The Best Duvet Inserts of 2024, Tested by Experts (original) (raw)

1

Best Overall Duvet Insert

Buffy Cloud Comforter

Pros

• Super lightweight and cloud-like
• Silky smooth outer fabric
• Made with recycled materials

Cons

• Some testers said duvet insert shifted around inside a cover

Buffy's duvet insert s tands out for its incredibly comfortable feel and innovative construction. The duvet insert is filled with a unique web of individual fibers instead of clusters to help prevent cold spots, clumping and fiber shed. The fill is made from recycled plastic bottles and earned a Global Recycling Standard certification, so you know it actually comes from recycled sources. The cover is made with a silky Tencel lyocell fabric that's known for its soft and smooth feel and sustainable production practices.

Testing notes: Our Textiles Lab experts and testers were thrilled with just how fluffy and lightweight this duvet insert is. One tester shared that it's her "dream" duvet insert, emphasizing that sleeping with it is like "sleeping in a cloud." The insert received high ratings from testers for being quiet to sleep under and for helping sleepers maintain a comfortable temperature all night long.

Our testers also said it was the perfect weight for year-round use. One shared, "I didn't overheat, but it still felt substantial," but if you prefer a cooling comforter or duvet insert, you can opt for the brand's temperature-regulating Breeze comforter. Some testers said the silky material caused the insert to shift around inside a duvet cover, adding that it needed regular readjusting.

2

Best Down Duvet Insert

The Company Store Alberta Down Comforter

Credit: The Company Store

Pros

• Three warmth levels available
• High quality construction
• RDS-certified down

Cons

• Some online reviewers noticed a chemical smell upon opening

This luxury down duvet insert is available in four different sizes and three levels of warmth, so you can choose the perfect combination for your bed. If you're a hot sleeper, opt for "light warmth," and if you're looking for a cozy duvet for colder nights, try "extra warmth." It's Responsible Down Standard (RDS) certified, meaning the down comes from animals that aren't subject to any unnecessary harm. Plus, the outer shell is a smooth sateen material made with combed cotton for an extra-soft feel.

Testing notes: During testing, our Textiles Lab experts were impressed by the high-quality construction, which earned this duvet insert the Good Housekeeping Seal. We appreciate elements like the sturdy corner loops to attach a cover and the durable stitching to secure everything in place. Our testers loved that the fill didn't shift around inside at night, which can be attributed to the baffle-box design.

Our experts who tried it were impressed by the longevity of the duvet insert, sharing that it held up well over time and adding that the fill didn't shed with use. While we and our testers didn't experience this issue, some online reviewers noted a chemical smell upon opening the insert, but they said the odor dissipated over time.

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3

Best Value Down Duvet Insert

StyleWell All Season Down Comforter

Now 55% Off

Credit: StyleWell

Pros

• Perfect comfort scores
• Testers said it wasn't too warm
• Responsibly sourced fill

Cons

• Fill is only 60% down (40% feathers)

Down duvet inserts can get pretty expensive, but this pick from StyleWell is a nice value, and it's still well-constructed from high-quality materials. The fill combines feathers and down clusters to keep the cost lower, so it's not quite as fluffy as an all-down duvet insert, but it's still RDS-certified, which according to the Textiles Exchange, ensures the fill comes from farms where animals are treated humanely.

This pick is made with a 100% cotton outer shell and can be used on its own without a cover, but if you do choose to cover it, there are corner loops for easy attachment.

Testing notes: Our testers gave this duvet insert perfect scores for keeping them at a comfortable temperature, sharing that they didn't overheat at night and describing it as "warm but not bulky." They also rated it highly for comfort and said the material felt soft yet crisp. One tester noted that the shell made a slight crinkly sound when she moved, but she added that it wasn't enough to bother her. Testers also found it easy to insert into a duvet cover, which can help muffle any crinkly noises.

4

Best Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Crane & Canopy Ultimate Luxe Down Alternative Comforter

Now 9% Off

Credit: Crane & Canopy

Pros

• Smooth cotton cover
• High-quality construction
• Loved by testers with pets

Cons

• All-year option may be too warm for summer months

Crane & Canopy's duvet insert is incredibly luxe for a down alternative option, thanks to its thoughtful design. It's made with a polyester microfiber fill with a full and fluffy look, and the outer shell is 100% extra-long-staple cotton for a soft and smooth feel. The high-quality duvet insert features baffle-box construction to keep fill evenly distributed and prevent cold spots, and it comes in three warmth levels to choose from depending on your personal preference: all-year, lightweight and super lightweight.

Testing notes: Testers were impressed by the duvet insert, giving it near-perfect scores for overall comfort. They also highlighted that the polyester fiberfill stayed in place without shedding. Some testers tried the lightweight option and appreciated that it felt snuggly but not sweaty, while other testers who tried the all-year option shared that it's nice and cozy for cooler months but warned that it may be too warm for the summer season.

Another tester whose dog sleeps on her bed was blown away by how well the duvet insert held up to wear from her pet and added, "I thought I would have to wash it sooner, but there's no evidence that we even have a dog."

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5

Best Value Down Alternative Duvet Insert

Linenspa All Season Down Alternative Comforter

Now 20% Off

Credit: Linenspa

Pros

• GH analyst didn't overheat at night using this pick
• Smooth microfiber material
• Available in eight sizes

Cons

• Polyester is less breathable than cotton

This duvet insert is a total steal at less than $40 for a Queen. Buyers love it and have left more than 94,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, highlighting its lightweight yet fluffy feel. It's so affordable because it's made of 100% polyester (fill and cover), which is easy to care for and machine-washable in a large-capacity washing machine. The duvet insert features a smooth microfiber shell that online reviewers describe as "soft and plush." It also comes in six different colors (Some are even reversible!) with patterns available, and you can choose between eight sizes, including oversized options.

Testing notes: Polyester duvet inserts like this one aren't as breathable as cotton and can cause hot sleepers to overheat. However, one GH analyst who is a self-proclaimed sweaty sleeper shared that she doesn't wake up with night sweats when using this duvet insert and added that she has shared it with guests who agree that it's not too stuffy.

Our analyst did express that there was noticeable shedding with polyester fiberfill peaking out of the seams. Adding a duvet cover can help to contain the shed, and if you choose to insert it into a cover, there are corner loops for attachment.

6

Best Duvet Insert for Hot Sleepers

Slumber Cloud Lightweight Comforter

Pros

• Smooth, breathable cotton cover
• 60-day trial
• Temperature-regulating fill

Cons

• Box-stitch construction isn't as durable

Hot sleepers rejoice: This cooling duvet insert from Slumber Cloud is made with temperature-regulating fill, so it isn't just cool to the touch. It actually stores and then releases your body heat while you sleep to help you stay at a comfortable temperature all night long and all year round. The duvet insert, made with down alternative fill and a smooth 100% cotton cover, is easy to clean in the washing machine and can be machine-dried, as well. If you're skeptical of the cooling claims, the brand offers a 60-day trial period, so you're able to try the cover out for yourself before committing.

Testing notes: Made with the same high-quality materials as Slumber Cloud's silky sheets, cooling mattress pad and plush pillow (all of which have stood out in Textiles Lab evaluations), this duvet insert is a GH analyst and tester favorite. We were impressed by the cooling capabilities, and one tester was blown away that she no longer had to sleep with one leg outside her blankets to feel comfortable at night. Another sweaty sleeper shared, "I had zero overheated moments with this [duvet]."

The cover also received high ratings for overall comfort, with one tester commenting that the soft and silky material was "unparalleled" to anything she had tried prior. It has a box-stitch design that's not quite as durable as baffle-box construction, but according to testers, the duvet insert held up well in the wash and didn't show signs of wear with regular use.

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7

Best Sustainable Duvet Insert

Rewardown EcoLuxe Comforter

Now 25% Off

Credit: Rewardown

Pros

• Testers gave it perfect comfort ratings
• Soft and smooth cover
• Made with recycled materials

Filled with a blend of recycled down and kapok fibers (cotton-like fiber that's full and fluffy) and encased in a silky soft cover made of recycled synthetics, t his duvet insert from Rewardown is as innovative as it is comfortable. It comes shipped to your door in a box and a reusable cotton bag to reduce plastic waste, and the brand offers a limited 100-day trial, so you're able to try the duvet insert before fully committing. There are two weights to choose from — standard fill for all-season use and extra fill for colder months.

Testing notes: A GH Best Bedding Awards winner, this duvet insert wowed our Textiles Lab experts and testers alike. Our testers loved how lightweight the duvet insert felt, with one saying, "It feels like sleeping under a cloud." They gave it perfect scores for comfort and described the feel as "so soft and dreamy." If you want to add a duvet cover, testers said it was easy to attach using the eight ties to keep the cover securely in place. The insert is spot-clean only, so the brand doesn't suggest putting it in the washer, but it can be tumble-dried on low heat in a large-capacity machine.

8

Best Duvet Insert for Couples

Birch Natural Down Duvet Insert

Pros

• All-season use
• Sturdy baffle-box construction
• Temperature-regulating wool in the fill

Cons

• Organic marketing claims without organic certifications

If you're a sweaty sleeper and your partner's always cold, choosing a duvet insert that works for both of you can seem impossible, but this one from Birch is a game-changer. It's filled with a blend of 70% down and 30% wool, and wool is inherently temperature-regulating to help you both stay comfortable all night long. We appreciate that the down fill has a Responsible Down Standard (RSD) certification and that the outer material is made with organic cotton, though there are no organic certifications that cover the entire final product.

Testing notes: This duvet insert received perfect scores for temperature regulation with comments like, "I'm a hot sleeper, but the comforter never felt too hot, and my husband is a cool sleeper and was comfortable all night." Another tester expressed the same sentiment, sharing that she sleeps cold and her husband hot, but they both felt well-rested sleeping under the duvet insert.

We and our testers also appreciated the baffle-box construction to keep the fill in place and prevent clumping. Plus, despite being filled with wool and down, the duvet insert is machine washable, and testers were impressed with how well it held up in the wash without shedding or changes in appearance.

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How we test duvet inserts

Jillian Sollazzo

At the Good Housekeeping Institute, we test comforters, duvet inserts and duvet covers, among the many other bedding items we test year-round. Our Textiles Lab pros use standardized equipment to test duvet inserts in the Lab, and we work with consumer testers who use these products at home and provide real-user feedback. I n recent years, we've tested more than 50 different duvet inserts, collecting hundreds of data points for analysis. Here are some characteristics we evaluate:

**✔️ Construction: We inspect the stitching at the seams, whether or not they feature corner loops or tabs for duvet cover attachment and if they are made with baffle-box or box-stitch design.

**✔️ Noise level: Some duvet inserts are constructed with a crinkly outer fabric, so we consider noise in the Lab and ask our testers to rate how loud the comforter is to sleep under.

**✔️ Comfort: Our testers let us know if the duvet inserts are actually comfortable to sleep under, sharing their thoughts on characteristics like the weight and the overall feel of the outer fabric.

✔️ Temperature: Testers share if their body temperature remained comfortable throughout the night, and we examine cooling features in the Lab.

✔️ Washability: We launder the duvet inserts to observe how well they perform in the wash, if they shrink and their appearance afterward.

✔️ Down standards: We ensure that down products meet industry standards for down and feathers, including characteristics like fill power and percentage of fill (feather vs. down content).

✔️ Certifications: We check whether the claims are validated by trusted third parties like the Responsible Down Standard (which ensures ducks and geese are treated humanely), Global Recycling Standard and Global Organic Textiles Standard.

Philip Friedman

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What is the best fill for a duvet insert?

The two most common types of fill for duvet inserts are down and down alternative, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here's what you need to know about down and down alternative fill:

✔️ Down: Down comes from the soft inner layer below the underbelly feathers of geese and ducks and looks like a fluffy cluster — perfect for a duvet insert.

• Down duvet inserts tend to provide better warmth because the clusters trap in air for insulation without adding excess weight.
• Down can trap dust and dirt, so if you're sensitive or an allergy-sufferer, be sure to clean your duvet regularly. With some down inserts, you might experience s hedding (when the fill pokes through the outer duvet fabric), but adding a duvet cover can help to contain some of the shed.

**✔️ Down alternative: Down alternatives are fibers like polyester that are manufactured to be full and fluffy.

• Down alternative duvet inserts are typically less expensive than down duvet inserts because the fill fibers are more affordable to produce. They're also better for allerg y s ufferers and are fairly easy to maintain.
• It takes more alternative fill to mimic the warmth of real down because it's not as lofty, so down alternative duvet inserts may be heavier than down options. Some down alternative fibers lack breathability, as well, causing the duvet inserts to feel hotter while you're sleeping.

What to look for when shopping for the best duvet insert

Once you've made your choice between down and down alternative fill, there are a few more things to consider before making a purchase, like the overall construction and care:

**✔️ Construction: Most duvet inserts are designed with baffle-box or box-stitch construction:

• Baffle-box duvet inserts are made with walls of fabric inside to help contain the down, preventing it from moving around and clumping together. The additional fabric and construction typically lead to a higher price tag.
• Box-stitch duvet inserts don't include the inner wall structure. Instead, the top and bottom fabric are sewn together with stitches that run right through the fill inside. This design doesn't keep the fill separated as well as a baffle-box design, which may lead to some lumpy fill and cool spots.

**✔️ Fill power: Fill power is specific to down fill and can usually be found in the product description. It's a measurement of how much space 1 ounce of down takes up, and the higher the fill power, the more insulating the duvet insert will be. If you'd like a warm and cozy duvet insert, look for fill powers of 600 or higher. (Some down alternative duvet inserts may list the fill power equivalent.)

**✔️ Washability: Most of our duvet insert picks are machine washable, at least in a high-capacity machine, but there are some dry-clean-only options. I f you do choose a machine washable option, follow all provided care instructions for washing and be sure that there's enough space in your washer for the duvet insert to move around and get fully clean.

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Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Amanda Constantine joined the Good Housekeeping Institute in 2022 as a home and apparel reviews analyst and has tested all kinds of bedding products for the Textiles Lab including sheets, comforters, mattress protectors, mattress toppers and mattresses like the popular Saatva and Allswell mattresses.

She has also coordinated bedding testing with hundreds of consumer testers and has worked with popular bedding brands to learn more about their products and manufacturing processes. Amanda used her relative expertise and reviewed recent duvet insert and comforter testing data when making picks for the best duvet inserts.

Amanda (she/her) researches and reports on products in the Good Housekeeping Institute's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab, ranging from clothing and accessories to home furnishings. She holds undergraduate degrees in apparel merchandising and product development and advertising and marketing communications, as well as a master of science degree in consumer sciences from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2022, Amanda was a lecturer for the fashion and retail studies program at Ohio State, where she taught fashion and textiles courses.