tend to last longer, so you might decide the higher price tag is worth it for a longer-lasting product. If you have pets or kids, though, note that many down comforters cannot be thrown in the washer (although some can, so double check).

Finally, consider how you’ll use your comforter. If you want something that can be used all year round, go for a lightweight or medium-weight option. If you prefer to switch bedding with the seasons, go with a really heavy comforter for the winter. And of course, if you live in a warm climate, you might skip the down or down alternative options in favor of something more temperature-regulating.

Now let’s talk certifications. When it comes to down, look for comforters that are Responsible Down Standard certified, which confirms that the down comes from animals who have not been subjected to any harm. (Read more about RDS here.) Another word you’ll see a lot on this list? OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which means the comforter is free of harmful synthetics and dyes. (Read more about this certification (and why it’s important.)

We tested a wide range of comforters for our list, judging them on the following criteria:

Note: All prices are listed in size Full/Queen or Queen.

For the second year in a row, Riley Home’s Goose Down Comforter reigns supreme as our best overall comforter. This pick continues to be a standout because it feels luxe and cozy and is perfectly weighted. Made with a 100 percent long-staple combed cotton sateen cover and 700 fill power white goose down, the comforter is airy enough for a breathable sleep yet insulating enough to keep you snug in frigid temperatures. “This comforter gives me all the fancy hotel room feels,” says our social media editor Samantha O’Brochta, who put it to the test. “It’s the perfect weight and helped keep me warm through a wintery snowstorm. The material is sturdy yet soft, narrow yet puffy, and resort quality. It’s the ultimate treat yo’ self comforter.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want the luxury of down; those who have trouble staying at the same temperature through the night; those who want something that will last.

Good to Know: Comes with a five-year warranty and a 60-day money back guarantee. You can also buy Riley Home’s down alternative version that starts at $179.

Priced at under $100, The Twillery Co.’s Midweight All-Season Microfiber Down Alternative Comforter is proof that you don’t have to spend big to find a quality comforter. Perfect for those who don’t want to sleep cloaked in heavy bedding but also want a fair amount of snuggly security, this 275 GSM duvet is an excellent all-season option. Commerce editor Sholeen Damarwala is a Martha Stewart comforter loyalist but also fell in love with The Twillery Co.’s cloud-like warmth. “It has a silky texture that feels luxurious, and the hypoallergenic down-alternative fill is breathable yet just right for keeping toasty against the brutal East Coast winters,” says Sholeen. If that description alone doesn’t intrigue you, you’ll also love the fact that this affordable find comes in four different colors and eight different sizes — making it perfect for the whole family (and also for gifting!)

Who It’s Best For: Those looking for a quality comforter at an inexpensive price point; those with sensitive skin or skin allergies.

Good to Know:  The Twillery Co. offers a three-year warranty on this product, which is almost always on sale at Wayfair.

We searched high and low for a comforter to suit your sleep needs all 365 days of the year, and The Company Store‘s five-star-rated Legends Hotel Organic Down Comforter is it. Made with European white down and encased in a 100 percent organic cotton cambric shell, it comes in four weight options (light, medium, extra, and ultra) that adapt to the room’s climate to keep you comfortable. Managing editor Terri Pous opted for the light option, and while she’s usually a cold sleeper (as in, going-to-bed-in-a-sweatshirt cold), she was thoroughly impressed with the warmth this comforter provided. “I love this comforter!!!” she says. “It’s light and fluffy, but keeps me at the perfect temperature. I never wake up sweating or shivering, and it’s light enough that it easily handles my endless kicking and tossing in the middle of the night. I’m glad I sleep by myself, because I truly would not want to share this perfect comforter with anyone else.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who prefer a comforter they won’t have to switch out seasonally; those looking for an organic option.

Good to Know: This comforter is made with responsibly sourced down feathers and comes with a lifetime guarantee. The Company Store gladly accepts returns at any time and will offer an exchange or merchandise credit toward a new product.

Martha Stewart’s cozy, popular, affordable Reversible Down Alternative Comforter is an AT reader favorite and editor favorite. For the second year in a row, it has earned a spot on our Best List, and deservedly so. Don’t let the polyester fiberfill fool you — this down alternative comforter can stand up to the best authentic down comforters out there. It’s lightweight enough for year-round use (though you might prefer an extra blanket during cold nights) and comes in a range of colors and patterns if you’d rather skip the duvet cover. Commerce intern Olivia Bowman agreed with the hundreds of other happy customers who gave this reversible comforter a five-star rating, applauding its durability and impressive construction.

Who It’s Best For: Those on a budget; those looking for something suitable for year-round use.

Good to Know: Although it’s priced at $120, you can pretty much always get it on sale — we’ve seen it as low as $20!

Brooklinen describes its All-Season Down Comforter as the “Goldilocks of comforters,” and we think that description is just right. Their popular down comforter comes in three different weights, and their all-season is the perfect happy medium. Commerce intern Olivia gave it a whirl and declares it “by far my favorite comforter I’ve ever used. I truly didn’t think it would make as much of a difference in my quality of sleep as it has. The cotton fabric is cool to the touch, but keeps me cozy and comfortable all night long.” Olivia was equally impressed with the subtle details of the fabric, calling the natural wrinkle of the cotton sateen shell “slouchy in all the right ways.” If you’re looking for a quality down comforter that will keep both hot and cold sleepers satisfied, look no further than this versatile option.

Who It’s Best For: Couples with hot and cold sleep preferences; those who want a cozy yet non-stuffy down option.

Good to Know: Cleaning this comforter requires some TLC. Brooklinen recommends airing it outside on a dry day or tossing it in the dryer on a no-heat setting to fluff and dust it out. Spot cleaning is recommended for stain removal. Dry cleaning can be used for larger stains but will shorten the comforter’s lifespan a bit.

There’s a ton of reasons you may be looking for a lighter comforter. Maybe you live in a pre-war apartment that turns into a sauna when the heat turns on. Or maybe you’re just a sheet sleeper who feels coziest with just one layer. Either way, we get it. That’s why we recommended the Buffy Breeze Comforter as the perfect pick for hot sleepers. Made with 100 percent eucalyptus fiber and fill, the Buffy Breeze lives up to its name by providing the most aerated feeling as you catch some Zzzs. News and culture director Tara Bellucci tested this comforter and loved that it was the perfect weight and could be paired with either percale or flannel sheets for a cooler or warmer feel, respectively. Tara also gave it bonus points for being odor-free upon unboxing, which is generally a good sign for a sustainable product.

Who It’s Best For: Hot sleepers who want a breathable yet cozy comforter.

Good to Know: The ultra-smooth fiber is said to be naturally resistant to dust, mites, and mold, making it good for anyone with sensitive skin or allergies. In addition to Buffy’s website, you can also find the Buffy Breeze on Amazon.

Before embarking on this journey, we thought down translated to heavy and stuffy. Boy, were we wrong. As it turns out, down is naturally breathable, fluffy, and, depending on the comforter, actually very lightweight. Such is the case with Snowe’s Down Comforter, which comes in two warmth levels: lightweight and all-season. We tested the lightweight option and were honestly shocked at the cloud-like feeling it provided — it was almost like nothing was even there, except for the fact that it kept us warm and comfortable all night. Hot sleepers, this is your dream come true!

Who It’s Best For: Those who want the luxury and longevity of down but live in a warm climate or sleep hot.

Good to Know: Snowe also sells a down alternative version that costs $100 less and feels pretty much the same as the down version.

Weighted blankets have become the trendiest thing in sleep, and for good reason. Not only are they scientifically proven to help relieve insomnia and anxiety but they also help lull you into a deeper and more restful sleep. Baloo previously topped our Best Weighted Blanket List, and now they’re our top pick for the best weighted comforter. It wins for its breathable cotton shell and eco-friendly glass microbead fill, which are great for the planet and your sleep. Projects editor Megan Baker loved the even distribution of this comforter’s weight, which helped her fall asleep in mere minutes. She also appreciated that the comforter had loops on all sides, which made applying her duvet cover a breeze. “While the comforter is very heavy if you have to lift it all at once, it’s manageable to pull up over your body while in bed,” says Megan. “If you’re a person who likes weighted blankets and wants the next level up, definitely go for this.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who sleep hot or have trouble falling asleep; those who want something machine washable; those who want something plastic free.

Good to Know: If you want to save, you can buy an open-box blanket for less.

Coyuchi has upheld its reputation as one of the best organic bedding brands out there, raising the bar in both comfort and quality. Sleeping under the crisp crinkled percale fabric of Coyuchi’s Diamond-Stitched Organic Cotton Comforter is utterly dream like, and its craftsmanship is impeccable, according to commerce writer Sarah Vazquez. “I’m a duvet cover devotee, but with the design of this comforter, I didn’t even consider covering it,” she confessed. While the comforter is thinner than the ones Sarah usually gravitates toward, “It still keeps you nice and warm — I know this is going to become my go-to as the weather warms up.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something made from sustainable materials; those who sleep hot.

Parachute is yet another returning winner to our Best List. Their Cloud Cotton Quilt once again impressed us in both quality and its ability to provide the same level of warmth as some of the weightier comforters on this list. With its super soft, gauzy exterior and midweight feel, it’s honestly one of the best things we’ve ever added to our bedroom. One of the main issues with quilts is that they aren’t always warm enough on their own in the winter, but that’s not the case with this one. It’s totally dreamy, both in looks and in functionality.

Who It’s Best For: Those who want something different from a traditional comforter but with the same cozy vibes.

Good to Know: Parachute also sells matching shams ($79) if you want to complete the look.

If you skim through the thousands of five-star reviews for Amazon Basics’s beloved Ultra-Soft Micromink Sherpa Comforter, you’ll see tons of satisfied customers raving about its quality and superior softness. Covered in micromink polyester on one side and cloud-like faux sherpa fleece on the other, the comforter exceeded our expectations. “It seems to be made for snuggling up,” says assistant shopping editor Brittney Franklin, who loved the micromink/sherpa combo. “It’s nicely heavy and doesn’t slide off of you easily if you toss and turn,” adds Brittney, who also used the comforter to cozy up on the couch. “It’s easy to wash and very durable, so it can definitely handle being moved around the house.”

Who It’s Best For: Those who want an affordable comforter that doesn’t skimp on quality and durability.