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The 13 Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts of 2024, According to Testing

Upgrade your bedding with these tested picks.

Bed made up with pillows and the Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter
Photo:

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of snuggling up under a thick, warm blanket on a cold night. And the key to achieving an ultra cozy bed is investing in a good winter blanket with insulation, which means either a comforter or duvet insert.

“A comforter is typically one piece of bedding filled with materials, such as down, feathers, or synthetic fibers,” says Jennifer Stephan, an interior designer and founder of Jennifer Stephan Interiors in New York. “A duvet insert, on the other hand, is a separate insert that is placed inside a duvet cover. It is also filled with insulation, but it's designed to be inserted into the cover rather than being a standalone piece.”

To find the best comforters and duvet inserts, we put a variety of options to the test at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. After lab testing, we continued to test these picks at home for several months. In addition to Stephan, we also consulted Jennifer Woodsen, a textiles expert and founder of JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California, for additional insight. 

What We Tested

We evaluated 58 comforters and duvet inserts on their quality, texture, durability, and breathability. For more information on how we tested comforters and duvet inserts, check out our testing process below.

Our Top Picks

Best Comforters

Best Overall: Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter

Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter

Garnet Hill

Why You Should Get It: This is mid-weight comforter is very soft and offered in a variety of colors. 

Keep in Mind: Though very plush and warm, it’s not the thickest comforter on the market.

Lightweight but still warm in a range of bold colors, the Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter is an excellent year-round pick. With a breathable cotton outer and soft down fill, this high-end comforter delivers cozy comfort. Plus, it’s offered in a variety of solid colors that’ll match any bedroom. 

While testing it at home over two months, we appreciated how nicely this comforter could transition from warmer to slightly cooler temperatures. It has a medium weight and does an excellent job retaining warmth, but isn’t overly heavy. It’s also very breathable—a plus if you like the feel of a weightier blanket on warmer nights, or if you run hot while sleeping.

As soon as you touch this comforter, you can tell it’s high quality. In lab testing, we were instantly impressed by the smooth, cool handfeel of the outer material. None of the feathers poked out, and the fabric was clearly well constructed. 

The Garnet Hill comforter is also machine-washable, which makes it one of the easier comforters to care for, especially if you have kids or pets. In home testing, we found it easy to wash and dry, and the down fill didn’t become clumpy or unevenly distributed after going through the wash. The quality felt the same post-wash, too.

Though super soft and fluffy, it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t the thickest comforter we tested. If you prefer something a little denser, this may not be the best comforter for you.

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Twin, double/queen, king/California king | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Fill Type: Down

Best Budget: Utopia Bedding All Season 250 GSM Down Alternative Comforter 

Utopia Bedding All-Season Down Alternative Comforter

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: The durable blanket held up well in the wash after six months of testing. 

Keep in Mind: It has a polyester outer, which may not be as preferable for some as cotton.

The Utopia Bedding All Season 250 GSM Down Alternative Comforter is less expensive than other options but it certainly doesn’t sacrifice quality. But in both lab and home testing, we were surprised and impressed by how high-quality this light, breathable comforter was. 

There are a wide range of size options, including lesser-available twin xl and California king,  and 10 beautiful colors to choose from. What’s more, the Utopia comforter held up beautifully after six months of home testing. 

This blanket is made of 100% polyester with a microfiber fill, so you’re not getting the 100% cotton shell or down fill you typically find in some more expensive comforters. But this pick is lovely to touch, crisp-looking, and has a perfect soft texture. 

though lightweight, this comforter retained heat very well. It felt comfortable and cozy to lie under but didn’t become overly hot. After multiple washes, the material continued to feel soft and we didn’t notice any quality changes, suggesting it’s highly durable. 

Stains washed out easily, too, and we didn’t spot any color fading. Overall, we felt that this is one comforter you’ll likely be able to use for years to come.

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Sizes Offered: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Microfiber

Best Splurge: Cozy Earth Comforter with Silk Fill

Cozy Earth Bamboo Comforter

Cozy Earth

Why You Should Get It: There are two fills to choose from and we loved the feel of the fabric. 

Keep in Mind: It shouldn’t be machine-washed, so you may need to invest in regular dry cleaning.

If you’re after a truly indulgent comforter that will elevate your bedroom to luxury hotel status, the Cozy Earth Comforter with Silk Fill is the one. We tested this pick at home for two months and were wowed by the incredibly soft and fluffy fill, lovely breathability, and luxurious texture. 

With this pick, you have the option of silk or bamboo microfiber filling. We selected the silk version that’s made of 100% Mulberry silk and is soft and fluffy as a cloud.

This comforter is medium weight with a nice drape, and makes no noise when you slide under it. There weren’t any odors whatsoever when we first opened the package and the fabric felt as expensive as it is. 

It’s also highly breathable. In testing, we noticed the comforter feels cool when you first touch it—but the material warms up quickly against your skin. It’s warm and cozy to snuggle up in, but doesn’t make you too hot. 

The quality remained excellent during home testing and we didn’t observe any wear and tear over time. If there is one downside, it’s that this comforter isn’t the easiest to care for. Cozy Earth recommends spot- or dry-cleaning it, which can be costly for bigger messes, and may not make this the best comforter for anyone with kids or pets. 

Product Details: Material: Silk or bamboo viscose | Sizes Offered: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, king, and California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Silk or bamboo viscose

Best Down: Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

Casaluna Premium Down Comforter

Target

Why You Should Get It: This oversized comforter earned points for its high quality and durability.

Keep in Mind: You should expect it may shed some feathers. 

One of the first things we noticed about the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter was its substantial weight: This is clearly a heavy, well-made down comforter packed with lush puffs of down filling. Oversized and luxurious, it has the traditional fluffiness you expect from a nice down blanket and feels beautifully made and high-end

The Casaluna comforter continued to perform beautifully after two months of home testing. We washed it twice during that time, and didn’t notice any changes in the texture or quality whatsoever. After months of use, there were no stains, tears, or holes, so we think this comforter has great durability.

We were impressed by how even the down filling felt when you pinch the fabric or lie underneath it. Despite being packed with feathers—you can feel the pressure from the weight—this comforter doesn’t cause you to overheat. 

Equally nice is how large it is, so there’s plenty of fabric to snuggle up in. Each piece of square pocket down filling moved perfectly with us as we tossed and turned on the mattress; it curves perfectly to the shape of your body for a cozy sleep experience.

Though you could also use this as a duvet insert, the outer material on this blanket is nice-looking enough to function as a minimalist-looking comforter. Made of brushed cotton, it feels thick, sturdy, and structured but still is soft against skin—and as a bonus, the fabric is hypoallergenic.

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Twin, full/queen, and king | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Fill Type: Down

Best Cooling: Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: With its lighter weight and cool-to-the-touch outer fabric, this comforter is an excellent pick for hot sleepers.

Keep in Mind: The texture has a slightly slinky feeling that may not be right for everyone.

At first, we weren’t sure how we felt about the texture of the Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter. Made of a nylon/spandex blend, the outer material feels buttery soft but also slightly slinky, similar to suede or velvet. But after using this comforter in the lab and at home for two months, we were convinced it’s one of the best comforters to consider. 

In a home setting, this comforter did a great job at keeping us cool on colder nights, and we assumed it would be the perfect summer blanket. But as the seasons changed, we still found ourselves reaching for this versatile comforter. Even on cold nights, it helps keep us warm without resulting in overheating.

It has a soft feel with a little bit of stretch, but it doesn’t pull and feels wonderfully smooth and cool to the touch. In fact, before long, we started nicknaming this comforter “the Cucumber,” since the outer material remains surprisingly crisp, even on warm nights. If you’re a hot sleeper, you’ll appreciate how soft and breathable it feels, as well as the fact that it doesn’t cause you to sweat.

Though this is a relatively flat-looking comforter, it still feels fluffy and pillowy when you snuggle up in it. This may be because it has lightweight filling and the slick outer surface is relatively thin. It drapes beautifully, doesn’t feel restricting or overly heavy, and feels relatively moisture-wicking. We did note there was a slightly slinky feeling to it, but we didn’t think it was a dealbreaker. 

Product Details: Material: Nylon and spandex | Sizes Offered: Kid/throw, twin/twin xl, Full/Queen, King/California King  | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Tencel Lyocell and sorona fiber

Other Comforters We Tested

Madison Park Amherst Collection Faux Silk Comforter

The Madison Park Amherst Collection Faux Silk Comforter is a good middle-of-the-road comforter: Not too heavy, not too light, and very affordable. But the texture isn’t as soft as we would have liked, and we also noticed quite a few loose threads and small imperfections.

Ugg Ava Stripe Comforter

We were impressed by the super soft and slightly fuzzy texture of the Ugg Ava Stripe Comforter. But while this comforter is very breathable and soft, it was one of the more expensive products we tested and the least warm, so we didn’t think it was the best value. 

A person laying in bed under the UGG Ava Stripe Comforter.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Best Duvet Inserts

Best Overall: Buffy Breeze Comforter

Buffy Breeze Comforter

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: Not too fluffy but still perfectly soft and pillowy, this duvet insert strikes the perfect balance for both warm and cool nights.

Keep in Mind: Those who live in cooler climates may need a more insulated option. 

Compared to other duvet inserts we tested, the Buffy Breeze Comforter is something of a Goldilocks: It’s gloriously pillowy and soft but not too poofy or super packed with fill. We tossed and turned under this duvet insert in the lab but it never made a sound, and it kept us warm and comfortable throughout two months of home testing. 

The seams and construction on this duvet insert felt solid. The pockets are large and sewn with wavy, abstract stitching, and the filling is uniform throughout. There were no clumps and the filling—which is soft and light—remains in place perfectly. The outer material (Tencel eucalyptus lyocell) felt smooth and soft. We found the duvet insert to be nice and breathable, and it warmed us easily without overheating.

We appreciated that it was also very easy to put the duvet into the cover. There are sturdy loops on each corner of the insert that we could tie cover ribbons around. The knots held on tightly throughout the testing period, but also could be easily removed to wash it. 

While testing this duvet insert for two months at home, we found it to be very breathable, continuously comfortable, and highly durable. We didn’t note any changes in quality or texture during this time.

All in all, there was nothing about this duvet insert that we disliked. It may not be the absolute warmest product on the market—if you live somewhere very cold, you might prefer a duvet insert that’s a little more insulated—but we think it strikes the perfect balance for both warm and cooler nights.

Product Details: Material: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell | Sizes Offered: Twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell fiber

Best Budget: Bedsure Duvet Insert

Bedsure All-Season Quilted Down Alternative Comforter

Amazon

Why You Should Get It: This affordable duvet insert checks many boxes (lightweight, breathable, soft) and doesn’t sacrifice quality for price.

Keep in Mind: It’s not the fluffiest duvet insert.

The Bedsure Duvet Insert is a fraction of the price of the other best duvet inserts on this list, but it wowed us in the lab and during two months of home testing. Despite its lower price, this pick seemed well made—the stitches on the outer perimeter are not noticeable and the fill felt nice and even.

Though the outer material and fill are both polyester, typically a less breathable material, this duvet insert felt relatively soft and moisture-wicking—in fact, we thought at first that it felt like cotton even though it’s not. 

We didn’t become overly hot while sleeping under it. The fill remained evenly placed, even as we tossed and turned beneath the blanket. It provides sufficient coverage and didn’t bunch up while we slept either. 

It’s worth noting that this is relatively thin as far as duvet inserts go and has a very low loft. We liked how lightweight it feels and didn’t mind the flatter appearance, but if you’re after a very plush and fluffy duvet, this might not be the best option for you. Depending on where you live, it also might not be the best option for the colder months of the year.

It continued to impress us during the two-month home testing period. We washed it during this time (it’s machine-washable) and didn’t note any loose threads, tears, marks, or stains. The filling didn't clump up or become less fluffy after being laundered. 

Product Details: Material: Polyester | Sizes Offered: Twin, twin xl, full, queen, oversize queen, king, oversize king, and California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Polyester

Best Splurge: Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Boll & Branch

Why You Should Get It: There are three densities to choose from, so you can decide which suits your preferences best. 

Keep in Mind: The duvet insert slightly bunched up inside the cover, which wasn’t the easiest to get on.

We could instantly tell that the Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert is well-made. With an organic cotton shell and fluffy down alternative fill, this felt like an ultra luxurious blanket during testing and two months of using it at home. 

The pockets are packed with evenly distributed fill, and the construction is obviously high-end. The outer material—100% organic cotton—is smooth, soft, and cool to the touch.

It felt fluffy with a nice weight, and we could move around comfortably underneath it without feeling restricted. Overall, it felt cozy and oversized—like being wrapped in a warm hug. It’s generously sized and there was plenty of fabric to snuggle up in. 

There are three densities to choose from and we tested the “ultraweight” version. While we did feel very warm under this duvet insert, we didn’t overheat. It would definitely be an excellent option for cold weather.

During the two-month home testing period, we found that this Boll & Branch duvet insert made our bed noticeably cozier. It’s warm and fluffy, and the quality was consistent even after months of use.

This luxurious duvet insert has few downsides, but we did find it a little cumbersome to get inside its cover. Though there were helpful sewn-in loops, the insert bunched up slightly inside. It also made a light rustling noise when we were lying under it, but it wasn’t enough to be disturbing. 

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Full/queen, king/California king | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Fill Type: PrimaLoft luxury down alternative

Best All-Season: Riley Down Alternative Comforter

Riley Down Alternative Comforter

Riley

Why You Should Get It: This hypoallergenic duvet insert is well-made, fluffy, and easy to insert into a duvet cover. 

Keep in Mind: You can choose between all-season or extra warm insulation depending on your preferences.

While testing the Riley Down Alternative Comforter in our lab and at home for two months, we loved the quality construction, the evenly spread fill (a microfiber down alternative), and the soft, cooling feel of the outer fabric. 

This duvet insert is nice and fluffy with a medium thickness. The outer material is 100% premium long-staple combed cotton percale, which is known for being smooth and crisp, and we found it to have a pleasant cooling effect.

We appreciated that it’s fairly simple to put the insert into its cover. We were able to easily turn the cover inside out, attach the loops to the duvet, and tie the ribbons on. The down alternative fill remained nicely spaced even as we tossed and turned under the comforter. 

We continued to be impressed by this duvet insert in the two-month home testing period. Though we didn’t need to wash the insert itself, we washed the cover multiple times and it held up nicely. 

Because it's not the most plush comforter, we believe it works well for both all types of sleepers and seasons. Whether you run hot or cold at night, it regulates your body temperature nicely. It’s warming enough that you may not need an additional blanket in the winter. 

Product Details: Material: Cotton percale | Sizes Offered: Twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Microfiber down alternative

Best Down: Alwyn Home All Season Goose Down Comforter

Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter

Wayfair

Why You Should Get It: Fluffy and wonderfully warming, this is an ideal winter blanket.

Keep in Mind: It’s dry-clean only.

The Alwyn Home All Season Goose Down Comforter looks and feels top-of-the-line but it’s one of the least expensive options we tested. We tried this option in our testing lab and at home for two months and were impressed by the quality and feel. 

The construction on this duvet insert was impeccable, the pockets of goose down feathers fluffy and evenly spread, and it didn’t make any noise when we shifted underneath it. There’s even gold piping stitched around the edges—a small but lovely, luxurious-looking detail.

The Alwyn Home All Season Goose Down Comforter was also a pleasure to use during the two-month home testing period. We appreciated how firmly it stayed within the cover (there are four helpful corner tabs to anchor the cover to the insert effortlessly) and how high-quality it felt. We thought the weight  was perfect — it hugged our body beautifully and we never felt like we needed to kick it off to cool down.

We tested this insert on a cooler night, and at first we were skeptical that it would be warming enough. But within minutes, we felt perfectly cozy. With its high-end fill (a mix of goose feathers and down), the quality is clearly excellent.

In the lab, we noted that the outer material on this duvet insert feels ideal: not too soft, not too stiff or crisp. It has the perfect amount of fluff without being overly heavy or thin. It’s comfortable to lay under and stays in place nicely, even as we moved around beneath it. The only criticism we had in the lab was the way the feathers could fall to the bottom of each pocket while you shake it, but this is a small complaint. 

While we found this duvet insert comfortable to sleep in during a variety of temperatures, it’s probably best for the colder months. Though we didn’t find it to cause overheating, it’s definitely not lightweight, so you may not want a super plush and fluffy blanket during the hottest part of the year.

Finally, like most down and down alternative duvet inserts, this one needs to be dry cleaned—so you’ll want to plan accordingly when caring for it.

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Twin, full, queen, and king | Certifications: RDS (responsible down standard) | Fill Type: Natural white goose down 

Best Down Alternative: Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter

Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter

Brooklinen

Why You Should Get It: Lightweight and soft with a pleasant loft, this down alternative duvet insert works well in different temperatures.  

Keep in Mind: It’s dry-clean only.

“Pristine” is the word that first came to mind when assessing the quality of the Brooklinen Down Alternative Comforter in our lab. This duvet insert had excellent construction and a soft, lightweight down alternative fill (a type of recycled microfiber) that’s evenly spread with no clumps whatsoever.

We were pleased to find that the duvet insert retained its lofty feel over the two-month home testing period. It proved to be breathable and comfortable for both warm and neutral sleepers, and it’s easy to slide into the cover, thanks to handy ties that keep everything firmly in place. 

The exterior of this duvet insert has a soft hand feel that’s simultaneously sturdy and durable. We liked how lightweight it felt: It’s lofty without being too thick, and warm enough—but not too warm—to be used year-round. 

Also impressive was the duvet insert’s design. It featured stitched square pockets that prevent the feathers from becoming lumpy or crushed into one corner. Instead, it remained nice and fluffy regardless of how often we moved around while using it.

The only drawback? This duvet insert is dry-clean only, so you will need to plan on caring for it properly so it can last for years to come. However, given the mid-range price, sturdy construction, soft hand, and quality fill that we believe will retain its fluff, we still found this to be a good value. 

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Twin/twin xl, full/queen, king/California king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (R.P.E.T.) microfiber

Best Bamboo: Ettitude Bamboo Comforter

Ettitude Bamboo Comforter

Ettitude

Why You Should Get It: This may just be the perfect lightweight duvet insert for summer nights.

Keep in Mind: It isn’t a plush, thick duvet insert.

Lightweight and soft, Ettitude’s Bamboo Comforter is a dream to sleep under. It has a plant-based CleanBamboo fabric shell with bamboo fiber filling, and the result is a cozy, comforting duvet insert that’s beautifully made and never feels overly hot.

In the lab, we noted that the construction on this blanket was impeccable: the pockets of fill are spread evenly with no noticeable clumps, there’s no noise when you move around, and the seams appear high-quality and firm. 

After two months of testing, It’s important to mention that if you’re after a super plush and thick blanket, this may not be the best duvet insert for you as it’s definitely on the thinner side. But if you are looking for something lightweight and hypoallergenic, the Ettitude Bamboo Comforter is ideal.

We found it slightly time-consuming to get the insert into the cover and thought this may be because it’s thinner. But once attached, the insert fills out the space beautifully without too much extra fabric. The outer material is soft and cozy with absolutely no scratchiness.

Bamboo is a breathable fabric and we noted that the insert has a nice cooling effect. While we still used it on the occasional colder night, in home testing we found it especially useful for summer. It adds a pleasant weight to your bed and creates sufficient warmth without being suffocating. 

The one criticism we have about this duvet insert is its size. We found it to be a little short on the edges of the bed, and the flat sheet was noticeable underneath it. Depending on the size of your bed, you may want to go up one size if you like your comforters to have extra fabric to snuggle up in.

Product Details: Material: CleanBamboo | Sizes Offered: Twin, full/queen, king/California king | Certifications: Oeko-tex | Fill Type: Bamboo fiber

Best Cotton: White Noise All Season Cotton Down Alternative Comforter

White Noise All Season Cotton Down Alternative Comforter

Wayfair

Why You Should Get It: This is a solid mid-weight duvet insert that’s made of soft, breathable cotton.

Keep in Mind: We experienced some slight bunching within the duvet cover.

The White Noise All Season Cotton Down Alternative Comforter is breathable and soft with above-average construction, thanks to its cotton cover and cotton fill. We tested this pick both in the lab and at home, and we were impressed by how well-made this duvet insert was. There were no missing or imperfect seams, the fill in the pockets was evenly distributed with no clumps, and there were no odors of any kind.

This duvet insert is described as being a great all-weather option, and we found that to be the case in home testing. Over the course of two months, we slept under the insert on both warm and cooler nights and were pleased to find that it works well in various temperatures. 

Without a cover, it’s light and cool to the touch, but the cover adds a little more warmth. It also kept us nice and warm without overheating, though on very cold nights you may want an additional blanket.

This duvet insert has a medium weight—it’s not too thin or fluffy. It fits into the cover easily with just the slightest bit of overfill. We tested it with movement, but even after tossing and turning, the fill didn’t shift and remained consistently spaced throughout the pockets. There was some bunching within the cover, but it wasn’t extreme. 

We machine-washed it during the home testing period and were pleased that it air-dried quickly. There were no changes in appearance or quality post-wash. This duvet insert is a very good value, falling well below the median price of the best comforters and duvet inserts on this list. It’s well-made, warms nicely, and looks beautiful on a bed. If you’re looking for a basic cotton duvet insert, this is an excellent option.

Product Details: Material: Cotton | Sizes Offered: Twin, full/queen, and king | Certifications: None | Fill Type: Cotton

Other Duvet Inserts We Tested

Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter

We liked the buttery soft texture of the Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter, which is top-rated on Amazon and appears to be made of high-quality materials. However, it ultimately didn’t make our list of the best duvet inserts because it scored slightly lower for durability and breathability compared to the other products we tested.

Person laying on a bed under the Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

The Bottom Line

After testing 58 of the best duvet inserts and comforters in our lab and at home, we chose the Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter as the overall best comforter and the Buffy Breeze Comforter as the overall best duvet inserts. Both of these products wowed us with their high-quality materials and construction, and ultra cozy insulation.

Our Testing Process

To find the best duvet inserts and comforters, we started by testing a variety of picks at our testing lab in Des Moines, Iowa. We evaluated each pick on their quality, texture, durability, and breathability. 

First, we measured each duvet insert and comforter before and after washing to check for shrinkage, carefully examined every inch of the fabric for snags, pilling, or imperfections. We then painted the duvet inserts with a cover to see how easy it was to fasten, if it looked too tight or too loose when filled, and to test if the filling shifted or bunched up when in use. 

Then, we laid beneath the duvet inserts and comforters to see whether the products were warm, lightweight, breathable, or stuffy. Finally, we washed the duvet inserts and comforters that are machine-washable and then assessed them for their quality post-wash.

After lab testing, we took the top-rated picks home to see how they held up to frequent uses and washes. We used these picks at home for up to six months, keeping in mind any changes in quality, stain-resistance, how well they washed, and our comfort while using them. 

A person reading a paper while laying covered with a White Noise All-Season Cotton Down Alternative Comforter

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

What to Know About Comforters and Duvet Inserts Before Shopping

Material 

First, it helps to understand the difference between the outer material on your comforter or duvet insert (this is the fabric that touches your skin, and is commonly referred to as the shell) and the filler. Filler material is what insulates your comforter or duvet insert to keep you warm, and it’s usually down or down alternative, Stephan says. 

When considering the shell material for your comfort or duvet insert, you’ll want to think about the textures you look for in your sheets generally. This usually comes down to personal preference: For example, some more affordable comforters and duvet inserts have a polyester shell, which can be soft and durable but not as breathable as 100% cotton. You might also prefer the rougher feeling of linen, or a crisper material like percale.

“Consider your climate and personal preferences, too,” says Stephan. “Choose lighter materials for warmer climates and heavier materials for colder climates.”

Size 

When shopping for either a comforter or duvet insert, simply select the size that corresponds to the size of your bed, whether that’s a twin, full or double, queen, or king.

“Many brands sell duvet inserts and comforters that have the same dimensions for the bed size,” explains Woodsen. “As there is substantial variation in the depth of mattresses, it is important to select a duvet insert or comforter that is an appropriate size for the mattress depth so as to achieve the desired overhang.” 

Though the amount of overhang is based on personal preference, Woodsen says it should generally cover the line where the mattress meets the box spring or foundation. 

Certifications

As with other types of bedding, like sheets and duvet covers, the duvet inserts and comforters you’re considering may have received an additional certification. 

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: One of the most common certifications, this label means the product has been tested by a third-party resource who confirmed it hasn't been treated with any substances the institution deems harmful.
  • RDS (Responsible Down Standard): This standard is made to reward brands that are treating ducks and geese more humanely during the production of down products. 
  • GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard): The GOTS certification ensures that a product is organic from the growth of the material through production. 

Fill Type 

Stephan suggests considering your climate, personal preferences, and any allergy considerations when selecting a fill type for your duvet insert or comforter. 

  • Down is a popular fill choice for duvet inserts. It has excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and a soft, fluffy feel. Down clusters provide exceptional insulation while allowing for breathability. “They’re suitable for a wide range of climates,” says Stephan. Down may be goose down (the premium insulator, according to Woodsen) or duck down (the clusters are smaller and less durable than goose, though still very good for insulation).
  • Feathers are more inexpensive and tend to be found in lower-quality products, Woodsen says. “Feathers have poor insulative properties, and, because they have a quill (down clusters do not have a quill), products that utilize this fill type will be noisier, stiffer, and less pliable than those filled with down. It is common for the quill to break during regular use and laundering; when this happens, it can easily pierce through the shell fabric, compromising the quality of the product.”
  • Down alternative fills are synthetic materials that are designed to mimic the feel of natural down. This is a good choice for someone who is allergic to down, Stephen notes. “These fills are typically hypoallergenic,” she says. “Down alternative duvet inserts are often more affordable than natural down options and may be easier to care for, as they can usually be machine washed and dried.” 

Your Questions, Answered

What is the difference between a comforter and a duvet insert?

Both of these products are heavy insulated blankets to keep you warm on cooler nights, and are meant to be placed on top of your flat sheet. But they’re not exactly the same:

How much can I expect to spend on a comforter or duvet insert?

Basic comforters made with synthetic materials can start at around $20 to $50 for a twin size and go up to $100 or more for larger sizes or higher-quality materials, Stephan says. Mid-range comforters (these typically have slightly better insulation and durability) may range from $50 to $150 for twin sizes and up to $300 or more for larger sizes or luxury brands. 

Luxury comforters are made with premium materials such as down or high-thread-count cotton. “They can cost anywhere from $150 to several hundred dollars, with some luxury brands reaching into the thousands,” says Stephan.

Should a duvet insert be the same size as the comforter?

Your duvet insert should be the same size as your comforter or duvet cover. “The insert should fill out the cover evenly,” says Stephan. “If the duvet insert is too small for the cover, it may not fill out the corners or edges properly, resulting in a lumpy or uneven appearance.”  

A person adjusting the Ettitude Bamboo Comforter on a bed
The comforter fits easily into a duvet cover which will help protect it from any stains or spills.

Better Homes & Gardens / Dera Burreson

Who We Are

Kathleen Felton is a freelance writer originally from Connecticut, now living in Sydney, Australia, covering home and lifestyle for Better Homes & Gardens. To compile this list of the best bamboo sheets, she analyzed lab insights from our testing site in Des Moines, Iowa, as well as feedback from at-home testing . 

She also interviewed Jennifer Stephan, founder and interior designer at Jennifer Stephan Interiors in New York, for her expertise; and Jennifer Woodsen, a textiles expert and founder of JMW Textiles in Costa Mesa, California.

What Is BHG Recommends?

Next to all of the products on this list, you may have noticed our BHG Recommends seal of approval. Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous testing to make sure they're worth a spot in your home. We buy most of the products we test ourselves, but occasionally we are provided samples by companies if buying isn't an option. In these cases, we use the same testing criteria we use to test the purchased products.

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