Best duvets – tried and tested bedding that will help you sleep better

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor I've slept under the best duvets on the market to bring you my top recommendations. From affordable synthetics to luxurious feather and down and breathable wool duvets, this shortlist has everything you need for a better night's sleep

Three of the best duvets as tried and tested by Ideal Home on a pink and blue background
(Image credit: Future)

The best duvets on the market can make a real difference to the quality of your sleep. And, as a good night's sleep is linked to better mental and physical wellbeing, investing in a top quality duvet is well worth the money.

But with a vast range of filling types – from feather and down to wool and microfibre to hollowfibre – along with a sea of different tog ratings and factors such as breathability, temperature regulation, ease of care, and, of course, price, to take into consideration, where do you start?

This is where I come in. As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor I've spent the last four years testing all types of bedding, from reviewing the best mattresses to researching the latest sleep technologies.

For this guide, I put over twenty (and counting) of the best duvets on the market through our testing process to find the best-in-class. That means I slept under each duvet for a minimum of a week (often far longer), to test out its temperature regulation, breathability, snuggle-factor, and ease of care. I then assessed it for performance and value for money before compiling this shortlist.

It's incredibly difficult to crown the 'best duvet' overall as so many factors play into the choice. However, if pushed, (and money was no object) as a hot sleeper I would chose the Floks Luxury British Wool Duvet because of its first rate temperature regulation and breathability. That said, there are plenty more affordable options in this guide. Read on for my top recommendations based on thousands of hours of snoozing.

Best winter duvet

A close up of the Floks Luxury British Winter Wool duvet showing a branded labelproduct badge

(Image credit: Floks)

Floks Luxury British Winter Wool Duvet 13.5 Tog

Best winter duvet

Specifications

RRP (standard double): £289
Materials: organic cotton cover, organic wool fill
Sizes available: single / double / king / super king / emperor
Care: dry clean only

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent warmth
+
Excellent breathability
+
Feels like a premium product
+
Low environmental impact

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment
-
Dry clean only
-
Not vegan-friendly

Temperature regulation: This is one of the warmest winter duvets I've ever slept under. I tested it in a cold bedroom in a listed Victorian building, and I stayed warm and cosy under this duvet all through the night. Even better, thanks to the wool filling's excellent temperature regulation, I never woke up too warm. That temperature regulation is also a huge benefit if you share a bed. Instead of me sweltering whilst my partner shivered, this duvet kept both of us at the exact right temperature all night long.

Breathability: I'm a hot sleeper who is prone to overheating, and this duvet is by far the most breathable I've tested. Whilst sleeping under it I've never once woken up feeling too hot or clammy or kicked off the covers at 3am like I have sleeping under pretty much every other winter duvet I've tested.

Feel: Before testing the Floks I'd been sleeping under a cloud-like feather-and-down duvet. In comparison, this wool-filled duvet feels heavier, a little thinner, and less squashy and airy. However, it still feels like a premium product, and I found I enjoyed sleeping under its slightly weightier feel.

Ease of care: There had to be a downside right? Yep, it's the fact that this duvet can't be washed. (And its price... but we'll come onto that in a minute). Floks advise airing the duvet by hanging it outside on a sunny day, but, if it needs a deeper clean, you'll have to dry clean it. I haven't had any issues keeping it fresh by using the airing method, but others may prefer a duvet that can be machine-washed.

Value for money: There's no point beating around the bush, this is a very expensive duvet. However, I do think it's worth the money. It offers such good temperature regulation that it's transformed my sleep quality, and the fact that sleeping under it meant I could turn the thermostat in my bedroom down in winter means that in a few years it might have almost recouped its expense.

Winter duvet alternatives

Best all-season duvet

An all-seasons duvet on a bed with white pillows and bare plaster wallsproduct badge

(Image credit: scooms)

scooms All-Season Hungarian Goose Down Duvet

Best all-seasons duvet

Specifications

RRP (standard double): £370
Materials: cotton cover, RDS-Certified Hungarian goose down & feather
Sizes available: single / double / king / super king / emperor
Care: machine-washable at 40°c, low tumble dry

Reasons to buy

+
Three all-season tog combinations
+
Excellent warmth
+
Feels like a premium product
+
Decent breathability

Reasons to avoid

-
An investment
-
Not vegan-friendly

Temperature regulation: After researching and testing numerous All-Season duvets, I chose this as the best-in-class not just because of its superior comfort levels, but because of the range of tog mixes available. Unlike most All-Season duvets which only offer one tog mix, scooms offer three options; a 7 tog (2.5 +9 tog) All-Seasons duvet, an 11 tog (2.5 + 9 tog) duvet, and a 13.5 tog (4.5 + 9 tog) combo. However warm or cool your bedroom is you'll find your ideal warmth combo within that mix.

Breathability: I'm a hot sleeper who is prone to overheating on bedding that isn't super breathable, and sadly for me this is the one area that this duvet lost some marks. I found the down fill much more breathable than the synthetic filled duvets I've tested, but it couldn't compare to a wool-fill in terms of breathability, and under the higher togs of this duvet, I did still overheat.

Feel: A down duvet made from the highest quality Hungarian goose down and a very small ratio of feathers, this is the crème de la crème of duvets comfort-wise. It feels (and looks) super luxurious on the bed. It's soft, squashy, light and airy, and has plenty of 'flumph'. It feels fantastic to snuggle up under after a long day and has plenty of malleability so you can tuck it around every inch of your body for the ultimate cocooning softness.

Ease of care: Whilst a feather and down duvet isn't quite as easy to care for as a synthetic duvet, scooms duvets can still be machine-washed at 40°c. It can even be popped in the tumble dryer on a low heat, although I found it took a lot longer to dry than a synthetic option.

Value for money: Unfortunately luxury comes at a price, so this duvet is a significant investment. That said, I can vouch for the fact that its premium price tag is matched by its premium comfort levels. If you're looking for high-end hotel comfort at home (and you aren't prone to getting too hot at night, like me), this duvet is the ultimate luxury, and is worth the money.

All-Season duvet alternatives

Best summer duvet

A cream duvet draped over a mattress on a bedframe with an upholstered headboardproduct badge

(Image credit: Woolroom)

Woolroom Deluxe Washable Wool Duvet

Best summer duvet

Specifications

RRP (standard double): £189.99
Materials: organic cotton cover, British wool fill
Sizes available: single / double / king / super king / emperor
Care: machine-washable at 40°c, line dry

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent temperature regulation
+
Excellent breathability
+
Low environmental impact

Reasons to avoid

-
Feels a little basic
-
Not vegan-friendly

Temperature regulation: Finding the best summer duvet isn't just about opting for a low tog duvet, good temperature regulation is actually far more important, especially in Britain where night time temperatures can still fluctuate dramatically in summer. That's why a lightweight wool duvet is brilliant summer option, as the temperature regulation wool provides is far superior to any other duvet fill. I slept under this Woolroom duvet from May to September without any overheating on hot nights and stayed cosy on cooler nights.

Breathability: Good breathability is another key factor in summer when we're all prone to getting more hot and sweaty then usual. Under even the lowest 2-5 tog synthetic or feather and down summer duvets I tested I still found myself waking up clammy, not so with this wool duvet which allows air to circulate through the fibres for a sweat-free summer sleep.

Feel: When I first unpacked this duvet I have to admit I was a little underwhelmed by how thin it felt. There's no indulgent squashiness to it, instead it feels very utilitarian. However, you definitely shouldn't judge a book by its cover in this case because its performance is 100% worth the sacrifice in aesthetics, especially if you're a hot sleeper. (Although, I do wish Woolroom would make the corners square as its rounded edges do not fit a duvet cover well!)

Ease of care: Unlike most wool duvets, Woolroom's Deluxe duvet can be machine-washed at 40°c following the brand's instructions, making it far easier to care for than most . You will need to line dry it rather than tumble dry it, but as this is a summer duvet you should have good weather on your side.

Value for money: This is a mid-range wool duvet and, whilst definitely not cheap, it does offer a lot of USPs that make it worth the investment. Firstly, it's the only wool duvet that comes with a sleep trial, that means you can sleep-test it for 30 nights on your own bed to see if it transforms your sleep in the same way it has mine. It also comes in three warmth levels, plus an all-season option, and four bed sizes. Plus, it's machine washable. I haven't found any other wool duvet that offers all of those benefits.

Summer duvet alternatives

Best budget duvet

A corner of the M&S Supremely Washable All-Seasons Duvet folded over to show its poppers

(Image credit: M&S)

M&S Supremely Washable All Season 13.5 (4.5 + 9) Tog Duvet

Best budget duvet

Specifications

RRP (standard double): £65
Materials: polyester cover, recycled polyester fill
Sizes available: single / double / king
Care: machine-washable at 60°c, low tumble dry

Reasons to buy

+
Budget-friendly
+
Easy to wash and care for
+
Feels like a premium product
+
Vegan friendly

Reasons to avoid

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Lacks temperature regulation
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Lacks breathability

Temperature regulation: The downside of any synthetic duvet is poor temperature regulation (especially compared to a wool duvet). That can make a synthetic duvet a false economy, as you usually need to buy two if not three seperate duvets to get the right warmth for summer, winter, and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn. Opting for an All-Season synthetic duvet can be a solution, and is usually still cheaper than a natural fill duvet. I found this M&S combo of a cooler 4.5 tog duvet and a warmer 9 tog duvet that combine to create a 13.5 tog winter duvet verstaile enough to suit all seasons.

Breathability: This duvet has lots of plus points, namely affordability and ease of care, but breathability is the one thing it lacks. This is the case with any synthetic duvet, and although the Supremely Washable is more breathable than many synthetic options thanks to its airier fill, it can't compete with a wool duvet in this category, and I did find myself feeling clammy on hotter nights or when my temperature was high.

Feel: It doesn't have the same cocooning feel as a feather and down duvet, but thanks to its airy recycled polyester fill I still found the Supremely Washable squishy and pliable meaning I could tuck it around my body to keep out any draughts.

Ease of care: This is where a synthetic duvet really comes into its own. The Supremely Washable can be machine washed at 60°c, a temperature that kill dust mites which is good news for those with allergies. It can also be tumble dried on low and is super fast to dry, so it can be washed and back on the bed in the same day.

Value for money: Synthetic duvets are far cheaper than wool or feather and down fillings, and this is one of the best value polyester duvets I've found. I think the All-Seasons option is the best buy overall because it means you have a warmth option for each season, but if you need an even more affordable option then the M&S Supremely Washable Duvet range is also available in a 1, 4.5, 7.5, 10.5 and 13.5 tog duvet which range from £19.50-£69.

Budget duvet alternatives

Best duvet brands

Which duvet brand to shop largely depends on what you're looking for. Dunelm, M&S, and John Lewis are great for affordable easy-care synthetic duvets and budget-friendly duck feather and down. Soak & Sleep offers more luxurious duvet fillings at hard-to-beat price points. For a premium goose down duvet scooms or The White Company can come up trumps. And for a wool-filled duvet, Woolroom is one of my first ports of call.

Here are my top recommendations for the best duvet brands to shop:

Dunelm: affordable synthetic and feather and down duvets
John Lewis: budget synthetics, mid-range feather and down, and premium wool duvets
M&S: affordable synthetic and feather and down duvets with a focus on ease of care
scooms: premium feather and down duvets
Soak & Sleep: great quality and good value premium duvets of all fill types
The White Company: premium feather and down duvets
Woolroom: great mid-range and washable wool duvets

How to choose the best duvet

Spend some time looking for a new duvet and you'll soon realise there are a whole host of options available. To help you choose the best duvet for your needs we've broken down the basics of duvet shopping below, from understanding tog ratings to working out what duvet filling is best for you.

Deciding on which duvet fill best suits your needs is one of the key factors in getting this purchase right the first time. From hollow fibre to goose down, synthetic to natural, the array of duvet fillings available can be a little overwhelming, which is where we're here to help.

A bed with a Floks duvet draped over it

(Image credit: Floks)

How to choose the best duvet filling

Why you can trust Ideal Home Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best duvet filling for you will depend on your sleep and care requirements. If you want a warm yet breathable duvet, then wool is your best friend. If you want an affordable duvet or one that can be bunged in the washing machine and washed at a high temperature then you'll want a synthetic duvet.

We've broken down the pros and cons of the most common duvet fillings below.

Wool duvets: pros and cons

Wool is a bit of a wonder fibre in terms of duvet fill, and one of the best duvet fillings you can opt for whether it's summer or winter. Insulating, breathable, temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, durable, a sustainable and renewable resource, and bio-degradable at the end of the product's lifespan, it ticks a whole lot of boxes when it comes to the best duvet fill choice. 'Wool works in perfect harmony with your fluctuating temperature', says Chris Tattersall, sleep expert and managing director of Woolroom, 'it also helps to alleviate sleep prohibiting allergies through its exceptional moisture management'. However, not all wool duvets can be washed, so it pays to double-check the manufacturer's care instructions.

Feather and down duvets: pros and cons

Another popular natural duvet filling is down, or, a more affordable mix of feather and down.

Long thought of as the Holy Grail of duvet fillings, down creates a plump, squishy and super soft duvet. This natural filling also has far more breathability than a synthetic option, making for a cooler sleep.

However, sourced from either duck or goose on an industrial scale, the fill can raise concerns about animal cruelty and won't be the right option for vegans. Look for fill that is certified to be a by-product of the food industry, with Downpass or Downafresh accreditation that denotes ethically sourced and traceable feather and down. Generally, down duvets also aren't machine washable, and will need more plumping, and that luxury feel comes with a luxury price tag to match.

A more affordable alternative to pure down, a feather and down fill bulks out down's fine softness by adding some larger feathers into the mix. A goose feather and down duvet filling tends to be the most luxurious mix, with duck feather and down the more affordable (yet often a little lumpier) alternative.

Generally speaking, the more you spend on a feather and down duvet the better the quality, with some cheaper options resulting in escaped down and feathers that stick through the casing.

White duvet on a bed in a bedroom with pink walls

(Image credit: Habitat)

Synthetic duvets: pros and cons

If you're looking for a duvet that's more affordable and/or easier to care for, and that can be washed at high temperatures then you might also want to consider synthetic fillings. These duvets are filled with manmade fibres, like polyester and polyamide that are made from petroleum-based plastics.

The cheapest duvets you can buy tend to be made of hollowfibre. Made of polyester wadding, hollowfibre fill is dense but lightweight. A hollowfibre duvet is affordable, easy to care for as it can generally be washed at high temperatures, and is anti-allergenic, which makes it a popular choice for kid's bedding. However, over time this duvet fill is most likely to flatten and become lumpy. Synthetics can also cause overheating and night sweats as the plastic polymer fibres aren't breathable and reflect body heat towards the sleeper, and neither production nor disposal at the end of the duvet's life span (plastic is non-biodegradable) is good news from an environmental point of view.

Microfibre is the 'luxury' version of hollowfibre. A microfibre fill is made of much finer strands of polyester resulting in a very lightweight duvet with a, yes, more luxurious feel. Microfibre is often compared to the feel of down, but it's a vegan-friendly option that doesn't pose the risk of animal cruelty in its manufacture. The environmental impact of production and disposal is still a concern though, and, like hollowfibre, microfibre lacks natural breathability which can also cause overheating.

A bed with a white duvet on

(Image credit: The Fine Bedding Company)

FAQs

How to choose the best duvet tog

Duvet tog is a measure of how effectively a duvet insulates heat and therefore how warm it will keep you during the night. Duvet tog ratings range from 1 tog to 15 tog, with higher numbers offering more warmth.

Although you can get duvets in almost any tog rating, the most common togs are 4.5 tog which makes a great summer duvet weight, 10.5 tog which tends to be the best bet for autumn and spring, and 13.5 tog which offers good winter warmth.

Obviously, it isn't always convenient to have a different duvet for each season, so the middle ground of the 10.5 tog duvet is one of the most popular options.

Another solution is to opt for an 'all-season' duvet. This consists of two separate lighter tog duvets that can be joined together (usually by way of press studs) to make a warmer winter duvet. Most commonly an all-season duvet will include a 4.5 tog and 9 tog duvet that can create a 13.5 tog duvet once combined, or a 4.5 tog and 10.5 tog duvet that will create a warmer 15 tog combination.

Read more in our guide to what tog duvet to buy, and find out when is the right time to switch to a summer duvet.

How to choose the best duvet size

Although it will mean spending a little more and may depend on your bed frame height and style, we'd generally advise sizing up with your duvet, especially if you sleep with a partner.

That means that if you have a single bed you should opt for a double duvet, on a double bed opt for a king-size duvet, and if you have a king-sized bed then opt for a super king duvet. (And if you're lucky enough to be the owner of a super king bed then you might want to try and track down an emperor duvet, although they are a harder size to find).

Opting for a duvet that's the size up from your mattress will prevent one partner from accidentally pulling the duvet off the other during the night, and keep you both warmer in bed by offering enough fabric to tuck around both your bodies rather than the duvet tenting between you both and allowing in draughts.

A selection of folded duvets piled on a mattress

(Image credit: Future/Amy Lockwood)

How we test

You'll find the general principles of how we review products at Ideal Home on our How We Test page, however, there's only one way to test out the best duvets on the market, and that's to do some snoozing on the job!

As Ideal Home's Sleep Editor I've put multiple bestselling duvets from a whole range of brands to the test for this guide, sleeping under each option every night for at least a week in my own home to rate each duvet's temperature regulation, breathability, feel, and ease of care.

I also took into consideration each duvet's price point, its environmental impact, and factored in third-party customer reviews to see if other people's experience with each product matched my own, before compiling my edit of the best-in-class.

Amy Lockwood
Sleep Editor

Amy is Ideal Home’s Sleep Editor. She’s spent the last three years researching and testing all things sleep for our audiences whether that’s sorting the wheat from the chaff in our hunt for the best mattress or learning about materials to uncover the best duvet for various sleep needs. She also lends her expertise to our furniture guides, sharing her design knowledge with our readers to help them choose the right sofa for their interior or the best garden furniture for their outside space.