Prone to allergies or not too keen to invest in a pricey down comforter? Luckily, down alternative comforters are plentiful on the market these days, and their feather-free material make-up means they’re less likely to herald in common allergens like dust mites, mildew and mold (they’re also machine washable). The best down alternative comforters are hypoallergenic, lightweight and either cooling or heavy and warm, depending on what you’re looking for. Our top pick is Brooklinen’s Down Alternative Comforter, a luxe option that’s ideal for both hot and cold sleepers, but there are plenty of other great options on this list, one (or many) of which is bound to fit your preferences and budget.

The Brooklinen down alternative comforter comes in three weights: lightweight, all season and ... [+] ultra-warm.

When it comes to purchasing one, there are a few factors you want to keep in mind. First, do you sleep hot or cold? Second, are you planning to use a duvet cover? If not, you might want a comforter with a higher thread count; if so, make sure it has duvet ties or loops so the duvet doesn’t slip down near the zipper and leave you with a shapeless mess. Also, consider weight: You want to know whether you can haul it to the dry cleaner or if you’re going to need to wash the comforter right at home.

To help you take out the guesswork, we pored over customer reviews and scoured down alternative comforter specs, doing our very best to ensure that only top-of-the-line options made it to our final list. Ahead, find 9 of the best down alternative comforters on the market for an upgraded sleep and a cozier bedroom.

Material: 100% cotton sateen | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/Cal King | Density: Lightweight, All-season or Ultra Warm| Care: Spot cleaning recommended for small stains; otherwise, dry clean only

Brooklinen is the gold standard in the direct-to-consumer linens game. It’s known for producing responsibly manufactured textiles of exceptional quality for reasonable prices and providing standout customer service if you need to return anything. Most importantly, these down alternative comforters are some of the softest versions out there.

What the reviews say: As one reviewer put it, “So soft and comfortable in all temperatures. Definitely worth every penny!” Another five-star reviewer sings its praises: “I don't know how I ever lived without this comforter. It is so soft and fluffy like sleeping in a cloud. I am so in love with it.”

Material: 100% luxury cotton shell | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/Cal King | Care: Machine wash cold gentle cycle, tumble dry low

The Purple Duvet is an all-season down alternative comforter that’s made with 100% polyester fill. It’s perfect for keeping you cozy all year round, and customers rave about its ability to help regulate temperature. If you live in a warmer climate or prefer a lightweight duvet, Purple offers that too. It’s made with the some high standards as the all season duvet, but with less fill. The only downside is that it’s dry clean only.

What the reviews say: Shoppers love how this comforter provides optimal sleep conditions all year round. “It’s very puffy and quiet comfortable for all seasons I love sleeping with it,” one happy sleeper says. “Not only does it keep you warm on a chilly night it’s light enough on a warm night too,” another reviewer says.

Material: Combed cotton sateen shell, PrimaLoft down alternative fill | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen, King/Cal King | Density: Medium Warmth, Extra Warmth, Ultra Warmth | Care: Dry clean only

The Company Store has an excellent reputation for all things bedding. Made with an exclusive PrimaLoft down alternative fill that mimics both the warmth and loft of actual down, the brand’s ultra-warm down alternative comforter option is made for “I-run-cold-all-the-time” sleepers. You can also choose from three warmth levels and four sizes to find your perfect fit.

What the reviews say: “The quality is beyond my expectations, so much that I actually am ordering the lighter version for the summer months. I bought the duvet cover as well and feel like I am sleeping under a cloud of comfort. It is the most I have spent on bedding ever..and worth EVERY penny!” one satisfied customer says.

Material: Hypoallergenic microfiber fill, 100% cotton sateen shell | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/Cal King | Density: Lightweight, All Season | Care: Dry clean or machine wash on delicate cycle with mild liquid detergent

Parachute is our go-to shop for luxe organic bedding that channels a minimalist vibe. An all-season warmth option is also available, but we particularly love that Parachute’s lightweight down alternative comforter doesn’t skimp on coziness. It’s filled with hypoallergenic microfiber that mimics the insulation and fluffiness of down, but without the feathers.

What the reviews say: “It really is a cloud, as promised. I love that this lightweight comforter doesn’t mean sacrificing the cloud-like, fluffy feeling. Highly recommended!” one enthusiastic sleeper says. “ It’s light enough every day that it feels like being hugged by a cloud!” another five-star reviewer says.

Material: 100% cotton damask shell, 100% polyester fill | Sizes: Full/Queen, King/Cal King | Density: Midweight, Ultra Plush | Care: Machine wash cold on gentle cycle

If you’re used to waking up drenched, this lofty duvet from Pottery Barn will keep you dry as a bone. Made with HydroCool, Pottery Barn’s trademarked fill, the duvet insert’s down-alternative has moisture-wicking fibers for those that need a little help cooling down. It's also slightly oversized, so it feels fuller and has more loft than similar down alternative comforters. And it’s elegant enough that you can skip the duvet cover all together, if desired.

Material: 100% organic cotton cover, Primaloft fill | Sizes: Full/Queen and King/Cal King | Density: Lightweight, Midweight, Ultraweight| Care: Machine wash cold in cold water on gentle cycle

The Boll & Branch Down Alternative Duvet Insert is filled with PrimaLoft—an allergy-friendly fiber that feels just like down (but without the feathers and sneezing). The baffle-box construction keeps the fill from shifting and it’s available in three weights—lightweight, all-season and ultraweight—so you’ll stay comfortable whether you sleep hot or cold.

What the reviews say: “Really fell in love with this duvet. It is the perfect warmth as we typically run warm when we sleep and it was hard to find the perfect balance for NJ winters while also still being able to use during the warmer months. So far this has kept its shape and stays in place in our duvet covers. I would definitely recommend to others looking to upgrade.”

Material: 100% cotton shell, 100% polyester fill | Sizes: Twin, Full/Queen and King | Density: All-season | Care: Machine washable

Puredown makes eco-friendly bedding at accessible prices. The brand has succeeded with this all-season comforter that’s under $100, perfect for anyone trying to stay on a budget. It’s constructed of 100% polyester fill wrapped in a 100% cotton cover for ultimate coziness. Plus, it’s machine washable.

What the reviews say: One reviewer wished she switched comforters earlier on. “Made the switch from real down to down alternative to help with my allergies. I should have done this so much sooner! This comforter is soft and fluffy and has just the right level of warmth!”

Material: 100% organic cotton shell, 100% polyester fill | Sizes: Twin, Full, Queen and King | Care: Machine washable

What do we love about this Leesa option? Everything. The duvet insert is made of 100% organic cotton so it’s not only hypoallergenic, it’s the perfect weight for year-round sleeping. Besides the fact that it’s ridiculously comfortable (and machine washable), it ships free and you can try it for 30 nights and still return it if it’s not the right bed topper for you.

What the reviews say: “It the perfect weight for great sleep. Not too heavy and not too light. It was easy to put into the cover. Just tie it in. It stays where it’s supposed to with no issues inside the cover. Keeps us nice and cozy during the cold nights,” one happy customer says.

Material: TENCEL Lycocell fiber with 100% recycled polyester fill | Sizes: Twin/Twin XL, Full/Queen and King/Cal King | Density: Lightweight, Mid Weight | Care: Machine wash, tumble dry

This alternative down comforter from Casper keeps you warm yet comfortably cool, thanks to its breathable Tencel shell that regulates temperature without trapping heat. It’s so soft and fluffy that it closely mimics actual down, but instead of feathers, it’s made with polyester from recycled water bottles. If you prefer a lightweight comforter, Casper gives you that option too.

To find the very best alternative down comforters, we extensively researched the market, combing through online reviews and thoroughly studying the product specs. We eliminated any alternative down comforter with a less than stellar rating and also considered brand reputation, user feedback and price. The final selections came from a combination of editorial discretion and thorough online research.

The first thing to look for in a down alternative comforter is a quality material make-up, which makes all the difference in terms of comfort and feel. And note that the shell (the outer layer) is just as important as the fill. You really want something that’s breathable, lightweight and durable. Cotton is a great option because it’s breathable and long-lasting, but polyester is also common and is also very versatile and durable. If you need something for a colder climate, opt for wool.

Pay close attention to the fill material, which can really change the way your down alternative comforter feels. There are two types of fill available for down alternative comforters: synthetic or natural. Synthetic fills typically include:

Choose a down alternative comforter made with the fill that fits your needs. For example, if you want something lightweight because you’re a hot sleeper, opt for microfiber or cotton. If you’re looking for something heavy, you’ll want PrimaLoft or wool.

Down alternative comforters can vary in heaviness, and many brands will offer their comforter in a variety of different weights. Lightweight comforters are better for the summer, hot climates, or hot sleepers. Medium or all-season comforters are a perfect middle and are meant to be used at any time of the year. For added warmth, there are heavy or plush comforters that add extra warmth.

The main difference between the two is the fill. Down comforters are filled with down, which refers to the fine feathers on ducks and geese. Down alternative comforters contain a synthetic or natural fill, like cotton, polyester or wool. Down comforters are generally fluffier than down alternative comforters since down has more fill power, which basically means it takes up more space. What’s more, down is generally warmer and more breathable. A few big downsides to that category, though, is that down comforters are not hypoallergenic, they’re more difficult to clean and they almost always cost more than alternatives.

Because down has more fill power, it’s generally warmer than down alternative, while still feeling very lightweight and fluffy. That said, down alternative comforters can be warm, and even just as warm as down. But because they’re made with synthetic materials, they will not be as lightweight and will feel a lot more heavy. Basically, down comforters can be warm and lightweight at the same time, while down alternative comforters can be warm, but heavier.

It’s true that overheating is relatively more common with those who use down alternative comforters, but these days, there are plenty of excellent, lightweight options available. It comes down to the fact that down is naturally breathable: It simply expands more and allows for greater airflow, which can prevent sleepers from sweating and overheating.