Our step-up pick is the Superior Solid White and it is made out of microfiber for its cover so it is very soft to touch. It is hypoallergenic and has a solid but classic design.
The budget pick is the AmazonBasics Reversible Microfiber and it is available in a variety of colors to choose from, in different sizes and is made with microfiber material on its outer side and polyester fill on its inner side.
A Little Background
A comforter is a kind of bedding accessory that is topped on the bed to keep you comfortable in very cold weather. They are mostly used when the weather really feels bad and when a mere blanket is simply not enough. They tend to be thicker than your usual blanket and are commonly found in middle to high class homes and hotels.
These bedding items can come in different sizes according to your bed size. King sized and Queen sized ones tend to be larger and mostly the ones that use this kind of bedding item. These items are often a thing of luxury but some people really want to include them in their bedding for many different kinds of purposes.
They can also come in various colors and materials to choose from. Choosing the right material for this kind of bedding item is important because it defines how it will be able to shield you from the cold by insulating you and keeping you warm. The colors, on the other hand, have the power to bring out an elegant or cool design for your room. Many companies offer various designs for them.
It is important that the comforter is made of hypoallergenic materials. They should be hypoallergenic as a bedding item because they will protect you from the cold and keep you comfortable throughout the night. Being hypoallergenic means being free from harmful substances that might otherwise be harsh to your skin. These can cause less rashes to appear to your skin and they will also alleviate you from any kind of skin irritations whatsoever, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Commonly used fills for them include feather and down, much like with pillows. These make them more comfortable, insulating and durable. Feather is known to be very soft and fluffy and is commonly used for pillow fights. Their only con is that their quills might pluck you in the middle of the night. The down fill is much more preferred by most due to comfort factor, insulation and softness. However, they may be expensive to buy and difficult to clean/maintain.
Your best bet if you think that you cannot afford these down and feather fills would be memory foam or fiberfill. These are also very comfortable yet memory foam has a drawback when it comes down to hot weather, so they are only best for cold weather, whereas fiber fill can be okay for some other climates. Foam is relatively okay for various weather but it can also flatten much quickly with repeated use.
When it comes down to pricing, they do not cost that much compared to other larger bedding items, but you do need to prepare some budget if you intend to have expensive materials for it. Comforters tend to be seen in middle class to higher class homes due to being slightly a luxury item, but there are still many options for you if you are on a tight budget. Fiber fills work over down or feather to save on cash.
How we Picked
For the best comforter, here are your choices for criteria:
Pattern: you can choose from solid, striped, checkered, patchwork, plaid and many more. Solid ones can be rare but they present a very clean look overall. Your best bet is to go for single colored ones but with patterns like checkered and striped designs. These are all a matter of your personal choices and do not really affect the quality of your item. You should just consider one that best suits your room design altogether.
Bed size: consider your size of bedding, whether you have a twin, king, queen or full size or anything else in between. Remember that large sizes need some work in order to find a properly fitting item for it, so make sure you look carefully at the sizes. Take time to measure your bed in case you do not know what standard size it is. You can also consult someone who may be more knowledgeable with sizing for this item.
Fill material: many fill materials are available, such as cotton, down, feather, down alternative, memory foam, synthetic, wool, gel, fiber, polyester and many others. Down and feather are considered high end choices but are very comfortable, although they can be hard to take care of. Polyester fiberfill is a good choice for those with limited budget options while memory foam is good for those who need a contouring support when they sleep and insulation from the cold.
Cover material: covering it is important, and so you have many choices such as cotton, silk, wool, Egyptian cotton, sateen and many others. Cover materials like silk, sateen and Egyptian cotton are among the most luxurious of all because of their price and quality. They also offer a very smooth and skin friendly feeling. For those with limited budget options, you can go for a regular cotton or cotton blend material or even wool for the cold days.
Thread count: ranging from 300 to 900, you can choose the appropriate thread count depending on your needs. Thread count is important for when you need a higher quality material and it will also be less prone to snagging and damage if it is more on the thread count. It can also be more durable and much more insulating for when you sleep in a cold night.
Hypoallergenic: consider one that is skin friendly and allergy friendly so that it will not harm your skin later on. Look for something that you know is hypoallergenic and free from harsh chemicals that might leak into your skin and cause rashes and similar skin disorders and irritations. For something to be hypoallergenic, it should also be highly breathable in material. Organic ones are good for breathability.
Reversible: some of the designs of this bedding item are considered reversible so that you save time in having to launder it. A reversible design makes it ideal for many uses so that you can easily flip it over in case you get tired of the front design or it gets dirty on one side and you do not have time to launder it.
Resistance to stain and water: it should be resistant to water and stain if you will be using it most often, especially with kids around, with pets or in the living room. Consider one that has properties to resist these stains to avoid having to scrub them problematically later on for laundry time.
Ease of washing: the material should also be easy to wash. We all know that delicates like down, feather, silk and satin require special washing conditions, but there can be blends out there that offer a similar luxury without being quite a hassle to launder. Most easy to wash items can just end up in a washing machine and in a dryer or be hung to dry easily.
Our Pick
As our top pick, the Utopia Bedding Queen is made with hypoallergenic material and has a contemporary design. It can be easily machine washed and it has a box style stitching design. It comes with corner tabs and it is a down alternative fill material item.
Flaws but Not Dealbrakers
While not a major con, the Utopia Bedding Queen is made of synthetic material, so it may not be ideal for those who like down.
Step-up Pick
The Superior Solid White is our step-up pick, which barely makes noise and has a classic style. It is of premium quality and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. It feels cozy and has a baffle box construction that is backed in durability by double needle stitching.
Budget Pick
The AmazonBasics Reversible Microfiber is our budget pick, which is made of polyester on the fill and microfiber on the cover. It meets the OEKO-TEX standards for quality and it is easy to machine wash. Since it is reversible, it can be easy to maintain for a long time.
Best Comforter with Goose Down
The LUXURIOUS FULL Siberian is a good choice if you want something that is made out of goose down. It comes in Queen, King and Twin sizes and has a thread count of 1,200. It weighs 50 ounces and is white and solid in its design. It is also made with Egyptian cotton.
Best Comforter with Down Alternative
The Sleep Restoration Reversible is a great down alternative comforter, with a king and California king size. It is reversible and comes in a variety of colors. It is a great bedding item for winter seasons yet will also work in the summer, and it is also hypoallergenic.
Best Comforter that is Reversible
The LINENSPA All-Season is reversible and can work all year round. It has a box stitching design and has a microfiber cover for a soft feeling. The plush material makes it hypoallergenic and it also has corner duvet tabs for ease of maintenance.
Best Comforter with Box Stitching Design
The Bedsure Full/Queen is a choice you might pick if you want something that has a box stitching design. It is also available in king and twin sizes and it comes with corner ties. The surface of the material is made out of soft microfiber for a very plush and smooth feeling.
Best Comforter for King Sized Beds
Made for king sized beds, the CGK Unlimited King has a 300 GSM fill and can be easy to lift due to its lightweight feel. It keeps you warm during cold nights and it comes in 6 colors to choose from. Its design can easily fit into most beds.
Best Comforter with Egyptian Cotton
The Egyptian Bedding 600-Thread is made with Egyptian cotton for its outer layer and its inner layer is made with goose down with 750 fill power. It has a fill weight of 70 ounces and it has a zippered package for ease of packing. The outer layers are made with 600 thread count material.
Best Comforter for California King Beds
The Royal Hotel's California-King is ideal for California king bed and is made with down alternative. It has a microfiber cover and it has a box stitching design. Being hypoallergenic, it is great for use all year round due to its comfortable design.
The Competition
There were others that did not make it to this list because they lacked quality materials in their filling and were also not very good when it comes down to the insulation and the comfort level. It is also important for this kind of bedding item to be hypoallergenic and soft for sensitive skin.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the different cover materials for a comforter?
A: This kind of bedding item can have various cover items to choose from. The right material for the cover is important so that the inner filling will be safe, secure and durable. Here are your options:
Material | Best For |
Cotton | a. Adding breathability during the summer season.
b. Great for its price and durability ratio or aspect.
c. They are more eco-friendly than other items.
d. They can be washed many times without wearing out.
e. They are usually very soft. |
Plush | a. Great for adding a touch of luxury to your home or area.
b. They come in a wide variety of colors and designs.
c. They have an unmatched softness and warmth.
d. They tend to be lightweight to carry around and use. |
Fleece | a. Being light and easy to use.
b. Not very prone to pilling so it is durable.
c. Warm and cozy when you sleep with this kind of material.
d. Available in a wide variety of colors to choose from. |
Heated | a. Really cold winters when you really need something to warm you up.
b. User-control temperature levels for your needs. |
Q: What are the different fill materials for it?
A: The filling material refers to what is inside this bedding item. In order to choose properly, you must know the different kinds out there, along with their unique properties, strong and weak points as well as their regular price. Here are some of the most popular ones out there to pique your interest:
Type of Filling | Source | Best Uses |
Goose Down | These are sourced from goose from around the world, all from different species and varieties. | They are the best for luxury as well as for a cozy and comfort feeling, especially during winter weather. |
Duck down | These are sourced from ducks, just as goose down is sourced. | They are best for those who do not have a lot of budget for goose down and want a decent fluffy bedding item. |
Down alternative | Usually, these are synthetic materials but can still be skin-friendly at most. | They are the best for those who have allergies when it comes down to down, whether goose down or duck down. They also tend to be cheaper in price. |
Q: Why should I get a comforter?
A: There are many reasons as to why you need this kind of bedding item, such as the following:
1. They provide warmth for the winter. One of the best things to know about this kind of bedding product is that it might be thick enough to shield you from the harsh and cold winter weather, which can seep through at night. It provides additional warmth so that you can feel cozy at night when you sleep.
2. They keep your cool nights warmer. Adding to the winter benefits of this product, it can also help you feel more relaxed during colder nights when it rains or when it is really windy outside. The weather today can be unpredictable, so when you need something that is more than just a blanket to keep you shielded from the cold, consider this kind of item so that you will feel protected from discomfort.
3. They add volume, comfort and luxury to your bed. Aside from its functional use, this kind of bedding item is also a luxury symbol for most people. You will only mostly find them in middle to high class homes because most people can only afford a blanket and that’s it – most people don’t even know what a comforter is. This is why adding one can make your bed stand out from the rest.
Q: What is thread count and why does it matter?
A: The thread count is the amount of fibers woven in a single item. Usually, the higher the thread count, the more durable the item will be in the test of time. There are two things that are measured in this kind of feature or property, such as the following:
a. Weft – this refers to the horizontal weave of the fabric.
b. Warp – this refers to the vertical weave of the fabric.
Both of the warp and weft are important in measuring the thread count. However, higher thread counts do not automatically mean that you get the best item – it still depends upon many factors of the fabric. For instance, anything that is above 400 in thread count could be impossible.
The ply of the material is what you should look for instead of just relying on the thread count. It is easier to achieve a 500 or 600 thread count if you have a multiple ply for each thread, whereas if you use a single yet thick ply of material for the thread, even if it is a lower count then it will surely make the item of bedding or clothing much more durable than the finely woven higher count.
Q: What are the pros and cons of down fill?
A: Down is a delicate item so it needs to be protected from moisture and the like as well, just like with feather. However, it does have a lot of good sides such as comfort. Here are its pros and cons:
Pros of Down | Cons of Down |
a. They tend to be very cozy and calming, enough to keep you warm throughout the night.
b. They are excellent for winter insulation because of the fact that they can help keep your body heat just right for when it is really cold.
c. The softness of this kind of material for a bedding product is unmatched.
d. It is generally eco friendly and natural because it does not contain harsh chemicals that are found in those made of synthetic materials. | a. Not all down are ethically harvested so you should know first if the down is taken responsibly from goose or duck without harming them.
b. It could be difficult to wash it so it might not appeal to those who want something that is easy to take care of.
c. It is usually much more expensive compared to other product materials out there, so you have to prepare some budget for it. |
Q: What are the pros and cons of synthetic or polyester fill?
A: These can be found nearly everywhere in the world due to its high availability and ease of production. In addition to that, it also dries up really fast so it is easy to care for.
Here are the pros:
A. Durability – they are very durable when it comes down to their design, so they tend to be much better when it comes down to quality compared to other materials. While they are not as durable as down or memory foam, they have a good amount of durability and resilience compared to others.
B. Cheapness – the good thing about this kind of material is that it is easily bought from various stores because of its low price. Synthetic materials are usually alternatives to those who cannot afford higher priced materials such as down and feathers, hence they resort to these synthetic or polyester fills.
C. Availability – the fact that they are widely available in almost all kinds of stores out there make them very easy to replace when they need to be thrown out due to being flat or damaged. The fact that they are always available makes them more suitable for those who look for easy to find items.
Here are the cons:
A. Not breathable – they may not be able to replicate the same kind of breathability as with organic materials like cotton, down and feathers. The breathability is not that good, although it is not compromised at all. Because they are made from synthetic materials, they focus more on durability and resilience rather than comfort.
B. Can have harsh chemicals – you should be careful where you get your polyester material from, as some would leak out harsh chemicals which could be bad to your skin and to your environment. Therefore, it is important that you check first whether it is free from harsh chemicals.
C. Not sustainably made – consider one that is made from at least some eco friendly items. Most polyesters that are pure and not blended could be bad for the environment, and this is why most people turn into polyester and cotton blends for added eco friendliness.
Q: What are the properties of feather fill?
A: Feather fill is usually from duck or goose or any kind of bird that supplies feathers. They are usually much more common than down and tend to be less pricier. Here are some of its unique properties:
Affordability | They are usually very cheap compared to down. You can buy them anywhere and they will not be too high in price so they can be affordable for some. |
Availability | They are also widely available compared to down so they can be bought anywhere. Much like cotton and polyester fill, feather fill can be bought anywhere as well due to its wide availability. |
Fluffy warmth | It has a certain warmth that is similar to down but for a lower price. The fluffy warmth of this kind of material is what makes it stand out from other materials other than down. |
Mostly ethical | Compared to down, feathers have a less chance of being unethically sourced from birds. This is because of the fact that birds naturally shed or molt with their feathers so it is easy to gather them when necessary without hurting the bird. |
Q: What are the pros and cons of memory foam fill?
A: If you are a big fan of memory foam then this is the one that’s best for you. It can also help you get insulated in cold nights.
Pros of Memory Foam | Cons of Memory Foam |
a. They tend to be comfortable because they conform to your shape, which makes them sort of therapeutic and orthopedic.
b. They provide some manner of insulation during cold weather, such as in the winter season.
c. They are somewhat cheaper compared to down and feather because they are similar to the price range of foam.
d. They are somewhat widely available around the world and in various stores that sell bedding items. | a. They can get hot if they are not properly layered so they may not be suitable for hot summers or hot climates with sleeping problems.
b. Even if they are less expensive compared to down and feathers, they can still be pricier compared to polyester fiber fill and other cheaper fills out there, so not everyone can afford to buy them anyway.
c. Some were produced with a lot of harsh chemicals that could be harmful for your skin, unlike down and feathers, which are pure and organic, making them eco-friendly. |
Q: Are there pros and cons to Egyptian cotton covers?
A: Most people are aware that Egyptian cotton can be an expensive material. There are also hypoallergenic properties present in this organic material and this makes it ideal for those with sensitive skin due to lacking harsh chemicals seen in other synthetic fabrics. However, it has its advantages, as well as its disadvantages, such as the following:
The advantages are:
1. Does not shrink – it means that it is less likely to get smaller after you wash and use it. This is important for people who often wash and use this kind of item so that they will be able to use it for a very long time without the problem of shrinkage.
2. Very smooth and soft – this is also known as a luxurious item and that is why it is very smooth and soft to the touch. It is much like silk and much better than cotton. If you want something for your bedding that is smooth and soft but don’t like silk, you can consider Egyptian cotton.
3. A symbol of luxury – if you want something that is meant for luxurious bedding then this is a good choice. It is usually meant for those who have larger beds and those who maintain hotels and the like. It is a good item of luxury other than silk and satin (or sateen, for that matter).
4. Very organic – because it is made of cotton materials, it is based from plants, which in turn, is very eco friendly and biodegradable compared to other materials that are man-made so they cannot return to the earth when discarded. This is important if you consider eco-friendly bedding in general.
5. Breathable and cool – much like regular cotton, this kind of cotton is very cool and breathable so it is very good to lay on when it gets hot, unlike other synthetic fabrics. Egyptian cotton is much more breathable and more luxurious than regular cotton due to its unique weave and properties.
6. Moisture wicking – one of the best things about this kind of item is that it does absorb your moisture and sweat, which means that it is much like regular cotton, but on a more luxurious scale and better for most people who tend to sweat a lot.
7. Highly durable – it is very durable because it is made out of higher quality material than that of regular cotton. This is important for those who want to consider something that has a better quality than regular cotton.
The disadvantages are:
1. Slightly more expensive than regular cotton – it is definitely worth the investment for some but for others, it can be a little bit of extra budget. If you don’t have a lot of budget for bedding items then this may not be your greatest option so far.
2. Can wrinkle easily – the biggest downside to this kind of item, unlike synthetic materials, is that it is prone to wrinkling, which can be bad. This is why you should be able to maintain it on a regular basis and this is why it should only be placed on areas with a touch of luxury and on areas with minimal usage.
Q: What are the advantages and disadvantages of silk covers?
A: Silk is known to be a very delicate fabric and is usually a metaphor for smoothness and for luxury. This kind of product material for bedding items does have its share of pros and cons for you to weigh in before you buy.
The advantages are the following:
A. Silk covers tend to be smooth in feel. You also have less chances or risks of forming wrinkles at a young age, which is also important if you have really sensitive or easy to deform skin. The smoothness of this kind of item is usually synonymous with luxury so it is a great item to have for your bedding product.
B. Silk is eco friendly because it is an organic material. This eco friendly nature makes it of high quality. Adding a quality fabric to your room makes it more welcoming overall. Silk comes from silkworms so it is very organic and very environmentally responsible, unlike others that are made from synthetic materials, which could fill the land with toxic waste.
C. Silk is usually sustainably harvested. These make them much more suitable for sensitive skin as well, unlike others that are man-made in material. Being eco-friendly and sustainably harvested at the same time technically means that no harsh chemicals will go into your product.
The disadvantages are the following:
A. Silk can be hard to clean. Because silk is a delicate fabric, it can be troublesome to clean it because of the unique fibers, which require a different kind of cleaning detergent or method to rid it of dirt and residue. To clean silk, you must know the user instructions for it.
B. Silk is usually expensive. If you want to consider something that is less expensive, you can try synthetic materials, which look like silk. However, real silk is usually costly so you need to prepare some budget that will suffice. Silk is harvested from silkworms and from nature, making it very hard to find.
C. Silk can be hard to find. Silk is only found in most stores that sell expensive bedding items. Silk is not always found in cheaper stores and this is why they can be harder to find and are only available in areas that have a lot of market for silk.
Q: What are the benefits and drawbacks of sateen covers?
A: Not to be confused with satin, sateen is another kind of fabric that is used for covers and bedding items. Sateen has the following pros and cons:
Pros of Sateen | Cons of Sateen |
a. Slick feel – the fact that it has a slick feel means that it is quite similar to satin and silk, which means that it is friendly for your skin and hair and very comfortable to sleep on.
b. Resistant to wrinkles – this means that it will not easily deform unlike Egyptian cotton and cotton variants, which can get wrinkled easily.
c. Shiny look similar to satin – they are pretty similar to each other, although sateen can be slightly cheaper than satin, and that is why most people find this a sought after material.
d. Sheen appearance – the fact that it has a sheen look makes it very attractive not just for your family and friends but also for other guests and members of the community who visit your home or personal space. | a. Not as durable as others – because it is only second to satin when it comes down to quality and price it may not be as durable as you think it would be.
b. Not good with breathability – unlike other types of fabrics like cotton and wool, the breathability might not be that good when it comes down to sateen bedding items.
c. Piling could happen often – the fact that it might be prone to piling can be something of a con and this is why you should take good care of it properly.
d. Sheen doesn’t last long – even if it does have some shimmery and sheen appearance, it might not last long when you plunge it into the washer and let it dry later on. |
Q: How is a duvet different from a comforter?
A: These two bedding items have always been compared and contrasted. Here are their specific differences:
A comforter is usually a large blanket that is quilted and fluffy. It is filled with any kind of filling such as synthetic fiber, down or feather fill. These are usually made into sets and are more for the synthetic rather than on the down fill, and they are a great option for those who like to customize their bedding.
A duvet, on the other hand, has a more general approach to things. They are usually filled with down , down alternative or feathers and are less likely filled with synthetic materials, unlike comforters. This is why the two can be interchanged with each other, but usually, duvets are preferred when it comes down to ultimate comfort as well as for a one-piece covering.
Q: What is the best fill power for any down fill?
A: If you want to go for down fill then you should consider at least 600 fill power to be of luxury. Those with 500 and below might be okay, but if you want one that is really fluffy and can provide the best warmth in really cold weather, you can go for something with that number of around 600 fill power.
Q: What’s the difference between a down and down alternative fill?
A: Both of these can be used in a comforter or even in a jacket or any kind of insulation material. They are different because of the following:
1. Down – this comes from goose or duck and is usually measured in fill power of at least 600, while some have 500 or 400 depending on where it was made. Down is usually much more expensive but the result is a very light and fluffy feeling. Down is the best for the winter chills and for really extreme weather conditions where a mere blanket would not be able to protect you at all times.
With that said, down is also usually much more expensive and can be hard to find if you are in a remote area. Down is also harvested from animals, so it should be sustainably harvested and ethically obtained so as not to hurt the animals. Down should be of high quality if you want to have the best one. Down is also different from feathers because they are softer and they come from under the feathers.
2. Down alternative – this refers to any synthetic material that is made to look like down and act like down. These are great for those who cannot find down, find down unethical due to personal reasons (e.g. vegans) and for those with allergies to down (and feathers). Down alternatives are usually made from synthetic materials such as polyester or rayon.
The downside to down alternative is that they are not as good as real down when it comes down to keeping you cozy and warm inside. However, the cheap price of this kind of item makes it much easier to buy for most people. If you do not have a lot of budget when it comes down to down, it will be much better for you to go with down alternative.
Q: What are the different sources of down? How are they different?
A: The different sources of down are the following:
Source | Quality | Price |
Goose | Goose is usually the higher end of the scale when it comes down to down material. Goose is not just popular but also very comfortable. | The price of goose down is quite expensive compared to duck down. |
Duck | The quality of duck down may not be that good compared to goose, but it is still used and preferred by most. | The price of duck down is usually cheaper compared to goose down. |
Q: Where does quality down come from when harvesting from birds?
A: If you want to harvest the best quality down from poultry and birds, consider a mature goose or duck. This is to assure that the down is less prone to breakage compared to young duck or goose. Some people may also find different kinds of colors to choose from, but they do not really affect the quality of the down. Therefore, it is more important to look into the source of the down, whether from young or older geese/ducks.
Q: What are the different warmth levels to consider with a comforter?
A: The following are the best warmth levels when considering your bedding item:
Temperature in Celsius | 55 to 65 degrees | 65 to 70 degrees | 70 degrees and above |
Cold sleeper | 2 to 3 layers | Summer blankets | Blanket |
Normal sleeper | 1 to 2 layers | Summer blanket | Blanket |
Warm sleeper | Summer blankets | Blanket | Blanket |
Q: How do I wash this kind of bedding item?
A: To wash your bedding item, here are some things you need to consider:
1. Consider washing over dry cleaning because dry cleaning can sometimes harbor harsh chemicals.
2. Use a minimum of 1/4 cup of bleach for disinfecting your bedding item from mites.
3. When drying your washed item, fluff it to avoid bunching up.
Q: What are the different kinds of construction or sewing for this kind of bedding item?
A: There can be many stitching patterns or construction for this bedding item, such as the following:
a. European bag – this is usually patterned with only stitches on the outside.
b. Baffle box – it has an even stitching that makes the whole thing even in loftiness.
c. Karo step – this one is similar to baffle box but can also be sewn through.
d. Ring stitch – this one has rings around the bedding item for added stability.
Wrapping It Up
As a whole, the Utopia Bedding Queen is our pick for the best comforter due to its variety in size, hypoallergenic surface and ease of maintenance due to being made of down alternative material.
Jen Miller is a former electrical engineer and product specialist with more than 20 years of product design and testing experience. She has designed more than 200 products for Fortune 500 companies, in fields ranging from home appliances to sports gear and outdoor equipment. She founded Jen Reviews to share her knowledge and critical eye for what makes consumers tick, and adopts a strict no-BS approach to help the reader filter through the maze of products and marketing hype out there. She writes regularly and has been featured on Forbes, Fast Company, The Muse, The Huffington Post, Tiny Buddha and MindBodyGreen.