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Best Down Alternative Duvet Inserts

Best Down Alternative Duvet Inserts
Latest posts by Sleep Solutions HQ Team (see all)

When I was in my early twenties, I had the cheapest and scratchiest duvet inserts. I was living that fresh adult life, and not doing it very well… Flat pillows, mismatching sheets, and lumpy inserts. You get the picture. However, I remember when I would visit my mom and get to sleep in the guest bedroom of her house. She, as a proper adult, had the best duvet inserts ever. We’re talking the fluffiest, cloud-like down duvets that make you feel like you’re the fanciest person in the world. Honestly, going to my mom’s was the biggest treat for me and my sleep health. 

Anyway, as I grew into a proper adult, I threw out my awful insert and got myself a down alternative duvet insert. See, I love the feel of down, but I have always felt a little bit weird about using it. I try to use as few animal products in my life as possible, especially when there is a great alternative. And, there are some great alternatives when it comes to duvet inserts! So, what are they? What down alternative duvet inserts live up to that bedding I got to experience as a guest at my mom’s house?

Best Down Alternative Duvet Inserts At a Glance

Best Down Alternative Duvet Inserts
  • Overall Best: The Down Alternative Duvet Insert by Parachute 
  • Best on a Budget: Bare Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert
  • Best for Hot Sleepers: Classic Wool Comforter by Woolroom
  • Best For Warmth: Down Alternative Duvet Insert by Boll and Branch 
  • Best All-Season: Down Alternative Comforter by Silk and Snow

Overall Best: The Down Alternative Duvet Insert by Parachute 

I have tried a few down alternative duvet inserts over the years, and this one is hands-down my favorite. The Parachute duvet insert comes in lightweight and midweight options, making it suitable for a range of sleepers. I got the lightweight one, as I’m a really warm sleeper, and it’s great for keeping me cool but cozy during the night. I get too warm, but hate sleeping without a duvet on (in case the monsters get me, of course), and I have found this one to be perfect for temperature control. It has a cool crispness to it that I really enjoy, but I never get too cold. 

It feels like a luxury. Light, fluffy, and really breathable. If I hadn’t bought it myself, you would have had a difficult time convincing me it wasn’t down. Even though the price is a little steeper than other options, this down alternative is definitely worth it. Plus, it is made out of recycled microfiber, which is what we want, right? More recycled products, please. I wash it on a delicate cold cycle, and I haven’t experienced any quality reduction from this, which was what I was worried about. 

Pros:

  • Luxurious feel
  • Keeps you cool at night 
  • Breathable 
  • Sustainable 

Cons: 

  • Expensive

Best on a Budget: Bare Home Down Alternative Duvet Insert

I bought this bedding for my spare room as I wanted to treat my guests to some comfort, but I wasn’t going to splash out hundreds for them (sorry, guys). I purchased it from Amazon, but you can also find it online on the Bare Home website. I was just looking for a decent yet affordable duvet insert, so I grabbed this one when it was on sale. Since buying it, I have used it a few times when my regular duvet insert is in the wash, and for its price, this is a pretty good product. 

It is really cozy and soft, and I love how it has ties around the insert to make sure your bedding stays in place. I hate any shifting and moving in a duvet. I am a sensitive soul when it comes to my sleep. It does keep me warm all night, but it is probably not as breathable as other duvet inserts. I did wake up once or twice to shift myself half in and half out of my duvet when using this, as I was a little too hot. But honestly, for the price, I am not complaining. It is easy enough to wash (I just put it on a cool cycle), and it dries fine. 

Pros:

  • Soft and cozy
  • Suitable for all seasons
  • Affordable 
  • Easy to put on

Cons:

  • Not that great at cooling 
  • Lost a little plumpness over time

Best for Hot Sleepers: Classic Wool Comforter by Woolroom

You might not think that wool is a great down alternative for hot sleepers, but the classic wool comforter by Woolroom is a great option to keep you cool and comfortable at night. I used the lightweight option for a while before I got my set from Parachute, and I was pretty impressed with it! It is really breathable and comfortable to sleep in, and I never got too warm when using it. Although I try not to use too many animal products in my home, I felt confident about purchasing from the Woolroom. The wool this company uses comes from sheep that are well-cared for, and they have a tracing system, which means you can see exactly where the wool comes from. 

The only thing I would say is that it doesn’t feel like down. You know how down drapes over you and molds around your body? Yeah, this doesn’t do that, whereas other down alternatives do. However, I do feel that this is a preference thing, and it may not be a big deal for you. 

Pros:

  • Breathable 
  • Lightweight
  • Hypoallergenic and resistant to dust mites

Cons: 

  • Doesn’t drape like down 

Best for Warmth: Down Alternative Duvet Insert by Boll and Branch 

My friend has the down alternative duvet insert by Boll and Branch and said it changed her life. Big claims, right? You can buy this insert in either lightweight, midweight, or ultraweight, so it’s perfect for every climate. My friend got the midweight one, and this keeps the warmth in well without overheating you as you sleep. However, if you are a really cool sleeper, you may wish to opt for the ultraweight one. This duvet insert also keeps its fluffiness over time and feels brand new every time you get into bed. 

It is made from organic cotton and is hypoallergenic, and the company has certificates to support their claims. They are certified by the Organic 100 Content Standard (OCS) and the Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), which shows us that they are doing their bit for sustainability! 

Pros: 

  • Very fluffy
  • Organic and hypoallergenic
  • Comes in a range of weights
  • Breathable

Cons:

  • Pricier than other options 

Best All-Season: Down Alternative Comforter by Silk and Snow

I used this comforter by Silk and Snow for a while, and was pretty impressed with it. It is a great mid-range option for a duvet insert and is designed to be used all year round. I actually only use it in the colder months now, because it is pretty thick. However, I am a warm sleeper, and I feel this product would suit a lot of people for every season. If you sleep warm, I would opt for the lightweight one and use that year-round, instead. 

It is a fairly cozy down alternative, but it does crinkle slightly when you’re snuggling up in bed. If you toss and turn, you may be a little sensitive about the noise. However, this may not be an issue for you at all if you drop off as soon as your head hits the pillow! 

Pros: 

  • Warm and cozy
  • Breathable
  • Hypoallergenic

Cons:

  • It may be too warm for those who sleep hot 
  • Can be crinkly 

Ready To Get Cozy With Down Alternative Duvet Inserts?

My favorite down alternative duvet insert has to be from Brooklinen vs Parachute: Which Bedding is Best?Parachute. It is luxurious, cozy, and incredibly breathable. However, there are loads of great down alternative duvet inserts out there for you to try! Whether you are moving away from down for ethical reasons or are looking for a hypoallergenic alternative, these duvet inserts will suit you and your needs. Which one will you try out?