We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Shopping Home Products Bedding & Bath Product Reviews The Best Comforters and Duvet Inserts We've Ever Tested After testing 34 options, we found the coziest and most breathable picks. By Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher Melanie Fincher is a commerce editor with four years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content. She was the former SEO writer for Allrecipes, covering product reviews, cooking tutorials, and food news. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer Jamie Fischer is a commerce writer for Real Simple. She has experience writing content for various digital publications including Parents, and is passionate about home, lifestyle, and beauty products. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 12, 2024 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara In addition to fact-checking for Real Simple, Jillian covers various topics from food and wine to luxury travel and culture guides for outlets such as Travel + Leisure, Forbes, and Conde Nast Traveler. Our Fact-Checking Process In This Article View All In This Article Our Top Picks Reviews Final Verdict Our Testing Process How to Shop More to Consider FAQs Take Our Word for It What Is Real Simple Selects? Photo: Real Simple / Dera Burreson While the terms are often used interchangeably, duvet inserts and comforters technically aren't the same. The main difference is that a duvet insert is meant to be used with a cover, while a comforter is meant to be used alone. Regardless of which option you choose, the right comforter or duvet insert can elevate your bedding and completely transform your sleep routine. To come up with the best duvet inserts and comforters, we tested 34 popular picks in our Des Moines lab and at home, evaluating them on quality, texture, durability, breathability, and value. For expert tips, we tapped Kelly Murray, certified pediatric and adult sleep coach, and Toussaint Derby, lead designer at Havenly. Our Top Picks Best Overall : Buffy Breeze Comforter at Amazon $225 Jump to Review Best Budget : Utopia Bedding Comforter at Amazon $26 Jump to Review Best Splurge: SALE Fluff Co Down Blended Comforter at Amazon $274 $180 Jump to Review Best Cooling: Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter at Amazon $239 Jump to Review Warmest : Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter at Featheredfriends.com $369 Jump to Review Best Down : Kassatex European Goose Down Comforter at Kassatex.com Jump to Review Best Down Alternative: Avec Goods Down Alternative Duvet Insert at Avecgoods.com Jump to Review Best Less Expensive Down : Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter at Amazon $170 Jump to Review Best Cotton : White Noise All-Season Down Alternative Comforter at Wayfair $127 Jump to Review Best Lightweight : Saatva Lightweight Down Alternative Comforter at Saatva $265 Jump to Review Best Overall Buffy Breeze Comforter PHOTO: Amazon $225 at Amazon $199 at Nordstrom View on Buffy What Stands Out It’s made with Tencel eucalyptus lyocell fill, which is lightweight yet comforting. What Could Be Improved It may be a bit too warm for hot sleepers. The Buffy Breeze Comforter was a standout in our testing, earning it our top spot. Crafted with a soft Tencel eucalyptus lyocell fill and shell, the comforter is 100% biodegradable and compostable. In the lab, we found it to strike the perfect balance between warmth and breathability—it wasn’t too thin nor too heavy, providing a comfortable embrace. However, within a minute of lying beneath the comforter, we could feel ourselves warming up quickly, and it proved to be similarly toasty throughout six months of long-term use. While some of us found this warmth to be hug-like and cozy, others felt a bit stifled by the heavy weight. Given the mixed reviews, those who sleep hot may want to explore other options. Despite the duvet insert’s large baffles, the fill didn’t shift at all and was noiseless when we tossed and turned, so we think this is a good choice for those who reposition often throughout the night. We could tell the duvet was well constructed, as it had solid seams, uniform filling, and no clumps. It was also easy to put into the duvet cover, featuring corner loops to tie the duvet cover’s ribbons around. The insert didn’t completely fill the cover, so there was a bit of loose material, though we wouldn’t say this was noticeable when lying beneath it. Still, this pick’s cloud-like feel, high quality, and durability make it our top pick. Cover Material: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell shell | Fill: Tencel eucalyptus lyocell fiber | Construction: Not listed | Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Care: Spot clean or dry clean PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Budget Utopia Bedding Comforter PHOTO: Amazon $26 at Amazon $41 at Walmart View on Utopiadeals.com What Stands Out The alternative down fibers mimic the feel of real down, making it soft, light, breathable, and great for hot sleepers. What Could Be Improved It's shorter than other comforters, so you'll have to size up if you want it to fully cover the sides of the mattress. This inexpensive comforter from Utopia Bedding is made with siliconized down alternative fibers that mimic the feel of real down. The fill weight is 250 grams per square meter (GSM), meaning this pick is suited for hot sleepers. We found this to be true during our evaluations: The comforter was soft, light, and breathable. The shell is made from easy-to-clean microfiber, so the coffee stain lifted with ease in our testing. If you have particularly stubborn messes, the comforter is entirely machine washable. The box-stitch construction ensures the fill does not shift throughout the night, although it’s not as lofty as a baffle-box comforter—a trade-off that comes with lower-priced comforters. After six months of use, we didn’t notice any changes in quality. The Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter is available in seven different colors, so you can forgo a duvet cover (although it does come with corner loops to tie one on). Most impressive of all, this pick was one of the least expensive out of the 34 duvet inserts we tested. Cover Material: Microfiber | Fill: Siliconized hollow fiber | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine washable PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Splurge Fluff Co Down Blended Comforter PHOTO: Fluff Co Orig. $274 $180 at Amazon View on Fluff.co What Stands Out The luxurious comforter is cozy enough to cocoon you without restricting movement. What Could Be Improved The crisp texture is a bit noisy as you toss and turn. If you have the means to spend on a comforter, the Fluff Co Down Blended Comforter is worth considering. To put it simply, this pick screams luxury—we could tell it was high quality just by looking at it. The crisp cotton has a soft (but not too soft) hand to it, and the fill is evenly distributed throughout. It somehow maintained a hotel-like feel without restricting us, remaining relatively lightweight yet still fluffy enough to cocoon us. Even after a long night of tossing and turning, this comforter looked just as plush when we woke up. It's worth noting that the crisp texture does make a bit of noice when you reposition, but this definitely wasn't a dealbreaker. In terms of temperature, we found it to be fairly neutral—while it wasn't cooling, it didn't cause us to overheat, either. Since the slick material isn't too soft, you won't have to worry about it sticking to your skin. This pick looked the same at the end of the testing period as it did at the beginning. While the manufacturer says the comforter is dry clean only, we washed it at commercial laundromat without issues. Just make sure you have access to a large enough washing machine. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: Down and plant-based "Sorona" | Construction: Baffle box | Fill Power: 300 | Sizes: Queen, king | Care: Dry clean Best Cooling Rest Evercool Cooling Comforter PHOTO: Amazon $239 at Amazon View on Rest Duvet What Stands Out The unique material is lightweight yet fluffy, featuring impressive temperature-regulating technology. What Could Be Improved It works best without a duvet cover or top sheet, which may deter people looking to achieve a certain aesthetic. Hot sleepers are familiar with the struggle of overheating at night, and Rest Evercool’s Cooling Comforter will help them say goodbye to night sweats. The manufacturer boasts that its signature fabric “absorbs and disperses heat 10 times faster than cotton.” After testing the comforter ourselves, we can confirm that the impressive temperature-regulating technology works. It’s crafted from a blend of ultra-thin yarn and spandex, giving it a smooth yet sturdy feel. We found the texture to be unlike any comforter we’ve ever used—it has the stretchiness of spandex with an added fluffiness that we didn’t expect. Not only was this comforter cool to the touch, but it also remained cool in our testing. Despite maintaining its impressive cooling capabilities over time, we did notice some loose threads at the six-month mark. However, we think the insert's superb temperature regulation makes up for it. We appreciated the heft, as many cooling comforters are often very thin. It contoured nicely to our body’s curves, comfortably draping over us. The fill, which is sewn into the comforter, didn’t shift at all as we tossed and turned. According to the manufacturer, the cooling technology works best without a duvet cover or top sheet, which may be a stylistic deterrent for some. Still, since the comforter is available in three colors, it can tie a room together on its own. Cover Material: 90% nylon, 10% spandex | Fill: Proprietary synthetic | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin, queen, king | Care: Machine washable PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Warmest Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter PHOTO: Feathered Friends $369 at Featheredfriends.com What Stands Out The 700-fill power of the ethically sourced white goose down provides superior insulation while remaining lightweight. What Could Be Improved It's only machine washable in front-loading washers using a down-specific detergent. Made from ethically sourced white goose down, the Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter is a great choice for year-round use, thanks to a 700-fill power that provides superior insulation while remaining lightweight. This incredibly plush and lofty comforter had a hotel-quality feel, rested very lightly on our bodies, and provided warmth without making us overheat. We found the fill to be evenly distributed and quick to return to its original loft after being compressed for several minutes, which is a testament to the high quality of the down. The shell is made from a satiny-smooth 400-thread-count cotton, and because the fill is made from 100% down, there are no quills to poke through the shell. It’s also worth noting that it comes with sewn-in fabric loops for attaching a duvet cover. Most of the coffee stain came out with a damp cloth in our tests, but the comforter may be machine washed using a down-specific detergent in a large, front-loading washer, according to the manufacturer. After six months of use, this comforter was just as fluffy and cozy as it had been when we first opened it. Although this is one of the more expensive comforters we tested, we think its price is justified because it uses the highest-quality materials available and will last a long time. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: Down | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: 700 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king | Care: Machine washable in front-loading washer PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Down Kassatex European Goose Down Comforter PHOTO: Kassatex View on Kassatex.com What Stands Out The high-quality fill is evenly distributed throughout. What Could Be Improved It’s almost $100 above the median comforter price. If you’re seeking a plush comforter made with real down, we recommend the White Goose Down Comforter from Kassatex. We were impressed by the comforter’s high-quality construction and evenly distributed fill. The fill didn’t move at all as we tossed and turned, nor did it clump at the edges like some other comforters we’ve tested. When we pinched the fabric, there were no gaps. Much of this consistency can be attributed to the comforter’s thick seams and baffle-box construction, which keep the fill securely in place. There were no feathers poking out, either. It maintained this same quality after running it through the washing machine, looking even fuller than it had before. The comforter felt fluffy without being too heavy in our testing, allowing us to move freely beneath it. After lying under it for five minutes, our body temperature remained consistent. The comforter is available in two warmth levels, light and all-season. While it’s a bit pricier than other comforters, the high-quality materials ensure it will last long—even after six months of use, it still looks as good as new. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: White goose down | Construction: Baffle box | Fill Power: 650 | Sizes: Twin, queen, king | Care: Machine washable on delicate, tumble dry on low heat PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Down Alternative Avec Goods Down Alternative Duvet Insert PHOTO: Avec Goods View on Avecgoods.com What Stands Out It's cozy enough to use without a duvet cover. What Could Be Improved It's too large and heavy to wash in a standard washing machine. We found the Avec Goods Down Alternative Duvet Insert to be lighter than standard down options and fluffier than other down alternative comforters we’ve tested, achieving the best of both worlds. Despite being a duvet insert, this pick was soft enough to use without a duvet cover. The eight fasteners were discreet enough, too. Thanks to its plush design, this insert is warm and cozy. It has the perfect amount of loft—enough to cocoon us, but not so much that we felt like we were drowning. It required zero re-fluffing throughout the testing period. At 270 GSM, it’s a bit heavy, which may make it better suited for the colder months. While we certainly didn't overheat beneath it, we did occasionally need to stick our leg out. This comforter held up well in the wash, retaining the same soft texture that it had on day one. After two weeks of use, we've noticed no signs of wear and tear. Our only complaint involves the cleaning process—since this is a heavier comforter, we encountered difficulty fitting it into our standard washing machine, and it took a while to fully dry. However, we think this comforter is worth the extra maintenance. Cover Material: Polyester | Fill: Down alternative | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king | Care: Machine washable Best Less Expensive Down Egyptian Bedding Goose Down Feather Comforter PHOTO: Amazon Orig. $170 $150 at Amazon What Stands Out It’s fluffy yet lightweight, and the loops keep it securely in place. What Could Be Improved The fill may shift around a bit as you reposition. While real down can be expensive, this Egyptian Bedding Goose Feather Comforter offers the luxurious down feel without the price tag. It’s made with a blend of down fiber and waterfowl feather fiber and topped with a cotton cover, which we found buttery smooth to the touch. We were impressed by the comforter’s high-quality construction, as the stitching was even with no visible loose threads. The fill shifted around a bit within the pockets, leaving occasional bare spots, but the fluffiness made up for it. The comforter felt pretty plush and heavy during testing, so it may not be the best choice for hot sleepers. Due to its weight, it tended to droop off the bed, as well, requiring frequent readjustments. That said, we think this is an excellent comforter for those who are cold throughout the night. We could tell this comforter was made well just by looking at it, and after six months of use, we've noticed no changes in quality. The duvet cover fit so perfectly on the insert that it looked like we had inserted it just by straightening the cover on top of it. It also features a baffle-box construction and eight corner loops to keep it in place. The comforter is available in a wide range of sizes, from twin to palatial king, so it will fit comfortably on any bed. It falls about $100 below the median price, which we think is a steal given its high quality. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: 80% down fiber, 20% waterfowl feather fiber | Construction: Baffle-box | Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king, California king, palatial king | Care: Not specified PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Cotton White Noise All-Season Down Alternative Comforter PHOTO: Wayfair $127 at Wayfair What Stands Out The fill doesn’t shift at all while tossing and turning. What Could Be Improved It’s durable and easy to wash. We were impressed by the durability and breathability of this comforter. Crafted with a cotton cover and cotton filling, this pick is designed to have natural, temperature-regulating properties, providing warmth in colder settings and a cooling effect in warmer climates. After five minutes of lying under the comforter, we felt warm and cozy without overheating. And six months later, we still have no complaints—this comforter continues to be an integral part of our nightly routine. The fill was evenly distributed in the pockets with medium thickness, not thin but not too fluffy. After tossing and turning beneath the comforter, the fill didn’t shift at all. Even after shaking the comforter vigorously, it remained perfectly in place. It fit well into the duvet cover, overfilling it slightly. We found the weight to be just right, as the comforter didn’t restrict us at all as we repositioned. Best yet, it held up so well after washing that we couldn’t even tell it had been washed. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: Cotton | Construction: Box stitch | Fill power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin, full/queen, king | Care: Machine washable PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Lightweight Saatva Lightweight Down Alternative Comforter PHOTO: Saatva $265 at Saatva What Stands Out The comforter is breathable, and the filling stays in place. What Could Be Improved It may be too thin to use in colder months. Whether you're a naturally hot sleeper or simply feel claustrophobic beneath a plush comforter, Saatva's Lightweight Down Alternative Comforter is the perfect choice. Crafted with a 200-thread-count percale weave, this comforter is one of the most breathable options we've tried. Despite being lower profile than other duvet inserts on our list—it only has 1 inch of filling—no part of the insert felt thin, and it passed the pinch test with flying colors. Thanks to its lightweight design, the comforter regulated our body temperature well during testing, keeping us cool throughout the night, We could tell this comforter was well made as soon as we took it out of the box—it has corner loops to attach it to a duvet cover, top and bottom tags to simplify the bed-making process, and stitching around the perimeter to keep the filling in place. At the end of the two-week testing period. the insert still looked as good as new, with no loose strings or changes in appearance. It didn't even require any fluffing. We were also impressed by how easy it was to clean, as even the king size fit comfortably in our washing machine. With its breathable design, ease of cleaning, and reasonable price, this comforter checks all the boxes. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: Down alternative and lyocell | Construction: Not specified| Fill Power: Not specified | Sizes: Twin/twin XL, full/queen, king/California king | Care: Machine washable Best All-Season Alwyn Home All Season Down Comforter PHOTO: Wayfair $116 at Wayfair View on Bed Bath & Beyond What Stands Out It’s comfortably warm without being too thick or heavy. What Could Be Improved The gold stitching may not appeal to everyone. A good comforter can withstand any temperature, and this down comforter from Alwyn Home is the perfect choice for every season. The comforter had the right amount of thickness in our testing and stayed in place as we tossed and turned without restricting us. The fill didn’t shift at all as we repositioned, though it did move a bit when we shook the comforter. Overall, we think that its medium weight and mid-level fluff makes it versatile enough to use all year round. The duvet insert warmed us up within five minutes in our testing. The cotton cover promotes breathability, ensuring that the comforter is warm without causing overheating. We did find the cotton shell to be a bit stiff, though, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a buttery-soft texture. The trade-off for the material's rougher feel is its durability—this comforter has held up beautifully throughout six months of use, with no lumps or loose threads. Note that the comforter does have a gold stitching on the borders, which may be an acquired taste for some. Still, we think this is a solid option for those seeking a comforter to keep them cozy in every season. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: White goose down | Construction: Baffle box | Fill Power: 600 | Sizes: Twin, full, queen, king | Care: Dry clean PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple/Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Heavy Casaluna Premium Down Comforter PHOTO: Target Orig. $209 $129 at Target What Stands Out The thick, plush design is ideal for cold weather. What Could Be Improved It is a bit heavy to manipulate, which may be frustrating for those who toss and turn frequently. This heavy-duty comforter is perfect for those looking to cuddle up on a cold night. The duvet insert felt thick and well made in our testing, with plush, poofy squares that kept us cozy. Our hands sunk into the squishy fabric when we pushed down on it, leaving a brief handprint. In addition to the puffy texture, we think the subtle pattern also gives the comforter a luxurious feel to it. The fill was evenly distributed, and we couldn't feel the feathers at all through the outer material. After six months of use, the comforter has maintained its loft and coziness with no signs of wear. It comes in three versions: lightweight, heavyweight, and all season. Despite its heaviness, we found the oversized comforter to be surprisingly breathable. While temperature wasn’t an issue, we struggled a bit to move around beneath it. The comforter felt a bit restrictive as we tossed and turned, and it was too heavy to manipulate. Once we were situated, though, the weight was evenly distributed and comfortable. Cover Material: Cotton sateen | Fill: 75% white duck down, 25% white duck feather | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: 600 | Sizes: Twin, full/queen/ king | Care: Machine washable, tumble dry PHOTO: Real Simple/Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Colorful Garnet Hill Essential Down Comforter PHOTO: Garnet Hill $249 at Garnethill.com What Stands Out You won’t need a duvet cover. What Could Be Improved The lightweight design may be too thin for those seeking a cozy comforter. If you’re tired of plain white bedding, this down comforter from Garnet Hill will add a pop of color to your space. It comes in 12 colors, ranging from neutral birch to celestial blue, able to tie any colorful room together. The seams were all solid, and there were no gaps in the fill. As we tossed and turned, the fill stayed securely in place, thanks to its box-stitch construction. The cotton cover felt smooth but not particularly soft, feeling a bit more like a sheet than a fluffy comforter. The design was super lightweight, allowing us to toss and turn without feeling much bulk. We found the fabric to be cool to the touch. It retained our body heat well in testing, providing comfort without causing us to overheat. After six months of laundering, we've observed no clumps or feathers poking out. While we admit it’s a bit expensive given how thin it is, we appreciate that the wide range of color options eliminate the need for a duvet cover. We recommend this pick for hot sleepers seeking a vibrant accent in their bedroom or guest room. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: White down | Construction: Box stitch | Fill Power: 550 | Sizes: Twin, double/queen, king/California king | Care: Machine washable PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson PHOTO: Real Simple / Dera Burreson Best Sustainable Avocado Down Duvet Insert PHOTO: Avocado Orig. $419 $377 at Avocadogreenmattress.com What Stands Out The brand uses high-quality, ethically sourced materials. What Could Be Improved It makes a crinkling sound as you move around. If you value sustainability as you shop, consider adding the Avocado Down Duvet Insert to your list. This pick meets the Responsible Down Standard (RDS) and Oeko-Tex Standard 100, and it boasts a Downmark certification, ensuring ethical sourcing and high quality. Plus, the brand is Climate Neutral Certified, devoted to limiting its carbon footprint. We were impressed by this comforter's well-made construction. In fact, we would even go as far as to say its one of the highest-quality comforters we've tried. It boasts a puffy, hotel-like appearance and maintained its loft throughout the two-week testing period. The filling didn't bunch up at all, and the only gaps we noticed were by the seams. It's available in two comfort levels: lightweight and all season. We do wish it was a bit more breathable, though. This comforter has a crisp, cotton sateen weave that drapes nicely on any bed. It's worth noting that it does make a slight crinkling sound when you move, which will take some getting used to. It's also one of the more expensive duvet inserts on our list. That said, we think real, ethically sourced down is worth the splurge. Cover Material: Cotton | Fill: Down | Construction: Baffle box | Fill Power: 650 | Sizes: Full/queen, king | Care: Spot clean Final Verdict Our top pick is the Buffy Breeze Comforter due to its soft Tencel eucalyptus lyocell material, impressive breathability, and cozy feel. For a more budget-friendly option, the Utopia Bedding Down Alternative Comforter is made from a siliconized down-alternative fiber that we found to be breathable and lightweight. Our Testing Process We tested 34 duvet inserts and comforters in our lab and at home, scoring them based on quality, texture, durability, breathability, and value. We began by spreading the duvets out on a bed and performing a visual check for any loose threads or other flaws. Then, we measured the length, width, and weight of each comforter. We ran our hands over each duvet insert to assess its feel and evaluate how evenly the fill was distributed. For down duvet inserts, we checked for any feathers poking through the shell and for any obvious odor coming from the product. For our next test, we used an infrared thermometer to take the surface temperature from underneath the duvet insert. After lying under the duvet for five minutes, we took another surface temperature reading and compared it to the original. While under the duvet, we also took note of its comfort, loft, and breathability. To evaluate how easy it is to maneuver the duvet, we pushed it off the bed and pulled it back up, noting whether the fill shifted around or not. We then lied on top of the comforter for two minutes to compress the loft, taking note of how quickly it restored its original loft. (We found the Feathered Friends Bavarian 700 Down Comforter to be exceptionally lofty and quick to go back to its original height after being compressed.) Next, we put covers on the duvet inserts (when applicable) and repeated the above tests, noting whether there was any bunching. Finally, we evaluated the cleanup process for each duvet by pouring 1 tablespoon of coffee on it and letting it sit for 30 seconds. We then spot treated the stain and ran the machine-washable duvets through a wash and dry cycle, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After laundering, we inspected the duvets for any change in loft, threading, snags, and pilling. We measured each duvet again and compared it to the original numbers to check for any shrinkage. Once finished, we received the retail price of the product and scored its value based on its price and performance in our tests. We took the top-performing blankets home with us, evaluating them after two and six months. Real Simple / Dera Burreson How to Shop for Duvet Inserts Like a Pro Material Down: Down duvet inserts and comforters are made from the soft feathers without quills that come from the underbelly of a goose or duck. Down is prized for its light and plush feel as well as its insulation. “Down feathers expand, allowing air to circulate, which helps with thermoregulation—and it’s also very cozy and comfy,” Murray says. You can also find down-and-feather combos (such as the Casaluna Premium Down Comforter) that contain down feathers and the feathers from the back and wings of the bird, which contain quills. This combination makes for a less-expensive duvet, although down-and-feather duvets are more prone to flattening, and the quills may poke through the cover. Should you choose to go with a down duvet insert or comforter, be sure it comes with a certification for quality and ethical animal practices. Common certifications include the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Downmark, and the IDFL Down Standard (IDS). You should also be aware that for some people, real down may trigger an allergic reaction. Down Alternative: Down alternative duvets, such as those made from polyester and other synthetic materials, are designed to mimic the feel of real down, making them a great option for allergy sufferers or those who want to avoid animal-sourced materials. They’re also less expensive than genuine down. However, down alternatives often require more fill to attain similar insulation to that of real down. This means that some down-alternative duvets can be less breathable, so keep this in mind if you typically sleep warm. Wool and Silk: Silk is a great lightweight material for warmer months, while wool provides warmth but is denser and less lofty than down. Both of these materials are natural fibers and make great alternatives to down. Murray says wool is naturally moisture wicking, fire resistant, mold resistant, and dust mite resistant, while silk—long-strand mulberry silk, to be specific—is naturally hypoallergenic, moisture wicking, breathable, non-irritating, mold resistant, and mite resistant. Shell Material: Even though your duvet insert will be enclosed in a cover, the shell material is still crucial to its feel and performance, so it’s important to take note of what the duvet insert is actually covered in, Murray says. Cotton and polyester are the most common. Cotton tends to be more breathable, while polyester is more durable. However, you can find other breathable alternatives, such as those made from eucalyptus-derived Tencel lyocell, bamboo viscose, linen, and more. Fill Power A down duvet’s “fill power” simply refers to the amount of space that the filling takes up—aka how fluffy it is. A higher fill power (700 and above) will be lighter in weight because a fluffier fill takes up more space and requires less down to fill the same amount of space. Down with a higher fill power will also have superior insulation, making it well-suited for the winter months. Note that this measurement is only used for genuine down products, not down-alternative materials. Box Construction Duvet inserts and comforters are stitched in ways that keep the filling in place, and the most common styles are baffle box and box stitch (aka sewn through). A baffle-box duvet insert groups wads of the filling into squares, creating a checkerboard design. To do this, strips of fabric are inserted between the top and bottom layers of the shell, which help keep the filling in place. A box-stitch duvet insert also creates boxes to contain the fill, however, it doesn't feature the strip of fabric between the top and bottom layers of the shell. Instead, the layers are sewn directly together to create a chamber for the filling. A baffle-box construction (like that of our best down duvet insert, the Kassatex European White Goose Down Comforter) is generally considered to be superior because it gives the filling more room to expand, which helps with thermoregulation. The roomier construction provided by baffle-box stitching also ensures that the loft will be higher, creating a fluffier look and feel. The only downside is that baffle-box comforters tend to be more expensive than their box-stitch counterparts. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Care The fill and shell materials used in your duvet insert will determine how you should wash it, so be sure to always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions. According to Murray, down comforters and duvets only need to be washed once every one to two years, barring any spills. Some down comforters are spot clean or dry clean only, but for machine-washable down, you can use a gentle detergent or down wash. Just keep in mind that washing both down and down-alternative duvet inserts will likely require a large-capacity machine. And when it comes to drying, using wool dryer balls can help fluff the interior filling as long as your blanket is dryer safe. More Duvet Inserts to Consider Bedsure All-Season Down-Alternative Comforter: This pick from Bedsure is another budget-friendly, down-alternative comforter with classic box stitching. At 300 GSM, it’s slightly more dense than our best budget pick, which may make it better suited for those who prefer a warmer duvet. We also like that it comes in several different colors, so it can be used as a duvet insert or standalone comforter. Apsmile Luxurious Goose Duck Feathers and Down Comforter: Made with quill-less down and quilled feather, this comforter offers the warmth and comfort of real down without the high price. Just keep in mind that due to its fill, you may feel quills poking through the shell. Slumber Cloud UltraCool Comforter: This comforter is durable, warm, and cozy, offering similar comfort to a weighted blanket. It maintained its shape and loft well throughout testing, requiring no re-fluffing. It does trap heat, though, and the price is a bit high for the performance. Real Simple / Dera Burreson Questions You Might Ask What's the difference between a duvet insert and a comforter? Even though you’ll find the terms used interchangeably, duvet inserts and comforters technically refer to different products. The major distinction between the two is that a duvet insert is designed to be used with a duvet cover, which means you can go longer between washes. Murray says duvet inserts also tend to be thinner than comforters and more customizable since you can choose both the duvet insert and the cover to your liking. But you can easily use a duvet cover with a comforter, too—in fact, many products marketed as comforters are designed to be used with duvet covers. One of the best reasons for going with a duvet over a comforter is it allows you to swap out your bedding, whether for seasonal shifts or decor preferences, Derby says. Duvet covers are easy to store with the rest of your linens as they fold neatly and take up little to no space, while comforters are more costly to swap and take up extra closet real estate. However, taking your duvet insert in and out of the cover may be a hassle. How do you keep a duvet insert in place? Anyone with experience using a duvet insert knows that keeping it from bunching up or shifting within its cover can be quite difficult. The first step is looking for duvet inserts that come with ties or button loops to secure them to a cover. “If you don’t see them on your duvet insert or cover, you can add them yourself pretty easily going the DIY route,” Murray says. “A little needle and thread plus some fabric ribbon [go] a long way.” From there, make sure you know how to properly put on a duvet cover for the most secure fit. And if your duvet insert has ties or buttons that simply aren’t cutting it, there’s still hope. “A hack I’m currently using on my duvet is to use large safety pins in the corners, as my duvet cover only has ties in two of the four corners,” Derby says. “Works like a charm, and I don’t feel or notice them at all.” How often should you wash a duvet insert? Since they have covers, duvet inserts don’t need to be washed as often as other types of bedding. You should wash your duvet cover according to the manufacturer’s instructions once every one to two weeks. The duvet insert should be washed (or spot or dry cleaned) around once a year, assuming there aren’t any major messes. For small spills and stains, you can spot treat your duvet insert as needed. Take Our Word for It This article was written by Melanie Fincher, an associate commerce editor for Real Simple with over three years of experience writing product reviews and lifestyle content, and updated by Jamie Fischer, a commerce writer for Real Simple. To come up with this list, we tested 34 duvet inserts and comforters in our lab and at home and rated them based on quality, texture, durability, breathability, and value. Additionally, we received expert tips on what to look for in a duvet insert from Kelly Murray, certified pediatric and adult sleep coach, as well as Toussaint Derby, lead designer at Havenly. What Is Real Simple Selects? Next to each product on this list, you may have noticed a Real Simple Selects seal of approval. Any product appearing alongside that seal has been vetted by our team—put through tests and graded on its performance to earn a spot on our list. Although we buy most of the products we test, sometimes we do get samples from companies if purchasing a product ourselves isn't an option. If that's the case, we test the product just like we test anything we buy, but we also disclose that we received it for free to be as transparent with you as possible. Love our recommendations? Check out more products that have earned the Real Simple Selects, from humidifiers to cordless vacuums.